Music on the Blacktop 2010 -
Wednesday - August 25 - 6:30 p.m.
Live Music • Free Ice Cream • Christians Having Fun
*And join us for our Preschool Book Fair and Blood Drive
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
TiM Farewell
Farewell Letter from Pastor Emmy
When my time began here, many of you said two years would go by quickly. I didn’t believe you, but you were right. These past two years have been filled with learning and growing. You warmly welcomed me and encouraged me during my time in your midst. At a recent retreat, a presenter invited our group to think about experiences using our five senses. As I prepare to leave Trinity Lutheran Church, here are some of sights, sounds, smells, feels and tastes I will carry with me.
Trinity Lutheran Church…
• looks like sleepy 6th-8th graders tromping into the building on dark Wednesday mornings for release time, an overflowing sanctuary on Christmas Eve, hands creating quilts and small groups of people gathered together in a variety of places throughout the week.
• sounds like children in the daycare playing, the buzz of caring conversation, laughter, organ music, the Worship, Too! Band with saxophone riffs and two-hundred people praying the Lord’s Prayer in unison.
• smells like Easter Lilies, coffee brewing, 9th graders piled in a bus on the way to Camp Emmaus, fresh winter breezes and warm summer sunshine.
feels like solid handshakes, caring hugs, tears of compassion, soft prayer shawls and baptismal water droplets.
• tastes like Music on the Blacktop ice-cream with many toppings, open faced cheez-whiz sandwiches with a green olive in the middle, Wednesday night pizza with youth and Sunday morning bread & wine.
Through you, the people of Trinity Lutheran Church, I experienced Christian community in new ways. You make the good news of Jesus Christ come alive in vibrant, life giving ways. Words of thanksgiving fall short in expressing my gratitude for the time I have shared in this community. I can simply say - what a joy it’s been to share life with you! I wrap up my time as your pastor in the middle of July. Later this summer, I will begin sharing in ministry with Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Valley City, ND as an associate pastor. In these bittersweet days, I give thanks for my time with you and look forward to engaging in mission with a new community, knowing that my experiences created a solid foundation for me as I continue in ministry.
Pastor Emmy
When my time began here, many of you said two years would go by quickly. I didn’t believe you, but you were right. These past two years have been filled with learning and growing. You warmly welcomed me and encouraged me during my time in your midst. At a recent retreat, a presenter invited our group to think about experiences using our five senses. As I prepare to leave Trinity Lutheran Church, here are some of sights, sounds, smells, feels and tastes I will carry with me.
Trinity Lutheran Church…
• looks like sleepy 6th-8th graders tromping into the building on dark Wednesday mornings for release time, an overflowing sanctuary on Christmas Eve, hands creating quilts and small groups of people gathered together in a variety of places throughout the week.
• sounds like children in the daycare playing, the buzz of caring conversation, laughter, organ music, the Worship, Too! Band with saxophone riffs and two-hundred people praying the Lord’s Prayer in unison.
• smells like Easter Lilies, coffee brewing, 9th graders piled in a bus on the way to Camp Emmaus, fresh winter breezes and warm summer sunshine.
feels like solid handshakes, caring hugs, tears of compassion, soft prayer shawls and baptismal water droplets.
• tastes like Music on the Blacktop ice-cream with many toppings, open faced cheez-whiz sandwiches with a green olive in the middle, Wednesday night pizza with youth and Sunday morning bread & wine.
Through you, the people of Trinity Lutheran Church, I experienced Christian community in new ways. You make the good news of Jesus Christ come alive in vibrant, life giving ways. Words of thanksgiving fall short in expressing my gratitude for the time I have shared in this community. I can simply say - what a joy it’s been to share life with you! I wrap up my time as your pastor in the middle of July. Later this summer, I will begin sharing in ministry with Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Valley City, ND as an associate pastor. In these bittersweet days, I give thanks for my time with you and look forward to engaging in mission with a new community, knowing that my experiences created a solid foundation for me as I continue in ministry.
Pastor Emmy
Farewell Letter from Valerie Nielsen
Dear Trinity Friends,
When my husband Ron and I moved to Moorhead, we visited one church that fall… Trinity. We joined soon thereafter. It was a good decision! Little did I realize the wealth of blessing in store for both of us, but especially for me after being hired to work on Trinity’s staff with Small Group Ministry and the Transition into Ministry Program. Working alongside the people of Trinity, the many gifted leaders, the pastors and staff has been among the greatest of blessings in my life. For this I am very grateful and I will forever treasure the people and the memories that I will carry with me.
At the end of July, we will be moving from the community to our new home in Plymouth, Minnesota. We will be nearer our children and our precious grandchild, and this part of our plan gives us great joy! It is with a heavy heart, however, that we leave Trinity. There are few words that could truly express my gratitude for the tremendous support, enthusiasm, and caring concern shown over the years for Small Group Ministry, TiM, and for me personally. So I simply say thank you for the privilege and thanks be to God! I will miss you!
Peace and Joy,
Valerie Nielsen
Pastor Marsha
Farewell Letter from Pastor Marsha
Dear friends in Christ,
As you all know too well, two years go by quickly! I can hardly believe I am saying farewell to all of my dear friends and colleagues here at Trinity. As I think back on our time together, I think of so many ministries and so many good times we had together. I think of traveling to Haiti, building a Habitat house, selling fair trade coffee, hunger banquets, small groups, meals together, chatting in the hallways of Trinity, worshiping together, and being united with all of you around the communion table each week. With all of that and more running through my mind and heart, I am full of gratitude. Thank you for welcoming me into this community and for helping me figure out what it means to be a pastor. Thank you for your hospitality to me and for your continued hospitality to first-call pastors. Supporting first-call pastors is an important ministry for which Trinity is uniquely suited, and I hope you will continue to nurture young pastors for many years to come.
As for what is next for me, my last Sunday at Trinity will be June 13, and then I will return to Moorhead for the TiM farewell celebration on Sunday, July 11. And on a happier note, I will be married on June 19 to Brian Ballantine. We are incredibly excited to begin this new chapter of our life together and to finally live in the same city! I will be moving to Berkeley, CA, where Brian is pursuing an MDiv at the Jesuit School of Theology, and I will serve as a hospital chaplain at Alta Bates Medical Center in Berkeley for at least one year. After that, who knows!
Life is truly an adventure, and I am so glad I got to spend part of my adventure with all of you. Thank you for being a blessing to me and to many others. I carry you with me as I go – full of lessons-learned, joy and struggles shared, and full of the love of our Lord Jesus, which brings us together and then inevitably sends us out to live our faith boldly in new and exciting ways. I will miss you, but I know that whether we are in Minnesota or California, we are there with God who unites us in the body of Christ.
Grace and peace to you all,
Pastor Marsha
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Trinity Lutheran Church to Show “For the Bible Tells Me So”
MOORHEAD, MN – Trinity Lutheran Church (Moorhead, MN) and Vision of Hope in Action (VOHIA) will be showing a special screening of the documentary “For the Bible Tells Me So” on Sunday, November 15, from 3 until 6 p.m., the church announced last week.
Released in 2007, “For the Bible Tells Me So” is an award-winning documentary dealing with the views on the reconciliation between scripture and same-gender orientation and its conflict within the church. Detailing five different families, the film includes interviews with Congressman Richard Gephardt and Bishop Gene Robinson.
VOHIA is the local chapter of Lutherans Concerned/North America. Its goal is to be an active voice for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered community and be an advocate for acceptance and fill participation in all ministries of the church.
The movie comes of interest due to the recent issues surrounding the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) decisions regarding homosexuals in the ministry at the recent Churchwide Assembly.
“In light of recent decisions, it is important to keep conversation about these issues going,” Trinity Pastor Marsha Anderson said. “What is significant about this film is that it not only highlights how religious families have dealt with LGBT issues, but also delves into what the Bible has to say about it. Whether you agree or disagree with this film, we at Trinity hope it will provide a healthy, respectful forum for dialogue, and we are glad VOHIA is holding this event at our church.”
The viewing will be in the Fellowship Hall at Trinity Lutheran Church at 210 7th Street South in Moorhead. All ages are welcome and there will be time for discussion following the film.
Released in 2007, “For the Bible Tells Me So” is an award-winning documentary dealing with the views on the reconciliation between scripture and same-gender orientation and its conflict within the church. Detailing five different families, the film includes interviews with Congressman Richard Gephardt and Bishop Gene Robinson.
VOHIA is the local chapter of Lutherans Concerned/North America. Its goal is to be an active voice for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered community and be an advocate for acceptance and fill participation in all ministries of the church.
The movie comes of interest due to the recent issues surrounding the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) decisions regarding homosexuals in the ministry at the recent Churchwide Assembly.
“In light of recent decisions, it is important to keep conversation about these issues going,” Trinity Pastor Marsha Anderson said. “What is significant about this film is that it not only highlights how religious families have dealt with LGBT issues, but also delves into what the Bible has to say about it. Whether you agree or disagree with this film, we at Trinity hope it will provide a healthy, respectful forum for dialogue, and we are glad VOHIA is holding this event at our church.”
The viewing will be in the Fellowship Hall at Trinity Lutheran Church at 210 7th Street South in Moorhead. All ages are welcome and there will be time for discussion following the film.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Trinity’s Singleton Making Good Things Happen at Augustana
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Beth Singleton left Trinity Lutheran Church and Moorhead, MN, some time in 2005 with a true passion and big things in mind. She wanted to make a difference.
She took her abilities to Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D., and it didn’t take the private liberal arts school long to take notice.
Singleton was recently named the winner of the 2009 Augustana Covenant Award for Christian Faith, an award given out each year to a recipient that best exemplifies, among other things, an active integration of faith and his or her own actions.
The Covenant Award has become a major honor at Augustana. It is given out five times each year, one award for each of the College’s five core values: Christian, Liberal Arts, Excellence, Community and Service. A committee of faculty and staff reviewed applications from the entire campus community before giving the honor to Singleton.
“It’s a big honor,” Singleton said about the award in a phone conversation. “It’s an honor to be nominated. A lot of the other nominees are friends of mine.”
Singleton chose religion and philosophy as her areas of interest when she arrived at Augustana. Following graduation this upcoming spring, she will look into attending the seminary.
It has all been part of a process.
Beth is the daughter of Trinity members Cal and Cathy Singleton and Beth spent time growing up around Trinity.
“It’s very satisfying to see her get this award,” Cal said. “To see what she is striving for. She is accomplishing her goals quite nicely and it’s nice to see her succeed.”
And what Beth is striving for fits nicely into what Augustana looks to honor with its annual Covenant Award.
The committee responsible for selecting a winner was asked to consider the following values upon choosing: Students who are in search of a calling that honors the Christian faith, integrating faith and actions, seeing their life journey as part of a bigger tapestry, a growth in faith with Christ and students who are comfortable discussing faith with others.
Considering how Singleton fits these values, her performance academically and past honors and involvements, the selection may have seemed obvious this time around for Augustana.
Singleton is also the serving president of the Augustana Congregation and is chairing meetings of the Campus Ministry staff. Last spring she was selected to receive the 2009 Fund for Theological Education (FTE) Undergraduate Fellowship, awarding students who have leadership gifts and are exploring the possibility of ministry.
The list goes on and on.
Considering all of this, Singleton could not only be considered a very deserving winner of the Covenant Award, but also a potential spokesperson for the overall mission and goals of Augustana College, which is centered on displaying the aforementioned five core values.
“It’s investing in the community and understanding others opinions,” Singleton added concerning the Covenant Award. “I have a curiosity for religion and faith and the religion department at Augustana brought me here. I was really impressed by them.”
And it’s safe to say Augustana has been equally impressed with her.
She took her abilities to Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D., and it didn’t take the private liberal arts school long to take notice.
Singleton was recently named the winner of the 2009 Augustana Covenant Award for Christian Faith, an award given out each year to a recipient that best exemplifies, among other things, an active integration of faith and his or her own actions.
The Covenant Award has become a major honor at Augustana. It is given out five times each year, one award for each of the College’s five core values: Christian, Liberal Arts, Excellence, Community and Service. A committee of faculty and staff reviewed applications from the entire campus community before giving the honor to Singleton.
“It’s a big honor,” Singleton said about the award in a phone conversation. “It’s an honor to be nominated. A lot of the other nominees are friends of mine.”
Singleton chose religion and philosophy as her areas of interest when she arrived at Augustana. Following graduation this upcoming spring, she will look into attending the seminary.
It has all been part of a process.
Beth is the daughter of Trinity members Cal and Cathy Singleton and Beth spent time growing up around Trinity.
“It’s very satisfying to see her get this award,” Cal said. “To see what she is striving for. She is accomplishing her goals quite nicely and it’s nice to see her succeed.”
And what Beth is striving for fits nicely into what Augustana looks to honor with its annual Covenant Award.
The committee responsible for selecting a winner was asked to consider the following values upon choosing: Students who are in search of a calling that honors the Christian faith, integrating faith and actions, seeing their life journey as part of a bigger tapestry, a growth in faith with Christ and students who are comfortable discussing faith with others.
Considering how Singleton fits these values, her performance academically and past honors and involvements, the selection may have seemed obvious this time around for Augustana.
Singleton is also the serving president of the Augustana Congregation and is chairing meetings of the Campus Ministry staff. Last spring she was selected to receive the 2009 Fund for Theological Education (FTE) Undergraduate Fellowship, awarding students who have leadership gifts and are exploring the possibility of ministry.
The list goes on and on.
Considering all of this, Singleton could not only be considered a very deserving winner of the Covenant Award, but also a potential spokesperson for the overall mission and goals of Augustana College, which is centered on displaying the aforementioned five core values.
“It’s investing in the community and understanding others opinions,” Singleton added concerning the Covenant Award. “I have a curiosity for religion and faith and the religion department at Augustana brought me here. I was really impressed by them.”
And it’s safe to say Augustana has been equally impressed with her.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Lend a Hand in a Time of Need
The following blog was submitted by Pastor Marsha Anderson, who is one of six Pastors at Trinity.
Lately, two of the biggest items in the news have been HEALTH CARE and the ECONOMY. And, few people know that Trinity has a fund that can help with both!
The Lend a Hand fund is set aside for people who are experiencing financial hardship due to a medical event. It is especially true for Trinity members, or people who are closely associated with our congregation.
There are several different situations that the Lend a Hand fund can help with. A person is likely to qualify if they have non-covered catastrophic medical expenses, non-covered prescriptions or equipment associated with a catastrophic illness or injury, or dislocation costs resulting from medical care received out-of-area (i.e. transportation, lodging, food, childcare costs).
In order to receive funds, an application form must be completed (available in the church office). After that is turned in to the church office, a small committee reviews the application to determine eligibility and level of funding. The maximum amount is $5,000 per family per year. If funding is approved, the minimum amount is $250. And, of course, the application and the committee’s decisions are confidential. In order to receive funds, the applicant must be a resident of Clay or Cass County.
The Lend a Hand fund was established in 2008 as a result of a partnership between Trinity and the Dakota Medical Foundation (DMF).
Through Lend a Hand, we are also able to hold fundraisers at Trinity to help a person or family in need, with potential matching funds from DMF. If such an event would be helpful to your family or to someone you know, please talk with a pastor or a parish nurse.
You can donate to Trinity’s Lend a Hand fund at any time. One option is to simply write a check to Trinity with ‘Lend a Hand’ in the memo line. Or, you can donate online: Visit www.dakmed.org/lendahand. Click ‘learn more/make a donation’ at the top of the page. Scroll to the bottom of the page. Next to ‘Trinity Lutheran Church of Moorhead’ click ‘donate now.’
Lately, two of the biggest items in the news have been HEALTH CARE and the ECONOMY. And, few people know that Trinity has a fund that can help with both!
The Lend a Hand fund is set aside for people who are experiencing financial hardship due to a medical event. It is especially true for Trinity members, or people who are closely associated with our congregation.
There are several different situations that the Lend a Hand fund can help with. A person is likely to qualify if they have non-covered catastrophic medical expenses, non-covered prescriptions or equipment associated with a catastrophic illness or injury, or dislocation costs resulting from medical care received out-of-area (i.e. transportation, lodging, food, childcare costs).
In order to receive funds, an application form must be completed (available in the church office). After that is turned in to the church office, a small committee reviews the application to determine eligibility and level of funding. The maximum amount is $5,000 per family per year. If funding is approved, the minimum amount is $250. And, of course, the application and the committee’s decisions are confidential. In order to receive funds, the applicant must be a resident of Clay or Cass County.
The Lend a Hand fund was established in 2008 as a result of a partnership between Trinity and the Dakota Medical Foundation (DMF).
Through Lend a Hand, we are also able to hold fundraisers at Trinity to help a person or family in need, with potential matching funds from DMF. If such an event would be helpful to your family or to someone you know, please talk with a pastor or a parish nurse.
You can donate to Trinity’s Lend a Hand fund at any time. One option is to simply write a check to Trinity with ‘Lend a Hand’ in the memo line. Or, you can donate online: Visit www.dakmed.org/lendahand. Click ‘learn more/make a donation’ at the top of the page. Scroll to the bottom of the page. Next to ‘Trinity Lutheran Church of Moorhead’ click ‘donate now.’
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