Church Notes for December 16, 2018
Today, just prior to the Children’s Christmas Program, Adeline Patricia Ritter, daughter of Daniel and Ellen Ritter, will be Baptized in our Triune God’s Name and made a child of His Kingdom.
A Special Thanks: Thank you to Melissa Barrett, the Sunday School teachers, parents, Becky Keeney, our children, and everyone who enabled this year’s Children’s Christmas Program to be performed. We especially praise Jesus for coming to us as a baby, and equipping us to glorify Him with each of our unique abilities. Emmanuel, “God with us.”
Sunday, December 16: Today is the kitchen stock-up shower. We seem to have a good supply of large plates, Styrofoam cups, knives and spoons.
Christmas Eve Treats: We have received funds from Thrivent to pay for the plates we put together on Christmas Eve and deliver to people in the community who are working that evening. If you have ideas for items to include or would like to help shop, please contact Margaret or Cheryl. Please also sign up to bring homemade goodies.
Monday, December 25: No Christmas Day Service. Merry Christmas to the entire Family of the Lord here at TLC!
Our treasurer, Pat Griffin, says, “Have you ever wondered where our offerings come from? Since everything we have is from the Lord, they ultimately come from Him, through the faithful members and visitors who give from what they have received. People give offerings in many different ways - weekly, biweekly, monthly; via cash, check, or bank debit. All offerings are appreciated. Thank you for your continued generosity to Trinity.”
2018 Action Teams: These teams need to be applied for and approved by December 28th. Each Thrivent member has 1 or 2 per year. The $250 is seed money for the work volunteer teams do to serve others. Apply 17 days to 4 months in advance. Think about all the volunteer activities and missions we support in our church. You must apply on-line at Thrivent.com. If you need assistance, please call Thrivent at 800-847-4836.
Youth Leaders Needed: Please seriously and prayerfully consider this. We really need to get this position filled for our high school youth! If you have any questions about the position, Dave or Rita Pedersen can answer them. Contact Darla Johnson if you think you might be interested in this.
Adopt-a-Family: Monetary donations can be sent to Adopt-a-Family, PO Box 364, Jefferson, IA 50129. They can also be made directly to the AAF account at area Peoples Bank locations.
Cheryl Robson has agreed to co-chair a Relay for Life Team for Trinity. If someone would be willing to help her co-chair, please contact Cheryl or Darla.
Perry Lutheran Homes’ Alzheimer & Dementia Support Group: Meetings held the 1st Tuesday of each month at 3:30 pm at the Perry Public Library, 1101 Willis Avenue. Questions? Contact Deb at 515-465-5342 or deb.koelin@perrylutheranhome.org.
Did You Know: In despair I bowed my head. “There is no peace on earth,” I said. “For hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men.” During these challenging days, it’s helpful for older people who have lived through tough times to share a bit of perspective with young people. Use the piercing words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s Christmas song I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day along with his family’s tragic history during Civil War times as a teaching tool and conversation starter with someone younger than you. Find the story and a beautiful recording of the hymn at www.thegospelcoalition.org, then search for the hymn by name. And don’t forget to share the message from the last verse that’s just as true for us today as it was for Longfellow. “Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: ‘God is not dead, nor doth He sleep! The wrong shall fall, the right prevail with peace on earth, good will to men.” A blessed and peaceful Christmas to you and your family from your friends at Lutheran Family Service!
Darla Johnson is our Service Opportunities Coordinator. If you need to contact her, her cell phone number is 515-370-1479 or you may email her at tlcsoc_darla@netins.net.
Save the Dates:
December 19: Advent Service in Fellowship Hall 7:00-7:30 pm
December 24: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
December 25, 31, and January 1: No Services
SERVICE HELPERS FOR December 23, 2018:
Ushers: Chuck & Caryn Hane
Greeters: Kevin & Deena Hanson
Reader: Adam Pedersen
Lutheran ½ Hour: Mike & Melissa Barrett
Counters: Rod & Sherry Graven
Acolytes: William Graham and Dylan Boude
Organist: Becky Keeney