Greetings from Slovakia

Transcription

1 A Monthly Publication of Trinity Lutheran Church (ELCA) March 2017 Greetings from Slovakia I am Pastor Derek Harman and I'm writing to introduce myself and tell you a bit about the ministry here at Bratislava International Church, where I've been the pastor for the last 6 months. I was pleasantly surprised a couple of months ago to reconnect with your pastors - Tim & Kari Vadis - seminary colleagues and friends from our time together roughly 15 years ago at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. Another pleasant surprise was hearing that your congregation has recently become a supporter of the ministry here in Slovakia through your support of Global Mission in the ELCA. We are extremely grateful for your support and I personally look forward to developing a relationship with your congregation as we seek to engage in the work of the Gospel in our respective parts of the world. You are an important part of the work that we do and I am grateful for the prayers and support that you offer. Thank you! I grew up in a missionary family living in Trinidad, an island in the Caribbean and Geneva, Switzerland for 7 years of my youth. After a career in social services, I pursued the call that continually pursued me, to ordained ministry. I spent a year in Germany in a German congregation for my internship and spent my early years in ministry in congregations in Western Massachusetts and in Silicon Valley, California before accepting this call to Global Mission. I have found the congregation here at Bratislava International Church (BIC) to be a thriving, welcoming and engaging place to be involved in ministry. Primarily, we serve as a home of sorts for the ex-pat community, many of whom are here for diplomatic or business assignments for temporary periods of time. Therefore, part of life in this congregation is the change that that brings with a constant supply of new faces and visitors that might be traveling through seeking an English speaking worship service. However, recently I was pleased to hear from a Slovak colleague who teaches at the Seminary here that our ministry is having a profound effect on the local population as well..continued on page 2 CONTENTS Greetings from Slovakia.....p. 2 Ash Wednesday Service....p. 3 Council President...p. 3 Council Members....p. 3 Those Serving in Worship.p. 4 January 2017 Calendar....p. 5 World Day of Prayer...p. 6 Holy Week Services.....p. 6 Lenten Services & Meals..p. 6 Birthdays & Anniversaries......p. 6 Announcements......p. 7 WELCA Report..p. 7 Connecting at Trinity..p. 7

2 Trinity Tidings Page 2 March 2017 Continued from page 1... We have roughly 25% of our worshippers that are local residents from Slovakia who appreciate the weekly celebration of the Eucharist and a different style of worship from that of what they are used to in the Slovak church. So, while we serve as a gathering community for expats, it seems we are having an effect on the local population as well. The remaining 75% of our worship community represent approximately 15+ different countries. We have a variety of ministries that serve in the capacity of outreach, prayer, study of scripture and hospi- youth group (post-confirmation age) gather every other week for worship songs, prayer and pizza again at the home of a parishioner. This particular group has been very popular and has attracted many youth from a variety of the international schools here in Bratislva as word has Bratislava International Church A ministry of the ELCA - Global Mission as well as op- tality portunities for youth to gather and engage in the Gospel and growth of their lives of faith. Monthly, a group gathers to go to Vienna to serve through an NGO that provides play for refugee children who are still housed in mass housing there as their families are seeking asylum. A group of approximately 20 young adults gather monthly as well for a meal and prayer/ conversation at the home one of our parishioners where they support one another and are free to explore their faith in an open and supportive environment. Our spread about the group and its activities. We also offer support to the local homeless and have developed deep and meaningful relationships with some of the homeless receiving our support. This has truly been a blessing to our community. One aspect of ministry that this congregation truly excels at is hospitality. Personally I was welcomed in the warmest embrace by the congregation. One might expect that as I occupy the position of Pastor, but I have to say that I have observed a tremendous gift in watching as the congregation welcomes the stranger in and gathers around them with support in a variety of ways. Perhaps it's due to the nature of being an international congregation and the turn-over that comes with that but I've been especially impressed with the warmth expressed to those visiting - whether they are seeking a new church home or simply traveling through - it is truly a blessing to be a part of this community of faith. And so, with that in mind, I extend to you a welcome invitation to visit us, anytime you are in Central Europe! Please let me know if you'd like to visit as I'd love for you to experience this gift of welcome personally! Again, I extend my greetings on behalf of BIC but also my gratitude for your prayers and support of this vital Global Mission ministry of the ELCA. We wish you many blessings in your own efforts to live out the Gospel in Northern Wisconsin as we seek to do the same here in Bratislava, Slovakia! We are truly members of the same global Body of Christ, and for that we are grateful! Derek Harman Pastor, Bratislava International Church A ministry of the ELCA - Global Mission

3 Trinity Tidings Page 3 March 2017 From the Council President Greetings All! Not long ago on a Sunday I was asked by a more " Seasoned " member of Trinity, why don't our Pastors stand by the doors and greet worshippers anymore? My answer was simple " come, I show" we left the worship space through the double doors at the front and turned to see 80 plus of our brothers and sisters in Awesome fellowship! And in the middle were our Pastors. We watched for nearly 20 minutes as Pr. Tim went from group to group. We saw him spend time with a visiting family who have since become new members. We watched as Pr. Kari worked her magic too! She found time for that same family and all the kids in the area as well! As we watched together our seasoned member responded with a smile "Now I see. The time in the gathering area is crucial to our mission at Trinity! Friendships are strengthened, new relationships begin and real ministry happens every week. We are blessed! We are also a bit crowded in this space as well. Council has formed a committee to look at " Enhancing the gathering area by increasing its square footage. While nothing has been decided yet, we are looking at several options and are meeting with an outside consultant to help us evaluate our space and our entire facility. Council will be receiving a report at the February meeting and we will meet with the consultant the next day. We have also met with the local building inspector who was very helpful. Brothers and Sisters please be patient as we work. Council will process our options and the congregation will have the final say. God is blessing us with growth! Praise God! Kevin Eggers, Council President COUNCIL MEMBERS President Kevin Eggers Vice President Tim Vocke Secretary Keith McCaffery Trustee Carole Hansen Trustee Ellen Mathisen Trustee Rick Taylor Rep. Witnessing Yvonne Molinski Rep. Worship Mary Taylor Rep. Education Jody Doro Rep. Resources Rick Molinski Ash Wednesday Worship Service Wednesday March 1 at 5:30PM We begin the season of Lent with the observance of Ash Wednesday, a season that lasts until Easter Sunday, April 16th. The service will include the imposition of ashes. The ashes are an extraordinary rich symbol rooted in ancient customs and practices. Ashes suggest penitence, cleansing and renewal and, as they are applied to our foreheads in the sign of the cross, we hear the words, Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. The ashes remind us that life is short, but God s grace is great and eternal. Tanzania Mission 2017 Jambo! Or Hello! Nine youth, Pastor DJ, Amanda Rasner and I, hailing from the U.P and Northern Wisconsin, are flying across the ocean to learn and build relations in Tanzania. Thanks to you, I have collected 3/5ths of the funds for my mission! I appreciate every prayer, comment, and question that you have asked. As I continue to collect funds for my mission, I grow more and more excited each day to share about my upcoming journey and the ways it will impact my life. My next two financial goals are coming up in March and in May. I will be needing to raise $1,075 ($2,150 total) to become fully funded. I'm over the halfway point, and through God s grace my team & myself will reach our respective goals. If you are interested in helping me reach my goal, there are two options. First, your prayers for my team, Tanzania, & myself make a huge impact on my journey. Second, if you would like to help me financially, please make a check out to the church with a memo saying Tyler s Tanzania Trip. It's wonderful & humbling to receive these incredible gifts and support from my home congregation. Blessings, Tyler Burgoyne

4 Trinity Tidings Page 4 March 2017 If you are unable to help at your scheduled time, we ask you to find someone to fill in for you. If you need help finding someone to take your scheduled time you can contact the Laura Hetland or Mary Taylor For Wednesday, please contact Charlotte Eggers

5 Trinity Tidings Page 5 March 2017 If you see anything missing from the calendar, please contact the church office at Thank you!

6 Trinity Tidings Page 6 March 2017 What s Happening in Lent? This year there will be two opportunities for Worship during the Wednesdays in Lent (March 8th, March 15th, March 22nd, March 29th and April 5th), Noon and 5:30pm. The Noon-time service will be a service of Word and Prayer with hymns for the music. After the noon worship service a lunch will be served in the Fellowship Hall, on Wednesday, March 8, March 15, March 22, March 29 and April 5, 2017 the Board of Witness will be sponsoring the lunches. All are welcome to come and partake of the fellowship and meal available. There will be no Wednesday worship during Holy Week. For the evening service at 5:30pm we will be using the Holden Evening Prayer Service. This service features musical accompaniment of piano, a vocal cantor and the choir. This liturgical service has beautiful music and fits very nicely into an evening setting. As always there will be the usual food offered before the evening service. Our theme for Lent is: With Awe and Love Series Based on Luther s Small Catechism. The year 2017 marks the international observance of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. In honor of that anniversary, this midweek Lenten series is built around Luther's Small Catechism. The Small Catechism was designed as a teaching tool of the faith, not just within the church but in the home. Luther intended for the home to be the place where faith was first shared and taught. To that end he created the Small Catechism: a simple explanation of the Ten Commandments, the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the Sacraments. He included basic prayers for morning and evening, and suggested ways to worship, praise, and revere God during each part of our day. For some people this will be a refresher from their confirmation days and for others it will be new exposure to a core document for Lutherans. Use this Lenten season to come and grow with us as followers of Christ. WORLD DAY OF PRAYER: March 3, 1:30 p.m. at Nativity of our Lord Church, 105 S. Pelham Street. The women of the Philippines invite us to consider these words: Am I being unfair to you? They will share their stories of intergenerational wisdom, traditions and experiences of God s profound love and acceptance. We encourage men and women to take part in this World Day of Prayer. For more information, please contact Jolene Schlieve at Holy Week Services Maundy Thursday worship service is at 6 p.m. and Good Friday worship service is at 6 p.m. Easter worship services are at 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. with Easter Brunch in between the services.

7 Trinity Tidings Page 7 March 2017 ANNOUNCEMENTS: RAFP Spring Challenge Again: The Pantry will continue to challenge folks to donate during March and April as the Feinstein Challenge previously did. It is now the RAFP Spring Challenge. We have secured an anonymous donor who will match all food and financial donations made during those months at the 1% level.. Food items may be dropped off at the Food Pantry from 9AM to 12PM, Monday Friday. Monetary donations can be made to RAFP and bring them into The Pantry. WELCA Cabinet Report Present: Lynann, Ruby, Virginia. Devotion Deut. 18:15-22 Treasurer s Report read and approved New Business: Connie will order 4 new Coffee Servers for the kitchen. We sent $100 to Kids in Need for their new building on Brown Street. Next Mtg. March 6, 2017 CONNECTING AT TRINITY Cover Girl Quilters, first Monday and Tuesday of each month from 9 a.m. 3-4 p.m. Come and help make quilts for Missions, both local and world wide. Luncheon is a bring a dish to pass and coffee break in the morning and afternoon. WELCA sponsors this program and extra help is always appreciated, sewing experience is not necessary. Contact Virginia Randolph at or Connie Griesbach at AA Big Book Women s Study, every Friday at 1 p.m. All are welcome to come and join an amazing women s group. Contact Jan Kriha at New Horizons Bible Study, On the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. All are welcome to join this women s bible study. Contact Judie Arneson at or Judy Peter at Peace Circle, meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Fellowship and bible study from the Gather Magazine. Contact Virginia Randolph at for more information. Shalom Circle, meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Fellowship and bible study from the Gather Magazine. For more information, contact Ginger Chrobak at Men s Bible Study, meets every Wednesday morning at 7 a.m. Birthdays & Anniversaries This Month March Birthdays 1 Cheryl Page 1 Brielle Calhoun 2 Lance Martin 3 Pat Dykstra 3 Steve Ferch 3 Russell Benoy 3 Hallie Wright 3 Kristi Thoreson 5 Scott Krueger 5 Braylee Calhoun 6 Melissa Walenton 7 Hunter Hicks 7 Jennifer Kaplan 8 Race Visser 9 Andy Bruso 9 Sue Schroeder 12 Kevin Kivi 13 Bruce Laddusire 13 Jeffrey Ferch 14 Tim Schult 14 Brian Taylor 15 Gretchen Walker 15 Madeline Losch 16 Robert Mielke 16 - Mark Durkee 17 Mary Krueger 17 Lincoln Martin 18 Dustin Morey 18 Peyton Seefeldt 18 Haley Seefeldt 18 Brittany Blakeslee 19 Carol Richardson 20 Kevin Eggers 21 Josh Chiamulera 21 Connor Hanneman 21 Sue Rasmussen for fellowship and bible study. For more information, contact Guy Hansen at Men s Breakfast at Papillion s restaurant in Shopko Plaza, meets the 2nd Saturday of each month at 8:30 a.m. Contact Al Hofstetter at or Stan Panek at for more information. Thank you: My son Matthew and I would like to thank everyone for the kind words, cards and prayers after the death of our husband and father, Harvey Page. Thank you to all who planned and prepared the wonderful lunch and helped with the cleanup after. Also we want to thank Pastor Tim and Pastor Kari for the touching memorial service. We had so many nice comments from people that attended from out of town about what a beautiful, warm and welcoming church and church family we have. Sincerely, Cheryl Page & Matthew 22 Debra Johnson 22 Charles Blomdahl 22 Elsa Lin Vadis 22 Betty Schwanz 23 Chris Bartelt 23 Terry Berndt 24 Chloe Pudlowski 24 Carol Woods 26 Don Clausen 28 Linda Kau 28 Jeremy Walker 31 Duane Kongslien 31 Lori Schoone 31 Luke Durkee 31 Barb Herfidahl March Anniversaries 18, Rick & Yvonne Molinski 21, Jack & Maureen Sorensen

8 Trinity Lutheran Church 235 N. Stevens St. Rhinelander, WI Address Service Requested Read our Newsletter on our website at Our Mission is to help people of all ages become active and engaged followers of Christ. We are a Lutheran congregation with a variety of ages, backgrounds and passions. We are a community striving to grow in our walk of faith with Jesus Christ to love and serve the world. We are affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (often referred to as the ELCA) in the Northern Great Lakes Synod. These relationships help us to share the saving message of the gospel in our congregation, in the Rhinelander community, in our country and throughout the world. We welcome you to be part of our community and join us in the mission we share in Christ. For more information about Trinity Lutheran, to get involved in our ministries, or to learn more about becoming a member, please contact us. Phone: trinityelca@trinityrhinelander.org Website: You can also find us on Facebook