Print/view the June 2019 Tidings in PDF format
Download the June 2019 calendar in PDF format
Jesus said to him, “Stand up, take your mat and walk.” (John 5:8)
In theory, since the man can now walk, he has no need of the mat. But Jesus specifically instructs this man, laying sick for 38 years, to take the mat with him even though he is now healed. Why? Jesus instructs the man to carry his mat as an outward expression of his history, a scar visible for the world to see. He is healed but, boy, does he have a story to tell! A story showing, once again, that an encounter with Jesus leaves us changed forever. We have stories like that, too. The time when we felt called to reach out to someone. The mission trip that made such an impact. The hymn that means so much because we sang it as children. The prayers we’ve prayed that were answered in unexpected ways. We’ve encountered Jesus and been changed in both simple and profound ways.
Part of our faith as Christians is to carry our mat and share our encounter with Jesus. But after a significant change, it’s hard to be reminded of the past, of what happened, of who you once were. This man can now walk; does he really want to carry that mat as a sign of who he was?
Think about all the phases Trinity has been through from being founded 76 years ago in a community hall to building on this site; from charter members organizing this body to new members joining just this past February; from the first Pastor serving to my being Pastor today. Our past shows growth, change, service, and that God continues to make things new. Trinity has a story to tell about encountering Jesus!
I pray that this summer you will think about Trinity’s story and ponder how we’re encountering Jesus today. I hope you’ll share with others the story of Trinity and how God is making things new here…again!
In peace,
Pastor Amy
Sunday School News
Opportunities for a rewarding experience! Become a part of the Sunday school team.
At the end of the Sunday school season a few of our teachers and aides stepped down. We give thanks for their loving service to our Sunday school program. Please put this opportunity to become a part of the Sunday school team into your prayers. An area of need for the next Sunday school season is working with the 6th grade class. There are openings for 1 teacher and 2 aides.
Sunday school volunteer staff commit to a flexible schedule, where they commit to teach or assist about every other week. Teachers need to prep a lesson using the Sunday school curriculum. Aides assist with child management by helping students stay on task and assisting with projects. Aides do not prepare or teach lessons unless they desire to do so.
Interested? Contact Julie Vurva at 563-4145 ex. 4 or julievtlc@yahoo.com.
The Sunday school program is also looking for a piano player and/or a guitar player who would enjoy helping Julie and Pastor Amy lead music during the Sunday school opening sessions from 9:30-9:45 on Sunday mornings. Contact Julie for more information.
Building Task Force Updates
Volunteers needed for outdoor work:
Throughout the summer and early fall there will be a need for volunteers to pull weeds and water flowers. If you enjoy doing this type of work, please sign-up at the Sign-Up Center bulletin board. You will be contacted by a member of the building task force with further information.
Volunteers needed for doing touch-up painting in the church hallways:
The Building Task Force will be organizing a group of volunteers to do some touch-up painting in the church hallways this summer. If you enjoy doing this type of work, please sign-up at the Sign-Up Center bulletin board. You will be contacted by a member of the building task force with further information.
VBS
Come join us as we Follow That Star!
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with great delight (Matthew 2:10)
Kick Off—Sunday, June 9 10:45 a.m.
Everyone is welcome! Directly after worship, join us at Barrie Park (Fellowship Hall if it’s raining). Bring a dish to pass, we’ll provide hot dogs and brats! We’ll also provide lemonade and place settings. We’re having some extra tables delivered but bring a lawn chair or blanket if you like. We’ll provide some games for the kids at 10:35, have lunch at 11 and then have some fun songs before we go home. Bring the family! You don’t have to be in VBS to join in the fun!
VBS— Monday thru Thursday 9:00—11:30 a.m.
Each day there will be a fun opening with songs and skits. We will rotate through story time as we Follow the STAR! There will be art, great outdoor games, cool science experiments, a discipleship missions room, yummy snacks and each day we end with more music and fun!
If you haven’t signed up yet, here’s the link.
This year one of our VBS rotations is discipleship and service. We will be focusing on service both locally and globally. One of our projects is teaming up with Ruth Circle to make school kits to donate to Lutheran World Relief for distribution to children in need around the world. We are hoping to break our record of 150 kits that Ruth Circle distributed last year! Below is the list for the contents of the kits. If you would like to donate items but would prefer to donate money instead, LIFT will do the shopping for you. Just make sure you write LIFT school kits on your envelope.
4 – 70 sheet notebooks, college ruled
1 – 30 centimeter ruler or ruler, or one with cm on one side and inches on the other
1 – pencil sharpener
1 – blunt scissors
5 – unsharpened #2 pencils with erasers
1 – box of 16 or 24 crayons
1 – 2 1/2 inch eraser
5 – black or blue ball point pens ( no gel ink)
A grocery cart will be set up in the hallway to collect donations.
Community happenings
Have you heard of Project Maria? We’re a non-profit organization based in Rock County that supports those struggling with eating disorders. Our journey began in 2016 after Trinity member, Shauna Wessely, lost one of her students to anorexia nervosa. In an effort to create a positive legacy and to help others impacted by eating disorders, Shauna and Maria’s best friend, Rachel, co-founded Project Maria.
What started as a small idea has grown into hosting monthly body-positive yoga sessions, offering a support group for loved ones impacted by an eating disorder, and distributing information (both via literature and public presentations) about eating disorders. We cannot continue to grow, however, without support. Thus, we hold an annual Art Jam and Expo at which we have presentations, a silent auction, yoga, face painting, food trucks, and much more. This celebration enables us to fund our mission of “finding friendship in the fight against eating disorders.” This year’s Jam will be on Sat., June 15 from 5 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Milton High School. We’d love to see you there, accept a donation, or have you as a volunteer for the event if you feel so moved.
For more information, check out projectmaria.org, find us on Facebook, or send us an email at projectmariarockcounty@gmail.com.
Communion & Community!
Summer Worship Thursdays at 7
Come as you are: from the ball game, the pool, your own back yard!
Doors open at 6 p.m. for hanging out, visiting, you can even bring your dinner and eat with Pastor Amy.
Many thanks to Trinity
On April 27, Trinity welcomed Women of the Elkhorn District to a conference. Rave reviews continue to be heard! Thanks to the Sunday School students (K-3rd grade), for decorating placemats. Thanks to Stephanie Beran for organizing not only the two meals that were served, but for her guiding hand and “can do” attitude. To the many people that brought food, your kindness is so appreciated. And to the tireless workers in the kitchen-many many thanks!! Trinity shined bright on April 27.
Much gratitude,
Sheryl Phillipson
Prayers requested
Marsha Anderson, Sandy Anderson, Vern Borchardt, Andrew Campbell, Rhonda Cook, Linda Doerr, Isaiah Gravelle, Kim Hannan, Renee Jensen, Steve Mepham, Jeremy Schepp, Ruth Smithback, Mary Theil, Bill Theil, Karen Weber, Donna Weeks, Marlene Zick and those we name silently in our hearts.
We are updating our system
We are in the process of updating a new computer system that maintains our membership list. You can help by downloading this PDF form, printing it, filling it out and returning it to the church office. Don’t have access to a printer? No problem. You can stop by the office or send an email to Bea at officetlc314@gmail.com to request a form.
Trudy’s Room
Trudy’s Room is dedicated to fostering the well-being of infants and young children by facilitating the donation, collection and distribution of furniture, clothing, diapers and other basic supplies to families while assisting them to achieve economic independence. Trudy’s Room is being housed at First United Methodist Church in Fort Atkinson. Download this PDF to learn more and to make a donation.
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