Trinity Lutheran Church Christian School & Child Care

Rev. Brian Hesse, Senior Pastor

Charessa Koontz, Director of Youth & Family Ministry

Mr. Rick Ryan, Principal

Mrs. Angie Lewis, Child Care Director

August 2015

Sunday Services At Trinity

8:00 A.M.,10:30 A.M.

& 6:00 P.M.

Sunday School & Bible Class

9:20 A.M.

You are Cordially Invited to Attend

Non Profit Organization

U.S. Postage Paid

Amarillo, Texas

Permit No. 307

Trinity Lutheran Church

5005 I-40 West

Amarillo, Texas 79106

Change Service Requested Trinity Epistle

Do you look forward to the Summer Break? The whole notion of a summer break is somewhat of a

myth. History tells us that the only reason the schools created a summer break is for the students to

stay home and work on the farm through the growing season. While this was a break from school, it

was really no break at all. Countless farming families would replace school time with the tasks of

sowing, growing crops or the daily grind of a family farm.

The wise man King Solomon once wrote, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;… I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 Over this last summer, like many summers, at Trinity there has been a lot taking place. In the time between school being released for the summer and the time it will restart in the fall consider some of the things that have taken place at Trinity:

Installed DCE Charessa Koontz as Director of Youth and Family Life Ministry Nearly 150 volunteers and children participants in Mount Everest VBS Regular opportunities for worship and Holy Communion Nearly two dozen youth attended the summer church camp program. New Sunday school curriculum implemented for the coming Fall. The curriculum for the spiritual development of the child care has been reassessed. There will be additional baptisms coming in the near future. At least two scheduled for early August. Caring for two families who have lost loved ones. New church officers elected and installed!

The list above demonstrates to me that summer has been anything but a break. Still there is a time for everything. Members have taken vacations, people have had time away. Our worship attendance has taken its usual summer decline. As we near the last month of summer vacation and prepare for school start once again, I am reminded of the importance for us to be one Trinity Lutheran. We are a church, a school and a child care ministry. This last summer reminds me the blessings that can come from being one Trinity together. If you have been a way from Trinity for a few weeks or even months, we would still love for you to be part of the family. Before summer break ends it is time to reconnect with our one Trinity family. See you in church! Pastor Brian J. Hesse Josh 1:9

Pastor Hesse - The Summer Break

August 2015

Mrs. Charessa Koontz 2-3

School News 4-6

August Calendar 8

August Birthday’s 9

Evangelism 9

Inside this issue:

Special points of

interest:

National Youth

Gathering - Pg. 3

CEF—Pg. 7

Ushers/Greeters—Pg.

9

Harp & Flute Recital—

Pg. 10

Lost Items - Pg. 11

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Lost But Never Found!

The churches two wheel dolly was borrowed and never returned.

If you have this or know who does, we really need it returned to the church.

Thank you.

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Harp and Flute Recital

featuring sacred and classical music

Heather Woitena Deborah Koch

Date: August 19th

Time: 7:00 pm

Place: Sanctuary of Trinity Lutheran Church Amarillo, TX

Cost: Free (A free-will offering will be gathered to support the musicians.)

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Trinity…One Family!

We are less than a month away from the beginning of our 68th academic year at Trinity Lutheran Christian School! We are humbled and grateful to be able to share the Gospel message of hope that comes to us through our Savior, Jesus Christ! A ministry that continues “reaching, teaching, and encouraging all God’s children and their families through the love of Jesus Christ”! We can only imagine the history that has been experienced during the decades that have wrapped around the time the school has been here. The impact of all God’s blessings has been tremendous and we look forward to seeing His hand touching lives in such miraculous ways as we begin this new year. A year that will focus on our

theme…One Family! Trinity Lutheran has and always be about

Family! We look forward to sharing the importance of being part of God’s forever family! Our focus on the One who truly guides and directs all our days! Even as we sometimes let the details of our lives cause us to be overwhelmed and consumed to the point of pulling us away from the One who cares about God’s precious children and their families. We look to our loving and

caring God as we gather as One Family so that Trinity’s

mission and ministry to families may be touched by the forever love of our Savior, Jesus as we also provide a caring and Christ-like environment to learn and grow as children of God! We have a unique opportunity to fill the lives of God’s precious children and their families every day with His Word and His forever love. Therefore, as we begin the 2015 – 2016 school year,

we look forward to sharing with you as we gather as One Family

as we lift up in prayer the plans God has in store for us and our 68th year! And, we thank you for the blessings, support, and commitment you always give to the school, not only this year, but every year. Come and share in the many blessings at Trinity as we

gather as…One Family!!!

Serving Our Master Teacher!

Mr. Rick Ryan

Proverbs 3: 5-6

As we prepare to open our 68th year as a school ministry, we continue to look to our loving and caring God and know we are certainly blessed beyond measure and are forever reminded that every day is filled with this wonderful message of hope that can be shared with God’s precious children and their families! We are also very thankful for the opportunity to share this life-changing message through our school ministry! Please join us as we continue to go to God in prayer! Prayer is the one thing that will always bring God’s people together and we especially look forward to seek God’s plan for an even brighter future here at Trinity. It certainly will take everyone’s help as we look to a ministry of change in an ever-changing community, but it must begin with prayer and the trust that we can and will find ways to provide what we have been blessed for 68 years! The future always looks brighter when we entrust into His care His forever

plan for us and our mission and ministry. So we place this Prayer List before us and ask that His blessings continue for Trinity Lutheran.

AUGUST 2015 CALENDAR DATES TO LOOK FORWARD TO

Tuesday, August 11th Teacher In-Service

Thursday, August 13th

5:00 – 8:00p.m.: Summer Bash & Orientation Day

Monday - Tuesday, August 17th – 18th Teacher Workdays

Wednesday, August 19th First Day of School!

Opening Worship of our 68th Academic year at 9:00a.m.!!!

Don’t forget to get your Tiger Spirit Items…you can purchase a Spirit item

from our Tiger Spirit Store…We have Tiger Mugs, Athletic Bottles, Baseball Caps, and Tiger Car Decals, along with many other items that will help to show the Amarillo community your true Tiger Spirit. Get you Spirit item from our Tiger Spirit Store, SOON!

YOU CAN FIND OUT THE LATEST ABOUT YOUR TRINITY TIGERS BY VISITING OUR WEBSITE AT

www.trinitylutheranschool.org or on our Trinity School Facebook page!

Trinity School Ministry Prayer List

Please keep in your prayers our mission and ministry for our 68th academic year:

That all our students, teachers and staff continue to be filled with joy and the love of Jesus each day here at Trinity.

Blessings for guidance and direction with NEW and EXPANDED programs!

An increased TOTAL enrollment from this year.

That ALL Trinity members share our school story with at least five (5) friends and families!

An increased enrollment in each grade…Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and Grades 1-6.

Blessings on our efforts to return ALL of our Trinity families!

Reach out to bring TWENTY (20) NEW FAMILIES to Trinity!

The Spirit of God to move ALL Trinity families to make this happen!

By God’s Grace and For His Glory…It Can Happen!

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Rhoda Koenig 8/1 Charles Gutz 8/4 Sheila West 8/4 Mitchell Lewis 8/5 Gavin Wash 8/5 Daniel Beggs 8/6 Gladys Carter 8/6 Dennis Clayton 8/6 Marley McElroy 8/7 Brookelynn Barclay 8/8 Sue Buescher 8/8 Susan Nelson 8/9 Emilee Faulkner 8/10 Cindy Frye 8/11 Justin Hurst 8/11 Gretta Johnson 8/11 James Metcalf 8/11 Danny Craigmiles 8/12 Bill McClendon 8/12 Haleigh Watson 8/12 Jim Ackley 8/13 Mavryck Schneider 8/13 Julieanne Dietz 8/17 Caleb Hesse 8/17 KC Messenger 8/17 Sherrie Morris 8/17 Hailey Robertson 8/17 Logan Tweet 8/17 Anna Wallace 8/17 Nicholas Patterson 8/18 Emma Barham 8/20 Ali Pilgrim 8/20 Lucretia Hayes 8/21 Aaron Arrellano 8/22 Diane Johnson 8/22 Carlyn Kunkel 8/22 Owen Tormey 8/23 Frank Walerczyk 8/23 Cathy Craigmiles 8/24 Madyson Jackson 8/24 Jackson Steen 8/24 Summer Johnson 8/25 Jesse Barclay 8/26 Kimberly Kopke 8/26 Lisa Orosco 8/26 Kevin Starbuck 8/27 Dorothy McKinney 8/29 Jerry Schlegel 8/29 Patricia Briscoe 8/30 Joshua Schneider 8/30

USHERS 10:30 AM Service Henry Janhsen Brett Mackey Roy Johnson Jim Ackley Gene Bernhardt

GREETERS 8:00 AM Service M/M Jerry Schlegel

10:30 AM Service M/M Henry Schlegel

Join Us For Sunday School - 9:20 AM

Class Topic Location Kristin Platter “Luther’s Writings” Rm. 3 School Hall Pastor Hesse Parables of Jesus Fellowship Hall Rick Ryan A Look At The Lenten Lessons Parlor High School Basement - Youth Room Grades 7, 8 Rm. 7/School Hall Grades 5, 6 Rm. 4/School Hall Grades 3, 4 Rm. 2/School Hall Grades 1, 2 In Child Care 3 yr.-K Basement

Evangelism

We are in need of snacks for the Ronald

McDonald House.

Water, pop tarts, breakfast bars, etc.

Please place items in the box provided

in the parlor.

Thanks for your support.

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August 2015

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2

Social Ministry Mtg. -

9:30 am

Bible Study - 7 pm

3 4

Ladies Day Guild/

Parlor - 1 pm

5 6 7 8

CHF Grp./Parlor - 10

am-1 pm

9

Bible Study - 7 pm

10 11

Quilters/Parlor - 9 am

Elders/Parlor - 6pm

12

Thrivent Workshop

11am-12 noon

Thrivent Workshop

7pm-8pm

13 14 15

16

Bible Study - 7 pm

17

LWML/Parlor - 7pm

18 19

Flute-Harp Concert/

Sanctuary - 7pm

First Day of School

NEWSLETTER

DEADLINE

20

Church Council/

Parlor - 6:30 pm

21 22

23

Bible Study - 7 pm

24 25 26 27 28 29

30

Bible Study - 7 pm

31

Pastor Hesse out of Town

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Tiger News

Please join us as we will begin our 68th academic year on Wednesday, August 19th with an opening worship at 9:00a.m. Doors will open at 7:45 a.m. and classes will begin at 8:30a.m. You are cordially invited to come and share in the joy of beginning a new year together. We will gather in the church sanctuary beginning at 9:00a.m. as we give thanks to God for another year to be able to

“reach, teach, and encourage all God’s children and their

families through the saving love of Jesus Christ.” Mark your calendars now!

NEW SUMMER BASH & ORIENTATION DAY

OPPORTUNITY…There will be one other important date for all families already enrolled and those who still have time to enroll for the upcoming school year. We will have a special registration/orientation day on Thursday, August 13th from 5:00 – 8:00p.m. We will have a special new format for this day as we will gather for a light meal and welcome all families as we get ready for the first day of school. This come and go event will give families the opportunity to accomplish many important tasks prior to the first day of school. Paperwork, immunization questions, school supply lists, yearbook

information, Scrip and PTL opportunities, Tiger Spirit items, visit with the teachers, and much more will be available throughout the day. More important is that we can and will be able to register new families. If you have any questions about this day, please call the school office for further information.

NEEDING TRINITY TEACHERS AND STAFF!!! Our prayers continue as we search for those servants to join our Trinity Ministry Team! We are seeking applicants to help fill the following positions:

Teacher-Aides for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classes. P.E. Teacher and possible part-time staff as needed. Computer Teacher and possible technology responsibilities. Part-time Teacher As you can see, there are several areas of need for the upcoming school term and we are excited about the opportunity to fill as many of the positions listed as possible with those with a servant heart for “reaching, teaching, and encouraging” and also with a passion for ministry! If you are interested in any of these positions or know of a person who might want to be part of this ministry in any of these capacities, please contact Mr. Rick Ryan. Please prayerfully consider being part of this exciting opportunity to be in mission and ministry, or keep in prayer that person yet to join us!

Be An Ambassador for Trinity…You can always be a

ministry partner and an Ambassador for Trinity! Our school ministry is blessed in so many ways and we continue to entrust

into God’s hands His plan for our upcoming school term!

Being an Ambassador for Trinity requires only that YOU reach out to those you know who might want to be part of a quality education in a safe and secure environment at the most affordable private school in the Amarillo area! (And we have materials that you can share with family, friends, business colleagues, and others. Just see Mr. Ryan for those materials.) All you need to do is plant the seed and then God will take care of the rest. Won’t you be part of this unique ministry opportunity that we pray will bring in at least FIFTEEN NEW families into our school for our upcoming year! The best part of all this is that your help may bring another child and their family into a daily walk with their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! That is our mission here at Trinity Lutheran!

What a blessing it is when we ALL can be an Ambassador for

Trinity! Please see Mr. Ryan for ways to help us as we march toward our 68th year as a school in a few short weeks!

Our Enrollment Process Continues…NEW families are welcome as we continue to accept applications throughout this month leading to our first day of school on Wednesday, August 19th! There are some great incentives available that will provide substantial savings to all those who enroll now and until school begins! Application Forms and Registration Packets are available through the school and church office. Please see Mr. Ryan if you have any questions.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED…The church, school, and child care would like to participate in the Tri-State Fair Parade in early September, however, we are in need of creative and enthusiastic individuals to begin the planning and construction of a parade float for the church, school, and child care so that we can be about sharing the Gospel message to our community! This is a collective effort that needs willing volunteers to be part of the float committee, but we hope to have this committee in place very soon! Please contact the church office if you are willing to be part of this important journey sharing the ministries here at Trinity with our community! We hope to hear from you soon!

JOIN Our Birthday Challenge!!!…The challenge CONTINUES! We have a great opportunity that everyone can support and give thanks to God for the blessings shared as we share in celebrating birthdays! What a FANTASTIC opportunity for everyone to take part in as our special

BIRTHDAY CHALLENGE continues! Remember that this is a great way to remember ALL God’s blessings in your life as you celebrate your special birthday and you can also honor someone else’s special day as well! Help us reach our

Challenge Goal of $1,000 by making that contribution in any amount celebrating these special days! And, it does not matter if your birthday is already past, so make that contribution in honor of God’s blessings no matter when your special day

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occurred! We continue taking contributions and all donations will be matched – dollar for dollar - up to $1,000! All proceeds will help support our technology needs and will be in support of a special mission! This is a great way to give thanks for God’s blessings in your life and to help our school ministry and its mission to “reach, teach, and encourage ALL God’s children and their families through the saving love of Jesus Christ! If you have any questions, please see Mr. Ryan.

Create a THRIVENT ACTION TEAM...Have you thought about planning your own ACTION TEAM and developing a special project as we get ready for our next school year? You can create your own ACTION TEAM for Trinity or join one already working on a project. Please see Mr. Gary Kleiber for details or be on the lookout for information on how you can create an Action Team for TLCS and use your two (2) $250 contributions to assist in “reaching, teaching, and encouraging others through the saving love of Jesus” here at Trinity!

Don’t forget those SCRIP CARDS! We will continue to sell these gift cards each and every Sunday! Please contact Kara Starbuck for more information on how to get your cards.

DON’T FORGET that you can designate your Thrivent Choice $$$. However, they MUST be designated each year! It is EASY to do! And it provides funds for the mission here at

Trinity. Also, remember, you can designate Choice Dollars to

the school ministry and it can be part of our Tiger Helping

Hands Initiative if you choose! Just let us know!

IF YOU HAVE FURTHER QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE PROGRAMS and ANY OTHERS…PLEASE SEE MR. RYAN!

Thrivent Members and Associate Members

Sponsor a Thrivent Action Team project! Members are eligible for two projects a year; associate members are eligible for one project a year. Projects are one time Fundraisers, Service Activities or Educational Events. Thrivent helps get your project started with $250 in seed money, promotional materials and t-shirts. Simply log in to your Thrivent account on Thrivent.com

to apply for your Thrivent Action Team. If you need

assistance with applying for your Thrivent Action Team, call Gary Kleiber at 806-353-9533 Board of Elders “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be lead away by diverse and strange teaching, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace…” Hebrews 13:7-9. That was the text of the sermon preached by the Reverend Dr. Sam Nafsger at the funeral of his father-in-law, Robert Schoppa

on July 11, 2015. Robert was a lifelong Lutheran and a member of Trinity. Dr. Nafsger was Executive Director on the Synod’s Commission on Theology and Church Relations. Sam told of some of the stories Robert told him about his childhood. As children they had to take turns going to church because they would not all fit in the one car the family owned. If it was not your turn to go to church you stayed home and listened to the Lutheran Hour on the radio. What a glorious honor for each of us to remember our leaders who spoke the word of God to us- for our heart to be strengthened by grace. Robert was a strong believer in grace as witnessed by his years of service to the Church. Who do we remember when we think of those who spoke the word of God to us? I would say that there are over a hundred children who attended VBS that would say they remember Stacy Tormey, Sarah Black and all the teachers who proclaimed the Word of God to them. I would say that there over a hundred kids who attend Church Camp that remember Pastor Hesse and all the staff at camp that proclaimed the word of God to them. I believe we can add all our School children would say they remember Mr. Ryan and all the teachers who proclaimed the word of God to them. Yes, it is good for our hearts. The Board of Elders welcomes Charessa Koontz as our new Director of Youth and Family ministry. She is getting oriented and meeting with the various boards and leaders to develop a plan for growth for our ministry here at Trinity. Please keep her and her ministry in your prayers. The Elders are looking for additional acolytes to serve each Sunday. We would like to be able to have enough volunteers to have acolytes at each service. If you can help see Pastor Hesse to get signed up.

Sr. Youth

Blessings on your summer, Sr. Youth! We have enjoyed the video series "Follow" this summer in Sunday class. Remember to join us each Sunday morning for snacks, lessons and sharing topical subjects related to your Christian walk! Weekly events will start back up in September so be sure to watch here, Sunday bulletins, or follow us on Facebook, Trinity Lutheran Church Youth Group! Steve and Mary Harms, call or text, 281-627-3033. Junior High Youth, hope your summer is going well. J Sounds as if many of you had a good experience at church camp! Regularly scheduled activities begin again in September. Watch your mail, church newsletter and Sunday bulletins for more details! If you have questions you are welcome to contact Mark and Kim Kopke 806-420-2092 or markim@suddenlink.net.

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Did You Know that you can invest some of your money with CEF, make competitive interest on your investment

and increase the rebate percentage that Trinity receives back each year on our loan with CEF?

CEF’s new program increases the loan rebate to 1.25% with 150% of supporting investments as of May 1, Trinity had

$690,033 or 144% of investments.

Please consider investing some of your money with CEF, a great, safe and secure program and help Trinity reach that

150% investment goal and provide CEF with more money to loan to congregations for new construction projects.

For more investment information please contact Bob Johnson, Trinity CEF Rep. or CEF at number listed below.