Author: Kathy Erat

Trinity Lutheran Church

Newsletter
November2021

1354 S. Otsego Ave. Gaylord, MI 49735 (989) 732-4816 trinitygaylord.com

A Prayer for Thanksgiving Day

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness, come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God, it is he who made us, and we are his, we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise, give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good; his love endures forever, his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100:1-5
All across our nation, Thanksgiving is a day that we set aside in order to do one thing.
Be thankful.
And usually what goes along with it, is lots of food, family and friends, laughter and fun, times of giving to others in need, maybe some football, or traditions that you’ve recognized through long years.
And sometimes too, there is also loneliness. And struggle. Or deep loss. Feelings of hurt and painful circumstances that you’re still trying to hurdle over.
Whatever you’re facing this Thanksgiving Day, in the midst of all of it, may we remember again that God gives us the opportunity each and every day, to give worship and thanks to Him. Every morning He gives us breath, and His invitation to come joyfully into His Presence. He reminds us that He alone is God and we belong to Him. He assures us that His plans in our lives are for good, that his love covers us securely, and His faithfulness extends from generation to generation.
No matter what, He’s given us so many reasons to choose thankfulness and joy this day. Let’s do what the Psalmist of this great chapter says:
- Shout for joy.
- Worship the Lord with gladness.
- Come before Him with joyful songs.
- Know that He is God.
- Enter His gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise.
- Give thanks to Him and praise His name.
- Recognize His goodness, love, and faithfulness, through all the generations of our family.
Dear God, Thank you for your goodness and for your blessings over our lives. Forgive us for when we don't thank you enough, for who you are, for all that you do, for all that you've given. We’re so grateful you for your amazing love and care, for your mercy and grace, for always working on our behalf, even behind the scenes when we’re unaware. Thank you that you are always with us and will never leave us, even through loss and the most difficult of times. Thank you for your incredible sacrifice so that we might have freedom and life. Help us to set our eyes and our hearts on you afresh. Renew our spirits, fill us with your peace and joy, this Thanksgiving Day and every day. We give you thanks and praise, for You alone are worthy! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

NEWSLETTER
NOVEMBER 2021

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BIRTHDAYS

11/1 Doris Plauman
11/2 Ryan Kunisch
11/3 Ruth Luebs
11/4 Lonna Purgaric
11/7 Hope Buchinger
11/9 Samatha Bachand
11/11 Judi Stutzman
11/11 William Wingo
11/12 Jeanine Boldrey
11/19 Tyler Appold
11/21 Donna Cottrell
11/24 Renne Girard
11/24 Susan Straith
11/25 Molly Bartley
11/25 Jean Beach
11/25 Alan Tucek
11/28 Bob Erat
11/28 Tom Kraut

ANNIVERSARIES

11/4 David & Sandra Smith
11/10 Howard & Vivian Weaver
11/19 Rev. Paul & Karen Schneider
11/24 Tom & Joann Kraut
11/29 Wally & Pam Beasinger
God’s blessings to all of you who
celebrate your
years of marriage!
!
God’s blessings to all of you who celebrate your years of marriage!
God’s blessings to all of you who celebrate your years of marriage!
!

FINANCIAL REPORT

The past month’s statistics report…
Date Attendance Offerings Special funds Reimbursements Total Deposit
9/12 69 $ 4,943.00 $ 208.57 $ 0.00 $ 5,151.57
9/19 81 $ 2,205.00 $ 1,617.46 $ 0.00 $ 3,822.46
9/26 59 $ 1,585.00 $ 389.77 $ 0.00 $ 1,974.97
10/3 46 $ 6,504.00 $ 327.00 $ 400.00 $ 7,231.00
10/10 52 $ 4,434.00 $ 960.00 $ 0.00 $ 5,394.00
10/17 67 $ 2,099.00 $ 467.15 $ 0.00 $ 2,566.15
Data beyond 9/5 not available as of this printing… Watch for data in next month’s newsletter.
*Mt. Hope Shared Expenses
The average weekly receipts needed to meet our 2020 budgeted expenses are $3,482.03.
*Mt. Hope Pastoral Pay
The average weekly receipts needed to meet our 2020 budgeted expenses are $3,482.03.

NEWSLETTER
NOVEMBER 2021

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STEPHEN MINISTRY

Stephen Ministry is a lay caring ministry being used by thousands of congregations to increase care and outreach to hurting people. Through Stephen Ministry, congregations are able to equip and empower a team of lay[1]people—Stephen Ministers—who provide one-to-one, Christ-centered care to people experiencing grief, unemployment, hospitalization, loneliness, divorce, financial stress, a terminal illness, or other life difficulties. Care is provided on a one-to-one confidential basis. Stephen Ministers go through a forty hour initial training to help equip them with skills related to caring for a person experiencing a life problem as well as monthly Continuing Education meetings. Stephen Ministers do not try and solve problems, but help people work through their difficulties with Christ’s help, He is the “cure giver” we are the “care giver”. If you are experiencing a difficult time and think a caring friend might help you, or if you know someone who might benefit from having a Christian friend to walk beside, please contact Pastor Paul Schneider or your Stephen Leader, Laurie Breen, to speak confidentially about Stephen Ministry.
Have a great day!
Laurie

OSBORN FUND

Osborn Fund: We have a special fund called the Osborn Fund that helps provide financial assistance to members who may find themselves in some kind of need at Trinity Lutheran Church. This was created back in 1973 in loving memory of Royal Osborn, who was an Elder and active participant at Trinity. It has helped numerous people over the many years.
If you are in need: Please don't hesitate to contact our pastor or your Elder who will help you apply confidentially for assistance through this fund. Examples of assistance given in the past year include: help with rent payment, utility bills, propane gas, and car repairs.
If you are able to donate: The integrity of this fund depends upon donations from members who are able to give above and beyond their normal church offering. If you would like to give a special contribution in order to help your fellow brother or sister in Christ, this would be a good place to direct your funds. You may place your donation in an envelope at church and mark it "Osborn Fund" and place it in the offering plate. Many thanks!

CANCER & FRIENDS SUPPORT GROUP

Cancer & Friends Support Group will be meeting again in the fellowship hall on November 23rd. .Our meetings are the 4th Tuesday of each month unless it is a holiday or near one. For more information You can call or contact Elaine Raschke by email elaineraschke@gmail.com , you can also call or text at 989-350-4391.

Keep these people in your Hearts

NEWSLETTER
NOVEMBER 2021

MEMORIALS—3RD QUARTER—2021

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Trinity Lutheran Church
July—September, 2021
MEMORIALS RECEIVED:
In memory of Sharon Udebrock by…Ron & Sharon Kwapis
Sharon Udebrock by….Nora Corfis
Sharon Udebrock by …Bob & Kathy Erat
In memory of Bob Dittman by ………Ron & Sharon Kwapis
Bob Dittman by……….Margaret & Donald Velky
Bob Dittman by……….Charlene Kersten
Bob Dittman by……….Patti Cherson Daly
Bob Dittman by ………Donald & Janet Rechlin
Bob Dittman by……….Gene & Jean Seibel
Bob Dittman by……….Rich & Risa Sherman
Bob Dittman by……….Karl & Laverne Scheiterlein
Bob Dittman by……….Jeffrey & Sherri Haller
Bob Dittman by……… Bill & Terry Stiles
Bob Dittman by……… Helen VanDusen
Bob Dittman by……….Bob & Kathy Erat
Bob Dittman by……….Kenneth & Jill Chereson
Bob Dittman by……….Evelyn Chereson
Bob Dittman by……….Loraine Frohriep
In memory of Joan Bigelow by ……… Vince & Carole Russo
Joan Bigelow by………..Judith Gee
Joan Bigelow by ……….Fred & Ann Lauer
Joan Bigelow by……… .Mark & DeAnne Swiercz
Joan Bigelow by………..Gene & Jean Seibel
Joan Bigelow by………..Bob & Kathy Erat
Joan Bigelow by………..Rich & Risa Sherman
Joan Bigelow by………..Sharon Kwapis
Joan Bigelow by………..Helen Van Dusen
Joan Bigelow by………..Chris & Kerri Gee
In memory of Irene Pollock by………….Gene & Jean Seibel
Irene Pollock by………….Helen Van Dusen
Irene Pollock by……….. .Mr & Mrs. Donald Rechlin
Irene Pollock by………. .Ron & Sharon Kwapis
Irene Pollock by…………Bob & Kathy Erat
In memory of Tom Beach’s Mother by….Helen Van Dusen
In memory of Edward & Elmira Affelt by Pam Affelt
In memory of Lynn Biesenthal by ……… Bob & Kathy Erat
In memory of Lynn Beisenthal by……… Kay Woodruff

NEWSLETTER
NOVEMBER 2021

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LWML UPCOMING EVENTS

LWML November Meeting
All women are invited to join us on November 16 at 7 PM for packing baskets for college students and creating a fall craft item to take home. If you need a ride, please contact one of the board members.
LWML Stamps for Missions
LWML (Michigan District) collects cancelled postage stamps and sells them to a stamp collector. The funds are used to support a deaconess missionary. Please start saving your used stamps. We don't need the very common flag stamp, but any commemorative, foreign and especially older ones are welcome. If in doubt, bring them. If you cut them off the envelope, leave a very wide margin. We will trim them down to how they need to be. There is an envelope on the board in the fellowship hall, or give to any officer.
Thank you.
LWML White Elephant Gift Exchange.
Saturday, December 4, 1 PM: Christmas Party. White Elephant Gift Exchange and entertainment.

NEWSLETTER
NOVEMBER 2021

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LWML PAST EVENTS

LWML Breakfast meeting
LWML kicked off the season this fall with a breakfast meeting at Bob Evans Restaurant in Gaylord. Fourteen ladies attended, and Secret Sisters from this past year were revealed. The new plan for Secret Sisters was explained, which gives our women an opportunity to choose someone in the congregational membership to whom they can secretly send notes or tokens of remembrance during the coming year, in addition to praying for the person they chose from a list of all ladies. If anyone wants to participate in this Secret Sister act of kindness but has not yet chosen a Secret Sister, please contact Carla Elenz, and she can provide you with the list of names from which you can choose.

LWML SUNDAY
The first Sunday in October was LWML Sunday. The worship service that morning included a women’s re-commitment to the Lord’s service and missions. The quilts made by our Kut-Ups group were dedicated (110 quilts), and 40 school kits for Lutheran World Relief were assembled after our service. LWML had a bake sale that day, which generated $225.00 for LWML missions. Thanks to all for your support of LWML!

LWML FALL ZONE RALLY
Trinity hosted the Fall Zone Rally this year, held on October 9th. Rev. Dan McVey led the 30+ attendees in worship, the business meeting was held, and a nice lunch was shared by all in our Fellowship Hall. Lynn Corker of Women of the Pearl ministry was our guest speaker, and she shared a fabulous faith testimony as well as the story of how God led her to establish Women of the Pearl ministry to women in Uganda. All in attendance were captivated by the story she shared! Lynn Corker stayed overnight in Gaylord and presented an abbreviated version of her story after our Sunday morning worship service, as well.

SHOEBOX PACKING PARTY

All children middle school and younger are invited to participate in a Shoebox Packing Party for Operation Christmas Child on Sunday, November 14, after church. Operation Christmas Child sends boxes of Christmas gifts to children all over the world, who otherwise may have never received a gift. They also include the Gospel message in their own language. We will have all the gifts for selection in the fellowship hall. We would appreciate it if parents would join their children for this. If you have questions, contact Sharon Techel (989-370-8468) or Carla Elenz (989-390-1305).

NEWSLETTER
NOVEMBER 2021

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PRAYER CHAIN

Stay In Touch: Here easy ways that you can stay in touch with what's going on at church if you're not already! Trinity has a Prayer Chain email that includes special requests from our members. This is a great way to support one another in holy prayer. Please email Elaine in the office if you're interested in being on these email lists.

FOOD PANTRY

The November dates for Trinity are Thursday and Friday, November 4 and 5. Times are 11:45 till 2:00. Place is the United Way building at 116 E. Fifth Street. The door and parking is on the south side of the building. There should be 5 people working each session. Precautions are taken, masks are worn inside the building. The people stay in their vehicles as it is a drive-thru distribution. Thank you to those who know about this opportunity to serve and we look forward to having others join us.

KUT-UPS

The annual collection of quilts and kits has come and gone. This year the Kut-Ups group has produced 110 beautiful quilts to be sent out into the world. We also included 40 school kits to be distributed through LWML. A heart-felt thank you to all those who contribute their time and talents for this program.
Our next Monday sessions will be November 1, 15 and 29. We begin at 10:00 a.m., have a lunch about noon, and then conclude about 2:00 p.m. We have sewing machines available and could use more people to sew the tops. If you would like to sew them at home, that could be arranged as well.

DUAL PARISH CALL PROCESS

The call process is underway for calling a pastor to the Trinity/Mt. Hope Dual Parish. The Michigan District has provided us with a call list, including ten candidates who meet the criteria of the pastor profile we submitted through our District Facilitator, Rev. Randy Johnson. Pastor Matt Peters, our Circuit Visitor has met with our Call Committee, consisting of five team members from each congregation. All call committee members have a detailed profile/self-evaluation information packet on each candidate, which they are reviewing and will help them in choosing the pastor we would like to call. Frequent meetings will be held in the coming weeks, which hopefully and prayerfully will result in our placing a call to the pastor whom God wants for our Dual Parish. Please pray for guidance in the weeks to come so that God’s will be done in this process.

FAMILY FARE

The slips are steadily coming in - Thank you! We now have a total of 97,572. We need less than 53,000 more “Direct Your Dollars” receipts to qualify for the $1,000 for our church. It's been a long time coming but will certainly be worth the effort. Keep those Family Fare slips coming!

NEWSLETTER
November 2021

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DISTRICT NOMINATIONS
The LCMS Michigan District Convention is scheduled for June 26-28, 2022. The District is looking for nominations to fill several positions: 1) District Secretary; 2) Church Extension Fund Board; 3) Nominating Committee. Our congregation is invited to submit names for these positions. This will be accomplished by submitting a form available in our church office, if you know of anyone you would like to nominate. The deadline for submitting nominations is February 26, 2022.
VOTERS MEETING - December 5th
Trinity’s next Congregational Voters Meeting will be held on Sunday, December 5th in our Fellowship Hall right after our Sunday morning worship service. At this meeting we will hold the election of officers and present the proposed budget for 2022 and vote on its approval. Please plan to come.

THRIVENT CHOICE DOLLARS

Don’t forget to direct Thrivent Choice Dollars®
Grant funding from Thrivent Financial through its Thrivent Choice® program can help support organizations you care about. Eligible Thrivent Financial members who have Choice Dollars available have until early next year to direct 2021 Choice Dollars, but you don’t have to wait until then. Help support Trinity Lutheran Church, Gaylord by going to Thrivent.com/thriventchoice to direct your Thrivent Choice Dollars, or call 800-847-4836 and say “Thrivent Choice” after the prompt. The Thrivent Choice Dollars directed to Trinity have been very helpful in funding unbudgeted programs and expenses in past years, and the Dollars we receive are very much appreciated!

Fall Harvest –Gleaners in the field

NEWSLETTER
November 2021

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TRINITY CHURCH LIBRARY

Trinity’s church library is across from our church office. In our library are many great books, from children’s books to in-depth bible study reference materials. These are available to check out by signing them out in the red three-ring binder on a shelf near the door. When returning the book, please so indicate in that same book.
Here is a synopsis (copied from the back cover) of one great book in our library. It is one of many of Christian author Karen Kingsbury’s great novels.
LIKE DANDELION DUST
A peaceful town…An idyllic family… A phone call that threatens them all.
When Joey Campbell’s biological father is released from prison, four-year-old Joey faces a life no one could’ve planned. His father wants custody, and judge’s quick decision deals a devastating blow to the Campbell family: Joey must be returned to his biological parents. In a haze of grief and disbelief, the Campbells watch their adopted son pick a dandelion and blow the feather seeds into the wind.
And in the days following the ruling, Jack Campbell conceives a desperate and dangerous thought. What if they can devise a way out? What if they take Joey and just disappear? Both families will learn that sometimes the greatest love is in letting go – LIKE DANDELION DUST.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Our policy for bad weather is to cancel all activities when the schools are closed. Worship Services are very seldom cancelled unless you are notified by email or a phone call.

2021 Church Personnel/Leaders
Pastor Paul Schneider
Pastor Ken Bernthal
Elaine Raschke, Secretary (989) 732-4816
E-mail: secretary@trinitygaylord.com
Church Council
President Bob Erat
Secretary Kathy Erat
Board of Education Nancy Ely
Board of Outreach Elaine Raschke
Jennifer Martin
Board of Properties Roger Raschke
Board of Stewardship Jack Udebrock
Treasurer Mark Mohr
Assistant Kathy Erat
Financial Secretary Joann Whitney
Assistant Sandra Smith
Member at Large Jim Kunisch
Member at Large Donna Cottrell
Event/Communication Coordinator
Tina Van Til
Elders Bob Breen (Chair)
Wally Beasinger
Ken Mertz
Tim Arner
Paul Schneider
Other Leaders
Stephen Ministry Laurie Breen
Men’s Ministry Bob Breen
Sunday School Superintendent
Sharon Techel
Vacation Bible School Nancy Ely
Youth Director Dave Beyers
Staci Brown
Adventures in Faith Carla Elenz
Children’s Church Marge Kunisch
Helen VanDusen
Cancer & Friends Elaine Raschke
Choir Director Tom Beach
Organ/Piano Tom/Jean Beach
Library Laura Beach
Kut-Ups Donna Cottrell
Nehemiah Group Roger Raschke
Altar Guild Co-Chairpersons
Judi Stutzman
Karen Schneider
Ladies Guild
President Temp. Elaine Raschke
Secretary Sharon Kwapis
Treasurer Karen Schneider
LWML “Women for Christ”
President Carla Elenz
Vice President Tina Van Til
Secretary Marge Kunisch
Treasurer Kathy Erat

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DATE	TIME	ELDER	USHERS	GREETERS	COFFEE SERVERS	COUNTERS	ALTAR CARE	CHILDREN’S / TALK	CHILDREN’S / CHURCH
11/7	9:00 am	Ken / Mertz	Rich & / Risa / Sherman	x		Karl / Schelterlein, / Nancy / Ely	Judi / Stutzman	Nancy / Ely	x
11/14	9:00 am	Tim / Arner	Wally & / Pam / Beasinger	x		Donna / Cottrell, / Jamet / Arner	Karen / Schneider	Nancy / Ely	x
11/21	9:00 am	Wally / Beasinger, / Tim / Arner	John & / Judi / Stutzman	x		Leslie / Martin, / Kathy / Erat	Pam / Beasinger	Nancy / Ely	x
11/24	7:00 pm / Thanksgiving Eve	Ken / Mertz	Linda’ / West, / Ron / Tesolin	x				Nancy / Ely	x
11/28	9:00 am	Ken / Mertz	Larry & / Joann / Whitney	x	Jennifer Martin, / Leslie Martin, / Vilma Ward & Noah	Larry / Whitney, Wendell / Smith	Ann / Mertz	Nancy Ely	X

Bob B. Jim K. Kathy E. Nancy E. Joann W. Judi S. Nancy E Marge K.& Helen V D

November 2021 Service Schedule

OUTREACH

Please watch your bulletins Jennifer and Jack hope to be starting up some fun programs in November or December.

`````````````````

Daily Devotion	1
Birthdays & Anniversaries	2
Financial Report	2
Stephen Ministry	3
Osborn Fund	3
Cancer & Friends	3
Carla’s Story	4-5
Outreach	5
Covid Food Dist. Truck	6
LWML 5-5-5 Walk	6
Movie Night	6
LWML News	7
Kut-Ups	7
Family Fare	7
Praise & Prayer	7
Kids Page	8
Church Personnel/Leaders	9
Prayer Chain	9
Service Schedule	10
Church Calendar	11

BIBLE STUDIES

Sunday morning bible study with Dr. Tom Beach is at 10:30 am after the church service.
Wednesday morning bible study w/Rev. Ken Bernthal is at
10 am in the fellowship hall.

LOVE GOD
LOVE OTHERS
SERVE THE WORLD

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