Author: Kathy Erat

Trinity Lutheran Church

Newsletter
January 2022

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

The Joy of Christmas: Peace and Goodwill

NEWSLETTER
January 2022

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BIRTHDAYS

The following people have January Birthdays:
1/4 Denise Rood
1/4 Philip Techel
1/5 Laverne Scheiterlein
1/6 Linda West
1/9 Jim Kunisch
1/13 Brady Beyers
1/14 Abbie Trahin
1/20 Jeremy Bartley
1/21 Scott Purgaric
1/25 Heather Appold
1/26 Jackie Bliss
1/31 Doug Arego
1/31 Warren Bauer
1/31 Laurie Breen
1/31 Jerry Christoff
Happy Birthday!!

ANNIVERSARIES

The following people have January wedding anniversaries:
1/1 Stacey & Jason Buchinger
1/2 Jim & Karen Bernthal
1/3 Robert & Jennie Wingo
1/19 Donald & Janet Rechiln
1/20 Doug & Mary Arego
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
12/28 60 $ 2,091.00 $ 30.00 $ 0.00 $ 2,121.00
12/5 63 $ 8,862.00 $ 1,262.00 $ 739.89 $ 10,124.00
12/12 66 $ 3,401.46 $ 181.78 $ 0.00 $ 4,323.13
12/19 67 $ 2,311.00 $ 466.60 $ 0.00 $ 2,777.60
*Mt. Hope Shared Expenses
The average weekly receipts needed to meet our 2020 budgeted expenses are $3,482.03.

NEWSLETTER
January 2022

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CALL PROCESS

Call Process Update
For all those who have not heard the news: The call committee received a list of 10 pastors from our district that they felt, after compiling the responses of both congregations, would be a good fit for our dual parish.
After much research into all of the pastors, reading their Personal Information Files, listening to their sermons and looking at their respective church’s websites, and several meetings, the committee narrowed the list to four pastors.
This process was not easy and was done with much perseverance and prayer by all of the members from both congregations.
All four of our selections were very good and we felt that all would serve our congregations well.
After our selections, we wanted to conduct interviews with all three via Zoom meetings. Rev. Matt Peters contacted all four of the pastors and two of them decided that they could not consider a call at this time.
The committee conducted a Zoom interview from Mt. Hope with the two remaining pastors with a list of questions that were not addressed in their Personal Information Files and were asked by the same person (Tim Arner), in the same way so we could compare them equally.
Both pastors did very well while interviewing them and we decided that we would be happy with either of them, but since we saw this as our job to recommend a pastor, we did come up with a recommendation for our congregations.
We held a dual congregation meeting December 12th at Mt. Hope where we presented our findings to our respective congregations. We presented a Power Point presentation that explained our reasoning for our recommendation. After much discussion and questions and answers, our recommendation was put to a vote. Our recommendation was accepted with a unanimous vote, and a call was placed to Rev. James Groleau who is Pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Austin, Minnesota.
Pastor Matt Peters, myself and Ken Bendick (president of Mt. Hope) called Pastor Groleau after the meeting to let him know of the forthcoming call. To me, he seemed open to prayerfully consider this call.
The call documents were sent out on Monday December 13th, but not guaranteed to be delivered until December 17th.
Since this is Christmas week, we know that Pastor Groleau is quite busy and will need time to consider this call. Please keep him, his family, and his congregation in your prayers.
Respectfully,
Bob Erat, Chairman

NEWSLETTER
January 2022

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STEPHEN MINISTRY

The joy of Christmas can turn into a time of painful loneliness and emptiness for those who have suffered a loss or who are going through a difficult time, but help is available. Our Stephen Ministers are ready to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care. They will listen, care, encourage, pray with and for you, and support you through the holidays and as long as your need persists. If you or someone you know is hurting, find out more about Stephen Ministry by talking with our Stephen Leader or a pastor: Laurie Breen or Rev. Bernthal or Rev. Schneider. Our Stephen Ministers are there to care!

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!

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CANCER & FRIENDS SUPPORT GROUP

Cancer & Friends Support Group will be meeting again in the fellowship hall on January 25th at 5:30pm. 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. .

NEWSLETTER
January 2022

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LWML NEWS AND NOTES

LWML Stamps for Missions
Trinity Ladies in Mission had a fun gathering in November making snowmen out of candy bars and mittens for the foster families at Wellspring Lutheran Services. We packed goodie bags for our college students.
On Saturday, December 4, starting at 1 PM is our Christmas Party, back after a year hiatus. Bring a snack to share and a wrapped white elephant gift to exchange, the funnier the better. Guaranteed to be a good time and lots of laughs. ALL ladies are invited, even if you have never attended an LWML event before. We'd love to see your smiling face.
For our December ingathering, we will be collecting snowpants and boots (boys and girls) and boys coats for the foster kids at Wellspring. These can be any size, and new or gently used. If you don't feel that you can purchase one of these items on your own, we will be doing a collection at our Christmas Party for this purpose.
Mission of the Month: The Michigan District has an on-going mission project of collecting postage stamps, which are sold to a collector, and the funds used to support Dr. Becky Grossman, Lutheran Bible Translator in Liberia. Please start collecting stamps from mail you get. Commemorative, old and rare stamps are most valuable, but in doubt, save everything. Cut widely around the stamp, or save the whole envelope. We have placed a large envelope on the bulletin board in the fellowship hall for you to place these in. Thanks for supporting our missionaries.
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NEWSLETTER
January 2022

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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

Trinity is scheduled to serve one day this month, Thursday, January 13, 2022, at the United Way building from 11:45 till 2:00. Only four people need sign up, so don't miss out on this opportunity to help. The list is on the board across from the office.

KUT-UPS

The January dates for meeting to do quilts are January 10 and 24, 2022. Of course dates are subject to change due to weather cancellations and such. Consider joining us for fellowship and lunch on those Mondays from 10:00 a.m. till roughly 2:00 p.m.

FAMILY FARE

The Family Fare Direct Your Dollar program will hopefully still be available while we continue to collect the points required to meet the goal. We are over the 100,000 mark! Currently we have 100,820 of the 150,000 needed. Please continue to turn in your eligible receipts and maybe encourage your friends and family to participate also. Perhaps 2022 will be the year Trinity will benefit from the SpartanNash giving back program.

OUTREACH

We are also in the process of starting a card craft day sometime in February.. Please watch your newsletters and worship folders for more information. For more information please contact Jennifer Martin

NEWSLETTER
January 2022

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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.

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!

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

LITTLE HUMOR

The Sunday-school class was asked to give a definition of prayer. “Prayer,” said a small girl, “is a message telephoned to heaven at nights and on Sundays, when the rates are lower.”
Remember those days.

NEWSLETTER
January 2022

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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. In our Library….
HANNA GRACE… by Sharlene MacLaren
HANNA GRACE is the first in The Daughters of Jacob Kane series, by Sharlene MacLaren. This enjoyable novel, with a Michigan setting, is available in our church library. It is here summarized, from the printed text on the back cover of the book….
“1903… Sandy Shores, Michigan
The eldest of Jacob Kane’s three daughters, Hannah Grace is feisty and strong-willed, yet practical. Between working at her father’s general store and courting the town’s physician, Ralston Van Huff, Hannah has her life planned out in an orderly, meaningful way. Or so she thinks.
Hannah’s world turns upside down when the new sheriff comes to town. Gabriel Devlin is strong, outspoken,and a Christian, to boot – but he’s sworn off women, having met ones mostly interested in money and apathetic about God.
Determined to ignore the newcomer’s handsome looks, Hannah is drawn to him nonetheless by a runaway orphan boy named Jesse. While Hannah works to befriend the shy vagabond, who’s living with Gabriel until other arrangements can be made, God works in her heart. What plans does He have in store for this young woman who thought she had it all together?”
If you would like to check out this or any other book from our church library, please sign it out in the red three-ring notebook found in our library, noting the date you check it out and the date returned.

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 Wally Beasinger
Ken Mertz
Tim Arner
Paul Schneider
Other Leaders
Stephen Ministry Laurie Breen
Men’s Ministry
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 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
01/02	9:00 am	Tim / Arner	Bill & / Terry / Stiles	John & / Judi / Stutzman	Nancy / Ely	Denise / Rood, / Sandra / Smith	Judi / Stutzman	Nancy / Ely	x
01/09	9:00 am	Wally / Beasinger, / Ken / Mertz	Rich & / Risa / Sherman	Roger & / Elaine / Raschke	LWML / Sunday	Donna / Cottrell, / Janet / Arner	Judi / Stutzman	Nancy / Ely	x
01/16	9:00 am	Ken / Mertz	Jim & / Marge / Kunisch	Larry & / Joann / Whitney		Leslie / Martin, Kathy / Erat	Terri / Raithel	Nancy / Ely	x
01/23	9:00 am	Ken / Mertz	Waly & / Pam / Beasinger	Dave & / Brittany / Beyers & / Family		Carl / Scheiterlein, / Nancy / Ely	Linda / West		x
01/30	9:00 am	Tim / Arner	Roxie / Mohr, / Dave / Beyers	Donna / Cottrell, / Leslie / Martin		Larry / Whitney, / Wendall / Smith	Karen / Schneider	Nancy / Ely	X

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

January 2022 Service Schedule

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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

Peace and Goodwill
In the Word
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" (Luke 2:14 NKJV).
Of the Word
They shattered the darkness and filled the air with anthems. Those angels who appeared on that first Christmas night had an announcement to make, and they made it in a way matched neither before nor since in power and intensity. To this day, their announcement resounds for all to hear.
The angel chorus praised God, singing, "Glory to God in the highest." Then they went on to say two startling things, "on earth peace," and "goodwill toward men." Peace? Goodwill? Yes and yes! In Jesus alone we find true peace. The angels from heaven were declaring God's attitude toward His people — one of complete goodwill, seen in the birth, death, and resurrection of His beloved Son.
Despite our failings, God's loving kindness has never failed, and it never will. He sent Jesus into the world so we could see His glory, live in spiritual peace, and enjoy the gift of His goodwill at Christmas time and always.
Walking with my Lord
Embrace me with Your peace, Lord, and let Your goodwill fill me with praise! Amen.
Mustard Seed: The Joy of Christmas. 18/32 Author: Patricia Mitchell. ©2011 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from The HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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