May 2024 Trumpet

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

See page 13 for more information

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–April21,2024

Attendance: 140

192

TithesandOfferings:

Previousweek: 146

154

Undesignated(General)Offerings

DesignatedGifts

DebtReduction

BusBarn

ChristianCare

FlowerFund

SpecialProjects

ShineDonations

$ 297.00 R&RFund

$2,330.00 BusExpense

$ 30.00 PortalsofPrayer

$15,347.75

$ 20.00

$ 5.00

$ 5.00

$ 5.00 LutheranStudentCenter $ 200.00

$ 55.00 InitialOffering

$ 240.00 Total

TotalGifts

$ 5.00

$ 3,192.00

$18,539.75

SundaySchoolandAdultBibleClassAttendanceforApril21

Preschool: 11

Elementary: 29

DearTrinityFamily,

Jr.High: 2

Adults/HighSchool/Teachers: 48

FROM the PASTOR

GreetingstoyouinthenameofourLordJesusChrist! FormyTrumpetarticlethismonth,I’dliketo addresssomethingthatcausedaminorcontroversyinourcountrybackinFebruary. Iprobablyshouldhave talkedaboutthisearlier,butlikemostLutheranpastors,Itendtobebehindthetimesalittlebit.

MostofyouprobablywatchedtheSuperBowlthisyearandsawPatrickMahomessomehowpull anotherrabbitoutofhishat. Whatyouprobablyalsosawasyouwatchedthegamewasacoupleof commercialsaboutJesus. The“HeGetsUs”campaignhasbeenrunningTVadsforthelastfewyears,andtwo newonesweredebutedduringtheSuperBowl. TheoneI’dliketofocusonistheonethatseemstohave stirredupthemostcontroversy:theinfamous“footwashing”commercial. Theadshowsseveralstillpictures ofpeoplewashingotherpeople’sfeet,andthenendswiththestatement“Jesusdidn’tteachhate. Hewashed feet. Hegetsus. Allofus.”

Onthesurface,thisshouldn’tbecontroversialatall,becauseallofthosesentencesarecompletelytrue. However,thecontroversialaspectofthecommercialwasinitsdepictionofwhowaswashingthefeetofwhom. Mostofthefoot“washers”lookedlikestereotypicalwhiteAmericans,whowerealsopresumablyChristian. Twoofthe“washers”whowerenotwhitewerewearingapoliceuniformandapastor’sclericalcollar, identifyingthemasauthoritiesormembersofthe“establishment.” Andthenmostofthefoot“washees”were peoplewholookedliketheybelongedtogroupsthatwouldbeoutsidewhatiscommonlyregardedasthe Americanmainstream. ThosewhowerewhitedidnotlooklikeyouraverageAmerican(onewasahigh schoolerwithanon-conformingsenseofstyle,onelookedlikeshewasanalcoholic,andonewassittingoutside a“FamilyPlanningClinic”whereabortionstypicallytakeplace). Other“washees”includedaNative American,aMuslim,aprotestoratsomekindofrally,ahomelessperson,andamanwhosedressand mannerismsseemedtoidentifyhimasahomosexual(thisisthemanwhosefeetthepastorwas washing). Essentially,themessagewasthatJesuslovesallofthesepeople,nomatterhowdifferenttheymaybefromus, andthatweChristiansshouldlovethemtoo.

Thereactiontothisad(thatIheard,atleast)was mostlynegative,bothfromthenon-Christianandthe Christianperspective. Non-Christiansbelievethattheentireadcampaignishypocritical,asmanyofits financialbackers alsodonateto“conservative”causesandgroupsthattheLGBTmovementandBlackLives Matterinparticularconsidertobetheirenemies. TheybelievethatChristianspromotingamessage ofloveis inconsistentwithsupportfortraditionalmarriageandrejectionofcriticalracetheory,amongotherissues. On theotherhand,manyChristianswereupsetbythefactthatmostofthosewashingfeetwere clearlymeantto portraystereotypicalChristians,whilethosewhosefeetwerebeingwashedwereportrayingpeoplefromnonChristiangroups. Theimplicationisthatbelieversshouldbekindandtoleranttowardunbelievers,andthatto callanyonetorepentofsinorunbeliefis“hate.” Thus,peoplefromallsideswereangeredbythead,even thoughtherewerealsoprobablymanywhodidenjoyitandfounditthoughtprovoking.

WhatshouldweLutheransthinkabouttheSuperBowlad,andaboutthe“HeGetsUs”campaignin general? First,Iwanttomakesurethatwedonotimpugnthemotivesofthepeoplewhoarespendinglotsof moneytotalkaboutJesusonlargeplatforms. TheyclearlywanttheGospeltobeproclaimedinaculturethat haslargelyrelegatedChristianitytothemargins,andforthattheyshouldbecommended. However,Ithinkwe shouldalsorecognizethatthecampaign,especiallythatoneparticularcommercial,doeshavesomesignificant problems. Forstarters,intheactualstoryofJesuswashingfeetfromJohn13,Jesuswashesthefeet of His disciples;thatis,peoplewhoacknowledgedHim asLordandfollowedHim. ThepointisthatJesuscameto earthtoserveHispeople,whichwouldculminateinHisdeathonthecross fortheirsins(andHestillservesus intheDivineServicethroughWordandSacramenteveryweek). AndweChristiansaretofollowHisexample andloveoneanotherasHehaslovedus. Again,though,JesusistalkingaboutlovingyourfellowChristians andservingthem. Heis NOTtalkingaboutdoingthesameforunbelievers,andHeisespeciallynottalking aboutaffirmingthemintheirsins. Thisdoesn’texcludeGod’sgeneralcommandtoloveyourneighbor,no matterwhatheorshemaybelieve,butitdoesmeanthatthefoot-washingexamplefromJohn13isn’ttalking aboutthat. Weabsolutelyshouldtreateveryonewithloveandkindness,butwealsoneedtorecognizethat JesusgivesHisgiftsthosewhotrustinHim,notthosewhorejectHimorliveinwaysthatareblatantlycontrary toHisFather’swill. Thefoot-washingadwouldseemtoimplythatJesusacceptsunbelieversandunrepentant sinners,whichHemostcertainlydoesnot. HelovestheminageneralsensejustlikeHeloveseverythingelse inHiscreation,butHewillnotsavethemorgivethemeternallifeiftheydonotrepentandtrustinHim. WhenIseethe“HeGetsUs”adsorothersimilarstatementsbyChristians,theyseemtometobe attemptstoapologizeforthe“badbehavior”ofsomeChristiansovertheyears. ItisverytruethatChristians havenotalwaysbeenkindinthewaytheyexpressthemselves,andthechurchhashurtmanypeople unnecessarily. Buttome,itseemslikefallingalloverourselvestoapologizeforthatortoshowthatnotall Christiansare“likethat”iscounterproductive. It’slikewe’retryingtomakepeacewiththeworld,whenthe worldisnotinterestedinbeingatpeacewithus. Theworlddoesnotlikethechurch,anditneverwill,no matterhowniceorpalatablewetrytomakeourselvesseem. AsJesusHimselfsaidtoHisdisciplesafterHe washedtheirfeet,“Iftheworldhatesyou,knowthatithashatedmebeforeithatedyou. Ifyouwereofthe world,theworldwouldloveyouasitsown;butbecauseyouarenotoftheworld,butIchoseyououtofthe world,thereforetheworldhatesyou”(John15:18-19). Unlesswefullycapitulatetotheworldand its antibiblicalvalues,andbelieveinaChristianitythatisacceptabletotheworld,thentheworldwillnotacceptus orapproveofus,regardlessofwhatwemighttrytodotoappealtoit.

Inmyestimation,abetterwaytoproclaimJesustotheworldistobeboldandcompletelyunapologetic aboutwhoweareandwhatweteach. Yes,webelievethatJesusistheSonofGodandtheSavioroftheworld, andwebelievethatsalvationcancomeonlythroughHim. Yes,webelievethatthosewhodonottrustinHim willnotreceiveHisgiftsofforgiveness,life,andsalvation. Yes,webelievethatbelieverswillberesurrectedto eternallife,whileunbelieverswillgotoeverlastingtorment. Yes,webelievethatpeopleshouldconformtheir livestoGod’swillforthem,andthattheyaresinningandneedtorepentiftheydonotdoso. Yes, westandon theunpopularsideinmanyofoursociety’sculturewarissues,suchasthesanctityofhumanlifeandmarriage. Andyes,wewillproclaimtheGospelandurgeallpeopletorepentandbelieveit,notbecausewehatethem,but becausewelovethemanddon’twanttoseethemsuffereternally. Wewillnotapologizeforthis,becausewe

knowwearestandingupforthetruth. Theworldmayhateusforit,buttheworldwillhateusanyway,andon thewholeweshouldn’tcarewhatitthinksaboutus. Whatmatters(forthechurchandfortheworld)iswhat Godthinks,andfaithfulnesstoHimisfarmoreimportantthanmakingourmessagepalatabletotheworld. And wewillprobablyfindthatsuchaboldstancewill attractmorepeopletoChristthanwillwishy-washy, grovelingandpleadingwiththeworldnottodislikeus. Manypeopletodayknowthatthereissomething fundamentallywrongwiththeworld,andifthechurchisnotgoingtoidentifythoseproblemsandproclaim theirsolutioninChrist,thenwhyshouldanyonebothertolistentous?

That’smybasictakeonthe“HeGetsUs”ads. Iinviteanyonewhohasanythoughtstosharethemwith me,regardlessofwhetheryouagreeordisagreewithmyassessment. It’simportantthatweasthechurchknow howtoevaluateandrespondtowhatweseeintheworld,especiallyanythingthatclaimstobeChristian. And it’salsoimportanttorememberthatnomatterhowmuchhatredthechurchreceivesfromtheworld,orhow muchfalseteachingproliferateswithinthechurch,Godisincontrol,andinChristHehasassuredthesalvation ofHisfaithfulpeople. Jesushasrisenfromthedead,andHewillreturnforjudgmentonthelastdaytogiveall believerseternallifeinHiskingdom. Wemightgripeaboutadcampaignsthatdon’tproclaimtheGospelas wellaswewouldlike,butweknowthatGodwillmakeupforthosemistakesandbringHiselectintothe churchattheappointedtime. Jesusgetsus,butmoreimportantly,he’sgotthis. AndHisultimatecontrolover thesituationprovidesmewithfargreatercomfortthananythingelseevercould.

God’sblessingstoyouallaswecontinueourcelebrationofourLord’sresurrectionduringthisEaster season!

In

Christ, PastorHagerman

Sunday, May 19 @ 9:45 a.m.

AdultBibleStudy(ABS)

Bible Study Reminders:

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 (FinalClass,May13) –OfallthebooksoftheBible,thebookofEzekielis probablyoneoftheleast readandunderstoodbyChristianstoday.Itconcernsatimefarinthepastandaland farawayfromusthereinAmericawithoraclesandvisionsthatarequitefranklyratherbizarre. AndyetGod’s graceandmercytowardHispeoplearefoundalloverthisobscureandsometimesdisturbingbook.JoinPastor HagermanaswereadthroughEzekielinitsentiretyandlearnhowitspeakstoHischurchtodayeachMonday morning.

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

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!

“Genesis 2:7”

“then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.”

God’s act of creation is fascinating. The king and creator of the universe, step by step, speaks the world into existence. With a single, simple phrase of “let there be,” every star, nebula, galaxy, and other body in the expanse of heaven blinks into being. Yet, when God comes to the creation of man, he does something different. The LORD shapes this creature by hand, and then breathes the breath of life into him.

In the Hebrew language, the word “חוּר” (pronounced ruach), is given a couple very important meanings: the word can be translated as “wind” or “breath,” but even more importantly, it can be translated as spirit. When God breathes the breath of life, the חוּר, he is giving Adam his soul.

In this painting I set out to show that God’s creation of Adam was significant, set apart from the other things God created. The form of this painting is meant to parallel a sculpture created by Bobbie Carlyle called “Self Made Man.” In this sculpture, a man is chiseling himself out of rock. It is meant to call attention to the power and capability of the human spirit to bring their own success and identity in ones’ own life. To mirror this sculpture, I put Adam in a very similar pose to the “self made man,” but made him completely passive in his own creation. God is doing the making, and Adam is being molded by Him. The Hebrew word of spirit and breath enters into Adam's lungs as he is sculpted out of the mud. Our life, our spirit, our whole self is a creation of God, not man. We owe all the gifts in our life to the LORD, who continues to fashion us into new men and women through our daily dying, drowning, and rising in baptism.

God’s connection with man is special. He took His time creating man, made man in His own image, and would even become man Himself in the person of Jesus Christ. His love for you and all created people was shown for the whole world to see upon the cross at Calvary. Dear friends in Christ, you are beautifully and wonderfully made. Like Adam, you were crafted purposefully and in love. Thanks be to God that who we are is not defined by our strength or reason, but by the LORD who graciously and mercifully made us.

Vicar Ben

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

DearTrinityFamily,

ItiswithsadnessthatIwritethislettertoyou,myTrinityfamily,knowingitismylastTrumpetarticle.Asyou allknow,IwillberetiringinMayfrommypositionasDirectorofMusicMinistryafterovertwelveyearshere atTrinity.Pleaseknowthatmyheartisfull,andIamthinkingofallandeachoneofyouinourcongregationin somanyspecialways,andalwayswithloveandappreciation.Ihavedearly lovedmytimeasDirectorofMusic MinistryandamforevergratefultotheLordforhavingledmetoTrinity,tobecomeamemberandtoserve HimandourTrinityfamily.TheLordledmeherewhenImovedtoSpringfield,andsoontobe“musical” friendsfromtheBoardofElders,DickMcGuire,JeffDormann,andBobQuebbeman,interviewedmeandI washired.AnditwasatTrinitythatIbecamean“official”LutheranandeventuallyamemberofTrinity (baptizedasababyinaMOSynodchurch).IguessyoucouldsayIsawthelightandcamehome Itwas PastorMarlerwhotaughtmemyLutherancatechismandnurturedmeintheLutheranfaith.Iwillforeverbe gratefulforHisloveand supportofmespirituallyandencouragementmusically.Itwasaboutthatsametime thatPastorNickwasalsonewtoTrinity.Hisspiritualsupport,goodcheerandsenseofhumorhasmeantso muchtomeandcontinues.AndIcannotthankherenoughandcouldneverhavesurvivedwithoutthesupport, patience,goodhumor,andloveofAngelaBruton,whohelpedmecountlesstimesinsomanywaysIcannot evenmention.Thereissomethingsodistinctlydifferentandwonderfulaboutbeingpartofsuchamarvelous ministryteamandIhavebeenhonoredandprivilegedtoministeratTrinitywithsuchawonderfulgroup, includingallourLaypeopleineveryarea.Allhavealwaysbeenatrueblessing.BeingtheDirectorofMusic Ministrywasnota“job”butworkingtogetherwithGod’sfamily.Iwasatadifficulttransitiontimeinmylife whenIcame,butIknewitwaswhereGodwantedmetobeandIwillforeverbegratefulforthegiftofmy “Trinity”familyinmylife. So,asIretireasDirectorofMusicMinistry,IwanttosaywhatIfeelis most importantasIleavethisposition.Assomemayknow,Iamnotknownforbrevityandaskyourforgivenessfor thelengthofmyletter.

Overthelastfewyears,Ihavecometo adeeperunderstandingoftransitions,andIhavehadtocometopeace withthefactthatinourlives,theyareinevitable,mostoftenessential,andnotalwayseasy. Butwecannot avoidthem.Inmovingto anothercallingorhavingtogodownanewroadonourlife’sjourney,itcanbea grieving.Whatismostimportantisnotthetransitionandafeelingofloss, butacelebrationofwhathasbeenso positive,whatwehavelearnedandhowwehavegrown.Andmoreimportantishowwedealwithitandwhat wedowiththenewandunknown.Ihavehadtoacceptretirementasapositivetransition. Forme,thepeace camewhenIacceptedthatasinalltransitionsoflife,abelieverknowsthatGod’sgraceandmercyisleadingus duringeverymoment,asHehasthroughoutourlife.Hehasaplanforallcircumstancesaswegothrough transitions.Heknowsourbeginningandourend.Ihavetosayhere,“GreatisThyfaithfulness…morningby morning,newmerciesIsee.”Changeisabigpart oftransitioning,andwecanbeassuredthatifwetrustinthe faithfulnessofourSavior,itwillbeanexcitingandblessedtime,filledwithallweneed. Hewillfullyequipus todoHisworkforHisgloryandifwetrustHim,bringusexceedingjoy. Therewillbechallenges,butthrough Hisloveandourloveforoneanother,weworkthroughallthingsforgood. Forthispeaceandrevelation,and Hisfaithfulness,Iamsograteful.

Mysincerestthanksandrecognitiontoeveryoneforyearsofsupportandblessingsforourmusicprogram musicduringmytimehere.AndmydeepestthankstoALLthosewhohaveparticipatedsodevotedlytoour ensemblesandprograms,someformyentiretimehere.Youhavemademusicandworshipsobeautifultomy heartandIknow,havedeeplyblessedourcongregationwiththepowerandbeautyofinspiredmusic.There havebeensomanywonderfulpersonalandmusicalmemoriesthatIamgratefulfor,andIwillalwayscherish. Mostimportantisthelove,support,anddearlife-long,God-givenfriendshipsofmybrothersandsistersin Christ,whichhaveandstilldo,blessmeandallincountlessways. Wehavebeensoblessedwithtalented

memberswhoweremusiciansandservedfaithfullyorforaseasoninensembles,choirs,orbellsorassoloists, pianists,andinstrumentalists.Ithasbeensuchajoytonurtureourmembers,adults,youth,andchildren, musicallyandspiritually,asindividualsandinensembles,andseethemgrowintheloveofmusicasitserves theLord.Ithasalwaysbeenmygreatestjoytobringouttheirtalentandaffirmthem. Mydesirewastoreveal alltheblessedpowersofmusicincreativeandtraditionalwaysinourworshipandworkwithpastorsand memberstodevelopspecialprogramsanddiscovershare,andbuildourpeoples’musicaltalents,infusing Christcenteredmusicintoourcommunallifeandworship.Ihavealwaysprayedforourcongregationalsinging overtheyears. Ihearourcongregationgrowinsinging,gainingconfidenceinupliftingourhymnsandliturgy tostrengthandaffirmation.KeepgoingTrinity!It thrillsmyheartwhenwesingcorporatelywithonestrong voiceofstrengthand conviction. Lutherwouldbeproud.Andhowweareblessedtohavepastorswhosingthe liturgysowell!

Trinityhasanextraordinarydiversityoftalents”inourpeople.Wealwaysgetbackmorethanwegive. Directingourensembles,KOK,YouthAlive,BellsandAdultChoir,hasalwaysbeeninspiringanddelightful andithasbeenmyjoyandanhonortohavemademusicwiththosewholovetheLord.Oneofthegreatestjoys ofmyserviceherewillbetheweeklyfellowship withmybrothersandsistersinChristasweworshippedand mademusictogether.Choirrehearsalwasneverjusta“rehearsal”. NexttoSundayworship,itwasthe highlightofmyweek. Itwasablessedhour(sometimeslonger sosorry)wherewemetnotjusttosing,but toprayinsongandbeinspiredandencouragedandshowsupportforoneanother,knowingthemusicwe preparedwouldenhancetheWordandbringglorytoGodandblessingandencouragementtoeachotherand ourpeople. KOKrehearsalswereamazinginteractivetimeswithourchildrenandrevivedmyspiritandenergy .Iloveourchildren,manywhoarenowgrown. Theyareourmusicallegacy.Thereisnothinginthisworld morebeautifulandblessedthanthevoicesofourchildrensingingaswenurturethemtoloveandmakemusic totheirheavenlyFather.OurSundaySchoolprogramsandChristmasprogramswithourchildrenandadults weresospecialandelevatedourworship.IcanneverthankLindaYoungenoughforhersupportandhowfun shemadeSundaySchoolChristmasprogramseveryyear. Shenurturedallofourcreativitywithlovingcare andIloveherbeautifulspirit.

IhaveseensooftenhowtheloveofChristismanifestsoprofoundlyinourTrinitypeopleandIhavealways beenblessedandreceivedsuchlovesooftenmyselfwithgraceandthankfulness.Someonehelpingwithmy wheelchair,bringingdinnerormeals,orhelpingoutatmyhouseorourchildrenandadultscarolingthere,cards andwordsofencouragementasIcontinuetogothroughongoingphysicaldifficulties,andsomuchmore.The touchofahandonmyshoulderassomeonecomestocommunionmeanssomuch. Ourchildren,bellsringing orchoirssingingpraisesprayerfullyandjoyouslyarenotthingseverforgotten.Iamonlyretiringfrommy position,butasmyhealthallows,asamember,Iwillstillworshipwithmybrothersandsistersin Christ, singinginmystrongest“transition”tenorvoiceinworship.(Iusedtobeasoprano☹ Trinityismy“home.” I willassistmusicallyinwhatevercapacity Ican,butImustrecede andournewmusicdirectortocomewill bringthejoyandministryofmusicintheirownspecialwaytoourpeople.WewillprayforthemthattheLord willleadtheminallwaystoHisglorythroughouralreadystrongmusicministry. Iandwewillgivethemour fullandvitalsupportasyouhavealwaysdoneforme.

Godalwayshassomethingspecialplannedforusaswetransitionfromoneplace/timetoanother.Wealways havesomethingtolearn,somenewgifttogiveordiscover,sometalentwethoughtweneverhad,somenew adventuretolookforwardto.Mydearlylovedbrothersandsisters,weplaceourtrustaswealwayshaveinour LordandSavior,JesusChrist,towhomallofourwork,serviceandpraiseisdue. Heknowsoureveryneed, bothindividuallyandcorporately. HeneverfailsandHisfaithfulnessisfromgenerationtogeneration.To everyoneatTrinity,pleaseknowthatyouhaveallimpactedmylifepersonallyandprofoundlywithyourlove. Andyoursupportofourmusicprogramwillalwaysbeappreciated.Asthechildrensing,“Oh,howIlove Jesus”,IamremindedthatHefirstlovedme,andHisloveisneverending. Thatiswhy Ihavefeltsoblessed

overthesepasttwelveyearsatTrinitytohavebeencalledheretothispositionandtobeabletoserveour peopleanduseallofmytalentsforHisgloryandedificationandourgrowth,musicalandspiritualblessing. I knowwearealwaysinGod’shands. Thereisnothingtofear. Wehavebeenthroughmuchtogether;andwe havesomuchtolookforwardto.MusichasandwillcontinuetofeeduswiththepowerofGod’sWord,in song,throughourhymns,anthems,liturgy,andasIwritemylasttrumpetarticletoyou,Ilookforwardwith loveforyouandourLord,withjoyandanticipation,andtrustinGod’sfaithfulnessaswecontinuetowatchHis gloryunfold.

Thankyou!!! RecognizingourTrinityMusicians

Wearesoblessedtohaveawealthofmusicaltalentamongus.Andsomanyhaveservedandsharedtheir talentswithsuchdedication,eachoneaspartofmusicministry. Icannotlistbynameallwhohave served musicallyorsupporteditinsomecapacityoverthepasttwelveyears,butI give you my sincerest heartfelt thanks for your devotion and participation. Without you, music just doesn’t work. Imustmentionafew:our memberaccompanists(MaryAnnandShannon),organists(EdithandDoyle),instrumentalists(Bob QuebbemanandAngelaLoveandorchestrapeopleandladiesoftheflutechoir)SundaySchoolchildrenand Youth Alive Singers,ourformerandcurrentensembledirectorsforKOKandBellchoirandallofourcurrent andformermembersof Heavenly Vibrations BellChoirandTrinityAdultChoir,ourSundaySchoolChristmas teachersandhelperswhosupportedourchildrenastheysangandlearnedtheirmusic,andallofourwonderful musiclibrarians. Allhavegivensogenerouslyofthemselvesandtimeandtogethermadebeautiful, joyousand reflectivemusicforworshipandmanyspecialprograms.Severalmorehavecomeandservedandgone,butI wanttogiveallmydeepestthanksandappreciation.WithouttheirwillingnesstosharetheirbeautifulGod giventalents,dedicationanddevotion,themusicwouldnothavebeenpossible.Pleaseprayforallour musiciansanddirectorsintheFallastheycontinuetosharetheirgiftsandministerandservewithloveand dedication. Mostimportant,thereisamagnificenttreasureoftalentinallofourchildrenandtheirenthusiastic singinginthebalconyagainisareflectionandbeginningoftheirlegacyofmusictoourworship. IthankGod foreachlittleonethroughoutalltheyearsandtheblessingandjoytheybringtous.IprayforGod’sblessingon eachpreciousheartandvoiceandmaytheyneverstoplovingtosing,playaninstrumentandlearnmusic.AndI knowwewillcontinuetonurturethemspirituallythroughmusic.Idon’tknowaboutyou,butIalwaysquietly singalongwiththemduringcommunion. Suffer the little children ThisyearIamsogratefulforour directorsandaccompanists,SabrinaBacklin,forherdirectionoftheKOK,LisaChristenson-BellChoir director,ShannonCrosby,accompanistfortheKOKandAdultChoir,andCarlyHamlyn,assistantKOK accompanist,AngelaLoveforhersuperworkteachingthesongsforthe Sunday School Joyful Singers andour parentswholeadtheSundaybalconysinging. We arealsodeeplygratefulforallofourchoirsectionleaders, instrumentalistsandpianistsfromovertheyearswhobeautifullyblesseduswiththeirtalents.

ThoughmyworkasDirectorofMusic Ministryisfinished,thelegacyofourmusic livesonandGodwillcontinuetodoHis workinourcongregation.IhaveseenHis mightyworkinourmissionandvisionasa congregation,corporatelyandasindividuals. Hehasblessedusaswejourneyedwithhearts overflowingwithourmusic,loveand thankfulnessfortheamazinggiftofGod’s redeeminggrace.Inconclusion,myprayer forourcongregationandmusicprogramis thatGod’sloveandpowerwillcontinuetobe reflectedinallthemusicthatwedoat Trinity.Overtheyears,myprayerwasfor

God’s“right”spiritinme,soIstayoutofthewayoftheworkoftheHolySpirit.Mydesirewastodrawour attentiontoChrist,andHisglorythroughourmusic. IalwayssoughttheguidanceoftheHolySpiritand excellenceateverylevelinourmusicprogram,ensemblesandforourcongregation.Isoughttoreflectthe WordintheDivineServicethroughmusic.IalsotrulybelievethatallthingsarepossiblewithChristandGod’s workisneverdonewith us.“Createinmeacleanheart,OGod,andrenewarightspiritwithin me."(Psalm 51:10)IhavebeensothankfultoGodforthese12yearsofreflectionandspiritualgrowth.Nowas Iandwegoforward, Psalm 96says,“SinguntotheLordanewsong…”.Throughmy/ourworkhereinmusic andbytheleadingoftheHolySpirit,yourloveandsupportandGod’sgoodgrace,wehavegrown,andallbeen blessedandrenewedsomanytimes.Andso, wewillpraiseYou,OLord,everyday,andallthrougheternity, whenwewillseeyoufacetoface.Wewill sing a new song andpraiseJesusChrist,theTrueLamb,Whohas takenawaythesinoftheworldandhasrisenfrom thedeadandsitsattherighthandofGod,theFather. By dyingHehasdestroyedourdeath.ByrisingHehasrestoredustonewlife.IwillsingHispraiseswithyou,dear brothersandsisters,now andwithalltheangelsandsaintsineternity. Wewillbeinachoiroftenthousand timestenthousand!!Andbellswillberinging,andchildrenwillbesinging. Fornow,Ithankyoualwaysfor thegraciousgiftofyourblessingsofloveandsweetcontinuedfellowshipandIgiveyoueachandallmylove, prayersandblessingaswecontinueonourhomewardjourney.

AlwaysinHisunfailingandabidingloveandgrace, Blessingstoall,

Dr. Grace

SavetheDate:May19,RetirementSundayforDr.Grace

Asajoyfulcelebrationandtoplanahead,my“retirement”SundaywillbeMay19.Themusicforworshipthat daywillbeveryspecial. Folksareorganizingtocelebrate andformaspecialchoirwithourowncurrentand formerTrinitychoirmembers,formersectionleadersanddear“musical”friendsfromourSpringfield communitywhohaveparticipatedinmusicandworshipatTrinityovertheyears.Therewillbeareception followingthe11service. Ifyouwouldliketosingwiththechoirthatday,wewillhavearehearsalfrom6-7:15 PMonWednesday,May15,intheFamilyCenterandthenwewillrehearsefrom10-10:45onSundaymorning, May19,inthesanctuaryforthe11service.Wedohaveacongregationalmeetingthatday,butwewillrehearse inthesanctuaryat10. PleaseletmeknowifyouareinterestedandIwillhavemusicforeveryonewhowants toparticipateatWednesday’srehearsal.ThankyouandIhopetoseeyouthere.

MightyMissionaryCamp2024

TheGreatAdventure

May29th-June1st

Verse:Yourwordisalamptomyfeet andalighttomypath.Psalm119:105

ComeJointheFun!!! Wewillbegoingonanadventurethroughthesea,mountains, desert,jungleforestaswellasvisitarainforestluau.

Thisyearweneed…

*Monetarydonationsforhigherprices&camperscholarships

*Campers3rd-8thgrade

*TrailerHaulers

*FoodHelp

*CraftHelp

*WaterRunners

*ActivitiesMonitors

*Clean-UpCrew

ContactAhrenorAngelaLoveifyouareinterestedinhelpingout. love2draft@gmail.comorlove2direct@gmail.com

Ifyouwouldliketohelpwithfoodprep/servingcontactBeckySexton(417)773-2282

*DayVolunteers-ContactAngelaorAhrenifyouwouldliketopurchaseacampt-shirtbyMay 12th.

SelectthecorrectQRCodeabovetoregisterforCamp.DeadlineforregistrationisMay 12th

SCRIP PROGRAM

Scrip news…. To date, Scrip has raised $2,500 for the bus barn. We are hoping to raise $4,000, and we need your help to get there. Please see us in the gym on Sunday morning 9-9:45 or email Linda Oughton at oughtonlinda@yahoo.com to place an order or to find out about this amazing money raising program. Help us support our church’s much needed project.

BusBarn&ParkingLotExpansion

Check out the rendering of the Bus Barn and Parking Lot expansion in the narthex. Thank you to everyone who has contributed toward the project so far. We are approximately $6,400 away from reaching our goal. If you have any questions, please contact Kevin Scheer, 417-8800051.

Cashonhand $ 62,600

Commitments $ 41,000

EstimatedCost $111,000

Stewardship Moment

More Than a Negative

Evenifyou’veneverhadtotestifyincourt,athousandTVshowshavemadeyoufamiliarwiththequestion, “Doyousweartotellthetruth,thewholetruthandnothingbutthetruth?”Whynotjustmakepeopleswearto tellthetruth?Ormakethempromisenottolie?

Anyparentwhohaseverhadtointerrogateachildaboutabrokencookiejarorascuffleoveratoyknowsthe answer.Thereareplentyofwaystotrytogetoutoftroublewithout technically lying.Youtell just enough of thetruthtoskateonby.

Weoftenplaythegameofseeing how close wecangettosinningwithout technically goingovertheline.

ButinourheartofheartsweknowthatthisisnotwhatGodintendedwhenHegaveusthecommandments. He’snotgivingusamerelynegativeruleandchallengingustojustbarelystayawayfromthisorthat.Thereis muchmoretoeachcommandmentthanaprohibition.Weshouldn’tjustavoidmurderingpeople—weshould beofservicetoourneighbor.

Foreachnegativeprohibitioninthecommandmentsthereisapositivegoodthatwearetocherishandprotect. IntheEighthCommandment,thatgiftisthereputationofourneighborandourrelationshipwithhim:

Youshallnotgivefalsetestimonyagainstyourneighbor.

What does this mean? WeshouldfearandloveGodsothatwedonottellliesaboutourneighbor,betray him,slanderhim,orhurthisreputation,butdefendhim,speakwellofhim,andexplaineverythinginthe kindestway.

Yourrelationshipwithyourfamilymembers(whoareyournearestneighbors),theothermembersofyour congregation,yourcoworkersandyourfriendsisoneofthemostpreciousgiftsyouhavebeengiven.Youneed toexercisegoodstewardshipwiththisgiftjustasmuchasyouneedtoexercisegoodstewardshipwithyourlife, resources,timeandincome.Thisisanespeciallyfragilegiftbecauseit’seasytoruinarelationshipwithslander andtalkingbehindsomeone’sback.

ButspeakingwellofyourneighborinChristianloveisabsolutelyfree;itcostsyounothing,yetitpaysyou greatdividends.Ifyoufindthischallengingattimes,ifyouaretemptedtospeakillofothers,justremember thatthisotherpersonisalsoabelovedchildofGodforwhomyourLordJesussufferedanddied.YourLord Jesuslovesyouboth.

TrinityWomeninAction(TWIA)

TheladiesofTrinityrecentlyenjoyedafellowshipsupperandinformativeprogramwith speaker,AnnaWithers,fromSpringfieldCommunityGardens. Whatanexcellentnon-profit organization! Weeachreceivedseedpacketsofherbstoplantathome. HeatherBiermannwas theluckywinnerofaplanterfilledwithgardentools. Watchforinformationonournext quarterlymeeting,oftenheldinJune.

Thecurtainsonthestageinthegymwerehangingcrookedandinneedofrepair. Wehadthem cleaned,repaired,andrehung. Now,wehopetokeepthemingoodconditionforaslongas possible. Thankyou,Everyone,forrespectingourchurchandpropertybyusingthestageonly whennecessary.

**Thankyousomuch,TrinityCongregation,fortheMiteOfferingsthismonth,whichtotaled $24.Isaiah40:31-“ButtheywhowaitfortheLord,shallrenewtheirstrength…”TheMite collectionsworldwidewillcontinuetogotooneoftheLWMLMissionGrants-“Expanding GospelProclamationWorldwide.”Youcansaveyourdailypocketchangeandwe’llcollectfor missionsintheLARGEpurpleMiteBoxthatwillbedisplayedinthenarthexonthesecond Sundayofeachmonth.ThenextopportunitywillbeSunday,May12,2024.

TrinityWomenInActionCollegeScholarshipOpportunity

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

Datestoremember:

DorcasCircle: May14,9:30AM

DeborahCircle: May16,4:00PM

ServiceWorkers: May20,1:00PM

MakingaDifference

LutheransforLifeinvitesyoutojoininourAnnual Mother’sDay–Father’sDayIngathering

Wefirmlybelieveinthesanctityoflife….ALLSTAGESoflife.Thisyearwewillbegatheringdonationsfor NewbornsinNeed,Sammy’sWindow(asupportagencyforchildreninfostercare)andgiftsfortheelderlyina localnursinghome.

Whatcanyoubring???Thelistisalmostendless.

BabySupplies,Hygieneproducts–toothbrushes,toothpaste,shampoo,detangleconditioner,hairbrushes,soap –thinkDollarTreehere……Cereal,Spaghettisauce,noodles–younameit.LargePrintpuzzlebooks,Veteran ballcaps,lotionsandKleenextissues.Wewillsortitalloutandtheywillbeusedandappreciated.

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Proverbs31:8

Senior Safari

Wednesday, May 8 -- Noon

Food, Fun & Fellowship

Anyone 60 and over is welcome to join in the fun!

Also, if you are interested in going fishing at Bennett Spring in May please contact Jeff Winter at 417-350-2473!!!

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

Friends/FamilyofTrinityMembers:

GinnieBeaman,co-workerofMelindaBrown

MarkJohnson,brotherofDianeLewis

JeneeKernan,friendofCarl&LindaOughton

LynnRogers,friendofCarmenSwinney

SharonSchmidt,motherofCandaceGaede

JeremySummers,nephewofErnieLewis

GaryWillliams,Uncleof CandaceGaede

ForThoseWhoAreHomeboundinourTrinityFamily Members permanently or temporarily homebound. . .

BobBell

LidaChism

SandyCotton

PhyllisHansen

MarianMattlage

FrankBennett

ValerieBlohm

CarolEtherton

EastonFitzgearlds

JoshuaGaede

PamOsterloh

TimPeters

KathyPolacoff

AlbertShook

GeorgiaMikessell

KathrynNeely

KayQuasius

PaulaSpalding

JerryWilliams

ForThoseFacingOngoingHealthIssues

DaveSommerer

Friends/FamilyofTrinityMembers:

EliApplegate,grandsonBen&DebSchroeder

EliseDrennan,great-nieceofDebbieShell

JerilHeine,brotherofAmyJohnson

CherylKinkade,sisterofLindaOughton

JonStraw,sonofChris&DotStraw

VerlaWillilams,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

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

WeekofApril28-May5,2024

FifthSundayofEaster

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

Today

9:30a.m. Fellowship

9:45a.m. SundaySchool&AdultBibleClass

12:30p.m. JrHighOutdoorEvent

9:15a.m. FaithFoundations

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

NextSunday

May5

1:00p.m. ChurchOfficeOpens

6:00p.m. BoardofElders

6:0p.m.Pickleball,gym

10:30a.m. WednesdayMorningABS

6:30p.m. TrinityChoir

Churchofficeclosed PastorHagerman&VicarBen’sdayoff

SixthSundayofEaster

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

9:30a.m. Fellowship

9:45a.m. SundaySchool&AdultBibleClass

12:30p.m. SrHighYouthEvent

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