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Trinity Lutheran Church, Brainerd, MN February 2020
Trinity TidingsA community committed to God through caring,
sharing, and outreach.
Lenten Series – “Living Lutheran: Renewing your Congregation” - Each Wednesday evening of Lent, beginning March 4th, the focus and preaching topic will be based on the book, “Living Lutheran: Renewing Your Congregation” by author and pastor, Dave Daubert. Creative and informative, the book provides a straightforward approach that helps congregations reclaim Lutheran tradition for the 21st century. Pastor Daubert makes the process for churches to develop their vision, purpose and principles sound so important and yet so simple. Books are available in the church office. The books retail for $14.99; we are suggesting a donation to help with costs of $5.00. March 4th – Chapter 1: A Changing Church for a Changing World Luke 2:39-51: Parents faithful and righteous before God, and Boy Jesus
March 11th – Chapter 2: The Basics of a Lutheran Voice
Acts 2:41-47: Life among the believers
March 18th – Chapter 3: God Has a DreamChapter 4: - The Church – God prefers Not to Work Alone –Matthew 6:7-14: The Lord’s Prayer
March 25th – Chapter 5: Looking for a VisionChapter 6: Developing and Using a Purpose StatementChapter 7: A Purpose Statement Isn’t Enough
Acts 9:1-19: A New Vision – Saul an ally, Ananias was skeptical
April 1st – Chapter 8: Developing Your Guiding PrinciplesChapter 9: How do Guiding Principles work? Acts 10:34-48: Even gentiles receive the gift of the Holy Spirit
PASTOR PAUL’S FEBRUARY UPDATE“I will, and I ask the Lord to help and guide me.”
I am thrilled to join you in ministry! As I read the newsletter, the bulletin announcements, and hear stories from people, you are doing great ministry. As I am recovering from my stroke, I am slowly learning the great things you do. I look
forward to continued recovery and greater involvement!The installation by Bishop Tom Aitken on January 12th was a wonderful day. It is a day that reminded me I can only do these things with the help of God. I said that “I will, and I ask the Lord to help and guide me.” I trust the Lord will!The day was even more special because I was able to sit with my cousin, Julie Despot. Bob and Julie Despot sit in the same pew at the first service almost every Sunday. What most people do not know is that Julie’s mom, Barb McDowell and my mother, Alyce
Erdal grew up together! Our Grandmother’s (Jessie and Bessie) were twin sisters. They each had a daughter (Barb & Alyce) who were their only children and grew up together. Barb (and Bob) McDowell’s first child was Julie. Julie became my baptismal sponsor on Easter Sunday of 1974!It is full circle. My parents have passed away. I miss them dearly. They would be rejoicing and excited with me!Trinity Vision 2020 - I learned that 20/20 is not perfect eyesight! Some people can see better than 20/20. When talking vision, no one has perfect vision. Some can have a vision clearer than others, but only our Lord has perfect vision.We as a congregation want our Lord to help us with our vision for 2020, hence “Trinity Vision 2020.” We are looking toward our future. We are grateful for the decades that the Lord has led and empowered us for ministry. Countless individuals and groups have benefited, been blessed, and their lives impacted by Trinity’s ministry. Thanks be to God!Pastor Hans and I invite you to read a short and powerful book called, “Living Lutheran: Renewing Your Congregation,” by Dave Daubert. Not only will it be a major piece in our congregational conversation in 2020, but it will be our preaching theme in Lent (Ash Wednesday is February 26th – Palm Sunday is April 5th). The books are available to you with a suggested donation to help with costs. I hope this book helps to give us a framework and language in this confusing time in our culture.
Bless you in this season of Epiphany season, which leads to Lent. May the revelation of this child born in a manger bring witness to God’s mighty deed that this is Emmanuel … God with us!
In God’s Grace,Pastor Paul Erdal – [email protected]
PASTOR HANS FEBRUARY UPDATE
Law of Love “I will put my law in their hearts…” Hebrews 10:16
For the gospel text on the first Sunday of February (the love month) we sure see a lot of LAW! February 2nd is Presentation of our Lord Sunday where Jesus is presented in the temple. The word “LAW” is used five times in five sentences. Do you think the LAW was an important detail? Yes…it was. And the gospel writer Luke wants you to know this! However, it was not the law of Moses, nor purification laws, or temple laws that mattered most that day. Radically, the Law of love was presented that day in the child Jesus. Simeon raised him like a light revealed to all people! Anna praised God for this child who would redeem Jerusalem. Love without limits was presented
that day in the child named Jesus. Jesus says to us “I will put a new LAW in your heart;” he is saying I will put love in your heart and my Law is Love! February is packed with LOVE here at Trinity…
The book study on “Love Without Limits” is in full swing and has 15-20 people attending regularly. Classes meet in room 1 on Sundays throughout February between services. February 2nd - Giovanni’s Frozen Pizzas pick up day in the Gathering area. The Senior High Canoe trip fundraiser youth and parents will have your pizzas ready this day! February 12th- Luther Crest registration night at Confirmation! Executive Director Dave Holtz will be present to speak and will lead the youth in games, worship, a video about camp, and registration before the February 14th early bird registration deadline! February 14th- Valentine’s Day! Show some LOVE! February 16th- Citywide Lutheran Youth Event from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church! Developed and led by Senior High Youth for Senior High Youth; It is the best thing ever… just show up and have fun! February 21-22nd -Men’s Retreat at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. The theme of the retreat is “Faith Formation in a Secular Age” and features Andrew Root from Luther Seminary. See Pastor Paul for more information about this exciting event! February 26th- Ash Wednesday- Our worship service where we remember law and love with ashes traced on our foreheads recalling our baptism, and remembering that we are dust and to dust we shall return! February 28th- March 1st- Cardia Deo (Heart of God) Senior High retreat at Big Sandy Camp. This Synod retreat is so awesome, there will be about 150-200 youth there with
games, worship, tubing, icebreakers, and boot hockey…It is a blast! I look forward to seeing you all sign up!
Let Christ’s LOVE lead the way!
Pastor Hans – [email protected]
FEBRUARY 2020 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION NEWSHappy February! Sunday school and Confirmation Students have been back for about month now and everyone seems to be adjusting back to a routine after a long holiday break! February is all about LOVE! Please see below for our
special mission project.
KIDS SING IN WORSHIP FEBRUARY 9 TH -All the children who participate in music time during Sunday School will be singing during both worship services on February 9th. PARENTS- MARK YOUR CALENDAR!! No Sunday School February 16th!Faith Quest and Thou Art! Studio Rotation leaders needed for Mar/Apr and Apr/May!! The dates are March 15, 22, 29, and April 5 for the first rotation and April 19, 26, May 3 & 10 for the last rotation. Please consider teaching a rotation. You can even split it with somebody, so you don't have to teach all 4 Sundays. The lesson is planned for you and you teach the SAME lesson for 4 Sundays. Very little to NO prep work. Please see me or email me if you are interested.
Trinity’s Annual Lenten Festival - Sunday, March 1st 9:00 -10:30 a.m.Sunday morning classes for children and adults will not meet that
morning so EVERYONE will be able to attend the intergenerational event. The festival includes food, fellowship, games, activities and craft projects for all. To help in any capacity, check out the sign-up sheet posted in the Gathering Area. Volunteers are needed to serve coffee and help with a variety of activities.
February Mission Project - The mission project for the month of February is based off the word “love”. We are collecting $1 or more from each Sunday school student to buy supplies for Trinity members who are in the hospital or dealing with health issues. We will be calling these “Trinity Cares Kits”. Please mark your envelope “Trinity Cares” and put them in the designated basket in Alicia’s office. Lets show our Trinity family some love! Thank You!
5th Grade First CommunionFeb 5th Workshop #9 @ 5:15 p.m. Feb 19th Workshop # 10 @ 5:15 p.m.
Confirmation 6-8th GradeFeb 5th Workshop #9 @ 6:45 p.m. Feb 12th Luther Crest night @ 6:45 p.m.
Feb 19th Workshop #10 @ 6:45 p.m. Feb 26th Ash Wednesday service - 6:00 p.m. *required*
Confirmation 9th GradeFeb 19th Mentor/Mentee #5 get together @ 6:45 p.m.
FEBRUARY TRINITY CHILDREN’S CENTER NEWS
Happy February! Wow, where has the time gone? A little about our day…. The children are spending time each month getting to know our Pastors during Cherub Church. This includes a large group lesson in the Sanctuary where one of the Pastors shares a Bible Story and prayer with us. Building relationships between children and God, what a great opportunity!February Birthdays:2nd: Happy 4th Birthday Cara! 6th: Azaylia is 5 today!18th: Happy Birthday Colleen!Evaluations: Thank you for filling out the evaluations I emailed in January, this is a great opportunity for us to hear from you! BUTTER BRAIDS ARE COMING!!!!
Starting February 27th, we will be selling the very yummy “Bake it yourself” Pastries! This is our #1 fundraiser! TCC has held this fundraiser for several years and we NEED parent participation! If every parent can commit by taking a brochure to work, to family &/or friends we know that this can be another successful year! I also will need a few willing helpers to take orders between church services, help with boxing and bagging after the
order arrives, and delivery! Please, if you can help it would be greatly appreciated! Touch base with Becky.
Breakfast & Lunch Reminders:Please remember it’s your responsibility to send an equal balance of the 5 food groups! Also, don’t forget to label lunchboxes and pack an ice pack to avoid congestion in the fridge!
Reminders:*Please dress your children appropriately for outside play, heavy gloves or mittens are a must!*SLOW DOWN---the hill is very slippery. Please take extra precautions when driving in the parking lot!*Check your child’s file daily.
*We recycle & collect Hp printer cartridges.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Becky Dryburgh – [email protected]
FEBRUARY 2020 PRESIDENTS REPORT“Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed.” ~ Proverbs 15:22This bible verse reminds us that we should walk together in our journey of faith. Working together with the Lord in our hearts and minds we can achieve great and good things. As a Vison Council, we greatly value input and feedback from the Congregation. We then work together to identify a plan for how we can successfully move forward as a Church. Central to our work is Trinity’s Mission Statement with the elements of Sharing, Caring, and Outreach. On January 11th we had a Vision Council Retreat in the Gathering Area. With the foundation of our Mission Statement, we spent the morning identifying the work that needs to be done. We found that it falls under the two goals we identified below. We will be able to meet these goals for Trinity Lutheran Church with your help, prayers and God’s blessings.
2020 Vision Council Goals Goal #1 - Develop and Deepen the Engagement of
Members on Their Faith Journey - The first goal focuses on relational and volunteer ministries that will offer you the opportunity to grow your faith and service to Christ. Some are current ministries and some new ones are on the drawing board.
Goal #2- Improve Trinity Lutheran Church Site Safety & Infrastructure - The second goal is being good stewards of our church building, systems, technology and people. We have identified several areas to improve safety and security that will be rolled out in the next few months. We also are reviewing ways that the Vision Council can better serve and support the staff at Trinity Lutheran Church.
I plan to have updates for you throughout the year in this report. Please also watch the Tidings and Bulletins for service and ministry opportunities in 2020. Thank you for your partnership!
Respectfully Submitted,
Paul Larsen – [email protected]
2020 VISION COUNCIL Trinity Lutheran Church Vision Council members want your input and are there for you if you have ideas, suggestions or questions. The Council members are: Pastor Paul Erdal, Pastor Hans
Anderson, Paul Larsen, Doug Johnson, Julie Anderson, Pam O’Rourke, David Lust, Clem Belcher, Lois Kilgore, and Bud Sederquist. Please give them your support and keep them in your prayers.
BECOME A MEMBER OF THE TRINITY PRAYER CHAIN! We are looking to add more people on to our prayer chain to pray for our loved ones who are going through a tough time whether it be physical or emotional pain. To be a part of the Trinity Prayer Chain or if you would like the prayer chain to pray for you or a family member please see or call Joe in the church office.SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2nd NOISY CAN SUNDAY!! - Every first Sunday of the month, we have a “NOISY
CAN SUNDAY” for the purpose of collecting coins for the “Hunger Relief Fund” program. At the beginning of our worship service, several metal cans will be passed through the congregation to collect the loose change in your pocket. It is surprising how
pocket change adds up! FOOD SHELF SUNDAY – Our collected food shelf items will be brought to the Salvation Army bimonthly where more people who are in need of food for themselves and/or their families have better access. Any monetary donations we receive will go into our Hunger Relief fund. THANK YOU! Please consider bringing a food item or making a monetary donation.
THANK YOU’SThank you, Thank you, Thank you to all the “Christmas Choir” singers! I had so much fun working with you and have received many thank yous from the congregation. Plan is to do something for Easter if you’re interested. Thank you again - Jodie Dahl To my Trinity Family – I want to thank you for all the kindness shown to me at Christmas. Among all the busyness of the season, I had a visit from Pastor Hans and he brought me gifts from the congregation: a poinsettia, almond bread (made by Doug Johnson), and an advent bag of goodies. I also received many cards from Trinity members. Thank you all for your thoughtfulness, Betty GreenDear Trinity Members, I am immensely thankful for the scholarships you have given me these past four years. They have helped me so much in paying for my education at Gustavus Adolphus College. I am grateful for the support of the congregation that I have received throughout college and that I will continue to be given in the future. Peace, Devin MakeyThank you to the Christmas children’s choir! A few parents have asked about developing a children’s choir. I would be interested if we had 15-20 committed children who would make the practice and performances (during the church service). Possibly singing one time a month. If interested please contact Jodie Dahl at 218-839-3707 or [email protected]. This would be for 2nd-8th graders with possible practices before confirmation or Sunday mornings. Thank you. Jodie Dahl Dear Trinity members, Thank you for the food donation of $1,000.00 Your generosity helped us provide some great food to our residents over the holidays.
We appreciate your support! Sincerely, The Staff & Board of the Mid-Minnesota Women’s Center
PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR MEN & WOMEN IN THE MILITARYJeremy Carlile grandson of Jim & Darlene Mark Douglas Fillbrandt grandson of Mike & Sally Vukson Rick Herold son of Dick & Kathy Herold Brian Muellenbach nephew of Anne & Joe Niklaus Nick Oakley son of Jerry & Janice Oakley Joe Schenkel nephew of Pr. Hans & Erin AndersonMerle Swecker brother of Caroline Nibbe Joel M. Sullivan grandson of John & Donna WilliamsMEET AND BE JOLLY The Jolly Freetimers will meet on February 11th at 12:00 noon at Mike’s Catering
(approx. 4 miles south on Business 371). Pastor Bruce & Norma Miller are the guest speakers who will discuss their time cruising on the Baltic Sea. The Jolly Freetimers are an adult organization for retired members of Trinity. We meet the
second Tuesday of each month at approx. 12:00 noon at various sites in the Brainerd Lakes area and enjoy good food, fellowship, and an entertaining program of some type. Interested in joining this group or want more information? Contact Arvid and Jan Femrite at 218-829-3752 for more information.
TOGETHER HERE: IMPLICIT BIAS: WHO, WHAT, AND HOWJoin us on February 25th here at Trinity from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. as Dr. Marsha S. Lue helps us explore implicit bias: what it is, how it impacts our abilities to form
meaningful relationships, and its potential impacts on society. Dr. Lue has been working in higher education since 2005 and currently works at Lake Superior College with the TRiO Student Support Program as an
Advisor/Coach. Dr. Lue’s research interests have been related to various social justice issues, focused primarily on underrepresented college students. Other research interests include current military and Veterans in terms of educational access and retention.
TIDINGS VIA E-MAIL!!! We are encouraging as many Trinity members as possible to receive the Tidings monthly newsletter via email as it will save on postage and delivery, reduce our
purchasing of paper, and also lessen the load on our GREAT Tidings volunteers. To receive the electronic version, send an email message to Linda Harris at [email protected] Include your name and the email address you want the newsletter delivered to or stop in the church
office. Questions?? Call Linda (829-5147).
TRINITY CIRCLES - Trinity has two Women’s Circle groups that meet once a month through May. The Trinity Circles join in lively discussion, share in a snack, and have Bible Study. If you are interested in joining one of our
Circle groups please call Joan Burnett from the Galilee Circle (218) 828-4504 or Jean Smith from the Nazareth Circle (218) 829-1360. We welcome all to join us. Upcoming meeting dates are: The Galilee Circle will meet this Wednesday, February 19th, at 9:30 a.m. in the
Gathering area. Hostesses are Dorothy Adamson and Bev Jensen. Bible Study leader is Gail Fitch. Lesson 24, “Obedient to Death.”
The Nazareth Circle will meet on Monday, February 24th at 1:30 p.m. in Trinity’s Gathering area. Hostess is Dione Lund. Bible Study leader is Betty Furstenberg.
TRINITY PASTORAL ACTS FOR JANUARYBaptism– Benjamin Wayne Holland – January 26th
BOY SCOUT SUNDAY IS FEBRUARY 2ND
CREPES & SAUSAGE BREAKFAST IN HONOR OF SCOUT SUNDAY FEBRUARY 2ND - The Trinity Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts are serving a Crepes & Sausage Breakfast for everyone in our Fellowship Hall from 8:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on February 2nd. The Scouts really appreciate the Trinity congregation for sponsoring them over the years and are grateful for the church for letting them meet here weekly.
There is no charge for the breakfast.
TRINITY MEN’S RETREAT - “FAITH FORMATION IN A SECULAR AGE” February 21st & 22nd; at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Brainerd. Featuring:
Rev. Dr. Andrew Root - Luther Seminary professor since 2005. He is often mentioned as one of the leading scholars in youth ministry and practical theology in the world. Root's latest project is a three-volume series called “Ministry in a Secular Age.”
Rev. Dr. Mark Skinner - serves as Senior Pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran in Brainerd, MN where he has
served for the past sixteen years. In 2015 he completed his doctoral thesis through Luther Seminary entitled “Reclaiming the Triune Life of a Congregation: Shared Missional Characteristics of Minnesota ELCA Congregations.” There are many break-out sessions on Saturday morning including Home Brewing, Whitecap Custom fishing rods, Woodworking, Genealogy, and “Wild and Free” wildlife program. Friday night schedule is from 4:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Saturday schedule is 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Cost is $30.00 for first time attendees (which includes registration and meals) and $40.00 for repeat attendees (which includes registration and meals). If you only want to attend the Saturday afternoon session (featuring Rev. Dr. Andy Root) from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.; the cost is $20 or $15 if you are enrolled in the Yearly Intensive Series. You can register: online at www.nemnsynod.org under the Lay Leader Network Tab
pick up a brochure at the Welcome Center area See Pastor Paul Registration deadline is February 17th. Co-sponsored by Men in Mission and NE MN Synod Lay Leader Network
February Mission ProjectThe mission project for the month of February is based off the word “love”. We are collecting $1 or more from each Sunday school student to buy supplies for Trinity members who are in the hospital or dealing with health issues. We will be calling these “Trinity Cares Kits”. Please mark your envelope “Trinity Cares” and put them in the designated basket in Alicia’s office. Let’s show our Trinity families some love! Thank You!
WINTER WEATHER CHURCH CANCELLATIONIf you questioning if we are going to have worship in the event of inclement
weather, please turn your FM radio dial to WJJY – 106.7 or KLIZ – 107.5 OR KTIG – 102.7.
STEWARDSHIP REPORTWe give thanks to God and to each one of you for your faithfulness in giving. We praise God for continually providing all that we need. Let each of us prayerfully seek God’s direction in our giving.
Sunday Offerings: Building Fund: Electronic Giving Weekly Total January 5th $7,091.00 $1,545.00 $3,847.50 $12,483.50Noisy Can $493.02January 12th $8,663.00 $2,290.00 $617.50 $11,570.00January 19th $3,894.00 $1,635.00 $2,962.50 $8,491.50January 26th $5,716.00 $223.00 $1,142.50 $7,081.00Based on approved budget each week $12,617.21 is needed for all expenses (including benevolences) and $2,087.77 is needed for the mortgage payment. The weekly total needed is $14,704.89.2020 Benevolence/Mission Support/Hunger Relief ReportNote: 10% of weekly contributions will be allocated to our various Mission Support areas until all are paid.Synod $12,000.00 Payments made on January 5th, 12th, & 20th Balance - $10,402.49Bridges of Hope $1,000.00 January 5th paid in full!!Luther Crest $3,000.00Lutheran Social Service $2,500.00 January 26th paid $708.15 – Balance - $1,343.00These totals will be updated monthly.See Linda about Electronic Giving!! Bless you all in stewardship of your financial resources.BUILDING FUND BRICK UPDATE
In order to pay the monthly mortgage and to build a reserve for mortgage payments, the goal is to remove two hundred bricks each month from the display. With each brick valued at $50, that would give us $10,000 towards our mortgage each month. Note that any amount is acceptable, so contribute at any time. God bless you in your giving to this ongoing project!! January 5th – January payment made and 61 bricks towards February payment! January 12th – 26th - 176 bricks paid toward February—24 bricks remain for February payment!
GREETERS NEEDED!! We need volunteers to sign up to be Greeters on Sunday mornings. Greeters are the first people to welcome a new person or family. The primary task of a Greeter is to create an initial atmosphere of love, unity and enthusiasm for our Sunday morning worshipers, especially our visitors. Please consider signing up on the Greeter Chart located on the
bulletin board by the church office. Thanks!!
VALENTINE’S QUOTES I love being married. It's so great to find that one special person you
want to annoy for the rest of your life. Rita Rudner
“Women marry men hoping they will change. Men marry women hoping they will not. So each is inevitably disappointed.”– Albert Einstein
SENIOR HIGH YOUTH EVENT!Ninth graders through High School seniors from area churches will meet on February 16th at 7:00 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. The High School seniors are in charge of planning the events… so it should be full of surprises! These united church events will happen at area Lutheran Churches at 7:00 P.M. every third Sunday thru May. A sweet mix of fun, fellowship and faith with all of your friends from
church and other churches. United we are stronger. ><> ><> Pastor Hans
LENTEN FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDSunday, March 1st 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. - Many hands are needed to help during
the annual Lenten Festival. The festival provides an opportunity to shift our focus from the church seasons of Christmas and Epiphany to Lent and the season of Easter. Stations include games, face painting, pretzel baking and crafts. To help in any capacity, check out the sign-up sheet posted in the Gathering
Area. Volunteers are needed to serve coffee and help with a variety of activities. Questions – See or contact Alicia. 218-838-5847.
FREE COFFEE CANSWe have quite a few empty coffee cans in the church office that we would like to give somebody. Coffee cans can be used for so many different things: Seed starters, making luminaries, use for
paint projects, craft projects, etc. Here is a website with many ways to re-purpose empty coffee cans: https://www.diyncrafts.com/25944/repurpose/30-crafty-repurposing-ideas-empty-coffee-containers We are having a hard time throwing them away, so please stop by the church office and re-purpose them. THANKS!!
2020 FLOWER CHART
I am the 2020 Flower Chart located by the Trinity Main Office Door – I am pretty empty for the whole year. Please sign up to give flowers or a plant in honor or in loving memory of a loved one. You can also call or e-mail the church office and we will get you signed up for the Sunday of your choice.
THANKS!!
LENT HELPS US REFLECT ON JESUS’ DEATHLent, the church-year season that begins on Ash Wednesday, is a time of penitence and spiritual renewal. Some people give up a luxury or vice during Lent as a form of self-denial; others undertake a project that benefits others. The point isn’t to denigrate ourselves or to see how much we can do without. Instead, Lent helps us reflect on Jesus’ death. As Timothy Keller writes in The Reason for God: “The Christian Gospel is that I am so flawed that Jesus had to die for me, yet I am so loved and valued that Jesus was glad to die for me. This leads to deep humility and deep confidence at the same time. It undermines both swaggering and sniveling. I cannot feel superior to anyone, and yet I have nothing to prove to anyone. I do not think more of myself nor less of myself. Instead, I think of myself less.”
Trinity Lutheran Church Vision Council Minutes – December 17, 2019, 6:00 pmThe Vision Council shall have general oversight of the life and activities of this congregation, its
worship life, to the end that everything be done in accordance with the Word of God and the faith and practice of the ELCAThe meeting was called to order by President David Lust at 6:00 pm. Present: Pastor Hans Anderson, Julie Anderson, Doug Johnson, Paul Larsen, Nena Newman, David Lust, Troy Schreifels, and Don Wennberg. Excused: Bob Nibbe and Pam O’Rourke. Guests: Clem Belcher, Lois Kilgore, and Bud SederquistDevotions were given by Troy Schreifels The Agenda was accepted.The November 19, 2019, Minutes were approved.
Treasurer’s Report – Doug An updated Oct 2019 financial statement was discussed November 2019: revenue of $49.8K and expenses of $35.7K is a positive November Net of $14.1K YTD Nov 2019: revenue of $628.0K less expenses of $480.2 is a YTD Net positive $147.0.Each week in 2019 we need a budgeted ~$12.3K for Operations and ~$2.1K for mortgage payment. All 2019 benevolences ($21,500) are paid: Bridges of Hope, LutherCrest, LSS, the Synod, Operation Sandwich, Sharing Bread Kitchen, and Salvation Army. December Noisy Can was ~$400.Thrivent funds increased $1,413 to $4,234; Scholarship Funds are unchanged at $7.4K for 2020.The Financial Report was accepted.
Pastor Hans’ Report – The 5 Church 28-member Youth Group enjoyed caroling and were well accepted in multiple locations. Poinsettias have been delivered. Pastor Bruce Miller will be assisting at the three Christmas Eve services. Pastor Paul will be joining us soon.Prayer Concerns were led by Pastor Hans.
Old Business Security – David and Troy – ongoing discussion. o Concerns include the TCC area. Volunteer background check protocols are being reviewed. Open daytime access to the church was discussed. (Many Brainerd churches are now locked or have controlled access during daytime hours.)
o Church staff and TCC should be involved in security discussions. o President Lust will appoint an Ad Hoc Security committee to address these concerns.o A basic system may include 6 outdoor cameras, 2 indoor cameras, a network video recorder, a 24” color monitor, and labor. Above costs include maintenance, with no monthly fee.
Food Shelf – Donations / storage are continuing at Trinity – not sent to the Salvation Army. Open access to the church is convenient for these patrons. (See security issues above).
ELCA Governance – Pam and Don. An Ad Hoc Committee of Pam, Don, and Patty A will continue to gather and update various church policies for placement in a repository on a secure IT server.
Personnel Committee – A meeting was held in late October. An Ad Hoc committee of Pam, Paul, Kari C, and Jacki M was appointed by President Lust to continue and expand on updating job descriptions, task responsibilities, and our Employee Handbook.
Driveway / Parking Lot follow up –washout areas were addressed. Drainage issues are being evaluated in the back lot.
Church Property Maintenance – Paulo Brick Repair – Chimney and Fellowship Hall – Contractor bids are pending, and the project will be
completed in Spring 2020.New Business New At Large VC Members are Clem Belcher, Lois Kilgore, David Lust, and Bud Sederquist. The
President-Elect position is open. Pastor Hans will continue to seek a candidate for this position.Trinity Lutheran Church Vision Council Minutes – Cont. The Thanksgiving and Christmas Offerings were designated for “Trinity’s Mission.” An Auditor has been selected for the 2019 audit Trinity’s updated Constitution was presented and accepted. The final version will be presented at
the Annual Business Congregation meeting on January 26, 2020. Vision Council’s Fiduciary Responsibility – Categories / listings of all monies donated to Trinity, or
collected in Trinity’s name, are available to the VC. However, expenses paid from some of these accounts are not routinely reported to the VC – just current monthly balances. In this last category, many are not listed in the financial report (chart-of-accounts) and, therefore, not part of Trinity’s financial “worth.” Should all our funds have their own account numbers for revenue and expense accountability? Further discussion is planned.
Pastors’ Housing – Motion passed that effective January 2020, the following portion of salaries are transferred to Housing allowance: Pastor Paul Erdal-$9,000 & Pastor Hans Anderson-$8,000.
Adjournment – The Meeting was adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer. Next meeting – January 21, 2020 – Submitted by Don Wennberg
VALENTINES TO GIVE YOUR CHILDREN• Acceptance – Teach kids that you love them for who and what they are. Give this gift with a kiss.• Self-confidence – Help children understand that they can trust themselves. Give this gift with a hug.• Life without needless fears – Don’t let your kids see you as a worrier. Give this gift with laughter.• Appreciation – Help children acquire a spark of gratitude and enjoy all of life.
Give this gift as they go out the door.• Faith – Introduce your children to God, the best friend they’ll ever have. Give this gift by taking them to church every Sunday.
TRINITY CHILDREN’S CENTER SELLING BUTTER BRAIDS! Trinity Children’s Center will be again selling Butter Braids which are a very yummy easy to prepare overnight pastry treat! Fundraising Purpose: Regular operating budget to fund those much needed supplies & equipment like outside riding toys, art supplies, snacks, curriculum programs…Selling Period: Starting February 27th; and also during coffee hour on March 8th and March 15th from 9:00-10:30 in the Gathering Area. You can also phone in or email your order - (218-829-1385) or [email protected] Delivery Dates & Times: You will be contacted to let you know the date the Butter Braids come in and they will be stored in the Fellowship Hall freezer. Name & order tags will be on your boxes/bags. Contact Information: Becky Dryburgh 218-829-1385THANK You for your support!
News regarding the 2020 Election of a Synod Bishop The Northeastern Minnesota Synod will elect a bishop at the May 1-3, 2020 Synod Assembly, to serve a six-year term beginning August 1, 2020. Bishop Tom Aitken will have served two consecutive terms and per the Northeastern Minnesota Synod Constitution, is not eligible to be considered as a candidate.As the synod’s pastor, the bishop is called to oversee, administer, preach, provide pastoral care, advise, supervise, ordain, advocate, interpret, and serve as synodical ecumenical officer. This work takes shape within the mission and ministry goals, context, and structure of the synod and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.The bishop election process is guided by the Holy Spirit through the reflection, discernment and work of individuals, congregations, conferences, and the Synod Assembly.How you can be involved:+ Pray for this process and all involved in it.+Be informed of the process through the synod website: www.nemnsynod.org under
Quick Link Bishop Election+Participate in the bible study especially prepared for the election of a new bishop.
(See website)+If you will be a voting member to the Synod Assembly, participate in your Conference
Assembly on Feb. 9, 2020. In the event of inclement weather, all Conference Assemblies will meet the following Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020 at 3:00 pm.
Who is eligible to serve as synod bishop: Any ordained minister of word and sacrament ministry in good standing of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is eligible to be elected bishop. The nominee is not required to be rostered in the Northeastern Minnesota Synod, nor reside within the synod’s geographical boundaries to be a candidate. How candidates for bishop are nominated: Nominations for the office of bishop may be made by any voting member of the 2019 Synod Assembly through the Dean of the Conference to which the voting member’s congregation belongs. A person who is not a 2019 Synod Assembly voting member must submit a nomination through someone who is a voting member.Trinity’s voting members are: Pastors: Pastor Paul Erdal and Pastor Hans Anderson Layperson(s): Dale & Shelly Bolt and Erin AndersonEach conference, meeting on February 9, 2020 at 3 pm, elects up to three conference nominees. Up to five (plus ties) nominees receiving the most conference votes will be listed on the first ballot for bishop at the Synod Assembly May 1-3, 2020. Assembly voting members may make a nomination on the first ballot by writing in the name of the person.The Synod Call Process Administrator then verifies the eligibility and willingness to serve of those nominated and gathers biographical information for distribution to pastors and congregations.
+ + +“O God, you have called your servants to ventures which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” - ELW pg. # 304
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
26
8:15 AM Worship 9:30 AM Education Hour 10:30 AM Worship 7:00 PM AA Meeting
27
9:00 AM Gospel Voices 12:00 PM Kiwanis 6:30 PM Boy Scouts
28
6:00 PM Girl Scouts 6:30 PM Together Here
29
5:00 PM Wed night meal 6:00 PM Worship 6:45 PM Confirmation
30
6:00 PM Cub Scouts
31
9:30 AM Men's Bible Study 5:30 PM AA Meeting
1
2
Food Shelf Sunday Noisy Can Sunday 8:00 AM Boy Scout Sunday & Breakfast for All 8:15 AM Worship 9:30 AM Education Hour 10:30 AM Worship 7:00 PM AA Meeting
3
9:00 AM Gospel Voices 12:00 PM Kiwanis 4:45 PM Sons of Norwary - Board Meeting 6:30 PM Boy Scouts
4
9:00 AM Quilters
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9:00 AM Staff Meeting 5:00 PM Wed night meal 5:15 PM 1st Communion Group 6:00 PM Worship 6:45 PM Confirmation 7:30 PM AWE practice
6
9:00 AM Altar Guild 6:00 PM Cub Scouts
7
9:30 AM Men's Bible Study 6:30 PM AA Meeting
8
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8:15 AM Worship 9:30 AM Education Hour 10:30 AM Worship 7:00 PM AA Meeting
10
9:00 AM Gospel Voices 12:00 PM Kiwanis
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9:00 AM Cherub Church 12:00 PM Jolly Freetimers 6:00 PM Girl Scouts
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5:00 PM Wed night meal 6:00 PM Worship 6:45 PM Confirmation 7:30 PM AWE practice
13
10:30 AM Woodland Communion 6:00 PM Cub Scouts
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9:30 AM Men's Bible Study 6:30 PM AA Meeting
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Soup Kitchen Sunday 8:15 AM Worship No Education Hour
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9:30 AM Library Committee Mtg.12:00 PM Kiwanis
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9:00 AM Trinity Quilters 6:00 PM Vision
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9:00 AM Staff Meeting 9:30 AM Galilee Circle 5:00 PM Wed night
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6:00 PM Cub Scouts
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9:30 AM Men's Bible Study 6:30 PM AA
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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
10:30 AM Worship 7:00 PM Senior High Event at Bethlehem7:00 PM AA Meeting
6:30 PM Boy Scouts
Council meal 5:15 PM 1st Communion Group 6:00 PM Worship 6:45 PM Confirmation 7:30 PM AWE practice
Meeting
Men’s Retreat at Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Men’s Retreat at Bethlehem Lutheran Church
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8:15 AM Worship 9:30 AM Education Hour 10:30 AM Worship 1:00 PM Sons of Norway 6:00 PM AA Meeting
24
9:00 AM Gospel Voices 12:00 PM Kiwanis 1:30 PM Nazareth Circle 6:30 PM Boy Scouts
25
6:00 PM Girl Scouts 6:30 PM Together Here
26
1:30 PM Woodland Service 5:00 PM Wed night meal 6:00 PM Ash Wed Worship
27
6:00 PM Cub Scouts
28
9:30 AM Men's Bible Study 5:30 PM AA Meeting
29
Trinity Tidings is the monthly newsletter of Trinity Lutheran Church in Brainerd, MN. If you have articles to submit for the newsletter, please use Microsoft Word to submit your articles. Please email them to
[email protected] on or before the 20th of each month.Trinity Lutheran Church 1420 South Sixth StreetBrainerd, MN 56401
Address Service RequestedDated MaterialPlease Deliver Promptly
Trinity Lutheran Church, ELCAA community committed to God through caring, sharing, and outreach.
Non-Profit Organization U.S. PostageP A I DPermit #116
Brainerd, MN 56401
Phone: 218-829-5147 Email: [email protected] Website: www.trinitybrainerd.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/TrinityBrainerd
Trinity Children's Center (TCC): 218-829-1385
Office Hours - Monday - Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Worship ScheduleWednesday Worship with Holy Communion - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday Worship Services with Holy Communion - 8:15 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Education Hour – 9:30 a.m.
Trinity StaffPastors – Paul Erdal – [email protected] Hans Anderson - [email protected]
Office Manager - Joe Niklaus - [email protected] Christian Education Director – Alicia Priglmeier - [email protected]'s Center Director - Becky Dryburgh - [email protected]
Financial Secretary – Linda Harris - [email protected] Custodian - Matt Daley Trinity Bells Director - Jim Anderson
Music Coordinator – Jodie Dahl – [email protected]