The Desert Voice Trinity Lutheran Church May 2016 Dear Trinity family and friends Increasingly, secular skepticism with respect to God s relevance and role in shaping community beliefs and behaviors has left many Christians feeling anxious about their part within society. As strangers in this society, we need to hear God s encouragement to us, Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6) God is present with us, but unfortunately, our sinful nature is often convinced that God is unnecessary. Why is that? Remember how Satan successfully encouraged Adam and Eve to reject God by eating the forbidden fruit. He reasoned, You will be like God, knowing good and evil (Genesis 3:5). In other words, why have God if you can be god? But what has rebellion against God achieved? Devastation! Romans 1:28 pinpoints the result: And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. Even though the knowledge of God remains, rebellion against Him continues. Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them (Romans 1:32). By pushing God away, we throw away our moral compass and evil flourishes. But, despite our sinful rebellion against God, He took action to rescue us from eternal disaster. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. (John 3:16-17). Trusting in God s action and promise, we are set free from eternal ruin. Jesus Christ has rescued us from our sinful rebellion against God. Through His victorious death and resurrection, He brings life and salvation to us by faith in His righteousness given freely to us. Romans 1:16-17 declares: For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, The righteous shall live by faith. Philippians 4:4-6 encourages us to live and believe in Christ s victory. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Pastor Smith Inside this issue: M.A.S.S., Women s Bible Study, WINGS, Library 2 TLC SS/Youth Ministry 3 TLC Family News 4 VBS Registration 5 Stump the Pastor a& SS Photos 6 LWML Meeting 7 Feb. March Birthdays/ Anniversaries 8 Those Who Serve 9 Stewardship Report 10 TLC Youth Summit Photos 11 M.A.S.S. News 12 LWML, Quilters Photos 13 Calendar of Events 14 PS Power Baseball 15
Page 2 The Desert Voice May 2016 MEN S M.A.S.S. MEETING Men Assisting Seminary Students Tuesday, May 10th @ 6pm.Men Assisting Seminary Students would like to invite the men of Trinity and their friends to join us for about 1 hour at Sloan s Restaurant, Clinton & Highway 111 at 6:00 pm, on Tuesday, May 10th. Come see what we re all about! We do good work! We are helping young Seminary students who attend St; Louis Seminary and wish to do the Lord s work and become pastors in the LCMS. It s exciting stuff! We have devotions, a good meal and get to know each other while supporting a good cause. If you just can t make it, you can always support us on Sunday morning in the offering plate with a gift marked in the note column for MASS. God bless the men of MASS and all the good work that they do. Men, women children, anyone and everyone can help to support our work. Thank you. Remember May 10th at 6:00 pm. TLC QUILTERS WILL MEET on May. 18, & May.25th at 11:00 am. New or beginners welcome. Learning is fun! Marilyn Mohr, Chairman. 760-775-4301. The Harbinger By Jonathan Cahn Hidden in an ancient biblical verse from Isaiah the mysteries revealed in this book are so precise that they foretell recent American events down to the exact days. This story takes you on an amazing journey that can change the way you see the world and your life forever. This book is truly amazing and I highly recommend that all should read it. Updated Names & Addresses Marilyn Mohr Our Women s Bible Study meets on Thursdays at 5pm.. Please join us, won t you? WINGS will be getting together on Friday May 27th at 5:30 pm at.islands Restaurant in the Desert Crossing shopping center, Palm Desert. We will meet at 5:30 pm. Call Emily in the church office by Friday noon if you plan to come 760 Sylvia Kendall's Utah address. Her 103 yr. old mother died a few weeks ago. 49-26 West Colton Lane South Jordan, UT 84009. Don & Arline Eberhardt will be married 60 years this year, June 10th. They now live in San Diego. 8515 Costa Verde Blvd. #1612 San Diego, CA 92122 If you wish to send them a card. Bill & Helen Jaehrlich (winter visitors) Helen recently had knee surgery and still has a lot of pain. Bill also had cancer surgery. If you care to send them a card. 2828 146Street Surrey, BC V4POB1
Www.TrinitIndio.org * Thedesertvoice@verizon.net TLC Sunday School/Youth Ministry Page 3 Sunday School Coming this month in Sunday School the children will discover how in heaven they will see Jesus in all His glory just as His disciples witnessed Him transfigured on the mountain. Also, the children will learn who in their lives need to hear about the Savior, Jesus. The final lesson of the month the children will learn how they are to share God s love to their neighbor and who is their neighbor. The children continue to enjoy the Sunday School hour through songs, snacks and crafts. Thank you for keeping this vital ministry in your prayers and for your continued support. TLC Youth Gathering Sunday, May 15, 2016 @ 12pm Sole Hope Cutting Party and Lunch The youth would like to host a Sole Hope Shoe Cutting Party on May 15. This Mission group provides shoes for children in Uganda protecting them from jigger infestations. The mission will provide a kit with patterns the kids will trace and cutout. The youth will be cutting out patterns from old jeans. These patterns will then be sent to Sole Hope mission and shoes will be made out of the patterns the kids cut. The kids will need the following materials donated in order to make this party happen: Fabric scissors (We will return them if borrowed) Large Safety pins Black Sharpie markers OLD JEANS TLC Family Ascension Day Service & Ice Cream Social May 5, 2016 @ 6:30pm Christians all over the world will observe the ascension of Jesus from the earth into the clouds in front of his followers 40 days after his resurrection. Ascension Day marks the end of the Easter season and is 10 days before the celebration of Pentecost. Here at Trinity we will celebrate together in worship, prayer, song and an all white balloon release signifying Jesus ascending to His heavenly Father! After the balloon release join us for a yummy Ice Cream Social!
Page 4 The Desert Voice May 2016 TLC Family Ministry Your faithfulness continues through all generations Psalm 119:90 May 2016 Vacation Bible School WE NEED YOU!!! We re getting ready for a great VBS! This year, we are using Concordia Publishing House s Barnyard Roundup. VBS children will learn that Jesus gathers us together! They ll look into the Bible, God s Holy Word, and explore five Bible accounts where Jesus is with us and abundantly provides for all our needs. He protects and saves us now in this world and forever too! Our VBS will be held from 8:45am to 12 noon, June 20-24, 2016. It is our prayer that God has VBS in His plan for your life! We know Jesus will work through YOU at VBS. The VBS leadership team has identified you as a person who has the energy, creativity, and a commitment to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with God s children in our congregation and our community. Would you prayerfully consider serving in VBS? Listed below are the various job descriptions for you to consider: Storyteller Job summary Plan and lead the Storytelling Site so kids can know and grow in Jesus, our Savior. Bible Challenge Leader Job summary Plan and lead activities and teach the Bible memory verse at Bible Challenge Site so kids can know and grow in Jesus, our Savior. Game Leader Job summary Plan and lead the Games Site so kids can know and grow in Jesus. Snack Leader Job summary Plan and lead the Snack Site so kids can know and grow in Jesus, our Savior. Plan and coordinate food and servers at extra hospitality events. Job Qualifications for all positions Enjoys working with children and is eager to share the Christian faith.
Www.TrinitIndio.org * Thedesertvoice@verizon.net Page 5 Trinity Lutheran Church 81500 Miles Ave. Indio 760 347-3971 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL REGISTRATION June 20-24, 2016 8:45 am 12 noon (One form per child, please) *Student First Name: *Student Last Name: Nick Name: Age: Gender: Male Female Grade entering: Home Church (if applicable): Allergies: *Parent Name: *Address: *City: *State: *Email: *Home Phone Number: Cell Phone Number: Emergency Contact: Emergency Phone: Alternate Pickup Name: Alternate Pickup Phone: Medical Release: I give my permission for the VBS staff to administer basic first aid to my child (named above) in the event of an injury. I understand that the VBS staff will contact emergency services in the event of a significant injury and all expenses for such emergency services will be paid by me. Photo Release: I hereby grant the above named church permission to copyright and use photographs/videos taken at VBS of the minor designated above in any manner or form for any purpose lawful at any time. I waive any right that I may have to inspect or approve the finished product or written copy, that may be used in conjunction therewith, or the use to which it may be applied. Parent Signature Date
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Page 8 The Desert Voice May 2016 MAY 2016 1 Bryan Lorimer 4 Dani Ducatte 8 Janelle Kortmeyer 9 Joey White 9 Renee Young 16 Bobbi Smith 19 Kaden Onak 21 Kacie Onak 22 Donna Heinzeroth JUNE 2016 Birthdays 2 Rory Gates 2 Tara Robinson 3 Moses Gates 5 Sue Spay 6 Mary Elliot 13 Vern Langenwalter 20 Rebecca Bishop 28 Bryan Carlson MAY 2016 JUNE 2016 Anniversaries June 10 Don & Arline Eberhardt (60 years) June 12 Roy & Sandy Culley June 25 Robert & Cindy Hilger May 18 Shad & Jill Schuessler If your birthday/anniversary is not listed, please let the office know so we can help you celebrate! 760-347-3971.
Www.TrinitIndio.org * Thedesertvoice@verizon.net Page 9 Those Who Serve in MAY 2016 Duties May 1 8:30 am Communion May 8 11:00 am Communion May 15 8:30 am Communion May 22 11:00 am Communion May 29 Non Communion Sunday Duty Elder 8:30am Roy Culley Roy Culley Roy Culley Webb Sprague Webb Sprague 11am Richard Robinson Richard Robinson Gary Wiedle Gary Wiedle Gary Wiedle Readers 8:30am Roy Culley Roy Culley Terry Lahn Webb Sprague Webb Sprague 11am Richard Robinson Richard Robinson Gary Wiedle Gary Wiedle Gary Wiedle Ushers Russ Campbell & Terry Lahn Larry Piunti & Dave Haugen Russ Campbell & Jim Lorimer Terry Lahn & Dave Haugen Larry Piunti & Jim Lorimer 8:30am 11am Jim Ducatte Bob Wirtenberger Jim Ducatte & Andy Schlange Bob Wirtenberger & Jim Ducatte Jim Ducatte & Bob Wirtenberger Jim Ducatte & Richard Robinson Acolytes 8:30 am 11:00 am Ethan & Anna- Marie Frese Erin & Elyssa Ashbaugh Ethan & Anna- Marie Frese Emma & Logan Ashbaugh Erin & Elyssa Ashbaugh Baron Chamberlain Emma & Logan Ashbaugh Ethan & Anna- Marie Frese Elder Baron Chamberlain Greeters 8:30am John & Luretta Eide Jim & Noralyn Lorimer John & Luretta Eide Jim & Noralyn Lorimer Jim & Noralyn Lorimer 11am Woody & Linda Kastner Woody & Linda Kastner Woody & Linda Kastner Woody & Linda Kastner Woody & Linda Kastner Flowers Kuhnau s Memory of my mother, Frieda Rush Ruth Farquhar Memory of my mother, Donna Kay Wherry Memory of my Baptism May 20th Ruth Farquhar Good parents: Our cleaning volunteers need your help. We are finding lots of gum under some of the church pews. Tough to remove. We ask that you might help us by monitoring children in church.. Thank you. The Staff.
Page 10 The Desert Voice May 2016 From Your Stewardship Committee Do we Christians really have to tithe? Are we really under a compulsion to give? Aren't we free? Don't we have a freedom from the law that was purchased for us by Jesus Christ s death and resurrection? The problem is that our sinful flesh uses our freedom for selfishness. Christ did not die and rise so that we could give less and do less good work in the world. He died and rose to free us from the compulsion of the Law, to free us from a burden we could not bear. We are missing the point completely if we use the freedom from the Law that Christ won by His passion, crucifixion, and resurrection to give less, or to do less of any good work. Christ set us free to live in His image of faithfulness, generosity, and kindness. We are free from the Law's condemnation so that we can walk in the good works the Lord has prepared for us. Our freedom is not given to indulge our sinful and selfish flesh. Our freedom was purchased and won by Christ so that we could serve our neighbors our family, our society, our church. As a result, much of your freedom is not a freedom from, but a freedom to and for. You are not free from serving your neighbor. You are free for service toward your neighbor willingly and without compulsion. You are not free from giving to your church; you are freed to give to your local congregation in joy, willingly, and without compulsion. The reason you are free to serve, the reason you are free to give is because of Jesus Christ and the forgiveness of sin He won for you on the cross, which He delivers to you in the Gospel and the sacraments. That is our motivation. For God so loved the world, that He gave His onlybegotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). And since God loves us in this way, by giving us His only-begotten Son so that we do not perish, we also love one another in this way, by giving what we have so that our neighbor does not perish. If the God who has provided the sacrifice for your eternal salvation, the God who delivers that salvation to you in Holy Baptism, the God who continues to forgive you and show you His faithfulness, if that same God is the one who also promises to give you daily bread and take care of your earthly life, you can trust in Him, even in giving. After all, Jesus Christ is proof that God loves you and will take care of you. Cindy Hilger, Chairman and Committee.
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Page 12 The Desert Voice May 2016 MASS NEWS FOR MAY 2016 In the month of April we had two students graduate from the St. Louis Seminary. One was Chris Howell, and the other is Robert Jones. They will receive their last check from MASS with the June 2016 payment. We also sent one student out to his vicarage.he will leave later this summer. His name is Nick Duerr. That will leave us with three students as of July 1, 2016. We will have to take a look at our budget to see if we will stay with the three remaining students, or will we be able to take on a new student. For this we ask for your prayers and any suggestions you may wish to put forth. We will receive a check from Thrivent in the amount of $960, plus a check for $351 from the local branch. This is also the last year Thrivent will have local branches. They have gone to a new system of dispersing funds locally, and that is why I was able to secure the $960. So this year Thrivent will provide a total of $1,311which will be a nice boost to our budget. It does look like we could have a good April and we will need to continue having good months in order to pick up a fourth student this summer. I only received one newsletter this month and most of the news was from Nick Duerr who is working hard to finish this year and go out to his vicarage. He did interview around seven churches which were good, but it took a lot of time away from completing his second year. From all appearances he did survive the time spent. This is all I have for this newsletter, but again please do not forget MASS as we want the program to continue as you are doing so much good for our church it is very hard to put into the proper words. In His service, Russ Campbell
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Www.TrinitIndio.org * Thedesertvoice@verizon.net Stamp Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Pacific Southwest District Robert E. Smith, Pastor Cell Phone: 760-485-5171 Emily Bonette, Church Secretary Church Office Phone: 760-347-3971 Eloise Freeman, Preschool Director Preschool Phone: 760-347-3838 Sunday Worship 8:30am & 11am Sunday School/ Bible Class 10:00am Holy Communion 8:30am 1st & 3rd Sundays 11am 2nd & 4th Sundays MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR POWER BASEBALL GAME, SATURDAY, JUNE 11 th, 2016 in PALM SPRINGS. This event is sponsored by THRIVENT FINANCIAL FOR LUTHERANS. Details to follow. Tickets: $10.00 each. Cost includes dinner and game. You can sign up today for tickets. See Emily at the Coffee Hour or call the church office 760-347-3971.Fun! Fun! Fun!