Holy Trinity

Volume 3, Issue 2
February 2013
Holy Trinity
Lutheran Church
holytrinityankeny.org
515-964-4348
Pastors:
• Timothy V. Olson
• Pam Schroeder
In this issue:
Page 1
• This is the Christian
Life
Page 2
• Your Walk (continued)
Page 3
• Your Walk (continued)
• Do You Belong to God?
Page 4
• Families in Mission
• Parents Night Out
Page 5
• Pon’s Egg Roll Recipe
Page 6
• Calendar
Page 7
• Marriage Retreat info
Page 8
• Hearty Blessings
• The Book Nook
Page 9
• This is the Christian
Life (continued)
• Sonseekers
• Table to Table
Back Cover
• Your Walk: Pon
Thipyothin
Page 1
Pastor Tim Olson
February brings farewells and
new beginnings. On Saturday and
Sunday, February 9-10, - the Festival of
Transfiguration- we will say farewell to
“Alleluia,” abstaining from this word of
celebration until Easter. The following
Wednesday, February 13 we will usher in
the season of Lent with Ash Wednesday
worship at 5:30 and 7:00 PM. Lent is a time
of reflection and renewal; of new beginnings
for our faith as we live it each day. The
theme for our Lenten journey will be: This
is the Christian Life and will feature a focus
on what Jesus teaches us about how we live
each day as his followers.
Living the Christian life has always been
a concern for those who follow the Lord.
But, in our age, it receives special emphasis
because for most people, Christian faith is
little more than a bunch of ideas and beliefs
that are hard to grasp. People often see
little difference in the lives lived by Christians
and anybody else. It is that difference they
seek. Living life believing one thing and doing
another leads to often accurate accusations that
Christians can be hypocrites. So, we are going to
walk the path of Lent asking what the Christian
life each day might look like.
Living the faith has always been part of Lenten
observances. Fasting, prayer, and extra giving to
the poor were Jewish traditions that Christians
continued, especially in Lent, as new Christians
prepared for baptism on Easter. Perhaps you
remember giving up some food for Lent – that is
a remnant of the practice of fasting. Maybe you
recall giving a midweek offering – extra “alms”
for the poor. Mid-week Lenten services are a
reflection of increased communal prayer life.
We will be gathering on Wednesday evening
to observe Lent with a second emphasis on the
Christian Life. We will work to live Table to
Table – as in table/altar to family table at home.
Continued on page 9
...those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty
Page 2
settled in the US. She
said,
“The language
barrier was definitely a
struggle for our family. We all knew we
had to learn the English
Continued from back cover
Pon was eight years language to go to school,
get jobs and just to get
old when she came to
around. My brother,
America. She knew
the English and Laotian my cousin and I went
to Windsor elemenalphabets, spoke the
tary school and learned
Laotian language, but
English through an
couldn’t write it. Pon
ESL class there. By the
remembers feeling relieved when they left the time I went to middle
school, I didn’t need
refugee camp because
ESL anymore. I was
she knew they were
always trying to perfect
going somewhere that
would bring a better life my English speaking and
for her family. Pon was writing skills. It remains
really amazed by the air- a work in progress for
plane and was excited to me and my family, even
discover new things. At 20 years later. Another
struggle was assimilatthe same time, she was
ing to the American
afraid of the unknown,
culture and convincing
but always knew that
my Mother to allow me
everything would be
okay because her family to play sports in middle
school and high school
trusted in God.
and go to a homecom The Thipyothin
ing dance. My Uncle,
family was provided a
house and car and a little Mom and Grandma
were very strict as they
money to get settled
wanted to me focus on
in Des Moines. Pon’s
school and get good
Mother and Uncle
grades, they didn’t want
used the car to drive to
English language classes. us to get involved with
anything else. It was
Mother was able to go
tough growing up with a
to cosmetology classes
to enable her to work as single-mom, because we
didn’t have a lot of mona hair stylist here as she
had in Laos. Her Uncle ey. We had to be very
careful about where
studied car mechanics
we spent our money.
at DMACC. Grandpa
later passed away in July We made sure we had
enough money for bills
of 1998. Through it all,
Grandma would always and didn’t do many activities, such as going on
look to God. Pray to
family vacations, going
God. Remember, as
to the movies, etc. Our
Pon Thipyothin says,
family loved to fish, so
“Through all of the ups
and downs God is there. every summer, we spent
We always look to God.” the weekend driving to
Red Rock in Pella or Big
I asked Pon if she
Creek in Polk City to
could describe any
specific struggles as they fish. “
The Well
Pon had no trouble
speaking of her blessings. “Our greatest
blessing is coming to the
United States – we are
forever thankful that
God brought us here.
We wouldn’t know
where we would be if
we didn’t come here.
The journey from Laos
to America has led us
to know God and given
our family a new life in
Iowa. We have so much
to be thankful for so
we count our blessing
every day. A few proud
milestones include the
day my Mother became
a U.S. citizen (everyone
in the family is now a
U.S. citizen, Grandma
was the last one to get
hers in 2009 after three
tries); when each of the
kids graduated from
high school, and the day
I received my Finance
degree from Iowa State
University. Additionally, I have been blessed
with a wonderful career
at Principal and also
met the love of my life
there.”
The Thipyothins
were members at Trinity Lutheran for 20 years
and would call it their
home church. Pon told
me about their experience at Trinity. “Mother
and Uncle played and
sang in a Laotian church
band. Our family attended the Laotian service at Trinity Lutheran
for many years. My
brother, my cousin and
I all got baptized there.
We went to Sunday
School, Vacation Bible
School, church camps
in Okoboji and got
confirmed there. We all
loved Christmas time,
because we got to sing
in Christmas programs
and be part of a play to
tell Jesus’ birth story.
The Laotian service also
held an annual Christmas celebration, which
had a full agenda including worship, singing,
and skits about the birth
of Jesus and drawing for
prizes with raffle tickets.
And the food was also
wonderful; we always
had plenty of food
that everyone brought
to share. We always
looked forward to going
to church on Sundays.”
After Pon’s graduation from East High, she
earned a finance degree
at Iowa State. She then
visited Laos and found
her Father. But many
years and experiences
had caused them to
grow apart. After graduation she worked at
Principal in commercial
lending. As the economy slowed, Pon chose
to move into a banking
job. This job turned out
not to be what Pon was
interested in and she
prayed every day for a
new job. Remember, as
Pon Thipyothin says,
“Through all of the ups
and downs God is there.
We always look to God.”
Finally she landed a
paralegal job. Soon, her
contacts and career path
led her back to Principal
where she now works in
commercial loan servicing.
Pon now helps
her Grandmother in
the Laotian tradition
of family caring for all
generations. No nursing
homes.
Continued on page 3
The Well
Page 3
Continued from page 2
Pon is and has been the
“go to” person for all of
the challenges of the
refuge family in this
new land.
Pon is the translator,
navigator, family advocate, tax person, and
cook for family gatherings. But she knows
she is blessed and will always look to God in the
good times and bad.
I hope you’ll get to
meet Pon, her brother
Olay and his wife Dah
and their children,
Kaylanha and Izayah.
Dah is a Nursery Attendant here at HTLC
and is also helping out
with the 3 and 4 year
old preschool church
school. Pon is anxiously awaiting her marriage
to Ben Sitzmann, which
will take place on July 6,
2013.
A favorite verse
of Pon’s (Food for
Thought):
Psalms 18:2 “The LORD
is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in
whom I take refuge, my
shield, and the horn of
my salvation, my stronghold.”
And a favorite
recipe (Food for Family)
Pon said “My friends
and family have mentioned that I make the
best eggrolls, so I would
like to share this recipe.”
(Find this recipe on the
back of the calendar in
this newsletter.)
- By Jean Murphy
Do You Belong to God?
What does it mean
to “Belong to God”?
Are there any qualifications that must be met?
You must be of German decent? You must
be at least 56 inches
tall? You must have
blue eyes? The good
news is God has no
qualifications! Belonging to God is about
loving God. In Mark
12:30 it says, “Love the
Lord your God with
all your heart and with
all you soul and with
all your mind and with
all your strength.” God
has shown over and
over, through Christ,
complete and absolute
love for us. Belonging to God is about
returning that love.
But, how do you love
with all your heart, all
your soul, all your mind
and strength? Take
a moment to picture
what that kind of love
must look like. To me
it seems risky to love
God that much. To me
it seems like it is hard
to do what God asks
because it is hard to
trust God will provide
what I need. Why do
we doubt so much?
Why do we not trust
that God will take care
of all our needs, just as
God promises? It is
also hard because loving
God back means I put
God in control, and it
is threatening when we
feel that we are not in
control. But, “belonging
to God” means we allow
God to rule our lives,
putting God in charge
of everything. This
includes our time and
money and our possessions. If we remember,
God has entrusted all
thing to us while we are
on this earth. It takes a
tremendous faith and
trust! But the faith is
also given to us by God.
How strong is your faith
and trust?
God loves us in
spite of our response
to our calling. It is
hard for us to imagine
or duplicate the un-
conditional love that
God shows over and
over. The rewards of
“Belonging to God” are
immeasurable! Even
though God requires
nothing from us, giving
to God and working for
God gives me an inner
strength and calm; an
inner trust and confidence. It means your
relationship with Christ
is growing. You are part
of an extraordinary
group in the journey
with Christ. There is
room for all and enough
work for all. Find a way
to get involved. Join
in finding the solution
of spreading the Good
News of “Belonging to
Christ”. Give with all of
your heart. Know and
trust that God is good!!
“Belonging to God”
is a lifetime journey, a
real lifetime – now and
forever. What are you
willing to sacrifice and
give to live a life that
belongs to God?
– Duane Suhr,
Generosity Team Leader
Page 4
The Well
Families in Mission
On March 3, the
HTLC Families in
Mission group will
be meeting from
2:00 – 4:00 to prepare
Manna Bags and bags
of laundry soap to be
distributed to needy
individuals in the Des
Moines area.
What are Manna
bags? They are bags
full of items that
an individual might
need or use on a daily
basis, or merely use as
a means of survival.
The bags can be distributed formally by
various organizations,
or individuals can
keep one in their car
Parents Night Out
February is always
a tough month. With
everyone in the family reeling from the
effects of cabin fever
and add in the pressure of trying to find
a night to celebrate
Valentine’s Day with
your loved one February quickly becomes
Stress City.
Well those of us
who are participating in the Middle
School and High
School Mission Trips
have thought of a
and hand it out their
car window if they see
someone in need on
the street.
We invite all
members of HTLC to
join us as we serve our
community in this
way. If you’re not able
to attend but would
like to help with supplies, please consider
donating some of the
following items or
gift cards to Hy-Vee/
Target/Walmart so
we might purchase
the items ourselves.
Please bring all items
to church no later
than March 3. Please
place the items in the
marked bin in the
Narthex.
Items needed for
laundry soap bags:
Boxes of Borax
laundry soap, Bars of
Ivory bath soap OR
Fels-Naptha laundry
soap, Arm & Hammer, Washing Soda
(not the same as baking soda), Snack-size
Ziploc bags
Items needed for
Manna Bags (these
are merely suggestions – feel free to
bring other items if
you would like):
Granola Bars, Bottles
of water, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste,
Individual bags of
snacks, Gallon-sized
plastic ziploc bags,
Small containers of
juice, Fruit cups, Raisins, Vienna sausage,
Plastic forks/spoons,
Gift certificates or
coupons for free
Whoppers, sandwiches, etc., Washcloths,
Small bars (hotel-size)
of soap, Hotel-size
bottles of shampoo or
conditioner.
way that we can help
you out (at least with
providing you some
child care for a much
needed night off). On
Friday, February 8th,
from 5-9pm we’ll be
having a Fundraiser
called Parents Night
Out. We’ll be providing age appropriate
activities for kids from
birth to 5th grade
(Professional Nursery
staff will be present
for our littlest kids!).
So if your kids are
ready for a night away
from their parents
(or the other way
around) full of games,
crafts, snacks, and
maybe even a movie
this event is for you!
Sign-ups for Parent’s
night out will be available at the Welcome
Center in the Narthex. The cost of this
event is up to you as
we’ll be accepting free
will donations with
all proceeds going
to support the High
School and Middle
School mission trips
this summer.
- Krista Gerth
- Andrew Karrmann
Pon’s Egg Roll Recipe
Egg Roll Filling Ingredients:
• 1 small bag of coleslaw mix
• 1 lb lean ground pork
• 2 rolls of clear vermicelli noodles (soaked, drained and cut into 2 inch lengths)
• 2 carrots (peeled and shredded)
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 or 2 eggs (depending on liquidity of mix)
• ¾ cup of oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 2 ½ teaspoon of salt
• 2 teaspoon of msg (optional)
• 3 package of egg roll wrappers (25/pkg)
• 1 liter of vegetable oil for deep frying
Makes approximately 60-70 egg rolls
Mixing steps:
1. Place ground pork in large mixing bowl and add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of msg, ½
teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and ¼ cup of oyster sauce. Mix all ingredients together thoroughly.
2. In another large mixing bowl combine all vegetables (coleslaw, onions, carrots) and
clear vermicelli noodles. Add 1 teaspoon of black pepper, ½ teaspoon of sugar, 1 ½ teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of msg and remaining oyster sauce. Add the ground pork mix
and 1 egg (or 2 if consistency of mix looks dry but don’t want it to be wet). Next, hand
mix thoroughly until the ground pork is mixed in well with the vegetables.
3. Next do a taste test. Take a spoonful of the egg roll mix and cook in microwave (about
25-30 seconds per side). If the mix tastes okay then proceed to wrap the egg rolls.
Assembling the Egg Rolls:
Ingredients/Supplies:
• 3-4 egg yolks for sealing the egg roll (crack in small bowl – you can save the egg whites)
• Large aluminum tray to set egg rolls in (lay paper towel on tray and stand egg rolls up)
1. Place a heaping spoonful of the mixture (filling) in one corner of an egg roll wrapper.
Slowly and tightly roll the wrapper up half way and fold in the sides (burrito style) and
continue to roll tightly until you get to the top corner. Seal the top corner with a good
dab of the egg yolk.
2. Repeat rolling steps until all the filling is gone.
Frying the Egg Rolls:
1. Deep fry in 3 inches of very hot oil until golden brown on both sides. (They cook very
quickly.) Drain on colander or paper towels.
2. Cut each egg roll in half crosswise and arrange on a platter. Serve warm, with spring
roll sauce and enjoy!
Note: You can also freeze the eggrolls if you don’t want to fry them right away. Make sure
you cover the aluminum tray with a layer of wax paper and sealed with a layer of aluminum foil (make sure edges are sealed tightly). They keep for 3-4 months in the freezer.
Once you’re ready to fry them, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.
S
5
12
19
26
3
8:30 am Monday Morning
Coffee
4
5
9:00 am Willing Workers
and Paint Pound and
Praise
10:30 am Staff Meeting
1:00 pm WPT
7:00 pm Confirmation
Guide Book Study
7:00 pm Trinity Ringers
9:00 am Willing Workers
and Paint Pound and
Praise
10:30 am Staff Meeting
1:00 pm MVT
6:30 pm Caring Cadre
7:00 pm Trinity Ringers
am Monday Morning25
8:00 am Worship
24 8:30
9:30 am Worship
Coffee
6:30 pm College Moms
9:30 am Church School
11:00 am Worship
3:00 pm Gather for Games Women’s Ministries
5:00 pm MS Fellowship
Event
7:00 pm HS Bible Study
26
19
9:00 am Willing Workers 12
and Paint Pound and
Praise
10:30 am Staff Meeting
1:00 pm MVT
5:15 pm Caring and
Discipleship SMA
7:00 pm Hannah Bible Study
7:00 pm Trinity Ringers
9:00 am Willing Workers
and Paint Pound and
Praise
10:30 am Staff Meeting
1:00 pm WPT
6:00 pm Financial Review
Committee
6:30 pm New Member
Exploration Class
7:00 pm Lydia Bible Study
7:00 pm Trinity Ringers
8:30 am Monday Morning18
Coffee
5:00 pm Hearty Blessing
Casserole Prep
7:00 pm Confirmation
Guide Book Study
High School Ski Trip
8:00 am Worship
8:30 am New Member Brunch
9:30 am Worship with New
Member Reception
9:30 am Church School
9:30 am Adult Education
11:00 am Worship
11:00 am Adult Education
7:00 pm HS Bible Study
17
Tuesday
Wednesday
6
am Bulletin Stuffers
6:30 am Son Seekers - Men’s
7 10:30
Ministries
12:30 pm Mom 2 Mom
9:00 am Mom 2 Mom
7:30 pm Esther Bible Study
10:30 am Bulletin Stuffers
12:30 pm Mom 2 Mom
Friday
8
1
S
2
9
16
23
30
7:30 am Men’s Bible Study
9:00 am It’s a Girl Thing Women’s Ministries
5:30 pm Worship
7:30 am Men’s Bible Study
5:30 pm Worship
Saturday
March 2013
S M T W T F
1
3 4 5 6 7 8
10 11 12 13 14 15
17 18 19 20 21 22
24 25 26 27 28 29
31
9
2
9:00 am LWR Quilt Makers
1:00 pm Prayers for
Caregivers
5:30 pm Children’s Choirs
6:00 pm Soup Supper
6:30 pm Worship
7:00 pm Children’s Ministry
7:30 pm Chancel Choir
7:30 pm HS Youth Group
8:15 pm Grace Abounds
Rehearsal
27
6:30 am Son Seekers - Men’s
28
Ministries
9:00 am Mom 2 Mom
2:30 pm Blood Drive
6:30 pm Inviting SMA
5:30 pm Children’s Choirs20 6:30 am Son Seekers - Men’s
21
6:00 pm Soup Supper
Ministries
6:30 pm Worship
9:00 am Mom 2 Mom
7:00 pm Children’s Ministry 6:30 pm Council Meeting
7:30 pm Chancel Choir
7:30 pm HS Youth Group
8:15 pm Grace Abounds
Rehearsal
10:30 am Bulletin Stuffers22 7:30 am Men’s Bible Study23
12:30 pm Mom 2 Mom
9:00 am Altar Guild
4:00 pm WOW Widows5:30 pm Worship
Widowers Outing
Ash Wednesday
am Son Seekers - Men’s
am Bulletin Stuffers15 High School Ski Trip
13 6:30
14 10:30
16
No Church School or
Ministries
12:30 pm Mom 2 Mom
7:30 am Men’s Bible Study
Confirmation
9:00 am Mom 2 Mom
5:30 pm Worship
9:00 am LWR Quilt Makers
1:00 pm Prayers for
Caregivers
5:30 pm Worship
7:00 pm Worship
8:15 pm Grace Abounds
Rehearsal
11:00 am Health Cabinet
6:00 pm Financial Review
Committee
*Normal Church School,
Confirmation & Choir
Schedules*
Thursday
February 2013
*Normal Church School, Confirmation & Choir Schedule*
4:00p Middle School Hang-out 6:15p Confirmation
(6th & 9th grade)
4:15p Church School
7:00p HS Youth Group
5:00p Upper Room Cafe
(9th-12th grade)
5:30p Children’s Choirs
7:00p Chancel Choir
5:30p Late Hang-out
7:15p Confirmation (7th & 8th
6:00p Church School
grade)
6:00p Adult Education 8:15p Grace Abounds Rehearsal
Foundations
Monday
Food Pantry Weekend 10 8:30 am Monday Morning11
Coffee
8:00 am Worship
7:00 pm Worship SMA
9:30 am Worship
7:30 pm Children’s Team
9:30 am Church School
Meeting
9:30 am Adult Education
11:00 am Worship
11:00 am Adult Education
7:00 pm HS Bible Study
8:00 am Worship
9:30 am Worship
9:30 am Church School
9:30 am Adult Education
11:00 am Worship
11:00 am Adult Education
4:00 pm Hearty Blessing
Casserole Prep
7:00 pm HS Bible Study
Sunday
January 2013
S M T W T F
1 2 3 4
6 7 8 9 10 11
13 14 15 16 17 18
20 21 22 23 24 25
27 28 29 30 31
Marriage Retreat
Page 7
Riverside Marriage Retreat:
March 1-3, 2013
What does a Marriage Retreat look like at Riverside? The
weekend is filled with sessions with our speakers, God’s
Word, worship, skits by our program team, lots of fun,
fellowship and laughter. It is a time to get away from our
normal schedules, the phone ringing, demands as being
parents, housework, cooking, dishes, yard work, etc.! Take
the time to be with your spouse in an atmosphere which encourages godly marriages, lasting relationships, friendships
within marriages, and fellowship with others.
What couples enjoyed most about the Marriage Retreat weekends:
“Time together, Riverside is a safe place, being reminded what God desires
from us as man and wife, meeting new friends, date night entertainment,
the speakers, laughing so hard together, time away from busy schedules,
kids, phones, and work, being in God’s creation, praying together for the
first time!”
Theme: “Completely One”
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will
become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let
man not separate.”
God’s intent and design for marriage is that the two shall become as one. The very things that attract us to each other initially can later be the very things that pull us apart. During this retreat we will
explore the differences that tend to keep couples from becoming completely one and discover how
we can begin to value and accept these differences, so we can experience the oneness God intended.
This year’s speakers, Jim & Kathie Hobson, have been married for
over 30 years, have two married daughters, and have been National
Directors of Christ-Life Ministries since its inception 12 years ago. Kathie
has served as a therapist in clinical and church settings. Jim & Kathie
have a passion to see people become who they were created to be so
they can fulfill their God-given purpose. Through Christ-Life’s program,
Ultimate Journey, they equip people to have productive lives, love-filled
marriages and emotionally healthy children.
Please pray about coming to the Marriage Retreat in March 2013! Bring some friends! Maybe you
know a couple who would really like to come, but child care and/or money is prohibiting them. Can
you help, or could you find help for them? The registration fee is a great GIFT to give for Christmas
and anniversaries!
Housing Options & Fee
$130 - Riverside housing - couples stay in individual cabins or rooms.
$210 - Viking Hotel (3 miles from camp in Story City)
$100 Commute - sleep at home, attend all the programming at camp
*Fee includes all meals and programming
REGISTER NOW!
Couples arrive Friday evening and the retreat ends with a brunch on Sunday around noon. You
DON’T want to miss this weekend! Consider giving the weekend as gift to someone! They will appreciate it! Find the registration form at:
http://www.riversidelbc.org/images/downloads/registration/2012marriageretreatflier.pdf
Or at the welcome center at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.
Page 8
The Well
you. I am thinking
about you. You are
not alone. Welcome
to the neighborhood.
Welcome baby! Jesus
loves you! Since June
2012, an estimated 50
casseroles have been
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted.
shared throughout
- Ephesians 4:3 the Ankeny com Truly by the act
someone’s mother – a munity. Think about
someone you know
of the Holy Spirit, I
new widow. With
who could use a bit
became involved with the presence of the
of nourishment for
my small group - it is
Holy Spirit among
their soul, a break
a group made up of
us, our answer befrom the grind, or an
persons who genucame clear and so
acknowledgement of
inely care, want to
did Hearty Blessings
something good – and
serve, and pray for
Ministry. Hearty
then open the door to
guidance. Each of us
Blessings is a simple
the Hearty Blessings
were feeling the nudge way to share a home
Freezer, located in
to do something – to
cooked meal and
the Fellowship Hall.
serve in a new way,
give the gift of Jesus
Choose any size casbut unsure of what to to those within and
serole of these recipes:
do. When we gathbeyond these church
scalloped potatoes
ered in the conference walls. The gift of
room to share ideas
food, especially when and ham, manicotti,
or vegetarian. So
we heard a story of
delivered to a neighgo and serve and let
how much a delivered bor’s door says many
someone know they
casserole meant to
things: I care about
The Book Nook
• “Borders of the Heart”
by Chris Fabry J.D. Jessup finds
himself near
Tuscon - his life
will cross a line and
he will not be able
to turn back.
• “Talk of the Town”,
“Word Gets
Around”, and
“Never Say Never”
by Lisa Wingate
- engaging stories
matter.
Our hope is twofold; that the freezer
is always empty, and
that others will come
forward to share in
preparing casseroles.
Recipes and supplies
are provided as well as
a little personal guidance from one of our
small group members. Casseroles are
to be prepared in the
HTLC kitchen and
cooks are encouraged
to share a casserole
together – nourishing their fellowship.
For more information
contact [email protected] or leave
your name at the
front office and one of
us will contact you.
- Linda Hope
- Penney Wilson
bestseller.
Tyndall - Charles
Towne, South
• “God Loves You” by
Carolina is the
Dr. David Jeremiah
with small-town
home of the three
Also
a
New
York
charm.
Wescott sisters.
Times
bestselling
• “Have a Little Faith”,
Their journey leads
author
that
God
“The Five People You
them face to face
loves us is the most
Meet in Heaven”, and
with danger and
profound truth in
“For One More Day”
newfound faith in
the univers. this
by Mitch Albom
God.
book will enable
- These books
• “Swish” by Ron
you to know God
possess the rare
Sampson - the
in a way that will
magic of drawing
Evolution of AAU
connect
you
to
His
the reader back
women’s basketball
grace.
to them again and
as told by Rod Lein.
• “Charles Towne
again. Author is a
Belles” by M.L.
- Library Committee
New York Times
The Well
Page 9
Calling All Men!
Continued from cover
Each week, Church
School, Foundations,
Confirmation classes
and all who want
to worship learn –
and yes – eat, will
engage in a multigenerational evening
that connects the
table of the altar to
the table at home.
The schedule will be
a little different than
previous years and is
available elsewhere in
this publication.
We invite all to come
and be part of living
the Christian life and
of connecting Table
to Table in this season
of Lent. This is the
Christian Life!
– Pastor Tim
Check Out the Sonseekers! You are invited
to the Son Seekers small group that meets each
Thursday morning at 6:30 AM in the Gathering
Place. Join this group of 12 – 15 men for some
time of coffee, fellowship and Bible Study. The
group meets for an hour so you can get to work
on time. Many have said “this is something that I
have been looking for”.
There is also interest in getting a group
started later in the day for those who are not
early birds or whose work schedule just doesn’t
fit the current meeting time. If you are interested
in a new group, contact Chad Rademacher at
635-0242 or [email protected].
Wednesday Worship and Education in Lent
Ash Wednesday
Worship in the
Sanctuary at 5:30
& 7:00 focusing
on confession and
forgiveness, the
imposition of ashes
and holy communion. There will be
no meal, no children’s choirs, and no
church school this
evening to provide
families and individuals the opportunity
to worship.
Table to Table: Midweek Lenten worship and education
Connections, relationships and learning often take place
around the tables
in our homes. From
February 20-March
20, all ages are invited to share a simple
meal together and
then remain at their
tables for worship
and teaching in Fellowship Hall.
5:30 – 6:00: Kids
choirs
6:00 – 6:25: dinner
at tables
6:25 -6:30: clear and
set for worship at
our tables
6:30 – 6:50: gathering worship rite
6:50 – 7:15: learning
time (Foundations,
Wed. Church
School and Confirmation)
7:15 -7:30: closing rite
7:35: adult choir
Each week,
Church School,
Foundations, Confirmation classes
and all who want to
worship learn – and
yes – eat, will engage
in this multi-generational evening that
connects the table
of the altar to the
table at home. We
encourage families to participate
together rather than
drop children off at
the church.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
517 SW Des Moines St.
Ankeny, IA 50023
holytrinityankeny.org
February 2013
Phone: 515-964-4348
Fax: 515-963-0830
Email: [email protected]
Welcome – Equip – Serve
Pon Thipyothin
This month we will walk further than ever
before. Some 8500 miles; going half way around
the globe. But don’t concern yourself about such a
long journey. It will be OK. As Pon Thipyothin says,
“Through all of the ups and downs God is there. We
always look to God.” The faith walk of Pon Thipyothin and her family begins in the Southeast Asian
country of Laos in the late 1980s. Laos is a predominantly Buddhist country. There was so much
corruption and unrest that people are fleeing their
homeland. Pon’s family, headed by her Grandma
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(Phimpha) decided to flee to a refugee camp in Thailand. There were eight of them altogether, including Pon, her brother Olay, her cousin Ae, her Mom
Oudawn, her Uncle Sam, her Aunt Meuang and her
Grandma and Grandpa. They had no money. Their
Father was left behind as he worked in a city ten
hours away. The family lost track of each other and
eventually resigned themselves to leading separate
lives.
The Thipyothins lived at the camp for five years
waiting to win a sponsorship to the United States,
while their Grandpa suffered from stroke and lost his
speech and movement on the right side of his body.
The refugee camp sustained the family with food,
shelter and schooling. But five years is a long time
to wait for an opportunity to resettle, find jobs and
start over. Five years is a long time to “make do” and
have nothing of your own. Five years is a long time to
wonder what will happen to you and your children.
But five years is a perfect amount of time for God to
work in our hearts. While they waited, Thai missionaries brought the story of Jesus to the people there.
Grandmother was baptized at the camp and would
become the family matriarch of the Christian faith.
Finally, the Thipyothin family was chosen by Trinity
Lutheran Church in Des Moines, IA to come to the
Unites States in February of 1992.
Continued on page 2