Trinity Tidings

www.trinitysandusky.org

“I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.”

Luke 15: 18

In just a few weeks the season of Lent will come to an end and we will arrive at the empty tomb on Easter Sunday morning once again. In a sense one might say that going to worship on Easter Sunday is like “going home”. As we sing

the traditional opening hymn, “Christ the Lord is Risen Today” memories of Easters past are rekindled and those memories become a sort of “going home” experience.

The gospel verse above is taken from the prodigal son story that Jesus told to the people gathered around him. In that story, the younger son had taken his inheritance and gone off to the far country. But he reached a point in which he “came to his senses” and made a conscious decision to go back home despite all the things he had done to cause separation from his father.

Is this your situation? Have you been in the “far country” away from “the Father” God? We can be in the “far country” in many ways – physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally. Like the prodigal son, we too can make a conscious decision to “go back home” and receive the father’s embrace.

So, I welcome you to come home! Come home to Trinity Church. Come home to Easter Sunday worship. Most importantly, come home to the loving embrace of God and rejoice in the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus!

VOL. 55 MARCH 2016 NO. 3

Together in Christ,Pastor Doug

Palm SundaySunday, March 20

8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.Worship

Sacrificial BreakfastWednesday, March 23

10:00 a.m.Becky Machovec from Flat Rock

Speaker

Maundy ThursdayThursday, March 24

On this special night of remembrance, you are invited to pause and join in a two-part evening program:

6:00 p.m.

Potluck

7:00 p.m.Seder Communion

and Tenebrae Servicein Fellowship HallGood FridayFriday, March 25

12:00 noon – 12:30 “Silent walk with the Cross”

You are invited to meet in the parking lot at Columbus Ave. UMC and join in a walk with the cross down Columbus Ave. to Trinity’s front yard on the corner of Wayne and Jefferson for a scripture reading and closing prayer. Light lunch refreshments will be provided outside and transportation will be available back to CAUMC.

EasterSunday, March 27

“Resurrection Celebration”

7:00-7:30 a.m.Sunrise Service at the ChurchWeather permitting, we will begin with a brief prayer at the cross outside, then move into the Sanctuary.

7:30-8:00 a.m.Continental Breakfast in F.H.

(There will not be an early service.)

9:30-10:15 a.m.Extended Hospitality

We will gather in the Narthex with juice, coffee and baked goods.

10:30 a.m.Celebration Worship

(Ladies are invited to wear their Easter hats!)

Seeds for Growth

Growing together word by word

ReflectionsV. Ned Bixler, Pastor Emeritus

Biblical scholars tell us that the foundation story in the Hebrew Bible is the story of liberation of the people who were slaves in Pharaoh’s Egypt. As the African American spiritual puts it, “Go down, Moses, Go down to ole Egypt land. Tell ole Pharaoh, let my people go.”

One of the loveliest and dramatic stories in the Hebrew Bible is the story of how Yahweh, the Lord, provided food for the journey through the wilderness. You find this story in one of the five books of the Torah – the Great Teachings in the Hebrew Scriptures: Exodus 16: 2-15. Additional references are in Numbers 1:1 and Psalm 105: 40.

The Biblical story goes: in the morning, there was plant lice for food that was nourishing. The Israelites called it “manna”, which in Hebrew means, “What is it?” And in the evening, the quail came.

The key words are Manna, Quail and the Wilderness.

A musical solo (“Then the Quail Came” by Michael Blanchard) portrays this story:

There we were, hungry and scared, wishing we never had come.

Homes on our backs, dust in our hair, cursing the day we’d begun.

“Tell me I ask you,” a friend of mine said,“Was it so bad where we were?”

We didn’t have to come here to be dead, was what we had so unsure?”

Chorus:Then the quail came,

falling like dew on the ground,The quail came,

each evening our food to be foundAnd filling our ears

with those ungrateful soundsUnworthy to stand, I bow down.

There we were, angry and naked, looking for someone to blame,

Our bodies were aching, babies were cryingand each day was so much the same.

“I tell you people, this journey is crazy.”I heard someone say in his rage;

“How long will it be ‘til we realize our folly and get back to where we were safe?”

(chorus)

Here we are, alone on a desert,

fed dawn to dark, dusk to day;Every morning we wake up

to find just the measure of food we need for the way.

Oh, once we would ask if we could have more

To see that our future survived,But we know now at last that nothing is sure

except that the quail will arrive.

(chorus)

We are praying for: those who are grieving, have been hospitalized or are

recuperating: Ned Bromm, Ned Bixler, Susan Carpenter, Jack Cook, Glenn Hime, the Kares family, Mary Ann Kidwell, Gary Koch’s daughter Janel, June Meyer, Bob Reiber, Jack & Diane Smith;

Our servicemen and women: Bill Bridgeman, Andre Clayburn, Meghan Tetzloff, and all our veterans;

And our shut-ins: Jean Atha, Neil & Grace Bauman, Bettye Burchfield, Mary Carrier, Glen Downey, Hazel Fisher, Mary Ruth Gill, Nancy Gray, Bob & Ruth Jacobs, Etta Johnson, Bob Murphy, Renna Rossen, Eleanor Sausser, Lindy Welton and Barbara Wendt.

Opportunities to Serve

As you constantly pray to sustain your relationship with God, join in any of the following ministries:

- Attend the Lenten Lunch series, “Before Amen” on Wednesdays at noon, and the

Community Lenten Services at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays;

- Join Church Women United’s Human Rights Celebration on Friday, March 4, at 1:00, at Providence Missionary Baptist Church;

- Come to worship on Sunday, March 6, as we celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion and One Great Hour of Sharing;

- Meet Mondays at Mr. Smith’s for our weekly Prayer Time at 11:30;

- Support our Youth and purchase cutout Easter cookies by March 12;

- Support 2nd Sunday Soap for Care and Share on Sunday, March 13;

- Support our Troopers and purchase a ham loaf by March 14;

- Volunteer to help serve at the noon Lenten Lunch at Trinity on Wednesday, March16;

- Support local missions – use the envelopes in the basket in the Narthex;

- Attend the Men’s Dinner on Thursday, March 17;

- Send a card or visit a shut-in to show you care (see list);

- Provide cookies for our Ministry to the Juvenile Detention Center – bring to church by 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 20;

- Invite a friend to join us for Holy Week activities and Easter worship;

- Be an active participant in our Holy Week services (see schedule);

- Help serve at Crossroads on Monday, March 21 – sign up in Narthex;

- Take part in the Lifeline Screening in Fellowship Hall on Thursday, March 31.

The VillageUpdate March 2016

It’s an exciting time as this ministry begins to take shape. Much of ou

rtalks have  focused on the “Baby Box” distribu

-tion, and I’m happy to share that we will be partnering with both the Erie County Health Department and Firelands Hospital! While this initiative is exciting, and will help meet a community need, this is only the beginning.     “It takes a village to raise a child.

” African Proverb     

The leadership at Trinity and Columbus Ave. UMC have been praying for some time about the  potential of joint ministry between the two churches, and we believe The Village is where God is leading. So after much prayer and consider-ation, we will be moving forward to 

create this combined ministry space.

      The upstairs of Trinity UMC is being freshened up, and turned into an actual space called “The Village!” We envision a place where mothers will come and find positive supports for themselves and their children. Mothers will be able to participate in gospel-centered parenting andeducational classes, as well as find support for issues like post partum depression. We plan to partner with various programs in Erie County to enhance what is already available to families in  our area. It is our hope that mothers would find “a village”  within the walls of this church, and  that lives would be changed eternally.      

Many of you have asked if youcan be involved, and the answer is YES!  There will be many volunteer opportunities that we will be sharing soon.   If you are interested in participating in any upcoming work days at Trinity you can email Nicole  at: Nicole@Trinitysandusky.org    

We will be collecting items in the Narthex for The Village to help stock our “Mom Shoppe”   

March: Diapers and Wipes

April: Baby Shampoo and Lotion

May: Digital Thermometers and 

Baby TylenolJune: 

Swim DiapersJuly: 

$10 gas cards

*Do you have the gift of sewing? We would welcome burp cloths, baby blankets and other special handmade baby items in ourMom Shoppe!    Other Items Needed-  Keurig Coffee Maker, Two DVD Players, Mini Fridge, Parasols and Colorful Umbrellasgently used is fine 

YouthTrinity Youth Group is currently taking orders for beautifully decorated Easter cutout cookies. Cost is $6/dozen with $3 going to the youth group for activities. Orders must be placed by March 12—order sheets are in the Narthex or call Sibyl Dendinger (621-7730).

Easter Ministry for the Juvenile Detention

CenterCookies are needed for our Easter Ministry to the Juvenile Detention Center. Please bring cookies to church by 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 20. All are welcome to help package the cookies at that time.

Crossroads DinnerMinistry

Thank you to Duke & Diane McNutt and Sharon Bromm for their help at Crossroads in February.

We continue to serve on the 3rd Monday of each month. Please sign up in the Narthex to help with this ministry.

Lifeline ScreeningMarch 31

Lifeline Screening will be at Trinity on Thursday, March 31. To register for screening and to receive a $10 discount, call 888-653-6450. See enclosed flyer for more information.

DEVELOPMENTTIME FOR PRAYER

In conjunction with our Trinity Church plan for reaching new people and building relationships in the community, our Monday morning prayer time is moving to 11:30 a.m. at Mr. Smith’s Coffeehouse beginning March 7.

Come and join us as we pray for the ministry of our church, share a cup of coffee, and maybe even stay for lunch.

MEN’S DINNERAll men are invited to dinner

on Thursday, March 17, 6 p.m.ALL are welcome to the after-

dinner presentation by Sandusky City Manager, Eric Wobser, regarding the city’s bicentennial plan.

DEVELOPMENTBIBLE STUDY

Both weekly Wednesday Bible Study groups will continue their study of Revelation beginning on Wednesday, MARCH 30. The early group begins at 10:00 a.m. with coffee and baked goods/bagels. The evening group begins with dinner from 6-6:30 p.m. followed by the study.

Come, bring your Bible and join in the discussion around the table.

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

Church Women UnitedHuman Rights Celebration

Friday, March 4, 1:00 p.m.

Providence Miss. Bapt. Church

Mary FellowshipTuesday, March 8, 1:30

p.m.Hostess: Sandy McCrea

Esther CircleTuesday, March 8, 2:00 p.m.

Fellowship Hall

Grace CircleThursday, March 10, 7:00 p.m.

tba

TroopersTroopers are taking orders for ham loaves for pick up on Palm Sunday. There is an order sheet in the Narthex. Cost is $7 and all orders must be in by March 14.

Dear Friends in Christ,

For nearly 12 years, the East Ohio Annual Conference has been blessed by the leadership of Bishop John Hopkins and his wife, Elaine. During his tenure, the Bishop has led the Annual Conference through a period of great change and transition. Bishop John and Elaine will be retiring effective August 31, 2016.

The Conference Episcopacy Committee would like to recognize their ministry among us by hosting a celebration in their honor on Monday, June 13, at the 2016 Annual Conference in Lakeside. As part of that celebration, we are hoping to present

the Hopkins’ with a generous love offering on the occasion of their retirement. We are inviting each of East Ohio’s local congregations and pastors to participate in a love offering. Please make checks payable to Trinity UMC and memo them, “Bishop Hopkins Love Offering”.

Thank you in advance for your willingness to participate in this gift of appreciation to these two servants of Christ who have shared 12 years of their lives with us.

Sincerely, James Skinner, Chair

EOC Episcopacy Comm.

Dear Friends,God’s incredible goodness

shines through you!! Thanks for sharing it!

I am so blessed to have such a loving, caring church family as you all are! I have been showered with cards, calls, prayers, flowers, candy, chocolate covered pretzels, cookies and many visits since my knee surgery on December 21. I especially enjoyed an evening of Christmas caroling the Wednesday before Christmas. What a wonderful treat that was when my Bible Study group came to the hospital to make sure I was not left out of the Christmas celebrations just because I was

hospitalized. How very thoughtful!

There is no better place to be than in the midst of the Trinity United Methodist Church Family!

Lots & lots of love,Phyl Yingling

Dear Friends in Mission,Thank you for your gifts of

$350 to UMCOR. Through the compassion and solidarity of faithful friends like you, UMCOR is able to provide comfort to those impacted by disasters like earthquakes and storms, food for the hungry, and healthcare to those who otherwise would have none.

Grace and Peace,Roland

Fernandes General

TreasurerThank you to Phyllis Shrake and the Troopers for the new window flowers in Fellowship Hall. They bring a fresh touch of Spring to our church!

Pastor Doug,The members of your Erie

County Sheriff’s Office are very grateful for the large thank-you “card” that we recently received. What a great surprise! We are truly blessed to know that so many in the community appreciate the jobs we do. The “card” was hung in an area

where it will be visible to all of our employees.

Please extend our heartfelt thanks to your entire congregation for their thoughts and prayers as we go about our daily tasks. Our burdens are made much lighter with the knowledge that the community appreciates our efforts when we face difficult situations.

Thanks again to all for your kindness and your thoughtfulness.

Sincerely, Paul Sigsworth,

Sheriff

Dear Trinity Family,We want to thank you so

much for your caring through this time of surgery and recuperation. The prayers, cards, calls and food were just over-whelming. Doug and Debbie, it meant so much to have you there with us the whole day. We are truly blessed. Rod says there is nothing like Methodist Prayers!!

Blessings for all, Rod & Linda Litz

CALENDARHospitality Committee will meet Thursday, March 3, 7:00 p.m.

Church Women United will host a Human Rights Celebration on Friday, March 4, 1:00 p.m.

We will celebrate Holy Communion and One Great Hour of Sharing during Worship on Sunday, March 6.

There will be a Shared Ministry meeting on Tuesday, March 8, 6:30 p.m. at Trinity.

Easter Flower orders are due by Monday, March 14, 10:00 a.m.

Finance Committee will meet Monday, March 14, at 6:30 p.m. followed by Church Council at 7:00.

The Men’s Dinner will take place on Thursday, March 17, at 6:00

p.m.

Our next Tidings deadline is Monday, March 21, 10:00 a.m.

We will serve at Crossroads on Monday, March 21, 3:30 p.m.

The Sacrificial Breakfast will take place on Wednesday, March 23, at 10:00 a.m.

There will be a potluck at 6:00 p.m. on Maundy Thursday, March 24, followed by a Tenebrae/Communion Service.

Join in a Silent Walk with the Cross at noon on Good Friday, March 25.

Trinity Youth will be taking a trip to Amish Country on Wednesday, March 30, 8:30 a.m.

Lifeline Screening will be in Fellowship Hall on Thursday, March 31.

"YOU SHALL RECEIVE POWER" MCI EASTER

PLAY 2016 The Lent and Easter season

is a time of traditional annual events just like the Christmas season. One event that has now become an annual activity is our trip to the Marion Correctional Facility. The musical play that is produced by the inmates always presents a unique perspective on the Easter story.

The title of this year’s play is “You Shall Receive Power” and is scheduled for Monday, March 14, thru Thursday, March 17. Each day there are performances at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

We will not be organizing a specific time for a Trinity group to make this trip, but you may do so individually. Registration is online for MCI Ministry of Theatre at eventbrite.com.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME

begins on SUNDAY, MARCH 13. Don’t forget to “spring ahead” one hour!

BGSU’s A-Cappella Choir will perform at Trinity on Thursday, May 12, at 7:00 p.m.

The concert is free, but a free-will offering will be taken to aid the choir.

Baby blessings to Keith & Louise Newton on the birth of granddaughter, Charlotte Andrea, on February 8! Proud parents are Matt &Katie, along with siblings Rebecca & Ben.

Congratulations to Dick & Pat Widdoes on the birth of great-grandson, Aiden Jefferson, on February 28. New parents are Jill & Jeff

Binder.

MEMORIALSJanuary 2016

In Memory of Roger KinneyGiven by

Sandy McCreaGene & Mary Ann Kidwell

Bob & Diana BrownMr. & Mrs. Michael AntelMr. & Mrs. Brian Johnson

Jane MornerChris Stipp

JANUARY ATTENDANCE

January 03 8:30 1110:30 94 = 105

January 10 8:30 1310:30 75 = 88

January 17 8:30 1710:30 88 = 105

January 24 8:30 1410:30 79 = 93

January 31 8:30 310:30 61 = 64

FEBRUARY ATTENDANCE

February 07 8:30 1810:30 84 = 102

February 14 8:30 710:30 59 = 76

February 21 8:30 1110:30 82 = 93

February 28 8:30 1310:30 76 = 89

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Joshua Bender

502 Cleveland Rd. W. Apt. FHuron, OH 44839

Please remember those who are not always able to physically be with us, especially during this Easter season. Keep them in your prayers

and send them a card or take a few minutes to visit with

them so they will remember that we care:

Jean Atha85 Nottingham Cir.Bowling Green, OH 43401

Neil & Grace BaumanParkvue Apt. 2263800 Boardwalk Blvd.

Bettye BurchfieldVan Crest Assisted Living10357 Van Wert-Decatur Rd.Van Wert, OH 45891

Susan Carpenter4115 Huntfield Dr.

Mary Carrier4201 Columbus Ave.

Glenn Downey2404 W. Monroe St.

Hazel Fisher5000 Providence Dr. Apt. 214

Mary Ruth Gill1977 Meadowbrook WayCoshocton, OH 43812

Nancy Gray1819 Roosevelt Ave.Niles, OH 44446

Glenn Hime1906 E. WaterberryHuron, OH 44839Bob & Ruth JacobsParkvue Apt. 3083800 Boardwalk Blvd.

Etta Johnson1315 Cleveland Rd. W. Apt. 2Huron, OH 44839

June Meyer

Providence Care Center2025 Hayes Ave.

Bob Murphy3301 Rods Dr.

Renna Rossen (Jim Miller’s mom)

Providence Care Center2025 Hayes Ave.

Eleanor SausserParkvue Apt. 1153800 Boardwalk Blvd.

Bob Schneider5055 Providence Dr. Apt. 217

Bob & Rhoda Springstead1039 Campbell St.

Lindy Welton1500 E. Bogart Rd. Apt. 8BSandusky, OH 44870

Barbara WendtProvidence Care Center Rm.

42025 Hayes Ave.

Please call the church office if you are aware of any other members who should be added to this list.

WE HAVE LOST TRACKof the following members:

Pat & Tobi GusemanDan & Jan McCarty

Cindy Sue ClarkKen Hahn

Patricia Dalton

Jim & Marti PitcherCharles & Rosalie Schmidt

If you know how we can contact them, please call the church office (625-8669).

BIRTHDAYS03/01 Dick Widdoes03/01 Elaine Graham03/02 Jasmine Weiker03/03 Rick Woodring03/05 Shirley Bixler03/06 Denise Walker03/08 Alexis Dendinger03/08 Derrick Galindo03/09 Mackenzie Toll03/10 Lisa Barringer03/10 Christine Smith03/11 Erin Carver03/11 Bert Dwelle03/11 Daniel Mautz03/13 Ryan Brown03/13 Alan Guy03/13 Scott Johnson03/13 Justin Mischler

03/14 Kelly Martin03/14 Coriline Brown03/14 Joel Sehlmeyer03/15 Sibyl Dendinger03/15 Jim Miller03/15 Travis Nighman03/16 Beth Schoren03/17 Elias Nighman03/18 Ginger Markle – 9003/18 Tera Rabjohn

03/19Amber Klein03/20 Kim Caldwell03/21 Troy Hill03/21 Brianna Smith03/22 Deborah Brown03/22 Kevin Cope03/22 Lori Brown03/24 Margaret Stahl03/25 John Cwiklinski03/25 Jeannine Seitz03/29 Camille Carver03/29 Dorothy Couch03/29 Laura Mastropaolo03/30 Daniel Galindo03/31 Bill Meggitt03/31 Amber Roesch

ANNIVERSARIES03/24/2007 Dave & Sue Mitchell03/27/1987 John & Lori Woodburn

GREETERSMarch 6

Diane Smith and Zuki

March 13Vicki Kinney and Lois Szabrak

March 20Michael

Cokley

March 27Judy & Bill Hoskin, Kirby and Shelby

USHERSMarch 6

Deb Mischler, Kris Quartermaine, Vicki Kinney, Jill Oberer

March 13Bob Raschke/Dow Weaver

March 20John & Jeri Wassner/Ron & Jeri Miller

March 27Bob Brown

LAY READERMarch 6 & March 20

Joe Yingling

March 13Jeri Wassner

March 27Kay Wensink

ALTAR FLOWERS

March 6In Honor of Trinity Troopers

March 13

WORSHIP NOTES

In Memory of Bev Buller’s BirthdayGiven by Jody Buller

March 20In Memory of 2nd Lt. David Mitchell

Given by Dave & Sue Mitchell

March 27In Memory of Garnet FelkeyGiven by Rick & Kay Wensink

ALTAR FLOWER ASSISTANTS

March 6Bob & Evelyn Brown

March 13Bill & Judy Hoskin

March 20Ron & Jeri Miller

March 27Joe, Judy and Phyllis Yingling

RITUAL OF FELLOWSHIP ASSTS.

MarchRalph Mautz Family