NONPROFIT ORG 100 POPLAR AVENUE US POSTAGE PAID. Phone (701) Zip Fax (701) Permit No. 11

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1 TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH NONPROFIT ORG 100 POPLAR AVENUE US POSTAGE PAID CARRINGTON, NORTH DAKOTA Carrington, ND Phone (701) Zip Fax (701) Permit No Pastor Bruce Vold: Parsonage: Cell Phone: Pastor Russ Christiansen: Cell Phone: KDAK (1600 AM) Broadcast at 11 a.m. WORSHIP 8:30 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. Office Hours: Mon - Fri 8am-5pm ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED December 2013 FROM YOUR PASTORS When you think of the upcoming holiday season and Christmas just around the corner, what do you think of first? Do you think first of: Decorating the house; or preparing your heart for Jesus? The arrival of family; or the coming of Christ into our homes? The opening of gifts; or the opening of the Bible (like to Luke 2:1-20)? The cookies and candy and feast of foods; or the body and blood of Jesus incarnate in our lives? The lights on the houses and trees; or the light of Christ shining into the darkness of each of our hearts and lives? The latest music of radio broadcasts, cds and Ipods; or the time-proven songs of faith that praise the birth of Jesus like the angels first sang of? New clothes; or newly clothed in Christ? 1

2 To be honest, I don't believe God is against any of the first things I just mentioned in all of those lists. It's just that he's got so much better in store for all us in the second part of each question, and God always wants what is best for us. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all these added things will be given unto you as well." (Matthew 6:33) This Christmas, put first things first. Don't forget what's most important - God above all, Jesus as the real reason for the season, and God's love for you for all eternity at the very top of the list. Believe it, and I bet you'll have the best Christmas ever! Merry Christmas, and joy to the world from Jesus! PARISH NURSE NUGGETS... from Holly Zieman, RN What are you really looking for in Christmas? What are the first three words that come to mind when you think about the Christmas holiday? If they are STRESS, MONEY, and FATIGUE, then please prayerfully consider -- THE CHRISTMAS PLEDGE: Believing in the beauty and simplicity of Christmas, I commit myself to the following: 1) To remember those people who truly need my gifts. 2) To express my love for family and friends in more direct ways than presents. 3) To rededicate myself to the spiritual growth of my family. 4) To examine my holiday activities in light of the true spirit of Christmas. 5) To initiate one act of peacemaking within my circle of family or friends. (From - Unplug the Christmas Machine) May Christmas truly be a time of "peace on earth" and may it begin with us. Your Parish Nurse - Holly USE IT OR LOSE IT While We Wait By Judy Lake DECEMBER 2013 BIBLE STUDY THE WISE AND THE FOOLISH by Rev. S. Block Session 4: Talents -- Scripture: Matthew 25: God has given each of us talents to use to the benefit of others. Likewise, in this parable, the Master gave each of his three servants talents -- another name for money at that time. While he was gone, he wanted them to do business for him and make more money with the use of the large amounts he gave them. Five talents (about $5000) were given to one, to another two and one to the other; to each in proportion to his own personal ability (Amp). All the money belonged to the Master. In the same way, all that we have and own is a gift from God. As the saying goes: Our talents are a gift from God; what we do with them is our gift to Him. The first two made more money with what had been given them, but the third one buried his--at least he didn t lose it. He didn t want to work hard and have it benefit someone else other than himself, so to be on the safe side and not anger His Master, he buried it. 2

3 It was not the thing to do. Likewise, we aren t to ignore our talents because we don t want to work hard to sharpen them to the best of our ability. If you have an ear for music, you must take lessons and do a lot of practicing. If you are a writer, you must study grammar, composition, spelling and write, write, write. If you are good at decorating, your study and hard work will make you better. Mechanical abilities, speech, math, bookkeeping, computer, cooking, working with the young or the old, are all the same: hard work makes your gift a talent that benefits others--just as God intends. Being able to get wealth, to earn a living is a gift from God. Sitting on what we have. does not please the Master. It must be used or lost, just as the man in our parable lost what was given him. God is in the giving business and we re here to carry out that mission to the benefit of all His people. Are we good stewards of what He has given us? Are we serving Him and His people by giving back? Are we using it or losing it? DID YOU KNOW...? Faith in Service "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." James 2:17 Beginning January 2014, Trinity Lutheran Church will have 13 "Faith in Service" groups that will serve the church on a monthly basis. These groups consist of families who are members of Trinity, and each group is led by 2 family units from the group. Group leaders change on a yearly basis. Monthly duties of the "Faith in Service" groups include: -Serve as ushers for Sunday Services -Serve as Lay Readers for Sunday Services -Set-up communion and servers for Communions Sundays. -Work as coffee servers for Sunday services Other duties of Faith in Service groups will be: -Serving at funerals -Bringing food for funerals Duties of group leaders include: -Calling for group members to fill duties not filled in by sign-up -Putting out sign-up sheets for the next month -Calling when necessary for food and workers for funerals Faith in Service groups will be overseen by the Board of Deacons. It is the responsibility of the Deacons: -to call for monthly leaders for the 13 groups (this will be done on a yearly basis) -each of the four deacons will oversee the service groups for 3 months per year. In each monthly newsletter, we will list the following month's group leaders and members. Please watch for your name and call the office or your group leader if you would like to volunteer. January Leaders are Lori & Darwin Solberg and Becky & Gene Drewlow. January Group Members will be notified separately. Beginning in January, group member names will be listed in the newsletter, please watch for your name and prayerfully consider volunteering. 3

4 Trinity Lutheran Church Library has new books and DVD's. The new selection includes the following DVD's: "Merry Larry and the True Light of Christmas", "WWJD II: The Woodcarver", "The Book of Esther", "The Letter Writer", and "Smitty". New books include: "You'll Get Through This" by Max Lucado, "Waking Up In Heaven" by Crystal McVea & Alex Tresmiowski, "No Lumps, Thank You" by Kim Wanger & Meg Spielman Peldor, and "Tabitha's Travels" by Arnold Ytreeide. There are many more new options to check out. Come in any time and check out a book, movie, or cd. Remember, there are no due dates or late fees. ATTENTION PARENTS! We will be having a Birthday Party for Jesus (PK-6) and hope your child can come!! The party starts at 3:30 and goes until 5pm on Wednesday, December 4. We will have a snack, listen to the Christmas story, play games and do a craft. Please RSVP to the church office! Trinity's 2013 Christmas Program is scheduled for December 15, 2013, during the 10:45 service. Please plan for your children to be in Sunday School on this date and then remain in their Sunday School rooms until we present the program during the service. The children will return to their rooms until the end of the service. Just a reminder, there is no Sunday School December 1st. Ode To the Christmas Tree Angel The time had come around again it was time to get our tree In the car we piled us boys, my sister on mum's knee Out into the country, dad drove for miles and miles When at last he found the place, we could not contain our smiles. Dad headed to the tall pine trees, his sharpest axe in hand Dutiful behind him trailed his merry little band At last he spied the one he sought, a sapling straight and tall "This will please your mum" he said, indeed it pleased us all. With swift clean strokes he had in no time cut it down We placed the tree atop the car and headed back to town 4 The decorating of the tree this year would be supervised by Mum The final piece, "The Angel" would be placed by the youngest one. This year my baby brother would be helped by sis and me But as we lifted baby up we tripped and fell into the tree Tangled in the trimmings we rode the tree as down it came Mid tears and cries right through the lounge room window pane. I carried on tradition with my children every year But when it came to "Angel" time up came a nagging fear Of breaking glass and angels wings and the message that it sent To place my tree in a great big pot in reinforced cement!

5 TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING November 5, 2013 President Warren Dalbec called the meeting to order. Members present were Warren Dalbec, Kathy Erickson, Gene Drewlow, Ken Wangen, Lisa Solwey, Lisa Weninger, Randy Munkeby, Robin Simonson, Jennifer Gast, Steve Schaubert, Jo Pollert and Andrea Scheen. Pastor Bruce and Pastor Russ were also present. Opening devotions from Brenda Stokes was shared by Pastor Bruce. Minutes of the last meeting were approved as read. TREASURER'S REPORT: General Acc't: $2,051.37; Mission Acc't: $25,433.02; Building Fund: $79,718.00; Reserve Acc't: $14, PASTOR'S REPORT: Pastor Bruce reported on the membership review. Also discussed the Faith in Service which will be the membership divided into 13 groups. Each group will be responsible for ushering, communion assistants, etc. for one month. Pastor Russ met with the building committee so ads can get in the paper. BOARD OF DEACONS: Communion assistants are lined up for November. Have been working on the membership review. Gene moved and Lisa W. seconded deacon's report be approved. Motion carried. BOARD OF EDUCATION: Christmas program is Dec. 15th at 10:45 AM. Jo moved and Randy seconded board of education report be approved. Motion carried. BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Dean Wallace will begin shingling on the church on Nov. 10th. Steve moved and Lisa seconded to approve trustees report. Motion carried. OLD BUSINESS: "Did You Know" article will be about Faith in Service. No report on the task force update. TLCW requested permission to replace parsonage windows. Steve moved and Jennifer seconded to allow replacement of windows as they can afford them. Motion carried. Building and Finance committees for the addition are being formed. 28.2% of projected cost of the addition has been received in pledges or cash donations. NEW BUSINESS: Gene moved and Andrea seconded to have just 1 service on Dec. 29th at 9:30 AM. Motion carried. Jo moved and Andrea seconded to have communion on the first and fourth Sundays in December. Motion carried. Randy moved and Jo seconded to give a pay raise to Jessica effective in November. Motion carried. Maranatha update-- a higher quality amp for the speaker system was suggested and the old system would be used in the addition. A new recorder has been purchased. Budget committee, which consists of the trustees, needs to meet. Robin and Andrea volunteered to be on the nominating committee. Personnel Review Board will be headed up by Larry Schagunn. Devotions for next meeting: Gene Drewlow Next meeting date: December 3, 2013 Meeting was closed with the Lord's Prayer. Respectfully submitted by Kathy Erickson 5

6 TLCW EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING 11/04/2013 Meeting called to order by Sharie 7PM. Devotions by Patty Hertel. Brenda Loken read the minutes from September 9,2013 and October 7,2013. Motion to accept the minutes made by Holly Zieman; seconded by Lea Dell. Motion carried. Treasure's Report given by Becky Hagel. Ending balance of $29, Bills submitted total $3, Lea Dell made a motion to accept the report; seconded by Judie Davis. Motion carried. Vice President Lynelle Bachmeier reported there were 3 coffee hours and 4 funerals were served; Dixie Berg; Ellen Nellis; Doris Penas; and Phyllis Steele. Growth Chairman: Community Christmas event is usually first part of December. Usually guests come. Co-chairs are Michelle Kliem and Lori Solberg. 2 punch bowls are needed and Lea Dell will bring those. Holly; Sharie; and Lynelle will be hostesses. 3 more hostesses are needed. Action Chairman: Patty Hertel reports that the "Thank Offering" will be the Nov. 10th. Readers will be Brenda Loken at the first service and Becky Drewlow at the second service. There will not be a "shoebox project" this year per the pastors decision. Correspondence : Thank you note from Penas family. Prairie Faith extended an invitation for 5:30pm followed by music +Glenfield Simulcast from 7-9:30 PM. See Bulletin Board. NEW OR UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Altar committee: discussion on do we need an Altar committee or visit with Pastors to visit with Val re: changing the Paraments. Serving for funerals. In % of the funerals were for non-members of Trinity. Suggestions: 1) Offer church, with fellowship hall. no food 1 worker; 2)Offer catering of food with cost to family. 3)Non-member--no fellowship Hall. 4) Non-member. 2PM Serve bars and coffee. *Recommend: Non-member---2pm funeral with bars/coffee+workers. Maybe juice for young people? *Recommend: Members: Cater salads and hotdishes. TLCW bring buns, sandwiches, bars and serve. Christmas decorating: Mary Struxness, Patty Hertel, Anne Vold, Becky Drewlow, and Julie Erdman Suggestions:10ft tree..current one is 15ft. Consider platform under shorter tree or one tree narrower. Prelit vs led lights? Chrismons use on one tree? DECISION: *Will buy 1-10ft tree some slimmer, use same angel topper, same skirt, pre-lit lights and Chrismons!! Meeting closed with the Lord's Prayer. Brenda Loken, Sec. Treasurer s Report as of October 31, 2013 October Income Disbursed Weekly Income and Attendance General $19, $20, Weekly Need: $6, Sunday School /6/13 $7, Mission /13/13 $3, Building - 1, /20/13 $5, Total $19, $21, /27/13 $3, Budget Report for January 1, 2013 December 31, 2013 Categories Disbursed To Date Budgeted For Year Difference for Year Benevolence $4, $15, $10, Pastoral Ministry And Staff $165, $201, $35, Congregational Life $21, $25, $3, Building and Maintenance $46, $116, $69, Totals $238, $359, $120,

7 DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES Dec 1 Patti Skadberg, Pam Munkeby, Billie Jo Knudson, Brianne Partlow Dec 2 Austin Carr, Bailee Finch, Mark & Mary Struxness Dec 3 Thomas Erdmann, Erin Schaffer Dec 4 Alan Lange, Twila Klein Dec 5 Wyatt Mller Dec 6 Brenda Loken, Dawn Weninger, Kayla Erdmann, Caleb Genre Dec 7 Laurel Hart, Renae Johnson, Noelle Braaten, Morgan Hewitt, Tanner Johnson, Ekklesia Mumu (Compassion Int'l), Bruce & Lynelle Bachmeier Dec 8 Kathy Perhus, Seth Lura Dec 9 John Schnase, Beth Hansen, Navarre Head Dec 10 Mitchel Bakke, Danielle Shipman, Jon Gussiaas Dec 11 Laura Meyer, Deb Leapaldt, Todd Bickett, Noah Paulson Dec 12 Denise Schuchard, Kristen Hewitt, Karlee Brown Dec 13 Becky Hagel, Ryan Nelson, Josh Cabler Dec 14 Barb Scheen, Grady Shipman, Kelsie Duque, Brynn Sundby Dec 15 Yvonne Hoppe Dec 16 Peggy Bickett Dec 17 Casey Stangeland Dec 18 Miles Dunn, Katie Jo Ingebretson, Mariah Topp, Sydnie Grager Dec 19 Ryan Topp, Kathy Erickson Dec 20 Danny Genre, Kylee Smith, Morgan Charles Dec 21 Tyler Hoggarth Dec 22 Arlene Bailey, Jayce Kollman Dec 23 Blanche Stangeland, Morgan Sherman, Dave & Joan Copenhaver Dec 24 Holly Zieman Dec 25 Lee Wahlund, Steve Zwinger, Sarah Rzaszutak, Jesus Christ Dec 26 Anthony Beach, Sara Myers Dec 27 Mae Bartlett, Gary Edinger, Ron & Marilyn Bucholz Dec 28 Jessica Gussiaas, Ann Eidsvoog, Rosie Hoffert, Courtney Harrington, Myley Bronaugh Dec 29 Vernon Anderson, Patricia Mehring, Dyllan Anderson, Wes & Verna Martin Dec 30 Curt Walen, Shelley Kollman Dec 31 Becky Galt, Easton Brown Reminder: If I missed your birthday, I apologize. Please call the church office so we can print it in the weekly bulletin. Thank you! 7