Trinity Tidings Trinity Lutheran Church Appleton, WI January 2018

Trinity Tidings Trinity Lutheran Church Appleton, WI January 2018 December in Photos Out and about in our community clockwise from top: worship at the Heritage, serving at the Salvation Army and bowling at Sabre Lanes. See the pages inside for more photos. Feeding the Hungry... Serving the Community

Trinity Tidings - - January 2018 Worship in January Sundays at 9:00 a.m. Tri-County Chapel 1592 Oneida St. Menasha, WI 54952 January 7 Worship at 9:00 a.m. Jesus Says Come and See John 1:35-51 January 14 Worship at 9:00 a.m. Wedding at Cana John 2:1-11 January 21 Worship at 9:00 a.m. Jesus Cleanses the Temple John 2:13-25 January 28 Worship at 9:00 a.m. Nicodemus John 3:1-21 Every Sunday is Special January 7: Come and See Eyes are important. Using them well to really see if even more important! Worship today will include a special blessing for our eyes as Jesus invites us all to Come and See. January 14: Dwelling in the Word Pastor Brian will be with the youth at the Quake in Wisconsin Dells. So we are going to take this opportunity to Dwell in the Word together and discuss a great text - Jesus first miracle - the Wedding at Cana. January 21: Breakfast at Trinity Stay after worship this week and enjoy pancakes, fresh fruit, sausages, and drinks. It s a great time to share in a meal and conversation together. Talk to Judy Natz if you would like to help with the food preparation or clean up. January 28: Annual M eeting It s that time of year again. The 2017 Trinity Annual Meeting will be held after worship today. (The LOVED buttons that were given out in September may make a return appearance with a new twist during worship.) Midweek Worship Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. Holden Evening Prayer at Grace Lutheran Church The Seeds for Growth Team sprouting new ideas. If you look closely enough you can see the leaves sprouting from our heads. Thank you Glennis Schuelke for the inspiration. 2

Do not be afraid... It seems like Christmas has been here for a few months yet, we actually begin the 12 days of the Christmas season on December 25 th the day after Charlie Brown s friend Linus tells us what Christmas is all about. Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. I am sure that for many of you those words bring great comfort they make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. So, then, it may be easy to assume that everyone else must also feel that same way. But, it s not true. Many people find the holidays more stressful than enjoyable. I wonder how Mary and Joseph were feeling on that first Christmas Eve. Before leaving for Joseph s hometown when Mary was first told by the angel Gabriel that she was to give birth to the Son of God Mary was perplexed and afraid but, ultimately, Mary sang a song of praise. She was filled with joy, but things soon changed. In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census was a reminder that Mary and Joseph were part of an oppressed people. They were forced to travel tens of miles from Nazareth to the Joseph s hometown of Bethlehem. But, at that point, I don t think Mary or Joseph cared what you called their town they just knew they were forced to go there in order to be taxed. And, then, after their long journey they arrive to a full house there was no place for them in the inn. At that moment, it is hard to think there could be any joy in Bethlehem. I wonder how the shepherds were feeling working at night, out in the cold probably thinking there must be more to life than this. Then, an angel of the Lord stands before them. Now, they are cold and terrified. But the angel, says to the shepherds, Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. The angel tells them that their savior, their messiah, their lord, has been born in Bethlehem. They went with haste to find their messiah and just as the angel told them, the shepherds found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. I wonder how you are feeling? You may be afraid of being alone during the holidays. You may be afraid you cannot control your addiction. You may be afraid of losing your job. You may be afraid you won t have enough money to feed your family or afraid of illness or death. It is not only the glory of the Lord that terrifies us, is it? For many, it is hard to believe that this is the most wonderful time of the year. We are told that this is a time of great joy for all people but, for many that hardly seems possible. Besides, what is joy anyway? At Christmas time we use that word a lot but, I think we may be using it improperly. It seems we often try to create our own joy we get and give presents, put up our light displays, go to parties. But, we don t get joy by doing things because joy is free. We cannot earn it, buy it, or deserve it. Joy is a gift to receive rather than a selfish goal to pursue. Yet, even though joy is free, many people struggle this time of year to see the joy around them. It is important to try to recognize the blessings around us. When I m feeling down, one place where I can always find joy is in the people of Trinity especially the children. I can t help but be filled with joy when I see those cute little faces their smiles bring me instant joy. And it s in those faces, those smiles, that I am reminded that Christ did not come to earth as some critical judge looking to convict me but, as a child wrapped in bands of cloth held close in his mother s arms and laid in a manger. Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord We do not need to be afraid God has brought good news directly to us. The good news is Jesus. The good news is that Jesus is with us in every aspect of our lives. The good news is found in Jesus' birth and in Jesus death and resurrection. The good news is that Jesus forgives us all our sins. The good news is that Jesus has assured us of everlasting life. The good news is that Jesus loves us and all people today and every day. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Pastor Brian 3

Word from the Council President Dear Trinity friends, Now is the time to reflect on the year and look ahead to 2018. As I reflect to the time when the Council was forming the Seeds for Growth team and what the process meant for Trinity, I remember coming across a commencement speech and book written by James E. Ryan. He s the Dean of Harvard s Graduate School of Education which sounds lofty and profound. I like him because he wrote a simple book about asking the right questions. The book is called, Wait.What? and Life s Other Essential Questions. The premise is to ask the right questions that lead to the most important topics you can think about in life. Here s five of the most important ones: 1. Wait.What? 2. I wonder.. 3. Couldn t we at least. 4. How can I help? 5. What truly matters? As we all end 2017 and begin 2018, let s all ask ourselves these questions and reflect on our answers as we grow and open our hearts, minds, eyes and ears to where God is leading us. Merry Christmas everyone and the Happiest of New Years! Peace, Sue Ruppel Council President Rooted: Wednesdays, January 10 & 24 from 5:15-7:00 p.m. A new journey will begin for Trinity on Wednesday, January 10 called Rooted. Rooted is an opportunity for our middle school youth to grow in faith and deepen relationships. HOWEVER, everyone in the congregation is invited to participate. We will meet at Grace at 5:15 p.m. and begin our time with a simple dinner then move into the content for the evening. Sometimes that will mean a group project or dwelling in the word or a service opportunity or fun games or all of the above. Rooted is experimental, so we will be making changes along the way, growing and learning together as we go. Questions? See Sarah Bultman. 734-9895 (office) 252-9643 (cell) or office@trinityappleton.com. Ephesians 3:16-17 16 I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, 17 and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. 4

WANTED Old baseball caps and old sheets and fabric for use in making more nativity costumes and head gear during the year. Bring them to the Church Office or Worship at the Chapel or to Sue Ruppel at your convenience. Year-End Contributions The year-end contribution statements will be distributed at worship on January 7 for those present. Any statements that remain will be mailed out on January 8. Please review them carefully and advise me of any corrections by Tuesday, January 16 after which the database for 2017 will be closed out. Also, please understand that once the system is closed out for 2017 it will not allow any changes or corrections. Thank you. Sarah Bultman Snowbirds If you head to a warmer climate for the winter months, please contact Sarah Bultman in the church office at office@trinityappleton.com or 734-9895 with your winter address and dates that your mail should be sent to the alternate address. Thank you! Church Office Closed: Dec. 25 - Jan. 1 Both Sarah Bultman & Pastor Brian will be out of the office between the holidays. In case of a pastoral emergency please contact Pastor Brian on his phone via voice or text 703-314-1931. See you again in the church office on January 2. Annual Meeting Mark your calendars for the Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 28 after worship. Homeless Connections Giving Tree We had a very successful giving tree 2017. Thank you to everyone for generosity giving so others can have a better life. So much was giving to help Homeless Connections. Trinity always gives, when needed. Your love is shared with many. Thank you so much for your generosity and love for all. Peace Judy Thank you from CASA of the Fox Cities Than you so much for the generous donation of birthday supplies. Your thoughtfulness will touch many lives. We appreciate your concern for the children we serve very much! CASA of the Fox Cities Lawrence University Thank You On behalf of all of us at Lawrence, thank you for the very generous gift of four stained glass windows from the sanctuary of the church. Please accept my appreciation for your thoughtfulness. We are grateful to you for your generosity and belief in Lawrence University s mission. (Thank you! The windows are beautiful and will be a treasure to have at LU!) Sincerely, Kayla Schumacher Trinity Tidings - - January 2018 5

Trinity Lutheran Church Appleton, WI January 2018 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 Office Closed 2 3 9 am Bible Study 6:30pm Worship 4 6:30 p.m. Singers 5 6 7 9:00 am Worship (Tri-County Chapel) 8 2 pm Worship at Heritage 7:00 p.m. Bible Study at Grace 9 6:30 p.m. Seeds Team Meeting 10 9 am Bible Study 5:15 pm Rooted 6:30pm Worship 11 6:30 p.m. Singers 12 Youth Quake 13 Youth Quake 14 9:00 am Worship (Tri-County Chapel) Youth Quake 15 News. Deadline 16 6:30 p.m. Council Mtg. 17 9 am Bible Study 6:30pm Worship 18 6:30 p.m. Singers 19 20 21 9:00 am Worship (Tri-County Chapel) Breakfast at Trinity after worship 22 2 pm Worship at Heritage 3:30 pm HHH Mtg. 23 24 9 am Bible Study 5:00 pm Rooted 6:30pm Worship 25 10 am Newsletter Team 26 27 4pm Serve at Homeless Connections 28 9:00 am Worship (Tri-County Chapel) Annual Meeting after worship 29 30 6:30 p.m. Seeds Team Meeting 31 9 am Bible Study 6:30pm Worship Trinity Tidings - - January 2018 6

WORSHIP TEAM SCHEDULE January 2018 January 7 Greeter: Can you help? Altar Care: Judy Natz Acolyte: Rose Stumpner Ushers: 1. Steve Schroeder 2. Kay Schroeder Reader: Sharon Helms Communion Assistants: 1. Jean Haese 2. Sarah Bultman Healing: 1. Leanne Meidam Wincentsen 2. Can you help? Children s Time: Grey Fitzner & Rose Stumpner Fellowship: Can you help? January 14 Greeter: Jeanne Beckley Altar Care: Judy Natz Acolyte: Can you help? Ushers: 1. Jerry LeMoine 2. Sandy LeMoine Reader: Jean Haese Communion Assistants: 1. Shirley Connell 2. Jeanne Beckley Children s Time: Mary Bankert Fellowship: Can you help? January 21 Greeter: Jeanne Beckley Altar Care: Judy Natz Ushers: 1. Steve Krueger 2. Dena Krueger Acolyte: Zach Krueger Reader: Jean Haese Communion Assistants: 1. Sandy LeMoine 2. Jeanne Beckley Children s Time: Dena Krueger Fellowship: Dena Krueger January 28 Greeter: Dena & Grace Krueger Altar Care: Judy Natz Acolyte: Zach Krueger Ushers: 1. Jim Rasmussen 2. Brenda Rasmussen Reader: Sharon Helms Communion Assistants: 1. Shirley Connell 2. Can you help? Children s Time: Leanne M.W. Fellowship: Can you help? Volunteers are still needed for several Sundays in January and in particular January 7. Please contact Sarah Bultman in the church office if you are able to fill one of these worship roles. (office@trinityappleton.com or 734-9895.) There are also three opportunities to bring treats for fellowship. We all enjoy the time together after worship. Remember you don t need to bake anything from scratch. Store bought is just fine as are treats like fresh fruit, cheese and crackers and a veggie tray. It s all up to you! 7

Opportunities at Trinity to Study GOD S MESSAGE for You Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. at Grace in the Kitchen Bible study groups from Grace and Trinity have decided to combine and meet on Wednesday mornings at 9 a.m. in the kitchen at Grace. Please consider joining to study God s message for us. It should be a fun experience, with lots of good discussion. The study is based on the ELCA lectionary gospel lesson for the week. Readings and studies for Wednesdays in January include: January 3 - Mark 1:4-11 January 10 - John 1:43-51 January 17 - Mark 1:14-20 January 24 - Mark 1:21-28 January 31 - Mark 1:29-39 You are Welcome to Keep in Touch with God and with one another! Refreshments provided! First Monday of the Month Bible Study Monday, January 8 at 7:00 p.m. at Grace We are studying the many names of God and applying that knowledge to what it means to us in our own lives. Have you heard God described as Jehovah Nissi? It means the one who stands guard over you. Come and learn more about God s characteristics and how they connect to you and your faith. We also share a few laughs, have a delicious snack, and our dear Millie shares a few jokes. We would love to have you join us. Contact Mary Robertson at 920-450-1350 or ROBERTSON190@aol.com. Worship at the Heritage 8

Linwood Place: Fox Valley Lutheran Homes January 2018 NEWS It seems hard to write about January news when I m still getting ready for Christmas parties, but we are so thankful for all of you! Your generosity has helped to make our Christmas here at Linwood Place just that much merrier this year! Thanks to the Connectors at your many congregations, we are putting together wonderful bags of goodies for our tenants to enjoy. Thank you all so much! I hope to be making visits to your congregations starting after the first of the year to connect with the pastors and strengthen our partnerships. At this time I would invite you to think about joining us in serving on our Board of Directors or on our Mission and Ministry Committee. We ve had a couple of resignations recently that have left some vacancies that we need to fill. I would love to have a conversation with anyone who is interesting in finding out more about either one of these groups! This fall and winter seem to be times of transition for Linwood Place. We have a number of people facing times in their lives when they are making transitions, so we have vacancies to fill. Once again, we have some openings, both 1 BR and 2 BR apartments, available immediately. If you d like a tour, please call Becky at 920-734-7225, John at 920-419-5754, or Brian at 920-840- 3578. We also want to build up our waiting list, so call any time to arrange a tour even if you are thinking that your move is a year or two down the road. Thanks for all you do to support our ministries! Have a wonderful 2018! Becky Luett, Deacon & Executive Director Bowling at Sabre Lanes Community Happenings 9

Trinity English Evangelical Lutheran Church Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2364 Appleton, WI 54912-2364 920-734-9895 An ELCA congregation www.trinityappleton.com Congregation Council President... Sue Ruppel 739-8558 Vice Pres... Jeanne Beckley 739-2426 Secretary... Lynn Ann Clausing Rusch 323-7801 Treasurer... Chris Anderson-Kroiss 585-8988 Dena Krueger... 257-3691 Judy Natz... 419-7126 Mary Robertson... 450-1350 Dorothy Warren... 734-0280 Feel free to contact any of these individuals with your thoughts, needs or concerns for Trinity. Staff Pastor Brian Bankert pastor@trinityappleton.com Office Manager & Faith Formation Coordinator Sarah Bultman office@trinityappleton.com or sarahawb@gmail.com Accompanist Katie Mueller Katherine.a.mueller@Lawrence.edu Pastoral Care: Please contact the church office at 734-9895. In case of emergency, you may contact Pastor Brian on his phone via voice or text - 703-314-1931. Church Offices Grace Lutheran Church 900 N. Mason St. Appleton, WI 54914 Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m. - Noon & 12:30-2:00 p.m. Feeding the Hungry... Serving the Community Trinity Lutheran Church believes we are all connected as one body in Jesus Christ. Through faith and work, we strive to share God s daily bread with all people until no one hungers 10