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New MemberDeacon for December: Sharon Nelson
Altar Care for December: Shared
Offering Teller for December: Karen Moore
Wednesday Christian Ed Meal: December 2: Dave and Sharon Nelson
December 9: Deah Killion & Nancy DeBoer
December 16: Walls and Weviks
HOSTS for SUNDAY SERVICES
| Dec. 6: Still Need | Dec. 13: Dwain & Jean Blackwell | Dec. 20 Still Need | Dec. 24:4:00 Dave & Sharon Nelson | Dec. 24: 5:30:Still Need
Dec. 27 Still Need |
LECTOR for SUNDAY SERVICES
|
CANTOR for SUNDAY SERVICES
| Dec. 6: Mike Normile | Dec. 13: Still Need | Dec. 20 Still Need | Dec. 24:4:00 None | Dec. 24: 5:30:None
Dec. 27 Still Need |
LAWN CARE PROVIDERS
December Newsletter
Trinity Lutheran Church
“To unite all people in the love and fellowship of Jesus Christ and to serve our growing community”.
Dear Members of Trinity;
December is upon us and with it the yearly visits from Santa, toy catalogues, and children’s wish list that seem to get longer and more expensive every year. As a parent one of my goals during Advent was to try and instill in my two sons the real reason we celebrate Christmas. It was the reason that we had an Advent wreath every year and did Advent devotions. A second purpose was to encourage our sons to be more generous.
The December issue of “The Lutheran” had an excellent article called “Will Our Children be Generous?” The article gave some wonderful suggestions on “how to help them ‘get’ giving”. Since a majority of Trinity members do not receive “The Lutheran” I will quote extensively from that article’
“Parents need not become the Grinches who deny Christmas. Rather, they can aim for a better balance between their children’s focus on what they’ll get for Christmas with additional focus on what they have to give to others.”
“The Christmas season provides wonderful opportunities to talk about how we give to others in response to God’s gift of the Christ Child. Encourage your children to think of ways they can give – using their own resources of time, talent and a portion of whatever financial assets pass through their hands”
The article then gave the following nine ideas that can help instill the value of generosity in your children.
1. Model the behavior you want. Let your children see you giving donations to church and other charitable causes.”
2. Take your children shopping for people they will probably never meet – other children, new mothers and infants, the elderly, people with special needs. Donate the items they select to local organizations that serve the specific group.
3. When you buy groceries for your family, shop for your local pantry too. Let your children pick out favorite food items to share with others who are hungry.
4. Give your children catalogs from nonprofit organizations or look on their web sites. Let your children pick out a project they’d like to know more about and support. The ELCA Good Gifts catalog is a good resource (www.elca.org/goodgifts)
5. Along with regular presents for birthdays, Christmas or other occasions, give a ‘share-check’. You fill out the amount and endorse. Then the recipient selects a nonprofit and writes its name on the pay-to-order-of-line of the check.
6. Teach your children how to write thank-you notes.
7. Help your children learn the difference between a need and a want.
8. Provide your children a method to set aside some of their money – for charity, for savings and then a way to track how they spend the rest.
9. Read or watch stories about generous people with your children. The holiday season offers a feast of such tales.
Here are some of my own suggestions.
Have your child bring some of their own money for the noisy offering. (During December the noisy offering will go to help pay for milk for the Banquet).
· Sign up as a family to work at the Banquet. It’s a great experience for all ages.
· Bring your child along when you donate blood or at least talk to your child about why you are a blood donor.
As we approach Christmas may every member of your family know that the real gift is the one that God gave to us, the Savior born in a manger. God’s b;essings to all of you for a very Joyous Christmas.
Your friend in Christ,
Pastor Duane
Norma Allen – friend of Mike Normile; Alice Anderson-friend of Pastor Duane; Nancy Badger – sister of Pat Blum; Sidney Ball-friend of Mike Normile; John Blumeyer-brother-in-law of Charlotte Geerdes; Don Borman-cousin of Charlotte Geerdes; Hermina Borman-cousin of Charlottte Geerdes; Idella Braness-mother of Mary Normile; Jim Butler-friend of Maryalice Larson; Angela Estes-sister of Maryalice Larson; Mark & Sally Gjerde-friend of Dave Nelsons; Brown Griffith-friend of Maryalice Larson; Nicholas Hennings-grandson of Jim & Judy Davenport; Gary Holler-brother of Sharon Nelson; Rose Hope-sister-in-law of Rolf Hopes; Winnie Keeler- requested by Deacons; Terise Ketelhut - friend of Marcella Jensen; Ron Kjonegaard-Trinity member; Calab Lanz – friend of Sarah Nelson; Tim Maloney – Trinity member; Lillian Nedved – friend of Vivian Cleland; James Normile-Trinity member; Pastor Brad Peterson-friend of Pastor Duane; Rex Quinn-brother of Maryalice Larson; Dennis Shepherd-Trinity member; Carol Smithy-sister of Ron Kjonegaard; Neil Sorenson-friend of Margie Neugebauer; Rich Tesch – husband of Mary White Bird; Kassie Worsech-daughter of Sarah Nelson
TO BE REMEMBERED
Lori Miller Boeding, Alta Miller's daughter; Allen Curry - Trinity member; Gene Graves - Trinity member; Deah Killion - Trinity Member; Terry Kenobbie-friend of Dave & Sharon Nelson; Susan Normile - Trinity member; Gunner Oleson - nephew of Leanne DuVall; Allen Wasserman - brother-in-law of LuAnn DuVall; Cindy Wilkens - Trinity member.
NATIONAL GUARD & MILITARY SERVING IN IRAQ
Justin Lawrence - son-in-law of Margie Neugebauer's friend
TJ Thomas - son of Tim & Peggy Thomas
St. Sgt. Adam Gould - nephew of Ralph Shrake
Darin Lewno - friend of Maynard & Marcella Jensen
Collin Schindler-friend of Roger & Marlys Buum
Family members of our servicemen and women.
All military units called to active duty across our nation
MISSIONS OF THE CHURCH
Prison Congregations of America;
St. Dysmas at Springfield, SD
| 1 | John Shepherd | 19 | Emily Wall | ||
| 7 | Connor Murphy | 20 | Melissa Plank | ||
| 11 | Nicholas White Bird | 24 | Jake Reimer | ||
| 12 | Scott Dougherty | 29 | Gary Goodman | ||
| 12 | Kyle Haiar | ||||
| 17 | Joe Wall | ||||
| 18 | Hope Turgeon | ||||
| 19 | Cynthia Wall |
Blood Drive
Wednesday, Dec. 30 at Trinity Lutheran. 10:00 to 12:30 and 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. To Donate: * You must be at least 17 years old (16 with signed parent consent form, see website for form) and weigh at least 110 pounds. *Be in general good health. You can’t have cold, fever, flu or sore throat. *Make sure you eat a good breakfast or lunch, and drink plenty of water! You can safely donate every 56 days! Call 877-877-3070 for more info or log onto www.cbblifeblood.org.
NEWS FOR THE WOMEN OF TRINITY
Women of the ELCA
Change can be difficult, but it is inevitable. How do we embrace change as a gift from God? Session 4 Moved to a New Address is the theme of the December WELCA Bible Study. Theme verse is Romans 6:13b. The focus on Health: Is the Recession Harming Your Health?
A Bible Study leader is needed for this December lesson. See Kay Kjonegaard to sign up.
Women’s Retreat
Trinity’s Winter Retreat
January 22-23, 2010 at Steckley’s Wild Dakota Outfitters Lodge (formerly Red Barn Inn)
Aging Gracefully, Growing Spiritually
The Crone, old, Alzheimer’s –is this what you think of when aging? Or do you think of growing in faith, freedom, wisdom, & fun? What are the challenges of each decade of life? These are some of the topics and issues we will discover at the 2010 retreat. Cost will be $50. Registration deadline is Wednesday, January 20. Registrations can be given to Margie Neugebauer or Marcella Jensen.
“Each person’s checkbook is a theological document”. Rev. Billy Graham
Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage
Join Pastor Duane and Margie as we lead a study of marriage relationships. This material comes from a workshop that we attended this summer. The first phase will be showing 3 videos in the format of a movie. Second phase will involve study of Scripture in a study guide that is based on the videos. Titles of the CDs are “The Tale of Two Brains” (2 videos); “The #1 Key to Incredible Sex”, and “How to Stay Married and Not Kill Anybody”. We will gather in Trinity 4 Sundays in January, 10, 17, 24, and 31 at 6:30 p.m. These videos are humorous but have sound concepts and Biblical background. If you wish to get a preview, check out the website at www.laughyourway.com.
Journey to the Manger
Experience the Christmas story in a new way at Trinity Lutheran, Mitchell. Imagine yourself in the story hearing angels foretell the birth. Meet the prophets and go along to pay your taxes and be counted. See the animals, donkey, sheep, and even a camel. Visit the inn and the manger. All this is part of Journey to the Manger beginning at 4:00 and continuing until about 6:30 on Saturday, Dec. 12. A new group will go about every 20 minutes. Dress warmly as the trip to the manger will be cool.
"Break These Chains" Mission Concert
Come and join Dakota Road as they celebrate the release of their latest recording “Break These Chains”. 100% of your free will offering will be given to SD Lutheran Campus Ministry and Lutherans Outdoors in SD. Sunday, Dec. 13, at 2:00 p.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Wessington Springs, SD. For more info call 605-539-9632 or www.dakotaroadmusic.com.
Healthy Youth Healthy Community Coalition
The December Asset of the Month is Creative Activities. Youth are considered to have this asset if they spend three or more hours each week in lessons or practice in music, theatre, or other arts.
This asset comes from the Search Institute 40 Developmental Assets which they identified as necessary for healthy youth development. The HY HC Coalition is working on implementing these assets in school and community.
Trinity members will learn more about these assets in our Strategic Planning.
Serving at the Banquet
We and St. James Catholic church are serving the lunch (soup, sandwich, fruit, vegie) at the Banquet on Sat. Dec 12. We need financial donations for food and milk. (We split the cost of the food w/Catholics). I need 5 volunteers to prepare the meal - arrive at 8:30. Volunteers under age 14 will serve in the dining room. About 20 people (all ages) are needed to help serve the meal arriving at 10:45. The second shift is done about 1:00pm. I will get directions/maps for those that need them. See the clipboard to sign up.
Flyers about the “Shower our Guests with Care” donations are on the bulletin board.
Christmas Offerings will go to a Scholarship Fund to help Guatemala youth attend high school.
NOTE: Reports for the Annual Report will be due Wednesday, January 6.
Deacon's Minutes
Deacon’s Meeting- November 19, 2009 at 7:00 PM
Deacons present were: Pastor Duane, Gailen Meyerink, Dave & Sharon Nelson, Marlys Bumm, Marj Hope, Charlotte Geerdes and Michael Trumm
Devotions were given by Pastor Duane.
Minutes - Minutes for October were approved as read.
Unfinished Business:
1. Hayride scheduled for October was cancelled due to the weather.
New Business:
1. Preparation of the 70 Sunday School Christmas Program gift bags was discussed. Dave Nelson had already purchased the peanuts and will provide the bags and apples. Mike Trumm will furnish the candy canes and candy. Bags will be assembled at the next Deacon’s meeting.
2. Deacons will send out Christmas cards by about the 20th of December.
Prayer request list was updated.
Next meeting was scheduled for December 17, 2009 at 6:30 PM.
Meeting adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted, Michael Trumm - Deacon’s Recorder
Wednesday, November 4 , 2009
Trinity Lutheran Church Council
Present ~Mary Brown, Russ Denke, Dick Feltman, Dave Larson, Gene Longden, Karen Moore, Sarah Nelson, Mary Normile, Dallas Thompson, Jeff Tveit, Joe Wall, and Pastor Duane
Absent: Arlene Shrake
Devotions ~ Mary B. gave devotions after President Russ called the meeting to order.
Minutes of meeting ~ Motion by Dallas, seconded by Sarah to approve the October minutes, motion carried.
Treasurers Report ~ $30,541.41 in the various bank accounts as of 10/31/09. The checking account balance is $160.51. The only unpaid bills are Pastor’s June and July mileage. $1,000 borrowed from the savings account has not yet been paid back. Motion moved by Jeff, seconded by Mary B. to approve the report, motion carried.
Committee Reports:
Education:
Ø Wednesday night confirmation meal is working quite well.
Ø Jeff is teaching an adult financial class on Wednesday nights through November. An idea is needed for an adult class starting in January.
Property:
Ø Light bulbs in the sanctuary and fellowship hall were replaced.
Stewardship:
Ø The November noisy offering will be given to Cozard Memorial Library for children’s books.
Worship:
Ø Community Thanksgiving Services will be held at Trinity November 22 at 6:00 PM. Jeff is making contacts for special music.
Ø Pastor will take his last vacation Sunday November 29th.
Ø Christmas Eve services will be held at 4:00 and 5:30.
Deacons:
Ø The hayride was canceled due to muddy conditions by the river.
Pastor’s Report Highlights:
Ø Fourteen members attended Church Basement Ladies at the Washington Pavilion.
Ø Four day of continuing education and eleven of vacation were taken during the month.
Unfinished Business ~
· Church Directory-Pastor is still looking into this and will possibly coordinate this with the deacons.
New Business ~
· Pastor Evaluation-All council members, 2 deacons, 2 Alter Guild members, 2 ELCW members, and 2 youth will be asked to fill this out. These need to be given to Dave Larson by November 15th to be compiled.
Next Meeting
December 2, 2009 at 7:30 PM. Karen has devotions.
Adjourn
Gene moved, Dick 2nd to adjourn, motion carried. Concluded with the Lord’s Prayer.
Jeff Tveit, Secretary
Wednesday, December 2 , 2009
Present ~Mary Brown, Russ Denke, Dick Feltman, Dave Larson, Gene Longden, Karen Moore, Sarah Nelson, Mary Normile, Arlene Shrake, Dallas Thompson, Jeff Tveit, Joe Wall, and Pastor Duane
Devotions ~ Karen gave devotions after President Russ called the meeting to order.
Minutes of meeting ~ Motion by Joe, seconded by Dick to approve the November minutes, motion carried.
Treasurers Report ~ $32,725.91 in the various bank accounts as of 11/30/09. The checking account balance is $1,315.87. There are numerous unpaid bills totaling $4,237.18. Motion moved by Dick, seconded by Gene to approve the report, motion carried.
Committee Reports:
Education:
Ø The Sunday School Christmas program was discussed.
Property:
Ø Various hymn racks were repaired.
Ø One of the wireless microphones has a broken wire. The council agreed the cost to fix it was unreasonable and it will not be replaced at this time.
Stewardship:
Ø The December noisy offering will be given to the Banquet for their milk fund.
Ø November’s noisy offering raised $80 for Cozard Library books.
Ø The 2010 proposed budget was reviewed and discussed.
Ø The secretary duties were reviewed and salary discussed.
Worship:
Ø Lowering when communion is first received was discussed. Dave moved, Jeff second to propose a change to the bylaws where as communion can be received during third grade instead of fifth grade. Motion carried. This proposal will be presented at the annual meeting. A two-thirds majority is needed for it to pass.
Deacons:
Ø A pizza party was held in November for new members.
Ø Sunday School bags will be filled at the December meeting.
Pastor’s Report Highlights:
Ø Pastor attended Tim Harmon’s ordination into the Presbyterian Church held in Kimball. He is serving the Lake Andes Presbyterian and Lutheran Churches.
Ø 3 students have been taking early communion classes. First communion will be Dec. 5.
Ø The long range planning committee will have a report from the survey ready for the annual meeting.
Unfinished Business ~
· Church Directory-Pastor is in discussion with Life Touch and the deacons on this project.
· Pastor Evaluation-These will be compiled for the next meeting.
New Business ~
· New members-Russ moved, Sarah seconded to accept Tim & Judy Maloney, Virginia Broussard, and Burt Casler as new members to the congregations. Motion carried.
· Christmas offering-Jeff moved, Dave seconded for the loose Christmas offering to be given towards students in Chacaya a village that is about 20 minutes drive out of Santiago, Guatemala who wish to attend 7th grade. Motion carried.
· Blood Drive-will be held Wednesday, December 30th at our church. Jeff will coordinate the project.
· Annual Meeting-Sarah moved, Gene seconded to hold the annual meeting Sunday, January 24th. Motion carried. All reports need to be into the office by January 10th.(a change in date was made by secretary)
· Nominating Committee-Dick, Shelly Haiar, & Amanda Baker will work to find nominees for the 4 three year council positions, 1 two year council position, and 3 three year deacon positions.
· Together in Ministry-Gene moved, Mary B. seconded to approve Pastor’s participation in the Together in Ministry of South Dakota group.
Next Meeting
January 6, 2010 at 7:30 PM. Dick has devotions.
Adjourn
Arlene moved, Karen 2nd to adjourn, motion carried. Concluded with the Lord’s Prayer.
Jeff Tveit, Secretary
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This page was last updated on 12/05/09