TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH (ELCA) Worship, Serve, Proclaim www.tlcyankton.com 403 Broadway, Yankton SD 57078 Telephone (605) 665-7415 Interim Senior Pastor David Zellmer [email protected] (605)553-3049 Associate Pastor Jeff M. Otterman [email protected] (605) 645-0396 Secretary’s email: [email protected] (Doris) or [email protected] (Julie)
WINTER WORSHIP SCHEDULE Sundays Contemporary Service 8:15 a.m. Saturdays Coffee Fellowship & Contemporary Service Sunday School 9:30 a.m. 5:30 p.m. Traditional Service 10:45 a.m.
Wednesdays Confirmation (6th-8th grades) 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Happy New Year and may Christmas blessings follow you into Epiphany in the year 2020!
In the midst of all the liturgical year happenings of Christmas, Epiphany, the Baptism of our Lord, Lent and then Easter, we are blessed to have former Bishop of South Dakota, Pastor David Zellmer, to be with us for a short time as our interim Senior Pastor. I give thanks for the honor I have had working with our newly retired pastor, David Wildermuth, and I look forward to working with Pastor David Zellmer for the six weeks he will be with us. There is much we don’t know about the coming year, and as life unfolds around us, might we be filled with a hopeful anticipation of where God is leading all of us to go. Transitions can be a bumpy ride and some of that comes with unhealthy expectations. However, amidst the change, I believe God in Christ Jesus will walk along side us every day of this new year. When I think of what is facing us, let us take a page from Paul’s first letter to the church in Thessalonica, “Be at peace among yourselves, and we urge you beloved to admonish the idlers, encourage the faint hearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them. See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” If the church in Thessalonica could strive to do the very things that Paul addresses, then might we also strive to live according to the purpose set before us by God in Christ Jesus. All of us need a savior, and none of us have the ability to do the saving, and yet we are called to be the light in the darkness of our days ahead. May God bless us all as we lean into Christ our Savior. Amen.
Grace and peace to you lovers of God in Christ Jesus, Pastor Jeff M. Otterman
Gifts and Memorials
In Honor of Pastor Appreciation Month For Debt Reduction From Jerald & Sheila Swedlund
In Loving Memory of Frank Potts For Debt Reduction From Jeanette Novak, Darlene Pederson, Leona Sparks and Jerald & Sheila Swedlund For Heritage Hall Remodeling Fund From Marti & Jan Jans For the Kitchen Fund From Emma Lou Potts
In Loving Memory of Larry Vogt For regular offering From Kevin & Julie O’Brien
Church Happenings
Baptism “To be grateful is to Jagger Stephen Pokorney Son of find blessings in Travis Pokorney & Brianna Nickles Born: September 21, 2018 everything.” Baptized: December 8, 2019 Entering into our retirement, Bev and I want A Heartfelt everyone to know that we are truly thankful and Thank You feel blessed for the time we spent at Trinity and the With sincere gratitude we many, many memories we will take with us. would like to express how My retirement celebration was awesome and I much we appreciate the efforts of all of our thank everyone involved in planning, facilitating, volunteers. You have given your time and efforts through volunteering for and attending the event. BeFrienders, Children’s Ministry programs, Thank you, also, for all of the retirement well funerals, Bach’s lunch, KOINONIA, wishes, cards, gifts, and prayers as well as the recycling, Prison ministry, Prayer Shawl Christmas cards and gifts. Ministry, Meals on Wheels, Quilters, and God’s Blessings to all and remember to our various boards. Please know how truly blessed we feel for all that you have Worship, Serve, and Proclaim! contributed to Trinity. Pastor Dave The Pastors and staff of Trinity Lutheran Scholarship Applications
In 1988 the Stewardship Committee adopted a “Scholarship Policy” and established an endowment fund so that college students from Trinity Lutheran could take advantage of the scholarship matching programs offered by various Lutheran colleges. Each of the Lutheran colleges has a different matching program. We continue to award scholarships to students who attend Lutheran colleges; applications for the 2020 school year are on the table in the narthex. If you have questions or need assistance, please see Doris in the office. The deadline for their return to the office is Feb. 10, 2020.
Contribution Envelopes The Trinity Quilters meet every Contribution envelopes for the Tuesday and welcome any new entire year of 2020 can be found workers. The quilts in the west hallway across from are tied quilts and no experience is needed the coat room in alphabetical order. Thank to contribute your time for this you for saving Trinity the cost of postage worthwhile cause. Cloth bandages are also rolled this same Tuesday morning. by not mailing them to you. These bandages are transported to Global Health Ministries in Fridley,
“Older Wiser Lutherans” (OWLS) MN. They are used in medical facilities that often use leaves as bandages due The next meeting of OWLS will be held on to the location. These facilities may be January 26th. The group meets monthly on far in the rural areas of Tanzania and the last Sunday evening of each month at other foreign countries that are not 6:00 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room for a close to any adequate medical pot luck meal followed by fellowship. We facility. Please join us on Tuesday invite anyone who feels that they fit the mornings in the Multi-Purpose category of “older and wiser Lutheran” to attend. If you Rooms to work on this OUTREACH to have questions, please contact: others in the Yankton area, the nation, Nora Lee at 665-8113 or Nancy Mortensen at 664-4853 and around the world.
January Mission of the Month: St. Dysmas of South Dakota St. Dysmas of South Dakota proclaims the good news of Jesus Christ into the midst of their difficult times. The men are reminded that despite what they have done in their lives, they are God’s chosen and beloved children, adopted by God in their baptisms and promised the forgiveness of sins and life everlasting. Because of your financial support the men at St. Dysmas of South Dakota hear the good news that Jesus was born for them too and that they are never alone. We need your help to make this possible. I’m asking you to dig deep and give generously to support the ministry of St. Dysmas of South Dakota. We need to keep proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ to men who need to hear it. On behalf of your brothers in Christ at St. Dysmas of South Dakota, I thank you for your love, your prayers, and for your generosity.
Pastor Wayne Gallipo COMMITTEE MEMBERS FOR 2020 Trinity Once again, it is time to elect new committee members for the coming year. We pray that you will want to be a vital Cookbooks part in the operation and planning of Trinity’s future. Please Trinity Cookbooks (the consider how you may be able to lend your talents and red ones) are available for $10 knowledge to the decisions we make as a church to further each. The main office can help you enhance our growth within our church and community. Our purchase one. committees consist of : Deacons, Education, Endowment, Evangelism, Stewardship, Trustees, and Youth and Family. “Meals On Wheels” Please call the church office if you are interested in more A big thank you to those members of information on the responsibilities of the various committees. Trinity who helped to deliver Meals on Wheels during the month of December. Thank you for your prayerful consideration. These generous people are as follows: Don & Lois Bottolfsen, Neil & Mary Ellen Bowes, 2020 Annual Meeting Jake & Sandy Hoffner, Darrel & Nora Lee, Trinity Lutheran will Chuck & Cheryl Leiferman, be holding its 2020 Annual Helen & Mike Miller, Kyle & Susan Repp, and Ce Sorenson. Meeting on January 19th “Meals On Wheels” between the 8:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. services is always welcoming new volunteers. in Heritage Hall. We will also be serving a Please call breakfast during the meeting. Shari Hovland at (605)661-4142 if you would like to share All members are encouraged to attend! in the joy of providing a very important service to those in need.
Bach’s Lunch 2019 – season 36 – was a success! MMC professor, poet and essayist Jim Reese gave our first program, assisted by violinist Ryan Stapish; Dr. Reese, who also teaches at the Federal Prison Camp, read excerpts from his newly released book “Bone Chalk”. December 12th brought pianists Jim and Marilyn Nyberg in a program of duo and solo music – all Bach! Our final Bach’s Lunch was Estera Waid in a beautifully contemplative program of classical guitar. The concerts were excellent, the audiences large and appreciative. Trinity’s worship committee takes this opportunity to thank those “behind-the-scenes” workers who helped make the series such a delight. Linda Larson, Nora Lee and Diana Spence organized and supervised the dining; this included decorating – new candles on the tables, festive napkins and music of the season. They were assisted in serving and clean-up by the following faithful workers: Norma Anderson, Lois Bottolfsen, Mary Ellen Bowes, Jan Jans, Helen Miller, Flo Kuchta, Sue Repp, Diane Risty, Judy Sagmoe, Linda Schaa, Nancy Schaap and Sheila Swedlund. Our delicious soups were planned by Terre Berkland, with soup preparation by Terre and Dennis Berkland, Pastor Jeff, Fran Mollet and Susan Repp. We also thank the many who generously shared their Christmas baking with us so the meal could be topped with a sweet. Thanks to Kathleen Bergendahl for our eye-catching, beautifully designed posters. Thanks also to secretaries Julie Grosshuesch for the attractive programs and to Doris Sprecher for her clerical help. We thank Pastor Jeff for his welcoming invocations and thoughtful benedictions reminding us that – whether spoken, sung or played, our presentations are to the glory of God – Soli Deo Gloria. Would you have time to help us? Prayer Shawl
Trinity is in need of volunteers to help with ushering Ministry and greeting at our services, as well as people to help video Knitters & crocheters welcome the services. for any project! Help us make As greeters, just a smile and a handshake can be so shawls or other items that can inviting to people attending our services. provide comfort to those who Our ushers add a valuable service in also welcoming may need it! people, and helping with offerings and communion. We will meet on the The video recorders are necessary to record services so 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7pm in the narthex. If you that those unable to attend may be able to view the services have questions or need a ride, on TV or on our website. We, of course, would provide please contact Trinity training for both the ushers and video recorders. Lutheran Church If you could find the time to help us, it would be such @665-7415. a blessing to our church and, we believe, rewarding for you as well. Please call the church office if you would like to See you January volunteer. Thank you for your prayerful consideration. 7th at 7pm!
Reminder regarding Wednesday evening activities: In case of bad weather it has been the policy of Trinity that “if school has been called off, there will be no Wednesday evening activities”. That includes ALL CLASSES AND CHOIRS.
“Eternal Confidence” On Saturday, January 4th following the 5:30 PM service, we have a special guest, Dempsey Tapley, coming to share a video with us dealing with why people he has interviewed have left the church. This does not pertain to our church in particular, but people who have left the church all together. Dempsey Tapley is a 23 year old filmmaker and educator. Having received his B.A. in Education from the University of Sioux Falls in 2018, and with 4 years filmmaking experience, in 2019 Dempsey created ‘Eternal Confidence’--an interview series centering around issues of faith and belief faced by active Christians and ex-Christians. This empathetic, genuine interview series is available for free on YouTube. The format of the presentation on January 4th will be to show a few minutes of video followed by a question and answer session. We look forward to your participation. Education
Pam Brockberg [email protected] 660-7569
January 1 No Confirmation (Christmas break) 5 Sunday school resumes 10:30 am 8 Confirmation resumes 6:30 pm 19 Milestone Ministry: Bibles presented to 2nd grade students 26 Bible session with 2nd graders and their parents 9:30 am
Trinity’s Education committee is seeking new members to replace those who’s term has ended. The committee oversees adult educational opportunities as well as Trinity’s Sunday school and Confirmation programs. They also organize family events throughout the year and arrange Vacation Bible School and for students to attend summer Bible camps. If interested in more information, please contact a current member!
Mercy Meals: The Confirmation students will be packing Mercy Meals on Wednesday, January 22. The suggested donation is $20 per person and there are currently 57 students. We are seeking donations to help us cover the costs for the food and shipping. If you would like to help, please make sure to designate your donation for Mercy Meals. Thank you in advance!
Operation Christmas Child: The Confirmation students will again be collecting items each month for these gifts. During the month of January, we will be collecting scarves, hats and gloves. If you are interested in helping, please place any of these items in the basket under the table in the narthex. In 2019, they packed 90 boxes. If collection starts now, by December there will be an ample supply to pack next year’s gift boxes! Thank you for sharing!
Milestone Ministry: Bibles will be presented to Trinity’s 2nd grade Sunday school students during both Sunday worship services on January 19. The following week, January 26, during Sunday school, students and parents will meet together and learn to use these new Bibles.
In case of inclement weather, please check the following radio stations for worship and program cancellations. KYNT 1450 am / WNAX 570 am / KKYA 99.1 fm / KDAM 64.3 fm / 104.1 fm / KVHT 106.3 fm / tlcyankton.com If school is called off, so are Trinity’s evening activities!
Youth interested in attending an LO summer camp, contact me ASAP to register. For 3rd-6th graders, looking at NeSoDak July 26-31 but could be flexible if you’d like to try a different camp. Confirmation camp is June 21-26 for 7th grade students. Fundraising is starting soon too if you want to be included. Executive Council Minutes November 14, 2019 6:30 p.m. Committee Meetings 7:30 p.m. Congregational Council PRESENT: Pastor Jeff Otterman, Pastor Kwen Sanderson, Jim Wehrer, Dave Spencer, Arlene Ryken, Nick Moser, Pam Brockberg, Wayne Johnson, Sherrie Wehrer, Tom Stotz, Ron Bertsch. A. Congregational Council B. Opening Devotions – Youth and Family Committee by Nick Moser 1. Devotion based on Mark 4: 35-41. Jesus Calms the Storm. Nick closed his devotion with a prayer. C. Committee Reports (short summary-1 minute each) 1. Youth and Family by Nick Moser a) Meet on Wednesday nights. b) November 20th – Charlie’s Pizza House. c) December 4th – Scavenger Hunt. d) December 18th – Christmas Party. e) January 8th and January 15th will have a 4 parts Bible Study. 2. Trustees a) Did not have a quorum. 3. Education by Pam Brockberg a) Reviewed the Prayer Pillows for the three year olds, and Affirmation of Baptism. 200 were served. b) The Christmas Program will be in the Sanctuary on December 15th during the Sunday School hour. c) Finished the budget and turned it in. d) Signing up for Summer Camp. e) Sue is working on the Annual Report. f) The children may sing at both the Sunday morning Worship Services on December 8th when the Bishop is here. 4. Deacons by Wayne Johnson a) The outside “Little Library” is getting roofed and painted. It will be put up in the spring. b) There is 1 person requesting a ride to church on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month. c) Will meet on Tuesday, November 26th at 6:00 p.m. to bring up the Christmas tree and Nativity display from the basement. d) Will meet on Saturday, November 30th at 9:00 a.m. to set up the Christmas tree and Nativity. e) Will set up the Poinsettias prior to the Christmas Eve services. f) The Deacons will host the November 16th Tailgate after the Saturday evening Worship Service at approximately 6:30 p.m. g) There is $680.00 in the fund for Paraments. This will be saved for future use. 5. Stewardship/Endowment by Tom Stotz a) Are meeting at the Frying Pan on a Monday or Tuesday before the Executive Council meeting. b) Update: There are 84 pledges for a total of $216,328.00. c) Will have another Temple Talk. d) Endowment Committee: Increase giving by talking about money in every service. e) Stewardship Committee: Know who is giving. f) There will be Digital Giving during the Church Service. g) Received permission to send home with every Sunday School student stating we need more pledges. h) Will cut some from the Budget for 2020. 6. Evangelism by Sherrie Wehrer a) All but one attended the meeting tonight. b) The Oktoberfest potluck was attended by 45. c) The budget for 2020 is the same as in past years, $4,300.00. d) Need to recruit new members for the Evangelism Committee. 3 members will continue for a year. e) There are 11 names for the college gift cards. The HyVee gift cards for $10.00 along with note will go out the end of the month. f) Sunday, December 15th is Pastor Dave’s last Sunday. Cake will be served between the 2 Worship Services. g) Dance class is scheduled for Friday, March 20th. Will use Thrivent money. There will be a meet and greet with appetizers in the Heritage Hall at 6:30 p.m. There will be no meal and no charge. At 7:00 p.m. there will be Ballroom and Line Dancing for the Adults. The Youth can join at 9:00 p.m. as a Fifth Quarter Event. Greg Schiferl’s daughter will give the dance lessons. The theme will be “Swing Into Spring”. h) Will be ordering note cards and post cards from Hanson Briggs. They will have Stained Glass Windows printed on them along with quotes. 7. Pastor Wildermuth’s Report a) Pastor is recovering from knee surgery. 8. Pastor Otterman’s Report a) Pastor Jeff handed out a 2-page Pastor Actions report of what he did daily, weekly, and monthly. b) Sunday, October 27th, 24 Students were Confirmed at the 10:45 a.m. Worship Service. c) On Tuesday, December 5th Pastor Jeff attended the SE Conference Pastor’s meeting in Beresford and a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. at Wintz and Ray Funeral Home. d) Friday to Friday, November 22nd through 29th Pastor Jeff is on vacation. e) Saturday, January 4th after the Worship Service at 7:00 p.m. Dempsey Tapley will come and share his video Empathetic Apologetics. Pastor Jeff is in the video along with others. More information will be forthcoming. 9. Befriender’s Ministry Report by Pastor Kwen a) Pastor Kwen handed out a Kin Ministry report. There are now 40 people the Befrienders try to keep in touch with monthly. b) In October Trinity’s 16 Befriender’s volunteers made 61 connections with 36 Kin. Of these connections, 54 were in person, c) 7 by phone, and 0 by FaceTime/Video. 13 connections were less than 15 minutes, 20 were 15-30 minutes in length, 18 connections were 30-60minutes in length, and 10 were over one hour.
(continued on next page) D. Executive Council 1. Treasurer’s Report by Dave Spencer a) This Year-Current-Period the Income was $44,000 and the Expenses were $54,000. This is a negative <$10,000.>. b) The Giving Year-To-Date was about even with last year. The Expenses were down $40,000 from last year. c) The money in the bank This Year-Current-Period is <$10,000>. 2. Approve Treasurer’s Report a) A motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report was made by Arlene Ryken. Sherrie Wehrer seconded the motion. Motion carried. 3. Additions to Agenda a) New Business – Annual Meeting b) New Business – Trinity Lutheran Choir c) New Business - Budgets d) Old Business – Youth Director 4. Approve Agenda a) A motion to approve the agenda as recommended was made by Nick Moser. Dave Spencer seconded the motion. Motion carried. 5. Approve Minutes a) A motion to approve the minutes was made by Tom Stotz. Pastor Jeff seconded the motion. Motion carried. 6. Joyce Vasgaard SD Synod Council a) Joyce said the SOUTHEASTERN SD ELCA CONFERENCE will be held on March 1, 2020. b) Joyce read a letter dated October 16, 2019 from Rev. Jonathan Steiner, Director for Evangelical Mission. He thanked Trinity for the financial gifts you made last year with your benevolence to the synod. This financial help supports ministries outside Trinity’s Congregation. In “2018” $44,170.67 was given to the Synod from Trinity. c) Joyce also handed out a booklet “Stories of Faith” that she would like us to read and pass around to other members of Trinity. d) An Interim Pastor will be coming from the Synod. Looking at 3 people. Will have someone for January. Stay Deliberate and Diligent. Old Business 1. Update on Mortgage & Capital Campaign by Dave Spencer a) Would like more pledges. 2. City Christmas Decorations by Dave Spencer b) Some decorations were purchased. Plans are to set up these decorations on November 30th. 3. Pastor Wildermuth Retirement a) Plans are being made for Pastor Dave’s Retirement Party scheduled for Saturday, December 7th after the Worship Service. b) It will be catered by HyVee. Met with the manager of HyVee, Ben Conway who is a member of our congregation. c) It was decided that we have a 2 entrée meal with 3 sides, rolls, butter and dessert. Jim Wehrer will make the final decisions. d) It was decided the Executive Committee along with other Committees will do the setup, serving, and cleanup. We will use our own plates and etc. Planning for 125 people. e) Will be promoted to the congregation with a Temple Talk at a Saturday’s Worship Service by Jim Wehrer and at both Worship Services on a Sunday by Dave Spencer. f) Family will be invited. 4. Heritage Hall Carpet/Lighting a) There is money left in this fund. Will save it and maybe use it for work on the stage. 5. Winter Tailgates Tentative Scheduling by Jim Wehrer a) November 16, 2019 - Deacons Committee b) December 7, 2019 – Catered with help from the Executive Committee c) January 18, 2020 - Trustees Committee d) February 15, 2020 - Stewardship Committee e) March 21, 2020 - Youth Committee f) All of these tailgates, except December 7th, will be Potluck with drinks. 6. Church Service Exchange (Gayville, Mission Hill, and etc.) by Jim Wehrer a) This was tabled until January 2020. 7. Youth Director by Nick Moser a) Discussed the Youth Director Position. b) A motion to allow the President to appoint an ad hoc committee to search for a Youth Director/Pastor was made by Nick Moser. Pastor Jeff seconded the motion. Motion carried. New Business 1. Bookkeeping Duties a) No update because Dan Semmler is out of town. b) There was a meeting with Doris and Fran. The Payroll, Bill Pay, Direct Deposit and etc. will be set up on Quick Books. 2. Mission Trip to Haiti – Endowment Committee recommendation - $2,000.00 a) A motion was made to approve $2,000.00 from the Endowment Funds to be used for travel expenses for Mindy Vogt and Kevin O’Brien was made by Pastor Jeff. Tom Stotz seconded the motion. Motion carried. 3. Debt Free by 23 Campaign by Jim Wehrer a) A motion was made to let Kyle Repp go into the Accounting Software to get a list of the donors and the amounts given for the past two years by Tom Stotz. Dave Spencer seconded the motion. Motion carried. 4. Building Security Report by Jim Wehrer a) This was passed to the Trustee Committee. If they need money the funds must come through the Stewardship Committee. 5. Annual Meeting a) The Annual Meeting will be on January 19, 2020. b) It is being discussed that it might be held in the Heritage Hall between the Sunday Worship Services with a Breakfast being served. 6. Trinity Choir by Dave Spencer a) Would like more choir members. Would like to have the youth sing in the choir. 7. Budgets by Jim Wehrer a) Jim wants all the Committee’s Budgets to be turned into him before the next Executive Council meeting on December 12th. 8. Last Thing by Jim Wehrer a) Jim will be having surgery in the next month. Jim said he will be as available as possible. Adjourn and Close with the Lord’s Prayer A motion to adjourn was made by Tom Stotz. Dave Spencer seconded the motion. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Arlene Ryken
MINISTERS: The Congregation
CLERGY: — 605-665-7415 Ext. # Interim Senior Pastor: Pastor David Zellmer 202 (cell: (605) 553-3049) Associate Pastor: Rev. Jeff Otterman 203 (cell: (605) 645-0396)
STAFF: — 605-665-7415 Ext. # Jean Barkley - Adult Bell Choir Co-Director (volunteer) Pam Brockberg 210 - Director of Christian Education - Coordinator of Volunteers Lilah & Mike Gillis - Praise Team Leaders Julie Grosshuesch 200 - Office Secretary Duane Hirsch - Custodian Jan Jans - Parish Nurse (volunteer) Marilyn Nyberg - Organist Sue Ray - Sound System Operator Doris Sprecher 201 - Office Secretary (Part-time) Linda Stevens - Adult Bell Choir Co-Director (volunteer) 2020 Kathleen West - Adult Choir (volunteer)