february / april 2018 trinity evangelical lutheran church...
TRANSCRIPT
Trinity Lutheran Church, Perkasie
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church 19 S. Fifth Street
Perkasie, PA 18944 215-257-6801
www.trinityperkasie.org Trinity Chimes February / April 2018
Lent begins February 14 7:00 pm Ash Wednesday Holy Communion
During Lent, we return to baptism, exploring God's
baptismal covenant that shows us what the gift of faith
looks like in our everyday life. Join us as we examine this
way of life-giving discipleship for the sake of the world.
Midweek Lenten Series Wednesdays 2/21-3/21
6:00 pm Soup Supper
6:40 pm Conversation
7:20 pm Holden Evening Prayer in the Chancel
Maundy Thursday March 29 at 6:00 pm
Dinner Church with foot washing
Good Friday March 30
10:00 am - Children’s Gathering
12:00 noon - Community Good Friday Service at Trinity
7:00 pm - Good Friday Tenebrae
Egg Hunt March 31 at 10:00 am
At Menlo Park (Fifth St & Park Ave) for Sunday School and
TLC CCC students
Join in the Soup Supper Fun Weekly Soup Suppers are a highlight of our Midweek
Lenten Series each year. Fun recipes, family favorites, and
best of all, fellowship are all shared. You can help out in
simple easy ways to not miss out. Sign ups are on the
easel in the parlor. Each of our committees oversees
coordinating an evening, and the jobs are broken down
to make tasks short and easy!
Set up: The set up crew arrives by 5:30 pm to put tablecloths on
tables, make sure the coffee is brewing, and get out bowls. A
side table with bread and rolls, drinks, and salad also gets set.
Soup: If you make soup, simply have it here by 5:50 pm that
evening. Most use their crock pot for transport so that it’s easy
to grab and go!
Salad/Dessert/Bread: These sign ups are just our indulgent
additions. Some use it as an excuse to make their own. Others
purchase items at the grocery store and bring it with them. You
do what time allows!
Clean Up: Once discussion time begins, we need to remove
tablecloths, clean up, and make sure bowls and spoons are put
away after being run through the dishwasher.
Hope you can join us!
Sunday Worship Services are at 8:00 and 10:30 am with services of
Holy Communion. Our Education Hour, Sundays at 9:15 am, offers
learning for all ages 3 and up.
The Resurrection of Our Lord
Easter Sunday — April 1st
Holy Communion at 7:30, 9:00, and 11:00 am
Join us for breakfast anytime 8:00 - 10:30 am in the Fellowship Hall
Proceeds benefit Mission Trips and the ELCA Youth Gathering
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Council at Trinity
Barbara Frederick, President
Nicole Whalen, Vice President
Kathy Jenks, Secretary
Larry Bachtell, Treasurer
Mary Kern, Financial Secretary
Terms ending 2018
Kim Bruzas
Finance Team Liaison
Barbara Frederick
Christian Education Liaison
Nicole Whalen
Worship & Music Liaison
Terms ending 2019
Brett Bauz
Raine Bedeaux
Youth Liaison
Kathy Jenks
Worship & Music Liaison
Ron Smith
Property Liaison
Kristy Thomas
Social Ministry Liaison
Terms ending 2020
Linda Beach
Christian Education Liaison
Stuart Malcolm
Youth Ministry Liaison
Julie Swan
Evangelism Team Liaison
Info about Trinity
Sunday Worship
8:00 & 10:30 am Worship with Holy
Communion
A Children’s Message is included
weekly during 10:30 am worship
Special music is offered by choir(s)
weekly at 10:30 am worship
Small groups and soloists enhance
8:00 am worship many weeks of the
year
Faith Formation / Sunday School
Programming for all, ages 3 and up
is offered Sundays at 9:15 am
Students ages ages 3 thru grade 5
meet in the Sanctuary for opening
and music activities about singing
together
Youth grade 6-12 meet in various
areas of the building in a discussion
format or plan outings a few times
a year
Adult Forum is often hosted/led by
staff members and regularly
welcomes guest presenters, usually
meeting in the Fellowship Hall
Summer Worship
Holy Communion on Sundays at
9:30 am, mid-June through Labor
Day
Staff at Trinity
Church Office
215-257-6801 ext. 100
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Ollikainen
Pastor
ext. 103
Debra Detweiler, Deacon
Director of Christian Education
ext. 102
Andrew Lutz-Long
Director of Music Ministries
ext. 104
Dave Scavuzzo
Facility Coordinator
ext. 100
Rosi McCalley
Director TLC Child Care Center
ext. 109
In this Issue: 125th Anniversary ................................... Pg. 5
Bear Creek Camp ................................. Pg. 10
Calendars .............................................. Pg. 6-7
Directory ................................................... Pg. 2
Disaster Response ................................. Pg. 8
Easter Sunday............................... front cover
Egg Hunt................................................. Pg. 10
Evangelism ............................................... Pg. 9
From the Director of Music ................ Pg. 4
From the Pastor ...................................... Pg. 3
Good Friday Children’s Gath ............ Pg. 10
Interfaith Hospitality ............................. Pg. 8
Lent ................................................. front cover
New Members ........................................ Pg. 9
Offering Envelopes ................................ Pg. 9
Pastoral Acts ................................. back cover
Pennridge FISH ....................................... Pg. 8
Prayer Chain ................................. back cover
Prayer Shawls ............................... back cover
Pub Theology ............................... back cover
Secret Pal Month ................................. Pg. 10
Seminary Intern .................................... Pg. 11
Thank yous/Notes ................................. Pg. 9
TLC CCC ......................................... back cover
Trinity Concert Series ......................... Pg. 11
Youth Gathering ................................... Pg. 11
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Scientific studies suggest that it
takes 40 days to create a habit.
Discipline yourself for 40 days of
healthy eating and it becomes a
habit. Exercise for 40 days and it becomes a habit more
than a chore. Practice deep breathing and prayer for 40
days and it becomes a life-giving component of your faith
life.
The church understood this long before the scientists.
Moses and the Israelites wandered for 40 days in the
wilderness surviving on dew and manna learning to turn
to God for every need before stepping into the promised
land. Jesus wandered in the desert for 40 days focused on
his relationship with God the Father before beginning his
earthly ministry. The church observes the season of Lent
for 40 days before Easter as a time of intentional prayer
and renewal, turning our habits back to God to discover
the joy of the resurrection once more.
In these days, we need that discovery of God’s presence
and mercy more than ever. Do you find yourself asking,
where is God in all of this—in our culture, in the
community or in your own life? Our hearts cry out for
promise and hope when it seems like there is so little.
And while God has always been and always will be calling
to us, inviting us, and leading us into a deeper sense of
presence and hope, this invitation is often more subtle
than the noise of our worries. God’s presence is more like
an ever-present heartbeat, easy to overlook and ignore
when things get hard.
This season of Lent, we will turn back to the covenants
God makes with us as reminders of God’s ongoing love
for God’s people. God gifts us with covenants that both
remind us of God’s promises
of grace and how God invites
us into those promises. On
Sundays during Lent, the Bible
readings invite us to reflect on
how God’s covenants over the
history of God’s people have
led us to faith, ultimately
leading us to Christ, our Lord.
On Wednesday evenings, we will
explore the covenant God makes
with us in our baptism in Jesus
Christ, a living covenant that
shows us how to live deeper into God’s love and hope in
our lives.
God is always with us in Jesus Christ! Together, let us
make it a habit to be connected to this presence in our
lives as we hunger for mercy, hope and love. Dwell with
us as we remind one another of our journeys in faith, our
practices of prayer and our stewardship of all God’s gifts.
Join us on Wednesday evenings for soup, study and
prayer. Join us as an essential part of the body of Christ
on Sundays for worship with Word and Sacrament. Enter
into the habit of discipleship so that we may all be
blessed by a deeper faith, clearer vision of the presence of
God, and shared hope for the sake of the world.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
From Evangelical Lutheran Worship, “Affirmation of Baptism:”
You have made public profession of your faith. Do you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you in holy baptism:
to live among God’s faithful people,
to hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s supper,
to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed,
to serve all people, following the example of Jesus,
and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth?
Response: I do and I ask God to help me.
From the Director of Music Ministries
4
Two songs have been sticking with
me lately; one the Chancel Choir is
working on and another I’m working
into a lineup for the end of the choir
season and 125th
anniversary
celebrations. I’m not sure why out of
all the music around me in a week,
these two are sticking around. Even
more rare is that they’re from the
perspective of “me and God.”
Have you noticed that most of what we do as an
assembly, spoken and sung, usually tends towards the
“we” and “together” perspectives? We had conversations
about this during the summer series on worship just
months ago. We are all grounded in slightly different
ways, but for some of us and particularly me, even
communion is not a time I’m moved towards a “God and
me” emotion - it’s still about the way we each, though
vastly different, are offered the exact same grace.
I also noticed that the themes for our upcoming
discussions during Lent call our attention to covenants.
The definition of “covenant” includes “to bind oneself.” All
this “one” stuff coming to me repeatedly made me think
about what it is I’m supposed to get out of all this. I’m a
firm believer that when words, feelings, situations keep
repeating, it’s because we haven’t taken from them what
we need to.
The trouble I have always had connecting with the “just
God and me” perspective is understanding how lonely,
wandering contemplations help anyone else?! What each
of us brings to the whole picture is so much of why I
believe we are here, and I arrive there whether or not I try
to explain myself from a sacred or secular perspective. In
the midst of all of this, a parallel but also repeating issue
was my hand inflamation. Since the end of December, I’ve
had mobility issues in my right hand, all of which made
me very anxious, maybe even troubled. I kept telling
myself it would vanish as randomly as it appeared. It
challenged my playing piano or organ and at its height of
swelling and pain, even made it unbearable to move my
hand through the air in any conducting pattern.
Long story short, things are on their way to greatly
improving and it was simply a terrible round of tendonitis
- not terribly uncommon or life-altering! What stood out
along the way was every time I reached the point of
feeling knocked down and at a breaking point, someone’s
most basic concern or care appeared. In the last few
weeks the swelling was rather noticeable, which of course
meant my range of motion was at an all-time low. In
those moments another person’s urges to go the doctor,
offer to help play, a reference to a specialist, and even
receiving Reiki are what made me believe I could get
better.
We learn early on in life that we won’t deal with
something until we decide we are ready to do so. I
allowed myself to live in the “just before” stage of that
decision for most of the past month. Everything I need to
take away from allowing that is maybe yet to be fully
understood, but what I do understand is how and why “I”
is so very important in the building up and belief in “us.”
Each one of us is part of the fabric that makes up this
community. Only we can decide whether the fiber we
contribute strengthens or weakens said fabric. The
amazing difference of the fabric of humanity versus an
actual textile is it regularly ebbs and flows.
Throughout our lives we will come to a place of feeling
stuck, and someone will sweep us off our feet - not in the
“I’m falling for you!” kind of way, but in the, “it’s time to
take a step forward, even if only one.” Even when you
aren’t expecting it, you’ll find you may be the strong fiber
in the fabric. Likewise, even when you don’t realize you
need it, someone else will be the strong fiber for you.
The season of Lent is upon us and we will review the
covenants that we profess in our lives of faith. They are
each questions asked to us individually but, in our
Lutheran context, are witnessed by the assembly. I assure
you, I’ve recently been reminded this is completely
intentional and to our benefit! Working on and making
decisions about how to be our best self directly affects
those we serve and serve alongside. Our own relationship
with God (yes, God and me) is as “back to the basics” as it
can get! If we seek ways for our relationship with God to
be a basis for how we meet others, the gifts we share and
grace we indulge in will certainly make all the difference. I
hope you join us this coming season to consider how you
respond to people and situations in your life with, “I do,
and I ask God to help me.”
5
Friday, March 23 at 7:00 pm,
doors open at 6:15 pm
Members of the 125th Anniversary Committee are
planning a social event to host members, friends, and
guests at Trinity! Come out for a night of fun and win a
designer purse or a themed basket valued at $100. This
event is for adults only. Bring your own snacks and
beverages (NO alcohol). We will be selling soft pretzels,
water and soda at the event.
Tickets will be $25.00 each and must be purchased in
advance. Tickets will be available in the welcome area on
Sundays or you can call the church office regarding
tickets. Please note that tickets are limited.
Proceeds from this event will be donated to
If you have an questions please contact Courtney Bauz at
[email protected] or 717-580-2823.
Wedding Display & Vow Renewals During the month of February, the 125
th Anniversary
Committee wants to celebrate our members’ weddings,
whether you were married at Trinity or elsewhere! A
display of wedding photos will be set up in the parlor. If
you have a wedding photo (no larger then 8x10 please)
that you would like included in the display, please bring it
to the church between February 4th through 11th.
Someone will be in the parlor to collect them on Sundays
or you can bring them to the church office during the
week. Be sure to label the back of your photo or frame
with your names, wedding date, and location of wedding.
Photos will be on display February 14 through 28. We ask
that you pick them up March 1-4.
Couples will also have the opportunity to renew your
wedding vows on Sunday, February 25th at 1:00 pm
followed by a ‘reception’ of wedding cake and punch in
the church parlor.
If you would like to participate in the photo display
and/or renewal of vows, please return this form in the
offering plate, the church office, with your photo, or to
mailbox #12 by Sunday, February 11.
_____ We want to renew our vows on Sunday Feb. 25th
Guests/Family? If yes # _____
_____ We want to display our wedding photo
Names ______________________________________________________
Wedding Date_______________________________________________
Wedding Location___________________________________________
Did You Know…? Random facts shared as part of the 125th Anniversary
• From 1907-1923, Trinity had two towers. The tower on the
corner that we know today was accompanied by the original
church tower. It sat back further and was in the center of the
original building. It was removed in 1923 to make the original
church, and then to enlarge a Sunday School Auditorium. The
bell in our tower was first in the original tower and moved to the
“new” tower in 1907.
• There was originally a large house where the Chancel now is.
The church’s parsonage (house for the pastor’s family) was
attached to the rear of the church building. It was built as an
addition to the original building. When the original building was
moved (on rollers!) in 1906, the parsonage was attached to the
rear of the new sanctuary being constructed. In 1968, this house
was razed so the church proper could be expanded back to the
alley making a large Chancel we still see today. The room
remains much the way it was when it was rededicated in 1970.
• Pennridge FISH got its start at Trinity. The first home of
Fellowship in Serving Humanity was upstairs in what is now
part of the kindergarten classroom for TLC CCC. All of those
areas were originally part of one large, open auditorium used for
Sunday School. The balcony level became the infamous attic and
classroom walls and offices were added below in the 1960s.
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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 7:00 pm Confirmation Lock-in begins 8:00 pm NA Group meeting
3 8:00 am Men’s Fellowship 11:30 am Confirmation Lock-in concludes
4 8:00/10:30 am Holy Communion 9:15 am Education Hour
5
6 5:30 pm Zumba 6:30 pm Weight Watchers mtg 6:45 pm Valley Choral rehears.
7 5:30pm Youth Choir rehearsal 6:30pm Peal of Trinity rehearsal 7:30pm Chancel Choir rehearsal
8
9 8:00 pm NA Group meeting
10
11 8:00/10:30 am Holy Communion 9:15 am Education Hour
12 7:00 pm Church Council meeting
13 5:30 pm Zumba 6:30 pm Weight Watchers mtg
14 Ash Wed
7:00pm Worship 8:00pm Chancel Choir rehearsal
15 10:00 am Women’s Bible Study
16 8:00 pm NA Group meeting
17
18 8:00/10:30 am Holy Communion 9:15 am Education Hour
19 President’s Day Offices Closed
20 5:30 pm Zumba 6:30 pm Weight Watchers mtg 6:45 pm Valley Choral rehears.
21 10 am TLC CCC Chapel Time 5:30 pm Youth Choir rehearsal 6:00 - 8:00 pm Midweek Lent 6:30 Confirmation 8:00 pm Chancel Choir rehearsal
22
23 8:00 pm NA Group meeting
24 9:00am -3:00pm Council Retreat
25 8:00/10:30 am Holy Communion 9:15 am Secret Pal gathering 1:00 pm Marriage Vow renewal
26 7:00 pm Team Ministry mtgs.
27 5:30 pm Zumba 6:30 pm Weight Watchers mtg 7:00 pm Pub Theology
28 5:30 pm Youth Choir rehearsal 6:00 - 8:00 pm Midweek Lent 8:00 pm Chancel Choir rehearsal
Calendar of Events
Upcoming Reminders:
The Synod will hold discussions throughout our
region on Saturday, February 10 as part of the
discernment process leading up to the election
of a new Bishop in May. All sessions are 10:00
am - 11:30 am. Our two locations are St.
Andrew’s Lutheran or St. Peter’s Hilltown.
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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 8:00 pm NA Group meeting
3
4 8:00/10:30 am Holy Communion 9:15 am Education Hour 11:30 am New Members’ Lunch
5
6 5:30 pm Zumba 6:30 pm Weight Watchers mtg 6:45 pm Valley Choral rehears.
7 5:30 pm Youth Choir rehearsal 6:00 - 8:00 pm Midweek Lent 6:30 Confirmation 8:00 pm Chancel Choir rehearsal
8
9 8:00 pm NA Group meeting
10 7 - 11:00 pm G2 Girls Night Out
11 Daylight Saving
begins
8:00/10:30 am Holy Communion 9:15 am Education Hour
12 7:00 pm Church Council meeting
13 5:30 pm Zumba 6:30 pm Weight Watchers mtg
14 5:30 pm Youth Choir rehearsal 6:00 - 8:00 pm Midweek Lent 8:00 pm Chancel Choir rehearsal
15 10:00 am Women’s Bible Study
16 8:00 pm NA Group meeting
17
18
8:00/10:30 am Holy Communion 9:15 am Education Hour / New Members’ Class
19 Night at The Perk fundraiser
20 5:30 pm Zumba 6:30 pm Weight Watchers mtg 6:45 pm Valley Choral rehears.
21 10 am TLC CCC Chapel Time 5:30 pm Youth Choir rehearsal 6:00 - 8:00 pm Midweek Lent 6:30 Confirmation 8:00 pm Chancel Choir rehearsal
22
23 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:15 pm) Bingo Night 8:00 pm NA Group meeting
24
25 Palm Sunday 8:00/10:30 am Holy Communion 9:15 am Multigenerational Education Hour
26 7:00 pm Team Ministry mtgs
27 5:30 pm Zumba 6:30 pm Weight Watchers mtg 7:00 pm Pub Theology
28 5:30 pm Youth Choir rehearsal 6:30 pm Peal of Trinity rehearsal 7:30 pm Chancel Choir rehearsal
29 Maundy Thursday
6:00 pm Dinner Church with foot washing
30 Good Friday 10:00—11:30 am Children’s Gath. 12:00 pm Community Worship at Trinity 7:00 pm Service of Tenebrae
31 10:00 am Sunday School Egg Hunt at Menlo Park 11:00 am Church decorating
Calendar of Events
Harvey Cedars Youth Retreat
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Disaster Response Updates In December, Trinity sent boxes of hand made Christmas ornaments to the families at Covenant Lutheran Church in
Houston whose homes flooded in the devastation following Hurricane Harvey. The congregation is now in a time of
pastoral transition but the Director of Worship and Music, Rebecca McDonald wrote recently to thank us for our prayers
and care packages. She notes that everyone loved the ornaments and passes on the heartfelt thanks for the support we
are showing them. Rebecca sent along a video to show to the congregation (watch for it in worship, coming soon!) that
reveals the devastation and the work of the congregation to rebuild. Trinity's youth will have the opportunity to visit
Covenant and its members in June when we travel for the ELCA's National Youth Gathering. At this time, Pastor Jenn is in
conversation with the congregation to determine the next opportunity to partner with the families on this journey of new
life after disaster.
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
What a thoughtful gift you sent! Hope your new year follows a wonderful Yuletide Christmas.
We are still living at our [daugther's home] that is higher ground than our Bear Creek Home
was. Four feet of water ruined all of our furniture and personal household goods. Now if we
can salvage the house, maybe by Easter, we will be back in our house. What a way to
downsize after 44 years of ministry! Thank you and blessings on your lives and ministry.
Pastor Chuck and Annette Sheppard (retired pastor of Covenant Lutheran Church)
Interfaith Hospitality Network Month Concludes Thank you to all volunteers who gave compassionate care to three families served by
Keystone Opportunity’s Interfaith Hospitality Network during the month of January. The
time, meals, rides, overnight stays, and friendship you provided to these guests were
such blessings. A special note of thanks to Ann Bedeaux, Ellen Dolan, Mary Kramlik, Kim
Malcolm, and Jennifer Macfarlan, who served as the coordinating team for this effort.
Through special December offerings and the IHN Angel Tree, Trinity was able to contribute $500 to the host site to help
offset the cost of heat, water, and electricity. Additional funds received were sent to Keystone Opportunity Center to
support the work of the Interfaith Hospitality Network.
The Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN), collaboration between 32 local faith communities and Keystone, provides
shelter and social services to sixteen or more homeless families each year from the Indian Valley of Montgomery County
and Upper Bucks County. The IHN brings us together to help our guests regain their housing, their independence, and
their dignity when life’s misfortunes happen: job loss, disability, fire, domestic violence, and more. Together we give 9000
hours of time each year to reduce homelessness and transform lives.
Help Pennridge FISH Stock Shelves Each month we collect needed items for the clients of our local Pennridge FISH food pantry. When
you do your grocery shopping, please consider purchasing these items to donate to FISH and place
them in the baskets in the rear of the sanctuary:
Tuna, canned meat, canned fruits, vegetables, and soups, pancake mix, syrup, cold and hot cereals,
fruit juices, rice, beans, peanut butter, jelly, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, pasta sauces, pasta noodles,
macaroni and cheese, gluten-free and diabetic foods, disposable diapers, diaper wipes, cleaning
and paper products.
Next G2 Event Planned Women, join God’s Gals on Saturday, March 10, 7-11 pm for movie night. We plan to watch “Hidden Figures”. Wear
your favorite jammies and relax and enjoy a night out. Questions? Contact Becky Eells. A sign up sheet will be on the
bulletin board in the Parlor.
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New Member Sessions Planned Those wishing to affirm their faith and desire to be part of ministry with this community are invited to join
New Member sessions this spring. A meet and greet lunch for those interested in membership will be held
Sunday, March 4 as worship concludes around 11:45 am. Please let Pastor Jenn know if you’d like to join in
on these sessions.
On Sunday March 18, those joining Trinity will meet during the Education Hour at 9:15 am to talk a little about the specific ministries
of Trinity and learn about who and how they serve. During 10:30 am worship, we will acknowledge and profess our faith with these
families through Affirmation of Baptism. A reception will be held in the Fellowship Hall immediately after worship.
Using your envelopes is the best way to guarantee the accuracy of your year-end giving statement. Also,
indicating on the envelope how you wish to have your contribution divided ensures that your donations are
properly credited.
At their January meeting, our Church Council considered recommendations from the Finance Team. It was
decided that, to increase the accuracy and efficiency of the Sunday counting procedures, as of March 1, 2018,
any donations not specified will be deposited into the “Current” account. If you wish to make specific
donations to Benevolence or Building, please make certain to indicate the desired funds division on your envelope. Please see a
member of the Finance Team or Church Council if you have any questions. Thanks to the Counting Teams for their ongoing work.
On behalf of Poverty Resolutions team, we want to say “Thank you!” We are so grateful for your donation in support of our matching gifts campaign. We are pleased to tell you that your generosity helped us meet our goal. Your assistance means a great deal to us, but it will mean even more to the families we will now be able to help because of you. Thank you! - Matt & Andrew Jones
Dear friends at Trinity, I can’t begin to thank you all enough for the prayers, notes, visits, amd caring that you shared with Charlie and me during his declining health and recent passing. From the delivery of Altar flowers, communion visits by Deb, as well as support by both Pastor Bell and Pastor Jenn, shared meals, and most recently with Charlie’s Memorial Service and luncheon afterwards, each act of kindness was greatly appreciated. I feel blessed to be a small part of such a caring congregation. With love, Charlotte Strawser
Thanks to everyone for the prayers, cards, and visits during George’s recuperation.
- George & Mary Kern
Upcoming News from Evangelism On Sunday, February 11, we will observe “Friendship Sunday” by distributing name tags for everyone to wear, as well as handing out
little friendship bags of candy with a message for you or to share with a friend, relative, or neighbor. Better yet - invite them to come
and worship with us. In March we plan on welcoming new members. Details will be forthcoming.
We continue to supply the Perkasie Borough with our magnets, brochures, and child care literature for them to distribute to new
residents. We will be ordering new supplies to fill our bags to have available to guests at our Welcome Center after worship.
Thanks to all those serving as greeters and doing such an outstanding job! Please speak to one of our Evangelism team members if
you can help with this simple, but oh-so important task on a Sunday morning or at one of our events.
We’ve shared this previously but would like to again, reinforce the message that we are all worthy and gifted in many ways to reach
out and welcome all who come through our doors. Suzie was given a booklet to read and share called “Welcome One Another,” - “A
Handbook for Hospitality Ministries” by Paul E. Hoffman. In the very first chapter it says, “It starts in the parking lot.” In other words
our welcoming begins before visitors ever step through the door! Not necessarily offering valet parking (although there is one local
church who does this) but extending a hello and directions to where guests enter the church. The next and best thing is “genuine
human contact.” “Good morning” can be extended to “I’m ___- I don’t think we’ve met.” OR “I see you have small children - we have a
nursery facility available. We would like to encourage all those worshiping to take a moment during the passing of the peace or before
or after worship to say hello and a word of welcome to a guest. Point them to the Pastor, Welcome Center and/or sign-in podium
after the service so we can also welcome them with a gift and a friendly hello. Essentially we are ALL greeters - even if not at the front
door. You may be that one person who makes a difference on a Sunday morning.
10
Secret Pal Program in February Thanks to all who have volunteered to be a Secret Pal for the month of February. Each week,
students in Sunday School will receive clues about who their Secret Pal is and what they do. On
Sunday, February 25 all ages will gather in the Fellowship Hall for the Secret Pal “Reveal Day.”
Sunday School children will learn the identities of their older youth and adult secret pals during this
fun cross-generational gathering. We’ll sing, play games, do crafts and assemble “Blessing Bags”
for the homeless. No other classes will meet during the learning hour.
Good Friday Children’s Gathering A children’s Good Friday gathering for preschoolers through fifth graders will be held from 10 -11:15 am
on March 30 in the Fellowship Hall. Invite your family members, neighbors and friends as we journey to
the cross with songs, stories, crafts and worship. Adult and teen helpers are needed; please contact Deb
Detweiler with questions or to help.
Egg Hunts this Spring On Palm Sunday, March 25, Trinity’s youth and families will sponsor the annual egg hunt for the children at the Silver
Springs — Martin Luther School, Plymouth Meeting. The SSML School is one of our Lutheran social ministry
organizations that serves children with special needs. Donations of individually wrapped candy (no peanuts) are needed
to fill small plastic eggs. Please place your donations in the basket in the Fellowship Hall from March 1-18.
Youth, parents and families interested in helping to bring some joy to the SSML children will carpool
from the alley behind church at 1:15 pm. We will return by 5 pm. The event will be held rain or shine.
For more information, see Deb Detweiler.
Trinity’s youth will also hold an egg hunt for Sunday School and TLC Child Care Center children on
Saturday, March 31, 10 am at the Menlo Park Pavilion (Fifth Street & Park Ave). Donations of
individually wrapped candy (no peanuts), coins, novelty erasers, and stickers to fill small plastic eggs
may also be placed in the basket in the Fellowship Hall. Bring bags or baskets to collect your eggs. In
case of rain, we’ll meet in the Fellowship Hall.
Bear Creek Camp Opportunities Bear Creek Camp, our church-related camp in the Poconos, is excited to announce its Summer 2018 theme is “This
Changes Everything!” This piggybacks the theme from the National Youth Gathering to encourage summer-long
learning. Campers will enjoy swimming, boating, hiking, worshipping, playing games, discussing faith, camping, arts and
crafts, and singing. Days are filled with activities to help campers grow in their understanding of God, self, creation, and
community all while having fun.
There are many sessions from which to choose:
Memorial Day Weekend Family Camp All Ages May 25-28
Summer Camp (June 17 – August 11) completed Gr. 2-12 Full Week (Sun. – Sat.)
Summer Try-Camp (June sessions) completed Gr. 1 & 2 Half Week
July 4th Family Camp All Ages July 1-6
Labor Day Weekend Family Camp All Ages Aug. 31 – Sept. 3
Registration is now open! Forms are available in the parlor or register online at www.bearcreekcamp.org and download
forms. Bear Creek Camp discounts and Trinity scholarships may be available. Contact Deb Detweiler for more
information. Financial assistance may be available from Trinity’s youth scholarship fund. Discounts are available from
Bear Creek Camp. Trinity’s church discount code is BCADISCOUNT. Early bird discount expires March 1!
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2017 ELCA Youth Gathering: Houston Youth and adults from Trinity will travel to Houston June 27 – July 1 for the ELCA Youth Gathering.
We’re excited for the learning, spiritual growth, and lifelong friendships that will come from this
gathering of 30,000 youth and adult leaders from across the country. The theme is “This Changes
Everything!”
To help cover the expenses for this trip our youth continue to sell $25, $50, and $100 Giant
and Landis Supermarket gift cards every Sunday in the parlor. These cards can be used just like cash when you make
your purchases. They also make great gifts. You may also stop by the office to purchase cards during the week. Our
youth receive 5% of all proceeds from the sale of the cards.
Trinity Welcomes Seminary Intern This February, Trinity will welcome a Seminary Intern into our ministries as part of her education at United Lutheran
Seminary. Here is Ann’s greeting to us as we look forward to working together.
Hello, my name is Ann Shade and I am currently enrolled in the Master of
Divinity degree program at United Lutheran Seminary in Philadelphia. I am
excited to be part of the Trinity Lutheran church family while I complete my
ministerial field work over the coming months. My professional background is in
human resources where I have 25+ years of combined experience in both the
private and public sectors. Nearly 30 years ago, I married Bill, my high school
sweetheart, and relocated from my home town in Fleetwood, Berks County, PA.
We have two lovely young adults, Hannah, who is in her senior year attending
Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY, and Matthew, who is a sophomore at Temple
University in Philadelphia. I enjoy reading, cooking, spending time with family,
and listening to many different music genres, including classic and alternative
rock, classical, hymns, and Broadway tunes. I look forward to meeting you and
getting to know you, so please feel free to introduce yourself and say hello!
Thank you for your support and for allowing me to be part of your community!
Trinity Concert Series this Spring This past fall, the Trinity Concert Series took a short break from regular programming due to the scheduling of events on the calendar
at Trinity. We are gearing up for an interesting spring and hope you can join us!
March 18th - Generations Chamber Ensemble
This ensemble was founded by Jim Garcia, member of Trinity. It features music from varied genres and styles all arranged specifically
for the group’s instrumentation. Music selections are played by various combinations of instruments which includes clarinet duet/with
piano accompaniment, flute trio/with piano accompaniment, flute or clarinet solo/with piano accompaniment, flute trio, clarinet trio
and/or quartet, woodwind trio, and woodwind quartet. Concert time is 4:00 pm. A free will offering will be received as you leave.
April 15 - National Parks Soundscapes - 4:00 pm
National Park Soundscapes is a collection of music written by Jill Haley to celebrate the centennial year of the formation of the
National Park Service. Jill, oboist and English horn player, will be joined by guitarist, David Cullen, and Susan McDevitt on piano
playing a set of music about our National Parks. The music will be accompanied by a video of images that inspired the compositions.
Parks included in this program include Grand Canyon, Zion, Acadia and 9 other Parks. Jill has been an Artist in
Residence at four National Parks which provided her with the opportunity to create her music while living for
an extended time in the Parks. She has released 4 recordings of music about our National Parks and has
presented concerts of this music around the country.
May 19 - Valley Choral Society - 7:30 pm
VCS returns to present their spring repertoire featuring works of Leonard Bernstein in this, the year celebrating
his 100th birthday. Note this is a Saturday event; a free-will offering will be received.
The mission of Trinity Lutheran Church is to be an active, caring Lutheran family sharing God's love and gifts
through worship, service and fellowship.
Our vision is to have others see Christ in us and know Christ through us.
Pastoral Acts Baptisms
1/14/18 Elliot William & Henry Jonathan Penjuke-Wolfe
Funerals
12/10/17 Evelyn Rhoads
1/15/18 Charles Strawser
1/24/18 Marilyn Stinger
Trinity’s Prayer Chain If you have a prayer concern that you wish to
have others pray about or are seeking
someone to pray with you, please call our
Trinity Prayer Chain. The “first link” is Pat
Riordan, 267-429-3160.
Pub Theology @ Free Will Brewing Join us the fourth Tuesday of each month,
7:00 pm, at Free Will Brewing on Walnut
Street, Perkasie! We join friends from St.
Andrew’s Lutheran, Peace Lutheran, and
St. Paul’s Lutheran (Telford) in fellowship
and discussion. Free Will also serves wine,
and you can bring your own snacks and soft drinks.
Prayer Shawl Ministry Members and friends of Trinity regularly knit
prayer shawls to provide comfort for those who
are ill or grieving. Our current supply of yarn is
almost depleted. Your donation of Lion Brand
“Homespun” yarn (three skeins needed per shawl)
would be most appreciated. Or, you may make a donation to
purchase yarn ($15 covers the cost of one shawl).
Hello from TLC Child Care Center! Hello from TLC Child Care Center! February is here and we are pleased to say that Old Man
Winter has been kind to us. We really enjoyed the holiday season with all of our little ones
and have some special people to thank for all they do for us. We want to thank Deb, Drew,
and Pastor Jenn who have been engaging our children in a monthly chapel time program.
Our children have really been enjoying that. We also want to thank Darwin Hendricks for all
his handy work and Jim Garcia for his help and support of our program Christmas Program.
Both are always saving the day when we need technical assistance! We also want to thank all the church members that have
been willing to join our small liaison committee for the church and child care center.
We are currently beginning to promote our full day Kindergarten program for next year because it appears we may have some
space available for outside families. If you know anyone looking for a high quality Kindergarten program, please have them
contact us. We are hosting a Kindergarten informational meeting on February 22nd at 5pm. All interested are encouraged to
attend.
We have a busy end of winter and start to spring, with many great events coming up. We will have a "Cat in the Hat" magic
show in honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday on Tuesday February 27th at 10:00am in the Fellowship Hall and a "Think Green" magic
show on April 17th at 10:00am. If you are Trinity member with little ones, please join us! We will also be celebrating the Week
of the Young Child during the week of April 16th. We would love to have some church members come out as guest readers.
Please let us know if you are interested. We will also team up with the BCIU's W.O.W. program once again for a special lunch
together in the Fellowship Hall.
Thanks again for all the love and support!
Kind Regards,
Rosi, Colleen & the TLC staff
THANKS for your Thrivent Choice Dollars! We are excited to share, based on member recommendations, Trinity Lutheran Church received $1,124 in charitable
outreach funding in 2017. We hope this gift helped to further support your incredible work. All 2017 Choice Dollars®
have been made available for members to direct. Encourage your supporters to direct now. Use the free promotional
materials available in the Promote Thrivent Choice section on Thrivent.com to easily remind your supporters about
Thrivent Choice and the positive impact that can be made by directing Choice Dollars to your organization. As a
reminder, 2017 Choice Dollars expire on March 31, 2018.