HOLY TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH HICKORY, NC
GENEROSITY STORIES
STUDIO SHODWE
2022 / 2023
February 2024 DEAR HOLY TRINITY FAMILY AND FRIENDS, WE ARE SO BLESSED! God has lovingly provided an amazing Holy Trinity “home” and “family” for all of us. This place (the building, the relationships and the opportunities) is where we have worshipped and learned about our Lord, where we have developed our faith, where we have helped each other through the joys and trials of life, and from where we have gone out to help others outside our congregation. In this book entitled “Generosity Stories”, individuals have shared specific memories that witness to God’s blessings experienced at HTLC. These stories are real. They are from the past and present. They give us hope and remind us what we want for the future. These Generosity Stories tell us why we are so moved to intentionally invest in our ministries and facilities. We want to carry out God’s mission and spread the Good News. We want others to learn of His love through the ministries of this congregation. We hope that 50 years or more from now, others will be writing stories about their positive faith experiences lived because of our commitment. So, grab a cup of coffee, find a place of peace, and enjoy the Inspirational memories of your fellow HTLC Disciples! We truly hope they will inspire you.
Laura Caudle and Bob Kapellusch Igniting Connections Inspiration Team Co-Chairs
THE
Griffin
FAMILY Supporting Programs and People We Love
Our family was looking for a new
diagnosis of kidney cancer in our 4
church home in early 2018. We had
year old son, Jackson. Within days of
young children, and the church we
his diagnosis, Jackson was
had been attending had a
scheduled for a 9-hour surgery at
struggling youth program that had
Brenner Children's Hospital in
diminished over the years. We were
Winston Salem to remove his tumor
looking for a church with an active
and left kidney. It was on this day, in
and vibrant youth program, as well
a waiting room in Winston Salem,
as a supportive network of parents
that we met Pastor Webb for the
and young adults. Jennifer's parents,
first time. He had made the long
Susan and Charlie Hyder, had been
drive to pray with a family he had
members of HTLC for several years
never met who were not even
and were active at the 5 pm service.
members of his congregation.
We had visited HTLC a handful of
Throughout Jackson's treatments,
times (drawn in by the great youth
we attended services as we were
and family programs) when our
able and found our home at the 8:30
world fell apart in late May with the
service. Each time we attended, we
were welcomed and accepted by
church family members, can sustain
friendly members. We knew we had
these programs, reach more
found our new church home by the
families, and provide more services
kindness shown to us at each visit.
to our surrounding community.
By the end of 2018, Charlie and Jennifer had joined the LIFE Faith Formation class, Jenna and Jackson had made friends, our family had officially joined the church, and Jackson was well on his way to beating his cancer! Fast forwarding 5 years, we are so thankful for all the programs and opportunities that are available at HTLC. Both our children are involved in youth and family programming, Faith Formation, and Wednesday Church Night activities. We attend congregational life events and support programs for the Hickory community such as the Harvest Welcome Center and the Easter Family Adventure.
We choose to support HTLC financially because we feel that these programs and opportunities are important and vital to our church and our community. We hope that our contributions, combined with those of other
Thank you, Charlie, Jennifer, Jenna, and Jackson
Beth
SHOFFNER Open Arms
From grades seven through twelve, I
was not another Luther League
recorded daily, “riveting” entries
Convention. I needed to find my
in my five-year diary. One truth
faith place.
revealed among the pages is that I spent a lot of time at St. Mark’s
On Sunday mornings, Holy Trinity
Lutheran Church, Luther League
provided a bus to transport college
meetings and conventions (at
students to and from worship. I took
Lenoir-Rhyne), work camps, junior,
full advantage of this gift! Upon
then senior choir, Sunday School,
entering the Nave for the first time,
Wednesday Church School,
hearing the pipe organ prelude,
Saturday Confirmation classes,
marveling at the brilliant, stained-
Christmas “Pageants,” Easter
glass windows, and being warmly
breakfasts, Bible studies, Mother’s
welcomed by greeters at the door
Missionary Circle, etc. My developing
and after worship, I immediately
faith life was fed and nurtured by all
felt at home.
of the connections that these activities afforded me.
The full congregation with a wide age range, the inspirational music
In September 1967, I entered Lenoir-
and worship, and the warmth of the
Rhyne College. That first semester I
members made an impact. Holy
quickly realized that this experience
Trinity is a community of believers
who are dedicated to faith forming
Christmas Eve afternoon I met with
and nurturing themselves and others.
others to prepare the altar for Holy
They are interested in including those
Communion. I don’t know why I
outside the walls of the church, and
thought that we would be the only
are caring enough to provide a bus
ones in the Nave. What I witnessed,
for the handful of LR students
however, and, literally, paused to
wanting to be a part of HTLC’s life.
take in the sight, was easily, 60+ members of all ages doing a variety
After officially joining this
of things to prepare for our afternoon
community, I realized that the heart
and evening worship services. The
of Holy Trinity is huge and keeps
scene moved me. What I saw was a
growing! We are eager to continue
huge moving mural of generosity of
helping, teaching, loving, and
time and talent as each person went
connecting…locally and throughout
about doing what needed to be
the world.
done. The still part of this scene was the beautiful trees and other
Because I am dedicated to our mission and God’s call, I want to give generously.
Chancel and Nave decorations that had been artfully, lovingly, and generously placed earlier. My dream is that every member of our
My grandparents, mother,
congregation will find some area of
and stepfather taught me
hands-on or time-donated generosity
generosity – more with actions than words.
that brings joy. My other hope for our faith community - currently and in the
Our offerings provide life-saving help
years to come - is that, with God’s
in disaster and hunger relief,
help and Christ’s example, we
purchase materials to teach children
continue to grow in openness and
about Christ, fund endeavors with
love so that our outstretched arms
the sole purpose of spreading God’s
will include anyone and everyone and
love, and allow us to connect with
make each individual feel as welcome
others. What we give makes meeting
as I did many years ago on my first
these needs a reality!
visit.
As one of my hopes for our congregation now and forever, I have to include a recent mental snapshot that illustrates generosity in action.
By Beth Shoffner
Brooke
HUGGINS Generosity Comes in Many Forms Coming from China, I have not yet
church service I ever attended. I
been totally acclimated to American
distinctly recall, at about 2 1/2 years
culture. Growing up, my parents had
old, I unquestionably made my way
long-attended this church following
to the front row at the 8:30 church
their parents and the parents before
service. Without a doubt, I knew this
them. As the fourth generation to be
was a welcoming place where I
welcomed into this church, I have
could feel at home.
come to find a new appreciation of the community I have received. Like
Through the ministry of our church, I
my parents, I was provided with the
appreciate the encouragement and
opportunity to learn and connect
motivation it provides to go out and
with others, finding both my own
serve the community. The church
beliefs and values. As I cultivated
ministry not only encourages all
new spiritual and emotional
individuals to strengthen their faith
connections, I discovered more than
in more ways than one, but it
simply a belief: I discovered a
encourages all people to go out and
community that I can rely on
serve the community through their
endlessly.
own values. For instance, visiting The
Dwelling provided an opportunity to When I think back, the first memory
not only explore and share faith, but
I have that gave me the feeling of
an opportunity to serve and support
church being my home was the first
the community. Moreover, by
learning to "love one another," we
picked me up from the orphanage,
are encouraged to explore our faith
and, consequently, it has been with
in many ways, share our faith by
me ever since.
immersing ourselves in the lives of others, and go out into the world to
Our family chooses to support the
make a difference.
church with financial gifts because it contributes to the ministry's values
When reflecting on my upbringing, I
of giving back to the community.
know where my generosity
When I first started sitting in the
originates. Growing up, I had no idea
front row during church, my dad
how much of an impact my parents
always handed me my own
had on my values. Although, as I
envelope to place into the offering
became older, I recognized where
plate. At the time, seeing everyone
my principles and beliefs stemmed
else give to the church in this way
from. Because of the generosity my
sparked an interest in me, and
parents gave me at an early age, I
consequently I wanted to do the
was able to understand that the
same. I desired to contribute in this
world is more than just me and,
way not because I had to or because
therefore, developed a desire to put
someone told me to, but because I
others before myself. As I watch my
wanted to and understood how
parents work hard to meet my
much of a difference it could make
needs, help strangers on the street,
in at least one person's life.
or simply demonstrate their compassion by doing a simple task
My greatest hope for our church is
of returning a shopping cart for
that it will continue to expand its
someone, I learned the true
ministries, traditions, and its
meaning of generosity.
outreach to the community for many years to come. Furthermore,
Through my parents, I learned that
my greatest hope for the next
generosity comes in many shapes
generation who will call it their
and forms and is far more than just
home is that, in a welcoming
giving money or buying something
community, they will be able to
from a store. Truly, it is the kind acts
explore/find their own faith and
and the simple gestures that reveal
discover their own means to
generosity and character. Therefore,
express it.
without doubt, I can say that my parents automatically instilled their generosity in me the day they
By Brooke Huggins
Mike
WATSON
Relationships with Our Lord
My connection with Holy Trinity
of Music Ministry shortly after Cindy
Lutheran Church has been through
left. I met her while attending
incredible music, warmth, and
meetings at Hickory Music Club.
caring with the staff for almost four
Once again, we combined our choirs
decades.
and presented Handel’s Messiah part II and III at Holy Trinity. I
When I was called as Minister of
remember Rev. Bob and Beth
Music at First Baptist Church, Cindy
Shoffner’s kindness in welcoming
Perry was serving as Director of
and thanking me as our choirs
Music Ministry at Holy Trinity. She
joined together. I continued to work
and I were graduates from Furman
with Celia many times in the church
University with degrees in music
and with training our daughter in
where we knew each other well. In
voice.
spending time together, we combined both of our choirs with
My time with Jo Carol Thomason
Lenoir-Rhyne Wind Ensemble and
developed as we worked in starting
presented a concert at First Baptist.
a Community Handbell Ensemble.
Celia Sexton was called as Director
She helped facilitate and organize
the process. The group that formed
I also remember when my mother
is what you know as “Hickory Rings!”
gave me an envelope for tithes and
She continued being supportive
offerings. She said that I could give
with music and ringing as her
offerings and explained the
schedule allowed.
difference. I found a dime and put it in the envelope. I showed it to her
That strong relationship at Holy
on Sunday morning as we were
Trinity has continued with Karen,
getting ready to go to church. I
David, Kimberly, Pastor Chris, and
asked her if this is ok. She said yes
the choir. Holy Trinity has always
and that I should continue
been a place for my heart and is
contributing.
even more so now. As a young child I remember my dad regularly in his bedroom
We all have our stories of lessons learned and
reading his Bible and frequently
blessings abounding from
working with his checkbook and
contributing to the work of
other papers in hand. At one point, I
our Lord and our church.
asked him what he was doing. He told me that he was tithing and paying bills. I had learned about tithing in Sunday School. He told me that he always tithed before paying any expenses. Another time I remember hearing my parents discuss the building campaign in our church. They wanted to participate. My dad said he was unable to find additional
At this special time in the life of Holy Trinity, we have the opportunity to reevaluate our lives and our hearts about contributing the resources God has given us to further His Kingdom.
My wife, Sheree, and I are very humbled and proud to be associate members of Holy Trinity.
funds with which to contribute. My mother paused and then said that she had extra funds in her “grocery money” to use. My dad had a big smile on his face and gave her a big hug.
By Mike Watson
Elaine
MYERS Joyous Generosity
I learned generosity from my
pour concrete, clear land, hammer
parents. It was important that we
nails, feed volunteers, and once the
had our coins ready for the offering
camp was completed, play, swim,
plate and Sunday School each week.
and hike with the campers. This was
Beyond that, we were encouraged
joyous generosity!
to share what we had to make a difference in the lives of others.
When I came to Hickory as a freshman at LR, I was looking for
Dad (and Mom) helped to start a
independence and autonomy,
Christian camp for “underprivileged”
a typical teen. After time, I realized
kids in the Washington, DC area. For
that something was missing. Yes, I
some of the children, it was the first
found I could take care of myself,
time they played on grass rather
but I missed belonging to a church,
than concrete, slept in a bed by
hearing God’s word, singing the
themselves, swam in a pool, owned
liturgy and hymns, and having the
a book, explored nature, and
opportunity to connect with
ventured away from home. Building
welcoming people of all ages. At
the camp was a family endeavor. As
some point, I took a leap of faith and
a youngster, I remember helping to
hopped on the bus that went to
Holy Trinity every Sunday. Did I go
As time goes on, I realize the
often? No, but when I married
importance of my continued
during my senior year, I knew that I
financial support for the church. Our
wanted to be a member of Holy
call is to reach out and connect with
Trinity.
everyone to share the story of Jesus. I appreciate that we have wonderful,
Soon after joining, David and I were
creative programs for kids, youth
asked if we would help with the
and adults; we take care of our
youth group, and I was asked to
facility; we support our staff; and we
teach weekday church school.
find new ways to reach out to our
Really? Could we do this? We
neighbors. I’m glad that I can be a
weren’t from Hickory, we didn’t
part of this by contributing my
know anyone, we had limited
resources.
resources, we were young - who would trust us with their kids? This
My hope for Holy Trinity is that we
is when I knew we had found our
always respond to God’s “Good
church home. Through all these
News” of abundant love and grace.
many years at Holy Trinity of raising
We have the opportunity, in our
kids and grandkids, making lifelong
changing world, to touch lives in our
friendships, sharing time and talent,
community and beyond, while
and strengthening my faith, this
continuing to nurture and support
church family was there for me!
our congregation.
Again, joyous generosity!
All that I have belongs to God and by sharing, I receive more than I give. This is Joyous Generosity!
By Elaine Myers
Joy CLINE Worshiping Together During the pandemic, when many of us were lost and grasping for hope, I chose to take a new position with The Bolick Foundation, whose mission is to spread the Christian gospel. Little did I know, that was
As we walked through cancer as a
the beginning of a new chapter in
family this past year, we learned
my faith journey.
the value of our faith community.
I hear daily about people around the
Our church family held us up...
world trying to find Jesus. People
walking with us, praying with us,
run across borders to hide from
and offering Godly counsel. We
being persecuted for loving God.
experienced the power of Stephen
People listen to God’s word on flash
Ministers, compassionate spiritual
drives so it cannot be detected that
care, and the generosity of servant
they are followers. The stories are
hearts.
mind-boggling. Not everyone has the privilege to worship in a church
As I continue my faith journey, I am
like Holy Trinity or to be blessed by a
reminded that my church family is
faith community of people who
vital to my well-being. It is not to be
encourage, teach, and pray.
taken for granted; worshiping together is a privilege.
The HTLC NewSong Service is my spiritual vessel. From the contemporary music, the beauty of the chapel, thought-provoking messages, to the friends that surround me, it is my church home.
By Joy Cline Make sure you don’t take things for granted and go slack in working for the common good; share what you have with others. -Hebrews 13:16 MSG
JoelMILLER If You Love It, Share It I’m a fly fisherman. I love to catch fish. Seeing a beautiful trout take a well-placed dry fly you’ve tied yourself off the surface of a pristine mountain stream is a thrill. Gently guiding that beauty to your net and
Generosity is quite the same. Most of
releasing it to swim free and maybe
us are blessed with more than we
provide the same thrill to another
need. We still like nice things, but
angler is also a delight.
when we share our abundance with others, we can often attain more joy
As time passed, I had caught
than if we kept it ourselves.
thousands of beautiful fish in some of the most stunning places on
As Christians, we are commanded to
Earth. Doing so was still a thrill, but I
share God’s love and grace. We are
began to discover another reward,
taught in Matthew 25 to provide for
maybe an even better one. I have
“the least of these.” When we
taught several others to fly fish and
generously share what was given to
helped even more who were novices
us in abundance, we shine God’s
to improve their skills. I quickly
light onto others and provide for the
realized seeing someone else learn
needs of those who are not as
those skills needed to catch a fish,
fortunate. In the end, even greater
and sharing the thrill of scooping it
joy and blessings are ours.
and releasing it from their net was more fulfilling than doing it yourself. If you love it, share it, and the joy is doubled.
By Joel Miller
Reverend Dr. ROBERT E. ALLEN God’s Instruction for an Improvement Program
When Nancy and I retired to Hickory in
Nancy and I have always tithed at a
2000, we knew we would join Holy
minimum over all the years of our
Trinity. The reason was simple. I had
marriage. That was always easy because
been the first Vicar in 1964 under Pastor
each time I was paid, the money for our
John L. Yost, Jr. We were married here
offering was taken out immediately and
in 1966, and we had family in the
placed in the envelopes for the month.
church. In addition, while I was a Vicar,
There was no question as to how much
David Gentry taught me organ lessons
would be given or if the money was
and introduced me to Bach’s Little
available. That was a commitment that
Preludes and Fugues. As a result, I
never changed.
played the organ for many of the funerals because David was working at
The incentive for giving has always had
a school in Lincolnton, and it was
one source. In Luke 6:38 is this
difficult for him to get away.
statement: “Give, and it will be given to you.” Note the first word, “give” and
Therefore, returning to Hickory and
then note what follows: “It will be given
joining HTLC was like “coming home.”
to you.” The person who made that
We knew many of the members. So
statement was the Savior Himself. In
many had been here when I was a
effect, He makes a guarantee to
Vicar. Yes, they had some gray hair and
believers, that if we commit to giving,
a few extra pounds. But it was like
then there will be a direct result, that “it
returning to a family we knew and
will be given to you.” But it is not just
valued.
a trickle response. The full statement
“Bring the whole tithe into the
of what Jesus said is “They will pour
storehouse, so that there may be
into your lap a good measure —
food in My house, and put Me to the
pressed down, shaken together, and
test now in this,” says the LORD
running over. For by your standard
almighty, “if I do not open for you the
of measure it will be measured to
windows of heaven and pour out for
you in return.” In other words, our
you a blessing until it overflows.”
faithfulness in giving will bring an
Imagine that God invites us to “put
abundant, ever-flowing response
me to the test.” That is incredible! But
from our Heavenly Father.
God can be trusted. Therefore, if we
That settled the issue of giving for
are willing to give to Him, He is ready
me individually and for us as a
to throw open the windows of
couple. We wanted to be faithful,
heaven and push out unending
and we wanted to be recipients of
blessings upon our church. We must
God’s goodness and outpouring.
never doubt that but pray fervently for it and do our part to make it
But someone may ask, “Why do that
happen.
when we all have so many pressing needs?” The answer is obedience.
Of course, wisdom, prudence, and
We do not follow the Lord Jesus
caution are all needed in goal setting.
from a distance or have a drop-in,
The Lord is not saying do anything
drop-out relationship with Him. His
you want and I will bless it. No, He
invitation to believers is to “Come,
expects us to use the brains He gave
follow Me.” The following He invites
us to undertake what is a reasonable
us to is one that is regular, faithful,
and responsible challenge and to
ongoing, and continual – with no
pray to know His will in whatever is
pauses, no interruptions, and no
undertaken. May our Heavenly Father
leaves of absence.
inspire us to await hearing of that challenge, presenting it to Him for
We must be unafraid of undertaking
His blessing, and then stepping
a challenge of a church-wide
forward to support it.
campaign as long as it is aligned with the giving potential of our membership. We have it on authority from God’s Holy Word that a bountiful blessing awaits us if we step forward to give and give obediently. The prophet Malachi delivers the Lord’s promise:
By Reverend Dr. Robert E. Allen
Dave & Terri FAHERTY Inspired to Give
Our first experience with Holy Trinity
were so inspiring. That was exactly
was at Vacation Bible Camp when
what we were looking for in a
our daughter, Taylor, was about five
church home.
years old. We were personally invited by the Black family;
It’s been almost 20 years since we
otherwise, we never would have
joined Holy Trinity and we remain in
considered signing Taylor up. I (Terri)
awe of the generosity of our
attended the morning and
congregation - not only financially, but
afternoon gatherings just so I would
with talents and time. There are so
feel more comfortable about leaving
many powerful ministries at our church
her there. I had Jacob in my lap, who
and behind every one of them are
was about two. Everyone was so
individuals who are dedicated to
welcoming, and they seemed to be
working hard, collaborating with one
having so much fun together –
another, and finding ways to do and
like a family. Energy, enthusiasm,
give more, all while praying for God’s
and laughter filled the chapel, and
guidance. Because we have continued
the messages and songs of faith
to witness the generosity of our
congregation, we have been
incredible gift God has blessed our
inspired to become a more
family with through Holy Trinity!
generous family. When we continually see the results
When we think about the
of what can be accomplished when
future, it is our hope that
people work together and remain
other families will find the
focused on giving, your priorities change. You want to be involved,
same joy and peace that
you want your actions and gifts to
we have found as
impact others and, most
members of Holy Trinity.
importantly, you want to serve God using the blessings He has given to us. We choose to support our church with financial gifts because our family has continued to receive unconditional support from Holy Trinity. When we think about all the blessings we have received as members of this congregation, we are beyond thankful – and want to
The world we live in is beyond challenging – there is so much to fear and worry about. It is our prayer that Holy Trinity will continue to impact more and more people who will grow in faith together, trusting in God to guide and protect our church family and home.
give back. We are forever grateful that our children grew up benefitting from so many faith formation activities, mission trips, youth ministry events, learning opportunities such as singing and handbells, and even scholarships. And that does not include the mentor and other relationships developed with friends and adults viewed as extended family – people they can turn to, confide in, and celebrate life with. What an
By Dave and Terri Faherty
Celia
SEXTON
We All Have Special Gifts
Holy Trinity has always been a part
been pulled by some of the boys on
of my life from my Baptism to my
the second row, I tried to focus on
retirement years. I remember giving
the vast beauty of our worship space
my little coins to my Sunday School
and what I could bring to offer God,
teachers each Sunday and being
small though I was.
proud that I was a part of this wonderful community of faith.
At Holy Trinity, we all have our special gifts and can be generous
My parents instilled in me the gift of
in many ways through our time,
generosity of my time to my church.
talents, and monetary gifts. Our
I remember going to church each
church is very blessed with so
Tuesday afternoon to be a part of a
much. Praise God for the many
choir preparing to offer our voices in
blessings he has given me through
praise to God in worship on
Holy Trinity in my lifetime.
Sundays. Each choir robed and sat together as a group each Sunday. Even though my pigtails may have
By Celia Sexton
Reflection We invite you to record your own Generosity Story in the remaining pages of this book. What inspires you?
Loving God, As your Son called us to service, we rise to carry your Word to our church family and beyond. We are strengthened by your Spirit and by our trust and faith in each other. This is our time to enliven our church and to secure our beautiful worship space for the next generation. We pray for open hearts to listen and to understand our role in spreading the message of your love and grace.
Amen HOLY TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH HICKORY, NC