Martin Luther first led the Protestant Reformation in October of 1517. It was the start of something big as it is still celebrated to this day.
This Sunday, October 25, Trinity Lutheran Church will host its eighth annual Reformation Celebration as a means to commemorate the movement some 492 years after its inception.
The event begins at 5 p.m. in Trinity’s Christian Life Center.
After all, without Martin Luther, the denomination of Lutherans never would have existed, there would be no Trinity Lutheran Church and therefore no blog for you to be reading at this moment. So let’s celebrate!
“It’s a time to celebrate our life together as Lutherans and the Small Group Ministry of Trinity,” said Trinity’s Valerie Nielsen.
As mentioned, this is the eighth annual Reformation Celebration and is hosted by Trinity’s Small Group Ministries. It began in 2002 as a “Fall Fellowship” for small group ministries.
The event is open to men and women, boys and girls and children of all ages (even relatives). Regardless of how cliché it sounds: the more, the merrier.
As always, the event has plenty in store and includes games, a wide range of prizes, good food that includes bratwurst and a potluck, a 15-foot-long trough of ice cream tagged the famous “Reformation Sundae,” songs and celebration and, of course, the much-anticipated skit featuring Martin Luther himself.
Luther has dusted himself off to stop by and give his own perspective on the reformation. And a man of such significant stature will need an escort by the Secret Service and possibly will have the accompaniment of his own son, Hans.
The event begins at 5 p.m. and will run until around 7:00. Please bring a dish to share (dessert not necessary).
“We expect everyone to come and celebrate our Lutheran heritage and have a great time,” Nielsen said.
Will you be there?
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
Bonus Installment: From the Pastor's Desk
“From the Pastor’s Desk” is a collection of thoughts from Trinity Lutheran’s Senior Pastor Steve Wold, which appears in every edition of the church’s monthly newsletter, The Messenger (also available online on our homepage www.trinitymhd.org).
In addition to his monthly musings, “Trinity Talk” offers additional insight from Pastor Steve concerning issues surrounding Trinity in a short Q & A.
What is your favorite part about the fall in the church?
“My favorite part of the fall is Reformation Sunday! The hymns are wonderful, the gospel gets preached with great vigor and we even have a Reformation Party in the afternoon and I get to play the part of Luther’s four year old son, Hans.”
With all the recent controversial discussions within the ELCA, how do you feel it will affect Trinity Lutheran Church and those surrounding ELCA member churches?
“I am very pleased with the Bible-based, Christ-centered responses of the members of Trinity to the ELCA statement on sexuality. They have demonstrated a great measure of faith, patience and love as they have agreed to disagree. Respecting the ‘bound consciences’ of other members is a challenging assignment and we have done it well. Last week, the Church Council reviewed pages 10, 11 and 12 of the social statement and found it to be extremely helpful.”
In addition to his monthly musings, “Trinity Talk” offers additional insight from Pastor Steve concerning issues surrounding Trinity in a short Q & A.
What is your favorite part about the fall in the church?
“My favorite part of the fall is Reformation Sunday! The hymns are wonderful, the gospel gets preached with great vigor and we even have a Reformation Party in the afternoon and I get to play the part of Luther’s four year old son, Hans.”
With all the recent controversial discussions within the ELCA, how do you feel it will affect Trinity Lutheran Church and those surrounding ELCA member churches?
“I am very pleased with the Bible-based, Christ-centered responses of the members of Trinity to the ELCA statement on sexuality. They have demonstrated a great measure of faith, patience and love as they have agreed to disagree. Respecting the ‘bound consciences’ of other members is a challenging assignment and we have done it well. Last week, the Church Council reviewed pages 10, 11 and 12 of the social statement and found it to be extremely helpful.”
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Don't Let the Bible Scare You!
Today's blog is offered by Emmy Isaackson, who is one of six pastors at Trinity.
Boo! It’s October. The month of ghouls, goblins and being scared. Halloween decorations are creeping their way from the shelves of stores to the homes in our neighborhoods. All for sake of giving us a little spook.
Sometimes, the thought of reading the Bible can be just as scary as the thought of walking through a haunted house. After all, it’s such a big book. Where to begin? What might we find in there? Well, this month I invite you to conquer whatever is keeping you from regularly reading our book of faith. Join me in reading through the book of Mark. It’s a great place to get started.
OPEN SCRIPTURE
Mark is the shortest of the four books that tell the stories of Jesus life on earth. Scenes in the story quickly move from one thing to another. Read Mark like you would read any story. After all, that’s what it is! Pay attention to the characters, locations of events and how one thing leads to another. Enjoy the story. Pay attention to how God is at work through the life of Jesus.
As you prepare to read Mark, make a plan. Will you read one chapter a day? Will you set aside a couple of hours on Saturday to read a chunk? Come up with a plan and follow through! It promises to be a rewarding experience.
If you’ve read Mark before and want to enhance your experience, check out this Reading Guide to the Gospel of Mark: http://www.crossmarks.com/markread/index.html
Then...
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
If you’re on Facebook, check out Trinity’s page and look for the discussion topic “Reading Mark.” Post your thoughts and questions.
If you prefer face to face conversation, join me on Sunday, October 25th from 2:00 to 3:00 at the Moxie Java on 4th Street in Moorhead. Bring your Bible, thoughts and questions. We’ll share in casual conversation about the book of Mark over a cup of coffee.
I look forward to hearing about your encounter with this story of good news. Let’s open scripture and join the conversation!
-Pastor Emmy
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Be Mutually Encouraged
Today's blog is submitted by Jana Peterson, Trinity Lutheran Church's Volunteer Coordinator.
Join Ladies Aide? Me? I’m really not much of a lady – more like a crazed mother with four (five if you include my husband) teenagers in the house. Why would I join another organization with more commitments and worst of all MEETINGS?
I pondered this question shortly after Dorothy Schmidt invited me to join her TLCW circle. With some apprehension, I attended my first “circle” in the fall of 2006.
Lutheran women have been going to circle for generations. I remember my own mom participating in Mission Circle and then, as she became older, Esther Circle. Many of us have heard someone say “I have circle tomorrow morning,” “I have circle at my house this month,” and “our circle is collecting items for midwifery kits.”
But what is a circle?
We all know a circle is a round geometric shape. Why call a group of church women a circle?
Mr. Webster helps out and gives this definition: “a group of persons sharing a common interest or revolving about a common center.” What a perfect description! Women gathering to share their love of a common interest and centering on Jesus Christ.
Circles come with names. Rebecca, Naomi, Ruth, Deborah, Anna, Mary, Sarah are women of the Bible honored by Trinity Women to name a particular circle. Trinity circles range in size from nine to twenty women. They meet in the morning, afternoon, and evening on three different days during the second week of the month. They meet in member’s homes or Trinity.
This past month I hosted circle at my house. It was a beautiful September morning when the members of Naomi Circle arrived at my home. Hugs were abundant as circle members greeted one another after a summer spent at lake homes and visiting families. As we drank coffee and ate a light brunch, we discussed the start of school, the frustration of road construction in Moorhead, and caught up on the welfare of fellow Trinity members.
The sun warmed us as we began our study of Paul’s letters to the Romans. (The Bible study is lead by a member of the circle. The lessons come from the Lutheran Woman Today magazine.) We journeyed through Rome, Corinth, Thessalonica, and Galatia. We discussed the history of Paul’s letters and how they are relevant today. We closed our study with a prayer, standing in a circle holding hands with the person next to us with Christ in the middle.
A short meeting was held after the Bible study. We discussed the upcoming bazaar at the Moorhead Center Mall to be held in November. The bazaar is the major fundraiser for Trinity Women. The money made at the bazaar is used to give students money to attend Concordia, help charities in the community and pay for TLCW’s small operating budget. We ended the morning with good wishes and mutual encouragement.
Circles may be the oldest small group at Trinity. Over the years circle members have supported each other through good times and bad. Every month the Fargo Forum publishes an entire page of support groups available to those in the Fargo Moorhead area. The groups meet on a regular basis to help each other share ideas and coping skills to handle a disease or difficult situation in their life. Circles do the same thing.
As one of the younger circle members I have much to learn from the older members. Many of their lives have been touched by sadness through the loss of a spouse, mother, father, or child. I have learned from their experiences. I often ponder how they can still be smiling after all they have endured. I can take from them the hope that comes from watching someone survive something so sad. Hopefully the younger members of the circles give the older women energy and the promise that the work of the circles will continue.
Circles are a part of TLCW – Trinity Lutheran Church Women. This organization meets four Saturday morning a year. The gatherings are usually held in the CLC. The morning includes special music and a guest speaker. Items for Lutheran World Relief kits are collected at the meetings. The first meeting this year will be on October 24th starting at 9:30 a.m. Pastor Laurie Natwick, Assistant to the Bishop ELCA NW MN Synod will be the speaker.
All women of Trinity belong to TLCW. Your level of involvement is up to you. I encourage you to become involved.
Ladies Aide. It may have changed names to fit the times but the spirit of its mission is the same. I am certainly no lady. I love sports, prefer slacks to dresses, and don’t wear a hat to church but I treasure Ladies Aide. It is my time to experience the word of the Lord with my circle of friends and find support in all life has to offer.
If you would like to join a circle, contact Arlene Regelstad, TLCW’ circle organizer, at 233-4879 or amreg@juno.com.
Come – be mutually encouraged.
Join Ladies Aide? Me? I’m really not much of a lady – more like a crazed mother with four (five if you include my husband) teenagers in the house. Why would I join another organization with more commitments and worst of all MEETINGS?
I pondered this question shortly after Dorothy Schmidt invited me to join her TLCW circle. With some apprehension, I attended my first “circle” in the fall of 2006.
Lutheran women have been going to circle for generations. I remember my own mom participating in Mission Circle and then, as she became older, Esther Circle. Many of us have heard someone say “I have circle tomorrow morning,” “I have circle at my house this month,” and “our circle is collecting items for midwifery kits.”
But what is a circle?
We all know a circle is a round geometric shape. Why call a group of church women a circle?
Mr. Webster helps out and gives this definition: “a group of persons sharing a common interest or revolving about a common center.” What a perfect description! Women gathering to share their love of a common interest and centering on Jesus Christ.
Circles come with names. Rebecca, Naomi, Ruth, Deborah, Anna, Mary, Sarah are women of the Bible honored by Trinity Women to name a particular circle. Trinity circles range in size from nine to twenty women. They meet in the morning, afternoon, and evening on three different days during the second week of the month. They meet in member’s homes or Trinity.
This past month I hosted circle at my house. It was a beautiful September morning when the members of Naomi Circle arrived at my home. Hugs were abundant as circle members greeted one another after a summer spent at lake homes and visiting families. As we drank coffee and ate a light brunch, we discussed the start of school, the frustration of road construction in Moorhead, and caught up on the welfare of fellow Trinity members.
The sun warmed us as we began our study of Paul’s letters to the Romans. (The Bible study is lead by a member of the circle. The lessons come from the Lutheran Woman Today magazine.) We journeyed through Rome, Corinth, Thessalonica, and Galatia. We discussed the history of Paul’s letters and how they are relevant today. We closed our study with a prayer, standing in a circle holding hands with the person next to us with Christ in the middle.
A short meeting was held after the Bible study. We discussed the upcoming bazaar at the Moorhead Center Mall to be held in November. The bazaar is the major fundraiser for Trinity Women. The money made at the bazaar is used to give students money to attend Concordia, help charities in the community and pay for TLCW’s small operating budget. We ended the morning with good wishes and mutual encouragement.
Circles may be the oldest small group at Trinity. Over the years circle members have supported each other through good times and bad. Every month the Fargo Forum publishes an entire page of support groups available to those in the Fargo Moorhead area. The groups meet on a regular basis to help each other share ideas and coping skills to handle a disease or difficult situation in their life. Circles do the same thing.
As one of the younger circle members I have much to learn from the older members. Many of their lives have been touched by sadness through the loss of a spouse, mother, father, or child. I have learned from their experiences. I often ponder how they can still be smiling after all they have endured. I can take from them the hope that comes from watching someone survive something so sad. Hopefully the younger members of the circles give the older women energy and the promise that the work of the circles will continue.
Circles are a part of TLCW – Trinity Lutheran Church Women. This organization meets four Saturday morning a year. The gatherings are usually held in the CLC. The morning includes special music and a guest speaker. Items for Lutheran World Relief kits are collected at the meetings. The first meeting this year will be on October 24th starting at 9:30 a.m. Pastor Laurie Natwick, Assistant to the Bishop ELCA NW MN Synod will be the speaker.
All women of Trinity belong to TLCW. Your level of involvement is up to you. I encourage you to become involved.
Ladies Aide. It may have changed names to fit the times but the spirit of its mission is the same. I am certainly no lady. I love sports, prefer slacks to dresses, and don’t wear a hat to church but I treasure Ladies Aide. It is my time to experience the word of the Lord with my circle of friends and find support in all life has to offer.
If you would like to join a circle, contact Arlene Regelstad, TLCW’ circle organizer, at 233-4879 or amreg@juno.com.
Come – be mutually encouraged.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Trinity Preschool Turns 40
Preschool Director Kay Heidrich talks of the 40th anniversary of the The Trinity Lutheran Church Preschool. A celebration will take place this Sunday, September 20.
"Jesus said 'let the children come to me; do not stop them: for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.' and he took them in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them." (Mark 10: 13-16)
And come they did!
Trinity Lutheran Church Preschool is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Established in 1969 in response to an ever growing demand for child care for working families, the preschool opened with 18 children, three staff, and one director. Today we have78 children, ten staff and one director.
Our program has grown over the years in so many ways. We started as a nine-month program serving 3-5 year olds, and added toddler care in 1989, and school age care in 1992. We have become a true mission of the church with Chapel, Christian curriculum, service projects, and growing as disciples of Jesus Christ. We are an accredited program meeting the highest quality standards in the nation as set forth by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
It is so exciting to be turning 40 this year. We didn’t color our hair, but we have colored our walls The preschool wing ( the lower level of the church) has taken on color and character and we invite you to come down and visit us any time, but especially this Sunday, September 20, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. We are throwing a birthday party complete with cake and juice in the Christian Life Center and invite you to come join us, and celebrate.
I myself started at Trinity when my son was eight months old. He is now working on his masters at NDSU, and coincidently was our first toddler here! This is just the best childcare center to work at. We truly do care about each other, work together, and love what we do. I can’t imagine working anywhere else! I know I am getting old though, when my first class is becoming ordained ministers (little Bobby Bekkerus), and are getting married and having kids that will soon be coming to Trinity Preschool!
We will be putting together a Trinity Preschool Facebook page soon, and I will be excited to share some of our day to day victories and celebrations. Watch for this to roll out in October some time.
Keep your kids coming, keep us in your prayers, and know that we love each and every one of you.
For the kids,
Kay Heidrich, Director
"Jesus said 'let the children come to me; do not stop them: for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.' and he took them in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them." (Mark 10: 13-16)
And come they did!
Trinity Lutheran Church Preschool is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Established in 1969 in response to an ever growing demand for child care for working families, the preschool opened with 18 children, three staff, and one director. Today we have78 children, ten staff and one director.
Our program has grown over the years in so many ways. We started as a nine-month program serving 3-5 year olds, and added toddler care in 1989, and school age care in 1992. We have become a true mission of the church with Chapel, Christian curriculum, service projects, and growing as disciples of Jesus Christ. We are an accredited program meeting the highest quality standards in the nation as set forth by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
It is so exciting to be turning 40 this year. We didn’t color our hair, but we have colored our walls The preschool wing ( the lower level of the church) has taken on color and character and we invite you to come down and visit us any time, but especially this Sunday, September 20, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. We are throwing a birthday party complete with cake and juice in the Christian Life Center and invite you to come join us, and celebrate.
I myself started at Trinity when my son was eight months old. He is now working on his masters at NDSU, and coincidently was our first toddler here! This is just the best childcare center to work at. We truly do care about each other, work together, and love what we do. I can’t imagine working anywhere else! I know I am getting old though, when my first class is becoming ordained ministers (little Bobby Bekkerus), and are getting married and having kids that will soon be coming to Trinity Preschool!
We will be putting together a Trinity Preschool Facebook page soon, and I will be excited to share some of our day to day victories and celebrations. Watch for this to roll out in October some time.
Keep your kids coming, keep us in your prayers, and know that we love each and every one of you.
For the kids,
Kay Heidrich, Director
Thursday, September 10, 2009
It’s Church Season Once Again
As the seasons begin to change and summer vacations come to an end, it triggers changes internally as well.
As students from elementary through college-aged return to school, the sports seasons change from baseball and softball to football and volleyball, among others.
But that’s not all that changes with the seasons and Trinity Lutheran Church is no different.
It didn’t take me long to realize and I was reminded early this week that the church seasons are changing as well. No more summer.
This Sunday, September 13, deemed “Rally Sunday,” marks the beginning of the new church season across the Fargo-Moorhead area.
A full two-page spread appeared in the Forum of Fargo-Moorhead Wednesday of just local congregations advertising for Rally Sunday. The church season is definitely upon us.
As I’m sure is the case all around the area, Trinity has a full schedule for Sunday morning to help kick off the new church season. We go from three services to five and Sunday School begins once again. Rally Sunday is also complete with activities that include a petting zoo, the annual Stockholder’s Banquet and a special talk from Minnesota State University-Moorhead President Edna Szymanski.
So if you haven’t been to Trinity in awhile because you have been on summer vacation, Sunday is a perfect chance to get back in the swing of things.
RALLY SUNDAY SCHEDULE
Worship Services
8, 9 and 11 a.m. traditional worship in the Sanctuary
9 and 11:10 a.m. contemporary worship in the Christian Life Center
Sunday School
10:05 a.m.
Youth Forum
10:05 a.m.
School of Discipleship
10:05 a.m. with Dr. Edna Szymanski (MSU-M President)
Petting Zoo
9:30 until 11:00 a.m.
Stockholder’s Banquet
5 p.m. in the CLC
As students from elementary through college-aged return to school, the sports seasons change from baseball and softball to football and volleyball, among others.
But that’s not all that changes with the seasons and Trinity Lutheran Church is no different.
It didn’t take me long to realize and I was reminded early this week that the church seasons are changing as well. No more summer.
This Sunday, September 13, deemed “Rally Sunday,” marks the beginning of the new church season across the Fargo-Moorhead area.
A full two-page spread appeared in the Forum of Fargo-Moorhead Wednesday of just local congregations advertising for Rally Sunday. The church season is definitely upon us.
As I’m sure is the case all around the area, Trinity has a full schedule for Sunday morning to help kick off the new church season. We go from three services to five and Sunday School begins once again. Rally Sunday is also complete with activities that include a petting zoo, the annual Stockholder’s Banquet and a special talk from Minnesota State University-Moorhead President Edna Szymanski.
So if you haven’t been to Trinity in awhile because you have been on summer vacation, Sunday is a perfect chance to get back in the swing of things.
RALLY SUNDAY SCHEDULE
Worship Services
8, 9 and 11 a.m. traditional worship in the Sanctuary
9 and 11:10 a.m. contemporary worship in the Christian Life Center
Sunday School
10:05 a.m.
Youth Forum
10:05 a.m.
School of Discipleship
10:05 a.m. with Dr. Edna Szymanski (MSU-M President)
Petting Zoo
9:30 until 11:00 a.m.
Stockholder’s Banquet
5 p.m. in the CLC
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
The Learning Continues...
Pastor Emmy Isaackson offers insight on being a lifelong student. Emmy is one of Trinity's six pastors.
Driving home from church on Sunday, I noticed students moving into their dorm rooms. Memories of my first weeks at college flashed through my mind. The days were filled with meeting people, eating my fill at the campus dining service, staying up late, taking naps and studying. I thoroughly enjoyed student life, both in college and seminary. Most days, I enjoyed sitting in class, stretching my mind to grasp new thoughts, and putting words to my learnings in papers. Of course, there were days when I wished to be doing something else or just to be doing nothing at all, but all in all the life of a student brought me great joy. Learning took effort, but the energy and effort were very rewarding for me.
As summer draws to an end this year, I'm reminded that even though I am no longer a student headed back into the classroom I am still a student. In fact, we all are. As disciples of Jesus--followers of Jesus--we are invited to continue to learn from our teacher. Most clearly, one of the ways we learn from Jesus is through digging into the Bible. The stories in the Bible teach us about how God has been at work in this world and how we are invited to share in God's work in the world. Just as learning in college and seminary took effort on my part, learning and growing as a follower of Jesus doesn't just happen. It takes effort.
As the routine of fall begins and children and adults head back to school, we might all do well to take pause and think about how our life as followers of Jesus is taking shape. I share with you some questions that I have been asking of myself.
-When do you read the Bible, just for the sake of reading it and hearing what it is saying?
-Who do you read the Bible with? Who could you be reading the Bible with?
-What might you need to take out of your life or change in your life, in order to have time for reading the Bible?
-How do I feel fed and encouraged when I read the Bible? What’s keeping you from experiencing that more often?
Over the coming months, keep your eye out for further invitations from Trinity to share in reading and learning about the Bible, our book of faith. In the meantime, enjoy the life of a student! Dig into your Bible. Continue to learn about the Good News. Let me know what you are reading about! I would love to hear.
Driving home from church on Sunday, I noticed students moving into their dorm rooms. Memories of my first weeks at college flashed through my mind. The days were filled with meeting people, eating my fill at the campus dining service, staying up late, taking naps and studying. I thoroughly enjoyed student life, both in college and seminary. Most days, I enjoyed sitting in class, stretching my mind to grasp new thoughts, and putting words to my learnings in papers. Of course, there were days when I wished to be doing something else or just to be doing nothing at all, but all in all the life of a student brought me great joy. Learning took effort, but the energy and effort were very rewarding for me.
As summer draws to an end this year, I'm reminded that even though I am no longer a student headed back into the classroom I am still a student. In fact, we all are. As disciples of Jesus--followers of Jesus--we are invited to continue to learn from our teacher. Most clearly, one of the ways we learn from Jesus is through digging into the Bible. The stories in the Bible teach us about how God has been at work in this world and how we are invited to share in God's work in the world. Just as learning in college and seminary took effort on my part, learning and growing as a follower of Jesus doesn't just happen. It takes effort.
As the routine of fall begins and children and adults head back to school, we might all do well to take pause and think about how our life as followers of Jesus is taking shape. I share with you some questions that I have been asking of myself.
-When do you read the Bible, just for the sake of reading it and hearing what it is saying?
-Who do you read the Bible with? Who could you be reading the Bible with?
-What might you need to take out of your life or change in your life, in order to have time for reading the Bible?
-How do I feel fed and encouraged when I read the Bible? What’s keeping you from experiencing that more often?
Over the coming months, keep your eye out for further invitations from Trinity to share in reading and learning about the Bible, our book of faith. In the meantime, enjoy the life of a student! Dig into your Bible. Continue to learn about the Good News. Let me know what you are reading about! I would love to hear.
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