Sunday, July 24 will be a Great Day for our Trinity Church Family to

Transcription

Volume 85, Number 7
July 2016
A Monthly Publication of Trinity Lutheran Church
The Messenger
Sunday, July 24 will be a Great Day for our Trinity Church Family to Gather
Summertime Outdoor Worship at 10:30 a.m.
with Pig Roast and Potluck to Follow
Our third annual Outdoor Worship Sunday will travel home to Trinity’s west
lawn, with great views of the Cross Tower enveloped in scaffolding. We will
gather on the church lawn on Sunday, July 24, for a single worship service
at 10:30 a.m. The brief outdoor service of Holy Communion will be followed
by a Pig Roast, with roasted pork catered by Ms. Piggie’s BBQ. The Trinity
congregation is invited to add to the “porkfest” with a good old fashioned
church potluck, with the following direction offered as you plan to bring a
dish to share:
Last name:
A-I : desserts
J-Q : salads and fruits
R-Z : vegetables
Come for food, family time, fun and fellowship. Bring a friend and meet
members of the church who attend a different worship service! Pig and
beverages will be provided, but vegetarians and vegans are also welcome!
Make sure to bring a chair or blanket to sit on and a side dish to share.
Welcome New Members
of Trinity Lutheran
Church
Welcome to our 45 newest members of Trinity
Lutheran Church, received in worship on May 22
and May 29, 2016! Please take time to greet and
get to know our newest partners in ministry! And
check out the New Members Directory included
in this mailing of The Messenger.
Page 1

Josh and Marci Anderson and
their daughter Isla

Jason and Kelly Montgomery and
their children Madison and Taylor

Jennifer Brown and her daughter
Brianda

Josh and Anna Peterman and their
daughter Ruby

Charles and Jing Cairns and their
daughters DeeDee and Mimi

Beth Reimel

Dylan Rodriguez

Morrie and Cindy Fongers


Carol Fornberg
Pastor Dan and Alexis Schewe
and their son Sam

Fritz Kilcrease


Drew and Jodi Hutchinson and
their children Parker and Spencer

Greg and Lori Law and their
children Gavin and Maya
Brittney Themm and Dan
Zielinski (Dan is actually a
15-year member of Trinity; the
“new thing” will be his marriage
to Brittney in September of 2016)

Bill and Meri Leidel

Jan Themm

Matthew and Brittney Mencarelli
(Matt’s family joined Trinity in
2007; he and Brittney have found
a home together at Trinity since
their marriage in October 2012)

Tom Villalobos

Phil and Kelly Wittry

Rick and Michelle Wolner
Trinity Lutheran Church
www.tlcgr.org
616-949-2510
What’s Happening at Trinity in July?
Daily Calendar
Monday, July 18
Camp VBS, 9:15 a.m.
Outreach Committee Meeting, 1 p.m.
Oasis Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, July 1
High School Youth Mission Trip
SpringHill Day Camp, 9 a.m.
Marriage of Jessica Gast and Adam
Tiefenbach, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, July 19
Camp VBS, 9:15 a.m.
Saturday, July 2
High School Youth Mission Trip
returning home
Summer Worship Schedule
Continues through Sunday,
September 4
 Rejoice Contemporary
Worship, 9 a.m.
 Traditional Worship,
10:30 a.m.
Monday, July 4
Independence Day - Office Closed
Rejoice Worship Band Rehearsal, 7 p.m.
Oasis Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, July 8
Wedding Rehearsal, 6 p.m.
Sundays
Rejoice contemporary worship, 9 a.m.
Traditional worship, 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, July 9
Marriage of Samantha Nelson and Cody
Van Drunen, 4 p.m.
Mondays
Rejoice Band Rehearsal, 7 p.m.
Sunday, July 10
Trinity Prayer Group, 3 p.m.
Tuesdays
Al-Anon, 7:30 p.m.
Monday, July 11
Congregation Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 12
Endowment Fund Committee Meeting,
6 p.m.
Thursdays
Al-Anon, 7:30 p.m.
visit www.tlcgr.org for event details
Monday, July 25
Campers at Stony Lake
Blood Drive, 1:30 p.m.
Human Resources Committee Meeting,
6 p.m.
Tuesday, July 26
Catholic Diocese Using Parking Lot
Spiritual Growth Committee Meeting,
5:45pm
Wednesday, July 27
Wednesday, July 13
Stephen Ministry Peer Support Meeting,
6 p.m.
Fridays
AA, 8 p.m.
Al-Anon, 8 p.m.
ACoA, 8 p.m.
Thursday, July 21
Camp VBS, 9:15 a.m.
Dégagé (Marvin Team), 6 p.m.
Greater Hopes Support Group Meeting,
6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 5
Executive Committee Meeting, 7:15 a.m.
Friday, July 22
Worship and Music Committee Meeting,
Camp VBS, 9:15 a.m.
7 p.m.
Youth & Family Committee Meeting, 7 p.m. Sunday, July 24
Campers to Stony Lake
Wednesday, July 6
Outdoor Service at Trinity, 10:30 a.m.
Messenger Submissions Due
Blessing of the Campers, 10:30 a.m.
Thursday, July 7
Girl Scouts - Forest Hill Service Unit, 7 p.m. Picnic & Pig Roast at Trinity, 11:30 a.m.
Weekly at a Glance
Wednesdays
Quilting, 10 a.m.
Wednesday, July 20
Camp VBS, 9:15 a.m.
Thursday, July 28
Friday, July 29
Campers return from Stony Lake
Thursday, July 14
NARFE (National Active & Retired Federal
Employees), 1:30 p.m.
Friday, July 15
Dégage (Day Team), 6 p.m.
Sunday, July 17
Richmond Pool Party, 5:30 p.m.
Page 2
www.tlcgr.org
616-949-2510
Message from Pastor Bob Linstrom
Finding Community and Giving Thanks
for the Small Stuff
“Those who love their dream of a Christian community more than the Christian community itself
become destroyers of that Christian community even though their personal intentions may be ever
so honest, earnest, and sacrificial . . . We pray for the big things and forget to give thanks for the
ordinary, small (and yet really not small) gifts . . . Who can really be faithful in great things if he
has not learned to be faithful in the things of daily life?”
― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, from Life Together and Prayerbook of the Bible
It was forty years ago this month that I found myself embedded in vehicle wreckage in the right
lane of I-70 outside of Columbus, Ohio. My 19-year old self almost died that day. What followed
was four hours of cutting me out of the wreckage, emergency surgery, three weeks in intensive
care, a dozen subsequent major surgical procedures, five months in traction, and a year and a half
in leg braces learning to walk again. It was after that two-year pilgrimage that I began again to
make my way anew into the independence of young adulthood. I was whole but broken, and
different. Physical challenges have been a part of life’s journey in the decades since but I have been
deeply blessed to live well and with so much to be thankful for every day. Life is so very good.
Well-meaning people, hearing parts of that story, will often determine that the experience of my
accident and recovery, miraculous in multiple ways, was the source of my call to ordained ministry.
That must be true on some level. However, it was in the discovery of Christian community,
manifest in the life of the congregation, that I found my place as a pastor. Even after beginning
my journey through seminary I withdrew from that course of study, certain that I was not cut out
to be a pastor and absolutely certain that I did not want to be affiliated with the ‘institution’ of the
church. I’m still not sold on the institution of the church. But I love congregational life and the
privilege of pastoral ministry in the life of a congregation.
In the life of a congregation we find community, a precious gift of mutual engagement and
accountability, a wonder of compromise and flexibility, worship together despite our differences,
all grounded in what our God has done in Christ Jesus to redeem the world. And it is the “small
stuff,” the kind word, the willing visitor, the meal quietly delivered, the card sent to one newly
grieving, the teaching of children, the Sharing of the Peace with generous engagement, the
welcome of the stranger, the baptism of an infant, the bread broken and the cup passed – it is in the
“small stuff” that I am most encouraged that the life of the congregation in Christian community
is most beautifully alive and well. It is in the “small stuff” that God’s redeeming of the world
continues to unfold in the life of a congregation. Bonhoeffer called it “life together.” It was life
together in the small, simple beauty of Christian community that provided the context for my
discovery of a call to ordained ministry.
I am grateful for life together with you, my sisters and brothers at Trinity Lutheran Church, the
ongoing community that is the center of my celebration of the “small stuff” that binds us and send
us out into the world. Broken and made whole, simultaneously sinner and saint, every one, we
have much for which to give thanks. The community of Christ itself is a gift – let us share it well
in lives attuned one to another in love, forgiveness and mercy, manifest in the “small stuff,” yet
really not small . . .
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor Bob Linstrom
Page 3
www.tlcgr.org
616-949-2510
Council Corner
With summer time upon us many of our schedules
slow down a bit and we look forward to some rest,
relaxation and restoration prior to things speeding
up again in the fall. However, here at Trinity you’ll
find we still have an abundance of opportunities and
activities for adult and youth involvement.
Trinity Congregation Council
Members 2016-2017
Standing committees of the Congregation
Council coordinate the mission & ministry
of Trinity and provide their leadership in
developing new programming. Each
committee has a council committee
person who acts as the liaison between
the council and committee. Executive
Committee members and Committee
contacts are:
Two weeks ago we kicked off our “slower” time with
the Start of Summer Celebration, along with our Art &
Music Camp, and we just recently completed our
Springhill Day Camp. We also sent 30 of our senior
high youth off with eight parent chaperones for a
mission trip to Somerville, TN.
Congregation Council Executive
Committee
President: Brad Blair, 616-430-7529,
[email protected]
Vice President: Mike Mason, 616-826-8501,
[email protected]
Treasurer: John Basher, 616-974-9482,
[email protected]
Secretary: Carrie Wygmans, 616-481-2489,
[email protected]
Senior Pastor: Rev. Robert Linstrom,
616-949-2492, ext. 15,
[email protected]
Associate Pastor : Rev. Dan Schewe,
616-949-2492, ext. 24
[email protected]
This month we will enjoy an evening at Richmond Park Pool on July 17, Vacation Bible
School from July 18 to 22, and help with a Habitat for Humanity project on July 23. We
also have planned an outdoor Sunday worship service at Trinity on July 24 followed by a
Pig Roast and potluck luncheon. Later that day we will see our middle school youth off to
Stony Lake Camp from July 24 to 29.
By the time you read this our iconic Cross Tower remediation project should be well under
way with scaffolding in place and limestone pieces being replaced and restored. We also
continue to move forward in our volunteer recruitment and planning for our exciting
“Strengthen to Serve” Campaign which will help us in achieving our goals for the new
master building plan revision which we reviewed with the congregation in May.
Based on all the above activity you may question my initial assertion that summer is a
time when things slow down. But such is the life of a vibrant, loving, generous and
giving family of Christian brothers and sisters. How blessed we all are through our faith,
fellowship and commitment to Christ and to His work on this earth.
Congregation Council Members
Children’s Ministries: Kathy Bush,
616-485-0031, [email protected]
Congregational Life: Neil Sendler,
My summer prayer is that we do all find some “down time” to gain some much needed
rest this summer. Our Savior recognized this need for His servants in Mark 6: 30–31:
Endowment Fund: Mike Mason
Fellowship: Brenda Heacock,
Finance: John Basher
Health Ministries:
Hospitality: Carrie Wygmans
Human Resources: Dan Babin, 616-8189122, [email protected]
Outreach: Wendy Johnson, 616- 940-3130,
[email protected]
Property: Jim Coates, 616-254-9447,
[email protected]
Property: Gene Gunderson, 231-409-0106,
[email protected]
The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught.
Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a
chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get
some rest.”
Enjoy your summer and try and take some time for rest and relaxation!
Your brother in Christ,
Brad Blair
Brad Blair
Congregation Council President
Spiritual Growth:
Stewardship: John Fox, 616-949-2510,
[email protected]
Worship and Music: Rick Radke,
Youth and Family: Tess Lundgren,
Youth and Family: Emma Hall,
Youth and Family: Taylor Sytsma,
Paul Crist, 616-813-6150,
[email protected]
Page 4
www.tlcgr.org
616-949-2510
Message from Associate Pastor Dan Schewe
We are in the Middle of a Time of Transition!
I find one of the most foundational passages in the Bible to be Genesis 12:1-5:
Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your
father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I
will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless
those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families
of the earth shall be blessed.” So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went
with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. Abram took
his wife Sarai and his brother’s son Lot, and all the possessions that they had gathered,
and the persons whom they had acquired in Haran; and they set forth to go to the land
of Canaan. – NRSV
In this passage we are introduced to Abram, before he becomes Abraham. We are told very little
about him, but here he is called by God to go. Yet he is given little information about his
destination, only the vague direction ‘to the land that I will show you.’ He is to leave everything
familiar to him, his places of comfort, and go toward wherever this land is that will be shown to
him. Yet he is given promises about the journey. As he follows, he and his clan will become
great, and be blessed. Not just for their own benefit, but for the benefit of all families of the earth.
On his journey, as he follows, he will be blessed to be a blessing.
I cannot imagine how difficult this transition must have been for Abram and his family, yet they
went and we are blessed because they did.
We are in the middle of a time of transition in our Children’s, Youth, and Family Ministries.
Brittany Fischer has an amazing vision and passion for what our Sunday morning education time
can be for our children. We are looking at transitioning to a lectionary-based curriculum, which
means that the lessons for our children will be based on the same scriptures we read in worship.
Her focus is helping our children get back to the basics of our faith, and strengthening their
relationships with one another and the adults who are helping them. Look for a preview event for
you and your family in August and join us for a kickoff event on September 18!
Taylor Sytsma has a deep passion for our middle school youth and an under standing of
those years can be extremely important in their faith formation. She is helping develop a middle
school youth group around our confirmation programs and periodic fellowship and service events.
Taylor is focused on helping our students establish deeper friendships and start to see how their
faith can be lived out daily.
Ashlee Wetherington’s commitment and passion for our high school youth is contagious. She is
helping develop a robust event calendar with the youth. Our hope is they continue to see how
their faith can lead them in all aspects of their lives and deepen their relationships with the church
and one another. We invite the families of high school youth to join us on the afternoon of
August 14 for a kickoff event to this program year!
We are currently filling the final position of the team who will be focused on our larger group
events that help families connect with one another across all of these various age groups.
While we are in the middle of a time of great transition, we are faithfully trying to follow God as
best as we can. We may not know exactly what the future ahead of us looks like but we do know
that as we follow we will be blessed and we will be a blessing. We are excited to embark on this
journey with you!
Shalom,
Pastor Dan Schewe
Associate Pastor
Page 5
www.tlcgr.org
616-949-2510
Building Endowment Fund Matching Gift Challenge Met!
In April of 2016 a $50,000 matching gift was offered to Trinity to bring the new
Building Endowment Fund to a level of active distribution as a resource for the
ongoing care of Trinity’s facilities. It is a privilege to report that, as of the compiling
of this newsletter, $50,160 has been received to meet that matching gift and another
large gift is anticipated to bring the Building Endowment Fund to life. Initiated with
a $5,000 seed gift in 2015, the growth of the Building Endowment Fund has been a
remarkable success story as the “forever gift” nature of this fund seeds the future
care and maintenance of our beloved church facilities.
Watch for a final report of the summer of 2016 Building Endowment Fund Matching
Gift Challenge in the August issue of this newsletter!
Please Remember Your Offering When You Are Away
As you travel this summer to vacation destinations, the lakeshore, the family cottage or family reunions, remember that the ministry
of your congregation continues all summer long. Mail your offering or make your gifts electronically but don’t forget your
church! If you would like assistance with options for electronic giving, contact Ashlee Wetherington in the Trinity church office at
[email protected].
Trinity Lutheran Church Budget vs. Actuals
Month of May 2016
Total Income
Total Expenses
Operating Income (Loss)
Budget
85,500
75,817
Actual
102,788
68,908
9,683
33,880
Variance
Favorable/
(Unfavorable)
17,288
6,909
16.8%
10.0%
24,197
Giving was higher than budget with one-time gift larger than pledge. Spending was lower
than budget for Payroll (Parish Nurse was on medical leave), Property (although higher
on YTD basis), and Administration (local Synod Assembly).
2016 Fiscal Year to Date
February to May 2016
Total Income
Total Expenses
Operating Income (Loss)
Budget
335,500
318,745
Actual
351,803
305,710
Variance
Favorable/
(Unfavorable)
16,303
13,035
16,755
46,093
29,338
4.6%
4.3%
Giving was higher than budget with one-time gift larger than pledge. Spending was lower
than budget for Payroll (Parish Nurse was on medical leave), Utilities (favorable weather)
and Administration (local Synod Assembly). These were partially offset by higher
Property spending on the Boiler.
Page 6
www.tlcgr.org
616-949-2510
Music Scholarship Fund
It has always been a pleasure for the members of Trinity’s Worship and Music
Committee to offer scholarships to students attending summer music camps.
However, the Pauline Tweddale Music Scholarship Fund is currently depleted.
Your donations to this music fund, established in memory of a former Trinity
member, would be greatly appreciated at this time. Checks may be made
payable to Trinity Lutheran Church with “Tweddale Scholarship Fund” in the
memo line. Diane or Larry Biser or Sid Hoeksema would be pleased to accept
your donation.
We have been awarding scholarships to students involved in Trinity's music
program for many years - let's do our best to continue that wonderful history.
Report from North/West Lower Michigan Synod Assembly
The Assembly was held in Grand Rapids at the Crown Plaza May 15 to 17.
Trinity participants were Pastor Bob Linstrom (Synod Parliamentarian), Carrie
Wygmans (Synod Organizer), Dawn Brackmann (Synod Attorney), and voting
members Pastor Dan Schewe, Sue and Jim Coates, Jan Palm, and Vince
Schumacher. As Jan observed, the three days were "inspirational, educational
and challenging." It was a great opportunity for us to get to know each other at
a deeper level and meet Synod attendees from other Churches.
Following an opening prayer service on Sunday, various organizational topics
were addressed. On Monday we received status reports on several of the
synod's ministries including Living Waters, Samaritas (LSSM), Portico,
Trinity Lutheran Seminary, ELCA World Hunger Fund and WELCA (Women
of the ELCA). During the afternoon attendees split into three activities:
1) Prayer for World Justice, 2) Preparing for meeting the needs of the World
and 3) visiting/working at two community centers in Grand Rapids doing
gardening, painting, clean up etc. After dinner we witnessed a musical prayer
service recognizing the needs of over 50 countries in the world, one at a time.
It was very moving.
On Tuesday, the final day, we were presented with a daunting task. Each of 30
tables (6-8 per table) were asked to discuss and report to the group on four
questions.
 What kind of church do we believe God is calling us to become?
 How do we become an inclusive diverse church that is inspiring and
relevant in different communities?
 If we had to decide that some things were more important than others in
the next 5-10 years, what are your top three things?
 How do we become a more connected church? (with other congregations,
synod, national church and all their ministries)
It was realized that this is an ongoing challenge that needs to be addressed by
our church at all levels.
The Synod Assembly concluded with a prayer service highlighted by Holy
Communion being offered at each table and served by us to each other. This
was a very nice touch to the conclusion of a most inspiring three days. Each
one of us would like to thank the congregation for giving us this opportunity.
Respectfully submitted,
Jim Coates
Page 7
www.tlcgr.org
616-949-2510
Trinity Pool Party - Sunday, July 17
Richmond Park Pool
5:30 to 8 p.m.
Make plans now to enjoy some summer fun and splashin’ around during
Trinity’s Pool Party on Sunday, July 17, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Richmond
Park Pool in Grand Rapids. Join us for this great Trinity summer tradition!
Trinity’s annual pool party is always a highlight of the summer. Admission
is free and we have the whole pool all to ourselves. Invite your friends,
family, the kids’ friends - the more the merrier! This HUGE pool features:

an amazing water slide

zero-depth entry so the littlest swimmers can walk into the water

several water playground areas and water spray features

diving boards

swimming lanes

shaded picnic area - bring snacks, dinner

(snorkels and other water toys are not permitted at Richmond Pool)
Richmond Park Pool is located 1637 Tamarack NW, at the intersection of
Richmond and Tamarack on the near northwest side of Grand Rapids.
Vacation Bible School at Trinity - July 18 to 22
Welcome to Cave Quest:
Following Jesus - the Light of the World
9:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Each day kids participate in small groups, called Cave Crews, and discover
practical ways to follow Jesus, the light of the world! Not only will they
experience exciting Bible adventures but they’ll also watch for God in
everyday life through something called “God Sightings.” You and your
kids will discover that God is active in our lives and that His light shines
for us to see it daily!
Cave Quest is filled with unforgettable Bible-learning experiences kids will
see, hear, touch, and even taste! “KidVid Cinema” shares real stories of real
kids who are shining God’s light in everyday life! Team-building games,
cool Bible songs, and tasty treats keep everyone on the move.
Camp VBS promises to be an over-the-top, underground adventure! Kids
will walk away understanding what it means to follow Jesus and shine His
light. Sign up today on Trinity’s website: tlcgr.org (go to Children’s
Ministry under the Ministries tab).
Are you Expecting or Adopting?
The Trinity staff would like to celebrate and share in your happy news of
being pregnant or adopting a new bundle of joy. We like to know about it
so we can pray for and support your family. Our ministry to your baby
begins before they are even born.
Contact Director of Congregational Life Angela Davis with details.
Page 8
www.tlcgr.org
616-949-2510
Summer Blood Drive at Trinity - Monday, July 25
Pump Up for the Summer Blood Drive
After falling substantially short of our goal in May because of no-shows and folks deferred
for various reasons (iron deficiency, travel to Zika affected countries) it's important for us to
rally and make a better showing in July. A congregation our size should be able to offer more
than the two dozen or so donors who come out to donate each and every time. We are so
grateful for our faithful donors and wish to honor Don Barsema, Carol Eriksen and Joyce
McKenzie for earning their 1, 3, and 5 gallon donor pins, respectively.
If you're a new church member or haven't donated in the past, please consider participating in
this most rewarding ministry, if only to nibble on Linda Grinstead's BEST COOKIES EVER!
Thank you, Linda!
Remember, each donation can save up to three lives, and blood supplies tend to be erratic
over the summer with vacations, etc. even though the need is constant. So come out and
donate on Monday, July 25, from 1:30-6:15 p.m. (note the time change.)
Please contact Sue Babin at [email protected] or 616-272-3902 to schedule an
appointment so we know you're coming and Michigan Blood can staff adequately.
Thank you!
Trinity’s Prayer Ministry
Trinity has a prayer ministry through which our members
and friends benefit greatly from the power of prayer!
There are many ways you can become involved in our prayer ministry:
 Electronic Prayer Chain – submit your name and email address to the church office and
we will get you added to the list of people who regularly pray for those in need. You will
receive emails periodically with information about individuals for whom prayer would
be appreciated.
 Prayer Group – a face-to-face prayer group that meets once a month on the second Sunday
of the month. This group explores various methods of prayer.
 Submitting a prayer request – you can contact the church office by phone or email or fill
out one of the yellow “Let’s Connect” cards available at any of our worship services. You
can also personally speak to one of the pastors or staff members.
 Prayer Tree – this ministry began in the fall of 2015. We will once again kick it off in
September as the adult members of Trinity choose a child to pray for until the spring.
Then in the spring we come together for a celebration and a time of sharing a meal and
fellowship.
Trinity’s High School Youth Mission Trip is Underway!
Please keep Trinity’s high school youth and their adult chaperones in your prayers as they
are in Somerville, TN for this summer’s Mission Trip from June 25 to July 2. The group will
demonstrate Christ’s love and compassion in tangible ways, serving those in need by working
on projects like building wheelchair ramps, painting and doing various home repairs.
Thank you, Mission Trippers, for your willingness to be of help to the people of Somerville.
May you all be a blessing to each other and to all of the people that you encounter on your
travels together!
Page 9
www.tlcgr.org
616-949-2510
New Nursery Coordinator – Hiring Staff for Trinity Nursery
Adult and High School Youth Sought
to Staff Trinity Nursery
Beginning July 1, 2016, long-time church nursery staff person Awilda
Diaz will be taking the helm of that program as our Nursery Coordinator.
This summer Trinity will be interviewing prospective adult and high
school youth to serve as paid nursery staff to join a veteran team for our
Sunday morning, Tuesday morning, Wednesday evening and special
event offering of nursery care for Trinity’s youngest members.
Are you interested in joining our nursery team? Contact Pastor Linstrom
([email protected], 616-949-2510, ext. 15) for more information .
Help With Habitat for Humanity - Saturday, July 23
Trinity members are invited to help DEMOLISH a home for Habitat for Humanity on
Saturday, July 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1248 Davis NW in Grand Rapids.
Yes, you read that correctly - the scheduled task for that day is demolition. Sounds like it
might be rather therapeutic and more fun than usual, right?! Our volunteer crew will help
clear the old house that is currently on the property in advance of later crews coming in to
help build up a beautiful new Habitat home. Volunteers 18 years of age and older are
welcome to participate in the demolition.
This is a wonderful opportunity to participate in an important outreach ministry that focuses
on building houses for qualified families using mostly volunteer labor and donated materials.
Trinity member Gloria Von der Heide is our Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Coordinator.
Please contact her at 616-454-7454 or [email protected] if you would like to
volunteer to work that day and/or help provide lunch for the volunteer crew.
Buy a Book of Bus Tickets!
You are invited to support our community’s most vulnerable members
by purchasing bus tickets to be distributed to community organizations
including Dégagé Ministries, Family Promise (IHN) and Samaritas.
Many area residents do not have cars and must rely totally upon public
transportation to get to job interviews, work, grocery stores and
appointments. Bus tickets can provide stability for individuals and
families who are struggling.
Please consider supporting this ministry by purchasing one or more
packs of bus tickets. A pack of 10 tickets is now $13.50.
Please place your donation in the offering plate on Sunday or drop it off
in the church office. Make checks payable to Trinity Lutheran Church
with “bus tickets” on the memo line. We will collect for this special
program through the end of August.
Page 10
www.tlcgr.org
616-949-2510
Mitten Synod Is “Living Lutheran” in Honduras
Eight people from our North/West Lower Michigan Synod ventured to Honduras March 9 to 15. Read about their adventure of
accompaniment with the Lutheran Church of Honduras in the July insert of Living Lutheran magazine. Our Synod partners with the
Lutheran Church of Honduras in a shared ministry called Honduras Health for Life, in which several Trinity members participate.
If you would like more information, please contact Wendy Johnson at (616) 940-3130 or [email protected].
On Tuesday, March 9, we set off. A group of almost complete
strangers set off on an adventure. Traveling from Michigan,
Washington and Florida, the group came together for the first
time. John and Kris Fox, Turner Sytsma, Linda Stark, Mary
Schmiedeknecht, Janet Alcántara, Kara Gee and myself came
together in Atlanta making the final leg together. We were on our
way to visit our companion sisters and brothers in Honduras, all
but two of us traveling there for the first time; all of us open to the
people and places we would encounter.
From the moment we arrived to the moment we departed we were
in the wonderful hands of the gracious hosts that make up ICLH
(Iglesia Cristiana Luterana de Honduras – Lutheran Church of
Honduras). During our time together our minds were opened to
the joys and challenges of our Honduran friends. We heard from
Professor Nelson Garcia Lobo of The Mennonite Social Action
Committee, Hermilo Soto, the director of the Lutheran World
Federation in Honduras, and Deputy Chief of Mission Julie
Shechter Torres and staff at the U.S. Embassy. In these
conversations we were able to hear not only of the realities, but
of the great work that is being done alongside some of the more
difficult struggles.
The eight N/WLM travelers with some of our
Honduran brothers and sisters.
And some of that great work is being done by the people of ICLH.
We had the wonderful opportunity to come alongside some of the
leaders within the Lutheran communities and spend time teaching
and learning, sharing resources and information, and bearing
witness to the love of God found in Jesus and in one another.
Part of our role was to provide dental education to the health
volunteers and engage the Biblical narrative to see the love and
compassion that is so very present in Jesus’ life and ministry and
to grow in our understanding of how this love can and does
dismantle prejudice and discrimination.
Another piece of our role was to educate some of our younger
brothers and sisters about how to care for their teeth and what a
delight that was. There was a lot of energy and eagerness to learn
and to share what they already knew and of course there were a
lot of smiling faces to show off their sparkling whites.
The week the eight of us spent was a grand adventure. We
immersed ourselves into the lives of those we were honored and
privileged to spend time with and to come alongside. The Spirit
was moving in and among our group from touchdown to takeoff.
It was a delight to witness to what our companion church has
done, is doing, and has dreams to do. It is a pure joy to see how
God is at work through our Honduran friends and how God is at
work in our partnership. I can only speak for myself, but this is
definitely an opportunity of a lifetime and I would encourage our
entire synod to partake in this adventure of love, hospitality, and
companionship.
Pastor Sara Cogsil
Page 11
Kara Gee, dental hygienist with some of the 2nd
graders the dental team taught about oral hygiene.
Turner Sytsma playing his guitar at sunset near where the
dental and
spiritual workshops were held.
www.tlcgr.org
616-949-2510
Cross Tower Project Underway
The erection of scaffolding began on June 7 around Trinity’s iconic Cross Tower as
the long-awaited remediation project finally began. Demolishing of old limestone
facing will likely be underway by late June in a project that is currently projected to
continue through the month of August.
During construction the entire parking area on the west side office level has been
closed off as the construction staging area and the exterior office door to Trinity has
been closed off for the safety of our congregants. Please know that the kitchen door
entrance on the east side of the church building is the main point of entry during
office hours Monday through Friday and for weeknight and weekend meetings and
activities.
Join us in praying for a safe and productive construction season at Trinity and for a
great conclusion to this first phase of our building project.
Did You Know?
. . . that conceptual design images and the Case Statement for our Master Plan
Revision for the building project and the “Strengthen to Serve” capital campaign are
now available on our website? Check the CAMPAIGN link at www.tlcgr .or g.
. . . that the “Strengthen to Serve” capital campaign is underway with the people
of Trinity asked to prayerfully consider how they will participate in supporting our
emerging building project? The official congregational kickoff event will be on
Sunday, September 11 – watch for more details in coming weeks!
.. . that Youth and Family Staffing interviews for the Family Ministry Coordinator
position have been held with several candidates in June of 2016? Watch for a
profile of our new Youth and Family Ministry Team in the August Messenger.
© Can Stock Photo Inc. / PixelsAway
. . . that a couple of thank you events for ushers and greeters will be held on
Wednesday, July 6 and Sunday, July 10? All of Tr inity’s cur r ent usher s and
greeters will be invited – if you would like to join us as a new usher or greeter,
contact the church office for more information.
. . . that during July and August we continue to worship on Sundays at 9 a.m. for the
Rejoice contemporary worship service and at 10:30 a.m. for the traditional
worship service? We r etur n to the four ser vice wor ship schedule September 11.
. . . that “Reformation 500” events are being planned in the Grand Rapids
Conference? Tr inity will host one of the fir st events of the 500 th anniversary
of the Reformation observance in the Grand Rapids area with a Hymn Festival on
Reformation Sunday, October 30, 2016. Watch for details later this summer.
. . . that Pastor Linstrom is hoping to hear from Trinity parents who are interested in
a brief class to prepare young children for Holy Communion? Tr inity is a congregation that welcomes all of the baptized, including young children, to participate
in the Lord’s Supper, and a wonderful, simple curriculum entitled “A Place for You”
provides a meaningful introduction to Holy Communion for young children. Early in
the fall each year Pastor Linstrom gathers with parents and their children for a brief
Saturday First Communion class followed by bread baking in the church kitchen.
The bread the children bake (with a bit of help) will be shared the following Sunday
morning in worship along with a blessing of First Communion children and their
families.
Page 12
A class is being scheduled for the fall on Saturday, September 10 at 11 a.m. If you
are interested in more information about Holy Communion with young children,
contact Pastor Bob at 616-949-2510, ext. 15.
www.tlcgr.org
616-949-2510
A New Women’s Social Group is Forming at Trinity!
Do you wish you could go out socially more often but find that you are spending
much of life alone at this point? It can sometimes be uncomfortable to go out to
eat by yourself and perhaps you would really enjoy the company of friends for
pleasant conversation over a meal.
SOLO
If you are a woman at least fifty years of age and are widowed, divorced or are
single without a significant other, this new group could be for you. Plans are for
women to meet together for lunch at area restaurants at noon on the first Tuesday
of most months to simply have fun! Women will order from the restaurant menus
and each guest will pay for their own meals.
Savoring Our Lunches Out Together!
Reservations will be made for the group in advance so it is important to RSVP.
Please contact Trinity member Marjorie Paul at 616-209-5263 to let her know
you would like to attend or if you have questions.
On Tuesday, July 5, the group is going to Cork Wine and Grille at Watermark
Country Club. The deadline to RSVP is Thursday, June 30.
On Tuesday, August 2, the group plans to go to the Cherie Inn. The deadline to
RSVP is Thursday, July 28.
“SOLO Together” just might be a great way for you to get out more often and
enjoy the company of other women.
Trinity Travelers “In the Footsteps of Martin Luther” in July
Twenty-six will journey together July 13 to 23 “in the footsteps of Martin Luther”
through the cities of Luther’s Germany. Highlights of the trip will be Mainz,
Worms, the Gutenberg Museum, Erfurt, Wartburg Castle, Lutherhaus, Eisleben,
Dresden, Leipzig, St. Thomas Church, Wittenberg, St. Mary’s Church and Berlin.
Pastor Bob and Rebecca Linstrom will be leading the Trinity delegation on a
guided tour through Collette Travel.
The Trinity Travelers Group for Luther’s Germany, July 13-23, 2016 includes
David and Wendy Johnson, Norm and Jan Palm, Ken and Bev Block, Pastor Bob
and Rebecca Linstrom, Curtis and Elizabeth Druckrey, John and Kris Racek, John
and Kris Fox, Marjorie Paul and Jennifer Fouchey, Bill and Meri Leidel, Bob and
Linda Heine, Frank and Annette Remsburg, Vince and Carol Schumacher, Doug
Haneline and Jan Jacobson.
Keep them in your prayers as they travel to Luther’s Germany in the 499 th year of
the Reformation!
Page 13
www.tlcgr.org
616-949-2510
Save the Date
Trinity Connections Form
Please use this form to share updates and requests. Our faith
family at Trinity supports our daily journeys of faith, shares
God’s gifts of love and grace, and responds to people in need.
Complete this form and drop in the offering plate or Church
Office, or mail to: Trinity Lutheran Church, 2700 Fulton St. E.,
Grand Rapids, MI 49506.
Please check all that apply:
AUGUST
Aug. 8 – Messenger Submissions Due
Aug. 13 – Dégagé (Stouten Team), 6 p.m.
Aug. 14 – Mission Trip Sunday
Aug. 14 – Trinity Prayer Group, 3 p.m.
Aug. 19 – Dégagé (Talsma Team)
Aug. 28 – “Strengthen to Serve” Campaign Announcement Sunday
SEPTEMBER
Welcome Visitors - Let us get to know you!
 Have visited Trinity
 New to the area
 Seeking a church home
Cares/Concerns
Would appreciate a visit from a pastor
Prayer request (describe below)
Would appreciate being connected to a Stephen Minister
Health concerns for self or family member (describe below)
Please add a member of my family in the military (describe below include position, armed services branch and location)





Family Changes
 We’re expecting or adopting! Anticipated arrival _________
 Birth (share details below)
 Death of family member (share details below)
Sept. 5 – Labor Day Observed - Office Closed
Sept. 7 – Executive Committee Meeting, 7:15 a.m.
Sept. 11 – Return to four worship service schedule
Sept. 11 – “Strengthen to Serve” Campaign Kick-off Sunday
Sept. 11 – Trinity Prayer Group, 3 p.m.
Sept. 11 – “Strengthen to Serve” Campaign Kick-off Celebration,
5 p.m.
Sept. 11-18 – Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN)
Sept. 12 – Messenger Submissions Due
Sept. 12 – Congregation Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 15 – Dégagé (Marvin Team), 6 p.m.
Sept. 16 – Dégagé (Day Team), 6 p.m.
Sept. 23 – Concert by Peter Heykoop, 7 p.m.
Address/Phone Changes
 Address Change
 Phone or email change
OCTOBER
Other
 I’d like more information (describe below):
First Name
Last Name
Oct. 4 – Executive Committee Meeting, 7:15 a.m.
Oct. 8 – Dégagé (Stouten Team), 6 p.m.
Oct. 9 – “Strengthen to Serve” Campaign Witness Sunday
Oct. 9 – Trinity Prayer Group, 3 p.m.
Oct. 10 – Messenger Submissions Due
Oct. 10 – Congregation Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 16 – “Strengthen to Serve” Campaign Commitment Sunday
Oct. 21 – Dégagé (Talsma Team), 6 p.m.
Oct. 30 – Reformation Sunday
Oct. 30 – Confirmation Sunday, 11:15 p.m.
Oct. 30 – Trunk or Treat, 5:30 p.m.
Address
City State Zip
Home Phone
Cell Phone
Email
Cares/concerns, prayer requests, family changes and ideas:
Page 14
www.tlcgr.org
616-949-2510
July Birthday and Anniversary Celebrations!
July 1
Andrew Murray
Jennifer Palm
Joy Prusak
Warren Veltman
Elizabeth and John Derbin
Joan and David Hansen
Esther and Alan Sellman
July 2
Ellie Brandstadt
Peggy Demmon
Haley Fisk
Linda Grinstead
Joe Rosloniec
Calvin Steketee
Micah Steketee
Daniel Zielinski
July 3
Nanci Guigue
Isaac Johnson
Janet Konen
Yvonne Lynn
John Moglia
Ned Quinn
July 4
Greg Battreall
Oscar Heaford
Donna Linsey
Jeff Ulrich
Shayne Wilson
Linda and John Holm
July 5
Bonnie Brandstadt
Caden Budzyn
William Cannon
Victoria Elliott
Oliver Ruble
Susan and Dave Gutierrez
July 6
Deborah Bambini
Kim Brock
Kristi Flatt
Rachel Gosch
Tony Lawrence Jr.
Shirley Pearson
Kristin and John Bradley
Lisa and Dave Reierson
July 7
Elena Griewahn
Michelle and Marty Remelts III
Melissa and John Ziech
July 8
Kaitlyn Childers
Kelly Hoffman-Hagmeyer
Abigail Lamprich
Matthew Mead
Hudson Proux
Rachel Vigna
July 9
Coreen Beckett
Angie Brace
Hayes Dudley
Annie Hudson
Lisa Mead
David Morrison
Chloe Tesch
Sue and Dave Wait
July 10
Gordon Engstrom
Kevin Henkel
Karin Moglia
Micki Smokovich
Jonathan Sommers
July 11
Connie Engel
Tom Helzer
Fred Ulreich
July 12
Abigail Battreall
Julianna Hahn
Connor Krupp
Judy Otten
Mae Preston
Colin Sawhill
Andrea and Timothy Dudley
Lisa Wilson and Keith Gohlke
July 13
Sofia Crist
Andrea Salasky
Kelly and Grant Hagmeyer
July 14
Sarah Huckstep
Alexander Soule
Diane and Larry Biser
Carrie and Sid Hoeksema
Ashley and Erik Perkins
July 15
Lillian Czypera
Laura Fisher
Kathryn Langenburg
Mary Wollen
Laura and Steven Cairns
Deb and John Potter
Page 15
July 16
Brooklyn Breon
Bill Fisk
Katie Grzelak
Kaitlyn Landon
Grace Lawrence
Karen Smith
Ingrid and Patrick Brang
Jane and Nicholas Claus
Kerry and Jim McKee
July 17
Benjamin Cannon
Darcy Moore
Tadas Norris
Tom Shannon Jr.
Tom VanderWoude
Peyton Wollen
Beth and Bob O’Connor
July 18
Sue Bakkila
Kate and Bryan Bredwell
Wendy and Joesy Johnson
Yvonne and Dan Lynn
Joyce and Ralph Schenk
July 19
Fran Bolthuis
Mikaela Bradley
Nancy Krupp
Laura Swain
Connie and Larry Frazier
Kelly and Jason Montgomery
July 20
Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood
Dave Reierson
Michelle and Tom Albaitis
July 21
Rachel Ahrens
Ken Beld
Benson Beuker
Katelyn Tooley
Shirley and Richard Tedford
July 22
Keegan Coles
Jordan Donahue
Betsy and John McIntyre
Rachel and Brian Vigna
July 23
Fred Wilcox
Bonnie and Todd Brandstadt
Liz and Art Schmehling
July 24
Kirstine Brocker
Laura Elliott
www.tlcgr.org
616-949-2510
(July 24 continued)
Charles Krug
Megan Unruh
Maggie VanderWoude
Paul VanderWoude
July 25
Susan Candela
Karen and Dave Rozek
Kyle and John Teichow
Kathleen and David Young
July 26
Tom Fredrickson
Pam Gunderson
Carrie Hoeksema
Christopher Humphreys
John Kendall
Molly King
Susan Youngren
Ann and Michael Morin
July 27
Peter Bowman
Barbara Meyers
Jay Rosloniec
Dale Volkerding
Christine and Richard Duyser
Michelle and Ned Quinn
July 28
Alain Carron
Bruce Hungerford
Beth Olson
Steven Salasky
Jamie and Jason Stevenson
July 29
Peter Larson
Ronald McNally
Elaine Rongey
Jennifer Salasky
Kay Zeaman
Kori and Jeffrey Grooters
July 30
Zach Budzyn
Grant Greiner
Gene Gunderson
Bryant Hicks
Nancy Lindquist
Kathleen Longstreth
Emily and Roy Black
Sharon and Bill Brandner
July 31
Jillian Beld
Brooke Croly
Clara DeVita-Krug
Mary Rasmussen
Kirsten and Omar Zarou
Thank You Notes!
Bob and I would like to thank you all so much for your prayers for our grandson Carter and his parents Nicole and Todd. Carter still
has some feeding issues but is really improving and finally gaining weight as well as developing into a healthy, happy 8-month-old.
Nicole and Todd asked that you continue to keep him in your prayers - they have seen your prayers work!
We would also like to thank you for your prayers during my surgery and recovery. I am doing very well and filled with gratitude to
God for answered prayer and His mercy.
God’s blessings, Linda Heine
Thank you to all the volunteers and
participants who made this year’s
Start of Summer Celebration
such a wonderful event!
Thank you so much for the fine send-off at the picnic and the many personal conversations we've had with many of you from this
wonderful church! As Peggy and I are transitioning from work to retirement and Grand Rapids to Dexter, near our children and
grandchildren, we have many different emotions. We were both born in Grand Rapids, and other than our years away at college, we
have lived, worked and worshiped here. We have been deeply blessed by our time at Trinity and will miss you very much.
Blessings to you all!
Tom and Peggy Demmon
2700 Fulton Street East
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Main Office: 616-949-2510
Office Hours: 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (M-F)
www.tlcgr.org
Mission: T rinity L utheran Church is a dynamic family called by God to nurture each other in our daily journeys of faith and to joyfull y
increase our response to all people in need, sharing God’s gifts of love and grace.
Staff
Direct Dial:
616-949-2492
(then dial extension #)
facebook.com/tlcgr
Rev. Robert Linstrom, Senior Pastor (ext. 15)
[email protected]
Sidney Hoeksema, Trinity Choir Director
Rev. Dan Schewe, Associate Pastor (ext. 24)
[email protected]
Beth Humphreys, Wedding Coordinator
[email protected]
Diane T. Biser, Director of Children’s Choirs (ext. 18)
Cheryl Reeve, Rejoice Worship Coordinator
Larry G. Biser, Director of Music/Organist/Director of Bell
Choirs (ext. 18) 616-304-7259, [email protected]
Sylvia Stouten, Director of Discipleship/Messenger Editor
(ext. 21) [email protected]
Angela Davis, Director of Congregational Life (ext. 29)
[email protected]
Taylor Sytsma, Middle School Youth Ministry
Niki Ferguson, Sexton (ext. 17)
[email protected]
Jodi VanGorp, Office Coordinator (ext. 10)
[email protected]
Brittany Fischer, Children’s Christian Education Ministry
Dr. Elizabeth West, Associate Organist, 616-212-1584
[email protected]
Linda Heine, Parish Nurse (ext. 19)
[email protected]
Ashlee Wetherington, Finance Assistant/High School Youth
Ministry (ext. 11) [email protected]
Page 16
www.tlcgr.org
616-949-2510

Sunday, July 24 will be a Great Day for our Trinity Church Family to

Transcription

Similar documents

The Messenger

The Messenger

HERE - Trinity Lutheran Church

HERE

Take Out August 23b.cdr - Trinity Lutheran Church Roselle Illinois

The Messenger - Trinity Lutheran Church

Trinity E.M.S. Simulates Car Crash as Warning to Underage Drinking

July/August 2016 Newsletter

Fred Bahnson Amity Gaige Brian Turner Jim Shepard First

Loves Visitors!! - Trinity United Methodist Church