TRINITY S SUNDAY SCHOOL

Transcription

1 THE BEACON From the Pastor There are somethings that I don't put much care into, shoveling snow for instance, I don't worry about neat piles or perfectly straight lines. I fill my shovel with snow and toss it into the yard then take the next scoop. There are some tasks that I'm very meticulous with for instance brewing a cup of coffee. I grind the perfect amount of beans. I select the exact amount of water. I set the settings on my coffee maker just right and I pour in the proper amount of half and half. The care begins before that though I make sure I have the kind of beans I like, I make sure I have half and half, no heavy cream or milk for me. I even make sure I have the perfect mug, I prefer a larger than average coffee mug. When it's all done I have a cup of coffee that I truly enjoy, the perfect way to start the day. I think it s clear why I focus on one task and not the other, I really enjoy my coffee and I really dislike shoveling snow. I suspect that everyone reading this can think of similar tasks in their life, some that you enjoy and spend more time on and others that you don't like and hurry through. It's just plain old common sense that people would spend more time on the things they enjoy. I think when we look at God's interactions with us it becomes clear how much God cares about each and every one of us. Psalm 139 O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away. You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, O Lord, you know it completely. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it. Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light around me become night, even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you. For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In your book were written all the days that were formed for me, when none of them as yet existed How weighty to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! I try to count them they are more than the sand; I come to the end I am still with you. God is grand and wonderful. God is bigger and more powerful than we can comprehend. God is great. But this God is not a distant God, no God made us individually to be the people we are and God cares for each and every one of us. As the Psalmist writes God knit us together. We are the people we are because of God. You matter in this creation, God loves you, God cares for you, God is always with you, and you matter to God. The care I put into making sure I create the cup of coffee that is just right is nothing compared to the meticulous planning that God put into making you. Never forget how special you are, never forget that God made you just right, and never forget that you are wonderfully made. Peace, Jamie

2 Merged Congregation Council Members and Officers President, Erik Polkowski (2020) Glenn Hersee (2019) Vice President, Shannon Kern (2021) Ronda Lauridsen (2019) Treasurer, Lisa Kaminski Irv Easton (2019) Secretary, Mary Lou Groff (2020) Pat Morgan (2019) Pastor, Jamie Retallack Sharon Waff (2021) Paula Jendrowski (2020) Donna Kumpf (2021) TRINITY S SUNDAY SCHOOL Four Sunday School students who have completed their second year of Confirmation Studies celebrated the Rite of Confirmation on Sunday, October 28 th. This is a special time of year for these young people as up to this point in their Christian lives, the parents have directed them in whatever Christian studies they have encountered. Now, as these fine young people grow in stature and making decisions on their own, they will face times when they will have to make choices in which way they want to go. They have studied the Lutheran faith and why we practice the steps in the Worship service, what it s like to remain true to their faith in God, been partaking in the LORD s Supper, and at times helping in the Worship services. The Sunday School staff is about ready to prepare for the Annual Christmas Program. Although the program will not take place until Sunday, January 6 th, there is a lot of preparing to be done. If anyone would like to assist with this program, please contact Pastor Jamie, Jane Dorr, Tammy Johannes, Lisa Kaminski, Tracy Kittel, Donna Kumpf, or Ronda Lauridsen. As always, there is a need for snacks for the students - crackers, granola bars, cookies, etc. as well as juice -- apple, grape, Hawaiian Punch, etc. CONFIRMATION On October 28 th we celebrated Confirmation. Congratulations to our Confirmands. Their hard work, participation and involvement have shown how much they have grown spiritually. We are happy to welcome you into the Church as full and active members! Emma R. Corbett, Troy A. Kaminski, Jason T. Kendziora, Emerson L. Polkowski MISSION SUPPORT 101 As congregation finance people put together a budget for 2019, it is a good time to talk about Mission Support. What is it? It is the lifeblood of our interdependent denomination: congregations share Mission Support dollars with their synods, and the synods then share it with the churchwide organization. These funds flow back to ELCA members, congregations, institutions and global companions through churchwide and synodical ministries. If you ve been reading these mission messages for all or part of the last 6 years, you are aware of the wide variety of ministries that mission dollars support: hunger, disaster relief, advocacy, seminaries, chaplains, missionaries, candidacy, call processes, malaria eradication, campus ministry, immigration services, racial justice, new congregation starts, outdoor ministry, youth ministry. And that is not even an exhaustive list! So, how does it work? Most congregations have a line in their budget that they intend to send to the synod, while some congregations depend on dedicated donations. The tithe (10%) is the benchmark for faithful giving, of individuals to their congregation, and of congregations to their synod. The synod passes 50% of what it receives from congregation on to the churchwide ELCA. So a portion of your personal offering ends up in Syracuse and Chicago, allowing you to make a difference way beyond just your own congregations. If you think of Mission Support as a verb, that this is what we do, then you can see it as a continuation of the work we do, sharing our first fruits to expand beyond our local communities to other places to follow the Gospel. So, when you are at your congregational meeting and are presented with the 2019 budget to approve, look for a line that says Mission Support. If you don t see it, ask about it. If it seems miniscule compared to your congregation s income, suggest increasing it, even just by 1%. This is definitely one instance where we are literally church together for the sake of the world! God s Work. Our Hands.

3 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS! Remember to change your clocks before you go to bed on Sunday, November 4. It s also a good time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors too. TRINITY COUNCIL MEETING: Tuesday, November 6 th at 7pm SUNDAY WORSHIP ASSISTANTS Would you like to help during Sunday Worship, we would be pleased to have your help! There are many ways you can assist. Positions to assist during Sunday Worship are: Greeters, Readers, Communion Assistants and monthly Counters. Thank you to our congregation members that sign up to assist during Worship. TRINITY COMMITTEES This is a friendly reminder for all Trinity Committees to begin your Annual Reports to be included in the Annual Congregation Report Booklet for the Congregational Meeting in January Please forward your completed committee information at the beginning of January 2019 to Liz via at: trinlc@rochester.rr.com or place the information in the office secretary mail box (behind the office door). Thank you! Liz, Trinity Secretary BEACON INFORMATION Do you have something to add to the Beacon? Submissions for the December-January combined Beacon due on December 17. Information can be placed in the Secretary mail-box or ed to trinlc@rochester.rr.com MONTHLY CONGREGATIONAL FOOD PANTRY DONATION November: Tuna December: Bar Soap UPCOMING TRINITY EVENTS HALLOWEEN FUN AT TRINITY!!! Come join us for some Halloween fun! Saturday, November 3 rd, 2018, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church, 4809 S. Newstead Road, Akron. This event is free & open to the community. Wear a costume, bring a friend & have some fun! There will be Halloween games & snacks, and entertainment by the Magician, Todd Nelson. Fun for adults & children of all ages. All are welcome! Any questions, please contact the church office at CHILDRENS GARDEN Attention Future Gardeners: be on the lookout for monthly meetings, as well as, dates to assist in the winterization of our garden at Trinity. Gardeners and volunteers are needed to assist, many hands makes light work! Please see Ronda Lauridsen if you have any questions or would like to join in the fun of gardening. Thank you!

4 LADIES THANKOFFERING SERVICE Giving thanks is read about in scripture. Thankofferings show gratitude for God s blessings and allow us to do so daily. Many women for over 100 years (1889) and has collected over $1 million to be used in the ministry and mission of the Women s Organization as a branch of the ELCA. Trinity has been celebrating the Thankoffering Service for over 50 years in November, which is the month people turn their hearts toward giving thanks. The women of Trinity will again celebrate this service on Sunday, November 18 th during the worship service. The theme for this years service is Holy Baptism and everyone is invited to celebrate their baptism through this service. Women of the congregation are encouraged to share in the leadership portions - ushering, greeting, acolyting, reading assisting with communion, etc. A signup sheet will be posted for your assistance; Everyone is invited to make a donation to the mission of the ELCA through their offerings. Envelopes are available on the narthex table and will be collected with the receiving of the morning offering. CHRISTMAS POINSETTIA SALE: An Order form for Christmas flowers to honor or memorialize your loved ones is attached and in the narthex. The flowers will adorn the Church Sanctuary during Christmas Worship and can be picked up after Christmas Worship. Orders are due on or before November 18 th, Any questions please see Laura Pingitore or call the Church office. TRINITY CHRISTMAS WORSHIP Christmas Eve (12/24) is on Tuesday this year. Trinity will celebrate Jesus birth with Worship Family Service at 5:30 PM and Candlelight Service at 10:30 PM ~No services on Christmas Day~ 500 YEARS OF THE REFORMATION ORNAMENT On sale for $15.00 at Trinity now, they make a wonderful Christmas Gift for those you love! Please contact Lois, Dale or Trinity Church CRITTENDEN QUILTERS Crittenden quilters meet in the Fellowship Hall of Trinity Church the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays (10-2pm) of the each month. They do more than quilt and sew! The quilters have made place mats will be donated to the recipients of Meals on Wheels, other crafts and items to donate will be created for thanksgiving and Christmas. Join us and learn something new that you can share with people you love! November Birthdays!! 2 nd - Jason T. Kendziora 3 rd - Shirley Domon Mary Lou Groff 4 th - Ryan Yaeger 7 th - Paula Jendrowski 10 th - Kennedy Sundown Ron Lobur 16 th - Caylee Witmer Lani Jendrowski Carol Bromstead 23 rd - Jim Goeseke 24 th - Tyler Johnson Derek Edgar 26 th - Bill Lawrie 27 th - Annette Adamczak 29 th - Keira Kruschke Please join us as we wish a Happy Birthday to everyone with a birthday this month! If you know of someone s Birthday, please share it with the Church Secretary, leave a note or call

5 UPCOMING EVENTS AKRON NEWSTEAD HOLIDAY PARTY The Akron Newstead Holiday Party to benefit the Akron/Newstead Food Pantry will be held on November 4th at the American Legion - 9 Eckerson Avenue, 5:00pm9:00pm. There will be live music, a 50/50 Raffle, a Basket Raffle, and food. Admission granted upon contribution of non-perishable items or monetary donations. PUB WITH A PURPOSE The 8 Annual Pub with a Purpose takes place Monday, November 5th. All are welcome for an afternoon of fun and fellowship! Once again you will be welcome by a wait staff of Lutheran Pastors and youth workers, and as always, 15% of your tab and 100% of your tips will support Lutheran Charities Ministries. Join us at the Buffalo Brew Pub, 11am-4pm, 6861 Main St, Williamsville, NY th MURDER IN THE UNDERCROFT! A Bishop, a Pastor and Dueling Church Councils... What could possibly go wrong? Plenty!! Looking for a fun evening of great food, live theatre and a chance to help solve a crime? Then the Lutheran Charities Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre is for you! Support Lutheran Charities by helping solve the Murder in the Undercroft! Mystery Dinner Theatre Three Performances Friday Nov. 9: 6:00 p.m.; Saturday Nov. 10 Matinée: 11:30 a.m.; Saturday Nov. 10: 6:00 p.m. at Ripa s Restaurant 4218 Walden Ave. Lancaster, NY. Artisan Desserts for purchase! Door Prize Basket Raffles! Tickets $40 Seating is limited. Register online at COSMIC BOWLING!! Friday, November 16th, 7:00pm-1:00am First we will gather at Trinity Lutheran Church to Worship, eat, and play games together. Then we will all head to Transit Lanes right up the road for Cosmic Bowling! The registration fee covers a pizza dinner, she rental, and unlimited bowling. There is additional food and drink avalible for purchase at Transit Lanes if needed. Location 8760 Transit Rd, East Amerst, NY Age Group: 6th-12th grade Cost $20 Senior High Christmas Party Saturday, December 15, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Get back together with all of your LCLC and Youth Gathering friends for an off the chain Christmas party! Expect games, lots of food, and a special holiday performance from Zion s own Chris Lipuma. Location: Zion Lutheran Church, 9535 Clarence Center Rd, Clarence Center, NY Age group: 9th-12th grade Cost: FREE! PAST EVENT LCLC QUILT, ART, & PIE AUCTION Thank you to everyone that came out and supported this years auction on October 20th. Pastor Jamie and other LCLC members ensured everyone had a wonderful afternoon of fun and fellowship to benefit LCLC. Please Pray For Karen Brown, Ronda Lauridsen, Rosemary Dziedzic The Pollard Family, Arlene Thompson, Jean Dolph The following would like to be remembered in call, card, prayers and home visits: Catherine Schoenthal, Marjorie Pohl Pray for Family and friends of John Drum, Roger Wagner, Alvina Kumpf

6 Q: Who is Sol? Special thanks, I would like to thank my Church Family for their prayers and get well wishes for my successful surgery and recovery - they are much appreciated. With Christian love, Lois Kruschke Who is Sol? Why, let me tell you THE GOD SQUAD OCTOBER 4, 2018 A: Before Tommy (ex-god Squad co-author Fr. Tom Hartman) died I asked him to send me a sign from Heaven that he was OK. This sign would settle a long-standing debate between us about whether or not it was possible to talk to dead people. It was also a way to settle my need to know that death was not the end of my best friend. Tommy agreed to send me a sign, but in the days since Feb. 16, 2016 nothing. No choirs of angels, no mysterious strangers, no winning lotto numbers nothing! I recognize that my request to have Tommy dial me up from Heaven violated a long list of Jewish and Catholic laws. But that doesn t settle what happened to me at the diner on Long Island on the second day of Rosh Hashanah (I think you might want be seated for this) As is my joy and my custom, I had traveled back to New York to preach at my synagogue on Rosh Hashanah. It was wonderful to see my flock and gracious of them to pretend that I was still their shepherd. On the second day, after services and a teaching session, I met Michael and some friends for lunch at the Celebrity Diner on Jericho Turnpike. Michael is a dear friend and a deeply faithful Catholic who had introduced me to Tommy some 30 years ago and remained a major supporter of our work on the God Squad over the years. After the iconic Celebrity Diner chicken salad, Michael asked the friends to leave us and that is when he told me this story: Michael said that the day before, on Rosh Hashanah, he was shaving and praying, and in his prayer he addressed Tommy. I am going to meet your best friend tomorrow for lunch. Do you have anything you want to tell him? Michael said that he immediately heard Tommy s voice as clear as a bell. Tommy said, Tell Marc that Sol is in charge and that he wants Marc to know that Sol said that this place is beautiful more beautiful than he could ever imagine. Michael said that this made no sense to him and he looked at me and asked me, Who is Sol? I almost lost my chicken salad. I said to Michael, Sol is the name of my father who died in Michael had never met my father and did not know his name, but Tommy did. My father always acted like he was in charge of things, and Tommy s saying that my dad thought he was in charge of Heaven is exactly the kind of humor Tommy had. Also my dad was fond of saying that something was the most beautiful or most delicious. It was how dad talked. There was no way Michael could have known any of this. There is no rational way to explain any of this. It was clearly a sign from Tommy, the sign he had promised me. I don t care about the biblical prohibitions this sign violated. What I do care about is that my dad is in charge of Heaven. What I do care about is that Tommy is OK and that my best friend still has my number. On other days I may know more or I may know differently, but today that is all I know and it is enough for me today. (Send ALL QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS to The God Squad via at godsquadquestion@aol.com. Rabbi Gellman is the author of several books, including Religion for Dummies, co-written with Fr. Tom Hartman.)