Trinity Tidings 612 North Water Street - Sparta, Wisconsin 608-269-5081 www.tlcsparta. org

March

2018

Every Sunday in worship the church celebrates the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The

Holy Spirit gathers us to receive again the gifts of God that come to us through Christ, the saving

Word. On several key days at the center of the church year, however, worship takes a particular shape.

These central days have come to be known as the Three Days, recalling Jesus' own words to his

disciples that he would be handed over to death, and that "after three days he will rise again" (Mark

10:34). The Three Days encompass the time from Maundy Thursday evening through the evening of

Easter Day. In particular, the services of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Vigil of Easter

unfold in a single movement, as the church each year makes the passage with Christ through death into

life. (From Sundays and Seasons)

March 29: Maundy Thursday: Worship at 7:00 pm

The name of this day comes from the Latin word meaning; mandate, or command. In particular, it

refers to Jesus’ new command that we are to love one another. At the heart of the Maundy Thursday

liturgy is Jesus' commandment to love one another. We are called to follow his example as we humbly

care for one another, especially the poor and the unloved. We gather at the Lord’s Table, and then

worship ends with a reading of the Passion Story from Mark’s gospel.

March 30: Good Friday: Community Stations of the Cross at 12:00 pm, Tenebrae at 7 pm

It seems an odd thing; to call this day “Good.” On this day we witness the death of Jesus Christ, on a

cross. But indeed, this day is good beyond all good; not because of the horror and profound grief and

mourning, but because this is exactly how Jesus defeats the power of death once and for all. On Good

Friday, we have two opportunities to worship:

Community Stations of the Cross: We gather with our sisters and brothers in Christ from the

community of Sparta on the courthouse steps. We then travel to the jail, then to St. Patrick’s Catholic

Church, then to the hospital, City Hall, the fountain outside the library, the United Church of Christ,

and then to Schanhofer Funeral Home, where we will have a joint worship at 1pm.

Lamentations of the Lamb: A Service for Tenebrae, 7pm at Trinity Lutheran Church

Tenebrae means ‘darkness.’ This worship revolves around this theme and the lengthening shadows of

suffering that Jesus experiences from Maundy Thursday to Good Friday. Our choir will be leading us

in the telling of the story of Jesus’ passion in spoken word and in song.

Continued on the next page….

The Three Days: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Vigil of Easter,

Easter Sunday

Date Place Speaker

March 7th St. John’s Episcopal Church

322 North Water Street

Rev. Bill Clyma Congregational United Church of Christ

March 14th Congregational United Church of Christ

201 North Water Street Father Peter Augustine St. John’s Episcopal Church

March 21st Faith Evangelical Free Church

6644 State Hwy 16, Sparta Rev. Mark Kvale Trinity Lutheran Church

March 31: Vigil of Easter: Worship at 8:00 pm

This is the night! This is our Passover with Christ from darkness to light, from captivity to freedom, from death

to life. Tonight is the heart of our celebration of the Three Days and the pinnacle of the church's year. The

resurrection of Christ is proclaimed in word and sign, and we gather around a pillar of fire, hear ancient sto-

ries of our faith, welcome new sisters and brothers at the font, and share the food and drink of the Promised

Land. Raised with Christ, we go forth into the world, aflame with the good news of the resurrection.

The Vigil of Easter is something new for us at Trinity, while at the same time is a very ancient worship; dating

back to the 400’s. On this night, we celebrate the Passover of Jesus, from death to life. This worship has

distinctive movement. We gather outside around a fire. The Paschal candle is lit and we enter into the darkened

sanctuary, carrying candles lit from the flame of the Paschal candle. Next, we hear of God’s Salvation, told in

the biblical story from creation to the resurrection of Christ. And then, we celebrate the gift of Baptism and

new life. We then gather around the Table of our Lord. And, finally, we are sent out into the night, while still

dark, perhaps no longer so threatening since the light of Christ illumines all things!

April 1: Easter Sunday: Worship at 6:30 am, 8:15 am and 10:30 am

Easter Sunday brings us three opportunities to worship the risen Lord, Jesus Christ! Early in the morning (at

6:30) we will gather for a special sunrise worship, simpler in feeling, as we great the great new morning!

Following a 8:15 and 10:30, we ‘raise the roof’ in joyful song and celebration; Jesus Christ is Risen Today!

Alleluia!

Each year the Sparta Ministerial Association sponsors Lenten Luncheon Meditations in our community. These meditations provide an opportunity for the community to come together

and worship at a different host location each week. The luncheons begin promptly at Noon and finish by 12:55 pm.

Lenten Luncheon Meditations

From the desk of Pastor Mark...

“All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness”

Wow, sometimes getting to work can be an adventure! A couple of weeks ago, as I was walking to Trinity, I

hit an icy spot on a driveway, and before I could react, down I went; feet flying upward, my backside hitting

the ice. I had known that this exact spot was icy and dangerous, having almost fallen there before. I thought

I was paying attention, head bowed down, keeping watch, but it didn’t matter! Not to worry, nothing hurt

but my pride!

Maybe, this is a lot like what our times are: we are so vigilant to the dangers all around us, and yet, we

succumb. As careful as we are, our legs and balance are less than steadfast, and we fall. We are paying

attention, and yet we sin; doing exactly what we have known we shouldn’t do and yet, we fall.

And really, there are a lot of other things happening all around us, that we play no part in, that keep our

heads and hearts bent down: another school shooting, violence all around us, in our homes, in our world,

health issues; the list could go on and on. As much as we pay attention, as hard as we try to make a differ-

ence in the world, it seems as though the whole world is walking on glare ice, ready to fall at any time.

But, dear friends, as important as it is to pay attention to potential dangers all around us, we forget to look

up and see the paths God has laid out for us. The writer of Psalm 25 has much to say about this:

To you, O LORD, I lift up my whole being . . . O my God, in you I trust . . . Make me to know your

ways, O LORD . . . All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness

Sisters and brothers in Christ, look up, raise all of yourselves to God! Know that God is trustworthy; ready

always to forgive, to teach to love! As dangerous as this road is, our lives are, know that we are in. God’s

hands and that all of the paths of the God are steadfast love and faithfulness!

Soli Deo Gloria! (To God alone the Glory!)

Pastor Mark

"Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 1:7

The Council met on Saturday February 9, 2018. Prior to the meeting we had a session with Sheriff Scott

Perkins in the Fellowship Hall. The topic of the session was safety and security in the building. With an

ever increasing number of attacks on schools, churches and other facilities over the last couple of years, the

Council has begun looking at creating awareness and a plan of action should such a thing happen here at

Trinity. In addition, we will be making a complete assessment of all security in and around the building for

the protection of all those who use the facility.

The Council then met for our February meeting in the Shalom Room. We approved the minutes of the

January meeting, which now should be available in the 3 ring binder on the table in the hallway. We also

heard and accepted the reports of the Treasurer, Pastor and committees.

We welcomed our new members Lily Schmitz, Maureen Sullivan, Gary Peterson and Kole Nelson.

We heard from Adel Morton and two guests about a request for the use of space for meetings twice a week

for meetings of a Narcotics Anonymous group. This will be a group of folks recovering from drug

addiction. We had heard earlier from Sheriff Perkins about how prevalent the drug scene is here in Sparta

and Monroe County. The Council was unanimously in support of the use of the building for this group and

voted to allow the use.

The Council spent time talking about our duties and responsibilities. We then made council assignments to

the committees. Council members on committees are to be a help to the committee and to be the liaison

between the committee and the Council. They are not the chairpersons of those committees.

Council and committee assignments for 2018 are:

Dennis Glaman - President, Personnel Les Stanley - Vice President, Personnel, Finance

Sherry McClain - Secretary, Fellowship Tammy Barclay - Treasurer, Finance

Alton Ask - Stewardship Maureen Sullivan - Stewardship

Chuck Hogan - Youth and Family, Finance Lily Schmitz - Youth and Family

Audrey Zebell - Parish Education Gary Peterson - Parish Education

Jan Jenkins - Music and Worship, Admin Cindy Thesing - Music and Worship, Finance

Chris Milne - Building and Grounds Gary Haskins - Building and Grounds

Dawn Jacobson - Kole Nelson -

Council Concisely for February 2017

When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, "What are you looking for?" The said to him, "Rabbi, where are you staying?" Jesus said to them, "Come and you will see!" John 1:38-39.

As our February Council meeting came to a close, it was clear that we had a lot of work ahead of us this next

year. One of the responsibilities of the Council is to plan for the future. Another is to take good care in

handling the resources that God has given us. Items on this year's planning list that came out of our meeting

are:

1. A safety and security evaluation of our facility and practices and the development of a plan to

provide for the safety and security of all who use our facility;

2. An evaluation of our existing sound system, looking at means of enhancing the listening worship

experience of all, especially those who are hearing impaired;

3. A complete review of all of the facility to determine the future need for capital expenditure and

develop a long range plan for meeting those needs;

4. Focusing on the theme of the year - Come and See with major focus on stewardship.

What is stewardship? Wikipedia says this about stewardship theology:

In Jewish and Christian traditions, stewardship refers to the way time, talents, material possessions, or wealth

are used or given for the service of God. ... The central essence of biblical world view stewardship is

managing everything God brings into the believer's life in a manner that honors God and impacts eternity.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stewardship_(theology)

In focusing on Come and See stewardship, we hope that we can be good stewards by taking care of what God

has given us here in this place and in the process See what God has in store for us and the use that he will

make of us.

If you have any questions about any of the items above or what to provide input into the process, please talk to

myself, Les or any of the Council members. The more stewards we can get involved in these processes, the

better the outcome will be. Come and See.

The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Revelations 22:17

Come and See

Dennis Glaman, Council President

The President’s Musings

A big THANK YOU to everyone who has supported the Matching Funds for College Grants Fund! Due to

excellent financial support through memorials, honorariums and aluminum can donations, the Matching

Funds for College Grants Fund will NOT be holding their annual book sale this year. The committee will

continue to accept monetary and aluminum can donations throughout the year. We appreciate your support!

Matching funds for College Grants fund book sale

January 21

8.15 am - 94

10.30 am - 82

General fund giving, including Simply

Giving, is $7033.23

Designated fund giving, including

Simply Giving, is $1305.24

January 28

8.15 am - 107

10.30 am - 93

General fund giving, including Simply

Giving, is $3005.80

Designated fund giving, including

Simply Giving, is $900.45

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9.7

Endowment Fund in Memory of Gerald Bassett From Alton Ask and

Jack and Joanne Benning

In Memory of

Gerald Bassett from Al and Jan Jenkins Loren Gobb from Rev. Luther Larson

Music Fund from

Eleanor Hansen in memory of Ida Helgeson Bev Lisney in memory of Ida Helgeson

Dave and Mary Jackson in memory of Ida Helgeson

Memorials

February 11

8.15 am - 123

10.30 am - 85

General fund giving, including Simply

Giving, is $5108.23

Designated fund giving, including

Simply Giving, is $736.00

Needed Weekly to Meet Budgeted Mission - $6453.53

February 4

8.15 am - 115

10.30 am - 88

General fund giving, including Simply

Giving, is $10,564.00

Designated fund giving, including

Simply Giving, is $419.71

Trinity Lutheran Report of the Treasurer

January 31, 2018

Average giving per week this month: $5,952.87

Annual Budget: $351311.41; needed each week to

meet budgeted expenses: $6754.07

General fund:

Balance 12/31/2017 ($2,966.31)

January Receipts $23,811.47

January Disbursements ($24,412.51)

miscellaneous entries ($200.00)

Balance 1/31/2018 ($3,767.35)

Receipts: BUDGET Non-budget

January $23,811.47 $1,442.93

Total $23,811.47 $1,442.93

1st Community Credit Union:

Loan balance 12/31/2017 $128,594.10

January principal ($999.86)

January interest $554.89

New loan balance 1/31/2018 $127,594.24

Designated Funds: Balances as of 1/31/2018:

Total Withholding $2,213.39

Total Pass-through Amounts $2,254.48

Prepaid pledges $11,958.34

General Fund ($3,767.35)

Building Capital Fund $8,180.41

Altar Revamp Project $1,610.00

Lent Soup Supper $122.62

Memorial $7,945.54

Endowment $20.00

Furnace Replacement Fund $170.00

Misc Undesignated Fund (Estate) $22,045.27

Youth Checking $175.00

Matching Grants $2,793.62

Worship & Music $11,756.51

Parish Education $5,194.57

Fellowship &Outreach $5,793.49

Flower Fund ($119.99)

Thrivent Choice Fund $2,295.56

Coffee Fund $504.02

Family Promise Program $2,156.88

Sabbatical Fund $2,795.99

Caring Ministry Literature $60.00

Total Fund balances $86,158.35

Tammy Barclay, Treasurer

Little dresses for Africa

Little dresses are sundresses made from pillowcases, the absolutely easiest thing you could sew. The need is

great; little girls are the last to be clothed.

Please come on Thursday, March 8 from 9:00 -11:30 am to Fellowship Hall to help make as many as

current supplies allow. Arrive and leave as needed.

If you have scissors, 1/4" elastic, bias tape, pillowcases (plain or colored), thread, please bring them, but the

most important thing to bring is YOU.

A second date in April -June is planned for a Saturday which will allow youth to help as well as the

community at large.

Sherry McClain

Loose Change - March 18

ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) Program

March 18th

The ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program invites ELCA young adults ages 21-29 into a

life-changing yearlong journey in international service. As they offer themselves in service, the young adults

are shaped by the witness of our global neighbors. They share in the journeys of companion churches and

organizations in countries around the world. The Young adults serve in a variety of areas, dealing with many

different issues. Presently 93 YAGMs are serving in 11 countries. Current YAGM country programs

include: Argentina & Uruguay, Cambodia, Hungary, Jerusalem/West Bank, Madagascar, Mexico,

Rwanda, Senegal, Southern Africa, and the United Kingdom.

Your gifts help support and expand this program so that more young adults can take part in this program. On

average, it costs about $15,000 to provide one YAGM with training, airfare, a small living allowance, health

insurance and simple room and board for a year.

Please support this program with your loose change!

Trinity Tidings

Mission Moment

Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) -- South Africa

Excerpts from "Emily's Top Ten"

Emily, from Minnesota, YAGM volunteer in South Africa 2013 - 2014. Read blogs by YAGM volunteers in

South Africa:

Follow YAGM South Africa on Facebook www.facebook.com/yagmsa

Emily’s Top Ten

10. YAGMs are constantly trying new foods. Food is not only a fun thing to try, but it is also an excellent

way to connect with people and a community.

9. I can now appreciate simply “being.” Some of my favorite days have been “unproductive” in the

American sense, but filled with wonderful conversation and time spent with others.

8. Being able to find comfort in the discomfort. I have been thrown into more uncomfortable situations than I

can remember. However, I have noticed that those situations are the ones that I learn from and appreciate.

7. I have been forced out of my comfort zone. YAGM has completely and totally forced me to go way out-

side of my comfort zone.

6. YAGM has taught me so much about myself. I have learned more about how I see myself as a Christian,

as a friend, as a white woman, as a privileged American, and especially as a part of the greater global

community.

5. I have learned how to rely on others. In order to simply live in a new country amongst a new community,

asking for help is a must.

4. You can learn a new language. In my little neighborhood, I have met people that speak Zulu, Sotho,

Venda, Tswana, and Xhosa as their first language

3. I have made so many new friends. Between my friends in my host community and my fellow YAGMs, I

feel almost overwhelmed by the love surrounding me.

2. YAGM makes you think. My time here has made me think about social

justice, race issues, gender equality, economic justice, and more.

1. I now feel truly connected to the global church. I have seen God in so

many unexpected places, and I now know that our Lord’s presence is truly

being felt around the world.

.

at Trinity

No Fireplace Fellowship in March due to Lent.

Our annual Game Night will be on Saturday,

April 14 from 4-7 pm!

Saturday, May 12 we will be having our Progressive Dinner. Fellow-ship Team will be looking for people willing to host in their homes starting in March.

Tidings Schedule…

April Tidings articles are due by March 20

May Tidings articles are due by April 17

Don’t forget that Trinity has a Facebook page...

www.facebook.com/groups/trinitysparta/

Request to join our group so that you can connect

with other members, find opportunities to serve and

get the latest information!

Guitars & Hammers Talent & Variety Show

Saturday, March 24th at 6:30 pm

Meal & Silent Auction starts at 5:00 pm

Start brushing up on your many talents. Jokes, juggling, dancing, solo & ensemble pieces from school,

musical acts, singing, playing an instrument, etc. are all meant to be shared! Talk to Chris Martin about your

talent! Talk to Michelle if you would like to help (meal, silent auction,

etc.,) with this AWESOME event. So please come out and enjoy the

many talents of our community while raising funds for a good cause!

The funds raised for this year’s event will go to and be split between

the Lutheran Disaster Response designated for assistance after

Hurricane Harvey and to help finance the ELCA Houston Youth

Gathering trip.

Sunday

March 11

What a Wonderful Month March will be!! Reminder to you all we will be having

our TLCW Annual Meeting, on Thursday March 15th, at 12:00 pm.. It is a

working lunch, so please bring food to share (pot luck.) Please come if at all

possible, we must disburse our 2017 funds and it would be great to have as much

participation as possible. If you work and can’t bring food to share, just come.

Last October at our La Crosse Area Synod W-ELCA Fall Renewal our presenters

spoke on Human Trafficking. We had Pastor Diane House from the office of

Lutheran Public Policy Wisconsin and a Deputy Nate Cibulka from the La Crosse

Sherriff’s Office. Pastor House shared many things, very personal, real stories

how young women and girls are manipulated into the business. She talked to us

about what to watch for if we see something suspicious. The number to call for help if you are a victim or to

report a tip, 888-373-7888. The office is open 24/7. Deputy Cibulka spoke of a situation right here La Crosse

and Monroe County. Both of them stressed how it begins with getting the victim hooked on drugs.

So this year our convention, which will be on APRIL 21, 2018, at LIVING HOPE, ETTRICK, WI will be on

drug education, our theme is “ All Anew – Thru Us God Does a New Thing”. The Speakers we will have

are a recovered addict, a law enforcement specializing in drug – endangerd children investigator, and a rep

from WWTC to speak on what programs they offer to help recovering addicts with a new career.

I encourage you to attend, mark your calendar and get a friend to go with you. The cost is $12.00. You can

make your check out to La Crosse Area Synod W-ELCA.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

REGISTRATION FORM

2018 Convention of La Crosse Area Synod W-ELCA

All Anew – “Thru Us God Does a New Thing”

I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come?

My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121: 1-2

Living Hope, Ettrick

Name ______________________________________________________

Phone _____________ Address_________________________________

Congregation _____________________________ Conference ________

First Convention Y__ N __Food Allergies ______________________________

Make Checks ($12.00 per person) payable to La Crosse Area Synod W-ELCA. Mail form and

checks to: Mona Van Riper, W5598 County Hwy D, Holmen, WI 54636, by 7 April.

TLCW

Cookies for Jail Ministry

One of the ways we can share God’s message is to share some of our

baking for our “Cookies for Jail Ministry” program sponsored by the Joy

Circle. They are asking you to give two or three dozen chocolate chip

cookies for this project. The sign-up sheet will be in the narthex. Please

bring your cookies to the church by Sunday, March 25. Please make sure

they are labeled “Prison Ministry”. They will be packed on Monday,

March 26 at 9:00 am and they will be delivered by Joy Circle on Tuesday,

March 27 (at facility staff request, Monday is too busy) . We need

approximately 130 plates of cookies for the large population. Your help is greatly appreciated, especially by

those who receive your gift!!

Mary Circle - March 5 & 19 at 6:30 pm in Shalom Room

Shalom Circle - March 8 at 1:30 pm -MaryCrest Activity Room

Joy Circle - March 22 at 9:00 am in Shalom Room

If you would like more information about joining a Women’s Circle, please contact one of the following women and they will gladly assist you.

Shalom Circle - Kathleen Sumrall 487 -2799

Joy Circle - Jean Hays 269-6121

Mary Circle - Deb Bassett 487-0960

If you know of someone who has gone that extra mile, doing something

they don’t normally do…please send the office an email, note or phone

call to let us know. We want the people of Trinity know that we appreciate them!! Thank you to Al Jenkins & Jim Moorhead for insulating the walls and re-doing the storage room for the

banners & decorations.

Betty Peterson for the delicious Valentine’s Day cookies she gave to the office staff.

Linda and Eldie Erickson for all the kitchen and hall way work

Gary Haskins, Bill McClain and Eldie Erickson for agreeing to be a Dishwasher Maintenance Team

Al Jenkins and Eldie Erickson for shoveling and putting salt down.

Cora Aschwander for folding calendars every month.

Thank you to everyone who helped with or donated food for our Lenten meals so far!

Al Jenkins for the addition to our church sign.

Jan Jenkins for inputting donations every week!

For Going That Extra Mile

Trinity Tidings

Stephen Ministry Update

On Sunday, February 18th, we commissioned five Stephen Ministers, Deb and Michael Bonello, Pauline

Fahning, Ann Kvale, and Kathleen Sumrall. They have completed 50 hours of initial training and are now

ready to begin their caring ministry for people experiencing life difficulties such as:

Those who are grieving the loss of a loved one

People who are hospitalized

Individuals who are terminally ill

Close family members of those who are terminally ill

People who are experiencing divorce (before, during, and after)

Parents who have children leaving home for the military, college, marriage, or work in another geograph-

ical area

New congregation or community members who are experiencing transition difficulties

Inactive church members who are in need of care

Parents and families with children who have disabilities

People convalescing at home or in an institution after an illness or injury

Those who are homebound or in a nursing care center

Family members of someone who is homebound or in a nursing care center

People with chronic illness or long-term disability

Primary caregivers for those with a chronic illness or a long-term disability

People facing birth-related issues such as infertility, adoption, an unplanned pregnancy, or the birth of a

child

People being treated for cancer

People who have experienced a significant financial setback

People who have lost their jobs

People experiencing significant job-related stress

Family members of deployed military personnel

People in the process of moving out of town or downsizing to a smaller home

People who are preparing to retire, who have recently retired, or who have been forced to retire early

People affected by disasters or acts of violence

People experiencing spiritual crisis

People with other critical needs or major life transitions .

Continued…

Our Stephen Ministers will be matched with a care receiver through a referral process. Pastor Mark Kvale is

the Stephen Leader responsible for the referral process. If you know of someone who would benefit from

having a Stephen Minister here are the steps you can take to refer that person.

Express your care and concern in a way that feels natural to you and then listen if the person wants to share

Tell the person about Stephen Ministry , saying something like: “Our church has trained caregivers called

Stephen Ministers who come alongside people during difficult times. A Stephen Minister meets regularly with

a person to listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support. It’s high quality care--and

completely confidential.”

Get permission to pass along the person’s name and phone number saying something similar to: “I’d like

to connect you with Pastor Mark Kvale. He can tell you more, answer your questions, and help decide

whether Stephen Ministry is right for you. Our Stephen Ministers are well-trained caregivers who can really

help. I think it would be really good for you to talk to Pastor Mark. Can I have him give you a call?

If the person agrees, get his or her phone number and pass the information along to Pastor Mark without

delay.

Avoid promising a Stephen Minister to the person. There are a number of factors to consider before

assigning a Stephen Minister.

Don’t tell others you have passed the person’s name along to the pastor. Stephen Ministry is a confidential

ministry. If the person later tells you he or she has a Stephen Minister, keep that information confidential too.

It is exciting to have this caring ministry starting at Trinity Lutheran Church. We ask the congregational

members to open your hearts to the ministry of our Stephen Ministers and to pray for them, that they may be

effective servants of Christ. We also ask you to accept their ministry when you need help, to allow our

Stephen Ministers to work with you as you face struggles in your life, that you might receive support and help

from them.

If you have any questions about Stephen Ministry, please talk to one of our Stephen Leaders; Pastor Mark

Kvale, Nancy Sikorsky, or Jan Jenkins.

Stephen Ministry Continued

March

Youth

The annual Spring Craft Fair is fast approaching, and it will be held on Saturday, March 3, at Sparta

High School. EVERYONE is invited to help, and there are numerous ways for YOU to get involved: donate

BBQ; donate baked goods; sign up to volunteer for a 2-hour shift; come up and have lunch to support our

youth; help with clean-up; and keep our youth and adult volunteers in your prayers. The menu will still

include our favorites: BBQs; taco boats; Papa Murphy’s pizza; and homemade baked goods. For those

planning to donate baked goods – cookies and bars sell the best. Please bring your baked goods or BBQ to

the Youth Room by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 2, or up to the high school food court on Saturday, March 3,

anytime in the morning. If this does not work for you, please give Michelle a call for other arrangements to

be made. Money raised benefits our many youth programs including Sugar Creek, FCA Camp, and the 2018

Houston Youth Gathering. Thank you so much for your continued support!

Houston, We Have A Gathering! THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING. “For by GRACE you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God.”

Please continue to keep our young people & adult leaders in your prayers as we meet, plan, serve through

fundraising, & learn together in the few months ahead before we venture to Houston on June 26! We sin-

cerely appreciate your prayers, love, & financial support throughout this journey.

Sugar Creek Bible Camp, here we come!

Summer Camp Catalogs can be found outside of the Youth Room. They have all of the detailed infor-

mation in it. You can also check it out on the web: www.SugarCreekBibleCamp.org. Overnight programs

are available for our kids entering 2nd – 12th grade. Trinity weeks & Explorer dates are being finalized.

Please stay tuned!

As always, limited scholarships are available for ALL kids wanting to go to Sugar Creek and/

or FCA Camp. There are also fundraising opportunities to help offset the cost of camp.

Please mark your calendars for the following fundraisers: Saturday, March 3 (Spring Craft

Fair); Saturday, March 24 (Guitars & Hammers); & Sunday, March 25 (Palm Sunday Break-

fast). If you want to go to camp, our awesome congregation WILL get you there!

Save the dates for FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) Sports Camp!

(entering grades 7 – 12)

It will be held from Monday, June 25 – Thursday, June 28, on the beautiful Luther campus in Decorah, IA.

Boys can choose from the following sports: basketball; baseball; cross country; football; soccer; & tennis.

Girls can choose from the following sports: basketball; cross country; soccer; softball; swimming; tennis; &

volleyball. The total cost for camp is $355, but you will get a $100 scholarship for being a

Wisconsin athlete. Registration details can be found online at www.fcacamps.org.

Otherwise, the forms are found outside of the Youth Room. Talk to Michelle with any

questions you might have.

We hope you will join us for a delicious breakfast on Sunday, March 25. Our hosts will be the Houston

Youth Gathering Team alongside our Faith Formation students & families. Serving will start at 9:00 & will

continue until 10:30 worship in the Fellowship Hall. Please join us for a morning of food, fellowship, &

face-to-face.

Following 10:30 worship that morning, we will have our annual EGG HUNT for our young friends up to grade

5. As long as the weather cooperates, the hunt will be held outside. Don’t forget to bring a basket! Older kids

& adults will be needed to help hide LOTS of eggs. Let’s rejoice in this day that God has made!

Palm Sunday Brunch

International Women’s Day Celebration

Thursday, March 8

Appetizers - 5:00 pm

Program - 5:30 pm

This program will consist of a panel of women from Columbia, Ghana, India and Ireland. They will share what they

have learned and discuss both advances and continuing challenges in achieving gender equity in their native countries. For more information please contact Lois Gilbert at 608.782.7204 or

email at lois-and-mike@centurytel.net

Trinity Tidings

March 5

T. Bernett - R. Bernette - R. Strom

March 12

A. Ask - A. Zebell - B. McClain

March 19

F. Olsen - C. Glaman - C. Thorsen

March 26

J. Janzen - D. Olson - P. Perkin

8:15 am

Reader - Jack Miller

Communion - Dennis and Carol Glaman - Karen Edwards

Greeter - Marie Grewal and Connie Jerome

10:30 am

Reader - Michael Bonello

Communion - Deb Bonello - Ron and Karen Wall

Greeter - Larry and Lana Zwiefel

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8:15 am

Reader - Chuck Hogan

Communion - Alton Ask - Brenda Degenhardt - Rita Bernette

Greeter - Dennis and Carol Glaman

10:30 am

Reader - Doug Dengel

Communion - Phil and Diane Dammen - Doug Dengel

Greeter - Tony and Annette Guldenaar

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8:15 am

Reader - Michael Latour

Communion - Dean and Shirley Weibel - Cindy Thesing

Greeter - Gary and Sharon Nelson

10:30 am

Reader - Michelle Hyatt

Communion - Julie Ender - Gary Peterson - Stacey Markuson

Greeter - Donna Boland and Deb Bonello

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Offering Counters

March 7

Ray and Donna Boland

March 14

Carol Glaman and Ann Kvale

March 21 Dennis

Glaman and Les Stanley

Tuesday, March 27

Maureen Sullivan and Diane Dammen

March 28

Audrey Zebell and Alice Olson

Food Pantry 8:15 am

Reader - Jim Moorhead

Communion Anita Jensen - Janice Janzen - Chuck Hogan

Greeter - Jim and Barb Moorhead

10:30 am

Reader - Ann Kvale

Communion - Ann Kvale - Gary Peterson - Dawn Jacobson

Greeter - Ron and Karen Wall

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Opportunities to Serve Maundy Thursday, March 29

1 Reader and 3 Communion Servers

Good Friday, March 30

1 Reader

Vigil of Easter, March 31

5 Readers and 3 Communion Servers

Ho

ly

Week