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www.tlcplattesd.org 605-337-3881

tlcoffice@midstatesd.net

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH

Forgiveness: The Double-Edged Word

It’s the weight of forgiveness that wasn’t allowed to pass through. And for me, that’s mainly because I’ve misunderstood something so incredibly profound about forgiveness.

Forgiveness isn’t something hard we have the option to do or not do. Forgiveness is something hard-won that we have the opportunity to participate in.

Our part in forgiveness isn’t one of desperation, where we have to muscle through with gritted teeth and clenched fists. It isn’t sobbing through the resistance of all our justifications to stay angry and hurt and horrified by all they did. This is what I once thought forgiveness was, and after already being the one who was hurt, I couldn’t imagine having yet another process to work through.

But when I wrongly think forgiveness rises and falls on all my efforts, conjured maturity, bossed-around resistance, and gentle feelings that feel real one moment and fake the next, I’ll never be able to authentically give the kind of forgiveness Jesus has given me.

My ability to forgive others rises and falls on leaning into what Jesus has already done, which allows His grace for me to flow freely through me. (Ephesians 4:7)

Forgiveness isn’t an act of my determination. Forgiveness is only made possible by my cooperation. Cooperation is what I’ve been missing. Cooperation with what Jesus has already done makes verses like Ephesians 4:32 possible: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Forgiving one another just as Christ forgave you. God knew we couldn’t do it on our own. So, He made a way not dependent on our strength. A forgiving way. A way to grab on to Jesus’ outstretched arms, bloody from …Continued on Page 7…

October 2020 Newsletter

Lysa TerKeurst

500 S Pennsylvania Ave PO Box 427 Platte, SD 57369

Do you ever find yourself defining life by before and after the deep hurt?

The horrific season. The conversation that stunned you. The shocking day of discovery. The divorce. The wrongful death so unfathomable, you still can’t believe they’re gone. The breakup. The day your friend walked away. The hateful conversation. The remark that seems to now be branded on your soul. The day everything changed.

That marked moment in time. Life before. Life now. Is it even possible to move on from something like this? Is it even possible to create a life that’s beautiful again?

I deeply understand this kind of defining devastation in such a personal way.

Like you, I wish I didn’t have such an intimate understanding of those feelings. But I do.

If you read my book, It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way, you know of the shattering discovery of my husband Art’s affair and the long road of uncertainty I was still walking at the end of that book. The four years of hellish heartbreak that followed the discovery did eventually take an unexpected turn toward reconciliation. I’m grateful, but I have not been spared the slow and grueling work of finding one’s way again after experiencing something that forever marks your life. When your heart has been shattered and reshaped into something that doesn’t quite feel normal inside your own chest, the word “forgiveness” feels a bit unrealistic to mention.

But friend, can I whisper something today I’m learning? Forgiveness is possible, but it won’t always feel possible. It’s a double-edged word, isn’t it?

It’s hard to give. It’s amazing to get. But when we receive it so freely from the Lord and refuse to give it, something heavy starts to form in our souls.

Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ

Page 2

Trinity Lutheran Church October 2020 Newsletter

Trinity Lutheran Church Council met Monday, September 28, 2020.

Present: Jerry Dykstra, Jeff Engebretson, Tonya Standy, Lee Hanten, Mike Konechne, Spencer DeHaan and Tana Huizenga.

The meeting was called to order by President Jerry Dykstra. Lee led with prayer.

SECRETARY’S REPORT The secretary’s report was reviewed, Mike made a motion to approve, Lee seconded it, the motion carried.

TREASURER’S REPORT We reviewed the treasurer’s report, the new account has been opened and the old one is closed, all the money was recovered, so no loss to the church. Tonya made a motion we get Wendy $250.00 in Chamber Bucks for the extra work she has been doing regarding fraud on the account and also in not having a pastor, Jeff seconded it, the motion carried.

Jerry will contact the Mission Board to see what disbursements they recommend.

Lee made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report, Jeff seconded it, the motion carried.

We also discussed the new Give Plus app, if anyone has any questions about using it, they can contact Wendy, Tonya or Jeff, we have all downloaded it and are using it, it is very user friendly.

TRUSTEE’S REPORT Nothing to report.

DEACON’S REPORT A representative from Kingdom Boundary would like to give a message, deacons will get them on the schedule.

Jeff will replay last Sunday’s service if there is anyone who missed it that wants to view it.

SEARCH COMMITTEE: Jeff said the search committee will be meeting next Sunday and hopefully bring a candidate name to the council after that.

OLD BUSINESS

BASEMENT PROJECT: Summit Contracting will be starting the basement project in the spring.

PARSONAGE: Thank you to Jaylon Severson for painting the basement for his senior project. We went over a bid for windows and labor. Tana made a motion to approve the bid for the new windows and bill for Mike Meyerink to install them, tape, texture, prime and paint at the parsonage for approximately $10,000.00 total, Spencer seconded the motion, it carried. The siding will be done at a later date.

SOUND SYSTEM: They will be here this week to update the sound system. Mike made a motion to approve the quote of $505.86 from Cole’s Computers for the purchase of a laptop for the sound system.

NEW BUSINESS Since we have some COVID cases in town now, we discussed communion, we will have the individually wrapped ones available for people to pick up before the service if they aren’t comfortable going up front for communion.

Lee made a motion to adjourn the meeting.

We closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted, Tonya Standy

Church Council Minutes

Page 3 October 2020 Newsletter Trinity Lutheran Church

From the WOW Co-Presidents

Letting Your Leaves Fall Little yellow leaves from the front yard tree dance across the porch and driveway. As their bright green color fades, it seems they fall almost as quickly as they change. I love summer affectionately and part of me longs to whisper to the tree “Hold on a little longer. Come on; you got this. Think green!” But graciously the tree listens to its Maker rather than my foolish whispers. In order to flourish in the new season, the tree must let go of its decayed leaves. They have performed well for the term, but their time has drawn to a close. Autumn is a wonderful time to observe nature. As I watch the swirling leaves stirred by the wind, I am reminded that they display an important lesson for all of us to follow suit in a way. Just as the trees don’t stubbornly hold on to their dead leaves, so we shouldn’t hold on to any unnecessary weight in our lives. When we long to enter a new season, the old can easily inhibit the new if we allow it. God’s Word reminds us to: Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31,32 (NIV) To get rid of negativity in our lives, we must first identify it. How can we do this? » By reading God’s Word. » By allowing His Spirit to show us the necessary heart changes we need. » By being willing to shun practices such as bitterness and anger. » By asking God to help us let go of the guilt from the past. Oh how the Lord longs to empower and strengthen us for the new season ahead! If we’re not sure of the issues detaining a kind and compassionate spirit, He will show us when we ask. And if guilt from the past is preventing this beautiful new season, we have His promises like this one to remember: Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18,19 (NIV)

Connie Kirsch & Gladys Kuipers

Bible Study Groups:

~Pricilla Bible study group will not be meeting for the rest of the year. Will resume meeting in January and continue with the same Bible study book ~Martha Bible study group meeting Tuesday, October 13 at 7 pm – restarting “The Armor of God” by Priscilla Shirer (more info on p. 6) ~Hannah Bible study group will be meeting Thursday, October 15 at 1:30 pm

Balance on Hand August 19, 2020 $ 4150.69

Tammy Darling (reimbursement- toilet tissue)

$ -92.34

Deb VanDerWerff (from soup supper for health kits)

$ -300.00

Hannah/Ruth Circle $ 83.00

Hannah/Ruth Circle $ 75.00

1517 Media (Christ in Our Homes) $ -74.55

Johnson Funeral - donation $ 200.00

Balance on Hand September 28, 2020 $ 4041.80

WOW Treasurer’s Report

What are you holding on to that is preventing a freshness to the season ahead? Could it be that the decayed leaves are piling up and your heart needs to discard them for good? If so, why not reach out to the Lord in prayer? He longs to hear from you. Ask Him to shine light on any thoughts, circumstances, habits or other “decayed leaves” you might be clinging to. As you watch the leaves fall this season, our prayer is that you are reminded to let go of anything that would hinder a fresh relationship with God. Taken from Sep 11, 2020 by Rachel Wojo for DaySpring

Page 4

Trinity Lutheran Church October 2020 Newsletter

Children’s Worship Sunday is planned for November 1

The Sunday School will be participating in the worship service through greeting, ushering, the Children's Sermon, reading Scripture, and special music.

Page 5 October 2020 Newsletter Trinity Lutheran Church

This Month’s Birthdays

Articles

High School Bible Study

Articles The High School Bible continues with the “Shaken” DVD series by Tim Tebow with the BOE leading. Still looking for one or two individuals to lead the HS Bible Study.

*Please remember these special 80+ Birthdays

with a prayer, card or phone call

Communion Servers

Articles >> October 4 << Randy Tegethoff Shirley Johnson Lee Hanten

Coffee/Cookie Servers Ushers

Arti Jason Huizenga & Marshall

Ringling cles

A Big Thank You! The parsonage committee would like to thank Jalen Severson for painting the parsonage basement as part of his Senior project. We appreciate your commitment to the church when a helping hand was needed. Your hard work was well noticed and we are greatly thankful. - Congregation & Parsonage committee members: Brad & Nicole DeVries, Ryan & Carla Lantz, Tom & Vickie Boltjes

On Sunday, August 9th at our 9:30 a.m. morning worship service, they will presented their quilt.

Donations Appreciated!

Articles The Helping Hands Community Pantry is again accepting donations from the community via the blue totes located in each church in the community. On October 7, 2020, the pantry will be open weekly and will meet participants at the door. Participants will bring a list and pantry personnel will fill the order. In order to accomplish this method of delivery, we would appreciate donations. The Platte Enterprise is a resource for knowing what the needs are, the paper carries a list every week for you to review. Please place your items in the blue totes at your church or contact a member of the pantry board. Please check dates on donated items, as the pantry cannot use outdated items.

4 – LeRoy Severson & Jason Huizenga 11 – Jeff Konstanz & Ryan Kott 18 – Jeff Konstanz & Ryan Kott 25 – Jeff Engebretson & Mike Gilbertz

10/1 Tana Huizenga 10/2 Traci Kott 10/4 LaRae Severson 10/5 Sarah Hoffman 10/6 Kathy Lubinus 10/6 Jeff Engebretson 10/8 Katie Holter 10/9 Erynn Meyerink 10/10 Lorraine Hanten* 10/11 Joel Foxley 10/11 Lucas Suits 10/12 Hayes Hermanek

10/26 Jennifer Severson 10/26 Averi Tegethoff 10/27 Deb VanDerWerff 10/27 Kathy Holter 10/27 Bob Struck 10/27 Kristi Wagner 10/29 Vickie Boltjes 10/30 Jeff Olsen 10/30 Richard Knecht 10/31 Estelle Konechne 10/31 Jaxen Wollman 10/31 Eldon Qualm

10/12 Ramsey Standy 10/13 Monte Wagner 10/13 Shawna Strand 10/14 Brinslee Nelson 10/15 Rick Johnson 10/20 Laura Vanden Berge 10/22 Taylor Schrank 10/25 Joyce Carter 10/25 Oakley Kott 10/25 Dani Meyerink 10/25 Karis DuFrain 10/25 Jacob Ellwanger

4 – Vickie Boltjes, Donna Boysen, Caroline Butler 11 – Joyce Carter, Lori Chambers, Marsha Cutler 18 – Tammy Darling, Phyllis Daum, Caitlin DeGroot 25 – Amanda Hermanek, Karen DeGroot, Josie DeHaan

Page 6

Trinity Lutheran Church October 2020 Newsletter

Giving online is easy and a convenient way

to donate to our church! It only takes a moment to set up an account.

3 Easy, Convenient Options:

✓ GivePlus mobile app

1. Download the free GivePlus app from the App Store or Google Play

2. Find our church by ZIP code 57369 or by searching for our church’s name.

3. Donate!

✓ Text (833) 621-0580 and put donation amount in message field.

Follow steps to register & give.

✓ Webpage – www.tlcplattesd.org/giving

Martha will be resuming Bible Study Tuesday, Oct 13th at 7pm in the Fireside Fellowship

We will be restarting the video Bible study called The Armor of God by Priscilla Shirer.

So if you missed it the first time around you get another chance! Please consider joining and watch some of the trailers

on Youtube for a preview of the lessons. Lesson books that follow the videos are available from Amazon.

If you have any questions please contact Jonna at 680-1616 or Mary at 680-1893.

Page 7 October 2020 Newsletter Trinity Lutheran Church

…Continued from Page 1…

crucifixion and dripping with redemption. He forgives

what we could never be good enough to make right.

He makes a way for us to simply cooperate with His

work of forgiveness … for us to receive and for us to

give.

That person or people — they’ve caused enough pain

for you, me and for those around us. There’s been

enough damage done. And you don’t have to be held

hostage by the pain. You get to decide how you’ll

move forward. If you’re knee-deep in pain and

resonate with the feelings of resistance I have felt too,

let me assure you: Forgiveness is possible. And it is

good.

So, I want you to just sit here for a moment today

and consider the possibility around this double-

edged word, “forgiveness.” Not because your pain

doesn’t matter. Not because what they did was

right. Not because it fixes everything. But because

your heart is much too beautiful a place for

unhealed pain. And your soul is much too deserving

of freedom to stay stuck here.

God, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus so we

don’t have to do life alone. Thank You for caring

about my pain and meeting me in this place. Show

me how I can cooperate with forgiveness today,

even when it’s hard. Help me continue to take steps

in this healing journey with You. In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.