The Trinitarian. The Easter Earthquakes POSTPONED!

Transcription

1 The Trinitarian Trinity welcomes all to a community in Christ; serving others, growing in faith, living in hope, and reaching out in love. May 2017 The Easter Earthquakes Matthew 27 & 28 Excerpts from the Easter Sermon 2017 The two most dramatic earthquakes in history are recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. They both occurred in A.D. 33. The first one occurred on Good Friday when Jesus died on the cross. Matthew tells us, The earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened..... When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, Truly this was the Son of God! (Matt. 27) The second one happened on the third day. It was toward dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. (Matt. 28) God was shaking things up with the love and forgiveness of Jesus through all the resentment and hate he faced. The Romans could kill Jesus' body, but they could not kill his love and mercy. They were so proud of their power because they could intimidate, arrest, imprison, and even crucify people to maintain what they called peace. But their system was shaken, never to regain control after the Easter earthquake. We live in a world that threatens to tremble at any moment threats from Damascus, Moscow, Pyongyang, and Washington. Our personal lives are also shaken and turned upside down overnight with the death of a spouse of child or divorce or disease. How suddenly we can find ourselves buried under the rubble of life. The resurrection of Jesus was the of the death of death the seismic event that is still shaking the earth greater than the Mother of all Bombs or any nuclear explosion. There is nothing that the power of Jesus' love and forgiveness cannot pass through in order to get to you. Stubbornness? No problem. Deep seated resentment? That won't stop God. Total preoccupation with earthly stuff? God will overcome it! Lives are shaken and even the hardest of hearts are shattered. continued on page 4 The Semi-Annual Congregational meeting is Sunday, 7. May 2017, preceded by a potluck luncheon at 12:00 noon. Please bring a main dish, salad, side, or dessert to share. We will be electing Congregation Council members and reviewing achievements of Luther Movie Night 2 POSTPONED! We will be viewing Martin Luther, Heretic later in the year, most likely in September. Please watch the Tidings and Trinitarian for the new date. Trinity Lutheran Church Old Georgetown Road North Bethesda, MD A Reconciling in Christ and a Stephen Ministry congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America office@trinityelca.org web: TrinityELCA.org facebook: facebook.com/trinityelca

2 Pledging for Mission as of 23. April Grace Changes Everything 61 families have pledged $289,270 to our annual stewardship campaign. BIGGER than a Building! 65 families have pledged $481,440 to our 3 year mission appeal. Total amount received to date for BTAB! is $268,768. Thank you for your generous support Mission Endowment Awards The Mission Endowment Fund will present six awards in April and May during worship, totaling $3, The awards have been chosen based on nominations received from the congregation and committee members. Since 2006, including this year's awards, the Mission Endowment Fund has awarded a total of $40, it is the gift that keeps on giving! The recipients of this year's awards are: Special Program and Building Purposes of Trinity Church Trinity Youth Mission Trip $ Trinity Columbarium Landscaping $ Special Community Ministries Rainbow Place $ LSS Children s and Adoption Services $ Special Benevolence Projects Synod Fund for Serving Scholarships (to support ministry tuition) $ ELCA Disability Ministry $ Please consider gifts in honor or memory of loved ones or as part of estate planning and no gift is too small. It's simple just note Trinity's Mission Endowment Fund on the envelope and on the notes section of your check or use the designated envelopes in the pews. The Fund also accepts bequests of money, real estate or stock certificates. Kim B Chair, Mission Endowment Fund Cheers from Anita Over the past week, the subject of visitors in church has come up a lot in conversation. My friend is looking for a new church and WAMU published an article this weekend a b o u t v i s i t o r s i n c h u r c h e s ( One of the things that we have talked about is that a church she visited rushed to put her in a box. The church assumed that because she has a good voice that she would want to sing in the choir or is available during rehearsal time. The people who talked to her made no effort to learn about her. Another church she visited was very enthusiastic about the visiting family (with kids) that was in front of her in the greeting line at the end of service, but didn t talk to her (seemingly) because she didn t have kids. When we have visitors in our midst, we need to welcome all, regardless of marital/family status. We need to make an effort to get to know the whole person, rather than treat him/her as a commodity to be used. Pentecost Readers Wanted! We need volunteers who can speak various foreign languages to participate at either service on Sunday 4. June. If interested, or for more information on what is involved, please contact Anita S Carol B Marilyn C Margaret F Peggy & Dick J Miriam M Nancy N Len S Have you missed Trinity events because you lacked transportation? Trinity has missed you too and the following members of the congregation would like to provide you with a ride to Trinity events: Zip codes are provided to aid in finding a driver close to you. Do not hesitate to call. If you would like volunteer to drive, call Dick J, or rbjmmj@ comcast.net. 2

3 Notes from Glen 11. April 2017 A motion was approved to pay $117, in additional principal on the mortage. Tom M is stepping down as Treasurer. He wants a smooth transition and will help anyone who is interested in the position. The Council is especially thankful for all of the work and commitment Tom has demonstrated through his service as a treasurer. Luke W, the new Connections Coordinator, began serving on 1. March and he shared a map of where Trinity members live, discussed setting up a blog, possibly organizing lunch meetings close to where people work and ways to advocate for refugees and immigrants in our wider neighborhood. He offered to discuss his ideas at workshops, trainings, coffee hours groups, etc. Susan S, Secretary The Trinity Men's Group May meeting will be held Wednesday, 10. May, at Larry J's house starting at 1:00 pm. Please let Larry know if you are planning to attend. Sunday Christian Education Opportunities for Every Adult! Adult Forum Sundays at 9:30 am Room 10 Our study of Jeremiah will continue into May. Please join us. All are welcome. Prelude / Postlude: Some Thoughts on Music in the Worship Service O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness We live in a world of constant business, activity, and information overload. Even when we are not working, we rarely find time amidst our texting, internet searches, s and Facebook updates, to actually be still and reflect on much of anything, let alone be still and know that I am God. The Prelude is meant to help us prepare to fully participate in the most central aspect of our Christian lives: the worship of God. The Prelude is actually the beginning of the service, not something used to quiet a noisy congregation. Its function is to induce a serious, worshipful mood, to set the tone for the rest of the service. The purpose of the Prelude is to enter into a holy space by quieting ourselves and preparing for worship. We enter this holy space in a number of ways: through prayer, through music, through meditation on what God might be saying to us. The Prelude is meant to be an integral part of our worship time as it gives us the opportunity to come into the presence of God in an intentional way, instead of rushing in at the last moment. It is our intention that the prelude not function as background music for conversation, but rather that it serve as a time to focus our hearts and minds on God. The Postlude has a similar function except it is not establishing the mood but extending it. It should pull together the feelings and attitudes expressed in word and song, lifting us on our feet and setting us forth into the world as Christ s disciples. Music for the worship service is carefully selected and rehearsed to perfection, and performed to the Glory of God. I hope you prayerfully listen, contemplate, and enjoy the music presented each Sunday, and that it adds inspiration to your life. Glendon F Organist/Choir Director 3

4 WHAT COULD POSSIBLY BE BETTER than a handbell choir concert? Answer: a two-choir handbell choir concert. Our 28th annual (!!) concert with the combined handbell choirs of Trinity and Holy Trinity will be held: DATE: Saturday 17. June 2017 TIME: 6:30 pm LOCATION: Trinity Lutheran Church Old Georgetown Rd. North Bethesda, MD COME: Join us for an enjoyable evening of beautiful and varied music including a setting of A Mighty Fortress for bell and vocal choirs. OTHER INFORMATION: If you need a ride or can give others a ride, p l e a s e c o n t a c t M a r i l y n C a t ringermc@aol.com Concert is FREE and open to the public, so please invite friends, family, and neighbors. Easter Earthquakes (Continued from p.1) What is our hope for the future? Where will we find our peace? To whom will we turn for rescue and deliverance? In the midst of all the fears that shake us we hear the Easter message again. "Greetings. Do not be afraid." Because Jesus has defeated the last and most powerful enemy death; we will continue to shake the world with God's undeserved love and forgivenss for all no matter what the evil of this world throws at us. Amen. Roger B The Reformation 500 Task Force at Trinity has planned monthly events recognizing the 500 th anniversary of the start of the Reformation on 31. October 1517, the day that Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses for debate on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. Some are educational as well as social events. We hope that you will find many that will be of interest to you and your family! POSTPONED - Luther Movie Night No. 2, featuring BBC's Martin Luther, Heretic. Please watch for a reschedule date sometime in September. 17. June - Joint Handbell Concert at Trinity, 6:30 pm with Trinity and Holy Trinity handbell choirs; they will include an arrangement of A Mighty Fortress in the program 15. July - Luther Movie Night No. 3, Movie snacks and beverages, 6:30 pm, featuring Luther (2003), with Joseph Fiennes as Martin Luther and Peter Ustinov as Frederick the Wise 19. August - Katie Luther will make an appearance, played by Cindy S, potluck supper 6:30 pm 17. September - Rally Day! Make a Tie-dye T-shirt and classes begin, 9:30 am Sundays in September/October - Adult Forum study of Luther's writings, 9:30 am 21. October - Lutherfest Dinner, 6:30 pm, with German dishes and desserts styled after those available during Luther's time 29. October - Reformation Sunday morning, 8:15 am and 10:45 am, with choir, brass, and tympani, including hymns written by Luther or popular during Luther's time 29. October - Reformation Sunday afternoon, the annual joint Lutheran service at National Cathedral Washington DC, 4:00 pm Pastor 4

5 Lutheran Social Services Mother s Day Shower Sunday 21. May As Mother's Day approaches, so does our annual supplies drive for LSS! This year we are collecting items that have to do with some of the children's programs at LSS: Youth Haven Camp and the Foster care program. These two programs need: Youth Haven Camp new pillows new pillow cases new sleeping bags large sized flip-flops (see Old Navy for sales) beach towels good quality swim googles soap bars men and women's deodorant body lotion women's spa (fuzzy) socks non-perishable healthy snack items (cheese crackers, pretzels, raisins, fruit cups) gift cards: ($10 Chick-Fil-A, Subway, Chipotle) $15 movie gift card Foster Program Mobile DVD players that staff can use in their cars when transporting children to and from family visits Supermarket cards Movie theater gift cards for family outings We will start collecting items on 14. May and continue to collect items until 21. May. If you have any questions, please contact Robyn K-V at robyn.b.kleiner@gmail.com. Refugee Sponsorship Training Scheduled Trinity is moving ahead with co-sponsorship of a r e f u g e e f a m i l y i n partnership with Lutheran Social Services (LSS). The next step will be for Trinity members to receive training from LSS. This two-hour session has been scheduled for 7:00 pm on Monday, 8. May. Mira Mendick, Community Resource Coordinator of Refugee & Immigrant Services, will cover specifics on the refugee program, cultural communication, and logistical information going forward. The training is required for any members who will have direct contact with the family. If you are interested but not able to attend the training, p l e a s e c o n t a c t K a t h y T a t kthrower24@gmail.com. Welcome New Members Charles & Nataliya B, Catya & Lily Lineth S Katherine S Mike S Eva & Topher S, Soren Alice S The Trinitarian deadline is always the 15 th of the month. The deadline for every Sunday bulletin is 9:00 a.m. on the preceding Tuesday. Please contact the Church Office for addresses and phone numbers. 5

6 As a youngster, I went to church every Sunday because Mom and Dad were quite serious about the promises they made during my Baptism. To me, however, most of it didn't make much sense. My Confirmation class w a s m a r k e d b y t h e memorization of I believe. statements and the completion of countless Sermon outlines. Not long before the big Confirmation Sunday I asked my Pastor where I should be with my faith. I was highly unsatisfied by his You are exactly where you need to be... response. Wait; where was that exactly? I kept trying to understand and rationalize this faith thing. During my college and early adulthood years I continued the motions; regularly attending church services and brunching with the appropriate relational group, singing in the choir, and even agreeing to participate on a couple of committees. The experience was positive but something wasn t clicking for me. I became frustrated. Probably because Mom and Dad weren t around to guilt me into going, over time, I drifted away. I became one of those spiritual-but-not-religious C and E kind of Christians. Over the next few years I made some choices that resulted in some interesting life consequences. It is not an exaggeration that my situation became desperate. On one particularly dark night of the soul, I did something I hadn t done in a very long time; I prayed. I prayed for immediate relief, in whatever form God decided was best. A remarkable thing happened; I survived! God had answered this prayer and had given me a new beginning. I was so grateful to have a second chance that I took dramatic action to change my situation that same day and never looked back. What I learned from all of this is that despite my conscious and unconscious efforts to deny it and destroy it, the pilot light of my faith was always on (thanks Mom and Dad!). It took a while but I was able to forgive myself. And eventually I even figured out how I could use my life experiences to help others through difficult times. I also learned that I need to make conscious choices every single day to reinforce that faith in prayer, service, participation in a community of fellow believers, and taking personal responsibility for my actions. And so, thirty years after Confirmation, I finally get it. The Pastor was right all along; I am exactly where I need to be. Thanks be to God! Sarah G The Lord s Prayer Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. What does this mean? We ask in this prayer that our Father in heaven would not hold our sins against us and because of them refuse to hear our prayer. And we pray that he would give us everything by grace, for we sin every day and deserve nothing but punishment. Se we on our part will heartily forgive and gladly do good to those who sin against us. Lesson Luke 15:11-32 Prayer Welcoming God, we know that it is not by our reason or strength that we may come to you; it is only by your gracious invitation. Thank you for accepting us as the prodigal children we are, who deserve punishment for our sins rather than your forgiveness and place of honor at the marvelous feast you have prepared for us. Help us to extend your forgiveness and welcoming grace to others especially those who have sinned against us. Amen. In the Mail Dear Friends, Thank you for supporting the work of Lutheran World Relief with your gift of $100 given through Metropolitan Washington DC Synod. On behalf of LWR, our partners and those we serve, please accept my thanks for your gift and all that it will do. God bless you! Warm Regards, Daniel V. Speckhard President and CEO Dear Trinity, Thank you so much for your generous contribution of 182 pounds of food on 21. February. Your support comes at a critical time. Your contribution will help Manna Food Center provide for the needs of more than 39,000 individuals in Montgomery County this year. Sincerely, Jackie DeCarlo Chief Executive Officer 6

7 As we are finishing up the school year, Anita will be in touch regarding an end of the year youth party. Watch your ! GRADUATES! - Please send an to office@trinityelca.org with your graduation announcements and future plans. 11. June - End of Year Sunday School Picnic June - Five youth and two adults will be heading off to York, PA for our mission trip. Please keep us in your prayers! Births Hazel Marie S-M March 2017 Daughter of Meredith S & Scott M Granddaughter of Miriam & Karl M Baptisms Isabela Marie F April 2017 Daughter of David & Lineth S Godparents: Gabriela G & Otoneil B Giovanni Charles S April 2017 Son of David & Lineth S Godparents: Ani S & Robert L Deaths Elizabeth (Betty) H Y April 2017 member of Trinity Service of the resurrection will be at Trinity on 6. May 2017, 1:00 pm John (Jack) R April 2017 friend of Marilyn & Richard G 1 Kathy L 3 Leah M, Anya N 4 Jessie M 5 Madeline B 6 Bob C 9 Diane McC, Noah M 10 Tigist G 11 Luke W 14 Kevin D, Billie J 1 Peggy J, Dan S 3 Atticus D, Logan D, James M 4 Ava P 5 Margaret F, Mina 9 Margo W 10 Tigist G 11 Luke W 15 Adelyn C Birthdays 17 Jeffery S, Katherine S, Chris T 18 Frederick V 21 Isabelle R 22 Jameson H Katie L-L 23 Len S 24 Julia L-L 25 Ginger H, Steve S 26 Karen T Wedding Anniversaries 5 Kathy & Dennis D, TJ & Lindsey D 6 Shirley & Wes O'B 10 Kathy & Charles T 14 Kristin & Todd G 17 Lynn & Bud B 18 Kathy H & Robert P 21 Katherine McG & Ken B, Shannon & Joe M 25 Scott & Kristina S S 29 Karin & Terrence H 30 Lily & Keith C, Debbie DiG & Don P Baptismal Days 16 Anusha A, Kathy H, Kristine S 17 Ben N, Nicholas S 19 Leslie C 20 Cathy C, Nancy M 21 Garrett P 22 Ann K 27 Alarich L 28 Inna S 31 Hudsen S 7

8 Trinity Lutheran Church Date Mailed Old Georgetown Road 27. April 2017 N. Bethesda, MD Address Service Requested web TrinityELCA.org facebook facebook.com/trinityelca May Highlights 7. May Semi-Annual Congregation Meeting and Potluck Luncheon, 12:00 pm 8. May Refugee Sponsor Training, 7:00 pm 14. May Mother s Day & LSS Shower Collection 16. May Trinitarian Deadline 21. May First Communion & LSS Shower 28. May Ascension Sunday 29. May Memorial Day Church Office Closed MCPS - No School Red Geraniums for Pentecost Sunday 4. June 2017 Deadline for ordering 28. May 2017 I wish to order red $5.00 each Given by In memory of In honor of You may place your order form and cash or check, made payable to Trinity Lutheran Church, in the flower envelope (which you will find in the card rack in the pews), and place the envelope in the offering plate, mail it to the church, or give it directly to Julie Nelson.