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OUR MISSION:
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SUNDAY WORSHIP
10:30 a.m.
Weekly Communion
Pastor
Rev. Wayne Shearier
Office Hours
Thursday Morning or
Call for availability.
Cell Phone:
(269)921‐2496
E‐mail:
Administra ve Assistant
Elizabeth Hughes
Office Hours
Monday ‐Thursday
9:30 a.m.—12.30 p.m.
E‐mail:
Organist:
Church Council Term
Dawn Nicely 2022
Sara Gleason 2021
Jeri Steelman 2021
Mary Frandsen 2022
Rick Nelson 2022
Larry Sehy 2022
Church Treasurer
Brenda Engel
Financial Secretary
Jeri Steelman
Church Address:
1819 Oak Street
Niles, Michigan 49120
Church Phone: (269)683‐8010
Church Web Site: www.nilesholytrinity.com
Church Facebook Group Page:
bit.ly/HTLC_
HOLY TRINITY TALK
Publication of Holy Trinity Lutheran
Church, Niles, MI
August Newsletter
Water Last week there were three drownings along the Berrien
County Shore of Lake Michigan—sad and sobering news. Next
Sunday’s Gospel Lesson tells the story of Jesus walking on water in the middle of a storm.
So, I find myself contempla ng water.
Water is a cri cal part of all our lives.
Most of the earth is water (I can never remember if it’s
two‐thirds or three‐fourths. It probably depends on how
many glaciers have melted. No ma er, it’s a lot of water.)
Most of our bodies are water (between 45% and 65% for adults, I looked it up) and it’s not
good for us if we don’t drink enough water—it keeps us alive.
I find it interes ng as I contemplate all the different ways water affects our lives. It can
take lives but it’s also life‐giving— necessary for life.
Bodies of water draw our a en on. Mirror‐like mountain lakes reflect snow‐capped peaks.
Sunsets and sunrises paint warm colors on lakes and oceans. A single leaf racing along a
river or stream fascinates us as we become aware of the current. Scenes like these and
many others elicit feelings within us: calm, serenity, beauty, strength.
We’re also struck by the tremendous power of moving water. The constant carving of
riverbanks and shorelines. The ability of flood waters to carry cars and even houses down‐
stream. Water elicits feelings of respect and fear.
It occurs to me that I’ve never lived more than about 5 miles from some significant body of
water. But then, that’s probably true for most people. People tend to se le near bodies of
water. We learned why that is so in fi h‐grade social studies. In case you’ve forgo en,
have a fi h grader explain it.
But for us, perhaps the greatest importance of water is our bap sm. In our bap sm we
experience the tremendous power, strength, and the
ability take our life—to drown our sinful selves. And we
also experience the tremendous life‐giving power and
beauty that is our as our new, cleansed selves arise from
the water.
Last week three people drowned in the waters of Lake
Michigan. Daily as we relive our bap smal vows, we are
drowned in the waters of our bap sm and we’re reborn brand‐new children of God
marked with the cross of Christ and sealed with power of the Holy Spirit forever.
Shalom,
Pr Wayne
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Stacey DeLay (requested by Linda DeLay)
Cameron Campbell (Bruce and Judy Anderson)
Joyce Hickok (member)
Chris Becker (sister of Kim Fayard)
Chris Fayard (requested by Kim Fayard)
Elisha Millan (Laura Wright’s niece)
Joanne Dowden (requested by Steven Kirkpatrick)
Gail Peterson (requested by Sara Gleason)
Marianne Binkley (member)
Dub Jones (requested by Mutt Jones)
Judy Anderson (member)
Nancy Garski (requested by Pr. Wayne Shearier)
Chris Riley (requested by Sara Gleason)
Joseph Garski (requested by Pr. Wayne Shearier)
Laura Liggett Newton (requested by Sara Gleason)
Sharon McAlhany (requested by Larry & Jeri Steel-
man)
Jan Gano (requested by Steven Kirkpatrick)
Dave Kelly (requested by Steven Kirkpatrick)
Penny Duck (member)
Sierra Inman (requested by Sara Gleason)
Ray Bronicki (requested by Carole Bronicki)
Debby Conley (requested by Steven Kirkpatrick)
Ginger Nitz (requested by Joyce Schultz)
Larry Hartzog (requested by Steven Kirkpatrick)
Steve Hensler (requested by Emily Egan)
Russell Snyder (requested by Pr. Wayne Shearier)
Chris Hensler (requested by Emily Egan)
Art Hartzog (requested by Steven Kirkpatrick)
Teresa Foley (requested by Stephanie Burger)
Nancy Comfort (requested by Stephanie Burger)
Mutt Jones (member)
Michelle Cater (requested by Cheryl Cater)
Scott Cater (Requested by Cheryl Cater)
Laura Wright (Member)
Laurie Elliott (friend of Janet & Karl Schmidt)
Susan Anderson (requested by Pr. Wayne Shearier)
Remember our military servicemen and women:
Justin Kronewitter, Niles, Michigan Joey Jena, Niles, Michigan Brian Kline, Niles, Michigan Cody Beadle, Niles, Michigan Sean Mott, Niles, Michigan Jesse Richey , Niles, Michigan David Conners, Niles, Michigan Caleb Horst, Niles Michigan Bryon Fisher, Niles, Michigan James Harrell, Niles, Michigan Marty Ward, Niles, Michigan
Matthew Dodge, Niles Michigan
Ava Moody, Niles Michigan Kai Kaupzky, Niles Michigan
Brianne Maze, Niles Michigan Curtis Behrer, Niles Michigan Alex Schaberle, Niles Michigan Aidan Rump-Smith , Niles Michigan
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
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NOTE:
Office will not be able to handle
finding replacements for job as-
signments for Sundays services.
You will need to find a replace-
ment, if you are unable to be
there.
Then please call the office and
leave us a message on the answer-
ing machine about the change.
There is a volunteer list at the
church near the calendar and as-
signment list.
Thank you for your help.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
PHYSICAL WORSHIP TOGETHER
Holy Trinity members will not meet physically un l further no ce. Church Council has begun, and con nues, to consider the plans that need to be made and imple‐mented, consistent with government and CDC guidelines, to re‐open our building in a way that will maintain the safety of our worshipers.
VIRTUAL COFFEE—DIFFERENT TIME
Virtual coffee break meets from 1:30 – 2:30 pm on Wednesday a ernoons. No agenda. Come and go as you wish.
Watch email for Zoom link.
SAVE LEFTOVER CONTAINERS
The Lunch‐In (Saturday meal at Trinity Episcopal) has stopped using Styrofoam con‐tainers for people taking le overs (a win for God’s crea on!). Instead, we are asked to save food‐grade containers that can be reused for le overs. Containers must be waterproof, and each container must have a cover. The containers and covers must be thoroughly washed— the kind of container you would gladly use to send home with your favorite persnickety aunt with le over Thanksgiving dressing. Reduce. Re‐use. Recycle. 26 Although Lunch‐In is on COVID hiatus, we can con nue to save con‐tainers so they’re ready when Lunch‐In resumes.
LUNCH BUNCH
If anyone would like to take over heading up Lunch Bunch (3rd Fridays at Salva on Army), please contact Jeri Steelman.
SALVATION ARMY FOOD PANTRY
While Holy Trinity remains closed, please contact the Salva on Army (269 684‐2660) to arrange to make dona ons to their food pantry.
DONATIONS FOR LOCAL CHARITIES
When the building reopens, we will resume collec ng items for our local chari es such as new, unused gree ng cards of all kinds, with envelopes. Personal care items, such as small shampoos condi oners, lo ons, hand soap, tooth brushes, small toothpaste, razors, combs, word puzzle books, note pads, lined sta onery, pens, playing cards, kleenex packs, jewelry, stuffed animals, for men: combs, manicure sets, handkerchiefs and other items. Please contact Carole Bronicki (269‐684‐0361) if you have any ques ons.
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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, The Church council continues to discuss and plan the “How To” reinstate in-person worship. Once we have definitive plans in place, we will turn our attention to the “When”. To that end, we ask for your input. A letter has been mailed out to introduce a congregational survey to be sent next week. The survey will be distributed via email. If you do not have email or computer access, a paper version will be available to fill out. We thank you in advance for your anticipated participation. Dawn Nicely Council President
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[Prayer Ventures for August 2020]
1 Pray for open hearts and minds, that we might reflect prayerfully on our church, socie‐ty, ins tu ons, laws, tradi ons and selves, seeking meaningful change and reform to combat racism and white supremacy wherever they exist, perpetuate injus ce or influ‐ence us.
2 Pray that the story of Jesus feeding the hungry crowd will inspire us to be compassion‐ate and generous, and that, individually and together, we will be able and equipped to respond to the needs of our neighbor.
3 Give thanks for ar sts and cra speople who share their crea ve gi s and perspec ves, arousing our joy, wonder, reflec on and apprecia on of life.
4 Pray that we will not be too inhibited to wrestle with God and God’s Word, or to have candid conversa ons with God, and that the Spirit will deepen our trust in God’s love, concern, forgiveness and pa ence with us.
5 Due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, the Young Adults in Global Mission program will not be sending out volunteers this year. Give thanks for young adults who have volunteered for global service over the years, and pray that the Spirit will guide the Young Adults in Glob‐al Mission program as it prepares to con nue its work and ministry alongside our global companions.
6 Ask the Spirit to help us be bold and ar culate in sharing who God is, what God has done and what God is doing in the world for the sake of all people.
7 Pray for the leaders, vo ng members and others gathered for the Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly and par cipa ng in online sessions, that the Spirit will strengthen, guide and encourage them in choosing leaders, proclaiming the gospel, growing the church, serving our neighbor and doing God’s work in an ever‐changing world.
8 Pray for the Spirit to s r within us humility, wisdom, empathy and a commitment to dis‐mantle the barriers between people who live in wealth and people who live in poverty. Pray that all will have sufficient resources for daily life and self‐sufficiency but also will develop a deeper commitment to mutual care and will value one another and our inter‐dependence.
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[Prayer Ventures for August 2020]
9 Just as Jesus calmed and reassured his disciples in a boat crossing a stormy sea, we pray for protec on, comfort and renewal of faith in these difficult, uncertain mes and in future ordeals.
10 Give thanks to God for leaders — paid and volunteer — who serve in youth, young adult and family ministries in our congrega ons and synods. Pray for the ELCA Youth, Young Adult and Youth Gathering ministries and the ELCA Youth Ministry Network, that their collec ve work of suppor ng, equipping and nurturing faith and of connec ng leaders and young people will yield abundant fruit.
11 Pray that we will listen carefully to God and be recep ve to the ways God speaks to us each day, especially when we least expect it or are slow to recognize God’s voice amid the noise and compe ng voices in the world.
12 “How beau ful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Ask God to help us pro‐claim the good news of Jesus Christ and salva on, that all who hear will believe, be saved and enjoy the blessings of being a sibling in Christ with believers throughout the world.
13 Give thanks for nurses, who care for our physical, emo onal and spiritual needs in di‐verse se ngs, including hospitals, community clinics, congrega ons, schools, home care, the military, facili es for older adults, health educa on programs and global mission. Pray for the Evangelical Lutheran Parish Nurse Associa on and its work suppor ng, equipping and encouraging parish nurses across the country.
14 Pray that during this pandemic, which has stretched beyond our expecta ons and im‐agina on, we will be renewed in our commitment to the pa ence, sacrifice and aware‐ness of the example we set as we con nue personal health measures for the sake of our health and the wellness of our neighbors, community and na on.
15 Pray for the leaders, vo ng members and others of the Eastern North Dakota Synod who are gathering for their digital assembly, that the Spirit will strengthen, guide and en‐courage them in choosing leaders, proclaiming the gospel, growing the church, serving our neighbor and doing God’s work in an ever‐changing world.
16 Pray for forgiveness and God’s mercy when our ac ons, words, inten ons or thoughts dishonor God’s ways and commandments. Ask for the Spirit to help us shine as bright witnesses to God’s unbound, unbiased love for humanity and to serve our neighbor without prejudice or reluctance.
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[Prayer Ventures for August 2020]
17 Remember in prayer the people and communi es of India and Bangladesh that were affected by Cyclone Amphan in May. Pray for the response of Lutheran World Service India Trust, sup‐ported by Lutheran Disaster Response, as it provides food to families in urban slums, tarps and temporary shelters, and assists families in obtaining aid for housing reconstruc on. Pray for God’s presence, comfort, hope and healing throughout their recovery.
18 God asks us to do jus ce and do what is right. Pray that we will be faithful to God’s ways and commandments and to Jesus’ example of unrestrained love and compassion for people who are needy, suffering or oppressed.
19 Give thanks for nimble, crea ve teachers and school staff as they adapt to the changing dy‐namics of the COVID‐19 pandemic with concern for the safety, educa on and personal needs of students and their parents.
20 God is gracious and blesses us; God’s face shines on us. Join crea on and every na on in praising God and singing for joy!
21 Who can argue with the psalmist who proclaims that it is good and pleasant when we live to‐gether in unity? Pray that, amid unrest, conflict and division, we will work for the unity that God desires for us, a unity rooted in love, respect, jus ce, diversity, reconcilia on, mutual under‐standing and advocacy for neighbors in need.
22 Give thanks for how God sustains us and nurtures our hope through interac ons with friends, family, siblings in Christ, strangers and communi es of faith ― in person and by phone, text, email, online mee ngs, posted notes and cards, and acts of kindness.
23 How do you respond when someone asks you about your faith, your beliefs, the church or who Jesus is? Pray that the Spirit will inspire our boldness and clarity as we, respec ng and wel‐coming people’s ques ons, talk about our faith, recognize and seek opportuni es to bear wit‐ness to God’s presence and work in the world, and reveal the Jesus we know and follow through our ac ons and prayerful conversa ons.
24 Pray for students beginning a new academic year, that they will adjust quickly to new ways of learning, being together and interac ng safely. Ask the Spirit to inspire our communi es of faith to provide support, encouragement and help for children, youth, young adults and parents, es‐pecially during these beginning weeks and months of school.
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[Prayer Ventures for August 2020]
25 “In one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same func on, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of anoth‐er.” Give thanks and praise to God for the diverse gi s, skills and life experiences we have been given, which we share in the body of Christ to build each other up and do God’s work in the world.
26 Remember in prayer our global companions and all na ons figh ng the COVID‐19 pan‐demic, the resul ng economic problems and social and emo onal stress, and the lack of ac‐cessible health care and adequate medical resources. Pray that we will respond to our global neighbors in need with empathy, hope and generosity, freely sharing our resources, discover‐ies and technology.
27 Give thanks and praise to God for hearing our words, loving us, sustaining us through mes of trouble and strengthening our spirit and faith.
28 Give thanks that, as a church, we listen to the needs of our neighbors, roll up our sleeves and get to work with partners and companions in our communi es and the world, helping and serving where the needs are greatest.
29 In this presiden al campaign year, pray that our leaders and candidates will serve all peo‐ple, especially those in the greatest need; work to heal wounds and divisions in society; strive for jus ce and equality; and seek change for the well‐being and prosperity of our communi‐es. Pray that our faith, wisdom and concern for neighbors and global companions will guide
our discernment and decisions in upcoming elec ons.
30 Give thanks that we have been transformed and made new through God’s love for us and our bap sm in Jesus Christ. Pray that the living word of Jesus will guide our bap smal jour‐neys so that we extend hospitality to strangers, love and serve our neighbor, overcome evil with good, accompany people who are suffering and in pain, and disavow vengeance and hate.
31 Pray for synod leaders and commi ees as they carefully plan assemblies rescheduled for this fall or next year. Remember that our strength and unity in Christ transcend tradi onal places, methods or mes of gathering — we are the church, the body of Christ, in every se ng and circumstance.
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Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
1819 Oak Street
Niles, MI 49120
269‐683‐8010
E‐Mail: [email protected]
August 2020
Our Mission:
T
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