Tidings 01/06/22

A Message from Pastor Amy

Let’s talk COVID.

I know, I know – I don’t want to either. But as Albus Dumbledore said when trying an unfortunately flavored (jelly) bean, “Alas, earwax.”

So, let’s talk COVID, again and still. I want you to know my experience as the Pastor here at Trinity. Well, some of it anyway! Last November, I received an email from someone I do not know asking me to sign a religious exemption form for them. I declined. I shared why: As Lutherans, we have not used religious exemptions for medical reasons. There is, historically, support for conscientious objection to participation in war. Our history actually supports participation in public health. Martin Luther wrote in an essay about plagues, “I shall ask God to protect us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine, and take it.”

Then I invited the person into further conversation, but they declined. I don’t know how their situation turned out, but I continue to pray they are healthy. My actions, beliefs, and leadership are united with clergy all over town and the state and the nation and the world. I am deeply rooted in a Lutheran understanding of what it means to love God and neighbor.

Today I was able to pray with five staff members at Fort Hospital. I’d been invited by a member of Trinity/employee of the hospital after they’d read about me praying with teachers at the start of the year. When asked if I’d come pray with them, the only answer was yes! I anointed each person with frankincense holy oil and prayed God’s blessing over them.

This is one of the gifts of ministry, of the Holy Spirit: I went to pray over one person, and this person invited their colleagues to join in. It was a beautiful witness to Jesus and the power of community as the group grew and as we prayed together.

I am very concerned about the stress experienced by our healthcare workers . . . and teachers, law enforcement, EMTs . . . the list goes on. Last summer, I prayed over one of our members, an RN who had been reassigned from their usual routine. They’d spent months in full PPE caring for people dying of COVID. They shed exhausted, holy tears as I prayed God’s blessing on them, on those who were sick, on scientists and researchers.

As is often the case, I was deeply blessed by the raw vulnerability this person showed to me. Their compassion, giftedness, and calling to this work overwhelmed me. I cried too, in solidarity. This is the privilege of what I’m called to do – to witness the heartache and hardship people experience, to stand with them in the name of Jesus during hard times. Each of these people I’ve prayed with, and many, many more, are the quiet backbone that keeps us going. They buckle down and get the work done on our behalf. They show up day after day to keep helping, serving, loving, and teaching. After two years of pandemic life, they’re exhausted. (As are most of our children!)

I don’t often share these stories, simply because most are confidential. (You’ll notice I didn’t even use gendered pronouns in this story!) But in this case, now, I’d like you to know some of the things I’ve done during COVID. This is just some of the privileged work I get to do as Pastor at Trinity.

As you know, COVID came to my house recently when our oldest son, Carter, was diagnosed. He has a rare heart condition and is considered at ‘high risk.’ Thankfully the brilliance of the vaccine he got last year made his experience not as severe. Thank you for your prayers, cards, messages, and meals. You continue to bless me and my family!

In thanksgiving,

Pastor Amy

Budget Informational Meeting

There will be an informational meeting to discuss the budget for the church on Jan. 23 between services. Members of the finance committee will be at the meeting to answer questions that you may have.

Winter Weather Advisory Policy

In the event of a winter weather advisory, our policy is to follow school closures. If Fort Atkinson schools are cancelled that day, then any event at church (i.e. worship, LIFT, confirmation, etc.) is also cancelled. Worship cancellation will also be posted on social media (make sure you’re following us!), as well as broadcast on channel 3000 and WFAW. If an event is cancelled, please also spread the word to those who may not hear otherwise.

Hiking/Showshoe/Fellowship Event

On Saturday. Feb. 5 at 10 a.m., meet at the Lake La Grange Loop Trail parking lot on County Hwy. 12.

Lake La Grange Loop Trail is a 2.7 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Whitewater, Wisconsin that features beautiful wild flowers (snow-covered now & no flowers) and is rated as moderate. Bring a water bottle, grippers or yak tracks for your hiking boots, trekking poles or walking stick if you have/want them, snacks in case you need an energy pickup, hat and/or sunglasses. Dress in layers. You may bring and wear your snowshoes but the path may be narrow in some areas. Expect the trail to be snow- or ice-covered. We’ll be hiking the 2.7 mile moderately trafficked loop. It has an Elevation gain of 160 ft.

Any questions, please contact Aurelio at callopeAnD86@gmail.com or 262-490-4923.

Operation Christmas

Thank you Trinity for your generous donations to Operation Christmas. We collected $1,801.75 which will be shared with the Fort Food Pantry and the Lutheran Disaster Relief Fund. We are truly grateful and blessed. Thank You.

Blessings to all,

Ruth Circle

Snow Tubing/Fellowship Event

Sunburst Winter Sports Park, Kewaskum, Wisconsin

Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

$18 per Person Group Tubing Rate
For 2 Hours of FUN (Bring Family & Friends)

Any interested members must send me an email by Jan. 13 Email address is: callopeand86@gmail.com.

Send Email to Aurelio if Interested in Playing in the Snow.

STAR

There will be no STAR meeting in January. The next meeting will be on Feb. 14. Contact Sharon Armstrong (jnsarmstrong@yahoo.com) with questions.

Fellowship Event at Fireside Theatre

We have reserved a group of tickets at the Fireside Theatre to see The Church Basement Ladies in “A Mighty Fortress is Our Basement” on May 15, 2022 at 2:30 p.m. Contact the church office to reserve your spot and to ensure you get the group rate ($70.95/ticket). All payments need to be made to Trinity Lutheran Church by the end of April.

Birthday Party for Jesus Postponed

The birthday party for Jesus that was to take place on Jan. 9 has been postponed due to an increase in COVID numbers in the county. Keep an eye out for a rescheduled date later on.

Epiphany Good Book Club – Exodus

The class will meet every Monday from Jan. 10 to Feb. 28 at 11:30 a.m. (in-person) or 6:30 p.m. (online). All you need is a Bible and the free materials (online or printed in the office). Sign up is on the bulletin board near the Narthex in the church or by clicking here.

Interested in Volunteering in 2022?

Contact Sarah at the office to hear about our volunteer needs!

Prayers Requested for . . .

Cortlyn Almquist and Judy Almquist, Terry Badura, Jeremy Barnes, Dan Burke, Keith Burrow, Jamie Dassow, Mary Ellen Deloach, Sophia & Emsley Evenson, Jean Fico, Janice Garrett, Helen Haase, Curtis Hoeffer, Sarah Jones, Linda Keene, Pat & Bob Kyle, Keith LaPointe, Barb Manwaring, Ken and Doris, Pam Nicholas, Violet Prust, Harold Rumppe, John Sanders, Ruth Smithback, Harley Stokstad, Olaf Stokstad, Roger Strege, Keith Woods, Marilyn Young, Dan Zick.

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!