Trinity Trumpet Trinity Lutheran Church
Springfield, Missouri March 2025
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
March5–Noon&7:00p.m.
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
+VicarPeytonHolland pholland@trinitylutheranspfd.org
+CalebStaehr,DirectorofParishMusic cstaehr@trinitylutheranspfd.org
+Mrs.HannahKnehans,DirectorofFamilyLife Ministry (DFLM) hknehans@trinitylutheranspfd.org
+Mrs.AngelaBruton,OfficeManager abruton@trinitylutheranspfd.org
TOGODALONE BETHEGLORY!
✞ Devoted to Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the Savior and Lord of the World
✞ Devoted to God’s Word, teaching the pure doctrines of the faith
✞ Devoted to the Sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion, through which the Holy Spirit blesses God’s people with His presence and His gifts.
✞ Devoted to Christian Fellowship and to loving and caring for each other
✞ Devoted to sharing the Gospel with all people
(Acts 2:42)
Officers
President: Curt Brand
Vice Pres: Daniel Straw
Secretary: Angie Reitmeier
Treasurer: Amy Collins
Asst. Treas: Larry Zahn
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: Jason Jones
Parish Ed.: Heather Newman
Elders: Kevin Scheer
Family Ministry: Jen Larson
Age-Based Ministry: Paul Hambrick
Your Board of Elders
Zone 1 (A/Bo) Johnny Dicks
Zone 2 (Br/C) Tim Peters
Zone 3 (DE) Cary Watson
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) Phillip Hackley
Zone 10 (S/Se) David Mitchell
Zone 11 (Sh/T) Kevin Scheer
Zone 12 (UVWXYZ) Steve Otto
Your Board of Parish Education
Chair: Matt Lundien
Member/ABS: Zeke Young
Member: Patrice Winter
Sunday School: Linda Young
Midweek School: Heather Newman
VBS: Claire Hagerman
OurTrinityFamilyStewardship–February23,2025
Attendance: 8:15a.m. 172 Previousweek: 130 11:00a.m. 214
TithesandOfferings:
Undesignated(General)Offerings
DesignatedGifts
DebtReduction
BusExpense
ChristianCare
WorldMissions
LutheranStudentCenter
S.S.OperationChristmas
$ 220.00
$ 10.00
$ 100.00
$10,452.50
$ 300.00
MusicReserve/Keyboard $ 20.00
PortalsofPrayer $ 25.00
$ 100.00 BusBarn $ 100.00
$ 100.00
$ 3.00
FamilyLifeRetreats $ 100.00
M.SchultzMemorialSchol. $ 30.00
Total $ 1,108.00 TotalGifts
$11,560.50
SundaySchoolandAdultBibleClassAttendanceforFebruary23
Preschool: 13
Elementary: 32
DearTrinityFamily,
Jr.High: 6
Adults/Teachers: 87
FROM the PASTOR
Greetings to you all in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! In this month’s Trumpet article, I would like to address (from a spiritual perspective) a disturbing and confusing trend that has been occurring worldwide recently: a seemingly inexplicable uptick in aviation accidents. StartingwiththecrashofamilitaryhelicopterintoajetairplaneinWashingtonbackin January,therehavebeenanumberofhighprofileplanecrashesandassociatedinjuriesanddeaths. TheseincludeamedicalpassengerplanecrashingjustaftertakeofffromPhiladelphiaandaroutine passenger flight flipping over on its back as it was landing in Toronto just this past week, as well assomeothersmallerincidents.
As is common in today’s societal climate,various elected officials and public personalities haveattemptedtoassignblamefortheseeventstotheirpoliticalenemies. Iamnotatallqualified tospeculateonthereasonsforwhytheseaccidentshavealloccurredinsuchashortperiodoftime, so I will refrain from doing so. However, I think it is important for us as Christians to examine these events in light of what we know about God, about the world, and about ourselves. First of all,anytimeatragedysuchasaplanecrashoccurs,the lastthingwewanttodoistrytoblame the victims in any way (unless their actions clearly and unmistakably caused the events to occur). SometimesChristians(orotherreligiouspeople)mightbeinclinedtospeculateaboutthesinfulness of those who experience tragedy, wondering if they had done something especially evil to merit thishorrific punishmentfromGod. Inthefaceofsuchspeculations, weneedtorememberthatall
ofusaresinfulinGod’seyes,andallofusdeservefarworsethanevendyinginaplanecrash. We cannot say that those who died in these accidents were any worse than anyone else, including us. Such tragedies are simply the result of living in a sinful world, and we should remember that they couldhappentousjustaseasilyasanyoneelse.
And that leads us to a secondpoint that we should take awayfrom these plane crashes: life in this world is fragile and fleeting, and there is nothing that we human beings can do to change that. We might be tempted to trust in our technology and ingenuity to make the world a better place,andwhilewecertainlycandosomeofthat,weultimatelycannotsaveourselvesfromdeath. Infact,sometimesitisourverytechnologythatcausesdeathanddestruction,aswasthecasewith these aviationaccidents. Sucheventsshould remindusthat ourlivesarein God’s hands,andthat it is only by His grace and mercy that we are alive atall. So when we see things like this happen, our reaction should be to pray. We pray for recovery for those who were injured, for comfort for the families of those who lost loved ones, and in thanksgiving that God spared us from a similar fate. We also repent of the sins that we have committed and throw ourselves upon God’s mercy, asking Him to continue to spare us and preserve our lives. We do not know how He will answer thoseprayersintheend,butwetrustthatHewilldowhatisrightforusandfortheworld.
Andthankfully,wehaveGod’spromisethatinJesusChrist,Hehasprovidedforoureternal futures. No matter what happens to us now, He has forgiven our sins and given us eternal life through the death and resurrection of His Son. Even if we were to die in a plane crash or some other catastrophe, we know that our lives remain in His hands, and that we will rise again on the lastdaytoenjoyeternityspentinHiskingdom. Manyofthosewhohavediedintheplanecrashes probablyhadthatsamehope,andsotheirsoulsarenowinthearmsofJesus,patientlyawaitingthe last day and the resurrection of their bodies. That is the hope that keeps us going when senseless destructionoccursintheworld:thehopethatthisworldisnotallthereis,andthatJesuswillreturn onthelastdaytosetallthingsright. Ourlivesmaynotendthewaywewantthemtohere,butthey willneverendatallinGod’seternalkingdom.
ThesepromisesfromJesuscomfortmeasIthinkabouttimesinthefuturewhenIwillneed to travel by air. I’ve never been a huge fan of flying anyway, and all of the incidents we’ve been hearing about on the news recently have made me even more hesitant to get on a plane. Some of you reading this article probably feel the same way I do. Thankfully, I have the promises of God in Christ to give me courage asI take the risk offlying on an airplane (which is statistically much saferthandriving in a caranyway). You havethose promises in Christtoo, and so you knowthat evenifyourplanecrashesandyoudon’tsurvive,Godwillprovideforyouandforyourlovedones. Itwould still betragic andpainful,but it would notbe the endforyou,notevenclose. Ipraythat Godwouldgive allof usthatconfidenceinHisprovision,protection,andsalvationforusinJesus Christ. GodkeepsHispromises,andHewill certainlykeepHispromisetosave allof usfromsin anddeath.
God’s blessings to you all as we prepare to take our journey to the cross with Jesus during thisupcomingLentenseason!
InChrist, PastorHagerman
AdultBibleStudy(ABS)
SUNDAY
Time Topic Leader Location
9:45AM Feasts&Commemorationsin Lutheranism VicarHolland Gym
9:45AM Luke BobQuebbeman WokerRoom
9:45AM TheEasterExperience ZekeYoung FamilyRoom
9:45AM AdultConfirmationClass PastorHagerman Room2,FC
9:45AM SeniorHighYouth JoshSexton YouthRoom,WestWing
3:30PM TheLifeofDavid March9 HomeoftheLyons
MONDAY
9:15AM FaithFoundations–TheGospel ofJohn PastorHagerman Gym
WEDNESDAY
10:30AM TheBookofHebrews PastorHagerman Gym
6:30PM BibleReadingJourney PastorToddBiermann FamilyRoom
AdultBibleClassDescriptions
FeastsandCommemorationsinLutheranism-ThisclasswillbeexplainingwhyLutheranism maintainsa"SanctoralCalendar"andhowweutilizeit,especiallywithhowitisdistinguishedfromthe RomanCatholicusageoftheSaints.Wewillalsobegoingthrougheachof theSaintsandeventslistedin theLSBCalendarinordertobetterunderstandhowtheyshowusChrist.LedbyVicarHolland.
Luke–IntheBookofLuke,Jesusteachesusabouthowtoliveourlife.Throughparables,heteachesus howtotreatoneanotherandliveintheworldwithkindnessandhumility.InLuke,wealsolearnabout whatJesusholdsinhighregard.Thathehaslovefortheafflictedandthesinners.ThisclassisledbyDr. BobQuebbeman.
TheEasterExperience –ThisDVD-drivenstudybringsthepassionandresurrectionofJesustolife throughdramaticstorytellingandteachingdoneinahighlycinematicstyle.Thisclassisfacilitatedby ZekeYoung.
AdultConfirmation --PastorHagermanwillbeteachinganadultconfirmationclassinmeetingroom2 oftheTrinityFamilyCenterduringtheBibleclasshour(9:45-10:45AM). Everyoneinterestedin becomingamemberofTrinityisinvited,asareanymemberswhowouldlikearefresheronthe catechism.
HighSchoolBibleStudy-JoshSextonteachesourHighSchoolStudents(9th-12th grade).
TheLifeofDavid -Davidisportrayedasthemightywarriorhewas,butalsoasasinfulhuman,both succeedingandfailinginhiscalltoserveGod.ThereismuchmoretothelifeofDavidthanhisduelwith GoliathorhisaffairwithBathsheba.ThisBiblestudyisheldinmember’shomesoratchurchona rotatingbasiseverytwoweeks.–March9@Lyonshome;March23@Trinity;March30@Zeigler’s home.
TheGospelofJohn --TheladiesofFaithFoundationswillbestudyingtheGospelofJohninitsentirety overthenexttwoyears. John'saccountofJesus'ministryisverydifferentfromthatofMatthew,Mark, andLuke:itrecountsdifferentevents,includesdifferentmonologuesandsayingsofJesus,andoverall focusesthemostonJesus'divineidentityasGodintheflesh,cometodwellwithHispeople. Countless Christiansoverthepasttwothousandyearshavefoundinspiration,joy,andhopeinJohn'sGospel,and theywillcontinuetodosountilthedaythatJesusreturnsinglory. JoinusatFaithFoundationson MondaymorningssothatyoutoomaybeencouragedbyJesus,whomJohn'sGospeldescribesasthe livingwater,thebreadoflife,thelightoftheworld,theGoodShepherd,andtheresurrectionandthelife!
TheBookofHebrews--DuringourWednesdaymorningBibleclassthisspring,PastorHagermanwill leadusthroughtheonlyanonymouslyauthoredbookoftheNewTestament. Eventhoughwedon'tknow whowroteHebrews,hisepistlehasplayedahighlysignificantroleinthedevelopmentoftheChristian theologyofthevicariousatonement(JesussheddingHisbloodonthecrosstowinforgivenessforour sins). ThebookalsomakesmanyconnectionsbetweentheOldand New Testamentsandshowsushow manyOldTestamentpatternsandinstitutionspointedtoandwerefulfilledbyJesusandHiswork. Join usaswereadthisbook,haveourfaithstrengthened,andgrowknowledgeofJesusandHissacrificeon thecrossforus.
BibleReadingJourney-JourneythroughtheBibleintwoyears.BasedfromtheLutheranStudyBible fromCPH--readthebibleintwoyears,thiscoursewillprovidepracticalapplicationsofBiblelessonsto everydaylifethroughworksheetswrittenbyRev.Dr.ToddBiermann.Cometoclassforanoverviewand furtherdiscussionofanyquestionsthatcomeaboutduringathomestudy.
FROM VICAR HOLLAND
After overviewing the Wisdom of Solomon, I hope that you have been able to see some rich wisdom within the text as well as some connection with the rest of the Wisdom Books of Canonical Scripture. For this article, we will be looking at another wisdom text within the Apocrypha: The Wisdom of Sirach. Now, this Book is interesting for a number of reasons. Starting with the name, you will see it titled as various names in different publications of the Bible. Most commonly, you will see either The Wisdom of Jesus, Son of Sirach, Wisdom of
Sirach, Sirach, orEcclesiasticus. Personally, I prefer Ecclesiasticus. The reason is that, around the third century, a numberof Church Fathers came to regard Sirach as “churchly,” hence the adoption of the name “Ecclesiasticus.” They greatly admired the wisdom found within this text and many advocated for it to be read within the Church. (Bear in mind, that this was common with a number of texts that are not found within the Canon of Scripture, even within the New Testament; namely the Shepherd of Hermas, 1st Clement, and the Epistle of Barnabas). Back to Ecclesiasticus, this longest book of the Apocrypha has much to commend it, yet it also raises numerous questions. Its author, who served as a scribe and teacher in Jerusalem, is the only named writerof an apocryphal book. His grandson translated the collection of his sayings from Hebrew into Greek so that readersoutside of Judea could benefit from his insights.
Now, as with tradition, let us see an excerpt of what Martin Luther had to say about this Book: This book has heretofore carried the Latin title, Ecclesiasticus,which has been understood in German to mean "spiritual discipline." Its real name is otherwise Jesus Sirach, after its author as its own prologue and the Greek [50:27) indicate. This is how the books of Moses, Joshua, Isaiah, and all the prophets are named, after their authors. Yet the ancient fathers did not include this one among the books ofsacred Scripture, but simply regarded it as the fine work of a wise man. And we shall let it go at that....That the book must be compilation is suggested also by the fact that in it one part is not fitted neatly to the next, as in the work of a single author. Instead it draws on many books and authors and mixes them together, much as a bee sucks juices out of all sorts of flowers and mixes them. This is a useful book for the ordinary man. The author concentrates all his effort on helping a citizen or housefather to be God-fearing, devout, andwise; and on showing what the relationship of such a man should be to God, the Word of God, priests, parents, wife, children, his own body, his servants, possessions, neighbors, friends, enemies, government, and anyone else. So one might well call this a book on home discipline or on the virtues of a pious householder.This indeed is the proper "spiritual discipline," and should be recognized as such. (AE 35:347-48)
Unlike with other Books we have looked at, I would also like to include some quick words by Johann Gerhard, esteemed Lutheran theologian of the late 16th-early 17th century: [Ecclesiasticus] was not written by a prophet, There are somethings in this book that are not in harmony with the analogy of faith. [Ger-hard lists the doctrine of wisdom (1:3; 24:9), almsgiving and atonement (3:30), misinterpretation of Scripture (46:20; 49:4), and return of Elijah (48:10).] Sirach lacks the unanimous approval ofthe early Church, as is clear from our general discussion of the apocryphal books. ... Some of the Papists themselves entertain doubts aboutthe canonical authority of this book. (ThC E1 § 216)
Here is a brief outline of this Book for your aid:
I Prologue
II Fearing God and Keeping His Commandments (1:1–42:14)
III God's Wisdom Revealed in Creation (42:15–43:33)
IV Walking in Wisdom (44:1–50:29)
V A Prayer of Thanksgiving (51:1–30)
Author—Jesus Ben Sirach. He was a Jewish scribe who was apparently an instructor at a Jewish academy, probably in Jerusalem, where he taught religion and ethics.
Date—About 180 BC
Major Theme—All true wisdom comes from the Lord. The book is in the tradition of Proverbs: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”Wisdom is God's gift to men. Though profound, the teaching is not complicated, and it touches the heart.
Background—Jesus Ben Sirach wrote his lectures down in a manuscript. That manuscript, written in Hebrew, got very littlecirculation until his grandson translated it into Greek. Then, about three centuries later, a translation was made into Syriac from the Hebrew text. Ben Sirach is well-acquainted with the Law and the Prophets. According to 1:11–20, wisdom comes from ablessed, joyful reverence for and knowledge of God.
If you read the article from last month, you willnotice that this outline is far more succinct than that of the Wisdom of Solomon. I believe that if I would just leave itas a shorter outline it would not make it this painfully long at first glance. Hopefully with it being a little shorter, more of people will read and dive into these books faster!
Now, in last month’s article, I said that I could not decide as to whether I prefer the Wisdom of Solomon or the Wisdom of Sirach. Mmm, when faced with such a hard choice, how could I really choose? At first glance, I would say the Wisdom of Solomon beats out Sirach by just a tiny margin, however Sirach stillcontains an enormous wealth of information and wisdom that is good for the day-to-day Christian. Sirach is also quoted by a numberof third-sixth century Church Fathers in support of numerous good, Christian points. Sirach 40:9-10 is often used in works about Original Sin, as it perfectly describes various evil sins and then the Flood as a clear punishment. Thereare a number of good, doctrinally sound points like that. However, there are some challenging issues within this Book.
For starters, let’s look at the challenges with the manuscripts. As the prologue tells us, Jesus son of Sirach originallywrote his book in Hebrew, Which was later translated by his grandson into Greek (Prologue,para 2-3). For many centuries the Greek text was widely used, and it was the foundational version available to Christians until the discovery of Hebrew texts at the Cairo Geniza (explored in the 1800s) and later found at Qumran and Masada (1940s to 1960s).More than two-thirds of Ecclesiasticus is now available in Hebrew. Scholars regard the shorter edition, which appears in Hebrew and Greek manuscripts, as the original or earlier edition of Ecclesiasticus. A longer edition, with hundreds of more lines, is also found in Hebrew and in Greek manuscripts. The book was either expanded by the original author or by subsequent contributors. The Old Latin and Vulgate editions, which western Christians used for centuries, 74 are based on the longer edition. The ESV translation is based on the shorter edition with references to the longer edition in the translation notes. Another issue, this one being doctrinal, comes up over matters of atonement. In some passages, the author presents ideas about atonement that stray from biblical teaching (3:3, 30; 20:28; 35:3). These passages show a confidence in personal righteousness rather than in the forgiveness of sins that God promises through blood atonement, as described in the Law of Moses.
The second doctrinal issue found is on free will. In teaching about human responsibility, the author strongly emphasizes the freedom of the human will and overstates human ability to do what is right (15: 15-17).
The final, and potentially dubious, challenge is over matters of life after death. Jesus son of Sirach emphasized the permanence of death (17:27-28; 38:16-23) and did not clearly comment on punishment or reward in the afterlife. This has led some interpreters to conclude that he completely denied an afterlife. Other interpreters point to 44:16; 46:12; 48:11; and 49:10 as evidence that he did believe in an afterlife.
As you can see, these are certainly some interesting points, especially in matters of doctrine. During the period in which this Book was written, the clash between a free will or no free will was rather large. Sirach simply overstates how free we really are as fallen humans. The same issue is seen in the talk about atonement, asthe issues cited previously stem from a growing works righteous mindset that certainly was on the rise. It does stand to be interesting, however, that Sirach could havebelieved in no afterlife. As we know with the Sadducees, this was certainly not uncommon to believe. But the words of Sirach may be misinterpreted here.
Overall, this is such a good wisdom text. You can find very similar points of a wisdom herethat expand on that found in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. It is my hope that when you read the Wisdom Literature found in the Apocrypha you will find connections to the wisdom of Canonical Books.
Memory Verse: Sirach 42:15 “I will make mention now of the works of the Lord, And will declare the things that I have seen in the words of the Lord are his works.”
Welcome New Members - Get to Know The Smith Family
Brody and Bethany homeschool their four daughters, Lillian and Pearl, both 14 years old, Clara 9 yr, and Eva 6yr. Brody works as a physical therapist in Branson. After attending Trinity a few years ago, the Smith family moved and attended different churches for a time. Bethany said, “We have learned many things from other Christian traditions for whom we have great respect, but the Lord has called us back to Trinity. We are grateful for the kindness that has been shown to us here.”
Welcome Smith family! We’re glad you’re here!
Welcome New Members – Get to Know The Jennings
We have three daughters and 9 grandchildren. We have served in five LCMS congregations (4 states, KS, MO, AR, OK) since our marriage 49 years ago. We were also blessed to be commissioned as full-time lay missionaries to Ghana, West Africa, living there from 1990 to 1997. After returning Bob served six years on the Synod Mission Board of Directors.
Gerri has always been very active in every congregation, ie,..LWML, Altar Guild, other women’s group, choir, Bible Studies, Braille Scripture Preps, and many other special projects.
Bob and Gerri have now moved back to the Springfield area and have transferred their membership back to Trinity from Christ The Redeemer in Tulsa, OK.
Upcoming Dates of Interest:
March 5 – Ash Wednesday
March 12 - April 9 – Lent
March 30 – Public Testimony of Confirmands
April 6 – Rite of Confirmation & Congregational Dinner
April 9 – Closing Midweek Party
April 13 – Palm Sunday
April 17 – Maundy Thursday
April 18 – Good Friday
April 19 – Holy Saturday
April 20 - Easter
2025 Confirmation Class:
Tate Crosby – son of Brian & Shannon Crosby
Brooks Lozano – son of Jason & Megan Lozano
Anna Schultz - daughter of Andy & Kamille Schultz
Maggie Schultz - daughter of Andy & Kamille Schultz
Pearl Smith - daughter of Brody & Bethany Smith
Lillian Smith - daughter of Brody & Bethany Smith
Public Testimony of Confirmands will be Sunday, March 30 at 9:30 a.m.
OurStringEnsemblefromSunday,February23 Fromleft:BenLyford,JonathanSmith,LisaSmith,EliParks,CalebStaehr, ElijahHertzog,andAdamBarker.
Offering Envelopes – We encourage everyone to use their offering envelopes each week. If you have not picked yours up, then please check your narthex box. While checks are easy enough to find your corresponding number, it can make the accounting process a little easier and quicker if you use your envelope. Also, please do NOT use your 2024 blue envelopes. The envelope numbers are different each year. – Thank You
Meal Schedule
(We ask for a $3 per person donation to help off-set the cost of food. Thank you to our chefs Jen Cotner-Jones and Laura McCune along with all the other helpers each Wednesday night. If you want to help, just ask and we will find a spot that will work for you!)
March 5 Southern Chicken Strips, fries Jen Jones
March 12 Toasted Ravioli Laura McCune
March 19 Spring Break – No Midweek
March 26 TBA Jen Jones
Sunday School Singers is looking for adultor 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!
OffTheShelf
Monthlybookreview: Aninterestingfact:"TheGospelaccountsrecordforus thatJesusaskedmorethanthree-hundredquestions(wow!)..." Thisthoughtis sharedbyPastorBrianK.Daviesinhisnewbook"CaptivatingConversations: HowChristiansCanReclaimtheLostArtofListening."Thereisalistof questionsforyoutoconsiderattheendofeachchapter,guidingthereaderto applytechniquesthatenhanceconversation.Easytoread,thisthoughtprovoking bookchallengesyoutoexplorethe "artoflistening,learning,andquestioning" andto"embracethelegacyoftheultimate communicatorandrelationshipbuilder,Jesus."--J. Adams
LutheransforLife-LifeQuotes
March2“GodsentHisSontosaveus,notbecauseweasked,butbecauseHelovesus.Godwantsyouto callonHim,notbecauseHeneedstheinformation,andnotjustbecauseHewantstorescueyoufrom distress.Hewantstorescueyouforanewlife,foralifeoftrustingthatHewantstohearfromyou,of livingwithHisWordinsideyou,aliferespondingwithGod’slovetoothersintheirdistress,evenbefore theycall.” Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler, The Lutheran Hour
March9“Brothersandsisters,inChristyouareGod’smasterpiece.Youwerecreatedforapurpose.You arethehandsandfeetofChristdemonstratingHisloveinaworldthatdesperatelyneedsit.Liveoutthat purposeinthestrengththatcomesfromHimandwaitjoyfullyforthedaywherewegettoseeHis finishedproduct.” Rev. Adam Osier, Dean, Free Lutheran Bible College, Plymouth, Minnesota
March16OnSt.Joseph:“ThoughMary’shusbanddidnotbegetJesusfromhisownbody,hedidfather himinthefashionofafoster,adoptive,orstep-parent.Forthisreason,hehasreceivedthetitleof GuardianofOurLord.HisservicetoGodandfamilynotonlyfiguresprominentlyintheGospelofJesus Christbutalsoexemplifiestheholyvocationoffatherhoodandtestifiestothesanctityofmarriage, parenting,adoption,andeveryhumanlife.” Pastor Michael Salemink, Lutherans For Life
March23“ThinkofhowimportantweashumanbeingsmustbeintheeyesofGod,ifHe—asthe almightycreatorandLordoftheentireuniverse—waswillingtotakeonhumanfleshandbecomeoneof us.GodlovesthehumanracesomuchHedecidedtobecomeourbrother.” Thomas P. Nass, CELC President
March30“OurLorddweltamongusforquitesometimewithoutanyoneseeingormeetingHim.Yetin thisspan,Heconsecratedandsanctifiedeveryhumanlifefromitsverybeginningatthemomentof fertilization.AndHedemonstratedthatneitheragenorappearancenorability—noranylackthereof— improvesorimpairsanyone’sworth.Godcreates,redeems, andcallseachoneasHisowntostart with.” Pastor Michael Salemink, Lutherans For Life
SCRIP PROGRAM
Scrip card are a great way to give back to our mission programs. You can find cards for Wal-Mart, Target, Harter House, various restaurants, fast food, etc. Please see us in the gym every Sunday morning from 9-9:45 a.m. or email Linda Oughton at oughtonlinda@yahoo.com to place an order or to find out about this amazing money raising program.
Join us for some basketball on Sunday evenings from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Everyone,juniorhighageorolder,isinvitedtorunupanddownthecourt. It’sgreatexerciseaswellasfellowship.ContactAhrenLoveat417-2992822orlove2draft@gmail.comifyouhaveanyquestions.
**Thank you so much, Trinity Congregation, for the Mite Offerings this month, which totaled $51.00. Psalm 46:1- “God is our refuge.” The Mite collections worldwide will continue to go to one of the LWML Mission Grants- "Care for Street Children of Western Kenya"- (Capstone Ministries). You can save your daily pocket change and we'll collect for missions in the LARGE purple Mite Box that will be displayed in the narthex on the second Sunday of each month. The next opportunity will be Sunday, March 9, 2025.
Dorcas Circle – Tuesday, March 11 at 9:30 a.m.
Quilting – Monday, March 17 at 1:00 p.m.
Deborah Circle – Thursday, March 20 at 4:00 p.m.
The Stewardship committee in conjunction with Family Life Ministries is challenging and encouraging Trinity members to Read the Bible in Two Years. Based on the Lutheran Study Bible by CPH- "Read the Bible in 2 Years" plan along with worksheets and Adult Bible class on Wednesday nights, this should be a life changing and rewarding way to fill your time and learn more about God, His great mercies, and practical applications for life today.
Stewardship Moment
God’sInstruments,God’sStewards
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Eph. 2:10)
Some pastors refer to these words as “the most forgotten words in the Scriptures.” They are forgotten because they follow the familiar and critical words before it. The preceding two verses that overshadow Ephesians 2:10 are words of justification: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Eph. 2:8–9). These are words preached regularly. They are assigned as confirmation verses. They carry with them the very heart of what it means to be a redeemed child of God!
Precisely because the previous verses are so central to salvation, they often overpower our practice of stewardship! We have been saved by grace. This is certain and sure because of Jesus. Works play no role in our salvation. No credit taking for us! Grace is freely given. Faith is miraculously created by the Spirit and joyously received. This truth is so wonderful and so encompassing that we often miss out on WHY we are redeemed.
The grace of God revealed in Jesus calls us to faith. But St. Paul doesn’t stop with grace and faith. He continues to the logical conclusion. Just like the creation declares the handiwork of God, the redemption of sinners like you and me declares His greatest handiwork! Redeemed stewards are created to reflect the grace and mercy God showers on us to others.
As Lutherans, we understand that good works flow from faith in Jesus Christ. They are the fruit of the tree of salvation into which we have been grafted by grace. Sanctification and stewardship are both on-going and active confessions of what the Lord has done in us. These works are not always spectacular. Many times, they are simply parents showing Jesus to their children. They are compassionate actions that live out the truth of the Gospel to co-workers and even complete strangers. While they can be grand endeavors, more likely they are simple, beautiful works which highlight what Jesus has done in us.
These works aren’t random either. They have been planned by God. God planned to use you as a faithful steward as you walk the road that leads you through your daily life. There are no chance encounters or coincidences. They have been planned by the Lord of the universe for the benefit of His creation. Good works are what point to God’s greatest work: Jesus!
He calls you and me to walk in this faith, which flows from this grace, which has been poured out on us in Jesus. But even this is not to our credit. We are simply called to be faithful stewards of God’s grace so that we may share it with those who need is as much as we do. God’s Spirit carries us along in this. We are just the steward — the instrument in His hand to accomplish His plan and glorify Him!
Areyou a pain?You'renotalone!
We're here to support you in your journey! Those who struggle with chronic pain, and those who love them, are invited to come share your journey with others who are traveling a similar path. Join us on Saturday, March 29th at 1:00 in Trinity's Family Center Foyer for a time to share your experiences and receive comfort and support from God, and each other. Contact Terry Wright with questions (email:tmwright@pacbell.netor call: 417581-0134)
SHINE! Missouri District Event
Our Canvassing Day is set to be on March 2nd. This will occur from roughly 12:30-2:00 PM and lunch will be provided...probably pizza. Please,emailmeandletmeknowifyou canassistwiththeseevents.I believe that it will be a very edifying time, and since Trinity has done this before, I know that many of you are accustomed to this! Thank you, each and every one of you, for all that you have done, are doing, and will do for events like this. – Vicar Holland
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
Friends/FamilyofTrinityMembers:
GinnieBeaman,co-workerofMelindaBrown
JeneeKernan,friendofCarl&LindaOughton
ElaineKruger,sisterofFranWald
LynnRogers,friendofCarmenSwinney
BobBell
LidaChism
SandyCotton
PhyllisHansen
MarianMattlage
FrankBennett
MarienByrne
CarolEtherton
EastonFitzgearlds
JoshuaGaede
DonnaGann
RoyMerritt
PamOsterloh
TimPeters
KathyPolacoff
SharonSchmidt,motherofCandaceGaede
GeneSchroeder,brotherofBenSchroeder
JeremySummers,nephewofErnieLewis
GaryWillliams,uncleofCandaceGaede
ForThoseWhoAreHomeboundinourTrinityFamily
Members permanently or temporarily homebound. . .
GeorgiaMikessell
KayQuasius
PaulaSpalding
JerryWilliams
ForThoseFacingOngoingHealthIssues
AlbertShook
DaveSommerer
Friends/FamilyofTrinityMembers:
EliApplegate,grandsonBen&DebSchroeder
EliseDrennan,great-nieceofDebbieShell
JerilHeine,brotherofAmyJohnson
CherylKinkeade,sisterofLindaOughton
VerlaWilliams,AuntofCandaceGaede
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
Today
Monday
Tuesday
WeekofMarch2-9,2025
TheTransfigurationofOurLord
8:15&11:00a.m. DivineServices
9:30a.m. Fellowship,gym
9:45a.m. SundaySchool&AdultBibleClass
12:30p.m. Shine!CanvassEvent(takeflierstoneighbors)
5:00p.m. Basketball
9:15a.m.FaithFoundations
1:00p.m.ChurchOfficeOpens
6:00p.m. EldersMeeting CalebStaehr’sdayoff
6:00p.m. Prayer&PraiseattheLutheranStudentCenter
6:00p.m. Pickleball,gym
Wednesday AshWednesday
10:30a.m.BibleClass
Noon Ash Wednesday service
5:00p.m.MidweekDinner
5:45p.m.KidsoftheKingdom
6:00p.m. 7th-8th gradeclasses
6:00p.m.GoodNewsCrew/Nursery
6:00p.m.BibleReadingJourney
6:20p.m.3rd-6th gradeclasses
7:00 p.m. Ash Wednesday service
9:30a.m.ChristianCareCommitteeMeeting
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
NextSunday March9
5:25p.m.AdultChoir,Room2
6:50p.m.Handbells,Sanctuary
Churchofficeclosed PastorHagerman&VicarHolland’sdayoff
TheFirstSundayinLent
8:15&11:00a.m. DivineServices
9:30a.m.Fellowship,gym
9:45a.m. SundaySchool&AdultBibleClass
5:00p.m.Basketball
HannahKnehans’part-timeofficehours: MondaysandWednesdaysfromNoon-4:30p.m. Shewillbeworking herotherhoursfromhomeorintheeveningsatmeetings/events.