Sunday – 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday – 6:30 p.m.

A Message from Your Church Council

By Steve Frederickson, Vice President

These are truly exciting times for Trinity! There are at least 5 reasons for this: 1 – A Transition Task Force has been formed and the process of bringing us our next pastor is underway. 2 – Our mortgage will be paid off in the very near future. 3 – Ground has been broken and construction of our new Fair Stand has begun. 4 – Plans are being made to celebrate our big anniversary in 2016, and 5 – We have been receiving new members to our congregation. It is understandable that we take pride in these blessings and celebrate the efforts of all the folks who have made these things happen. And while we reflect on our past accomplishments, it is also important that we continue to look forward to see what more we can do. One of the main points of this message is that even though our mortgage will soon be paid

off, we cannot let our financial contributions to Trinity decline. The Trustees have developed a “Wish List” that includes the following: 1 – improved lighting and sound system for the sanctuary 2 – developing a parking lot to the west of our building 3 – repainting areas of the church prior to our anniversary celebration 4 – improvements to the heating/cooling systems, and 5 – new signage for the interior of the building. Our building is not ‘new’ anymore, and these are needs that deserve our attention. These needs cannot be met without continuing and hopefully even greater financial contributions from members. The other main point of this message is that we need to look beyond maintenance issues and also focus on our mission. Trinity’s own mission statement says in part, “to live for others boldly sharing the good news of Christ, using all the gifts we have been given.” This means expanding our efforts locally, nationally and across the globe. Pastor Paul has been reminding us that it is through increased mission work that congregations grow and thrive. These efforts call for us to use

the gifts we have been given to fulfill our mission as Christ’s followers. Be assured that the Trustees and the Church Council are aware of the challenges involved in asking for and managing Trinity’s

finances. We aim to be good stewards of our gifts and

responsible in the actions we take. But we also believe that by placing

mission at the forefront of our actions, Trinity’s best days can be in front of us. In closing, the words of a hymn we recently sang bring this message into focus. From verse 2 of “We All Are One in Mission”

We all are called for service,

to witness in God’s name.

Our ministries are different;

our purpose is the same:

To touch the lives of others

with God’s surprising grace,

so ev-ry’ folk and nation

may feel God’s warm embrace.

June 11, 2015 (Thursday) Trinity Lutheran Church Women’s Historical Meeting will be held at 1:30 in the Gathering Place. We will celebrate the women who have served our church for 50+ years. All women are welcome!

The Trumpet June, 2015 Trinity Lutheran Church, ELCA 235 East 7th Street, Blue Earth, MN The mission of Trinity Lutheran Church, as God’s chosen and baptized people, nurtured by word and sacrament, is to live for others boldly sharing the good news of Christ; using all the gifts we have been given.

Welcome to our newest members who were received on May 3, 2015. A short biography is below. Please introduce yourself and welcome them! E. Morris and E. Jean Johanson Farmed in the East Chain area. After 30 years of living ‘Up North,’ they have returned to their southern roots. Joseph and Stacy Evans with sons Tyler Beveridge, Mark Evans and Ethan Evans. Both Joe and Stacy work for the Mayo System in Fairmont. Chose to live closer to family in the Blue Earth area. Brooke Loge married Brett Loge Dec 31, 2014. Originally from Minnesota Lake, Brooke is a nurse at United Hospital District. Adam Walker, from St. James area. Employed at AGCO in Jackson. Partner to Tasha Ruser. CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

By the time you read this newsletter, a steel building should be in place for the

new Trinity Food Stand at the Faribault County Fairgrounds! G&S Drainage did the site prep. Smith Construction poured the cement. Northland Builders, Fairmont, were contracted for the building. Low electrical bid was accepted from Anderson Electric. Plumbing work has been completed by Royers, Winnebago. If you’re out driving around, stop at the Fairgrounds and check out the progress!

TRANSITION TASK TRANSITION TASK TRANSITION TASK TRANSITION TASK FORCEFORCEFORCEFORCE

The Transition Task Force has been formed and has met four times in the last couple months, with regularly scheduled meetings to continue through the summer. Under Pastor Paul’s leadership and guidance, we are learning the steps and work of transition and he has provided us the book “Twelve Keys to an Effective Church” to study. We have had opportunity to pray, listen and begin to understand the responsibilities of our group, as we move forward in this process.

We have divided into two subgroups: The Mission/Vision Team members are: Kay Bogan, Corey Survis, Tasha Ruser, Patti Strukel, and Clair Nassen. Their responsibilities are to look at the wants and needs of our congregation and community, and how we want our church to have an impact in our community and beyond. It’s not just about increasing our worship attendance. We want to assess our strength as a congregation more on how many people we serve than on how many people show up at our church each week. This group will look at what other churches have done to increase growth and participation in their worship services. The Self-study team members are Steve Frederickson, Bud

Schwab, Harlan Schavey, Jordon Huse, and Julie Blagg. This group is working on ways to create opportunities for congregational input through surveys (paper and on-line), offering interview times to hear individual members’ ideas, hopes and dreams for our church. They will also look at church council structure, size and how it works, and also be assessing staff needs. Congregational members will be able to pick up a survey at church and return it to the office or mail it in. There also will be an on-line survey available. We plan to make these available in June. Look for announcements in the church bulletin, announcements, and on-line. The dates and times for the 20 minute interviews will be in July. We will have team members available at church services to schedule a time. People will also be able to call the church for an appointment time. Information details will follow in the July Trumpet, bulletins, and on-line. Our Transition Task Force really needs congregational input! Please plan to complete a survey, and also schedule an interview. This is a wonderful opportunity to have your ideas heard. Your input is needed and valued. Please feel free to contact any of our team members! We want to hear from you!! Respectfully, Julie Blagg

Sundays at 9:30 a.m.

Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.

Council Highlights

Trinity Lutheran Church Council met May 13, 2015. Balance in general checking on April 30th was $-1576.80. Mortgage balance was $4392.84. Line of credit was $0. Council will now be informed of fund balances for the building of the Trinity Stand. Summer communion/deposit schedule was distributed. Education Committee set Aug 9 as Family Day event at the Fairgrounds. September 13 will be a ‘God’s Work. Our Hands.’ service day in the community. 125th Anniversary Committee is ordering souvenir Red Wing crocks and pitchers. Scholarship Committee announced that Nick Shure is the recipient of the $1000 Trinity Scholarship. Buckwheat Scholarship ($2000) to be announced at graduate recognition May 17th. Trustees were updated on construction of Trinity Food Stand. Continued discussion on possible parking lot between Trinity and Wells Fargo Bank. Set June 6th for spring cleanup of shrubs, etc. Kim Jacobson, Youth Director, will be out of the office for 2-4 weeks recovering from surgery. Plans to be at youth Whitewater camping trip June 8-12th. Donna Perryman and Pastor Paul Meierding reported on SE MN Synod Assembly May 8-9. New members were received on May 3rd. Updated Council on activities of Transition Task Force. They are working on congregational survey via paper

and on-line (Survey Monkey). More information at Forums to be held June 14, July 19 and August 16. Complete copy of minutes is available

on the display rack outside the office.

June Sunday at 9:30 a.m. June 7 – Huse Family

June 14 – Strukel Family June 21 & 28: Harley Willmert, Jim Schug, Nate Eitzmann

June Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Bob Bogan, Steve Frederickson Ron Loge, Dennis Montgomery

The following names are from the active membership list in the church database. If there are additions or corrections, please contact the church at 526-3463. June 2 – Chad Cory 3 – MacKenzie Determan, Bruce Hanke, Riley Holmseth Anne Skaare 4 – Zander Hledik, Joel Hulke, Peggy Sabin 6 – Quinn Huisman 7 – Maija Berndt, Hazel Enger 8 – Lisa Erdahl, Ben Johnson, Cindy Shure 9 – Dylan Anderson 10 – Karelyn Kark-Lacher 11 – Howie Lange, Eileen Mensing, Traven Zierke 12 – Shanna Gudahl, Lori Maher Molly Omland 13 – Laura Kokos 14 - Samantha Hougen, Verna Stindtman

15 – Carl Badje, Grant Strukel 16 – Mike Ellingsen 18 – Kyle Hagedorn, John Lindsey, Jr., Sue Schavey 19 – Harley Skogen 20 – Nick Beattie 21 – Joshua Lopez, Jack Norman 22 – Morgan Anderson, Kirk Odden, Penny Stevermer, Duane Williams 23 – Shawn Gudahl 24 – Blake Anderson, Shirley Mueller 25 – Betty Ankeny, Glenn Wells 29 – Nolan Eitzmann, BJ Weness

General Church e-mail

Trinity@bevcomm.net Donna Perryman, Office Admin.

Pastor Paul Meierding

Paulmeierding@gmail.com

Kim Jacobson, Youth Director Kimmjkimmyj@gmail.com

If you would like to receive your

Trumpet newsletter electronically, just send Donna an email at

trinity@bevcomm.net

PRIORITIESPRIORITIESPRIORITIESPRIORITIES My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, “You’re tearing up the grass.” “We’re not raising grass,” Dad would reply. “We’re raising boys.”

- Harmon Killebrew

Office Hours Monday thru Friday

8:30-12:00, 1:00-5:00

(507) 526-3463

Sunday School

Stewardship Offering Throughout the Sunday School year, students have been bringing in their offering for God’s Global Barnyard. This is an ELCA sponsored mission program.

On the last day of Sunday School (May 10th) students voted to purchase the following: $500 – 1 Cow 250 – Fish Farm 60 - 3 Bee Hives 30 – 1 Pig 10 - Flock of Chickens $$$$850850850850

TRINITYTRINITYTRINITYTRINITY’’’’S 125S 125S 125S 125THTHTHTH ANNIVERSARYANNIVERSARYANNIVERSARYANNIVERSARY

The Anniversary Committee has submitted a minimum order for souvenir Red Wing Crocks and Pitchers. The crock will have an ‘old’ and ‘new’ photo of our church building. You can still pre-order these items at these prices: Crock = $22 Pitcher = $17 Keepsake box = add $1.50

After June 30th,

the prices will

go up!

Samples and order forms are in the church office.

1968 Trinity Cookbook1968 Trinity Cookbook1968 Trinity Cookbook1968 Trinity Cookbook

Do you have a well-used copy of the ‘old’ Trinity Cookbook? The 1968 edition was dedicated to Pastor Arling and Mrs. Ingeborg Thompson. The first 2000 copies were sold in the Spring of 1968. From 1968-1978, a total of 9000 copies have been printed and distributed. This cookbook is being reprinted in its original format -- with the plan to have it available for purchase about September! Watch for further updated in the bulletin and summer newsletters!

Trinity Scholarship Trinity Lutheran Church has funded a scholarship for high school graduates since 2002. The scholarship committee looks for activity in worship as well as other church and/or community involvement. During the high school senior recognition program on May 17, Nick Shure received the $1000 Trinity Scholarship. The Buckwheat scholarship was established several years ago with funds from an anonymous donor for the purpose of helping a member of Trinity with the costs of higher education. The recipient does not apply, instead, the award is granted by a committee after reviewing Trinity students that are attending college or vocational school.

This $2000 scholarship was given to Dustin Frandle. Congratulations to both of these Blue Earth graduates!

August 14, 2015

Anyone interested in joining the Trinity Lutheran

Relay for Life Team, contact Dale Meckes Sr by June 15th or sign up in the church office. Anyone wishing to help sponsor the team can be a business owner or just a family. Sponsorship cost = $150. Call Dale at 526-3007. He will return your message.

June 8-12 – Youth camping trip to Whitewater State Park July 13-16: Day Camp at Trinity for Kindergarten through 4th grade July 21-25: Trinity Stand at the Faribault County Fair August 9: Worship & Family Fun Day at the Faribault Co. Fairgrounds Sept 13: ‘God’s Work. Our Hands’ service day Oct 11: Confirmation for 9th grade students

2015

Special events this summer:

June 8 – 12, 2015

‘Be Still and Know that I Am

God’

Giant Days Parade

July 10th 5:00 p.m.

WATCH FOR THE TRINITY

YOUTH

FLOAT.

ELCA NATIONAL

YOUTH GATHERING JULY 13-19, DETROIT

My newsletter will be very brief this month as I am still recuperating from my neck fusion surgery that I had on the 7th of May. I ended up having a little more done than originally thought so recovery is slow. The herniated disc that was bulged was bone on bone, hence the reason for the intense pain! Also, the surgeon cleaned up some arthritis and he also did some muscle stretching.

I have had a lot of muscle pain. As a result, recovery is slow, but definitely necessary. I appreciate the ability to take as much time as I need to recover so I don’t have to go through this again!

I appreciate all the well wishes and beautiful cards. They are such day brighteners!

God bless you all.

Hope to see you soon!

Kimberly Jacobson,

Director of Children/Youth & Family Ministries

Important upcoming dates:

June 8-12th Annual Jr/Sr High Whitewater camping trip (near St. Charles, MN) July 11 Blue Earth Giant Days Parade July 13-19th ELCA National Youth Gathering to Detroit July 13-16th Day Camp led by Okoboji staff !! (I am in need of host homes for staff as well as helpers for the week and snacks brought in for the kids. Please let me or Donna know if you can help with any of these things. Thank you!!) August 9th Outdoor Family Worship @ the Fairgrounds… Games, music, food. September 13th God’s Work. Our Hands. The church will be leaving the building to go out and serve our community. Check out more information on this ELCA website

http://www.elca.org/dayofservice