Vol. 35 No. 7

July 2009

Family Page News

Trinity Lutheran Church

14 East 38^th Street, Erie, PA 16504-1558

e-mail address: tlcerie@verizon.net

web site: www.lutheranerie.com

Rev. Fred Poeppel, Vacancy / Interim Pastor

e-mail: pfpoeppel@yahoo.com

Trinity Office and Fax Number: 456-1703

Pastor’s Cell Phone: 323-1679

Pastor’s Office: 452-4888

The mission of Trinity Lutheran Church is to share the
Good News of Jesus Christ by inviting others into God’s family,
encouraging spiritual growth through God’s Word and Sacraments, and
caring for one another in the love of Christ.

“Celebrating with Thanks, Ablaze with Hope”

128 Years of Ministry at Trinity Lutheran Church – 1881 - 2009

July

5 11:15 AM - Traditional Worship Service with Communion

6:00 PM - Today’s Praise Worship Service with Communion

12 11:15 AM - Traditional Worship Service

6:00 PM - Today’s Praise Worship Service

19 11:15 AM - Traditional Worship Service with Communion

6:00 PM - Today’s Praise Worship Service

26 11:15 AM - Traditional Worship Service

6:00 PM - Today’s Praise Worship Service

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FROM THE PASTOR

Summer is a time to kick back and relax a bit, unless you own a farm (or a landscaping business). There’s always work to be done on a farm, but with the warm weather, even farmers need to take a break when they’re not making hay. Of course school is out, so the kids are home. That’s one reason that lots of people like to go away for a while. Some like to travel, and see the country. Some like to go up to the mountains for a week or two. Others prefer to go to the beach for their getaway. Lots of people like to get away for a while. If you’ve tried to get somewhere with the construction on I-79 lately, you know that’s true.

A few years ago when I was still working in the business world, a major credit card company based their advertising campaign on the slogan, “Don’t leave home without it!” In other words, if you’re out traveling, you don’t want to carry around a lot of cash, but you don’t want to get stuck somewhere without your credit card, either.

Now that I’m a pastor, I notice that the pews aren’t quite as full during the summer months. But do we really want to take a vacation from God? I hope not! Of course, you could argue that God is everywhere, and you’d be right. But God’s Word also tells us, “Let us not stop meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing.” God wants us to gather together to worship Him, to learn from His Word, and to support and encourage each other in the faith. That’s why we go to church. So during the summer, when we’re traveling or just taking it easy at home, maybe our slogan should be, “God, don’t leave home without Him.”

Here are a few practical suggestions to help you stay close to God on vacation:

1. If you know where you’re going to be next Sunday, find a sister congregation in the LCMS annual church directory (hardcopy in Louise’s office or online at lcms.org, click on directories).

2. Find a church to visit in the phone book or a listing in the hotel lobby. Most churches these days will welcome vacationers to “come as you are.” You might even pick up some good ideas to bring home with you.

3. Some campgrounds have non-denominational services on site. Be careful that the message squares with God’s Word.

4. “Don’t leave home without your Bible.” It’s good for daily devotional reading, and if you just can’t get to a church on Sunday morning, you can worship together as a family.

5. While you’re away, don’t forget that the financial needs of your home church don’t stop because you’re not there. Consider giving your tithe or offering before you leave, mail it, or catch up when you get home.

This summer, “Don’t leave home without Him.” See you in church! Bring a friend!

Pastor Fred

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TRINITY LUTHERAN THRIVENT GROUP

· Sincerest thanks to everyone who helped with our Thrivent Builds program. We are most grateful to all the volunteers especially those who donated food for the meals we provided on the Mondays: Karlynn and Eugene Bernhard, Bev and Dick Irish, Trudy Sallach, Joann Kaufer, Luanne May, Carol Schneider, Dot Smith, Pat Dougan, Joyce Baird, and Edie Neidinger. God bless you all for being such a blessing to others.

· A few members of Trinity went to the dedication of the Thrivent Builds house. They reported that 44 local churches were involved in the building process and that the dedication ceremony was beautiful. Everyone at the dedication rejoiced and gave thanks to God for his many blessings!

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LUTHERAN DAY AT WALDAMEER

Join us on Saturday, July 11 for the Erie Thrivent Chapter’s annual picnic at Waldameer. The picnic will be held at Eastern Picnic Grove #3 (park in the lot off Peninsula Drive, walk through the gate and bear left before the mini-train tracks.)

Registration begins at 11:30 am

Church Service and Lunch at 12:00 Noon

Water World open from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Park rides open from 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Please bring your own table service and a covered dish to share – meat, condiments and beverages will be provided by Thrivent.

There is no charge to enter the park so bring the whole family to enjoy the fun and fellowship. Everyone is invited – you don’t have to be a Thrivent member to come.

For those who wish to ride, Combo Passes for the Park and Water World are available for $12 each (for children and adults.)

Tickets must be ordered in advance and must be picked up at the picnic grove on the day of the picnic. You may purchase as many tickets as you wish. Tickets not used on July 11 may be used on any weekday at no additional charge. If you want to use your ticket on a weekend, however, you will need to pay a $2.00 surcharge per ticket.

Please send your reservation, your requests for ride tickets and payment to:

Jacque Holmberg, 4727 Oakland Street, Erie, PA 16509

by Tuesday, July 7 … so mail your ticket order to Jacque today!

Checks for the ride tickets should be made out to: Erie County PA Thrivent Chapter

If you are planning to attend the picnic but not purchase any ride tickets, please email Jacque at jholmberg@roadrunner.com to let her know you are attending or contact one of our Thrivent Coordinators: Karlynn Bernhard, Jerry Neidinger or Trudy Sallach.

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SUNDAY MORNING STUDY GROUP

The Adult study group is on summer vacation! Watch late summer newsletters and bulletins for information regarding the date that our Adult Bible Study will resume!!

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MEMBERS IN HOMES

Please remember our elderly and others who do not get out much with notes, cards, visits in person or telephone calls, as well as remembering them in your prayers.

At Independence Court: Ted Steinbarth

At Manchester Presbyterian: George Hill

At Presbyterian Lodge (on Elmwood): Hilda Papesch

Rouse-Warren County Home: Gerda Mushrush

At Sarah Reed: Amy Mares

At Sunrise on the Bay: Mary Lynch

At Village at Luther Square: Bill Guerdon

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TRINITY SENIORS

For our June gathering, Trinity Seniors met at the Red Lobster Restaurant for a delicious lunch.

Our hostesses, Lois Yeager, Dick Yeager, and Nancy Rusnak provided lovely table favors and door prizes.

Prizewinners were: Jerry Neidinger, Lois Gressley, Jim Swan and Hilda Papesch.

We do not meet during July or August but look forward to seeing you at our September meeting!

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LWML – Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League asks you to pray for missions every Monday at noon. No matter where you are, please take a moment to pray for missions work around the world, for missionary families, for financial support of outreach through our church body and any other work of the LWML. Remember to pray especially for our missionaries, the Esala’s. Thank you.

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DORCAS

Dorcas is on break for the summer … but please continue to save your cancelled stamps! You can place them in the box at the top of the State Street entrance.

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LADIES AID SOCIETY

· Many thanks to those who supported the May Election Bake Sale … it brought in $129. The project the ladies have decided to work on next is helping the Church Council to pay for a solution to the presence of water through the basement wall. Be generous and it may get done before the rainy season comes again!

· Our Hat Party in May was truly a hoot! Winners were:
Funniest: Edie Neidinger
Cleverest: Trudy Sallach
Prettiest: Luanne May

Others had an Olympic hat, a fresh floral, a vintage netted style, silk flowers and Decolores cap. Our President generated a very funny story that required participation. You missed a grand time!

· In June, we had a great time doing a service project involving crafts. And many thanks to the workers for the June 7 Ladies Aid Coffee Hour. We hope that those that came before the worship service had a good time of fellowship with others at Trinity.

· On Thursday, July 9, please make plans to join us for a picnic at Mark and Luanne May’s house. We’ll gather at 5:30 pm and eat shortly thereafter! The address is 9283 West Law Road, North East – between Mooreheadville Road and Brickyard Road. All attending Trinity are welcome to come, but we must know in advance – please watch for the signup sheet on the bulletin board! Children are also welcome but they must be carefully watched, as there are water features, creatures and electric fencing on the property!

· On August 13, we will attempt to put together School Kits, as a service project, this year. Should you see a good sale, pick up some items to donate.

· Ladies Aid is still collecting small to medium sized boxes that bracelets, earrings etc. sometimes come in. We are unable to use cardboard boxes, but rather the boxes that are usually hinged, and are fabric (velveteen) covered. A collection box with a display of the types of boxes we need is on a table in the narthex. Thank you for your assistance.

· After church dinners, please offer your assistance in the clean up of the social hall and kitchen. A few tend to do all the work and help would be most appreciated!

· If you would like to borrow anything from the church social hall, such as chairs, tables, kitchen pans, etc., you must check with Nancy Rusnak, Ladies Aid President, first! If she is not available, please contact our Head Trustee, Sam Steiner. (Please note that the newer white tables cannot leave the building!!)

· God be with you all and grant you safety in your travel! Especially now that the children are out of school.

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SPECIAL MUSIC

The Choir is on break for the summer months, but if you would like to volunteer to provide special music during one (or more) of our summer services, please see the sign up sheet on the bulletin board and/or talk with our Organist/Choir Director, Linda Federici. We welcome new and old talent!

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ALTAR FLOWERS

Special thanks to those who contributed altar flowers in church for July:

July 5 – Jeannette Copley in honor of family and friends

July 12 – Lois and Dick Yeager in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Teubert

July 19 – Max and Gertrude Weber in memory of Rev. D. E. Sallach and
Rev. Mark L. Sallach

July 26 – Nancy Rusnak in memory of her husband, Andrew Rusnak

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BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES

Please keep in mind that the church office only has the information that you have provided. Please update us as to any mistakes or omissions. Thank you.

Celebrating their birthday this month are:

1	Janet Quinn	21	Carol Schneider, Tyco Swick
2	Dale Sanders	22	Sean Bartlett
6	Richard Jay, Nancy Rusnak	23	Dianne Shalga
9	Lori Nowak	24	Tara Lawrence, Ariel Lewis
14	Karlynn Bernhard	26	Abby Hinds
15	Mary Lynch, Sam Steiner	27	Kathy Ondreako
17	Louise Daubenspeck	29	Dawn Delahoy, Donna Shagla

Celebrating their anniversary this month are:

7/15/1944

Max & Gertrude Weber

Congratulations on your special day!

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PHONE DIRECTORY UPDATES

Please give the office any updates to your address or telephone number as well as provide any cell phone numbers or email addresses that you are willing to share by July 10 … we would like to issue an updated phone directory this month! Thanks!

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SPAGHETTI DINNER

Please plan to stay following the morning worship service on Sunday, July 26 for a Spaghetti Dinner sponsored by the Mercyhurst NE LPN Class of August 2009 (Louise’s daughter-in-law and her classmates!)

The dinner will be served until 4:00 pm and will cost $5.00 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under.

And … we might also have a Ladies Aid Bake Sale in conjunction with the spaghetti dinner … so keep an eye on the bulletins for updates on this event!!

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ABLAZE … The Lutheran Church sharing the Gospel

Let’s be Ablaze for Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ! That’s the theme for many of our church body’s efforts this decade. Many people need to know the love and care of our Lord Jesus Christ! We all respond to the Gospel in a variety of ways. Our responses can be in any of the identified ways, as on our banner at church - LEARN, PRAY, GIVE, TELL, SEND, GO, and CELEBRATE.

Consider being involved in some manner with sharing the Gospel with another person. We are keeping a tally to join in with our national and international partners. You can add your witness events to the total by filling out the orange cards available and submitting them to the box in the church – signed or unsigned.

ABLAZE UPDATE:

International Goal - 100,000,000 Latest tally - 10,427,336 (as of 6/26/2009)

Trinity’s Goal - 4,400 Latest tally - 190 (as of 6/26/2009)

For information about the movement, go to our church body’s website – www.lcms.org

Here is a recent story from our very own congregation!

Four names were submitted to the Seminary as possible candidates

After first discussing the idea with Zack George, Terry Lawrence, Nathan Sallach and Thomas Sallach, Trudy Sallach called and spoke with Joel Fritsche, Director of Recruitment, at the Concordia Seminary in St. Louis.

She told him that each of the individuals were interested in receiving information about the seminary and Joel was delighted! Information has already been sent to them and all four are looking it over!

Please pray that one or more of these individuals – or others in the congregation – are led by the Holy Spirit to pursue the ministry! Praise God!

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CHURCH COUNCIL AND VOTERS

Council would like to ask everyone to be vigilant about our church building. While we now have individuals assigned to “lock up” after our Sunday morning and evening worship services … if you are in the building at any other time, please:

• make sure ALL doors are properly closed and locked

• make sure ALL lights, fans and other equipment are turned off and
• make sure the alarm is set and that all ropes are in place

If you have any questions, please contact Sam Steiner at 833-8704 or Art Anderson at 456-1319.

Trinity Council has also requested that the following be published:

All members and friends of Trinity Lutheran Church:

Please be aware that in the void left by Pastor Mark's passing, some of our church activities and practices are in disarray. Our church secretary, Louise, is NOT responsible for decisions or policy. Any questions about, or problems with, anything going on at Trinity is to be referred to a Council member, or specifically as follows:

Worship & Music - Tyco Swick

Building Use & Maintenance - Sam Steiner

General & Other - Mark May

We all need to show some extra Christian consideration and forbearance during this trying time. Thank you for your cooperation.

Signed,

Trinity Lutheran Church Council

President – Mark May 725-2560

Elders – Tyco Swick 868-9393

John Anderson 881-1335

Terry Lawrence 602-3185

Carl Marzolf 734-1231

Richard Wenger 476-1549

Trustees – Sam Steiner 833-8704

Art Anderson 456-1319

Sean Bartlett 881-6910

Tim Hinds 864-5284

Millis Parshall 864-1370

Congregational Secretary – Jeannette Copley 825-6842

Financial Secretary – Doris Swan 864-5217

Treasurer – Marina George 881-4331

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Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?

What if we … carried it with us in our purses or pockets?

What if we … flipped through it several times a day?

What if we … went back to get it if we forgot it?

What if we … used it to receive messages from the text?

What if we … treated it like we couldn't live without it?

What if we … gave it to kids as gifts?

What if we … used it when we traveled?

What if we … used it in case of an emergency?

And unlike our cell phone … we don’t have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill in full!

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To maintain a certain level of sanity ...

At lunchtime, sit in your parked car with sunglasses on and point a hair dryer at passing cars. See if they slow down.

Every time someone asks you to do something, ask if they want fries with that.

Put decaf in the coffee maker at work for three weeks. Once everyone has gotten over their caffeine addictions, switch to Espresso.

Skip down the hall rather than walk and see how many looks you get.

Order a diet water whenever you go out to eat … with a serious face.

Specify that your drive-through order is “to go”.

When the money comes out the ATM, scream “I won! I won!”

When leaving the zoo, start running toward the parking lot and yell “Run for your lives! They’re loose!”

July 2009 - Trinity Lutheran Church - Calendar of Events
SUNDAY	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY
			1	2	3	4 Fourth of July
5 11:15 am Traditional Service with Communion 1:00 pm Confirmation Class 6:00 pm Today’s Praise with Communion	6	7	8	9 5:30 pm Ladies Aid Picnic at Mark and Luanne May’s house 9283 West Law Road Everyone is welcome to join us! Please see the signup sheet on the bulletin board!	10	11 11:30 am Registration for Thrivent Picnic at Waldameer 12:00 pm Church Service and Picnic 1:00 pm Park rides and Water World open Hope to see you there!
12 11:15 am Traditional Service 1:00 pm Confirmation Class 6:00 pm Today’s Praise	13	14	15	16	17	18
19 11:15 am Traditional Service with Communion 1:00 pm Confirmation Class 6:00 pm Today’s Praise	20	21	22	23 Deadline for August Newsletter Articles!!	24 Wedding Rehearsal	25 1:30 pm Cook / Randall Wedding
26 11:15 am Traditional Service 12:30 pm Mercyhurst NE LPN Spaghetti Dinner and “possible” Ladies Aid Bake Sale 1:00 pm Confirmation Class 6:00 pm Today’s Praise	27	28	29	30	31