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trinity tidings trinity lutheran church 1010 sill street la crosse wisconsin january 2012 from the pastor s desk dear friends christmas comes with a lot of baggage doesn t it i m sitting down to write this just days before christmas feeling a bit out of breath and more than a little bit overwhelmed by what the end of december brings each year christmas eve and christmas day worship to ready for a house to get in order for the impending tsunami of visiting family and all of the other preparations that go into getting set for the last days of the year most of it is pretty good stuff even if it gets a little crazy sometimes but by the time you read this christmas celebrations will be behind us for the most part and the turning of the calendar will have us in a new year something will have ended and something new will have begun pastor stephan sandness the longer we live and the more christmases and new years we have under our belts i wonder if we don t start to feel the endings more than the beginnings kids seem to enter a new year focused on the anticipation of what will be new getting that drivers license taking that hunter safety certification course heading off to college getting that first real job getting the training wheels off the bike etc but for us a little further down the road the prospect of a new year can leave us shaking in our boots wondering what ll be the next thing to end my hearing my eyesight my knees my short-term memory or my waistline it seems to me there is only one reliable antidote for anxiety about the new and it s not sequestering one s self in nostalgia for the old rather it s gratitude the most hope-filled people i know the ones unafraid of what s around the next blind curve are those who actively and unrelentingly cultivate thankfulness to god for their past and for their present in victory and defeat in tragedy and in triumph such folks somehow manage to recognize the hand of a gracious god holding them shepherding them and prodding them onward a grateful heart leads to a courageous and generous life as we enter a new year i offer this up to you one of our council members pam ball initiated this project in november and passed the results on to me what better fuel for entering 2012 than sharing our gratitude for what he have had and have here as people who belong to each other enjoy and god bless us into a new year that will most undoubtedly be filled with new reasons to be thankful branching out in gratitude for several weeks in november there was a tree of gratitude in the fellowship hall the question was posed what is happening at trinity that makes you grateful members wrote and hung their responses on the tree these responses have been compiled take a look welcoming attitude of the congregation trinity is my family when i am weak i am given strength from the sermon fellowship and camaraderie folks working playing and praying together well breakfast pot-lucks courageous people people stepping outside of their comfort zones for the sake of trying new things the lifelong friends i have and knowing how much we truly care about each other and theyre there when we need them thankful to be able to worship with my children and grandchildren continued on next page

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wee wonders meets sunday january 8th wee wonders a monthly sunday school class for parents and children ages 0-3 meets again from 9:40 -10:30 a.m on sunday january 8th in the nursery kim magnusson is the class facilitator along with jamie helfrich who serves as classroom helper the class consists of play songs and prayer for adults and little ones as well as conversation around the joys and challenges of being parents of little ones this age grandparents guardians and foster parents are welcome too we re asking an adult be present with children when attending this class if you are not receiving our cradle roll newsletter splash please let the church office know as 0-3 years is our target age if you have questions please call kim magnusson 792-5153 we hope to see you january 8th the trinity children s clothes closet has been a wonderful gift to the children and families in our neighborhood thank you all for your continued support we could not do it without you and the donations that keep coming in also thank you to the confirmation youth who raised funds through their bake sale they raised $150 wow great job there are still opportunities to serve in the new year we can always use help sorting any time and on wednesday nights please consider getting involved together we can continue to do god s work if you would like to help out you can contact kim mitchell at home 781-1593 cell 386-5641 or work 785-5642 or email ekimmer1@charter.net mark mitchell at 386-5699 or any committee member kelly mayer bev and bill schilla and karen dieringer sunday morning adult bible studies for january angels are mentioned 273 times in the bible and play an important role in god s plans and purposes in a variety of ways if you d like to learn more about them plan on joining us january 8th 15th as we gather around the word and discuss them further on january 22nd we ll have a discussion around the nature and scriptural meaning of the antichrist a leader who fulfills biblical prophecies concerning an adversary of christ while resembling him in a deceptive manner the antichrist will seemingly provide for the needs of the people but deny them ultimate salvation don t miss these opportunities to learn more about god s word we ll meet in fellowship hall from 9:40-10:30 just look for the rose-colored divider and signs bring a bible and a friend or two healing through grief group winter 2012 series a free and confidential healing through grief group series is offered mondays from 5:30 pm ­ 6:30 pm in the rose conference room located on the second floor of the la crosse campus hospital st francis building you are invited to attend any part of the series at any time each session includes an educational topic and a time to share with others also experiencing grief please call 608-785-0940 ext 22218 for additional information one-on-one free and confidential support is also available from a franciscan healthcare chaplain with specialized training in grief january 2 creative expression through music january 16 differences between grieving and depression january 30 helping children and teens cope with grief amos update would you like to know what amos has been doing over the past several months then check the narthex for the latest copy of the amos newsletter or see pastor laurie for a copy of the 2011 amos yearbook if you have questions please contact one of the amos core team members mark mitchell bill schilla deb keller janet loyminor sharon olson thanks!

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parish nurse corner ahh ­ the new year is here everyone is making resolutions for what they will do differently in 2012 are you making a resolution to live healthier this year the best way to start being more healthy is to be a little more conscious of what and how much you eat and exercise more but life is for living so don t make yourself miserable in the process moderation is always the key to being healthy and feeling good and happy at the same time drinking alcohol and smoking both can be detrimental to your health again with alcohol moderation is the key smoking should be cut out completely if you smoke and want to quit there are several ways to do so some quit cold turkey others find it easier to make it a gradual process some do well with using smoking cessation drugs that are available by prescription or over-the-counter we are so blessed here in la crosse to have two great healthcare facilities that offer assistance with smoking cessation if 2012 is your year to quit contact your healthcare provider it is not easy to quit but with their help and your hard work you will be able to meet this very difficult but extremely beneficial goal god s blessings in the new year your parish nurses st luke s blood drive the next northside churches blood drive will be held on wednesday january 11 2012 from 2:00-6:00 pm at st luke s united methodist church 1022 caledonia street all new and former donors are invited to participate to be eligible for this drive your last whole blood donation must have been on or before november 16 2011 if you d like to schedule an appointment please call joyce weise at 519-3319 the church secretary at 782-6421 or go online at www.bcw.edu/northside to select a time convenient for you walk-ins are always welcome too we hope to see lots of trinity members and friends at the drive what s your blood type some facts about your blood type and those you can held by being a donor your blood type o 0a ab of population with your blood type 38 7 34 6 9 b2 ab 3 ab1 red blood cells are most needed after significant blood loss through trauma surgery or anemia red blood cells must be used within 42 days of collection so the need for this component is ongoing they can be donated every 8-16 weeks depending on the donation procedure blood type o is the universal red cell donor donors with a blood type of o or o are especially unique for a red cell donation platelets are essential for blood clotting they are routinely needed to support cancer therapy open-heart surgery blood disorders and organ transplants platelets must be transfused within 5 days requiring the supply to be constantly replenished donors can give platelets up to 24 times a year plasma is used to treat patients with certain bleeding disorders and for plasma exchanges plasma can be donated every four weeks blood type ab is the universal plasma donor and donors with ab or ab are important for plasma donations source blood center of wisconsin joanne allemand trinity blood drive coordinator trinity s automated giving option if you are one of our members that mail in your church contributions start out the new year green and save on postage and envelopes used to mail in your giving trinity lutheran offers a way for you to create an automated electronic giving schedule so that you can stay on track with pledges and regular offerings getting started is easy authorization forms and additional information are available in the church office 782-6200

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haiti adult mission trip update prayers are appreciated for karen dieringer kelly mayer sue swim and pastor laurie as they will be flying out of minneapolis on january 11th for haiti and returning january 18th they will be volunteering in the community gardens as well as local orphanages in the port au prince area thanks for your prayers and donations annual giving statements for 2011 annual giving statements for tax purposes will be available in the narthex beginning the weekend of january 14/15 through april 15 if you need to have your statement mailed to you please contact the church office boxes of 2012 contribution envelopes continuing through the month of january your 2012 boxes of church envelopes will be in the narthex if you didn t pick up your envelopes for 2011 you may not be aware that everyone was given new envelope numbers in 2011 please check the alphabetical lists available on the table if you aren t sure of your envelope number if you have a relative friend or neighbor that is a shut-in it would be a wonderful act of kindness if you could pick up their box of envelopes and deliver it to them even a brief visit to drop them off is so appreciated by our members who can t get to church the devastating effects of the 2010 haiti earthquake still remain today over a million haitians are still displaced after their homes and communities were destroyed families live in crowded camps their shelter is little more than strung blankets over ropes electricity running water and sewage disposal are in short supply please read the following blog on how the elca is helping to fight the spread of diseases spread by unsanitary conditions trinity lutheran news january 11th pastor laurie karen dieringer kelly mayer and sue swam will be making the trip to haiti to volunteer their services in providing much needed help to the haitian people please remember our parishioners in your prayers each and everyday pray that they be the hands and feet of our lord jesus christ pray that as they go into these communities where they can show love to the people as jesus did pray for the people and let the haitian people know that god loves them and is helping to restore peace to their country grant a safe trip to pastor laurie karen kelly and sue thank you for your mission mary lathrop elca mission interpreter

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january 2012 make attending monday women s bible study your new year s resolution trinitys womens bible study will meet monday january 9th and 23rd at 7:00 p.m in the library if you have questions about the study please call pastor laurie tuesday evening adult bible study january 3rd 17th join the tuesday evening adult bible study group in january they meet in the library if you have questions please call bill or bev schilla 784-0416 love your neighbor jar monies collected in november were designated to the children s clothes closet and totaled $596.66 donations given in december will be used toward our elca missionary sponsorship of elly mchan in the holy land thanks to all of you for your goodness and generosity the love your neighbor jar focus for january is the salvation army

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youth news festival foods receipts the youth will be collecting festival foods receipts quarterly the months for this quarter are january february and march all proceeds will go toward the youth general account keep the receipts coming they really add up kwip trip gas/gift cards available at trinity when shopping for gift cards or your weekly trip to kwik trip to fill up your gas tank consider purchasing a kwik trip gift card everyone needs gas and trinity will make 10 towards youth fundraising efforts every time you purchase a card kwik trip cards are available for purchase in the narthex and in the main office for $10 dollar and $25 dollars each thank you for supporting our youth programs youth activity at shenanigans come and join the fun at shenanigans on saturday january 28th from 1-3p.m shenanigan s is the newest family entertainment center to the la crosse area the cost is $15.00 per person and will include 1 ½ hours of unlimited fun and pizza the attractions will include laser tag bumper cars inflatable s and a high ropes course please sign up with reggie there will be a minimum of 20 people needed for the discounted rate family movie night mark your calendar for a night of fun on friday february 17th from 6-9 p.m in the youth room for tacos games and movies bring a flashlight with just in case you re afraid of the dark you may need it during game time movies to be announced please sign up on the youth board sky ranch colorado high school youth trip there is still room for all presently in 8th grade through high school students to sign up for this summer s high school trip do not miss out on this exciting opportunity to explore sky ranch lutheran camp in the rocky mountains of colorado july 21-28th fun activities will include a high ropes course hiking white water rafting and servant learning opportunities the cost is approximately $600 please sign up with reggie or pastor sandness asap souper bowl sunday bring a can of soup or a monetary donation please join us in a nationwide effort to the wafer program on sunday february 5th we will be taking monetary donations or cans of soup to help out the la crosse wafer program a table will be set up in the narthex for your donations.

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trinity tidings is a monthly newsletter of trinity lutheran church 1010 sill street la crosse wisconsin 54603 all visitors are welcome to worship with us each saturday at 5:30 p.m and sunday s at 8:30 a.m and 10:45 a.m saturday night school is at 4:30 p.m and sunday school is at 9:35 a.m communion is on the first and third sundays of the month at both worship services summer worship june august services are at 8:30 a.m and 10:00 a.m stephan sandness is the pastor laurie weis is the associate pastor and reggie lezpona is the youth director the church office telephone number is 608 782-6200 trinity lutheran church 1010 sill street la crosse wisconsin 54603 return service requested non profit organization u.s postage paid la crosse wi 54603 permit no 346 wafer food of the month january ­ soup and crackers please keep in mind there is an on-going need for items such as soups paper products and personal hygiene items important reminder for trinity members due to the new privacy regulations when you are hospitalized it is important to indicate on your medical record that you not only are a member of trinity lutheran church la crosse there are several trinity churches in the area but also that you would like the church notified when you are hospitalized pastor sandness or pastor laurie will make hospital visits on monday wednesday and friday each week in the event that someone is admitted through the emergency ward it is important that a family member or friend contact the church january ushers saturday 5:30 p.m sunday 8:30 a.m bill jean fregin sunday 10:45 a.m bruemmer/saiz family fall/winter/spring worship schedule september brings the return of our regular worship schedule all children are encouraged to attend sunday school on sunday mornings from 9:35 to 10:30 a.m we look forward to seeing their excited faces as they return to sunday school worship services during the summer months will be saturday at 5:30 pm sunday mornings at 8:30 am our radio broadcast service over wkty 580 am and 10:10 am during the month of july we will not have our saturday service instead we will add a service on wednesdays at 6:06 pm.

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branching out in gratitude continued people are friendly and the church is so peaceful trinity is my lifeline to gods love love that grows from all the help to volunteering and participation in many ways for hope through christ when things look bleak time and talents of the trinity family willing to serve family friends forgiveness fun thankful for all the wonderful caring people at trinity i am thankful for a church of friendly welcoming people and for a feeling of belonging trinity is awesome fun friendly comforting i am thankful for my trinity family and how they have welcomed me into the church community peoples willingness to do new ministries for hope through christ when things look bleak prayers for healing thankful for fellowship and our pastors for the people in this church who helped me see a better way to live this year i m especially thankful for a warm place to come and give thanks the wonderful sermons community involvement grateful for the children present in church faith joy confidence building im thankful for the awesome brunches thankful for the health of my family for the wonderful childrens programs family hope and love feeling welcome community for all the friendly people at trinity and the pastors interaction my friends blessing and new friends and fellowship for keeping me grounded our pastors and trinity family youth trips for the friendships for the support and encouragement from the pastors and members to grow in faith for many caring friends the prayers for our son-in-law the involvement of our members for having all of our children and grandchildren home for christmas friends and fellowship the pastors energy family of gods people whom i can count on for love and support always music family others to share our faith friendship a deeper understanding of jesus friendships fulfillment and peace through trinity helping those in need

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