Trinity Connection - July 2023

WELCOME!

We are a servant church in the of Mason City, Iowa.

EDITORIAL

Editor Michelle Murray

michelle.murray@trinity-mc.org

Design & Layout Ashley Morrison

ashley.morrison@trinity-mc.org

Printer Trinity Lutheran Church

641-423-0536

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The Trinity Connection informs the members of Trinity Lutheran Church about the church’s mission, and people, helping them to grow in faith and commitment to Jesus Christ.

The Northeastern Iowa Synod Assembly met last month at Luther College in Decorah. Gathered around the theme Growing in Faith, Hope, and Love, we heard inspiring stories of a congregation that persisted in faith to create a food pantry, a leader who brings hope through coaching, and another congregation that showed deep love for their pastor when her husband fell ill and died. We shared in worship. We heard about the synod’s work to support congregations and clergy and work toward greater inclusion and diversity. And we heard about plans for the synod assembly to meet every two years going forward, with educational events in the off years.

PASTOR DAN GERRIETTS SENIOR PASTOR

Nine voting members from Trinity attended, including Pastor Hanson and myself. Here are some of their thoughts:

“I enjoyed hearing about how our work and support at Trinity connects to the Synod, ELCA, and globally.”

“Something that really stood out to me was the discussion of Native Peoples formerly situated on lands throughout our Synod and the greater church. I found their comments to be a demonstration of the church’s reckoning with past injustices and a gesture toward healing.”

“What a blessing it was to be a delegate at the Synod Assembly. The Holy Spirit was truly there with us.”

Bishop Kevin Jones also shared that the three Iowa Bishops are riding the 50th annual RAGBRAI to raise $50,000 for hunger while highlighting 50 anti-hunger ministries along the way. You can ride along, make a gift here, or simply pray for their trip! To make a gift, click the “Give” tab on our webpage or mark your check/envelope with “Bishops Ride.”

For more on synod assembly and other ways we are church beyond Trinity’s walls, check out the June 2023 episode of “Coffee with the Pastors” on Trinity’s Facebook and YouTube pages.

As I shared back in May, I will be on sabbatical for the next two months. (So grateful for this gift that Trinity provides its pastors!) I look forward to returning for worship on Sunday, August 27, 2023. In faith, hope, and love –

FRONT PAGE: Vacation Bible School and Day Camp kids on the west steps

FINANCE COMMITTEE UPDATE

Financial Budget update Jan – May 2023

Income YTD under budget < $46,855>

Expenses YTD under budget <$10,494 >

Please continue your contributions as we go into the summer months. Historically, summer income declines, and expenses continue as usual. Thank you for your support of Trinity’s Ministries.

NEW FOR 2023: USEYOURIRATOFUND TRINITY’SMISSION

Due to new legislation, if you are 70½ or older, you can now make a one-time election for a qualified charitable distribution of up to $50,000 (without being taxed on the gift) from your IRA to fund ministry at Trinity. When you establish a charitable gift annuity with Trinity, you’ll receive numerous benefits, such as income for life. (This is different from the annual Required Minimum Distribution many have made in recent years.) To learn more, contact the office or talk to your financial advisor.

ONLINE WORSHIP SURVEYRESULTS

Those who have worshipped online at Trinity were invited to complete a short survey in April. Thirty-three people responded over about a week’s time. The results are listed below. Thank you to everyone who participated!

How often do you worship with us online? (via livestreaming)

If you were to attend church here at Trinity, how long is your trip?

T150 CONSTRUCTIONLOAN

Trinity continues to pay on the remaining construction loan for the T150 building renovations, technology upgrades, and our mission project. Thanks to the ongoing generosity of many, we have been able to make loan payments from special gifts alone and not the general budget. Trinity's mission and outreach continue to be blessed by this $4.5 million project.

Look for information about the next matching gift challenge in the coming weeks. To make a gift, go to trinity-mc.org/trinity-at-150 or simply write "T150" on your check or envelope.

*Additional cost in loan interest: $2000 per month. To date, we have paid out $136,616 in loan interest.

is the main reason you worship online?

When you worship online, do you participate in Holy Communion?

When you worship online, how many people are worshipping with you?

Which platform you primarily use to worship online with us:

CLASS OF 2023 GRADUATIONOMISSION

Congratulations to Destiny Hoffrogge, who is a 2023 graduate. Destiny is planning on attending NIACC in the fall.

TRINITY KIDS ATTENDINGCAMP

RIVERSIDE / JULY 2023

Morgan Dietrich

Gretta Miller

Jude Kirby

Evelynn Hunt

Melah Kloberdanz

Aubrey Lingbeek

Aubrey Hoveland

Sophia Bothwell

Samantha Pang

Nevaeh Bouska

Maggie Gerrietts

Janae Hansen

McKinnley Hoffman

Tabatha Steele

Henry Hansen

Jaxson Rattay

2023 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL / DAY CAMP

We were blessed to have five Riverside Bible Camp Counselors present for Foundation: Psalm 62:2. Middle School youth had so much fun on Monday of camp week with a campfire and games with the counselors! Thanks to The Dettmers for hosting the campfire! It was awesome to have that one-on-one time with the counselors. Trinity is blessed to be able to serve youth in this way and could not do it without our wonderful volunteers! Thank you to everyone that helped, led, and volunteered for Vacation Bible School / Day Camp this year!

GRADE 5 - 9

WATERPARK TRIP

Thursday, August 1, 2023

9:00 AM | Trinity Parking Lot

All students entering grades 5-9 are welcome to come to Lost Island Waterpark! Parents are needed to go to the waterpark. Each interested student and adult should sign up online with the Sign-Up Genius link below by Sunday, July 23.

https://www.signupgenius.com/ go/508054DACAE22A6F94-lost1.

The cost is $35/person. Payment may be cash, check, or Venmo to @trinitylutheranmc

If we have enough interest, we will get a bus for transportation. Friends are welcome!

MIDDLE SCHOOL GLOWNIGHT

9TH GRADE MENTORKICK-OFF

Trinity's incoming 9th graders met with their confirmation mentors for a kick-off event in June. Each youth and their mentor will work together to complete the mentor program over the summer. The program includes service projects, worship in another church, interviewing a "saint," and guided discussions on faith and prayer.

MIDDLE-AGE ADULTS & FAMILIES POTLUCKDINNER

Sunday, July 9, 2023 / 5:00 PM / Shelter #2

Middle Age Potluck meal at East Park Shelter #2, 5:00 - 7:00 PM. Bring a side or dessert to share. Pulled pork and place settings will be provided.

Hello Trinity adults!

Our 5th and 6th graders have been mentored to lead a life in prayer for the last two years. The adult prayer mentors pray for their students and write them once a month to let them know that they are prayerfully thinking about the student. Last year there were 25 prayer partnerships. That’s 50 people connecting across generations! While the 5th graders are thankful for the prayers and monthly letters, feedback has taught us that both parties would like a more personal connection. This fall, we will improve the program by sharing photographs and having brief face-to-face meetings with the partners for a more personal connection. If you want to become a new prayer mentor this fall, please call the church office at 641-4230536 or visit trinity-mc.org/prayermentor-registration to fill out our online form and indicate your interest.

THIS FALL

Confirmation will resume in September. Incoming 7th-graders and new 8th-graders are encouraged to register for Confirmation on our church webpage: trinity-mc.org/confirmation. Please contact Pastor Daniel (daniel.hanson@trinity-mc.org) or Carol (carol.dettmer@trinitymc.org) with any questions! We are excited to walk alongside you throughout this faith milestone!

Funeral Serving Group

When a family needs hospitality the most, Trinity’s Funeral Serving Group is there for them. A large group of volunteers from Trinity has been serving funeral lunches for those whose loved ones have passed away and have the funeral service in our church. Whether they are members of Trinity, affiliated with Trinity, or are in a special circumstance where the funeral takes place at Trinity, the families have the option of this amazing group of people serving a lunch after the funeral service to all who are attending.

Traditionally, the women’s circles were in charge of this ministry. After the women in the circles became older, there simply wasn’t enough help anymore, so this ministry branched out to the entire congregation. The current group was formed, consisting of anyone in the congregation who wanted to be a part of it. Now men as well as women of Trinity work together to ensure that the

deceased’s family and friends are well fed.

Jane Billings has been involved in this ministry since serving with a circle many years ago. They “used to make all of the cakes and bars and assemble the sandwiches,” Billings said, “while now everything is catered.” She mentioned that it’s extremely helpful to have men involved now, as they help serve coffee and chat with people…among so many other duties that the group shares.

Mary Charlson added that when this congregation group took over the responsibilities once held by the circles, they tried to keep things the same, just tweaking the process here and there. Seasonal decorations adorn each table and guests come through a line receiving their food from the kitchen serving windows. She agreed with Billings that men are now heavily involved and love to help. “The men like to chat,” she said, “and they’re better at serving coffee because of this!”

A funeral lunch offers closure and fellowship…as well as food for the family and friends of the deceased. It also allows families time to talk with people. Billings said, “It’s such an important time!” Trinity “makes it very gracious for the families,” Charlson pointed out. “We still use dishes and cups…not plastic tableware. We have a fabulous dishwasher, so we clean up and clear/wash dishes while the family stays here and visits.”

There are so many different duties that require a large number of people to help…but “not too many because you don’t want people tripping over each other!” as Billings pointed out. Usually 10 to 12 people serve at a funeral, and this number seems to work well.

TRINITY’S FUNERAL SERVING GROUP PLACE

Some of the duties include setting tables, cleaning up, plating food, pouring coffee, washing dishes and folding napkins. Sharon Heimbuch is a personal fan of folding napkins as it’s something that she can do easily while sitting down. Charlson says that Heimbuch even takes the napkins home to fold them, so there is a huge sense of pride here in a job well done. Charlson also pointed out that Jane Billings also takes the aprons and table-

cloths home to wash and iron. Every bit of help that is offered is needed and greatly appreciated!

Colleen Last, one of the members of this ministry, said, “I spent my whole life avoiding church kitchens, and now I find myself there with good people to work with!” She said if you are invited to help with this funeral serving group, “Say Yes! It’s all about the people!” Her husband, Michael Last, also volunteers with this group, being the greeter extraordinaire. His welcoming smile and easygoing nature is perfect for this role.

In fact, there are so many roles that people can choose for their specialty and the Funeral Serving Group is always looking for more volunteers. Why join? Charlson and Billings said, “It’s good fellowship. We have a good time and meet a lot of people. It’s also very rewarding…the people you are serving are so grateful and they come back and thank us.” If you’d like to help with this ministry, call Lou Ann in the Trinity office, and she can lead you to this amazing bunch of people. The Funeral Serving Group “is a well-oiled machine,” said Charlson, and “we try our best to accommodate. It’s all about being a servant church with radical hospitality!”

COLUMBARIUM DEDICATION

Sunday, June 18, 2023

Trinity’s dedicated its new Columbarium on Sunday, June 18, on the south lawn. Physically attached to our sanctuary building, the Columbarium provides a place of rest and remembrance for loved ones and their families. It is also a reminder of the “cloud of witnesses” that has gone before us and the hope we profess in the resurrection of Jesus.

Trinity’s Columbarium contains 99 compartments or “niches.” Each niche can hold up to two cremation urns and includes a stone covering

inscribed with the names of the person(s) inurned. Thanks to Trinity’s Columbarium Committee and all who helped make this new ministry possible. To learn more or purchase a niche, please contact the church office at 641-423-0536.†

MICHAEL LAST, GREETER

LEFT TO RIGHT: LEHMAN OLSON, INTERIM PASTOR DAN DAHL, PASTOR DANIEL HANSON, PASTOR DAN GERRIETTS, JULIE SANCHEZ, PASTOR KATHY GRAVES, AND SARAH SWEGLE

SHARE THE HARVEST

Have extra produce? Bring it to share Saturday evening for the 5:00 PM worship service or Sunday morning worship services. If you like to eat fresh home-grown produce, please check the Share the Harvest Table in the Gathering Space when you come to worship and take some home. Rejoice in the abundance of God!

SUPPORT GROUPS

You are not alone…support groups available at Trinity include a Cancer Support Group that meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 2:00 PM, and a Caregiver Support Group that meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 9:30 AM.

BIKE TO CHURCH SUNDAY

Sunday, July 9, 2023 / 9:00 AM Worship Blessing

Do you normally drive to church? Save some gas by leaving your car in the garage. Hop on your bike and ride to church Sunday, July 9, for Trinity’s Bike to Church Sunday

BOOK DISCUSSION

Monday, July 10, 2023

1:00 PM / The Gathering Space

Our next book is The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson. “A haunting novel spanning several generations, The Seed Keeper follows a Dakota family’s struggle to preserve their way of life, and their sacrifices to protect what matters most.” Multiple copies are available to check out from Trinity’s Church Office.

FARM TO TABLE LUNCH

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

11:00 AM - 12:30 AM

Elsbernd Farm -19050 Thrush Ave, MC

Harvest vegetables from the garden and combine them into a soup and a salad. Come to prepare and enjoy this healthy meal on the farm. This event is limited to the first eight people. Adults and teens are welcome. Sign up by contacting Becky Elsbernd at 641-423-0536 or becky.elsbernd@trinity-mc.org. There is a $5.00 supply fee per person.

PRESCHOOL PLAYDATE

Friday, July 14, 2023

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Elsbernd Farm

19050 Thrush Ave (Near NIACC)

You are invited to a Trinity Preschool Playdate! Parents and preschoolers are invited for an hour of games and fun at the Elsbernd Farm! We will have a chance to meet some of the farm animals too!

Please RSVP to Pastor Daniel daniel.hanson@trinity-mc.org

Herbs add aroma, flavor, and color to life! On June 19, we gathered in the Trinity kitchen to create four recipes that included a variety of herbs; basil lemonade, lemon verbena vinaigrette, Easy Garlic and Herb Veggie Dip (see recipe below), and lemon thyme icebox cookies.

EASY GARLIC AND HERB VEGGIEDIP

▢1 cup mayonnaise

▢1/2 cup sour cream

▢1 tbsp. dried parsley

▢1 tbsp. dried chives

▢1/2 - 1 tsp dried tarragon

DIRECTIONS

▢1/2 - 1 tsp dried dill weed

▢1/2 tsp. garlic powder

▢1/4 tsp. paprika (or smoked paprika)

▢1/4 tsp. dried minced onion

▢ salt and pepper to taste

- In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and whisk together to combine well.

- For best taste, refrigerate for several hours in an airtight container before serving. THECHUNKYCHEF.COM

LEARN TO CROCHET

Tuesday, July 18, 2023 / 10:45 AM / Trinity Room 307

Come and learn how to crotchet with help from the Prayer Shawl Ministry volunteers. All ages are welcome. Yarn and crotchet hooks provided for

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

5:00 PM / Trinity Fellowship Hall

Rejoicing Spirits is inclusive of all ages and abilities as we connect with God and one another. This casual worship service offers camp-style music, an interactive skit, and participatory prayer. Our focus this year is the fruits of the spirit. Join us as we discuss wisdom with the story of King Solomon. Following the worship service, enjoy pizza and root beer floats for a free-will donation.

GO GREEN WITHGREENBEANS

Monday, July 24, 2023

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM / Trinity Kitchen

Come and learn tasty ways to eat green beans! This workshop offers hands-on participation in every step of the process- washing, preparing, and eating. The supply fee is $5.00. This event is limited to ten participants. Sign up by contacting Becky Elsbernd at 641-423-0536 or becky.elsbernd@trinity-mc.org

WALK AWAY

September 13 - 15, 2023

Heritage Trail

Dyersville to Dubuque

EVENING BIKE RIDE ONPRAIRIELANDTRAIL

Wednesday, July, 26, 2023 / 7:00 PM / Trail Head

Join us on an evening bike ride on the Prairie Land Trail on Wednesday, July 26, at 7:00 PM. The Prairie Land Trail runs along an abandoned railroad bed from Nettle Ave SW of Mason City to Apple Ave SW of Meservey. We will meet at the trailhead at 13773 240th St. It is a down-and-back trail, so riders can do as many miles as they wish. The surface is compacted lime chip.

Join us for an Iowan pilgrimage experience to step away from our routines into a way of being that supports listening and letting go. We depart from Mason City on Wednesday morning, September 13, and return late afternoon on Friday, September 15. We begin at the Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa, where we are invited to trust and lean into that still, small voice that leads us to discover who we are and who God intends for us to be. We then walk the 26-mile Heritage Trail from Dyersville to Dubuque over the next three days. Evening accommodations include New Melleray Abbey in Peosta and Shalom Spirituality Center in Dubuque. The Reverend Stephen Benitz of St. John’s Episcopal Church and Becky Elsbernd, Parish Nurse of Trinity Lutheran Church, will guide us on our pilgrimage. A support vehicle travels with us to assist as needed and to provide snacks and water along the way. Cost: $250 (this includes transportation, evening accommodations, meals, and snacks.) Register and pay a $125 deposit to save your spot. Space is limited. Learn more about this trip at: trinity-mc.org/walk-a-way

The registration deadline is 8/1.

CROWDER CONCERT

Sunday, August 6, 2023

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Mason City Area

Crowder, a popular contemporary Christian band, will perform a concert at Mason City Arena on Sunday, August 6. All middle-aged members and their friends are welcome to The Corner at 5:00 PM for dinner (pizza provided) and then the 7:00 PM show. Tickets may be purchased online for $30 tickets with the arena link below. Please get section 113 or 114 so we are near each other. Please let Carol Dettmer know when you have your tickets so we can plan on you for pizza.

TRINITY SOFTBALL

Come cheer on Trinity's softball team at Frederick Hanford Park on Friday nights! Check the calendar on the church website for game times each week.

TRINITY-MC.ORG/SOFTBALL

T150 Matching Gift Challenge

Thanks to another Matching Gift Challenge by two generous Trinity families, we can now double all new gifts made to the T150 Capital Appeal through the end of September 2023!

That's right - if we receive $50,000 in new cash gifts before Sept. 30, 2023 that amount will be matched dollar for dollar! If you still need to donate or are considering an additional gift, now is the perfect time to double your contribution and help us pay down the remaining $500,000 on the T150 loan. Every gift helps! To make a gift, go to trinity-mc.org/t150-matching-gift-challenge or write "T150 Matching Gift" on your check or envelope.

For Generations to Come

TROOP 14 PANCAKEREAKFAST FUNDRAISER

Sunday, August 20, 2023

8:30 AM - 11:30 AM / Trinity Fellowship Hall

Troop 14 invites you to join us for a breakfast of pancakes, sausage, and scrambled eggs with juice! Come before or after the 9:00 AM church service! This breakfast is to help the Troop raise funds for the scouts for Troop expenses and campouts. The Troop is still trying to recover from COVID. Please join us and support our Scouts!

$7.00 per plate, payable at the door.

TRINITY TRIPPERS TOFAIR

Wednesday, September 13 , 2023

8:00 AM Meet Up /Trinity East Parking Lot

Mark your calendars! Trinity Trippers will be taking a bus for a day to the Spencer Fair! Please bring your own spending money for the fair. The bus will leave Trinity at 8 am with return late afternoon. Please sign up on the bulletin board outside the church office. The cost is $20.00 / person.

($10.00 fair admission and $10.00 bus)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAVIS!

Happy 100th Birthday to Mavis Espinosa! Mavis will be turning 100 years old on July 8. Please help us celebrate Mavis's birthday by sending her a birthday greeting. Cards can be sent 1028 Manor Dr, Mason City, Iowa, 50401.

WORSHIP

Saturdays 5:00 PM | Sanctuary

Traditional

Sundays 9:00 AM | Courtyard

Contemporary

Sundays 10:30 AM | Sanctuary Livestreamed on Trinity’s Facebook Page and YouTube Channel or listen live on KCMR 97.9 FM or kcmrfm.com

Traditional

PASTORS

Senior Pastor: Dan Gerrietts dan.gerrietts@trinity-mc.org

Pastor of Spiritual Growth: Daniel Hanson daniel.hanson@trinity-mc.org

STAFF

Interim Pastor of Spiritual Care: Dan Dahl dan.dahl@trinity-mc.org

Kristian Carlson kristian.carlson@trinity-mc.org

Carol Dettmer carol.dettmer@trinity-mc.org

Becky Elsbernd becky.elsbernd@trinity-mc.org

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Mon-Fri

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Lou Ann Rossler louann.rossler@trinity-mc.org

Betsy Kirby betsy.kirby@trinity-mc.org

Ashley Morrison ashley.morrison@trinity-mc.org

Michelle Murray michelle.murray@trinity-mc.org

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