A MESSAGE FROM REV. DR. APRIL DAVIS CAMPBELL

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1 Trinity Presbyterian Church 2125 Tower Drive Woodbury, MN November, 2017 PATHWAYS A MESSAGE FROM REV. DR. APRIL DAVIS CAMPBELL Why do I wear a robe? Several years ago Solomon (then 5) and I were looking somewhat inattentively through the Sunday newspaper advertisements and he suddenly laid his hand flatly on the page. Evidently some nail polish had caught his eye and he was certain we had to get it. Mind you, I don t regularly wear nail polish on my fingers but it seemed like a reasonable thing to do. The color we purchased was an awesome evergreen color called Christmas Gone Plaid. I proceeded to paint my nails and after worship on the following Sunday, I received several comments about the green on my nails and not one comment about how to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world. Ever since then, and truthfully since before that, I am very cognizant of what I wear and how I present myself in worship. It is very easy to become distracted in church. Whether it is the temperature, noises around you, fragrance, etc. And so, it goes with why I wear a robe. I wear a robe to make it easier for those in worship, such that what I m wearing isn t a distraction. I don t want you to be preoccupied by what I am wearing. I wear a robe not to be set apart from the congregation but rather to bring us together as we worship and celebrated God s presence in our lives. INSIDE THIS ISSUE A Message from Rev. Dr. April Davis Campbell Scrip Worship Schedule Children & Youth Meet Your Deacon....4 Stewardship...5 Fall Cleanup Pictures Game Night, Finance....7 Growing Young Mission...9 Presbytery Meeting Christmas Joy Offering.11 Vanco Mobile Giving..11 Worship Pictures Staff Information Grace to you, and Peace, April

2 Don t Forget to Purchase Scrip for the Holidays! This month s order due on Sun., Nov. 5 Help Make Money for Trinity by using gift cards for your everyday purchases Do you shop at Target? Do you shop at Cub? Do you go to the Mall of America? I know you buy gas! Do you buy gift cards for family, friends, babysitters, petsitters, for birthdays, Christmas, graduation, Easter? The Scrip s program offers gift cards from hundreds of stores, gas stations, hotels, spas, movie theaters, etc. The price is the value of the card but the church gets a rebate of between 2% and 9% (or even 12% in some cases) of the price. You get the full value of your gift cards and the church earns between 2% and 9%. SO the church can make some money from each gift card bought through the program for items you would buy anyway. The process is simple. Review the vendor list to get an idea for the gift cards you would like to purchase. Turn in your completed order form with check payable to the church to the office. If our orders are entered on Monday, we can have the gift cards to distribute on Sunday. Orders will be due to the church office on the first Sunday of the month (orders will be placed on Monday). If you have questions contacts Pastor April, Dan Freeman or a member of the Stewardship and Finance Committee. Shopwithscrip.com. Order forms/vendor lists on bulletin board in the Gathering area. November Worship Schedule Date Scriptures Preaching Nov. 5 Josh. 3:7-17; Ps. 107:1-7, Rev. Dr. April Davis Campbell 1 Thess. 2:9-13; Matt. 23:1-12 Nov. 12 Josh. 24:1-3a, 14-25; Ps. 78:1-7; Rev. Dr. April Davis Campbell 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Matt. 25:1-13 Nov. 19 Judges 4:1-7; Ps. 123; 1 Thess. 5:1-11; Rev. Dr. April Davis Campbell Matt. 25: Nov. 22 Ecumenical Thanksgiving Guardian Angels Catholic Church Service 7 pm Nov. 26 Ezek. 34:11-16, 20-24; Ps. 100; Joa Sevlie Eph. 1:15-23; Matt. 25:31-46

3 A MESSAGE FROM JOA SEVLIE, CE I often refer to my job of working with children and youth as like lining up kittens - they are darling, but they sure don t get the concept of lines very easily! They are skittish, interested in everything except what I want them to focus on, and they always seem to be looking for a snack. To keep them, and myself, on track, I continually come back to our CE mission and vision statements. Our vision statements for the CE program at Trinity are: We are disciples of Christ We are transformed as disciples of Christ We are world changers. Everything we do from the littlest to the biggest - is to ensure that the programming we provide fulfills those statements. In the picture you see here, I am working on a flow chart that encapsulates our CE program at Trinity. Many of the squares have writing in them those are the parts of the program that we have initiated over the years that I have been your CE director, and, for the most part, are functioning well. However, there are some holes in our programming. These are the parts of our programming that have not yet been initiated, or that need some major tweaking or focus to fit within the mission and vision for our CE program. One of our larger holes is that we do not have a Sunday School program for our teenagers. It is the next step to be added in our program. The CE committee has begun discussing the best ways to add that part into our curriculum. I love that Trinity has so much potential! I love trying new things, and, as pretty much everyone knows I love to talk about what we are trying! I can t wait to see what unfolds in our CE program next. 3

4 Meet your Elder My name is Bradford Wright, although I generally go by Brad unless I m in trouble. I was born in Minnesota, but I bailed after a few days and grew up in Oregon. I met my wife Julie at The Ohio State University while in grad school. We came to Minnesota in 1984 for a job at 3M, where I worked as an R & D chemist, and more recently as a patent agent. I did not grow up belonging to any church. One day at lunch, a coworker of mine (Fred Roberts) and I were discussing the great questions of life, the universe, and everything. Fred commented that I might enjoy going to a Presbyterian church to check it out. Indeed, he thought there was a new one in Woodbury (we lived in Cottage Grove at the time). It took me two tries to find Trinity, but I finally came, totally unsure of what to expect. Two extremely nice people met me and helped me fit in. Their names were Bob and Jean Blanck. I kept coming and eventually was baptized and joined. I feel blessed every day that I did. It has been a guiding influence on my life that I never would have experienced otherwise. Since joining, I have served as an Elder, Deacon, and occasional musician. I believe that we should all look for the good in people, and try our best to leave the world a better place than we found it. If there is anything that I can do to help, please let me know and I will try. May God be with you! Turkey!! THANKSGIVING DINNER Brad and Julie Wright would like to invite singles and couples spending the Thanksgiving holiday on their own to join them for Thanksgiving dinner at their home. For those unable to drive, transportation can be provided. Please contact Brad or Julie (in person or at ) if you would like to join them. Thank you and God bless! Community Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service This year, the Thanksgiving Service will be held at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, Wednesday, Nov. 22 at 7:00 pm. 4

5 DID YOU KNOW? Because of your generosity our congregation served people in need, we donated food, school supplies and clothing to those who would go without. Because of your generosity the Deacons were able to stay connected to members through the Kindred Spirit groups, pray for member concerns via the prayer chain, provide compassionate care and support at funeral receptions, and support members in need through meal assistance, running errands and offering childcare. Because of your generosity we are able to care for this beautiful property and its gardens, we are able to host community groups and organizations who utilize the sacred spaces on this property. Because of your generosity our Director of Christian Education has completed a year at full time status, increased from 20 to 30 hours in 2015 and then to 40 hours in May of Because of your generosity we graciously supported 13 youth/5 adults who attended the summer mission trip to Colorado. We continue to nurture children and youth through Sunday school and Wednesday evening programming. Because of your generosity we are able to appreciate and lift up the gifts and talents of Kim our administrative assistant, who always has a warm greeting and cheerful smile. Because of your generosity this congregation is blessed to overflowing with Jane and Neal who faithfully lead us musically as we praise God and because of the generosity of your time and talents, special music and beautiful voices enhance our church and our worship. Because of your generosity this community of faith has been nourished and nurtured through pastoral leadership in the form of engaging preaching, adult education, and Bible study. The Pastor was able to deliver prayer shawls to members as she made home visits, preoperative visits and at transitional care centers. Because of your generosity your pastor is able to represent you as the Moderator of the Synod of Lakes and Prairies, as a member of the Woodbury Area Clergy Organization, at Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area meetings, and as a member of the Princeton Theological Seminary Alumni Association Executive Council. We are asking you to be generous with your resources of time, talent, service, and finances because we believe in our mission and ministry and we believe in giving of ourselves to planting and nurturing love here on earth, our efforts will reach out beyond our lives to create a community of love, God s love. 5

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7 Game Night! The Ladies of the Lunch Bunch SEPTEMBER FINANCIAL SUMMARY Trinity Presbyterian Program Financial Summary Sep17 Month Actual YTD Actual Yr. Budget Total Program Donations $24, $169, $235, Total Program Expenditures $25, $191, $247, Donations Less Expenses ($458.51) ($22,168.74) ($12,147.47) Checking Roll Forward Add $1, $9, $12, Income Less Expenses $ ($13,168.74) ($147.47) Mortgage Fund Donations $10, $53, Mortgage Expense $6, $56, Mortgage Balance $445,475.88

8 Growing Young Summit, California The Growing Young summit that Pastor April, Joa and Katharine attended last week was an intense learning and sharing experience. As you can see, the group was a large one; 95 people from 22 churches of different affiliations comprise our Redwood Cohort. All churches grow old but strategic churches are growing young Churches are both shrinking and aging as more young people disengage. Based on groundbreaking research with over 250 of the nation s leading congregations, Growing Young provides a strategy that Trinity can utilize to involve and retain young people. The research profiles innovative churches engaging 15- to 29- year-olds that are growing spiritually, emotionally, missionally, and numerically. Growing Young shows ministry leaders how to position their churches to reach younger generations in a way that breathes life into the whole church. From our 2017 Grant request ~ The goal of the Growing Young ministry initiative at Trinity is not to simply attract younger people to Trinity, but to attract them so that they might be nourished and grow in their faith, and that they might be equipped and involved so they make a difference in the world. In subsequent years, Trinity plans to build upon these initial investments by improving our nursery, children s and youth spaces and expanding our ministry to younger families, youth and children.

9 UPDATE ON TYLER AND ROCHELLE HOLM Presbyterian World Mission/University of Livingstonia (Tyler) and Mzuzu University (Rochelle) Remember Niger Coalition Appreciation Event -> Check out our blog at: You can subscribe to updates of our family blog on weekly work and life in Malawi by entering your into the box "Follow by " and then confirming your . Praises * We have kicked off a new school year for little Mphatso, and thankful all is going well. We are blessed she has a preschool that is part of the CCAP church that is a good fit for our family. * An encouraging visit to Mzuzu by a member of our home church family, from West Side Church, Richland, WA who is leading a 3day gender training at the University of Livingstonia this week. * Tyler and Rochelle celebrate their 11 th wedding anniversary this month. * The University of Livingstonia will hold graduation on October 7 th. Prayer requests * We have had numerous power cuts and water supply problems the past few weeks, which are unpredictable and often make even simple tasks very time consuming. At home, we have some things on our backup solar power unit and some water stockpiled. * For grace while juggling busy academic and work-related travel schedules for both Tyler and Rochelle during October. * As of last month, we were at 55% of our Presbyterian World Mission funding target for the year. As 2017 winds down, many of you give large gifts at the end of the year, please pray about giving an early gift to meet the needs of our sending and support and accompany us in our ministry work in Malawi. * Pray for the country of Malawi, its government, its leaders, its students, its future, and also pray for our local partner the CCAP, and the universities that we work for. Contact Rochelle: rochelle@rochelleholm.com Contact Tyler: tyler@tylerholm.com To support us financially: donate/e200532/ To support the University of Livingstonia Faculty of Theology: To visit our weekly family blog: INVITATION TO REMEMBER NIGER COALITION (RNC) APPRECIATION EVENT. On Friday, November 3 rd, Kara Vander- Kamp, RNC Executive director will be in town and hosting an appreciation event at Boutwells Landing in Oak Park Heights from 7 to 8:15 p.m.. Attendees will have the opportunity to send letters to sponsored children, meet other contributors, and learn more about the work of RNC. (This is not a fund raising event.) Desert will be served. If you are interested in attending, and did not receive an invitation, please contact Joan Nichols as soon as possible.

10 Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area Stated Meeting MONDAY, November 6, 2017 Presbyterian Church of the Way Shoreview, Minnesota Call to Meeting In accordance with Book of Order, Form of Government G , and the Bylaws of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area, the Presbytery will meet in stated session beginning at 4:00 p.m., MONDAY, November 6, 2017 at Presbyterian Church of the Way, 3382 N. Lexington Ave., Shoreview, MN We welcome Rev. T. Denise Anderson, Co-Moderator of the 222 nd Gen eral Assembly to this meeting. Rev. Anderson will have a time of conver sation with the presbytery at the beginning of the meeting, and we are excited that she will also lead us in worship and preach. She serves as pastor of Unity Presbyterian Church, Temple Hills, Maryland; she is a member of National Capital Presbytery. She is a writer (check out her articles in The Christian Century, The Huffington Post, These Days, Pres byterians Today and Presbyterian Outlook) and a blogger (RevGalBlogPals). We are excited to extend Minnesota Hospitality to Rev. Anderson! Also on the docket: Denominational issues related to the 223 rd General Assembly, via the Bills & Overtures Committee and the Nominating Committee Topics of ethical significance in our presbytery and communities, via the Com mittee on Ethics and the Committee on Ministry Opportunities to celebrate and honor ministry beginnings and endings Reports from our officers, focusing on the vision and mission of our presbytery It will be a special night (MONDAY!!!), with special guests. Please join the conversation. Your presence is important. Dinner will be available for 150 people at $8.00 per person with ten vegetarian meals. There is parking available on the adjacent parking lot and on the street, with handicap parking and drop-off areas on the church property. Childcare for infants through upper elementary age will be available if requested in advance. Please contact the Presbytery Office by October 30 if you would like to use this service, so the church knows how many volunteers it will need.

11 Give to Christmas Joy Offering The Christmas Joy offering will be coming up in December and will be collected on Sunday, Dec. 17 The annual Christmas Joy Offering is distributed as follows: Fifty percent of undesignated receipts to the Christmas Joy Offering are distributed to the Board of Pensions for assistance programs that provide support to retired and active church workers and their spouses and families. The other fifty percent supports Presbyterian-related racial ethnic schools and colleges through the Racial Ethnic and Women s Ministries of the Presbyterian Mission Agency. VANCO+MOBILE GIVING Church members are looking for the same ease and convenience when it comes to giving. With the award-winning giving app from Vanco Payment Solutions, we can put the power of smartphone giving directly into your hands. Quickly and easily donate using your debit/credit card or checking/savings account Make one-time donations or set up recurring giving to multiple funds Choose to create an account or donate as a guest Securely and conveniently manage donations using Touch ID/Fingerprint, PIN or password Worship October 22 Kim Vangsgard Kathie Wilkinson Rick Wasiluk Jane Wasiluk (behind the piano)

12 TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 2125 TOWER DRIVE WOODBURY, MN TRINITY S MISSION STATEMENT: Growing in Christ, Sharing God s Love. TRINITY S VISION STATEMENT: To be a vibrant and nurturing community inviting all generations into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. TRINITY STAFF Pastor Rev. Dr. April Davis Campbell trinitywoodburypastor@gmail.com, C: Joa Sevlie Children and Youth Ministries, joathegreat2@gmail.com, C: Kim Vangsgard Office Administrator admin@trinitywoodbury.org, Director of Music Jane Wasiluk hansonjane736@gmail.com, C: Choir Director Neal Strand nealstrand@icloud.com, Come join us on: Pastor April s Blog: dminrevaprilog.wordpress.com