April 2024 Trumpet

Trinity Trumpet

Trinity Lutheran Church

Springfield, Missouri

April 2024

WELCOME TO OUR TRINITY FAMILY!

MISSION STATEMENT

The family of Trinity Lutheran Church welcomes all people to share in the life of the Christian faith in worship, friendship, and service.

OUR CORE VALUES

Faithfulness to God’s Word . . . Integrity . . . Compassion . . . Family focused . . . Engagement in Service . . . Welcoming to all people . . . Fiscal responsibility & stewardship

VISION STATEMENT

The family of Trinity builds and nurtures the bonds of faith through love, learning, and sharing with others.

OUR CRITICAL TARGETS

Faithful Worship . . . Christian Education . . . Healthy Christian Homes . . . Caring Relationships in Christ . . Robust Community Connectivity & Outreach

Easter Celebration

7:00 a.m. Sunrise Divine Service

8:00 a.m. Easter Breakfast

10:00 a.m. Festival Divine Service

TrinityLutheranChurch

1415SouthHolland

Springfield,Missouri 65807

Phone:417-866-5878

Fax:417-866-5629

www.trinity-springfield.org

Tocontactourstaff,callthechurchofficeor Email: tlcoffice@trinitylutheranspfd.org

+Rev.Dr.NicholasHagerman,Pastor nhagerman@trinitylutheranspfd.org

+VicarBenjaminHeinz bheinz@trinitylutheranspfd.org

+Mrs.HannahKnehans,DirectorofFamilyLife Ministry (DFLM) hknehans@trinitylutheranspfd.org

+Dr.GraceSt.Pierre,DirectorofMusicMinistry gstpierre@trinitylutheranspfd.org

+Mrs.AngelaBruton,OfficeManager angelabruton@trinitylutheranspfd.org

TOGODALONE BETHEGLORY!

 DevotedtoJesusChrist, theSonofGodandtheSavior andLordoftheWorld

 DevotedtoGod’sWord, teachingthepuredoctrinesof thefaith

 DevotedtotheSacramentsof HolyBaptismandHoly Communion,throughwhich theHolySpiritblessesGod’s peoplewithHispresence andHisgifts.

 DevotedtoChristian Fellowshipandtolovingand caringforeachother

 Devotedtosharingthe Gospelwithallpeople (Acts2:42)

Officers

President: Curt Brand

Vice Pres: Chris Straw

Secretary: Angie Reitmeier

Treasurer: Amy Collins

Mission & Ministry Council

Ev. & Mission: Laura McCune

Christian Care: Dick & Jan

McGuire

Fellowship: Melinda Brown

Stewardship: Jen Gabathuler

Endowment: Ann Marie Baker

Trustee: Jeff Winter

Personnel: Zeke Young

Parish Ed.: Heather Newman

Elders: Kevin Scheer

Family Ministry: Amy Scheer

Age-Based Ministry: Jody

Hackley

Your Board of Elders

Zone 1 (A/Bo) Johnny Dicks

Zone 2 (Br/C) Tim Peters

Zone 3 (DE) Jason Gabathuler

Zone 4 (FG) Mark Jones

Zone 5 (HIJ) Brock Buerck

Zone 6 (KL) Josh Sexton

Zone 7 (M) Zack Peters

Zone 8 (NOP) Clate Baker

Zone 9 (QR) Joe Western

Zone 10 (S/Se) David Mitchell

Zone 11 (Sh/T) Kevin Scheer

Zone 12 (UVWXYZ) Steve Otto

Your Board of Parish Education

Chair: Heather Newman

Member/ABS: Kathy Polacoff

Member: Patrice Winter

Sunday School: Linda Young

Midweek School: Heather Newman

VBS: Claire Hagerman

OurTrinityFamilyStewardship–March24,2024

Attendance:

146

204

Lent

TithesandOfferings:

Previousweek: 143

215

Noon 43 7 p.m. 100

Undesignated(General)Offerings

DesignatedGifts

DebtReduction

BusBarn

MidweekDinner

EasterFlowers

$ 184.00 R&RFund

$ 400.00 BusExpense

$ 168.00

$ 38.00

PortalsofPrayer

LutheranStudentCenter

$10,630.35

$ 130.00

$ 3.00

$ 76.00

$ 135.00

Total $ 1,134.00

TotalGifts $11,764.35

SundaySchoolandAdultBibleClassAttendanceforMarch24

Preschool: 13

Elementary: 33

DearTrinityFamily,

Jr.High: 3

Adults/HighSchool/Teachers: 93

FROM the PASTOR

GreetingstoyouinthenameofourLordJesusChrist! BythetimethiseditionoftheTrumpethasbeen sentouttothecongregation,wewillhavealmostcompletedourLentenobservancesandourjourneytothe crosswithJesus. AndonSunday,whenhardcopiesareavailable,wewill beginourcelebrationofHis resurrectionfromthedead. Ofcourse,thisisthemostsignificantholydayonthechurchcalendareveryyear, asitcommemoratestheeventthatmadeoursalvationpossible. AsLutherans,wefocusheavilyonJesus’death onthecrosstoatoneforoursins,buttheresurrectioninmanywaysisevenmoresignificantthanthat. Had Jesusnotrisenfromthedead,thatwouldmeanthatGodhadnotacceptedHissacrifice,andthatweourselves wouldstillbedeadinoursins. Deathalsowouldnothavebeenconqueredforus,andwewouldhavenoeternal lifewithGodtolookforwardto. Manypeoplediedoncrossesbackinthosedays,butonlyoneofthemever rosefromthedead:JesusofNazareth. TheresurrectionisthuswhatmakesJesusuniqueamongalltheselfproclaimed“saviors”oftheworld,anditistheproofthatonewillindeedbesavedthroughfaithinHim.

DuringthisEasterseason,IamremindedofourBoardofParishEducation’schosenthemeforthisyear: “BeyondReasonableDoubt.” Ifyourecall,thisthemewasusedfortheHigherThingsorganization’ssummer youthconferencesthisyear,andwesentanumber ofstudentsandadultstoparticipateinoneoftheconferences inCarbondale,Illinois. WeenjoyeditsomuchthatwedecidedtoadoptthethemeforTrinityduringthe20232024schoolyear. Easterremindsmeofthisthemebecause,morethananythingelse,theresurrectioniswhat provesbeyondreasonabledoubtthatJesusChrististheSonofGodandSavioroftheworld. Andwehavethe testimonyofmanyeyewitnessesthatstakedtheir wholelivesonthetruthofJesus’resurrection. Theapostles andotherbelieversproclaimedwithoutanyhesitationthattheyhadseenJesusaliveafterHewascrucified,and theywenttotheirgravesconfessingthistobethetruth. Inaworldlysense,theyhadabsolutelynothingtogain frombelievinginJesusandsharingtheirfaithwithothers. Theydidnotreceivemoney,power,orfame,but ratherweremocked,abused,imprisoned,andexecutedfortheirsteadfastinsistencethatJesushadindeedrisen. TheycouldhaveavoidedallofthathadtheysimplydeniedChrist,buttheyrefusedtodoso. Theyknewthat whattheysawhadbeenreal,andtheyknewthattheresurrectionprovedthatJesuswastheonlywaytoeternal life. Theirrefusaltorecanttheirtestimonyinthefaceofoverwhelmingoppositionandpersecutionisthebest

evidencewehaveforthetruthofChristianity. Peopledon’tdieforwhattheyknowtobealie,andthusthe apostles’confessionoffaithisatrustworthywitnesstotherealityoftheresurrection.

Christianityisthustheonlyreligionthatactuallycouldhavebeenfactuallydisproved. Everyother seriousworldreligionwasfoundedbya“holyman”whoclaimedtohavea privateencounterwiththedivineor whoarrivedatsomeformofenlightenmentorsecretknowledge. Noneofthosereligionscanbedisproven, becausethey’reallbasedontheprivateexperiencesorthoughtsofasingleperson. Muhammad,JosephSmith, andtheoriginalBuddhaallfoundedreligionsinthismanner,andtheirfollowersbelieveintheirteachings withoutanykindofconcreteproof. Noneofitcanbeprovenordisproven. Christianity,bycontrast,could easilyhavebeendisproven,ifJesus’enemieshadmanagedtoproduceHisbody. Buttheywerenotabletodo that,andinfacttheydidnoteventrytopretendthatHisbodywasstillinthetomb. Theyknewitwasmissing; theysimplymadeupastorythatithadbeenstolen. ButitwouldhavebeenpracticallyimpossibleforJesus’ disciplestohavestolenHisbodyfromacavewithagiantstonecoveringitrightfromunderthenosesofbattle hardenedRomanguards. Itsimplycouldnothavebeendone. Theonlyexplanationthatactuallymakessense isthatJesusdidindeedrisefromthedead. HadHisenemiesmanagedtodisprovetheresurrection,Christianity wouldhaveendedrightthere,anditwouldneverhavebecomethelargestreligiousfaithintheworld. Butin factJesusdidrise,andtheGospelwasspreadfarandwidebythosewhosawHimaliveagain. Christianityis indeedtheonetruefaith,becauseitistheonereligionthatreliesonactualhistoricaleventsratherthanthe musingsorprivaterevelationsofasingleindividual.

Iwouldencourageallofyoutofindencouragementintheevidencewehaveforthetruthofthe resurrection,becauseitshowsusthatourfaithisnotmisplaced. InJesusChrist,wehaveGod’sgiftsof forgiveness,life,andsalvation,andtheresurrectioniswhatprovesitisalltrue. Theworldmaytrytoshake yourfaith,butyoudon’tneedtolistentotheworld. Rather,listentothetestimonyoftheapostlesasfoundin theHolyScriptures,andrememberthattheyalldiedinsistingthattheirtestimonywastrue. Ifwepayattention tothatevidenceinsteadoftheunbelievingworld,wewillfindthatourfaithwillbestrengthened,andwewillbe equippedtodefenditbeforethosewhowouldquestionit. God’sblessingstoallofusaswecelebratethe Lord’sresurrectionoverthenextsevenweeks! Alleluia;Christisrisen!

InChrist, PastorHagerman

2024 Confirmation Class

Micah Bolte, son of Karl & Carey Bolte

Chase Kraus, son of Scott & Ann Kraus

Evelyn Kraus, daughter of Scott & Ann Kraus

Amethyst Rader, daughter of Jason & Bobbi Rader

VICAR BEN

A note from Vicar Ben: In my articles for the Trinity Trumpet, I plan to share with you some art that I have created over the past few years and explain some of my thought processes behind the pieces. I will often make artwork as part of my devotional life, and so I hope to share with you not only the pieces themselves, but some of the scripture and teachings that shaped the artwork while I was making it. I hope you enjoy it, and if you are interested in seeing more of my artwork you can find it at concordforge.com!

Alleluia!ChristisRisen!InthisseasonofEaster,wecelebrateourLordJesus’sultimatevictoryover sin,death,andthedevil.ThroughChrist’sdeathandresurrection,ourworldhasbeenchangedforever.There trulyisnogreaternewsthanthis!

Formostofmy“career”asacreatorofsacredart,I’vesearchedforwaystointerprettheEasterstory visually.Yet,I’venotbeencontentwithsimplydrawingtheemptytomb,Iwantedtodosomethingwithmore symbologythanthat.TypicallywhenoneconsidersthestoryofEasterSunday,wemightfocusonthescenesof peaceorjoythatcomeforthfromit.Yet,overthecourseofthisLentenseason,Ihadbeenthinkingalotabout thetriumphoftheresurrection.

Inpaintingthis,Isetouttofocusontheabsolutevictoryoftheresurrection.Christdiedtopaytheprice forthesinofallpeople,butthemostimportantpartaboutthedeathofChrististhat He did not stay dead.Christ brokedeathinHisdeathandresurrection.Herendereditspoweroverususeless.InHisdeathandresurrection, Christimpartstousthegiftoflife,evenlifeeternal!

Inthispainting,Christexitsthetomb,holdingthecrosslikeavictorybanner,announcingtotheworld Histriumphoverdeath.Yetbelow,weseethatsamecrosspiercingthroughtheheartofadragon.Throughout thebookofRevelation,Satanisreferredtoasadragon,connectingtotheimageoftheserpentintheGardenof Eden,andshowingjusthowferociousthedevilis.Yet,thelightofthecrossofChristdestroyshim.Eventhis menacing,enormousformisnomatchforourrisenChrist.

Theslayingofdragonsissomethingthathasbeendepictedtimeandtimeagaininmyths,legends,art, movies,andmore.Yetthisisnomythorlegend:ChristslayedtheevilbeastthroughHistriumphoverthe grave,sendinghimplummetingtothedepthsofhell.

Wedonotfearthedragon.Thoughthedevilmaystillseemtobestrong,tothreatenusthroughoutour lives,toprowlaroundseekingwhomhemightdevour,hispowerhascomeunraveled.Histhreats and accusationshaveultimatelylosttheirstrength.Weknowthetruth,thatChristisrisenfromthedeadandwill neverdie again,andthatwetoowillhaveeternallife,redeemedbyhisblood.Wedonotfearhim,becausewe haveinheritedthevictoryofEaster,wonforusbyourLordJesusChrist.Amen.

VicarBen

AdultBibleStudy(ABS)

AdultBibleClassDescriptions

Hymnology:AStudyofourLutheranHymnody

MartinLutherisquotedashavingsaid:“NexttotheWordofGod,thenobleartofmusicisthegreatesttreasure intheworld.”Timeandtimeagaininthescriptureswefindthatthefirstinstinctofabelievergivingthanksto GodisoftentosingHispraises.ThebookofPsalms,oneofthelongestbooksoftheBible,issomewhatofa hymnalinitself,collecting150hymnsofGod’speople.TheangelhostannouncedthearrivaloftheChristchild toshepherdsthroughsinging.Hymnsareawaythatthechurchcommunicates,confesses,teaches,and remembersthedifferentaspectsofourfaith.JoinVicarBenatSundaymorningbiblestudyforanin-depthlook atthetreasuresofourLutheranHymnody,learningaboutthehistory,scripturalbackground,andpoetic meaningsbehindsomeofourfavoritehymns!

Judges–Dr.BobQuebbeman’sclassisstartingthestudyofthebookofJudges. ThebookofJudgesisaDeuteronomicinterpretationofIsrael’shistoryfromthedeathofJoshuauptothebirth ofSamuelthatdisplaystheirneed foracentralizedgovernment.

OutofNothing;TheWord,CreationandFaith –InthisBiblestudy,PastorSteveMischconsiderstheoriesof evolution,theplausibilityofrandomchance,man'sspiritualandphysicalnature,andhowGod'screationand salvationareintrinsically linkedinthepersonofJesusChrist.AsCreatoroftheuniverse,God'shandiworkis everywhere. Out of Nothing: The Word, Creation and Faith isaMen'sNetWorkBiblestudythattackles questionsaboutrandomchance,theveracityofScripture,andevolutionarypresuppositions.ItshowshowGod's creationandman'ssalvationarefundamentallycenteredonthepersonandworkofJesusChrist.Thisclassis facilitatedbyZekeYoung.

HighSchoolBibleStudy-JoshSextonteachesourHighSchoolStudents.Allhighschoolstudentsare welcome!

FaithFoundations–Ezekiel –OfallthebooksoftheBible,thebookofEzekielisprobablyoneoftheleast readandunderstoodbyChristianstoday.Itconcernsatimefarinthepastandalandfarawayfromustherein Americawithoraclesandvisionsthatarequitefranklyratherbizarre. AndyetGod’sgraceandmercytoward Hispeoplearefoundalloverthisobscureandsometimesdisturbingbook.JoinPastorHagermanasweread throughEzekielinitsentiretyandlearnhowitspeakstoHischurchtodayeachMondaymorning.

NewTestamentHistoricalSurvey-- Wewillcontinuewhereweleftoffattheendofthepreviousspringwith ourbirds-eyeviewofthestoryoftheNewTestament. Ourstudythissemesterbeginswiththepassion,death, andresurrectionofJesus,andthenmovestothehistoryoftheearlychurchasrecountedinthebookofActs. WewillclosewithsomepassagesfromRevelationtogiveusaglimpseofthewonderfulplansthatGodhasin storeforhispeopleineternity. ComejoinusonWednesdaymorningsaswefinishoursurveyoftheBible's overarchingstory,whichwestartedwithourOldTestamentsurveybackinthefallof2021!

SCRIP PROGRAM

Trinity- a big thank you for your continued support of the Scrip mission. We were able to support Samaritans Purse and Dress a Girl with a total of $850!!! This month all proceeds are going to the Bus Barn & Parking Lot expansion.

Come see us in the gym on Sunday from 9-9:45!

Sunday School Singers is looking for adult or youth volunteers to lead the kids' communion singing during service each week. Use the SignUpGenius QR code to sign up for Sunday services when you will be in attendance, or text Shannon Crosby at 417-597-5895 when you can help. Thank you to all of the volunteers who make this program possible!

MUSIC NOTES from DR. GRACE

DearTrinityCongregation,

He is Risen! He is Risen indeed! AlleluiA!

WehavejourneyedthroughLentandtodaywecelebrateandrejoiceintheResurrectionofourLordandSavior, JesusChrist,andHispricelessgiftoflife-givingsalvationthroughthesheddingofHispreciousblood. Written inthe18th centurybyCharlesWesley,“ChristtheLordisRisenToday”ispossiblythebestknownandbest lovedEasterhymn,dueinparttoitsexuberant“Alleluia!”attheendofeachline. Todaywearethrilledtosing thelong-awaitedandresounding"Alleluia"topraiseourrisenLordandSavior. Inthebeautifulwordstaken from Revelations,"...10,000times10,000angelsweregatheredroundthethroneandsang,"WorthyistheLamb thatwasslain,toreceivepowerandriches,andwisdomandstrength.Blessingandhonor,powerandglorybe untoHim,whositsuponthethroneanduntotheLamb.”Howastonishingthatsightandsoundwillbeoneday asweallsingwiththesaintsandangelsandworshipHismajestytogether! Fornow,onthisearth,itisour constantjoytocontinuallypraiseHimwithourjoyful“Alleluia”andthanksfortheoverwhelmingandalllovingsacrificeofourpreciousSavior,JesusChrist.

Thankyou!RecognizingourTrinityMusicians

Wearesoblessedtohaveawealthofmusicaltalentamongus.OverLent,ourchoirs,KOK,BellsandAdults, havegivenusbeautifulreflectivemusicforLentenworship. Althoughwedonotoftenlistthenamesofour BellorAdultChoirmembersexceptonspecialprograms,wewanttogiveallofthemourdeepthanksand appreciationtoallwhoparticipatemusicallyfortheircontributiontoourworship. WeespeciallythankAngela Loveforhersuperworkteachingthesongsforthe Sunday School Joyful Singers. Oursingingchildren’shave justbeeninspiring. ThankGodforeachone.Whatablessingandjoytheyare.Idon’tknowaboutyou,butI alwaysquietlysingalongwiththemduringcommunion. Suffer the little children Wearesogratefulfor ourdirectorsandaccompanists,SabrinaBacklin,forherdirectionthisyearoftheKOK,LisaChristenson,Bell Choirdirector,ShannonCrosby,KOKandAdultChoiraccompanist,andCarlyHamlyn,assistantKOK accompanist.Prayforallofourmusiciansanddirectorsastheysharetheirgiftsandministerandservewith loveanddedication.

AfterEaster,becausemidweekwillbefinished,ourKOKwillnotberehearsinganymore,buttheywillresume inearlyFall. Sunday School Joyful Singers willcontinueeverySunday.Westillneedparentstosignuptolead. PleasecallortextShannonCrosbyat417-597-5895formoreinformation.

AprilAdultEnsembleSchedule

OurBellChoirandTrinityAdultchoirwillcontinuetoplayandsinginservicesthroughMay19.Wewillgo backtoournormalrehearsaltimes. OnWednesday,Bellsrehearsefrom5:30-6:30andAdultChoirfrom6:007:00. AnyvariationsorchangesinrehearsalorSundayscheduleforadultensembleswillcomefrom the individualdirectors.

TrinityMusiciansVolunteeringinAprilandMayandDirectorofMusicMinistryRetires

Asmanyofyoualreadyknow,itiswithgreatsadnessthatIwillberetiringfrommypositionasDirectorof MusicMinistryinMay.IhavesomanywonderfulthingstosayaboutmytimeatTrinityandtherehavebeenso manyblessings,deepfriendshipsandblessedmusicalmemories.PleaseknowthatIhavelovedmytimeas DirectorofMusicMinistryandamforevergratefultotheLordforhavingledmetoTrinity,tobecomea memberandtoserveHimandourTrinityfamily. Icherishtheloveofmy sistersandbrothersinChristand theirbeautifulexamplesofcaringandloveshowntoallandalwaysshowntome. Butpleaseletmesavemore

detailsforourMayTrumpet.Fornow,toplanahead,my“retirement”SundaywillbeMay19andoverthenext fewweeksafterEaster,inAprilandMay,Iwanttoinviteourmusicianstovolunteerandparticipate inworship, eitherplayingyourinstrumentorsingingwiththechoir.IwouldlovetoseeAprilandMayfilledwithspecial musiceachSunday,alongwiththeBellsandChoir.Iwillbereachingouttoyou.Andifyouwish,please contactme. Iwouldlovetohearfromyou.

EverydirectorwouldlovetohavetheirlastSundaybeajoyfulworshipcelebration,andIwouldlikeverymuch toinviteallwhowouldliketosingasachoir,anyage,youngandolder onthatSunday.Afterthe congregationalmeeting,wewillrehearseinthesanctuaryaveryeasysongweallknowtosingtogetherasthe Preludeforthe11serviceonly.IfyouwouldliketofinishouttheyearsingingwithTrinityChoir,pleaseletme know.TrinityChoirwillnotrehearseonApril3,butwewillresumerehearsalsagainonApril10.Pleaseletme knowifyoumightliketojoinusfortheselastfewweeks.

MyprayeroverLentwas“Createinme acleanheart,OGod,and renewarightspiritwithinme."(Psalm 51:10) andIhavebeensothankfultoGodforthese40daysofreflectionandspiritualgrowth.HolyWeekhasblessed usaswejourneyedtothisEasterdaywithhearts overflowingwithloveandthankfulnessfortheamazinggiftof God’sredeeminggrace.WepraiseYou,OLord,onthisdayaboveotherdays,thisdaywhenJesusChrist,the TrueLambWhohastakenawaythesinsoftheworld,hasrisenfromthedead.BydyingHehasdestroyedour death;ByrisingagainHehasrestoredustolife. Alleluia!!

CONNECTWITHUS

If you would like to receive weekly emails from Trinity, please contact Angela in the church office. These emails include weekly News & Notes, the monthly Trumpet, funeral information, Bible class information, closing due to weather, etc. Call417-866-5878oremail angelabruton@trinitylutheranspfd.org

Don’t forget to check our website for information as well www.trinityspringfield.org

Ifthereisanythingyouwouldliketoseeaddedtothewebsite,pleaseletusknow.

InHisunfailingandabidingloveandgrace, Dr.Grace

BusBarn&ParkingLotExpansion

CheckouttherenderingoftheBusBarnandParkingLotexpansioninthenarthex.Thankyouto everyone who has contributed toward the project so far. We are less than $17,000 away from reachingourgoal.Ifyouhaveanyquestions,pleasecontactKevinScheer,417-880-0051.

Cashonhand $ 53,000

Commitments$ 41,000

EstimatedCost$111,000

PICKLEBALL

Ifanyoneisinterestedinplayingpickleball,thereisagroupwhoplaysonTuesday nightsat6:00p.m.inthegym.Allskilllevelsarewelcomeandencouraged. Ifyou arenotfamiliarwithpickleball,itisacrossbetweentennisandpingpong. Come checkitout!! IfyouhavequestionsyoucantalktoWayneScheer,ClateBaker,Mark Jones,Tim/Angie Parr,AlisonBrand,JanelleFlandersorMattLundien.

Stewardship Moment

A Better Way

The most common question about stewardship is not whether a Christian should give to their church. Of course Christians should give to their church. Everyone knows this. Rather, the question asked most is, “How much should I give?” But this question really means, “Should Christians give a tenth of their income to their local congregation?”

Here are some common reasons against tithing. Some say tithing isn’t necessary because it isn’t expressly commanded in the New Testament. There is no “Thus saith the Lord,” or “should” concerning tithing. Others say that Christians give to their congregation in ways much broader than money. They give of their time and their talents, and these together with treasures (money) add up to more than a tithe. Still others say that they give of their treasures to other things be-sides their congregation, and they want to support those things alongside their church. And then there are those who think Christians shouldn’t tithe because of some fear. They are afraid that if they tithe, their gift will be misused, or that after tithing, there won’t be enough left over to get the things that they use, want or need.

Here are some reasons why Christians should tithe. Even though the New Testament doesn’t specifically command Christians to tithe, the Old Testament people were commanded to. And on top of this, St. Paul often describes giving a regular and generous proportion of the first fruits of one’s income — terms similar to a tithe (2 Cor. 8:7–23; 2 Cor. 9:2–7).

But here’s another way to think about it. What was the point of the tithe in the Old Testament? Where did it go? This tithe was intended to support the ministry of the Levites. They were not given any land because they had no time to farm; their full-time job was the ministry. What does it say in the New Testament? “The Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel” (1 Cor. 9:14). This is the verse that Luther used in the Small Catechism’s Table of Duties to explain what Christians owe to the support of the ministry.

It seems clear from both the Old and the New Testaments that the tithe is the goal of Christians in their giving. But what if we’re not there yet? How should we handle this? What are we to do?

Let’s answer this by asking a different question. What would you say to your adult children who only attended church quarterly or once a month? After all, there is no passage in the New Testament that requires Christians to go to church weekly. Hebrews 10:25 is the closest verse we have, and it states simply that Christians should not neglect gathering together. And even though there is no passage that commands Christians to gather weekly, that is the implicit expectation throughout the Old and New Testaments.

So, what would you say to that son or daughter? The conversation might go something like this. I’m glad you’re still going to church. It is a wonderful blessing to hear God’s promises of forgiveness, life and salvation, and to receive His gifts in Word and Sacrament. But you can do better, and it will only be a blessing to you. There is a better way, and I’d really like you to try to attain it.

We should approach the topic of tithing with a similar conversation. The tithe is not specifically commanded in the New Testament, but it sure seems like the implicit expectation of both the Old and New Testaments. So, we’re ecstatic that you’re giving, and that you’re giving in all these various ways — time, talents and treasures. But there is a better way. And that will only be a blessing to you, just as the Word of God — Old and New Testament alike — promises. Can you try increasing your gifts over the coming weeks, months and years? Can you put your trust in the God who sent His Son to take away your sin and give you everlasting life? And if He did this for you, if He did not spare His only Son, how will He not give you all things? He will not disappoint.

TrinityWomenInActionCollegeScholarshipOpportunity

Trinity’syoungmenandwomenwhowillbeattendingschoolsofhigherlearningaffiliated withtheLutheranChurchMissouriSynodmayapplyfora$300scholarshipfortheupcoming schoolyear. Students,youmustsubmitatypedorhandwrittenletterstatingthenameofthe college/university,theacademicyearinwhichthefundsareneeded,aswellasabriefsummary ofhowthisscholarshipwillassistyouinyourcareerplans. TWIAencouragescareersin churchwork,butitisnotarequirement. ScholarshiprequestlettersshouldbemailedtoTerry Wright,4204N.QuailRunRd.,Ozark,MO,65721.

TrinityWomeninAction(TWIA)

SpringQuarterlyEventforTrinityWomenInAction! AllLadiesofTrinityareinvited! Mark yourcalendarsforThursday,April18,6:00PM,ChurchGym. 6:00PM: Enjoyamealandfellowship. ChurchGym. RSVPforthemealtoLindaOughton bySunday,April14.

6:30PM: SpeakerfromSpringfieldCommunityGardenswillgivetheprogram.Signupfora chancetowinapairofwomen’sgardengloves. BriefMeetingtofollow!

**Thankyousomuch,TrinityCongregation,fortheMiteOfferingsthismonth,whichtotaled $35.00. “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good: for His Steadfast love endures forever.” 1Chronicles16:34.TheMitecollectionsworldwidewillcontinuetogotooneoftheLWML MissionGrants-UpheldbyGod’sHand,MentalHealthOutreach-(LCMSLifeMinistry). Youcansaveyourdailypocketchangeandwe’llcollectformissionsintheLARGEpurple MiteBoxthatwillbedisplayedinthenarthexonthesecondSundayofeachmonth.Thenext opportunitywillbeSunday,April14,2024.

Dates:April9,9:30AM,DorcasCircle,churchgym

April18,6:00PM,TWIASpringEventforALLLadies,churchgym

Trinity’s Mighty Missionaries at The OC in Ozark. It is safe to say that this group of friends had a great time on Saturday, March 16. Thank you to Josh and Becky Sexton for chaperoning this crew.

Todd&HeatherBiermann

EasterFlowerSponsors

CarmenBoyd In memory of George & Vaun Neas Boyd and Lon “Cotton” & Doris Neas Rader

Doug&MaryBrockman In honor of our 10 grandchildren

Jack&CarolDunn In honor of all the blessings God has given our family

Joe&RachelKissee In memory of Jim & Pauline Peters and Jim Kissee

Scott&AnnKraus In memory of Douglas Malchow

GordonLaneFamily In memory of Mary & Ernest Freese

Luna&RaderFamilies In memory of Nathan Rader and Jonathan Rader

Ron&JanLutke In memory of Bill & Dolly Thiel and Lewis & Edna Lutke

KatherineMarler In memory of Caroline Marler

BettyMartin In memory of Mark Martin

MarianMattlage In memory of Floyd and Scott Mattlage

Roy&PatMerritt

PaulaRobertson In memory of Charles Robertson

Charles&DonnaRovey In honor of family and friends

Bob&LisaSchroeder In memory of Elmer & Norma Schroeder and Jim & Joan Richter

Chris&DotStraw In memory of our sisters, Annette Kanoy and Barbara Gray-Massey

DanielStraw In memory of my aunt and godmother

AmyViets-Cooper In memory of Earl & Judith Viets

SundayMorningNurserywillbestaffedsoon! We are looking for someone to staff the nursery in the basement during Sunday morning worship services (8:15 and 11:00). This is a paid position and must be at least 16 years old. If you are interested, please contact Angela Bruton in the church office at 417-866-5878orviaemailangelabruton@trinitylutheranspfd.org.

TRINITYFAMILYPRAYERPAGE

Each week immediate prayer needs are published in “The Trinity Family Prayer Page.” Each month in The Trumpet, those we pray for weekly as well as others with long term prayer needs are listed to be included in members’ personal and household devotions and prayers. . .if you’d like to add a family member or friend, please call or e-mail the Trinity office with your request. . .May God bless all for whom we pray. . .

ForThoseCopingWithCancer

JeffFlattem

BobBell

LidaChism

SandyCotton

PhyllisHansen

MarianMattlage

ForThoseWhoAreHomeboundinourTrinityFamily Members permanently or temporarily homebound. . .

GeorgiaMikessell

KathrynNeely

KayQuasius

PaulaSpalding

JerryWilliams

ForThoseFacingOngoingHealthIssues

CarolEtherton

EastonFitzgearlds

JoshuaGaede

PamOsterloh

TimPeters

KathyPolacoff

AlbertShook

Friends/FamilyofTrinityMembers:

EliApplegate,grandsonBen&DebSchroeder

EliseDrennan,great-nieceofDebbieShell

JerilHeine,brotherofAmyJohnson

ForOurNationandForMembersofOurArmedForces

We pray not only for the soldiers listed here, but also for their families!

ChrisAdams

PhillipHackley

BenjaminSchmidt

RobertStillings,Jr.

NickCostello,nephewofMark&KarenFreiert

FrankEdling,sonofAlfredEdling

WilliamJones,brotherofLaurynPeters

KevinMyers,brother-in-lawofKathyPolacoff

AustinPeregory,nephewofMark&Karen Freiert

Phillip Hackley – cards and packages can be sent to Phillip while he is serving for a year on his boarder mission.

SFC Phillip Hackley, c/o Residence Inn, 310 Lost Oaks Blvd. #326, Laredo, TX 78041

Today

WeekofMarch31-April7,2024

EasterSunday

7:00a.m. SunriseService

8:00a.m. EasterBreakfast

10:00a.m. FestivalService

Monday

EasterMonday ChurchOfficeClosed NoFaithFoundations

Tuesday ElectionDay ChurchGymReserved NoPickleball

6:00p.m. Prayer&Praise@LutheranStudentCenter

Wednesday

10:30a.m. WednesdayMorningABS

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

NextSunday

April7

Churchofficeclosed PastorHagerman&VicarBen’sdayoff

9:00a.m. LFLofMissouriAnnualConference@FaithLutheran SeniorSafariattendOperaatJuanitaKHammons

TheSecondSundayofEaster FamilySunday

8:15&11:00a.m. DivineServices

9:30a.m. Fellowship

9:45a.m. SundaySchool&AdultBibleClass

12:30p.m. TrinityCampusCleanup,lunchprovided

HannahKnehans’part-timeofficehours: MondaysandWednesdaysfromNoon-4:30 p.m. Shewillbeworkingherotherhoursfromhomeorintheeveningsformeetings.