Messenger Trinity

Letter from Pastor

Dear Christian Friends: As the heat and humidity kick into high gear and the sound of locusts greet our ears for the first time, we realize with amazement that we’ve reached August already. That means that school is right around the corner already. That also means that midweek and catechism classes are right around the corner. That means an opportunity to continue our children’s education in the Christian faith as well as in the basics like reading, writing, and arithmetic. Martin Luther was not only an advocate of education, but particularly Christian education. Luther once autographed someone’s Bible with the following comment, “True it is that human wisdom and the liberal arts are noble gifts of God, good and useful for all kinds of things, wherefore one cannot do without them in this life. But they can never thoroughly tell us what sin and righteousness are in the eyes of God, how we can get rid of sins, become pious and just before God, and pass from death into life. Wisdom divine and an art supreme are required for this; and one does not find them in the books of any jurist or worldly-wise person, but in the Bible alone, which is the Holy Spirit’s Book.” With four children of my own I understand that things get busy during the school year. There are practices for sports, not to mention games. There are rehearsals for band and for plays and concerts and shows to...

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH - GENOA

AUGUST 2016

In This Issue Letter From Pastor 1-2

BOA 2

Health & Wellness 3

Food Pantry 3

Boar of Elders 4

Sanctuary Choir 4

Musician’s Diary 5

Fireside 5

Preschool 5

Sunday School 5

Confirmation Service

Project 5

VBS 6

Upcoming Events 6

Birthdays &

Anniversaries 7

Calendar 8

Just for Fun 9

Coloring Page 10

Service Schedule 11

Letter from Pastor Continued perform. There’s the never-ending stream of homework assignments. Time grows short and there’s always the temptation to put time with God on the back burner and come back to it later. The thing is, the more you backburner God, the easier it becomes to do it and the harder it becomes to start taking that time again. Before you realize it, you’re far away from God with no idea how you got there. For parents in particular, the example you set for your children affects how they lead their life of faith. Make time to learn about God for yourself and for your family.

Our Sunday morning adult study will be starting up again in September and I’d like to start another evening study again as well. The real question is this: what interests you the most? What kind of things would you like to study? What topic would make you want to attend a class regularly? I would much rather teach a class that I know people are interested in than pick a topic at random and hope for the best. So call me, text me, or e-mail me with suggestions.

As we head into another school year please keep in mind not only the importance of the education our schools provide, but also the importance of continuing Christian education for all believers. Please keep our efforts in your prayers.

In Christ, Pastor Heilman Micah 4:2 - “He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.”

BOA Update As explained during the June congregational meeting, our church has recently been informed that Elmer Baneck named Trinity Lutheran as a beneficiary of 30% of his remaining Trust Fund, once Elmer's estate is settled. Needless to say, we are all very thankful to Elmer for his generosity and support of God's work here at Trinity.

Worship Times

Saturday’s - 5:30 PM Blended Worship Sunday’s - 8:00 AM Traditional Worship Sunday’s - 10:30 AM Contemporary Worship

Christian Education and Fellowship hour, Sunday’s at 9:15 AM.

G.I.F.T. for children is available during the

10:30 service, after the Children’s message.

Pastor’s Contact Info

Rev. Jeremy Heilman,

Senior Pastor

717 Hortense Dr.

Kirkland, IL 60146

H: 815-522-0074

C: 773-407-2698

jheilman@tlcgenoa.org

Pastor’s phone numbers

are included in his

answering machine

message. Pastor’s

extension at Church is

“11”.

Health & Wellness Dear Friends.

"You've heard the one about the priest, the rabbi, and the Lutheran pastor...?" Laughter is a natural healthy part of God's gift of humor. Larry Wilde, manager of the Carmel Institute of Humor, states "the act of laughing allows the body and mind to relax, to become more receptive to positive energy, to be refreshed! It is complementary therapy - it eases anxiety, helps patients cope so that they benefit more fully with clinical procedures", This article looks at the joy of laughter throughout our lives. Laughter is a gift infants are born with, smiling in early weeks of life and laughing out loud in a few months. The giggle of a toddler entertains family and friends. Children are great role models for laughing: stepping in puddles, telling knock knock jokes, eating cake with hands, blowing bubbles with a wand or gum, and acting goofy. Play is their work, and most children are good at it. Adults may need encouragement to incorporate humor and laughter into lives filled with responsibility and work. Maria Lichtsinn, in Health Notes, suggests adults try: * Smiling - a smile may turn into laughter. * Counting blessings - make a list of positive experiences and memories. * Spending time with people who find humor in everyday activities. * Accepting imperfections in self and others - laugh instead of complaining about embarrassing moments. Timothy Merrill, in Home Touch, notes senior citizens are still able to "get" a joke. My grandchildren frequently ask "Get it, Grandma?" Merrill suggests sharing humor with seniors by: * Asking them which comedies or comedians they enjoyed. * Visiting with children and share riddles. * Sharing humorous memories about trips, holidays, old times. Humor may not take away pain or loneliness, but may provide moments of joy. Infants and children laugh easily, but anyone at any stage of life appreciates the happiness of sharing laughter. "Know what the 0 said to the 8? Nice belt! Get it, Grandma?"

Blessings, Bonnie Koerner

Food Pantry Update

Hello to everyone. The campaign we have had to raise donations for the Genoa Food Pantry has been successful. Thank you to all who have donated items. I have been at the Genoa Food Pantry on a few occasions to help, and I respectfully observe the items we have donated have gone right out the door to help those in need. At Trinity, we have sought to gather a couple specific items each month for the food pantry. This has worked well because it allows us to better coordinate with the Genoa Methodist Church to boost the supply of items specifically needed at the food pantry. The focus on a few items to donate each month also encourages donations of newly bought items. Newly bought items are beneficial to both the food pantry and to those receiving the donations.

If you are in need of some food assistance, please know that you will be welcomed at the Genoa Food Pantry at the Genoa Methodist Church located at 325 South Stott Street. The food pantry is typically open the third Monday of each month from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The food pantry is community oriented and the volunteers and coordinators are dedicated to this community program.

The items we seek to gather at Trinity for the food pantry this month are peanut butter, jelly, and breakfast cereal. Donations gathered for this month will be delivered to the Genoa Methodist Church just prior to the third Monday of August, which is August 15. Thank you again for your generosity.

Stewardship Chair,

Rick Happ

BOARD OF ELDERS

In the past 5 months we’ve hopefully introduced to you each of our ten Elders, and their spouses, in an interesting and family oriented way. We hope you have enjoyed the reading of these and now have a little insight into the lives and hearts of the Elders serving you and your church. We as a group would like to take just a moment to welcome John Siesser to the Board. He just joined us in July and is very excited to serve God in His house and you in the family of Christ here at Trinity. We are very happy to have you John, thank you. I would also like to touch briefly on the wonderful experience I had in attending our LCMS National Convention in Milwaukee held July 9th through the 14th. I had the opportunity to meet fellow Lutherans, pastor and lay delegates, from every District in the United States and even some from Canada. Plus representatives from sister churches in Norway, Uruguay, Kazakhstan and Nigeria. I can tell you from the bottom of my heart, I was emotionally moved by these people every day I was there. The work that was accomplished each day was amazing! Eighteen floor committees presented over 135 Resolutions for the 1100 plus voting delegates to consider for adoption to our Synod Constitution and by-laws. Each day started at 8:00 and lasted until 6 in the evening. Long days yes, but I have never felt so blessed at the end of the day. I met and talked with new friends that I may never see again, but will be in my prayers forever. There were men, and ladies, that literally poured their hearts out while presenting their opinions and arguments to fellow brothers and sisters in an effort to convince them to decide in favor of their cause. Some won, some lost. You can rest assured; your Synod is strong and deeply passionate about preserving our views in God’s word for our church. After I attended our District Convention in March of 2015, I encouraged everyone to take the opportunity to become more involved in our church. I feel this even stronger now I have attended the Synod Convention. Please, consider learning more about how we as Lutherans live and share God’s love and Word with each other and the world. Thank you and I pray God will continue to bless each of you and your families. Ernie McGee

From the Sanctuary Choir--

We invite anyone in the congregation who loves to sing, to join us as we begin rehearsals for a new choir year on Wednesday, August 31, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. We sing a variety of traditional and blended sacred music, for Sunday morning 8:00 a.m. services, twice a month, and a few extra services during the Advent and Lenten seasons. Please consider joining us! It’s an important ministry to Trinity Church, as well as an enjoyable Christian fellowship. We also invite you to join the Community Choir, for its first rehearsal on Wednesday, September 14, at 5:30 p.m., when we’ll begin our preparation for the Christmas cantata. This is ideal for those who might not want to commit to a whole nine-month choir season. We have members of all church affiliations in the wider Genoa community. The Sanctuary Choir then rehearses afterward, at 6:30 p.m., until 7:30, or so. You don’t need to be able to read music to sing with us. Please consider joining us! (There are no auditions.) ---Kathy Fane and the Community Choir

From the Musician’s Diary

The Gospel reading for July 24 (Luke 11:1-13) concerned Jesus’ teaching on prayer. One of the great prayer hymns is “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” Joseph Scriven (1820-1886) wrote the text of this hymn, and Charles Converse (1832-1918) composed the tune.

Mr. Scriven’s life was one of sorrow and tragedy. Born in Dublin, a devout Christian, he was a graduate of Trinity College (United Kingdom) and engaged to become married. However, his fiancé accidentally drowned on the eve of their wedding. In grief, and suffering from depression, he emigrated to Canada. He became engaged for a second time; however, she became violently ill and died. He knew of no other place to turn for comfort except for the Scriptures. He devoted his time to caring for the sick and poor; however, his own health deteriorated. But he found a creative outlet for his suffering when he wrote the hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” He sent it to his mother in Ireland to comfort her, and after her death, it was found and published. In 1886, his townspeople learned that he had drowned in a lake, as he was wandering while deliriously ill.

Scriven’s poem was later set to music and has become a much-loved hymn. Prayer is the most powerful influence available to Christians. Most of us do not suffer as much as Scriven did, but misfortune and affliction will enter our lives. We can seek to let our sorrow work out in creative expression in many different ways, prayer being a primary way. One reason this hymn is so loved is that every verse emphasizes what Jesus can do for us in our troubles. Prayer will not make our troubles go away, but praying to God can comfort us, and uplift our spirits in our desperate times of need.

Blessings,

Kathy Fane

Confirmation Student Service Project Confirmation students-need a service project to do. Come help clean the preschool room and toys on Sunday, August 21 from 2:00-4:00. If interested-sign up on the sheet in the hallway or email Cam Durham at tlcpreschool2010@yahoo.com or call 815-508-0173.

Sunday School Teacher Needed

A teacher is needed for the 5th/6th grade Sunday school class. If interested in teaching the class contact Cam Durham 815-508-0173 or email cdurham2010@yahoo.com.

Preschool Registration There are still openings in the preschool classes for this fall. There is a $35 non-refundable registration fee and $10 annual snack fee. Tuition for the 4 year old class is $90/month. Tuition for the 3 year old class is $70/month. For more information contact Cam Durham 815-508-0173 or email tlcpreschool2010@yahoo.com

FIRESIDE CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

Please reserve this date

The annual Fireside Dinner Theatre trip sponsored by Thrivent and Trinity will be December 4th this

year. The sign up sheet and more information will be posted by Sept. 1st, 2016. We have reserved 55

seats at the Fireside and have chartered a 55 passenger Van Galder bus. The cost will again be

$75 for adults and $56 for Children under 14 with a children’s meal.

Reminders

All articles for the September issue of the Messenger Newsletter are due no later than

Wednesday, August 17th. Any articles received after that point will not be included in the September

issue.

Please have all bulletin announcements turned into the office by noon on Wednesdays. Thank you!

Vacation Bible School Update

We would like to begin by expressing our sincere thanks to all who contributed to vacation bible

school. Every donation helps us to make the week a success. To everyone who volunteered their time,

thank you again.

We had 97 children show up to hear gods word this year. What a huge blessing! The boys and girls

brought in offering throughout the week to be used for purchasing supplies for wall camp. In total, we

raised over $600 and were able to purchase many different items on wall camps list of needs.

as this vacation Bible school year has ended, we would also like to share some news with the

congregation. The two of us have worked very diligently on growing our VBS program for many years

now. Liz has been the program director for nine years. Carrie has codirected and been our craft leader

for quite some time. We have both loved this journey, but have decided to retire from the positions.

The vacation Bible school program here at Trinity is seeking a new leader. We are both willing to guide

the new leader however possible. This program has been very special to us and we want it to continue

to be successful. If you are interested please contact one of us or talk to Amanda in the office.

Thank you all for a wonderful experience both this year and in years past. We feel so blessed to come

from such a loving and supportive church.

In Christ,

Liz Anderson and Carrie Reed

UPCOMING EVENTS

Wednesday, August 12th - First Year Confirmation Camp 6-7:30 PM

Thursday, August 11th - Confirmation Registration 5:00 PM

Tuesday, August 16th - Confirmation Registration 6:30 PM

Saturday, August 20th - Women’s Breakfast at the Genoa Café 8:00 AM

Saturday, August 20th - Confirmation Registration 9:00 AM

Saturday, August 27th - Men’s Breakfast at the Kirkland Family Restaurant 7:00 AM

Sunday, September 11th - Rally Day and Church Picnic

Saturday, October 1st - 2nd Annual TLC Preschool Family Fun Run 5K 9:00 AM

Sunday, December 4th - Fireside Dinner Theater Christmas Trip

Birthdays

Anniversaries

Kyle McNamara

Cody Busch

Mark Pahnke

Trudy Schlieben

Katie Gahlbeck

Debra Gum

Debbie Bockstahler

Candice Hentschel

Nash Boehmer

Amber Smith

Gary Koerner

Ryan Craig

Mike Bockstahler

Erin Fidler

Nathan Skarzynski

Kellie Boles

Madelynn Grismer

Tommy Lucca

Travis Hughes

Jeff Nesler

Jackson Ortegel

Garrett Windau

Trevor Bollech

Kristin Brynteson

Deb Humeniak

Wesley Kramer

William Kramer

Ami Busse

Ashley McIntyre

Richard Nelson

Alex Werner

Brecken Werner

Samantha Busse

Bonnie Koerner

Wyatt Kramer

Mitch Rausch

David Clark

Jen Hodgson

Shaeley McCoy

Mardell Ross

Bill Schlieben

Ben Franson

Darlene Lichthardt

Michelle Anderson (Runnion)

Tanner Grimm

Zoe Musil

Carol Seisser

Peggy Werner

Allison Zientek

Barrett Amen

Joshua Flury

James Fowler

Michael Hartwig

Jen Melnick

Carlee Siggeman

Michael Budzien

Arliss Errera

Laura Stewart

Joan Stoffregen

Alyssa Jennings

Justin Montgomery

Mikhail Slavenas

Valerie Amen

Diane Hansel

Robert Swanson

Richard Humeniak

Karen Scherer-Noftz

Helen Stoffregen

Gertrude Wylde

Robert Bird

Shawn Beisner

John Craig Jr

John & Cindy Baenziger

Jeff & Julie Bartels

Jeffrey & Jamie Keifer

Dianna & David Boehmer

Paul & Karen Beauchamp

Eric & Lori Slavenas

Kenneth & Jen Hodgson

Clifford & Marianne Johnson

Bill & Sherri Elkinton

Brad & Lorene McIntyre

Gerry & Debbie Fredricks

Bradley & Cindy Busch

Eugene & Joan Johnson

John & Rachel Kramer

August 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

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New Testament Breakfast

I was telling my first-grade Sunday school class about John the Baptist. Mentioning that he ate locusts and honey comb, I noticed a puzzled look from one of the boys. "Wow," he mused, "I never knew they had cereal back then!"

Abigail A. Freeman, Sycamore, Illinois. Christian Reader, "Kids of the Kingdom."