Trinity Presbyterian Church 4601 S. Surprise Way Boise ID 83716 208.336.0665 www.tpcboise.org A Season of Renewal While Pastor Joe has been away acquiring new skills and knowledge in three different arenas, we have been exploring the same themes of peace, creation, and music. In July, Craig Morton and Edward Dunn shared their insights on peace in the family of God. Tom Rasmussen kicked off our VBS with the parable of The Sower and The Seed asking, What kind of dirt are you? And Joel Lund began the series of God s Creation with the question, Our we caretakers or undertakers? On August 5th we will hear part two of God s Creation from Phil Rogers, Campus Minister at College of Idaho. August 12th will usher in the third theme, God s Music, with various members of the Music and Worship Ministry. A Sunday you won t want to miss! Just before Pastor Joe returns, we will hear from Alex Chamberlain, Chaplain for St. Luke s Medical Center, as he wraps the final discussion on God s Music. Most of What I Know of Grace, I Learned in Music Class By Tom Rasmussen, MDiv Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise. The gift of language combined with the gift of song was given to man that he should proclaim the Word of God through Music. ~ Martin Luther ~ It was between my freshman and sophomore years. I had just auditioned and won a spot with the Spokane Jr. Symphony orchestra as a clarinetist. That previous spring I had won the Inland Empire young artist competition. My band director had recommended me for a gifted and talented summer music program where twelve precocious young musicians like me would have the privilege of spending four weeks with a nationally known composer by the name of Luigi Zananelli. The purpose of this intensive six hour per day course was to help us explore our creative potential. As you can imagine, we all thought pretty highly of ourselves and the classroom was barely big enough to contain our twelve adolescent egos. Classes began and since all of us already had a background in music theory and harmony, we started working on our compositions. Each day we would bring what we had written to class and then have it critiqued by the teacher and our peers. Let the ego bruising begin! The teacher was hard but kind; however as students we were merciless on each other. At least one student each day wound up in tears, (yes I had my turn) and except for the fact that all of us were very protective of our fingers, we would have often settled things in the parking lot. After one especially rough session, the teacher calmed us down and spoke into our lives in a most profound way. I do not remember all of his words exactly, but his point has been etched on my heart and mind ever since. I will paraphrase what he told us. To be continue on page 2
Most of What I Know of Grace... All of you in this room are extremely gifted and that, my young friends, is the point. What you have is a GIFT. You didn t earn it, you didn t even ask for it. All of your talent and creativity is a gift from God. Yes, you have worked hard to hone it and to polish it, but it is still a gift. That gift comes with two responsibilities. First, it is your responsibility to use it to bless others. Bless them with beauty. Through your music, give them a glimpse of the One who gave you this gift. Never hide or demean your gift. Second, you have the responsibility to be charitable and gracious toward those who have different gifts. Honor and do not demean those who are still developing their gifts even when you feel that you are in competition with them. Also, honor those who have gifts different from yours. Mr. Zananelli s words still echo true with me. What he taught us that day was more about life; and more about grace than it was about music. We each bring gifts to worship. The musicians and orators are always visible, but there are so many other gifts that contribute to our church: gifts of mercy, teaching, organization, and helping others. We have gifted carpenters, welders, mechanics, and electricians. Some bring the gift of a strong handshake and a warm smile while others bring the gift of an understanding shoulder and reassuring hug. As we celebrate the gifts of music this month, lets each remember to exercise OUR gifts to the fullest and honor each other for who we are and the gifts that we bring to our community. That is worship That is grace The Church knew what the Psalmist knew: Music praises God. Music is well or better able to praise him than the building of the church and all its decoration; it is the Church's greatest ornament. ~ Igor Stravinsky ~ God s Good Creation, the Environment: We are the Stewards By Pastor Lee Hicks Twas the summer of 1960, when two young Presbyterians began a faith-journey, moving from the ivy halls of San Francisco Theological Seminary to the wide-open spaces of Nebraska. Yes, I had my Greek and Hebrew, theology and church history, but no experience. What follows is what I learned from the corn fields, farmers, and ranchers and the small churches in Nebraska. The Tithe: Proclaimed in the Old Testament, and expanded in the New Testament, this is the beginning point of stewardship, figured before taxes. This 10% was for the temple, priests, and the Lord s work. In August 1960, when I got my first salary check for $300, I dutifully wrote out tithe checks to my two churches. That began, and continues to be, the happiest time of the month for me! (cheerful giver) We Presbyterians are in the top third of American churches in giving. Recently, I ve been promoting the final tithe when it comes to wills and estates. Not all should be given to churches; for us, we support our Adoption agency, Rescue Mission, cancer and diabetic research, etc. Other Offerings: Our national Presbyterian body has about a half-dozen offerings they recommend we receive (Christmas, One Great Hour of Sharing etc.). The session can also authorize other needed causes Page 2 for offerings. Over the years I have learned to seriously have as many offerings as possible, because each one has its own special group of supporters. Note: the word offerings needs to be broadened to include offerings of time, talents, goods and services, some of which are needed more than money. Find a Need & Fill it: This is the beginning point of mission and stewardship. Whenever we started work in a new parish, (Nebraska and California), I would send the Deacons (hardest working service group) out on a fact-finding mission, to nearby schools, nursing homes, special needs, etc. asking What is most needed? How can we Presbyterians help? After their groundwork was done, they would report back to session, and after much prayer, new ministries would begin. I would always check with the local Ministry Association about duplication, and encourage their help and involvement. In Columbus, Nebraska our downtown Presbyterian Church became the hub for: Community Food Pantry (started in 1976 and still going) and the Community Children s Free Clothes Closet. We also started a Hospital Chaplaincy group, electrical and gas financial assistance, and community support group for To be continue on page 3 A Season of Renewal
God s Good Creation... unemployed farmers and townspeople (at a Catholic Church) during the AgCrisis in the mid-1980 s. It was here that I discovered my spiritual gift of encourager. My time and abilities were limited, but I loved discovering and encouraging my people s dreams and callings, and helping organize and fund them. The test of any pastor is what programs and causes still exist 10+ years after they are gone. Each decade has its own special needs and challenges. In Nebraska, during the 1960 s and 70 s, it was The Bible and Christian Education. Being a teacher s kid plus an ordained Teaching Elder, this was all important to me. Even in my smallest churches I always taught adults and youth groups, and especially the Confirmation Classes. Early on I discovered On Holy Ground and taught a year-long confirmation class with trips to Jewish Synagogues, Catholic worship, etc. We would scrape together enough money for a Christian Education Director. In 1973, I went to special training for the Bethel Bible Series. This changed my life! All of a sudden the Bible story was whole and complete. The theme was Genesis 12:1-3, blessed to be a blessing. I wound up teaching this course in the next three churches I served, with dozens trained as teachers, and hundreds in the classes. In the 1980 s and 90 s the needs and challenges seemed to be in a richer/deeper spiritual life. It began for us when we returned to California in 1987 after 25 years in Nebraska. Our Easton Presbyterian Church was in a small, rural, unincorporated village of 2,500, ten miles south of Fresno. This church was somehow chosen to host the first Central Valley Walk to Emmaus. This Walk was the Methodist variation of the Catholic Cursello, which I was a pilgrim in Nebraska. These walks are on two separate weekends, going from Friday night thru Sunday afternoon. Men were on the first walk and women on the second. People sleep on the floor at the churches, eat, share and worship there as well. The Summer 1987 Walk was at my church, and I wound up on the Spiritual Director s Team for 30 35 Walks. These were held four times a year, with monthly Reunions. The California Central Valley (Fresno to Bakersfield) is considered the new Bible Belt of California with most of our Presbyterian Churches being conservative and evangelical. Over 200 of my 300+ Easton Church members went on and were involved in these Walks even today. Results were we had volunteers teach Sunday School, sponsor youth groups, and serve as Deacon and Elders. My Easton Session was the most spiritual I ever had, spending more time in prayer than in regular business. Related to the Walk to Emmaus was the Promise Keepers movement, with big events occurring all over the nation. Thousands filled the Fresno State football stadium. Results I noticed were the formation of many new men s groups in our churches. The final trend of needs and challenges I noticed were in the late 1990 s and 2000 s, personal mission trips and the environment. Our church and other Presbyterian Churches were sending youth and adults to Mexico and Louisiana and other spots where there were special needs. Since nearly all my Easton members were farmers and small business people, we were deeply aware of water quality and availability, farm labor, and fertilizers, etc. We went from Nebraska corn and soybeans to California with its two richest farm counties (Fresno and Tulare) in the world. My retired farmers and I got into gleaning and curing grapes and raisins. Over nine years ago we retired and moved to Boise to be close to our daughter, Kerry Calverly. Early on, I attended a Vineyard Church Conference on the Environment. Inspiring! Three or four years ago I taught an adult class on the environment here at Trinity Presbyterian, using Rev. Tri Robinson s book, Saving God s Green Earth. There was a great turnout and response. Tri Robinson is the Vineyard pastor in Garden City, Idaho and their growing church is totally involved with gardens, food pantry, meals, doctors and dentists on hand. Five years ago, my wife Barbara went to New Orleans on the Katrina Mission from Trinity Presbyterian and First Presbyterian churches. She reports that it was one of the most inspiring times of her life. Last November, Trinity and First Pres. sent a multi-mission group to Peru. Dozens of other earth-shaking events highlight my fifty -plus years of Presbyterian ministry. Nearly every parish had its own miracle babies and/or healing moments. The greatest was my being a part of the Fresno Miracle of the 1990 s, when Fresno was the scum of California with crime, gangs, and graffiti. The Pastor s Prayer Summit at ECHO resulted in the transformation of Fresno politics, gangs, and churches. Finally, I leave you with some resources: Saving God s Green Earth by Rev. Tri Robinson (paperback in Trinity s library) Keeping and Healing the Creation by Presbyterian Eco-Justice Task Force Redeeming Creation: The Biblical Basis for Environment Stewardship by Fred Van Dyke Illustrated Green Guide by National Geographic August 2012 Page 3
Trinity Treasures: Month in Review By Annette Slaybaugh, Elder of Trinity Treasures July has been a month filled with traditional summer activities such as swim lessons, field trips to parks and the zoo, movies, and just plain fun in the sunshine. We have 31 full-time children and 43 part-time children enrolled in the summer program. You may have seen them running through the sprinklers or playing games out on the lawn, or maybe even reading a book in the shade. Whatever it is, the children are enjoying their Trinity Treasures summer while participating in learning activities in an environment filled with excitement and adventure! Under the leadership of our new Director, Lisa Deloney, and with much help and support from Ruth Calnon, TT advisory board, the classroom for the older preschool children (shared space with our youth group) is undergoing a renewal process. Ruth is working closely with Lisa in reorganizing and cleaning the classroom and related storage spaces. Help has also come from Tom Rasmussen, Elder of Adult Education, Stewart Wilder, Elder of Youth, and Steve Gross. The space is looking fantastic! Our joint End of Summer Carnival is scheduled for Friday, August 24 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm in Trinity s outside Common Area. The carnival is for both church and Trinity Treasure families. We will all be working to make this event a success. There will be lots of food and fun with games and activities for the children. We hope to see you here! Let Me Introduce You: Lisa DeLoney Page 4 My name is Lisa DeLoney and it is my pleasure to introduce myself as the new Director of Trinity Treasures. I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve God in the wonderful Christian atmosphere of Trinity. I am amazed by children s understanding of God s love and enjoy seeing their excitement to learn and grow in Christ. I have truly realized the importance of Christian education. It is a blessing that God continues to call me to spread His love to others in all that I do. I am the wife of my amazing husband Andy and the mother of two incredible young children. Our daughter Jocelyn is 4 years old and our son Trenton is 3 years old. It is both humbling and inspiring to be a mother and be a witness to my children of God s love. My family and I have been in the Boise area for about a year. Prior to Boise we were in Phoenix, Arizona for 8 years and I grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings involving children including teaching elementary school, owning my own childcare business, and directing another preschool here in the Boise-area. While working with children, I have had the opportunity to collaborate successfully with many different parents and families for the best interest of their children. Lisa DeLoney I am a graduate of Concordia University Wisconsin where I studied Biology and Occupational Therapy. My experiences at Concordia also allowed me to continue my growth as a Christian and realize the importance of sharing God s love with everyone I have the joy of meeting. In my opinion, the mission of a Christian preschool is important for all the children and families involved; the teachers, and the church s congregation. God calls us to share the living water of Jesus Christ with a thirsty world. Through the Holy Spirit, we can as Christians transform children and their To be continue on page 5 A Season of Renewal
families by sharing the love and saving grace of Jesus Christ with them. Children learn best about the love of Jesus when they experience it through the adults around them, and they learn most effectively through developmentally appropriate play. It is important to provide a safe and nurturing learning experience focusing on the spiritual, social, emotional, cognitive and physical development of a child as they use a variety of senses to investigate and explore the world around them. Each child is a precious gift with unique God-given talents and abilities. The Christian preschool is an invaluable part of the church congregation s mission of sharing the living water of Jesus Christ. This is particularly important in homes where the family is the mission field in which the preschool children become witnesses of the Lord and His love. A Christian preschool can provide the same security, love, and care to children as we receive from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It also offers parents an opportunity to join in partnership in raising their children according to the Lord s direction. A congregation, through a preschool, has the opportunity to extend the gospel of Jesus Christ to children while helping them prepare socially and academically for their next adventure in life, kindergarten. It is my honor and privilege to be involved with Trinity Treasures and Trinity Presbyterian Church. I look forward to God s continued direction for my life here at Trinity. In His Service, Lisa DeLoney Let Me Introduce You... For more information about Trinity Treasures visit our website at: www.tpcboise.org or to contact Lisa: childrenaretreasures@gmail.com Influence: A Women s Power-Tool September 21-23, 2012 ~ McCall, Idaho If they erect a statue in our honor, it primarily will serve as a perch for pigeons within the first two weeks of its construction. If they name a building after us, chances are people passing by will wonder how much money we gave for the distinction. ~ Greg Bourgond For me this is a haunting thought! Such memorials may indeed reflect a life of great achievement or service, but unless we live a life that has been a positive influence for those God places within our circle of concern, what good is it? During Women s Retreat, we will be examining this idea of influence and how it should be used for godly purposes. The word influence simply means, the capacity that somebody has to affect another person s actions, behavior, or opinion. We all have influence, whether positive or negative. Which would you rather be known for? Kingdom living, where you created a walking environment so people are better just by being with you? Or are you known for leaving a wake of criticism, chaos, and confusion? At the end of the day or more appropriately, at the end of our life, what will those closest say about us? Leaving an inheritance is more than just making sure your possessions are divided up evenly among your children; it s about leaving a heritage that has lasting value. Once again, I am excited to be a part of this year s retreat! It is my prayer that we can put flesh on God s Word as we look at the scripture in light of leaving a godly legacy. In His Service, Lorene Rasmussen For more information regarding Women s Retreat please contact Margaret Mitchell at: mamitchell75@yaho.com or Lorene Rasmussen at: lorene@tpcboise.org We look forward to being with you in McCall! August 2012 Page 5
The Mission and Vision of Trinity We seek to deepen our relationship to Jesus through each other, invite others to enjoy that relationship, and in the name of Jesus, give hope by making a tangible difference in our local and global community. Core Values Together we are willing to be faithful to God and God s mission to this world without fear of failure. Together we are guided by the core values of the historic faith shaped by scripture yet constantly exploring fresh leadings of God s Spirit. Together we cherish the image of God in all people, everywhere, consequently; we seek to be as multigenerational and as inclusive as Jesus in community. Together we admit to the brokenness of life, yet we hold on to the hope that God can heal and bring wholeness to all of our life. Together we seek to be trained and equipped to engage in God s mission. Together we seek to renew and restore our world as a place that is good for all of God s creation. Together we see faith as a grand adventure, started at various times and places and heading towards the good purposes God intended from the beginning. As Partners with God in mission we will be: Fearless Adaptive Embracing Hopeful Able Ecological Adventurous... You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. ~ I Peter 2:9 ~ Page 6 A Season of Renewal
"So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 Session met on Monday, July 16, 2012 Terry Calnon, Elder of Finance, reported that the June budget was short by $5,000. The building fund took in less money in May and June. Elder of Buildings & Grounds is vacant. Many have stepped forward to lend a hand. Skip Pierce discovered the reason the lawn was looking dry and has now rectified the problem. Dick Stauber has trimmed the trees. Bill Drake and Steve Gross have also stepped forward to help. Thank you all for your assistance! Tom Rasmussen, Elder of Adult Education, moderated the meeting in Pastor Joe s absence. Stewart Wilder, Elder of Youth, reported the Sr. High Camp will be held at Quaker Hill in McCall, July 16-21 and the Jr. High Camp will be held at the same location, July 23-27. Tundra McDougal, Elder of Children s Ministry, is making final preparations for Vacation Bible School. VBS will be held in the evenings, July 23-26. Marsh Jones, Elder of Evangelism, resigned her office June 26, 2012. Susan Hartmann, Elder of Membership & Fellowship, reported that while the Ticket To Ride Concert attracted a small crowd, the evening was very enjoyable! The AARP Driving Class had about 15 folks in attendance. There will be a VBS picnic following the Worship Service on July 22. The Hope Filled Hearts Concert will be indoors on August 26 from 4:00pm - 6:30pm. Kathy Nielsen s, Elder of Missions, motion to allow produce from Create Common Good to be sold at Trinity and for the funds to go directly to CCG, passed. Kathy got permission from Tyler of CCG to take the VBS children into the garden. Greg Said s, Elder of Personnel, motion to accept Rev. Judy McKay s resignation on July 5, 2012, passed. Annette Slaybaugh, Elder of Trinity Treasures, reported that Steve Gross has put door sweeps on the door in the daycare wing to help weather and critter proof the facility. He also installed snake barrier around the children s playground. Annette s motions to add Gemma Gaudette- Lock to the Trinity Treasure Advisory Board and to hold the combined TT & TPC carnival passed. Margaret Mitchell s, Elder of Worship, motion to allow any past/present Deacons or Elders to administer the Lord s Supper at Wynwood, Grace Assisted Living, or an individual s home visit during Pastor Joe s Sabbatical, passed. Thanks to everyone for the extra cleanup around the facility. It is looking very good!! July Session Summary By Susan Hartmann, Clerk of Session Trinity Presbyterian Church Combined Income Statement Detail For the Six Months ending June 30, 2012 Current Year to Date Month Actual Actual Year to Date Budget Revenue Pledges $ 8,218 $ 54,823 $ 88,625 Loose Plate 8,474 50,690 39,274 Other 2,643 21,654 21,517 Total Revenue $ 19,335 $ 127,167 $ 149,416 Expenses Missions 0 2,000 2,000 Stewardship 0 387 600 Evangelism 0 0 720 Education: Adult 0 130 500 Education: to 6th Grade 0 759 749 Education: Youth 350 1,598 1,193 Membership (45) 724 1,411 Worship 40 1,304 1,856 Admin/Finance 6,339 37,301 39,788 Maintenance 3,403 23,148 26,214 Personnel 12,053 77,823 80,804 Total Expenses 22,140 145,174 155,835 Total TOC Operating Income (2,805) (18,007) (6,419) Trinity Treasurers Revenue - all sources 38,438 263,038 278,000 Expenses Salaries 29,733 180,969 185,500 Other Expenses 10,828 87,546 92,870 Transfer to Reserves 0 0 0 Total TT Operation Income (2,123) (5,477) (370) Total Combined Income ($ 4,928) ($ 23,484) ($ 6,789) BUILDING FUND UPDATE Update as of June 31, 2012 Pledges Received $ 7,952 Principle & Interest Paid (17,373) Difference (9,421) Beginning Fund Balance $ 28,682 Cash Available 19,261 Working Capital Loan, Gen Fund 25,000 Ending Fund Balance $ 44,261 August 2012 Page 7
In Touch Trinity Presbyterian Church 4601 S. Surprise Way Boise, ID 83716 208-336-0665 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 130 Boise, Idaho ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED August 2012 Upcoming Events Hope-Filled Hearts Concert Sunday, August 26 ~ 4:00-5:30pm A special, magical event that blends three art forms together in an interactive experience for everyone! Featuring our own Janet Lund, canvas Artist, Lisa Marten, and clay artist, Angela Newert, this will be a real treat! Please join us in supporting the Idaho Food Bank (non-perishable donation) or Idaho Human Society (bagged dog or cat food). ALL CHURCH BIKE RIDE AND PICNIC Sunday, September 16 Join your Trinity family following the worship service as we bike over to Municipal Park for an all church picnic! Burgers, hot dogs, buns, condiments & drinks provided. Please bring a side dish to share. Transportation for your dish is available if needed. WOMEN S RETREAT Friday, September 21-23 Ladies it is time to register for retreat at Camp Pinewood in beautiful McCall, ID. A weekend reflect relax recharge rejoice! This year s theme is, Influence: A Woman s Power-Tool, Lorene Rasmussen will explore how a woman s influence should be used for godly purposes; our next generation depends on it! For more information, contact Margaret Mitchell. to