pastoral reflections - we are easter...

Pastoral Reflections - We Are Easter People

“Look, I like the Christmas Jesus best, and I'm sayin' grace. When you say grace, you can say it to Grownup Jesus or Teenage Jesus or Bearded Jesus or whoever you want.” (from Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby)

I would guess that many people are much more comfortable with Jesus in that manger. Christmas holds a greater place in our culture than does just about any other holiday – even if there are a larger number of Santa Clauses and reindeer than Nativity scenes. We like Christmas with its special foods, trees, presents and family traditions.

While Easter heralds the dawning of spring and the stores are filled with bunnies and eggs – still it does not have quite the impact as does Christmas. There may be signs about “keeping Christ in Christmas” but not many people talk about keeping the cross in Easter.

I would venture to guess that Christmas – beyond all the traditions that go with it – is about hope, particularly during the darkest days of the year. Baby Jesus reminds us of innocence, wonder, possibility and hope.

Easter – while it is filled with more light – still means that we first must face death. We do not just go from the shouts of Hosanna on Palm Sunday to the Alleluias on Easter. We must watch as Jesus is betrayed, denied, convicted and killed. In marking this path to the cross, we are confronted with our own failings, with the brokenness of the world, with sin and death. We

would much rather kneel down at a manger than at the foot of the cross.

And yet, the realities of Holy wWeek are often what make up our lives. We live amidst brokenness every day – in our own lives, in our communities and our world. We may try to turn off the news, ignore the bad things that come our way and turn a blind eye to others around us. This is not going to make it all go away.

Easter meets the reality of our lives and our world. We bring all the hurt and brokenness to the foot of the cross, laying it before Jesus in

confession and through our tears. It is here that Christ looks upon us in love and grace and proclaims “forgive them for they know not what they do” and “today you will be with me in paradise.”

Easter transforms the cross from a symbol of death as we find ourselves standing before the empty tomb. For it is through death that life arises.

From the fallow months of winter does new life spring. From the brokenness of our world comes hope and possibility. As wounds are healed and relationships are restored, we find the strength of God’s mercy.

We are Easter people – for we live in hope. We look for life out of death. We see possibility in the face of brokenness. We face the reality of the cross as we stand ready to receive Christ at the empty tomb.

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Peace in Christ, Pastor Jen

April 2017, Brewster, NY

The TRINITARIAN, April 2017 2

Holy Humor Sunday, April 23

Join us as we celebrate the first Sunday after Easter “joke” that God played on death and the devil with Jesus’ resurrection.

Come prepared to share a joke or two!

Come dressed in a costume, crazy clothes, hats,

masks, and the like!

Come to laugh and share the joy of the Easter

season!

.

Easter @ Home

FAITH-ACTIVE IDEAS AS YOU PREPARE FOR EASTER Easter Photo scavenger hunt: Re-tell Jesus’ story as you take photos related to each of the suggested readings: https://refocusministry.org/2017/03/13/easter-photo-scavenger-hunt-for-families/ Resurrection Eggs: The SCS will be telling the story of Easter with special Easter eggs. If you’d like to put together your own set – here is a link to one way of doing it: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/485755509784342657/ Jelly Bean Prayer: Gathering one of each color, put them in a plastic egg along with this prayer. The original can be found at: http://www.annieshomepage.com/newjellybeanprayer.html

The NEW Jelly Bean Prayer

Red is for the blood He gave,

Green is for the grass He made,

Yellow is for the sun so bright,

Orange is for the edge of night.

Black, white, brown, yellow and red is for

the children He made

All of these colors receive the grace He

gave,

Purple is for the hour of sorrow,

Pink is for the new tomorrow.

Give a bag full of jelly beans,

Colorful and sweet,

Tell them it's a Prayer....

It's a promise..

It's an Easter Treat!

EASTER

https://refocusministry.org/2017/03/13/easter-photo-scavenger-hunt-for-families/

https://refocusministry.org/2017/03/13/easter-photo-scavenger-hunt-for-families/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/485755509784342657/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/485755509784342657/

http://www.annieshomepage.com/newjellybeanprayer.html

http://www.annieshomepage.com/newjellybeanprayer.html


Thank your for your generosity …

I am still collecting donations for security and first month’s rent for the adult couple no longer able to

afford the Mahopac Hotel at $85 per night on their $1100 income (other adult just left). They need a place on a bus line ($600-$700 per month). Eric is starting a part-time busboy job. He is on social security disability after injury in a 26-year plumber career. They have really appreciated your donations for their bus and laundry needs. God bless you all. Please contact me at [email protected] or 845-225-8921, 629-1963 (cell).

Gail Pease

a

FAITH AT HOME

Trinity Needs Gardeners

This is a plea for volunteers to help maintain the Trinity gardens. The gardens surrounding Trinity make our grounds attractive and inviting. However, they do not just maintain themselves. Many hands are needed to keep our grounds attractive. The gardeners of past years are no longer able to continue. Please consider giving a few hours to weeding, watering, and general upkeep. The gardens will be turned under and planted without commitments for continuing upkeep. See sign up sheets are in the Narthex. Contact Ken Mongold at 845-803-9145 for further information.

Trinity Needs a New Treasurer

We have been blessed by countless faithful servants who have been our treasurers over the years. Arnold Schuff, our current treasurer, is retiring at the end of this year and so we are looking for someone to take on this responsibility. We would like to find his replacement early so that we can have a smooth transition. If you would like more information, please contact Don Icken (Finance Chair), Barbara Markert (Council President) or Pastor Jen. Call the office for their contact information: 845-279-5181.

New Faith Formation Wesbsite

Trinity now has a new faith formation website that will help you navigate all the resources that can help you and your family grow in faith.

The new site can be found at:

http://faith.trinitybrewsterny.org/. It is also available as a link from our main website: http://trinitybrewsterny.org/

There's an App for That …

Visual Faith Bible is a fre app offered through Vibrant Faith that provides images along with scripture passages to reflect upon. This is a Bible that you can take with you.

Check it out at:

https://www.vibrantfaith.org/2017/03/visual-luke-hand/

STEWARDSHIP

mailto:[email protected]

http://faith.trinitybrewsterny.org/

http://trinitybrewsterny.org/




Upcoming Social Ministry Activities These are opportunities to use the gifts God has given you to serve others. Please note that these dates are tentative and subject to change. Any questions can be directed to Joanne Icken ([email protected])

Date Activity

March/April Lutheran World Relief Tied Fleece Blankets

April Easter bags for Putnam CAP

May Lutheran World Relief Personal Care Kits

June Cookie Tins for Seafarer’s International House

August School supplies for Putnam CAP

September God’s Work. Our Hands

October Midnight Run – October 1st

November Thanksgiving baskets for Putnam CAP

December Christmas satchels for Seafarer’s International House

Putnam CAP

Thank you for your continued generosity in filling the shopping cart each month with food and home items for Putnam CAP. Their clients are very grateful for the extra help we give them with your donations.

Knitters and Crocheters

Thank you for your continued knitting and crocheting. Please look for tubs of yarn located in the Narthex and take a bundle, along with the directions to create scarves and hats. Your completed items can be placed back in the tubs with the yarn. I collect them from time to time.

Joanne Icken

SOCIAL MINISTRY

Interested in joining Trinity?

If you would like to find out more

information about what it means to be a member of Trinity's church family, please let Pastor Jen now. [email protected]; 845-279-5181.

Alternative Service Committee

We’re looking for people who are interested in exploring alternative worship services at Trinity. Please see Ralph Rudolph or Pastor Jen if you are interested in seeing what others are doing and sharing your ideas on the subject.




Year to Date Budget Report Thru 2/28/2017

FINANCE & PROPERTY

Property News

God’s blessings on you and yours! At the March 29th Property Committee meeting we discussed parking lot repavement, recognizing those who made donations for the windows in Fellowship Hall, installing air conditioning in Shepherd’s Hall, discussing refurbishing of our church sign on Route 6 and more. As I have stated before we have been approved for a grant by the Metro NY Synod for a couple of these projects. Busy, busy! Things are continuing to look great thanks to many of our members volunteering their time and energy and donations. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Thanks to all of you for your help in turning off lights, closing doors and keeping our closets neat. This saves us lots of money and keeping the closets neat makes it easier to find things. Thanks to Phil DeRoberts for his donation of two new dehumidifiers. This is awesome!

Again, I would like to thank Pat Wills for all she does in recruiting organizations to rent our building. The income she brings in is fantastic. We have more groups every month looking to use our facility and that is a wonderful. God’s Blessings on all our members and their families.

Spring cleanup is scheduled for April 29th Hope to see you there. Sign up in the Narthex to let us know you will be there. Also, we have put some more bulletin boards up so folks can put up info on what is happening in our church.

Last but not least ... a huge THANKS to Joanne Icken and all those who helped in re-painting the walls in Shepherds Hall and the General Meeting Room. What a great job! Thank you all for your continued support to Trinity Lutheran Church!

Ken Mongold, Property Chairman


Sunday School Update

Spring is finally here and the children will celebrate Palm Sunday with our annual Lent Event which this year will be a Resurrection Egg Hunt followed by a lesson on the meaning of the eggs and refreshments. Parents will be receiving an email and handout for refreshments for the Lent Event on April 9th.

Our 4th grade class will be receiving their first Communion on Maundy Thursday April13th at the 7pm service.

There will be no SCS on Easter Sunday. Blessed Easter to all.

Jeanette Baldanza SCS Superintendent

All women of Trinity Church are invited to join WELCA.

We invite all women to attend our WELCA meetings at 10:00 AM in Fellowship Hall. April 6 Lenten study led by Pastor Jen

April 20 Meeting to get ready for Sunday sale; 12:30 PM lunch at Mama Rosa’s

April 30 Mother’s Day jewelry sale in the Narthex between services

May 4 Bible study and craft or project

May 7 Mother’s Day jewelry sale between services

May 11 Craft or LWR project

May 18 Craft or LWR project; 12:30 PM lunch out

June 1 Bible Study followed by craft or project

June 8 Craft or project

June 15 Craft or project 12:30 PM; 12:30 PM lunch out

For lunch, please RSVP to Irene Germain (845) 260-5385

________________________________________________________________________________

WELCA & SCS

Give us Your Yarn, Fleece & Fabric

WELCA is asking for donations of yarn, woven or fleece fabrics, and used adult t-shirts. Donations may be left in labeled storage tub in narthex or outside office door. Please consider donating when you tackle spring cleaning. All donations will be greatly appreciated.


Memorials in Honor of Muriel Rapp

Kathie & Larry Ruhs Riverside Properties Ursula Merolla Jeffrey Kellogg Judy MacDonald Mary Barrett William Rockwell Charles Allen Ed & Erika Butler Carol Brooks Barbara Sullivan Pat & John Wills Walter and Carol Straub C Pearson III Barbara Grzelka Barbara Bates CC Todd Marge & Karl Westerville

Margaret Fowler

Ha

ppy

Bir

thda

y

BAKER, RYANN 4/2

GRILLO, BRYANNA 4/2

GENTILE, ALICIA 4/3

GENTILE, MICHELLE 4/3

LAROCCHIA, CHARLIE 4/3

ENG, CASSONDRA 4/4

BAGGETTA, DANIEL 4/5

IOVINO, VIOLET 4/5

KNAPP, NANCY 4/5

LAROCCHIA, MATTHEW 4/6

BETTCHER, TATIANA 4/7

HALBEKATH JR, ERIC 4/9

HARLIN, KATHERINE 4/9

TUCKER, ISABELLA 4/9

SCIARRA, JONATHAN 4/10

EMERY, ELIZABETH 4/12

HALBEKATH, JOANNE 4/12

LAROCCHIA, DEBBIE 4/12

CUOMO, CLARISSA 4/13

O’TOOLE, TYLER 4/13

DEFILIPPIS, DANIEL 4/14

DZIBELA, ARIANA 4/14

CALLAHAN, DIANA 4/15

WILSON, DAVID 4/15

LOFTUS, RYAN 4/16

MC DERMOTT, BRIAN 4/16

LAIRD, SHARON 4/20

EPP, CHRIS 4/21

SORBELLA, SCOTT 4/21

MONAHAN, ALYSSA 4/22

PARISE, MICHAEL 4/23

PROCTOR, ELLA 4/23

GERMAIN JR, CHARLIE 4/24

HELVIG, CAROLE 4/25

LUTZ, ANNA RAE 4/25

CHRISTIANO, LORETTA 4/27

TORLISH, WYATT 4/27

COLMANICO, JENNIFER 4/28

COMMISSO, MARY BETH 4/28

DANIEL, JUNE 4/28

MC NAMARA, JENNIFER 4/28

TEMPEL, ROSANNA 4/28

WILLS, PAT 4/28

O’TOOLE JR, GEORGE 4/29

Happy Anniversary

♥ ELLEN & BRIAN PARISE, 4/11

♥ FRED & PAM CARLSON, 4/11

♥ DON & JOANNE ICKEN, 4/16

♥ CHRISTOPHER & SANDY SCIARRA, 4/26

♥ NANCY & RANDY KNAPP, 4/26

♥ JIM & NANCY SORBELLA SR, 4/26

CELEBRATIONS


Speakeasy Book Discussion

New date: Sunday April 23rd, 2 PM Our next Speakeasy book discussion will be on

“Just Generosity: A New Vision for Overcoming Poverty in America” by Ronald Sider. This book invites us to look beyond donations to ways what will enable real and lasting change for those who live in poverty. We will be discussing this

book on Sunday, April 23rd at 2 PM in Fellowship Hall. Please note the date change.

Copies of the book will be available to borrow from the church library

WELCA

HAPPENINGS

First Friday Potluck – April 7th

6:00 PM, Fellowship Hall Breakfast at Trinity … Please bring any breakfast/brunch items are ideal: bagels, rolls, croissants, muffins, as well as butter/jelly/cream cheese; egg dishes; "breakfast" casseroles i.e. quiche, French toast bake, etc; drinks: juices, milks, etc. The only limits are your imagination. Attire: Pajamas are optional. I will be wearing pjs/slippers. You don't have to, but could be fun. This was fun last year. Let's have fun again.

Debbie Lyons Sign up in the Narthex or RSVP here: https://www.mealtrain.com/potlucks/woye67

Looking Ahead

First Friday, May 5th “Run for the Roses/Kentucky Derby”

https://www.mealtrain.com/potlucks/woye67


We pray for those who are … IN THE HOSPITAL, ILL, RECUPERATING FROM SURGERY, OR UNDERGOING MEDICAL TREATMENT: Ava, Beth, Brigitte, Lee, Tony Baggetta, Tamara Bagen, Lisa Bagnati, Joan Baum, Kitty, Barbara Jean Bennet, Elaine Berg, Joe Bettcher, Nicole Bettcher, Cherish Bliefernich, Michael Boyd, William Brown, Betty Buckmaster, Ronnie Byrnes, Chuck, Colleen, Corrie, Erin Conroy, Helen Conte, Sharon Cooper, Linda Cowen, Ben Dalecki, Joanne D; Karen Delduco, Kathren Devine, Dilynn, Wayne Farber, Tony Ferrajina, Christine Gallegher, George Gilleo, Barbara Goos, Eleanor Greene, Rachel Gressel, Eric Halbekath Sr, Thomas Ingate, JoAnn Johnston, Jennifer Johnson, Bob Koenig, Lynda Kraus, Matthew Kromar, Jean Lamberston, Krystal Langke, Judy Lutz, Chaleb McCaughey, Raymond Maglio, Gail Maisel, Michael, Kelly Maxwell, Hedy McCloskey, Ziggy Mignanelli, Michael Montana, Karen Myerwold, John Noone, Pr. Paul Nordeen, Bob Obuck, Pr Garry Patrylo Jr, Chuck Pease, Ed Ranieri, Nicholas Rogan, Larry Ruhs, Marilyn Schoeller, Sharon, James Sorge, Phyllis Sorge, Joe Stark, Meyer Steinhardt, Curt Stiles, Carol Straub, Walter Straub, Meranda Sue, Robin Talmadge, Michelle Tessier, Debby Tieste, Teddi Tom, Mary Torlish, Greg V., Henry Von Bargen, Marie Von Bargen, Katherine Waldvogel, Alex Wallace, Mary Ann Wilk, Jessica Wilkson WRESTLING WITH LONG-TERM HEALTH ISSUES: Bette Adams, Morgan Andren, Stephen Arden, Judy B, Gloria Bretone, Jennifer Rebecca Butvinik, Janet Canor, Tony Cardella, Olivia Casale, John Cianciullo, Dorothy Cordell, Deena Cox, Nancy Cuomo, Coppy Cuomo, Tom Curran, Glen DiSanto, Al Eberhardt, Donna Ficara, Jim Fiore, Margaret Fowler, Amanda George, Catherine Henneforth, Sue Kaufman, Raymond Kiernan, Janet Kniffin, Carl & Mary Kropp, Ryan Lee, Allen McCaslin, Reneé McElroy, Thaine Manske, George Miller, Tanya Murgai, Betty Rodda, Rosaleen, Riley Rushia, Otto Schmid, Linda Siebold, Sindy, Sally Sheets, Zack Small, Audrey Stone, Dylan Stolper, Kenneth Strawn, Kathy Sullivan, Josephine Talley, Michael Tamborino, Kaeli Tretera, Gina Venezia, Glenn Wagner, Walt, Stephanie, Donna, Richard Yessian

FACING LIFE’S CHALLENGES: Kim Andren, the Banuelos/Cable/Lyon family, Wanda & Cliff, Della Arndt, Charlotte Berwind, the Bueti family, Eleanor Byrnes, Catherine, Lillian Eberhardt, Fahy family, Jeannie Graham, Terry Gregori, Joanne Halbekath & family, Larry Hampson, Frank Hastie, Logan Keane, Nicola Kenny, Matt, Bill & Debbie Logan, Anita Luhrs, Mary Jane McMahon, Ryan, Mariela Ramirez & family, Alexander Maxwell, Charles Maxwell Wieller, Sue Rodriguez, Twila Skeels, Alex Smith, Barbara Sparkes, Katelyn Stufano, Kristen Sullivan, Michael Talarico, Morgan Watt, Jennifer West, Dave, Lisa, Jaimie Zeola RESTRICTED TO HOME/NURSING HOME: Marge Christie, Gerrit Franssen, Lawrence Henry, Rita Karlsson, Marian Langlois, Mary Langord, Horatio Massatti, Virginia Mead, Marge Popham, Sylvia Rieg, Elizabeth Waugh, Scott Werner

REMEMBER THE LIFE OF: Cecilia Winters SERVING IN THE ARMED FORCES: Michael Caitney, Carlos Class, Dylan Cumpston, Adam Elliott, Phillip Gerhardt, Ron Hansen Jr., Dylan Kinsella, Pr Anthony Stephens, Kyle Tiersch, Alyssa Torlish, Adam Vieux, Jessica Woodall, all those in the service of our country, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan, and their chaplains

ATTENDING SEMINARY: Dawn Morello PARTNERSHIP MINISTRIES: The Northwest Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania; the Brewster Soup Kitchen (Brewster 1st Baptist Church) and Brewster Food Pantry (St. Andrew’s Episcopal), Brewster Ecumenical Service Partnership (BESP); local small business owners in challenging economic times SERVANTS OF THE CHURCH: Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, and the Churchwide staff; Bishop Robert Rimbo of the Metropolitan New York Synod and staff; Pastor Jennifer Boyd, Deacons Charles Germain, Jr. and Dorothy Kafalas; Minister of Music Franklyn Commisso; Council members; Sunday School teachers, and worship leaders To make changes to the Prayer List, email: trinlutheranoffice@ yahoo.com or call 845-279-5181

OUR PRAYERS


Packng the Pantry

Starting Saturday March 25th until Sunday March 26th the youth group participated in a 25-hour food and phone fast to raise awareness and donations for the Putnam CAP food pantry.

We collected almost $1,200 in cash as well as groceries from sponsors and shoppers at ShopRite.

We would like to thank the congregation and the community for their support and the youth group for their generosity and hard work.

We look forward to helping those in our community that are less fortunate than us.

Albert Cuomo Youth Leader

YOUTH ACTIVITY


ELCA STORY


Inside the April Trinitarian

1. Pastoral Reflections – We Are Easter People

2. Easter

3. Stewardship

4. Social Ministry

5. Finances & Property

6. WELCA; Sunday Church School

7. Celebrations – birthdays, anniversaries, memorials

8. Happenings – First Fridays, Speakeasy Book Discussion

9. Our Prayers

10. Youth Activities

11. ELCA Story – Projecting My Future

Trinity Lutheran Church Mission Statement: As a people of God, we desire to experience the presence of God in our lives that we might be the presence of God in the lives of others.

Location 2103 Route 6 Brewster, NY 10509 Phone: 845-279-5181

Website: trinitybrewsterny.org

Pastor Jen’s email [email protected]

Office trinlutheranoffice @yahoo.com

WORSHIP SCHEDULE April 2

8:30 AM & 10:45 AM Holy Communion

April 9 – Palm Sunday

8:30 AM Holy Communion & SCS

10:45 AM Holy Communion

April 13 – Maundy Thursday

Noon & 7:00 PM Holy Communion

April 14 – Good Friday

Noon & 7:00 PM

April 16 – Easter Sunday

7:00, 9:00, 11:00 AM Holy Communion

April 23



April 30



pastoral reflections - we are easter...

Documents