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.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
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.’
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
It's a Reformation Celebration!
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?
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?
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.
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