Trinity Connection - September 2023

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

EDITORIAL

michelle.murray@trinity-mc.org

Design & Layout Ashley Morrison ashley.morrison@trinity-mc.org

Printer Trinity Lutheran Church

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How many times in your life have you tried something new because someone invited you?

I can still remember when a member of a previous congregation I served invited me to accompany him to a service club meeting. That invitation later caused me to join the club and led to many fulfilling experiences and relationships I would not have had outside the club. I can also remember when I was a freshman in college and went to a worship service at the beginning of the school year by myself. I had barely sat down when some older students came over and invited me to sit with them. I had so many formative moments as a part of Campus Ministry at Wartburg, beginning with this moment of welcome. These might seem like small or insignificant invitations, but I still remember them today. They were moments that helped me imagine how I belonged in a space and in a community. They helped spark a future I could not yet imagine. Invitations make a difference. Sometimes, maybe even often, invitations are declined. But sometimes an invitation is the beginning of the most important relationships and moments of our lives. Trying out new things can be intimidating. The fear of the unknown, the uncertainty of whether or not we will be welcomed or belong, can be a barrier that stands in the way of us trying new things. Invitations can break down those barriers. One may not be sure if they belong in space or a group, but the certainty that they will be welcomed by a familiar person, and have a companion to share the experience, may make all the difference.

PASTOR DANIEL HANSON PASTOR OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH

At Trinity, we are beginning a new season of fall programming. The transition from summer to autumn, from summer break to school starting, is upon us.

What a great time to try something new!

What a great opportunity to invite someone you know to come with you to worship, supper during Wednesday Night Alive, or the BASES exercise class (among the many opportunities you will find in this newsletter!). Who is someone in your life you could invite to share an experience together at Trinity?

Who could be a companion on your journey of faith?

Sometimes an invitation makes all the difference. It might be all it takes to break past a barrier and open the door to… well, who can say what God might create? In this changing season, what new experiences might we have together? Who might you invite to come alongside for the journey?

In Christ,

FINANCE COMMITTEE UPDATE

July 2023

Income under budget - $27,577

Expenses under budget - $15,589

Net Income YTD - <82,740>

Please continue your contributions as we move toward fall. Historically, summer income declines, and expenses continue as usual. Thank you for your support of Trinity’s Ministries.

Editor Michelle Murray

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.

FRONT PAGE: Attendees listen to Pastor Dahl’s message during the Senior Summer Luncheon

T150 MATCHING CHALLENGE

Extraordinary Generosity is about responding to what God has first done for us. It’s about discovering the joy of using whatever you have received - whether it be time, talents, or treasure - for God’s work and for the sake of your neighbor. It’s not about how much. It’s not about comparison to others. It’s about God’s call to serve our Community, World, and One Another.

For three weekends in October, our message time in worship will be a panel discussion of Trinity members sharing call stories from their lives. The same panel will present at all three services each weekend. Please mark your calendars and join us for this unique and inspiring series!

SEPT 30 – OCT 1

featuring Dennis Wilson, Alyse Hesley, and Gretta Miller

MINISTRY FAIR

OCTOBER 7 - 8

featuring Colleen Last, Sam Hunt, and Kristian Carlson

Sunday, September 10, 2023

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Trinity Gathering Space

OCT 14 - 15

featuring Craig Remmen, Sophie Fitzgerald, and TBD

The Ministry Fair will showcase the various ministries and events, while giving our members (and the surrounding communities) the opportunity to become

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. To make a gift, go to trinity-mc.org/trinity-at-150, or write "T150" on your check or envelope.

T150 Donations-$3,770,273

Loan Balance-$458,751

Loan Interest-$140,676

QUILTERS REQUEST

Urgent need for new (or gently used) fabrics any size welcome! Donations can be brought to the Trinity stage in the Fellowship Hall.

Thanks to another Matching Gift Challenge by two generous Trinity families, we can 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! Go to trinity-mc.org/t150-matching-giftchallenge or write "T150 Matching Gift" on your check or envelope to make a gift.

GATHERING Informational Meeting

Sunday, September 17, 2023

11:45 AM—12:30 PM

Trinity Fellowship Hall

Next summer Trinity's youth are going to New Orleans with thousands of Lutherans from across the nation and beyond! 8th - 12th grade families, come on Sunday and learn how to get there!

RALLY SUNDAY - SEPTEMBER 10, 2023

We will kick off the Sunday School year with class on Rally Sunday on Sunday, September 10, 2023. NOTE: IF YOUR PRESCHOOLER IS GOING TO HAVE AN ADDITIONAL YEAR BEFORE MOVING ON TO FIRST GRADE, PLEASE LET ME KNOW SO HE/SHE WILL BE IN THE RIGHT CLASS. If you have registration questions, email marty.greder@trinity-mc.org or call 423-0536.

Sunday School is the core of our Christian ministry.

We meet each Sunday morning from 9:15-10:15 AM, fall through spring. Classes are provided for children age 3 through high school. Trinity is committed to welcoming all children including children with special needs into our activities and programs. If you have any special concerns or guidance, so that your children have the best experience possible, please call Parish Nurse Becky Elsbernd or Education Director Marty Greder at 641-423-0536.

IGNITE ISBACK!

Attention all Trinity Lutheran Church Youth - Grade 7 & 8 through High School: Experience Sunday morning a whole new way. Try it on for size in the Trinity Youth Room @ 9:15 AM on Sunday mornings starting Sept. 10.

PRAYER MENTOR KICK-OFF

Meet and Greet

Sunday, September 24, 2023

Helpers Needed

Shepherd and Teacher positions are filling quickly, but openings are available for the 2023-2024 Sunday School year. To teach/shepherd for the Trinity Sunday School program, you must desire to share your gifts with children, and all Teachers/ Shepherds must be in high school. It’s easy and fun!

We also need adults to lead games, crafts, and fun at Wednesday Night Alive –Wednesday evenings from 6:30 -7:30 PM. If interested, call Marty Greder, Director of Christian Education, at 423-0536 or email at marty.greder@trinity-mc.org.

10:00 AM / Trinity Gathering Space New and Returning Prayer Mentors will meet and greet their 5th and 6th grade partners in the Gathering Space on Sunday, September 24 at 10:00 AM. All matched pairs will have a chance to make a personal connection as they start or continue their prayerful partnerships! If you are an adult and still considering becoming a Prayer Mentor, please contact Carol Dettmer at 641

FUN INTHESUN Our middle school day trip to Lost Island Waterpark in August was so much fun! Thank you to all the kiddos who participated and, of course, the parents who chaperoned!

THANK YOU FOR10YEARS INTHENURSERY

BY MICHELLE MURRAY

Who knew that a gig as Trinity’s nursery director would begin with a dream? Lou Ann Rossler had just become Trinity’s new Administrative Assistant to Congregation Life when she took a new member class and met a nice couple who was interested in becoming members of the congregation. Since they had a young child, they inquired about Trinity having a staffed nursery. “Trinity didn’t have that at the time…and the couple decided not to stay,” Rossler said.

Not long after that, she had a dream where she recognized the old cabinet that was housed in the nursery. She was wearing a smock apron and held her arms out, welcoming children into the nursery. She shared this dream with Marty Greder, and “that’s how I became the nursery director!” Rossler said. One of the first things she did as director was to purchase a wooden dollhouse with some memorial money. A little boy was playing with it one Sunday morning and asked, “Where are the people?”

Rossler answered, “We don’t have any… but we have some animals!” Another purchase was made and kids delighted in playing with the people in the dollhouse. “I tried to keep toys updated and safe,” Rossler mentioned.

She said, “Over the years, we’ve had lots of kids come through the nursery.” Having the nursery director be a paid position made the nursery more reliable. “Parents can come in to visit anytime,” Rossler said. A requirement is to have two people supervising the nursery at all times, and any additional nursery helper needs to go through a background check and have CPR training.

Rossler’s memories include “lots of fun memories!” She said, “I have a close relationship with some of those kids to this day!” Lucky enough to initially meet many children back when they were babies, Rossler now delights in watching

them grow up. “One little girl came into the nursery and called me ‘Lou Lou,’” Rossler said. “She was adorable…and always wore pink cowboy boots no matter what else she was wearing!”

From getting hugs to watching kids go through separation anxiety when their parents dropped them off, Rossler said, “I have had more fun than challenging times. It has truly been rewarding! I think children are the future of our church and if they have fond memories of their time at Trinity, they’ll want to bring their own children to church someday. You always want church to be a welcoming place.” After ten years of playing with the little ones, Rossler said, “It’s time for me to retire. I’m glad I was in the nursery as it was a wonderful way to serve! I’m excited to see the changes that will take place in the nursery. It’s time for ‘fresh blood’ and a new direction! For generations to come, that room will hopefully be a welcoming place for them.”

When asked what she’ll do with her extra time, Rossler laughed and said, “Well, this weekend I’m going to do van transportation!” Wherever she is, there’s a smile, a comment with a “sweetie” thrown in here and there, and a soul as welcoming as can be found. Thank you, Lou Ann, for your service in the nursery, your welcoming heart, and your open arms for hugs. Trinity has certainly been blessed with your direction of our youngest members! †

STARTING SEPTEMBER 13

GRADES 7 - 8

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 at carol.dettmer@trinitymc.org) with any questions! We are excited to walk alongside you throughout this faith milestone!

Dear Parents, SUNDAY SCHOOL OFFERING

In September, children receive a box of envelopes in their homerooms. There is an envelope for each Sunday (plus holidays.) Many people don’t use cash often these days, but there are alternative ways to give. You can give your Sunday School offering electronically, as well as your adult offering. Just go to www.trinity-mc.org and click on GIVE, then follow the directions. There is a Sunday School Offering tab to choose. Moneys given there will go directly to our Sunday School offering. If you have questions, please get in touch with Marty Greder at marty.greder@trinity-mc.org.

LOU ANN ROSSLER

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

FallProgramming

BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 13, 2023

SPIRITUAL FORMATION IN A POLITICAL AGE

Trinity is a “large tent” church with diverse thoughts, theologies, and political convictions. The New Testament teaches that diverse people find their unity in the Body of Christ and the good news of Jesus. This class explores how scripture, our Lutheran tradition, and certain faith practices can shape us and help us bear witness to Christ for the sake of our neighbor. Held in The Gathering Space, this class will be led by Pastor Dan Gerrietts, who will also share insights on this topic from his recent sabbatical.

TRINITY CHOIR

Trinity’s choir is open to all vocalists, high school age & older. Choir practice is held in the Choir Room.

TRINITY THEATRE

Come to an Inspirational Football Movie on September 13, 20, & 27. Fall is the season for football and facing new challenges, and an inspirational football movie will get us in the mood for both. Join the fellowship in the 3rd floor Theatre. Rated PG

YOUNG WOMEN’S GROUP

The young women's group is for women. Are you young? Join us! Think you're young? Join us. We will meet on Wednesdays in the Library for conversations led by the spirit no Bible knowledge needed... no homework ever. Whether you can come for only one Wednesday or every time, we will be happy to see you. This fall feels like a new start after two years off! We hope to pick up again with Bible topics, interesting books, video series, or possibly join other educational opportunities offered during WNA. We hope to see you on the 13th!

KINDERGARTEN - GRADE 6

Students will come to the 2nd floor and learn new things from talented Trinity adults with a new activity each week.

CONFIRMATION

GRADES 7-8

Confirmation students will gather 6:30 – 7:45 pm in the Fellowship Hall and experience small group and large group learning as they study for their Confirmation.

FLAME GRADES 9-12

High School Youth Group meets 6:30-7:45 PM in the Youth Room.

NURSERY

The Nursery is for preschoolers and is available from 6:30-7:30 PM each week.

BY MICHELLE MURRAY

A delicious lunch, a meaningful worship service, and priceless fellowship time were enjoyed at Trinity’s Senior Summer Luncheon on August 10. Over 100 seniors (age 80 and over) attended this annual luncheon, hosted this year for the first time by the Adult Ministry committee.

Patty Flatness and Jean Bloxham were in charge of this event, and both credit the others on the committee, the pastors, Becky Elsbernd, LouAnn Rossler and Deb Nielsen for their planning and participation. Bloxham said, “Our Adult Ministry committee spends several months planning this. We discuss our menu, table decorations and special features of the event.”

Flatness and Bloxham have been helping with this luncheon for several years. Flatness said, “I must admit I was a little stressed when I found out Adult Ministry was taking over the luncheon. But with all the great planning of our committee, the food prep and the “why” that included doing something special for our Trinity senior members, it all came together!”

Bloxham added, “When I think of this event it makes me think of joy. I sincerely hope that when our members come, they feel the same - love and joy. Being together at our beautiful church, seeing friends, enjoying a meal and communing together will make for an enjoyable afternoon. This is our purpose of adult ministry and we are happy we can do this for our members.”

SALSA TIME

Tuesday, September 18, 2023

1:00 PM | Trinity Kitchen

Come learn how to make salsa on Monday, September 18, from 1:00 -3:00 PM in Trinity’s kitchen. This salsa recipe has been a favorite of the Elsbernd family for years. Supply fee is $5.00. Each participant will take home the recipe and a jar of salsa to enjoy. It is limited to eight participants. Sign up by contacting the church office or becky.elsbernd@trinity-mc.org.

BOOK DISCUSSION

Monday, September 11, 2023

1:00 PM / The Gathering Space

Our next book is Bottomland by Michelle Hoover. “Bottomland follows the Hess family in the years after World War I as they attempt to rid themselves of the Anti-German sentiment that left a stain on their name. It is a haunting story of pride, love, and betrayal, set among the rugged terrain of Iowa, the fields of war-torn Flanders, and the bustling Chicago.” Multiple copies are available to check out from the MC Public Library.

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.

BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKSRETURN

Blood pressure checks will resume on the third Sunday of the month in the Gathering Space from 10:0010:30 AM. Please stop by and check it out on Sunday, September 17.

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 to learn about self-control with the story of the feeding of the 5,000. Following the worship service, enjoy pizza and root beer floats for a free-will donation.

ROTATING ART GALLERY

Nature photos by Bruce McKee

August-October

Bruce G. McKee, a member of the Trinity Bronze handbell choir is an avid nature photographer. "My photos range from the back yard to iconic photo locations across the country. We have traveled to 29 U.S. national parks, three in Canada, and dozens of state and county parks in several states. I enjoy photographing a variety of subjects including wildlife, birds, flowers, landscapes and the night sky. I hope you enjoy this sampling of some of my photos on display at Trinity."

PRAYER SHAWL

September 21, 2023 / 1:00 PM / Trinity Courtyard

We are hosting a Prayer Shawl Shindig at Trinity Lutheran Church on Thursday, September 21, at 1:00 PM. This event is an annual gathering of prayer shawl creators from Mason City and the surrounding communities for fellowship, inspiration, and blessing. Anyone who creates prayer shawls or is interested in learning more about this ministry is invited to attend. Coffee and pie will be served. This event is in place of our monthly meeting, so we will not meet on September 19 at 10:45 AM. Register by calling the church office at 641-423-0536 before Tuesday, September 21

LABYRINTH WALKFORPEACE

Thurs. September 21, 2023

8:00 PM / Trinity Courtyard

Celebrate International Day of Peace on September 21st by walking a lighted labyrinth at 8:00 PM in Trinity’s Courtyard. Join us as we walk with the intention of peace for ourselves, our community, and our world.

BASES RETURNS

BASES (Balance-AgilityStrength-EnduranceSocialization) Exercise Class returns September 5th. This free exercise class for adults age 55 or older is coordinated by RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) and led by RSVP volunteers. BASES will meet every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 8:00 - 9:00 AM in The Gathering Space at Trinity Lutheran Church.

BIKE RIDE

Wed, September 27, 2023

9:00 AM | Clear Lake

Come check out the new, improved bike lanes around Clear Lake! Join us for a leisurely bike ride on Wednesday, September 27th at 9:00 AM. Meet at the seawall in Clear Lake. Please get in touch with Parish Nurse Becky if you need transportation for you and your bike. Weather Permitting

TRINITY’S PICKUP CHOIR!

Are you interested in joining a fun, new, and exciting choral experience at Trinity? Want to sing, but maybe you can't read music? No problem! Join Trinity's newest choral experience for all people and all abilities! Music reading experience is NOT required! It's called the Trinity Pickup Choir! There's no commitment. Just come for one or two of our Wednesday night rehearsals in the choir room at 6:30 PM (7:00 PM during Advent) prior to our pickup choir performances on Sundays: September 10, October 15, November 12, and December 17. Make a joyful noise with us! The first rehearsal is on August 30!

IT IS LEFSE TIME!

TRINITY TRIPPERS TOFAIR

Wed. September 13 , 2023

7:30 AM / Trinity Parking Lot

Mark your calendars! Trinity Trippers will be taking a bus for a day to the Spencer Fair! Please sign up on the bulletin board outside the church office. The cost is $20.00 per person. ($10.00 fair admission and $10.00 bus)

BAZAAR BOOKNOOK DONATIONS

The Bazaar will be here sooner than you think. It is not too early to donate new or gently used NOV-

POP CAN TABS

Toni Erickson is helping a friend collect beverage tabs for the Shriners hospital and, more specifically, to be used for purchasing children's wheelchairs. Please save your tabs and drop them off by the church office. She will pick them up weekly and appreciates your help with this great cause!

FELLOWSHIP COFFEE

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

9:30 AM / Trinity Fellowship Hall Fellowship Coffee returns! Come to the Fellowship Hall for a time of coffee and treats and to hear Young Adult and High School Youth Director Kristian Carlson share highlights from his life story.

Mark your calendars... it's time to make lefse for the Bazaar! September 11 is the first lefse-making session. Potato peeling begins at 6:00 AM, with rolling beginning at 8:30 AM and packaging at 11:30 AM. We will meet every Monday through October 23. We are looking for volunteers for lefse-making! Join the fellowship!

TRINITY COLUMBARIUM NICHES Now Available

Those interested in purchasing a niche can make an appointment by calling the church office or emailing Lou Ann Rossler (louann.rossler@trinity-mc.org). At your appointment you will meet with a member of the Columbarium Committee to answer questions and go through the policies, pricing, sign documents, and select a niche. Appointment Dates: August 27th (10:30 AM - 2:00 PM) and September 24 (10:30 AM - 2:00 PM.)

LYDIA CIRCLE

Wednesday, September 13, 2023 / 9:30 AM / Trinity Room 208

Lydia Bible Study meets again on September 13 at 9:30 AM. Lydia uses the Gather magazine Bible Study. We meet at 9:30 AM the second Wednesday of the month for a treat and conversation in Room 208 at Trinity, followed by a Bible Study. We hope you join us!

WELCA BIBLESTUDY

Thursday, September 14, 2023

9:30 AM / Trinity Room 208

Rev. Dr. Norma Cook Everist will lead the WELCA Bible Study on "Seventy Images of Grace in the Epistles" on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 9:30 to 10:30 AM in Room 208. The first session will be Thursday, September 14 at 9:30 AM. The September session will focus on images of "From Bondage to Freedom." This will be an interactive Bible Study with meaning for our daily lives. Women of all ages are invited to attend.

SPECIAL CD’S AVAILABLE

Do you want to take a little of Trinity's music ministry home with you? Then why not consider buying Trinity's music ministry's CDs, exclusively produced by Trinity musicians for the Trinity congregation!? Our Handbell CD "Hymn Classics" was recorded and produced by the Trinity Bronze handbell choir and Dr. Matt Gender and features some of your favorite hymns in easy-to-listen formats on bells and organ! Our other CD was also produced by Dr. Matt Gender, and it features his own improvisations in a gentle, easy-listening format on the piano! Put on this CD when you need a little calming, gentle piano music based on some more of your favorite hymn tunes. Each CD is $10, and your donations will go a long way in helping to shape our music ministry moving into the future!

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

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

Kristian Carlson kristian.carlson@trinity-mc.org

Carol Dettmer carol.dettmer@trinity-mc.org

Becky Elsbernd becky.elsbernd@trinity-mc.org

PASTORS STAFF

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

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

Pam Fike pam.fike@trinity-mc.org

Matt Gender matt.gender@trinity-mc.org

Marty Greder marty.greder@trinity-mc.org

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

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

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

SUBSCRIBE trinity-mc.org/email-newsletters or call 641-423-0536

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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