Trinity Lutheran Church

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1 T R I NITY TIDINGS Trinity Lutheran Church December 2018 Pastor s Page Brothers and sisters in Christ, Grace and peace to all of you! By the time you read this, Thanksgiving will be over and the Christmas season will officially be here. I love this time of year. There is a certain feeling in the air during the holidays that always fills me with a sense of hopefulness. I know that there can be a lot of added stress and chaos associated with shopping and busy schedules, but I truly enjoy the emotions and memories that the season brings. I pray that all of you have a wonderful holiday season. Personally, I try to be intentional in remembering to be grateful when thanksgiving comes. This year, I find myself thinking so much about how lucky I am to have a roof over my head and food on the table. As most of you know, the Path program was here for two weeks during November. I can t even begin to imagine what those families are going through. I just hope and pray that the little comfort we can share by hosting them and helping to provide meals is a blessing that helps them on their road to finding housing and employment. Thanks to all of you who help make this wonderful ministry possible by volunteering your time and supporting it financially. My family and I have recently moved to a new house in the country near Almelund. The primary reason for this move is that we feel Trinity and this community is where we see ourselves for a long time. I believe that God has called me to be at Trinity for a long time and Jaime sees herself working for the Saint Croix River Association for a while as well. This move cuts 20 minutes off of her commute and only adds about three minutes to mine. So far it seems like a great fit for us, and hopefully all of you are encouraged that we intend to stay for a while! So this year, I am simply thankful for a roof over my head and food on the table. And I am thankful for you all. Your love and support make me excited for the future God is calling us into together. God Bless, Pastor Jon Sunday, December 2 8:00 & 10:00 First Sunday of Advent worship Rev. Peter Harrits-Director of Bega Kwa Bega Assistant to the Bishop Sunday, December 9 8:00 & 10:00 worship 8:00 Second Sunday of Advent worship 10:00 Sunday School Christmas program Sunday, December 16 8:00 & 10:00 Third Sunday of Advent worship Sunday, December 23 Monday, December 24 Sunday, December 3o One worship service at 9:00 a.m. Coffee Hour following worship Christmas Eve worship 2:30 & 4:00 p.m. Worship with Communion 5:30 & 9:00 p.m. Candlelight worship w/communion One worship service at 9:00 a.m. No Coffee Hour

2 EDGE Youth Ministry NEWS November was a nice and quiet month for the EDGE youth. We spent our Wednesdays with good conversations & fellowship. Several of our youth will be graduating in 2019 and excitement and nerves are abounding as college acceptance letters are arriving and transitions are soon to occur. Please keep the youth in your prayers for peace and God s comfort as new seasons of life begin to unfold. We have also started ending our months with a shared meal, which we prep and eat together. October had us eating spaghetti and as this is typed up, it is still a mystery as to what part of the world we will visit with our November 28 th meal. Be sure to ask us if you see us on Sunday! We also worked on prepping plastic strips for the Sleeping Mat Ministry one evening as well as the annual Operation Christmas Child Shoebox packing party. Thanks to all of you for your donations of toys and other items for these boxes. Shortly after you read this newsletter, there will be children around the world opening these shoeboxes and your blessings will circle them with God s love! Upcoming Dates to know: December 2: EDGE hosts Coffee Hour December 5: 6:30 December 12: 6:30 December 14: Snow Tubing (evening) December 19: EDGE Christmas Party December 26: NO EDGE-Merry Christmas! Children s Ministry News November in Sunday School was filled with the annual anticipation of celebrating Christ s birth! We have been practicing Christmas songs and learning lines (hopefully ) for the Christmas Program. In addition to practicing for the program we read stories from the Bible about seeking justice with kindness and humility as well as how God had been preparing the world for the coming Messiah. It is always exciting to look back and see how God works and plans in ways that we can never fully understand. Every story in the Old Testament points in some way to the gift of Jesus Christ. So be sure to join the Sunday School children on Sunday, December 9 th at the 10:00 service when they share this life changing story which always helps to prepare our hearts for the season. Upcoming Dates to know: December 2: Lesson: The Magi, Herod, and Baby Jesus, Matthew 2:1-23 December 8: Christmas Program practice 9-10:30am December 9: Sunday 9:00 & Christmas Program during the 10:00 service. Treats to follow the service. December 16: Sunday School Christmas Party December 23 & 30: NO Sunday School-Merry Christmas! December 5 & December 12: Confirmation December 19 & 26, January 2: No Confirmation Confirmation students are expected to take an active role in worship as an acolyte, reader, usher, greeter, etc. ten times throughout the year. Please sign up on the sheets in the Narthex, or Julie at jmorgan@trinitynorthbranch.org to sign up. OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD 66 shoeboxes were collected for Operation Christmas Child! These boxes have begun their journey to children around the world! The Women s Book Club thanks you for the great response to this project! Contributions made by December 30will be posted to your 2018 giving record. Please have all gifts for 2018 into the office by December 3oth. Contributions Reminder: If mailing in your contribution or using online bill pay, please include PO Box 447 in the mailing address. Also, please mark your contribution so the monies are directly to the appropriate fund. Page 2 T RI NI TY LUT HER A N CHU R CH

3 As we prepare for the coming of Christ during the season of Advent, here are table prayers to use each week: December 2-8 Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest; let these gifts to us be blest. Keep us ever in your sight; be our joy, our hearts delight. Amen. December 9-15 Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest; let these gifts to us be blest. May there be a goodly share on every table everywhere. Amen. December Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest; let these gifts to us be blest. Guide us on the servant s way; lead us to your dawning day. Amen. December Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest; let these gifts to us be blest. Deep within us come to dwell that we might all your goodness tell. Amen. Christmas Eve Poinsettia Garden If you would like to contribute toward our traditional Christmas Eve Poinsettia Garden in memory or in gratitude of a loved one, please complete this form and return it to the church office. In order to be listed in the bulletin, please return no later than Sunday, December 9th. Forms received after December 9 will not be included in the Christmas Eve bulletins. (Please print.) In memory of In gratitude for: From The Giving Tree is set up in the narthex with tags for foster children, veterans, and our shut-ins. Each tag will have wrapping instructions. Please return the tag along with the gift by December 9. If donating a gift card, please bring it to the church office. Please include a gift receipt for clothing. Due to changes at the county level the tags for foster children now go through Safe Haven. We have tags with specific needs as well as items to give children when they enter the program. See to donate online. Thank you so much for sharing your blessings and making Christmas special for so many families in our community! They are greatly appreciated! WOMEN S RETREAT!!! Women of Trinity! Are you looking for a place where you can come away with a renewed sense of God s presence...where you can develop friendships that could last a lifetime...where spiritual values are nurtured? If so, consider joining us at Refresh: A Retreat for Women. This retreat is hosted and located at Forest Springs Camp & Conference Center in Westboro, WI. The dates for this event are March 29-31, The cost for the weekend, which includes meals and lodging, is $151. Flyers are on the table in the narthex if you would like one. The speaker at the retreat will be Jim & Carol Shores performing their Acts of Renewal. If you are interested in going and want to carpool, there will be a chance to organize that. Any questions, Sarah Krosschell at skrosschell@trinitynorthbranch.org We hope you can join us for a weekend of fun & fellowship! DECEMB ER 2018 Page 3

4 2 Worship Service/ 9 Worship Service/ 16 Worship Service/ 23 Worship Service/ 30 Worship Service/ 1 9:00-2:00 pm Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Intinction/ 8:00 & 10:00 am Rev. Peter Harrits-ELCA 9:00 am Coffee Hour 9:00 am Sunday School 9:05 am Bible Sunday Intinction/ 8:00 & 10:00 am 9:00 am Coffee Hour 9:00 am Sunday School 10:00 am Sunday School Christmas Program Giving Tree Gifts Due Intinction 8:00 & 10:00 am 9:00 am Coffee Hour 9:00 am Sunday School Intinction 9:00 10:00 am Coffee Hour No Sunday School Intinction 9:00 No Coffee Hour No Sunday School 3 6:30 pm Advent Tea 10 9:30 am Quilters 17 6:00 & 8:00 pm High School Choir Concerts 24 2:30 & 4:00 pm Worship 5:30 & 9:00 pm Candlelight Worship :00 pm Sr. Choir 11 6:00 pm Sr. Choir 18 6:00 pm Sr. Choir 7:00 pm Council Mtg 5 9:00 am Fellowship Mtg 5:30 pm New Creation 6:30 pm Confirmation 6:30 pm EDGE 12 2:00-4:00 pm Fare for All 5:30 pm New Creation 6:30 pm Confirmation 6:30 pm EDGE 19 5:30 pm New Creation 6:30 pm EDGE Christmas Party 6 7:30 am Women s Bible Perkins 13 7:30 am Women s Bible Perkins 20 7:30 am Women s Bible Perkins Leap of Faith Preschool Christmas Programs :30 am Women s Bible Perkins 7 7:00 am Men s Bible Oak Inn 14 7:00 am Men s Bible Oak Inn EDGE Snow Tubing 21 7:00 am Men s Bible Oak Inn 6:45 pm Fellowship at the movies 28 7:00 am Men s Bible Oak Inn Phoenix Academy Vendor & Craft Fair 8 9:00 am Sunday School Program Practice Page 4 T RI NI TY LUT HER A N CHURCH

5 Trinity s Fellowship Team is going to the movies! All are welcome! Simply meet at the North Branch Theater on December 21 at 6:45 pm, and we will decide on a movie. Discussion and dessert at Perkins after the movie! ALTAR GUILD Serving for the month of December Connie Deminsky Carol Gustafson To sponsor altar flowers, please sign up on the calendar near the church office. Please bring an arrangement of fresh flowers prior to 7:45 am Give electronically using the QR code Scan to Pay or Give option. Members can download a QR code reader that allows for immediate one time or recurring giving. Iphone users use the Vanco Give + App Fare For All Express December pm Fare For All Express is a great way to save on groceries. This is open to everyone; the more that participate, the stronger the buying power of the program. Each month offers a $10 Produce Pack, $11 Mini Meat Pack, $20 Combo Pack (produce and mini-meat). December s Hot Buy is a Holiday Pack for $ See or call the church office with questions. Scripture Readings December 2: Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25: 1-10, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Luke 21:25-36 December 9: Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79, Philippians 1:3-11, Luke 3:1-6 December 16: Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18 December 23: Micah 5:2-5a, Luke 1:46b-55, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-55 December 24:Isaiah 9:2-7, Psalm 96, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 December 30: Lessons & Carols Do you buy groceries or gas? Order gift cards through Trinity, and we receive a percentage of the sale price at no additional cost to you. Use them as gifts, or plan ahead and use them when shopping for gifts or things you d buy anyway. Forms are available in the office, or shop online for more options. Go to shopwithscrip.com, choose Join a Program. Our Scrip Enrollment Code is BDE7C8LF12L8. An order will be placed December 10 (last order before Christmas) We will notify you when cards arrive, about a week later. Trinity volunteers recently put together 200 Blessing Bags! We have received Thank You notes for some that have been given out: Trinity Church & Blessing Bag Coordinators, Thank you so much for the thoughtful supplies for our students! I just gave some to a student who had a house fire, and to a homeless student. Your generosity is SO appreciated. Thank you! North Branch Middle School Counselor Dear Trinity Lutheran Church, Thank you for the hats & gift bags! We gave the bags to kids who are homeless and students who have a lot of people living in very small quarters. We appreciate that you thought of us! North Branch Senior High School Counselors Trinity Lutheran Church, We want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all the warmth and kindness you ve shown us. The adults and children all appreciated the gifts that everyone took the time and effort to be a blessing to all of us. Thank you from the depths of our hearts, may the blessings come back to you many times over. A Path Program Family Gifts Given to the Glory of God To the Cemetery Fund in memory of Char Connoy (Sharalyn Olson s sister) and Emry Meyer from Karen Nelson To Sunday School in memory of Emry Meyer from Sue & Dennis Gustafson, Joanne Ploetz, Jody & Ted Nemetz, Vern & Judy Weiss To the Music Fund in memory of Char Connoy from Mike & Barb Nelson To Youth Ministry in memory of Douglas Dick from Mike & Barb Nelson To the Building Fund in memory of Joyce Holt from Janelle Mork DECEMB ER 2018 Page 5

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7 The following received First Communion at our Thanksgiving Eve Worship, Wednesday, November 21. Christopher Capaul Derrian Dick Reegan Dick Ean Severson Evan Spinler Patrick Spinler Did you know Trinity has a Prayer Shawl ministry? The person making the shawl begins each shawl with prayers and blessings for the recipients, and intentions are continued through completion of the shawl. If you know if someone who would like a prayer shawl, or would like to knit or crochet prayer shawls, please contact Julie at or jmorgan@trinitynorthbranch.org. Trinity Shout Out! There are so many people who give generously of their time and talent to the ministry of Trinity Lutheran Church. Each month in the Tidings we will have a Trinity Shout Out! naming and thanking various groups and individuals who give of themselves in a variety of ways. Some do their work totally behind the scenes, while others you see all the time sharing their gifts but may not know them by name. Do you get your Tidings by mail? Have you ever wondered who prepares all of those to be mailed? We have a great group of volunteers who assemble, fold, tape, label and count about 275 newsletters each month. This is a great behind the scenes ministry! Judy Weiss, Sharon Fairbanks, Candi Hals, Darlene Nelson, Jean Otterness and Karin Perrault are our regulars, with others who fill in as needed. If you get a chance, next time you see one of them, say Thanks! If you d like to help out, contact Judy, Sharon or Julie. Watch for the next Trinity Shout Out! coming your way in the January Tidings! Trinity members donated 45 lbs of instant potatoes to the North Branch Food Shelf for distribution in their Thanksgiving packages. Thank you! A huge Thank You to all who volunteered with the Path Program in November! We had 60 volunteers with 467 hours! We are so grateful for all of your help, and the families really appreciated staying at Trinity! The Sunday School team had great fellowship time together at Glazing Memories in Forest Lake on November 8th. Thank you to Thrivent Financial for the funding for this event and thank you to one of our wonderful teachers for securing the Thrivent grant and facilitating this fun night! DECEMB ER 2018 Page 7

8 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID North Branch, MN Permit Lincoln Trail PO Box 447 North Branch, MN Return Service Requested Mailing Label December 2018 Partners in Ministry: The People of Trinity Church Office: Church Fax: Church Office Hours: Monday Thursday 8 am 3 pm Sunday Worship: 8:00 a.m & 10:00 am through May 20 9:00 a.m. May 27 through September 2 Church office@trinitynorthbranch.org Church website: Pastor Jon Yurk Cell: pastor@trinitynorthbranch.org ext. 12 Sue Danielzuk, Church Administrator sdanielzuk@trinitynorthbranch.org ext. 37 Mary Johnson, Sunday School & High School Youth Director mjohnson@trinitynorthbranch.org ext. 13 Sarah Krosschell, Sunday School Assistant skrosschell@trinitynorthbranch.org Deb Aulich, Director of Worship and Arts daulich@trinitynorthbranch.org ext. 14 Julie Morgan, Church Office Manager jmorgan@trinitynorthbranch.org ext. 10 Cheryl Immel: Financial Recorder cimmel@trinitynorthbranch.org Tyler Olson: Sr. Choir Director tolson@trinitynorthbranch.org ext. 15 Roger Anderson & David Nelson Custodial & Cemetery Staff Todd Fisk, Church Treasurer Office Help: Judy Weiss Sharon Fairbanks Missionaries: Dr. Stephen Swanson family Tanzania Our Sister Congregation in Tanzania Pawaga Church Council Members: Dennis Aulich, Council Chair Mike Nelson, Council Vice-Chair Shari Denny, Kristen Johnson, Steve Mork, Gary Porath, Ann Tanko, Vicky Trampe, Ryan Witte