Trinity Newsletter for October 19, 2023
From Pastor Chris
This coming Sunday is an important and exciting day in our life together: Pledge Sunday. Each year we pause to consider how we are called to serve the church and we then come together and make our commitments. Pledge Sunday is about our financial life together, yes, but it is about so much more. No matter what dollar value you feel called to pledge this Sunday, you are doing more than making a financial decision: you are committing yourself to the work of Jesus Christ in this place with these people.
Our congregation has a bold vision for God's call on our lives: building a community of faith where all generations are loved and supported so we can take that love into the world. This bold vision can only become a reality if we all do our part. It will take each of us stepping up: praying, volunteering, studying, and yes, participating in our common financial life.
My request for you today is this: please prayerfully consider your pledge of support for Trinity this year. Consider what you are called to give through your volunteerism, participation, and finances. I would encourage you to consider if you are being called to do more this year. If you've not pledged before, maybe this is the year you commit to regular financial or volunteer support of Trinity. If you've pledged in the past, maybe you are being called to increase your pledge, list Trinity in your end-of-life plans, or consider tithing. No matter what your calling is this year, thank you for your support of Trinity.
I am excited and hopeful for the journey I see ahead of us. When we come together in faith, following God's call, we can accomplish amazing things together. Let's get to work!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Chris
Pledge Sunday - Why I Give
Pledge Sunday and the Pie Supper are less than 2 weeks away on October 22, 2023 and we hope to see you there!
Why I give to Trinity Presbyterian Church by Chuck Christiansen
"Living the life of a Senior Citizen has given me the opportunity to look back over many decades and remember the multitude of blessings that have come to me in family, good health, loving relationships, as well as material comfort and enjoyment.
Far too often I just took those blessings for granted, giving little appreciation or thought at the time to their source.
Many came via my fellowship with the organized church body. All came via His Grace.
Giving to the church allows me the opportunity to reaffirm to myself, the understanding that everything we possess came from Him and belongs to Him.
Giving in the spirit of gratitude, trust, and joy…giving back to Him what is already His.
A response to His boundless Grace and generosity.”
Thank you to Chuck for his eloquent response on Why I Give. It is a great time to give pause and reflect on God’s Grace in our lives.
Opportunities for Small Acts of Service
There are a few items that our wonderful former custodian, Vickie, did for us when she was working here that now provide opportunities to help in small but meaningful ways.
Water the plants that are both inside the church (all in the Fellowship Hall) and in the planters by the east and basement entrances.
Wash the mugs from the coffee time on Sunday mornings.
Make the ice (we have a countertop ice maker in the kitchen).
Whether it's one person who takes one task or a team who takes on them all, we would so appreciate any volunteers who would like to take on these tasks! Please contact the church office.
Do You Worship with Trinity Online?
Each week in the Sanctuary we pass our Fellowship Pads and Visitor Cards. We now have a digital Connection Card for all our friends who worship with us online! If you are a regular (or semi-regular) online worshiper, please consider using our mobile-friendly Connection Card the next time you join us for worship.
Simply follow this link to note your participation in worship, share a prayer request, and more: https://bit.ly/trinitysgfconnect
Thanks for helping us better connect with our Trinity family!
Trinity Sunday School Classes
Sunday School opportunities for all ages. Please consider joining us in exploring our faith and learning from one another in spaces of grace and love. All classes begin at 10:15 a.m.
Young Children: Ages Kindergarten through grade 5 meet in the Children's Room in the southwest corner of the building. The Bible we use is called Growing in God's Love. Classes include activities and crafts. Teachers Sara Muegge and Jan Redfern would be happy to see our Trinity kids and their friends.
Youth-Opportunities to Connect: In the planning stages for this year! Friends are welcome to join in activities and events as we connect with each other in and outside of Trinity. Contact: Nissa Krier.
Adult Class Offerings
Studying the Word: (Formerly the Lectionary Class) meets in the Trinity Room. Participants can attend in person or by Zoom. Together we read scripture and apply its wisdom to our lives. We'd love for all interested in learning more about the Bible, one passage at a time, to join us. All are welcome. Contact: Susan Holiday.
Topical Discussions Fellowship: Adult learners of all ages meet in the Fellowship Hall. With good coffee and fresh treats from the class members, we strive to discuss a variety of topics relevant to our religion in today's society. We hope you will join us for fellowship and discussion. Contact: Dave Muegge.
SALT: This class typically decides on materials together and has used a variety of books and study formats, with questions to spark discussion of living out our faith in today's world. Come when you can, no experience required! SALT meets in Room 17. Contact: Amy Price.
Four and More: This Bible study derives its name from meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesdays (presently by Zoom). Anyone wanting to join can send their email address to the study leader Jane Huffstettler, and she will provide the Zoom link.
Get More Each Week
Our weekly email newsletter contains more updates than we include on the website. Get our monthly birthday updates, prayer requests, and more by signing up to get the newsletter delivered to your inbox each Thursday morning. Tap the button below to sign up now.
