1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

A free monthly publication of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
October 2014
Vol. 2 Issue No. 10
October 2 0 1 4 – Vol. 2 Issue 10
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Trinity’s m
Sunday Worship:
9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
F r o m t h e P a s t o r , Jeffery L. Gaustad
Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is
no variation or shadow due to change. In fulfilment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures.
You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not
produce God’s righteousness. Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls.
But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. For if any are hearers of the word and not doers,
they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they
were like. But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who
act—they will be blessed in their doing.
If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless. Religion that
is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained
by the world.
James 1:17-27
I like a good sermon, especially one that takes aim at my
heart and doesn’t miss. I’ve come to regard the New
Testament’s book of James as just such a sermon. Some
may remember that Martin Luther had very little regard
for the book of James—he called it “a pillar of straw”
because he did not find any gospel (good news) in it. I
wonder if Dr. Luther might change his mind if he lived in
our time and culture. Our consumer culture gives lip
service to generosity, but more often than not, for many if
not most, a sense of generosity is too easily overwhelmed
by fear of scarcity. In the public sphere, we seem
lightning-quick to voice our criticism and distain, and
equally quick to demonstrate anger over most anything—
from political views that differ from ours to road-rage at
our fellow freeway drivers.
Pastor Gaustad’s Friday morning
Bible Study
returns on
October 10th
10:30 to noon
A four-week study of Wisdom literature:
Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the wisdom sayings of Jesus
Speaking for myself, in my better moments of selfreflection, I sometimes abhor my thoughts, as they are
not always charitable, kind, or generous, and humility
and meekness are not readily apparent in my witness to
others. I am not yet fully the person I desire or think
myself to be. And it’s in these moments that I finally
come to myself, and pray that the Word—Christ’s living
Spirit—will fully have God’s way with me. The first
Christians were called the “people of the Way”—an
encouraging image for me, because it reminds me that I,
too, am a pilgrim on God’s way for me, and I have not
yet fully arrived. And so are you. So are we all. We need
reminders—like James’ sermon—to stir us out of our
complacency and our self-absorbed ways and be moved
to love one another, especially our neighbor in need.
Martin Luther said, “You cannot keep the birds from
flying over your head, but you need not let them build a
nest in your hair.” The culture around us need not
determine our ways of living and witnessing.
Remember—God is at work in you.
Grace, peace, and generous hearts!
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Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
12115 Park Avenue South
Tacoma WA 98444-3629
CONTACT US 253-537-0201
Lead Pastor Jeff Gaustad x103
or his cell phone: 253-495-9357
prgaustad@trinitylutheranparkland.org
Visitation Pastor Rick Swenson x104
or his cell phone: 253-219-6045
pastorrickccc@yahoo.com
Music Dir. Jonathan Wohlers x114
jwohlers@mac.com
Church Steward Cheryl Mays Comen x112
business@trinitylutheranparkland.org
Admin. Associate Lisa Boers x110
blisa@trinitylutheranparkland.org
Parish Nurse Virginia Garrison x106
Maintenance Ed Kane 253-592-5481
Bookkeeper
Beth Rich x115
Financial Secretaries Joan Oldag x115
Pat Durston x115
Caretaker
Kaye Olsen
Custodian
Lori Titus
Custodian
Yelena Zhurko
Hospitality Coord Anita Christian
Sound Engineers David Christian
Lowell Kiesow
Cemetery Manager David Christian
Webmaster
Michela Hammond
TRINITY CHILDCARE & PRESCHOOL
Exec Dir. Lynn Cooper 535-2699
T r in i t y B a z a a r — news flash
Trinity Bazaar is Saturday, November 8, 2014
The Bakery Table will return to the Trinity Bazaar again this year. You
will be able to purchase delicious home-baked goodies. There will be
cookies, cupcakes, beads, and (maybe) LEFSE. You will be able to buy
your favorites or consider making a donation of one of your very own
baking specialties for the table. Questions—contact Sara Kreamer (253535-2741).
T r in i t y L u t h e r a n C h u r c h W o m e n
What do the initials TLCW mean to you?
Yes, certainly, Trinity Lutheran Church Women. Beyond that, it means Bible
Study, the emphasis of Circle meetings which meet monthly, September through
May. It also shouts service happening in a myriad of ways from Altar Guild to
Quilting to Receptions. The initials TLCW also means Gifts. Thanks to generous offerings at Circle and monthly meetings and profit from our Bazaar, gifts
were made last year to Tacoma Seafarers, Family Renewal Shelter, Children’s
Haven Int’l, Fish Food Bank, ELCA Hunger Appeal, Trinity College, PLU,
Peace Lutheran Community Center, TLC Feeding Ministry, Katie’s Fund, and
to the Synod and National Women’s organization.
Circles — women’s Bible study and fellowship
Mary/Martha & Rachel Circle is Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 1:00 p.m.
Esther Circle is Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 7:00 p.m. at Anita Christian's home
Miriam Circle is Thursday, Oct. 23 at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Common Room
TO MOB ILIZE W OME N TO ACT BOLDL Y ON T H EIR FAITH
IN J E SU S C HR IST! - WELCA mission statement
Men’s Prayer Breakfast
Tuesdays 7-8:30AM
2014 CHURCH COUNCIL
Julie Storaasli, secretary
Alice Alexander
Lowell Kiesow
Ed Kreamer
Philip Edlund, president
Steve Ufer
Doug Wright
Juanita Stalwick
Joanne Schwartz
Tom Leitch, vice president
Bob Judge
Chi-Chi Lee
Donna Lederman
Carol Fossum
Roy Masengale
TREASURER: Susan Wise
Men of Trinity
SERVICE CORPS
At Anglea’s Restaurant
7511 Portland Ave E.
Driving. Delivering. Shopping.
Simple Tasks. Could any of you men help
people with needs they have, things they
can no longer do? If so, please contact
Hank Mays 360-250-4538.
OCTOBER: Men of Trinity Planning Breakfast
Review of Lutheran Men in Mission 2014 Gathering in Nashville 2014/2015
and MOT Event Schedule Saturday October 11th, 9am to 11am
Thompson Hall or Angleas Restaurant 74th & Portland Ave, Tacoma
NOVEMBER:
MOT hosts: Annual Veterans’ Day Program Nov. 11, at 7 pm
(rehearsal Mon. Nov. 10) MOT will plan the program at upcoming meetings
MOT hosts: Church Advent breakfast Sun., Nov. 30 in Thompson Hall
October 2 0 1 4 – Vol. 2 Issue 10
PAIN TERS
SEAFARER’S
CHRISTMAS BOX
THANK YOU BRUNCH
Saturday – October 18
10 am – Noon - Trinity’s Narthex
We are painting Trinity Preschool /Childcare.
Volunteer for weekend hours only.
Contact Doug Wright or Hank Mays at church.
ELCA Presiding Bishop
Elizabeth Eaton
Saturday, November 1, 2014
9 a.m. coffee
10 a.m. public address
In PLU’s Karen Hille Phillips
Center for the Performing Arts
Trinity provided 100 Christmas
Boxes last year (2013) for the Seafarer’s Center to distribute to seamen and women from the
various merchant ships that dock in Tacoma. Between
Thanksgiving and New Years, 1,500 boxes were given out
to seafarers from 25 nations and 65 ships. These boxes
were eagerly anticipated and greatly appreciated. Thank
You! if you helped make that happen.
There will be a time for fellowship and fruit, muffins, and coffee. The Secretary of the Seafarer’s Auxilary,
Jane Oberg from Our Savior’s Lutheran Church will share
stories and information from some of the other churches
that, also, prepare Christmas Boxes for the Tacoma Seafarer’s Center.
The boxes for this year (2014) will be available.
Perhaps, you could encourage a friend to participate this
year and join you for the brunch to learn more about this
project and the Seafarer’s Center. For information and/or
questions contact – Maren Johnson (253) 531-3718.
Scripture Texts for Sunday Worship in October
9am Worship texts, Oct 5: Exodus 19:3-7,20:1-17 Covenant and Commandments
11am Worship texts, Oct 5: Isaiah 5:1-7, Ps 80:7-15, Phil 3:4b-14; Matt 21:33-46
9am texts, Oct 12: Joshua 24:1-15, Joshua Renews the Covenant
11am texts, Oct 12: Isaiah 25:1-9, Psalm 23, Phil 4:1-9, Matt 22:1-14
9am texts, Oct 19: 2 Samuel 12:1-9, Psalm 51:1-9, David and Bathsheba
11am texts, Oct 19: Isaiah 45:1-7, Ps 96:1-9 [10-13], 1 Thess 1:1-10, Matt 22:15-22
9am texts, Oct 26: 1 Kings 3:4-9, (10-15),16-28, Solomon’s Wisdom
11am Reformation texts, Oct 26: Jer 31:31-34, Ps 46, Rom 3:19-28, John 8:31-36
D O L L A R S for D E T RO I T
drop your change
here . . .
THANKS
TO ALL WHO GIVE!
TOTAL = $1,362.19
Sunday morning COFFEE HOUR CHALLENGE can a little help from many put
a big dent in the cost of sending Trinity Youth to the National Youth Gathering
in Detroit? You bet!
If every adult at Trinity would put a $1 in the DOLLARS for DETROIT
jar every week — we could help in a significant way to send our youth toDetroit.
We will report our financial progress regularly!
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October is the FINAL MONTH for bringing
LWR items for the fall shipment.
We are grateful for anything on the list,
but at this time we are mostly in need of:
Soap (bath size or handsize)
Bath towels (lightweight, dark color preferred)
Hand towels (for baby care, dark color preferred)
Nail clippers
Home sewers needed for cloth diapers (22’x27’) and drawstring backpacks
(14’x17”0. Juanita can supply fabric for either if needed.
PERSONAL CARE KIT:
 One light- to medium-weight, bath-size towel (approximately 52” X 27” or smaller), dark colors
 Two bath-size bars (4 to 5 oz.) of soap, any brand, in original wrapping
 One adult-size toothbrush in its original packaging*
 One sturdy comb, remove packaging
 One metal nail clippers (with or without attached file),
remove packaging
SCHOOL KIT:
 Four 70-sheet notebooks of wide/or college-ruled
paper approximately 8” X 10½”; no loose-leaf
 One 30-centimeter ruler, or a ruler with centimeters
on one side and inches on the other
 One pencil sharpener
 One blunt scissors (safety scissors with
embedded steel blades work well)
 Five unsharpened #2 pencils with erasers
 Five ballpoint pens (no gel ink)
 One box of 16 or 24 crayons
 One 2½” eraser
FABRIC KIT:
 Two pieces of cotton or cotton-blend fabric (no knits or 100% polyester);
fabric should have no stains or holes and be cut into pieces measuring:
 2¼ yards of 60” wide fabric, or 3 yards of 44” wide fabric, or 4 yards of 36” wide fabric
 Two spools of neutral-colored, general purpose thread, 250-300 yards each
BABY CARE KIT:
 Size 6 to 24 months
 Two lightweight cotton t-shirts
 Two long- or short-sleeved gowns or sleepers-without-feet
(2-piece sets are okay)
 Two receiving blankets, medium-weight cotton or flannel,
or crocheted or knitted with lightweight yarn, up to 52” square
 Four cloth diapers, flat fold preferred
 One jacket, sweater or sweatshirt with a hood, or include a baby cap
 Two pairs of socks
 One hand towel, dark color recommended
 Two bath-size bars (4 to 5 oz.) of gentle soap, in original wrapping
 Two diaper pins or large safety pins
Trinity Lutheran Church
October 2 0 1 4 – Vol. 2 Issue 10
David and Marilyn Knutson Lecture
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.
in PLU’s Karen Phillips Auditorium
“You Can Have it All:
Theorizing Transreligious Spirtuality
from the Field of Black Studies”
The Rev. Dr. Monica Coleman will deliver the Marilyn and David Knutson lecture this October. She is a pastor, scholar and activist and one of the brightest lights in womanist /
black theology. Because of her work with religion and justice, the interdenominational
preaching magazine The African American Pulpit named Coleman one of the “Top 20 to
Watch” – The New Generation of Leading Clergy: Preachers under 40. A scholar and activist, Monica A. Coleman is committed to connecting faith and social justice. For details,
Visit: http://www.plu.edu/religion/misc/monica-coleman.php
Trinity’s free COMMUNITY MEAL
Friday, October 16 5:30-7:00 pm
We serve every third Friday of the month and prep the
meal the day before. You could serve one or more shifts.
Even one hour on Thursday is a big help!
Please consider volunteering your time:
Thursday 3:30—6:30 prep food
Friday 3:30-5:30 set up tables/chairs/décor;
Friday 5—6:30 serve the meal
Friday 6-7:30 clear tables, do dishes, tidy the hall
To help with the meals:
Please see Kurt Scearce or Wanda Wentworth.
We would love to have you join us!
Trinity Food Pantry Hours
Tuesdays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fridays
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sundays 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Our Food Pantry serves households in any zipcode. Households can receive bags of groceries
every 30 days. Trinity also offers a free-choice
table that can be visited anytime that the Food
Pantry is open.
Get involved by volunteering!
See Wanda Wentworth, Virginia Garrison or
Pat Witt for more information. You may also
contact the church office 253-537-0201.
Classes for Family Caregivers
Trinity Lutheran Church Library
Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00 pm
Oct. 7, 2014
Finding, Creating & Using Resources
Oct. 21, 2014
Self Care for the Caregiver
Nov. 4, 2014
Dementia, Chronic Illness & the Family
Oct. 14, 2014
Financial Well Being
Oct. 28, 2014
Family Dynamics and Communication
Light refreshments provided; Small $10 fee helps us pay for copying the handouts, due at the first class session
Pre-registration Requested: register on the internet at www.lcsnw.org/supportu/classes.asp Or call the church at 253-537-0201
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FROM Parish Nurse Virginia Garrison
Office hours are Tuesdays noon to 4:00 p.m.
October is Mental Health Month. One common mental health condition
is depression, which affects more than 19 million Americas each year.
For those who seek treatment, over 80% show improvement. Unfortunately, because of the stigma that continues to exist related to mental
illness, many do not seek treatment.
Clinical depression is more than just a case of the blues. Symptoms of clinical depression included:
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Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood
Sleep disturbances, including too much or too little
Appetite disturbance, eating too much or too little
Loss of pleasure in activities once enjoyed
Restlessness or irritability
Difficulty concentrating, making decisions or memory problems
Fatigue or loss of energy
Feelings of guilt, helplessness, worthlessness, thoughts of suicide or death
The most common treatments are antidepressant medications, psychotherapy or a combination of the
two. As with many conditions, early diagnosis and treatment is more effective and helps lessen the likelihood of recurrence.
If you have symptoms of clinical depression, please let your doctor know so treatment can begin. May
the God of healing be with you.
FOR YOUR HEALTH at Trinity
Trinity is currently seeking a
part-time Youth Leader
to interact with and inspire
our young people, to
provide a variety of Christcentered opportunities for
personal growth in faith,
fellowship, service, and
involvement in the
congregation and the larger
Christian community.
Contact /resumes to: Pastor Gaustad
prjlg@msn.com
Nurse Virginia is In:
every Tuesday, in Room 118
Noon to 4:00 p.m.
Prayers for Healing:
After Worship SUNDAY Oct 12 & 26
Exercise for Life 10:45 a.m.
Monday, Wednesday & Friday
in Trinity’s Thompson Hall
A gentle, group-exercise routine
done while sitting in a chair.
Jump Out of Yourself
WEIGHT LOSS DIALOG
FRIDAYS 1:30 p.m. at Trinity.
Be proactive dealing with excess
weight! Come find success!
Living out our faith in Jesus Christ through joyous service to others. - Trinity mission statement
October 2 0 1 4 – Vol. 2 Issue 10
Trinity’s Endowment Fund Awards $16,000 in Grants
Theological Education for Emerging Ministries (Teem) – Scholarship in support of Jesus Rodriguez $1500
PLUMS - PLU Matching Scholarship in support of Karli Floyd $1000
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd – start-up/training costs for faith development for children $1500
Trinity Childcare Center – painting of Childcare Center $1500
Trinity Garden of Edible Delights – construction of a garden shed $1000
Trinity Lutheran World Relief Quilters – batting for quilts $1000
Trinity Food Pantry – to meet Thrivant Matching Funds for Shrove Tuesday Proceeds $1500
Trinity Youth – in support of ELCA youth Gathering Registration (Detroit, 2015) $1500
Early Stage Memory Loss Zoo Walk – in support of LCSNW program for care givers and receivers $1000
Warm Coats for Winterfest: Serving Local Families in Need – for purchasing coats, hats, gloves $1500
Children’s Haven International, Raynosa, Mexico – renovation of care homes for children $1500
World Birth Aid – providing clean birth kits to pregnant women in Africa and Asia $1500
Willing hands, working in clay; help Trinity
support the Empty Bowls project!
On Sunday, October 5, in the Narthex area, you will have the
opportunity to create a pottery bowl which will then be donated
to the Emergency Food Network Empty Bowls fundraiser. At
this annual event in November over 1000 donated bowls are
available for purchase. In addition, learn more about Feeding
Ministry fall projects, events and partnerships…. and join us in
saying thank you to the many gardeners who have generously
shared their produce this season!
Trinity has unveiled
a new website
Check it out at
trinitylutheranparkland.org
TRINITY BIRTHDAYS
Celebrating our people!
Additions, changes to the birthday list? Contact Lisa Boers
537-0201 x110, office@trinitylutheranparkland.org.
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Robert Norris
Jill Thorsen
Christopher Ferber
Eric Samuelson
Jess Howard
Ed Kane
Genevieve Barnes
Trudy Connors
Gilles Boers-Gein
John Gilchrist
Marilyn Haugen
DeLoris Larson
Arthur Gee
Tom Leitch
Luc Boers-Gein
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Jill Baughman
Lee Smukalla
Cynthia Wu
Winona Knudsen
Carmela Paolino
Eric Herde
Janet Ungurs
Barbara Phillips
Jacob Buckentin
Frank Edwards
Spencer Broden
Tom Flora
Jennifer Samuelson
Gloria Gilchrist
Lauren Sensel
William Vatsaas
Nancy Olsen
Carissa Maass
17 Raoul Titus
Genevieve Normile
18 Jackson Sledge
19 Rebecca Sturzenegger
Rebecca Flynn
20 Nichole Olson
Melanie Bacon
Isaac Larson
21 Kevin Barnes
22 Lowell Kiesow
23 Anna Myking
Cole Buckentin
Molly Pfunder
Alex Meier
24 Walt Shaw
Alan Gammel
25 Pat Ness
Judy Blahm
25 Karen Parr
Steven Parr
26 Michelle Lee
Robin Cassidy
28 Shirley Mayer
Bethany Cooper
Timothy Tuttle
28 Wanda Wentworth
Lori Ervin
Carrie Winters
Timothy Scott
28 Gloria Nornes
Mark McDougall
Valerie Ufer
Erica Crust
29 Nancy Judge
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SUNDAYS MORNING SCHEDULE
N E W S D E A D L I N E S : Newsletter: October 14
Sunday bulletin: Wednesday noon
8:15 a.m.—Jubilate Choir rehearsal
9:00 a.m.—Worship
(hospitality after worship)
Senior Meals at Trinity
10:00 a.m.—Sunday School, Text study
10:15 a.m.—Cantate Choir rehearsal
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
RSVP 253-537-9171
11:00 a.m.—Worship
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Food Pantry Hours:
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Sundays 1 pm—3 pm
or type:
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then click “Give Now”
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
A free monthly publication of Trinity’s Messenger OCTOBER 2014
www.trinitylutheranparkland.org
Vol. 2 Issue No. 10
Editor Lisa Boers 253-537-0201 x110
12115 Park Avenue South
Tacoma WA 98444-3629