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Tidings is the monthly newsletter of Trinity Lutheran Church, Fort Collins, CO.
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December 2014 | Volume 17, Number 11
TRINITY
LUTHERAN
CHURCH
is a welcoming
faith community
living together
in God’s love
to share the joy
of Jesus Christ.
Christmas Season At-A-Glance
• 12/3, 10 , 17 Weds. Advent Suppers
6PM and Taize Worship 7PM
• 12/4 Youth Caroling @ OSLC
• 12/6 Homeless Sleepout @ Plymouth
• 12/7 Alterna*ve Gi, Fair
• 12/7 High School White Elephant
• 12/10 Volunteer Open House
• 12/11 Middle School White Elephant
• 12/14 Trinity Children’s Program
• 12/24 Candlelight Services
∗ 3:15 PM—choir/bells
∗ 5:15 PM—choir/bells, communion
∗ 9 PM—acous*c music, communion
• 12/25 Christmas Day @ OSLC
• 12/31 Contribu*ons Due by 12 Noon
2014 Holiday Events at Trinity
Tidings
In This Issue From the Pastors’ Desk…………….….…...3 Council Meeting Minutes………………......4 Budgeted Finances……………...…….……5
Calendar of Events………………………8-9 Fellowship 2015…....……………...……...13 Photo Gallery………………………….…..15
Advent Worship
Our theme for the season is “Prepare Ye
the Way.” Please join us for 6 p.m. suppers with fun intergenerational activities, and 7 p.m. services on these Wednesdays:
Dec. 3 “Prepare our Hearts”
Decorate our Christmas tree with prayers.
Dec. 10 “Prepare our Homes” Ribbon tying on the tree to pray for families, and a craft to make and take home.
Dec. 17 “Prepare our World” Donation drive for Homeless Gear, and making Christmas cards for those in a hospital or assisted living.
Please RSVP to the church office for Wednesday evening Advent suppers (there may be a small fee depending on donations
of prepared foods).
Chancel Choir rehearsing for Christmas Eve services.
We’ve been busy preparing for the coming of Christ! Join us at Trinity for holiday worship, fellowship and service. There’s a lot going on in December, so please contact the office at 482-1226 if you have any questions. All are welcome!
2
Then and Now, God is Here
“I know the plans I have for you…to give you a future filled with hope!” - Jeremiah 29:11
It's that time when we reflect on the past year, analyze where we are in our life, and make plans for the future— for not only our personal lives, but the life of Trinity also.
Past: We have spent a lot of time the last couple of years looking back and celebrating our history as a loving com-munity of Christ. Our history has been told and retold, but it is still being written. We can look back and see how God has used TLC to do amazing things and the many blessings that we have to be thankful for.
Present: It is relatively easy to see God at work when we look back, but can we look around and see God at work in
Cont. on Pg. 6
It’s been a busy fall at TLC Preschool, and Christmas is even busier, if that’s possible. Our M/W/F class is full now, which is fabulous!
It keeps us hopping, though. The majority of those kiddos are boys – make that ACTIVE boys! Our T/Th class currently has seven little ones.
With Christmas upon us, we’ll be practicing songs for our Christmas program, creating gifts for parents, and sprinkling glitter on everything that will hold still long enough for us to sprinkle it!
Cont. on Pg. 12
Lou Stitzel is at Golden Peaks and she loves company. Her mind is bright and she always has a smile.
Share a Little Joy This Season!
If you’re looking for a way to bring holiday cheer to someone this holiday season, please consider a visit to members who are homebound or in a care facility.
Give us a call in the church office at 482-1226 and we will be happy to connect you, as well as offer helpful tips for visiting.
The best gifts you can bring are a loving heart and listening ears!
TLC Preschool is a Needed Place for Families
By Nyla Anderson, Council President
By Brenda Harju, TLC Preschool Director
TLC Preschool provides early childhood education in a caring and positive environment.
Join us! Volunteer AppreciationVolunteer AppreciationVolunteer AppreciationVolunteer Appreciation
Open House December 10Open House December 10Open House December 10Open House December 10 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
All Trinity volunteers are welcome!
No RSVP needed.
3
“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice
of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord’” (Mark 1:2-3)
Dear Friends at Trinity,
For four weeks beginning Sunday, November 30th, we will be focusing on the season of Advent. Advent is the season of waiting, preparing, and recognizing God being born in our lives through Jesus Christ. For four joyfully expectant weeks, our theme will be “Prepare Ye the Way.”
On the three Wednesdays of Advent—Dec. 3, 10 and 17—we will be gathering together for a mid-week celebration. From 6 - 7p.m., we’ll share a light supper and inter-generational activities and discussion around our theme, including a donation drive for Homeless Gear. At 7 p.m. we’ll gather for a half-hour Taize-style service of music and prayer led by our Saturday night musicians. We know this is a change from the Holden Evening Prayer we’ve been enjoying the last few years during Advent, but Taize is a beautiful and reflective worship style appreciated all over the world; and in
fact, we sing many Taize hymns in our weekend worship—like “Jesus, Remember Me.” Our instruments will include piano, harp, and flute. We hope you’ll join us for a restful and renewing break during the busy season.
Our weekend worship in Advent will also follow our theme of “Prepare Ye the Way.” Consider helping us prepare by volunteering to light our Advent wreath during worship on one of these Sundays (10 a.m.). This is also a great way for families to participate together! Speaking of all ages, don’t miss our Sunday School Christmas program on Sunday, Dec. 14 at the 10 a.m. service.
We would also like to welcome you and your family and friends to our Christmas services this year.
Cont. on Pg. 7
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 301 E. Stuart Street
Fort Collins, CO 80525 www.trinitylutheranfc.org
WORSHIP TIMES SATURDAY: 5 PM
SUNDAY: 8 & 10 AM (FELLOWSHIP: 8:45 & 11:30 AM)
SUNDAY SCHOOL: 9 AM
Pastor Gabi Aelabouni [email protected]
Pastor Meghan Aelabouni [email protected]
Visitation Pastor Reverend Paul Schairer
Interim Church Musician Tamara Schmiege
Chancel Choir Director Murray Oliver
TLC Preschool Director Brenda Harju
Financial Secretary Debbie Schwartz
Office Administrator Deana Andrist
Director of Communications Tricia Howley
Church phone: (970) 482-1226 Church fax: (970) 482-0817
Email: [email protected] TLC Preschool: (970) 221-9852
OFFICE HOURS: 9 AM - 3 PM MON. - THU.
9 AM - 1 PM FRI.
January 2015 Issue Deadline: December 15, 2014
From the Pastors’ Desk
Thank you, Trinity Lutheran
• Our dear friend Marcia Yernberg writes from Minnesota: “Thank you all so very much for all of your gifts and kind words of farewell. I am honored to have shared in ministry with you, and wish you all the best as you continue in God’s work. Blessings and Love, Marcia”
• We received a card from Rocky Mountain Synod, expressing their appreciation for “the partnership and participation of your congregation in the ministries we share.”
• The Social and Eco Justice Team would like to thank the members of Trinity for becoming a tithing church! Sharon Johnson writes, “Trinity has a history of giving beyond its walls, for example by sharing our beautiful facility. Now our benevolence is 10 % of our annual budget, so we are officially a tithing church. What a blessing!”
Faith Family Hospitality Update
This October, Trinity completed our 6th host week serving homeless families through Faith Family Hospitality. The program is now 27 churches strong! Our support congregation is the Friends Meeting (Quakers).
Since our first rotation in Sept. 2013, we have served 1,212 meals and given 2,282 hours of volunteer time via 387 volunteers. 1,212 meals served to an average size family of 4 would be 10 months of dinners! 2,282 hours is like working a 40 hour week for 1 year + 5 weeks! 387 volunteers…well that is a lot!
Thank you to everyone – YOU do make a difference!
4
Trinity Lutheran Church
Council Minutes Summary October 14, 2014
Following is a summary of the Congrega�on Council minutes which provides the highlights of discussions and ac�ons
taken by the Council. Full copies of the minutes are available in the church office.
New Business/Action Items:
Audio Visual Proposal Plan Members who worked on this proposal include Dave Burgoon, Ron Splittgerber, Kate Kling and Jay Garcia. Ford Au-dio-Visual Systems came highly recommended to them. The Video Screen Proposal presents an Overview and will be completed in 3 phases. Council discussed the benefit of hiring a person to operate the system during services every Sat-urday and Sunday rather than depend on member volunteers. A skeleton crew from the congregation would still be trained to run the system for meetings if desired. This company will be available 24/7 on call for troubleshooting. Since this will be a nine week process, installation will not begin until after Christmas if approved. Council refers the Video Screen Proposal to the congregation for approval as it is recommended by the Task Force ac-cording to Ford A-V System’s quote of October 13. Three informational meetings for the congregation will be held before the annual meeting on November 23. 2015 Proposed Budget - Proposed Budget for 2015 will be presented to the congregation as written. Building Use Cost - The Council authorizes the formation of a team to analyze the cost per square foot for using the building and will come up with an agreement. Designated Gift Policy - This policy is under review. Building Committee - The outside trim on our building needs painting and a bid has been received in the amount of $1,250. Council authorizes property to move forward with painting the outdoor trim this Fall and refer the project to Finance Team to figure out which funds will cover the cost. Old Business/Updates: Annual Congregation Meeting - Annual Congregation Meeting will be held on Nov. 22 and 23. The agenda will include approval of budget, elections and the AV proposal. Information on the AV Proposal will be presented to the congrega-tion at three meetings prior to November 23. Budget and AV will be presented on Nov. 22 at 5:00 and at 8:00 on the 23rd. The vote will only be taken after the 10:00 service on the 23rd. Faith Formation Update - The Youth Ministry team for FoCoLu has been hired. Megan Sawyer is Trinity's Team repre-sentative. Capital Campaign Proposal – Pastor Gabi - First meeting is scheduled on October 17 at 10:00 in the Library. Visioning Team Update – Implementing Mission/Vision - A banner for the Fellowship Hall that ties Vision to Mission will be ordered. Reports:
President – Nyla Anderson: Still looking to fill the Finance Ministry chair. Treasurer – Jay Garcia: The financial report was presented for the period ending September 30 and was approved as
written. Pastors Report
Peace by Piece Symposium, sponsored by Trinity, is an interfaith learning event about local and global issues of social justice and peacemaking and the essence of peace from different faith perspectives. It will take place November 7 and 8 at Trinity.
Marcia Yernberg, Trinity’s longtime church musician, organist and handbell director, will be retiring from her position at the end of October and relocating with her husband to Northfield, Minnesota. Worship and Mu-sic team will recruit an interim organist to play for Sunday worship and accompany the choir through the holiday season, as well as an interim handbell director. Either Worship and Music team or a search team will review the ministry to create and advertise for a long-term position.
Social & ECO Justice Ministry The financial donations and pantry staples from the Sunday School kids to help children and families in our communi-
ty via the McBackpack program—serviced by Larimer County Food Bank resulted in $3,518. The goal was to reach $5,000. Every dollar can provide four meals. One Trinity child donated his allowance money to this cause. What a statement of stewardship...an example to all of us!
Music and Worship Ministry A Spiritual Art Performance Survey was submitted at the last Music and Worship Meeting and Kate would like Coun-
cil’s approval to present it to the congregation. This could be part of the visioning process Respectfully submitted, Jean Ferrin, Council Secretary
5
October Year-to-Date
Receipts
Building use/Interest 465 7,515
Offerings 28,013 313,429
Total Receipts 28,478 320,943
Disbursements
Operating and Support 20,998 226,971
Ministries 8,704 66,424
Mortgage 2,592 25,920
Benevolence/Gifts (Synod, Sky Ranch, etc.)
1,283 15,305
Turning Mortgage into Ministry
761 9,107
Overage (Shortage) for the month/year
(5,099) (13,675)
Total Disbursements 33,577 334,619
Budgeted Finances October 2014 and YTD as of October 30, 2014
CHRISTMAS POINSETTIASCHRISTMAS POINSETTIASCHRISTMAS POINSETTIASCHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS
Christmas is just around the corner, and that means it is *me to order poinse=as to decorate the
sanctuary for the season. With five or more blooms per plant, these gorgeous red poinse=as stand
15” - 19” tall with lush foliage, and are wrapped in red foil. A check MUST accompany your order!
Orders must be received by Mon., Dec. 15, 2014. Please print legibly!
NAME:_______________________________________________________________________________
PHONE:______________________________________________________________________________
IN HONOR OF or IN REMEMBRANCE OF (circle one):
_________________________________________________________________________________
QUANTITY ORDERED___________ X $13.00 EACH = TOTAL ________________
Mail or bring your order to the church office, along with a check made
payable to Trinity Lutheran Church, by Monday, December 15, 2014.
Holiday JOY Luncheon
Thurs., December 4, 11:30 a.m.
Menu
Spiral-Sliced Ham Potatoes and Vegetables
Buttered Rolls - Coffee, Tea Selection of Holiday Pies
Program
Jodie Burgoon, Trinity member and vocalist, will share her faith journey and sing for us.
Please contact Mary Wolpert at 420-3591 with any dietary restrictions and to RSVP.
Cost: $7—Save $1 if you bring a friend!
6
On December 1st at 9:30 in the morning the TLC Book Group will meet in the library to discuss Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s autobiography Infidel. Hirsi Ali, a Muslim of Somalia, survived civil war, female mutilation, and brutal beatings to escape to the Netherlands where she eventually served in the Parliament.
In January we will read The Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline: a novel based on a historical event, in which orphans from the East were put on a train to the Midwest, where their destinies would be determined by luck and chance.
All are welcome! Questions? Call Nadine Hunt at 568-8579.
Trinity Book Group By Nadine Hunt
Interested in feeding the homeless by helping Trinity meet its renewed commitment to
support Catholic Charities?
We typically supply volunteers on the 4th Saturday of each month for two shifts:
8:30—10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.—1:30 p.m. You don’t have to commit to dates!
We’ll call you to see if you’re available when there is a need.
Also, feel free to ask about other opportunities that
may better suit your personal schedule. Questions? Contact Tim Dolan at 690-6743 or
[email protected]. Thank you for your prayerful consideration!
God is Here, Cont. from Pg. 2
the here and now? I think so......we see it:
• As we gather for our inspiring worship services
• As we welcome more new and returning members
• As we are involved in the community
• As we are challenged by the "Receive. React. Respond." gift from God
• As we thank the members of our Ministry teams who have served us faithfully during their terms and are moving on to other service opportunities in the con-gregation
• As we welcome the newly elected leaders of our Council and ministries
There is something vitally important about what this community means now and what it represents to those of us who have chosen to make this place our home for worship and service. We come here to be comforted and loved, but we are also grateful to be stretched and challenged about the things of faith.
Future: We know, however, that our journey is far from completed. We have a mission, a destiny, and we are being led by God to fulfill it. There are abundant possibilities as we think about the future of Trinity. If we can dream it, we can achieve it! As we are told in Jeremiah 29:11: “I know the plans I have for you,” says God, “to give you a future filled with hope!”
God has been here, God is here now, and God will always be here. Our role remains to trust in that and act in the confidence and hope that it brings. Thanks be to God!
“On Call” Volunteering at Catholic Charities’ “The Mission”
The Committee for Peace by Piece 2014 would like to offer its gratitude to the
congregation members for their support in hosting this event at Trinity.
7
Pastors’ Letter, Cont. from Pg. 3
We will worship on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) at 3:15 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. This may also sound like a change, but actually it’s just an inclusion of the beautiful pre-service music we have been blessed to offer from our choir, bells, and guest musicians and soloists for the last few years. We are advertising the earlier time so that all Trinity members as well as guests and visitors will be able to be there to enjoy the special music.
Also, we’re pleased to announce that this year, Trinity will add a new, third Christmas Eve service at 9 p.m. This service, which will be more intimate and reflective, will also include candle-lighting and communion.
For this year the Christmas Day service will be hosted by Our Saviors’ Lutheran Church, 2000 S. Lemay, at 10 a.m. All are welcome to attend!
This Advent season is a time of celebration and anticipation as Christmas comes closer. Please join us as we worship and prepare ourselves for the mystery and wonder of Jesus’ birth.
Happy Advent and Merry Christmas,
Pastors Meghan and Gabi Aelabouni
According to Reader’s Digest, there is an old Chinese proverb:
When the winds of change blow, some people build walls, and others build windmills.
Things do change in our lives, sometimes for the better, sometimes not. Yet the challenge of change is always before us: jobs, retirement, health, and on and on.
Maybe some of the wind in Wyoming has given LeRoy Ekdahl a chance to build a windmill; he is moving to
Bethany Meadows in Brandon, SD, aiming for assisted living and to be near son Andy and wife; they are selling
their home in MN and moving to the Brandon area.
Another more difficult move has taken place for Lucille Weigand, who now resides in a private group home at 700 Greenbriar, Fort Collins, CO, 80524 (ph. 482-1119). This is due to some memory issues. Lucille would love to get some mail from you.
Mary Ann Armstrong is again in her own home after staying with friends for some time. The Zubradts are making progress and looking forward to the company of family during the holidays. Near the first of the year they will have relatives living with them, to give them a hand.
Winds of Change
By Pastor Paul Schairer
Did you know, in addition to coffee and tea, Trinity now offers chocolate (milk and dark) and olive oil from the Holy Land, all certified Fair Trade?
Our extra-virgin olive oil is organic, cold-pressed, and “robust and peppery with a strong fruit finish.” This rich green olive oil is from Nabali olives, an indigenous Palestinian variety yielding one of the highest quality
olive oils in the world. The olive oil comes via the Palestinian Agricultural Relief Committee (PARC), a non–profit, non–governmental organization that is a member of the World Fair Trade Organization.
PARC works with 41 cooperatives and promotes viable and sustainable economic development in the West Bank. Plan your Christmas shopping for Dec. 7 at Trinity’s Alternative Gift Fair! We will have extra coffee and tea on hand for your holiday gifts.
Equal Exchange Coffee News
By Jim Frye
Eleanor Spence is experiencing some heart issues. Lou Stitzel and Irene Pierson are doing as well as possible and hanging out at Golden Peaks.
P.S.: The 25 of you in worship on the Sunday after the big
money giveaway: Don’t forget my $5 per week challenge!
8
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu
1
9:30a Trinity Book Group
6p Property
2
7:30a Men’s Breakfast @
The Egg & I, 2809 S. College
9a TLC Preschool
4:30 p FISH
7p Worship & Music
3
9a TLC Preschool
5:30p Executive Council
5:45p Bells of Trinity
6p Advent Supper
7p Advent Taize Worship
7:30p Chancel Choir
4
9a TLC Preschool
10a Bible Study
11:30a JOY Luncheon
6:30p Bible Study @
Mulligan’s, 2439 S. College
7p M/HS Youth Caroling @
Our Saviour’s, 2000 S. Lemay
7 2nd Sunday - Advent
8 & 10 a.m. Worship
8:30a Alternative Gift Fair
9a Sunday School
9:15a Pray and Play
7p HS Youth White Elephant
WA C. Nosal (8), K. Garvin
(10) / L D. Theis / C Garcias
H R. Knutson, 3 needed
8
9a TLC Preschool
930a Sarah Circle
9
9a TLC Preschool
2p Finance/Stewardship
7p Council Christmas Dinner
10
7a Winter Bike to Work Day
9a TLC Preschool
11a Church Volunteer
Appreciation Luncheon
5:45p Bells of Trinity
6p Advent Supper
7p Advent Taize Worship
7:30p Chancel Choir
11
9a TLC Preschool
10a Bible Study
6:30p Bible Study @
Mulligan’s, 2439 S. College
7p MS White Elephant
14 3rd Sunday - Advent
8 & 10 a.m. Worship
9a Sunday School/Pray &
Play: Dress Rehearsal
10a Christmas Program
C Olsens / WA K. Karst
H D. Karst, S. Jorgensen,
Backsens / L K. Kling
15
9a TLC Preschool
7p Men’s Group @
Mulligan’s, 2439 S. College
16
9a TLC Preschool
11:30a Anna Circle
@ Moot House
7p TLC Preschool Board
17
9a TLC Preschool
5:45p Bells of Trinity
6p Advent Supper
7p Advent Taize Worship
7:30p Chancel Choir
18
9a TLC Preschool
21 4th Sunday - Advent
8 & 10 a.m. Worship
9a Sunday School
w/ Special Christmas Craft
9:15a Pray & Play
11:15 Rehearsal ( for 24th)
WA N. Harrison / L K. Karst
H K. Teumer, T. Dolan, B.
Dugger, B. Nosal, C. Hopkins
22
23
24 Christmas Eve
3:15p Candlelight w/ Choir
and Bells
5:15p Candlelight w/ Choir
and Bells + Communion
9p Candlelight w/ Praise
Band + Communion
25 Christmas Day
10a Christmas Day Worship
@ Our Saviour’s,
2000 S. Lemay Ave.
28
8 & 10 a.m. Worship
WA S. Dugger / L G. Olsen
H S. Schilling, 3 needed
29
30 31 New Year’s Eve
December 2014 - Trinity Lutheran Church Calendar
Church Office Closed
2014 Contribution Deadline—12 Noon
9
Leslie Efird 12/1 Kathy Perkins 12/1 Darrell Purath 12/1 Paul Telleen 12/1 Tiffany Klijewski 12/2 Gerry Olsen 12/2 Al Dietz 12/3 Jim Frye 12/4 Merry Hulse 12/4 Shirley Garvin 12/5 Kate Kling 12/5 Jared Alexander 12/6 Clint Borkowski 12/6 Craig Haukebo 12/6 Heinz Schueler 12/6 Gregg Hargis 12/7 Sonia Nornes 12/9 Ron Bycroft 12/10 Margo Geppert 12/12 Herb Haller 12/12 Jeni Makinen 12/12 Katie Armstrong 12/13 Nadine Hunt 12/13 J. D. Guinn 12/14 Holly Markley 12/14 Jeffrey Derman 12/16
Celeste Klijewski 12/18 Eunice Samer 12/18 Marilyn Wilson 12/18 Annika Zuniga 12/19 Nadine Cain 12/20 Scott Makinen 12/20 Tom Haukebo 12/21 Susan Schairer 12/21 Marv Jensen 12/23 Pastor Lowell Hemken 12/24 Diann Nygaard 12/24 Jim Ogg 12/24 Jordan Faulkner 12/25 Lissa Faulkner 12/25 Ginny Cover 12/27 Wally Jungmeyer 12/27 Lolly Martin 12/27 Andrew Foster 12/28 Chris Walter 12/28 Mike Streb 12/29 Ralph Yernberg 12/29 Amelia Morrison 12/30 Robert Helmreich 12/31 Gisele Schueler 12/31 Lou Stitzel 12/31 Ken Walter 12/31
December Birthday Blessings
December Anniversary Blessings
Jim & Becki Oscarson 12/20 Don & Rosamary Weinmeister 12/28
Pastor Lowell & Carol Hemken 12/29
Fri Sat
Mulligan’s, 2439 S. College
7p M/HS Youth Caroling @
Our Saviour’s, 2000 S. Lemay
5
9a TLC Preschool
6p Youth Homelessness
Prevention Sleepout @
Plymouth Congregational
916 W. Prospect Rd., FC
6
5p Saturday Praise
WA G. Lundgren
Mulligan’s, 2439 S. College
12 9a TLC Preschool
630p TGIF @
Mary Ann Miller’s,
1378 Iva Court, Fort Collins
13
5p Saturday Praise
WA V. Splittgerber
19
9a TLC Preschool
10:30a Trinity @
Golden Peaks
11a TLC Preschool
Christmas Program
20
5p Saturday Praise
WA A. Rohde
10a Christmas Day Worship
26
27
8:30-10:30a / 11:30-1:30p
Trinity @ The Mission
5p Saturday Praise
WA R. Walberg
Trinity Lutheran Church Calendar
Worship & Music Schedule Abbreviation Guide:
WA - Worship Assistant L - Lector
C - Communion Prep & Serve S - Sound System
H - Hospitality Team
Dec. Altar Guild: Elaine Beckman & Mary Ann Miller
Bible Study will be on a holiday break after Dec. 11th. Bible Study will restart on January 15.
Ushers needed for Dec. 24 5:30 p.m. service: We have one, but need seven! Please contact Deana in the
office at 482-1226 or [email protected].
If you are volunteering to serve at any of our Christmas Eve worship times, please note there is a brief
orientation on Sun., Dec. 21, at 11:15 a.m.
10
In recent years we have discussed ways for middle school youth to engage in deeper faith formation education and for this to be flexible, meaningful, and related to their daily lives and our lives of faith together.
This led to the rethinking of what confirmation education and ministry looks like and how it reaches youth and families where they are and moves them forward in more deeply connected ways.
FoCoLu is a way to address the needs of middle school and high school youth and connect us more fully with one another across the ELCA congregations in Fort Collins.
By combining our efforts, we hope it brings new ideas, creative connections and at the same time engages deeper faith formation. For middle school/confirmation age, there is FoCoLu Confirmation University. This three-year model offers various confirmation courses, book groups, service projects and camps. All the key components of faith formation are being met with this new model.
Both middle school and high school youth will hold fun and fellowship events to build Christian community and to enhance participation and learning. FoCoLu youth will also attend youth gatherings and mission trips together.
Fort Collins Lutherans—FoCoLu
Trinity Children’s Christmas ProgramTrinity Children’s Christmas ProgramTrinity Children’s Christmas ProgramTrinity Children’s Christmas Program
The Donkey, Cow and Lamb,
plus Angels, Shepherds and more, experience
Jesus’ birth in the “Bethlehem Barn.”
Sunday, December 14, at the 10 a.m. serviceSunday, December 14, at the 10 a.m. serviceSunday, December 14, at the 10 a.m. serviceSunday, December 14, at the 10 a.m. service
Sunday School and Trinity children
5th grade and younger will perform a special
Christmas story that will warm your heart.
Alternative Giving Fair is Dec. 7! Alternative Giving Fair—Dec. 7, 8:30-12:30—is growing this year, to offer more choices for bringing social and ecological thoughtfulness to your holiday gift-giving!
There will be opportunities to support some new vendors: Homeless Prevention and Trees, Water, People. Also HELP Uganda, which will be selling beautifully-designed jewelry handcrafted from 100% recycled paper by women from the refugee village of Masese. Proceeds will help support the women, and a school for their children.
You can also support old favorites: ELCA Good Gifts, Heifer Project, Murulle Foundation, Women's Bean Pro-ject...Murulle’s loan program has bettered the lives of more than 90 women in the village of Dinsho, Ethiopia. Bring a friend, and find unique and meaningful gifts!
Bring friends on Sun., Dec. 7, 8:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m., to find beautiful gifts that make a difference!
11
Purchase gi6s that make a difference:
• Jewelry and Accessories
• Cra6s
• Fair Trade Coffee Gi6 Baskets
• World Hunger Support
• Food and Beverage Gi6s
12
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TLC Preschool, Cont. from Pg. 2
One of our preschoolers was a little confused earlier in November. When asked about Thanksgiving, he was sure it was Jesus’ birthday. I explained that, while we were certainly thankful for the birth of Jesus, his birthday isn’t until Christmas!
With enrollment growing, it’s rewarding to see so many sweet faces in our room this year. One heartwarming story is about the younger brother of a student I had taught previously. The family had tried a different preschool for the younger brother, for the sake of convenience and location; however, the little boy had a
miserable time at that preschool last year.
His mother phoned and begged me to please have room for her son to attend this year. Even though we aren’t as conveniently located for the family, they are willing to take the extra time to get him to me, and he LOVES coming to TLC Preschool.
The entire family is thrilled that he is so happy. I feel TLC Preschool is a program that families are seeking out. They travel from Wellington, near Wellington, Loveland, Nunn and Windsor to bring their children to Trinity Lutheran in Fort Collins. We MUST be doing something right!
So thank you for the congregational support for our ministry. However, with increasing costs and past lower enrollment numbers, TLC Preschool could especially use your support this year. Our budget is tighter than ever. If you are considering any year-end contributions, the CCCC program is worthy of your consideration:
The Child Care Contribution Credit (CCCC) was
designed to promote child care in Colorado. This state income tax credit is available to any taxpayer, corporate or individual, who makes a contribution to a qualified child care organization, making donors eligible for a 50% Colorado State tax credit. TLC Preschool is qualified to receive CCCC funds.
We try to keep tuition increases reasonable for families, and there will be a tuition increase next year, but until that time, please consider TLC Preschool as you determine your giving.
On behalf of the TLC Preschool Board (Mary Ann Miller, Ron Splittgerber, Kelli Karst, Shelley Aust and Gayle Currie), and all of the smiling little faces in the TLC Preschool classroom I wish you a Merry Christmas and blessings to you and your families!
TLC Preschool is a program that families are hearing about and “following the leader” to find us!
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At the May 2014 Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly, a resolution was adopted that builds on two previous synod resolutions from 2007 and 2010.
It addresses energy stewardship due to the impacts of burning fossil fuels. The
latest edition is an attempt to develop a synod-wide program that addresses the efficiency of all church facilities.
As is standard practice with synodical resolutions, this one contains seven "Whereas's" that lay out the basis for the resolution. They build on what is known as the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Envi-ronmental Design (LEED) rating system for assessing sustainable achievements for the built environment.
The other supporting statements cover the exciting project at the new Office of the Bishop, a former church. This project has transformed the old building and property through the addition of solar panels, new efficient windows, new doors, upgraded insulation, new highly efficient furnaces, new low volume plumbing fixtures, new efficient electrical fixtures and bulbs, and low maintenance water-wise landscaping.
The two "Therefore Be It Resolved" statements call for a synod-wide greening program recommending that all church facilities perform at the most efficient and sustainable levels possible.
To help implement this resolution, a task force is being established to research available grants, communicate with congregations and recommend resources for energy/environmental sustainability throughout the synod.
If you have an interest in this task force, please contact Wally Jacobson at (970) 223-2276.
So, let us as a congregation and as individuals think toward 2015 and all the years ahead with a renewed sense of our relationship and responsibility to God's creation.
As stated at the end of the resolution, "This resolution would make a tangible statement of the church's desire to be good stewards of creation by reducing our carbon footprint while at the same time making more funds available for mission and ministry.”
Amen.
Fellowship Ministry has been blessed this year to have so many volunteers helping with meals. Sunday coffee hour, Saturday night fellowship, cleaning of the kitchen, decorating the Fellowship Hall tables, set up and cleanup of events, we could go on and on! Thank you to each and every one of you! 2015 offers opportunities for more volunteers as we initiate new ideas for the Fellowship Ministry to coincide with the six vision goals of the Trinity Strategic Vision Plan. We need two or three volunteers to help coordinate special events, special meals, clean up/setup of events, shopping for supplies, etc. You could work as a team or individually per event. Trinity needs the following: • Saturday and Sunday fellowship hour volunteers
(January is currently open for Sun.) • A caterer or person to prepare the JOY luncheon
meals and funeral food • Volunteers to prepare meals for special events • Communion bread baking • Four or five people to serve on the Fellowship
Committee for 2015
Talk to Steph Dugger to offer your gifts and talents!
2015 Fellowship Ministry Needs You!
"New Year's" Resolution: Stewardship of Creation in the Rocky Mountain Synod By Steph Dugger
By Wally Jacobson
Calling All Cooks and Bakers! For Advent Suppers and Sundays We Need:
� Main dishes, fruit/veggie sides and bread for
Trinity’s Wednesday Advent meals
� Baked goods and breakfast foods for Sunday Fellowship:
∗ Dec. 7 Breads ∗ Dec. 14 Coffee Cakes
∗ Dec. 21 Muffins ∗ Dec. 28 Egg Casseroles
To sign up to donate prepared foods, contact Steph Dugger at 223-9119 or [email protected].
Please note we will be requesting RSVP’s from Wednesday evening Advent supper attendees. If we
need to purchase food items, we will be charging a small fee to cover the
cost.
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Custom Carpentry Experienced professional specializing in interior
trim work, book cases, windows and honey-do lists. Free estimates. Please call John at (970) 690-4164.
Skilled Service ■ Quality
Reliable ■ Honest
25 Years Experience
LaPorte
Do it Best
Hardware & Variety
3333 County Road 54G - P.O. Box 1167
LaPorte, CO 80535
Phone / Fax (970) 484-0466
Cathy Thompson, Owner
Need help with your sewing?
MARY’S SEWING
* Hemming
* Zippers & Buttons
* Mending
* Minor Alternations
Call (970) 556-2015
The ELCA is working for justice and peace in Palestine and Israel through its campaign, “Peace Not Walls.” Peace not Walls is sponsoring a special gift program this year to provide scholarship assistance for a student in the fields of music, fine arts, culinary arts and tour guiding, at Dar al-Kalima University in Bethlehem, the only
Lutheran college in the Middle East. Bright Stars of Bethlehem Colorado Chapter is raising funds for scholarships through the Wheat Ridge Ministries crowdfunding site at www.WeRaise.US. Look for the project called “Hope in the Holy Land ” and watch the video. Make your tax-deductible donation online. Give the gift of an education—give the gift of hope!
Peace Not Walls Gift Campaign
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Thursday Evening Bible Study
Pumpkin Fest
Trinity Lutheran Photo Gallery
Blood Drive
Peace by Piece Symposium
High School Youth
Fall Cleanup Day
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TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 301 E. Stuart St. Fort Collins, CO 80525 (970) 482-1226 www.trinitylutheranfc.org
Non-Profit Organization
US Postage Paid
Fort Collins, Colorado
Permit Number 38
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