HOME VISITOR
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH
MARCH, 2008
BIBLE READINGS
This month we begin our new series of bulletins and worship
folders. Along with that we will be learning some new service orders
and music. As you can see the “Second Reading” notation has been
replaced with the more traditional notation of “Epistle”. Another thing
to look for in the new worship folders is the term “Collect” or little
prayer that replaces the term “Prayer of the Day”. These should
be easy notations to grow accustom to as we begin a new quarter of
worship.
3/2 - Fourth Sunday in Lent
Old Test. Isaiah 42:14-21
Psalm 142
Epistle Ephesians 5:8-14
Gospel John 9:1-41
3/9 - Fifth Sunday in Lent
Old Test. Ezekiel 37:1-14
Psalm 130
Epistle Romans 8:1-11
Gospel John 11:1-45
3/16 - Palm Sunday
Old Test. Isaiah 50:4-9a
Psalm 118:19-29
Epistle Philippians 2:5-11
Gospel Matthew 27:11-66
3/23 - Easter Day
First Reading Acts 10:34-43
Psalm 16
Epistle Colossians 3:1-4
Gospel Matthew 28:1-10
3/30 - Second Sunday of Easter
First Reading Acts 5:29-42
Psalm 148
Epistle 1 Peter 1:3-9
Gospel John 20:19-31
WELLNESS WITH TLC
Fresh Air = Fresh Perspective
Springtime air and a fresh perspective – mental health
professionals recognize the boost that comes from outdoor exercise. The
centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourage people to pursue
physical activity outside to reduce depression and anxiety. The
American Counseling Association proclaims a link between positive
mental health and outdoor recreation as well.
Try these activities:
Walk,
run, or hike. Lace up your sneakers or hiking boots and take
advantage of the longer daylight hours for a before-work jog or an
after-dinner stroll with a friend or spouse. Some counselors even
use outdoor walking as a form of therapy because you get to relieve
stress, decompress, and talk with your companion while enjoying the
beauty of nature.
Connect
with the kids. After supper instead of lounging in front of the
television, play a game outside with your children. (Easter is the
perfect time for an old fashioned Easter Egg Hunt!) You’ll reconnect
with the carefree feelings of childhood, bond with your family, and get
some physical exercise as well.
Bonnie F. Hill RN, M.A.
YOUTH GROUP FUNDRAISER
Trinity Youth Group will be selling home-made Easter candy
on Palm Sunday. The goodies include chocolate candy, sweet
treats, and special sugar-free white chocolate candy. Order forms
will be handed out in advance by youth group members. Candy
pick-up will be after the service on March 16th.
FROM THE PASTOR
This month we begin a new worship folder series, change some of
our worship style to a more user friendly format, say thank you to
Bonnie Rose as our organist, but not good bye, say hello to Thomas
Clare our new musician and welcome Mark Wiening as our choir director.
That is quite a bit to digest in one month.
First, I am happy that we are moving ahead with the change to a
worship folder that will be more accommodating to our worshiping
family. With the new worship folders we should experience few
opportunities to get lost in the service. It will also allow us to
learn some new and relearn some old liturgy styles. I welcome your
feedback as that will only help make worship at Trinity better for all.
Please tell me what you like as well as what you think needs
tightening.
The first thing about the folders you should notice is how easy
they are to follow. Secondly, there is a column on the back cover by
the readings for the day that gives an explanation about the cover
picture and a bit on the theme of the day. Also, the reading schedule
we will be following will be the same as the Sunday School’s which
hasn’t always been the case in the past. This will allow for a more
uniform learning experience for all ages. Like you, I have had to field
questions from my children that are about stories that haven’t been
covered in the worship. Thankfully, now all will be working on the same
set of Bible stories on the same Sunday. By going to a worship folder
format that has most all the service in it, we should experience a
better flow of worship and certainly make things easier for our
visitors and guests as well as parent with small children who have had
to juggle several books and the bulletin all at once.
It is with a sad heart that we bid thank you to Bonnie for the
years of service she has given to Trinity. We are glad as well that
Bonnie, Dave and Adele will be continuing to worship with us and
support the choir with their musical abilities.
It is with a glad heart that we welcome Mark to a leadership
position with the choir and his ministry plan to introduce a children’s
choir at some point. What a wonderful way to include the children of
Trinity in yet another part of our ministry while providing a stepping
stone to the adult choir for many as they grow up.
It is also with a glad heart that we welcome Thomas Clare as our
new musician. Thomas and his family live in Centreville. Thomas is a
Sophomore in High School and this is his first job as a professional
church musician. I am happy that he has decided to begin his career
with us as I feel that one of the strengths of Trinity is as a
potential teaching congregation. As Thomas learns our ways I am sure he
will find that we are willing to help him in anyway that he needs us.
Please welcome Thomas and his Mother as they join us in March.
A great deal is going on here at Trinity and I am most happy to
be here as we begin some wonderful new ministry opportunities. March is
also the month of Holy Week and Easter. I pray that your worship is
blessed this season. During Holy Week, the Ladies Guild will be
sponsoring a prayer vigil. Please support this effort with your time
and prayers. Hopefully, it will be a time of renewal and refreshment as
we prepare for the Holy Week services and the celebration of Easter.
Blessings this season of Lent and the celebration of our Lord’s resurrection.
Pastor Keith
PRAYER VIGIL FOR HOLY WEEK
The Women's Guild is sponsoring a prayer vigil for Wednesday and
Thursday of Holy Week. The times of the vigil will be from 7am to 7pm.
Prayer materials will be provided if needed. Please see the sign up
sheet in the Narthex when it is posted and prayerfully consider taking
a 30 min time slot. Anyone wishing to work on preparing for this event
should see Pastor Keith as soon as possible. The congregation is asked
to sign up for 30 min time slots throughout the days this event is
offered. A Holy Week prayer vigil is a very ancient practice to help
Christians prepare for Holy Week and the celebration of Easter. The
members of the Ladies Guild will serve as receptionists to check you
in, pass out materials as needed and make sure that the participants
are not disturbed during their time commitment. Please consider adding
this event to your calendar. Some topics for your meditation could
include our building project or our worship events or people who God
has touched your heart with recently. This even will be added to the
calendar as a regular event for both Holy Week and as a pre-Advent
event as well.
TRINITY WOMEN’S GUILD
January 10, 2008
The
table prayer was given by Pastor Keith and white cake with cherry
topping, pretzel salad, candy and fruit punch were served by Marie
DeMoss and Betty Myers with a Valentine theme.
The meeting was called to order by Daria Barnes as Pastor Keith read the devotional from The Lord Will Answer.
Roll call showed eight members present plus Pastor Keith. Minutes from January were read and approved.
In
the absence of Sally Slack, Daria Barnes provided the Treasurer’s
Report which showed a working balance of $804.30 and $2,875.13 in CEF.
Cookbook profit to date was noted to be $1,318.22.
Under Old Business, Daria Barnes reported that if we want Thrivent to match funds, their cut-off date is December.
Under New Business, four items were discussed:
1.
Betsy Douglas is viewing a DVD sent by Bethesda Home asking us
for a contribution. Betsy will report further on the topic at the March
meeting.
2.
Joanne Ahrenhold is going to look into how the church would go
about having a table at the Chestertown Farmer’s Market. She’ll report
the results of her discussions with the head of farmer’s market at the
March meeting.
3.
The cookbooks will be taken off the market for now. While the
sales have been profitable, sales have also slowed down. Bringing them
back out at a later time may regain interest from the congregation.
4.
Pastor asked that the Women’s Guild members serve as greeters
during the prayer vigil on the Wednesday and Thursday of Holy Week (19
& 20 March). He’ll update the group at the March meeting.
Hostesses
for the March meeting will be Esther Cox and Alice
Reinhold. We closed the meeting by praying the Lord’s
Prayer in unison.
Respectfully Submitted,
Carol Hill, Secretary
ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE
February 2008 Report
We have a few items to pass along from the Activities Committee
this month. Some are ongoing, but some are new!
Lenten Soup and Sandwich Dinners: Despite two Wednesdays of poor
weather, the dinners have been going well. For Ash Wednesday, 23 people
enjoyed the fellowship, with 19 and 13 attending the following two
Lenten Wednesday evenings. While these are good numbers, we’re always
looking for more – especially those that come to the service that
follows the dinner. Besides attendance concerns, we continue to have
some difficulty in getting people to sign up for soup and desserts.
It’s for these reasons that next year, we may only do Ash Wednesday.
We are getting your thoughts on the Activities – Thank You!: The
Activities Committee has received about 10 responses – and we are
thankful for all of them. Some even express willingness to help the
committee. For those that did, we’ll be calling!
We are still looking to hear from those of you that have yet to
turn in the survey. If you need another, or if you didn’t receive one,
let Terri or Andy know. Your input/feedback/thoughts are needed to
ensure that we offer events and activities that matter to you, the
members of TLC.
A Spring Dance!: The Activities Committee will be sponsoring a
dance in late April as a fellowship event and a fund raiser for the
Building Fund. Details are coming, but if you are interested in helping
in any way – from music to decorations, let Terri or Andy know.
A Gift for Moms and Dads: The Activities Committee will be
providing tokens of appreciation and love to moms and dads of TLC. The
gifts, devotional cards with a pin, will be given on Mother’s Day and
Father’s Day Sundays.
A Fund Raiser Event for TLC: To help with the Building Fund, the
Activities Committee is looking into a merchandise fund raiser. Details
on this are coming.
Respectfully Submitted,
Andy and Terri Bowers
Co-Chairs, Activities Committee
443 262-9547
COUNCIL MINUTES
February 21, 2008
There were 10 council members and Pastor Keith Less in attendance
for the 7 pm meeting - Ron Wessel, Marge Tine, Rudi Bitter, Do Leonard,
Ralph Mayer, Ralph Buckel, Terry and Andy Bowers, Mark Wiening, and
Beth Thayer. Dennis Herrmann and Jim Collier were excused. Sara
Buckel, Business Manager was also present. The meeting started
with a devotion read by Ralph Mayer which showed by example that God
will lead us through troubled times; but, we must make an effort to
follow his lead.
Strategic
Ministry/New Building Committee Update: Dutch Langenfelder and
Peggy Landskroener attended representing the committee. They
shared a letter that the committee prepared that reviewed the previous
Council decision “that the sale of the existing church is not the
responsibility of the Building Committee, but falls under the purview
of the Council. The Committee further feels that the purchase of
any parcel is also not within the scope of the Building Committee’s
responsibilities.” After further discussion, members decided to
make preliminary inquiries related to improvements to the current site
of the church and report back to council.
Recording
Secretary: Marge Tine - The minutes for the January 17 meeting
were submitted and approved after the balance remaining in the
Treasurer’s Report was corrected to $3429.87.
Business
Manager: Sara Buckel - Total Income for January was $12,391.04;
expenditures were $15,635.22, leaving a short fall of $3,244.18.
The checking account balance is $13,907.25. Sara noted that
during January some of the once yearly bills are due.
Committee Reports
A.
Worship and Music: Ralph Mayer - The council was happy to receive the
news of our new organist, Thomas Clare, a sophomore at Queen Anne’s
county High School. Thomas is an accomplished musician on the
keyboard and trumpet and comes very highly recommended.
B.
Youth: Do Leonard - Trinity Youth Group recently went bowling and also
made a trip to the Easton Ice Rink. Do Leonard complimented the
groups outstanding behavior on the trips. They are looking
forward to the Easter Candy Fundraiser. On March 2, they will be
taking pre-orders and then on March 7, they will make the candy under
the tutelage of Ralph Mayer. The candy will be ready for pick up
on Palm Sunday after the service. In March, the Youth Group will
meet on the first and third Friday.
C.
Evangelism: Beth Thayer - While Louisa Welch is attending Stephen
Ministry training, Terry Bowers will send out “thank you for visiting”
cards.
D.
Education: Dennis Herrmann - Pastor Less reported that the planning
sessions for the Education Committee are progressing with vigor and
joy. It was noted that more teaching help is needed for the
youngest class.
E. Stewardship: Mark Wiening - The committee is working on the Washington College Visitor Cards and outreach program.
F.
Activities: Terri and Andy Bowers - The committee is looking forward to
the return of more of the surveys and analyzing the data. They
are pursuing the possibility of having a Spring Dance Fundraiser and
Home Decorating/Candle Fundraiser. Special cards to honor fathers
and mothers are being purchased for the spring.
G.
Property and Grounds: Rudi Bitter - Many repairs have been completed
during the past month. Lights have been replaced. The
damage from the windstorm in the past month to the front of the church
was repaired by Rudi and Justin Bitter. It was also noted that
several large ticket repairs need to be discussed and planned on:
1. Windows need to be reglazed and painted in the
fellowship hall area. Comparison costs with replacement need to
be considered.
2. The complete roof has perhaps 5 years left and will cost
approximately $30,000 in today’s dollars to replace.
3. The area of the old entrance way that houses the air
conditioning unit is rotted out and needs to be replaced.
4. Kitchen floor tiles that are cracked and broken need to
be replaced. It was also noted that several other repairs and
replacements to the kitchen need to be addressed in order to bring the
kitchen up to code.
5. Rubber caps on the chairs and tables are missing and need to be replaced.
Weight Watchers requested to move the Thursday night meeting to
Wednesday evening. Pastor approved this beginning after Easter
until the 3rd week in November (the beginning of Advent). A quote
for $482.40 to strip and wax the Fellowship Hall and kitchen by Eastern
Shore Home Cleaners LLC was presented. Ralph Mayer moved that the
quote be accepted. Ralph Buckel seconded it. The motion
passed.
Noted:
Pastor Less will be at the Pastor’s Conference in Virginia Beach
from March 31 to April 2 and at the PLI Conference April 15-20.
During 2 weeks in June, he and Denise will be in Germany at the
Wittenberg church where Martin Luther preached. In September, he
and Denise will attend a PLI Couples Retreat.
Additional Business:
The Ladies Guild is hosting a Prayer Vigil during Holy Week, on
March 19 and 20 from 7 am to 7 pm on each day. The Church
Constitution Revision Committee will meet after Easter. Pastor
Less is securing samples from other Lutheran Churches.
Since there was no further business, the meeting was
adjourned. Motion to adjourn was made and seconded. Motion
approved. We closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Marge Tine
Secretary
MUSIC AND WORSHIP COMMITTEE
February 21, 2008
Our committee met with Pastor Keith following the February 17
Service. The following members were in attendance: Ralph Mayer, Patti
Carter, Don Myers, Millie Fernwalt, Nancy Wessel and Mark Wiening.
Trinity will start using a new worship format on Sunday March 2,
2008. The new format will be a more user friendly bulletin for
our members and guests. Those attending the Wednesday Lenten Services
used the new format and the comments were very favorable.
The Sunday service Gospel readers will be required to start using
the Lutheran Service Book Lectionary in March. This book will be on the
lectern and Pastor will mark the appropriate pages with ribbons. One
advantage to using this book is that the type is larger. One of the
pages includes hints on how to correctly pronounce the words in the
reading. Pastor said he is always available to help with the
pronunciation.
The last page of the new Worship Folders will include an explanation of the front page artwork and text.
Linda Cooke has stepped down as Acolyte coordinator. Nancy
Wessel has accepted the position. Many thanks to Linda for her years of
service.
Pastor Keith will be scheduling training meetings with the Ushers and Acolytes.
Mark Wiening has accepted the position of Choir Director. He will start on March 1, 2008.
Pastor Keith and I conducted an organist interview on February
18th with Thomas Clare. Thomas is currently 15 years old and a
sophomore at Queen Anne's County High School. He began singing in
local choirs in elementary school, starting with the Chesapeake Youth
Chorale under the direction of Ann Turpin, and his church's choir at
St. Christopher's. He currently receives piano instruction under
Raymond Hobbs and is now participating in several state and region wide
competitions. He also plays the trumpet in the Queen Anne's
County High School band, and became the trumpet section leader of the
school's marching band his sophomore year. Thomas was offered the
Trinity Organist position and he accepted. He will be visiting
with Trinity on Sunday February 24th and will assume the organist
duties at the March 9th service.
Andy Wessel will provide the organ music for the Feb. 24th service.
Respectfully submitted,
Ralph E. Mayer
Committee Members:
Chairman – Ralph Mayer Hymn board – Jacob Coxon
Acolytes – Nancy Wessel PA System – Andy Wessel
Altar
Care – Chris Wessel
Ron Wessel
Patti
Carter
Choir Director – Mark Wiening
Greeters – Nancy Case Organist – Thomas Clare
Readers – Millie Fernwalt Pastor – Keith Less
Ushers – Don Myers
THE BIBLE IN 50 WORDS
God made, Adam bit, Noah arked,
Abraham split, Joseph ruled, Jacob fooled,
bush talked, Moses balked; Pharaoh plagued, people walked.
Sea divided, tablets guided, promise landed.
Saul freaked, David peeked, prophets warned, Jesus born.
God walked, love talked, anger crucified, hope died.
Love rose, Spirit flamed, word spread, God remained.
(Denny Herrmann presented this during a children’s sermon a few
Sundays ago and had a number of requests to put it in the newsletter.)
CAPITAL BUILDING FUND EXPENSES
ABHA Architects $29,519.00
Appraiser 1,000.00
Lawyer
5,710.00
Perc Tests&Digging 1,100.00
TOTAL
$37,329.00
The total that is in our Capital Building Fund at the end of
February is $618,094.00. We are earning 4% interest on this
amount which changes with the market.
We praise God for his many blessings on our church.
Prayerfully, we ask for God's guidance as we move ahead
with the building project.
A generous man will prosper: he who refreshes
others will himself be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25
WHAT IS A STEPHEN MINISTER?
A Stephen Minister is someone who will totally care about you and
your concerns. It is the one who will listen to you and not judge
or betray your confidence. I was given a Stephen Minister 3½
years ago upon the death of Carl.
My Stephen Minister was about 20 years younger than I, and I
wondered how someone this young could understand the feelings and
concerns of an older person who had just lost her husband. She
had never experienced this type of loss.
I found out that everybody can use a “new friend”. My
Stephen Minister was there to comfort me through the tears of my
sadness and laugh with me at the happy things. She helped me
share the memories both good and bad in my life. She was there to
share the joy of my daughter’s wedding and the sadness of losing my
dear friend from cancer.
Through prayer and the concern of my Stephen Minister my life has
moved on and I am enjoying every moment. Even though she is not
officially my Stephen Minister now, she is still a very caring friend
who I can still talk to with concerns.
Everyone needs a friend and a Stephen Minister can be that.
It can be anything from death of a loved one, illness, divorce, other
family concerns or even the job. A Stephen Minister can be there
to be your moral support not to judge you or betray your
confidence. They do not tell you what to do or not to do.
Trinity has a great Stephen Minister program. We go to
extensive training and follow-up sessions. If you or anyone you
know would be in need of a “new friend” feel free to speak to Pastor
Keith or a Stephen Minister and you will be assigned one.
Everyone needs a new “FRIEND” and a Stephen Minister can be that friend.
Betsy Longmire-Douglas
EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Thank you to all the parents who are trusting the care and
spiritual education of their children to us in education. We are
very pleased with your support and with your trust and we are doing the
best we can to spread God's message of love to all the
youngsters. With God's help, we will continue. Here is an
open letter to all families at Trinity:
Dear Parents,
Spring is a wonderful time to begin or renew the practice of
family devotional time. We all see spring as a time of rebirth
and new beginnings. Perhaps we can all find the time to set aside
to reflect on matters of faith with our children.
Family
devotional time is a great way to share our faith with our
children. Often faith is seen as an individual thing, but at its
heart, faith is communal. We worship together in faith
communities ---- in church. Our God is a God of conversation and
community.
Many of us think we lack the skills to talk about God with our
children, but if we have been baptized we have something to talk about
with them. As with all subjects we discuss with children we to
not have to know all the answers. We can find ways to explore
faith together. Consider this letter a challenge to find ways to
express and discuss your faith with your children.
Questions about God are natural for human beings ---- so there
will always be something to talk about that can deepen your
faith. If you cannot find the answers consult Pastor Keith or one
of us on the Education Committee. We will help you.
Establishing a time for devotions is as easy as saying grace before
meals. If you already do this, try a blessing after meals, or let
it be the last thing you do with the children before they go to
sleep. Singing a familiar hymn or song is another way to share
faith.
The point is to communicate the love of God for one
another. God has made a wonderful promise to each of us through
His son Jesus Christ. Enjoy and share this relationship with your
children.
Do not be discouraged if it takes a while to get it going; or if
you do it for awhile and stop. You can always start again.
Making His Word a daily part of our family life is a joyful experience.
Denny Herrmann
Education Committee
