THE HERALD Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church 1215 Parent Avenue, Windsor, ON N8X 4J1

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1 THE HERALD Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church 1215 Parent Avenue, Windsor, ON N8X 4J1 www.trinitylutheran.

As a family we are involved in worship and fellowship that strengthens and builds us up, uniting us in Christian love and enabling us to reach out with concern to meet the physical and spiritual

Sunday Worship & Sunday School. Pastor Mike Lees 519-965-1499 (Cell) Council Chairperson Bob Swiatoschik Phone: (519) 977-7787 Email: trinitywlutheran@gmail.com Happy June, everyone!

1 1 THE HERALD Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church 1215 Parent Avenue, Windsor, ON N8X 4J1 June 2018 Our Mission Statement We are a family of faith called together under the Lordship of Jesus Christ to teach and share God s love through Word and Sacrament. As a family we are involved in worship and fellowship that strengthens and builds us up, uniting us in Christian love and enabling us to reach out with concern to meet the physical and spiritual needs of others in our daily lives. Through prayer and the Holy Spirit we use our talents to unfold the loving purpose of God in our neighbourhood and throughout the world in these challenging times. Sunday Worship & Sunday School. Pastor Mike Lees (Cell) Council Chairperson Bob Swiatoschik Phone: (519) trinitywlutheran@gmail.com Happy June, everyone! Now that the warm weather seems to really be here I hope we are all enjoying some time outdoors, basking in sunshine, and shaking off the S.A.D. (Seasonal Affected Disorder) blues of a cold Spring. We recently observed Pentecost Sunday by confirming Jacob Kelterborn. Pentecost Sunday is traditionally observed as the birthday of the Christian Church as it is the beginning of the Holy Spirit's obvious involvement in moving the church forward. Jesus promised the gift of the Holy Spirit a truth-telling advocate and guide would be present as our helper after Jesus' time on earth. The story in the Book of Acts tells us of the disciples, each appearing to have a tongue of fire dancing above their heads, proclaiming the gospel message to foreigners in languages the disciples did not themselves understand. Speaking in a foreign language without any previous exposure is certainly strong evidence of the supernatural assistance of the Holy Spirit, and on the other side of the exchange, hearing the gospel message of God's radical love for us in your own native tongue from a complete stranger is also a compelling witness that the Holy Spirit is at work. We do well to slow down in our own busy lives to spend time looking for the nudging and guidance of the Holy Spirit as I believe we are always being presented with opportunities to enjoy God's creation and share God's love. Most of the time we are rushing through life, going too fast to notice, but that does not mean the Holy Spirit is absent!

2 2 It was a joy to be with Jacob as he affirmed his Christian faith and, as at his baptism, we prayed the Holy Spirit into his life. He now joins in faith, as an adult, those many who have come before, not just at Trinity, but in the global Christian community that reaches back to the time of Christ. I wonder how his life of faith will unfold. Just as I am sure, when each of us were confirmed, many wondered how our own lives of faith would unfold in a changing world. Today it is easy to look out at a world of confusion and fear. Russia's activities make one wonder about a new cold war; the de-stabilizing tactics of the current U.S. President seem to bring more division than progress; and chemical warfare and nuclear stand-offs are in the news almost daily. It has been said that the opposite of faith is not doubt, but certainty. Looking out at the world today it is easy to feel doubt nipping at faith's heels. On another note I just read about a new theory that the world will end on June 24, Apparently all the previous Biblical Numerologists were wrong, but this time... Of course, the world was going to end on April 23, 2018 with the alignment of the moon, the sun, and Jupiter in Virgo, bringing about an impact with the nonexistent planet Nibiru... the same non-existent planet that was going to collide with Earth the previous September then rescheduled to November you get the picture. You might remember that the world was going to end on December 22, 2012, with the end of the Mayan calendar. I remember having to talk down some concerned confirmation students just before Christmas that year. Some of you will also recall that the Watchtower, the parent publishing arm of Jehovah's Witnesses, has predicted the end of time on numerous occasions throughout the 20th century. Those of you who are old enough have already lived through a cold war, and have already survived nuclear stand-offs from a generation ago. This gives you a perspective that helps bring a grain of salt to the apparent madness of the news today. I would also suggest that the resolution to those discords of yesterday were brought about by the persistence of people of faith. You see, faith encourages hope, and without faith hope struggles. In a world of increasing pluralism and a post-modern attitude of cultural relativism that scoffs at absolute truth it is hard some days to have hope in tomorrow. I thank God for those people of faith who have gone before us, offering an example of what it means to work for a better tomorrow despite the challenges of today. God bless you, whose faith and hope continue to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and comfort the oppressed. And God bless Jacob, whose faith and hope will be part of the next generation's struggle to continue the work of bringing the kingdom of God to reality on earth. Many blessings, Pastor Mike

3 3 At the request of council at our April meeting, Rob Cancian, our Treasurer, was asked to provide more details and explanations of our finances. It is important to understand what the numbers mean, when they are presented to the congregation. Typically, the Balance Sheet is presented at our budget meeting. But does everyone understand what these numbers mean? Also, the monthly newsletter provides a financial report. In the monthly newsletter, the following information is presented (using May s newsletter as an example): Contributions for March - $8,312 Monthly contribution goal - $9,600 Difference ($1,288) What does this mean? The contributions for March : is your giving for the month. The monthly contribution goal: is an estimate from the budget. Based on this, the estimated or budgeted giving for 2018 is $115,200 (which is $9,600 * 12). The difference: ($1,288) when it is in a bracket like this, we did not meet our number. Below is the three month trend thus far for 2018: Contr. Goal Diff Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Total income year to date - $27,092 Total expenses year to date - $35,407 Difference ($8,315) What does this mean? The total income year to date : includes giving, fundraisers, rebates, rent, etc. The total expenses year to date : all expenses to run the church. The difference : ($8,315) when it is in a bracket like this, we are spending more than we are taking in. Below is the three month trend thus far for 2018: $$$ Exp. Diff Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

4 4 So now let us look at the balance sheet and terminology. In the balance sheet, there are restricted funds and unrestricted funds. The restricted funds included: endowment (used as collateral for the WFCU), the memorial fund, the roof fund and the property fund. The restricted funds cannot be used to pay for the day to day operation of the church. The have a restricted use. The unrestricted funds can be used to pay our bills, special events, etc. The weekly donations typically go into the unrestricted funds. So why is this important? The restricted funds account for $68, of the net assets of the church. Currently, our unrestricted funds as of April were roughly $28,791. Therefore, as we continue to spend more than we earn, the unrestricted funds will continue to decrease. We all know 2017 was a deficient budget year. The balance sheet of February 2017 indicated a value of $47,024 in the unrestricted funds ledger. The budget that was approved in December 2017, forecasted a deficient of $15,000 yes, we still have to pay the bills and yes those funds come out of the unrestricted funds. At the council meeting on May 15, we discussed our upcoming insurance renewal, with our agent, Gerry Morand. The renewal is at the end of June. This insurance policy covers both the church and the parsonage. The renewal for June was presented as $7,800. The council looked at various ways to reduce the renewal, without jeopardizing our church properties and our members and executives. We will renew at a lower rate, as we identified a few areas that we can reduce. Anne Drouillard is the leader of our Stewardship and Evangelism committee, with Kathy and Al also on the committee. This group will start to announce to the congregation, their concerns and our concerns - financial, attracting new members, keeping in contact with non-active members and asking for you input stressing how important your input is for future plans and future budget decisions. The council is excited to hear from the congregation. All members of council can be approached with any of your comments, concerns or suggestions. We want to hear from you! If you need to contact me, please do not hesitate to call me (bswiatoschik@outlook.com). Please don t forget our various congregational fund raisers which all support our bottom line: * Gift cards (on sale each Sunday for immediate sale or you can order monthly). Take a look at the order form on the bulletin board, there has been SO many new cards added!! * Our Friday Night Dinners * Above and Beyond (please mark your envelope AAB).

Again, our council is always looking for any direction or input or comments from the Congregation. Feel free to reach out to any member of council.

5 5 The gift cards are such an easy way to help raise funds and there have been so many new organizations that have joined the program. If you are unfamiliar with the program or want more information see me and I will answer all your questions. Again, our council is always looking for any direction or input or comments from the Congregation. Feel free to reach out to any member of council. We continue to look forward to serving and doing the best we can be. Bob Swiatoschik, Chairperson FINANCIAL REPORT Contributions for April Monthly contribution goal Difference $8,330 9,600 ($1,270) Total income year to date Total expenses year to date Difference $37,212 47,313 ($10,095) Congratulations to our Confirmand, class of 2018 Jacob Kelterborn For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. (John 3:16) YOGA CLASSES Please join our yoga sessions, which we now call Sweatin' with the Yogis on Wednesdays at. There is a minimum donation of $5.00 for each session you attend. Our next community dinner will be on Friday, July 6. Please come out and enjoy a meal of chicken, potatoes and salad, and an evening of spirituals offered by the choir. Our friends at St. Paul s Church in Leamington want to make sure to invite you to their annual outdoor service and BBQ on Sunday, June 10 at 10:30 am.

6 Betty Owen June 6; Hilda Sterczer June 8; Shannon Peifer June 17; Jack Swiatoschik June 18; Jennifer Molnar June 25; Joanka Woytta June 27; James Cousineau June 29.

*Any birthdays and wedding or baptism anniversaries missed, please contact the office to update the records.

6 6 Betty Owen June 6; Hilda Sterczer June 8; Shannon Peifer June 17; Jack Swiatoschik June 18; Jennifer Molnar June 25; Joanka Woytta June 27; James Cousineau June 29. Baptism Anniversaries: Emily Acton June 4; Pastor Mike June 7. Wedding Anniversaries: Christopher & Kim Rappe June 3. *Any birthdays and wedding or baptism anniversaries missed, please contact the office to update the records. The mission is in need of canned meat (tuna, salmon and ham), cereal boxes, peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetables, Granola bars, coffee and tea. They are constantly in need of socks, toiletries (deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, travel-size shampoo and soap), Chap Sticks, cough drops, travel-size Kleenex, antibiotic cream). FUN PUNS, JOKES & INSIGHTFUL THOUGHTS!!! A lawyer was on vacation in a```` small farming town. While walking through the streets on a quiet Sunday morning, he came upon a large crowd gathered by the side of the road. Going by instinct, the lawyer figured that there was some sort of auto collision. He was eager to get to the injured parties but couldn't get near the car. Being a clever sort, he started shouting loudly, Let me through! Let me through! I am the son of the victim. The crowd made way for him. Lying in front of the car was a donkey. A story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was asked to do it. Everybody was sure Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it. But nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done. Andy Schiller, Branch 9 Chicago

Ushers Acolyte Reader (German) Reader (English) Fellowship Flowers June 10 Anne Sandra Martin & Herta Landon Joanka Albrecht Cordelle Brenda Janis, Linda & Greg IMO IMO who Helen Peifer are no longer

7 7 Newsletter Deadline! The deadline for the Herald is the third Sunday of each month. Please submit articles to or deliver them directly to me. Thanks, Patti. WORSHIP SCHEDULE June 3 Worship Asst. Communion Asst. Ushers Acolyte Reader (German) Reader (English) Fellowship Flowers June 10 Anne Sandra Martin & Herta Landon Joanka Albrecht Cordelle Brenda Janis, Linda & Greg IMO IMO who Helen Peifer are no longer with us June 17 June 24 Greg Sandra Victoria Albrecht Stephanie Albrecht July 1 Worship Asst. Communion Asst. Acolyte Reader (German) Reader (English) Counters Flowers Altar Guild Bulletin Sponsor Herald Sponsor Landon Albrecht June Patti McGarroch, Thea Brefka & Hilda Sterczer July Kathy Peifer & Molly Allen To volunteer for assisting in worship services please contact the appropriate convener: Worship Assistants Patti McGarroch Acolytes Kathy Peifer English Readers - Anne Drouillard Communion Assistants Patti McGarroch German Readers Albrecht & Peter Ushers Greg Peifer

8 8 JUNE CALENDAR OF EVENTS (C) HOLY COMMUNION SUNDAY MONDAY 3 Worship TUESDAY 4 7:30 pm Gambler's Anon. WEDNESDAY 5 12 noon THURSDAY 6 FRIDAY SATURDAY Yoga Souper Sunday 7:00 pm Choir 10 (C) Worship 11 7:30 pm Gambler's Anon Yoga 12 noon Sunday 17 Worship Muffin Sunday 24 (C) Worship 18 7:30 pm Gambler's Anon. 25 7:30 pm Gambler's Anon noon 20 Yoga Pastor and Anne at Synod Assembly to 24 June 6:45 pm Council 26 10:15 am Worship & Music 12 noon 27 Yoga 28

THE HE R A L D. Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church 1215 Parent Avenue, Windsor, ON N8X 4J1

THE HE R A L D. Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church 1215 Parent Avenue, Windsor, ON N8X 4J1 1 THE HE R A L D Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church 1215 Parent Avenue, Windsor, ON N8X 4J1 www.trinitylutheran.ca January 2019 Our Mission Statement We are a family of faith called together under the