August 2014 Tidings

TRINITY

LUTHERAN

CHURCH

is a welcoming

faith community

living together

in God’s love

to share the joy

of Jesus Christ.

Tidings

On Sunday, June 8 at a special congregational meeting, Trinity voted to approve adding a Minister for Faith Formation to the congregation’s staff.

This full-time position will be for a professional layperson whose call-ing and career are in developing ministry for children, youth, and families.

The expectation is that a candidate called to this position will bring

Cont. on Pg. 11

Faith Formation: Building a Sustainable Ministry

In This Issue From the Pastors’ Desk…………….….…...3 Council Meeting Minutes…………….......4-5 Budgeted Finances……………...…….……5 Faith Formation………………...…………...6

Social & Eco Justice………...…..……..…..7 Calendar of Events……………………….8-9 From the Congregational Pres.………..…10 Book Group……………………………..….12

AUGUST 2014 | Volume 17, Number 7

Our youth are the future of Trinity Lutheran Church.

How long will I live? How much will it cost? Will I run out of money?

None of us knows the answers to those questions, yet they are questions we all must think about sooner or later.

Regardless of the answers, or the guesses we make, there is one certainty: whatever you are wearing, whatever you are driving, wherever you are living, whatever is “yours” won’t go with you when you pass.

Everything but you—even your body—stays here. A spouse, a daughter, a relative, your attorney or your accountant will take care of all that is left behind, either according to your wishes or without your wishes.

Cont. on Pg. 12

What Will Become of Your “Remainder?” By Pastor Paul Schairer

By Mary Ann Armstrong and the Faith Formation Ministry Team

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Somewhere around Dinsho, Ethiopia, there is a woman toiling ten or more hours each day without earning enough to support her family and send her children to school.

Perhaps she is lying awake at nights wondering how she is going to feed her family the next day. She doesn’t know that 8,500 miles away complete strangers have donated money to give her a loan to start or expand her own business.

She may be among the 15 women chosen to receive a loan this year based on her poverty level and business acumen.

Members of Trinity will never see the change in her economic status, her social standing in the community, and her dignity as a woman. But my husband, Bob, and I will see the joy in her face when we visit the women on our trips to Ethiopia. It is beautiful.

Thank you to the many people who helped to organize the event at Trinity and thank you to all who have generously donated during Stand with Africa; you are a blessing to

the women, their families, and the whole community!

Stand With Africa: Campaign of Hope By Karel Waltermire,

President, The Murulle Foundation

Karel and Bob Waltermire met with some of the women in the Women’s Small Business Loan

Program during their most recent trip to Ethiopia.

Many people supported the Watoto Children’s Choir by attending the event and enjoying their energy, stories and music. More than $2000 was raised to support this im-portant ministry in Uganda.

A big “Thank You” to all of the people who helped host the meal before the concert.

The following individuals assisted with setting-up, bring-ing fruit salads, engaging the children and adults in con-versation during the meal, and cleaning-up: Marilyn Mor-rissey, Ilene Drews, Louann Delozier, Ivette and Brian Bledsoe, Lance and Lisa Nelson, Cheryl and Steve Backsen, Bethany and Reuben Jackson, Pastor Gabi, Dave and Kay Armstrong, Tim and Cheryl Dolan, Esther Johnson and Brenda Fosse.

Watoto Children’s Choir Supports Uganda Ministry

Thank you to everyone who helped make the Watoto Children’s Choir performance at Trinity a success!

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Dear Trinity friends,

Remember the back-to-school assignment titled “How I Spent My Summer Vacation?” As we join the many families preparing for the school year to begin, we’re thankful for our summer: swimming at the local pool, riding bikes, enjoying ice cream, and visiting family in California.

We’re also thankful for a full summer of ministry at Trinity: our new Saturday evening fellowship hour, our Confirmation week at Sky Ranch re-enacting the life of Jesus, our lively gospel service and outdoor worship/BBQ, the gifts brought to us by the Watoto Children’s Choir from Uganda, learning opportunities from our bike/walk/carpool to church weekend, and our outreach into the community through our Bike to Work Station (200 people visited us!) and our partnership with Sky Ranch for our “Gifted to Grow” VBS/Day Camp, which welcomed around 40 kids, mostly from families outside the church.

This year, “back-to-school” takes on a new meaning for us as our oldest child, Ethan, starts kindergarten. We hope all students and their families will join us on Sunday, August 17, at 10 a.m. for our annual “backpack blessing!”

We also look forward to the ways we will come together at the end of the summer for the fall kick-off of Sunday School, Bible studies, small groups, choir and handbells, and much more. Some exciting things to look forward to for this fall include:

New Confirmation Program

We have been collaborating this summer with the pastors from Our Saviour’s and Spirit of Joy, our neighboring ELCA congregations, on a new “university model” partnership that will bring our youth together and offer families more options for Confirmation learning. The new model will allow students to “cross-register” at all our congregations for workshops and classes that help them learn about and grow in faith.

Cont. on Pg. 13

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 301 E. Stuart Street

Fort Collins, CO 80525 www.trinitylutheranfc.org

WORSHIP TIMES SATURDAY: 5 PM

SUNDAY: 8 & 10 AM (FELLOWSHIP: 8:45 & 11:30 AM)

SUNDAY SCHOOL: 9 AM

Pastor Gabi Aelabouni [email protected]

Pastor Meghan Aelabouni [email protected]

Visitation Pastor Reverend Paul Schairer

Church Musician Marcia Yernberg

Chancel Choir Director Murray Oliver

TLC Preschool Director Brenda Harju

[email protected]

Financial Secretary Debbie Schwartz

[email protected]

Office Administrator Deana Andrist

[email protected]

Director of Communications Tricia Howley

[email protected]

Sunday School Coordinator Evelyn Guinn

[email protected]

Church phone: (970) 482-1226 Church fax: (970) 482-0817

Email: [email protected] TLC Preschool: (970) 221-9852

OFFICE HOURS: 9 AM - 3 PM MON. - THU.

9 AM - 1 PM FRI.

September Issue Deadline: August 15, 2014

From the Pastors’ Desk

Thank you, Trinity Lutheran Church • Redeemer Lutheran Church of Indianola, Iowa, sent thanks for the hospitality on June 13, when a group stayed

overnight on their way home from Sky Ranch. They added, “please also express our deep thanks to Elaine Beckman for her care for Berkley when he was sick and for bringing us the wonderful bedtime treat of brownie sundaes and milk during our devotion time. Her extra efforts were very much appreciated!”

• The Nar-Anon Group that meets weekly at Trinity, offers thanks for the past five years of hosting the group at the church. “We appreciate Trinity so much. You symbolize what Jesus is all about!”

• The Thursday Night Family Group/Big Book Study also truly appreciates their “home” at Trinity. “Thank you so much for giving us such a wonderful room to call our home. We love the Fireside Room!”

• Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church of Fort Collins sent a note following the bluegrass music event on June 7. “Thank you so much for your partnership with BBQ and Bluegrass this year. Special thanks to Brenda Fosse for organizing the pie sale! Together we raised $7,000 for Sky Ranch!!!”

• Centennial Children’s Chorus offers thanks for another year of “graciously welcoming the CCC youth and staff to your church home. Please accept our sincere thanks for your ongoing support and belief in our program.”

4

Trinity Lutheran Church

Council Meeting Minutes

May 13, 2014

Present: Nyla Anderson, Dave Karst, Pastor Meghan, Dick Morton, Jay Garcia, Jean Ferrin, Stephanie Dugger, Kate Kling, Sharon Johnson, Mary Ann Armstrong Absent: Nancy Harrison, Pastor Gabi Guest: Potential Candidate for Faith Formation Ministry In devotion Jay Garcia read the last chapter from the book “Called by God to Serve”. It came from I Peter, Chapter 2, verses 4-5 and 9-10. Christ is the cornerstone of our church and as baptized members we are called to serve as leaders. God is building us as living stones into his spiritual temple. Pastor Meghan added prayer and asked for guidance to an-swer the call of broadening our ministry. Faith Formation Ministry

A potential candidate for this position was introduced to Council. His resume was available for review before the meet-ing. We introduced ourselves and what our role is on council, and what excites us most at Trinity right now. The candi-date spoke of his personal faith experiences and how he came to grow in his faith. His philosophy and approach to faith formation is that change is intentional by research and adapting to it. Faith formation is the faith of everyone altogether, not only one ministry. He sees serving as developing all generations to work together, not just planning activities. Alt-hough he believes in the value of empowering, equipping and unleashing ministries, he would be involved with each ministry to provide insight. He asked what our perspective is on the culture of the congregation and what the congrega-tion thinks a faith formation ministry should be. He would like to equip leaders to get more involvement at an intergen-erational level. We should look at noneconomical life--how do we form lasting faith in TLC’s youth. His favorite title for himself would be Equipment Manager and he would work to get the right people involved in the right ministry. When asked how Trinity gauges success in its programs, the response was by evaluation and participation in events and community involvement. New Business/Action Items Faith Formation Ministry Position - Salary and Benefit Package The job description for this ministry position was passed around for review by council. It was changed from what was presented to the congregation the last time a position similar to it was filled. The job description was developed by the Faith Formation Ministry, including Pastoral input. An employment salary and benefits package was developed and pre-sented by the Finance Ministry. Mary Ann made a motion that the Council approve the new job description for the Min-ister for Faith Formation as written and present it to the congregation along with the salary and benefits proposal at one or two informational meetings prior to a Special Congregational meeting for approval and financial commitment. Con-gregational approval will give the Executive Committee and Council the authority to select the appropriate candidate to fill this position. Steph seconded the motion. The motion was open for discussion. This position does support the vision of Trinity. The Salary and Benefit package was reviewed and discussed. Jay presented a copy of the Finance Ministry team's notes with concerns regarding the financial package. Sharon called the question. A vote was taken by Council to move forward with this motion. The motion carried with of a vote of 8 Yes and 1 No. The Pastors and Faith Formation Ministry team will select the dates for the informational meetings and the Special Congregational Meeting date. Outdoor Service – June 29 The annual outdoor service and BBQ is scheduled for June 29th. A signup sheet was passed around for set up, clean up and entertainment. Old Business/Updates

Visioning Team Update – Recap Dave will add a written report to the minutes. Audio Visual Team Update There is nothing new to report at this meeting.

5

May Year-to-Date

Receipts

Building use/Interest 998 3,247

Offerings 26,012 167,661

Total Receipts 27,009 170,908

Disbursements

Operating and Support 21,659 116,053

Ministries 9,615 39,060

Mortgage 2,592 12,960

Benevolence/Gifts (Synod, Sky Ranch, etc.)

1,663 10,030

Turning Mortgage into Ministry

912 3,791

Overage (Shortage) for the month/year

(8,520) (7,195)

Total Disbursements 35,529 178,103

Budgeted Finances May 2014 and YTD as of May 31, 2014

Acoustics Treatment Update The job is finished; therefore this topic can be removed from the agenda. Conversations were overheard at coffee hour

on Sunday that members felt the acoustic treatment helped. Reports

President – Nyla Anderson Nyla announced Nancy Harrison’s resignation and read her letter. This is a downtime for FISH Ministry, so Council will discuss whether the position should be filled now or at a later date. The format of our agenda will change to cover New Business and Action Items at the beginning of the meeting after Devotion and other reports after that. Secretary – Jean Ferrin The April minutes were reviewed. Jay made a motion to approve the minutes as written, and Dick seconded the motion. It carried by all in favor. Vice President - Dave Karst Nothing to report at this meeting. Treasurer – Jay Garcia April ended in the black, probably with help of Easter offerings. Dave made a motion to approve the report as presented and Steph seconded the motion. It carried in favor. Pastors Report To be a written report. Sharon moved that the meeting be adjourned. Mary Ann seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 10:00 pm. Submitted by Jean Ferrin, Council Secretary

June Year-to-Date

Receipts

Building use 1,290 4,537

Offerings 31,589 199,250

Total Receipts 32,879 203,787

Disbursements

Operating and Support 21,459 137,517

Ministries 6,280 45,341

Mortgage 2,592 15,552

Benevolence/Gifts 1,403 11,433

Turning Mortgage into Ministry

1,295 5,546

Overage (Shortage) for the month/year

1,144 (6,056)

Total Disbursements 31,735 209,843

Budgeted Finances June 2014 and YTD as of June 30, 2014

6

Family and Youth Dates to Remember

Aug. 1-3 Family Camping Weekend @ Sky Ranch

Aug. 17 Backpack Blessing during 10 a.m. Worship

Aug. 24 Confirmation Orientation & Ice Cream Social for Parents and Students from

2-2:30 p.m. @ Our Saviour’s, 2000 S. Lemay Ave., for all churches*

Sept. 7 Rally Day w/ Sunday School Open House

Sept. 14 Sunday School Begins

Middle School Fall Kick-Off w/ games and activities @ Trinity Lutheran for all churches*

Sept. 21 Confirmation Workshop from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. @ Trinity

*We have been collaborating this summer with the pastors from Our Saviour’s and Spirit of Joy—our neighboring ELCA congregations—on a new “university model” partnership for Confirmation that will bring our youth together and offer families more options for Confirmation learning. The new model will allow students to “cross-register” at all our congregations for workshops and classes that help them learn about and grow in faith. Questions? Please contact Pastor Meghan at [email protected].

Faith Formation Ministries Evelyn Guinn, Sunday School Coordinator

221-9852 or [email protected]

Oh my goodness, is it really getting to be

THAT TIME already?! Yep, we’ll be gearing

up soon for another fun year down the

preschool hallway. The MWF Pre-K class is filling nicely,

which is great! Our T/Th class still has several openings, but I’m sure a few of those spots will fill by

the time our school year gets underway after Labor Day. Tiffany Brumbaugh and I look forward to

another fun-filled year at TLC Preschool. Watch the Tidings for preschool updates,

but be sure to also “Like” our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/tlcpreschoolfortcollins.

During the school year we do weekly updates (at least), often with cute photos!

God’s Peace, Brenda Harju, Director

TLC Preschool Update

7

Social & Eco Justice News By Sharon Johnston & Wally Jacobson

Trinity Recycling Progress!

As Trinity has been engaged in a new era of recycling for a couple of months, it is time for a brief progress report. Overall, it appears that folks are doing a pretty good job of using the 20 recycling containers around

the church. Thanks especially to all who are recycling church bulletins each weekend by using the basket on the table when leaving the sanctuary. Compliance with prop-er recycling of materials can be improved as follows:

DO continue to place all recyclable material in the blue bins with the "chasing arrow" symbol and check the RE-CYCLE guideline sheet above the bin for help. Please also take care to always put office paper, plastic bottles and aluminum foil into the recycle bins and non-recyclables in the trash. Note: small plastic communion

cups are recyclable.

DO NOT put styrofoam cups or containers, geranium branches, containers with liquid, single-serving coffee creamers or stir sticks in the recycling bins.

Note: there is now a

red container in the

fellowship hall by

the south wall for

compostables

(including

ATTENTION CRAFTERS!ATTENTION CRAFTERS!ATTENTION CRAFTERS!ATTENTION CRAFTERS!

TRINITY’S ALTERNATIVE TRINITY’S ALTERNATIVE TRINITY’S ALTERNATIVE TRINITY’S ALTERNATIVE

CHRISTMAS FAIR CHRISTMAS FAIR CHRISTMAS FAIR CHRISTMAS FAIR

CRAFT TABLE!CRAFT TABLE!CRAFT TABLE!CRAFT TABLE! SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7

IF YOU’RE CRAFTY, PLEASE

BRING YOUR WARES TO THE FAIR!

ALL PROCEEDS TO CHARITY

CONTACT PAM JACOBSON AT 223-2276

geranium branches) and other vegetable waste.

Keep up the good work! We can be even better stewards of creation by reducing waste and conserving resources through recycling, and remember, Trinity Recycles - Thanks to You!

June Bicycle Events Really Rolled at Trinity!

Our two main Trinity bike events in June came off very well indeed. We had 38 participants for our 10th Annual

Bike/Walk/Carpool to Church, most of whom biked. 20 people attended the Saturday evening showing of the documentary movie, "With Our Own Two Wheels." Our 3rd year summer Bike to Work Day breakfast station was visited by at least 209 folks who signed in plus a handful of others who we may have missed. These are great results; thanks to all who helped and participated!

Also, the next meeting of the Trinity Bike Group will be held on Thursday, August 7th at 6:30 p.m. in the "Outreach Rm." Please join us if you want to be part of ongoing and future bicycle happenings at Trinity.

8

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu

3

8 & 10 a.m. Worship

10a Baptism:

Tomas & Sally E.achus

WA M. Miller

L P. Schairer

C tba / S tba / H tba

4

930a Trinity Book Group

6p Property

5

7:30a Men’s Breakfast @

The Egg & I, 2809 College

5:30p Social & Eco Justice

7p Worship & Music

6

5:30p Executive Council

7

10

8 & 10 a.m. Worship

WA B. Fosse

L K. Steiben

C tba / S tba / H tba

11 12

2p Finance/Stewardship

7p Council

13 14

17

8 & 10 a.m. Worship

10a Baptism: Ashton Helton

10a Backpack Blessing

WA K. Karst

L G. Splittgerber

C tba / S tba / H tba

18 19 20 21

24

8 & 10 a.m. Worship

Confirmation Orientation 2p

@ Our Saviour’s Lutheran

WA R. Aust / L R. Jacob

31

8 & 10 a.m. Worship

WA T. Borkowski / L R. Moore

C tba / S tba / H tba

25 26 27 28

August 2014 - Trinity Lutheran Church Calendar

This calendar includes Worship & Music Schedule assignments. Abbreviation Guide: WA - Worship Assistant L - Lector C - Communion Prep & Serve S - Sound System H - Hospitality Team Altar Guild for AUGUST: Diann Nygaard and Susie Stark

9

Russ Schueler 8/1 Vicki Volbrecht 8/1 Doris Schwartz 8/2 Mary Alice Spelts 8/2 David Bowser, Jr. 8/3 Heston Alexander 8/4 Helen Berneking 8/4 Lindsay Haukebo 8/4 Colby Alexander 8/5 Helen Waag 8/5 Mike Cain 8/6 Marilyn Morrisey 8/6 John Stark 8/7 David Karst 8/12 Elaine Beckman 8/14 Jean Kochenburger 8/14 Fisher Layden 8/14 Dora Teal 8/14 Richard Efird 8/15

Jill Rose 8/15 Micki Hargis 8/16 Nathaniel Karst 8/16 Brian Bledsoe 8/17 Julie Markley 8/18 Gavin Nance 8/18 Lee Anderson 8/23 Barbara Montague 8/24 Lauren Brissey 8/25 Jerry Akin 8/27 Peyton Bailey 8/27 Jackson Dryg 8/27 Margaret Honn 8/28 Ken Oakleaf 8/28 Jill Remmers 8/29 Ellen Geppert 8/30 Terry Mize 8/30 Zachary Schairer 8/30 Debbie Schwartz 8/31

August Birthday Blessings

August Anniversary Blessings

Mike & Holly Kaufman 8/6 Tom & Arliss Solie 8/8 Gerry & Lois Olsen 8/9 Paul & Connie Toohey 8/9 Howard & Sonia Nornes 8/10 Bill & Karen Brayden 8/12 Chuck & Gloria Collins 8/14 Darrell & Jean Purath 8/15 Dale & Cherlyn Gorsky 8/16 Richard & Marilyn Hartig 8/18 Chris & Lisa Keller 8/18 Dick & Gloria Weiderspon 8/18 Ryan & Deana Andrist 8/20 John & Charlene Mulnix 8/20

Charlie & Amy Keller 8/22 Ron & Karolyn Kufeld 8/24 Steven & Teresa Simske 8/25 Howard & LouAnn DeLozier 8/27 Tom & Claudia Haukebo 8/27 J.D. & Evelyn Guinn 8/28 Victor & Heidi Zuniga 8/30

Fri Sat

1 2

5p Saturday Praise

WA D. Schwartz

8

630p TGIF @

Reid & Pat Jacob’s

9

5p Saturday Praise

WA V. Volbrecht

15

* Tidings articles deadline

for September issue!

16

5p Saturday Praise

WA T. Simske

22

10:30a Trinity @ Golden

Peaks

23

8:30-10:30a

12-1:30p

Trinity @ The Mission

5p Saturday Praise

WA R. Walberg

29 30

5p Saturday Praise

WA A. Rohde

Trinity Lutheran Church Calendar

Family Camping Weekend @ Sky Ranch

Happy 90th Birthday

Helen Berneking

To submit a photo for a special date, please email it to

[email protected] or call 482-1226.

10

Acoustic Paneling Update By Nyla Anderson, Council President

On March 23, 2014, Trinity members gathered for a con-gregational meeting to consider a project that had been in the research, discussion and planning process for quite

some time. The proposal for additional acoustic treatment in the sanctuary was recommended to reduce reverberation, with the objective of improving the intelligibility of the spoken word while maintaining the quality of organ and instrument sound. The project was approved by the con-gregation.

As of May 1st, the installation of the acoustic ceiling treat-ment has been completed. The plan is for the wall panels in the sanctuary to be moved into the fellowship hall once the property team and consultants have determined the best plan for the placement of panels in that space.

Projects such as these don't happen without the tireless ef-forts of a number of people. A group of dedicated and tal-ented members spent a considerable amount of time and expertise researching and planning to bring this project to a successful completion. Thank you to Larry Salmen, Marvin Jensen, Marge Koester, Phil Chapman, the Property Ministry team members, Council members, our Pastors and others for the dedication and commitment to service to Trinity.

Rally Day & Ministry Fair Sunday, September 7, 11:15 a.m. Sunday School open house from 9-9:45am

Ever wanted to sing in the choir?

Help plan Advent and Christmas worship?

Go on a retreat or join a Bible Study?

Volunteer in the community?

Come learn more about Trinity activities, share a meal,

meet other volunteers, and sign up to be a part of one-time

events or ongoing ministries. Whether you’re a visitor,

new member, or long-time member, finding the

best fit for your gifts and interests can be a challenge.

We’ll help you get involved

in ways that bring you joy!

Lutheran Campus Ministry Seeks Referrals

This month we will be welcoming back students to our campus communities! Please help us reach out to new students attending CSU, Front

Range, UNC or Aims by sending names and contact info to us so that we can invite them to be a part of Lutheran Campus Min-istry.

You can also easily connect your student with any Lutheran Campus Ministry in the country at elcacampusministry.org.

For Lutheran Episcopal Campus Ministry at University of Northern Colorado contact Pastor Deb Abbott at [email protected]. For Lutheran Campus Ministry at Colorado State University contact Interim Pastor Chad Adamik at [email protected].

LCM's Holy Communion worship service at CSU will resume at St. Thomas Chapel on Sunday, Aug. 24, at 5:15 p.m. with a FREE MEAL following worship! St. Thomas chapel is located at 805 S. Shields Street, across from Moby Arena.

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Faith Formation Ministry, Cont. from Pg. 1

education and congregational experience and will be able to focus on building a sustainable ministry through identifying and equipping all generations at Trinity to help “pass on” faith to others. The vote passed with 71% of those voting in favor.

Whether you were in favor of the proposed position or not, the faith formation team thanks all those who voted, asked questions, and participated in the informational meetings. We know from our vision statement that investing in the formation of faith in kids, youth and families is a top priority for Trinity, and we’re excited for the next steps.

What’s next? At the June 8 meeting, our ministry team shared with the congregation that we had been in conversation with a particular candidate for this position. The council voted on June 10, following the congrega-tional meeting, to extend an offer to this candidate; but

we recently learned that the candidate decided after prayer and discernment to remain in their current ministry setting. While we’re disappointed, we’re still very thankful for the many ways that conversations with this candidate helped us to clarify Trinity’s needs for this ministry.

Therefore, the faith formation team will be forming a separate search team to lead an open application process which we pray will lead us toward finding the person

God is calling to this ministry.

We welcome your involvement. If you are interested in being a part of the search team, contact Faith Formation chair Mary Ann Armstrong ([email protected]) or Pastor Meghan ([email protected]).

Please also keep this vital ministry in your prayers!

Wanted

• Table scraps • Leaves • Coffee grounds

for Trinity’s Community

Garden! Please dump in container

near SW Fellowship Hall door.

Thank You!

Investing in the formation of faith in kids, youth and families is a top priority for Trinity.

Pastor Gabi Pastor Meghan Shelley Aust

McKenna Dugger Steph Dugger Macee Dugger Audrey Guinn

Allisun Marilyn Hartig Cheryl & Steve

Backsen Ed Fadness Cheryl Smith

Jennifer Flippen & daughter, Claire Donna Dauner

Lisa Keller Joslyn Gebhardt &

friend Avery Joe Jedrzejewski Dick & Kate Kling

And all of the folks

who came out to help with snacks, clean up at the end of the day, and meals for our Sky Ranch Counselors!

Sky Ranch Staff: Meagan, Caitlin

& Andrew

Thank You VBS VolunteersThank You VBS VolunteersThank You VBS VolunteersThank You VBS Volunteers

for you gave a child JOY! for you gave a child JOY! for you gave a child JOY! for you gave a child JOY!

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Financial Planning, Cont. from Pg.1 I want to talk with you about your “stuff” or as legal folks say, “the remainder.”

A faithful member of church I served left an estate of more than $800,000 to her 88-year-old aunt, who was worth at least a million herself. I know this to be the truth because I was the pastor taking care of things. Did this make sense? No way the aunt could outlive her own money, let alone her niece’s. It was a field day for the attorneys. Whatever happened to that wealth is a good question, but I know it could have been better used.

Her congregation had a special fund to receive estate gifts.

It worked like this: we talked to specific people about their final wishes and made arrangements for bequeathing their “remainders” to this fund.

But no one ever talked to this woman. It was thought she was a bit poor. She never owned a car, never married, and never had children. She bummed rides to church and other places and never offered to pay...we should have known.

You might leave $8 or $800,000. It’s not about the amount.

For what purpose will it be used? Who will be the recipi-ent? A spouse or children if you have them. Surely not your 80-year-old aunt. Remember when you are in your senior years and your “kids” are retired, you don’t need to save it for them. When the spouse if gone and the kids are grown—or there never was a spouse or children—give it

away!

Our congregations, church schools, seminaries, camps, and social service agencies, such as Trinity Trust Fund, Sky Ranch and Lutheran Social Services, should be considered by you as worthy recipients. Many times these ministries are too bashful to ask for help, but I am not shy about sug-gesting that you sit down with me or a representative of one of these groups to help you plan for “the remainder.”

Furthermore, you don’t have to wait until you die to give. You can do it now through trusts and special arrangements that guarantee you income for life.

I am not a financial planner but I am concerned that you plan responsibly. I invite you to talk confidentially with me about these things. After all, you came into the world with nothing and you will leave with nothing...because it all

belongs to God. Be a good steward.

“Quick! I need some more charitable donations!”

I’ll bet Trinity’s fund didn’t plan on this party when they set up my gift annuity!

Trinity Book Group News

The Trinity Book Group will meet on Monday, August 4, at 9:30 a.m. in the library to discuss Love Does by Bob Goff. The book considers the difference between a kind of love that stops at thoughts and feelings vs. one that takes action.

Book Group usually meets on the first Monday of the month; please note that due to the Labor Day holiday,

our September meeting will be on Monday, Sept. 8, and our book will be the “Fort Collins Reads” 2014 book selection: Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann.

This is a novel that begins with the real-life feat of a French high-wire artist who walked between the Twin Towers in 1974. The book explores the lives and losses

of other seemingly-unrelated characters, all of whom have been touched by the tight-rope act. The author will speak in Fort Collins in November.

All are welcome!

Questions: Call Nadine Hunt at 568-8579 or Lois Olsen at 206-0764.

13

“The Daily Grind” Equal Exchange Coffee News

Submitted by Jim Frye

According to The New York Times, May 6, 2014: "A plant-choking fungus called coffee rust, or la roya, has swept across Central America, withering trees and slashing pro-duction everywhere. As exports have plunged over the last two years, the effects have rippled through the local econo-mies.

“Big farmers hire fewer workers to pick the ripe coffee cherries that enclose the beans. Smaller farmers go into debt and sell livestock or tools to make up for the lost in-come. Sales fall at local merchants. Teenagers leave school to work on the farm because their parents can no longer hire outside help. At the very end of the chain are the land-less migrant workers who earn just a few dollars a day.

“The coffee rust has spread far and fast, driven by higher temperatures in the region that have al-lowed the fungus to thrive at higher altitudes. Many experts say climate change is largely to blame for the shifting weather patterns."

Equal Exchange Coffee is

not about commodity

price: It's about families.

Social Security Benefits Information Session

Monday, September 8th @ 6:30 p.m. Fort Collins Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Dr.

Did you know that there are hundreds of options associated with your Social Security retirement ben-

efits? You’re invited to a presentation hosted by Thrivent Financial Associate Megan Thomas,

CLTC®, MAFM, to explore how to sort through the choices. Help ensure the decisions you make are ones you can live with—for the rest of your life.

To RSVP, contact Megan at 970-212-4651

or [email protected]

Pastors’ Letter, Cont. from Pg. 2

Rally Day and Ministry Fair

On Sun., September 7, we’ll offer a special fall kick-off celebration for all ages. In addition to a Sunday School open house from 9-9:45 a.m., we’ll enjoy a community meal following the 10am service with activities for kids and a minis-try fair for all ages. Ever wanted to sing in the choir? Help plan Advent and Christmas worship? Go on a retreat or join a Bible Study? Volunteer in the community? Our ministry fair will help you learn more about Trinity activities, meet people involved in different areas, and sign up to be a part of one-time events or ongoing ministries. Whether you’re a visitor, new member, or long-time member, finding the best fit for your gifts and interests can be a challenge. We’ll help you get involved in ways that bring you joy!

Search for New Minister for Faith Formation

We’ll be looking for the candidate called to lead this ministry at Trinity, and we invite your prayers for the process. For more information or to get involved, please see the article on page one.

This is also a time of year when we tend to welcome new visitors: college students, new arrivals to town, and individuals and families who find this to be a good time to search for a welcoming faith community. Let’s keep an eye out for new faces and offer a genuine and warm welcome! For those considering membership at Trinity, save the date for a new members’ lunch and workshop on Sunday, September 28 following 10 a.m. worship.

Looking forward to another year of God’s generous grace and to our ministry together!

In Christ, Pastors Gabi and Meghan

By enjoying Equal Exchange Coffee you join a movement to support small-scale farmers.

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Custom Carpentry Experienced professional specializing in interior

trim work, book cases, windows and honey-do lists. Free estimates. Please call John at (970) 690-4164.

Skilled Service ■ Quality

Reliable ■ Honest

25 Years Experience

LaPorte

Do it Best

Hardware & Variety

3333 County Road 54G - P.O. Box 1167

LaPorte, CO 80535

Phone / Fax (970) 484-0466

Cathy Thompson, Owner

Support our Tidings Advertisers!

Sponsorship is more than just an ad.

Tidings sponsorship does not only provide an advertising benefit for a business. It helps provide important support for Trinity Lutheran Church, and the services Trinity provides to our community.

Would you like to join them? Running an ad in Tidings is easy and budget-friendly, not to mention a great way to grow your business. We can design an ad for you. Our rates are $10/mo. for members and $15/mo. for non-members. For more information please contact Tricia at 482-1226.

Need help with your sewing?

MARY’S SEWING

* Hemming

* Zippers & Buttons

* Mending

* Minor Alternations

Call (970) 420-3591

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Trinity Lutheran Photo Gallery

Annual Outdoor Worship & BBQ

Trinity’s Bike to Work Day Station

Trinity’s 2014 Day Camp/ VBS

Watoto Children’s Choir

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TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 301 E. Stuart St. Fort Collins, CO 80525 (970) 482-1226 www.trinitylutheranfc.org

Non-Profit Organization

US Postage Paid

Fort Collins, Colorado

Permit Number 38

Stay Connected!

facebook.com/TLCfortcollins

@TLCfortcollins