Print/view the 11/25/21 Tidings
A Message from Pastor Amy
A month ago, I told you about my dental drama. How I underwent a tooth extraction to prepare for a dental implant and had two subsequent surgeries to clean out infection. I really only shared because, well, I was miserable.
I’d been sick for more than a month and still carrying on at Trinity like everything was fine. In a moment of humility, I started reaching out for prayer.
And you know what?
The moment I asked you to pray for me, I started healing.
I feel like this is God’s way of saying, ‘Amy, practice what you preach!’
Prayer changes things. When we pray, we engage God in conversation and that is powerful. Conversing, communing, communicating with God in prayer changes us. When we ask for prayer, our hearts and minds relax, release the presumption that we can fix it all ourselves.
When we believe we, alone, can solve everything, then we also believe we’re to blame for everything. We find shame all too easily when we don’t talk with God. But in prayer, in faith, in life, God reminds us that things happen in this world that aren’t God’s will. Hardship in life isn’t divine punishment. How do I know? Because Jesus died on the cross.
God died for us, not to punish us but to save us. To save us from sin, death, the devil, and ourselves. From self-recrimination, from guilt, from shame. On the cross, we see that there is nothing that will make God abandon us in our time of need – not even death! Instead, God stays. God endures. God remains.
I’m human and I need to be reminded to pray, to ask for help, that everything doesn’t depend on Amy. In my office I have a little sign that says, ‘I am NOT Jesus.’ This sentence reminds me that Jesus has already saved this world. My job, my call is to be present in it, to be with others in times of need, and to ask for help when I need it.
Thank you for the prayers, the cards, the questions, the love. I’m doing very well and don’t need to return to the oral surgeon until January! I thank God for you!
Pastor Amy
Pastoral Acts
Funerals – Gloria Nathan, Walter Buckingham, Jr., Danny Rees (public memorial at Trinity)
Hanging of the Greens
Come join us in decorating the church for the Advent/Christmas season! We will be decorating after the advent service at 9 a.m. on Nov. 28. We’ll be putting up decorations and setting up our brand-new tree in the sanctuary! All help is welcome and appreciated! There will be coffee and snacks provided!
Kay’s Guatemalan Boutique
This year Kay will have the beautiful Guatemalan fair trade items (and her scrubbies) available on Dec. 5. There will be several new items and some favorite old standbys, great for gifting or adding to your home and décor. Each purchase helps the women earn a livable wage and keep the school and other community services operating. Anything profits over item cost and shipping are used to buy more items or donated back to UPAVIM for their most urgent needs.
So come browse the tables (near the education wing main entrance as usual). You may just find the perfect gift for your hard-to-buy-for friend or family member – or something you can keep and treasure for years to come!
Thrivent Action Team Grants
Are you a Thrivent Member? Did you know that you can receive $250 grants for projects in the church? Learn more at www.thrivent.com/what-we-offer/generosity/thrivent-action-teams
“Supporting your community is easy with Thrivent Action Teams. Apply to lead a group in a fundraiser, educational event or service activity. Then, gather a team of volunteers to make an impact together. Thrivent provides a customized kit of resources to get you started. Your team provides the passion to bring it to life.”
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)
More Information & Sign-Up in late December
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 if you are interested in reserving a spot! More information to follow as we get closer to the date.
Salvation Army Kettle Campaign
The Fort Atkinson Salvation Army 2021 Kettle campaign is actively seeking new volunteers to ring this Christmas season. Each volunteer rings for 1 hour time slots. We are looking to fill slots Saturday Dec. 11 and Saturday Dec. 18. We have a.m. and p.m. slots available. We will be ringing at Pick N Save and Festival Foods in Fort. Please feel free to contact Julie Ihlenfeld at 920-728-3920 or Jill Johnson 262-993-3701 for additional details and to schedule a slot.
In 2020, our volunteers in Fort Atkinson, collected over $6,711.00. Eight-six percent of all the money collected remains in Jefferson County and is used throughout the year to assist Jefferson County residents who are in need.
Christmas Neighbors
It’s almost time for Christmas Neighbors again! Christmas Neighbors helps provide gifts, personal care items, or food for families in our community who could use extra blessings. More details and signups will be available after Thanksgiving.
Trinity Hikers
Hello Hikers!
Here’s our next hike on Saturday, Dec. 4 starting at 10 a.m. Green Loop, about 5 miles, of Scuppernong Trails.
As always, bring water, snacks, hiking stick/trekking poles and be prepared for the weather and trail conditions. We can shorten the hike on that day if needed. We’ll go out for lunch afterwards for those who have extra time and are comfortable with this.
Any questions, contact Aurelio at 262-490-4923 or callopeand86@gmail.com.
Reaching Out Respite
Volunteers needed! Training provided. Call Maise at (920) 723-7288 if interested. Respite meets on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (a.m./p.m. shifts available).
Prayers Requested For . . .
Terry Badura, Jeremy Barnes, Robert Bue, Keith Burrow, Don Clark, Jamie Dassow , Janice Garrett, Helen Haase, Sarah Jones, Linda Keene, Bob Kyle, Phyllis Lange, Keith LaPointe, Barb Manwaring, Ken and Doris, Pam Nicholas, Bob O’Malley, Violet Prust, Kelly Rhoel, Harold Rumppe, Luiz Sallasa, John Sanders, Ruth Smithback, Olaf Stokstad, Roger Strege, Suzanne, Bill Thiel, John Toso, 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!
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