Trinity Tidings

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church ELCA

D E CE MBE R 20 12 V OLUME 6, ISS UE 12 Our Mission Statement:
Sharing the Word of God Through Worship and Teaching, With Love and Service, In Our Congregation and Our Community.

Please note that Deck the Halls will take place on Sunday, December 2, 2012 at 12:30 p.m. following the town hall meeting. A sign-up sheet is in the lobby to sign up to help and for lunch.

Table of Contents
Pastor Peterson Trinity's Council News 2 3-5

___________________________ __________________________ Service to Others Birthdays ____________________________ Notes of Thanks News for Women of TLC Circle News 7 6

EVANGELISM INVITES YOU TO..... "Visit the historic streets of German Village, Sunday, December 2, from 6-10 p.m., and discover a wor ld of lights and holiday magic"...a special way to prepare for Christmas. Old Trinity will participate with free parking, our sanctuary all aglow with lights, refreshments, music, and luminaries around the front of the building, Visit the village with shops, businesses, restaurants, carolers, live holiday music, horse-drawn carriage rides and STRIEZELMARKT outdoor Christmas Market. At 5 p.m. help is needed to set and light luminaries on our sidewalks letting our light shine in the community. Janet Robertson, Evangelism Sub-Committee

Mid-week Advent Services with simple meals Wednesdays December 5th, 12th, and 19th 12:05 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

As is our custom during Advent, Trinity Lutheran Church will host short mid-week prayer services on Wednesdays. This is a fine time to prepare the way for our celebration of the birth of Christ.
Also following our custom, TLCW will serve simple soup lunches immediately following the mid-day services, and volunteers will provide a simple soup supper from 5:45-6:15 or so each of these evenings.

Come and Worship Baby Jesus Trinity Lutheran Candlelight Christmas Eve Services, December 24th at 7:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.

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To all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave the power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of a human being, but of God.. John 1: 12-13

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ, +Peace+ Im not going to lie to you. I want stuff. And when Christmas is around the bend, I become more keenly aware of the stuff I want. Just in case Santa Claus is reading, heres the best part of my Christmas list. I want:

A Fender Jazzmaster bass guitar and amplifiera motor scootera few red Leghorn chickens (for eggs), and a rooster, whom I will name, Chuckya pygmy goat (for milk and fertilizer)...someone to milk the goat and pick up goat fertilizer a haircut.
Now, youve probably learned to expect that the pastor is going to remind you at some time (or many times) during this month that Christmas is not just about getting toys (or livestock). Im not going to disappoint you. Please remember that Christmas is not just a time for us to ask for stuff (or stock), most of which we dont really need. Mature people of faith know this, of course. But if the less mature among us get caught up in what we want at this time of year, it also seems that some of us can get caught up in worrying about what others want from us at Christmas. It can be a lot of fun and it can be a sign of our love for one another to give and receive gifts, to go to parties, to decorate the place, to write cards, and to do some baking. But lots of people find that by the middle of the month of December all of this partying, gift-buying, kitchen work or decorating can become a bit tiresome and stressful. And when one is stressed, one gets cranky, or even angry. And thats a good way to lose sight of what the holiday is about. Let the wise, mature, and faithful ask a different question. Instead of What do I want? or What do others want of me? Lets start with God. What does God want for Christmas? Okay thats a strange question, since Christmas is Gods own doing. At Christmas we celebrate this doing: God the Son taking on human flesh, being born of the Virgin Mary, and dwelling among us. In Christ God reveals what God wants Christmas for. God wants to be Immanuel, which means God with us. God with us, among us, God in us, God for usthis is what God wants, and this is why God wants Christmas. God comes to us at Christmas as a gift, wrapped in swaddling clothes. Are you ready? Thats easy to answer: No, we are not ready. How could we ever be? But heres another gift: Heres some time to prepare for him. Heres a time set aside to wait for Christ, to watch for Christ, to hope for him, to rejoice in him. Here, in the midst of what the world calls the holiday season, the worlds busiest, most frenzied time, is the Churchs season of silent joy: Advent. Sisters and brothers, may the Lord stir up your hearts this season to turn away from worry about what you want or about what others want of you, and toward Christ, God for you. Amen! +In the name of Jesus+ Pastor Chuck

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Presidents Report
Its time to ring out the old and bring in the new as we enter December. Its a chance to thank the Lord for the many things he has given us the opportunity to do in 2012 and to ask for His help and guidance as we move into 2013. Because of the blessings we have received, we have been able to offer new programming this year, like Vacation Bible School, community ministry initiatives, the community garden, and the recently started LOVE activities. As we move into the new year, we are looking forward to meeting a new MIC student, the selection of a new music director, and the chance to start new programming due to your generous pledges. We truly are a blessed congregation. We have begun the budgeting for 2013. Once we have put a tentative wrap on the new budget, it will be presented to the congregation at a town hall meeting in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, December 2nd, following our regular service. (This will precede the Deck the Halls event to prepare the church for the holiday season.) This will be a chance for members of the congregation to hear the thinking behind the budgeted funds and to provide their ideas and input into the process. With the feedback from that meeting and the input of the Congregation Council, a finalized budget will be presented at a congregational meeting to be held on Sunday, December 16th, following the service. We look forward to your participation at these meetings. We have tentatively scheduled the annual congregational meeting for the last Sunday in January, the 27th. At this meeting we will be able to hear of how God has worked through each of our committees and how we hope to spread His word in 2013. We will also be electing Council members to two-year terms. The offices up for election this year are Vice President, Secretary, Community Ministry, Congregational Life, and Evangelism/Communications. Anyone interested in filling any of these positions is encouraged to let a member of the Council know your interest. We hope to see you at our January annual congregational meeting. You are also reminded that you are able to sponsor one of the new exterior lights being installed around the church. (Total cost $200, but partial gifts will be greatly appreciated.) Volunteers are also being sought to help with the financial aspects of the churchs business. Helping on the income side or the expense side are possibilities for members. We thank you ahead of time for any help you can provide with any of these matters. There are many other ways you can get involved at Old Trinity. Why dont you give it a try? Thank you again to all who have provided help and services throughout the year at Trinity. Your constant support with our ministries is greatly appreciated. Letting God work through you to do what we do is what it is all about. May He continue to do so as we move into the New Year. Have a happy and blessed holiday season.

Community Ministry would like to thank everyone who have volunteered for the 2012 Food Pantry dates. It was much appr eciated and as you might know the need is getting bigger and bigger as folks ar e more in need for food items. 10TV reported on 11-9-2012 that "The Ohio Association of Food banks says a difficult employment climate and increased costs for daily necessities are to blame. The association says state food banks distributed 45 percent more food and supplies in fiscal year 2012 than they did just three years earlier at the height of the recession." Demand for food donations, prices and volunteers are going to be even bigger in 2013. We need your help in 2013. Volunteer dates for our LLS Food Pantry are listed on the bulletin board next to the fellowship hall. Please sign-up for the 2013 volunteer opportunities. Thank You.

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Wednesday Night Bible Study

The Book of Numbers 7:00 p.m.9:00 p.m. In the Lounge

DECEMBER 2012 LESSONS FOR THE ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS

Jesus is Lord
Ephesians * Philippians * Colossians

Room 108 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Message from Communication and Evangelism As we wrap up 2012, I would like to thank all the people of Trinity who have taken part in making our Website http://www.oldtrinity.com and Facebook what it has become over the past year. I also would like to thank the people who signed up to work with us to create our Electronic Newsletter to be released in 2013. We would also like to thank the people who joined us in showing support for the runners during the Columbus Marathon at the end of October. This month please be looking for a bulletin insert survey to see who is interested in receiving the Electronic Newsletter.
On Saturday, November 17, 2012 we held our first meeting. I would like to thank everyone who attended; we had 14 people come out. We shared and heard each others stories of religious and life struggles.

MESSAGE FROM THE LOVE TEAM

LOVE stands for Let Our Voices Emerge; we are a group for GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered) people and their Allies. LOVE was created to combat the stigma that all religious people are against GLBT people and believe they have no place in the church. We are a group of open minded, forward thinking individuals. LOVE is a group where you can go share your story, join in fellowship of others, and not be judged for who you are or who you love.
Please join us for our next meeting on December 9, 2012 at 6:00 pm and follow it up by staying for our monthly Compline service at 8:30 pm. Thank you, Robert Neymeyer LOVE Team Facilitator

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2012 CROP Walk The walkers of Trinity raised $1,278.00 this year. It was a great success. The walk itself was rather windy but we survived. I would like to thank the following individuals that walked: Jason, Martha, Carson and Madison McKitrick, Mayda Vazquez, Gretchen and Katie Brandt, Susan Downs, Bob, Jane & Maggie Nida, Janet and Dennis Robertson, Sharon Heinlein, Cindy & David Holloway, Pastor Peterson and Cheryl Peterson (with Louie). The following individuals raised funds but did not walk. Lindsay Beckman, Matt and Amy Heinlein. Many individuals will not go hungry because of all of your efforts. Submitted by Neil Coryell

Meet Tim Edwards

THE COLUMBUS MARATHON was exciting to see from the front of Old Trinity. We became part of the downtown community as we offered refreshments to spectators and encouragement to 21,000 runners and walkers. Hot coffee, hot chocolate, juices, muffins, fresh fruits, bottled water, and energy bars were offered to the many spectators and Trinity members who watched the Marathon go down 3rd Street and into German Village. Special thanks to Peg Beeson, Greg Brandt, and Janet Robertson for setting up and providing the refreshments. Janet Robertson, Evangelism Sub-Committee Member

Tim Edwards became a member of Trinity Lutheran Church at the Easter Vigil this year. He grew up Lutheran in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and attended Ohio Dominican University where he studied philosophy in preparation for ordination as a Roman Catholic Priest. There he met Brian Shaffer, his life partner. Tim undertook additional study at Trinity Lutheran Seminary, was ordained a deacon of the Evangelical A nglican Church in America in 1995, and was priested in 1997. He served as vicar (or pastor) of the Lamb of God Church from then until 2010. For the last 10 years Tim has been a manager of a Starbucks coffee shop. He lives in Forrest Park with Brian, who is soon to have his ordination as deacon accepted by the Episcopal Church, and their dogs: Kateri, Bridgid, Marga-

ret, and Lucas.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!!! OUR ANNUAL CHRISTMAS SMORGASBORD WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY DECEMBER 9, 2012 IMMEDIATELY AFTER the 10:30 Service. There will be a signup sheet in the lower lobby Starting Sunday, November 25, 2012. Please plan to come and bring a dish to share. Fried chicken, coffee and table service will be provided. We do need a count so we will have enough chicken for everyone.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO SAVE INK AND TONER CARTRIDGES Staples will recycle ink and toner cartridges and give us money back which then gives us rewards to purchase church supplies.

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Volume 6, Issue 12

Service to Trinity in December

Greeters 02 Hehr/Nida Family 09 Sharon Heinlein 16 Amy Heinlein 23 Sharon Heinlein 24 7:30 Vivian Faelchle 24 11:00 Shirley Griffin 30 Norm Hively Lectors 02 Christiane Buuck 09 Bev Speasmaker 16 Matt Heinlein 23 Jane Nida 24 7:30 Greg Brandt 24 11:00 TBA 30Earl Dickerson Worship Assistants Cantors 02 Jason McKitrick Maura McClelland 09 Neal Coryell Emily Godshalk 16 Timothy Edwards Neal Coryell 23 Sheila Hively Melissa Ewing 24 7:30 Arlene Dykeman TBA 24 11:00 Neal Coryell TBA 30 Linda Acierno Timothy Edwards Saturday Night Lectors 01 Mary Reed-Farris 08 Timothy Edwards 15 22 29 Altar Guild Beth Tucker and Donna Bowman Communion Bread Baker Sheila Hively Open/Close Dorothy and Frank Bazell Ushers David Reiss-captain, Norm Hively, Evan Hively, Jason McKitrick Offering Assistants David and Cindi Schroeder

Service to our Community

FAITH MISSION The next date for Faith Mission is Thursday, December 27th at 6:30 p.m. Dinner is ser ved fr om 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Please be at Faith Mission by 6:30 p.m. Those serving at Faith Mission on Thanksgiving were: Russ and Sharon Thacker, Cherie Jo Bryce and Bill Dross. For more information on service at Faith Mission, contact Sharon Thacker at 443-6149. Thank you again, Sharon Thacker.
While serving at Faith Mission please take all safety precautions. Please wear closed-toed shoes, all clothing must cover arms and abdomen. Shorts must not rise higher than the knee. Long hair should be covered by a hair net. Volunteers who are not dressed appropriately will be asked to reschedule their service. Please understand this is for your safety.

LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES (LSS) FOOD PANTRY Remember to sign-up on SIGNUP CENTRAL the bulletin board in the lobby for this very important service for our community. Contact Mary Roberts at 614-588-2031 or email: maryroberts614@yahoo.com for information on Saturday service at the LSS food pantry. Contact Bev Speasmaker at 231-2891 if you would like to help during the week. Volunteers are always needed.

Samaritan Update from 10/23-11/23 32 lunch bags 5 State ID 16 COTA Day passes 1 $20.00 Gas Voucher Each month Trinity is able to help assist people with Cota Day Passes. We also assist people each month by helping them to get their State ID. Another program Trinity offers is gasoline for your vehicle. We currently work with a local BP station. Trinity continues to offer brown lunch bags with bottled water for those in need.

DECEMBER BIRTHDAY WISHES

02 Georgianna Mickles 24 David Holloway 03 Larry Faelchle 25 Jane Nida 03 Carson McKitrick 05 Rose Fortman 06 Cindy Holloway 07 Dennis Robertson 11 Vanessa Robollar 18 Charles Peterson

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NEWS FROM THE WOMEN OF TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH Shirley Griffin, President RACHEL CIRCLE CHRISTMAS POTLUCK, WTLC GENERAL MEETING AND CANDY WRAP Rachel Circle's next meeting will be December 6th at 4:00 p.m., the word is Sister. Table Prayers will be lead by Arlene Dykeman.

HANNAH CIRCLE INVITES ALL LADIES TO JOIN MEMBERS FOR THEIR ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY AND POTLUCK! Hannah Circle will meet on Monday, December 10th at 6:30 P.M. in the Lounge for their Christmas party, potluck, and gift exchange. Members and guests are ask to bring 2 dozen cookies or candies for the special Christmas trays which will go to our homebound, shut-ins, and 20 residents of Sumner Trace Nursing Home and the trays will be assembled at the party.

To Women and Trinity Church, Thank you for your generosity, hospitality and kindness. The Winners Group-AA

Also, bring a dish to share and a $1.00 gift for the exchange. You are invited to join the members of Hannah Circle with a special Christmas gift to Faith Mission of $5.00 gift cards which will be given to residents of the mission. This is the season of giving but there are many who do not have the ability to give. Thank you! Janet Robertson, Hannah Circle Member

LEFTOVER HALLOWEEN CANDY If you have any left over Halloween candy, remember you can donate it for the WTLC Ritas Candy Wrap on December 6th at 4:00 PM.

UPDATE ON OUR ANNUAL BAZAAR We were blessed with good weather again this year for another successful Bazaar. Many thanks to all our many volunteers. Those helping this year were Frank and Anne Hudecek, Dwight Garner, Marva James, Bill Dross, Diane Fisher, Karen Born, Bob Kilhefner, Matt and Myles Heinlein, LeNan Empey, Susan Downs and Amy Hehr. This year with everyones help we made a profit of $2,000.00.

UPDATE ON THE WTLC THANKOFFERING SERVICE AND DINNER. Many thanks to all the women
that had a part in our lovely Thankoffering Service. Special thanks to our guest , Pastor Karen Asmus-Alsnauer for the lovely sermon. Over 70 members and friends enjoyed a lovely catered dinner following the service. There was 430 food items collected for LSS Food Pantry. Thanks to Sharon Thacker and Georgianna Mickles for counting the food. Thanks to Russ and Sharon hacker for delivering the food to the food pantry.

December 2012
Please inform us if you relocate:

Non-Profit Organization

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Columbus, Ohio Permit No. 740

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church 404 South Third Street Phone: 614-224-6818 Fax: 614-224-6799 E-mail: office@oldtrinity.com

Were online! Check us out at www.oldtrinity.com

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church Staff Pastor: Charles Peterson Interim Director of Music Ministries and Organist: Dr. Tom Wells Administrative Assistant: Mary Reed-Farris Custodian: Lori Large
Trinity Tidings Committee
Office Hours Monday 8:30--12:30pm Tuesday 8:30-12:30pm Wednesday 8:30-12:30pm Thursday 8:30-12:30pm Friday 8:30-12:30pm

Mary Reed-Farris-Editor Assembly & Mailers Sharon Thacker Georgianna Mickles Amanda Greiner Vivian Faelchle Myra Kilhefner
Suggestions for the Trinity Tidings are always welcome

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church is a Reconciling in Christ Congregation. The members of Trinity Lutheran Church recognize that God loves, Forgives, and calls each of us unconditionally and that every human being is created in the image of God. As a result, we welcome all people into our community of faith and invite them to join us as we seek to understand Gods love for us and struggle to be faithful messengers of that love in the world. Although our world is a place of alienation and brokenness, Christ calls us to reconciliation and wholeness. In response, we join hands with all our sisters and brothers, grateful for the unique gifts that each of us has to offer, regardless of our race, age, gender identity, marital status, physical and mental abilities, sexual orientation, national origin, or economic status. We celebrate together both the diversity of Gods creation and our unity as Gods people.