NEWSLETTER - Trinity Lutheran Church

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH
530 4th Street NW Faribault, MN 55021 507.331.6579
NEWSLET TER
V OLUME 16, I SSUE 5
May 2016
From the Pastor’s Desk . . .
APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS
~The Rev. Paul Rieger
A
pril showers bring May flowers. The old phrase of transition that reminds us to expect
rain if we want to see beauty. I think
that this phrase applies to many different areas of life. You must first climb
the mountain, in order to see the
beautiful view from the top. You must
learn to be intelligent.
In many cases good things come out
of difficult situations. For me, seminary was difficult. Many of my professors expected me to read about a hundred pages for the next class, which
isn’t a big deal unless all five of your
professors do it. Times are difficult
when you have books to read, papers
to write, sermons to prepare for, projects to complete, a job in IT to do,
and a fiancé to spend time with. But
after all of that time in Seminary, my
May has come. It’s a wonderful thing
to be coming up on the end of my first
year as a pastor. I am doing exactly
what I want to do in life. I worked
hard to become a pastor and now I am
where I should be.
Much of life is going through some
trial to see a positive outcome, that is
why I like “April showers bring May
flowers.” Our Lord knew this well
too. With Easter still fresh in our
minds, we remember the whole story
of the crucifixion. We know of Jesus’
betrayal by Judas, Jesus’ arrest, His
trial, His beatings. We remember the
And now in this month of May,
we welcome those who have
made the transition from child to
adult in our church as we hold up
and honor those who have completed confirmation. They have
worked hard and are now graduated into a new life. Therefore it
is the responsibility of the whole
church to walk with them as they
transition into this new life.
(continued…)
I NSIDE THIS ISSUE :
conviction of an innocent man. We remember the walk to the Place of the
Skull, the wood beams digging into His
back, the nails piercing His flesh, the
strain on His battered body as He hangs,
the suffering and death to pay for sins
which He never committed. We know
that dark journey; we experience it with
Him throughout Lent. But just like
April’s cloudy, rainy skies are followed
by the beauty of May, so too Jesus’
darkness was followed by glory. Jesus
woke to a new morning, a morning of
new life. And because of the glory of
Jesus’ resurrection on that morning, we
also receive glory. Forgiveness is ours
because of Christ and life is ours because
of Christ. Our dark and rainy April of
sin has been turned into a beautiful,
flowery May of Grace.
B IBLE IN A Y EAR
2
L UTHERAN S CHOOLS
3
F AMILY C ONNECTION
4
V ACATION B IBLE S CHOOL
4
W OMEN I N M ISSION
5
S ANCTITY OF L IFE S UNDAY
6
L AY L EADERSHIP B OARD
7
M AY C ALENDAR
8
Y OUTH P AGE
9
K ID ’ S P AGE
10
P ASTOR ’ S R EPORT
11
C AMP O MEGA
12
F ROM Y OUR F INANCE /
P ROPERTY M ANAGER
13
M EMORIAL G IFTS
14
A DOPT -A-H IGHWAY
15
B ACCALAUREATE S ERIVCE
16
V OLUME 16, I SSUE 5
Their April of hard work in confirmation brings a May of life as a confirmed Christian. But the fool says
that he is done learning after he has
graduated. The wisdom the comes
from our elders comes after a long
life of learning. We have many elders
in this congregation, many who are
wise about the ways of God and
about the ways of the Lord. Therefore I encourage you, help one another in these transitionary times.
Some are transitioning from Semi-
P AGE 2
nary to Church, from confirmation to
confirmed, from everyday worker to
retired person, from bad job to good
job, from high school to college, etc.
And it is our job as the church to support one another. So do it! Lift up
your brothers and sisters. Some of
them might be in a dark and stressful
time. Pray for them, be with them;
do not seek to give them answers but
point them to Christ who IS the
answer.
C ONFIRMATION
Confirmed in Christ—2016:
Congratulations to our Confirmands!
T Hannah Leraas
T Julia Morrissey
T Alexis Vollbrecht
T Chanceller Waskosky
Christian Education . . . Christian Education . . . Christian Education
Daily Bible Readings: May 2016
May 1 – I Chr. 14,15; Psalm 132; Matthew 18
May 2 – I Chr. 16; Psalm 106; Matthew 19
May 3 – II Sam. 7; I Chr. 17; Psalm 2; Matt. 20
May 4 – II Samuel 8,9; I Chr. 18; Matthew 21
May 5 – II Samuel 10; I Chronicles 19,20;
Psalm 20; Matthew 22
May 6 – II Samuel 11,12; Psalm 51; Matthew 23
May 7 – II Samuel 13,14; Matthew 24
May 8 – II Samuel 15,16; Psalm 32; Matthew 25
May 9 – II Samuel 17; Psalm 71; Matthew 26
May 10 – II Samuel 18; Psalm 56; Matthew 27
May 11 – II Samuel 19,20; Psalm 55; Matt. 28
May 12 – II Samuel 21,22,23; I Thessalonians 1
May 13 – II Samuel 24; I Chronicles 21;
Psalm 30; I Thessalonians 2
May 18 – I Kings 3; II Chronicles 1;
Psalm 78; II Thessalonians 2
May 19 – I Kings 4,5; II Chronicles 2;
Psalm 101; II Thessalonians 3
May 20 – I Kings 6; II Chronicles 3;
Psalm 97; Romans 1
May 21 – I Kings 7; Chronicles 4; Psalm 98;
Romans 2
May 22 – I Kings 8; II Chronicles 5;
Psalm 99; Romans 3
May 23 – II Chronicles 6,7; Psalm 135;
Romans 4
May 24 – I Kings 9:11; II Chronicles 8;
Psalm 136; Romans 5
SERVING TRINITY & FLS

Rev. Dr. Michael Nirva,
Senior Pastor

Rev. Paul Rieger,
Associate Pastor

Gatluk, Reat,
Vicar

Rev. Bob Lentz
Rev. Warren Schmidt,
Visitation Pastors

Bill Kirkpatrick,
Finance/Property Manager

May 25 – I Kings 10,11; II Chronicles 9;
Romans 6
Jennifer Kingland,
Office Manager

May 26 – Proverbs 1,2,3; Romans 7
Noah Leraas,
Receptionist/Office Asst.

Mandy Blume,
Parish Nurse

Bill & Mary Jewison,
Custodians
May 14–I Chronicles 22,23,34; I Thessalonians 3 May 27 – Proverbs 4,5,6; Romans 8
May 15 – I Chronicles 25,25,27; I Thess. 4
May 28 – Proverbs 7,8,9; Romans 9
May 16 – I Kings 1; I Chronicles 28; Psalm 91;
I Thessalonians 5
May 29 – Proverbs 10,11,12; Romans 10

May 17 – I Kings 2; I Chronicles 29; Psalm 95;
II Thessalonians 1
May 30 – Proverbs 13,14,15; Roman’s 11
Joel Witt,
FLS Principal

May 31 – Proverbs 16,17,18; Romans 12
Rachel Rieger,
FLS Administrative Asst.
V OLUME 16, I SSUE 5
P AGE 3
EDUCATIN G OUR CHILDREN
Why Send Your Child to a Lutheran School?
Here is why you should send your child to a Lutheran elementary school. Lutheran schools:
 Are driven by a commitment to the Gospel and focused on a mission of bringing hope and healing to
students and families.

Are governed by board members who clearly understand their roles and focus on the vision and board
policies that effectively govern the operation of the school.

Meet or exceed state and national academic standards at all grade levels.

Help to develop a minimum of 30 developmental assets in children.

Have educators who model visionary leadership. They practice stewardship of resources, build up others
and empathize with others.

Have educators who model servant leadership. “Do those served grow as persons; do they, while
being served, become healthier, wiser, freer, more autonomous, more likely themselves to become servants?” (Robert Greenleaf)

Have educators who model spiritual leadership. They study God’s Word, share their personal faith story,
apply Law and Gospel appropriately, exhibit a passion for ministry, act courageously, equip God’s people for service, care for others, demonstrate integrity, and pray.
Taken from the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod School Ministry, https://www.lcms.org/schoolministry
V OLUME 16, I SSUE 5
P AGE 4
FAITH LEGACY
Faith Legacy: Helping Families Grow
A group of 2nd graders and their parents attended the First Bible Faith Legacy class on April 24. Children were given their own
Bible to mark with the favorite passages of their parents and grandparents. A blessing event will take place some time in May.
Research has begun on ways to revise the Faith Legacy program for next year. Letters of invitation will be sent. If interested
in attending this class, please contact Nancy Simonson at 685-4199 or email at [email protected].
SUNDAY SCHOOL
On May 1, a representative from Camp Omega will come and lead singing and devotions with the Sunday School students. Four $100 scholarships for camp will be given away.
During the months of March and April, the students collected money to support the food shelf at Peace. Currently the
students are collecting their offering money to send to Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service to provide safety and justice for refugee children coming from the horrors and trauma of Central America to the United States.
Last month, the 5th and 6th grade Sunday school students connected with the quilters and each made their own quilt.
This month, they plan to go to the Grand View Farm baby cemetery to plant and weed the flower beds.
The Sunday School students will sing on May 8 at the 10:30 service. May 22 is the last day of Sunday School for the
school year. On that Sunday, we will have games for students and their parents. Refreshments will be served. Recognition
will be given for faithful attendance and appreciation given for the staff who so willing give of their time each Sunday to
bring the Good News of Jesus to the children.
Trinity will have Vacation Bible School on August 7-11 from 6-8:00 p.m. Volunteers are needed to make this happen.
If you are interested in helping, please contact Nancy Simonson, 507-685-4199 or email at [email protected].
V ACATION B IBLE S CHOOL
Vacation Bible School:
CAVE QUEST is being
planned for August 7-11,
6-8 pm. Look for more
information to come!
This is an exciting program
for children ages 3 through
grade 6.
Mark your calendars!
V OLUME 16, I SSUE 5
P AGE 5
Congregation & Worship Life . . . Congregation & Worship Life . . .
WOMEN IN MISSION
May 2016 News
Jane Teschke, WIM Christian Growth
Women In Mission assembled in the Fellowship Hall on April 21, 2016, for Bible Study followed by a business meeting conducted by President Arlene Zielske and fellowship hosted by Marge and Marilyn Wilkowske. Marlyss Gunderson was welcomed
as a new member of WIM.
Rev. Dr. Michael Nirva conducted the Bible Study from the LWML Woman’s Spring Quarterly discussing “Our Changeless God
in the Changes of Our Lives.” Changes bring challenges to our faith. But God has plans for us, plans to help us, not to harm us…
plans here on earth and in heaven.
The following reports were given at the business meeting:
1. Secretary Marlys Stuhrk read thank you notes from the Randy Trump family & Delrose LaCroix.
2. Treasurer Mavis Keilen reported a balance of $1,183.63.
3. Quilting Project report of lap quilts being made assisted by FLS upper grade students.
4. Sunshine Committee reported 5 birthday cards sent to Trinity shut-in members.
5. Kitchen Supervisor reported 2 persons cleaned the FH kitchen on April 2.
6. Food Shelf Committee reported 24 items collected including $5.00.
7. Prayer Shawls were given to Ken Templin, Jeanette Borth, Ray & Donna Schuenke, and Betty Shaw made by Arlene
Zielske and Pat Langevin.
Old Business: Helen Spitzack requested to be put on the WIM membership list as an Honorary member.
New Business: A vote was taken to allocate money to the following entities:
$100.00 National Youth Gathering in New Orleans
$500.00 Camp Omega Retreat Center
$200.00 Trinity Lutheran Electric Bill
$200.00 LWML Mission Goals (Mites)
LWML Updates
A report was given on the Faribault Zone LWML Spring Gathering at Peace Lutheran Church, April 16, 2016, with Rev.
Donovan Riley as guest speaker. He personalized his experience as an Atheist becoming an LCMS Minister in Webster, MN.
Fifty-five attendees gathered for the inspiring presentation with an offering of $260.00 for Mites (LWML Mission Goals).
Sheila Kreger and Jane Teschke will be attending the 26th Biennial LWML Minnesota South District Convention on June 25-26 at
the Verizon Center Ballroom, Mankota, MN, as delegates from WIM (Women In Mission). The theme: “The Living Word”
with Lutheran Hour Speaker, Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz as Bible Study Leader. Ingathering Gifts from the Heart include Human
Care Kits and Sox as indicated in the WOM on the Narthex Information Counter. Contact Jane Teschke (332-0416).
A special THANKS to all who contribute Mites in the Narthex Mite box, a total of $23.08 in the month of May.
A woman was asked what she had been doing the past week and answered: “On Monday, I ministered to Mexicans in Texas…
Tuesday, I preached the gospel in Texas…Wednesday, I operated on a man in Africa…Thursday, I taught in a mission school in
Japan…Friday, I helped establish a church in California…Saturday, I taught seminary classes…Sunday, I distributed Bibles in
Korea.”
Her friend asked her to explain. “You see, by dropping monies in my Mite Box daily, I have been able to go to all these places
where God the Holy Spirit is working.”
“Serve the Lord with Gladness…Solo Deo Gloria!
V OLUME 16, I SSUE 5
P AGE 6
HUMAN CARE COLLECTION FOR RUTH’S HOUSE AND HOPE CENTER
In order to help those in need, the Human Care Ministry Team is again conducting a collection and door offering
this month on May 14 & 15 for Ruth’s House, the non-profit shelter and transitional housing facility for women and
children here in Faribault, and the Hope Center, which offers direct support to victims of violence in Rice County,
collaborative support to other organizations that serve victims, and educational support to the entire community.
Monetary donations can be placed in door offering containers found on worship carts in the narthex. Checks can be
made payable to Ruth’s House or the Hope Center.
In addition, the following items are needed and may be placed in the containers by the narthex doors on the weekend of May 14/May 15:

Ruth's House is currently in need of high school size backpacks, new pillows, and twin mattress pads. They can
always use Trac phone minute cards, paper towels, toilet paper, copy paper, facial tissue, and Aldi’s gift cards. Check
the Faribault Daily News for other recent requests.

The Hope Center “Wish List“ includes: gas cards, taxi vouchers, grocery cards, 8 ½” X 11” white paper, purple
paper, blue paper, teal paper, purple ribbons, facial tissue, Lysol cleaning supplies, and garbage bags.
Thank you for remembering the needs of these women and children in our community.
S ANCTITY OF L IFE S UNDAY AT T RINITY
M AY 7 AND 8, 2016
On May 7 and 8 we will welcome retired Lutherans for Life,
Executive Director, Rev. Dr.
James Lamb who will lead our
celebration of the Sanctity of Life.
The theme for this weekend is
“Created-Redeemed-Called.”
Based on the words from Isaiah
43:1, “But now thus says the Lord,
he who created you, O Jacob, he
who formed you, O Israel, ‘Fear
not, for I have redeemed you; I have
called you by name, you are mine.’”
Dr. Lamb will preach at all three
services this weekend, and he will
lead Bible Study on Sunday, May 8.
The value of every human life
flows from these simple but profound Scriptural truths. Every human life is created by God. In Psalm
139:13-14 we read, “You knitted me
together in my mother’s womb. I
will give thanks to you because I
have been so amazingly and miraculously made.” God created all human life with His hands!
love with everyone. God has
created, redeemed and called.
This work of God is what gives
life value. This is why we value
life!
Second, every human life is someone for whom Jesus died. In 1 Peter
1:19 we read, “The payment that
freed you was the precious blood of
Christ, the lamb with no defects or
imperfections.” We are valuable
because Christ died for us.
Third, every human life is someone God desires to call into an eternal relationship with Him. Isaiah
42:6 promises, ”I, the Lord, have
called you to do what is right. I will
take hold of your hand, I will protect
you.” We cannot feel that we are
fulfilling the mission of the Church
by simply attending church services.
We need to look at all of God’s valuable people around us and share His
We look forward to celebrating the truth that life, all life, is
valuable in God’s sight and in
our sight also. Having this celebration on Mother’s Day weekend is
special. A door offering to benefit
the work of Lutherans for Life will
be received at the services. We pray
everyone will feel called to share in
the celebration of the value of all
human life at Trinity on May 7 & 8.
V OLUME 16, I SSUE 5
P AGE 7
Trinity Lay Leadership Board Meeting MINUTES
Trinity Lutheran Church Lay Leadership Board Meeting Minutes
6:30 PM, April 12, 2016
1) Opening devotions and prayer by Pastor Nirva.
2) Changes or additions to agenda – none.
3) Faribault Lutheran School report from Kristal Sevcik
A) Lutheran Schools Consulting Service report
B) FLS minutes not published in newsletter
C) Detailed budget presented
4) Music/DCE intern during summer 2016; motion made to make an offer to Concordia/Ann Arbor student Blake Wright for a
summer Music/DCE intern position. Compensation of $400 a week, maximum of $4,999 to come from the unfilled daycare/preschool position (with no benefits since temporary). Business manager/office manager directed to work out details of
employment classification (1099 form – no tax withheld). Passed.
5) Pastor's report
A) Need for DCE
B) Prayer teams
6) FOC report—Bob Sommers & Carl Vollbrecht
A) Discussed current monthly report
7) Building improvement updates
A) Fourth Street entrance airlock doors installed
B) Tuck-pointing
C) Painting in gymnasium
D) Other
8) April tasks policy manual
A) 2.4.3.4., page 9
B) 2.8.3.2, page 17
C) 2.8.3.2.3, page 18
9) Calendar items
A) Visioning meeting, 6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 14
B) FLS “State of the School” update, 6:30 p.m., Monday, April 18, at Trinity
C) Confirmation public examination, 7 p.m., Thursday, April 28
D) Confirmation, 10:30 a.m., Sunday, May 1
E) LLB meeting, 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 10
10) Motion made to approve minutes. Passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Noel Handberg
Trinity LLB Secretary
11) Closing—prayer and adjournment
V OLUME 16, I SSUE 5
P AGE 8
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8:00 Worship
9:15 Adult Bible Study/
Sunday School/
Fellowship/
Parent Discussion
10:30 Confirmation
Service –c
10:30-2:00 Confirmation
Reception
8:00 Pie-makers
6:30 PTL
9:00 Bible Study
5:00 Community
Cathedral Café
6:30 Brd. of Ed.
7:00 Small Group
Bible Study
8:30 FLS Chapel
9:00 Quilting
9:00 Trails Edge
Bible Study
5-7:00 Full Belly
Inc. (Cathedral)
6:00 Handbells
6:30 Choir
11:00 J.O.Y.
2:30 Keystone –c
3:45 St. Lucas/
Deaconess –c
6:00 Connection P.
7:00 Men’s Bible
Study & Breakfast
(Bernie’s)
5-7:00 Full Belly
Inc. (Cathedral)
5:30 Worship –c
8
9
10
118:30 FLS Chapel 12
13
14
8:00 Worship –c
9:15 Adult Bible Study/
Fellowship/
Sunday School/
Parent Discussion
10:30 Worship
8:00 Pie-makers
6:30 Women’s Bible
Study (Meintsma’s)
7:00 EMV
9:00 Bible Study
5:00 Community
Cathedral Café
6:30 LLB Meeting
9:00 Quilting
9:00 Trails Edge
Bible Study
1:00 FLS Early
Dismissal
4:00 Pleasant
Manor –c
5-7:00 Full Belly
Inc. (Cathedral)
6:00 Connection P.
6:00 Handbells
6:30 Choir
7:00 FLS 7/8 Grade
Play (Trinity)
7:00 Men’s Bible
Study & Breakfast
(Bernie’s)
5-7:00 Full Belly
Inc. (Cathedral)
5:30 Worship
6:30-8:30 Game
Night
17
18
19
20
21
9:00 Bible Study
5:00 Community
Cathedral Café
6:30 Elders’ Mtg.
7:00 Small Group
Bible Study
9:00 Quilting
9:00 Trails Edge
Bible Study
11:00 Chapel (Peace)
5-7:00 Full Belly
Inc. (Cathedral)
1:00 WIM
7:00 Men’s Bible
Study & Breakfast
(Bernie’s)
5-7:00 Full Belly
Inc. (Cathedral)
5:00 FLS Carnival
(Trinity)
June
Newsletter
Deadline
8:00 Adopt-aHighway
5:30 Worship –c
27
28
7:00 Men’s Bible
Study & Breakfast
(Bernie’s)
12:30 June
Newsletters
Assembled
5-7:00 Full Belly
Inc. (Cathedral)
5:30 Worship
Mother’s Day/
Life Sunday
7:00 GA
7:00 Gamanon
7:00 GA
7:00 Gamanon
7:00 Trumps’ Bible
Study
State Pastors Conference—Maddens
15
16
8:00 Worship
9:15 Adult Bible Study/
Fellowship/
Sunday School/
Parent Discussion
10:30 Connection –c
6:30 Faith Legacy Class
10:00 Milestone –c
3:30 Faribault
Senior Living-c
6:00 GA & Gamanon
Banquet
8:00 Pie-makers
6:30 Stephen Min.
(Trinity)
22
23
24
25
8:00 Worship –c
9:15 Adult Bible Study/
Fellowship/
Sunday School/
Parent Discussion
10:30 Worship
1-4:00 Piano Recital
(Trinity)
Trinity Sunday
8:00 Pie-makers
6:30 Women’s Bible
Study (Meintsma’s)
9:00 Bible Study
5:00 Community
Cathedral Café
6:30 Human Care
8:30 FLS Chapel
9:00 Quilting
9:00 Trails Edge
Bible Study
5-7:00 Full Belly
Inc. (Cathedral)
6:00 Connection P.
29
30
31
8:00 Worship
9:15 Adult Bible Study/
Fellowship/
10:30 Worship –c
7:00 GA
7:00 Gamanon
9:00 Bible Study
5:00 Community
Cathedral Café
6:30 Property Brd.
FLS No School/
Church Office
Closed
Memorial Day
6:30 FLS Brd. Mtg.
(Trinity)
FLS Chapel & Fun
‘n the Sun (Peace)
Day of Pentecost
7:00 GA
7:00 Gamanon
7:00 Trumps’ Bible
Study
Ascension Day/
National Day of
Prayer
26
PPAGE
AGE 11
9
V OLUME 16, I SSUE 5
DEVOTION: N EW & D IFFERENT
Jeremiah 29:11- For I know the plans I
have for you, declares the LORD, plans to
prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give
you hope and a future.
New may be different than what we
expect. In the movie Shrek, Fiona is
made “new” after she experiences true
love’s kiss. She expected to turn into
the beautiful princess that she was by
day, not the ogre she turned into each
night. But, the ogre is who she became. She was distressed at first but
soon discovered she would be loved
no matter how she looked.
by M ENDY G RENZ
DCE or a friend outside of your
church that you know will be an
encouragement and support to
you. God never meant for us to go
through this life alone; we hear
over and over again that He is with
us, and then in 1 Thessalonians
5:11 we are told that we need to
encourage one another, build each
other up May the Lord bless you as
you approach His ministry and any
change that may come your way
a future.” This passage was given to with open arms, trusting that He
the people of Israel when they
knows what He’s doing!
were in the middle of disaster.
They expected to be in the PromDear Lord, we thank you once again
ised Land forever, yet here the
for your promise to be with us, even
Babylonians were coming to take
when the unexpected happens. Thank
them captive. Even in the midst of you for giving us friends to help and
this, they could find hope in Jereencourage us at these times. Please be
miah’s words because of the prom- with us as we seek to do your will in all
ises they had been given. Because
that we do! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
they knew the LORD to fulfill His
promises.
Reprinted with permission.
Like Fiona we may expect one thing
but be given something else. God ultimately knows what’s best, so we need
to trust in that. Romans 8:28 says,
“And we know that in all things God
works for the good of those who love
him, who have been called according
to his purpose.” Even if the change in
our life is different than what we were
Change always means “new,” but
expecting, we can trust that God
change is not always easy. God has
knows what He’s doing!
given us a wonderful gift to help us
through times of change. That is
Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know
the gift of friends. Especially if this
the plans I have for you, declares the
is your internship or first call, you
LORD, plans to prosper you, not to
harm you, plans to give you hope and need to take time to find a mentor
LCMS Youth ESource (youthesource.com):
June 15, 2009 http://youthesource.com/2012/11/20/devotionclean/
Have ideas for activities?
Tell Pr. Rieger, and we’ll make it happen!
For those going to the National Youth Gathering,
please contact Pr. Rieger for any needed details.
Y
O
U
T
H
N
E
W
S
V OLUME 16, I SSUE 5
Kids’ Page
AGE 10
11
PPAGE
V OLUME 16, I SSUE 5
P AGE 11
P ASTORS ’ R EPORT
Each month a Pastoral Report is prepared in the Church Office. Classes, meetings, appointments, worship services, visitations and
communions are tracked and reported by each pastor. In each month’s newsletter we will be including the most recent form on
file (March 2016).
Home Hospital Office
Visits or Jail Visits
Prospect
Calls
Shut Ins/
Others
Communed
Privately
Shut Ins/
Others
Visited- No
Communion
NH
Worship
Attended
NH
Worship
Communed
Worship
Services
Classes
Taught
Meetings
Attended
Pr. Nirva
16
7
32
5
22
12
56
54
10
9
12
Pr. Rieger
8
4
6
4
10
2
0
0
14
4
10
Evangelists
5
3
0
0
23
2
0
0
0
0
0
Baptisms: 0
Official Acts:
Confirmed: 0
Released/Removed: 0
Deaths/Funerals: Lois Strobel, Randy Trump
Weddings: 0
Transfer In: Delvin Gladitsch, Jr.
Profession of Faith/Affirmation of Baptism:
Heidi Cole, Casey Schultz (returning members)
Transfers Out: Randy Draper
Happy May Birthday!
Special Greetings to Trinity members in Care Facilities or Shut-Ins with May
birthdays. We ask that you remember our fellow members in your
prayers and help brighten their day with a card or visit.
5/6 Leora Hubbell
118 6th St. NW
Faribault, MN 55021
5/22 Steven Kuehne
Brookdale Senior Living
334 Cedardale Dr. SE
Owatonna, MN 55060
5/23 Lucille Borchert
828 1st St NE Apt 214
Faribault, MN 55021
5/31 Willard Carlson
727 SW 1st St.
Faribault, MN 55021
5/22 Violet Sorgatz
3166 Cedar Lake Blvd.
Faribault, MN 55021
Evangelism & Outreach . . . Evangelism & Outreach . . . Evangelism & Outreach
EVERY MEMBER VISIT
EMV Update: We welcomed Lynette Templin, who will be taking over the group led by Virgil Luehrs and Gary Mrosko. They
were on board at the start of this program back in May of 2011 and certainly deserve our thanks for their insight and their love
and concern for their fellow members in the Body of Christ.
Duane Schlobohm started a discussion on the remarks our MN South District President Nadasdy made at Sunday's Bible Study
regarding declining church attendance. Their Evangelism teams are told to ask these questions when knocking on doors:
1) Is there any way we can help? 2) May we pray for you? These are the same questions EMV Visitors often ask when making
their contacts so as to share Christ's love with people who often need it very much, which includes all of us! We also thanked
Pastor Nirva and Pastor Rieger for praying for a group of our members in alphabetical order at our worship services. It causes us
to think about these members and pray for them at other times. Our next meeting will be on May 9 at 7 p.m., and you're welcome to attend. Contact the Church Office for further info.
V OLUME 16, I SSUE 5
P AGE 12
IG
H
T
Trinity's newly-formed College Plus Connection Team recently completed its first outreach project. We mailed greeting cards with messages of encouragement, Scripture cards,
and $10 gift cards to 23 Trinity young adults in locations ranging from Faribault to Boston to the Netherlands and Thailand.
Recipients are in college, working, and/or serving in the military. Thank you to the JOY Group and the Lively #5 Neighborhood Group for their financial support. Also, a special
thanks to Arlene Rolf for donating her batik greeting cards.
We will need ongoing funding to resume this project in the
fall. If you wish to support this connection effort via an individual/group gift or a fundraiser, please contact team members Audrey Helbling, Jackie Denninger, Erica Reindl or
Duane Schlobohm.
th
14
G
AM
E
N
M
AY
C OLLEGE P LUS C ONNECTION T EAM
Please join us on May 14 from 6:30-8:30
p.m. in the Fellowship Hall for
GAME NIGHT. It is fun for all ages.
Come check it out and bring a friend
with you as well!
Stewardship . . . Stewardship . . . Stewardship
C AMP O MEGA
Camp Omega is a place of God’s ministry and changing lives for more than 50 years!
It’s a blessing to see the Lord use this place to build long-lasting relationships, enrich the
Christian faith of many individuals, and partner with the congregations of Minnesota.
Y EAR R OUND R ETREAT & C ONFERENCE C ENTER
Rent the retreat/conference center for your next event or getaway for your family, business, or
club or group. Whether you’re near Minneapolis, St. Paul, Mankato, Rochester or surrounding
states, Camp Omega is an easy drive away. The Camp Omega staff are ready and willing to assist
you in planning and running all or a portion of your event.
M INNESOTA C HRISTIAN S UMMER C AMP
Summer Fun that Changes Lives! At Camp Omega on Horseshoe Lake, Minnesota, campers young and old get to
experience God’s creation and the truth of His Word through skits, Bible studies, and faith-filled activities that engage
and excite.
R ECREATIONAL A CTIVITIES
No matter the season, there’s something for everyone young and old. Outdoor recreational activities are a sure way to
provide a memorable experience for your retreat participants. Need some help? The staff can facilitate any Camp
Omega recreational activity you desire.
Taken from campomega.org
*
*
*
C AMP O MEGA F UNDRAISER “R OOTED
*
*
*
*
*
* C ELEBRATING * G ROWING ”
Camp Omega is currently working to expand their ministry by building a much needed Family/Adult Retreat Center.
On Sunday, May 8 Trinity members will have the opportunity to show their support of this effort. Thank you in advance for all
your help, prayers, and generosity.
V OLUME 16, I SSUE 5
P AGE 13
From Your Finance/Property Manager . . . . .
A Corner Sign on 4th Street
good. And city codes do allow us to
put up such a sign. Its primary purWe've been talking and thinking
pose would be to show that Trinity
about a corner sign on 4th Street for
several years now. The idea was first church is here even though its presence may not be obvious on 4th
brought up to me by Jeremiah Kuehne several years back. His idea was Street and then to point the direction
an electronic sign that, with LED let- to the main entrance. Secondary
purposes may be to show a message
ters, would point out our upcoming
church events to the public and there- to the public or to display upcoming
events happening at our church.
fore our presence in the community. I looked into it and found
that there are several sign companies that specialize in electronic signage like this, but the cost
of a programmable sign for
showing events like we envisioned would cost around
New Sign on
$35,000. At the time, I just didn't feel that we could afford such
4th Street?
a project. It would have necessitated a fund drive and at that
time we were still in the middle
of the recession.
Over the past year, Howard
Bode has been leading a
"Visioning Group," a collection
of Trinity members who, together, work to come up with a future vision for our congregation.
Starting with a Vision Statement (the
purpose we have in being here), it
progressed over many months into a
coordinated list of strengths and
weaknesses we have as a congregation
and what the solutions to those weaknesses might be. One of those lists
had to do with church properties and
in that discussion the idea of 4th
Street signage was brought up again.
Cost of these signs could range from
$10,000 for a simple, but well-built,
permanent sign with just our name
and an arrow telling people to turn
north on 6th Avenue, to a full electronic version with programmable
text and background that would cost
around $35,000.
The Property Committee and the
Trinity congregation have a lot of
In talking to a number of people
things going on right now including
around the congregation, I have heard renovation of our existing buildings,
a range of thoughts about the best
plus the possibility of new church
way to do this. I think most people
offices along the west side of the
believe a sign on 4th Street would be church. (The details of this proposal
will be the topic of my article in the
June Newsletter). Considering all
this, some people may think the sign
idea is not important, at least at this
time.
So what's the right thing to do?
The first step should be to ask the
congregation what they think.
And that is what we are going to do.
The Properties sub-committee
which has as one of its work projects the signage issue, (the subcommittee consists of Randy
Helbling, Diane Schlobohm, Edward Morison, and me) will pick
out three types of signs as examples over the price range described above. Those examples
with descriptions will be displayed in the Narthex during May
and June. We ask that the congregation look them over and
place an X by the type and price
of sign you think makes the most
sense or check the fourth option
which will be 'No Sign at all.'
That information will be used
to guide the Properties subcommittee into the next stage.
How the money for such a sign will
be obtained depends largely on the
cost the congregation would be willing to see spent on the sign and could
be determined at a later stage.
When you see this display come up
in the narthex, please spend a few
minutes to look it over and vote as to
what you would like to see. Your
input is important.
~Bill Kirkpatrick
V OLUME 16, I SSUE 5
P AGE 14
Memorial Gifts (January-April 2016)
Each gift has been recorded in the Trinity Lutheran Church Memorial Book located in the Church office. We invite you
to stop by the office and note the special donations given in love and remembrance. All gifts to Trinity Radio Club are
recorded, then acknowledged by the Radio Club during their Sunday broadcasts.
In Loving Memory of Elmer Fuchs...
2nd Century Trust
$20. by Duane & Diane Schlobohm
Trinity FLS Scholarship Fund
$25. by Norman & Shirley Rost
In Loving Memory of Elmer Fuchs and
Honor of Everett & Elda Fuchs...
Debt Fund
$150. by Steve & Joy Zimmerman
In Loving Memory of Elmer Fuchs,
Raymond Ress, Raymond Sommers,
and Randy Trump...
Debt Fund
$75. by William & Charlotte Scurry
In Loving Memory of Randy Trump…
Faribault Lutheran School
$20. by Harvey & Sharon Bursch
$20. by Charles & Joan Eastman
$10. by Curtis & LeAnn Fuchs
$15. by Dale & Theresa Kelm
$10. by Helen Spitzack
$10. by Helen Velzke
$20. by Barbara & Michael Young
$120. by family & friends
In Loving Memory of Randy Trump continued…
Undesignated Memorials
$20. by Robert & Ellen Blume
$20. by Randy & Audrey Helbling
$25. by Diane Cissy Heyer
$25. by Cathy Hoban
$25. by Kak & Roger Koopmans
$20. by Virgil & Jane Luehrs
$25. by David & Marilyn Simonson
$30. by Barb & Larry Twedt
$10. by Mrs. & Mrs. Roger Wilkowske
$100. by family & friends
In Loving Memory of Bob Schafer...
Choir Fund
$15. by S. Sue Feyereism
$5. by H. Spitzack
In Memorial…
BEYOND THE SORROW
~Author Unknown
Although it's difficult today
to see beyond the sorrow,
may looking back in memory
help comfort you tomorrow.
Thrivent Chapter Boards—Disbanded
Thrivent Chapter Boards will be disbanded by October 1, 2016. Any requests for Care Abounds in Communities
program funds from South Rice Thrivent Chapter Board must be received by June 12. After that date, Thrivent
members will need to use Action Teams grant money to support their events/projects. Questions? Call Ken/Pat
Kangas at 332-8649.
V OLUME 16, I SSUE 5
P AGE 15
LCMS Stewardship Newsletter Article
May 2016
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
livers to you in the Gospel and the sacraments. That is our motivation. “For
God so loved the world, that He gave
His only-begotten 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.
we could serve our neighbors — our
family, our society, our church.
If the God who has provided the sacrifice for your eternal salvation, the God
who delivers that salvation to you in HoAs a result, much of your freedom is
ly Baptism, the God who continues to
not a freedom from, but a freedom to and forgive you and show you His faithfulfor. You are not free from serving your
ness, if that same God is the one who also
neighbor. You are free for service toward promises to give you daily bread and take
your neighbor—willingly and without
care of your earthly life, you can trust in
compulsion. You are not free from giving Him, even in giving. After all, Jesus
to your church; you are freed to give to
Christ is proof that God loves you and
your local congregation in joy, willingly, will take care of you.
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 de-
Taken from LCMS.org, Used by permission
http://blogs.lcms.org/2016/stewardship-bulletin
-sentences-and-newsletter-articles-may-2016
Adopt-A-Highway
Approximately 2,000 gallons of empty vodka bottles, car parts, and other
debris have been picked up along I-35
by Trinity Faribault Radio Club Adopt-a
-Highway volunteers since we began
participating in the program in 2013.
According to the Minnesota Department
of Transportation, Minnesota is a leading state in the effort to keep roadsides
clean.
We thank Roger Wilkowske for his
years of devoted service. Knowing
Roger’s interest in God’s soil, I’m sure
he would agree with many of us who do
this to keep God’s earth and wildlife
healthy. Roger needs to retire from the
program, so we need someone to chauffer the pickers to the site and back.
In addition to the Christian fellowship that we enjoy as we work side by
side, we know we are doing it to support the Radio Club ministry of sharing
the love that Jesus has for His World.
Please join us May 21 for our next
pick-up. We will meet in the Trinity,
Faribault west parking lot at 8:00 a.m.
There is a two hour time commitment.
Needed: cap, gloves, jacket, sunglasses,
long pants, and a wow-this-will-be-fun
attitude (optional, but contagious).
Contact Becky Spitzack for neon safety vest information at 507-210-5565 or
[email protected].
.
TRINITY LUTHERAN
CHURCH
530 4th Street NW
Faribault, MN 55021
Phone: 507-331-6579
Fax: 507-331-0986
Weekly Service Schedule - Saturday, 5:30pm
Sunday, 8:00am and 10:30am
Radio Broadcast: KDHL (AM 920)- Sunday, 8:00am
Consolidated Communications TV channel 10
& Charter channel 181, Monday &/or Tuesday, 3:30pm
2016
WE’ RE
ON THE WEB!
WWW.TRINITYFARIBAULT.ORG
WWW.TRINITYRADIOANDVIDEO.ORG
- OUR MISSION TO CONNECT PEOPLE TO CHRIST
THROUGH GOD'S WORD
- OUR CORE VALUES GRACE (GOD'S RICHES AT CHRIST’S
EXPENSE)
FAITH IN JESUS
HOPE THRU JESUS‘ NAME
Change Service Requested
BACCALAUREATE SERVICE
CONGREGATIONAL BACCALAUREATE SERVICE in honor of Trinity
High School Graduates will be held on Sunday, June 12 at 8:00
a.m. Quilts made by Trinity quilt-makers will be given to the graduates during the service. A reception with cake and punch will follow the service in the Fellowship Hall.
If you or your child is graduating and you did not receive an invitation, please contact the Church Office, 331-6579, by June 7.
Please note: be here by 7:45 a.m. with your cap and gown;
graduates will walk into church together.