Trinity Lutheran Church

May 12,  2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS.

Graduate Recognition Sunday, May 19^th.

Final Push to New Orleans! Help the Youth Gathering Youth in their final push to the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans! Use the sheet in your bulletin to donate and help feed and house our youth and put gas in the vans. Thank you for your support! See the thermometer in the Narthex for our progress towards our goal. THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!  Current total is $5,403!

Lagers with the Lord May 20th, 6 pm at Buckshots.

Memorial Day Prayer Service, May 27^th, 11:45 am at Tiffany Creek Cemetery.  Sponsored by the Boyceville Ministerial Association.

The Women of Trinity will be highlighting Baby Care Kits for May and June.  They are looking for the following in sizes 6-24 months: sleepers, light jackets, cotton t-shirts, light jackets, sweaters; plus receiving blankets, dark colored hand towels, baby socks, and onesies.  You can pick up a list of what is needed on the altar in the Narthex. 

Women of Trinity Summer Gathering June 7^th at 6 pm.  All women are welcome!

Pastor Brad is going on sabbatical June 8th -July 9th . Please note that during this time he will be completely absent from the congregation and its ministry. He will not be returning calls, texts, or emails. You can find more information on his sabbatical in the Good News.

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

  I didn’t really want to go.  Really didn’t.  It was late and I was exhausted.  Exhausted physically, mentally, emotionally.  It had been a hard time.  I had left the house at about 5:30 am or so that day and other than about a ten minute stop back I had been gone till 9:15 pm.  Now, it was close to 10, and Amy wanted to go look at the Northern Lights.  I really didn’t want to go.

  I had every excuse in the book ready.  It was cloudy, even though it wasn’t.  My car was fully packed with stuff and there was no room, even though we could take her car.  The fact was I didn’t really want to go.  I wanted to sit in my house and stew in my sadness and finish the drink I had just poured for myself.  It didn’t matter in that moment that I had never seen the Northern Lights before.  It didn’t matter that Amy hadn’t seen them before either, at least to me in that moment.  I just didn’t want to go.

  But this is the genius of Amy.  She waited a bit because she knew, I think, two things.  First, that she wanted to go and could probably get me to go.  But more importantly, maybe I needed to go.  That it had been a tough day, a hard day, in some ways a horrible day, because you know it has been a bad day when I had golfed and was still in a crappy mood.  And so she asked again, about five minutes later.  In that time I had checked the weather and seen that it was clear.  I had thought about the selfishness of denying Amy something she really wanted to see.  I saw that it was dumb and that we could just take her car instead of mine and that we could just drive a few minutes outside of town to get a good look.  And that, in reality, when would we ever get a chance to view them again like this?  And so, I said yes.  Even though I really didn’t want to go, even as I put my shoes and socks on and moved my car and opened the garage and got her car out of it. 

  But about ten minutes later, as I stood next to her and Baxter as we stared into the heavens looking at something I had never seen before, a sight of wonder and awe and the majesty of God’s creative force, I knew that I had needed to go.  In that moment, though my heart was still hurting and my body was still exhausted, I felt some release.  I was reminded that even in the most difficult of times, there is still beauty.  There is still joy.  There is still hope.  As I stood next to the woman I loved, with my little family close by, I felt the presence of the Lord reminding me that the light shines in the darkness and the darkness does not overcome it. 

  Maybe Amy knew that is what I would feel in that moment.  Maybe not.  Maybe she just really wanted to see the lights and knew she could get me to take her.  Maybe she just knew that I needed a little pick me up and wanted to get me out of my funk. I have no idea.  But I needed to stand there with her and Baxter in that moment and the Lord took that opportunity to ease the burden I was feeling in that moment. 

  Because that is the thing about the Lord, my friends.  Our loving God takes opportunities to remind us that even in the hardest of times, those moments when we feel spent, when the bucket seems empty in every way, to fill us back up.  To get us back on our feet.  To remind us that we are not alone.  To give us comfort, even for an instant.  Life can be hard and cruel and awful and tragic and painful.  Extraordinarily so.  But at the same time, even when all that is going on, it can also be beautiful and magical and amazing and joyful and extraordinary.  Both things are true at the same time.  And in the midst of it all is our amazing Lord.  Always there for us.

  I’d love to tell you that as we got back in the car that I was somehow fully my chipper self again.  I wasn’t.  I was still exhausted and still hurting.  But not as much.  I was lighter than I had been. However, something new was there as well.  It was thankfulness.  I was thankful for Amy, for Baxter, for the chance to experience the wonder of God’s creation, and thankful for God’s presence in my life and even for life itself, its ups and downs.  Because life is a precious gift that I never want to take for granted.  For every moment, even the hard ones, are important.  And in all of them, I remember the promise of our Savior: “I am with you always, till the end of the age.” 

  May God bless you today and always. 

May 4,  2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS.

Men’s Band Worship, Sunday, May 5^th, 9 am

Smelt Feed, Sunday, May 5^th, 10am till 11:30 am. Smelt, Meatballs, Chips, Baked Beans, Garlic Bread, Dessert.  Free-will offering taken to benefit our Youth going to New Orleans for the National Youth Gathering. 

Calling all Men! We are looking for help with the Smelt Feed on May 5^th.  See the sign-up in the Narthex.  We are also looking for some turkey fryers and oil as well. 

Graduate Recognition Sunday, May 19^th.

Final Push to New Orleans! Help the Youth Gathering Youth in their final push to the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans! Use the sheet in your bulletin to donate and help feed and house our youth and put gas in the vans. Thank you for your support! See the thermometer in the Narthex for our progress towards our goal.

Lagers with the Lord May 20th, 6 pm at Buckshot’s.

Pastor Brad is going on sabbatical June 8th -July 9th . Please note that during this time he will be completely absent from the congregation and its ministry. He will not be returning calls, texts, or emails. If you need to have a baptism or wedding performed prior to his sabbatical or during the summer, please contact him ASAP to get it scheduled. You can find more information on his sabbatical in the Good News

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

  I was recently reminded of something.  On Saturday, I went to see Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace in the movie theater in honor of its 25^th anniversary (it was originally released on May 16^th, 1999).  I remember when it came out my first year of seminary.  I saw it three times in the first 24 hours with my best friend Ryan.  I sat out in the rain to get tickets, skipping classes.  I sat outside for hours at a Toys ‘R Us to get the toys when they went on sale at midnight.  It was a big deal for me. 

  Of course, you all know I love Star Wars.  I have loved Star Wars for a long time.  I fell in love with it as a kid, especially in the early 1980’s.  There is a great picture of me sleeping on Return of the Jedi sheets.  I had the Ewok Village and Jabba’s Palace play sets.  Yet, as I went through elementary school, I started to grow out of Star Wars.  This is natural, just as I stopped playing with He-Man toys and GI Joe’s.  I got more and more into sports.  It wasn’t that I didn’t like Star Wars anymore, it just wasn’t nearly as important.  Not that big of a deal. 

  I didn’t really fall back in love with Star Wars again until high school.  It was when I became friends with my best friend Ryan, who loved Star Wars, that I fell back in love with it again.  He was my first friend that really didn’t love sports and we bonded over our shared love of Star Wars.  I started to watch the movies more and more, got into the myriad of books that were keeping the story alive, and my fandom grew.  It grew so much that I started, as a high schooler and then into college, asking for Star Wars toys for Christmas, something I hadn’t done since my younger days.

  And here is where my Mom comes in.  It was about this time, these late high school years and early college years, where my Mom begins to wonder a little bit about me.  Her no longer teen son is asking for Star Wars toys.  Getting Star Wars things.  This was something she thought I had left behind in my childhood.  Of course, by now, George Lucas had announced that a new set of movies were going to be made.  And I am at a fever pitch and consuming everything and anything I can about Star Wars. 

  It was about this time, 25 years ago, that I got a letter in the mail from my Mom.  Picked up in my mailbox at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN.  It was an article from Newsweek magazine, photocopied.  My Mom would do this from time to time.  Copy articles she thought might interest us and then send them to us in the mail (now you would just send a text or a link to a website).  The article was about rabid Star Wars fans.  One was about a couple that had a massive and elaborate Star Wars wedding.  One was about someone who had their whole house Star Wars themed.  I can’t quite remember what the other examples were.  But what was most important was the post-it note that was attached to the front of the article (my Mom loved post-it notes).  I will never forget what the note said.  It said this: “I used to think that maybe there was something wrong with you.  Now I know that you are normal.”

  See, my Mom was worried about her adult son wanting toys.  About being obsessed with something he loved as a child.  She was worried about me.  Yet, she had never said anything to me.  She had never not bought me the Star Wars stuff I put on my Christmas list or asked for my birthday.  But then she saw that there was a whole community of people like me.  It was a reminder that my Mom, who would have turned 78 on Sunday, always let me be me.  And I always appreciated that about her. 

  I have always loved Star Wars for many reasons.  But the reason I still love it today is because it is ultimately a story about hope.  Hope in the midst of evil.  Hope in the midst of seemingly impossible odds.  Hope in redemption.  Hope that is found when we put our faith in something bigger than ourselves. 

   The funny thing is, to this day, I do not know if my Mom liked Star Wars.  Ever saw Star Wars.  But she never stopped me from loving it, whether it was when I was a kid or an adult.  And for that I will always be grateful, for her always letting me be me.  My hope is that you can be you, love the things that you love, and that you let others love the things that they love.  Even if they love Jar Jar Binks (that’s a Star Wars reference.  Look it up.)

  May God be with you today and always. 

April 21, 2024

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 trash bags and all other items in boxes.

Men’s Band Worship, Sunday, May 5^th, 9 am

Smelt Feed, Sunday, May 5^th, 10am till 11:30 am. Smelt, Meatballs, Chips, Baked Beans, Garlic Bread, Dessert.  Free-will offering taken to benefit our Youth going to New Orleans for the National Youth Gathering. 

Calling all Men! We are looking for help with the Smelt Feed on May 5^th.  See the sign-up in the Narthex.  We are also looking for some turkey fryers and oil as well. 

Graduate Recognition Sunday, May 19^th.

Final Push to New Orleans! Help the Youth Gathering Youth in their final push to the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans! Use the sheet in your bulletin to donate and help feed and house our youth and put gas in the vans. Thank you for your support! See the thermometer in the Narthex for our progress towards our goal.

Lagers with the Lord May 20th, 6 pm at Buckshots.

Pastor Brad is going on sabbatical June 8th -July 9th . Please note that during this time he will be completely absent from the congregation and its ministry. He will not be returning calls, texts, or emails. If you need to have a baptism or wedding performed prior to his sabbatical or during the summer, please contact him ASAP to get it scheduled. You can find more information on his sabbatical in the Good News

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

 On Friday morning, I stepped on the scale to measure my weight fully expecting what number would show up.  I expected to be at the same weight I had been at for about the same month, maybe even a pound or two heavier.  I had good reason for this.  I had been to the doctor ten days prior who had told me to not be frustrated if I had a stall in my weight loss journey and that was to be expected, especially since a medication I was supposed to be on was out with a shortage and that sometimes you stall out for a little while.  Secondly, due to umpiring, sometimes I hadn’t been exercising as hard in the morning due to being pretty sore from some long games and late nights.  So imagine my surprise when I stepped on the scale for the first time in five days and found that I was five pound LIGHTER!  I was so surprised, in fact, that I weighted myself again, just to be sure.  But it was true.  I was completely surprised.  It was a good surprise, but a surprise nonetheless.

  Sometimes we think we got it all figured out.  Sometimes we think we know exactly how something is going to go. All the evidence points to something happening only one way.  But then something surprising happens.  That surprise can be a good thing.  It can be a bad thing.  But the fact that the surprise happens at all can shake us up.  It can make us question and wonder.  But surprises are a part of life.  After all, God is often present in the surprises of life, good or bad. God is there to comfort when the surprises are bad and there to rejoice when the surprises are good.  But God often uses the surprise of life to remind us that God is faithful to us.  No matter what happens, God will be there.  No matter what curveballs come our way, God will be there. Loving you.  Saving you.  Forgiving you. 

  Surprises will come our way.  Some will be good.  Some will be bad.  But you are ready for them.  You are ready because God is by your side.  You are ready for whatever life throws at your because you are saved and redeemed by Jesus Christ and God is faithful and will be with you always.  For that we can say, “Thanks be to God!”  

April 14, 2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS.

LAST CREW OF THE YEAR, APRIL 17^TH  3:30 pm till 5pm for all 3^rd-6^th graders.

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 trash bags and all other items in boxes.

Men’s Band Worship, Sunday, May 5^th, 9 am

Smelt Feed, Sunday, May 5^th, 10am till 11:30 am. Smelt, Meatballs, Chips, Baked Beans, Garlic Bread, Dessert.  Free-will offering taken to benefit our Youth going to New Orleans for the National Youth Gathering. 

Calling all Men! We are looking for help with the Smelt Feed on May 5^th.  See the sign-up in the Narthex.  We are also looking for some turkey fryers and oil as well. 

Luther Park Work Day  Saturday, April 20^th, 8:30 am till 4:30 pm.  Help Luther Park get ready for the summer!  Painting, yard work, carpentry, wood splitting, staining, and much more!  If you are interested in going, please let PB know or just head on up to camp and they will assign you a job!  All ages can help!

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

   There is a t-shirt company that was founded by a single guy in Chicago called “Obvious Shirts” in which very straightforward obvious phrases are placed on a shirt.  It started with him making a shirt for himself and wearing it to Wrigley Field that said “Jake Arrieta is good at baseball” during one of the last regular season games in 2015.  It got so many positive comments from people at the game that he decided to start making shirts fulltime and now he has a thriving business that not only does Chicago shirts but shirts in other cities as well.  I own a couple of them, my favorite being, “The greatest game ever played was on a Wednesday in Cleveland,” referencing Game 7 of the 2016 World Series. 

  I also have one that says, “I like the Cubs.”  Straight forward.  Obvious (duh).  I like the Cubs.  States who I am.  We have a scripture reading in 1^st John that is an obvious statement that is so obvious that we might take it for granted.  Here it is, from 1John 3:1: “See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are.”  We are children of God.  You might be thinking to yourself, “Well, duh, PB.  I know this.  I’m a child of God.”

  But do you?  I think it is really easy to forget who we are.  I think the world likes to tell us all sorts of things about our identity and who we are or who we should be.  That we should place our identity on financial and material success.  That it should be placed on how other people view us, on accolades and accomplishments garnished at our jobs or in our communities.  I know I have done this.  I remember struggling when I turned 40 wondering how I would be perceived that I would no longer be considered the “young pastor.”  It is fun to hang out with young pastors now who actually accept me despite me being ten years older than them.  We so often wrap our identity up in so many other things than the one that matters the most: we are children of God.

  You are a child of God.  This means you are loved, even when you sin. You are a child of God, which means Jesus Christ is there to carry your burdens, forgive you of your sins, and bring you to everlasting life.  You are a child of God and God’s promises to you will never be taken away and you are never alone.  I know it seems to be the most obvious thing in the world.  But it is something we need to be reminded of every day.  Hmm, maybe we should put it on a shirt.  😊

  May God bless you today and always!

April 7, 2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS.

Lagers with the Lord, Monday, April 8^th, 6 pm at Buckshot’s.

Youth Service, Sunday, April 14^th, 9 am.

LAST CREW OF THE YEAR, APRIL 17^TH  3:30 pm till 5pm for all 3^rd-6^th graders.

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 trash bags and all other items in boxes.

Men’s Band Worship, Sunday, May 5^th, 9 am

Smelt Feed, Sunday, May 5^th, 10am till 11:30 am. Smelt, Meatballs, Chips, Baked Beans, Garlic Bread, Dessert.  Free-will offering taken to benefit our Youth going to New Orleans for the National Youth Gathering. 

Calling all Men! We are looking for help with the Smelt Feed on May 5^th.  See the sign-up in the Narthex.  We are also looking for some turkey fryers and oil as well. 

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

  “But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.” 1 John 2:1-2

With it being “spring,” the requests from our high school seniors for letters of recommendation have been coming fast and furious.  A letter of recommendation is, of course, a way to advocate for someone, whether it so that they can receive a scholarship or get a job or even an award.  I have had the pleasure and the honor to be someone that has had to advocate for someone else, to lift them up for something worthy, to be a champion if you will for them.  One of the things I loved as part of the Candidacy Committee of our Synod was advocating for our candidates when they needed someone to be there for them. 

   Here in 1 John we hear that Jesus is an advocate for us.  We need someone who will be there for us. for we sin and fall short of the glory of God.  Sure, we try our best.  We try to live according to God’s will, to love our neighbor as ourselves, to have no other Gods, to have faith in Jesus Christ.  We try to follow the commandments and be the hands and feet of God in the world.  But we so often fall short.  We make mistakes.  We put other things before God.  We make other things God.  We don’t always act with love and grace and compassion.  We covet power and riches and exploit those different than us and whom we deem to be less than us.  We sin.  We are sinners. 

  And yet, we have Jesus, the Son of God, the one who we put on the cross for our sins, advocating for us.  Sacrificing for us and for those sins.  This Jesus, this Messiah, does this for you because he loves you.  Despite your sin.  Despite your mistakes.  Despite all the times when you forget about him and put others before him.  That is the depth of Christ’s love for you.  He still dies for you.  He still advocates for you.  He still brings you to eternal life. 

   We are lucky to have an advocate for us like Jesus Christ.  May we take a moment to be an advocate for him from time to time, to share his grace and love with others, to lift up the lowly and be a voice for the voiceless and the persecuted and the downtrodden.  May we never take for granted the gracious gift of forgiveness we receive because the Son of God Jesus Christ advocates for us and becomes the atoning sacrifice for our sins.  For that we can say, “Thanks be to God!”

March 17, 2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS.

Lent 2024: “Why Follow?”

Grace: (March 20) Following Jesus allows us to live in God’s grace each day and to share that grace with others. Ephesians 2:8-9. Meal served by the Youth Gathering Youth.  OUR LAST ONE!

Crew on March 20th, 3:30 pm till 5pm for all 3^rd-6^th graders.

Butter Braids  Order Butter Braids to support our Youth Gathering Youth and Confirmation Youth!  Sale ends on April 7^th.  Please see any youth gathering youth or confirmation youth.  There is also an order form on the table in the Narthex.  You can also click on this link, select any student, and order from them:  https://store.myfundraisingplace.com/0ced3a55-9230-4e70-b708-e3cd8d6e1eff

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 trash bags and all other items in boxes.

Maundy Thursday Worship, March 28^th, 6:30 pm

Good Friday Worship, March 29^th, Noon &  6:30 pm

Easter Sunday Worship, March 31^st, 6:30 am & 9:00 am. 

Easter Breakfast March 31^st, 7:30 am till 8:30 am.  Biscuits & Gravy, Bacon, Sausage, Hashbrowns, Fruit, Beverage.  Free-will offering.  Served by the Confirmation Youth. 

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

  We were absolutely surrounded.  Now, that might sound like an ominous sentence, but we were not in any danger.  There was no anger or fear or hatred involved here.  Rather, it was joy and awe.  Amy and I were on a whale watching tour off of Newport Beach, CA, but we were not surrounded by whales (we did see three, which was cool).  Instead of whales, what was all around our boat, were dolphins.

  Everywhere we looked, there were dolphins.  Not just 25 of them or 50 of them.  Not even a hundred of them.  Hundreds of them.  Even our guide was in awe.  They were swimming on all sides of the boat as we motored through the water.  As far as we looked, we could see them jumping and darting to and fro.  We were in absolute shock and awe.  Such grace, such beauty, such joy as we watched these magnificent creatures.  I mean, we had seen dolphins before.  Heck, on the tour we had seen a few here and there and we would even run into a pod of bottlenose dolphins (these were common dolphins).  But not like this.  Not out in their natural habitat.  Not so many of them.

  Despite everything else that happened on our vacation, I can safely say that this was our favorite moment.  It was also a reminder of just how amazing God’s creation is and how it can just leave us in awe.  It was also a reminder to be open to the unexpected in life.  You never know what might happen.  We went on a whale watching tour and though we saw whales, the best part was something different.  God brings unexpected joys in life.

  Side story: the other fun thing of the tour was we were joined by two friends, Rosie & Beth.  We actually met Rosie & Beth the day before during a Cocktail Class at the Food & Wine Festival at Disney’s California Adventure.  They were at our table and we mentioned the whale watching thing.  They were originally going to just going to go to the beach but thought the tour would be fun, so they called up the company we mentioned, and there they were.  They greeted us with “We aren’t stalking you!”  They were super fun people.  Again, unexpected joys.

  Allow yourself to be open to see the unexpected joys that God might bring in your life.  Remember that there is so much beauty and joy around you.  Take a risk from time to time.  You never know what might happen! 

  May God bless you today and always!

PICTURES OF THE WEEK

Me, Amy, Nick (our Captain), Rosie, Beth

March 5, 2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS.

Lent 2024: “Why Follow?” Holden Evening Prayer worship at 6:30 pm, Meal at 5:30 pm every Wednesday night starting on February 21^st.

Strength (March 6): Following Jesus gives us strength beyond just ourselves. Matthew 11:28 -30. Meal served by Church Council.

Hope: (March 13) Following Jesus gives us hope for the future and an assurance that God’s mercy is for us. Hebrews 11:1. Meal served by the Women of Trinity.

Grace: (March 20) Following Jesus allows us to live in God’s grace each day and to share that grace with others. Ephesians 2:8-9. Meal served by the Youth Gathering Youth.

Crew on March 6th, 3:30 pm till 5pm for all 3^rd-6^th graders.

Order Easter Lillies! You can adorn the sanctuary with Easter Lillies for Easter by ordering them by Sunday, March 10^th.  Make checks payable to Trinity.  See attached form.  No orders will be accepted after March 10^th. 

Butter Braids  Order Butter Braids to support our Youth Gathering Youth and Confirmation Youth!  Sale ends on April 7^th.  Please see any youth gathering youth or confirmation youth.  There is also an order form on the table in the Narthex.  You can also click on this link, select any student, and order from them:  https://store.myfundraisingplace.com/0ced3a55-9230-4e70-b708-e3cd8d6e1eff

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 trash bags and all other items in boxes.

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

  Then God said, “Let there be light!” And there was light. Genesis 1:3

  Have you noticed something different recently?  Something maybe a little brighter?  Maybe as you drove by the church or when you stepped into the fellowship hall?  We have some new lights!  In our parking lot, the lights on our light pole were broken and instead of just replacing the old ones, we decided to upgrade to LED lights which are much brighter and more energy efficient.  At the same time, we decided to fix all the lights around the outside of the church as well over our door ways, again replacing all the lights with new LED ones.  Not only does this help to illuminate the outside of the church, it helps us with safety and security. 

  At the same time, despite heroic efforts from Lyndon Schmidt over the years, as well as others, our fellowship hall lights were starting to fail.  And so we made the decision to replace and upgrade all of those as well, again with energy efficient LED lights.  They are much brighter and now all the lights even match! 

  We were able to do this because of your generosity and your financial contributions.  Now, replacing lights might not seem like a big deal but it is.  The parking lot was dark and unsafe.  New lights have made it safer.  The new lights in the fellowship hall have really brightened it up and will save on our electric bill.  All of this is because of your financial support to this congregation.  So thank you!

  And don’t forget that every day God shines light into your life through Jesus Christ.  The light of the world shines upon you every day, showing you that you are loved, forgiven, and saved.  May God bless you today and always!

February 28, 2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS.

Lent 2024: “Why Follow?” Holden Evening Prayer worship at 6:30 pm, Meal at 5:30 pm every Wednesday night starting on February 21^st.

Purpose (February 28): Following Jesus gives a purpose and direction to our lives in an increasingly complex and confusing world. Galatians 5:13. Meal served by the Men of Trinity Strength (March 6): Following Jesus gives us strength beyond just ourselves. Matthew 11:28 -30. Meal served by Church Council.

Hope: (March 13) Following Jesus gives us hope for the future and an assurance that God’s mercy is for us. Hebrews 11:1. Meal served by the Women of Trinity.

Grace: (March 20) Following Jesus allows us to live in God’s grace each day and to share that grace with others. Ephesians 2:8-9. Meal served by the Youth Gathering Youth.

Crew on March 3rd, 3:30 pm till 5pm for all 3^rd-6^th graders.

Order Easter Lillies! You can adorn the sanctuary with Easter Lillies for Easter by ordering them by Sunday, March 10^th.  Make checks payable to Trinity.  See attached form.  No orders will be accepted after March 10^th. 

Butter Braids  Order Butter Braids to support our Youth Gathering Youth and Confirmation Youth!  Sale ends on April 7^th.  Please see any youth gathering youth or confirmation youth.  There is also an order form on the table in the Narthex.  You can also click on this link, select any student, and order from them:  https://store.myfundraisingplace.com/0ced3a55-9230-4e70-b708-e3cd8d6e1eff

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 trash bags and all other items in boxes.

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

  We live in an amazing age when all sorts of cool things are in existence and can happen.  I can go to either Florida or California and take a ride on the Millenium Falcon!  I’ve seen electric scooters that have been decked out to look like a Star Destroyer.  I can get a skin for my car and make it all tricked out with Star Wars stuff (do you see a theme here?)  I could even order a t-shirt at this very minute of Darth Vader playing golf (www.lifeisgood.com just in case you would like to order me one).  There is so much stuff that is Star Wars themed. I have eaten meals where I have used a Star Wars plate, silverware, drank out of a Star Wars glass, wiped my mouth with a Star Wars napkin, while wearing a Star Wars shirt, pants, and socks, with a Star Wars movie on the TV.  See what I’m getting at?

  Which is why the following is so disappointing (and no, it is not that so many of you reading this have never watched a Star Wars movie.  Please go do this. Make your pastor happy).  For over two weeks now I have been using a CPAP machine and it has gone fairly well. Outside of the first night, when I strapped the thing to my face but didn’t turn it on (because when the machine is ON all the lights are OFF, but when it is OFF, the lights are ON.  That was confusing), I have adjusted fairly well.  But I have one huge beef.  In 2024, it is just outrageous.  Outrageous.  What is this outrage? 

  MY CPAP MASK DOES NOT LOOK LIKE DARTH VADER’S MASK.  I’m literally breathing into this mask.  I can tell that sometimes I even sound, while breathing, like Darth Vader.  But I can’t get a Darth Vader CPAP mask (at least, not one my insurance will probably cover).  Why isn’t this a choice?  When I went to the CPAP store to try on mask, why wasn’t that an option? Why can’t we have other options as well?  You could have masks decorated with your favorite teams colors, or bedazzled, or in camo, or with you favorite Disney character on it!  The sky is the limit.

  But not.  They are clear.  With some gray.  That’s it.  So boring.  And so every night, as I strap on my mask, I say a little prayer.  I ask that the Lord might create a CPAP mask that looks like Darth Vader’s mask.  That maybe someday my dream may come true.  Because then, as I fall asleep with air pumping into me, I can say, “Luke, I am your Father.  Ooooo,  bbrrrrr.” 

  Have a wonderful and blessed week!

February 18, 2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS.

Lent 2024: “Why Follow?” Holden Evening Prayer worship at 6:30 pm, Meal at 5:30 pm every Wednesday night starting on February 21^st.

Belonging (February 21): Following Jesus together gives us a sense of belonging and community with one another. Matthew 4:18-22. Meal served by the Youth Gathering Youth.

Purpose (February 28): Following Jesus gives a purpose and direction to our lives in an increasingly complex and confusing world. Galatians 5:13. Meal served by the Men of Trinity Strength (March 6): Following Jesus gives us strength beyond just ourselves. Matthew 11:28 -30. Meal served by Church Council.

Hope: (March 13) Following Jesus gives us hope for the future and an assurance that God’s mercy is for us. Hebrews 11:1. Meal served by the Women of Trinity.

Grace: (March 20) Following Jesus allows us to live in God’s grace each day and to share that grace with others. Ephesians 2:8-9. Meal served by the Youth Gathering Youth.

Lagers with the Lord  February 19^th, 6 pm, at Buckshot’s. 

Crew this Wednesday, February 21^st, 3:30 pm till 5pm for all 3^rd-6^th graders.

Looking for an usher for March.  If you are willing, please contact PB.

We are looking for substitute crossing guards.  Looking for especially afternoon shifts, a few times a month.  Shift is from 3 pm till 4 pm.  Training and equipment provided.  If you are interested, contact PB. 

Order Easter Lillies! You can adorn the sanctuary with Easter Lillies for Easter by ordering them by Sunday, March 10^th.  Make checks payable to Trinity.  See attached form.  No orders will be accepted after March 10^th. 

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

“When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” ¹⁷God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.” Genesis 9:16-17

  When I have to remind myself of something, I put it on a post it note.  It could be shopping list when we need groceries, it might be a to-do list that is next to my computer in the office.  Heck, even on this computer I have a digital post-it note to remind myself of things. That doesn’t even count the reminders that come from the calendar that is on my phone of upcoming events and appointments and the rest.  I really need a lot of reminders because not only do I have ADHD, but I tend to be busy and have a lot of balls in the air.  Maybe you are very similar.  You need those post-it notes, those text reminders, those calendar alerts to keep your life in order and to remember everything you are supposed to do.

  That is why the following verses give me comfort.  Because even God needs a reminder.  These verses are the end of the Noah’s Ark story.  God has flooded the earth but has made a covenant, a promise, with Noah and his descendants, to never do it again.  But to make sure God doesn’t forget that promise, God puts the rainbow in the sky to be a reminder of God’s promise.  Even God needs a post-it note.  Even God needs a reminder.  Even better, the rainbow isn’t just a reminder for God but a reminder for all of humanity of God’s promise to us as well.  For we of course would forget about the promise God made to us as well.

  Jesus is a reminder as well of God’s promise to love us.  We forget that we are loved and Jesus is that reminder that we are loved and that we have the promise of eternal life.  In those moments of doubt and pain, of searching and longing, Jesus is the assurance that God has not forgotten us.  Jesus is the reminder that God is there, defeating sin and death for us and bringing us to eternal life.  For it is easy to forget, even the biggest things in life. 

  Post-it notes remind me of the tasks and things I need to do in life.  The rainbow is a reminder to God, and to all of us, of God’s promise to us.  And Jesus is a reminder that no matter what, I am saved by grace through faith.  That I am loved and not alone.  Jesus is that same reminder for all of you.  If you ever doubt that you are loved, that there is hope, just look to Jesus. He is your reminder.  He is your post-it note that there is hope, that you are loved, and that you are saved.  May God bless you today and always!

February 11, 2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS.

Lent Begins on Wednesday, February 14^th.  Worship  is at Noon and at 6:30 pm.  February 14^th is Ash Wednesday and features a Baked Potato Bar served by the Confirmation Youth for the meal at 5:30 pm.

Lent 2024: “Why Follow?” Holden Evening Prayer worship at 6:30 pm, Meal at 5:30 pm every Wednesday night starting on February 21^st.

Belonging (February 21): Following Jesus together gives us a sense of belonging and community with one another. Matthew 4:18-22. Meal served by the Youth Gathering Youth.

Purpose (February 28): Following Jesus gives a purpose and direction to our lives in an increasingly complex and confusing world. Galatians 5:13. Meal served by the Men of Trinity Strength (March 6): Following Jesus gives us strength beyond just ourselves. Matthew 11:28 -30. Meal served by Church Council.

Hope: (March 13) Following Jesus gives us hope for the future and an assurance that God’s mercy is for us. Hebrews 11:1. Meal served by the Women of Trinity.

Grace: (March 20) Following Jesus allows us to live in God’s grace each day and to share that grace with others. Ephesians 2:8-9. Meal served by the Youth Gathering Youth.

Lagers with the Lord  February 19^th, 6 pm, at Buckshot’s. 

Looking for an usher for March.  If you are willing, please contact PB.

We are looking for substitute crossing guards.  Looking for especially afternoon shifts, a few times a month.  Shift is from 3 pm till 4 pm.  Training and equipment provided.  If you are interested, contact PB. 

MUSINGS FROM PASTOR BRAD

  Lent is often a time in which we give something up as an act of faithful discipline. Just as Christ gave his life for us, we give up meat, or booze, or cookies, or something else as a way to show our faith and acknowledge what Christ has done for us. Or, like me, I like to take something up, like eating vegetables or working out more or reading the Bible every day. But here is a new idea, one that comes from my wife Amy from a friend of hers. 40 days of giving. Instead of giving something up or taking something up, you give something every day for a charity.

   Maybe it is a tube of toothpaste, a canned good, or some socks. Maybe it is a financial donation to a charity of choice. Maybe it is giving an hour or two of your time to volunteer, whether it be at church, or for an organization in the community, or for your neighbor down the street. Whatever it is, you give something for the sake of something else.

  After all, giving is part of the traditional Lenten discipline, along with fasting and prayer. You can bring any items to the church and we will distribute them to Mission Partners that can use them. One thing that we will be hoping to collect when we head to New Orleans for the ELCA Youth Gathering for our mission partners there are cooling towels. These will be given out to the homeless and to the needy to help with the extreme heat that occurs in New Orleans. That can be an item you give as part of your 40 Days of Giving. You could designate a gift to a ministry of Trinity, like our Missions, our Youth Gathering Youth, or the General Fund.  Whether you participate or not, I hope that Lent is a time in which you grow in your faith and in your commitment to Jesus Christ. May God bless you today and always!