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The Trinity Tidings
Trinity Lutheran Church
217 Brackenridge SW, Sleepy Eye, MN
Phone: 507-794-5051 Fax: 507-794-5052
E-Mail: trinity@sleepyeyetel.net Web: www.trinitysleepyeye.org
Vol. 47
STAFF
Pastor Keith Ainsley
Home: 507-794-5641
Cell: 507-766-3383
Parish Administrative
Secretary
Darlene Brummund
Home: 507-276-8013
Financial Secretary
Pat Stevermer
Home: 507-794-7112
Organist / Sr. Choir Director
Mary Mulry
Home: 794-3768
Educational Director
Mary VanRoekel
794-3457
Custodian
Marian Johnson
Home: 507-794-3474
In This Issue
Pastor Keith Ainsley… 2
Daily Bible Readings… 4
WELCA…
4
Stewardship….
5
Youth and
Sunday School News…. 6
This & That…
8
Parish Report…
9
Worship Assistants… 10
Calendar…
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February 2015
No. 2
Worship Schedule
Sunday Worship 9:00 am
Education Hour 10:00 am
Trinity’s Mission Statement
We are a community where Jesus is Lord: our mission is to invite, welcome,
nurture, and equip all people to be disciples in His name.
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“The GOD We Can Know”
Dear Partners,
Transfiguration Sunday is just about two weeks away marking the conclusion of the season of Epiphany.
Ash Wednesday follows on February 18th ushering in the season of Lent for us.
Our Wednesday Lenten services will follow the tradition of past years. You can choose to attend either the
service at 12 noon—or the evening service at 6:45 pm from week-to-week. You can also choose attend the
Lenten suppers served from 5:30-6:15 pm in the Fellowship Hall making your Wednesday a little mor e
convenient. This year I have asked the various Church Boards to work together in serving the Wednesday
suppers. You can find both the schedule and menus listed in this newsletter. Please be sure to offer your
gratitude to those giving their time and talent for the benefit of us all as we gather to share in Word and meal.
This brings us to what our worship menu is about. I have chosen to follow a 7-week series by Rob Fuquay, Sr.
Pastor of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Indianapolis, titled The GOD We Can Know…Exploring the
I Am sayings of Jesus.
We will focus upon knowing God, and more specifically, knowing God through Jesus. In many ways the Bible
is a story of humanity’s attempt to know God. Sometimes this effort is as obvious and colorful as the tower of
Babel (Gen. 11:1-9). At other times the story (like Adam & Eve in the garden) describes people working hard to
avoid God. Many passages in the Old Testament describe people’s fear of what would happen if they saw God’s
face. It’s as if we want to know God, but then, we’re not so sure.
The Bible is also a story of God’s desire to be known. The scriptures relate the unfolding drama of God’s
never-ending desire to come to us. The highest expression of that desire is the gift of God’s self in the person of
Jesus.
John’s Gospel records a collection of self-revealing statements by Jesus known as the I Am sayings. These
statements, rich in imagery and steeped in historical meaning, provide powerful insights into the heart of God
and God’s desire to know and be known by us. We will explore these sayings with a threefold aim:
 First, to understand the images Jesus uses to identify himself as: bread, light, good shepherd, gate of the
sheep, true vine, way of life, resurrection and life. Our appreciation of the historical Jewish roots behind each of
these images will open many possible meanings for us.
 Second, to discover how these broad images & meanings connect with us today. As we take these sayings to
heart, I hope it will bring each of us closer to Jesus. Let’s remember, Christianity is not a religion--it is a
relationship! And a living relationship always requires nurture and attention, as well as trust and respect. The
I Am sayings of J esus invite us to practice that kind of abiding relationship.
And thirdly, I want you to think of this Lenten series as a journey into the world where Jesus spoke these
sayings. You’ll be invited to use all of your senses in order to experience God in your life. It is in these
experiences that God can be known.
And here’s a BONUS—the Mid-Week services will be enhanced with the Sunday morning Adult Study in the
Library following The GOD We Can Know DVD and Study Guide. We will travel with Rob Fuquay to the Holy
Land and see the places where Jesus stood as he revealed his identity. Each Sunday morning class will show a
video followed by group discussion questions, in addition to experiencing a spiritual practice together as a
group, and concluded with a brief devotion.
I invite you to join me on this journey not only to know more about God but to know God yourself.
Peace be with you,
Pastor Keith
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Lenten Schedule
Ash Wednesday February 18: Noon/6:45 pm Ashes & Holy Communion
Knowing the Great I AM—Exodus 3:1-14
Wednesday February 25: Noon/6:45 pm Service of the Word
I am the Bread of Life—Knowing God’s Satisfaction
(John 6:27-59)
Wednesday March 4: Noon/6:45 pm Service of the Word
I am the Light of the World—Knowing God’s Guidance
(John 7:2 & 14; 8:12)
Wednesday March 11: Noon/6:45 pm Service of the Word
I am the Good Shepherd—Knowing God’s Care
(John 7:2 & 14; 8:12)
Wednesday March 18: Noon/6:45 pm Service of the Word
I am the True Vine—Knowing God’s Power
(John 15:1-8)
Wednesday March 25: Noon/6:45 pm Service of the Word
I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life—Knowing God’s Way
(John 14:1-7)
Maundy Thursday April 2: 6:45 pm Service of First Communion
I am the Resurrection and the Life—Knowing God’s Possibilities
(John 11:17-26)
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Week of February 1
Su
Mark 1:21-28
M
Acts 21:17-26
Tu
1 Corinthians 7:32-40
W
Mark 5:1-20
Th
Galatians 5:2-15
F
1 Corinthians 9:1-16
Sa
Matthew 12:9-14
Week of February 8
Su
Mark 1:29-39
M
Acts 14:1-7
Tu
Acts 15:36-41
W
Mark 3:7-12
Th
Hebrews 12:7-13
F
Acts 19:11-20
Sa
Matthew 26:6-13
Week of February 15
Su
Mark 9:2-9
M
Hebrews 2:1-4
Tu
1 Timothy 3:14-16
W
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
Th
1 John 1:3-10
F
2 Timothy 4:1-5
Sa
Matthew 9:2-13
Week of February 22
Su
Mark 1:9-15
M
Ephesians 2:1-10
Tu
1 Peter 3:8-18a
W
Matthew 4:1-11
Th
Romans 3:21-31
F
Romans 4:1-12
Sa
Mark 8:27-30
Cut this out and use as a
bookmark in your Bible.
Remember to read your love
letter from God each and every
day.
Saturday, February 7th
9:00 a.m.
Breakfast and Blankets!
General Meeting
All women are invited
See you there!
Please join us for the Annual WELCA Meeting.
Join us for Pancake Breakfast and help decide
where to send the $1700.00 we earned at the
Cookie Walk to help the most people. Later we’ll
tie some blankets for Camp Noah. Join us for a
morning of fun this winter!
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Financially, the year 2014 was very good. One of the goals was to complete paying for the Welcome Project.
We came very close to doing that by the end of December and by the end of January, only about $2,500
remains. Any future gifts designated for the building fund will be earmarked for the church roof which will
need to be replace in a few years.
As we tallied up the giving for the year, we noticed that many of our special giving funds did really well. In
fact, the giving to the budget as well as special funds like the Welcome Project, World Hunger, Malaria Nets,
Fry Fund, Quarter Folders, Milk Fairy Fund, Agape, etc. total over $380,000.00.
The annual meeting also provided updates by the various boards, financial reports as well as approving a
budget for 2015. There was very little change in what the boards proposed with the increases coming in
salaries and benefits. The total approved is $304,000.00.
During this Lenten season, the Board of Stewardship has proposed an opportunity to support some of the
special funds members have made gifts to during the past year as well as some new ones. These gifts are
considered over and above one’s weekly tithe or offering. The plan means that any offering coming in the
Lenten envelopes (those with colored edges) will go to a different place each week. All offerings coming in
the regular Sunday envelopes will go to the General Fund.
There will also be an opportunity to fill the quarter folders or a film canister with coins. These will all go to
the local Food Shelf. Here are the days for special offerings:
February 18—St. John’s Home Foundation
February 25—Watonwan Conference Partnership Fund
March 4—Malaria Fund
March 11—Fry Fund
March 18—Agape
March 25—Lutheran Seminaries
If you choose to use your regular envelope, you can always indicate which special fund you wish to support
by writing the name of it in the special offering blank.
It was also decided to continue the noisy offerings during the four months out of
the year where there are five Sundays. The children enjoy collecting our coins and
during 2014, these noisy offerings totaled about $1,600.00. The first one will be
in March and will go to the Food Shelf as what cash we provide allows them to
purchase food at two pounds for the price of one during the month.
Simply Giving is always an option for members. It allows you to have offerings transferred from your account
to the church account. It can be set up weekly, monthly or bimonthly. You can still use your regular envelope
if you like. Contribution amounts can be changed at any time during the year. Simply Giving is one way to
provide financial stability to an organization in meeting financial goals. Stop in the church office for more
details.
The Board of Stewardship is so thankful for the many
faithful stewards whether it be time, talents or treasures
provided in the church and/or community.
St. Paul reminded the Corinthians that the Macedonians
“gave according to their means.” (II Cor. 8:3) God asks us
to look at our income and give proportionately.
Board of Stewardship
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THINK BIBLE CAMP….
It’s hard to believe that it is already time to think about Summer Bible Camp.
Trinity provides FULL SCHOLARSHIPS to Green Lake Bible Camp for ALL of our young people.
This awesome experience is FREE
toth young members of Trinity.
st
(Those who will complete 1 – 12 grade this spring.)
What an amazing blessing for campers!!!
Since Green Lake has a discounted camping fee for early bird registrations we need
camper information turned into the church office by Sunday, March 8th.
If registrations are turned in after March 8th,
the camper will be expected to pay the $20 late fee.
So be sure to get your forms turned in on time!
Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity!
“Time spent at camp is one of the most significant faith formative experiences in a young person’s life. Outdoor Ministry
experiences allows youth and adults to spend meaningful time together in worship and Bible study, experiencing faith in a
new ways and going deeper with their questions. It also provides a fun atmosphere, opportunities for new or stengthened
friendships and personal growth.” GLLM website
-2015 Green Lake Bible Camp Superhero Theme
BIBLE CAMP SUNDAY – FEBRUARY 8
Need more information about summer camp?
Or just looking for an inspirational and entertaining morning?
Come join in the fun as we learn about Green Lake Lutheran Ministries
summer 2015 adventures.
Dave Eliason from Green Lake Bible Camp will share about camp
experiences during worship Feb 8.
Sunday School hour will provide students and parents with an opportunity to talk
to Dave personally. There will be various activities that will be based on the
Jesus is a superhero theme.
Registration forms and camp information will be available.
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Bibles for Third Graders
During the worship service on Sunday, February 15
third graders and their parents will be asked to come
forward to receive their new Bibles and a blessing.
The following two Sundays during Sunday School
third graders and their parents will attend a class on
how to use and learn from their Bibles.
First Communion
Pastor Keith will be teaching a special class for Third
Graders to prepare for their First Communion. These
classes will be held during the Sunday School hour four
Sundays during March. Watch for further information.
Good News Bearers is BACK!!
All of Trinity's 3rd-6th graders (and their friends)
are invited to come to Good News Bearers
on Friday, Feb 27th 1:15-3:15 p.m. (early release day at school)
for a snack, activities, a service project and FUN!
Please contact Julia Coulson (507-227-1593)
with any questions...
we hope to SEE YOU THERE!
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WE HAVE
ADDED NEW ITEMS
to our fair trade products which are
for sale in the church office. Please let
us know if there are ot hers you would
like us to add. We now have green tea,
an additional decaffeinated coffee – French roast
and boxes of Single serve cups of coffee for those
of you who use a single serve coffee machine in
your home or office. As always we have several
types of drip and bean coffees, flavored coffees,
decaffeinated coffees and now three varieties of
teas. When you purchase fair trade products you
are supporting small farmers around the world.
Thank you.
Saturday, February 28, 2015
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Vinje Lutheran Church and
Bethel Lutheran Church
ALL ARE WELCOME!
Congregation Members, Council
Officers, Christian Educators, Worship
& Youth Leaders, Pastors…
Everyone!
Trinity is Registered ~ No cost to you!
Includes all materials, refreshments and lunch.
Presenter, Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber
Choice of Three Workshops
Video message from
Presiding Bishop
Elizabeth A. Eaton
Sign up in the Office!
Trinity will
continue the trial of one 9:00
service on Sundays. Sunday
School will start at 10:00.
This schedule will continue
throughout the summer.
Blessings to you all.
GOT MILK? Help us make the
answer “YES!” for all children in
kindergarten through 4th grade at
Sleepy Eye Public School.
Trinity has been challenged to
raise $2500.00 toward the “Milk
Fairy” project begun by the
Social Ministries Board and other members of our
church. Please consider a donation to this effort to
ensure that the approximately 40 children who are
not able to participate in afternoon milk break can
do so for the remainder of this school year. Got
Milk? “YES!”
Newsletter Deadline: The next issue of
Tidings will be in mailboxes March 1st.
Please have items for the newsletter to
Darlene by 1 p.m. February 16th.
Thank you.
Our Services are broadcast on Channel 8
each Tuesday and Thursday at 9:00 a.m.
or on our webpage anytime. Share the
Good News with those who are unable to
join us in person!
JANUARY
Sunday Services
Date
Attendance
1/4
128
1/11
202
1/18
168
1/25
167
WE CONGRATULATE Laur a and
Kevin Jaunich in the birth of their
daughter,
Penelope
Ann,
born
December 25th. Grandpa and Grandma
Date
_____Offering
Mark and Sandy Beito join the entire
Week of…
Trinity family in thanks for her safe
1/4
$4477.05
delivery. God bless you Penelope!
1/11
$4143.35
CONGRATULATIONS TO Tr ista
1/18
$4793.00
and Ryan Smith in the birth of their
1/25
$4074.61
daughter, Emery Lynn, born January
2014 Welcome Project Needed:
12th. Grandpa and Grandma Bruce and
$2628.98
Jodi Belseth join us all here at Trinity in
thanks for her safe arrival. May God
bless Emery Lynn!
WE CONGRATULATE Andr ea and
Nate Kontol in the birth of their
daughter, Amelia Sue, born January
13th. Grandpa and Grandma Pat and
Sue Bruggeman join the entire Trinity
family in thanks for her safe delivery.
God bless you Amelia!
CONGRATULATIONS TO Steve
and Laura Petersen in the birth of their
son, Samuel, born January 14th.
Monetary gifts to the Welcome Project in Grandpa and Grandma Ron and Bev
memory of Elenora Thuer, sister of OraDell Petersen join the entire Trinity family in
Fischer from friends.
thanks for his safe arrival.
May God bless Samuel!
Send an email to the church office at trinity@sleepyeyetel.net and let
Darlene know you want your newsletter via email !!
WATCH OUR SERVICES ON TRINITY’S WEBPAGE ANYTIME
www.trinitysleepyeye.org
THE TRINITY TIDINGS NEWSLETTER IS NOW ALSO POSTED ON
WWW.SLEEPYEYEONLINE.COM
WATCH THIS SITE FOR COMMUNITY NEWS AND EVENTS.
TRINITY IS NOW ON FACEBOOK ~~ CHECK IT OUT!!
(Trinity Lutheran (ELCA) Sleepy Eye MN)
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Thank you very much for the beautiful
poinsettia plant I received.
I appreciated it very much
Melva Peterson
Dear WELCA,
Thank you so much for your very
generous donation of $250.00 in
support of the Sleepy Eye Chapter of
Let’s Go Fishing. Let’s Go Fishing
needs you and we appreciate your
support.
Lorraine Schroepfer
Thank You Letters were received from
the ELCA for our contributions to
World Hunger, Lutheran Disaster
Response, and from Lutheran Social
Services. Great thanks to everyone at
Trinity for stepping up to help those in
need.
WE EXPRESS OUR DEEPEST
SYMPATHIES to Or aDell Fischer
and her family in the death of her sister
Elenora Thuer. May they find comfort
in God’s promise of eternal life and the
prayers we send to them during this
difficult time.
Please remember to inform the church
office of any address or phone number
changes to insure you keep receiving your
monthly copy of the Tidings and to help
keep our records up to date.
Thank you for your help!
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Worship Assistants
Sunday 9:00 a.m.
Acolytes
2/1
Collin Hillmer
2/8
Kathryn Schroepfer
2/15 Colten Myers
2/22 Zach Haala
Readers
2/1
Gerry VanRoekel
2/8
Karen Voge
2/15 Rose Wall
2/22 Linda Schueler
Sound Techs
2/1
John Hirschbock
2/8
Zeke Gehrke
2/15 John Hirschbock
2/22 Zeke Gehrke
Communion Assistants
2/1 Linda Schueler, Jerry VanRoekel
2/15 Fred and Karen Dauer
February Ushers
Mark Beito, Doug Domeier,
Ed Ecker
February Greeters
Larry and Diane Evers
Sunday 9:00 a.m.
Acolytes
3/1
McKenzie Cselovszki
3/8
Alexis Holland
3/15 Benjamin Laffen
3/25 Joshua Nelson
3/29 Savana Kirchner
Readers
3/1
Phyllis Kleven
3/8
Pat Lowther
3/15 Harold Pettis
3/25 Cheryl Neidt
3/29 Larry Baumgardt
Sound Techs
3/1
Bryan Sellner
3/8
Russ Sorensen
3/15 John Hirschboeck
3/25 Russ Sorensen
3/29 Russ Sorensen
Communion Assistants
3/1
Rex and Judy Beech
3/15 Larry Baumgardt, Mark Beito
March Ushers
Lee, Katie and Ashlee Johnson
March Greeters
Ron and Bev Petersen
The confirmation students will be
assisting with the Lenten services
again this year as greeters,
readers and ushers. They have
been divided into 3 different
groups and each will receive a
schedule of when they are to
help.
Lenten Assistants
6:45 pm Wednesday
Lenten Acolytes
2/18 Sarah Dunn
2/25 Isaac Finstad
3/4 Macy Schenk
3/11 Ethan Fischer
3/18 Jaclyn Nessett
3/25 Emma Fischer
4/2 Maundy Thursday
Isaac Johnson
4/3 Good Friday
Matthew Sellner
2/18
2/25
3/4
3/11
3/18
3/25
4/2
4/3
Sound Tech
Zeke Gehrke
J. Hirschboeck
Zeke Gehrke
Russ Sorensen
Russ Sorensen
Russ Sorensen
Russ Sorensen
Russ Sorensen
Adult Ushers
Doug Domeier
Ed Ecker
Mark Beito
Lee Johnson
Shane Laffen
Susie Pedersen
Craig Dittbenner
Frank Fromm
Communion Assistants
2/18 Lee Johnson and Larry Baumgardt
4/2 Gerry Van Roekel, Lee Johnson,
Neil Neidt
February: Mary & Kaylee Hiller,
Lori Hirschboeck
March:
Cindy Anderson, Judy Johnson,
Mary Renberg
Group Two will be the next servers.
Group Two Co-chairs are
Mary Renberg and Doug Domeier
Group listings are in the narthex.
Thank you all for your labors toward further
fellowship and service in our Lord’s name.
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TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH
217 Brackenridge SW
Sleepy Eye, MN 56085
Return Service requested
non profit
U.S. Postage Paid
Permit No. 22
Sleepy Eye, MN
56085