TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH!

SEPTEMBER, 2010

PATHWAYS
Hail, Hail, The Gang’s All Here!
Our Staff
Our beloved collegians have returned to their campuses, soon our younger
Pastor treasures will be crossing the thresholds of their schools for a new year of
Gary Hanson growing and learning, and for the rest of us the full grind begins as long
Home: 651.501.1820 weekends and ghost-town offices give way to business as usual.
Cell: 651.373.1821
gary@trinitywoodbury.org A longtime Trinity member and parent was overheard reciting the full schedules
and hours-long homework assignments soon upon the family. The sad reality is
Pastor Care Coordinator/ choices have to be made, in order for one thing to happen invariably something
Admininistrator else must be sacrificed. So much to do, so little time to do it ... families and the
Dee Lindblom kids in them are stretched and stressed.
M-F 8:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Cell: 651.353.6724 Summertime provided its annual respite from the pillar-to-post lives we lead ... at
dee@trinitywoodbury.org least for the most part. And things even slowed down around Trinity. But now as
our attention turns to the Fall ... let us not be overwhelmed, let us instead be
energized by all the opportunities that lie ahead. Whether it is a new high school
Director of Christian football or soccer season, academic and extra-curricular life, quarterly business
Education reports, car pooling or whatever it may be, let us seize upon each of these things
Joe Pendal as opportunities given us by a loving God to enrich our lives.
joewritesalot@gmail.com
651.436.3435 Among the meaningful, hopefully enriching, opportunities are Trinity’s Sunday
Worship and the host of Christian Education and fellowship programs that begin
Church Musician in earnest with Rally Sunday on September 12. Trinity embarks on a
Joyce Piper reformulated Sunday School program for kids, and a Wednesday program
designed for all ages of the church.
Choir Director
These programs are not one more heavy weight to be added to your load, but
Neal Strand rather are intended to provide us an opportunity a couple times a week to step
outside of the regular routine and connect in a purposeful way with our God and
Seminary Intern with our church family. Consider these programs a reminder of the time Summer
Kate Soltau afforded us to step back and catch our breath ... let Sunday and Wednesday at
Trinity offer the same rejuvenating respite throughout the year.
Child Care Attendants
Ali Peterson Take a few minutes to read about the exciting things going on around Trinity.
Nicole Rucker

Custodians NEW NAME, APPROACH TO FRIDAY GATHERING

Jeff Lindblom Friday Fellowship: A time to share, pray and discuss. From now on, the
Karen Patraw Friday Study Group will have a new name and a new focus. The group
will still meet each week from 10 – 11:30 at Trinity, but there will no longer
be a formal study which changes every 6-12 weeks. Instead, a new and
2125 Tower Drive
different spiritual, Biblical or inspirational topic will be introduced each
Woodbury, MN 55125 week. Come if you’re searching, hurting, joyful or just want to discuss or
651.738.0045 listen to a variety of ideas with other men and women. Come to meet and
enjoy the fellowship of others! The new format kicks off Friday, September
10. Any questions please call Beth Hanson (651) 501-1820. PAGE 1
TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH! SEPTEMBER, 2010

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK

MUSINGS AND AMUSINGS ...

Contact List

Buildings & Grounds This fall, I look forward to beginning my eleventh year with the good
Mike Schenck 739.3727 people of Trinity. As per usual, each September there are a few changes,
and this one is no different; yet I think all for the good. We are revising
Christian Education our Christian Education schedule particularly on Wednesday nights, and
Gretchen White 337.0159 attempting to offer more educational opportunities for adults. All you
really need to understand is one thing: EVERYONE IS INVITED!
Clerk of Session
Marnelle Andersen 735.3287
Sunday mornings for adults will continue our pattern of offering a
Marketing/Communications succession of interesting and faith-enriching presentations ranging from a
Kara Klink 735.0866 discussion on the recent General Assembly to an examination of the topic
of God & Suffering. In addition to this traditional 9:00 offering, parents
Mission&Action also have a choice of a Faith & Fellowship gathering in the library: coffee
Joan Nichols 714.8314 and good conversation.

Moderator of Deacons This year our Sunday School program for PreK-6th Grade introduces the
Kathy Wilkinson 731.7607 Rotation Model. Each month we focus on one story or theme from
Scripture, and from week-to-week the kids will learn about that story or
Newsletter
Joe Pendal 436.3435 theme from a different perspective: Science, Art, Drama, Music and Bible
Study.
Nominating
Wilson Ekinde 501.3661 Wednesday night is where change is happening in a big way. While the
LOGOS program has served this church well for the past ten years, the
Nursery Coordinator time was right for a change. This year we introduce Trinity ALIVE!,
Katy Gavin 304.7945 which truly brings a "whole church" experience to our congregation. This
program has something for all ages. Everyone from the youngest to the
Pastoral Care/Prayer Chain
Dee Lindblom 738.0045 oldest is invited to participate -- and you don't need to have children in the
(dee@trinitywoodbury.org) program to do so. Come join us at the very least for the Church Family
Dinner from 6:00-6:30 and perhaps stay for your choice of one of three
Personnel adult learning opportunities.
Bruce Williams 731.8233
Worship continues each Sunday at 10:00 a.m., and our Christian Education
Special Events
starts at 9:00 a.m., Sept. 12 with Rally Sunday. The first Trinity ALIVE!
Barb Freeman 731.1220
is Wednesday, Sept. 15. Read more details about our programs throughout
Stewardship&Finance this issue of Pathways. If you want more information, please give Joe a
John Upson 730.9690 call at 651-738-0045. I sincerely believe that besides worship, nothing is
more important in the life of the church than learning and the fellowship
Worship that goes with it. Let's all be together this fall at Trinity, and take part in
Debi Espe 730.6805 the educational (which are fellowship) opportunities of this congregation.

Gary

PAGE 2
TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH!
Christian Education Update:
Only a Few More Shopping Days Left ‘til Rally Sunday!
Or ... in the eternal words of the legendary barker of
basketball boosterism, Dick Vitale: IIIIIIIIIIIIT’s
SHOWTIME, BAAAAAAAABBYYYYYY!!!!!
Well, just about. Hopefully you’re reading this over
Labor Day weekend. If so, that means there’re
really only about six days until Trinity’s new
Christian Education year begins. It may not come
with the same fanfare as January 1’s Time Square
ball drop, but when we all gather at 9:00 a.m. on
September 12 for Rally Sunday, excitement will fill
the air. (And the delicious scent of Dishes-to-Pass
for our Potluck will permeate the halls.)
You’ve read about it, you’ve heard about it, you may
have even talked about it ... but beginning
September 12 you will get to finally experience it.
That IT is actually several ITs.
Leave the Bullpen and Join the Rotation
While Sunday remains pretty much the same for
adults ... the biggest change will be noticed by our
children. Sunday School implements the Rotation
Model, an approach created in 1990 by a
Presbyterian Church in Chicago. Over the past
twenty years, the Rotation Model for Sunday School
has spread to thousands of churches across many
denominations.
The key element, and what is hailed as the reason
for its success, is the concept of rotating children
from class-to-class, week-to-week, to experience a
Biblical story multiple times from different points-
of-view. Grade cohorts remain intact, but rather
than have one teacher preparing a new lesson each
week, the kids switch teachers. This also enables
our volunteer teachers to prepare one lesson for a
several week period, making age-appropriate tweaks
from week-to-week rather than having to prepare a
whole new lesson every week.
Because we believe this new approach is going to
offer the kids a very different experience, and one
that will hopefully generate a lot of conversation and
enthusiasm ... PARENTS ARE INVITED TO
ACCOMPANY THEIR KIDS to any or all of their
Rotation classes.
SEPTEMBER, 2010
For the youth, Confirmation Class will be held each
Sunday from 9:00-9:50; and we continue our Youth
Sunday School program following Worship from
11:00-11:50.
Adult Sunday Education Hour
The 9:00-hour for adults is unchanged from last
year’s successful program. We continue the long
Trinity tradition of offering topical adult classes that
often combine lecture presentations with vibrant
group discussions.
We are pleased to offer for the second-year in-a-row
the 9:00 gathering in the library known as Faith &
Fellowship. This time together begins with a brief
on the Sunday School lesson the children are having
and moves on to a wide range of conversation about
life, faith, parenting, and more. Ostensibly offered
for parents of Sunday School children, this gathering
is open to any one seeking faith-oriented
conversation and a good cup of coffee (or maybe
that’s good conversation and faith-oriented coffee?).
Have You Heard About Trinity ALIVE!?
Trinity enjoyed a successful ten years with its
Wednesday LOGOS program. We learned, we
laughed, we played, we prayed ... together. Most of
all we learned that having a Wednesday program for
our kids is a vital piece to our congregational life.
Inspired by the joys of that program as experienced
by our younger people, we move to what seems like
a natural extension: a program that brings the whole
church together, regardless of age, for a midweek
time of faith, fellowship and fun.
Kids PreK-6th grade will enjoy a Bible Study class,
from 5:00-5:50, using the Live BIG curriculum.
At 6:00 everyone should arrive for the Church
Family Dinner (samples of which will be available
during the Rally Sunday Potluck).
Then from about 6:30-7:20, while kids enjoy Rec
Time, adults choose from three learning
opportunities and the youth attend Bible Study.
The fun begins Wednesday, Sept. 15. Please join us!
PAGE 3
 TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH! SEPTEMBER, 2010

Pastoral Care Message

Service ... Not Lip-Service; Action ... Not Reaction

The Christian who is pure and
without fault, from God the Father's
point of view, is the one who takes
care of orphans and widows . . .
(James 1:27)
A few weeks ago, members of
my family and I served
dinner at Family Place, a
day center for families
without permanent housing.
Scripture makes it quite
clear that we are mandated
to care for those who are
less fortunate, and I will
admit that there is a certain
amount of satisfaction in
caring for those who are
homeless or hungry.
My family and I have served dinner
a few times in the past, but this time
the emotions I experienced were
different. This time I was
embarrassed by the thank yous
expressed by the recipients of the
meal, and by the unintended power
it gave me. I was uncomfortable by
the obvious fact that I had
abundance while those at the dinner
lacked even the basic needs of food
and shelter. Feeling good about the
charity I was dispensing was clearly
overshadowed by this ambiguous
reaction.
It’s not that I
felt guilty for
having what I
do. I believe
that what I
have is a gift
from God.
What
bothered me
was why
there were
families who are hungry and
homeless—who did not have
enough. I think the sensitivity I felt
at Family Place is the work of the
Spirit, challenging me to move
beyond charity to justice.
Theologian and activist, Rev.
William Sloane Coffin, preached
that the hungry need to be fed, the
naked need to be clothed, and the
homeless need to be sheltered, but it
is essential to recognize that the
answer to homelessness is homes,
not shelters. What the poor need is
justice, not piecemeal charity.
Sloane taught that they need
political action and societal change
in addition to a warm meal and a
bed in a church basement.
Those of us with abundance have a
responsibility to care for our sisters
and brothers, and to acknowledge
that if they have too little,
something is morally wrong. We
need to question the need for
programs like Family Place when
we live in the richest country in the
world. I intend to, and I hope that all
Christians will take the matter of
justice to heart this fall as we
discern which politicians follow the
manner of Jesus, and thus vote
accordingly.
Sincerely,
Dee Lindblom

Sept. 25
The NAMIWALK 2010 event seeks to break down the myths of mental illness, erase stigma and offer hope for
recovery. Join the effort by walking with “Team Trinity,” on Saturday, September 25,
or sponsor someone who is! We will meet at Trinity at 12:15 to carpool to Minnehaha
Park in Minneapolis. Contact Dee Lindblom at (651)738-0045 for more information.

PAGE 4
 Please return Trinity ALIVE! Office Use Only
completed forms
to the church All-Ages Registration Form* Payment Rec’vd
With Registration
office or Joe (Adult Participants Need to Register Too!)
Pendal by Sunday,
Sept. 12 Every Wednesday, Sept 15-Nov. 17 Payment Due
Pay $45 for the whole ten weeks ($150 family max) or
Pay $5 per week (ages 14 and above), $3 per week (under 14/over 65)
To participate on a weekly basis, reservations must be made no later than
1:00 p.m. on Monday of the week you plan to attend.

Print Name Age (if under 21)

Grade**

Address

Home Phone Cell Phone Email:

Circle Program Selection

PreK-6th Grade Bible Study/Dinner/Rec Time Youth Dinner/Bible Study

Adult Dinner/Class Adult Dinner Only Adult Class Only***

Emergency Contact Information

Print Name Best Phone Number Relationship

Please List Medical Conditions & Food Allergies That May Affect Participation

Do You Grant Photo Release Permission to Trinity During Trinity ALIVE! ___ yes ___ no

* Please Use One Form Per Person

** All Children Below Grade Five Must Be Accompanied By An Adult During Dinner

*** No Charge for Class Only Except in Cases Where Books or Materials Must Be Purchased
 The Best Volunteer Gig On The Planet
Trinity is Home to Elder Friends of Woodbury

Just about every Sunday you entertainment and edification, a

peruse the bulletin you come to
the Calendar and listed among
the multitude of things going on
here, you see under the Thursday
listing, “Elder Friends”.
devotional service, lunch and
games ... but most of all,
volunteers and participants alike
gather for the conversation and
friendship.

Oh. Yeah. That. Doesn’t apply “The day former coordinator, looking for an opportunity to
to me. I don’t even know what Elizabeth Houle-Nelson stood in bring friendship and warmth to
that is, just some thing for old the pulpit asking for volunteers, the lives of our seniors. Come
people. it was as if I was struck by once and you will find it difficult
lightning,” said Elder Friends
Wrong, wrong, wrong. It can to stay away.
Coordinator, Joe Pendal. “It’s
apply to you, you can learn about been more than seven years since Ideally, Elder Friends needs
it, and it is not just for old I joined and there are few things someone under the age of 65 who
people. I look more forward to than would be interested in
Thursdays with Elder Friends.” volunteering with an eye toward
More than 20-years
ago, Elder eventually joining the leadership
As with any program there of the organization as a
Friends of are ebbs and flows at coordinator.
Woodbury Elder Friends in terms
was the of the number of “Elder Friends has faced down
brainchild participants and the threat of closing shop more
of Trinity volunteers. Presently than a couple times,” Pendal
founding the program is almost as said. “Each time someone has
members, large as it has been over the stepped into the breach to keep it
Glenn and Janet years; BUT, there’s always a going. My concern at this time is
Johnston. They had been on a place at the table for more. that as our volunteers themselves
trip out west and discovered a get older, we lack the bench
weekly-program at a church that This is especially true when it strength to fill their shoes. At 46,
provided a day out for senior comes to Elder Friends’ I remain the youngest volunteer
citizens, and a break for volunteer ranks. Blessed with by far, and very much want to
caregivers. Naturally, the very committed, kind-hearted share the joys and richness of this
service-minded Johnstons saw an and generous volunteers, Elder volunteer opportunity with
opportunity to create a mission Friends is very much in need of others.”
project right here at home. an injection of youth. The
average age of participants is If you have time on Thursdays
And that they did. Each week approximately 82, while the between 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.,
since then anywhere from ten to average age of volunteers is contact Joe Pendal at
twenty individuals from the about 75. 651.738.0045 ... or, just drop in
Woodbury area gather in the and check it out. You will be
Fellowship Hall at Trinity for Elder Friends invites men and glad you did.
coffee and danishes, women of any age who are
 Developmental Disabilities 101
Presentation Set for September 27 at 6:30

The Faith-Based Health & Wellness Network is pleased to announce that Zack Gill from JRG Ministries,
a Christian organization committed to helping people with disabilities through friendship, inclusion,
advocacy and ministry development, will be leading the network’s monthly presentation on Monday,
September 27 at 6:30. The program is free and open to the public.

In addition to ForEver Friends Fellowship, a program of Christian fellowship for adults with disabilities,
JRG Ministries seeks to assist faith communities in developing programs and ministries that fully include
persons with disabilities in the life and ministry of the church. JRG offers consultation and training for
volunteers and leaders to equip them in serving the spiritual needs of persons affected by disability.

Directory of Services for People in Need

Developmental Disabilities
• Bethesda Resources: www.bethesdalutherancommunities.org/home.asp
• MN Governors Council on Developmental Disabilities: www.mnddc.org/parallels/index.html
• Online training on disability ministry: www.ccfh.org/education/index.php

Mental Health
• Wyndgate Health — www.wyndgatehealth.com
• Minnesota Children’s Mental Health: www.macmh.org/publications/fact_sheets.php
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) National — www.nami.org;
In Minnesota — www.namihelps.org — 651-645-2948
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) — www.nimh.nih.gov
• American Psychiatric Foundation — www.psychfoundation.org
• Mental Health America — www.nmha.org
• Center for Disease Control & Prevention — www.cdc.gov
• Children’s Mental Health Crisis Line — 651-290-8999
• Mental Health Association — www.mentalhealthmn.org — 612-331-6840

Suicide
• SAVE — www.save.org
• Suicide Hotline — 1-800-784-2433

For more listings go to the Network’s website: www.fbhw-mn.org;

for information regarding the Network’s programs call
Dee Lindblom at 651.738.0045
 Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Announcing Upcoming Trinity Community Art Project!
Who remembers the "Silver Button
Project"? Last spring Trinity's
Worship Committee requested
donations of old and/or new silver
buttons. The committee then
stitched these donated buttons onto
the sanctuary Easter banners.
The response was a big success,
providing a more than substantial
quantity of buttons. It was a
creative, easy, and very fun way to
offer involvement to those who
might be interested. The result -
beautified banners that truly
represent the body of our church -
it's members.
Another opportunity exists.
Worship Committee is now busy
planning new embellishments on the
sanctuary Advent banners as well as
the addition of four new Advent
banners. The idea is based on the
coming of Christ, the Morning Star.
So, this time the committee will be
requesting donated fabrics in
various shades and patterns of
yellow and orange. The fabrics
should have a slight pattern(s) in
them - no words contained in the
pattern(s). . .about 8 1/2 X 11 inches
each.
Further announcements in church to
follow. Samples of suitable fabrics
will also be made available at
church. At this time, fabric
donations will take place during the
month of September. Thanks
much, in advance, from the Worship
Committee.
Submitted by :
Debi Espe, Worship Chair

September Lunch Bunch

On Friday September 24th, Trinity’s Lunch Bunch will head to Stillwater for lunch at the Dock. We will
meet at 11:30 at the church to carpool. We did not go to the Dock in July due to Lumberjack Days.
Please sign up in the welcome room so we will know how many are coming to make a reservation. We
will have a good meal, conversation and maybe even some shopping. Hope to see you!

NEED FOR ASSISTANCE ON THE RISE;

FAMILY PLACE EXPANDS
Recently, Family Place in St. Paul increased the number of families served
meals from 30 to 60 to respond to the growing needs in the St. Paul area.
For several years Trinity has sent volunteers on the fourth Sunday of each
month to prepare and serve a dinner. With the doubling of families served
comes our need to provide an additional four to six volunteers each time.
To answer the call for more assistance, we are asking all Trinity families to consider volunteering at least once-a-
year to join with one of our own experienced volunteers as lead, and several other Trinity volunteers.
If you are unable to physically help out, please consider making a donation to Family Place, by placing a check in
the collection plate. This is an on-going ministry with people who desperately need our help. It is our way of
sharing the love of our Savior Jesus Christ with others as we do justice, offer love and kindness, and walk humbly
with our God.
There is a sign-up list on the Mission Bulletin Board in the Welcome Room. There is also additional information
posted there about Family Place. Please feel free to give Pat Channer a call for more information (651.735.7741).
 Y T ER I A N C H UR C H
T R I N IT Y P R ES B
PRESENTS

TRINIT Y AL I V E !
Y S :00
5 - 7 : 30 P. M .
WEDN ES D A
SE P T 1 5- N O V 1 7
L Y EVE NT FO R A LL AGES $5 per meal/age 14 &
above

A WEEK e (6:30-7:20) $3 per meal/under 14

& above 65
:0 0 ); R e c T im
(5:00-6
e Bible Study
$45 fall session
*
PreK-6th Grad F a m il y D in n er (6:00-6:30)* :00)
All-Church ; F e ll o w s hip Time ‘til 8
:2 0
tudy (6:30-7 0-7:20)

$150 family max

Youth Bible S o n O p p ortunities (6:3
u c a ti )
Adult Ed
re S e rie s or Book Group
e c tu adult
(Bible Study, L s t b e a c c o m panied by an
mu
der 5th grade
**Children un
 Today’s Your Birthday … Happy Birthday to You!
Trinity’s September Birthdays

1 Jack McKenzie 16 Jodi Campbell

2 Bob Culver 17 Harry Krueger
4 Teresa Thuet 18 Libby Hanson
Brad Wright 19 Allen Gahl
5 Robyn Gizzi 20 Devin Campbell
6 Lori Anderson 21 JR Danielson
9 Bennett Carpentier Shu-Mei Hwang
10 Kelsey Campbell 26 Bob Drehmel
11 Bruce Hafemeyer 27 Laura Behler
Carly Rosen 27 Anna Eger
12 Beau Hafemeyer 28 Stuart Ellis
Steve Sawyer 29 Breeya Channer

If we have missed your birthday, please call the office - 738-0045.

PARISH PERSONALS:

A memorial service was held on August 16 for Pauline Wiken.

Recently hospitalized: Dorothy Ewald and Anna Eger

Bob Culver, who was recently hospitalized and is now home under hospice care, sends his greetings and
appreciation to Trinity:

Thanks to all of you who helped make the knitted maroon coverlet. It’s just the right size to pull
over me while I sit in my recliner. I even sleep under it and keep nice and warm! - Bob Culver

P. S. Gary coming out and then Dee coming out to see him really brightened his days. He’s very
excited about the throw! – Carolyn (Bob’s daughter)

Trinity Presbyterian Program Financial Summary July 2010

Month Actual YTD Actual Yr. Budget
Total Program Donations $14,640.39 $124,331.13 $260,955.76
Total Program Expenditures $18,582.96 $142,087.64 $260,937.14
Donations Less Expenses ($3,942.57) ($17,756.51) $18.62

Building Fund Donations $6,843.63 $39,088.22

Building Mortgage Payment $6,691.00 $46,837.00
Mortgage Balance $758,131.31
TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH! SEPTEMBER, 2010

Inside This Issue

Coming Up At Trinity
Sunday Schedule September October
Pastor’s Column 2
Education Hour Youth FMSC Youth First Sunday
9:00 Sept. 11 (5:00 p.m.) Oct. 3 (4:00-6:30)
Service is Action 4
PreK-6
Elder Friends 6 Confirmation Class Rally Sunday Family Game Night
Adults Sept. 12 (9:00 a.m.) Oct. 8 (6:30 p.m.)
Birthdays 10 11:00 Potluck (11:00 a.m.)
Youth (Food Assigned by Confirmation Family
Eldest Female’s Dinner & Bible Study
Birth Month) Oct. 15 (6:00-8:00)
Worship
Jan-Apr: Entrees;
10:00 a.m. May-Aug: Salad
Sept-Jan: Dessert
Fellowship & Coffee
11:00 a.m. Trinity ALIVE!
Sept. 15

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651.738.0045
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