Author: Trinity Office

The Triquetra

Trinity Lutheran
Church

December 2022
Volume 102 Issue 12

December 2019

December 4th - Second Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 11:1-10 Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 Romans 15:4-13 Matthew 3:1-12
Prayer of the Day: Stir up our hearts, Lord God, to prepare the way of your only Son. By his coming nurture our growth as people of repentance and peace; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
December 11th - Third Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 35:1-10 Psalm 146:5-10 James 5:7-10 Matthew 11:2-11
Prayer of the Day: Stir up the wills of all who look to you, Lord God, and strengthen our faith in your coming, that, transformed by grace, we may walk in your way; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
December 18th - Fourth Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 7:10-16 Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 Romans 1:1-7 Matthew 1:18-25
Prayer of the Day: Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. With your abundant grace and might, free us from the sin that hinders our faith, that eagerly we may receive your promises, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
December 24th - Christmas Eve
7:45 p.m. Pre-Service Music - 8:00 p.m. Worship
Isaiah 9:2-7 Psalm 96 Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-20
Prayer of the Day: Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true Light. Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus’ presence and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
December 25th - Christmas Day
Isaiah 62:6-12 Psalm 97 Titus 3:4-7 Luke 2:1-20
Prayer of the Day: All-powerful and unseen God, the coming of your light into our world has brightened weary hearts with peace. Call us out of darkness, and empower us to proclaim the birth of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Inside this issue:

Pastor’s Ponderings	2-3
In Our Prayers	4
WELCA / Advent bible study	5
Financial Health	6
Church Council	7
Christmas Eve / Christmas Day	8
Special Days & People / Youth Choir / 55+	9
Growing Stewards	10
Children’s Program / Sunday School / Year End Reports	11
Offering Envelopes / Christmas Decorating / Lay Lectors	12
Thrivent Products / Thrivent Action Cards / Thrivent Money Canvas	13
Thrivent Credit Union	14
Christmas Organ Concert / Staff Christmas Gift / Christmas Caroling / Altar Guild	15
Salvation Army Bell Ringing / Congregation Meeting / Annual Reports / Baptism of Our Lord	16
Snow Shoveling / Pastor Peggy out of office / Pastor Peggy Retirement	17
New members / New home	18
2023 Ministry & Mission Plan	20-23

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Pastor’s Ponderings…

Pastor’s Ponderings …
This fall seems like a blur to me and having little to no voice for the past three weeks, has been more than interesting. A voice is an important thing for a pastor to have, in all sense of that word. On top of a voice issue and a dry cough, that was caused by contacting Covid, I am now dealing with what I have learned is Covid Itch, especially on the palm on my right hand. How my right palm itches! I have always heard something about itchy hands and money but I forgot exactly what that was, so of course I Googled it “When your left-hand itches it is said to be a sign that money will be coming your way and an itchy right-hand means money will be flowing out of your pocket.” I don’t know if you ever heard that about itchy palms? I certainly don’t know who authored those words and I am certainly NOT counting on money either coming my way or flowing from my pocket. Although in generous giving, we are always more blessed in giving than receiving! And this tends to be the “gift giving” season, doesn’t it?
At this time of year, we get ready, ready to celebrate the birth of the one who came among us and emptied himself out for us, Jesus, our Lord and our Savior. Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us. Jesus, the greatest gift ever given! The Apostle Paul writes these words … “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross. Therefore, God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:5-11)
With the season of Advent, we begin a New Liturgical Year that takes us from Advent to and through Christmas, to and through Epiphany, to and through Lent, to and through Easter, to and through Pentecost. And then the journey continues again. This New Liturgical Year we will hear from our Gospel writer Matthew as Matthew tells us his unique story of Jesus. Matthew begins his Gospel with Jesus’s genealogy “An account of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham.” (Matthew 1:1) Who knows what this New Liturgical Year has in store for us? God’s Holy and

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Life – Giving Spirit is among us and in us and working through us! What is God calling us to do? What is God asking us to be? How is God calling us to serve in our community? In Ellwood City and Beaver Falls? Do you ever wonder? Do you ever ask that of God, in prayer?
As you will see in a small article in this December Newsletter, I plan to retire sometime in 2023, sometime within this New Liturgical Year. At the end of 2022, I will have been with you as Pastor for sixteen years. What a journey it has been! I look forward to the next chapter in my life as I know God has good things in store for me and I know that God has good things in store for the people of God, here at Trinity, as well. Much more can and will be said about that, in months to come. I plan to continue to work hard and serve God, here at Trinity, to the best of my ability … until the end, an end that will happen before the end of this New Liturgical year.
Advent, is a time in the church year, when we wait, when we prepare, when we look back to Jesus’ first coming as a babe born in Bethlehem, when we look ahead to Jesus’ promised and anticipated second coming and when we meet Jesus each and every new day. Although the singing of Advent hymns might not be as fun or easy as singing Christmas hymns, our Advent hymns are rich in their theology. I conclude this month’s ponderings with a verse from the Advent Hymn “O Lord, How Shall I Meet You.”, Hymn #241 in our Evangelical Lutheran Hymnal “O Lord, how shall I meet you, how welcome you aright? Your people long to greet you, my hope my heart’s delight! Oh, kindle Lord most holy, your lamp within my breast to do in spirit lowly all that may please you best.”
A blessed Advent Season to each and every one of you, as once again we prepare the manger beds of our hearts to receive and celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus, the one being born in human likeness, who humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross. For Christ was born to save, Christ was born to save!
Together in the Journey –
Pastor Peggy Suhr-Barkley

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Trinity’s Prayer Chain
Please call Sandy Blank (724-752-9027) if you have a prayer request. The co-captains will be notified to activate the prayer chain. If you would like to be actively involved in the prayer chain, please call Sandy.

In Nursing Care Facilities or Home Bound

Please keep in prayer
Bob zikeli
Tom pletz
Joan Evans
Royellen Canterbury
Lisa kenn
Warren kenn
Bruce zikeli
Denny Barkley

Royellen Canterbury
Edison Manor
222 W. Edison Avenue
New Castle, PA 16101
Karen Covert
822 Wayne Avenue
Ellwood City, PA 16117
Mary Lee Holler
Northview Estates
Room 301
945 Border Avenue
Ellwood City, PA 16117
Richard & Mae Kyser
Alexis Garden
4560 W. Alexis Road
Apartment 211
Toledo, OH 43623
Ruth Miller
7665 Big Beaver Blvd.
Wampum, PA 16157
Ellie Paul
The Grove at Harmony
191 Evergreen Mill Road
Harmony, PA 16037
Dale Walker
810 Longvue Drive
Ellwood City, PA 16117

The Entire Congregation Continues to Be Prayed for by Name in 2022!
In 2022 we continue to pray for all our families of Trinity throughout the year. The directory has been divided into the 52 Sundays. A list of who we continue to pray for will be in the newsletter each month and those whom we will be praying for that Sunday will be listed in our Sunday bulletin.

Dec 4	Tim Schuster, Beth Hunter / Carl Schuster, Bri McDonald & Nora Schuster
Dec 11	Warren & Barb Kenn, Lisa Kenn, Dick & Mae Kyser / Abraham, Rebecca, Abbey & Ava Lutz
Dec 18	Jesse, Melissa, Matthew & Nathan Thompson, / Gregory, Mary Ann, Justin & Jared Hulbert, Dustin, Laura & Emma & Wyatt Burr
Dec 24	Al, Rachel, Emmett, Ali, Carissa & Bre Gordon, / Tom & Diane Pletz, Kim, Sam & Daniella Wetzel
Dec 25	Lisa Reece and Jesse & Colton Barto, Leland, Lauren, Ila & Mia Staples, / Karen & Bob Stratton, Peggy Rocco

“Gracious and Holy God you have blessed us with people of various gifts and abilities to worship and serve together as the body of Christ at Trinity. Continue to use each one of us to build up your earthly kingdom. Stir up your Holy Spirit within us that daily we may be your modern day disciples engaged in Worship, Service, Bible Reading, Prayer, Spiritual
Friendships, and Generous Giving. This we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

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Circle
News

All Ladies are welcome to join the Circle meetings at any time.
If you would like information regarding WELCA, please speak with Barb Guenther or Janice Grudowski.
Ladies, you are WELCA.
Act Boldly!

WELCA Circle News
The WELCA Circles will be
meeting together
at Shakespeare’s Restaurant on Wednesday, December 14th
at 11:00 a.m.
Old Christmas memories will be shared and new ones made!!
Come join us!

Advent Bible Study
We gather in-person, in the Augsburg Room on Tuesdays, November 29, December 6 and 13 for a three-week Advent Study entitled “FAITHFUL – Christmas Through the Eyes of Joseph”. The class will be led by Pastor Peggy Suhr-Barkley. Please either sign-up or call the church office if you are attending so we can get you a copy of the book.
This is what we will be looking at during our three weeks together:
Tuesday, November 29th – A Carpenter Named Joseph
Tuesday, December 6th – Whose Child Is This? & Raising a Child Not Your Own
Tuesday, December 13th – The Journey to Bethlehem
Invite a family member or friend to come and join us. What a wonderful way to Prepare our Hearts for the Coming of Jesus at Christmas, as we look at the Christmas story through the eyes of JOSEPH!

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Financial ¢ents

	Year to date
	October
	ACTUAL
Giving	144,676.92
Expenses	172,310.81
	-27,633.89

Sharing God’s Blessings

Financial Key
Actual = Giving less Expenses
Budget = the annual 2019 budget divided by YTD # of months
Giving = Monies received from giving, rent, interest, etc.
Expenses = Expenses to operate the church
A negative number means expenses have exceeded giving.

Website Link:
www.trinitylutheranellwoodcity.com

October Special Envelope Income
Capital Improvements - $1,465.00
Divine Grace (Holy Redeemer )
Ministerium Social Services - $176.00
Tom Turkey - $615.00
Boot Tree - $75.00
Deacon’s Fund - $200.00
Disaster Relief - $100.00
Salvation Army (Good Neighbor ) - $20.00
Good

Online Giving Option is NOW available
on our Church’s Website!

Volume 102, Issue 12

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Council Officers
President - Steve Duran
Vice President - Dave Blank
Secretary - Barb Beachem
Treasurer - Shariee Thalmann

Next Council Meeting
Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at 6:30

Council Tidbits
♦ Volunteers are needed for snow shoveling of sidewalks.
♦ December 18th - Sunday School Christmas Program.
♦ Congregation Meeting on Sunday, December 4th to approve the 2023 Mission & Ministry Plan. (Budget)
♦Organ Concert - Friday, December 9th at 7:00 p.m.
♦Bell Ringers for Salvation Army needed for Friday, December 2nd from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. at Shop and Save and Giant Eagle.

MINISTRY
TEAMS
Growth in Faith
Youth and Young Adult
Sara Nielson
Growing Stewards
Dollars and Cents
Hayden Slade
Food & Fun
Kim Hunter
Shepherding
Good Neighbor
Dave Blank
Building & Grounds
Bob Porter
Bryan Neghiu
Dave Blank
Word and Praise
Barb Beachem
Mutual Ministry
Scholarship
Debi Breit-Adams
Steve Duran
WELCA
Barb Guenther
Janice Grudowski

December Special Offering - Glade Run Lutheran Services

We’re on the Web www.trinitylutheranellwoodcity.com
View the monthly newsletter, calendar, worship leader assignments and upcoming events!
Look for the link to Like us on Facebook!

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Christmas Eve Worship – Saturday, December 24th – “O Holy Night!”
Special Music - 7:45 P.M. Candlelight, Communion Service – 8:00 P.M.
We gather on this special and holy night to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. Special music will begin at 7:45 p.m. and our worship service will begin at 8:00 p.m. Holy Communion will be celebrated. We will sing lots of Christmas hymns. A special children’s Christmas book will be read as we place the baby Jesus inside the manager. Christmas Eve worship is always a wonderful opportunity to invite neighbors, friends and family to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior! “Come and See!” “Come and Worship! Come and Worship! Worship Christ, the newborn King!”

Christmas Day Worship – Sunday, December 25th
On Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25th we will NOT be worshipping in person at Trinity. Worship on Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25th will be LIVESTREAMED. It will premiere at 9:00 a.m. What that means is that anytime from 9:00 a.m. on Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25th, or even the days after you can worship via Trinity’s Facebook Page. Also remember there are 12 days to the Season of Christmas, which begins on Christmas Day and ends on Thursday, January 5th.

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Special Days & Special People

December

DECEMBER
1 Justin Beachem
1 Zachary Zikeli
1 Megan Davis
2 Robert Zikeli
4 Cierra Madden
5 Leland Staples
5 Diane Pletz
5 Adam Neff
6 Alex Ussia, Jr
6 Sandy Ussia
7 Robert Porter
8 Denise Gerard
8 Michael Hunter
8 Robert Stratton
11 Matthew Davis
11 Dale Walker
11 Barbara Porter
11 Kingsley Bell-Kline
12 Mike Cavalier
12 Ila Staples
13 Jerry Boots
15 Steve Medarac
18 Nicole Neghiu
18 Baylee Berendt
21 Denise Boyd
25 JESUS CHRIST
25 Carrie Burnell
Christine Hunter
Camila Snider
28 Beth Kingston
31 Fred Ziegler
DECEMBER
ANNIVERSARIES –
7 Rich & Cindy Lind
24 John & Kim Hunter
27 Donna & Tom Minett
31 Kathie & Ritch Kiser

Birthday & Anniversary List
If you have not seen your Birthday or Anniversary appear in our newsletter and would like to have your special date announced, please contact the church office and let us know the details.

Youth Choir
Youth Choir Members will be practicing on Wednesday, December 7th at 6:15 p.m.
They will be singing “C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S” on Sunday, December 11th during the worship service.
Thank you for sharing your gift of music!

55+
Those of you 55 and older, friends and family are invited to join us for an Advent/Christmas activity. We will meet at the church at 12:30 p.m. You are asked to bring your favorite Christmas snack or hor d’oeurve to share. With Christmas music in the background each one of us and or couple will create their own Gingerbread House. (A $5 donation towards the house will be helpful.) Along with crafting and eating we will do some holiday sharing “What is your favorite Christmas hymn or Song?” “What was the best Christmas gift that you ever received?” “What is one Christmas tradition that you enjoy? “What is a Christmas memory that you would like to share?” There is a sign up sheet on the table in the educational wing so we know how many Ginger Bread houses to secure. What a festive way to be together as this special time of year! PLEASE think about joining us!

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GROWING STEWARDS
Continuing with the series of articles on the book “I AM A CHURCH MEMBER” by Thom S. Rainer; Chapter 5 is entitled “I WILL LEAD MY FAMILY TO BE HEALTHY CHURCH MEMBERS”.
As a church member, I am responsible for encouraging and leading my entire family to worship together in the church. If I am married, I seek to include my spouse. If I am a parent, I seek to include my children. My family must see my love for the church.
Many church members are single. They have no immediate family with whom they can worship in the church. Regardless, there are still people watching them and how they love the church. They are to be an example to others.
As a church member, I am not merely to like my church or serve my church well. I am to fall deeply in love with my church. Christ is the bridegroom, and the church is the bride. My commitment is to love that bride with an unwavering and unconditional love.
Unconditional love is not always easy. If someone is perfect and meets our every perceived need, it’s easy to think we love that person. But such love is one-way. It’s all about me and my needs. Unconditional love means I will continue to fall more deeply in love regardless of the response. It means my love for the church will grow even as I may disagree with something or encounter disagreeable people.
And as I grow more deeply in love with my church, I will do all I can in God’s power to bring my family with me. We will pray for our church leaders together. We will worship together. And we will serve together.
If our family gets discouraged or discontent in our church, we will remind ourselves that unconditional love is not always easy. But we will also remind ourselves that unconditional love has been demonstrated perfectly for us. His name is Jesus. He loves us, sins and all, so much that he died on a cross for us. “But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
The church is a family. Pledge your commitment to unite your family in love for your church. If your family members are believers who are part of the church, then you should seek to pray together for the church and to worship together. If there are unbelievers in your family, then you should seek to demonstrate a deep love for Christ’s church. Such love can influence them and move them closer to Christ. If you are a single person living alone, then you can be assured that others are watching you. How you love your church could have a significant spiritual impact on their lives.
Yours in Christ
Herb Guenther

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Children’s Christmas Program
During our 10:30 worship service on Sunday, December 18th our children and youth will be putting on our “annual” Christmas Program. Due to the pandemic, we have NOT had a children’s Christmas Program in several years, so this year it is extra special! The program is entitled “A Super Christmas”. It was one we did several years ago, and it was a favorite of our youth and congregation. In many ways our super heroes have aged. A big word of thanks to Sara Nielsen, our Superintendent of Sunday Schools, for getting the program together. Also, a word of thanks to Erik Nielsen, our students and their parents. You won’t want to miss “A Super Christmas!”

A Little Christmas “Break”!
We will not have Sunday School classes for our adults or our Sunday School Children and our Confirmands on Sunday, December 25th and Sunday, January 1st.
We will be back on Sunday, January 8th at 9:15 a.m.!

Year End Reports
Just a reminder that 2022 Year End Reports need to be into the church office by Friday, December 30th. Electronic copies would be best. Once Cindy receives your report, she will message you that it has been received. Financials need to be into the office as soon as possible into the New Year. If you have any questions, please reach our to our church secretary, Cindy Rosaci.

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2023 Church Offering Envelopes
Your church offering envelopes are out and on the table in the back of the church in the entry way. If for some reason your church envelope is not on the table, please notify the church office so we can give you envelopes for the New Year – 2023.
As you prayerfully consider “Giving Back to God” via your church offering, prayerfully consider these following questions …
*How much will I give back to God this year and how often will I give? (Some people give monthly, bi-monthly or weekly!)
*Will my offering to God be given back to God even if I do not attend church?
*Who might I grow in my giving back to God in 2023?
*What does it mean to give God my first fruits and not my “left overs”?
*Might electronic giving or giving through my bank be something I might want to consider this year?
“Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
II Corinthians 9:7

December Greeters
December 4 Betty Hardy
December 11 Bryan & Nicole Neghiu
December 18 Denise Gerard
December 24 Karla Gorgas

Many hands make light work!
We will be decorating the church for Christmas on Saturday, December 3rd starting at 9:30 a.m. If you could lend a hand, that would be great.

December Lay Lectors
December 4 Lori Ott
December 11 Joscelyn Curcio
December 18 Janice Grudowski
December 24 Hayden Slade

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Our Church

ATTENTION OWNERS OF THRIVENT PRODUCTS—If you pay premiums, you may be eligible for the “Thrivent Choice Dollars” program. This program allows you to direct earned dollars to charitable or other qualifying organizations. Our church is an acceptable organization. If you direct your dollars to Trinity, the monies go into the general fund. This is another way for you to help Trinity during these trying times. The only way you can utilize this program is online. You can find out if you qualify for the program as well as direct your dollars by registering at www.thrivent.com. You will need your Thrivent ID number (found on any statement) to register on right side of screen. Once signed in, click on “What we Offer” on the top of the page .On the next page select “Generosity” near the top of the page . Scroll down the page and click on “Thrivent Choice” and then “Direct Choice Dollars” at the bottom of the page. Follow prompts. You will need to check your “Choice Dollars” every so often and direct to your wishes because Thrivent will not automatically transfer them for you. While you are logged into Thrivent also check out the “Action Team” information. Our members have given thousands of dollars back to the community through this program. If you have questions or need help contact Barb Beachem.

Thrivent Mission in Action Cards!
Make a positive impact in your community! We all want to give back, but sometimes it’s hard to know where to begin. If you’re wondering how you can make a difference, Thrivent can help. Thrivent Action Teams are a great way to make a positive impact in your community. Simply gather a team of neighbors or friends for a fundraiser, educational event or service activity. Thrivent offers all the resources you need to get started, including up to $250 in seed money. Your team provides the passion that brings your project to life. Every Thrivent member who has certain Thrivent products are eligible for 2 - $250 Mission in Action Cards/year plus Choice Dollars.
If you have any questions about this please speak with Barb Beachem. Every year our Thrivent members use their Mission in Action Cards to further God’s Kingdom here on earth both within our church and outside our church!

Money Canvas!
At a day and time still to be determined we will offer a Zoom meeting to introduce you to one of Thrivent’s programs called “Money Canvas”. You don’t have to be a Thrivent member to join the Zoom gathering or to participant in the follow up. Money Canvas is intended to help individuals, one on one, with their financial management. There is no obligation to purchase any Thrivent project. More details will be in the January newsletter!

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Investing in Your Future – Thrivent Credit Union
Thrivent Credit Union (TCU) helps people achieve financial clarity by providing access to banking products and services that help bring balance to spending, purpose to saving, and intention to managing debt. Thrivent Credit Union strives to put you at the center of everything we do, providing impeccable service and competitive rates, so you can make financial choices aligned with your values and priorities.
For more information Google …. Thrivent Credit Union!
Or call - Member Service Center 866-226-5225.
Check out the C.D. terms below (As of 11/16/2022)
Eligibility – Any Thrivent client with associate or benefit membership is eligible to bank with Thrivent Credit Union. Don’t have a membership yet? Don’t’ worry. You’ll receive associate Thrivent membership when you apply for an account with Thrivent Credit Union – and they will even waive the $19.95. With membership, you will be a part of Thrivent, a membership-owned fraternal organization – and a holistic financial services organization dedicated to helping clients achieve financial clarity by focusing on your needs, goals and priorities.

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8th Annual Organ Concert
Our 8th Annual Christmas Organ Concert will be held on Friday, December 9th at 7:00 p.m. This musical concert will lift your Spirits and prepare you for the 2022 Christmas Season! A social time will follow. You are asked to bring 2 dozen cookies for a time of fellowship afterwards. Invite your neighbors, friends and family!

Christmas Monetary Gift for our Staff
Once again, we have the opportunity to remember our church staff at Christmas time with a monetary gift. Envelopes will be on the table in the educational wing marked “Staff Christmas Gift”. You can also place money in your own envelope and mark on the outside “Staff Christmas Gift.” Cash is important, instead of a check. The money that is collected will be divided equally with all our staff; Pastor Peggy Suhr-Barkley, Cindy Rosaci, Joyce Hart, Barb DeCooman and Erik Nielsen. We also give a small monetary gift to our LARK helper, Michael. Thank you for prayerfully considering how you might want to bless our staff at Christmas!

Christmas Caroling –
Saturday, December 10th
On Saturday, December 10th at 4:00 P.M., we will meet at the church to Christmas carol around our church neighborhood, for an hour or so. Along with singing the songs of the season, we plan to drop off a Christmas card to each home, along with information about the church and an invite to Christmas Eve Worship on Saturday, December 24th.
After Christmas Caroling, we will return to the church for a light supper. There is conversation about Chili or Walking Tacos, beverage and dessert. Of course, we will serve Hot Chocolate! The evening is planned to conclude between 6:00 – 6:15.
What a wonderful way to bring holiday cheer to those in our church neighborhood!

Altar Guild
December 4 - Sandy Blank
December 11 - Kim Hunter
December 18 - Barb Beachem
December 24 - Barb Guenther

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Ellwood City
Salvation Army Kettle Drive
Rotary Club of Ellwood City is assisting the Salvation Army with their Holiday Kettle Drive this year. They are asking all local churches, organizations, and businesses to please consider signing up to ring the bell.
Trinity Lutheran Church has signed up to ring bells on Friday, December 2nd at both at Giant Eagle and Dave’s Hometown Shop-n-Save. Please visit the church’s website to pick an open time slot or two, or at http://www.trinitylutheranellwoodcity.com or call the church office. If you are unable to get out to the Kettles this year and would like to make a donation, please send a check to the church along with your offering. In the memo portion write "Salvation Army".
This is a wonderful way to give back to our community and to help our neighbors in need. 87% of the money collected in the kettles stays in our community and is used to help local families with things like utility assistance and groceries.
Ring a bell... Help change a life!
We will be ringing at both Giant Eagle and Dave's Hometown Shop n' Save; choose one location or both!

Baptism of our Lord Sunday
On Sunday, January 8th we will be presenting a small gift to those who were baptized in 2022. More will be said in our January newsletter as well as a listing of name(s). Letters will be sent out some time in December informing families about this event.

Annual Reports
All those of you who are responsible for year-end reports, please remember that the reports need to be in the church office by Friday, December 30th.
Please email them to the office at triquet2@zoominternet.net.

Congregation Meeting to
Approve our 2023 Mission and Ministry Plan (Church Budget)
December 4th, 2022, After worship
There will be a Congregation Meeting on Sunday, December 4th, immediately after our 10:30 worship service to approve our 2023 Mission and Ministry Plan (Church Budget). A copy of the 2023 Mission and Ministry Plan will be in your December newsletter and will also be sent out electronically the Thursday before the meeting.

Please remember to have your newsletter articles into the church office no later than the 15th of the month to ensure they will be printed in the next month’s publication. Email articles to triquet2@zoominternet.net Thank You!

Food Cupboard Items for December
Pasta sauce
Canned fruits
Cereal

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Our Church

Building & Grounds
Help is needed for the winter
months. Please speak with
Bob Porter if you can help keep
the sidewalks snow-free on Sundays.
A snow blower, gas to fill the blower and salt are provided. Thank you in advance for your help!

Pastor Peggy Suhr Barkley
Out of the Office
Pastor Peggy will be out of the office
December 26th - January 2th. She will return to the office on Tuesday, January 3rd.
In case of pastoral care you may call
Pastor Dave Snyder at 724-987-8708.

A blessed Advent, a Merry Christmas,
and a Happy & Healthy New Year!
Together in the Waiting,
Watching and Celebrating.
Trinity Lutheran Church Staff,
Pastor Peggy Suhr-Barkley,
Cindy Rosaci
Joyce Hart
David Spielvogel II
Barb DeCooman
and Eric Nielson

2007 – 2023
At our November Church Council Meeting, Pastor Peggy Suhr-Barkley shared with the church council that she would be retiring sometime in the New Year, 2023. A definite date has not yet been set. Pastor Peggy will be here to confirm our 9th Graders in 2023. (The date of Confirmation still needs to be set! Traditionally, we have confirmed our youth at Trinity on Pentecost Sunday. In 2023, Pentecost Sunday is Sunday, May 28th, Memorial Day Weekend.) At the end of 2022, Pastor Peggy Suhr-Barkley will have served 16 years as pastor at Trinity.

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The Triquetra

Welcome Gebhart Family!
On Sunday, December 4th during our worship service we will be receiving into our Trinity Church Family The Gebhart Family; Julia, Tim, Charlotte and Jacob, via The Affirmation of Baptism Service. We are very blessed to have the Gerhart's be a part of our Beloved Community at Trinity. Tim has already taught our adult Sunday School Class and Jacob is singing in our Children’s Choir. Welcome Julia, Tim, Charlotte and Jacob! We look forward to worshipping, serving, learning and growing together!

Community Happenings
Let There Be Lights
Friday, December 2nd from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Live music in plaza and on municipal building steps. Tree lighting and fireworks at 7:45 p.m.
Christmas In The Park
Ewing Park’s drive-through light display is a Holiday tradition for our community. The display is open December 3rd - 23rd.
The Boar’s Head Festival
A celebration in music and pageantry of the birth of Jesus Christ held at Christ Presbyterian Church. Tickets are available on Saturday, December 3rd at 5:00 & 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 4th at 3 p.m. & 5:00 p.m.

A New Home for The Holy Family - Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus!
Several years ago, we received an anonymous gift of the Holy Family: Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus that is placed up front in our chancel area for Advent and Christmas. On Christmas Eve we place the baby Jesus in the manger. One year, we had to find him first inside the communion bread. (Remember … Bethlehem means “House of Bread”.) This year, thanks to Justin Beachem, the Holy Family has a new home, a stable, a place “to hang out”. Thank you Justin Beachem!
With their new home we offer this blessing … “Blessed are you, O Lord our God, ruler of the universe. With Mary and Joseph, with the angels and shepherds, and with the animals in the stable we gather around your Son, born for us. Bless us, and fill us with joy and wonder as we look upon this manger scene. May Jesus be born in our lives, that we might share his love with all the world, for he is our light and our salvation. Blessed be God forever. Amen!”

Volume 102, Issue 12

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The Triquetra

2023 Ministry and Mission Plan - Page 1 of 4

									Ministry	Ministry
									& Mission	& Mission
									Plan	Plan
						2020	2021		2022	2023
	Ordinary Income/Expense
			Income
				41400 · Transfer from Bequest		0.00	7,613.96
				41600 · Loan Forgiveness Proceeds		28,207.50	0.00
				41300 · Transfer from Funds		0.00	0.00
				40000 · Budget Giving
					40010 · Regular Giving	169,354.07	176,817.00
					40015 · Loose Offering	375.00	329.45
					40020 · Sunday School offering	876.00	544.00
					40030 · Other Donations	0.00	0.00
					40025 · Special/Holiday Giving	3,615.00	10,310.00
				Total 40000 · Budget Giving		202,427.57	195,614.41		0.00	0.00
				41000 · Church Building Rent		260.00	790.00
			Total Income			202,687.57	196,404.41		0.00	0.00
		Gross Profit				202,687.57	196,404.41		0.00	0.00
			Expense
				50000 · Charitable Contributions
					50100 · Synod - Regular Benevolence	13,067.14	13,867.06		15,243.73	15,332.68
					66900 · Reconciliation Discrepancies	0.00	0.00		0.00	0.00
					50200 · Other Charitable Contributions	0.00	0.00		0.00	0.00
				Total 50000 · Charitable Contributions		13,067.14	13,867.06		15,243.73	15,332.68
				51000 · Maintenance / Property
					51090 · Debt Service	0.00	0.00		8,800.00	4,552.48
					51010 · Church Building Repairs	918.46	958.95		1,250.00	1,000.00
					51020 · Church Inspections	375.45	323.70		500.00	600.00
					51030 · Musical Instrument Tuning	0.00	220.30		200.00	250.00
					51040 · Garage Repairs	0.00	0.00		50.00	50.00
					51050 · Grounds Expense	1,060.00	520.42		1,250.00	1,250.00
					51060 · Janitorial Expense	382.25	408.03		450.00	650.00
					51070 · Property/Liability Insurance	7,956.38	8,070.44		8,300.00	8,500.00
					51080 · Taxes - Property	1,179.16	1,179.16		1,200.00	1,250.00
				Total 51000 · Maintenance / Property		11,871.70	11,681.00		22,000.00	18,102.48

Volume 102, Issue 12

Page #

2023 Ministry and Mission Plan - Page 2 of 4

									Ministry		Ministry
									& Mission		& Mission
									Plan		Plan
						2020	2021		2022		2023

				52000 · Utilities
					52080 · Parsonage Water	0.00	0.00		0.00	0.00
					52075 · Parsonage Electricity/Sewage	0.00	0.00		0.00	0.00
					52070 · Parsonage Gas	0.00	0.00		0.00	0.00
					52010 · Church electricity/sewage	4,060.05	3,617.71		4,500.00	4,800.00
					52020 · Church gas	10,326.00	10,240.83		11,268.00	16,272.00
					52030 · Church Water	692.05	639.44		700.00	1,000.00
					52040 · Church Telephone	1,035.00	1,035.00		1,150.00	1,150.00
					52050 · Church Trash Removal	307.64	329.24		350.00	400.00
					52060 · Garage electricity	203.25	204.96		250.00	250.00
				Total 52000 · Utilities		16,623.99	16,067.18		18,218.00	23,872.00
				53000 · Word & Praise
					53010 · Hymn Copyrights	300.00	279.77		300.00	300.00
					53015 · Senior Choir Music	0.00	0.00		0.00	0.00
					53020 · Youth Choir Music	0.00	0.00		0.00	0.00
					53025 · Bulletin Software	454.95	488.95		455.00	500.00
					53030 · Devotional Handouts	231.20	267.20		300.00	300.00
					53035 · Altar Guild Supplies	13.59	0.00		75.00	50.00
					53050 · Flowers	0.00	15.00		75.00	75.00
					53055 · Special Musicians	0.00	0.00		100.00	0.00
					53060 · Communion Expense	25.50	107.98		150.00	150.00
					53065 · Word & Praise - Other	33.80	214.96		175.00	150.00
				Total 53000 · Word & Praise		1,059.04	1,373.86		1,630.00	1,525.00
				54000 · Growth in Faith
					54035 * Adult Education	121.93	65.69		100.00	100.00
					54025 * Cradle Roll	0.00	0.00		100.00	100.00
					54015 * Bibles	0.00	248.42		125.00	150.00
					54010 · Sunday School Expense	0.00	416.02		750.00	600.00
					54020 · Confirmation Expense	40.26	263.61		250.00	500.00
					54030 · First Communion Class	0.00	0.00		200.00	150.00
					54040 · Library Expense	0.00	0.00		0.00	0.00
					54050 · Summer Camp Scholarship	(10.00)	0.00		0.00	0.00
					54060 · Vacation Bible School	(5.00)	(20.00)		100.00	0.00
					54070 · Miscellaneous Growth in Faith	0.00	0.00		0.00	0.00
				Total 54000 · Growth in Faith		147.19	973.74		1,625.00	1,600.00

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2023 Ministry and Mission Plan - Page 3 of 4

									Ministry		Ministry
									& Mission		& Mission
									Plan		Plan
						2020	2021		2022		2023

				55000 · Other Programs
					55010 · Shepherding	0.00	38.64		150.00	150.00
					55020 · Dollars & Sense	551.06	524.28		750.00	750.00
					55030 · Food & Fun	457.49	0.00		1,250.00	1,100.00
					55040 · Good Neighbor	20.00	84.45		250.00	350.00
					55050 · Teen Team	0.00	0.00		350.00	50.00
					55060 · Synod Assembly Expenses	63.00	53.00		700.00	750.00
					55070 · Vision Team	0.00	0.00		0.00	0.00
				Total 55000 · Other Programs		1,091.55	700.37		3,450.00	3,150.00
				56000 · Office Expenses
					56035 · Copying Expense	786.59	843.96		1,350.00	1,350.00
					56060 · Brochures, Spiritual Resources	548.16	448.83		500.00	500.00
					56055 · Dues & Subscriptions	25.00	25.00		25.00	0.00
					56005 · Payroll Software	650.00	650.00		700.00	1,200.00
					56010 · Postage and Delivery	1,104.40	1,665.19		1,500.00	1,500.00
					56020 · Office Supplies	664.72	640.85		1,400.00	1,400.00
					New Equipment Expense	0.00	0.00		0.00	0.00
					56030 · Office Equipment Contracts	0.00	0.00		0.00	0.00
					56040 · Computer and Internet Expenses	1,285.40	1,285.40		1,400.00	1,400.00
					56050 · Office Expenses - Other	0.00	0.00		0.00	0.00
				Total 56000 · Office Expenses		5,064.27	5,559.23		6,875.00	7,350.00
				61000 · Salaries
					61010 · Salary - Pastor	39,780.00	39,780.00		40,000.00	41,694.01
					61020 · Salary - Secretary	11,790.00	11,959.92		12,480.00	12,480.00
					61030 · Salary - Custodian	11,440.08	11,959.92		12,480.00	12,480.00
					61040 · Salary - Music Director	11,599.92	11,599.92		11,600.00	11,600.00
					61050 · Salary - Youth Choir Director	1,550.04	1,550.04		1,550.00	1,550.00
					61060 · Salary - Bookkeeper	2,166.71	2,000.04		2,000.00	2,000.00
					61070 · Supply Pastors	437.15	1,241.60		1,500.00	1,500.00
					61080 · Supply Organists	0.00	0.00		0.00	0.00
					61090 · LARK Temp	565.50	174.00		174.00	174.00
					61015 · Internship Support				0.00	0.00
					61000 · Salaries Other	0.00	0.00		0.00	0.00
				Total 61000 · Salaries		79,329.40	80,265.44		81,784.00	83,478.01

Volume 102, Issue 12

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2023 Ministry and Mission Plan - Page 4 of 4

									Ministry		Ministry
									& Mission		& Mission
									Plan		Plan
						2020	2021		2022		2023

				62000 · Benefits & Compliance
					62023 · Life Insurance Expense	397.32	397.32		560.00	521.40
					62032 · Survivor - Pastor	0.00	0.00		0.00	0.00
					62010 · FICA - Pastor	4,343.04	4,343.04		4,760.00	4,986.00
					62015 · FICA - Other Employees	2,992.09	3,002.17		3,081.73	3,081.73
					62020 · Pension - Pastor	11,921.28	16,462.68		16,799.40	16,944.24
					62025 · Disability Insurance - Pastor	851.52	851.52		809.00	586.56
					62030 · Health Insurance - Pastor	17,370.96	18,222.48		14,523.16	11,274.36
					62035 · Synod Retiree Support	198.66	0.00		0.00	0.00
					62040 · Continuing Education/Prof Exp	962.92	1,395.50		1,400.00	1,400.00
					62045 · Workers' Compensation	174.75	832.75		850.00	600.00
					62050 · Car Allowance - Pastor	7,274.40	7,274.40		7,274.50	7,274.00
					62055 · Housing Allowance - Pastor	12,644.88	12,644.88		17,460.00	18,490.00
					62060 · Pastor's Publications	110.68	199.08		200.00	200.00
				Total 62000 · Benefits & Compliance		59,242.50	65,625.82		67,717.79	65,358.29
				65100 · Other Types of Expenses
					65126 · Penalties	7.95	7.95		0.00	0.00
					65127 · Credit Card Fees	290.58	319.18		225.00	225.00
					65125 · Bank Fees	46.68	2.00		50.00	50.00
				Total 61500 · Other Types of Expenses		345.21	329.13		275.00	275.00
			Total Expense			187,841.99	196,442.83		218,818.52	220,043.46
	Net Ordinary Income					14,845.58	(38.42)		(218,818.52)	(220,043.46)
	Other Income/Expense
		Other Income
			70200 · Interest Income			55.64	38.42		50.00	0.00
		Total Other Income				55.64	38.42		50.00	0.00
		Other Expense
			71000 · Interest Expense			0.00	0.00		0.00	0.00
		Total Other Expense				0.00	0.00		0.00	0.00
	Net Other Income					55.64	38.42		50.00	0.00
Net Income						14,901.22	0.00		(218,768.52)	(220,043.46)
					Transfer to balance Ministry & Mission Plan
					Bequest	0.00	(7,613.96)
					Funds	0.00	0.00
						$14,901.22	($7,613.96)

Trinity lutheran church

207 Spring Ave
Ellwood City PA 16117
724-752-3050
triquet2@zoominternet.net
www.TrinityLutheranEllwoodCity.com

Return Service Requested

Time Sensitive Material—Please do not delay delivery

The “Triquetra” is published monthly. Please submit articles to the church office
before the 15th of each month. Email your articles to: triquet2@zoominternet.net

2023 Devotional Books—Word & Season or Christ in Our Home
Devotional Books will be available quarterly for the New Year on the table in the educational wing or they can be mailed to your home. They will have your name(s) on them and there will also be some extras for people to have. So the church office can best order the correct amount for our congregation, please take a few moments to call the church office or fill out the form below and return it to the church office. These devotional books come out quarterly (Jan – March, April – June, July – Sept., Oct. – December). If you are able, you might want to give a donation to help cover your devotional book(s). Word & Season - $1.40/quarter or $5.60/year. Christ in our Home (Large Print) $2.90/quarter or $11.60/year.

_____________________________ I/We would like to receive devotional materials in the New Year 2022.
(Name/s)
Please reserve me ____ copy/copies “Word & Season”
Please reserve me ____ copy/copies “Christ in our Home”
Enclosed please find a donation of ____________ to help cover the cost of the devotional materials.
(Please call or return this form to the church office)

And to Everyone Celebrating a
December Wedding Anniversary!

Almighty God, you wonderfully created the dignity of human nature and yet more wonderfully restored it. In your mercy, let us share the divine life of the one who came to share our humanity, Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Term (Months)	Dividend Rate (%)	APY (%)
3	1.29	1.30
6	1.64	1.65
9	1.73	1.75
12	2.23	2.25
18	2.27	2.30
24	2.37	2.40
30	2.47	2.50
36	2.57	2.60
48	2.66	2.70
60	3.05	3.10