January 2024
1 But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. (Isaiah 43:1–3).
Gathered by the waters of Babylon, Judean exiles wistfully wondered: Is God for real? If so, does He really care about us? What does our future hold? Will this ever change? God's people had watched their world shatter into a million pieces. They were demoralized and disillusioned. This coming Lenten season, gathered by the waters of Baptism, we look to the Judean exiles as we embark on a journey of hope and restoration following the Lenten series "Singing with the Exiles." Just as the Judean exiles once gathered by the waters of Babylon, questioning God's presence and care amidst shattered dreams, we too may find ourselves wondering in times of turmoil. But fear not, for Isaiah's prophetic words in chapters 40-55 offer solace and promise. Through daily devotions, Sunday morning adult Bible classes, and a series of sermons, we will explore themes of redemption and renewal. Each step of the Lenten journey leads us closer to the cross and the empty tomb from Ash Wednesday's reflection on God's comforting word to Easter Sunday's celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. Let us join voices with the exiles and discover the profound truth that God's promises endure, turning our tears into joy and our pain into endless Alleluias! Plan now to walk this Lenten path with us, as we trust in the enduring faithfulness of our Almighty God.
Your Servant, Pastor Scheele
Treasurer’s Report
As submitted to Trinity Council on January 18, 2023 - Reports submitted: Income/Expense Report January through December 2023, Asset Account Balances 2023, Internal Funds (Memorial Funds, Cash on Hand Fund) 2023.
There is an excess balance on the budget of $2350.96. Since we transferred $5000 from Thrivent Money Market account in May/June to cover the building insurance and other expenses.
For 2023, we had $5785.96 in the Cash on Hand from 2022, to be spent in 2023. $4179.45 has been spent on various expense categories that were over their budget limit. $1606.51 is remaining. According to the Cash on Hand Policy, if all the funds are not spent within the year, they should be allocated to a longer-term goal. Accordingly, the $1606.51 were allocated to the Capital Improvements Fund.
The Vectra CD for $20,498.08 from 2023 memorial gifts is maturing and will be partially with drawn to fund the Kitchen flooring and carpet cleaning with the remained to be rolled over for when the preschool roof project is ready to get done.
Thank you to all incoming and outgoing council members for being willing to serve!
Trinity Lutheran Preschool
The Preschool celebrated Lutheran Schools Week (Jan. 22-26) by doing a fishing themed activity each day. They are also enjoying the sunshine and being outside when they can.
Stewardship
Luke 18:34 – “This saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said.” Even our understanding of the Word of God is a gift — the disciples can’t understand Jesus because it is not given to them to understand Him. By nature, they are deaf to the Word. So, everything we have is a gift of God. To realize this is the beginning of thankfulness, generosity and kindness.
Missions & Social Concerns
580 lbs. of foodstuffs were donated over Advent and Christmas and delivered by the congregation to the Good Samaritan Food Pantry.
Sew ‘n’ Sews
The Trinity Sew ‘n’ Sews meet twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 9 a.m. to make basic, hand-tied quilts for Orphan Grain Train, an organization that sends quilts, food, clothing and many other items around the world to people in need. If you prefer to work at home, we accept quilt tops that are about 60” x 80”. Contact Shar Short for more info.
The Membership Picture board will be updated to match our Church Family Directory. The newest picture on file will be used. If you have a newer picture that you would like to be used, please send it to the Church Office. Older pictures will be put into your church mailboxes. On one side of the new picture board will be a church communications center bulletin board.
We are working on replacing the kitchen floor and the floor under the serving table in the Fellowship Hall. If you can help with either 1) taking up the old flooring and 2) installing new luxury vinyl plank flooring, please let Pastor Scheele or Dave Sperling know. If we can find the labor within our membership we will get more bang for our bucks!
Midweek Lenten Worship Services will be held Feb 21st, 28th, March 6th, 13th and 20th at 4:30pm, with the Potluck supper afterward.