Trinity Lutheran Church & School CONNECTED...Secret Vocation | The Intercession of Jesus | The Gift of Prayer | Praying with Jesus | Complaining | Congregational Prayer LEADER: Pastor
Post on 29-Jul-2020
4 Views
Preview:
Transcript
Volume 18, Issue 5 • May 2020
TRINITY'S
WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Sunday
8:00 am - Worship Service
9:15 am (Gym)
Contemporary Worship Service
9:15 am
Sunday School/Bible Classes
10:30 am - Worship Service
Wednesday
6:30 pm - Worship Service
2nd Wednesday each Month
11:00 am
Monthly Senior Worship
FEATURED INSIDE:
Homebound . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Bible Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
School/Children . . . . . . . . . . 6
Women's/Ladies Aid . . . . . . . 8
Stewardship . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Financial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Lectionary/Bdays . . . . . . . . 13
Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
What Will Tomorrow Bring? by Michael J. Roth
CONNECTED
"Connected" is published monthly by:
Trinity Lutheran Church & School
619 Main Street • St. Joseph, MI 49085
Church Office: 269-983-5000 • School Office: 269-983-3056
I am writing this article from my home
during Holy Week. That I am writing from
home is not all that unusual, I do a lot of
work from home. What is unusual is the
stay at home order from the governor
that I should stay at home and avoid
social contact. A month ago, I had never
heard of social distancing. I certainly
knew nothing about coronaviruses and
COVID-19, just a few weeks before that.
How much can change in a short time!
As you receive this newsletter at the
beginning of May, what will be the
situation? Will matters be better or
worse? If you are laid off, will you be
back to work? Will the Stay Home, Stay
Safe executive order be lifted? I know
school will not be back in session for face
to face classes, although online learning
will continue. Will life be back to normal?
What is the new normal? Only the Lord
knows the future.
It is not only during uncertain times that
we should put our future in the Lord's
hands. In the best of times, we do not
know what the future will bring. The
Bible tells us in James 4:
Come now, you who say, “Today or
tomorrow we will go into such and such
a town and spend a year there and
trade and make a profit”— 14 yet you
do not know what tomorrow will bring.
What is your life? For you are a mist
that appears for a little time and then
vanishes. 15 Instead you ought to say,
“If the Lord wills, we will live and do
this or that.”
We can plan all we want. We
can insure against the future. We
can take precautions and have
contingency plans. We can do all
humanly possible, but we cannot
predict or control the future.
There is nothing wrong with
being prepared. We commend
the Boy Scouts and the Coast
Guard for their moto, Semper
Paratus (always prepared or
always ready). But, as James
points out, you don't know what
tomorrow will bring. The best we
can do is say, “If the Lord wills.”
Although I disagree with their
belief in a false god, I have
always appreciated the very
common Arabic expression,
inshallah (If Allah wills). Every
day is in the Lord hands.
This is a good thing. There is no
better place to be than in the
Lord's hands. If this current
pandemic passes into our
memory, something else
unpredicted will come along.
Other crises and challenges will
occur for our nation and world.
Unplanned and difficult
situations and events will occur
in our own personal lives. That is
the way it is in our fallen world.
But there is no need to worry.
The God who sent His Son to
rescue us from sin and death,
will see us through into eternity,
come what may. He who created
and redeemed us is faithful.
TRINITY LUTHERAN
CHURCH & SCHOOL
619 Main Street
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Church Office: 269-983-5000
Church Fax: 269-983-8933
School Office: 269-983-3056
School Fax: 269-983-0037
Early Childhood Center: 269-983-0040
www.trinitystjoe.org
STAFF DIRECTORY
Pastor Michael Roth, Senior Pastor
269-983-5000 x412 • Cell: 269-932-8456
michael.roth@discovertrinity.org
Deacon Scott Kizer
269-983-5000, x 402
scott.kizer@discovertrinity.org
Melissa Graham, Dir. of Youth & Family
Ministries
269-983-5000, ext. 410
melissa.graham@discovertrinity.org
Paula Steuernagel, Dir. Of Music Ministry
269-983-3056, ext. 113
paula.steuernagel@discovertrinty.org
Vicar Timothy Schmeisser
269-983-5000, x415
timothy.schmeisser@discovertrinity.org
Chelsie Schmeisser, Deconess Intern
269-983-500, x405
chelsie.schmeisser@discovertrinity.org
Terry Bird, Principal
269-983-3056 x101
terry.bird@discovertrinity.org
Robyn Adams, ECC Director
269-983-0040, x201
robyn.adams@discovertrinity.org
Susan Moore, Financial Coordinator
269-983-5000, x403
sue.moore@discovertrinity.org
Betty Perrone, Church Secretary
269-983-5000, ext. 401,
betty.perrone@discovertrinity.org
Nathan Chaffee, Technology
269-983-5000 x430
nathan.chaffee@discovertrinity.org
Page 2
Connected
MEMORIALS
The following have made a gift to
Trinity Lutheran or School
In memory of JoAnne Hackbarth:
JoAnn & Sue Piper
Rev. Zong Houa & Neng Yang
W & C Sitas
Arlene Dudley
Lynne Hillmann
James & Marcia Stueber
George & Marilyn Hackbarth
Ron & Deb Meier
Jeannette & Gretchen Laven
James & Patsy Ausen
Lois Schmidt
Rev. David Kipfmiller
Alvin & Barbara Lutringer
Randall & Kim Hackbarth
Ron & Mary Patzer
Mark & Katie Hartfield
Russell & Melissa Meier
Tom & Terry Bird
Patricia Laulainen
Agnes Lay
Gladys Pickering
Norma Truhn
Shirley Truhn
Brian Berndt
Fred & Janet Brecht
Gus Damaske
Bill & Connie Haase
Elna Kempff
Steve & Heidi Lockman
Tom & Jen Milnikel
Sylvia Lieberg
Louise Mueller
Mike & Amy Peirce
Bob & Nancy Perry
Mike & Terri Rushlow
Amy Semenak
Bill & Janice Stouffer
Carl & Sharon Warren
Fred & Beth Wassilak
Irma Wedde
Linda Williams
Joyce Stallman
Erv & Jane Moses
Joel & Diane Robinson
Paulette Heesch
Joyce Rudowske
Don Hackbarth
Steve Cayo;
Gerhardt Doroh, WL;
Dorothy Duschek;
Dianne Fernan;
Gladys Grieger;
Ellie Grimm, WT;
Bob Humberg, CT;
Joan Jasper;
Elsie Jasper;
David Karsten;
Catherine Klug;
Shirley Krumrie, WT
Judy Lambrecht;
Reinhardt Lippert; CT
Dallas Miltibarger;
Dorothy Mutz; CT;
Linda Pedde;
Anna Pesko, WL;
Deanna Reschke; WL
Jean Roberts, WT;
Fern Schmaltz;
Elizabeth Schults, RM
Adele Schultz;
Lydia Sharpe;
Sharon Tescallo;
Martha Tilly
Edna Volkers, WT;
Jack & Marian Wagner; CP
Lillian Wendt, WT;
Dorothy Winters; Florida;
Diane Woodford;
Henry & Lydia Zacha;
Duane Ziemke, VA;
Tom & Joan Zonka
Please encourage our
homebound members and
others you may know to
watch Worship for Shut-Ins,
Sunday mornings at 11:00
a.m. on WHME-channel 46.
If you or someone you know
has become homebound &
would like a Pastoral visit,
please call the Church Office
at (269) 983-5000.
Homebound Members
BG-Berrien General, CM-Country Manor Bridgman, CP-Crown Point, CT-Caretel,
GA-Golden Age, J-Jordan's, OG-Orchard Grove, PR-Pine Ridge; RM-Royalton Manor,
WL-Willows, WRR-Wild River Rest Buchanan, WT-Whitcomb Towers,
WTB-Woodland Terrace Bridgman, WW-West Woods Niles
Page 3
Trinity Lutheran Church & School
Stephen Ministry
As the COVID 19 Pandemic continues, so does our stress during the isolation. Our Stephen
Ministers are currently providing care strictly through 'Telecare', Telecare is care that is provided
through phone calls, facetime, video chats, or electronic means, Please don't hesitate to reach out
to Betty Perrone in the church office, if you might be interested in getting connected with a
Stephen Minister you could talk with!
STEPHEN MINISTERS CARE FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE:
� In a crisis
� The family & friends of people in crisis
� Grieving
� In need of long-term care
� Dying
� Hospitalized
� Divorcing
� Experiencing losses as they age
� Going through a crisis with childbirth
(This is only a few examples of potential care-giving situations.)
Our Stephen Ministers are Here to Care!
Stephen Ministry is our congregation's one-to-one caregiving ministry. God works
through Stephen Ministers to plant a seed of hope and healing in a person whose
life seems barren and forlorn because of some crisis or tragedy.
May Anniversaries
Mike & Tami Genovese 5/1/1976 44th
Scott & Jan Kizer 5/8/1999
Harold & Kathy Kasischke 5/13/1978 42nd
Patrick & Stacy Assell 5/14/2016
Jeffery & Jennifer Lyon 5/16/1998
Larry & Mary Doroh 5/18/2007
Rich & Janet Ellis 5/20/1972 48th
Dale & Sue Brewer 5/20/1989
Roger & Linda Csepregi 5/21/2016
Donald & Debra Patzer 5/21/1993
Fred & Beth Wassilak 5/28/1960 60th
Bradley & Joyce Wendzel 5/28/1988
Michael & Terri Rushlow 5/30/1981
Duane & Susan Case 5/31/2003
Tim & Cindy Ernst 5/31/1975 45th
If you do not see your anniversary listed,
please call the Church Office at 983-5000 to
update your records.
Trinity Lutheran Church & School
Life Development Classes for Spring 2020
All Classes are Pending, Please Call Ahead to Confirm
Page 4
Connected
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP
8:00am Worship (Sanctuary)
9:15am Contemporary Worship (Gym)
10:30am Worship (Sanctuary)
MONTHLY SENIOR COMMUNION WORSHIP
(resumes in March)
11:00am Second Wed Each Month (Ministry Center)
WEDNESDAY MIDWEEK WORSHIP
6:30pm Worship (Sanctuary)
ADULT MINISTRY / BIBLE STUDY OPPORTUNITIES
SUNDAY
ADULT BIBLE STUDY – "STUDY OF JESUS' LAST EVENING BEFORE
HIS CRUCIFIXION" — “Upper Room” Study of John 13-17
The most intense evening in the history of Christianity is Thursday
evening, the 14th of Nisan. We find Jesus with his disciples in the
upper room gathered for the Passover festival meal. Inspired by
the Holy Spirit, St. John dedicated 5 chapters of his Gospel (13-17)
to this evening. Almost 25% of the gospel covers these few hours of
one evening. Starting on Sunday, March 1st at 9:15 am, the
Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study will begin a verse by verse
discussion of this special evening. It will be the subject of the
Lenten Season on Sunday mornings which will include but not be
limited to Jesus washing the Disciples feet; the prediction of his
betrayal and of Peter's denial; the promise of the Holy Spirit; and
Jesus' longest recorded prayer. Please join us for this concentrated,
focused study of Jesus' last evening before his crucifixion. It
promises full spiritual growth and blessings.
LEADER: Tom Bird
LOCATION: Fellowship Hall
TIME: 9:15 – 10:15 a.m.
TUESDAY
GREEK
Anyone interested in getting their Greek on? A small group of a
former Greek class is going to continue their Greek education by
delving into the book of John. Robert Lawrence will be leading. No
previous Greek required. We will be meeting the 1st and 3rd
Tuesdays at 7pm, Ministry Center upstairs. If interested, please
contact Nancy Pedde, 269-470-5611 or
nancylovescubs@gmail.com
LEADER: Robert Lawrence
LOCATION: Ministry Center, 2nd Floor
TIME: 7:00-8:00 p.m. (1st & 3rd Tuesdays)
WEDNESDAY
SON-RISERS BIBLE STUDY – LUTHERAN SPIRITUALITY –
WITNESS (Sharing our Faith) (Beginning April 15
Spirituality is a common term today, but what does it mean? To find
the right answer, Lutheran Spirituality directs adult Bible study
participants to God's Word. Lutheran Spirituality explores the
Bible, Luther's Small Catechism, and the Lutheran hymnal as
integral resources for living out our faith in a spiritually
confused--and confusing--world. In His Word, the Lord teaches
His believers to pray. It is through prayer, and His grace, that we
can approach His throne with our praise, confessions,
fears...everything! This study encourages participants to rejoice in
prayer as a great privilege, to follow the guidance of the Holy
Spirit as they pray, to approach God the Father in prayer with
faith in Jesus as their Intercessor, to join with the congregation in
praying for the world, and so much more. Sessions include: Our
Secret Vocation | The Intercession of Jesus | The Gift of Prayer |
Praying with Jesus | Complaining | Congregational Prayer
LEADER: Pastor Michael Roth
LOCATION: Lighthouse Café, Ministry Center
TIME: 6:45-7:45 a.m.
"THE WIRED WORD"
The Wired Word class uses questions and Scripture considerations
from current events, topics, and happenings in the United States
and around the world as a basis for adult, intelligent and
provocative discussions. Members of the class are truly thinking
about their beliefs and the Biblical applications to their own day-
to-day lives.
LEADER: Rich Hackbarth
LOCATION: Lighthouse Café
TIME 6:30-8pm
THURSDAY
ADULT BIBLE FELLOWSHIP
Join with a host of other adults for a time of fellowship and study
of God's Word.
LEADER: Pastor Tom Batsky
LOCATION: Lighthouse Café, Ministry Center
TIME: 9:30am– Coffee and breakfast treats
10:00-11:00 a.m. – Bible Study
CHILDREN AND YOUTH MINISTRY
SUNDAY
CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL
Children's Sunday school will meet each Sunday morning at 9:15
to dive into God's Word together! Children will learn all about
the Bible while also being equipped with Biblical life application!
Sunday School is open to children age 3 years to 4th grade. You
may register your child at anytime during the year. The class
begins promptly at 9:15am and ends at 10:15am. Sunday School
is located in the Children's Ministry Room on the lower level next
to the fellowship hall. Contact Melissa Graham in regards to the
Children's Sunday School program at 983-5000, ext. 410.
JR HIGH BIBLE STUDY (5th -6th Grade)
This Bible study will meet in the 4th grade classroom (Room
#213) upstairs in the school, at 9:15 on Sunday mornings. They
will be diving into The Story where they will walk through the
Bible each week and learn all about Jesus's love for us!
LEADERS: Mrs. Terry Bird, room #213
LOCATION: 2nd floor of School
TIME: 9:15-10:15 a.m.
JR HIGH CONFIRMATION (7th & 8th Grade, non-Trinity Students)
7th & 8th grade Public School Confirmation will meet in the Solid
Rock at 9:15 every Sunday Morning. We will be going through the
Catechism and preparing them to be confirmed!
LEADERS: Melissa Graham & Vicar Schmeisser
LOCATION: Solid Rock Cafe (700 Church Street)
TIME: 9:15-10:15 a.m.
HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP
Join us for relevant Bible studies, games, and snacks! If you have
any questions please contact Melissa Graham. Contact the church
office to be added to the email list for this group. Activities will
vary throughout the year.
LEADER: Melissa Graham
LOCATION: Solid Rock Café
TIME: Sundays, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
FRIDAY
JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP
Jr High Youth group meets once a month from 5:00-7:00 p.m at
the Solid Rock Café, and is available for 5th-8th grade students.
We are in need of adult volunteers that are interested in making
real life connections with youth in our congregation and
community! If you are interested in volunteering or would just like
more information please contact Melissa Graham, 269-983-5000,
ext. 410.
LEADER: Melissa Graham
LOCATION: Solid Rock Café
TIME: Fridays, 5-7 p.m. (Once a month)
SUPPORT GROUPS and CARING MINISTRIES
STEPHEN MINISTRIES
Stephen Ministries Mission: Christ caring for people through
people. Stephen Ministers are members of our congregation who
receive special training to provide one-to-one Christian care to
people experiencing challenges in life- such as grief, loneliness,
divorce, hospitalization, disability, job loss, and many other life
difficulties. God didn't plan for you to have to carry the burdens of
life by yourself! Let our Stephen Ministers walk with you! To learn
how to receive care from a Stephen Minister, or if you have an
interest in becoming a Stephen Minister, contact Pastor Roth, a
Stephen Leader, or the church office. STEPHEN LEADERS: Pastor
Michael J. Roth, John Kroonblawd, Sheila Kroonblawd, and Betty
Perrone.
All Bible Studies and Groups are dependent upon the “Stay Home Order” being lifted.
Please call and verify as the dates get closer.
Page 5
Trinity Lutheran Church & School
Trinity Lutheran Church & School
Life Development Classes for Spring 2020
All Classes are Pending, Please Call Ahead to Confirm
WIDOW'S SMALL GROUP
As widows, we can gain strength from other widows
going through a similar walk in life. Whether you
are a recent Widow, or you have been a widow for
many years, this small group is for you! We will
learn from each other as we go. This group meets on
the 2nd Saturday of the month, from 10:30a –
12:30p held in the Ministry Center. If you have
questions or want more information, contact Betty
Perrone at 269-983-5000.
ALZHEIMER CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP
Come and join other caregivers, friends, and family
members of those with Alzheimer's. You will gain
support, be able to ask questions, get advice and
share resources. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
REMAINING 2020 MEETING DATE:
Monday: May 11th
LEADER: Debby Miskill
LOCATION: Church Fellowship Hall
TIME: 6:00-7:30pm
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
MUSIC MINISTRY at Trinity Lutheran Church:
The Adult Choir - Have you considered praising God
with your voice in a more designed atmosphere?
Come join your fellow members and fellow music
lovers on Wednesday evening at 7:30pm (right after
service) in the music room of the school. There's an
elevator for those who have difficulty with stairs and
there's always happy faces and accepting voices to
join you. No previous experience required. You only
need to want to learn more about God and about
music. Please come: it really IS a lot of fun!
• Hand bell Choir Practice – Tuesdays 7-8 p.m.
(Music Room)
• Adult Choir – Wednesdays 7:30-9 p.m.
(Music Room)
• Contemporary Praise Team – Wednesdays
7:00-9:00 p.m. (Gymnasium)
Want to do something but not sure what? If you sing
or play an instrument, talk to Paula Steuernagel or
Brad Chaffee to get connected to serve the church
with your musical talent.
WOMEN'S BOOK CLUB
Join other women for a lively discussion of a book of
the Month. Check the Women's Ministry page in the
Connected for the current book selection. The Book
Club meets on the third Saturday of the month.
LEADER: Nancy Pedde
TIME: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
PLACE: Biggby Coffee
All Bible Studies and Groups are dependent upon the “Stay Home Order” being lifted.
Please call and verify as the dates get closer.
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE FAMILY
Trinity, through its Family Activity Team offers some very exciting family oriented events during the year. They are designed to bring adults and
children together for fellowship, laughter, learning and fun. Watch this newsletter for more information.
Please don't hesitate to contact the Church
Office at 983-5000, if you have any questions.
Page 6
Connected
School
Trinity Lutheran School sends our warmest
greetings to your house, reminding you
that school is still in session. We have now
learned how to teach from a distance.
The new learning curve is not without its
challenges. Our teachers miss their
students and are sure the parents miss the
teachers too.
Please continue to keep our students, their
families, and the teachers in your prayers.
If there are special needs you are
experiencing during this pandemic be sure
to contact our office or email.
We are passing out lunches to families
once a week on Tuesday's from 11am-
1:00pm. If you have a need for lunches
please let Jenna or Terry know.
We are accepting applications for the fall
session and are looking forward to our
classrooms being filled again. If you have
any question regarding registration for
school please email Jenna at
Jenna.wood@discovertrinity.org or Terry at
terry.bird@discovertrinity.org.
We are here for you and continue to lift
you up in prayer.
Serving our Risen Lord together,
Mrs. Terry Bird
ECC
In these uncertain times it is hard for me to write about
what has happened in the ECC and what will be
happening, because we just don't know. We temporarily
closed our doors on March 27, 2020 in the hopes of being
able to reopen in 2 weeks on the 14th of April.
Unfortunately, it doesn't look like that will happen. We are
hopeful that by May we will be up and running again and
the nation will be on the road to recovery.
Our teachers and lead caregivers are in contact with all of
our families. They are keeping the children busy with
activities and projects to do at home. They are sending
videos, reading stories online and hosting Zoom meetings.
I have been able to attend a few and they are so fun. The
kids miss each other terribly and you can hear and see that
as they get a chance to interact with each other for the first
time in quite a while. Our families are strong and doing
well, which is good to see.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers as we all face this
pandemic challenge. I encourage you to be in God's Word
daily, attend services online and be in constant prayer for
our church, community, state and nation. Pray too, for the
ECC and its staff, many of which their job here was their
only source of income. Pray the Stay Home Stay Safe order
is lifted and we can all get back to our usual routines, even
just a bit.
Ultimately we just need to remember: He is Risen! He is
Risen Indeed! Alleuia!!
Blessings,
Robyn Adams, Director
Youth, Children's, and Family Ministry
Melissa Graham, Director of Youth & Family Ministries
Due to the virus shutdown we will be postponing Confirmation Sunday. We will release the date of
Confirmation at a later time.
These are uncertain times that we are living in and everyone at Trinity is missing all the children and
families! While our ministry events for this month may be postponed or moved around that does not
mean that ministry stops. We are reminded in John 16:33 that Jesus has already overcome all our
crises and worldly problems. He says "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have
peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." We can
find comfort in these words and know that this is just a season in our lives, and seasons change.
God has a plan for us far greater than we can ever imagine. Trinity cannot wait to see your families,
and we're counting down the days until we can be at church together again!
Page 7
Trinity Lutheran Church & School
The Benton Harbor Soup Kitchen was forced to modify its service this month to comply with safety
precautions for the COVID-19 pandemic. Two high school volunteers helped to bake 120 cupcakes and
assemble sack lunches to be distributed at the Soup Kitchen. Kids from our Early Childhood Center
decorated bags with a message of love. It was great to serve God's people in this hour of need.
Community Outreach Statistics March 2020
Benevolent Fund | Suspended due to COVID-19
Community Dinner | Cancelled due to COVID-19
Sort-N-Share | Suspended due to COVID-19
Sleeping Mat Ministry | Suspended due to COVID-19
Food Truck
Households –156, Individuals – 485
Seniors – 62, Children – 179
Veterans - 16, Volunteers – 11
Pounds of Food – 8200
Drive Through came to our Mobile
Food Truck. Volunteers assembled
boxes of food and our guests were
able to drive through, pop the trunk or
open the back seat and food was
loaded directly into their vehicle.
Things went remarkably well for our
first effort and we will repeat it again
for April. Sadly, we ran out of food
before we ran out of needy families at
our March event. Plans are underway
to increase the amount of food we are
able to give away and grants have
been applied for. As always – to God
be the Glory and thank you volunteers.
Connected
Page 8
WOMEN'S MINISTRY
Women's Book Club
The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls by Anissa Gray
The Butler family has had their share of trials—as sisters Althea, Viola, and Lillian can attest—but nothing
prepared them for the literal trial that will upend their lives. Althea, the eldest sister and substitute matriarch, is a
force to be reckoned with and her younger sisters have alternately appreciated and chafed at her strong will. They
are as stunned as the rest of the small community when she and her husband Proctor are arrested, and in a
heartbeat the family goes from one of the most respected in town to utter disgrace. The worst part is, not even her
sisters are sure exactly what happened. As Althea awaits her fate, Lillian and Viola must come together in the house
they grew up in to care for their sister’s teenage daughters. What unfolds is a stunning portrait of the heart and
core of an American family in a story that is as page-turning as it is important.
When: 3rd Saturday Time: 10:30am
Place: Biggby Coffee Leader: Nancy Pedde
Sleeping Mat Ministry / PLARN Gathering (resumes after Easter)
The Sleeping Mat Ministry is looking for volunteers to assist in cutting the plastic bags. Also assembling the bags
into Plarn (plastic yarn) and crocheting the Plarn into the mats. Once a mat is completed they will be distributed
into our community to the homeless. This is something that can be done at home or you are in invited to come to
the Plarn Gathering which meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month, from 2:00-4:00pm in the Lighthouse Cafe,
Trinity Ministry Center. The most important thing that we all can do is keep those that are homeless in our prayers.
For more information please contact the church office.
TRINITY QUILTERS meet on Thursdays, from 11a – 2:30p to work on quilts, to date this year, they have
completed 24 + quilts to be sent to the less fortunate overseas, through the Lutheran World Relief organization.
They are also providing small quilts for infant baptisms at our church. Work can be done at home making squares
and then bringing them back to the group to put together. If you know how to tie knots you can be of great help to
this group. If you have questions or are interested in joining this group, call Helen @ 429-8503 or the church office
at 983-5000.
Trinity Ministry Center, Lower Lounge
Thursdays between 11am – 2:30pm
WIDOW'S SMALL GROUP
As widows, we can gain strength from other widows going through a similar walk in life. Whether you are a recent
Widow, or you have been a widow for many years, this small group is for you! We will learn from each other as we
go. Our meetings are held on the 2nd Saturday, at 10:30a.m., in the Ministry Center. If you have questions, contact
Betty Perrone at 269-983-5000.
Everything is Subject to Change, Call to Confirm
Those Serving
in the Armed
Forces
U.S. Marines
Gunnery Sgt Andrew C. Wedde, Marines,
stationed at Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD;
Grandson of Irma Wedde
CPL Paul Jersey, stationed in Camp Lejeune,
North Carolina; son of Tim & Jill Jersey
U.S. Army
1st Lt. Aaron Hinkelman, stationed in
Afghanistan, grandson of Gus & Judy
Hinkelman
PFC Riley Engel, stationed in Italy, grandson
of Gus & Judy Hinkelman
U.S. Navy
Lt. Adam Roth, Naval Aviator, son of Rev.
Michael and Amy Roth
Lt. Mark Williams, Navy Pilot, stationed at
Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Oak
Harbor, WA, nephew of Linda Williams
U.S. Air Force
Airman 1st Class, Evan Pyatt, US Air Force,
stationed in Travis AFB, California; Grandson
of Bill & Margo Pyatt
Tech Sergeant, John Pyatt, US Air Force,
stationed in Minneapolis, son of Bill &
Margo Pyatt
Lt Haleigh Wendzel, US Air Force, stationed.
in South Korea, daughter of Brad & Joyce
Wendzel, granddaughter of Alton & Millie
Wendzel
U.S. Coast Guard
AMT3 Camille and EM3 Kyle Crabtree,
stationed in Suffolk, VA, niece & nephew of
Jan Dasse
Please keep all of our Servicemen and women in
your prayers. May God keep them safe from harm
and bring them home to their families soon. If your
status has changed, please call the church office.
Page 9
Trinity Lutheran Church & School
FROM THE ARCHIVES By Janet Frazier
Our Church, Our Area
Need I say I love the history of our
church and our area. There is a lot of it
in our Trinity's archives. Let me share
this info I recently found.
This first photo I have seen many times
in various publications. I know you have
too. It pictures a quiet neighborhood,
looking east from Main Street at the turn
of the century. Pearl Street is shown
running from the bottom of the photo to
the top. Trinity Lutheran Church is at the
lower left on the corner of Court and
Pearl Streets. Further down Pearl Street
is St. Peter's Evangelical church which is
on the corner of Church and Pearl
Streets. That building is still standing
today. Note: Trinity was said to have
the highest steeple in the St Joseph area.
Trinity's white frame church building
served our congregation when built in
1886 to 1925 at which time our present
church was built. As Trinity grew, the
property kept growing too. When a
larger church building was needed, the
congregation bought the homes on the
other end of Court Street and our
present church was built at that site. The
1886 white frame church was torn then
down and the empty space became the
playground for the school children.
When the new 1952 school was built, the
new school building filled the rest of the
block.
Now, the reason I am so interested in
these photos. The “neighborhood” photo
was said to have been taken from the
“high School” on Main Street. High
School?? -- Main Street?? Now, look at
the next photo. This photo is a picture of
that school, which was named Union
School. It was a three story school
building housing the “high school” and
probably the other grades. It was built in
1872 and served the community until
1936 when it was demolished. A two
story school building replaced it. We
know that school as Washington School,
an elementary school.
You will know it as the Berrien County Administration
Center. Now isn't that interesting?
Connected
Page 10
Stewardship
At the time of this writing we are all living out stay
“at home orders” from our president and governor
in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. In most
instances if we are working, we have to work at
home. We have to stay at home and can only
spend time with those with whom we share a home.
We have to stay home and can't attend church
services or have direct fellowship with our church
family. Our children have to stay home from
school, and can't play with their friends. Many
individuals and families have lost jobs and income
on top of everything mentioned above and have to
cope with all the challenges this represents. We all
need to find hope in John 16:33 “I have said these
things to you, that in me you may have peace. In
the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I
have overcome the world.”
Growing up, my siblings and I always complained
that we had to eat everything on our plates, we had
to clean our rooms, say our prayers, brush our
teeth, take a bath, go to school, go to church, and
so many more had to's. My dad had a great
comeback response to all of our had to's – he told
us we didn't have to do anything, but instead we get
to do everything we do. He also had a reasonable
explanation to go along with every get to
comeback. We didn't win any of those discussions.
Let's take a look at our current situation from my
dad's perspective. If you are lucky enough to still
have a job, you may get to work at home. Whoa,
that means you get to be home all day. You don't
have to drive to work. You may get to learn and
use new technologies like Skype, Teams, Zoom and
so forth. You get to connect more with your family
both in your own home and perhaps elsewhere, as
you check on other family members via phone or
social media. The same applies to your neighbors
and friends. You may get to reach out to them from
a distance offering your love, care and assistance.
Children get to stay home from school and learn in
a new environment. They get to reconnect with and
spend quality time with family members, in ways
that wouldn't happen if they were in school. They
get to understand what it takes to run a home, and
they may even get to help.
Church members may have to miss attending
church services, but perhaps get to spend more time
on personal Bible study and meditation on God's
Word. They also get to spread God's message of
hope and love through social media, as everyone
strives to stay connected even more in this way. I
got to participate today in one of Pastor Roth's Bible
studies via Zoom. It was great, just different than our
normal face to face Bible studies.
Consider this, we get to adapt to what hopefully will be
a temporary job loss and shortage of income. The
government is going to help us adapt with an infusion
of money for businesses to help keep us employed or to
re-employ us, and we will be receiving some money as
individuals as well, to help cover some of our family
expenses. What about our church? While it is trying to
adapt by streaming Wednesday and Sunday services
and holding Zoom Bible studies, it has a different
financial struggle than we do in our homes and
businesses. WE are the church, and currently we aren't
present at Sunday services to donate and tithe as we
usually do. During this shutdown period and beyond,
remember that you can always mail a check into the
church office at any time, or you can give to Trinity
through the Smartphone App – Givelify. You don't have
to be present on Wednesday evenings or Sunday
mornings in order to financially support Trinity in these
difficult times or at any other time.
By the time this issue of the Connected comes out, I am
hopeful that we will be near the tail end of this virus.
So, what then? What's next? At some point, we will
get to go back to work, back to school, and back to
church. That doesn't mean, however, that we can't
continue with some of the adaptations we have made
during this Coronavirus outbreak. We should continue
to learn and use new technologies, as they will certainly
be part of our future. We should continue to nurture all
of our relationships, with God, family, friends,
neighbors and even strangers. We should of course
return to and support our beloved Trinity Lutheran
Church and School in any way we can, including
renewing and continuing our relationships with our
church family, and through offering our time, talent and
treasure.
It is my prayer that you and your family have all made it
safely through this Coronavirus event to this point in
time. I pray that God will see you and your family
safely through this virus, however long it lasts. Praise
be to God for His everlasting mercy, faithfulness and
love!!
Respectfully submitted by John W. Bock
What Now, What Next….
Trinity Lutheran Church & School
JOIN SAGES FOR OUR FIRST TRIP/TOUR OUTSIDE AFTER A LONG COLD
WINTER ON TUESDAY, MAY 19th
We will be meeting at the Coloma North Berrien History Museum, 300 Coloma Ave.,
Coloma at 10 am for a tour on both the forest-to-fruit-belt exhibit and the southwest
Michigan crate, basket, and veneer machinery collection….really cool! A donation is
recommended instead of set fee. From there we head to Friendly Restaurant for lunch
around 11:30-12 to 12:50 for lunch on your own.
The day concludes by going to Silverstone Gardens, 300 S. M 140, Watervliet at 1 pm to tour the backside of the
nursery ~ they just don't use a hose to water those pretty plants….it is truly amazing. Plus, it is Senior Citizen Day,
therefore we get 10% of any purchase.
So, put on a smile and escape to a spring outing of enjoying those blossoms and warm weather. Everyone must
provide their own transportation ~ so team up if you like or come/go by yourself as you like. Maps will be given to
Betty at church office on how to get to our destinations.
RSVP to Betty at by Wednesday, May 13th, at the church office.
Pending the government stay home order
Page 11
S.A.G.E.S
Bill and Janice Stouffer have continued to come into the church during the
COVID19 shut down to prepare the Altar parliaments before each recording of
the worship services. It made such a tremendous difference to all of us as we
viewed each service! So we could continue to enjoy the beauty of our church.
During Holy Week they were there on four separate occasions to prepare for
three services and also to help distribute the Easter Flowers. Thank you for your
devoted service in caring for our church!
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO BEHIND THE SCENES!
Page 12
Connected
ANNUAL ACTUAL % OF ANNUAL ANNUAL YTD ACTUAL % OF ANNUAL
BUDGET YTD BUDGET BUDGET BUDGET YTD BUDGET
TOTAL REVENUE $2,294,653.00 $1,670,191.01 72.79% $2,209,447.51 $1,690,371.54 $1,759,583.28 79.64%
TOTAL EXPENSES $2,234,367.00 $1,697,963.17 75.99% $2,253,306.61 $1,689,980.05 $1,695,028.41 75.22%
REVENUE OVER/(UNDER) EXPENSES $60,286.00 -$27,772.16 -46.07% -$43,859.10 $391.49 $64,554.87 -147.19%
6/30/2019 3/31/2020
LONG-TERM DEBT
Church Extension Fund Mortgage $726,516.92 ($88,620.04) $637,896.88
TOTAL DEBT $726,516.92 ($88,620.04) $637,896.88
Over/(Under) to YTD Over/
WEEKLY ENVELOPE & PLATE Contributions Meet Budget (Under) Budget
March 1, 2020 $20,188.82 $6,833.05 $38,910.68
March 8, 2020 $15,757.01 $2,401.24 $41,311.92
March 15, 2020 $15,098.97 $1,743.20 $43,055.12
March 22, 2020 $5,647.00 -$7,708.77 $35,346.35
* No services 3/18 to 3/29 due to
March 29, 2020 $10,457.00 -$2,898.77 $32,447.58 COVID-19 virus
Totals $67,148.80 $369.95
Weekly Envelope & Plate Budget Needed: $13,355.77
CASH REPORT--MARCH, 2020
DAILY LOW BALANCE $263,297.91
DAILY HIGH BALANCE $387,849.22
DAILY AVERAGE FOR THE MONTH $347,999.99
GENERAL FUND
2018-2019 2019-2020
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH AND SCHOOL
CONGREGATIONAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT—2019/2020 FISCAL YEAR
July 1, 2019 through March 31, 2020
A more detailed
Treasurer's Report is
available for viewing in the
Church Office.
Respectfully submitted,
Gus Damaske, Treasurer
Donating Blood
We were scheduled to have
a Blood Drive in Friday, May
8th, which has been
cancelled due to a shortage
of staff. The Red Cross is
still desperately seeking
donors! If you would like to
help keep the blood supply
stable during this time,
please go to
www.redcrossblood.org to
get information on how you
can help!
Page 13
Trinity Lutheran Church & School
We Are Celebrating...
The following Trinity Members are celebrating birthdays this month:
If you do not see your birthday listed, please call the Church Office @
983-5000 to update your records. We indicate the age of members 80 years &
over. If you do not want your age listed, please contact the Church Office.
5/1 Ex. 39:32-40:16; Luke 8:22-39
5/2 Ex. 40:17-38; (Lev. 1:1-7:38); Luke 8:40-56
5/3 Lev. 8:1-13, 30-36; Luke 9:1-17
5/4 Lev. 9:1-24; Luke 9:18-36
5/5 Lev. 10:1-20; (Lev. 11:1-15:33); Luke 9:37-62
5/6 Lev. 16:1-24; Luke 10:1-22
5/7 Lev. 17:1-16; Luke 10:23-42
5/8 Lev. 18:1-7, 20-19:8; Luke 11:1-13
5/9 Lev. 19:9-18, 26-37; Luke 11:14-36
5/10 Lev. 20:1-16, 22-27; Luke 11:37-64
5/11 Lev. 21:1-24; Luke 12:1-12
5/12 Lev. 23:1-22; Luke12:13-34
5/13 Lev. 23:23-44; Luke 12:35-53
5/14 Lev. 24:1-23; (Lev. 25:1-55); Luke 12:54-13:17
5/15 Lev. 26:1-20; Luke 13:18-35
5/16 Lev. 26:21-44; (Num. 1:1-2:34); Luke 14:1-24
5/17 Num. 3:1-16, 39-48; (Num. 4:1-8:4); Luke 14:25-15:20
5/18 Num. 8:5-26; Luke 15:11-32
5/19 Num. 9:1-23; Luke 16:1-18
5/20 Num. 10:11-36; Luke 16:19-31
5/21 Num. 11:1-23, 31-35, Luke 17:1-19
5/22 Num. 11:24-29, 12:1-16; Luke 17:20-37
5/23 Num. 13:1-3, 17-33; Luke 18:1-17
5/24 Num. 14:1-25; Luke 18:18-34
5/25 Num. 14:26-45; (Num. 15:1-41); Luke 18:35-19:10
5/26 Num. 16:1-22; Luke 19:11-28
5/27 Num. 16:23-40; Luke 19:29-48
5/28 Num. 16:41-17:13; (Num. 18:1-19:22); Luke 20:1-18
5/29 Num. 20:1-21; Luke 20:19-44
5/30 Num. 20:22-21:9; Luke 20:45-21:19
5/31 Num. 21:10-35; Luke 21:20-38
Sundays and Festival Days (Series A)
5/3 Fourth S. of Easter
Acts 2:42–47; 1 Peter 2:19–25; John 10:1–10
5/10 Fifth S. of Easter
Acts 6:1–9; 7:2a, 51–60; 1 Peter 2:2–10; John 14:1–14
5/17 Sixth S. of Easter
Acts 17:16–31; 1 Peter 3:13–22; John 14:15–21
5/21 The Ascension of Our Lord
Acts 1:1–11; Eph. 1:15–23; Luke 24:44–53
5/24 Seventh S. of Easter
Acts 1:12–26; 1 Peter 4:12–19; 5:6–11; John 17:1–11
5/30 Pentecost Eve
Ex. 19:1–9; Rom. 8:12–17 (22–27); John 14:8–21
5/31 The Day of Pentecost
Num. 11:24–30; Acts 2:1–21; John 7:37–39
Daily Lectionary
5/1 Nicholas Addis, Mary Shuler, Mark Zerbe
5/2 Anne Loikits*, Kenneth Toffelmire
5/3 Robert Karsten, Andrew McDowell, Sarah Ringer
5/4 John Bieri, Pamela Fetke, Noah Lyon, June Matz,
Robert Miskill, Nancy Pedde
5/5 Jackson Helsley, Linda Knuth, Kurt Krieger
5/6 Kaitlynn Lute, Michael Mantei, Olivia McQueen,
Loren Wilson
5/7 Ashley Ask, Kaylie Field, Rebecca Price, Karla Romano,
Kelsey Sites
5/8 Michael Hendrickson, Janice Ogonowski, Craig Schmidke
5/9 Wayne Petzke, Helen Schillinger*, David Werner
5/10 Daniel Poole
5/11 Tyler Mathews, Donna Pechtel*, Michael Sleep Jr,
Dylan Smith
5/12 Kimberly Kelly
5/13 Taylor Krieger, Debra Mihlhauser, Maddox Wall
5/14 Nicholas Evans, R. Keene Evans Jr*, Patricia Karsen*,
Jeremy Koenig, Jill Scroggins-Hubble
5/15 Kaitlin Thumm, Christopher Wohler
5/16 Miriam Dorn, Peter Fellows
5/17 Amy Pedde, Ellie Primerano, Kelly Wilford
5/18 Jordyn Ross, Jacob Roth, Jenna Wood
5/19 Robert Hauch*
5/20 Richard Klatt, Abigail Lane, Reinhard Lippert*
5/21 Esther Iliff, Emily Lockman
5/22 Barb Butler*, Isaac Glisson, Logan Moore
5/23 Brian Block, Nathan Warner
5/24 Lisa Halliday, Ben Jakubs, Kolby Mantei, Lois Pape*,
Kristin Taylor
5/25 Kayla Demorrow, Sofia Hall, Sadie Piaskowski
5/26 Tim Ernst, Marcia Kasischke*, Ashley Machacek,
Bradley Pliley, Kassidy Siek
5/27 Kay Britenfield, Grace Lute,
Dustin Toffelmire
5/28 Steve Shuler
5/29 David Devore, Scott Morgan,
Beth Wassilak
5/30
5/31 Layla Frazee, Dottie Gietler,
Jan Plangger, Erin Schroeder
*Special Birthdays
Page 14
Connected
Weekly Events
Sunday
Worship, 8 & 10:30a, Sanctuary
Contemporary, 9:15, Gym
Adult Bible Study,, 9:15-10:15a, CFH
Children's Sunday School, 9:15-10:15a, CMR
Jr High Confirmation, 9:15-10:15a, SRC
Jr High Bible Study, 9:15-10:15a, room # 213
Senior High Youth Group, 6:30-8p, SRC
Monday
Ministry Leadership Team Mtg, 1:30-3p,
MC-1st floor
Plarn Gathering, 2-4p, LHC
(2nd & 4th Monday)
Men's Basketball, 6-8p, Gym
Tuesday
Greek Class, 7-8p, MC-2nd floor
(1st & 3rd Tuesdays)
Hand Bell Choir Practice, 7-8p, Music Room
Wednesday
SonRisers Bible Study, 6:45-7:45a, LHC
Care Team, 10a-11a, MCB
The Wired Word, 6:30-8p, LHC
Mid-week Worship, 6:30p, S
Adult Choir Practice, 7:30-9p, Music Room
Contemporary Praise Team Practice, 7-9p, SRC
Thursday
Adult Bible Fellowship, 9:30-11a, LHC
Quilters, 11a-2:30p, LHL
ADDITIONAL EVENTS
Sunday, 5/3
Monday, 5/4
Exec. Comm. Mtg, 5:30-6:30p, MCB
Bd of Education, 6:30-8pm, MC-2nd fl
Tuesday, 5/5
Greek Class, 7-8p, MC-2nd fl
Handbells, 7-8p, music room
Wednesday, 5/6
Thursday, 5/7
National Day of Prayer
Friday, 5/8
June Connected Due
School Auction, 5:30-9p, Amer. Legion, St
Saturday 5/9
Widows Small Group, 10:30a-12:30p, LHC
Sunday, 5/10
Monday, 5/11
Plarn Gathering, 2-4p, LHC
Alzheimer Caregiver Group, 5-6:30p, CFH
Church Council Meeting, 6:30-9p, MC-2nd fl
Tuesday, 5/12
Pastor's Winkel, 8:30a-1p
Stephen Ministry Peer & Cont. Ed, 6:30-9p, LHC
Wednesday, 5/13
Trinity's Incorporation Day – 1867
Senior Worship, 11a-1p, LHC
Thursday, 5/14
Friday, 5/15
Jr Youth Group, 5-7p, SRC
Saturday, 5/16
Women's Book Club, 10:30-11:30a, Biggby Coffee
Sunday, 5/17
Monday, 5/18
Bd of Prop & Finance, 6:30-8:30p, MCB
Tuesday, 5/19
Caretel Communion Service, 10:30a
SAGES, 10a-1p, off site
Crisis Team Meeting, 3:30-5p, School
Greek Class, 7-8p, MC-2nd floor
Wednesday, 5/20
Royalton Manor Communion Service, 10a
Whitcomb Tower Communion Service, 1p
Thursday, 5/21
Friday, 5/22
Saturday, 5/23
Sunday, May 24
Monday, May 25
Memorial Day – campus closed
Tuesday, 5/26
Soup Kitchen, 10a
Stephen Minister Peer Supervision, 6;30-9p, LHC
Wednesday, 5/27
Ascension Eve Worship, 6:30p, S
Thursday, 5/28
Mobile Food Pantry, 4p, MC parking lot
Friday, 5/29
Saturday, 5/30
Community Dinner, 11:30a-1p, LHC
Sunday, 5/31
Family Picnic, 1-3p, Trinity
National Day of Prayer, Thursday, May 7th
June Connected Articles Due, Friday, May 8th
School Auction, Friday May 8th, 5:30-9p,
Amer. Legion, St.
Widows Small Group, Sat, May 9th, 10:30a-12:30p,
LHC
Plarn Gathering, Monday, May 11th, 2-4p, LHC
Stephen Ministry Peer Supervision, Tues, May 12th &
26th, 6:30-9p, LHC
Senior Worship, Wed. May 13th, 11a-1p, LHC
Women's Book Club, Saturday, May 16th,
10:30-11:30a, Biggby Coffee
Caretel Communion Service, Tues, May 19th,
10:30am
SAGES Group, Tuesday, May 19th,
10a-1p, off site
Royalton Manor Communion Service,
Wed, May 20th, 10a
Whitcomb Communion Service, Wed,
May 20th, 1p
Soup Kitchen, Tuesday, May 26th, 10a
Ascension Eve Worship, Wed. May 27th,
6:30p, S
Mobile Food Pantry, Thursday, May 28th,
4:00p, MC Parking lot
Community Dinner, Saturday, May 30th,
11:30a-1p, LHC
Family Picnic, Sunday, May 31st, 1-3p, Trinity
Back Lot, CFH, CMR
This Month at Trinity
May 2020
CFH-Christian Fellowship Hall; CMR-Children’s Ministry Room; LHC-Lighthouse Café; LHL-
Lighthouse Lounge; MC-Ministry Center; MCB-Ministry Center Boardroom; S-Sanctuary; SRC-
Solid Rock Café; SCH-School; WC-Welcome Center
PLEASE NOTE...
EVERYTHING IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE & DEPENDANT UPON THE STAY HOME ORDER
Page 15
288 Peace Blvd.St. Joseph, MI 49085
269-556-9050www.cienafacilities.com
A
Community
David S. Miller D.D.S.824 Napier Ave., St. Joseph
Office: 269-983-4371Fax: 269-983-5304
FAMILY DENTISTRY
2-D-3-5 For ad info. call 1-800-477-4574 • www.4lpi.com 15-0549
Jan YeldingIndependent Beauty Consultant(269) 637-5645 • Cell (269) 470-5645
jyelding@marykay.comwww.marykay.com/jyelding
FREE Make-overs
Adent’sLandscape Supplies, Inc.
465 W. Glenlord RoadSaint Joseph, MI 49085
269-428-0200Specializing in:
PROCESSED TOPSOILSTONE • MULCH • COMPOST
www.adentslandscapesupplies.comWHERE BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES BEGIN!
J. Joseph Daly • Randy S, HyrnsCraig P. Jennings • Richard A. Racht
James J. Riemland
BittnerJennings.com
Handcrafted Locallyinspired Servinglunch beer New-American &dinner menu721PleasantSt.•DowntownSt.Joseph(behindthepostoffice)
269.281.7100•silverharborbrewing.com
EAT. DRINK. BEER HAPPY.
St. Joseph Dowagiac New Buffalo Decatur Berrien Springs Buchanan
www.starksfamilyfh.com 269-556-9450
Dr. Charles HowenstineDr. Theresa Burt
Dr. Stephanie Grider
(269) 281-8080www.StJosephDentistry.net
• ROOFING • SIDING & WINDOWS • INSULATION • GUTTERS • MASONRY
Serving South West Michigan’s Lake Shore 1-888-766-3014 www.LakefrontRoof.com
Come Visit OurColoma Design &Selection Center6603 Red Arrow Hwy
269-468-3128BigCLumber.com
Contact Joe Kravec to place an ad today! jkravec@4LPi.com or (800) 477-4574 x6831
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Permit No. 301
Trinity Lutheran Church & School
619 Main Street
St. Joseph MI 49085
Newsletter Submissions
To meet publication deadlines, all
articles must be received by the
2nd Friday of each month.
Please don't forget to include your
phone contact information!
Turn information into the Church Office
in person, by fax 983-8933, or e-mail
to betty.perrone@discovertrinity.org
Questions? Suggestions?
Contact Betty Perrone at Church office.
Faith in Verse:by Bob Lawrence
Take Heart, Have Hope, Wait Patiently
Take heart, have hope, my spirit, And do not be dismayed;
God helps in every trial And makes you unafraid,
Await HIs time with patience Through darkest hours of night
Until the sun you hoped for Delights your eager sight.(verse three LSB 754)
So here we are. We find ourselves challenged by a tiny virus which has taken on all the power and might
of the strongest nations on earth. All their weapons and wealth have failed to stop the spread of this
microscopic threat from crossing their borders. In its wake we are shaken at the way it has changed our
way of life and sapped our security. What can we do when we all feel so vulnerable?
First, we can all take heart. How? By realizing that man has and always has been totally vulnerable to the
whims of nature and the universe. The good news is that we also have always persevered thanks to our
loving God who has always been watching over us whether we feel the need for his protection or not. He
is the one who created our world and the universe and has never let us down. There is no reason to think
one virus is going to change that.
Secondly, based on this proof of His love and protection we can find comfort in the gift of hope. While the
world has placed all its hope on elections, officials, agencies, stock markets, and "happy" thoughts,
Christians have put their faith in God who transcends all of man's creations and has made provisions for
His creation both in this world and the next. If we indeed have placed our hope in Him for our eternal
salvation, how much easier is it for us to hope He will care for us in a global crisis?
And finally, the last word of advice this hymn offers is to wait patiently. We waited through the Depression
and two world wars and made it to this millenium in good shape. Have we not yet learned that God has
His own outline for history and will work His will to accomplish His purposes in His own timeframe?
Whatever happens will happen when it should and will work for the good of His own people.
Let us all then embrace both our vulnerability and our hope in our faithful God. In His good time He will
make His will known to us and we will once again rejoice in it.
top related