Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church July/August, 2010 Newsletter

Vacation Bible School August 2nd - August 6th 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 Noon

Register NOW by calling 856-939-4411 As the thermometer hovers in the high nineties accompanied by high humidity, we have quickly forgotten the winder wonder land that surrounded us from December ‘09 through February ‘10. Just prior to the second blizzard, my windshield was struck by a stone and received a small crack. Later that evening, the storm began as a fine freezing rain. The freezing rain penetrated the small crack and quickly turned to ice leaving a large crack from one end of the windshield to the other. Since my van is over twelve years old, I decided not to replace the windshield immediately. After all, the crack was toward the bottom and did not hinder my vision. My thought was that at anytime I might find my car in need of more work than the car is worth, or worse, if I were in an accident there is a good chance that my insurance company would total the car should it receive any major damage. Therefore I would have wasted my new windshield. I decided that if the car were still in good working order at the time of its registration renewal I would reward it with a new windshield.

The day after I had my windshield replaced a terrible thunder, lighting and windstorm struck our area uprooting trees and bringing down branches and even splitting numerous trees in half. I was visiting in the hospital while this occurred and on my way home I saw numerous branches down and several cars underneath them. As I returned to the church parking lot I saw the large tree by Clements Bridge Road had split in half with a large heavy section of tree only four spaces away from where I park. At my moms the entire driveway was littered with sticks and some large sections of branch (had I been parked there I would have received some significant damage to my car – maybe even my windshield). As much as I was relieved that my new windshield had escaped damage from the storm (unlike many other unfortunate vehicles, fences and houses) I also felt justified in my delayed actions!

I love my new windshield! So much for justification in practicality, even though I did not feel distracted by that large crack I find myself feeling good as I drive with my pristine new glass view. One of our defects in life is that we can sometimes become comfortable with things that are wrong over time and forget what things that are good can be like. People with long term illnesses or chronic aches and pains forget what it means to feel good. People who are in abusive or bad relationships sometimes forget what it means to be loved. People who are caught up in sin or self- destructive behaviors forget what it means to be forgiven by their families, friends and God.

As we enter the summer months, we sometimes put our faith life on the backburner. We have less activity at the church during these months and we know we will get back to our regular routine in the fall. During the slow, restful months of summer, we should challenge ourselves to look at our faith lives and how we are living. Is there a small crack in our character or our moral compasses that needs to be addressed? Are we too sure of ourselves that we are not afraid that a small crack can under the right circumstances, expand into something much larger and more damaging?

During these months of rest and relaxation let us add a third “R” to the mix. Repair. Let us make sure that our moral compasses are properly calibrated and that our faith lives are in accord with the scriptures. If a new windshield can make us feel good, how much more will our new life in Christ make us feel?

Grace and Peace, Pastor Andy SERMON PREVIEWS:

July 4 - PENTECOST 6 HOLY COMMUNION Sermon: “The Rev. Lou Dunkle” II Kings 5:1-14

July 11 - PENTECOST 7 HOLY COMMUNION - 10:00 A.M. SHARE SUNDAY/BAPTISMS Vacation Bible School Sermon:”WORTHY NEIGHBORS” August 2nd - August 6th Luke 10:25-37 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 Noon July 18 - PENTECOST 8 HOLY COMMUNION This summer, bring your kids to SonQuest Sermon: “ROOTED IN GOD” Rainforest VBS. Based on 5 key Bible verses Psalm 52 that will change a child's life: including John 3:16 - SonQuest Rainforest VBS transports July 25 - PENTECOST 9 young minds into a vivid rainforest environment HOLY COMMUNION - 10:00 A.M. of jungle sounds, sights and smells, where Sermon: “THE ULTIMATE BELONGING” Colossians 2:6-15 they'll dig into the Bible and meet Jesus in every day's story. August 1 - PENTECOST 10 HOLY COMMUNION Five Bible verses, five days of discovery and an Sermon: “FINDING OUR TRUE CENTER” experience that can last a lifetime: Gospel Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-23 Light’s SonQuest Rainforest VBS will bring your kids closer to Jesus, every day. August 8 - PENTECOST 11 HOLY COMMUNION - 10:00 A.M. Theme Verse: SHARE SUNDAY/BAPTISMS For God so loved the world that He gave His Sermon: “THE TECHNOLOGICAL one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him ADVANCEMENT OF FAITH” shall not perish but have eternal life. Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 —John 3:16 One Week Only August 15 - PENTECOST 12 HOLY COMMUNION Sermon: “FROM CLOUD OF WITNESSES TO CLEAR FAITH” Hebrews 11:29 - 12:2

August 22 - PENTECOST 13 And Choirs HOLY COMMUNION - 10:00 A.M. Thursday, July22nd Sermon: “UNBOUND SABBATH” Luke 13:10-17 6:00 p.m. - Senior Handbells 7:00 p.m. Senior Choir August 29 - PENTECOST 14 8:00 p.m. Bible Study HOLY COMMUNION - 10:00 A.M. Sermon: “The Rev. Edward C. Schmidt” JOIN US! Luke 14:1, 7-14 “When change swirls around us, God’s steady love is our security.”

Do you believe this? I hope so, for in Sunday school our students are taught about the steady love of God. We want them to know that we all have the promise of God’s unchanging love.

Great News! The classes, along with members of the congregation, collected $500.00 from dime folders and donations. This was our Missionary Project to help C. J. Kochon. A check was sent to the organization sponsoring C.J. to help with his expenses.

C.J. is in Sudan and beginning teaching the children there about God and His Son, Jesus. He has taken along some of our Sunday school material and small Bibles to use in his teaching. Please keep C.J. in your prayers as he brings the “Good News” of Jesus Christ to all.

A big “thanks” to everyone for helping with this project. We are going to continue filling dime folders, and if you would like to help, see me and I will be happy to give you a few.

Vacation Bible School will be here soon - August 2nd through August 6th from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. This will be an exciting time for all as you visit “SonQuest Rainforest.” There will be classes for the Pre-Kindergarten through the 6th grade. Mark your calendars now so you don’t miss out on the fun.

Parents, don’t forget to bring your child to church at 10:00 a.m. for an hour of learning about God’s steady love, and about His Son, Jesus. Sunday school is all year at Trinity, and we look forward to seeing you there.

Have a wonderful summer - enjoy the family get-togethers and keep your faith.

The next staff meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 14th at 7:00 p.m.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Promotion Sunday will be held on September 12th and Rally Day will be held a week later, Sunday, September 19th.

A final thought: “Every child needs a praying parent.”

Keep smiling!

To God be the glory, Pat Henry Junior Choir Notes

ATTENTION: This is an invitation to ALL girls and boys in first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth grades! Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 5th for Junior Choir practice! Come one; come everyone!

A child does not need to know how to read. Each month letters (with a frog on the outside of the envelope) come in the mail addressed to the child and parents. Included are the words for the song to be done that month and for one or several others. Parents are encouraged to go over the words as we will have gone over them at practice.

A member of the Junior Choir is expected to sing at least two services; one may choose to sing at 8:30 and 10:00 or 10:00 and 11:15. Occasionally we have people who sing at all three services.

We sing regularly on the third Sunday of the month, Thanksgiving morning, and Christmas Eve.

There are no “try outs.” Each child will be encouraged to sing each song. As the year progresses, we may have opportunities for a solo or a small group to participate, as well.

The girls and boys in the Confirmation classes who have been in Junior Choir in the past may choose to join us.

Mr. Robert Kraemer accompanies the group and is at rehearsals each week.

Do think about singing with us. Should you have questions, please feel free to call me at 856-939-4411. Have a wonderful and relaxing summer. Remember that Vacation Bible School will be August 2-6, from 9:30 a.m. until noon.

Love to all, Mrs. Schmidt This summer, bring your kids to SonQuest Rainforest VBS—an experience of discovery they’ll never forget! Best of all, SonQuest Rainforest will take your kids beyond what they can explore with their senses to discover a living spiritual relationship with Jesus!

At SonQuest Rainforest Kids will... Learn to follow Jesus on a life changing adventure! Play fun games! Sing great songs! Eat yummy snacks!

Day 1 - Kids will Get It! As they hear the truths of the Parable of the Sower, kids will understand the importance of not only hearing God’s Word, the Bible, but also living it out every day.

Day 2 - Kids will Get Found! As they hear Jesus tell the Parable of the Lost Sheep, they’ll discover what it means to be lost and how each one can be found by Jesus to become part of God’s family.

Day 3 - Kids will Get God’s Love! As they listen to the Parable of the Good Samaritan, kids will be inspired to share God’s immeasurable love with others.

Day 4 - Kids will Get Praying! From the Parable of the Friend at Midnight, they’ll understand the peace that comes from knowing that anytime is the right time to pray to Jesus.

Day 5 - Kids will Get It! As they understand the Parable of the Talents, they’ll discover what it means to love God by doing their best. The members of the Social Concerns ministry hope all of you are enjoying your summer. Even though school is out and people are on vacation, our pantry continues to operate during the summer. Every month our numbers increase. In May, we helped 67 families. Needless to say, our pantry is empty.

Our ministry is very thankful and grateful to the members of our congregation who continue to support our efforts to help those in our community who are in need. Items we need to restock our shelves are:

Peanut butter and jelly, tuna, canned fruit, canned corn, spaghetti sauce, box potatoes, syrup, pancake mix, mac and cheese, kids cereal, toilet paper, napkins, baked beans, paper towels.

Any type of donation is appreciated, whether food, non perishables, or monetary.

Caring & Sharing, Sharon Fetters

Again, we are asking for your help at our Clothes Closet. We need help in sorting and manning on pantry day.

If you can help in any way, contact Karen Bal at [email protected] or call her at 856-939-4411. Be sure to watch for our "Back to School" bus which will go up on August 1st . You can select a child and purchase school clothes, sneakers, or a back pack with school supplies included in it. All school items are to be returned no later than August 22nd .

DATES TO REMEMBER

Share Sunday - July 11 Pantry - July 22, 9-11 am & 6-7-pm

Share Sunday - August 8 Pantry - August 26, 9-11 am & 6-7-pm

Back to School - August 1 to August 22

"Who knows which person might be impacted by your act of kindness today? What seems little to you may be great in the eyes of a person in need."

Thank you very much! The Senior breakfast was wonderful! Your kindness is very much appreciated!

“Barrington Seniors” Trinity’s Altar Guild is still going strong despite losing Sherry Stroup who has moved on to teach 7th grade on Sundays. If anyone is interested in joining us to fulfill an opening for setting up communion at 10am only and serving as one of the assistants, please contact me. It would only be once every three months that your turn would come around.

Also, if anyone enjoys candlemaking and could Small glass jars - perfect for jelly or crafts. use our small discards to melt down and Call 939-4411 if you would like to have recycle into new candles, we have plenty that them. we would love to share instead of throwing them away. Just let me know and I will see that you get them.

We will be doing our Fall cleaning of the sanctuary at the end of September. Come out and see how we make work fun! D.J. Bob even Sign in front of Huxley (IA) Veterinary takes requests so bring a bucket and your Clinic: favorite CD or cassette tape and he will be glad to play it. In the Spring, we heard beautiful “1000's of years ago cats gospel music by MY FAVORITE(!), Elvis were worshiped as gods. Presley. We have lots of Doo Wop too. Cats will never forget.”

Last, but not least, thanks again to all who -via Rev. Dale Schoening share their grape juice coupons with us. We Renwick (IA) UMC really appreciate the help.

In Christ’s Service, Terry Paradise

The Lutheran Home Auxiliary met for their end of the year meeting at which time the officers for 2010-2011 were installed.

The officers are as follows: President: Elise Korman Vice President: Rosemary Wood Treasurer: Nancy MacMaster Recording Secretary: Brenda Hanson Corresponding Secretary: Jan Miller

We had another beautiful June Day with great food and music and a moon bounce plus face painting for the children as well.

Our church netted $228.00 from the sale of white elephant items, water bottles, baked goods and pretzels. Thrivent will match the monies earned at the June Day sale. I will get the grand total at our September meeting and report it to you at that time. As always thanks to all for your continued support to the Home.

July 22 - Residents’ lunch at Perkins

July 27 - Residents’ birthday lunch

August 19 - Safari Park & MacDonalds

August 31 - Residents’ birthday lunch

Sept. 9 - Auxiliary Meeting - 10 a.m.

A wonderful and safe summer to you.

Sincerely Sandy Counsellor "As you know our fellow member C.J. Kochon has returned to the Sudan for missionary work with the non-profit organization Cornerstone friends (www.cornerstone-friends.org). He asked to share the following, a statement of faith that he came across and has adopted as his motto.

The Fellowship of the Unashamed:

I am part of a fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus, and I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still. My past is redeemed. My present makes sense. My future is secure. I'm finished and done with low-living, side- walking, small-playing, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame divisions, mundane talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotion, applause, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, live by prayer and labor by power. My faith is set. My step is fast. My goal is heaven. My road is narrow. My way is rough. My companions are few. But my God is reliable and my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the name of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won't give up, shut up or let up till I've stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up and preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go until He comes, give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me, because my banner will be clear.

If anyone wishes to follow C.J. on his mission you can follow his blog at http://followingjesus-christian.blogspot.com/ or email him at [email protected].

Blessings of Peace and Love,

Christian