TRINITY. Volume 74, Number 5 Duluth, Minnesota September Pastor s Column Jerome Evavold Who God Says You Are

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1 TRINITY Volume 74, Number 5 Duluth, Minnesota September 2018 Pastor s Column Jerome Evavold Who God Says You Are I came across the title of a book I don t have yet called, Who God Says You Are. Just the title really caught my attention. It is something we should all ask ourselves. Who Does God Say That I Am? There are all kinds of ways to answer that question from a human point of view. I am a child or a teenager or a grownup or young person or elderly person or an athlete or musician or maybe we answer it according to a vocation like I am a pastor or a teacher or a construction worker or secretary or an accountant or a stay-at-home mom or dad or I am a retired whatever. The list goes on and on. We are driven back to the original question, WHO DOES GOD SAY I AM? That is the most important question there is. That should be important enough to drive you to church. Hopefully, in church you will hear over and over again the answer to that question. If you were baptized as an infant, hopefully you have grown up hearing the answer to that question. Of course, the answer is this. YOU ARE MY CHILD. WITH YOU I AM WELL PLEASED. For some reason, it seems we can t ever hear that enough. So what should we do about it? Imagine yourself as a parent and you are answering that question to your child. You want to be able to remind your child all the time. You don t want them to ever forget who you say they are. You would want to say, PLEASE DON T FORGET THAT. No matter what happens. No matter when you do the wrong thing, or turn your back on me as your parent, I am still here and love and claim you just the same. No one or nothing can take that identity from you. You are stuck with it forever. That doesn t mean I don t want you to respect me, to listen to me, to follow me and to love me in return. I just think the more you hear how much I care for my child, the more that child is going to love me in return. So again, WHO DOES GOD SAY THAT YOU ARE? You are God s child, come and gather for worship and join in praying and singing and support of other children of God and go out into the world following Jesus to reach out to all in need. EVENTS: Roots Of Our Faith I am going to lead an adult study on the roots of our faith as Lutherans on 4 Wednesday nights. We will meet in the church library at 6:30 on September 19 th, 26 th and October 3 rd and 10 th. Anyone is welcome to join us as we talk about how we as ELCA Lutherans understand the Christian Faith. Golf Scramble Our annual golf scramble fund raiser is scheduled for Sunday, September 23 rd at 3:00. The cost is $25 per person. Food will be served after golf. Please sign up in the church narthex if you would like to join us. We will meet at the Pine Hill Golf Course at Carlton just before 3 on that Sunday. 1 Jerome

2 Minister of Congregational Life-Shivon Miller Minister of Congregational Life In August, our family took a flying dash to Detroit to see Wicked at the Detroit Opera House. With only four days between church events and school open houses, we knew it was going to be a fast drive there and back. With only hours before we needed to hit the road the packing began. To save us from having to take anytime discerning what to pack, we grabbed big blue, the largest suitcase ever invented, and just started shoveling in clothes, shoes, and any toiletry lying around the bathroom area. Just when you think you have reached capacity, Big Blue has an added zipper that you can unzip to add an expandable 2 inches to your suitcase width. Awesome! With more in our suitcase than in our closets, we loaded the van. We keep our 8 passenger van for a reason. Lower the seats and it is the vehicle version of Big Blue. With arms full of pillows, blankets, jackets, snacks, pool toys and games and crafts for the road we crammed the van. Yet there was still room for the oversized stuffed animal that was purchased on the trip. Awesome! Once on the road we began our compact adventure. Who knew how much one can squeeze into four days! Time for the Madison Zoo? Absolutely! Time to go on the Ford Factory tour? Why not! Swing over to Chick-fil-a? We can do that! Explore the Wicked store? The show hasn t started yet! Detroit Zoo? Can t miss it! Chicago Millennial Park? We do need to stretch our legs! There is some fun stuff in the Dells? It is only 8pm and we don t have to be home until 10am! Awesome! No limit. Always room. Rarely does life feel like this. More often space is limited, schedules are full, we have no room When I watch the Preschoolers at Vacation Bible School I am always struck by the number of little bodies that fit into one pew. It is not because they are so small, it is because they have the endless belief that there is always room to squish in one more. They have no limits. They don t mind sitting on top of each other if it means making room. At a funeral this summer, I was struck by comments made about the loved one. Every person to come to the microphone mentioned that the man s gift was always having time and space in his life, with no limits. He was never too good for or too busy to be there for anyone. Jesus was expandable. There was always room at the table, always food for the whole crowd, always time to stop and listen, no limits. Sometimes in this busy, competitive world we get the idea that there are limits. Surrounded by a reality in which registrations fill, teams only have room for so many, deadlines loom, limited offers, and supply and demand we have learned to expect limits. Limits to who or how many can be in, limits to time and money we have to share, limits to love we have to give. But God calls us to expand. There can always be one more friend, a little more room, a moment of time, a lot more love! Just when you think there can t possibly be space for one more, or time on the schedule to give, or room in your heart to love that one expand, the way God has designed you to do. There are no limits to God s love for the world and we are to be God s unlimited people. Be like Big Blue! Shivon 2

3 Schedule of Activities GOD S WORK, OUR HANDS Sept. 9, 10am Worship, 11am Potluck and Service Projects Across the nation the ELCA will be taking part in God s Work, Our Hands Sunday. In worship we will celebrate God s invitation to action in our community and world, recommissioning our hands for service. Following worship come downstairs and share in a potluck meal before jumping into these service projects: Bags for Foster Care, Feed My Starving Children, CHUM Meal Making, Distribution Bags for the Food Shelf, ELCA Letter Writing Campaign. TRINITY HOST CHUM CHURCH, Sept. 9 As part of God s Work, Our Hands Sunday, Trinity will be hosting the CHUM Worship Service: A welcoming, faith based community that intentionally includes all people regardless of religious affiliation or abilities. One of the oldest CHUM programs, CHUM Church was started in 1974 to provide spiritual growth and to nurture people with developmental disabilities, offering a home church and community that members could identify as their own. Based on the belief that everyone has gifts to offer and the right to hear and learn about God's love and grace, CHUM Church offers a unique, spirited and informal worship service designed to capture the attention and interest of individuals, their families and caregivers. Familiar and predictable rituals create an environment in which everyone feels comfortable and included. The monthly gatherings are at Peace United Church of Christ at 1111 North 11th Avenue East, Duluth, MN 55805, on the second Sunday of each month. Volunteer involvement and support are a vital part of the program. A CHUM member congregation acts as the host church" for each gathering. Members of that congregation join in worship and fellowship and provide a meal. All people in the community are welcome and invited to the gatherings. **TRINITY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: At 11am we need volunteers to help assemble the meal in the Trinity kitchen. At 3:30pm we need volunteers to meet in the sanctuary at Peace Church to practice holding strips of material, read lines, and practice sound effects for the storytelling aspect of our Polka Worship Service. Worship with our Polka band begins at 4:35pm and everyone is invited. At 3:30pm we need volunteers to meet in the Peace Church kitchen to heat the food, set the tables and prepare for the meal. The meal is served at 5:15pm and we need volunteers to serve. Finally, at 5:45pm we need volunteers to help clean up the meal. Please talk to Shivon or call the church office to let us know if you can help. BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS Sept. 9, During the Children s Message in the 10am Worship Children and youth are invited to bring their backpacks to worship. During the Children s Message we will bless each child for the school year and gift them with blessing keychains for their backpack. 3

4 Schedule of Activities SUNDAY SCHOOL REGISTRATION AND FAMILY FUN DAY Sept. 16, 9am Families with children Preschool through 6 th grade are invited to join us Sept. 16 at 9am for Sunday School registration and a fun family gathering introducing this year s Sunday School format and curriculum. Complete a registration form, choose an activity station to do together as a family, meet the Frolic preschool characters, and connect with your Teen Leaders. At 9:45am we will gather as a large group before moving upstairs for worship. INTRODUCING FROLIC PRESCHOOL SUNDAY SCHOOL "Frolic: Little Steps, Big Faith", a Preschool specific Sunday School will be held Sunday mornings at 9am in the re-envisioned nursery space, on the main level. The curriculum and space are designed specifically for young children (ages 3-5) to engage Bible stories through play, storytelling, movement and song. Similar to Vacation Bible School, Preschoolers will have Teen Leaders welcoming and engaging them in the lessons. Parents are invited to stay for the lesson or sign in their children and return to pick them up at 9:50am. Join us Sept. 16 for registration. "Frolic" begins Sept. 23 at 9am. It is not necessary to be present every Sunday to register for "Frolic". We will be happy to see you whenever your family is able to attend. Please see the schedule below for the Semester schedule. o Sept. 23 Creation o Sept. 30 Noah o Oct. 7 Abraham and Sarah o Oct. 14 Jacob and Esau o Oct. 21 Joseph and Brothers o Oct. 28 Deborah o Nov. 4 Queen Esther o Nov. 11 The Fiery Furnace o Nov. 18 Daniel o Nov. 25 Jonah December 2 and 9 will be rehearsals for our Sunday School/Youth led Christmas worship scheduled for December 16. The second semester will begin January 6 and focus on New Testament stories and "Frolic" storybooks. ELEMENTARY AND 6 TH GRADE SUNDAY SCHOOL Children Elementary through 6 th grade will continue to gather downstairs in the fellowship area for Sunday School at 9am Sunday mornings. We will begin our semester by using the Bible stories and learning model used for the Synod Journey this past summer. We will use this model throughout the 4

5 Schedule of Activities program year. Parents are invited to stay and participate alongside their children or drop them off and return to pick them up at 9:55am. The lounge area will be open for parents to take a Mindful Moment and read through the devotion provided each Sunday or simply to gather with other parents. Semester Schedule: Sept. 16 Registration and Family Fun Sept. 23 Moses and the Burning Bush (Light the Candle: Holy Ground) Sept. 30 Philip and the Eunuch (Hear the Word) October 7 The Road to Emmaus (Bring our Question) October 14 The Woman in the Crowd (Bring our Prayers) October 21 The Woman at the Well (Blessed and Sent) October 28 Sanctuary Scavenger Hunt (Due to Treat Seat set up) Nov. 4 Thankful Week 1 Nov. 11 Thankful Week 2 Nov. 18 Thankful Week 3 Nov. 25 Elementary Group Joins Frolic upstairs due to the Polka Service Dec. 2 Practice for the Children/Youth led Christmas Worship Dec. 9 Practice for the Children/Youth led Christmas Worship Dec. 16 Children/Youth led Christmas Worship MINDFUL MOMENT DEVOTIONS Available in the Lounge, Sunday mornings at 9am We invite parents and other adults to make their way to the downstairs lounge area on Sunday mornings during the education hour for a "Mindful Moment". Have a seat in one of the lounge chairs, take a moment to independently read through the devotion provided, connect with others. Every Sunday morning's devotion will focus on a word that you can hold with you as encouragement and guidance throughout your week. TEEN LEADER TRAINING Sept. 15, 10am to Noon Confirmation Youth and High School teens are invited to apply to serve as a teen leader in Frolic Preschool and Elementary Sunday School this year. The teen leader role will resemble the VBS teen leader role but with more of a focus on curriculum/content leadership. Volunteering to be a Sunday morning Teen Leader is a big commitment. It is NOT the expectation that all youth will serve in this way. Youth should enjoy working with young children and be ready to commit to a year of taking on the required responsibilities before volunteering. We expect that youth will be here from 8:45am to 11am every Sunday morning, missing no more than 3 Sundays a semester. They will also need to attend a Saturday morning training. Each week they will be responsible for receiving and reading all materials provided for the Sunday lesson. This is an excellent opportunity for youth to develop as a leader and to grow in their faith as they share their faith with others. Those interested should contact Shivon for an application form. 5

6 Schedule of Activities FIRST COMMUNION CLASSES Classes October 7 and 21, First Communion November 4 The Trinity community invites families to discern when their child is ready to receive their first Communion. Children who are showing an interest in receiving the elements and are asking questions about why we celebrate this meal together, are encouraged to attend First Communion classes with their families. Those already taking communion that would like to learn more are also encouraged to attend. Classes are scheduled for October 7 and 21 immediately after worship. We will gather around a table in the Fellowship area. On October 7, each child is invited to bring their favorite food to share with the group. We will share these foods, and sandwiches provided, while we learn about communion. On the 21 st, we will have a pizza lunch and then move upstairs to walk through the practice of communion. On November 4 children will be invited to take their first communion in worship. If your family is interested in attending these classes, please Shivon to RSVP. (shivon.miller@gmail.com) CONFIRMATION SCHEDULE YEAR 3 (Per, Phoenix, Noah, Caden, Jonny, Will, Alexis, Avery, Serena, Bella, Macey, Ella) This is the third and final year of confirmation content for this group. After completing the last curriculum session this Fall, they will have requirements to complete independently prior to their Confirmation Conferences this Spring. We will check in late February to make sure they are on track. The Milestone of Confirmation rehearsal and worship are scheduled for Pentecost this June. In the meantime, it is our hope that they will take part in the Givin' Senior High program beginning in November. An official invite will arrive in the mail this Fall. Sept. 19 Last Curriculum Session, Part 1 Sept. 26 Last Curriculum Session, Part 2 October 3 Last Curriculum Session, Part 3 October 10 Last Curriculum Session, Part 4 November Craguns Retreat Registration due Sept. 26 February 27 Check in Night March 1-3 Cardia Deo Retreat - Registration due beginning of January May 22 Conference Times (independently scheduled) May 29 Conference Times June 5 Conference Times June 8 Confirmation Worship Rehearsal June 9 Milestone of Confirmation Worship Service CONFIRMATION Year 2 (6pm-7:30pm) (Bree, Ava, Blake, Grayson, Carter, Gabe) October 17 Session 1 October 24 Session 1 (please note date gap) November 14 Session 1 November Cragun s Retreat - Registration due Sept. 26 November 21 Session 1 January 9 Session 2 January 16 Session 2 January 23 Session 2 January 30 Session 2 April 24 Session 3 May 1 Session 3 May 8 Session 3 May 15 Session 3 6

7 Schedule of Activities GIVIN (9 th through 11 th Grades) This year Trinity is excited to offer Givin a Senior High program beginning in November. A formal invite will be sent out this Fall to all 9 th -11 th graders. November 28 Kick Off December 5 December 12 December 19 February 6 February 13 Additional dates to be announced ATTENTION 6 TH GRADERS! You have one year before beginning confirmation. This year you are invited to join in the special events for Middle School. This Fall, sign up to volunteer at the Fall Fun and Treat Seats event on Nov. 28 and plan to attend the Middle School Gathering retreat at Brainerd in November. We also encourage you to come to Sunday School on Sunday mornings and be part of the oldest small group. More dates to be announced. MOM S NIGHT OUT October 4, 6:30pm at Crooked Pint All moms with babies to big kids are welcome to gather for a meal and time of sharing our stories and encouraging one another in our call to parenting. This month we will meet AT Crooked Pint. Please RSVP to Shivon so she can save you a seat. OKTOBERFEST LUNCH October 14, Following Worship Menu: Brat and kraut, potato salad, chips, apple crisp and ice cream OR Hot dog, chips, carrots, apple crisp and ice cream Cost: $9 Brat meal with crisp, $6 Hot dog meal with crisp, $3 for just Apple crisp and ice cream No need to purchase a ticket, just join us downstairs after worship and pay at the kitchen window. All proceeds go to supporting Trinity Education Ministries. FALL FUN AND TREAT SEATS October 28 All ages are invited downstairs after worship for pumpkin shaped pizza, fun games and activities led by our Middle School and High School youth, and trick or treating around the fellowship area. Come in costume and bring your trick or treat bag. We need volunteers to sign up to host a treat seat. Please return the insert to the offering plate or main office to volunteer. Middle School and High School youth (6 th -12 th grades) Sign up with Shivon to volunteer to be one of the costumed characters leading a game or activity this year. Want to part of the planning? Join Shivon during the Oktoberfest Lunch, October 14. Bring your creative game and theme ideas. 7

8 Schedule of Activities NE MN SYNOD MIDDLE SCHOOL GATHERING Grades 6 th -9 th November Theme: Then, Now, Always! - The Sacraments Speaker: Agape REGISTRATION DUE: SEPT. 26 Cost: $75 Hosted by the NE MN Synod, the Middle School Gathering is for youth in grades 6-9 and their adult leaders. This event gathers young people to grow in their faith by focusing on common confirmation teachings presented in a unique way. The event includes large group assemblies with a keynote speaker and band, learning clusters (small group learning), family time (time to meet with your church group), hotel life (fun activities including inflatable games, basketball, swimming pool Wii, board games and crafts, prayer room, dance music and more), and worship. Trinity youth will meet in the Trinity parking lot late morning/early afternoon on Saturday and carpool to Brainerd. We will return Sunday before 5pm. See Shivon for a registration form. YOUTH MINISTRY AND MENTAL HEALTH October 16, :30am - 3:30pm First Lutheran Church, Duluth Hosted by our Synod this event will begin an important discussion on how we can better support our youth. If you are interested in joining Shivon at this event, please let her know. PET BLESSING Saturday, Nov.3 at 10am in the Trinity Gym All creatures great and small and the ones who love them are invited to come to the gym for this special worship. Hear the good news for all God s creation through the reading of scripture and singing (even barking) of song. Every animal will be blessed and there will be treats for everyone. PIE AND POLKA WORSHIP SERVICE Nov. 25, 10am in the Downstairs Fellowship area This Thanksgiving weekend, come give thanks through polka and praise. Following worship everyone is invited to stick around for pie, donated by members and friends. SET UP FOR ADVENT Nov. 25 following the Polka and Pie worship We need volunteers to help set up the sanctuary for Advent and Christmas. Come help hoist the trees, hang the wreaths and bring in the season. 8

9 Welcome On Sunday, June 24th, Carter Dylan Dueland was baptized at Trinity. His parents are Jaida Kovach and Cody Dueland. Sponsors were Rob and Kara Deyo. On Sunday, August 1st, Ivar James Bushnell was baptized at Trinity. His parents are Heather Johnson Bushnell and Garrett Bushnell. Grandparents are Tim and Val Bushnell. Sponsors were Dayna Leslie and Rebecca Eschenweck.. John Phillip McIntosh - May 6, 2018 Pamela Jean Sakells - July 10, 2018 (W illiams Lobermeier-Boettcher) Lisa Ellen Trea - July 14, 2018 Larry D. Rushing - August 11, 2018 Timothy Neil Altonen - August 18, 2018 From Naydean Ringdahl Thanks to anyone who helped with these milestones, whether it was to cut or tie a baptismal blanket or serve or clean up at a funeral. Each piece becomes part of a total ministry that makes us an active and caring church. Thanks also to all who attended church on "Silver Sunday." The "all" refers of course to the 20 guests over 80 years of age whom we honored, but also to the remainder of the people who were in attendance. It was a wonderful morning of worship, visiting, and caring for each other. This Fall brings the usual business back into our schedules. Many church groups reconvene after a summer's reprieve. Please consider any of the following, knowing there is no "membership" but rather an interest on your part as your schedule permits. Quilting: Tuesday 9 am and Thursday 3 pm Book Group: First Monday - 6 pm Circle Bible Study: Second Tuesday - 7 pm Alive and Kickin': Monthly event Trinity Travelers: Monthly lunch Regular outside group schedule: Monday - 5pm AA Women; 7pm Boy Scouts Tuesday - 5pm - 5-Step Program-Women; 7pm - NA Wednesday - 4-6pm - CSA Food Growers in Parking Lot Friday - 7pm - AA 9

10 Property Submitted by Eric Skadsberg I am sure that most of you already know, but for those who don t, there is a VERY special and generous lady in Trinity s congregation. Bea Wenck is SO generous, that she has decided to give her house to Trinity! She is planning to move to a smaller apartment, and when she does, she will be giving her house to the Church. Bea will live in the house for as long as it takes to find her apartment. She told us to do with it what you will, so several members of the Property Board, the Chair of the Finance Committee and the Council President got together to discuss this generous turn of events. We discussed whether to rent the house, or sell it outright. Since Trinity lacks the manpower to take on an additional rental right now, it was decided that the Church would sell the house once we take ownership. The added income that this will bring, will go far in getting some very important projects done that have been waiting a long time to be completed. Thank-you Bea, from myself, the Property Board, the entire Church Council and the Congregation as a whole! You have greatly blessed us all and you shine as a wonderful example of what real generosity and Stewardship looks like! With a final push lead by Dick Carlson from the Property Board, we have finally raised enough funds to rebuild the front sign! The design of the sign will be very much like the existing design, but will include an electronics package used for the messaging. A VERY important part of the funding of the sign was a matching component. A very generous member of our Congregation gave a substantial amount to be matched with other members gifts. Other members took this challenge and gave large amounts that will now be matched. I just paid the down payment to the masonry company to begin their work, which will begin in October (They have a very busy schedule) which aligns with the sign company s schedule. I am sure that you all have noticed over the years, that the bottom row of Limestone façade at the main entrance has been deteriorating. It is to the point where something needs to be done with it. The masonry company that we have hired to do the front sign, will also repair those deteriorated blocks and get them back to new condition. We are doing both this, and the sign work to make Trinity a more welcome place to come and worship. I hope you will be pleased with the final result of the work. Over the past several years, any time there was a hard storm out of the east, Trinity has suffered flooding in room 102 (Pre-school) and the Custodian s apartment. The water was forced through the gaps in the brick wall and into the building. This fall we will be getting that wall tuck-pointed. (The replacement of the mortar in between the bricks to seal the wall back up) The work will take a couple weeks and will be a little noisy and dirty, but in the end, we will have a sealed wall, and won t have to replace the entire wall should further damage result from the water in-leakage. It has been a year already! Last year, about this time, and after a summer of hard work and expense to get the house repaired, we signed a one year lease for the Parsonage. Soon I will be meeting with the tenant to have the lease documents signed for another year. Our existing Custodian Andrew and his family have decided they will be moving on to find a different residence. And because of that, will be leaving the employ of Trinity. The Staff Support Committee has been working with the Property Board to get the job description updated and Staff Support posted the job on several sites. We have received a few responses and will begin the interviews soon. We will keep everyone updated on the status of the process. I would like to thank Andrew and Jodi for the fine job they have done over the past few years, and would also like to wish them well in their future endeavors. It may be difficult to tell at times, but we have purchased a few new items for Trinity s sound system. The items we replaced were no longer working and needed a replacement. These items will still be 10

11 Property used when the entire sound system is reviewed and set up. The engineer that the Church has decided to go with is presently busy with his work for the School system, and we will be next on his list once he has completed that work. There has been a gift from the Endowment fund to help get the work started, and in addition to that, a generous gift from a family in our congregation towards the system. Hopefully soon we will see (hear) a difference. You might remember that in the last ECHO I mentioned that we were getting new windows thanks to the Endowment Fund gifts. The windows were ordered and we were just waiting for them to arrive before they could be installed. I just contacted the contractor, and he assured me that they would be here and ready for installation in a couple of weeks. So complete before the cold winter winds blow! For the Church building, these will be the last windows needing replacement on the main floor, and for the parsonage, they will be the first of the many windows in need of replacement. The Endowment Fund also gave funds towards the replacement of the shingles on Trinity s garage. The old shingles were WAY past due for replacement, so having new shingles on the roof will be keeping everything inside dry. While they replaced the roofing, the contractor also replaced the rotted fascia boards as well. These will soon be painted and ready for another 50 years of service! Earlier this summer, someone noticed a water leak in the ceiling of the balcony staircase. Upon further investigation, we found that there was a gutter drain located inside the bell tower that had plugged and the drain pipe actually split, causing the rain water to leak out onto the floor in the bell room and found its way through to the ceiling of the balcony staircase. The pipe was repaired and the pluggage was removed. There has been no leaks since. Looks like we found the culprit. The Endowment Fund also gave money towards new flooring in the hallways outside the gym, and the preschool. We will be contacting the contractor and scheduling that work soon. As we ALL know, the Trinity boiler has given us trouble on and off, for a few years. We have been able to nurse it along. But it is now time where we need to get something more reliable installed. With that being said, we went out this summer to get quotes from various contractors to get the boiler s replacement. We have selected a contractor and notified them last week that they were the ones who won, so over the next few weeks, there will be work being done in and around the boiler and the Church driveway. They will need the driveway to move the old boiler out, and the new boiler in. I have yet to receive a schedule, but when I do, I will be communicating it with all those who need to know. In case I miss you, and you need to know, check with the Church Secretary, Aine, for the schedule. I am sure there are many things that I am missing, but if I have, and you feel it is something that is needed to be in the ECHO, please let me know and I will get it into the next edition. I wish to thank all of you who have given to the various projects that we have undertaken over these months. Without your gifts, you can be assured that the work would not have been able to be done. You can get a real sense of ownership through your giving! We will continue to muddle through using our best efforts to make things right! Respectfully submitted, Eric Skadsberg Property Chair 11

12 Witness Beyond Submitted by Mallory Thorne Through my work on the board at CHUM I have agreed to fill a table for their fall dinner raising funds for the street outreach program. I am reaching out in hopes some of you may want to attend. The event is on 10/18. Doors open at 5:30, dinner is served at 7. There is a silent auction and cash bar prior to the meal, and Deb Holman will be talking about her work at 7:45 and will be available for questions and each attendee will receive a plated meal of Roasted Pork Tenderloin, Potato Torte, House salad, Green Beans, Julienne Carrots, and even CAKE! The suggested donation is $60. Please let me know. I would love to share a meal with you fine folks. I need to have a list of names/ allergies by October 1. With Appreciation, Mallory Stewardship From Your Church Council President - Tim Bushnell Wow, it s the middle of August already and summer is winding down, another school year is looming and soon we settle down into the old routine. I would like to suggest an opportunity to add a new challenge to your old routine this fall and winter. That opportunity is to add yourself to the group of leaders in our church. No matter if you ve never done anything like this before, if you feel a calling to be just a little more involved, we the church council would like to extend an invitation and a promise to you. We would love to have new voices and ideas expressed that will keep our Trinity congregation vibrant as we worship and witness our way into the future. The promise you will be welcomed and supported by a group of leaders whose common interest is the heart of our church. Since the fall calendar is upon us, I would like to once again make an appeal to the congregation for help with supporting your council as we close out the year. Since January 2018, we have not had a Stewardship team. This team is required by our church by-laws and is an integral part of the church council. Your elected council has made a commitment to help any members who would like to commit to revitalizing the way we approach stewardship in our congregation. We have set aside funds for training and identified web sites such as elca.org that is full of ideas, lessons and resources specifically on the topic of stewardship. There should be 3 to 5 members on that team, currently we have 0. If you feel a calling but are concerned you may not be perfect, be assured, none of us are. We all feel that we will fall short of what s expected of us. We all feel that I can t 12

13 Stewardship do that or I ll say or do something wrong. Let me share a little secret with you when you hand your fears over to God, he will guide you, strengthen you and show you a way past your fears. God challenges us to become more than what we think of ourselves, to reach out and take that seed of I wish I could. Plant it in the nurturing soil of service to our church. Give it some time and prayer and amazing things will develop as you grow in service to Christ. You are not alone in this, WE all are growing at our own pace, in our own way. Come join us in this garden! From the ELCA web site: Inward and outward gifts of discipleship: Inward gifts of Discipleship: My life is blessed! Live among God s faithful people Hear the word of God and share in the Lord s supper From the ELCA web site (continued): Outward gifts of discipleship: My life blesses others! Proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed Serve all people, following the example of Jesus Strive for peace and justice in all the earth Discernment: unwrapping the gifts of discipleship Gifts can be transformative and bring unexpected changes. That is especially true as we are open to God given gifts. Where is God s spirit leading you? How might your life please God? To close this out, I would like to notify the congregation that as President of this council, I am stepping outside the guidelines of our church constitution in order to get council approval for the work we need to accomplish this fall. Up to this point I have not allowed council vote on any issues since we did not have a constitutional quorum without a Stewardship team. As of this August council meeting I am adopting a no membership = no voice = no vote attitude and will allow council voting as long as we have representation from the other teams. When Stewardship membership rises above 0 it will get its voice at council back. If anyone takes exception with this please contact me, as I will be glad to listen to your concerns and work with you to find a way through this problematic issue. Tim Bushnell Bushnell2010@msn.com 13

14 SUPPORTING TRINITY S MINISTRY Your financial support makes possible the work of the church and God s work in our community and world. In addition to traditional offering plate giving, you can give online and through electronic funds transfers. Importantly, you can choose to give a gift in honor or memory of a loved one. You can also enable the continued work of Christ s church by naming Trinity in your Will. Along with monetary gifts, we encourage you to review our wish list of currently needed items. SIMPLY GIVING You can register for Simply Giving to set up electronic funds transfer from your checking account to Trinity Lutheran Church. Transfers can be programmed for withdrawals for any amount, on defined dates and time intervals. Contact the financial secretary at for a registration form. HONORARIUM AND MEMORIAL GIVING A memorial or honorarium gift is a meaningful way to remember a life, recognize a special occasion, or celebrate a loved one. The honored individual, or the family of the one you have remembered, will be notified of the contribution. Your name, and those you honor, are also listed in the Trinity ECHO. Please see second page. TO REQUEST MEMORIAL GIFTS BE GIVEN TO TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH Instruct the funeral director to insert the following in the obituary notice: The family encourages memorial gifts be sent to Trinity Lutheran Church 1108 East 8 th Street, Duluth, MN HONORARIUM AND MEMORIAL GIFTS Amount Giving: $ Given by Address of Giver In Memory /Honor (circle one) of Send acknowledgement card to: Name Address *************************************************************************************************** LEAVE A LEGACY By naming Trinity Lutheran Church in your Will, you are enabling the continued work of Christ s church here on earth and helping ensure the passing on of faith to future generations. Consider discussing with an attorney or financial advisor, the inclusion of legacy language in your Will. The below are samples only: FIXED AMOUNT: (I give, devise, and bequeath the sum of $ to Trinity Lutheran Church.) SPECIFIC PROPERTY: (My, I give and devise to Trinity Lutheran Church.) PERCENTAGE OF RESIDUE: ( % of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate, I devise and bequeath to Trinity Lutheran Church.) CONTINGENCY: (In the event does not survive me, I give to Trinity Lutheran Church.) Trinity Lutheran Church is a 501(c)(3)nonprofit charitable organization. Gifts are tax deductible. 14

15 Finance - Memorials through August 2018 MEMORIALS and HONORARIUMS Gifts in memory of JOHN BERGSON to the Ministries of Trinity from: Gene and Sandy Keyser Fritz and Faye Kerttula Nancy Bergson Darlene Morris Joanne Morris Fred and Amy Sowl Joanne Robson Claudine Hansen Dick and Gloria Walkowiak Jerome and Mary Evavold Mae Klawitter The Bergson Family Patty Christiansen Kathy Johanson To the Property Board from Glenn and Peg Evavold Gifts in memory of DAVID MOELLER, son of Beverly McIntosh: To the Quilters from Alyce Coker and Ray Aiken To the Sunday School from Bea Wenck To the Ministries of Trinity from:: Ruth Anderson Claudine Hansen Jerry Ewer Bret an d Heidi Johnson Greg and JoAnn Drickhamer Bev and Jim McIntosh Faye and Fritz Kerttula Gifts in memory of past member HARLAND NELSON, to the Ministries of Trinity from: Claudine Hansen, and the Nelson family; Arlene, Nancy and Tim We received a new carpet power washer in memory of GAIL HOSKING from her mother, Bea Wenck. A gift to Camp Vermilion in memory of JULIA E. JOHNSON, from her daughter Norma Johnson. A gift to the Trinity Ministries from Greg and JoAnn Drickhamer in memory of DAVE VIETHS and in honor of DAVE and CONNIE'S years together. A gift from Claudine Hansen in memory of Fred Sowls's brother MARCUS SOWL, to go toward the Trinity Ministries. A gift to the Trinity Ministries from Claudine Hansen, in memory of Larry's sister MARGART IBACK who passed away at age 90 in White Bear Lake. Gifts to the Trinity Ministries in memory of Jim McIntosh's brother JOHN MCINTOSH from: Gene and Sandy Keyser Ruth Anderson and Sam Talarico Joanne Robson Claudine Hansen And to the Quilters from Alyce Coker 15

16 Finance - Memorials through August 2018 A gift in memory of JOHN MCINTOSH, Jim's brother, from John's son Greg and daughter-in-law Colleen and their children for the new sound system. For the new sound system from Jim and Bev McIntosh Gifts to the Ministries of Trinity in memory of LARRY RUSHING from: His loving wife, Sherry Darlene Morris Joanne Morris Gayle Frankowiak Peg and Glenn Evavold Patty Christiansen Claudia Hansen Jerry Ewer Don and Bunny Stellmaker Joanne Robson Faye and Fritz Kerttula Gene and Sandy Keyser Jan Culliton Lyle and Brenda Bonnema Tim and Val Bushnell Eric and Janet Skadsberg Cathy Berquist Fred and Amy Sowl Dick and Elaine Carlson TRINITY NEEDS: GOD S WORK, OUR HANDS PROJECTS (needed before September 9th) Large bags of flour Large bags of sugar Large bags of coffee We would like to thank Art Strum for continuing to purchase cases of water for coffee hour and various events. It is truly appreciated. The Staff 16

17 Events PLEASE NOTE, THE GOLF SCRAMBLE THIS YEAR WILL BE SEPTEMBER 23rd at 3 pm AT PINE HILL GOLF COURSE OUTSIDE OF CARLTON. There will be a sign up sheet in the narthex at church or call the church office to join us. This is a fundraiser for the church so the cost is $25 per person with about $15 of it going to the church. It s always fun and, once again, you don t have to be a good golfer to come and join in the fun!!!!!! RUMMAGE and BAKE SALE REMINDER Actual Sale Dates: Friday, October 5th - 3 pm to 6 pm Saturday, October 6th - 9 am to Noon Sunday, Sep. 30th - First day to begin bringing items to the GYM. Monday, Oct. 1st - Setup begins in the GYM Thursday, Oct. 11th - Chapel available for setup. As a Trinity community we celebrate that our building space is well used for ministry and community outreach. A generous portion of our General income comes from rental and building use donations. In the weeks prior to the rummage sale our building will house: two NA groups, two AA groups, Boy Scouts, Preschool, Quilters, Confirmation, and various rented family events. Our building is in heavy use every weekend in October. We thank you for understanding the dates posted for rummage sale drop off and set up. Your flexibility and cooperation are making ministry possible here at Trinity. We also appreciate your donations and support of this year s rummage sale fundraiser. Start looking through your house and garage for items you can donate. Remember, your surplus items could be someone else s treasure. We will be needing volunteers to help bake items for sale and people to help setup and cleanup following the sale. Please come and enjoy the fellowship of working together on this project. Mark Your Calendars Seasonal choir practice begins in November. Watch for further information. Decorating for Advent will be following the Polka Worship Service on November 25th. 17

18 Events Swedish Meatball Dinner TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH Thursday, November 8, p.m. to 6:30 p.m. On All Saints Sunday, November 4th we will honor the memory of the members and friends of Trinity who passed away this church year as well as other loved ones we name in our hearts. All Saints Day 2018 MENU: Swedish Meatballs Garlic Mashed Potatoes Green Beans Rolls, Coleslaw Dessert and Coffee Adults - $10.00 Children (10 & under) - $5.00 Family of 4 - $30.00 Take-outs available! Tickets available at the door October 14, Following Worship Menu: Brat and kraut, potato salad, chips, apple crisp and ice cream OR Hot dog, chips, carrots, apple crisp and ice cream Cost: $9 Brat meal with crisp, $6 Hot dog meal with crisp, $3 for just Apple crisp and ice cream. No need to purchase a ticket, just join us downstairs after worship and pay at the kitchen window. Trinity Travelers Will resume Tuesday, September 18th for lunch at the Pickwick Restaurant at 1 pm. Everyone is invited to attend. On October 23, they will be going to Clyde Iron. Daylight savings time ends at 2 am November 4th Just a reminder to turn your clocks back one hour or you will be at church one hour too early and you may be asked to help set-up something. Alive & Kicking Group A planning meeting is scheduled for September 16th during coffee hour to plan this year s activities. The congregation is invited to come attend and help plan a great year ahead. All are welcome! Pie and Polka Service Nov am Pie Donations Needed: We serve pie following our Polka service. If you would be willing to make or buy and donate a pie, please call the office to sign-up. 18

19 Birthdays September Birthdays Connor Anding Sep. 2 Barbara Wentworth Sep. 5 Abner Bushnell Sep. 6 Liz Horngren Sep. 9 Barry Marciniak Sep. 10 Glenn Evavold Sep. 11 Brooklyn DeRosier Sep. 14 Hallie Hilleren Sep. 15 John Grassinger Sep. 17 Samuel Hinderliter Sep. 17 Jodi Grochowski Sep. 18 Kadyn Kimpling Sep. 18 Michelle Swartz Sep. 18 Jean Bergum Sep. 19 Dorleen Kenney Sep. 19 Doug Runnoe Sep. 20 Matthew Runnoe Sep. 23 Jean Hanson Sep. 24 Carly Matthews Sep. 25 Zoey Duncan Sep. 26 Harper Robinson Sep. 26 Thomas Johnson Sep. 30 Birthdays October Birthdays John Clark Oct. 1 Jackson Lewis Oct. 1 Theresa Strande Oct. 2 Ethan Nault Oct. 3 Theresa Stumbris Oct. 4 Val Bushnell Oct. 7 Sylvia Carlson Oct. 7 Ken Carr Oct. 11 Sean Robinson Oct. 11 Heather Sweetland Oct. 11 Gary Madden Oct. 12 Vilnis Stumbris Oct. 12 Marilyn Peterson Oct. 13 Kathy Johanson Oct. 17 Shawna Bushnell Oct. 18 Beverly McIntosh Oct. 19 Sam Talarico Oct. 22 Bruce Hosking Oct. 23 Macey DeRosier Oct. 24 Riley Kyrola Oct. 25 Marit Clark Oct. 27 Dean DeRosier Oct. 28 Bob Wiarda Oct. 28 Stephen Lewis Oct. 30 Janet Skadsberg Oct. 31 Serena Wilmers Oct

20 Birthdays November Birthdays Sheree Zawacki Nov. 1 Claudine Hansen Nov. 5 Brianne Sunde Nov. 5 James Cohen Nov. 9 Wyatt Carlson Nov. 10 Jessica Thayer Nov. 10 Avery Sayler Nov. 15 Carly Cohen Nov. 16 Valerie Madden Nov. 18 Jennifer Pitoscia Nov. 18 Gary Pitoscia Nov. 19 Alice Skadsberg Nov. 19 Garret Bushnell Nov. 21 Bunny Stellmaker Nov. 21 Tom Meador Nov. 22 Randy Suliin Nov. 23 Morgan Panichi Nov. 24 Paige Panichi Nov. 24 Reid Xavier Hardin Nov. 29 Jim Thayer Nov. 30 REMEMBER TO KEEP SAVING YOUR PENNIES FOR THE JAR IN THE CHURCH ENTRY WAY. Trinity Staff Pastor Jerome Evavold jevavold@tlcduluth.org Minister of Congregational Life Shivon Miller shivon.miller@gmail.com Organist Judy Arnold Treasurer/Financial Secretary Kathy Gilbertson kathy.trinity@gmail.com Secretary Aine Merrill trinity@tlcduluth.org Live-in Caretaker & Custodian Andrew Fleisch Building Use/Wedding Coordinator Naydean Ringdahl naydeanringdahl@yahoo.com Publisher Eileen Nelson 20

21 Sign up for a TRICK OR TREAT SEATS October 28 th - 11:00am On Sunday, October 28 th there will be Pumpkin Pizza and Fall Fun. Children have been invited to come in costume and bring their Trick or Treat Bags. Adults and youth are encouraged to volunteer to provide a Treat Seat. We will save a seat and a spot at a table for each person that signs up. Treat Seat volunteers bring candy or small prizes and if they choose, something to decorate their chair or table corner. Volunteers can come in costume. Following the service, kids will be invited to travel from treat seat to treat seat as they trick or treat their way around the downstairs fellowship area. In addition, our 6 th -12 th grade youth will be dressed as characters hosting games and experiment stations. We need volunteers to sign up so that we know we have enough Treat Seats to make this event possible. Come meet our Trinity kids and their friends and make their day sweet! Treat Seat Volunteer Expectations: Bring candy or small treat for approximately 30 children. Optional Bring decorations for a chair or table area. Wear a costume if you choose. Be at your treat seat from 11:00am to Noon. Please check if you would like to volunteer at a treat seat but would like the church to provide the candy or treats for your seat. Name of Volunteer: Number of Treat Seats Requested: Contact #: I will be decorating my Treat Seat (please circle) Yes / No Please return to the offering plate or church office by October 21. Thank you for being an active part of our intergenerational community! 21

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24 TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 1108 East Eighth Street Duluth, Minnesota Return Service Requested Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Duluth, MN Permit No. 889 Sunday Worship Schedule ONE SERVICE AT 10:00 AM Communion is served on the second and fourth Sundays of September. October and November communion will be served on the first and third Sundays. Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Website: 24