Ecclesia September 2014 September Rector s Reflections By The Rev. Robert Schlismann See you in September, see you when the summer s through. Here we are saying goodbye at the station, summer vacation is taking you away... First recorded in 1959 by the Tempos and then covered in 1966 by the Happenings, See You in September became a summer classic for its time a boy saying bye-bye to his girlfriend who was going away for the whole summer! The idea that summer vacation is taking you away for three months is for most people a distant memory (if it ever existed) of a slower-paced life where a family with school-age children could afford to take several months vacation somewhere else. That was then. Even though summer doesn t technically end until September 22, it is long over for kids who have been back at school since mid-august. By September many people are back from vacations, weekend getaways (except for Husker home games!) and summer jaunts, so church activities and attendance typically pick up with the end of summer and the beginning of the early fall. Sunday School and Choir return on Sunday September 7, the weekend after Labor Day. Both groups have had a well-deserved summer recess, but I am very glad they will be back. Natalie and Deb always welcome additional /new/returning members to the Trinity Choir. Whitney, Paula, and Carol are looking forward to having returning and new kids in Sunday School. I ask parents and grandparents to please see that your kids regularly attend since a lot of work goes into preparing the Sunday School lessons, which now will include interesting and creative power-point presentations. Sunday Church School is where they learn about Jesus and the church, and it is much easier to get children in the habit of going to church when they are younger. The downstairs space is now a cheerful and inviting place to be. Also new this fall will be a nursery for babies and toddlers, headed up by Jan Beauvais. This, too, will be downstairs for now. Nursery equipment/furnishings and help are welcome. Please see Jan or me if you would like to assist. Acolytes (young people who help in the services) are also welcome and needed to serve on Wednesday and Saturday evenings and Sunday morning eucharists. We will have an acolytes supper and training, a little later on. Already the vestry is starting to work on the 2015 budget. We welcome new vestry member Bob Pratt who is taking the place of Mark Wagner, who had to step down after his work schedule changed and is now working many evenings. Thanks, Mark for your service, and to Bob for being willing to come on board. There is one other matter that I feel needs to be addressed. Some in the Birthdays Sept. 3 Laurie Millard Sept. 4 Carolyn Smith Sept. 9 Cheryl Beed Sept. 10 Annie Duncan Sept. 11 Jordan James Sept. 17 Jaiden Freudenburg Sept. 19 Jean Atwood Sept. 23 Bonnie Nuttelmann Inez Barth Sept. 14 Colln Bauer Sept. 16 Mark Wagner Sept. 27 Krista Bjelland Sept. 28 Karmen Pass Anniversaries September 3 George & Ruth Strassler September 5 Ryan & Lisa Mitchell Sept. 15 Cory & Kylie Knull Sept. 17 Carol & Robert Schlismann Sept. 20 John & Natalie Garden
Page 2 parish may have heard rumors that the priest was physically attacked. That unfortunately is true, and to dissuade any misinformation I want to make a few comments concerning it. This happened before a Wednesday evening service in August. It was precipitated by an upset person peripherally involved at the church. I was not beaten up but was taken unawares. I was not injured, just a little bruised from a fall. I did not retaliate. All this was witnessed. The police were called and the person was ticketed for third degree assault. A courtapproved restraining/protection order was issued against that individual to ensure security and protection for the church. This person cannot trespass upon church property, approach, or harass anyone here. That is the reason for having the exterior alley office door locked during business hours. This is a temporary measure approved by the vestry. Bishop Barker and Canon Easton both have been informed and they have been very supportive. I mention this incident because you as the congregation: A. are entitled to hear about it from a firsthand source. (me) B. may be assured that this was a fluke and that our church is a safe place to be. I would cheerfully bring my own grandchildren to Trinity to worship and for activities, if they lived in this area. C. may be reassured that the vast majority of people who receive assistance/help through Trinity are non-confrontational, non-violent, and constitute no danger or threat to our well-being. D. may realize that an act of a single volatile individual will not preclude outreach and pastoral care from being practiced by our parish and your priest. In the 26 years since my initial ordination, having served at churches large and small, I never experienced anything remotely like this. Once in a while in ministry one may encounter anger or resentment, but nothing beyond that. If anything, this was an opportunity for me to learn firsthand what it is like to literally turn the other cheek. If you have any questions/concerns please do not hesitate to contact me. In the all-caring Christ, Fr. Bob+ Prayer Corner Those in our church family that need your prayers thank you in advance. Please remember, Karl, Marcia, Liz, Wanda, Bob & Georgia, Madison, Jody, Sharon, Melissa, & Kay with health concerns; those who live alone or in nursing homes especially, Wanda & Phyllis; those serving in the military, especially Adam, Miles, Jerome, Tyler and Jeremy and James and those who travel, need guidance and faith, difficult people, those who care for those we love and those who are bereaved.
Page 3 Live Happier, Longer The simple act of regularly attending a religious service is a common thread among cultures with the longest life spans. It doesn t matter which faith you are; attending church, even just once a month, seems to have a positive effect on one s overall health and happiness. A study in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior discovered that those who attended regular religious services at least once per month had a longer life expectancy than those who did not. It seems that people who nourish their spiritual side lower their risk of heart disease, depression, and stress, while increasing their immunity. Why is going to church so good for your health? Provides a Big, Social Network. Friends are an important part of enjoying a healthy, happy life. People who attend church have a big social network and a regular meeting place. Weekly meetings with friends are a great way to talk, connect, relieve stress, laugh, and have a good time. It also means being there for others in their time of need. Participating in a religious community is a great way to connect, bond, and share life s ups and downs. Encourages Positive Behaviors. People who attend church tend to be more physically active and may be less likely to indulge in unhealthy behaviors like excessive drinking, smoking, and using illegal drugs. Religious services offer a regularly scheduled time to slow down and reflect. Creates a Sanctuary Time. Taking a weekly break from the rigors of daily life is a great way to relieve stress and strengthen your social networks with loved ones. It offers a time to turn off the TV, not think about work or school, and spend time with the people who are important to you. It s a great way to down shift by taking some time for yourself to slow down and rejuvenate. Supports a Sense of Purpose. Religion encourages positive behaviors and expectations. When people act in accordance with their beliefs and values, they feel good about themselves and are more likely to feel a sense of pride and purpose in their daily lives. July Financial Report Budget Request for Nursery Supplies We are hoping to have a temporary nursery facility available this fall. This is something we have been planning for several years. New families are not likely to consider a church that has no nursery available, so it is not only a matter of ministry but a matter of church growth and overall viability. I am praying that individuals will be led to contribute furnishings and equipment such as: 2 cribs, a changing table, 2 playpens, a large area rug, and age-appropriate toys. Donations to purchase the same are welcomed. Stuffed animals should be new and not used. Please contact Jan Beauvais, Inez, or me. Fr. Bob+ Actual Income 13,209.00 15,159.73 Expenses 13,210.44 12,183.29 If you would like to order flowers on a certain weekend in memory of a loved one, call the church office and we ll put your wishes on the schedule. We have several openings.
Page 4 Mark Your Calendar Sunday School will resume Sept. 7! Mon., Sept. 1 Labor Day. Office closed. 10:30 a.m. Wed., Sept. 3 Holy Eucharist, 6 p.m. Thurs., Sept. 4 DOK, 7 p.m. Teachers are Amy Casey & Carol Schlismann Sat., Sept. 6 Eucharist, 5:30 p.m. Sun., Sept. 7 Eucharist, 10:30 a.m. We need teachers/helpers! Mon., Sept. 8 Prayer Group, 9:30 a.m. Wed., Sept. 10 Bible Study, 10:30 a.m.; Holy Eucharist & potluck supper, 6 p.m. Sat., Sept. 13 Eucharist, 5:30 p.m. Sun., Sept. 14 Eucharist, 10:30 a.m. Mon., Sept. 15 Prayer Group, 9:30 a.m. Wed., Sept. 17 Bible Study, 10:30 a.m.; Holy Eucharist & potluck supper, 6 p.m. If you would like to help, please call. Amy, 379-6727 or Carol, 402-440-2822 Sat., Sept. 20 Eucharist, 5:30 p.m. Sun., Sept. 21 Eucharist, 10:30 a.m. Mon., Sept. 22 Prayer Group, 9:30 a.m. Wed., Sept. 24 Bible Study, 10:30 a.m.; Holy Eucharist & potluck supper, 6 p.m. Sat., Sept. 27 Eucharist, 5:30 p.m. Congratulations on your 60th wedding anniversary! Sun., Sept. 28 Eucharist, 10:30 a.m. Mon., Sept. 29 Prayer Group, 9:30 a.m. Laurel & Ken Caskey September Tellers (Vestry Counters) September 7 Russell Kumm/Kathy Siemsglusz September 14 Brad Brooks/Jan Beauvais September 21 Laurel Caskey/BethAnn Feller September 28 Bob Pratt/Jeff White
Page 5 We re doing it again - Rummage Sale Friday & Saturday, Sept. 19 & 20 Bring your stuff, starting at Saturday night church, Sept. 13th but please, not earlier we don t have the space. I was tired after the last rummage sale, and swore I d never do it again but then I started reading the comments. So much fun to see so many people around there, all working together. The Fellowship was worth it! (There were 23 people on our team!) My heart warmer was seeing a needy family leave with three bags of carefully selected clothing, for $3.00. This was truly an outreach program, along with being a garage-sale-junkie rush. Yeah, it was a lot of fun. Suggestions included a back-up check out lane for first rush. More signage outside, more advertising. Concern do we have enough inventory? We re all going to have to clean deep! Remember, no TV s they would have to be hauled to Omaha but anything else, if you ve got it, we ll take it! By comparison, the SILENT AUCTION was a breeze. I m still amazed at the talents and generosity of our people. And it was fun..watching the fuss at the end, with people jealously guarding their bids. If you have an item or talent, call Inez bring items to office the week prior to the auction. Items are on display (and guarded) during the rummage, but auction closes after church on Sunday, Sept. 21. -Rhoda Phone 402-841-7636..
Page 6 Know Your Vestry By Jean Atwood