August 2015

TRINITY TIDINGS

The monthly newsletter for Trinity English Evangelical Lutheran Church Appleton, WI

Trinity visits Our Redeemer Sunday, August 16

Worship at 9:00 a.m.

Church Picnic 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Trinity Lutheran Church & Regeneration Hmong Ministry are joining Our Redeemer for 9AM Worship at the Our Redeemer site on 1760 Midway Road (near BJ Clancy’s). The Hmong congregation’s Praise Band, led primarily by youth, is serving as the musicians for the service! We’ll get the opportunity to sing some familiar hymns with a musical twist! After worship we are all participating in the Church Picnic!

There will be Free Activities for ALL ages! Free Games & Bounce House! Free Music & Conversation! Free Hamburgers & Hot dogs! And Lots of Fun! Our Redeemer will provide the hamburgers, hot dogs, condiments, and drinks. Please bring a dish to pass. Volunteers are needed for Ushering and Greeting for the worship service; see Sue Ruppel or contact her at 739-8558 or slruppel@new.rr.com.

Please invite your friends, neighbors, and family! Let’s make this an AMAZING Block Party for the whole community! Consider inviting someone who often eats alone. Perhaps invite a co-worker or someone you volunteer with on a regular basis. Don’t be afraid to extend the invitation to come and see… and then leave it in the hands of the Holy Spirit!

Feeding the Hungry . . . Serving the Community

Be a Part of

Trinity’s Future Sunday, August 2 & 9

10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Upper Auditorium Join the Rev. Jean

DeVoll-Donaldson, the

Bishop’s Associate for

Evangelical Mission, in

a quick and easy

process to match the

people assets of Trinity

with our core values.

Please plan to attend

one or both sessions.

Midweek Worship on

WEDNESDAYS at Trinity 7:00 p.m.

Holden Evening

Prayer (No worship on

Wednesday, August 12)

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RINGERS & SINGERS Trinity Singers and Ringers start rehearsals on Thursday, September

24th

from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. (Please note the change in time from last

year.) We will have rehearsal for the Singers from 6:30 – 7:00 and for

the Ringers from 7 – 7:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome! Please join us

and enjoy the joyful noises we create in praising the Lord and

building community. No experience required. A smile and willingness to laugh is

helpful! Please see Sue Ruppel or Sharon Helms or any other member of the groups

for questions. We usually sing the first Sunday of the month and ring the third

Sunday of the month. We’re looking forward to another year of fun!

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH August 2015 - Lois Small Lois Small has been beautifully recording Trinity’s history and activities for many years!! Lois loves scrapbooking and artfully displays activities and information in lovely scrapbooks! When you are at Trinity, take some time to browse through her work. Besides scrapbooking Trinity’s information, Lois has served on the Fellowship Team for many years; has helped in the Trinity office; helps to collate the newsletter each month and serves on the Grace Worship Volunteer Team. Lois is retired, and enjoys the game of golf. She has been a faithful member of Trinity since 1979. Thank you so much to Lois for devoting their time, energy and talent to Trinity!!

WONDERFUL FELLOWSHIP with members from OUR REDEEMER

On Sunday, June 28th, members of Trinity and Our Redeemer shared their gifts and talents during a worship service and continental breakfast/community time. During worship, Sandra Kuhn, choir director from Our Redeemer, led a combined choir with the anthem “Taste and See” and Sue Ruppel, from Trinity, led a combined hand bell choir with the ringing of “As the Deer.” Since the theme for the day was ‘Living Water’, Pastor Brian made sure we all received a small bottle of water from the ushers during the Children’s Sermon. Afterwards, about 55 people went downstairs to enjoy the tasty treats of the continental breakfast. They stayed to learn and help each other in the folding of an origami cup that they filled with paper raindrops with the scripture verse on them. We were all winners when we played a multiple choice game about Living Water. It was a great opportunity to build community for everyone!

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Building Real Community

On June 28th, Trinity welcomed members of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church to our worship service. It was the first of many activities we hope to share with our friends from Menasha. It was also the first step in building real community with our sisters and brothers in Christ. In the 15th chapter of John’s gospel, Jesus says, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” Can you think of a higher purpose than loving one another? Is there a more worthy pursuit for our lives? When it comes to love, I’m not talking about an idea. I’m talking about an activity. True love is about building relationships. True love is about building community. And building community, real community, happens when people: Spend time together; Break down barriers; Generously provide for each other; Trust enough to communicate honestly; Forgive, empower, and encourage one another; and Understand, accept, appreciate and enjoy one another. This can happen between partners in a

marriage – siblings, parents and children may find it in family – a few of us are lucky enough to experience this even today in long-term friendships. But the only way we can truly love our neighbors is in community. Real community is that place where the actions of love are lived out by

living, breathing people. Real community is a high purpose in and of itself. In fact, it is the highest purpose. Jesus knew this. He worked and sacrificed and even died in his effort to establish real community, what he called the kingdom of God.

Our next step in building real community will occur on August 16th. Our

Redeemer will host Trinity and the Regeneration Hmong Church for worship at 9 AM – followed immediately by a Community Picnic (see details on the cover page). We are a church that rolls up our sleeves and gets to work. Whether it’s volunteering at a shelter for people and

families who are homeless, gathering food items to fill shelves at a local food pantry or advocating for peace and justice in communities, our service activities offer an opportunity for us to explore one of our most basic convictions as Lutherans: “That all of life in Jesus Christ – every act of service, in every daily calling, in every corner of life – flows freely from a living, daring confidence in God’s grace.” Our Presiding Bishop, the Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, puts it this way: “When one congregation or a group of congregations gather for service in their local communities, they are the church in that place, taking care of that part of God’s vineyard. But this is all work that we can do together. When on congregation works to feed people who are hungry, that is also the entire church coming together.” Our third, but certainly not our final, step in building real community will be on September 13th. Once again we will join together with Our Redeemer (and hopefully others) for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday. After a joint worship service, we will provide a free meal to our community – celebrating who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America – one church, freed in Christ to serve and to love our neighbor.

Pastor Brian

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Word from the Council President

Friends at Trinity –

Courage – the ability to do something that frightens one

Faith – strong belief or trust in someone or something

Trinity is at a new crossroads. With a sale to the City seemingly out of the picture, what will our new path be? We are a small, strong congregation in a beautiful, older building – a building that, frankly, is chipping away at our monetary assets – draining funds that could, and should, be used for God’s work. The upcoming months will require us all to have both courage and faith as we examine options and plan for Trinity’s future to keep us viable in upcoming years. Change can be difficult and perhaps frightening, to all of us, but our survival WILL require change and exploring new and perhaps very different ways of fulfilling our mission to “Feed the Hungry and Serve the Community”. I hope that you will find it in your hearts to help us find our new path and accept and embrace whatever change may come to our congregation. Our faith in God and our future will help us find the way. Steadfast God, keep the compass of our hearts fixed on you. Blessings to you,

Jeanne Jeanne Beckley Council President

LIVING FAITH: Summer Sermon Series

August 2: John 14 & 16 Life-Breath

August 9: John 15:12-17 The Heart of the Matter

August 16: John 17:20 - 26 Unity

August 23: John 19:1-37 Behold Your King

August 30: John 20:1-18 Seeing, Believing, Living

Continental Breakfast & Community Time

begin on Sunday, September 20th

Please see Mary Bankert sign up to help with set up, food, and take down of the Continental Breakfasts.

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SUCCESSFUL TAILGATE PARTY On Sunday, July 12th, Trinity had its First Ever Tailgate Party on the front lawn. The weather was warm and humid, but over 80 people braved the sun to sit, visit and eat in the shade. We were all decked out in various sports’ teams attire and, at least, looked sporty. Pastor Brian played a recorded Brewers game from years past --- featuring Paul Molitor with Bob Uecker doing the play by play for the entire game! As always, there turned out to be plenty of delicious food. The desserts were especially festive, courtesy of Carla Knoke. She prepared white covered cherry-filled oreos decorated like baseballs, brownies cut and decorated like footballs, cupcakes to look like burgers, and some special cupcakes to look like soccer balls. Kerrie Jo Wagner and Marita Wagner used their imagination in decorating. The tables were covered with colorful tablecloths to represent certain teams, special napkins with various team logos were used, along with team logo balloons at the corners of the lawn. Special thanks also to Kerrie Jo Wagner and Marita Wagner for all the organizing of everything, purchasing the food and decorations, and the grilling of the brats and hot dogs. The children (young and old) also enjoyed several games of baseball and catch. Everyone had fun, smiled, ate well and enjoyed the moments together!

SERVE SALVATION ARMY NOON MEAL Sunday, August 23rd - 7 volunteers needed Come to the Salvation Army after 9:00 a.m. Worship. Serve food, clean up and meet a lot of nice people while . . . Doing God’s Work . . .Our Hands. Done by 1:30 p.m. Contact Mary Lindsley 920-740-7646 or churchlady0519@outlook.com.

COMMUNITY WORSHIP and PICNIC ---- God’s Work Our Hands Sunday, September 13th at Jones Park. The Community is invited! Our Redeemer will be helping! Praise Team will be providing the worship music! Worship starts around 9:00, with the picnic to follow. Bring a dish to pass and a lawn chair. Burgers, hot dogs and beverages will be provided. Shuttle service will be provided from the church parking lot to the park.

Mark your calendars

Flu Shots Coming to Trinity Sunday, September 27th 10:00 a.m. In the lower auditorium Watch your tidings for reminders and updates.

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SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

1

2 9:00 am Worship

3 3:30 pm L&F

4

1 - 4 pm

Youth Swim

Party

6:30 pm

Exec. Comm.

Mtg.

5 9 am KiT

3:30 pm L&F

7:00 pm AA

7:00 pm Worship

6

Noon - AA

7:30 pm AA

7:30 pm Al-Anon

7 3:30 pm L &F

8

9

9:00 am Worship

10 9:15 am L&F

Board Mtg.

2pm Worship

at Heritage

3:30 pm L&F

11 2 pm Tea at

Brewster

12 9 am KiT

10:30 am HHH

3:30 pm L&F

7:00 pm AA

NO Worship

Thrivent Night at

Timber Rattlers

13

Noon - AA

6:30 pm Worship

& Celeb. Mtg.

7:30 pm AA

7:30 pm Al-Anon

14 3:30 pm L&F

15 News. Deadline

16 9:00 am Worship

at Our Redeemer

Lutheran Church

with Church Picnic

17 10 am

Miniatures

3:30 pm L&F

18 6:30 pm

Council Mtg.

19 9 am KiT

3:30 pm L&F

7:00 pm AA

7:00 pm Worship

20 Noon - AA

7:30 pm AA

7:30 pm Al-Anon

21 3:30 pm L&F

22

23 9:00 am Worship

10:00 am Serve at

Salvation Army

30 9:00 am Worship

24 3:30 pm L&F

31 3:30 pm L&F

25

26 9 am KiT

3:30 pm L&F

7:00 pm AA

7:00 pm Worship

27 9 am Collate

Newsletter

11:30 Red Ox

Luncheon

Noon - AA

7:30 pm AA

7:30 pm Al-Anon

28 3:30 pm L&F

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Trinity Lutheran Church 209 S. Allen St., Appleton WI 54911

August 2015

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WORSHIP TEAM SCHEDULE August 2015 / Grace Team

August 2 Greet - West: Kathy Kuck Greet - East: Lois Small Altar Care: Lynn Ann Clausing-Rusch & Sandy LeMoine

Acolyte: Can you help? Ushers: 1. Gary Bayer 2. Scott Barden 3. Sue Barden 4. Jerry LeMoine Reader: Wanda Fischer Communion Assistant: Wanda Fischer Healing 1. Jean Haese 2. Kathy Kuck Children’s Time: Sue Ruppel

Fellowship: Kathy Kuck

August 9 Greet - West: Dorothy Deeg Greet - East: Lois Small Altar Care: Lynn Ann Clausing-Rusch Acolyte: Teddy Rusch Ushers: 1. Gary Bayer 2. Scott Barden 3. Sue Barden 4. Can you help? Reader: Jean Haese Communion Assistants: 1. Jean Haese 2. Dorothy Deeg Children’s Time: Mary Bankert Fellowship: Dorothy Deeg Care of Pew Racks: Can you help?

August 16 Worship & Picnic at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church (See Sue Ruppel if you are able to Usher or Greet on the 16th at Our Redeemer.)

August 23 Greet - West: Lois Small

Greet - East: Can you help? Altar Care: Can you help? Acolyte: Teddy Rusch Ushers: 1. Gary Bayer 2. Scott Barden

3. Can you help? 4. Can you help? Reader: Wanda Fischer Communion Assistants: 1. Wanda Fischer

2. Can you help? Children’s Time: Dena Krueger Fellowship: Wanda Fischer Care of Pew Racks: Can you help?

August 30 Greet - West: Sharon, Abigail & Emily Gronert Greet - East: Kathy Kuck

Altar Care: Can you help? Acolyte: Tyler Gronert Ushers: 1. Gary Bayer

2. Can you help? 3. Can you help? 4. Can you help? Reader: Jean Haese Communion Assistants: 1. Jean Haese 2. Kathy Kuck Children’s Time: Dorothy Warren

Fellowship: Can you help?

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Bible Study Opportunities In August

Opportunities at Trinity to Study God’s Message for You Please consider joining a study of God’s message with others at Trinity. It is a fun experience, with lots of good discussion. Here is a summary of the upcoming opportunities in August.

Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. in the Fireside Room

Readings and conversations focus on the readings for Sunday and:

Are cheerfully “open door”…so you are welcome at any time. Last about an hour, depending on the desire of the group.

Readings for Wednesdays in August include:

August 5 - John 15: 12-17 August 12 - John 17: 20-26

August 19 - John 19: 1-37 August 26 - John 20: 1-18

You are Welcome to…“Keep in Touch” with God and with one another! Refreshments provided!

First Monday of the Month !!! Monday evening Bible Study usually meets the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the

Fireside Room. However, the group takes the summer off. Monday evening Bible Study will resume on September14th. Consider joining the group at that time!! Call or email Mary Robertson with any questions at 450-1350 or ROBERTSON190@aol.com.

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FVLH AUGUST 2015 NEWS

It’s hard to believe that summer is going so quickly! Our good news is that we are close to being full, with a waiting list for our two bed-room apartments. We have been trying lots of new things to help make people more aware of Fox Valley Lutheran Homes, and they seem to be working. When they compare us with other places, they come back here! Mark your calendars now for the October 4th Pie and Ice Cream Fund Raiser and Silent Auc-tion. If you have a craft group at church, how about donating one of your projects for our Si-lent Auction, i.e. a quilt, a set of greeting cards, some wood projects, a beading project, etc. All money raised goes to help Fox Valley Lutheran Homes’ ministry and mission. We’d also be happy to accept donations from all individuals or businesses in the way of gift certificates, baskets, etc. for our Silent Auction. Be sure to come and bid on all the goodies as well as en-joy a delicious slice of pie with Culver’s frozen custard. Be watching for the separate brochure about the home assessment that our Care Coordina-tor, Ruth Laughlin, R.N. will be offering, as an-other outreach from Fox Valley Lutheran Homes. This should be in all of the partner churches very soon! If you have any questions or if you’d like to schedule a tour, please con-tact me, at 734-7225. \Becky Luett, AIM, Executive Director

Fox Valley Lutheran Homes

Upcoming Offerings You May Want to Participate In

There is always something new to learn about Medicare! If you are on Medicare or Medicare eligible the time to make decisions about sup-plemental insurance enrollment is approach-ing! Please join us for Medicare 101. There will be time for informal questions after the presentation.

Monday August 31st 10:30 AM

Linwood Commons at 10:30 To secure your “spot” please call Ruth after

August 16th at 850-3623

Early Alert! September 14th

Representative from the “Aging and Disability” community will host a presentation. They will

provide information available to Senior Citizens as well as those with disabilities. This presen-tation could be very helpful for senior citizens

and their families as they make decisions about life changes.

October Grief and Life Losses – a three part program.

Attend one, two or all three sessions. Dates

are Monday, Oct 19th and Monday, October

26th and will conclude with a worship service

on Sunday, November 1st in the afternoon. (All

Saints’ Sunday) Please call after September

14th to reserve your spot.

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Trinity English Evangelical Lutheran Church

209 S. Allen St. Appleton, WI 54911 920-734-9895

An ELCA congregation www.trinityappleton.com

Congregation Council

President . . . Jeanne Beckley 739-2426 Vice Pres. . . Mary Lindsley 740-7646

Secretary . . . Leanne Meidam Wincentsen 757-5570

Treasurer . . . Chris Anderson-Kroiss 585-8988

Wanda Fischer . . . 788-9331 Dena Krueger . . . 257-3691 Kay Schroeder . . . 851-6204

Judy Natz . . . 419-7126 Mary Robertson . . . 450-1350

Sue Ruppel 739-8558 Ken Schucknecht . . . 734-6193

Steve Schulze 450-8880 Chris Vander Wielen . . . 419-7073

Kerrie Jo Wagner . . . 277-4932

Feel free to contact any of these individuals with your thoughts, needs or

concerns for Trinity.

Staff

Pastor Brian Bankert pastor@trinityappleton.com Office Manager Sarah Bultman office@trinityappleton.com Organist Jon Peterson jpete@new.rr.com

Praise Team Leader Cassie Schroeder cassondraschroeder@gmail.com

Custodian Moore Clean 920-284-8951 Pastoral Care: Please contact the church office at 734-9895. In case of emergency, you may contact Pastor Brian on his phone via voice or text - 703-314-1931.

Important August Dates to Remember

August 2 & 9: Be a Part of Trinity’s Future 10:00 - 11:00 am

August 16: Trinity visits Our Redeemer

9:00 am Worship 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Church Picnic