The Trumpet March, 2017

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1 LENTEN WORSHIP AT 7:00 p.m. We will use the Holden Evening Prayer service on Wednesdays during Lent. Each week we will read Scripture and reflect on Martin Luther s words and how they can help us in our journey of Lent. Soup Suppers are March 8, 15, 22, March 29 and April 5. Served from 5:00 6:30 p.m. in the Gathering Place. Free will donations supports Youth activities. Easter Flowers The Worship/Art /Music committee is asking Trinity members for donations for the purchase of Easter flowers for the altar. Any amount is appreciated. Donations need to be in by Palm Sunday, April 9, please. If you would like to purchase a flower in memory of or in honor of someone -- and would like the name listed in the bulletin please contact Marie Northwick or call the church office. MARCH 12, 2017 Daylight Savings Time Begins The Trumpet March, 2017 Trinity Lutheran Church, ELCA 235 East 7 th Street, Blue Earth, MN The mission of Trinity Lutheran Church, as God s chosen and baptized people, nurtured by word and sacrament, is to live for others boldly sharing the good news of Christ; using all the gifts we have been given. New Membership Classes Trinity is happy to welcome several new members on Palm Sunday (April 9). In preparation, new members will be meeting over Lenten soup suppers Wednesday March 22 nd and April 5 th at 5:45 p.m. Current members of Trinity are invited to join our conversation table and learn more about the history of the Church, what makes up membership in the ELCA, and about the ministries here at Trinity. We are blessed to have new faces among us! Personal Care Kits During the past 4 Lenten seasons, our congregation has made offerings of Personal Care Kits (or Baskets of Promise) for Lutheran World Relief. Through the world news we are aware of the millions of people who are forced to leave their homes and belongings and flee from conflict and natural disasters to a refugee camp or other place of safety. We can help them know that others care about their health and safety by putting together these kits which include: * One light-weight bath towel (20" x 40" to 27" x 52"), dark color preferred *Two or three bath-size bars of soap equaling 8 to 9 oz., any brand, in original wrapping *One adult-size toothbrush in its original packaging *One sturdy comb (no picks or fine toothed combs) *One metal nail clippers (attached file optional) Would your family consider contributing the six items needed for a kit during the six weeks of Lent? There will be a place of collection at the back of the sanctuary. If someone is interested in doing a Thrivent Action Team project for this, it would work very well since we will be collecting these items and the $250 could be used to buy a lot of items! Only one Thrivent Action Team can be done for each project. Thank you! Marlene Hanson for TLCW Worship/Art/Music Committee has tabled the idea of permanent name tags for all members. They are discussing use of name tags for greeters and ushers. However, if you would like to wear a name tag, please do so! = =APRIL 4, 2017 Roast Beef plate Pie & Ice Cream Brownies, etc. Served in the warmth of the Gathering Place from 5:00 7:00 p.m. Take outs will be available.

2 Are you ready for a spring cleaning? How about a spiritual spring cleaning? As Advent is described as the preparation of our hearts and homes for Jesus coming, I have heard Lent described as a spiritual spring cleaning. An opportunity to look at ourselves and see what is cluttering up our lives (spiritually and literally). What might be preventing us from being fully who God made us to be? Each year, I try to adopt a spiritual discipline to help develop a good habit or rid myself of a not-sogreat one. In college, I remember I and my fellow religion majors having a swear jar, committing ourselves to more awareness of how we used our tongues. Each time a curse was heard among a group, money clanked into the jar. At the end of Lent, I believe we donated the contents. It wasn t so much about how much money we raised for a cause, but how mindful we became of our words and the words of each other. That is the function of Lent. To be mindful of our need for Christ s coming to come among us, live, teach, die and rise as well as to be mindful of our neighbors and their needs. So how will you do some spring cleaning this Lent? Will you start a prayer list? Will you be more aware of your thoughts about others? Will you donate something each day, giving thanks for ability to do so? Will you pay attention to what your body (and perhaps your God through the body God made) is telling you as you go through the day? Pledge, Windex, cleaning clothes and Swiffer dusters not required. But to walk through the journey of Lent, to do some spiritual cleaning, you and some intentional mindfulness are all the supplies you need. This year, in celebration of the anniversary of the Reformation, we are walking through Martin Luther s faith guidebook for families The Small Catechism. Each week, during Holden Evening Prayer, we will read Scripture and reflect on Martin Luther s words and how they can help us in our journey of Lent. Looking forward to walking and cleaning with you! Thus every matter, if it is to be done well, calls for the attention of the whole person. Martin Luther United in Christ, Pastor Jeanette COUNCIL MEMBERS: The following were elected to serve as your Council leaders for 2017: President Renee Beattie Vice Pres Nate Eitzmann Past Pres Steve Frederickson Treasurer Diane Mensing Secretary - Ruthy Johnson At-Large Members Harley Willmert (2018) Sue Olson (2019) (507) Theresa Eckles (507) Council is now meeting on Tuesday evenings at 5:30 p.m. in the Centennial Room. Please feel free to contact any Council member with your comments or concerns. First Communion Classes Classes will be held at during Sunday School hour March 26 th and April 2 nd for 5 th graders or anyone else interested in learning about the gift of Holy Communion. First Communicants will be recognized during our Maundy Thursday Service. Students will gather for an additional third class after Palm Sunday Services, April 9 th to bake bread together. Here at Trinity we hold classes for instruction about communion, however, in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in American there is no certain specific age or class instruction required to receive this gift. Anyone who is interested in learning more about communion or is interested in receiving communion is welcome to attend.

3 COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS FEBRUARY 14, 2017 Trinity Council is reading Almost Christian as our group study. Several members reflected on how the reading made us think. The Property Committee is working on cleaning clutter from storage areas. There are three stained glass windows that were not used during the 1997 remodel. We re looking into donating them to another church. Have scheduled a dumpster for the week of March 12 th. Worship/Art/Music Committee is clarifying usher duties. Had a request to refurbish the hand bells. Will need donations to cover this expense. Established quarterly Mission goals: Jan/Feb/March continue $10,000 challenge for World Hunger and Faribault County Food Shelf, Apr/May/June Habitat for Humanity; July/Aug/ Sept God s Work. Our Hands. Oct/Nov/Dec Domestic Violence Prevention. Discussed use of Thrivent Action Team ($250 gift card) for Trinity and community needs. Complete copy of minutes is available on the display rack outside the office. MARCH USHERS 8:30 Rick Dickman, Dale Meckes, Ray Hornke, Dan Olsen 10:45 Clinton Benz, Jim Brooks, Mike Jacobson, Todd Smith Communion Assistants for March March 1 Ash Wednesday 7:00 Julie Blagg, Donna Anderson and Cheri Brooks Sunday, March 5 at 8:30 Ryan Northwick, Marie Northwick and Lisa Kittleson 10:45 Julie Loge, Harley Willmert and Sonja Willmert Sunday, March 26 at 8:30 Linda Adams, Kelly Skaden and Dale Meckes 10:45 Tasha Cartwright, Michele Stewart and Clair Nassen Information From Your Church Council Are you ready for a busy year? Trinity s council has mapped out our missions for the year, and there is plenty to keep us all busy serving. We are currently working on specific goals to be achieved in each of the 4 mission areas. Feed the Hungry: We are starting with a focus on Hunger through March (and on-going throughout the year). Can we surpass our over $10,000 in hunger collections from last year? Pastor Paul challenged us to raise $10,000 during I have to admit I was skeptical we would reach that goal. Let s see if we can match or exceed our challenge from last year. Can you commit to $1 per day or more for the year? There is so much we can do to help the hungry, in our community and globally. House those in need of shelter: In April, May and June we will focus on Habitat for Humanity projects. We plan to have Staci Thompson, from Habitat for Humanity of Faribault and Martin Counties, come and share with the congregation Habitat s current projects and needs in the area. Help thy neighbor: In July, August and September Trinity will prepare to participate in the God s Work, Our Hands event scheduled for September. We had a successful event last year and hope to continue the amazing effort again this year. This effort takes many volunteers, from the initial planning stages to the final event in September. Support those in need: In October, November and December we will be focusing on Domestic Violence. Sonja Willmert will speak about the efforts to assist those affected by domestic violence, and what Trinity can do to help. Stay tuned for more detailed information in the coming weeks and months. Matthew 25:35-40 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. Then the righteous will answer him, saying, Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you? And the King will answer them, Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me. Peace & Blessings, Renee Beattie, Council President

4 Trinity Staff Contacts Donna Perryman, Office Admin. Pr. Jeanette J. Bidne Kim Jacobson, Youth Director If you would like to receive your Trumpet newsletter electronically, just send Donna an at Listed below are birthdays of members in the church active data base. If there is an addition or correction, please call the church office ( ). March 1 Lisa Kittleson 2 Jim Firkins, Parker Kienitz Addison Smith 4 Carson Strukel 5 Eddie Ekstrand, Emilie Pirsig, Ken Skaare, Mary Jane Taylor, Craig Wells 6 Zaine Stewart 7 Tailor Douglas Colleen Knudtson 8 Marie Northwick Jody Omland 9 Sharon Erichsrud Brandyn Olsen 10 Sue Ellingsen, Mackenzie Lein 11 John Wagner 12 Brooklyn Arends, Jake Berndt, Zack Shure 13 Stacy Evans, Soren Fering, Cala Nassen 14 Barb Anderson Ryan Northwick 15 Brady Anderson Jill Rotterman 16 Cheri Brooks, Sarah Fering Allen Nuessmeier, Heidi Schutt 17 Virginia Johnson 18 Russ Hornke 19 Dallas Barslou, Haley Resutek, Berdette Teigland 20 Grant Holmseth 22 Mike Jacobson, Tim Juba Max Rotterman, Tyler Schonrock 23 Katelyn Kuechenmeister Jerry Skaare 24 Janice DeBoer, Gil Olawsky, Betty Trytten 25 Mara Fenske, Brooke Frandle, Aaron Nuessmeier 26 Jeanette Hanson, Stacy Howard, Katie Kuhn, Shelby Rock, Donna Skogen, Bonnie Williams 27 Herman Heupel, Rachel Roverud 28 Carlos Leyva, Linda Sohn 29 Jase Casey, Abbott Dahlberg, Hans Kittleson, Jacob Olson (Jason & Robyn) 30 Samantha Barslou 31 Heidi Fenske, Stephanie Fernholz, Darwin Olson WELCA Spring Event Blue Earth River Conference All Anew: Planting Faith Saturday, April 1, 2017 Registration/Coffee 8:00-9:00 am Bricelyn Lutheran Church I plan to drive. Let me know if you would like a ride. Marlene Hanson COLORING ANYONE? During Lent, a coloring space will be available in the Gathering Place. All ages are welcome to join in participating! COLORING PAGES about Luther s Small Catechism will be available for people to color, share and take home with them. Coloring for all ages has become a centering practice, a chance to slow down and focus on the present. Come learn and play in the arts this Lent! Are you a Thrivent member? If so, are you aware of the Action team program that is very easy to apply for and does not cost you anything? You can receive a $250 gift card (twice a year every year!) that can be used for things such as camp for children, equipment to be used for education, supplies for mission projects as well as other numerous things. I have started a list of needs and would love to discuss them with you if you are a Thrivent member. It s very easy to do! Please call me if you would like more information on ways you can help. Thank you!!! Kim Jacobson Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries Kimmykimmyj@gmail.com

5 March Children/Youth and Family News God is consistent yet unpredictable. THANK YOU to all of you who attended or supported the 3rd annual Mission Meal on the 12th of February. What a fantastic evening!! The proceeds will help to fund the National Youth Gathering trip to Houston in We are also giving a donation to a local project. God Bless you all for your continued support of Trinity Youth!! begin on March 8th!! Serving will be from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Watch for the weekly menu in the Sunday bulletin God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, but He is also unpredictable. This paradox exists because we live in between the present and the future. We won t always know what the future holds, but we can depend on the knowledge that God s nature will never change and it s through the unpredictability that He teaches us how to trust. God is consistent in that He does not change the way He loves us based on whether we are having a good day or bad day or whether we have strayed or continue to follow. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. His love also does not have conditions. He s dependable in terms of His character, His nature and His integrity. He is trustworthy, He is faithful and He is kind. That much is predictable. What is unpredictable is the future. There are elements of our lives that contain a lot of unknowns that are not predictable. It is in those times that we question what is your plan Lord? He wants us to learn to live by faith and trust Him. He genuinely wants us to be trusting him in the things we don t understand. Can you relate to that? I certainly can. Trusting when you don t understand is hard work. But I believe that is where our faith is strengthened. Over president s weekend I took 31 kids on our annual Winter Retreat where we had very unpredictable weather. Who would have thought that when I booked the trip in August that we would have April-like weather in February! Well God did! Who would have thought that we would have the opportunity to play outside with t-shirts on in February? God did. And who would have predicted that some of the kids who were going to stay home because we couldn t snow tube had the best time ever! God did. He had a plan I was the one that was out of sorts with the plan.. I left home wondering Will they like it? Will they be bored? Will they be disappointed? As with any retreat I do, phones are taken away so face to face connection time can happen. And in the midst of it all, God was present and amazing things took place. Faith-filled conversations happened! And, we had a beautiful time of worship together, planned and led by the senior high youth. God had a plan, it was unpredictable. But, IT. WAS. BEAUTIFUL! Kimberly Jacobson, Children/Youth & Family Ministries Kimmykimmyj@gmail.com I am looking for people who would be interested in being a release time sub. The lessons are prepared for you. The time commitment is 2:15-4:00 p.m. on Wednesdays and runs through April 26th. Please let me know if you have questions, or if this something you would consider doing. Thank you! Kim Jacobson Kimmykimmyj@gmail.com