Trinity Tidings

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

J ANUARY Our Mission Statement:
Sharing the Word of God Through Worship and Teaching, With Love and Service, In Our Congregation and Our Community.

ELCA

2013 V OL U ME 7, ISS UE 1

MESSAGE FROM THE LOVE TEAM LOVE stands for Let Our Voices Emerge; we are a group for GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered) people and their Allies. LOVE was created to combat the stigma that all religious people are against GLBT people and believe they have no place in the church. We are a group of open minded, forward thinking individuals. LOVE is a group where you can go share your story, join in fellowship of others, and not be judged for who you are or who you love. Please join us for our next meeting on January 13, 2013 at 6:00 pm for a Movie Night we will be watching For the Bible Tells me So. A movie that addresses the following questions: Can the love between two people ever be an abomination? Is the chasm separating gays and lesbians and Christianity too wide to cross? Is the Bible an excuse to hate? Winner of the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the Seattle International Film Festival, Dan Karslake's provocative, entertaining documentary brilliantly reconciles homosexuality and Biblical scripture, and in the process reveals that Church-sanctioned anti-gay bias is based almost solely upon a significant (and often malicious) misinterpretation of the Bible. As the film notes, most Christians live their lives today without feeling obliged to kill anyone who works on the Sabbath or eats shrimp (as a literal reading of scripture dictates). Through the experiences of five very normal, very Christian, very American families -including those of former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson -- we discover how insightful people of faith handle the realization of having a gay child. Informed by such respected voices as Bishop Desmond Tutu, Harvard's Peter Gomes, Orthodox Rabbi Steve Greenberg and Reverend Jimmy Creech, FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO offers healing, clarity and understanding to anyone caught in the crosshairs of scripture and sexual identity. Follow it up by staying for our
monthly Compline service at 8:30 pm. Thank you, Robert Neymeyer LOVE Team Facilitator

Table of Contents
Pastor Peterson Trinity's Council News 2 3-5

___________________________ __________________________ Service to Others Birthdays ____________________________ Notes of Thanks News for Women of TLC Circle News 7 6

Community Ministry Team Establishes The Corinthian Fund

Trinity Lutheran Church has established a fund to provide assistance for our members who are experiencing difficulty meeting needs such as food, clothing, shelter, health care or other financial need. This assistance will be provided in a respectful and quiet way protecting the identity of the recipient. The fund is named The Corinthian Fund as a reflection upon Pauls words in First Corinthians chapter 13, So faith, hope and love abide these three but the greatest of these is love. Another biblical influence for establishing this fund is from James 1:27,Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this; to visit orphans and widows in their distress. This fund has been established with an initial $400 from Trinitys Mission Endowment fund. It can provide up to $150 per year for a member of the congregation, and will be administered as a restricted fund of Trinity Lutheran Church. The ministry team overseeing this fund will be the pastor, the chair of Community Ministry, and the chair of Congregational Life.

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The Latest from Pastor Peterson

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome [Link] 1: 5 Dear sisters and brothers in Christ, Merry Christmas! Every year we celebrate with joy that day when, as John writes, the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. It is right that that the joy of Christs birth should overcome all sorrow and trouble in our lives. But there are some times when simply rejoicing is not enough, times when the power of Christs incarnation is of particular comfort, times when we see the urgency the Good News that God is with us places upon us. This year as we were preparing for our celebration our gladness was darkened by news of the horrible crime committed in Newtown, Connecticut, where twenty children and six adults were senselessly shot and killed in an elementary school. This tragedy points to a far worse reality. According to one account, (http:// [Link]/2012/12/16/a-grim-catalogue-of-child-murder/) in 2011 in the United States alone there were more than 100 times as many child victims of murder as died in Newtown. In the lightNo! The darkness!of such a reality, it seems impossible to maintain faith in and hope for humanity. It is at a time like this when the normally hard to hear parts of the Churchs account of Christs birth can suddenly give us a foothold on hope and courage to act. December 28th, the fourth day of the Christmas season, is the feast day commemorating the holy innocents, those children in and around Bethlehem whom Herod ordered murdered as he sought to kill the newborn king (Matthew 2:16-18). This festivals remind us just why Christ came into the world in the first placebecause the world is shrouded in the darkness of sickness, cruelty, and despair. While we celebrate human goodwill at Christmastime, the slaughter of the innocents in Bethlehem 2,000 years ago and around us today reminds us that Christ came into the world because human goodwill cannot overcome the darkness of this world. We need a savior to enlighten us and the Spirit of God to sustain our light. In the last Gospel read at Christmas John wrote, The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Sometimes we are able to fool ourselves, contrary to the faith of Christs Church, into thinking that darkness has already been overcome once and for all, that we can be at ease, or that we can at least keep evil at arms length. The tragic events of this year remind us that Christ is not yet all in all, and that until he is, the world remains shrouded in pain. And yet the darkness has not and will never overcome the light of Christ. It is this light of Christ, this promise of Immanuelthat God is with us in Christthat gives us hope. This faith is our light, shining in the darkness, leading us as that star led the sages long ago to the manger. On January 6th we celebrate the Epiphany of our Lord, and the guidance of that star. This year, let us regard this Epiphany star as a sign not only of our hope, but of our mission in life. This year, sisters and brothers in Christ, lets dedicate ourselves, each of us, to being stars bearing the light of Christ, making peace, working to protect the vulnerable, shining in the darkness of a broken violent world. Let each of us gently guide others to the Word of God, the source of our life and hope, by letting the light of the Prince of Peace shine in and through us. Joyous Epiphany! Pastor Chuck

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Presidents Report Happy New Year! As we enter 2013, Old Trinity is set to start an exciting, challenging year. Plans are being developed to start new programs for different groups during the year, we will continue to fine tune some programs that we already have in place, and we will be confronting some structural issues that need to be addressed and making decisions on how to go about doing that. There will be all types of opportunities for everyone to get involved with something at Trinity this year. We were able to get the budget for 2013 established at our December 16th congregational meeting. If giving meets expectations, we will be able to run the church in a financially responsible manner and still have funds available to address issues and needs as they arise. With continued good stewardship of our funds, we should be able to more easily take care of work that needs to be done around the church. Your giving and dedication to the church will greatly enable God to continue to do his work through us. Things will get rolling in January. Meeting nights will be rolled back a week since the first Tuesday of the month is New Years Day. Therefore, those committees which meet on the first Tuesday will be meeting on January 8th, the Congregation Council will hold its monthly meeting on January 15th, and the committees meeting during the third week will meet on January 22nd. Dinner is at 6:00 and we hope to see you at these meetings. The other big event of the month will be the congregations Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 27th, following the 10:30 church service. We will be taking a look at the work done at Trinity in 2012 and electing people to serve on the Congregation Council. If you would like to serve on the council, there will be positions open for which to run. Get involved, put your name on the ballot, and be at the meeting on the twentyseventh. Thank you again for all you are doing for and at the church. Nothing would get done without you allowing the Spirit to work through you. We look forward to seeing you participating in a variety of activities at Old Trinity in 2013. Come have a good time and enjoy a healthy and great new year.

Resolve to Read the Whole Bible and Pray with Pastor Chuck in 2013!
At the very end of 2011 a member of the congregation asked me for help finding a good way to read through the Bible in a year. Ever since Ive been thinking that the best help would be to have someone to undertake this project with, and then it occurred to me that we should invite all family and friends of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church to read the whole Bible together. Do you read the Bible and pray every day? If so, lets read and pray together. If not, January first is a great time to start a new habit of daily Bible reading and prayer. On the back of the monthly calendar in this newsletter you will see a daily listing of scripture passages (that is, a daily lectionary) to help members and friends of Trinity read scripture together. Heres how it works: this lectionary encourages you to sit down with the Bible twice a day, once in the morning and again in the evening. For both times it assigns a few psalms, a chapter or so from the Old Testament, and a shorter passage from the New Testament. These readings are laid out to be read within regular prayer times, but you can read them in other ways, too. They can be read during breaks in the midst of your daily routine, or you could opt to read all of the passages together at one time during the day. All of the passages for the whole day take less than twenty minutes to read, but to get yourself started, you might just commit to reading the new Testament passages, which are only about as long as the lessons we read in worship on Sunday, and will take about ninety seconds each. Those of us who commit to following this lectionary in 2013 will be reading and praying in our own places and at somewhat different times. But I hope we might find strength and encouragement in knowing that our sisters and brothers are reading at least some of the same parts of the Bible each day. Lets do this! +Peace+ Pr. Chuck p.s. Here are abbreviations used for Januarys readings, in the order they appear: Gen = Genesis; Thess = Thessalonians; Isa = Isaiah; Rom = Romans; Matt = Matthew; Gal = Galatians; Cor = Corinthians; Prov = Proverbs.

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Wednesday Night Bible Study

JANUARY 2013 LESSONS

FOR THE

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS

Jesus is Lord
Ephesians * Philippians * Colossians

The Book of Numbers 7:00 p.m.9:00 p.m. In the Lounge

Room 108 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Come and Join Us! C

Hi! I'm Emily Seitz, and I have been assigned to Trinity for my Ministry in Context site. I am a first year student at Trinity Lutheran Seminary. I am originally from Findlay, Ohio, and this past spring I graduated from Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana. I double majored in English and Classics at Valparaiso. So far I am really enjoying the seminary experience, and I can't wait to begin getting more involved here at Trinity and to get to know all of you!

Coming in February
February 10th Movie Night 6:00 p.m. February 12th Shrove Tuesday pancake supper February 13th Ash Wednesday solemn mass at 12:05 and 7:00 p.m. February 20th and 27th Midweek Lenten services at 12:05 and 6:30 p.m.

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Meet Charlotte Jolly

People find Old Trinity Lutheran Church at all times in their lives. Some are members from birth, others join in childhood. Charlotte Jolly found Old Trinity as an adult. After attending the church for many years prior, she joined Trinity, and got confirmed, in 1975. Charlotte participated in many activities with the church throughout the years. When her daughter, Janet Robertson, worked as secretary in the church office for 21 years, Charlotte helped in the office, particularly with The Tidings production. She also belonged to a couple womens circles and supported the annual bizarre for years. We made things to sell and I had a table. She would crank out noodles and hang them up to dry. A bunch of us got together and worked on stuff like that. These days, Charlotte cannot participate as much as she used to, though shed love to. Her favorite part of Trinity, though, was always the service. The service was the best because it goes deep within you when you listen to the preachers. Sunday services. Advent services. And my one son, in fact, was married down there. I love all that. Charlotte also donated the cement flower pots at the entrance. Charlotte has four children and she especially enjoys spending time with her six great-grandchildren, whom she sees on many occasions despite their busy schedules. These days, Charlotte cannot participate as much as she used to, though shed love to.

I met a lot of good people down there over the years and got involved in a lot of activities. Ive really had a good time. Its been a great experience with Trinity.

Community Ministry Events and Reflections The Community Ministry meeting was held on 11-27-2012. Present were: Gretchen Brandt, Neal Coryell, Robert Neymeyer, Pastor Chuck Peterson. Members absent: Mary Roberts. Trinity will host the LSS Auxiliary team meeting on Saturday, September 21, 2013. Community Ministry has agreed that we will provide whatever is necessary to accommodate the meeting. Trinity will host another Blood Drive in February 2013. Crop Walk was successful. There were 20 walkers and $1,278 was raised for this good cause. LOVE Team had their first meeting. It was attended by 13 people, 8 non-members. The next meeting will be the 2nd Sunday of January. It will be a movie night in conjunction with Spiritual Formation. Trinity will no longer participate in First English Community Dinner night due to low turnout of volunteers. Corinthian Fund proposal is ready and will be introduced to Council. The Community Ministry fund has $600 available for donation to give to worthy charities. The members decided to distribute the fund the following way: $400 to the Open Shelter, $100 to The Ronald McDonald House, and $100 to the Food Pantry. A flyer will be posted monthly about the needs of the Open Shelter, Food Pantry, and Faith Mission. Each month one member of the committee will give an update about the opportunities we have to serve that month. We have to get logistics figured out for the plastic bag sleeping mats. At last, Community Ministry would like to say THANK YOU to all the volunteers of 2012. Your help and time is so appreciated. If you would like for Trinity to get involved in any other good causes please come to our next Committee night every second Tuesday of the month starting at 6:00 P.M.

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Volume 6, Issue 12

Service to Trinity in January

Greeters 06 Madeline DeRoche 13 Vivian Faelchle 20 Peg Beeson 27 Beth Fraley Lectors 06 Jill Brandt 13 Greg Brandt 20 Carol Barger 27 Amy Heinlein Worship Assistants Cantors 06 Robert Neymeyer Maura McClelland 13 Jason McKitrick Beth Tucker 20 Timothy Edwards Emily Godshalk 27Arlene Dykeman Tim Edwards Saturday Night Lectors 05 Mary Reed-Farris 12 Bill Dross 19 26 Altar Guild Communion Bread Baker Open/Close Bob Kilhefner Ushers Peg Beeson-Captain, Sharon Heinlein, Dorothy Bazell, Anita Telfer, Jane Nida Offering Assistants Mayda V. Vzquez

Service to our Community

FAITH MISSION The next date for Faith Mission is Thursday, January 24th at 6:30 p.m. Dinner is served from 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Please be at Faith Mission by 6:30 p. m. Those serving at Faith Mission in December were: Bill Dross, LeNan Empey, Earl and Cecilia Weitesel. For more information on service at Faith Mission, contact Sharon Thacker at 443-6149. Thank you again, Sharon Thacker.
While serving at Faith Mission please take all safety precautions. Please wear closed-toed shoes, all clothing must cover arms and abdomen. Shorts must not rise higher than the knee. Long hair should be covered by a hair net. Volunteers who are not dressed appropriately will be asked to reschedule their service. Please understand this is for your safety.

LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES (LSS) FOOD PANTRY Remember to sign-up on SIGNUP CENTRAL the bulletin board in the lobby for this very important service for our community. Contact Mary Roberts at 614-588-2031 or email: maryroberts614@[Link] for information on Saturday service at the LSS food pantry. Contact Bev Speasmaker at 231-2891 if you would like to help during the week. Volunteers are always needed.

JANUARY BIRTHDAY WISHES

05 Evan Hively 11 Beth Fraley 11 Kathleen Phillips 12 Donna Bowman 17 Terry Tucker 20 Scott Mote 20 Jordan Bennett 22 Bill Dross 24 Irene Thurston 26 Linda Karr 30 Lindsey Beckman 30 Sammy Flick

Samaritan Update from 11/24-12/24 32 lunch bags 6 State ID 28 COTA Day passes 3 $20.00 Gas Voucher 1 $10.00 Gas Voucher Each month Trinity is able to help assist people with Cota Day Passes. We also assist people each month by helping them to get their State ID. Another program Trinity offers is gasoline for your vehicle. We currently work with a local BP station. Trinity continues to offer brown lunch bags with bott led water f o r those in need.

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NEWS FROM THE WOMEN OF TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH Shirley Griffin, President RACHEL CIRCLE Rachel Circle's next meeting will be January 3rd at 12:00 p.m., the word is Mercy. Table Prayers will be lead by Bev Speasmaker. Thank you to the ladies for my birthday celebration and thanks mom and dad for the altar flowers. Georgianna

Thank you to the Hannah Circle for the cookie and candy tray that I received. Betty Basye

UPDATE ON RITAS CANDY WRAP Ten women enjoy putting together 280 bags of candy for LLS Food Pantry. Thanks to Georgianna and Shirley for sorting and getting the candy ready for assembling. After putting the bags together the group enjoyed their annual pot luck dinner and annual general meeting.

A big THANK YOU to my Trinity family! Thank you for the beautiful cards, calls of concern and heartfelt words of love and support following my recent surgery and recovery. The visits from Pastor Chuck and Anita Telfer fortified my spiritual being with scripture and sacrament. Above all, my Congregational Life committee deserves a huge thank you for taking charge and making everything happen during this Advent season and its many activities. Thank you team for a job very well done! Dorothy Bazell-Congregational Life chair

The members of Rachel circle participated in Faith Mission's Deck the Halls Christmas Party. The Christmas party was held on Saturday, December 8, 2012. Shirley Griffin, Beth Fraley, Amanda Greiner, Georgianna Mickles, Nancy Gosnell, Bev Speasmaker, Arlene Dykeman, and Sharon Thacker decided to donate $5 McDonald gift cards. They purchased 12 gift cards. Rachel Circle would like to thank Georgianna Mickles and Sharon Thacker for delivering the gift cards to Faith Mission.

TLC CAREGIVERS CHRISTMAS PROJECT

On December 4, TLC Caregivers (Thrivent for Lutherans) and their guest (28 totals) enjoyed a potluck dinner and fellowship before assembling 200 personal care packages for Southeast LSS. Thanks to all who came out and helped with this project. Thrivent Financial for Lutheran gave us $874.00 and the TLC Caregivers donated $126.00 for our project this year. It was one of the Caregivers Community projects for 2012. Mary Woodard picked up the packages and thanked us for the items. Mary said, they were really needed in the area. Many thanks to everyone who came out to make this a special evening for the TLC Caregivers.

UPDATE Our annual Christmas smorgasbord was held on December 9th. About 65 Trinity members and friends enjoy a lovely pot luck luncheon. It was the start of our Advent and Christmas celebration at Trinity.
PLEASE CONTINUE TO SAVE INK AND TONER CARTRIDGES Staples will recycle ink and toner cartridges and give us money back which then gives us rewards to purchase church supplies.

January 2013
Please inform us if you relocate:

Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Columbus, Ohio Permit No. 740

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church 404 South Third Street Phone: 614-224-6818 Fax: 614-224-6799 E-mail: office@[Link]

Were online! Check us out at [Link]

The deadline for submission of articles for the February Trinity Tidings is Wednesday, January 23rd at 12:30p.m. Assembly of the Trinity Tidings will be Monday, January 28th at 10:00 a.m.

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church Staff Pastor: Charles Peterson Interim Director of Music Ministries and Organist: Dr. Tom Wells Administrative Assistant: Mary Reed-Farris Custodian: Lori Large
Trinity Tidings Committee
Office Hours Monday 8:30--12:30pm Tuesday 8:30-12:30pm Wednesday 8:30-12:30pm Thursday 8:30-12:30pm Friday 8:30-12:30pm

Mary Reed-Farris-Editor Assembly & Mailers Sharon Thacker Georgianna Mickles Amanda Greiner Vivian Faelchle Myra Kilhefner
Suggestions for the Trinity Tidings are always welcome

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church is a Reconciling in Christ Congregation. The members of Trinity Lutheran Church recognize that God loves, Forgives, and calls each of us unconditionally and that every human being is created in the image of God. As a result, we welcome all people into our community of faith and invite them to join us as we seek to understand Gods love for us and struggle to be faithful messengers of that love in the world. Although our world is a place of alienation and brokenness, Christ calls us to reconciliation and wholeness. In response, we join hands with all our sisters and brothers, grateful for the unique gifts that each of us has to offer, regardless of our race, age, gender identity, marital status, physical and mental abilities, sexual orientation, national origin, or economic status. We celebrate together both the diversity of Gods creation and our unity as Gods people.