I thank my God every time I remember you Philippians 1:3

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1 A Monthly Publication of Trinity Lutheran Church (ELCA) May2017 I thank my God every time I remember you Philippians 1:3 It is with great joy and gratitude in my heart that I share with you that the High School Youth Vision trip has reached our fund raising goals Watching the Vision Tree move from green lenses to red hearts was a faith strengthening exercise for me because every time I got to put a heart on the tree, I was reminded of the great love and support of this congregation. Every summer as the High School youth have raised funds for a trip I believe that we will reach our goal because I know how generous this congregation is. BUT, this year everything was bigger. I mean, we ve never raised money to FLY someplace before. And then our group size grew to 17 people (2 adults, 2 collegeaged adults, & 13 high school youth). It is the largest group I ve ever traveled with and so for the first time I did start to wonder if we were going to reach our goal or not. I wish I could have confetti shoot out of this newsletter article so that you could see just what a BIG DEAL this is and so you could see how very grateful I am for all of your generosity!! Its almost unbelievable. Its almost shocking! Thank You! God is good! And that s just the beginning of what I want to share with you. The dream of this trip was that it would help youth discover their gifts and help them use Continued on page 2 CONTENTS Pastor s Message p. 2 Contribution Statements....p. 2 Council President...p. 3 Council Members....p. 3 Those Serving in Worship.p. 4 April 2017 Calendar....p. 5 Kids Impacting our Neighborhood...p. 6 Day Camp p. 6 Birthdays & Anniversaries......p. 6 Gift & Memorial..... p. 6 Announcements p. 7 Connecting at Trinity...p. 7 Fortune Lake Camp p. 7

2 Trinity Tidings Page 2 May 2017 Continued from page 1 them in this community of faith before we even boarded the plane to California. I ve been seeing amazing things. During Holy Week, three of our high school youth participated in the Maundy Thursday drama and one of our youth was a reader on Good Friday. One youth played trumpet on Easter Sunday as well as other services in Lent. One youth babysat for the Wednesday Night class that was offered in Lent which allowed couples with children to participate together. We have youth who lead the Wednesday night worship service with singing and drums, numerous meals at the NATH house were made by High School youth and their parents Service takes all differ- ent forms and I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of helping our High School youth serve in a way that matches with the gifts God has given them. Seeing them worshipping regularly warms my heart and reminds me weekly that we are a congregation whose mission is to help people of all ages become active and engaged followers of Christ. Thank you for your investment in the faith of these young adults who are on this journey of faith with us. Please continue to keep the 17 of us in your prayers as we prepare for the High School Youth Vision Trip for Mission. We will be gone July 19 th 29 th and mark your calendar as we will bring back stories and pictures to share with you in worship on July 30th at 9:30am and you won t AUTHORIZATION FORM ALLOWING TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH TO SEND CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS VIA Please fill in and sign and date this form if you would like your financial contribution statements sent to you via . Office needs original signed copy and not an ed form. Name address Required: I authorize Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church to my financial contribution statements. This authority will remain in effect until I give reasonable notification to terminate the authorization. Member Signature: Date: want to miss that! Thank you for your continued support. Thank you for your generosity. Thank you for your faithfulness. Serving with you, Pastor Kari CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS VIA Recently the office staff began utilizing Powerchurch for all church records. We now have the ability to contribution statements. The information in the contribution statements are highly confidential and we want to maintain your trust; therefore, in order to your statement we will need your authorization. If you prefer your statement to be e- mailed please stop by the IOC table where the forms are available. Even if you already receive other correspondence via , we will not be able to send your contribution statement without receiving your authorization. If we do not hear from you, we will continue to send your statement through the mail. Authorization forms for those of you who wish to make this change, are on the IOC table. Once you have filled out the authorization form, turn it in to the church office or give to Marina. If you have any questions, please contact Marina Benoy in the church office at or trinitytreasurer@trinityrhinelander.org

3 Trinity Tidings Page 3 May 2017 From the Council President It's a beautiful spring Sunday morning in 2021! A young couple with 2 small children have just pulled into a parking lot and found the Visitors parking. They've been "Church shopping" for a while and have been impressed with this community of believers. No, they've not worshiped here yet, but through the churches web site, Facebook page and even the pastors twitter feeds, they ve experienced several bible studies. Viewed several archived sermons and even caught the live stream of last week s service! The couple enter the building and are welcomed immediately by the smiling face of one of the members of the reception team, who after a few quick questions leads the couple to the nursery where a credentialed professional checks in the couple s children. There are already about a dozen kids playing with some high school youth and a grandmother is lovingly rocking an infant. With kids safely cared for, the couple cross the gathering area to an impressive coffee bar where they are welcomed again by more smiling faces and a worship assistant who guides them to an area in the worship space where they can see the nursery. The large windows at the back allow a view of the kids in the nursery. This was made possible as the congregation rotated the worship space several years ago. It also created a more intimate worship experience. No seat is more than 35' from the altar. The musicians are warming up and they notice a young man a few seats away adjusting sound levels on an IPad. This community has a vibrant and diverse music ministry. They mix the modern contemporary music this couple listens to with some strategically placed hymns. As they worship, a feeling of peace and comfort comes over them. The music is uplifting and they're in luck, today the pastor of " Family and Faith formation " is preaching! They have been looking for a community to be part of that focuses on family and today she is preaching about the upcoming series of summer day camps open to the youth of the entire area! As worship concludes and the couple make their way to the nursery to pick up their children, they meet the " volunteer coordinator " who through conversation identifies a small group that the couple may relate well to and introduces them to that groups facilitator. This congregation has a thriving SMALL GROUP MINISTRY. groups consisting of 8-12 who meet regularly. They study, support and build each other up. These relationships... these supportive communities... are the back bone to the incredible ministry taking place! The young couple is a bit in awe. When visiting other churches, they've gotten the traditional... here fill out this survey. Here are the boards you can serve on... but not here! This community is energizing, caring, focused on building relationships and living Christ centered lives!!!! There's also a lot of excitement in the air. A group has gathered around a conceptual drawing of a new building! God is at work here and with 3 services on a Sunday and the Wednesday family and education programming, this community has outgrown the current facility. The young couple make their way across the parking lot filled with the Spirit. They've found a home! Brothers and Sisters this is a snap shot of what the future CAN be! God is blessing us and challenging us at the same time. As you've know the council has formed a PLANING AND VISIONING team. This team is not only looking at space needs; but also evaluating our present and NEW ministries here at Trinity. We do this not just for the sake of change but to position our congregation to better serve our community and to better serve our Lord. The Bishop of our Synod recently wrote how the church is in decline... and it may be. But not here at Trinity! Our worship numbers are up. The number of young families is increasing and the average age of our worshippers is inching slowly down. Help us and pray for us as we position ourselves for where God is leading. Praise be to God! Kevin Eggers 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

4 Trinity Tidings Page 4 May 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 May 2017 If you see anything missing from the calendar, please contact the church office at Thank you!

6 Trinity Tidings Page 6 May 2017 May Birthdays 1 Faith Bartelt 3 Jeff Jenkins 5 AJ Hanneman 7 Susan Fischer 8 Linda Koth 9 Gabrielle Kivi 10 Ray Scholtes 11 David Arneson 11 Diane Durkee 11 Sherry Miller 13 Barbara Hopkins 13 Diane Jones 13 Don Scheeler 14 Madelynn Hanneman 15 Luke Eggers July 10-14, 2017 We are hosting a week of Summer Day Camp with well-trained and high energy counselors from Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp for children who have completed K-5th grades. Each day we will bus to CAVOC to experience a camp setting while learning about Jesus through crafts, worship, singing, hiking and games.the Day Camp is 9am-4pm. Early drop off (7:45am) and late pick up (through 5pm) is available for working parents. Friday will be a short day, ending at noon, with no late pickup option. Join us for a fantastic week of faith exploration. $25 per child for the week. Bring a bag lunch each day.2 healthy snacks will be provided each day. For more information, contact Pastor Registration deadline is June 4, Go online to Trinity.com for the registration form. Gift and Memorial Designated for Choir music by Marilyn Bradley in memory of Marge Olenik and Eileen White. Birthdays & Anniversaries This Month 15 Louise Sheahan 15 Jillian Vocke 16 Kim Johnson 16 Pat Schult 19 Christine Blakeslee 20 Emma Chiamulera 20 Carole Hansen 22 Greyson Bormann 23 Christian Hoffman 23 Dana Beth Kotarski 24 Khloe Thoreson 24 Debbie Riemenscheider 26 Joe Wohlleber 26 Joan Bruso 26 Nathaniel Ziegenbein 27 Sharon Brinkman 29 DeMara Meyer May Anniversaries 4, 1971 Howard & Victoria Kalkofen 13, 1961 John & Betty Schwanz 14, 1977 Al & Sharon Hofstetter 15, 1999 Ed & Diane Durkee 17, 1986 Jerry & Joan Smith 17, 1996 Marina & Nathan Benoy 26, 1980 Craig & Lori Grinde 28, 1969 James & Margaret Johnson If you would like to be added to our Birthday and Anniversary lists, please or call the office at Kids Impacting our Neighborhood New Facility, new name! The kids here are amazing, and when a new kid comes in they are very welcoming. per Angela Dexter, new Director. It s important that the public knows that not all the kids who come here are homeless or at risk. Being here is giving them a place to eat and get help with homework, and keeps them from getting involved in something that would put them at risk. KIN receives some grants but also relies heavily on fundraising and donations. Anyone wishing to volunteer or donate may call A 24-hr hotline is available to youth at TEEN (8336). Baby Care Kits Starting in June, some dedicated people will be putting together Baby Care Kits that will be sent to Lutheran World Relief in the fall. We are looking for items to go in the kits and are in need of: wrapped bath size bars of soap, baby socks, yards of flannel fabric, gently used/new in sizes 6 months to 2T: sleepers, cotton t-shirts, jackets/sweaters, outfits, and long pants or monetary donations to purchase items we need. Come join us at church starting the first Wednesday in June from 9 a.m. to noon downstairs in classroom 3. We are always grateful for the extra help. If you have any questions, please call Susan Swanson at

7 Trinity Tidings Page 7 May 2017 ANNOUNCEMENTS: CONNECTING AT TRINITY Cover Girl Quilters; 1st Monday &Tuesday at 9 AM of each month. Extra help is always appreciated, sewing experience is not necessary. Contact Virginia Randolph at or Connie Griesbach at AA Big Book Women s Study; Fridays at 1PM Contact Jan Kriha at New Horizons Bible Study, 2nd & 4th Thursday at 1 PM. Contact Judie Arneson at or Judy Peter at Peace Circle; 3rd Tuesday at 1 PM. Contact Virginia Randolph at for more information. Shalom Circle; 3rd Wednesday at 1 PM. For more information, contact Ginger Chrobak at Men s Bible Study; Wednesday at 7 AM. For more information, contact Guy Hansen at Men s Breakfast at Papillion s; 2nd Saturday at 8:30 AM at Papillion s. Contact Al Hofstetter at or Stan Panek at for more information. Baby Care Kits; Wednesday at 9 am in Classroom 3 in lower level. Contact Sue Swanson at Custodian Wanted: Position now available for a custodian. Part time position of 20 hours per week with flexible hours. Contact Earl Morey at or Thrivent Financial Choice Dollars: Did you know?... By participating in the Thrivent Choice member-advised charitable grant program, eligible members can help enrolled nonprofit organizations they care about even Trinity Lutheran Church. Here s how it works: ~Eligible Thrivent members are designated Choice dollars based on qualifying insurance premiums, quarterly contract values and their status as a Thrivent Financial volunteer leader. ~Choice Dollars can be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church by visiting Thrivent.com/ thriventchoice or by calling and saying Thrivent Choice after the prompt. Support ELCA World Hunger For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. Matthew 25:35 God richly provides for our daily bread. The earth can produce enough to feed everyone, yet 870 million people, one in nine in today s world are hungry. The ELCA church reported in 2016, that your gifts have helped the ELCA church respond to hunger and poverty through more than 400 projects in nearly 60 countries around the world, including the United States. These gifts are brought together with the skills, capacity and resources of local communities to make transformative change. Please help support the ELCA World Hunger at Trinity by collecting quarters, loose change, or a onetime donation through May 31, Look for more information and boxes or envelopes at the Information desk. Trinity s FORTUNE LAKE LUTHERAN CAMP in Crystal Falls, MI July 16 21, 2017 Come join the FLLC camp staff & youth from around the area for an outdoor adventure including worship, Bible study, games, hiking, swimming, campfire and so much more. Camp is one powerful way that we know that faith STICKS! Don t miss out on this great opportunity. If this week doesn t work for your family, choose another week. Register online at For campership info contact Pastor

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