Author: Kathy Erat

Trinity Lutheran Church
Newsletter
September 2022

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

Portals of Prayer Devotions
October — November 2022
Read Revelation 21:22–27 and Psalm 43
And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it,
for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.
Revelation 21:23
The Light of the Lamb
Why are all these lights on?!” Have you heard that before? Perhaps you heard it as a child when your mother or father walked into an unoccupied living room with every light shining bright. Perhaps you have said it yourself when you walk from room to room in your house realizing why your electric bill is so expensive. The answer to this question is obvious: having every light in the house shining bright is not needed. In Revelation, we are told that in the presence of God, no additional light is needed. John’s vision of heaven revealed that the glory of God provides light enough for all of His creation. Sun and moon, lamps and flashlights are not needed in the presence of God’s glory. In Christ, no other light is needed. No human invention—power plants, solar panels, or light bulbs—can provide the light that God provides. No human effort—charity, positive thinking, or meditation—can replace the light of God’s glory. Not even the sun can shine as brightly as the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. In Christ, you have no need for any other light shining into your life.
Lamb of God, let Your light shine bright in heaven and on earth.
Amen.

NEWSLETTER
September 2022

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BIRTHDAYS

The following people have September Birthdays
9/1 Hilda Koch
9/2 Elaine Raschke
9/2 Shelia Trahin
9/3 Richard Shafer
9/3 Sophia Woiderski
9/4 Jeff Vezina
9/7 Joann Whitney
9/8 Terry Stiles
9/9 Matthew Albrecht
9/10 Judy Anderson
9/10 Dean Edwards
9/10 Ellie Wingo
9/16 Stacey Buchinger
9/19 Nina Armstrong
9/20 Gene Pickering
9/21 Kiersten Bishop
9/21 Scott Miller
9/23 Paul Kietzman
9/27 Del Kruger
9/27 Megan Pickering
9/30 Staci Brown
9/30 Jennie Wingo

ANNIVERSARIES

The following people have
September wedding anniversaries:
9/10 Jeff & Alison Vezina
9/24 Ron & Gale Tesolin
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
7/31 92 $ 2,921.00 $ 20.00 $ .00 $ 2,941.00
8/7 80 $ 4,820.00 $ 30.00 $ .00 $ 4,850.00
8/14 79 $ 3,844.00 $ 110.00 $ 7.00 .06 $ 4,645.06
8/21 92 $ 7,611.00 $ 178.24 $ 200.00 $ 7,989.24
*Mt. Hope Shared Expenses
The average weekly receipts needed to meet our 2020 budgeted expenses are $3,553.54.

KUT-UPS

All too soon summer will come to a close and fall will be upon us. That also means Kut-Ups will be back in service to make quilts for Lutheran World Relief. The quilts will be sent off to parts unknown in October so we have a few meetings before then. We will start up again beginning Monday September 12 at 10:00 a.m. So mark your calendars and let's get started.

NEWSLETTER
September 2022

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STEPHEN MINISTRY

Stephen Ministers are everyday people like YOU and me, and are congregation members trained to provide one-to-one care to those experiencing a difficult time in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, or relocation.
Stephen Ministers come from all walks of life, but they all share a passion for bringing Christ’s love and care to people during a time of need.
Since 1975, more than 600,000 people from more than 13,000 congregations and other organizations (all over the world) have been trained as Stephen Ministers.
Over the years, well over one-and-a-half million people have benefited from the one-to-one, Christ-centered care of a Stephen Minister. This care is entirely confidential—no one knows the identity of a care receiver except for their Stephen Minister and the pastor or Stephen Leader who paired them together. The care receivers featured here willingly volunteered to share their stories.
“It Was Such a Burden off My Shoulders”
“My Stephen Minister Is Truly a Gift”
“Getting Me Plugged into My Church”
“Refusing to Give Up on Me”
“I Can Tell Him Anything”
“Connected with God in a Way I Never Felt Before”
The heart of our ministry is Stephen Ministry, the lay caring ministry system used in thousands of congregations and other organizations worldwide.
In addition, Stephen Ministries St. Louis also offers many other adult education courses, books, and videos.
If you feel you, or someone you know, could use the help of a Stephen Minister, please feel free to speak with a pastor or Stephen Leader to see how you can be assigned confidentially with your own Stephen Minister.

CANCER & FRIENDS SUPPORT GROUP

Cancer & Friends meet the 4th Tuesday of each month at 5:30pm. If you are a patient, survivor, spouse, family, friend, or a caregiver you are all welcome to attend the meetings. We can all help each other. This month our guest speaker will be Shannon Smith from Song of the morning retreat in Vanderbilt From what I understand she is good. I am hoping she will be someone we will be able to get to come here for yoga classes once a week or every other week. Should be a fun time for all. Hope to see you at the class everyone is invited for this class, I will have more information and put it in the bulletin the in this month. 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
September 2022

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LWML NEWS AND NOTES

LWML News and Notes
We are excited for a new year of LWML activities. As a reminder, LWML is open to ALL ladies of the Lutheran Church. There is no membership. We welcome you to come to any or all activities that interest you.
SURVEY: Even though there is a board to lead LWML, YOU are the organization. Thus we would like to plan what YOU would like to do. We have developed a survey which you can get from a board member or pick up in the narthex. Please return to any board member. We truly want your input!
UPCOMING EVENTS: Some of the activities and dates we have planned for fall include:
Saturday, September 17, Breakfast Out. Meet at Bob Evans at 8:30. LWML will provide coffee.
Tuesday, September 20, 5-5-5 Walk for Mites. Meet at 5 PM at Aspen Park for a 5 KM walk for a donation of $5 towards mites.
Sunday October 2, LWML Sunday. Bring items for bake sale. Participate in packing kits for Lutheran World Relief.
Saturday, October 8, 10 AM Zone Rally at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Kalkaska
Tuesday, October 18, time TBA. Regular Meeting. Activity: Make a Thanksgiving Journal.
Tuesday, November 15, time TBA. Regular Meeting. Activity: Pack college baskets and learn to make a charcuterie board.
Saturday, December 3, 1 PM. Christmas party and White Elephant gift exchange
ZONE NOTES:
The Land of Lakes Zone (of which we are a part) has updated their bylaws. They will be voted on at the Fall Rally October 8. There are copies on the board in the fellowship hall for you to review. Please give any comments to Carla Elenz.
The positions of treasurer and vice-president for the zone are also up for election at the fall rally. If you are interested in running or would like more information about either, speak with Tina VanTil.
YOUR LWML BOARD:
Carla Elenz, President
Tina VanTil, Vice-President
Marge Kunisch, Secretary
Kathy Erat, Treasurer
Jennifer Martin, Christian Growth Chairperson

NEWSLETTER August 2022

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FAMILY FARE

Family Fare Direct Your Dollars points are currently 128,642! At this point I consider us close but we're not there yet with only 21,358 point to go. Let's all contribute to this project and see it through.

FOOD PANTRY

Our next date for working the food pantry is Friday, September 19, from 11:45 a.m. till 2:00 p.m. The sign-up sheet is on the board across from the office. Your help is needed as it takes at least four people to "shop" and pack and one more to do the paperwork. Please sign up.
The Otsego County Community Food Pantry Board of Directors needs one more representative from Trinity Lutheran Church. The board meets only six times a year to give an update . If you have questions and would like to serve on the board, please see Donna Cottrell.

BIBLE STUDIES

Sunday morning bible study w/ Tom Beach is at 10:30 am after the church service. Starting September 11th.
Wednesday morning bible study w/Rev. Ken Bernthal is at
10 am in the fellowship hall. Starting September 14th.
Erat’s Home bible study dates for September are
September 15th & 29th.
Please contact Kathy Erat if interested.

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. If you do not have a computer and would like to be on the prayer chain just drop off you name and phone number Please email Elaine in the office if you're interested in being on these email lists.secretary@trinitygaylord.com

NEWSLETTER
September 2022

TRINITY CHURCH LIBRARY

Our church library has a LOT of great reading material to share with you! There are biblical reference books, inspirational readings, children’s books, and interesting Christian novels with a religious dimension. Wander in, take a look at our shelves (across from the church office), and feel free to sign out a book in the red spiral binder. Please mark in the sign-out book when you return it, as well.

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!

2022 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
Vice President Tim Arner
Secretary Kathy Erat
Board of Education Nancy Ely
Board of Outreach Elaine Raschke
Jennifer Martin
Board of Properties Roger Raschke
Board of Stewardship
Treasurer Mark Mohr
Assistant Kathy Erat
Financial Secretary Joann Whitney
Assistant Karl Scheiterlein
Member at Large Jim Kunisch
Member at Large Donna Cottrell
Event/Communication Coordinator Tina Stier
Elders
President Tim Arner
Vice President Ken Mertz Wally Beasinger
Tom Raithel
Paul Schneider
Glenn Smith
Other Leaders
Stephen Ministry Laurie Breen
Sunday School Superintendent
Sharon Techel
Vacation Bible School Nancy Ely
Youth Directors Dave Beyers
Staci Brown
Adventures in Faith Carla Elenz
Children’s Church Marge Kunisch
Helen VanDuse
Cancer & Friends Elaine Raschke
Choir Director Tom Beach
Organ/Piano Tom/Jean Beach
Virtual Organist Bob Erat
Judi Stutzman
Terri Raithel
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 Stier
Secretary Marge Kunisch
Treasurer Kathy Erat
Christian Growth Jennifer Martin

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DATE	TIME	ELDER	USHERS	GREETERS	COFFEE SERVERS	COUNTERS	ALTAR CARE	CHILDREN’S / TALK
9/4	9:00 am	Tim / Arner	Larry & / Joann / Whitney	Tina / Steir, / Nancy / Ely	Bob & Kathy / Erat	Donna / Cottrell, / LaVerne / Scheiterlein	Karen / Schneider	Nancy / Ely
9/11	9:00 am	Glenn / Smith	Dave / Beyers, / Roger / Raschke	Judi & / John / Stutzman	Rita / French, / Helen / Van Dusen	Janet / Arner, / Kathy / Erat	Pam / Beasinger	Nancy / Ely
9/18	9:00 am	Tom / Raithel	Wally & / Pam / Beasinger	Brian & / Tami / Techel		Ric / Francis, / Sandra / Smith	Judi / Stutzman	Nancy / Ely
9/25	9:00 am	Ken / Mertz	Jim & / Marge / Kunnisch	Mike / Goodrich, / Bob / Erat		Brian / Techel, / Karl / Scheiterlein	Kathy / Erat	Nancy / Ely

September 2022 Service Schedule

Jim K. Kathy E. Nancy E. Joann W. Judi S. Nancy E

LOVE GOD
LOVE OTHERS
SERVE THE WORLD

PRAYERS AND PRAISES

Our God is a great God! We thank and praise Him for…
Continuing care of our congregation during our pastoral vacancy;
People who tirelessly carry on with the tasks God has given them to move our church forward in His mission;
The gift of Christian support during our trials;
The gift of His Word to guide us along life’s path, which ultimately leads us to our eternal life with Him.
Oh Lord, you have given us so much! Please grant us one thing more—a grateful heart!.

If you would like info on summer camp we have a brochure in the office about Camp Concordia in Gowen MI. Camping experiences are available for students grades 1-12. Inquire in our office, or go to
www.campconcordia.org.

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.

CANCELLATION POLICY

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

SUMMER CAMP
Summer camp

January-June 2022

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Daily Devotions 1
Birthdays & Anniversaries 2
Financial Report 2
Kut-Ups 2
Stephen Ministry 3
Osborn Fund 3
Cancer & Friends 3
LWML 4
Church Picnic 4-5
Memorials 6
Family Fare 7
Food Pantry 7
Bible Studies 7
Prayer Chain 7
Church Library 8
Church Personnel/Leaders 8
People Who Serve 9
Church Calendar 10

THRIVENT CHOICE DOLLARS

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