April 2016 The Trinity Trumpet - …

1 April 2016 The Trinity Trumpet Saturday Evening Worship April 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 at 5:30 pm Wednesday Evening Contemporary Worship April 6, 13, 20 & 27 at 6:00 pm Sunday Morning Worship April 3, 10, 17 & 24 at 9:00 am Monthly Communion at the Nursing Homes 1:30 pm April 6 at Linn Haven Rehab & Healthcare 3:00 pm April 21 at NH Nursing & Rehab & Kensington Place The Trinity Trumpet is a publication of Trinity Lutheran Church 223 South Water Avenue New Hampton, IA 50659 (641) 394-2552 Ministers All who believe Pastors Pr. Kevin Frey Pr.

2 Cindy Krause Office Manager Ellen Franzen Head Organist Dennis Strum Custodian Jim Mettner The mission of our congregation is to multiply and equip the children of God s household! Easter Goes on Forever! I was reviewing sermon notes in one of my previous parishes during confirmation class. An eighth grade boy asked a very important question, How come last Sunday it said that it was Easter on the bulletin? Easter was two weeks ago. I smiled and explained that we celebrate a season of Easter and in fact, Easter is celebrated by the church every Sunday as we worship.

3 For a believer in Jesus, Easter truly goes on forever. Christ is Risen. He Is Risen Indeed! In this way we greet each other on Easter Sunday and on the Sundays during the Easter Season. This greeting connects us to Christians over the millennia since Jesus' death and resurrection, reminding us of the surprise and joy that Christians will always experience at that thought. Surprise and Joy It's easy to understand why the early Christians were absolutely astounded that, hope against hope, their Lord, Savior and friend was ALIVE.

4 Not that things were ever going to be the same (sometimes that's a good thing, isn't it? Growth and change can hurt!), but that their hope was renewed in a most unexpected, life and world changing way. Resurrection Still Works That Way While we may have to endure the loss or even death of something we hold dear, or while we may have to grow beyond what makes us comfortable, renewal comes to us in surprising ways as we follow the path Christ lays out for us. Growth and change are natural and sometimes surprising results of being touched by resurrection.

5 Things may not ever be the same again, but following Christ and experiencing the surprise and joy of his presence and guidance can be amazing. May the Peace and Joy of the Resurrection be Yours! Pr. Kevin Frey April 2016 **We will be receiving new members in May. If you are not currently a member of Trinity and would like to join our church family, please let Pastor Cindy or Pastor Kevin know. Thank you for your contributions to the Mission Cross project in March. It was wonderful to see the suitcases filled with supplies to help a young woman in our community as she graduates from high school and transitions from the Foster Care system to college life.

6 The Mission Cross project for April will be the collection of supplies for Bremwood. Items suggested include (new items would be appreciated): twin size mattress pads; twin size sheets; bed size pillows; personal care items for men and women - body wash, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner; men's and women's socks; t-shirts - adult sizes small to 3X; sweatshirts and sweatpants - adult sizes large to 3X. If you prefer not to shop, the staff can use gift cards from Wal-Mart to purchase the supplies needed. The youth of Trinity are selling the Wal-Mart gift cards as a part of their fundraising - purchase from them and do "double the good".

7 Bremwood also collects the Campbell Soup labels (need the UPC code) and Box Tops for Education. Huge thanks for all of the talent and time you contributed to Lenten services this month and all of the great services during Easter week. He is Risen Indeed!! What a wonderful way to further the mission of Trinity . Reminder: The congregation approved budget to help fulfill the mission of Trinity is $348, That's an average of $6, per week. Please give thought to the many joys of life for which you are thankful and remember the One who makes it all possible.

8 Consider how you can show your thanks and appreciation as Trinity continues to fulfill God's work through our mission. A Note From Your Council Secretary Melissa Drewelow When I was nominated to be your Council Secretary, I was worried about how I would fit another commitment into my already busy schedule. I prayed for direction and accepted the nomination for a 3-year term as Secretary. Although this decision has been a time commitment, it has made me more informed and involved in our wonderful Church. So many new and exciting things are happening here at Trinity !

9 Our LIGHT Program, youth mission trips, outdoor services, bible studies, and our technology and building updates are just a few of the many great things going on. One of the current items of discussion at council is our General Fund Giving vs. Expenses. After one of our meetings this winter I arrived home and happened to walk by a mirror in my room. I stopped and asked myself, What can I do to help? and How can I find a way to tithe more? I decided at that time that I would make a change in my personal spending and give the money back to God.

10 I have found a variety of ways to do this such as: donating monthly interest/dividends to the Church, setting aside at least half of any refunds/rebates I receive. One particular time I decided to go without a professional haircut and style for 2 months and I was able to save and donate $100! (Although my hair wasn t at it s best, I smile when I see pictures of that time because it reminds me to live like Jesus and put God first in my life!) When you give with a joyful heart, it changes the way you think and feel about giving back to God. James 2:14, 26 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?