1. Art and Diseño

Trinity Times Newsletter
FEBRUARY
Published by Trinity Lutheran Church, Saint Peter, Minnesota, a congregation of the ELCA
Gather as God’s People...
Grow in Faith, Family, & Service...
Go into the World as Disciples for Christ...
“Souper” Bowl Sunday
Wednesday Evening Lent Services
The sights and sounds of Jesus' world 2,000 years ago come
to life in the movie, The Bible.
The TV mini-series, created and produced by Roma Downey
and Mark Burnett, was broadcast in March of 2013. Since
then, of course, it has been available on DVD. Each Wednesday
evening at our mid-week Lenten
worship services (February 25March 25), we'll watch a brief segment of this movie.
We will start out in Nazareth at the
synagogue, where Jesus begins his public ministry. From
there we’ll join the crowd and witness as Jesus heals a paralyzed man. We will hear Jesus tell the powerful story about a
Pharisee and a tax collector. We’ll be part of Jesus’ inner circle of followers when he asks them, “Who do you think I am?”
At Bethany, we will stand at Lazarus’ grave when Jesus raises
him from the dead. All along the journey, Jesus’ enemies look
for ways to trap him and put him to death.
Mark your calendar for each Wednesday evening because
you won't want to miss a bit of it! Come for supper (served
from 5:00 to 6:00 pm) and great conversation with your church
family. Stay for the Holden worship service at 6:30 pm to see
and hear the greatest life-story ever, the story of Jesus our
Savior.
Call Process Déjà vu
It seems as though Trinity Lutheran just finished the process
of calling a pastor and now it is about time to begin again!
The first thing to happen is forming a Call Committee. Trinity’s constitution states, “When a pastoral vacancy occurs, a
Call Committee of six voting members
shall be elected by the Congregation
Council” (C13.05.01).
At the time of this newsletter, the Council
has created a list of members who are
being asked to prayerfully consider serving on the Call Committee. The hope is to
have this committee formed by mid-February. They will then
update Trinity’s Mission Site Profile and begin the task of interviewing candidates to serve as associate pastor. When
they have selected the best candidate for the position, that
candidate will be presented to the church council for recommendation and then to the congregation for a vote.
Keep your eyes and ears open for updates along the way. It
is—to be sure—an exciting time for Trinity Lutheran Church!
February 2015
“Souper” Bowl Sunday is February 1st! Bring your food or
monetary donations to Trinity. We will be donating 100% of
our proceeds to the St Peter Food Shelf.
There will be tables located at the entrances of the church and you may drop
your non-perishable food items there.
Any monetary donations may be put in
the offering plate in an envelope marked
“Souper” Bowl! Checks should be made payable to the Saint
Peter Food Shelf. Also, be sure to have your Sunday Schooler bring a non-perishable food item instead of an offering that
day. Learn more at souperbowl.org.
P B & J?
PB&J – are you thinking a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?
Well this is much, much better than that! We are going to explore the idea of “Pizza, Beverage and
Jesus” instead! Join us for an inaugural
evening on Sunday, February 22 at 5:00
pm at Jake’s Pizza. All are welcome, but
we want to issue a special invitation to
parents and youth grades 7 and up.
What is PB&J? A time of fellowship and
food, but also a time for conversation
and God. It’s also an opportunity to have a “safe space to be
honest and open about topics of faith, to freely ask questions,
and at the end of the night, know that it’s perfectly fine if we
disagree with one another.” (Berghoef, Pub Theology 101)
Our topic for the first evening: “Culture and Society.” Come
for fun yet serious conversation with one another! Talk to Patti or Reegan Kelly or Pastor Trish for more information.
Red Cross Blood Drive February 20
The Red Cross Blood Drive will again be held here at Trinity
on February 20th. The hours on Friday
will be 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm. People who
have donated before will be on the calling
list or anyone will be able to sign up on
the Red Cross website. Calls will start to be made the fourth
week of January. For questions please call Ann Bruggeman
at 931-1664.
Please Welcome Carly Ballman To The Staff
Carly will be serving in this temporary, parttime position (up to ten hours per week) as
Youth Activities Coordinator. She will be
planning and engaging the youth in some fun
activities. First up is bowling on Monday,
February 16 at 5:30 pm. Sign-up on the bulletin board and come get to know Carly. Welcome aboard Carly, the Trinity Staff is so glad you’re here!
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Newsletter
PASTOR’S COLUMN
When Advent rolled around we began a new liturgical year
in the church, and with a new year also comes a different
lectionary. (The lectionary is the scripture that is appointed
to be used in worship each Sunday.) Many different denominations use the same lectionary, called the Revised
Common Lectionary. This year, the Gospel of Mark is the
primary gospel that will be heard and used in worship. With
that in mind, here are some basics about Mark for you to
know:
 It’s believed that this Gospel was written around the
time of the Jewish War with Rome (66-70 AD). Many
scholars believe it is the oldest of the Gospels, and that
it was used as one of the sources in the writing of Matthew and Luke. There is a variety of speculation about
who the author was, and where it was written, but several scholars do believe it was likely written to preserve
the stories of Jesus’ life. It is also likely that Mark had
some concerns within his community that he hoped this
writing would address, including wanting to support and
strengthen those whose faith was in danger, and being
concerned about people he might have considered to
be false prophets.
 Mark is the shortest Gospel in the Bible, and it’s unique
for all the things that are NOT recorded in its story.
There are no Christmas stories, no Sermon on the
Mount, and no Lord’s Prayer. Many of the most wellknown stories of Jesus are also missing, like the Good
Samaritan or the prodigal son or the raising of Lazarus.
But the greatest surprise is at the end – there are no
“Easter stories” in this Gospel. It’s generally believed
that the Gospel ends at 16:8 with the women finding the
empty tomb and a young man claiming a resurrection
had occurred, then fleeing the tomb in “terror and
amazement.” The longer ending is believed to have
been added later, likely because the narrative seemed
unfinished at this point.
 Mark’s Gospel has “urgency” to it – and also focuses
more on Jesus’ actions than Jesus’ words. The scenes
move quickly from one to another, and the word
“immediately” occurs 42 times in Mark – 11 times in the
first chapter alone!
Contact the Pastors
 Lead Pastor Joy G. Ekstedt
Phone: 507-519-1004
Email: [email protected]
 Intern Pastor Trish Reedstrom
Phone: 507-380-8036
Email: [email protected]
February 2015
At the same time, the Gospel is also dominated by the
rather long passion narrative that takes place over the
last three chapters. While there is a fast-paced reporting of events in Jesus’ life before this, in these last chapters the reader gets a day-by-day and even hour-byhour account of Jesus’ life.
 It could be argued that in this Gospel we get the most
human portrait of Jesus. In the Gospel of John, for example, Jesus is identified with and addressed as God,
but in Mark, Jesus gets tired and hungry, and exhibits a
full range of human emotion including pity, anger, wonder, compassion and indignation. This “humanness”
gets extended to Jesus’ disciples as well – many times
in this Gospel the disciples are portrayed as unperceptive or unable to live up to Jesus’ expectations. This is
most clear in the events surrounding the cross, where in
Mark all the disciples say that they are willing, if necessary to die for him; but when the time comes they either
betray him (Judas) or desert him, and Peter of course,
denies three times that he ever knew Jesus.
 Mark’s gospel also has an aspect of secrecy to it. Jesus
himself refers to the “secret of the kingdom of God” but
there are also several times in this Gospel when he
commands those who benefit from his miracles to say
nothing to anyone. Elsewhere, he silences the demons
who call him the Holy One. Why such secrecy? There
are several theories among Biblical scholars, including
that Mark may have wanted to emphasize or “correct”
certain views that early Christians had of Jesus, or to
facilitate a certain reading of the story. The reader
learns right away who Jesus is in the first verse (the
Messiah, the Son of God) and so it may be about answering the question, “What does it mean to call Jesus
this?” or “How do we come to know this?”
These are a few of the things you can keep in mind and
watch for as we read through many parts of Mark in the
coming weeks and months. But – one final tidbit for you –
we follow a three year lectionary with each year emphasizing
one of the Synoptic Gospels – Matthew, Mark or Luke. The
Gospel of John is interspersed throughout the lectionary during all three years, but this year, as we read Mark, we will
also hear more from the Gospel of John than we will in any
other year. Here’s to Spirit-filled listening and reading!
Intern Pastor Trish

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Your
kind words and actions last Sunday as
you helped me celebrate my graduation
are so very much appreciated. Honestly, I don't think I have the words to express how much this community has
come to mean to me, but the love and
encouragement you have given me
humbles me. Literally, I could not have
graduated without all of you(!) so thank you again for last
Sunday, and for this past year!
Intern Pastor Trish
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February’s Featured Book
On a snowy day, find your way, to the library!
A Life of Joy and Adventure, by Curt Stolee,
MD. Yes, Trinity’s own Curt Stolee has written
this book about his families and their life’s travels. It is with pleasure and thanks for his writings that we print his preface in this month’s
newsletter.
“One of the ways I often pass my time as I drive
along either previously untraveled or more familiar country roads is by observing the abandoned building sites.
I see a grove of trees, perhaps a headless windmill, a roofless
silo, a collapsing barn, a dilapidated house, or other evidence
of long-departed residents. In each location lie many interwoven tales unknown to casual passersby, and only fading memories of scattered survivors. Ah, if one could know about the
achievements, adventures, triumphs, failures, and tragedies
that had here taken place, this locale would again be made
alive with meaningful memories rather than just casual speculation.
I feel that we, like that abandoned farmstead, each have our
opportunity to live, love, and contribute during our brief life here
on earth. Hopefully, my recounting some of my experiences
and observations will be of some value and interest in the lives
of those who will care enough to listen.”
Pinot and Paint!
Interested in trying your hand at a creative endeavor, while
spending some fellowship time with fellow members of Trinity?
Robyn Sand Anderson is an artist from New Ulm, who also
happens to be the spouse of our synod leader, Bishop Jon Anderson. Robyn has recently begun offering "Pinot and Paint"
classes, and we are gauging interest to see if we can offer one
here at Trinity as an opportunity
for fun and fellowship. The cost
of a class is $45 per person,
which includes a glass of wine or
sparkling juice, all materials and
each participant walks away with
a finished painting. You can
check out the paintings her previous classes have created on Facebook at "Robyn Sand Anderson Art." The goal of the class is to lead people into using
paint as a way to express themselves. It's NOT a class where
everyone paints the same thing - Robyn teaches us how to
work with paint by layering color, using movement and various
techniques in a guided step-by-step experience. The class is
approximately 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
In order to hold a class we need a minimum of ten and maximum of 20 participants. If you are interested, let Pastor Trish
know or sign up on the bulletin board. Once we know who's
interested we will find a date that works for all. No previous
experience necessary - we will learn and enjoy together!
Newsletter
TRINITY NEWS
Our Lenten Soup Suppers
Trinity continues its Lenten tradition of a simple supper of
soup and bread on Wednesday evenings for five
Wednesdays beginning on February 25. We will serve
from 5:00 to 6:00 pm in the Gustafson Fellowship Hall.
Soup-makers! We invite you to share your
favorite soup with your church family by bringing enough soup to serve 50 people. Enjoy
some lively conversation as you “serve it up” to
your fellow Trinity members. You may sign-up on the Lenten Soup Supper sheet in the narthex.
Equipping Congregations Day
The SW MN Synod is holding an "Equipping Congregations
Day" in Willmar on Saturday, February 28th. Event times
are 8:30 am to3:30 pm. Lunch is included, and we will carpool from Trinity to the event. Keynote speaker will be Rev.
Nadia Bolz-Weber talking about creatively engaging the
liturgical year and the broader community while staying
deeply rooted in tradition.
A closing video presentation will be offered by Presiding Bishop Elizabeth
Eaton. In between there will be over 20 workshops to
choose from on a large variety of topics: youth programs,
conflict management, worship, stewardship and more. This
event has been a huge success in the past, and the synod
is prepared to welcome up to 1,000 registrants. If you are
interested, let one of the pastors know. Deadline for registration is February 13th.
Crossroads Winter Carnival
Crossroads is the Lutheran Campus Ministry program located at Minnesota State University – Mankato. They are
sponsoring a winter fundraiser and family event on Sunday,
March 1, from 12-4 pm at Messiah Lutheran in North Mankato. Crossroads participants will have kids games and
activities available, and there will be Bingo, a chili cook-off,
and a silent auction. Fun for all ages – and a chance to
support this important ministry of our larger church.
Crossroads members are also looking for folks who would
like to participate in the chili cook-off, so if you have the best
chili around, this is your opportunity to prove it! There is
also a $100 prize for first place, as well as prizes for 2nd and
3rd places. If you would like to donate to the silent auction
they would love to hear from you as well – donations are
accepted until Sunday, February 15th. Call Crossroads at
625-6779 or check out their website at
www.crossroadsatmnsu.org for more information.
for the March edition is Sunday, February 15th. Any committees or individuals that
have information for the arch newsletter need to have it turned in no later than Sunday, February 15th. Thank you so much!
February 2015
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Newsletter
COUNCIL MINUTES
ing on an activity for Faith-4-Life kids. Will also be
looking at doing the camp weekend preview again,
as was offered last year, rather than a camp event
here at Trinity.
e. One funeral last month. Visits to homebound continued, complicated somewhat by either their illnesses or my own.
Trinity Lutheran Church Council
f. The Worship Band began again on 1-11-15 and is
Minutes For January 13, 2015
planning/hoping to play every Sunday, using the
Members Present: Rita Gibbs, Ann Bruggeman, Pastor
same music for about a month at a time. I have had
Joy, Tom Peterson, Meredith Young, Grey Lusty, Jim
some communication with them about trying to get
Vavreck, Jim Christenson, Mark Oberlander.
stuff organized, and the biggest difficulty at this point
Members Absent: Judy Schultz
has been to try and find a Sunday after worship that
1. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm by Presworks for Larissa and Roy and the church schedule!
ident Rita.
We are into the middle of February at this point. L
2. Devotions were conducted by Patti Kelly.
g. Items for consideration:
3. The January agenda was reviewed and approved
 YoCo – would like to do a listening session with
with the addition of approving the congregation stamembers of Trinity about perspectives on and
tistic reports for the Annual meeting.
concerns about the youth of the congregation.
They would formulate their questions and lead a
4. The December Council minutes were approved as
couple discussions on a Sunday morning as an
printed.
opportunity for mutual learning and listening.
5. Pastor’s Report:
They suggest it be built on the format that was
Senior Pastor Report:
done with GAC students last spring on ecology
The senior pastor report as reported in the Execuissues.
tive minutes had no additions or emphasis items.
 YoCo – also expressed interest in representaAssociate Pastor Report:
tion on/communication with council on a regular
a. Confirmation – we had a Guide meeting in Decembasis. I indicated I would bring their concerns/
ber and will be dividing the youth into two groups:
ideas/passion to the council, so will provide
th
7/8 and 9 with two different lessons to see how
more info at the meeting.
that works between now and Lent. Other things we
 Equipping Congregations Day is February 28th.
will try over these next few weeks include an “all
Interest?
small group night” and another servant night – this
time with parents involved. I have been approved
 A “Pinot and Paint” or “Coffee/Tea and Paint”
for a Thrivent Action Team grant for some seed
class could be done at Trinity by Robyn Sand
money to use on the service projects. We will also
Anderson, an artist in New Ulm (and spouse of
be doing faith mentors again during the Lenten seaBishop Jon). I’d like to gauge interest for this as
son.
a fellowship activity.
b. National Youth Gathering – super successful bake
6. Call Committee/Annual Meeting:
sale, and pizza sale is coming on 1-18-15.
a. The top ten members to be considered for the call
committee were presented to the council for considc. Youth and Family Committee and YoCo – the Youth
eration. Of those top ten candidates, the council
and Family Committee has had a hard time gatherpaired the list down to represent all necessary deing but YoCo had a great meeting on 1-11-15. We
mographics who would be the best suited to make
have planned a couple fellowship activities but had
up this committee. Patti is willing to call and inquire
some really great discussion as well about their
whether the individual is interested or not. The complace in the life of this congregation…see below for
mittee must be made up of six individuals. A returna couple discussion topics for the council.
ing Church Council member should be part of the
d. Children and Family and Christian Ed – we are
committee as a liaison, and as a voting member
planning for a “Souper Bowl” Sunday on 2-1-15.
(Jim Christianson).
( And we will There was a good number of children
b. A motion was made to consider and ask the individin church for Epiphany Sunday and Erica and I
uals brought forward for this committee, in the order
thought we had done a pretty good job of trying to
presented to the council and divided by demographinvolve the children in the worship service – but
ic, to be part of the Call Committee. This motion
what do we know!? J With the successful SS Prowas seconded and passed.
gram behind them they are now choosing a VBS
c. The new congregational membership statistics for
program and looking at making some changes to
2014 was reviewed with a motion made to accept
that activity for the coming year. Erica is also work- Council Minutes continued on page 5 ————————
February 2015
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Newsletter
TRINITY WOMEN
World Day of Prayer On March 6
Trinity has been invited to attend World Day of Prayer on
March 6, 2015 at First Lutheran Church, Lafayette, MN with
coffee beginning at 9:00 am followed
by the worship service at 10:00 am.
The theme for this event is Jesus
LWR Quilt Project
said, “Do you understand what I
have done for you?” written by World Lutheran World Relief was founded in 1945. They have two
warehouses – one in Minnesota and one in Maryland. Last
Day of Prayer Bahamas. We will car
year LWR distributed 408,245 quilts to impoverished areas
pool from the church parking lot. A
in the world. At this time there
sign-up sheet will be on the sign-up
are many good people fleeing
board and a poster will be displayed.
their war torn countries with very
Consider attending. The whole world will be praying on the
few possessions. A quilt may be
same day using this worship service. How powerful is that?
the only thing protecting them
the elements as they atCouncil Minutes Continued from page 4 — tempt to get some rest. Thefrom
camps they have retreated to
the report for inclusion into the Annual Report passed. usually have space for them, but no shelters. LWR is also
d. Need four individuals for the ballot for Synod Assembly one of the first responders when disaster happens in this
country. This is the reason Trinity Women pray for the peoin June.
ple who receive the quilts we make during our quilting ses7. Visioning:
sions. We want them to feel loved by our efforts. Trinity has
a. Review of the top five areas brought forward by the
sent many quilts to LWR over the years.
discussions within small groups.
b. A delegate from each group will send a summary of
HELP!! Quilters Needed
bullet points to Rita to pass on to the new council pres- God has been good to us. We have some very efficient
ident.
quilters at Trinity. We are averaging 10-12 quilts each time
8. Carly Ballman has indicated she is willing to begin partwe quilt, which is wonderful.
time duties as a Youth Coordinator. Based on the point
The challenge has been to
that a pay range and position have been previously apmaintain a supply of tops to pair
proved, she should begin up to ten hours of work each
up with batting and backs for
week at the pay scale determined.
these speedy quilters to work
on. We need people that will cut
9. Planning:
squares and people willing to
30 Days—Annual Meeting Jan 25, Call Committee, All
sew tops. The size of the finConference Assembly (Can have up to six people atished quilts should be 60” x 80”.
tending) Feb 8.
Depending on the seam allowance, the best sized squares
60 Days—Blood Bank Feb 20, Equipping Congregations
are 10½” or 11”. If you can help, let the office know. They
Feb 28, Lent
will relay the info and someone will contact you. Bless you.
90 Days—Easter, Confirmation retreat
10. Meeting Adjourned at 8:25 pm.
Lutheran World Relief Kits
Along with the distribution of quilts by Lutheran World Relief,
Respectfully Submitted,
they distributed 292,629 kits in 2014.
Tom Peterson
These include 88,705 School Kits, 122,550 Personal Care
Kits, 16,564 Fabric Kits, and 64,810 Baby Care Kits. Trinity
Check Out Laura Gatzke’s Blog
members have contributed many items to
A few weeks ago we signed a poster to send to Laura Gatzke,
complete these kits. One example: A
who is continuing her training in ministry by completing a chapSchool Kit can enable a refuge child to
attend school, even though his/her parlaincy residency at Brigham and Woments may not be able to afford the puren's Hospital in Boston. Laura will be
chase of supplies needed to go to school.
there until May, and is pursing ministry
What a Blessing!
in the United Church of Christ (UCC)
An article from LWR has been posted on
church. Laura also keeps a blog that
the Women’s Board in the hallway next to
members of Trinity may be interested in reading. It can be
the office. A large poster explaining
found at www.ministertotheheart.wordpress.com. Go check it
where quilts and kits were sent to is in the
out and see what its all about!
hallway across from the Gustafson Room.
February 2015
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SUNDAY
MONDAY
“Souper” Bowl Sunday 1
Collecting Nonperishables & Monetary Donations for
the Saint Peter Food Shelf
8:00 am
Communion Worship Service
8:45 am
JOY! Choir Rehearsal
9:00 am
Coffee Fellowship Hour
9:30 am
Communion Worship Service
Sunday School
Celebration Singers Rehearsal
Public Access TV Broadcast
10:45 am
Contemporary Communion Worship Service
w/Baptism of Ryleigh Anne Schroeder
2:00 pm
YoCo Meeting
7:00 pm
AA (Closed)
Transfiguration of Our Lord 15
Newsletter Deadline (for March 2015 newsletter)
8:00 am
Communion Worship Service
8:45 am
NO JOY! Choir Rehearsal
9:00 am
Coffee Fellowship Hour
9:30 am
Communion Worship Service
Sunday School
Celebration Singers Rehearsal
Public Access TV Broadcast
10:45 am
Contemporary Communion Worship Service
12:00 pm
Fat Sunday Celebration for Confirmands
7:00 pm AA (Closed)
8:00 am
8:45 am
9:00 am
9:30 am
5:00 pm
5:30 pm
Public Access TV Broadcast
“The Kitchen” Meal Served
10:45 am
5:00 pm
5:00 pm
5:30 pm
Public Access TV Broadcast
“The Kitchen” Meal Served
9:00 am
11:00 am
4:30 pm
6:15 pm
6:30 pm
Mission Quilters w/Potluck
Public Access TV Broadcast
Trinity Brass Rehearsal
Children & Families Committee Mtg
Finance Committee Meeting
Trinity Women Board Mtg
4
7:00 am
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
6:30 pm
6:45 pm
8:00 pm
11:00 am
1:30 pm
4:30 pm
6:30 pm
Public Access TV Broadcast
Amazing Grey’s, Host Corrine S.
Trinity Brass Rehearsal
Church Council Meeting
7:00 am
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
5:30 pm
President’s Day 16
5:00 pm
5:30 pm
17
9:00 am Mission Quilters w/Potluck
11:00 am Public Access TV Broadcast
23
5:00 pm
5:30 pm
Public Access TV Broadcast
“The Kitchen” Meal Served
24
11:00 am Public Access TV Broadcast
FRIDAY
Men’s Bible Study
Staff & Music Meeting
AA (Open)
SS Shepherds Pizza Party in Youth
Room
Confirmation Servant Night, Parents
are included
PraiseBELLS Rehearsal
O2 Senior High Youth Group
5:00 pm
7:00 pm
Al-Anon
AA (Open)
Ash Wednesday 18
7:00 am Men’s Bible Study
1:00 pm Staff & Music Meeting
2:00 pm AA (Open)
4:30 pm Communion Worship Service
6:30 pm Communion Worship Service
8:00 pm O2 Senior High Youth Group
12
19
5:00 pm
7:00 pm
25
7:00 am Men’s Bible Study
1:00 pm Staff & Music Meeting
2:00 pm AA (Open)
5:00 pm to 6:00 pm Soup Supper Served
6:30 pm Lent Worship Service
6:45 pm PraiseBELLS Rehearsal
8:00 pm O2 Senior High Youth Group
Al-Anon
AA (Open)
26
5:00 pm
7:00 pm
Al-Anon
AA “Pin Night” (Open)
Mother Teresa (1910-1997)
www.trinitystpeter.org
8:00 am to 3:00 pm Pre-School
Screening in Ed Wing
1:30 pm Martha Circle Bible Study
at Benedictine Court,
Host: Millie L.
7
9:00 am AA (Closed)
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm “Winter Thaw”
at Northern Star Council
Base Camp, Bloomington
13
Valentine’s Day 14
Deadline for Bedding Donations
to the YoCo February Service
Project
Deadline to Register for Sr High
Youth Gathering
9:00 am AA (Closed)
5:30 pm to 9:30 pm Babysitting
Service available in
Gustafson Room by the
Kids going on the 2015
Mission Trip, Contact is
Julie Gault
20
27
9:00 am AA (Closed)
21
28
8:30 am to 3:30 pm Equipping Congregations Day in
Willmar, MN
9:00 am AA (Closed)
Newsletter
FEBRUARY CALENDAR
It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.
Page 6
6
1:00 pm to 7:00 pm Red Cross
Blood Drive in
Gustafson Room
Stewardship Snippet
February 2014
SATURDAY
5
12:00 pm to 7:00 pm Pre-School
Screening in Ed Wing
5:00 pm Al-Anon
7:00 pm AA (Open)
11
6:45 pm
8:00 pm
Rebecca Circle Bible Study
Hope Circle Bible Study at
Realife.
Public Access TV Broadcast
Youth Bowling at Kingpins
“The Kitchen” Meal Served
Men’s Bible Study
Staff & Music Meeting
AA (Open)
Confirmation Classes
PraiseBELLS Rehearsal
O2 Senior High Youth Group
10
6:30 pm
9:30 am
1:30 pm
THURSDAY
3
9
22
Worship Service
NO JOY! Choir Rehearsal
Coffee Fellowship Hour
Worship Service
Sunday School
Celebration Singers Rehearsal
Public Access TV Broadcast
Contemporary Worship Service7:00 pm
AA (Closed)
PB&J Inaugural Evening at Jake’s Pizza
WEDNESDAY
2
Teacher Appreciation Sunday 8
Deadline for Valentines Babysitting Registration Forms
8:00 am Worship Service w/Installation of 2015 Council
8:45 am JOY! Choir Rehearsal
9:00 am Coffee Fellowship Hour
9:30 am Worship Service w/Installation of 2015 Council
Sunday School
Celebration Singers Rehearsal
Public Access TV Broadcast
10:45 am Contemporary Worship Service w/Installation
of 2015 Council
11:45 am Appreciation Lunch for SS Teachers
1:30 pm MN Valley conference Assembly at Christ
Lutheran Church, Glencoe, MN
7:00 pm AA (Closed)
TUESDAY
www.trinitystpeter.org
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February 2014
Newsletter
CHILDREN & YOUTH
February Sunday School Tidbits
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On February 1st , have your child bring a non-perishable
food donation for “Souper” Bowl Sunday. This will be
instead of their normal offering. Any money or food
items collected will go to the Saint Peter Food Shelf.
Sunday February 8th is Teacher Appreciation Day at
Trinity! We encourage your children to make something
special or even offer a simple “Thank you” to their
teachers and Shepherds that day. Remember that our
children K-4th rotate rooms and typically have the same
1-2 Shepherds plus a Station Teacher every week. This
takes a big commitment and we want to thank them for
making Trinity’s children a priority.
First Communion classes start March 1st for 5th Graders and their parents! There will be four classes, March
1, 8, 15 and 22nd during the 9:30 am education hour.
First Communion this year will be on Maundy Thursday
(April 4th) at 6:30 pm. Instead of a Potluck, there will be
a reception in the Gustafson Room following the service. This is a very exciting milestone, if you have a 5th
Grader, please plan on attending all of our March classes! For more info, see Erica Penkert or Pastor Joy!
On January 16th Faith-4-Life children had a chance to
sleepover at Trinity! This was an event that the kids
have been looking forward to for a long time! We had
ten kids attend and each one of them wants to have
another one! We played games, had a Bible study with
activities, watched a movie, made small blankets for a
crisis Nursery and of course ATE!
Our family Epiphany service was so wonderful, not
only because it included the kids but because it was the
only service of the day. We were able to worship with
many others that we normally don’t see! Thank you
Pastor Trish for the exciting Sermon as well!
February brings us two new rotations! They are titled
“Love is…” and “Walking on Water.”
Thank you to all of the volunteers that helped with the
5th and 6th Grade Faith-4-Life Sleepover at Trinity. The
kids had a great time! Our theme was “Celebrating that
you are special in God’s eyes.”
February 2015
Senior High Youth Gathering
High School Youth Grades 9-12: Register NOW for the SW
MN Synod Senior High Youth Gathering on March 6-7 at the
Courtyard by Marriot in Mankato.
Cost is $90 and includes hotel,
program, a gathering T-shirt, Friday dinner and Saturday lunch.
The theme for this year's gathering
is "Can You Hear Me?" and includes "Lost and Found" as the
band and speaker. Registration
forms are located on the bulletin
board by Carly’s office and are due in the church office by
Friday, February 13th!
Valentine’s Babysitting Available
The youth that are going to the National Youth Gathering are
offering a babysitting service on Valentine’s Day evening.
You can drop your children off at church at 5:30 pm and we
are asking that you pick them up by 9:30
pm. We’re asking for $10 per child, and
all of the money earned will be used for
the trip to the National Youth Gathering in
Detroit, Michigan. Please fill out a registration/permission form that can be found
in the narthex and return it to the youth sitting at the Kwik
Trip card table. If you are bringing younger children please
have things such as diapers, special foods, certain toys, and
bring their blanket along. Activities and snacks will be provided throughout the evening, and adults will also be present
throughout the evening. Thank you for your support. Registration due by Sunday, February 8.
YoCo’s February Service Project
The confirmation kids and YoCo are working on a service
project that will be completed in February. The confirmation
kids are making tie blankets that will be taken to
the “Sharing and Caring
Hands” in Minneapolis.
The YoCo kids are collecting new or used bedding to take there. New
or gently used blankets,
sheets, comforters or
bedspreads are appreciated. No pillows please. The YoCo
kids will be delivering the items to the shelter and taking a
tour. You can get more information on the shelter and the
founder, Mary Jo Copeland, by visiting the website at
www.sharingandcaringhands.org. Please drop your donations in the conference room by Friday, February 13th. Any
questions please contact Taylor Graft at 934-5599.
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Lead From God’s Pencil
By the Church Secretary
Mrs. Odie Mielke was the name of my Kindergarten teacher
and she was really a sweet teacher. She always would
smile at you and you could tell that she really cared about
each one of us kids. In kindergarten when it was time to
rest, we’d lay our heads down on our desks and there were
many times I’d fall asleep only to be awakened by Mrs. Mielke gently rubbing my arm. After sitting up to get my bearing's, I’d
look around and see that I was the only one who needed to be woke
up. We always got a snack after our time to rest, which consisted of
a glass of orange juice and two saltine crackers. I always thought
that orange juice and saltine crackers were a weird tasting combination. Sometimes if it was someone's birthday we’d get a cookie or
Rice Krispy bar. We always sat in alphabetical order and for the
next 13 years I was always second in the row. Rosemary B. was
always the first to be call upon, first in line and the first to be seated.
Sitting behind Rosemary, day in and day out, was great for me, because I could admire her naturally curly, blonde hair that went to the
middle of her back. My hair was brown and pin straight. I always
wondered what it would be like to have a little natural curl in my hair
and if it would be easy to take care of.
At recess I’d find my good friend Diane to hang out with. We’d go to
the teeter-totters and wait until one was open for us to use. Diane
and I would use the rest of our recess to teeter-totter until the whistle
blew. I remember one windy Spring day that I had on my blue rain
coat and a scarf to match when the whistle blew. I didn’t hear the
whistle because the wind was blowing between my scarf and ears,
but Diane did. To my surprise, Diane jumped off of her end so
quickly, that I didn’t have time to react and down I went. I hit the
ground hard and slid off the end of the wooden plank, onto the
ground. I looked at Diane who was running and had gotten half way
up to the school door already. Diane didn’t look back and to this
day, I don’t think she new what had happened when I slid off of that
plank. Well . . . I got a two inch, wooden sliver in my bum and man
did that hurt. I got up and walked gingerly across the school yard, to
the door. When I got to my locker, I took my coat and scarf off and
went to my desk. I could tell it was going to be a long painful afternoon. Well needless to say I spent the rest of the day sitting on one
side of my bum with the other side, the one with the sliver, hanging
over the edge of my seat. I had to sit like this on the bus ride home
too. This was one day it would have been nice to not be the last
family off the bus at night.
Once I was home I told Ma what happened and she had me show
her where it hurt. After checking it out she told Dad and I had to
show him, too. After a bit of discussion, they said I had gotten a
sliver and Dad was going to try and remove it. Dad reaches in his
pocket and pulls out his pocket knife. All I could think of was, “he
cuts the twine off of hay bales with that knife and he hasn’t even
sterilized it!” With Ma holding the flashlight, Dad had me lean over
his knees. I was scared of the pain and I know I whimpered and
squirmed every time Dad poked me. After a bit, Dad announces
there’s no way he could get that thing out, so I got off of his lap and
asked, “Now what?” That’s when Dad asked me if I wanted to go to
the doctor to have it taken out, to which I nod yes. At the doctors
office, they must of numbed it, because I didn’t feel a thing.
Awhile back I was at Ma & Dads place and low and behold if they
hadn’t saved that sliver, so I got to see that miserable thing and it
really was jagged and two inches long, and it still had green paint on
it. As I wrote this column I kept thinking of how God doesn’t call the
equipped, He equips the called. I’m sure glad the doctor had the
right equipment compared to my Dads equipment (his pocket knife).
Until next month, God’s Peace, Love, and Joy!
Bonnie
February 2015
Page 9
Newsletter
TRINITY NEWS
On Butterfly Wings
- S. (Shae) Cooke
“You alone are the Lord. You made the skies and the heavens and all the stars. You made the earth and the seas and
everything in them. You preserve and give life to everything,
and all the angels of heaven worship you.”
Nehemiah 9:6
The Hawaiian sun glinted off the windshield of the helicopter
as it prepared for takeoff. I fastened the seat belt snugly
around my waist, tugging it a little tighter than I had to.
“All belted in?” the pilot asked. I nodded.
Seconds later, we took off. My head swirled with the sudden
vertical ascent into the cloudless sky. White-knuckled and
clutching the edge of the seat, I muttered the twenty-third
Psalm. We flew higher. I stammered the Lord’s Prayer.
The pilot banked the craft sharply left. So help me, I thought
I was going to fall out of the helicopter.
I cried out in my most desperate voice, “God, help me!” I
wanted to live to see my eighteenth birthday. He must have
heard, since we leveled off, allowing my heart rate to level
off as well. Feeling a tad braver, I opened my eyes—and
saw heaven.
“Wow, oh wow!” I blurted mindlessly. We soared over the
Pacific Ocean and headed toward a lush and verdant valley.
We skimmed the treetops, traveling over palm trees and
pineapple fields. The helicopter descended and we arrived
at the base of a waterfall. The water cascaded over cliffs
and rocks while we hovered alongside of the falls like a hummingbird. Water fell like dew on the windshield. We ascended slowly, observing the flora and fauna growing up the
steep incline.
My heart leapt as we reached the top of the falls. Before me
was a scene of incredible artistry. We lingered, taking in the
scenic wonder. From that vantage point, I could see for hundreds of miles. Shades of azure blue, aqua, and indigo
framed the portrait. An endless patchwork quilt of vibrant
greens blanketed the canyons and hills. A light, smoky mist
drifted out of a rain forest. Rainbows arched like porticos
over groves of mossy trees. In the distance, snow-capped
peaks crowned the tropical paradise. I viewed the palette of
nature and saw God’s face.
“My Daddy is quite the artist, ain’t He?” quipped the pilot. I
nodded, fixing my gaze at the vivid panorama. “It’s just like
riding on the wings of a butterfly,” I thought.
We swooped down from our “perch” and into the fertile valley below. Mossy canopies sheltered the rain forests.
As we headed west, into the sunset, and home, my thoughts
turned to my uncertain future, without my mother—a victim
of smoke inhalation in a fire just that past Christmas.
God seemed so close. In fact, I felt His presence in every
“On Butterfly Wings” continued on page 10 ———
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Newsletter
IN HIS SERVICE
USHERS
February 2015
Sunday, February 1st
8:00 am
9:30 am
10:45 am
Leona Miller, Lillias Harmer and
Jim & Nancy Kruger
Joel & Carolyn Darge and Marc &
Wendy Bachman
Matthew Broeder & Jessica Ortiz
Family
Sunday, February 8th
8:00 am
9:30 am
10:45 am
Paul Albers, Kathy Hauser and
Lenny & Diana Miller
Joey & Laura Hulsebus and
Lauren & Kelli Satrom
Mike & Marlae Kolek, Rita Gibbs
Sunday, February 15th
8:00 am
9:30 am
10:45 am
Paul Albers, Kathy Hauser and
Lenny & Diana Miller
Joey & Laura Hulsebus and
Lauren & Kelli Satrom
Mike & Marlae Kolek, Rita Gibbs
Ash Wednesday, February 18th
4:30 pm
6:30 pm
Dale & Kay Mowbray and
Doug & Ginny Nimmo
Marc & Wendy Bachman and
Mark & Mary Oberlander
Sunday, February 22nd
8:00 am
9:30 am
10:45 am
Kathy Herberg, Don Slarks and
Don & Elizabeth High
Marc & Wendy Bachman and
Mark & Mary Oberlander
The Brent Hanson Family
LAY READERS
February 1st
8:00 am
9:30 am
Walt Grochow
Tammy Poppen
8:00 am
9:30 am
Eileen Kivi
Lynn Davey
8:00 am
9:30 am
Barbara Simpson
Judy Schultz
8:00 am
9:30 am
Val Youngblom
Kirk Beyer
February 8th
February 15th
February 22nd
February 2015
ALTAR CARE
February 1st Sandy Grochow, Rebecca Brenke
February 15th Mary Jo & Dennis Erickson
Ash Wednesday, February 18th
4:30 pm
6:30 pm
Natasha & Steve Pettis
Nancy Kruger, Marlene Tolzman
VIDEO CAMERA
February 1st
February 8th
February 15th
February 22nd
ACOLYTES
Tom Frey
Tom Frey
Pat Klubben
Pat Klubben
8:00 am
9:30 am
10:45 am
Evan Borgmeier, Jake Stoffel
Savannah Dorris, Grace Penkert
Reegan Kelly, Alex Gault
8:00 am
9:30 am
10:45 am
Tom Peterson
Al Hewitt
Tim Kennedy
Council Assistants
“On Butterfly Wings” continued from page 9 glorious gift of nature I witnessed. The incredible detail of His
creation gave me confidence that He cared about every facet of
my life. I reveled in the glory and beauty of His nature.
As we touched down on the landing pad, I felt elated. My spirit
praised God, for I finally grasped the magnitude of His love for
me, through nature.
Taken from the book “A Cup of Comfort” Devotional
Daily Reminders of God’s Love and Grace
By James S. Bell & Stephen R. Clark
Attention Graduating High School
Seniors And Parents
Two scholarship opportunities are available for graduating high
school seniors who are members of Trinity Lutheran Church.
Each year the Fern Martinson Scholarship of $1,000 can be
awarded to a student who will be attending any ELCA college
and a scholarship of $500 is available to a Trinity member who
will be attending any accredited post-secondary school.
These scholarships are administered through the St.
Peter-Kasota Chapter of Dollars for Scholars and will be
awarded in May at the St.
Peter High School Awards
night. Students who would
like to be considered for these scholarships need to complete
an on-line scholarship profile available at: http://st.peterkasota.dollarsforscholars.org/index.
phpsection=chapterWebsite&action=student_parent&fwID=962.
Be sure to indicate on the profile that you are a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Peter.
Page 10
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All Trinity members share in food preparation and serving
duties for funerals and other church events throughout the
year. The membership has been divided into 13 groups
with designated coordinators for each month. This allows
one group to have a month off each year. Groups move up
one month each year as well, so that you are not serving in
the same month each year. When your assistance is needed, a coordinator will contact you.
February 2015
Food Coordinators:
Jill Gatzke
934-6399
Laurie Polikowsky
931-2729
Name:
Anderson, Jesse & Courtney
Beaty, Lyn
Beran, Rich & Nancy
Broeder, Matthew & Ortiz, Jessica
Cooke, Bridget
Cummins, Dan & Lisa
Dunn, Justin & Katherine
Gatzke, John & Jill
High, Donald & Elizabeth
Holland, Bryan & Kristin
Krueger, Robert & Angela
Kruger, Pauline
Kruger, Rita
Lesmeister, Peggy
Lindemeier, Marlene
Madigan, Beverly
Marthaler, Ryan & Julie
Mayo, Mike & Sherri
Meeks, Bob & Annette
Meyer, Todd & Kimberly
Moreau, Duane & Marilyn
Nimmo, Doug & Ginny
Parras, Libbey
Perry, Gwen
Peterson, Carl & Kathy
Polikowsky, Laurie
Rustman, Steve & Rose
Scheff, Rita
Schultz, Bryon & Michelle
Zust, Barbara
Newsletter
SERVICE LISTS
March 2015
Food Coordinators:
Sandy Grochow
934-1756
Deb Dixon
934-9232
Name:
Anderson, Teresa
Behrends, Al & Mary
Conroy, Judy
Davis, Matthew & Kristi
Dixon, Bill & Deb
Elofson, Andy & Jessica
Emich, Denise
Gessner, Mike & Kathy
Graft, Richard & Jennifer
Grey, Dean & Donna
Grochow, Walt & Sandy
Gundlach, Norm & Sandy
Hanson, Nancy
Herberg, Irene
Hinden, Larry & Donna
Hubrig, Jennifer
Johnson, Lynn & Jeanne
Kjellgren, Steve & Julie
Kracht, Emily
Kracht, Kris
Kuiper, Brian & Jan
Lambert, Bob & Sally
Melton, Joanne
Meyer, Scott & Malinda
Moelter, Chris & Ashley
Mulvehill, Roberta
Rietz, Ron
Robeck, Marge
Sourbeck, Jess
Steiner, Cynthia
Thompson, David & Lisa
Timmerman, Jim & Sonja
Wiebusch, Corey & Cinde
Funerals
Mavis Royce - Morcus
November 29, 1932 - December 10, 2014
Alan Gerard Weingartz
Baptism
October 15, 1960 - January 2, 2015
Tara Jean Borchardt
Sharon Y. Rasche
Daughter of William Borchardt and Becki Schleeve
January 4th, 2015
February 2015
July 29, 1942 - January 21, 2015
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Newsletter
Stamp
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH
511 South Fifth Street
Saint Peter MN 56082
Address Label Here
Trinity Staff
Lead Pastor:
Joy G. Ekstedt
Financial Secretary:
Jennifer Hubrig
Intern Pastor:
Trish Reedstrom
Custodian:
Barry Wood
Christian Education
Coordinator:
Erica Penkert
Organist / Pianist:
Judy Maharry
PraiseBAND:
Roy & Larissa Nieves
Youth Activities
Coordinator
Carly Ballman
Celebration Singers
Director:
Annette Meeks
Office Coordinator/
Publicist:
Bonnie L. Rieger
PraiseBELLS Director:
Ian Decker
JOY! Choir Director:
Nancy Sizer
Contact Information:
Phone:
Fax:
Email:
Website:
Facebook:
Office Hours:
507 - 934 - 4786
507 - 934 - 4562
[email protected]
www.trinitystpeter.org
Trinity Lutheran (St Peter, MN)
Monday - Thursday:
Friday:
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
8:30 am - 12:00 pm
February Newsletter
February 2015
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