03/18/21 Trinity Tidings

A message from Pastor Amy

In the time that we’ve been back together worshiping in person, I’ve heard from many people who aren’t quite ready to come. I want you to know that I respect that. I know that each one of you will one day come to in-person worship. But come when you’re ready and not a moment before.

Our online worship numbers are steady at approximately 150 views per week. This reflects the number of computers logged in, so it’s likely more people actually watching. Unlike in-person worship, online worship has
hymns to sing along with. It will be a while before we sing in worship as a congregation, but I’m hoping to incorporate soloists for us to listen to.

Our in-person and online worship differ in another way: communion. But that is going to change during Holy Week. Beginning in April, online worship will include communion. To participate in communion through online
worship:

Prepare – gather bread and wine/juice; use a special cup and plate; lay out a napkin or placemat for your elements to sit on
Worship – tune in and during the time for communion listen to the Words of Institution and receive your elements. If you worship with someone, a partner, a parent, a child, give one another the body and blood of
Christ. If you worship on your own, hear the words of distribution I pronounce for you, “The body and blood of Jesus Christ given and shed for you.”

Online worship is not ever ending and communion is valuable for members of our community who worship in this way. Think of it: when you’re on vacation or away for a ball tournament for your kids, you’re able to fully
participate in this sacred meal.

The Lord’s Supper remains sacred because it is God who is the host and the Holy Spirit that makes it holy. As a person who believes in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, I also firmly believe that God is able to make real the sacrament of Holy Communion – even online.

To be clear, drive through communion will continue. Our in-person worship will continue and is growing as people become more comfortable gathering in person. Our online worship will continue. In it all, God gathers us, blesses
us, and sends us into the world for the sake of God’s kingdom. Our God is mighty and powerful, full of mercy and grace. This is why we worship – no matter what form it takes!

Pastor Amy

Pastoral Acts

Pastor Amy presided a funeral for Vern Sell on February 26, 2021.

Guest Preacher

Bishop Joy Mortensen-Wiebe will be a guest preacher on March 21 at the in-person service at 9 a.m.

Call Committee

We’re excited! We’ve formed a Call Committee! At our February meeting, the Council approved the forming of a Call Committee to seek a half time, ordained person. Just as Kitty focuses on Youth and Family Ministry, our hope is that this new person would focus on Children and Family Ministry along with regular preaching and Pastoral Care. The other half of the call will be extended from the Synod for Campus Ministry at UWW. Under advice from the Bishop, we have formed a joint Call Committee to design one call that will serve both places. Please keep this process in prayer – especially for the person who may come to join us!

Hospital Visits

Please call Pastor Amy if you or a loved one is in the hospital. Pastor Amy is sometimes allowed to make hospital visits to members depending on the condition of the member and status of the hospital. You can call the church
at (920) 563-4145.

Amount collected:
112 cans of pork ‘n beans
136 cans of carrots
224 cans of cream soup
168 cans of fruit

Thursday Ushers Needed

We are in need of volunteers willing to serve as ushers on Thursdays for in-person services. If you are interested in serving, please contact Sarah in the office.

Maternity Leave

It’s almost time for Sarah to have her baby! She’s due on April 3rd, so she will be taking a maternity leave during April and part of May. Her maternity leave substitute will be our very own Wendy Chady. Sarah and her husband are excited to meet their daughter very soon!

Quarterly Devotionals Available

Quarterly devotionals can be picked up in-person or at drive-thru communion 3/21, 3/25, or 3/28.

Prayers Requested For . . .

Sandy Anderson, Terry Badura, Wayne Behselich, Jay Blom, Maggie Dostalek, Roger Draeger, Alice Jacobson, Meg Kessler, Rich Kessler, Bob Kyle, Phyllis Lang, Alan Lindberg , Barb Manwaring, Dan Morrow, Debbie Pierce, Violet Prust, Paul Reed, Harold Rumppe, Shelley Scheurm, Ruth Smithback, Roger Strege, Kathryn Woods, Kay Woods, Keith Woods, Donald Zuehlke.

Do you have a prayer concern? Email the prayer force at prayerforcetlc@gmail.com. People will gladly pray for you or your loved one with their whole hearts!