Tidings 04/28/22

A Message from Pastor Madeline

You have extended grace and delight as I get my sea legs back for preaching. Being on deck for any sort of public speaking is a wonderful and challenging ministry presence, and I’m lucky to have had such diverse experiences up until now, including small worship groups of hospital patients at Mayo Clinic, and large sanctuaries in churches much like Trinity.

Wherever I go, I joke about how we’re always giving the same sermon. And we are! Every Sunday morning (and Thursday evening) one of us steps into the pulpit and shares the Gospel, and that good news can be framed in different ways, or accompanied by specific lessons to chew on. But at the core, it’s like having our favorite meal again and again; we’ll never grow sick of this refreshing favorite.

We notice this theme of repetition in the way that we forgive one time, seven times, seven times seven and more! (Matthew 18) We find meaning in repetition when Jesus uses repeated questions and wisdom to teach the disciples. We discover something new in the middle of something old and familiar, again and again. Repetition will be our theme this upcoming May, and I’m excited to hear how the lens of Repetition uncovers new meaning, in worship services or in other parts of your life.

I’m also excited for the children and family programming we have coming up in May.

May 1, 9:30 Sunday School, Narthex duck pond prizes while entering worship
May 8, 9:30 Sunday School, plus singing at the 10:45 service for Mother’s Day
May 15, 9:30 Sunday School, regular lessons
May 22, 9:30 Grown-ups & Kids join together for Family Brunch
May 29, No Sunday School – Happy Summer!

The May 22 Family Brunch will be a fun celebration of the last day of Sunday School, including time for games after kids are done eating, while their parents and grown-ups stick around to share ideas and needs that will shape the upcoming year or programming. If you would like to volunteer to cook or serve for our families, please email me at: pastormadeline@trinityfort.org

Also, please continue to bring in donations for the Rummage Sale (May 21st), proceeds of which will help fund the Lift summer trip. Items are being stored in the classroom at the top of the stairs by the East entrance (Adams Street side), and I like what I see so far, but we could use even more! These contributions, and encouraging your friends to join you, are acts of generosity and invitation that go far to provide our youth a memorable summer trip of learning and service. I’m grateful for the repeated acts of generosity and joy here at Trinity, and looking forward to bringing that energy again and again.

Pastor Madeline

Hiking/Fellowship Event

Saturday, May 7 at 11:00 a.m., meet at the Nordic Trails parking lot on County Highway H just north of Hwy. 12 for 1.5 miles to the Nordic Trail parking lot, on the east side of the road. https://wisconsintrailguide.com/cross-countryskiing/pdf/map-nordic-trail.pdf

This is a fee area, so you’ll need a yearly Wisconsin state parks pass for your vehicle ($28) or you will have to purchase a day pass ($8) for your vehicle. The trail head has potable water and toilets.

Bring a water bottle, trekking poles or walking stick if you have/want them, snacks in case you need an energy pickup, bug spray, light jacket, hat and/or sunglasses.

The Nordic Trail is an overlapping, stacked loop system with seven named trails; three are rated as novice and four are rated as intermediate. Trail distances range from 1.1 km to 15.9 km. The most challenging terrain occurs on the Green Trail and on portions of the Blue Trail where there are several fun, hilly stretches.

We’ll be hiking a combination of the Green and Purple Trails, 5.0 miles moderately trafficked loop trails that feature a variety of terrain and scenery. The majority of the terrain is flat to gently rolling and meanders through a nice variety of scenery that includes stands of mixed hardwoods, pine plantations, and open fields within the South Kettle Moraine State Forest. It is marked as a Moderate/Intermediate trail.

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

Important Notice!

Railings outside of the building will be taken down for maintenance after Easter. Please use caution while using the stairs, or use door No. 7 at the top of the parking lot. The railings will return shortly.

Meals on Wheels Volunteers Needed!

Sign up to help deliver meals to home-bound Fort Atkinson residents during the month of June! Contact Toni Hrobsky at 920-728-2383 or tonihrobsky@yahoo.com with questions or to sign up.

How to reach Pastor Madeline

I’d like to take a moment to highlight ways to be in contact with me, with gratitude for all the ways people have already reached out, including conversations before and after worship services. It’s so wonderful to meet each other!

Whether or not we have met each other yet, you are invited to arrange 1-on-1 time or family meetings so we have more opportunities to get to know each other better! This is especially helpful in the first few months of being new to the community. You can call 920-563- 4145 (Extension 2) or email me at pastormadeline@trinityfort.org to set up a time.

All year round, if you have joys to celebrate or sorrows needing pastoral care, I want to be there for you, pray with you, and keep you connected in a community guided by God’s love and our support for each other. That includes hearing about recipes you’ve tried and teams you’re following. That includes knowing the afterschool activities you attend to cheer on kids and teens in your life. That includes being a compassionate listener about anything that feels upsetting or difficult to navigate. You are not alone. Never hesitate to reach out for care!

In Christ,

Pastor Madeline

Visitation Ministry

It has been a little over a year that I have had the honor to share Scripture readings, prayers and offer communion to members in their homes. I also spend time chatting and getting to know you a bit better. If you would like to be added to the visitation list, please call the church office at 920-563- 4145 and I will get in contact with you.

Thank you,

Julie Vurva
Visitation Ministry

Update from Pastor Amy

Thanks for all the prayers this year as I’ve gone through physical issues with my jaw and ankle. I’m done with the dental work and my ankle is gaining strength every day. Thank you for the care and concern!

STAR is looking for more members!

Just one requirement: wanting to work and play with fellow members to do good for our church community, our neighbors in need, and to share God’s Love.

Prayer List Housekeeping

Are you or a loved one on the church-wide prayer list (see below)? Please give us updates so that we can update our prayer list accordingly. We are happy to keep praying, but we also want to hear updates! Thanks in advance!

Prayers Requested For . . .

Jeremy Barnes, Nick Bee, Dan Burke, Keith Burrow, Eric, Jackie, Paul Fuller, Sarah Jones, Lee Jordan, Lynn Jordan, Brandi, Dan Klein, Rodney Krahn, Pat & Bob Kyle, Barb Manwaring, Ken and Doris, Ashley Montanye, Pam Nicholas, Violet Prust, Harold Rumppe, Marv, Beth, Olaf Stokstad, Roger Strege, Elna Verniese, Doug Wickham, Marilyn Young, Marlene 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!