Trinity Tidings- Nov 13

Posted on: November 14th, 2022 by Brad Peterson

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

New Member Class, November 13th, 6:30 pm.  If you are someone you know is interested in joining Trinity, please join this class or call PB if you cannot make it.

Deer Hunter’s Worship, Wednesday, November 16th, 6:30 pm All are welcome!  Wear your blaze orange and camo!

Crew is on November 16th for all 3rd-6th graders  Crew is 3:30 pm till 5:00 pm and this year we will be taking a Journey Through the Bible.

Crew Snack Sign-Up.  Please sign-up in the Narthex to provide snacks for the Crew.  Please prepare to serve 60 kids and you can bring anything you want.

Community Thanksgiving Worship, Sunday, November 20th, at 6:30 pm at Trinity.  Please bring a non-perishable food item for Stepping Stones.  All monetary gifts will be given to WestCAP. 

Bring your deer hides to Trinity!  Place them in the deer shack and we exchange them for gloves which we give to the needy. 

Decorate Trinity for Christmas!  Sunday, November 27th, right after worship.  We appreciate your help!

Mission Trip Youth in need of items for the Silent Auction!  With a record 27 youth going on this summer’s mission trip, our Silent Auction is more important than ever!  We appreciate any donations of new items or crafts!  Please have them to the church by December 7th

Don’t forget that you can support Trinity through the Vanco app OR using the donate form on our website.  Download the free app, search for Trinity Lutheran Boyceville, and go from there!

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

    I think this time of year is a season of preparation.  Everyone is preparing for something.  Maybe you are preparing for hunting, getting the cabin ready, getting the hunting rifle sighted, making sure your deer stand is in good condition.  Maybe you are also preparing to be hunter’s widow, checking out where the best craft fairs are, preparing for outings with others.  You could be preparing for Thanksgiving, going to the store to get the turkey, all the ingredients for pumpkin pie, the necessary items to make the best part of Thanksgiving, which is the stuffing.  You might also be preparing for Christmas as well.  Doing some of the early shopping.  Getting the outside decorations up before it becomes bitterly cold.

  To be honest, I feel like I’m in the middle of all of those preparations.  The Deer Hunter’s service is this Wednesday, so I have been getting ready for that (and for the annual tradition of the venison jerky I receive from Marlin Bird.  Right Marlin?).  I’m prepping for Thanksgiving, as we did our shopping this week as we are having our Thanksgiving on Saturday since we will be gone for Thanksgiving, plus the Community Thanksgiving service which we are hosting on the 20th.  And, if you have driven by my house, you know I have been preparing for Christmas, getting all my stuff up outside while it was 70 degrees (glorious).  Even with that, I even wrote my Christmas Eve sermon already and the Men’s Band has been practicing for our three Christmas concerts in December.  It is a time of preparing. 

   I’ve always like being prepared, and not because I was a Boy Scout (I didn’t make it that far).  I like the feeling of knowing that everything is ready to go, of having the security (and frankly, the control) of it being in order so I can handle whatever may come.  But of course, you can’t prepare for everything.  There is always going something that comes out of the blue, or something that doesn’t work or falls over, or something that just won’t go the way you hope it does.  Those moments can cause me some anxiety, but because of my preparation, I feel I can handle whatever may come.

  In the same way, my faith in Jesus Christ prepares for anything that life throws at me.  For I know that Christ has taken care of all things.  I know that Jesus has freed from all bondage.  I know I have a place prepared for me in heaven, not due to anything that I have done but solely on what Christ has done for me.  I know Jesus is there to carry my burdens, bless my blessings, guide my life, and strengthen me when I am weak. When we place our faith and trust in Jesus, we are prepared for anything and everything. 

  May the Lord be with you as you prepare for all the things coming up in these next weeks.  And may you know that, through your faith in Jesus Christ, you are prepared for everything and you don’t prepare alone.  Your Savior is with you.  For that we can say, “Thanks be to God!”

Website: www.trinityboyceville.com

YouTube: www.youtube.com/TrinityBoycevilleWI

Facebook: www.facebook.com/trinityboyceville

Trinity Tidings- Oct 30

Posted on: October 31st, 2022 by Brad Peterson

ANNOUNCEMENTS .

Men’s Band Worship on Sunday, November 6th, at 9 am.

Potato Pancake Meal, Sunday, November 6th, 10 am till 11:30 am. Potato Pancakes, Kielbasa Sausage, Apple Sauce, Dessert, Beverage.  Free-will offering taken to support Trinity Youth Ministries.

Workers needed for the Potato Pancake Meal  See the sign-up on the table in the Narthex.

Crew is on November 2nd for all 3rd-6th graders  Crew is 3:30 pm till 5:00 pm and this year we will be taking a Journey Through the Bible.

Crew Snack Sign-Up.  Please sign-up in the Narthex to provide snacks for the Crew.  Please prepare to serve 60 kids and you can bring anything you want.

New Member Class, November 13th, 6:30 pm.  If you are someone you know is interested in joining Trinity, please join this class or call PB if you cannot make it.

Deer Hunter’s Worship, Wednesday, November 16th, 6:30 pm All are welcome!  Wear your blaze orange and camo!

Community Thanksgiving Worship, Sunday, November 20th, at 6:30 pm at Trinity.  Please bring a non-perishable food item for Stepping Stones.  All monetary gifts will be given to WestCAP. 

Don’t forget that you can support Trinity through the Vanco app OR using the donate form on our website.  Download the free app, search for Trinity Lutheran Boyceville, and go from there!

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

  Recently, our puppy Baxter started to play with a racquetball.  Our old dog Henry loved to play with them, but Kapono never got into playing with a ball.  But Baxter loves it.  It is so cute to see him batting it with his paw, following it around, carrying it in his mouth, and learning which parts of the floor aren’t quite level and so he can push the ball out and watch it roll.  It is pretty entertaining to watch.  But, there are times when the ball rolls under a table or a shelf and suddenly Baxter can’t get it.  He sticks his whole arm under there trying to get the ball and will even try to crawl under.  Sometimes, he can get it.  But other times he can’t.  What is a dog to do?

  Like a super hero swooping out of the sky to save the day comes Mom or Dad.  We get on our hands and knees and get the ball out for Baxter.  We reach under to get this thing that he wants and he is so happy when he gets it back.  And why do we do this?  We do this because we love him.  We do this because we want him to be happy.  Even if it means getting up from our comfortable space on the couch or the chair.  Even if it is an inconvenience of the highest order.  We do it because we love him.

   For you, on your own, salvation is out of reach.  It is like that ball stuck under that shelf.  You try and try to get it but it is elusive.  It is just out of reach.  No matter how much you do, you will not and cannot attain that salvation.  And so here comes Jesus, getting that ball of salvation for you, sacrificing his life to give you eternal life.  And why?  Because Jesus loves you.  Because you are loved.

   You cannot attain salvation on your own.  As it says in Ephesians 2, “For by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not your own doing, it is the free gift of God—not the result of works, so that no one may boast.”  You are saved not by what you do, for you cannot do enough, but by what Jesus Christ has done for you.  You could not reach the ball of salvation, but Christ has sacrificed so that it can be given to you.

  And so, like Baxter getting that ball we have retrieved for him, rejoice!  Be glad!  You are free from sin and death.  You are saved and redeemed.  You have been given grace and love in Jesus Christ.  Remember this gift you have been given and who has given it to you.  It has come from Jesus, because Jesus loves you.  For that we can say, “Thanks be to God!”  Amen

Website: www.trinityboyceville.com

YouTube: www.youtube.com/TrinityBoycevilleWI Facebook: www.facebook.com/trinityboyceville

Trinity Tidings- Oct 23

Posted on: October 28th, 2022 by Brad Peterson

ANNOUNCEMENTS .

Confirmation Stole Making and Rehearsal  October 26, 7 pm.

Confirmation Sunday, October 30th, 9 am.  We hope that you will come to support our 15 youth who are affirming their faith.  Wear red in honor of Reformation Sunday!

Men’s Band Worship on Sunday, November 6th, at 9 am.

Potato Pancake Meal, Sunday, November 6th, 10 am till 11:30 am. Potato Pancakes, Kielbasa Sausage, Apple Sauce, Dessert, Beverage.  Free-will offering taken to support Trinity Youth Ministries.

Workers needed for the Potato Pancake Meal  See the sign-up on the table in the Narthex.

Crew is on November 2nd for all 3rd-6th graders  Crew is 3:30 pm till 5:00 pm and this year we will be taking a Journey Through the Bible.

Crew Snack Sign-Up.  Please sign-up in the Narthex to provide snacks for the Crew.  Please prepare to serve 60 kids and you can bring anything you want.

New Member Class, November 13th, 6:30 pm.  If you are someone you know is interested in joining Trinity, please join this class or call PB if you cannot make it.

Deer Hunter’s Worship, Wednesday, November 16th, 6:30 pm All are welcome!  Wear your blaze orange and camo!

Don’t forget that you can support Trinity through the Vanco app OR using the donate form on our website.  Download the free app, search for Trinity Lutheran Boyceville, and go from there!

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

  I have to admit, I was pretty impressed, friends of Trinity Lutheran, last Sunday.  Last Sunday was our Cross Generational Worship service, a service in which we try to have our various generations interact with each other.  This year, I did something a little different.  I made you sit at tables based on something that was on top of your bulletin, forcing some families and couples to sit at tables apart from each other.  I know that some of you, who knew you would have to participate with each other, already weren’t the biggest fans.  I believe a few phrases I heard was, “I hate this service” and “I think I’m going to go home.”  Then, adding in how I was seating you, made many of you nervous and even upset. 

  BUT you stuck it out.  You stayed.  You gave it a shot.  And then some of you who said the phrases above said, “I really enjoyed it” and “That was a lot of fun.”  The Cross Generational Worship service is meant to stretch us, to challenge us, to get us out of our comfort zones a bit, not only in a bid to get to know each other better but to also to connect on a faith level.  To risk a little bit.  Risk putting ourselves out there.  Risk looking at the world in a different way.  Risk letting something new happen, something that challenges us. 

  I want to thank you Trinity for being willing to risk.  My prayer is that you might continue to risk.  Maybe putting your name on that sign up sheet for that event that you are hesitant about.  Maybe showing up for something that might seem difficult.  Maybe going out into the community to risk connecting with others different than yourself.  For in risking, we are putting our faith in Jesus Christ to care for us and be with us.  In risking, we are letting the Holy Spirit work in, through, and amongst us.  I hope that you will continue to be a risk taker and place your trust and faith in Jesus Christ.

  It reminded me of a poem that I got in college.  I am not sure who the author is, but I share it with you now:

                                                “Risks”

    To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.

To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.

To reach out for another is to risk involvement.

          To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self.

          To place your ideas, your dreams before a crowd is to risk their loss.

          To love is to risk not being loved in return.    

          To live is to risk dying.

          To hope is to risk despair.

          To try is to risk failure.

But risks must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.

The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing and is nothing.

They may avoid suffering and sorrow but they cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love, live.

Chained by their certitudes they are a slave, they have forfeited their freedoms.

Only a person who risks is free.

Website: www.trinityboyceville.com

YouTube: www.youtube.com/TrinityBoycevilleWI

Facebook: www.facebook.com/trinityboyceville

Trinity Tidings- Oct 15

Posted on: October 17th, 2022 by Brad Peterson

ANNOUNCEMENTS .

Cross Generational Worship service is on Sunday, October 16th, at 9 am in the Fellowship Hall.

Mission Trip registration deadline is October 16th.   We will be meeting after church on the 16th as well. 

Crew is on October 19th for all 3rd-6th graders  Crew is 3:30 pm till 5:00 pm and this year we will be taking a Journey Through the Bible.

Crew Snack Sign-Up.  Please sign-up in the Narthex to provide snacks for the Crew.  Please prepare to serve 60 kids and you can bring anything you want.

Confirmation Sunday, October 30th, 9 am.

Men’s Band Worship on Sunday, November 6th, at 9 am.

Potato Pancake Meal, Sunday, November 6th, 10 am till 11:30 am. Potato Pancakes, Kielbasa Sausage, Apple Sauce, Dessert, Beverage.  Free-will offering taken to support Trinity Youth Ministries.

Workers needed for the Potato Pancake Meal  See the sign-up on the table in the Narthex.

Don’t forget that you can support Trinity through the Vanco app OR using the donate form on our website.  Download the free app, search for Trinity Lutheran Boyceville, and go from there!

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

  Late Thursday night, I was despondent.  Despondent.  My Chicago Bears football team was going to lose to the Washington Commanders, a terrible football team, which made my team even more terrible.  Also, that same night, my Minnesota Wild got run off the ice in the opening night game against the New York Rangers.  I was not in a good place and ended up staying up way to late, brooding and complaining and being depressed.  Even worse, I knew in my brain that this was all happening over a game/games.  Just a sport.  In the end, nothing significant in the grand scheme of life.  I had been through a lot worse than a couple of losses by my favorite teams.  Why was I feeling like this?  This seems pretty stupid.

   But in thinking that way means that I wasn’t taking what I was feeling seriously.  We can be tempted to dismiss how people are feeling because of the circumstances those feelings came into being.  But in doing so, we end up dismissing who they are and what they are feeling.  Have you ever wondered why someone was so upset that a relationship ended?  Did you think, “They should just get over it.  Plenty of fish in the sea.”  But we don’t really know what things mean to others.  Instead of putting our own values and judgements into what they are feeling and experiencing, we should be people with compassion and empathy towards them because they are actually hurting.  What may be minor to us is everything to someone else.  Being there for people isn’t judging why they are feeling the way they are feeling, it is about just being there, being present for them, in that moment.

  I think back to the night the Cubs won the World Series in 2016.  Amy went to bed right before extra innings with the score tied.  Because she didn’t hear me cheering, she woke up in the middle of the night and thought the Cubs had lost, and then preceded to think about what she could do to help me feel better.  She even said sorry when I woke her up the next morning, only for me to tell her that we had won.  Amy cares not about baseball.  But she does care about me, and so thinking I would be upset, even over a game, made her want to make me feel better and to be there for me.  That is how we should be for each other.  To not judge why they feel what they feel, but to be a place of comfort and refuge for them. 

   After all, we are called as followers of Jesus Christ to be there for each other.  To help each other in the hardships of life, no matter what they are.  To be there in the midst of suffering, no matter how or why it had come about.  To not judge lest we be judged.  May the Lord be with you as you are there for others, and may the Lord bring people into your life to be there for you. 

Website: www.trinityboyceville.com

YouTube: www.youtube.com/TrinityBoycevilleWI

Facebook: www.facebook.com/trinityboyceville

Trinity Tidings- Oct 9

Posted on: October 10th, 2022 by Brad Peterson

October 9, 2022

ANNOUNCEMENTS .

Crew is on October 16th for all 3rd-6th graders  Crew is 3:30 pm till 5:00 pm and this year we will be taking a Journey Through the Bible.

Fall Family Fest, October 9th, 2:30 pm till 5:00 pm  Inflatables, Gaga, Games, Activities, Food and more. For all ages.  No cost!  Join us for some fun!

Crew Snack Sign-Up.  Please sign-up in the Narthex to provide snacks for the Crew.  Please prepare to serve 60 kids and you can bring anything you want.

Cross Generational Worship service is on Sunday, October 16th, at 9 am in the Fellowship Hall.

Mission Trip registration deadline is October 16th.   We will be meeting after church on the 16th as well. 

Confirmation Sunday, October 30th, 9 am.

Men’s Band Worship on Sunday, November 6th, at 9 am.

Potato Pancake Meal, Sunday, November 6th, 10 am till 11:30 am. Potato Pancakes, Kielbasa Sausage, Apple Sauce, Dessert, Beverage.  Free-will offering taken to support Trinity Youth Ministries.

Workers needed for the Potato Pancake Meal  See the sign-up on the table in the Narthex.

Don’t forget that you can support Trinity through the Vanco app OR using the donate form on our website.  Download the free app, search for Trinity Lutheran Boyceville, and go from there!

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

  On Friday, as I was presiding over a funeral, we ended the service with the song “How Great Thou Art.”  This beloved hymn is most associated with funerals and is a staple of funeral services like hearing Psalm 23 being read.  Sometimes when you have something as ubiquitous as this hymn, it can become kind of rote.  Almost cliché.  But as we sang the hymn, giving glory to God for God’s greatness and for the love of the faithful disciple of Jesus Christ we were remembering and giving over to God, I had this thought: there is a reason this hymn is sung during these times.  Sometimes that things that are traditional, even cliché, work and work well.  They have become traditions for a reason. 

   The music moves you and soars, especially when you have a congregation singing it at full throat, even in the midst of sorrow and grief.  It brings hope and comfort in the midst of pain.  The words inspire and comfort, talking about all that God has done, from creation, to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our sins, and then salvation and going to heaven because of what Christ has done for us.  It just works.

  Sometimes we look down or dismiss the things that have become tradition for us or seem like a cliché.  I know I do (so many wedding sermons on 1 Corinthians 13.  So many).  Yet, we never tire singing “Silent Night” on Christmas Eve or “Amazing Grace” at any time.  I think about it with the Men’s Band.  We end every concert with “This Little Light of Mine” and the guys always joke about cutting it and not doing it.  Heck, there are times we skip it in practice.  Yet, every time we play, the energy that comes when we sing that song and invite you to sing with us works.  It just works. 

   As we finished up “How Great Thou Art,” I gave thanks for the amazing hymn and the wonderful man that we said goodbye to.  I gave thanks for those things that I sometimes take for granted or dismiss because we have done them/heard them/said them a hundred thousand times.  If there are things in our life that seem cliché, or rote, or so familiar that you overlook them, take a closer look.  Remember why they work and why they inspire.  And remember again that they are all gifts from our loving Savior, whose Holy Spirit works in and through and amongst us in all things.  Have a great week!

Trinity Tidings- Oct 2

Posted on: October 3rd, 2022 by Brad Peterson

ANNOUNCEMENTS .

Crew is on October 5th for all 3rd-6th graders  Crew is 3:30 pm till 5:00 pm and this year we will be taking a Journey Through the Bible.

Oktoberfest Craft & Vendor Show, Saturday, October 8th, from 9 am to 2 pm at Tiffany Creek Elementary.  Lots of great vendors, food served, all benefit the Woman of Trinity and their ministry and mission. 

Fall Family Fest, October 9th, 2:30 pm till 5:00 pm  Inflatables, Gaga, Games, Activities, Food and more. For all ages.  No cost!  Join us for some fun!

Crew Snack Sign-Up.  Please sign-up in the Narthex to provide snacks for the Crew.  Please prepare to serve 60 kids and you can bring anything you want.

Cross Generational Worship service is on Sunday, October 16th, at 9 am in the Fellowship Hall.

Mission Trip registration deadline is October 16th.   We will be meeting after church on the 16th as well. 

Don’t forget that you can support Trinity through the Vanco app OR using the donate form on our website.  Download the free app, search for Trinity Lutheran Boyceville, and go from there!

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

 I woke up late this morning.  Now, I don’t mean I woke up 5 minutes late.  I mean I woke up an hour late.  I thought I had an alarm set for 4:30 am and instead I woke up at 5:30 am.  When I realized what time it was, I shot up out of bed and got ready at the speed of light, rushing around the house getting stuff together so I could get here to the office.  My heart was racing and I was freaking out a little bit.  Would I be able to get everything done in time?  How could I have been so stupid to as not double checked my alarm?  Even worse, did I hear the alarm and turn it off in my sleep?  Even an hour later as I write this, I think my heartbeat is still going a little quicker than normal.  I hate being late more than almost anything in the world and even thinking about being late puts me into a tizzy. 

   But here is the thing: I didn’t have anything to worry about.  Other than not having this musing written yet, everything was well in hand.  The baptism stuff is set up.  Sermon has been written for awhile and just needs to be practiced.   The lights have been turned on, the sound system is going, and the doors are unlocked.  Children’s Sermon is prepared.  What was I worried about?  Why was I freaking out when I could have slept in till now (which is about 7 am as write this) and still be fully prepared for everything today?

  I have no idea.  Sometimes we freak out about things that we don’t need to freak out about.  I have seen brides freak out about the smallest things before a wedding.  I have seen kids lose it because they couldn’t buy a foam Prince Phillip sword at Disney World.  I have seen grown man freak out and call that a game was over when their team didn’t convert a third down in the second quarter while said team was currently leading in the game (that one was me.).  Of course, the thing that we think is minor to freak out over is really big to someone else.  My guess is that I freak out over being late because my parents drilled into us that being late was incredibly rude and also a desire to make sure everything is ready and perfect for the job I have to do.  I think it is a desire to be prepared in case something crazy happens.  It probably is about trying to be in control of an uncontrollable life. 

   And maybe that is the thing.  We freak out over things because we are trying to control our lives when so we can’t control everything.  Life is crazy, unpredictable, and surprising.  It takes twists and turns, has ups and downs, and almost nothing ever goes exactly according to the plans we have.  Sometimes we don’t set an alarm.  Sometimes it rains when the forecast says it is supposed to be clear and sunny.  Sometimes your favorite football team runs a fourth and goal play from the one yard line from a shotgun formation (sorry.  That still stings.  Stupid Bears).  Life is uncontrollable and we can’t control it, no matter how hard we try. 

  And that’s ok.  Because God is in control.  This God who has created us, sent his Son Jesus to die for us, and the Holy Spirit to create faith in our hearts, is in control.  And this God has promised to save us.  To be there for us.  To walk with us, even in the shadow of death.  To give us refuge even in the biggest storms of life.  God is in control and God has got us.  God has got you.  Even when you aren’t sure God has you, God does.  Even when we are freaking out, God is there.  Always.

  I don’t think I will ever stop freaking out over being late.  It is just who I am.  But maybe, just maybe, by the grace of God I won’t freak out too much.  My prayer is that in those moments of panic and freaking out, that I will remember that God has me, that everything will be ok and everything will work out.  And I have the same prayer for you.  Remember that your Lord is with you every day, no matter what, and that you are loved, saved, and redeemed by the grace of God in Jesus Christ.  Even when you are running late! 

  May God bless you this day and always!

Website: www.trinityboyceville.com

YouTube: www.youtube.com/TrinityBoycevilleWI

Facebook: www.facebook.com/trinityboyceville

Trinity Tidings- Sept 25

Posted on: September 26th, 2022 by Brad Peterson

TRINITY TIDINGS

September 25, 2022

ANNOUNCEMENTS .

2023 Mission Trip Informational Meeting on September 25th at 10:15 am.  Trip is open to all current High School youth.  Come get information and help choose where we will be going in the summer of 2023.  If you can’t make it, please contact PB

We are packing Lutheran World Relief Kits on Wednesday, September 28th at 9 am.  All are welcome to help!  Lots of hands make light work!

Oktoberfest Craft & Vendor Show, Saturday, October 8th, from 9 am to 2 pm at Tiffany Creek Elementary.  Lots of great vendors, food served, all benefit the Woman of Trinity and their ministry and mission. 

Bibles will be given out to Pre-K and 3rd graders on Sunday, October 2nd, at 9 am.

Fall Family Fest, October 9th, 2:30 pm till 5:00 pm  Inflatables, Gaga, Games, Activities, Food and more. For all ages.  No cost!  Join us for some fun!

Crew Snack Sign-Up.  Please sign-up in the Narthex to provide snacks for the Crew.  Please prepare to serve 60 kids and you can bring anything you want.

Crew is on October 5th for all 3rd-6th graders  Crew is 3:30 pm till 5:00 pm and this year we will be taking a Journey Through the Bible.

Cross Generational Worship service is on Sunday, October 16th, at 9 am in the Fellowship Hall.

Don’t forget that you can support Trinity through the Vanco app OR using the donate form on our website.  Download the free app, search for Trinity Lutheran Boyceville, and go from there!

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

 “He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3

The week of September 12th was a tough week for yours truly. Now, it wasn’t tough because anything bad happened to me, per se.  Rather, it was like I was the Hulk, just breaking things.  It started on a walk with Amy, Kapono, and Baxter on Tuesday when Baxter stopped suddenly and I ended up stepping on his back right foot.  He squealed very loudly and then wouldn’t put his foot down at all, even after a few minutes.  We realized something bad had happened and we called our vet and some others but none could get us in, so I took off for Eau Claire and the Emergency Animal Hospital.  A few hours later we got the diagnosis: two broken toes.  We were given strict instructions to try to keep him from moving around as much as possible, no more walks, no more rough play, for at least a month, maybe more.  Plus, for his sake, some pain meds!  It meant buying a pen to set up in the living room so he could be with us but be separated from Kapono and have limited movement so that he could heal.  Poor guy.

  Then, on Thursday, I was golfing with two friends.  One of them is a pastor in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and this was our first chance to see each other in two years.  We met halfway and had a wonderful day of conversation, golf, and fun.  EXCEPT one thing.  I broke a window in the clubhouse with a very, very, very offline drive.  Drove the ball right through the screen and the window.  The worker came out, threw my ball toward where it was supposed to be, and went back inside.  Here I was again, breaking stuff.  Hulk smash!

  So not only did I break two things, I had also a broken spirit.  The guilt in both instances were palatable and still with me.  Both were accidents.  Both were unintentional.  Both made me miserable.  Seeing Baxter in pain just ate me up as I sat in the waiting room to see what had happened.  Feeling terrible about breaking that window, even though the people at the course were really great, made me miserable.  I had broken things and in turn was broken a bit myself. 

   But the thing is, we are all broken people, even when we aren’t breaking stuff.  We are broken due to sin, broken as we deal with pain and suffering, broken by grief and sorrow, anxiety and worry, broken often both physically and mentally.  But we are not destroyed.  We may be broken, but we are made whole by the love and grace of Jesus Christ.  We are put back together by the love of a God who gives everything to us so that we might live.  We are healed by the Lord who carries our burdens, takes our sin, and walks with us every day.  Our brokenness does not separate us from God’s love for us in Jesus Christ.  Rather, our Lord looks upon us with compassion because we are broken. Because we need a Savior.

  Baxter is doing really well.  He had a follow up appointment this past week and things look really good and if you watched him walk or run, you wouldn’t even know that he had some broken toes.  The people at the golf course were so gracious and nice to me when I apologized about the window.  They understood.  Broken things can be mended, healed, put back whole.  We are mended, healed, and put back whole by the love and grace of God in Jesus Christ.  You may be broken today my friends.  I may be broken.  But in the midst of our brokenness comes a Savior to heal us, to make us whole, to remind us that though we are broken, we are loved, we are saved, and we are not alone.  For that we can say, “Thanks be to God!” 

   “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-10

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Here is Baxter in his living room pen. 

Trinity Tidings- Sept 11

Posted on: September 12th, 2022 by Brad Peterson

ANNOUNCEMENTS .

Sunday School begins TODAY, September 11th, at 9:45 am.  You can register your child in advance with the form located in the Narthex.

Outdoor Worship Service and Blessing of the Animals on September 18th at 9 am. Join us in the Parking Lot for an outdoor worship.  Feel free to sit in your vehicle or bring a chair to sit and bring your animals for a blessing.

Turn in your Time & Talent Sheets!  One is attached to this email.  Please turn it in to the office.

Crew Snack Sign-Up.  Please sign-up in the Narthex to provide snacks for the Crew.  Please prepare to serve 60 kids and you can bring anything you want.

Crew begins on September 21st for all 3rd-6th graders  Crew is 3:30 pm till 5:00 pm and this year we will be taking a Journey Through the Bible.

Mission Trip Presentation on September 25th at 9 am.

2023 Mission Trip Informational Meeting on September 25th at 10:15 am.  Trip is open to all current High School youth.  Come get information and help choose where we will be going in the summer of 2023. 

Oktoberfest Craft & Vendor Show, Saturday, October 8th, from 9 am to 2 pm at Tiffany Creek Elementary.  Lots of great vendors, food served, all benefit the Woman of Trinity and their ministry and mission. 

School Bags  Pick up a school bag from a pew in the sanctuary and fill out the list that is included in the bag, then return to the church.  You can also donate loose school supplies as well and place in the bin in the Narthex.

Don’t forget that you can support Trinity through the Vanco app OR using the donate form on our website.  Download the free app, search for Trinity Lutheran Boyceville, and go from there!

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

 As I walked out of my house this morning at about 5:20 am, I did something I don’t do that often, especially on a Sunday morning.  I looked up.  I took a moment with completely clear skies to look at the stars.  Normally, as I exit the house, I do so with a to do list in my head, things I want to get to done and have to do when I get to church.  But despite having such a list this morning, I stood there for a few moments to appreciate the stars, to marvel at the beauty of those lights in the sky, especially since it was a clear moon as well.  I’m not sure what prompted it.  Maybe it was the fact that I had taught the creation story to my 7th grade confirmation story early in the week. Maybe it was the prompting of the Holy Spirit.  I don’t know.  But I stopped, and I looked, and I wondered and awed and appreciated. 

  I had the same feeling of appreciation after I got to church as I started to work through my to do list (of which this musings was one) as I set up for the baptism this morning.  We have a lot of baptisms at Trinity and we have a bunch more coming up, but as I moved the font and put the baptismal blanket in place, I thought about how cool it is that we get to do so many baptisms at Trinity.  We have double digit baptisms every year and it could be easy to take them for granted as just something that always happens.  But it is a great gift to have a baptism, to hear those baptismal promises given to a new child of God, to celebrate with a family this joyous occasion of God’s love and hope. 

  I guess what I’m getting at this morning is that it can be easy to be overwhelmed by the tasks of life.  I know that sometimes I get so focused on all the things that need to be done that I can forget to appreciate the things that are in front of me.  I forget to take a moment and to look around, to see the beauty and majesty and awesomeness of life and of God’s gifts to me in life. I hope that you will take a moment today, or tomorrow, or the next day, and appreciate what is around you.  To give thanks for the little things of life.  To remember the love of God in Jesus Christ that is for you.  That you might wonder at the stars or marvel at the joy of a newborn baby or appreciate the hug of a loved one or the snuggle of a pet.  For God is good and God loves you so much that God sent his only Son to die and rise so that you would be saved. 

  May the Lord bless you today and always!

Trinity Tidings- Sept 4th

Posted on: September 6th, 2022 by Brad Peterson

ANNOUNCEMENTS .

Office closed on September 5th for Labor Day.

Sunday School begins on Sunday, September 11th, at 9:45 am.  You can register your child in advance with the form located in the Narthex.

Outdoor Worship Service and Blessing of the Animals on September 18th at 9 am. Join us in the Parking Lot for an outdoor worship.  Feel free to sit in your vehicle or bring a chair to sit and bring your animals for a blessing.

Turn in your Time & Talent Sheets!  One is attached to this email.  Please turn it in to the office.

Crew Snack Sign-Up.  Please sign-up in the Narthex to provide snacks for the Crew.  Please prepare to serve 60 kids and you can bring anything you want.

Crew begins on September 21st for all 3rd-6th graders  Crew is 3:30 pm till 5:00 pm and this year we will be taking a Journey Through the Bible.

Mission Trip Presentation on September 25th at 9 am.

2023 Mission Trip Informational Meeting on September 25th at 10:15 am.  Trip is open to all current High School youth.  Come get information and help choose where we will be going in the summer of 2023. 

Oktoberfest Craft & Vendor Show, Saturday, October 8th, from 9 am to 2 pm at Tiffany Creek Elementary.  Lots of great vendors, food served, all benefit the Woman of Trinity and their ministry and mission. 

School Bags  Pick up a school bag from a pew in the sanctuary and fill out the list that is included in the bag, then return to the church.  You can also donate loose school supplies as well and place in the bin in the Narthex.

Don’t forget that you can support Trinity through the Vanco app OR using the donate form on our website.  Download the free app, search for Trinity Lutheran Boyceville, and go from there!

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

 A little story for you.  Have a great Labor Day!

Table for Two by Kristen Burgess

He sits by himself at a table for two.

The uniformed waiter returns to his side and asks, “Would you like to go ahead and order, sir?” The man has, after all, been waiting since seven o’clock–almost two hours.

“No, thank you,” the man smiles. “I’ll wait for her a while longer. How about some more coffee?”

“Certainly, sir.”

The man sits, his clear blue eyes gazing straight through the flowered centerpiece. He fingers his napkin, allowing the sounds of light chatter, tinkling silverware, and mellow music to fill his mind. He is dressed in a sport coat and tie. His dark brown hair is neatly combed, but one stray lock insists on dropping to his forehead. The scent of his cologne adds to his clean-cut image. He is dressed up enough to make a companion feel important, respected, loved. Yet he is not so formal as to make one uncomfortable. It seems that he has taken every precaution to make others feel at ease with him.

Still, he sits alone.

The waiter returns to fill the man’s coffee cup. “Is there anything else I can get for you, sir?”

“No, thank you.”

The waiter remains standing at the table. Something tugs at his curiosity.

“I don’t mean to pry, but…” His voice trails off. This line of conversation could jeopardize his tip.

“Go ahead,” the man encourages. He is strong, yet sensitive, inviting conversation.

“Why do you bother waiting for her?” the waiter finally blurts out. This man has been at the restaurant many other evenings, always patiently alone.

Says the man quietly, “Because she needs me.”

“Are you sure?”

“Oh Yes. I’m very positive of that.”

“Well, sir, no offense, but assuming that she needs you, she sure isn’t acting much like it. She’s stood you up three times just this week alone.”

The man winces, and looks down at the table. “Yes, I know.”

“Then why do you still come here and wait?”

“Cassie said that she would be here.”

“She’s said that before,” the waiter protests. “I wouldn’t put up with it. Why do you?”

Now the man looks up, smiles at the waiter, and says simply, “Because I love her.”

The waiter walks away, wondering how one could love a girl who stands him up three times in one week alone. The man must be crazy, he decides. Either that or he must really love that girl. Across the room, he turns to look at the man again. The man slowly pours cream into his coffee. He twirls his spoon between his fingers a few times before stirring sweetener into his cup. After staring for a moment into the liquid, the man brings the cup to his mouth and sips, silently watching those around him. He doesn’t look crazy, the waiter admits. Maybe the girl has qualities that I don’t know about. Or maybe the man’s love is stronger than most. That’s probably it. This guy must be so much in love with her he can’t even see straight. The waiter shakes himself out of his musings to take an order from a party of five.

The man watches the waiter, and wonders if he’s ever been stood up. The man has. Many, many times. But he still can’t get used to it. Each time, it hurts. He’s looked forward to this evening all day. He has many things, exciting things, to tell Cassie. He loves her so much and so deeply. But, more importantly, he wants to hear Cassie’s voice. He wants her to tell him all about her day, her triumphs, her defeats….anything, really. He has tried so many times to show Cassie how much he loves her. He’d just like to know that she cares for him, too. He sips sporadically at the coffee, and loses himself in thought, knowing that Cassie is late, but still hoping that she will arrive.

The clock says nine-thirty when the waiter returns to the man’s table. “Is there anything I can get for you?”

The still empty chair stabs at the man. “No, I think that will be all for the night. May I have the check please?”

“Yes, sir.”

When the waiter leaves, the man picks up the check. He pulls out his wallet and sighs. He has enough to have given Cassie a feast. He takes out enough money to pay for his five cups of coffee and the tip. Why do you do this, Cassie?” His mind cries as he gets up from the table.

“Good-bye,” the waiter says, as the man walks towards the door.

“Good night. Thank you for your service.”

You’re welcome, sir,” says the waiter softly, for he sees the hurt in the man’s eyes that his smile doesn’t even begin to hide.

The man passes a laughing young couple on his way out and his eyes glisten as he thinks of the good time he and Cassie could have had. He stops at the front and makes reservations for tomorrow. Maybe Cassie will be able to make it, he thinks. Oh, I do hope so.

“Seven o’clock tomorrow for party of two?” the hostess confirms.

“That’s right,” the man replies.

“Do you think she’ll come?” asks the hostess. She doesn’t mean to be rude, but she has watched the man many times alone at his table for two.

“Someday, yes. And I will be waiting for her.”

The man buttons his overcoat and walks out of the restaurant, alone. His shoulders are hunched, but through the windows the hostess can only guess whether they are hunched against the wind or against the man’s hurt.

As the man turns toward home, Cassie turns in bed. She is tired after an evening out with friends. As she reaches toward her night stand to set the alarm, she sees the note that she scribbled to herself last night.

“7:00,” it says. “Spend some time in prayer.”

Darn, she thinks. She forgot again. She feels a twinge of guilt, but quickly pushes it aside. She needed that time with her friends. And now she needs her sleep. She can pray tomorrow night.

Jesus will forgive her. And she’s sure he doesn’t mind.

Website: www.trinityboyceville.com

YouTube: www.youtube.com/TrinityBoycevilleWI

Facebook: www.facebook.com/trinityboyceville

Trinity Tidings- Aug 29

Posted on: August 29th, 2022 by Brad Peterson

ANNOUNCEMENTS .

Women of Trinity Fall Gathering, Thursday, September 1st, 6 pm.  It is a potluck so bring a dish to pass.  All women are invited!

Confirmation Parent Meeting, Wednesday, August 31st, 7 pm.

Sunday School begins on Sunday, September 11th, at 9:45 am.  You can register your child in advance with the form located in the Narthex.

Outdoor Worship Service and Blessing of the Animals on September 18th at 9 am. Join us in the Parking Lot for an outdoor worship.  Feel free to sit in your vehicle or bring a chair to sit and bring your animals for a blessing.

Crew Snack Sign-Up.  Please sign-up in the Narthex to provide snacks for the Crew.  Please prepare to serve 60 kids and you can bring anything you want.

Crew begins on September 21st for all 3rd-6th graders  Crew is 3:30 pm till 5:00 pm and this year we will be taking a Journey Through the Bible.

Mission Trip Presentation on September 25th at 9 am.

2023 Mission Trip Informational Meeting on September 25th at 10:15 am.  Trip is open to all current High School youth.  Come get information and help choose where we will be going in the summer of 2023. 

Office closed on September 5th for Labor Day.

School Bags  Pick up a school bag from a pew in the sanctuary and fill out the list that is included in the bag, then return to the church.  You can also donate loose school supplies as well and place in the bin in the Narthex.

Don’t forget that you can support Trinity through the Vanco app OR using the donate form on our website.  Download the free app, search for Trinity Lutheran Boyceville, and go from there!

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

  “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the work of our hands— O prosper the work of our hands!” Psalm 90:17

   On Monday, September 5th, we will have the last hurrah of summer with Labor Day. Labor Day is a federal holiday that celebrates the labor movement in the United States and lifts up workers and their achievements. It is a day of rest and fun for many of us and we often don’t think of all the hard work and sacrifices made by the workers of this country over its history to get us to this point. Work is a gift from God and our work is part of who we are as followers of Jesus Christ. Not just the work that we do in our jobs, but our work on behalf of our community, our families, and most especially for the sake of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

    We are the hands and feet of God, after all, laboring in the world to not only provide for our families, but to care for the neighbor and lift up the kingdom of God. Each of us has been given gifts and talents that we use in all areas of life and we ask, as it says in the Psalm above, that the Lord would be upon and us prosper for us the work of our hands, wherever that work may be.

   On this month of Labor Day, as we enjoy the last moments of summer and take a moment to give thanks for work and what it means in our life, I want you to take a moment to think about how you can work for the Lord and for the ministry of Trinity Lutheran Church. Included in this Trinity Tidings is a Time and Talent sheet that I hope you will fill out and turn back in. It gives just a few of the ways you can work for the Lord to continue to make Trinity a strong and vibrant ministry. I encourage you to think outside of the box as well.

   Parents don’t always have to teach Sunday School or help with Crew. We could use the wisdom and faith of all ages to help guide our youth. Are you willing to get up once every other month to read scripture? Can you help with something that is often goes unseen, like shoveling snow, taking the garbage to the dump, or filling up communion cups? Men don’t always have to be ushers, by the way, and women don’t always have to serve on Altar Guild. Maybe you can help take items to the food pantry once a month or be willing to serve on a committee that talks about important issues of ministry. Where are you willing to serve? Where can the Lord prosper the work of your hands?

    Because without your labor, the church is just a lifeless building doing nothing to proclaim the Gospel, serve our neighbor, and bring glory to God. Without your labor, without you answering God’s call to serve in ways both seen and unseen, we are nothing but a country club who eats cheese and crackers and drinks coffee and slowly dies. But with your labor, with your service, we are a dynamic vessel that changes lives and brings glory to God. I will pray for you and with you as you discern how you can serve the Lord. And I pray that God will prosper the work of your hands in every aspect of your life and strengthening you in faith, hope, and love.

  Your fellow worker,

     PB

Website: www.trinityboyceville.com

YouTube: www.youtube.com/TrinityBoycevilleWI

Facebook: www.facebook.com/trinityboyceville

Trinity Tidings-Aug 14th

Posted on: August 15th, 2022 by Brad Peterson

ANNOUNCEMENTS .

Lunch & Pie Social, August 21st, 10 am till 4 pm.  Lots of great food and homemade pie!  Benefits the Women of Trinity.

Workers & items needed for the Lunch & Pie Social  Please see the sign-ups on the table in the Narthex

Float Riders needed for the church float at Picklefest! All kids get a free bag of candy!  Meet at the church at Noon on Sunday, August 21st

Campfire Worship, Wednesday, August 17th, 6:30 pm.  Bring a chair to sit on. 

Pick up your church directories!  They are on the Cake Table in the Narthex

Trinity Men’s Band will be at First Lutheran Church in Cumberland at 6pm on August 24th and at the Downsville Rec Park on August 28th at 11 am.

School Bags  Pick up a school bag from a pew in the sanctuary and fill out the list that is included in the bag, then return to the church.  You can also donate loose school supplies as well and place in the bin in the Narthex.

Confirmation Parent Meeting, Wednesday, August 31st, 7 pm.

Don’t forget that you can support Trinity through the Vanco app OR using the donate form on our website.  Download the free app, search for Trinity Lutheran Boyceville, and go from there!

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

  On Friday, late morning, I was pretty wiped.  It had been a good week but a long one and draining.  Between saying goodbye to Katie on Sunday, to having some appointments during the week, running up to camp to preach on Tuesday night, to playing in a golf outing all day Wednesday then sprinting to get back to lead worship to running a golf outing on Thursday and all the work that took to coming in Friday morning to get a sermon written, some office stuff done, and to polish off the wedding I was doing on Saturday, I needed a recharge and a rest. There had been too much running, too much stuff.  

  You might find this hard to believe, but I’m not the best at recharging and resting.  Sure, I enjoy a short afternoon nap when I can get it, but it tends to be buttressed by running around like a crazy man.  I often find that I need rest long after I should have taken one.  But Friday was a perfect scenario.  Amy made an awesome lunch, it was raining outside, and Star Wars happened to be on the TV.  Perfect time to take a rest.  The puppy needed some Dad time and after a little playing, we settled into the Lazy Boy chair in the living room with the familiar sounds of Star Wars on the TV and we took a nap of naps.  We slept so hard it took me awhile to get fully awake and functional.  It was a nap I needed, to rest and recharge before heading to the wedding rehearsal I was doing.

   We all need rest.  We need time to stop.  Now, rest doesn’t always mean a drool inducing two hour nap.  Sometimes it can just be slowing down, enjoying your surroundings or the people you are with.  Sometimes it is taking a moment for prayer or to read scripture. It might be a conversation with a friend or an outing that gets you out of town for a bit. It is about letting your body, soul, and mind reset and recharge.  As I have gotten older, I have seen the need for this more and more as I can’t just power through a crazy schedule without consequences to my physical and mental health.  And with Katie gone, I am being extra mindful of making sure that I stay healthy for the sake of our ministry here at Trinity.

  Soon school is going to start, schedules are going to get crazy, and the joys of summer and vacation will be in the rearview mirror.  But that doesn’t mean that you can’t take a timeout from time to time.  A chance to rest, to relax, to recharge in a way that works for you.  I have no doubt that there will be times this fall when I’ll grab Baxter, turn on some Star Wars, and rest.  Remember that you are human and not a machine.  Get some rest, recharge the body, the mind, and the spirit, and remember that from the very beginning God knew our need for rest.  After all, that is why God rested on the Sabbath and gave it to us as a gift, as a reminder that we need to recharge so that we can be fully who God has created us to be.  For that we can say, “Thanks be to God!”  Amen

Website: www.trinityboyceville.com

YouTube: www.youtube.com/TrinityBoycevilleWI Facebook: www.facebook.com/trinityboyceville

Trinity Tidings- Aug 8th

Posted on: August 8th, 2022 by Brad Peterson

August 8, 2022

ANNOUNCEMENTS .

Lunch & Pie Social, August 21st, 10 am till 4 pm.  Lots of great food and homemade pie!  Benefits the Women of Trinity.

Workers & items needed for the Lunch & Pie Social  Please see the sign-ups on the table in the Narthex

Float Riders needed for the church float at Picklefest! All kids get a free bag of candy!  Meet at the church at Noon on Sunday, August 21st

Campfire Worship, Wednesday, August 17th, 6:30 pm.  Bring a chair to sit on. 

Pick up your church directories!  They are on the Cake Table in the Narthex

Trinity Men’s Band will be at First Lutheran Church in Cumberland at 6pm on August 24th and at the Downsville Rec Park on August 28th at 11 am.

Confirmation Parent Meeting, Wednesday, August 31st, 7 pm.

Don’t forget that you can support Trinity through the Vanco app OR using the donate form on our website.  Download the free app, search for Trinity Lutheran Boyceville, and go from there!

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

 On Thursday, I surprised Amy with a puppy, a male toy Schnauzer that she named Baxter.  Amy was completely surprised and of course fell in love with the dog immediately (he is pretty cute).  But you know who didn’t fall in love with Baxter?  Our current dog, Kapono.  Let’s just say that she is not a fan.  And I can see why.  She has been our only dog for many years and she likes things the way she likes them.  Plus, she likes all the attention from Mom, and now that attention is split.

  But you know who wants to be friends?  Baxter.  Baxter tries to engage Kapono, tries to get her to play with him, and she is having none of it.  But he doesn’t give up.  He keeps going to her, all excited. And she keeps going the other way, trying to escape this hyper puppy.  But Baxter doesn’t give up.  No matter where Kapono tries to flee, Baxter follows.  And doesn’t give up.  I have no doubt that eventually they will get along.

   Watching Baxter chase after Kapono, I thought about our relationship with God.  Sometimes we run away from God.  We run away because of shame, of guilt, of feeling unworthy.  Maybe we aren’t ready for the radical love of God in Jesus Christ, a radical love that makes us see the world in a different way.  Maybe we are afraid, for we know that in Jesus Christ we are changed.  And we don’t like change.  Like Kapono. 

  But God is like Baxter.  God does not give up on us and keeps coming after us.  We might run away, but God keeps after us.  You can run away all you want, but God will keep on coming.  Why?  Because God loves you.  Because wants to show you the grace and mercy you need in life, show you that you are matter and that you are loved. No matter what.  We might get lost from time to time, but the Lord brings us back.  Searches for us so that we might know the grace and mercy given to us in eternal life.  As Jesus says in the Parable of the Lost Sheep,  “Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it?”

  I’m thankful that God never gives us up on us.  We may try to run away, but God keeps coming.  I know that without God searching for me, I would be truly lost.  But because God has found me, I know the love of God in Jesus Christ.  I know that I am saved and redeemed through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  I know that I have a place prepared for me in glory and a promise that I can live by.

   Remember that God never gives up on you.  Ever.  For that we can say, “Thanks be to God!”

PICTURE OF THE WEEK

Meet Baxter:

Website: www.trinityboyceville.com

YouTube: www.youtube.com/TrinityBoycevilleWI

Facebook: www.facebook.com/trinityboyceville

Trinity Tidings- July 31

Posted on: August 1st, 2022 by Brad Peterson

TRINITY TIDINGS

July 31 2022

ANNOUNCEMENTS .

Celebrating and Saying Farewell to Katie Wagner  Sunday, August 7th.  August 7th is Katie’s last day with us and we invite you to join us for worship and fellowship as we give thanks for her time with us as Youth Coordinator and Pastoral Intern. 

Lunch & Pie Social, August 21st, 10 am till 4 pm.  Lots of great food and homemade pie!  Benefits the Women of Trinity.

Workers & items needed for the Lunch & Pie Social  Please see the sign-ups on the table in the Narthex

Campfire Worship, Wednesday, August 17th, 6:30 pm.  Bring a chair to sit on. 

Pick up your church directories!  They are on the Cake Table in the Narthex

Summer Fellowship  We need fellowship servers starting on June 12th.  Please see the sign-up sheet in the Narthex to serve!

Summer Cake Walk  The Women of Trinity take over the Cake Walk in the summer to help fund their ministries!  See the sign-up on the table in the Narthex!

Don’t forget that you can support Trinity through the Vanco app OR using the donate form on our website.  Download the free app, search for Trinity Lutheran Boyceville, and go from there!

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

 We got back from our Mission Trip late Friday night from a week in Nashville.  We did and saw much.  Toured the Grand Ole Opry, visited the Nashville Zoo, Centennial Park and the Parthenon, went to Opryland, and they even indulged me in going to get some BBQ (and I indulged them with ice cream!).  We worked at homeless shelters, community centers, nursing home, with organizations as varied as Habitat for Humanity, Community Resource Center of Middle Tennessee, and Shower Up, which provides shower services to the homeless.  We sweated in the crazy heat, endured taking five minute showers in a building with no AC and sleeping on air mattresses where the AC was so high you had to wear all your clothes. We served alongside people from Michigan and Minnesota, did the Church Clap dance, laughed, cried, and everything in between.  It was a good trip and I know the kids can’t wait to share it all with you in the future and to thank you for helping to make it happen.

  But this little post here is about two people who, without them, we couldn’t have gone on this trip.  This is about our two volunteer chaperones, Melissa Holden and Lori Jensen.  Katie and I get to go on this trip but that is also part of our job.  Melissa and Lori had to leave their jobs for a week to go on this trip, and without them, we wouldn’t have been able to go.  They drove a van, headed up work crews, and provided much needed guidance and support to our youth throughout the week.  They had to sleep on air mattresses and endure all the same things that the kids had to endure. They might have even had to battle a cockroach in their bed!  Through it all, they were a great example to our youth and participated fully in everything the Mission Trip offered. 

  We have been blessed through the years with adults willing to give up so much to come with our kids on our trip and all of them, including Melissa and Lori, have been awesome.  So if you see these two, please thank them for making this trip a reality, for sacrificing so much to be a part of it, and for the awesome servants, parents, and leaders that they are.  Thank you Melissa and Lori!

PICTURE OF THE WEEK

The group in front of the Parthenon in Nashville.

Website: www.trinityboyceville.com

YouTube: www.youtube.com/TrinityBoycevilleWI

Facebook: www.facebook.com/trinityboyceville

Trinity Tidings- July 18th

Posted on: July 19th, 2022 by Brad Peterson

TRINITY TIDINGS

July 18, 2022

ANNOUNCEMENTS .

Christmas in July Worship Sunday, July 24th, 9 am.  Wear your Christmas stuff to church!

Celebrating and Saying Farewell to Katie Wagner  Sunday, August 7th.  August 7th is Katie’s last day with us and we invite you to join us for worship and fellowship as we give thanks for her time with us as Youth Coordinator and Pastoral Intern. 

Pick up your church directories!  They are on the Cake Table in the Narthex

Summer Fellowship  We need fellowship servers starting on June 12th.  Please see the sign-up sheet in the Narthex to serve!

Summer Cake Walk  The Women of Trinity take over the Cake Walk in the summer to help fund their ministries!  See the sign-up on the table in the Narthex!

We are on summer office hours now, so the office is closed on Fridays.

No Wednesday Worship on July 27th

Personal Care Kit Donations are being collected by the youth for their mission trip to Nashville. Items to include are: men’s/women’s socks, travel size toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, travel size hand sanitizer, travel size shampoo, and soap. Please bring items to the church by July 21st.

Thank you Trinity for the amazing surprise 20th Ordination Anniversary and being at Trinity party!  It was an amazing day on Sunday and special thanks to all who worked so hard to make it happen (and to hide it from me!).  I am eternally grateful.  PB

Don’t forget that you can support Trinity through the Vanco app OR using the donate form on our website.  Download the free app, search for Trinity Lutheran Boyceville, and go from there!

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

  “Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being.” Genesis 2:7

  When I was in Middle School, I was in track, because everyone was in track.  And our coach made every person do a running event.  So, because I was not fast in any way beyond ten feet, I had to run the mile.  I hated every second of it.  Plus, I was not very good at it, often coming in last or close to last.  Frankly, I am surprised I finished every race.  But I knew why I finished: my friend Aaron.

  Aaron was a runner and loved to run long distances, and he also ran the mile.  The different between him and me is he would finish while I would still be on my second lap of four.  I would be wheezing, struggling to breath, just wanting it to end, but then Aaron would come over.  He would run next to me, even though he had already run the mile, and encourage me to finish.  He would keep me going, even in the midst of my torture, so I would finish.  I have no doubt I wouldn’t have made it without his encouragement.

  In life, we so often find ourselves running the race of life and it feels like we have no breath, that we are wheezing, that it is torture, that we want to quit.  But our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ runs with us.  After all, it is God who has given us breath.  Without that breath, we are just flesh and bone.  But we are alive and in life, our Savior doesn’t leave us to run it alone.  Christ runs with us, helps us when we want to give up, guides us in all that we do.  You are never alone.

   May you know every day that the Lord is with you, renewing you, strengthening you, running besides you in this grace race we call life.  Never give up, because your are loved and saved by your Savior Jesus Christ.  May God bless you every day and always!

Website: www.trinityboyceville.com

YouTube: www.youtube.com/TrinityBoycevilleWI

Facebook: www.facebook.com/trinityboyceville

Trinity Tidings- June 19

Posted on: June 20th, 2022 by Brad Peterson

ANNOUNCEMENTS .

Pick up your church directories!  They are on the Cake Table in the Narthex

Baby Care Kits so if you are going to any thrift sales we can use sleepers or gowns, hooded sweatshirts, sweaters, jackets, baby socks, t-shirts, all size 6 months to 24 months.

Summer Fellowship  We need fellowship servers starting on June 12th.  Please see the sign-up sheet in the Narthex to serve!

Summer Cake Walk  The Women of Trinity take over the Cake Walk in the summer to help fund their ministries!  See the sign-up on the table in the Narthex!

Blood Mobile on Monday, June 27th, from Noon till 6 pm.

We are on summer office hours now, so the office is closed on Fridays.

Personal Care Kit Donations are being collected by the youth for their mission trip to Nashville. Items to include are: men’s/women’s socks, travel size toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, travel size hand sanitizer, travel size shampoo, and soap. Please bring items to the church by July 21st.

Don’t forget that you can support Trinity through the Vanco app OR using the donate form on our website.  Download the free app, search for Trinity Lutheran Boyceville, and go from there!

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

  This past week, we held our first VBS in 17 years without Luther Park Bible Camp.  During this past week, I relearned three things.  They are:

  1. Kids are pretty awesome.
  2. Kids are pretty exhausting.
  3. None of the awesomeness of the week happens without awesome volunteers.

Now look, I inherently knew those things prior to this week, but the week of VBS reinforced all of those things.  Kids are awesome.  They are goofy, strange, weird, and funny in all the best ways.  I appreciated their energy in singing songs, the thoughtfulness they put in when we made cards for the nursing home or rocks for the friendship garden.  I enjoyed their willingness to go with us during Bible Study and for the crazy abandon they had in trying to get me and others wet on water day.  Working with kids is pretty awesome because, for the most part, kids are awesome.

  But they are also incredibly exhausting.  You have to bring energy to match their energy, which is exhausting enough, because they have A LOT of energy!  At the same time, they don’t always listen, they are messy, and sometimes do things that defy all logical thought.  At the end of each day, Katie and I would look at each other like we had survived a battle, and we knew we had to do it again the next day. However, I’ll take the exhaustion every day.  It is worth it. 

  Finally, none of VBS happens without awesome volunteers.  They make it all happen.  From our great parents who helped to teach and supervise, to our awesome Queens of the Snack that served the kids every day (plus those who donated the snack items), to our cool youth of all ages that came and did everything from helping to lead worship to running crafts to filling up water containers for water day, volunteers make everything happen.  My biggest fear in doing VBS ourselves for the first time in 17 years was that we wouldn’t have the volunteers to make it happen.  But we did.  Thank you to our great volunteers!

   I encourage you to go to the Trinity Facebook page to see pictures from VBS and we look forward to doing it again next year!

Website: www.trinityboyceville.com

YouTube: www.youtube.com/TrinityBoycevilleWI

Facebook: www.facebook.com/trinityboyceville

Trinity Tidings- June 13

Posted on: June 14th, 2022 by Brad Peterson

ANNOUNCEMENTS .

Vacation Bible School! Sign-up today for VBS on June 13-17th, 9 am till 12:00 pm every day for ages 4-6th grade.  Cost is $10 per student. 

VBS Help Needed:  Luther Park will not be running VBS for this year.  We need help with setting up crafts and helping to watch kids.  Please talk to PB or Katie if you can help. 

VBS Snacks Needed: Sign-up in the Narthex to provide snacks for Vacation Bible School in June.

Turn back the clock worship, Sunday, June 19th.  Join us at 9 am as we bring back an old fashioned worship service, with the old chants and everything.  Hope to see you there!

Pick up your church directories!  They are on the Cake Table in the Narthex

Baby Care Kits so if you are going to any thrift sales we can use sleepers or gowns, hooded sweatshirts, sweaters, jackets, baby socks, t-shirts, all size 6 months to 24 months.

Summer Fellowship  We need fellowship servers starting on June 12th.  Please see the sign-up sheet in the Narthex to serve!

Summer Cake Walk  The Women of Trinity take over the Cake Walk in the summer to help fund their ministries!  See the sign-up on the table in the Narthex!

Blood Mobile on Monday, June 27th, from Noon till 6 pm.

We are on summer office hours now, so the office is closed on Fridays.

Congratulations to Brian & Katie Moll for winning Simply Giving Mania!

Don’t forget that you can support Trinity through the Vanco app OR using the donate form on our website.  Download the free app, search for Trinity Lutheran Boyceville, and go from there!

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

Romans 5:1-5

Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. 3And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

Football is my favorite sport, and I love almost everything about it, outside of Aaron Rodgers always beating my Chicago Bears.  I love the athleticism, the hitting, the strategy.  I can watch football on every level, on any day, at any time.  But there is one thing I don’t love.  I don’t love the celebrating on the routine plays.  You sack the QB, making Aaron Rodgers cry? Celebrate.  Score a TD? Celebrate.  Get a big first down or make a big catch?  Celebrate fully.  Tackle someone after a four yard gain and celebrate like a crazy person?  Stupid.  That’s just me.  There is too much boasting going on for my like.  Call me a grouch, a grump, old school.  But I think there is a time to a boast and a time not to. It just seems like something dumb to boast about, doing what you are supposed to do. 

  Sometimes I have a hard time with a part of this reading from Romans for today. To boast in our sufferings?  Really?  To boast about grieving a death?  Boast about a physical ailment or a mental illness?  Boast about a natural disaster? Just seems stupid. 

  But that is not what Paul is actually saying here.  Paul isn’t saying that we boast because of our sufferings.  No.  Rather.  We boast in the midst of our suffering.  Why can we boast in the midst of our suffering?  Because we share in the glory of God.  Because we have been given peace.  Because we have been justified by faith and not by our works.  Because God is at work in the midst of our suffering, producing endurance, character, and hope.  And that hope sustains us, never disappoints us, because our hope rests on Jesus Christ, our Savior. 

   We can boast, even when we suffer, for we know that suffering is not the end.  Nothing is greater than God’s love in Jesus Christ for us and this Jesus died and rose to bring us to eternal life.  Suffering is not our final state.  We have been given things that are greater than our suffering: peace, love, justification, salvation, character, endurance, hope. 

  So today, my friends, boast.  Rejoice.  Give thanks!  Your salvation is here and nothing that happens in life can take aways the peace, hope, grace, and love you have been given in Jesus Christ.  For that we can say, “thanks be to God!”  Amen

Website: www.trinityboyceville.com

YouTube: www.youtube.com/TrinityBoycevilleWI

Facebook: www.facebook.com/trinityboyceville

Trinity Tidings- May 30, 2022

Posted on: May 31st, 2022 by Brad Peterson

TRINITY TIDINGS

May 30, 2022

ANNOUNCEMENTS .

Simply Giving Mania!  From May 1st till June 5th, if you join our automated giving program Simply Giving or increase your current Simply Giving by $5 a month, you will get entered into a drawing to win four tickets.  What tickets?  YOUR CHOICE!  Choices are: Four tickets to the Wisconsin Football Game against Illinois State on Sept. 3; Brewers-Twins game at Target Field, an event at the Pablo Center in Eau Claire, or an event at the Mabel Tainter in Menomonie.  Pick up a form on the round table in the Narthex or included in this Good News  or attached to this email.  DEADLINE THIS SUNDAY!

Summer Office Hours begin this week.  Office will be closed on Fridays. 

Vacation Bible School! Sign-up today for VBS on June 13-17th, 9 am till 12:00 pm every day for ages 4-6th grade.  Cost is $10 per student. 

VBS Help Needed:  Luther Park will not be running VBS for this year.  We need help with setting up crafts and helping to watch kids.  Please talk to PB or Katie if you can help. 

VBS Snacks Needed:  Sign-up in the Narthex to provide snacks for Vacation Bible School in June.

Wednesday Worship moves to 6:30 pm on June 1st.

Join us this Sunday, June 5th, to help Bob & Lynda Bird celebrate their 60th Wedding Anniversary!  Fellowship will be served in their honor by their family and you can stop till 1 pm. 

Funeral for Linda Nerison will be on Wednesday, June 8th, at 11 am.

Turn back the clock worship, Sunday, June 19th.  Join us at 9 am as we bring back an old fashioned worship service, with the old chants and everything.  Hope to see you there!

Don’t forget that you can support Trinity through the Vanco app OR using the donate form on our website.  Download the free app, search for Trinity Lutheran Boyceville, and go from there!

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

25About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26Suddenly there was an earthquake, so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened.  Acts 16:25-26

  A few years ago, Amy and I visited San Francisco and we toured the famed prison Alcatraz.  To walk those infamous halls, to walk into the small cells and hear the stories of those that were in that prison, was truly eye opening.  Now, thankfully, I’ve only visited jail and have never actually had to be a resident of one.  To have the loss of freedom, to be trapped in a small cage, restricted in all that I do, seems to me to be one of the worst things I could endure.  But the fact of the matter is, we all are often imprisoned in our version of jail.  It might not be a physical structure, like Alcatraz, but it is one all the same.  We build ourselves jails of grief, of pain, self-doubt, of guilt and shame, of fear and greed.  We find ourselves in shackles and chains, some of our own making and some placed upon us by the sinfulness of the world and the work of the devil. No matter the kind of chains we have around us, they restrict us, suffocate us, trap us in a cycle of suffering, pain, and hardship.  They weigh  on our soul. Think of how the Marley is always depicted in the story “A Christmas Carol.”  Weighed down by heavy chains.  Our hearts and souls have those chains around us. 

  Today we have a story of Paul and Silas in prison. They are jailed because of the fear of others and the greed they inhabit.  Yet, in the midst of their imprisonment, they are freed by God, and they themselves free others, including the jailer who is ready to end his life over the guilt that the prisoners have escaped. 

  You, my friends, are free from the jails that you find yourself in, the chains shattered and broken, by your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  For Jesus died to free you from all things.  Jesus died and rose again, defeating sin and death, so that you would be free.  Jesus promises to carry your burdens, forgive you of your sins, and to be with you always.  This has been done not because you are perfect but because you are in chains.  Because you are imprisoned by fear, greed, grief, and suffering.  For your Savior loves you and so frees you so you can be who God created you to be.  Jesus frees you to give you hope. 

   Yes, we may find ourselves imprisoned by a variety of things.  But in Christ, there is always freedom.  In Christ, our chain breaker, all that enslaves us is destroyed and we are made new.  Today, your Savior has taken all that burdens you, all the enslaves you, the jail you find yourself in, and has destoreyd it.  Because he loves you.  And for that we can say, “Thanks be to God!”  Amen

Website: www.trinityboyceville.com

YouTube: www.youtube.com/TrinityBoycevilleWI

Facebook: www.facebook.com/trinityboyceville

Trinity Tidings – May 22, 2022

Posted on: May 23rd, 2022 by Brad Peterson

ANNOUNCEMENTS .

Simply Giving Mania!  From May 1st till June 5th, if you join our automated giving program Simply Giving or increase your current Simply Giving by $5 a month, you will get entered into a drawing to win four tickets.  What tickets?  YOUR CHOICE!  Choices are: Four tickets to the Wisconsin Football Game against Illinois State on Sept. 3; Brewers-Twins game at Target Field, an event at the Pablo Center in Eau Claire, or an event at the Mabel Tainter in Menomonie.  Pick up a form on the round table in the Narthex or included in this Good News. 

Office is closed on Monday, May 30th, for Memorial Day.

Vacation Bible School! Sign-up today for VBS on June 13-17th, 9 am till 12:00 pm every day for ages 4-6th grade.  Cost is $10 per student. 

VBS Help Needed:  Luther Park will not be running VBS for this year.  We need help with setting up crafts and helping to watch kids.  Please talk to PB or Katie if you can help. 

VBS Snacks Needed:  Sign-up in the Narthex to provide snacks for Vacation Bible School in June.

Wednesday Worship moves to 6:30 pm on June 1st.

Congrats to all our 2022 High School Graduates! Lexi Andrews, Madison Andrews, Brittany, Buhr, Libby Bygd, Preston Coombs, Myia Draeger, Jacob Granley, Ella Holden, Dawson McRoberts, Harper Olson!

Congrats to our 2022 Trinity Memorial Scholarship Winners! Libby Bygd, Ella Holden, Harper Olson

Don’t forget that you can support Trinity through the Vanco app OR using the donate form on our website.  Download the free app, search for Trinity Lutheran Boyceville, and go from there!

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.” John 14:26

I’m not sure what I would do without two things in my life: Post-it notes and my phone alarm.  Other than the alarm that goes off at 4:05 am every day to wake me up (yep, that’s what time I wake up.  Every day.  Except Saturday.  Then I sleep in till 5:30 am). 

  Anyways, without Post-It Notes and my phone alarm, I might be lost in life.  Because they remind me of all the things I have to do, get, and go to.  Yes, I have an electronic calendar that sends me a notice a half hour before something is going to begin, but in reality, it is the phone alarm and Post-It Notes that really do the trick.  I set the alarm to remind me to go do crossing guard, or go to a meeting, or to make sure I make a phone call or send an email that needs to be sent.  The Post-It Notes remind me of things I need to get at the store (those go on my wallet) or something that needs to be done like write a Musings for Trinity Tidings (those go on my desk) or to grab something before I leave the house (those go on the door).  As you might have guessed, I need a lot of reminders of things.  When you are ADD like me and can get easily distracted, those reminders are godsends that help to keep my life in order.

   We are often busy people who need reminders, whether we have ADD or not.  We need reminders of all sorts of things and I bet you have your own system for how to remind yourself of the things you need reminding.  But we don’t just need reminding when we have an event to go to or to pick up milk from the store.  We also need to be reminded that Jesus Christ love us and has saved us.  Because we forget.  We forget that we are loved, that we are saved by grace through faith, that we have the promise of eternal life.  We forget that we are called as disciples who serve our neighbor and our Lord.  We forget.  We get distracted by life, by the sufferings we endure, by our sinfulness and shame. 

   But God has sent us something to remind us of all that has been done for us.  To remind us that we are loved, forgiven, and saved.  And that is the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit, I like to say, is God’s Post-It  Note.  God sticks that on our heart to remind us of all that God has done for us.  To remind us that Jesus is with us always.  To remind us of who we are and who God has made us to be.  Because we need constant reminding.  Every day.  I know I do.

   This very moment, the Lord is sending you the Holy Spirit to remind you of all Jesus Christ has done for you.  You are a loved child of God, freed from sin and death, called to love your neighbor.  This is who are.  This is what Jesus Christ has done for you through his death and resurrection.  May you be reminded every single day. 

   May the Lord bless you this day and always!

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Our 2022 Trinity Lutheran Memorial Youth Scholarship Recipients.  L-R: Harper Olson, Libby Bygd, Ella Holden

Trinity Tidings- May 15th

Posted on: May 16th, 2022 by Brad Peterson

ANNOUNCEMENTS .

Men’s Band Concert, Sunday, May 22nd, 9 am.

Simply Giving Mania!  From May 1st till June 5th, if you join our automated giving program Simply Giving or increase your current Simply Giving by $5 a month, you will get entered into a drawing to win four tickets.  What tickets?  YOUR CHOICE!  Choices are: Brewers-Twins game at Target Field, an event at the Pablo Center in Eau Claire, or an event at the Mabel Tainter in Menomonie.  Pick up a form on the round table in the Narthex or included in this Good News. 

Vacation Bible School! Sign-up today for VBS on June 13-17th, 9 am till 12:00 pm every day for ages 4-6th grade.  Cost is $10 per student. 

VBS Help Needed:  Luther Park will not be running VBS for this year.  We need help with setting up crafts and helping to watch kids.  Please talk to PB or Katie if you can help. 

VBS Snacks Needed:  Sign-up in the Narthex to provide snacks for Vacation Bible School in June.

Graduate Recognition Sunday May 22nd at 9 am.

Women of Trinity Summer Gathering, June 2nd, 6 pm.  All women are invited to attend this annual event!  Gather with other women for a meal, fellowship, and fun!  Sign-up in the Narthex so we can have a good count for food.

Summer Fellowship  We need fellowship servers starting on June 12th.  Please see the sign-up sheet in the Narthex to serve!

Summer Cake Walk  The Women of Trinity take over the Cake Walk in the summer to help fund their ministries!  See the sign-up on the table in the Narthex!

Don’t forget that you can support Trinity through the Vanco app OR using the donate form on our website.  Download the free app, search for Trinity Lutheran Boyceville, and go from there!

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Colossians 3:12

  I don’t know what you all do, but I tend to take some time and set out the clothes I’m going to wear about three or four days in advance.  This is a big change, for when I was a kid through even seminary, I tended to just pick the cleanest thing I could find as my style could be described as “sports shirt with jeans or shorts and if it was cold I would grab a sweatshirt.”  I was super stylish.

  But now, there are a lot more things to consider.  What will be going on that day?  Do I have to umpire that night, so I need to have stuff ready for that?  Will I be golfing that day or doing a visit?  What if we are going to be moving stuff around the church?  Do I need an extra t-shirt for working out in that morning?  Do I need to have clerics ready for a funeral or other event?  This is one of the reasons why I set stuff out a few days in advance, mostly to make sure I have the actual clothes I need clean and ready for whatever is going to be happening on those days.

   Here in the reading from above from Colossians, Paul reminds us that we have some new clothes to put on.  Having been loved, saved, and renewed by the grace of God in Jesus Christ, we don’t put on the same clothes we did before.  We are now holy and beloved by God, made that way not by what we have done, but by what Jesus Christ has done for us.  And so we have new clothes to put on.  Clothes like kindness, compassion, humility, meekness, and patience.  These are the clothes we are given to wear out into the world, to show the world the power of God’s love in Jesus Christ.  These are the clothes you are given to effect change in the world.

   Have you ever thought about putting on these clothes?  About intentionally approaching your day with these attributes? Facing a day that you know might be challenging at work with patience?  Thinking about wearing kindness as you deal with a family situation?  Putting on compassion as you use your gifts for the sake of your neighbor?  God in Jesus Christ gives us new clothes to wear, clothes that prepare us for every situation, clothes that speak volumes to the world about what it means to follow Jesus Christ. 

  So as you plan your week and you pick out the clothes you will wear on your body, think about the clothes given to you in Jesus Christ. Put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.  Live by the clothes you have been given, clothes given to you by a Savior who gave his life for yours, has forgiven your sin, make you new, and will one day bring you to eternal life.  May God be with you today and always!

Website: www.trinityboyceville.com

YouTube: www.youtube.com/TrinityBoycevilleWI Facebook: www.facebook.com/trinityboyceville

May 8 Trinity Tidings

Posted on: May 12th, 2022 by Brad Peterson

ANNOUNCEMENTS .

Men’s Band Concert, Sunday, May 22nd, 9 am.

Simply Giving Mania!  From May 1st till June 5th, if you join our automated giving program Simply Giving or increase your current Simply Giving by $5 a month, you will get entered into a drawing to win four tickets.  What tickets?  YOUR CHOICE!  Choices are: Brewers-Twins game at Target Field, an event at the Pablo Center in Eau Claire, or an event at the Mabel Tainter in Menomonie.  Pick up a form on the round table in the Narthex or included in this Good News. 

Vacation Bible School! Sign-up today for VBS on June 13-17th, 9 am till 12:00 pm every day for ages 4-6th grade.  Cost is $10 per student. 

VBS Help Needed:  Luther Park will not be running VBS for this year.  We need help with setting up crafts and helping to watch kids.  Please talk to PB or Katie if you can help. 

VBS Snacks Needed:  Sign-up in the Narthex to provide snacks for Vacation Bible School in June.

Graduate Recognition Sunday May 22nd at 9 am.

Don’t forget that you can support Trinity through the Vanco app OR using the donate form on our website.  Download the free app, search for Trinity Lutheran Boyceville, and go from there!

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

  “Surely goodness and mercy  . . .” Psalm 23:6

   If you talk to my friends, they might tell you that I can be pretty negative, especially when it comes to my sports teams.  I’m always complaining about them.  Of course, I usually have a good reason, but I’m also the guy that states a game is over when my team is down by one early in the game.  I’m also pretty negative about my own sporting output, especially on the golf course. 

   Frankly, I sometimes think we as a society are pretty negative about the world.  We look at life and only see . . .bad things.  I can’t blame us, with all that is going on.  But I also think it is a collective symptom of looking only for the negative.  We tend to downgrade the present and romanticize the past.  Lord knows I have been known to do it.  But then I think of these words almost at the end of Psalm 23: “Surely goodness and mercy.”  The key word for that is “surely.”  There is a confidence in that statement.  Surely there will be goodness and mercy, goodness and mercy provided by the Lord.  It is a statement of faith.  Surely.

   I’ve been trying to remind myself of this.  No matter what is going on the world, no matter how much the news I hear makes me fearful or sadness me, in the Lord there is always goodness.  There is always mercy. There is the smile of a child.  A sunny day.  A flower blooming from the ground.  The love of family.  The snuggle of a dog.  A good song, a funny TV show, the delicious bite of a good meal.  Surely.  We are surrounded not just with suffering, pain, and hardship.  I contend that we are surrounded by more blessing, more joy, more gifts then we often see for we take them for granted.  Surely.

   We need a reset of the way we look at our lives.  As I write this, the Wild just lost a playoff game that they really didn’t play well in.  I normally would be depressed and sad and ranting.  But I’m thankful for a great team to watch, a hope that they will win the next game, and trying to be positive.  Why?  Surely goodness and mercy.  I see the terrible headlines in the news but I also have been trying to find stories of hope, of achievement, of people doing amazing things for other people. Surely goodness and mercy.  I’m trying look to see how God is working in and through the people around me. 

   Take a moment to remind yourself of the blessing of life.  Try to see the world through the eyes of your great shepherd Jesus Christ.  Try to exist in the world with these words always on your lips and in your heart: “surely goodness and mercy.”  Surely.  May God bless you this week and always!

Trinity Tidings- May 2

Posted on: May 2nd, 2022 by Brad Peterson

TRINITY TIDINGS

May 2, 2022

ANNOUNCEMENTS .

Men’s Band Concert, Sunday, May 22nd, 9 am.

Adopt-A-Highway Saturday, May 7th, 8 am.  All ages welcome!  Wear long pants and bring gloves.  Help us care for our stretch of highway and keep God’s creation clean! 

Simply Giving Mania!  From May 1st till June 5th, if you join our automated giving program Simply Giving or increase your current Simply Giving by $5 a month, you will get entered into a drawing to win four tickets.  What tickets?  YOUR CHOICE!  Choices are: Brewers-Twins game at Target Field, an event at the Pablo Center in Eau Claire, or an event at the Mabel Tainter in Menomonie.  Pick up a form on the round table in the Narthex or included in this Good News. 

Vacation Bible School! Sign-up today for VBS on June 13-17th, 9 am till 2:00 pm every day for ages 4-6th grade.  Cost is $10 per student. 

VBS Snacks Needed:  Sign-up in the Narthex to provide snacks for Vacation Bible School in June.

Graduate Recognition Sunday May 22nd at 9 am.

Don’t forget that you can support Trinity through the Vanco app OR using the donate form on our website.  Download the free app, search for Trinity Lutheran Boyceville, and go from there!

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

  This past Saturday, I had the privilege to be the MC for Boyceville’s Prom.  I always enjoy going and helping out, seeing the kids all dressed up, and talking with them.  It is always fun and special to be invited into these big moments and it also makes you reflect a bit.

  As I was driving home, I thought about the three proms I attended, my Junior prom in 1993, Senior prom in 1994, and then I attended prom at the end of my freshmen year of college in 1995.  In my school, only Juniors and Seniors could go to prom unless invited and I went to all three with the same girl, Deena, who was a year younger than me.  But as I reflected on those proms this past Saturday, I had a realization.  It may even sound cliché, but each of the proms I attended was at a major turning point in my life, where things would not be the same not too long after.  Let me explain.

Junior Prom, 1993

My Junior Prom was held on May 8th, 1993, and it was in our high school gym (as all of our proms were).  My class actually tried to have it offsite as we had lots of money to spend on prom but the school said no.  Our theme was “A Whole New World,” an Aladdin inspired theme, and one of the things I remember was that we got to skip classes to decorate the gym on Thursday and Friday of that week.  Also, being who I am, I arrived with my date early and the DJ for our prom never showed, so we hired one quickly on the spot and I was asked to help carry in all his equipment, including trays and trays of CD’s (for our young people, this was how music was listened to back in the 90’s).  I remember having a great time with my date and my friends and was disappointed I couldn’t go to post prom, which was held in an “Action City” type of place the next town over because my date’s parents said she had to be home by midnight. 

   But that is not what made this prom important in my life.  I have the date burned into my brain because this was the day I knew that my Dad was going to die.  He had cancer, and though he had been diagnosed terminal, we were all hopeful that he was going to last a few more months, maybe even throughout the summer.  I went to visit my Dad in the hospital that morning, and when I walked in I found him all yellow with jaundice and barely able to talk.  And when he did talk, much of it made no sense.  I left after ten minutes as I couldn’t take it and didn’t want to break down in front of him.  As I rode down in the elevator, I knew my Dad was going to die sooner rather than later.  I knew that my life would never, ever, be the same.  On the way to eat with my date, I told her that my Dad was bad and that I was concerned.  But I downplayed it and I don’t know how, but for a few hours I tried to forget what was about to happen to enjoy the prom.  I put on a brave face and pretended everything was ok, when everything really wasn’t.

   He would die two days later, on May 10th, 1993. 

Senior Prom, May 1994

   There is the cliché that your Senior prom is, outside of graduation, kind of a last hurrah.  To appreciate the people and things around you because everything is going to change.  At my Senior prom, I knew that to be true.  One of the reasons for that is that, in the year since my Dad had died, I had changed.  I had grown up.  I had to become independent.  I had to face some things and I had gotten through to the other side. 

  But I also knew this: I was scared.  I was scared to go to college.  I was one of those kids who loved high school.  I knew who I was, I enjoyed what I did, I had a great group of friends, and I was successful.  College?  No clue.  None of my friends were going to the school I was going.  I didn’t know anybody that went there either.  Who would my friends be? Would I meet people?  And also, what happens if I fail?  What if I don’t do well in school or meet the goals I had set for myself?  Being at that Senior Prom was like being in a comfortable position and situation.  But afterwards?  Fear and unknowns.  But mostly fear.

  My last Prom, May, 1995.

    I walked into prom in May of 1995, home from college from the summer for about a week, and I knew one big truth: I no longer belonged here.  Sure, I was with my same date from the previous two proms.  My best friend had walked in with his date right before me.  I knew almost everyone in the room, in a place I had called my home for most of my life.  But I knew I didn’t belong.  I didn’t fit.  It wasn’t me anymore.

  Of course, I loved my friends and my hometown.  But I had changed in my year at college.  The fear that I had felt during my Senior Prom about going to college had been replaced with confidence.  Living outside of my hometown for the first time ever, no longer the principal’s son, I had found myself.  I had a great group of friends, was doing well in my classes, and had found a community at the Campus Ministry at Immanuel Lutheran Church that became like a family.

   I could just tell that I didn’t quite fit the same way anymore in my hometown, like a puzzle piece that kind of fits but really doesn’t.  At first it made me sad, like something was lost.  But then it was more of gratitude.  My hometown and the people therein had shaped and molded me but had also given me the tools to find myself.  And I had.  Little did I know that God had already shoved me onto the path that would lead me to becoming a pastor.  A little bit after this prom, I agreed to be an interim youth director at my church, handling all the programming for the summer (my twin sister came on board to handle the money part).  That would lead me to an idea that would really catapult me: to work at Bible Camp the next summer.  And then the rest is history.

  Three proms that came each time at a moment when my life was about to change.  Junior prom, the loss of my Father, who would shape the rest of my life.  Senior prom, confronting the fear of being able to make it on my own, outside of my comfortable bubble.  And my last prom, where I left the past behind and where God was about to really show me a new path.  Today, I look back and see God’s hand in all of it, and when I go to prom now, I pray that the Lord will be there for our youth, in their joys and fears, sorrows and triumphs, and that one day they will see how God has been at work in their lives, whether through prom’s or not!

   May the Lord bless you today and always!

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Me, with my date Deena, my Junior Prom, May 8, 1993

Website: www.trinityboyceville.com

YouTube: www.youtube.com/TrinityBoycevilleWI

Facebook: www.facebook.com/trinityboyceville

April 24, 2022

Posted on: April 25th, 2022 by Brad Peterson

TRINITY TIDINGS

ANNOUNCEMENTS .

Bring your household items and clothes to Trinity in April  Every Saturday in April, from 9 am till Noon, we are collecting items as a fundraiser for the Women of Trinity.  All items should be clean and in good condition.  Place clothes and shoes in a trash bag and all other items in boxes. Thank you for supporting the Women of Trinity!

Men’s Band Concert, Sunday, May 1st, 9 am.

Smelt Feed, Sunday, May 1st, 10 am till 11:30 am.  Smelt, meatballs, tater tots, homemade chips, baked beans, dessert, beverage.  Free-will offering taken to support Trinity missions. 

Calling all men!  We are looking for workers for the Smelt Feed!  Sign-up on the table in the Narthex. 

Adopt-A-Highway Saturday, May 7th, 8 am.  All ages welcome!  Wear long pants and bring gloves.  Help us care for our stretch of highway and keep God’s creation clean! 

Simply Giving Mania!  From May 1st till June 5th, if you join our automated giving program Simply Giving or increase your current Simply Giving by $5 a month, you will get entered into a drawing to win four tickets.  What tickets?  YOUR CHOICE!  Choices are: Brewers-Twins game at Target Field, an event at the Pablo Center in Eau Claire, or an event at the Mabel Tainter in Menomonie.  Pick up a form on the round table in the Narthex or included in this Good News. 

Vacation Bible School! Sign-up today for VBS on June 13-17th, 9 am till 2:00 pm every day for ages 4-6th grade.  Cost is $10 per student. 

VBS Snacks Needed:  Sign-up in the Narthex to provide snacks for Vacation Bible School in June.

Graduate Recognition Sunday May 22nd at 9 am.

Don’t forget that you can support Trinity through the Vanco app OR using the donate form on our website.  Download the free app, search for Trinity Lutheran Boyceville, and go from there!

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

  Now that we are a week past Easter Sunday, a few reflections and some other observations . . .

  • It was nice to have a “normal” Easter again, with the full processional, the confirmation youth making breakfast, seeing the light stream through the stained glass windows, all of the people.  It felt like Easter again after two years of modified or online only services. 
  • A couple of highlights for me during the services:  Seeing the full processional at sunrise worship; during the second service having someone yell out, “Way to go PB” after I got done playing trumpet (first time in the over 30 years I’ve been playing it), seeing Katie get swallowed hole by all the kids at the children’s sermon; a little boy giving me a picture he colored during communion; watching the confirmation kids and parents work so well for the Easter breakfast; and playing uke with Bob at sunrise and Katie at both services. 
  • Another highlight was the fun that was had by those that came out on Good Friday morning to clean the brass, what I dubbed the “Delores Brezina Memorial Brass Cleaning.”  Lots of great help, conversation, and I think Dee was looking down and proud of the fun that we were having (and the shiny look of the polished brass).
  • I’m a strange person.  I have seen the same Liberty Mutual commercial, in which the young spokesperson can’t say the spiel right.  I laugh every time he says “liberty biberty.”  Every single time. 
  • Special thanks to Stan Larson for the gifts of venison bacon and hunter sticks he gave me.  Allowed me to have two types of bacon on Easter!
  • Sadly, due to snow, I did not get a chance to play my post Easter round of golf on Easter Monday.  But we did go out to the first tee and hit a shot in the snow.  I actually hit it down the middle (unlike this past Friday when I actually got to play a full round). 
  • Katie is off this week and if you didn’t get a chance to listen to her podcast, “The Word Examined,” I highly recommend it.  I enjoyed the puns especially in the resurrection episode! 
  • Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs will be, forever, the best holiday candy ever.  EVER. 
  • Wednesday was our last Crew of the year.  68 kids.  Even though it can be exhausting, I will never take for granted that 68 kids want to hang out for an hour and a half at church, singing songs, eating food, listening to Bible stories.  It wouldn’t be possible without our great helpers (Lonna, Nichole, Trudie, Heather) and all our snack servers.  One kid asked me on Friday when the next Crew was and I reminded him that it was done for the year.  He said, “Aw.” 
  • In this month of April, we have had three special services, with the Cross Generational Worship, Youth Palm Sunday Worship, and the Holy Week and Easter services.  These don’t happen without all those who give of their time and talent to make it happen and our incredible church staff.  Thank you to so many who made those services possible!
  • Since Amy was gone for Easter, I got to eat fish in the house and I made lamb for Easter dinner.  It was delicious! 
  • Some day spring will come . . .

May God bless you today and always!

Website: www.trinityboyceville.com

YouTube: www.youtube.com/TrinityBoycevilleWI

Facebook: www.facebook.com/trinityboyceville

Trinity Tidings- Feb 3

Posted on: February 3rd, 2025 by Brad Peterson

February 3, 2025

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Voices of Praise every Wednesday night at 7 pm!  Come join us for a time of song.  A great time to sing with others and have some fun!

We are collecting Cereal for the WestCAP food pantry.  Bring your boxes and place them by the altar in the Narthex.

Lagers with the Lord February 17th at 6 pm at Buckshot’s.

If you ordered Super Bowl Pizza’s, you can pick them up Sunday morning, February 9th, at Trinity.  Please get them before 11 am.

The Crew, Wednesday, February 12th, 3:30 pm till 5 pm for all 3rd -6th graders. 

The Trinity Men’s Band will be performing at Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church in Elk Mound on Sunday, February 16th, at 10 am.

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

  Random Thoughts . . .

  • Amy and I went to the Minnesota Frost Hockey Game last week in St. Paul.  It was a lot of fun and incredibly affordable.  Sat in the 4th row for $40 a ticket.  Incredible value and great hockey.  Go check them out! 
  • Daphne got spayed last week.  Is there anything more sad than a dog wearing a cone of shame?  What has been most impressive is how Baxter has treated her. Been very kind and has not attacked her.  Poor girl.  She is progressing well. It is kind of funny when she freaks out though.  Kind of.
  • I want to thank Lenny Lange for his six years on church council, including the past four as President.  A great leader and a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.  Thank you Lenny for all you have done for Trinity!
  • I had some friends over Friday to watch the HBO documentary “Yacht Rock.”  A great documentary.  I love Yacht Rock.  Might have been listening to the smooth sounds of Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, and Steely Dan for the past few days.  Amazing to think that this music got big again because some comedians decided to make some videos. 
  • I have never been more nervous than I was presenting as treasurer of Luther Park Bible Camp at their annual meeting on Saturday.  Note that I have run that meeting three times and that was nothing compared to this.  Went great though.  But I was sweating bullets!
  • Got to try my new pellet smoker on Sunday.  Make Korean ribs, from a rub Amy gave me.  Turned out well. Thanks to Ron Peshaw for helping me put it together! 
  • Naps still rule
  • I am going to miss football when it ends on Sunday.  I don’t really care who wins, but I will say this: everyone is going to take the Eagles and they are the better team.  But don’t count out the Chiefs.  They just find a way. 
  • Also, stop with all the stuff that the NFL rigs games for the Chiefs or any other team.  Calls go your way or against you sometimes.  Don’t get me started on the number of calls Aaron Rodgers got against the Bears over the years.  You can’t rig NFL football.  Just stop. 
  • This year we are going to do Philly Cheesesteaks and Brisket Sandwiches for our Super Bowl foods.  When we were in KC this summer, the Brisket Sandwich was a big deal and we got it at every stop, along with ribs.
  • I want to thank everyone that came to the Annual Meeting on Sunday.  Trinity is in a healthy and strong position across the board.  Thank you for your commitment to this ministry and to your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  As always, it is a privilege and an honor to be your pastor.
  • Lastly, a former colleague of mine who runs a store in Hudson met a girl from Boyceville today who was talking about her pastor, Pastor Brad, who was funny.  She delightfully told me this story.  So, thank you to Ellie who was saying nice things about this funny pastor.  As my Dad would say, I’m only “funny looking!” 
  • May God bless you today and always!

Trinity Tidings- Jan 26

Posted on: January 27th, 2025 by Brad Peterson

January 26, 2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS

First Communion Class Sunday, January 26th at 10:30 AM Class is for all youth 3rd grade and above who have not been previously instructed.  Please bring a Bible.  Parents should attend with their child.  Please contact PB if you cannot make this class.  First Communion Sunday is February 2nd.

Crew January 29th, 3:30 pm till 5 pm for all 3rd-6th grade youth.

Super Bowl Pizza’s  Order deadline is Sunday, February 2nd.  Proceeds benefit our youth going to Luther Park Bible Camp.  See attached form. 

Voices of Praise every Wednesday night at 7 pm!  Come join us for a time of song.  A great time to sing with others and have some fun!

We are collecting Cereal for the WestCAP food pantry in January!  Bring your boxes and place them by the altar in the Narthex.

Trintiy Lutheran Annual Meeting is on Sunday, February 2nd, at 10 am.    

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

  What if some were unfaithful? Will their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? Romans 3:3

Have you heard the phrase “quid pro quo?”  It means, basically, you do something for me and then I do something for you.  Like, when I was a senior in high school, I nominated my friend Kirk to be on Student Council representing the math group Mu Alpha Theta and in turn, he nominated me to be on Student Council representing National Honor Society and that is how we both got on Student Council without having to be elected.  You do something for me and I’ll do something for you.

  Sometimes I think we feel like that is how God works.  That God will only love us if we love God back, or God will only bless us if we go to church every Sunday and give 10 percent of our income or do this or do that, like somehow God’s promises to us in Jesus Christ are contingent upon what we do.  Unfortunately, this kind of thinking, and preaching, is very prevalent today, even by some very popular preachers. 

  Paul talks about this very issue in the third chapter of Romans, and right after he asks the question above he says, “By no means!”  God’s faithfulness to us does not depend on our faithfulness to God.  After all, we are sinners who fall short of the glory of God.  We sin against God.  We forget God’s promises for us in Jesus Christ.  We make things like politicians, celebrities, money, power, fame, bacon, sports figures, and all sorts of other things more important than God.  We look for salvation from those same things instead of the God who sent his only Son to die for our sins.  For salvation is a gift, a gift to us who are sinners, and this gift is always there for us.  Because, God IS faithful.  Always.  And that faithfulness does not depend on us.

  With God, there is no quid pro quo.  How could there ever be?  What could we ever give back to God that could equal what God gives us?  After all, God gives us LIFE!  God blesses us, walks with us, strengthens us when we are weak, guides us when we are lost, and reminds us most of all that we are loved, forgiven, and saved.  We might be unfaithful but God in Jesus Christ is always faithful to us.  Always faithful to you.  As it says later in chapter 3 of Romans, “For there is no distinction, 23since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; 24they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:22b-24b). 

   Trust in the faithfulness of God my friends.  Trust in God above all things.  Never forget God’s promises for you, promises that will never be taken away.  For God is faithful.  Always.  May God bless you today and always! 

Trinity Tidings- Jan 19

Posted on: January 20th, 2025 by Brad Peterson

January 19, 2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lagers with the Lord, Monday, January 20th, 6 pm, Buckshot’s

First Communion Class Sunday, January 26th at 10:30 AM Class is for all youth 3rd grade and above who have not been previously instructed.  Please bring a Bible.  Parents should attend with their child.  Please contact PB if you cannot make this class.  First Communion Sunday is February 2nd.

Crew January 29th, 3:30 pm till 5 pm for all 3rd-6th grade youth.

Super Bowl Pizza’s  Order deadline is Sunday, February 2nd.  Proceeds benefit our youth going to Luther Park Bible Camp.  See attached form. 

Voices of Praise every Wednesday night at 7 pm!  Come join us for a time of song.  A great time to sing with others and have some fun!

We are collecting Cereal for the WestCAP food pantry in January!  Bring your boxes and place them by the altar in the Narthex.

Trintiy Lutheran Annual Meeting is on Sunday, February 2nd, at 10 am.    Annual reports will be available on Sunday, January 19th

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

  I was feeling a little angry earlier this week and a little bit down about the world at large.  What had me feeling that way you might say?  Well, to put it bluntly, nothing angers me more than when something terrible happens and the first reaction isn’t to have sympathy for the victims of the tragedy, it is start to casting blame for the tragedy, especially when the blame is uniformed, idiotic, politically motivated, and wrong.  There is plenty of time to analyze and examine when something happens to think about why something happened.  But in the moment, the first thing that should be going through everyone’s mind is this: how can we help. Thoughts of sympathy, compassion, kindness.  It doesn’t matter if it is a shooting, a natural disaster, or whatever awful event that happens, those should be our first instincts.  And I fear that instead, the opposite happens.  It is blame.  It is to stoke more fear and collect political points and clicks and increase division in an already divided world.  And that makes me a little angry. 

  And so, it is in that mood that I turned on one of my newest favorite shows that was getting ready to have its season finale, “Skeleton Crew.”  This is a Star Wars show on Disney+, but outside of being a Star Wars show, what I love about it is that it is a show of that reminds me of movies like “Goonies,” and “ET,” of my youth.  It is fun, not too steeped in Star Wars lore (you barely have to know anything to enjoy it), and stars Jude Law who is absolutely awesome in it and a group of kids that are just great.  And there is a line in the season finale that just hit me as a reminder of a truth that I hold dear and that I can forget.  It was something that I needed to be reminded of when I get a little angry at the world and frankly when I start to lose a little faith in it. Because sometimes, even the most faithful of us doubt from time to time.

  The set up here is that one of the kids (I don’t want to say who so you won’t get spoiled in case you want to watch the show), has be reunited with their parent.  The parent has been lamenting that they were trying to protect their child from the galaxy, who they believe is a very dangerous place full of evil and dangerous people.  And the child says this: “Yeah, the galaxy is scary and dangerous.  Everywhere we went, even the worst places, there were good people too.  People that can help us.” Good people too. 

   It is so easy to look out at the world around us and only see the bad.  To not trust and to not trust in each other.  To only see the worst in each other.  Sometimes, I fall victim to that way of thinking.  But I think it is wrong.  I think we are fundamentally good.  Decent.  Kind.  Caring.  Compassionate.  Sometimes it can be hard to see, there is no doubt about that.  But it is there.  When I heard that line, it resonated with me.  I like to think it was God sending me a reminder, as God often does, to remember who we are.  God’s creation is good, as God declared in Genesis.  Sin mucks it up, but God has an answer for that in death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  And God has an answer for that in us, the followers of Jesus, who bring the love and grace of Christ in the world.  Who can be examples of compassion, kindness, and love.  That look to embrace instead of divide.  Welcome instead of push away.  Accept instead of blame.

  Of course, historically the church hasn’t always been great at that either.  It is a history we have to wrestle with.  But we can start with our individual actions every day.  We start by the way we choose to look at the world.  When something is going on in the world, do we embrace the victims with compassion or do we play the blame game?  Will we be people of love or be people who further hate?  Will we be people who seek to understand those who are different than us and or will we demonize them?  The choice is ours.  But in this galaxy of ours, even in the worst places, there are good people.  People who will help.  For as it says in Genesis 1:31, “God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good.”

  Speaking of help, if you would like to help regarding some of the recent tragedies, whether they be foreign or domestic, I encourage you to go to this link for the ELCA Lutheran Disaster Response: Lutheran Disaster Response.   They do an amazing job and stay often after others leave to help people rebuild and get back on their feet.  Of, consider giving to Trinity Missions, or stop in at WestCAP or Stepping Stones and volunteering some time or asking if there is a way you can make a difference. 

 May God bless you today and always. 

Trinity Tidings- Jan 7

Posted on: January 7th, 2025 by Brad Peterson

January 7, 2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Last Day to bring items for the Savers Fundrive is Wednesday, January 8th!  We are looking for help to load on Thursday, January 9th, at 9 am if you are able. 

First Communion Class this Sunday, January 12th, WILL NOW BE AT 6:30 PM (WAS PREVIOUSLY AT 6 PM)  Class is for all youth 3rd grade and above who have not been previously instructed.  Please bring a Bible.  Parents should attend with their child.  Make up class is January 26th at 10:30 am.  First Communion Sunday is February 2nd.

Crew January 15th, 3:30 pm till 5 pm for all 3rd-6th grade youth.

Voices of Praise every Wednesday night at 7 pm!  Come join us for a time of song.  A great time to sing with others and have some fun!

Lagers with the Lord, Monday, January 20th, 6 pm, Buckshot’s

We are collecting Cereal for the WestCAP food pantry in January!  Bring your boxes and place them by the altar in the Narthex.

Trintiy Lutheran Annual Meeting is on Sunday, February 2nd, at 10 am.    Annual reports will be available on Sunday, January 19th

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

SUNDAY, THE CHICAGO BEARS BEAT THE GREEN BAY PACKERS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 6 YEARS.  THE FOLLOWING SERMON WAS GIVEN THAT MORNING.  I HAVE INCLUDED THE TWO SCRIPTURES THAT WERE THE INSPIRATION FOR SAID SERMON.  REMINDER THAT I NEVER REALLY TRULY PREACH WHAT I WRITE, SO IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE IT IN FULL, GO TO THE TRINITY YOUTUBE PAGE OR FACEBOOK PAGE, IGNORING THE FIRST 15 MINUTES OF SILENCE BECAUSE I FORGOT TO MAKE SURE THE SOUND REMOTE WAS ON.  JUST FAST FORWARD TO THE SERMON PART.

First Reading:  Jeremiah 31:7-14

For thus says the Lord: Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and raise shouts for the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise, and say, “Save, O Lord, your people, the remnant of Israel.” See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north, and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, among them the blind and the lame, those with child and those in labor, together; a great company, they shall return here. With weeping they shall come, and with consolations I will lead them back, I will let them walk by brooks of water, in a straight path in which they shall not stumble; for I have become a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn. Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, and declare it in the coastlands far away; say, “He who scattered Israel will gather him, and will keep him as a shepherd a flock.” For the Lord has ransomed Jacob, and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him. They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion, and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord, over the grain, the wine, and the oil, and over the young of the flock and the herd; their life shall become like a watered garden, and they shall never languish again. Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry. I will turn their mourning into joy, I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow. I will give the priests their fill of fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my bounty, says the Lord.

*Holy Gospel: John 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’”) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen

Well, today, it mercifully comes to an end. What might that be, you might ask?  The Chicago Bears football season.  It will end with their 11th straight loss in a row, as the Packers will beat them today for the 12th straight time.  . What started out with a season of promise has gone into the proverbial toilet.  Before the season started there was a lot of hope.  Two top ten picks, a great end to last year, a good defense, some good signings.  And things started great overall. We were 4-2 and just a few seconds from 5-2.  Then, a Hail Mary happened, and the entire season went down the tubes.  We lost so many close games. We fired our offensive coordinator and then our head coach.  And those firings didn’t make things better, we have actually gotten worse.  It has been bad.  Hopeless even.

  The people who first heard these words from the prophet Jeremiah today had it bad.  Hopeless even.  Jerusalem has been destroyed.  The people of Israel are scattered, and many are in exile.  They mourn the loss of their country, their homes, their place of worship.  Even their trust in God, who they blame for everything.  Yet, here is a vision of hope.  God will restore them.  God will lead them back.  God will redeem them, they will sing for joy, they will have feast, they will have comfort and gladness.  It is a promise, a promise of hope, of new life, and restoration and goodness for people who have had it bad.  It is a promise for us.

  We have this same promise that comes in the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ, the light that shines in the darkness.  For at times it feels like our world has been destroyed and we have been scattered into exile by sin, pain, and suffering.  We are in mourning and languish in hurt, but we have a God who has sent his only Son, full of grace and truth, to come in the flesh to us, to give us new life.  To give us the victory over sin and death, to restore us.  Sometimes in life it feels like we are on a ten-game losing streak and it will never end.  But in Jesus Christ, we have the final victory.  In Jesus Christ, who dies on a cross and rises from the dead for us, we have the promise of eternal life.  In Jesus Christ, we can rejoice for we are children of God, who gives us a feast of strength, hope, and love. 

  This is the promise we have in Word made flesh, Jesus Christ.  Just as I believe that someday the Bears might win again and even beat the Packers, I trust, even in the darkest of times, that the light of the world shines on me.  That light shines on you today and you are have the final victory through the word made flesh, the Son of God, who is full of grace and truth and gives that grace to you every day.  For that we can say, “Thanks be to God!”  Amen

Trinity Tidings- Dec 22

Posted on: December 23rd, 2024 by Brad Peterson

December 22nd, 2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Christmas Eve Worship: 2 pm, 4:30 pm, 9 pm  All services have special music, Candlelight portion, and Holy Communion.  2 pm and 4:30 pm will have a children’s sermon.  Come worship the Newborn King!

NO Wednesday worship December 25th or January 1st.

Office closed December 25th-27th

No Bible Study December 23rd or 30th.

No Voices of Praise till January 8th.

No Sunday School till January 5th.

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Luke 2:8

  This will be the last “Musings” for 2024 and I want to thank you for reading and for those of you who share these crazy thoughts of mine with others.  And I had a crazy thought pop into my head the other day as I thought about the story of Jesus birth.  It is related to the verse above.  We got the shepherds in the field, taking care of their sheep, as good shepherds do.  Then those angels show up.  Tell those shepherds about the birth of Jesus. And those shepherds go running into Bethlehem to see this baby. So my question is this: WHAT HAPPENED TO THE SHEEP?  Because though we see sheep in our nativity scenes, those shepherds didn’t bring the whole herd with them.  Impossible.  So what did they do with them?

  Did they leave one shepherd behind to watch them?  If they did, I feel bad for that guy. He got to see the angels, hear the good news, but then didn’t get to witness the baby.  That would suck.  But it would make sense.  I mean, good shepherds wouldn’t leave the sheep unattended. 

  Did they call up another shepherd?  Like, “Hey, Jonah, over there, can you come watch our sheep?  We just had an angel show up and tell us the Messiah was born and a whole choir of angels sang to us and we need to run into Bethlehem to check out this newborn king. You would really be doing us a solid and we will totally be there to help you out the next time you got a stray sheep or something. Thanks!”  Did that happen?

  Did they just leave them?  I mean, sheep aren’t the brightest creatures on planet earth.  It is not like they are going to just say, “Alright little sheep, just stay right here why we leave you to go check out a baby” and those sheep would just stay right there.  They are going to wander.  They are going to scatter.  Who knows what is going to happen to them.  Those shepherds are going to come back and they might get fired for losing those sheep.  Or, in the best case scenario, at least have a ton of work trying to get them all rounded up.

  Maybe they angels watched them.  The shepherds left and maybe those angels just made sure those sheep stayed right there.  We can’t rule it out, but don’t you think angels have more important things to do than babysitting some sheep?  They got more songs to sing and messages to bring.  But anything is possible.

  Either way, I do know this: those shepherds were so excited for what they had heard, they took off, and I’d like to think that no matter, those sheep were taken care of.  After all, we have a God who takes care of us, which is why Jesus is born for us.  I think that no matter what, those shepherds found those sheep safe and sound, despite the negligence of the shepherds. God would have made sure of it. Because that is what God does: loves us and cares for us.  No matter what.    May you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Trinity Tidings- Dec 8

Posted on: December 9th, 2024 by Brad Peterson

December 8th, 2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lefse Making!  Come be part of the annual Trinity Tradition!  Everyone of all ages and abilities can help! 

Wednesday, December 11th, 7 am till 11:30 am (Potluck Lunch), then 11:30 am till we are done for the day.

Thursday, 7 am till 11:30 am (Potluck Lunch), then till we are done. 

Come for an hour or stay all day! 

Lefse Pre-orders!  Order your lefse today to guarantee you get this delicious treat!  3 pieces for $5.  Sign-up in the Narthex or call the church office.

Voices of Praise, every Wednesday night at 7 pm.  Come join us to sing together in praise to the Lord!

We are looking for items for the Silent Auction!  Help our youth go to St. Louis for their 2025 Mission Trip!  Bring in new items or craft items by Friday, December 13th, for the Silent Auction. 

Spirit of Christmas, Saturday, December 14th.  Lefse/Bake Sale 9 am till 2pm.  Silent Auction 9 am till 3 pm.  Homemade Soup Lunch 11 am till 2 pm. 

Men’s Band Christmas Concert, December 15th, 6 pm. Soup & Salad Lunch served by the Women of Trinity at 5 pm. 

Christmas Carol by Request Service, December 15th, 9 am.

Lagers with the Lord, December 16th, 6 pm at Buckshot’s. 

Crew on Wednesday, December 18th,  3:30 pm till 5 pm for all 3rd-6th graders! 

Spaghetti Meal on December 18th, 5 pm till 6:30 pm and the Crew kids will sing in church at 6:30 pm!

Sunday School Christmas Program, Sunday, December 22nd, 9 am.

Christmas Eve Worship: 2 pm, 4:30 pm, 9 pm  All services have special music, Candlelight portion, and Holy Communion.  2 pm and 4:30 pm will have a children’s sermon.  Come worship the Newborn King!

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

  This week is Spirit of Christmas week here in Boyceville which means that it is Lefse Week here at Trinity and there is a lot going on!  And for many of you who just skim by the announcements above, here are is rundown of what is going on so that you can be a part of it.  Because it is a great week to come together as a community and a church.

   Lefse making is Wednesday and Thursday, December 11th and 12th, starting at 7 am.  On Wednesday, in the morning we start with peeling, cooking, and mixing till 11:30 am when we stop for a potluck lunch.  After lunch, we start rolling and frying into the afternoon.  Thursday we continue with that, along with packing, until we are done. Plus, another potluck! There is a job for every person and every ability.  They can train everyone (because they even trained me).  If you can give an hour, we can use you.  If you can go all day, that is awesome as well!  We appreciate all of your help.  There are many laughs and lots of fun and lots of food! 

   Friday you can bring your bake sale items in and a couple of things to remember for the bake sale.  PLEASE DO NOT PRICE YOUR BAKE SALE ITEMS.  The ladies running the bake sale will price them for you, so no need to sit and worry what you should put on something.  They will take care of it for you.  The church will be open starting at 6:30 am and, if history holds, PB will be here until at least 8 pm so there should be plenty of time for you to stop those items off. 

  The other important thing to know this year for the bake sale is THERE WILL BE NO SALE OF BAKE SALE ITEMS BEFORE 9 AM ON SATURDAY.  So if you have, over the years, brought your items in and then taken that opportunity to load up on buying stuff, we are going to respectfully ask that you wait till Saturday morning.  The only exception will be for those who have pre-ordered lefse.  You can pick up that pre-ordered lefse, but only that pre-ordered lefse.  We appreciate your understanding. So come on Saturday between 9 am and 2 pm for the Bake Sale to get all those goodies!

  The annual Silent Auction is also on Saturday to support our youth going to St. Louis for their Mission Trip this summer.  This is our major fundraiser for the trip.  If you have items to bring for the Silent Auction, please bring them no later than Friday at 5 pm, otherwise they may be used the next year.  Bids will close on Saturday at 3 pm.  The Mission Trip Youth are also serving a homemade soup lunch from 11 am till 2 pm so we hope you will stop by for that and it is free-will offering.

  Also, on Saturday, there is the Live Nativity sponsored by the Boyceville Ministerial Association.  Your intrepid pastor is making his Live Nativity acting debut after 20 years of helping to run it as a camel due to your Mission Madness donations!  It will be at 4:30 pm by the library, then stick around for the tree lighting, the parade, and all the other activities going on downtown.  There is a chili feed at the Boyceville Ambulance Service from 4 till 7 pm as well. 

  Last, but not least, on Sunday the 15th the Men’s Band is having our annual Christmas concert at 6 pm.  We have a couple of new songs and a lots of old favorites.  The Women of Trinity are serving a Soup and Salad meal at 5 pm prior to the concert.  So join us for a great night of food and music! 

  I hope to see you here at Trinity during Spirit of Christmas week, whether helping with lefse, bidding on Silent Auction items, grabbing some delicious baked goods, or enjoying the Live Nativity or Men’s Band concert.  It will be a time of celebrating the season and the chance to come together as community and church.  May God bless you today and always!

Trinity Tidings- Dec 1

Posted on: December 2nd, 2024 by Brad Peterson

December 1st, 2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Crew on Wednesday, December 4th,  3:30 pm till 5 pm for all 3rd-6th graders!

Sunday School Christmas Program practice starts on Sunday, December 1st at 9:45 am!

Women of Trinity Winter Gathering December 7th at 9 am!

Lefse Making!  Come be part of the annual Trinity Tradition!  Everyone of all ages and abilities can help! 

Wednesday, December 11th, 7 am till 11:30 am (Potluck Lunch), then 11:30 am till we are done for the day.

Thursday, 7 am till 11:30 am (Potluck Lunch), then till we are done. 

Come for an hour or stay all day! 

Lefse Pre-orders!  Order your lefse today to guarantee you get this delicious treat!  3 pieces for $5.  Sign-up in the Narthex or call the church office.

Voices of Praise, every Wednesday night at 7 pm.  Come join us to sing together in praise to the Lord!

Join the Men’s Band at Knapp United Methodist Church on Saturday, December 7th, at 6 pm

We are looking for items for the Silent Auction!  Help our youth go to St. Louis for their 2025 Mission Trip!  Bring in new items or craft items by Friday, December 13th, for the Silent Auction. 

Spirit of Christmas, Saturday, December 14th.  Lefse/Bake Sale 9 am till 2pm.  Silent Auction 9 am till 3 pm.  Homemade Soup Lunch 11 am till 2 pm. 

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

  Recently, Amy and I completed a quest.  It was an important quest, one that we started at the beginning of the year and had the goal of finishing before Thanksgiving.  We were diligent at it, completing tasks for it during the week, on the weekend, at all times of the year.  And when we were done, completing it on Monday night, there was a sense of satisfaction, of a job well done, of having a goal and seeing it through to completion.  What was this goal, you may wonder?  It was to watch all of the Walt Disney Animation Studio films in release order.  And we did. (There are no Pixar movies in here.  We are starting that quest in 2025). 

  We started with “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and we ended with “Wish” in time for us to see the newest one, “Moana 2,” in theaters on Wednesday night.  (Aside: Moana 2 was decent.  Love the story.  Animation was spot on as to be expected.  What wasn’t as good as the music.  Loved one song.  Another song was ok.  All the others just fell flat on me.  But that is just one man’s humble opinion).  We got to appreciate revered classics, surprised some that we had dismissed over the years, saw ones we had never seen before, and slogged through some duds. Doing this reminded me of the time I read through the entire Bible in one year: there were some highs, some lows, but glad I did it overall.  Here are some thoughts below:

   My favorites really haven’t changed.  “The Little Mermaid” is still my favorite of all the Disney animated movies.  (There will be a list below).  But I grew in appreciation for the classics.  Things like Snow White, Bambi, Cinderella, Pinocchio.  Just the amazing artistry that went into these films and realizing when they were made is just amazing.  I know it won’t really happen again, but I would love for them to do another full hand drawn movie, like they did with “Princess in the Frog.”

  There were some real dark days for Disney Animation Studio’s there in the late 70’s till mid 80’s.  Some of those movies were better than I thought they would be, but I can see why there was a chance the studio was going to shut down.  It is a reminder that story always matters and sometimes you can’t just do things on the cheap. Same goes for the early 2000’s. 

  Lastly, I do like that they sometimes take chances.  Some of my surprises are movies that did something different or they took a risk.  Also, the great ones don’t shy away from a little darkness and danger.  Many of the classics have some really scary and dark moments in them, moments that really could scare a child.  But life can be scary.  Showing how to get through those scary moments is also important too.

  Alright, here are some lists and rankings because I know you all care a ton:

My Top Ten Disney Animated Movies

  1. The Little Mermaid- the best.  Will always be the best. 
  2. Aladdin-may have the best soundtrack of any Disney movie ever. Plus, the Genie?  C’mon. 
  3. The Jungle Book-my favorite of the classic era.  Just so much fun and I always think of myself as Baloo
  4. Tangled-has some of the best lines that Amy and I say to each other all the time.  “You broke my smolder.”
  5. Beauty and the Beast-there is a reason it was nominated for Best Picture.
  6. Cinderella-beautiful animation and my second favorite from the classic period. 
  7. Mulan: this movie always seems incredibly underrated.  Could even be underrated on this list.
  8. Frozen: This movie takes some swings and that is what makes it work, besides incredible music.
  9. Moana: the music in this movie just makes it soar.  And the story is good too.
  10. Encanto: really fun and I enjoy all the gags from the house and some of the songs later in the movie are really moving. 

Honorable Mentions: Raya and the Last Dragon & Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs

Amy’s Top Ten

1. Tangled

2. Cinderella

3. Aladdin

4. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

5. Beauty and the Beast

6. Emperor’s New Groove

7. The Little Mermaid

8. Hercules

9. Frozen

10.  Mulan

Honorable Mentions: Sleeping Beauty & Aristocats. She also wanted to mention the Goofy Movie, which came from Walt Disney Television Animation, but we also watched for this endeavor. 

Movie that should be on Brad’s, but I have hard time ranking: The Lion King.  Look, it is a stone cold classic.  No doubt.  Just an absolute banger.  But I have very complicated feelings about this movie.  It came out a year after my Dad died and when Mufasa dies, I absolutely lost it in the theater.  It is always tied to that emotion and so, because of that, I have a hard time watching it. 

My Top 5 Least Favorite

  1. The Black Cauldon:  I mean, this thing is just inexplicable.  Some fun animation but the story makes no sense and there was a reason it almost ended the Studio.
  2. Chicken Little. As I watched this movie, I just kept asking myself this question: why?
  3. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977) & Winnie the Pooh (2011): Fun fact: I really dislike Winnie the Pooh.  You know what Winnie the Pooh is?  Poo
  4. Home on the Range: One I had never seen.  One I never need to see again.
  5. Alice in Wonderland: Look, I know it is beloved.  One of Amy’s favorite rides at Disneyland.  But as a movie, especially in the midst of the classics that are around it?  It is a miss for me. 

Top Five Surprises (ie, movies I thought I would hate that I really liked in the end)

  1. Treasure Planet: I remember seeing this in the theater and hating it.  It was pretty fun on rewatch!  Give it a shot! 
  2. The Rescuers: Also one I had never seen. Was also pretty fun.  The sequel isn’t as good (The Rescuers Down Under), but this was good.
  3. One Hundred and One Dalmatians: I also had never seen this, though I knew the story.  Was also really fun and the animation is really crazy and awesome.  Cruella is an all time baddie.
  4. Atlantis: the Lost Empire: Another one I saw in the theater and disliked but liked a lot on rewatch.  Again, Disney doing something different.  
  5. Robin Hood: I like the music in this one and the whimsy is just really fun.   

So, there you go.  Hope this gives you some ideas of ones to try (they can all be found on Disney+) and maybe some ones to avoid.  Maybe you think I’m crazy (Amy sure has some problems with my list!)  Either way, it was a fun quest.  Have a great week!

Trinity Tidings- Nov 24

Posted on: December 2nd, 2024 by Brad Peterson

November 24th, 2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS

No Sunday School on November 24th.

Help us decorate the church for Christmas on Sunday, November 24th, after the worship service!

No Wednesday worship on November 27th.

Office Closed November 28th and 29th.

Crew on Wednesday, December 4th,  3:30 pm till 5 pm for all 3rd-6th graders!

Sunday School Christmas Program practice starts on Sunday, December 1st at 9:45 am!

Women of Trinity Winter Gathering December 7th at 9 am!

Lefse Making!  Come be part of the annual Trinity Tradition!  Everyone of all ages and abilities can help! 

Wednesday, December 11th, 7 am till 11:30 am (Potluck Lunch), then 11:30 am till we are done for the day.

Thursday, 7 am till 11:30 am (Potluck Lunch), then till we are done. 

Come for an hour or stay all day! 

Lefse Pre-orders!  Order your lefse today to guarantee you get this delicious treat!  3 pieces for $5.  Sign-up in the Narthex or call the church office.

Voices of Praise, every Wednesday night at 7 pm.  Come join us to sing together in praise to the Lord!

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

“When I thought, ‘My foot is slipping,’ your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up.” Psalm 94:18

   The other day I was walking in my kitchen when I slipped on my floor and I was going to go down in a heap.  But, since my kitchen is incredibly small, I was able to grab onto a counter and stop myself, which was good, because I would have fallen hard!  Who knows what might have happened if I had fallen.  I could have broken something, sprained something, or even worse.  It was a good thing I had something to grab onto to stop my fall.

  As I was looking through the Psalms, I ran into this verse and thought about that moment.  Sometimes in life we are walking along and we slip.  Metaphorically, that is.  We feel like we are falling.  We think we are going to crash into a heap onto the floor.  Hard.  But the good news for us is that our Lord is there hold us up.  Because our Lord loves us.  Loves us no matter what and because of that love, our Lord is always there for us.  Even when we think we are alone.  Even when we feel we are slipping and falling.  It is our Lord that reaches out and grabs us.  Hold us.  Picks us up. 

   In life, we slip.  We can’t help it.  We slip because of grief, hurt, anxiety, mistakes, doubt, fear, a thousand reasons.  But when we slip, we don’t totally fall because we have a loving Lord who is there for us.  A Savior in Jesus Christ who promises to be with us always.  To be there to hold us up when we need it, to be our foundation when we feel like we have none, and to reach out and be our salvation.  Trust that the Lord is with you always. 

Trinity Tidings- Nov 17

Posted on: November 18th, 2024 by Brad Peterson

November 17th, 2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Community Thanksgiving Service TONIGIHT, November 17th, 6:00 pm.

Deer Hunter’s Worship, Wednesday, November 20th, 6:30 pm.  Wear your blaze orange and camo

No Sunday School on November 24th.

Help us decorate the church for Christmas on Sunday, November 24th, after the worship service!

No Wednesday worship on November 27th.

Office Closed November 28th and 29th.

Crew on Wednesday, December 4th,  3:30 pm till 5 pm for all 3rd-6th graders!

Sunday School Christmas Program practice starts on Sunday, December 1st at 9:45 am!

Lefse Making!  Come be part of the annual Trinity Tradition!  Everyone of all ages and abilities can help! 

Wednesday, December 11th, 7 am till 11:30 am (Potluck Lunch), then 11:30 am till we are done for the day.

Thursday, 7 am till 11:30 am (Potluck Lunch), then till we are done. 

Come for an hour or stay all day! 

Lefse Pre-orders!  Order your lefse today to guarantee you get this delicious treat!  3 pieces for $5.  Sign-up in the Narthex or call the church office.

Voices of Praise, every Wednesday night at 7 pm.  Come join us to sing together in praise to the Lord!

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

  At Crew, two of the kids favorite games is Hide & Go Seek and Pew Battleship.  The first one is pretty self-explanatory.  The second is where the kids lay down in the pews and another kid is up front, with their back to the church, and they call out a pew based on section and row number, like you do in the game Battleship.  If a kid is in that pew, it is a “hit.” If not, it is a “miss” and the caller gets three misses before we switch it up and choose a new caller.  Got it? 

   Both of these games get kids that are chosen, either to be seekers or callers and I cannot tell you the pressure there is to choose the kids.  They run up to me, “Can I be a seeker?  Can be a caller?  I’ve never been chosen!  I never get to do it!”  It got so bad last year that we had to come up with a solution, and I think it was Nichole Roemhild who came up with it.  We wrote all the kids names down on piece of paper and put it in a bucket and drew them out.  That way, everyone got a chance and I didn’t get a thousand kids rushing up to me between every game asking me if they could be selected.  Of course, they still do this, despite the bucket, but not quite as bad.

   It feels good to be chosen, to be picked, to be the one.  It gives validation, makes you feel important, makes you feel like someone has noticed you and wants you.  So often in life we feel rejected, cast aside, pushed to the edges, forgotten.  Being chosen means being noticed.  It is why I like this verse from John 15, “You did not choose me but I chose you.”  Jesus says this to us.  You did not choose me but I chose you.  How does it feel to know that Jesus chose you?  We often feel like we choose Jesus but it is the other way around.  Jesus comes to us.  Selects you.  Despite your sin and your flaws.  Calls you friend, brother or sister.  Calls you to be a disciple not because you are perfect but because you are loved, valued, and an important child of God.

  Even more so, as the verse goes, Jesus has chosen you for a job.  “And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last.”  We are chosen not only because we are loved but because Jesus trusts us to go bear fruit in his name.  To spread his love, shared his Gospel, care for the neighbor and lift up the needy, the hurting, and to let those who feel alone that they are not.  They are not forgotten.  They are chosen.  Just like us.  Just like you. 

  You are chosen, my friends, chosen by a Savior who calls you friend and who has given his life for you.  You are loved, forgiven, saved, and sent to go bear fruit in Jesus’ name.  Most importantly, you are not alone, not ever.  May you know how important you are in the eyes of the God who has sent his only Son to bring you to eternal life and to walk with you every day.  For that we can say, “Thanks be to God!” Amen.

Trinity Tidings-Nov 11

Posted on: November 11th, 2024 by Brad Peterson

November 11th, 2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Crew on Wednesday, November 13th,  3:30 pm till 5 pm for all 3rd-6th graders!

Community Thanksgiving Service, Sunday, November 17th, 6 pm.

Deer Hunter’s Worship, Wednesday, November 20th, 6:30 pm.  Wear your blaze orange and camo

Join us this Sunday, November 17,  as Bishop Martin Halom joins us for worship!  Bishop Martin will be hitting Pastor Brad with a pie after worship as part of Mission Madness.  He is also a big Packer fan so where your Packer gear before the Bears-Packers game!  Bishop Halom was elected the Bishop of our Synod this past June and him and Pastor Brad are good

Voices of Praise, every Wednesday night at 7 pm.  Come join us to sing together in praise to the Lord!

MISSION MADNESS 2024: TOTAL AMOUNT RAISED IS $5,031!!: We doubled our initial top goal!  Thank you everyone for your generosity!  Check out the Trinity Facebook page for pictures (and below) of PB wearing Packer gear and getting hit with silly string.

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

Ever since I preached about having a feast and what I wanted at that feast, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the food at that feast and I decided I wanted to have a little bit of fun.  So here is my feast menu with the specific items I would have.  I would love for you to think about what you would have at your feast and the specific versions of the food that you would have.

Rules: five foods and a dessert.  One beverage.

I’m going to pick a first choice and then an alternate.  Why?  Because I can!

Here we go.  PB’s feast that he hopes God prepares for him in heaven. 

  1. Bacon.  First Choice: Sailer’s in Elmwood.  The best forever and always.  Second choice:  Louie’s in Cumberland.  Very good but just not as good as Sailer’s. 
  2. Ribs:  First Choice: Joe’s Kansas City, Kansas City, MO.  The best I have ever had, and since it seems wrong to choose the ones I make myself, I’m going with these.  Second Choice: Morimoto Asia, Disney Springs, Orlando, FL.  These ribs are so good.  I haven’t been able to recreate them but maybe some day.
  3.   Fried Chicken: Art Smith’s Homecoming, Disney Springs, Orlando, FL. I keep thinking something is going to knock these off, but they are just the best.  Juicy, incredible batter, never disappoints. You can get versions of these at any Art Smith restaurant.  Second Choice: Dooky Chase’s, New Orleans.  I couldn’t wait to eat here at the Youth Gathering and it did not disappoint.  I recreated this and it was also good (but not as good since I don’t have a deep fryer).  Spicier and packed with flavor. 
  4. Popcorn: Alamo Drafthouse, any location, but we go to the one in Woodbury.  They have the best movie theater popcorn ever.  Lots of butter.  Plus you can ask for your own salt shaker and I don’t have to bring my own.  Second choice: Disney popcorn, any Disney park in the world.  Just magical. It just is. 
  5. Amy’s Thanksgiving Stuffing from the bird. Boyceville, WI.  The best stuffing ever.  Packed with flavor.  No need to really eat anything else to be honest.  I would eat it all if she would let me but she insists that she gets to have some.  Second choice: Amy’s Thanksgiving stuffing that isn’t in the bird, Boyceville, WI.  Yes, she makes two batches, and this is almost as good as the first but not quite.  Again, she makes me share.  So mean.

Dessert: Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream.  I don’t have a favorite brand.  I just love it.  Last time I got it was Edy’s.  Second Choice: Chocolate Chip Cookie. You can never go wrong with a good Chocolate Chip Cookie. 

Beverage: Beorn Old Fashioned, O’Shaugnessy Distilling Co, Minneapolis, MN.  They filter the whiskey through burnt honey.  Delicious, perfect, and smooth.  So very good. Second Choice: Classic Bourbon Old Fashioned, Bryant’s, Milwaukee, WI.  When they made this for me, I almost cried. 

Non-Alcoholic Beverage: Just a nice root beer on ice.  Barq’s is my favorite.  Lucette’s makes a nice one as well. 

Hope this made you hungry!  Notice there isn’t anything healthy on here because why should there be! 

PICTURES OF THE WEEK

Here are two pictures of PB doing Mission Madness things this week.

Look.  I’m so excited.

     I think kids take pleasure in attacking me!