STAYING IN TOUCH WITH YOUR LEADERS

Transcription

1 TRINITY LUTHERAN S NEWSLETTER STAYING IN TOUCH WITH YOUR LEADERS President: Richard Clinch Vice President: Rhonda D Aigle Treasurer: Pat Kilmain Secretary: Mary Brothers E. Palmer-Wasilla Hwy Fax: trinitylpalmerak@gmail.com Worship: Deb Till Stewardship: Glenn Jacob Education: Paul Krauszer Outreach: Deb Burlinski Property Management: Dana Tesch Reverend: Diane Krauszer CDC: Jen Horacek Health/Wellness: Richard Clinch

2 IN THIS NEWSLETTER Page 1: -Staying in Touch with Your Leaders Page 2: -From Reverend Diane -Worship Helpers for December Page 3: -Trinity s Christmas Bazaar -Freezer Ministry Cooking Session and Cookie Exchange -Posada Navídeña -Advent Schedule Page 4: -Adult Forum -Treasure s Report -AK Children s Choir and Community Chorus Concert Dates Page 5: -Bible Reading Plan -An Excerpt From My Inaugural Article, The Way We Walk -Lutheran Social Services of Alaska Page 6: -Lutheran Social Services of Alaska (Continued) -Lutheran Women s Advent Brunch -Christmas Friendship Dinner Page 7: -Kuwaa Mission Prayer Letter -Learning and Fellowship Opportunities at Trinity Page 8: -Learning and Fellowship Opportunities at Trinity (Continued) Attached: -Calendar of Events WORSHIP HELPERS FOR DECEMBER Lynn Anselm, McKenzie Anselm, Margaret Baldwin, Deb Burlinski, Rhonda D Aigle, Frank & Rosie Gamboa, Phyllis Gielarowski, Dena Luchsinger, Cathy Moorman, Dylan Nayokpuk, Mike & Dorothy Sherman, Deb Till, Jan Walton, and Tabitha Winkleblack. FROM REVEREND DIANE Dearly Beloved, When I was a child we celebrated only Christmas and Easter in our church. Both holy days were greatly anticipated. Great preparations took place before each day often starting months in advance. But they were our only celebrations. As a young adult I visited other churches and learned that in some denominations other holy days were celebrated as well, in fact there were church seasons and a church year. I thought it was wonderful. Advent, Epiphany, Lent, Holy Week, and Pentecost, each add so much to living out my faith through the year. Since then I have come to appreciate the Church year as a year of grace. James F White states, The calendar of the early church year centered upon what God had done and continued to do through the Holy Spirit. The point of the Christian year is that all is done for us. All we have to do is accept what God has done. Then we are free to act. The church s year of grace functions to proclaim Jesus Christ until he comes again and to testify to the Holy Spirit indwelling the church in the meantime. The church year begins with the Season of Advent. It is a time of thanksgiving for the gift of Christ in the past and a time of anticipation of Christ s second coming. As we listen to the Advent scripture lessons we will hear both threat and promise. Be ready, for no one knows the time or day of Christ s return. The Day of the Lord will be both a day of joy and of judgment. Next comes the Season of Christmas beginning with Christmas Day when we remember God s self giving in the birth of Jesus Christ. We continue to celebrate the incarnation through to Epiphany. During the Season of Epiphany the Gospel lessons will stress how Jesus makes the Father known through signs and teaching. This begins with The Baptism of our Lord where Jesus Sonship is declared and his ministry begins. The season ends with Transfiguration Sunday in which Jesus is once again proclaimed, My Son. During the Season of Lent we walk with Jesus in his final journey to Jerusalem. We witness his self giving love in his passion and death. All is changed as Christ gives himself to us and calls our name as the resurrected one at Easter. The Season of Easter begins with the Easter Vigil and continues through to the Day of Pentecost. As we move through the Season of Pentecost, also called ordinary time, we participate in the long wait of the church until Christ s return. Both Old Testament and New Testament readings remind us of God s continuing saving works in the world and our participation in His work. Finally, the last Sunday of Pentecost, Christ the King Sunday, pushes us to anticipate the time when Christ will return in glory as King. Then the Season of Advent begins the year again. As we move through the church year we re-live salvation history. We are reminded of God s great grace. God has done it all. We are God s children because of what God has done through Jesus Christ. This is the beginning. Advent is here. May you experience God s grace in fresh new ways as we move together through this new church year. Peace, Pastor Diane 2

3 TRINITY S CHRISTMAS BAZAAR Join friends and family, and our community Saturday, December 2 for Trinity s 14 th annual Christmas Bazaar and Bake Sale. Doors open at 10:00 a.m. The first 50 adults to arrive at the bazaar will have their name in a drawing to win free crafts and goodies. All children will have a separate drawing. All proceeds from the bazaar will be split 3 ways: Trinity Lutheran Church, ELCA Disaster, and Hazel Davidson s Latino Ministry. FREEZER MINISTRY COOKING SESSION AND COOKIE EXCHANGE Please join us December 8, 6:00 p.m. to cook freezer meals! We will then exchange cookies and relax and listen to Christmas music. If you are interested in participating, please sign-up in the Fellowship Hall. POSADA NAVÍDEÑA Get into the holiday spirit with a fun traditional Latin American celebration on December 9, 4:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran. Join us for our annual presentation of Las Posadas, a holiday celebration promoting the popular traditions of the Latin American community, featuring, traditional music, food, and crafts. The event culminates in a party with the breaking of candy-filled piñata. Los Posadas are popular Latin American celebration dating back to the colonial period. Posada- literally meaning- lodging - this festival commemorates the journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem and their search for a place to stay. Come celebrate an evening of singing, candlelight, and fun as we make our way around the neighborhood looking for a place for the baby Jesus to be born! If you are able, please bring a Latin American dish to share. Hazel ADVENT SCHEDULE December 6: Advent with River of Life at Trinity. Supper in the Trinity Room, 5:30 p.m. Service in the sanctuary, December 13: Advent with River of Life at Trinity. Supper in the Trinity Room, 5:30 p.m. Service in the sanctuary, December 20: Advent with River of Life at Trinity. Supper in the Trinity Room, 5:30 p.m. Service in the sanctuary, December 21: Longest Nigh service at Trinity. Service in the sanctuary, December 24: Carols and Lessons at Trinity. Service in the sanctuary, 10:30 a.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight service at Trinity. Service in the sanctuary, 3

4 ADULT FORUM A big thank you goes out to Dena Luchsinger for leading our Sunday morning Sunday school class in the study of David. We had a very enjoyable class together, learned much and gained some valuable insights into the person of David. With all of his greatness he still sinned and made some poor choices, then humbled himself before God, asking for His forgiveness. We can all see some of ourselves in David. It is planned that Sunday December 10 will be the last class on David. We will take a break for the holidays and then after the first of the year we will make plans for a new study. Paul TREASURER S REPORT I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and are looking forward to Christmas and of course the Bazaar! As the end of the year draws near I wanted to update you on our giving. At last year s Annual Meeting, we approved a budget based on $120,000 in giving. I am pleased to tell you that as of 11/30/17 we had given $111,174 from regular offerings and Thrivent Choice giving. We are on track to reach our giving goal and more! We appreciate those who have Thrivent products that allow you to give Thrivent Choice money; it helps us with our ministries here at the church, the same way that we give our designated/children s offerings to support other non-profits with their ministries. Rents for the building are keeping even, but do not cover much more than the regular operating expenses. We have had several heating issues already this fall/winter, and a repair to a water main supplying a new customer. The customer generously paid half the cost for this repair. And we continue to scramble to raise the $10,000 for property taxes each year. We have been fortunate to have had only one snowplowing expense this month. So I am hoping that the long-range forecast for a mild winter is correct! Thank you all for your generosity to keep the church and all our ministries working. Pat Kilmain, Treasurer AK CHILDREN S CHOIR AND COMMUNITY CHORUS CONCERT DATES Valley Holiday Concert Saturday, December 9, pm St. John Lutheran Church, Palmer Anchorage Holiday Concert Sunday, December 10, pm Central Lutheran Church, Anchorage Holiday Museum Concert Sunday, December 17, 2017 Anchorage Museum, Anchorage Holiday Favorites Concert Sunday, December 10, pm St John Lutheran Church, Palmer 4

5 BIBLE READING PLAN Get ready for Jesus birthday by reading about what his family did to prepare for him and how some visitors journeyed to see him after his birth. Find each story in your Bible. Wearesparkhouse.org. Angels Visit Mary and Joseph Matthew 1:18-25 Luke 1:26-38 Mary and Elizabeth Luke 1:39-56 Jesus is Born Luke 2:1-20 The Wise Men Matthew 2:1-12 Ask: What is your favorite part of the Christmas story? Many people and groups are part of the Christmas story-angels, Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, shepherds, and wise men. Did any of their words or actions surprise you? How? Why? Jesus birth changed the world! How can your family help change the world this Christmas? Do: Kids: ask your parents to name someone who reminds them of Elizabeth- someone who was with them and supported them while they waited for YOU to arrive! Write a thank you note, call them on the phone, or invite them to visit to share a meal. Thank them for changing your world for the better! Pray: Say this prayer together, including a list of people who show you God s love. Dear God, Thank you for people who change the world with their love. [Name the loving people in your life.] Amen! Thanks: We hope you enjoyed journeying through the Bible with us this year! Merry Christmas! Jan Walton AN EXCERPT FROM MY INAUGURAL ARTICLE, THE WAY WE WALK Pastor Marcia Wakeland "I ve been interested in spirituality for a long time. I m a spiritual director; I lead spiritual retreats; I ve gone on spiritual pilgrimages; I have a library of spiritual books. But when asked by Bishop Shelley to write a series of articles on Spiritual Practices (also called Spiritual Disciplines), I felt it was an invitation to look at this topic like it was new, and to look at it particularly for Lutherans. What do we do traditionally and what new is leaking into our practices? What practices have we neglected or avoided in the wider Christian tradition?" LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES OF ALASKA Thank you to everyone who helped make this year s Thanksgiving Blessing such a success. We were blessed with thousands of canned corn, green beans, stuffing and gravy, collected by Anchor Lutheran School, First Christian Church and our Lutheran congregations. Thank you also to those who contributed financially and to those who volunteered their time to help with set-up and distribution. Many thanks to Central Lutheran Church for allowing us to host the 1500 households we served that day. Citywide Blessing served over 8,000 households. And also, thanks to Joy Lutheran Church for hosting this event for the Eagle River community. 5

6 Thanks also to all who donated Christmas stockings for the children of the families we serve in the Food Pantry. These stocking with the Christmas story included bring hope and joy to our clients and their children. It is not too late to donate stockings as we distribute them through Friday, December 22nd. Christmas will soon be upon us and LSSA is collaborating with the Salvation Army, Marine Corp Toys for Tots program, the Food Bank of Alaska and Anchorage City Church to host the Neighborhood Gift program. This program provides many ways to share the spirit of the season. First, you can purchase gifts and drop them at a Marine Corp Toys for Tots or a Salvation Army drop-off location. These are located in the various malls and stores throughout Alaska. We again will be using the Sullivan Arena as our distribution site on Wednesday, December 13 and Thursday, December 14 from 12pm to 7pm both days. We are also looking for people to volunteer during the event. Volunteer shifts are on Wednesday, December 13th or Thursday, December 14th from 10:30am to 3:30pm and from 3pm to 7pm for distribution. Volunteer on-line by going to the Food Bank of Alaska or The Salvation Army websites. Last January, approximately 800 men, women and children were served during the Project Homeless Connect in Anchorage. We are asking anyone who knits, crochets or sews to donate hats and/or scarves for this project. If you would like to volunteer at Project Homeless Connect, please visit The date of Project Homeless Connect is Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at the Egan Center. Soon you will have the opportunity to sign up for your 2018 PFD and we ask you to please consider a charitable contribution to LSSA through the Pick.Click.Give program. In October LSSA received $14,128 in contributions from 224 donors. Thank you to all who contributed in the past and to our future donors! God has truly blessed us and for that we are grateful. Joy resounds in the hearts of those who believe in the miracle of Christmas! Wishing you all the peace, joy, and love of the season! Together caring for others, Alan Budahl LUTHERAN WOMEN S ADVENT BRUNCH Please join us for a morning of fellowship where we will be exploring the journey of preparing for the Advent season. It is Saturday, December 2 Egan Convention Center, 9:00 a.m. In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our Lord. Isaiah 40:3. Tickets are available through Adrienne King, for $24.00 each. We will be collecting diapers of all sizes and baby wipes to donate to LSSA. These may be brought to the brunch or dropped off at your church for collection. CHRISTMAS FRIENDSHIP DINNER December 25, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Menard Sports Complex Wasilla. This is a free event. No donations accepted at door. Warm friendship, great food, and music. Volunteers welcome. Call or or matsufoodbank@gmail.com. Hosted and organized by the Christmas Friendship Dinner Steering Committee. This event is organized and funded completely by volunteers and donations along with generous sponsorships from Mat-Su Food Bank, City of Wasilla and Houston Lions Club. christmasfriendshipdinner.org 6

7 KUWAA MISSION PRAYER LETTER Greetings to all, As I traveled with Cindy Ellis Bye to the villages of the Kuwaa people last February, we were greeted at each stop with incredible enthusiasm. The women and children would meet us at the edge of town and dance us to our accommodations with such gusto; singing, playing sasas and keeping the beat with wooden spoons and water buckets the whole way. Some of the children were fearful of the bright white skin they were not accustomed to seeing, but most were fascinated with our arrival. They would sit for hours, simply watching our activities. Early on, I realized that I rarely saw these little guardians play. As a nurse, I am all about balance. They now thrive on the clean water that the village has access to, due to their partnership with the Kuwaa Mission, they have energy to just be kids. Many of you may have heard of Operation Christmas Child, I am sure some of you may have participated. It is a program sponsored by Samaritan s Purse that gathers shoeboxes packed by volunteers around the country and distributes them to children in over 100 countries who deal with the effects of war, poverty, natural disaster, famine, and disease. These shoeboxes are lovingly filled with treasures to inspire that spirit of play, such as stuffed animals, balls and art supplies. They also include hygiene items. This may be the first gift many of these kiddos ever receive; I suspect this would be true for many of our Kuwaa kids. A note from the donor is enclosed, a sign that someone cares for them and a tangible message of hope, joy and how God s love is shared. The most important ingredient is the prayer that accompanies the box. The rest of the story: Although our congregation has participated in this project for several years, it was not until we met with the team in Liberia that I learned about what happens after the boxes leave our building. They are filled with the message of the Gospel in a twelve part series called The Greatest Journey. One of the first things that the Kuwaa people asked for as we met in the villages was education. Teachers in each area where the boxes are distributed are identified, instructed and supported in sharing these lessons. What a great education opportunity for the church leaders, as well as their young and eager students. The Operation Christmas Child team had not previously been acquainted with the Kuwaa area. These neighbors in Liberia have now been included in the distribution plan. Many thanks for all you do for our kids in Kuwaa! Tara Orley, RN, Kuwaa Mission Volunteer Loving and powerful Father, we thank you for the precious gift of our young ones. Give us wisdom and persistence in caring for them. Guide us in doing our best loving, listening and advocating. In Your Son s name we pray, Amen. LEARNING AND FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AT TRINITY Gathered: This 11:00 a.m. Thursday morning Bible study is held in the Trinity Room. Come and join in on the discussion. Call Phyllis Gielarowski for more information at (September-May.) The Men s Breakfast Group: This group meets faithfully every Wednesday morning at 8:00 a.m. in the Trinity Room. After a delicious breakfast, they read and discuss the scripture for the coming Sunday. The conversation is lively and intense. For more information, call Glenn Jacob at Adult Forum: Join other adults as we discuss a series of Bible studies on the practices around caring for our world, our neighbors, and ourselves. 9:00 a.m. Sunday morning in the Trinity Room. Contact for more information. 7

8 In Stitches: Come share your love of sewing, knitting, crocheting, quilting, and any other crafts with our fine group of knit wits. On Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. in the Trinity Room. For more information, call Phyllis Gielarowski at (September-May.) Exercise and Prayer with Pastor Diane: This group of religious athletes meet every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday at in the Upper Room. Come experience the athlete in you. Prayer following exercise. Contact for more information. Mat-Su Grief Support Group: Are you grieving? We are here to listen. Come to the Mat-Su Grief Support Group every Thursday in the sanctuary at Call Mary Brothers at for more information. Preschool Chapel: Come worship with the little ones every Thursday at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary while they learn that Jesus loves them. Call the preschool at 745-LOVE (5683) for more information. (September-May.) Trinity Singers and Players: If you like music, join the Trinity Singers and Players every Tuesday at in the sanctuary. Call Jana Moser at for more information. (September-May.) Sunday School: Bring kids to the Upper Room every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. for a children s Bible study. Call Jan Walton at for more information. Worship: Join us every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. in the sanctuary to praise God and have communion with Pastor Diane. Contact for more information. Fellowship: Join us every Sunday following service for a chance to get to know your fellow Christian friends. Snacks available. Contact for more information. Weed and Feed: Come out to the TLC Community Garden every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. to weed, harvest, and care for Trinity s garden. Dinner follows at 6:30 p.m. Contact for more information. (May-September.) Always Something New: Stay tuned for any upcoming picnics, parties, and programs for more opportunities to get to know your fellow Christian friends. 8

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10 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Fri day Saturday Trinity Christmas Bazaar set-up, 4:00 p.m. 2 Trinity Christmas Bazaar, 10:00 a.m. Lutheran Women s Advent Brunch, 9:00 a.m. 3 Sunday school, 9:00 a.m. Worship, 10:30 a.m. Fellowship, 11:45 a.m. 4 5 Outreach, 4:00 p.m. Trinity Singers, 6 Men s Prayer Breakfast, 8:00 a.m. Advent supper, 6:00 p.m. Worship, 7 Exercise/Prayer, Preschool chapel, 10:00 a.m. Women s Bible Study, 11:00 a.m. In Stitches, 10:00 a.m. Grief Support Group, 8 Freezer ministry cook day/ cookie exchange, 6:00 p.m. 9 PLUME Posada, 4:00 p.m. Valley Holiday Concert, 10 Sunday school, 9:00 a.m. Worship, 10:30 a.m. Fellowship, 11:45 a.m. Holiday Favorites Concert, 4:00 p.m. Anchorage Holiday Concert, Council, Trinity Singers, 6:00 p.m. 13 Men s Prayer Breakfast, 8:00 a.m. Advent supper, 6:00 p.m. Worship, 14 Exercise/Prayer, Preschool chapel, 10 a.m. Women s Study, 11 a.m. In Stitches, 10:00 a.m. Grief Support Group, PLUME Los Amigos, 5:00 p.m. 17 Sunday school, 9:00 a.m. Worship, 10:30 a.m. Fellowship, 11:45 a.m. Holiday Museum Concert Preschool Christmas program, 6:00 p.m. Trinity Singers, 20 Men s Prayer Breakfast, 8:00 a.m. Advent supper, 6:00 p.m. Worship, 21 Exercise/Prayer, Women s Study, 11 a.m. In Stitches, 10:00 a.m. Grief Support Group, Longest night service, Sunday school, 9:00 a.m. Worship, 10:30 a.m. Fellowship, 11:45 a.m. Singing with the seniors, 1:30 p.m. Candlelight service, 25 Christmas Friendship Dinner, 11:00 a.m Newsletter article due Men s Prayer Breakfast, 8:00 a.m. 28 Grief Support Group, 29 30/31 Sunday school, 9:00 a.m. Worship, 10:30 a.m. Fellowship, 11:45 a.m.