TRINITY’S SPRING RUMMAGE SALE POSTPONED

Please DO NOT bring rummage items to the church at this time. We will announce the dates we will begin receiving donations. As you gather items remember, we cannot accept TV’s, computers, or large appliances. If you have questions about the sale, or would like to be part of our team, please contact: Kathy Laatsch 885-5411.

NEWSLETTER: APRIL 2020

IN THIS ISSUE: Pastor’s Corner pg. 2 Health Considerations @ Trinity pg. 3 Scholarship Information pg. 4 50+ Programming pg. 5 Team Trinity pg. 5 Children News pg. 6 Youth News pg. 7 Adult Study Opportunities pg. 7 Finance & Trustee Updates pg. 8

our mission: MAKING NEW

HOLY WEEK AT TRINITY - VIA LIVESTREAMING! We are blessed to have great worship technology at Trinity and a tech team prepared to help! Unless something changes drastically in the midst of the current COVID-19 crisis, we will plan to share each Holy Week event through livestreaming.

Palm Sunday, April 5, 9:30 a.m. We'll celebrate Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem, reading that account according to the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 21.  We'll recall through reading and music that "Hosanna" means "Save us!" which may be the cry of our hearts today, making this a rich text for today's world.

Maundy Thursday, April 9, 6:30 p.m. We'll hear a dramatic reading on Jesus' struggle in the Garden of Gethsemane, and refl ect on his determination to care for all of his disciples

Good Friday, April 10, 9:30 a.m. What were the sounds and sights of Jesus' trial, walk to the cross, crucifi xion and death?  The scripture story is almost overwhelming.  We will turn our attention to the account in the Gospel of John as we refl ect on the scope of Jesus' sacrifi ce on behalf of all of us.

Easter Sunday, April 12, 9:30 a.m. What a glorious moment of realization for all disciples, to realize Jesus has triumphed over death and goes on!  We'll celebrate all the ways we can be Easter people in the world today!  While we hope and pray we will be back together as a congregation to celebrate this day - if that's not yet possible - we will continue to plan the big celebration that will happen when we are able to gather at Trinity once again!

TRINITY’S BUILDING IS CLOSED TO ALL ON-SITE ACTIVITIES FOR BOTH CHURCH AND OUTSIDE GROUPS

Rock of Refuge © Jan Richardson. janrichardson.com

POSTPO

NED

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Dear Friends,

Our United Methodist congregation, like most, is in the midst of uncertainty. We are only beginning to know the degree to which COVID 19 concerns will overtake our daily lives in Wisconsin. May’s General Conference is cancelled.   We don't know when the roller coaster numbers of the stock market will be over... that is enough to invoke uncertainty.  I suspect most of us could add a few personal items that are specific to our lives as well…

When all of this begins to overwhelm us, it's time to remind ourselves that our God is an everlasting God who will be with us in all things. Our God calls us by name and gathers us as worshipping community,   Our God will be a steadfast presence of care and strength.  It's time to breathe in God's presence in our lives to remind ourselves God is within us...and breathe out God's presence to remind ourselves God surrounds us...Do that breath prayer several times; it works wonders!

It is also our God who brings us new life through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, our Christ. Jesus came to teach us how to respond to anything that happens in our lives.  The task of our lives as his disciples is to shape our life responses according to his teachings.  That's not meant to be easy; nothing worthwhile is.  But following Jesus is God's gift to us to guide us through the challenges of our lives - a path to walk as we respond to the events of our lives.  Above all else, Jesus trusted God with his life.  We can do the same with ours and the lives of our loved ones.

Let's continue to trust in God together,

Cherie

Sharing Worship Online - from Pastor CherieI suspect we all have different experiences of sharing worship online.  Let me just say, it's feels quite strange to worship in the sanctuary without all of you!But it's made me think more about what we miss when we can't gather - and all the things we can still do to worship God together, even in separate spaces.I recognize that you may be watching worship along in the middle of many other things happening on Sunday morning, but I have a strong suspicion that - like most things - the more you take time to invest in the service, the more meaningful it will be.  There's a reason God rested at the end of creation - and also a reason God commanded us to do the same. Things that might help you focus on worship while at home:

-consider where/how to watch the service.  Where in your home can you give the service your attention? -find your Bible for the scripture reading; that will allow you to look back and consider the passage during the sermon.-time your coffee to be ready before the service starts, but no rules about how often to grab a 'warm up.'-breakfast can be eaten during the service. Enjoy!-truly entering into times we share prayer will increase the restorative power of worship in your week.-you really can sing along with hymns at home, or pray your way through them instead, if you're worshipping with the music critics in your family...-maybe close up the solitaire game on your screen until the service is over?-during this time our congregation offers online worship only, it's a time of 'absolutely no pressure' when you can invite someone to a Trinity service!

308 Oneida Street Beaver Dam, Wisconsin 53916-2095

Phone: 920-887-7211office@trinityumbd.orgwww.trinityumbd.org

Rev. Cherie Forret, Pastor Janine Haas, Office and Financial Administrator Mike Mangan, Director of MusicTrevor Thom, Communications Director Deb Paul, 50+ Ministry Coordinator

Jeni Tyjeski, Children’s Ministry Coordinator Carrie Vujnovich, Youth Ministry Coordinator

March 18, 2020

Dear Friends,

It’s not simple to work out how to respond to an event that has become a world, national and stateemergency, as we are still learning of the effects on our local community. Right now – this is a time thatpausing our activities may actually save lives right here where we live. With that in mind, here are somesteps we are taking at Trinity Church:

Health Considerations at Trinity• Sunday, March 15 was our last worship gathering at church for some time, as CDC guidelines and

state regulations mandate a pause in social gatherings to slow the spread of the virus. We willcontinue livestreaming our 9:30 a.m. worship service via our websitehttps://www.trinityumbd.org/worship/livestream.cfm

• Or, join our worship service via the radio broadcast of the service on WBEV 1430AM at 11 a.m.• Watch for the Sunday we also add the livestream of the worship service to our Facebook page.• All other ‘in-person’ church activities will pause, until health officials announce it is safe to resume social

gatherings. This includes postponing our Wednesday Community Shared Suppers, and focusingour efforts on other joint community efforts during this difficult time.

• If you learn you have been exposed to COVID-19, please observe the recommendation to self-quarantineduring the 14 days it takes to determine if you've caught the virus from that contact.

• Please let the church know if you've been diagnosed with COVID-19 so we can help inform othersabout their exposure to stop the spread of the virus – and so that we can pray for you. If amember of the church staff is diagnosed with COVID-19, we will notify you of any exposure youmay have experienced.

• If you are self-quarantined or diagnosed with COVID-19, our faith community will do what we can tohelp. If you need a delivery of food or medication, please contact the church office.

• If you need help obtaining food for your family during this time, please contact me.• If you are interested in becoming part of our congregational care team, who helps respond to

community needs that arise through this time (within vital health guidelines), please let me know!

In the time ahead – watch for online opportunities for spiritual support to help us make it through thisdifficult time.

Let’s continue to trust in God as we walk this journey together.Cherie

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New Member Class Rescheduled! What It Means to Be United MethodistIf you are interested in joining Trinity, or simply learning more about the denomination of the United Methodist Church, please let Worship Manager, Steve Strassmann or Pastor Cherie know. We are rescheduling the next session to after in-person worship resumes. All are welcome - people new to Trinity or people who've been here for years!

Trinity Scholarship InformationIf you are a high school senior or a member of Trinity planning to attend college, a continuing education opportunity, workshop, or event, apply for a Trinity Scholarship! Visit the Members section of trinityumbd.org to learn more or to apply.

Stay in the Know via EmailDid you know that you can receive a weekly email of worship events, committee meetings, and other activities and also the monthly newsletter can be emailed to you? Want to receive this communication? Sign up on your attendance slip in the bulletin or email the church office at office@trinityumbd.org. You will be added to the list of recipients.

Flexibility Needed in Office HoursThroughout this time of precautions for everyone's health, the church building will be closed, but our staff will monitor phones and emails to care for the needs of our congregation and the business of keeping the church going.  Please call the church office or Pastor Cherie if you need something at church or we can help you in some way. We will respond to your message as soon as possible.

SCRIP - Shopping that gives back! Purchase ONLINE ONLY. NO Sales from the office.Get ready for those summer road trips, graduation and Confirmation gifts, or Mother's Day gifts! Selling SCRIP cards in-house has paused. Some cards may be reloaded on the SCRIP website or you can order eCards by shopping online.If you would like to shop online, enroll on ShopWithScrip.com with our organization’s enrollment code:

56D115A636121The SCRIP program helps fund our youth programming and youth and young adult mission team. We thank you for your support!

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Mardi Gras ThanksThank you to everyone that took part in the Mardi Gras fundraiser. Colleen & Dan Farmer did an outstanding job preparing all the food. It was delicious and everyone enjoyed. Also thank you to all our kitchen helpers, servers, bakers, donators and to all that attended. The event raised over $1800.00. The funds will be sent to the conference for payment toward Trinity’s apportionmentsWe could not have hosted Mardi Gras without all of you.

- DebbieP.S. … Yes, we plan on hosting it again next year.

50+ Ministry Programming—Join us in

Room 208Contact Deb at 50plus@trinityumbd.org to learn more about the 50+ ministry.

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- 11:00 AM Digging Deeper: Will be offered every Monday morning at your kitchen table. We have added a Zoom account and you can join from your phone or computer. Please contact the church office so we can invite you each week. Please have your Bibles ready. Sorry, you will have to supply your own coffee and cookies. Hope you can join us!

- Blanket Making will continue with several ladies that will be completing them at their homes. If you would like to help, please email Deb at 50plus@trinityumbd.org or call the church office. We have fleece for the no-sew blankets, yarn for knitting or crocheting lap blankets, prayer shawls, prayer squares or baby blessing blankets. We would be happy to drop materials at your door.

- Phone Volunteers Needed: We are looking for smiling faces and cheery voices to call members of our Church Family. This is one of the ways we are planning to stay connected. Our Phone Angels would be making weekly calls to update on current happenings at church, make sure they have access to food, give information regarding stores that deliver, and other timely information. If interested please contact Deb at 50plus@trinityumbd.org.

- Who’s Calling Me?: Have you noticed a number you don’t recognize? Please listen to the voice mail, it might be someone from our church reaching out to touch base with you. We have several people who will be calling and if in doubt please call the church office.

- Greeting Cards Needed: Now is a great time to be sorting through your desk drawers. As you uncover new treasures you forgot you had, please keep this in mind. Any new greeting cards that say: Thinking of You, Miss You, Blank or Happy Birthday…please put them aside and save for the Card Ministry here at church. No need to bring them now, but save and bring when we are all back together again.

Find Where You BELONG this Lenten SeasonThis Lenten season, as we take time to explore different ways to connect with God through prayer and prayerful actions, why not also take time to explore different ways to strengthen and nurture your inner self. Not sure how to do that? No worries. The Blue Zones Power 9 principles are a great place to start!Lent is a wonderful time to reflect on your relationship with God and your connection to your church family. Forming and strengthening social and spiritual relationships is a key part of Blue Zones Project Power 9 principle # 8: Belong. According to the Blue Zones Project, “research shows that attending faith-based services four times per month will add 4-14 years of life expectancy.” Do you belong to a church community you feel comfortable with? Are you looking for a church home? Now is the time to invite someone to experience Trinity by sending them a link to our live-streamed service! https://www.trinityumbd.org/worship/livestream.cfmTake care and God Bless,Hospitality and Wellness: We Care

P. S. Want to learn more about the Blue Zones Project Power 9 principles? Check it out here https://www.bluezones.com/2016/11/power-9/

Hospitality and Wellness Team

Team Trinity: Congregational Care TeamWe are looking for people able to help with all kinds of projects, mostly from home.  Can you call people without family who can't get out at all to check on them?  Could you drop off food or pick up medication?  Can you tie blankets or sew face masks if we locate materials?  Please call the church office if you may be able to help.

Children’s NewsSunday SchoolSunday school is paused. Before the pause we welcomed two new volunteers to the Children’s Ministry Lauren (Maddy) Barnett, volunteering with children’s programming, and Steve Nelson, assisting in the the 5th-7th grade class! We are very excited to have new volunteers. Any person who is interested in helping with Sunday School is encouraged to email Jeni Tyjeski at children@trinityumbd.org.

Epic Journey - - Looking for volunteers!!Help wanted! The children's program is in need of volunteers that would like to help with Epic Journey this summer! It can be a one time, three hour commitment or you can volunteer for multiple sessions. Epic Journey meets the first Sunday of May(possibly), June, July, and August from 10:30-1:30. Help will be needed with: lunch prep, general set up or clean up, decorating, group chaperones, and station leaders (craft, science, game, snack). If you are interested please contact Jeni Tyjeski by emailing her, children@trinityumbd.org.

Kids KouncilThank you to all of the enthusiastic 3rd-5th grade leaders that have signed up to be a part of the new Kids Kouncil! We will gather together when we are able to discuss various topics related to Epic kids and activities planned for children.

Autumn VujnovichQ: What camp(s) have you attended?A: Last year I went to “Create” camp. The year before I went to “Elementary Explorers”.Q: Which Methodist camp sites?A: Pine LakeQ: What is your favorite thing about the site?A: I really like swimming in the lake. There are also really cool group challenges in the woods!Q: What would you tell someone that is nervous about being away from home, or doesn’t know if they will have fun?A: You will make new friends! You won’t even think about home much because you will have so much fun. And you get letters from home!Q: Which camp are you thinking about attending this year?A: I haven’t decided yet. Maybe “Circuit” or “Imagine”.

Jacob HollI have been blessed to have been to family camp with my parents when I was a youth (Lucerne), and more recently with my family now as a parent (Pine Lake).  Going to church camp has always been a great experience being in an outdoor yet comfortable location and meeting other Methodists to deepen your faith. It had been several years from the last time I was at Lake Lucerne, to recently taking confirmation students as part of a spiritual retreat.  Whether taking my own children to the family camp or the confirmands as part of their faith journey, it always goes the same. At the start there is a little bit of “do we have to” and by time we get back everyone had an awesome time and can’t wait to go back!

Campers of the Month Feature

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Youth News

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Adult Study Opportunities

It's a Two-Way Street - - Submitted by Kevin NeitzelFor many people, it is hard to understand why someone would go on a mission trip. Why would someone spend their vacation time, their money, and their skills away from their community that could also use that help? I am writing this to explain how serving one community will serve Beaver Dam at the same time. Matthew 28:19-20 tells us, "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” This is why we send a mission team to other communities. We are able to make a direct impact on the people we are serving; whether that may be by building a house, running a Vacation Bible School, or listening to people we meet along the way. We have been chosen to be sent forth to spread the Word and the love of the Lord, further building the Kingdom of God.A curious thing starts to happen when you serve God on a mission trip ... He fills your 'cup' with love and compassion. For some, this is the first chance they get to experience that for themselves. For others, it is how we renew our passion for God and His children. For all, we return home with a bond forged between us as a group and renewed in the Holy Spirit. That renewal from the Holy Spirit is our investment back into our own community. We come back with a vigor to help, change, and shape our own community to be a better place in the name of Jesus. Last year we had a young man go on a mission trip for the first time. I was recently told that he has been serving at Second Harvest Food Pantry every month since the trip. Our mission team will be serving the local Resale store during the first weekend of April. Members of our team have made meals for the community, helped out with the youth programs, and even been worship hosts on Sunday morning. Without mission trips, a lot of us (including myself) would have never found the call of service or been taught the skills that we now serve with. It's a two-way street when we serve the Kingdom of God. When we are away, we learn new skills, make strong bonds between our team and renew ourselves in the Holy Spirit. When we return, we are reinvigorated to help our own community and make it a better place, as well.

Youth & Young Adult 2020 Mission Trip Dates: Depart the evening of June 19; Returning June 28Serving in Hilton Center, North Carolina.The average cost of an out of state mission trip is $300-$400 per person.Contact Mitch Bethke (bethke.mitchell@gmail.com) or Kyle Nehr (elykrhen@gmail.com) if you are interested in participating or have questions.

ConfirmationWe will continue our Confirmation program virtually. So be looking for email communication from Jacob and Carrie.

Buddy LettersI would like to start up a way for teens to stay in touch with one another. The plan is that I will mail out cards and stamps to participants. Youth will be assigned a buddy to pray for and send a card or note to once a week. When we can finally all get back together, we will have a celebration, and we can reveal who we have been writing notes to and praying for. Interested youth should email Carrie, youth@trinityumbd.org.  Let's grow together and support one another, even when we are apart. 

Music Appreciation: What to Listen For and Where Did it Come From?Instructor Tom Patterson will plan to resume this music appreciation course with a six week session next fall.  We look forward to that!  If you have questions, please contact him at tompatterson59@me.com.

Thursday Afternoon Women's GroupAll women are invited to be part of this group to share readings, reflection and encouragement throughout this time.  If you'd like to be part of this group that meets online via Zoom Conference at 2 p.m. on Thursdays, please contact Pastor Cherie at pastor@trinityumbd.org.

During This Change in Schedule...Do you have a bible study you've been hoping for, or a book you'd like to read and discuss with others?  Please contact Pastor Cherie (pastor@trinityumbd.org) so we can figure out whether we can do that together through Zoom Conferencing!

Finance Monthly UpdateIn the table below are the income and expenses for 2020 YTD, along with the 2020 annual budget. This information is the basis for the budget that the finance committee is working to finalize. The 2020 budget will be reviewed and voted on at the March church council meeting. Additional details for the 2020 financials are available thru the church office upon request.

Respectfully submitted,Glenn Ingram – Finance Chair

General Fund February 2020 2020 YTD 2019 YTD 2020 Annual Budget

Unrestricted Income $28,732 $52,793 $52,448 $TBD

Fixed & Committee Expenses $30,521 $57,359 $61,473 $TBD

Apportionments $446 $664 $810 $65,208

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Trustee Update - - Concrete workWhen this time of uncertainty has passed, we will look for a time to begin the concrete work at Trinity.  The concrete work eventually will consist of replacement of the concrete in front of the church parking lot doors, replacement of the sidewalk along the west side of the church (along the alleyway), adding on to the approach at the south entrance to the parking lot and connecting the downspout to the gutter (to help alleviate ice build up in the winter months). The contractor will try to complete all of the work during the week.  Signage will direct us if we are unable to use the parking lot doors.

Melodies in Mission: AprilYour mission offerings throughout the month of April will be directed to our efforts to feed neighborhood children through Playground Movement gatherings and activities. 

BULLETIN SUBMISSIONS NOTICE! Submissions for the Sunday bulletin are due by NOON on Tuesdays. Please email information for the bulletin to Trevor at communications@trinityumbd.org . Thank You!

NEWSLETTER SUBMISSION: Submissions for the monthly newsletter are due by the first Wednesday of each month. Please e-mail information to newsletter@trinityumbd.org . Thank you!

Second Harvest Mobile Food Pantry - - Second Saturday Each MonthThe Mobile Food Pantry is blessed with an indoor location. The February Mobile Food Pantry will be held on Saturday, April 11.Volunteers should report at 7:30am to unload the truck and 8:00 to sort food. Food distribution will be from 8:30 to 10:00am. The mobile food pantry is held indoors at Moraine Park Technical College - Beaver Dam Campus.

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A PUBLICATION OF TRINITY CHURCH -UNITED METHODIST, 308 ONEIDA ST,

BEAVER DAM, WI 53916Phone: 920-887-7211

E-Mail: office@trinityumbd.orgWeb Site: www.trinityumbd.org

Church Office Hours: Monday - Thursday7:30 am to 3:30 pm

Join us for worship! Sunday morning8:00 and 9:30 am

Sunday School: PreK-7th Grade 9:30-10:30 am. September to May

Confirmation: 8th & 9th Grade; 2nd & 3rd Sundays 9:30-10:30, 1st Wednesday Evening 6:00-7:00

September to May

Trinity Church’s Welcome StatementTrinity Church-United Methodist acknowledges God claims each and every person as a beloved child. No matter who you are, where you come from, how much you have, who you love, or how you identify, we welcome everyone who wishes to grow in their faith in Jesus Christ. Regardless of where you are in your life and faith journey, we invite you to join us as we strive to serve each and every person, practicing the same inclusive love and intentional hospitality God so freely gives to us. Trinity Church protects diversity in all its forms by focusing on God's grace being available to all and living out that grace through acts of love, mercy and justice. ALL are welcome at Trinity Church.