News
Hiring — Director of CYF Ministry
Trinity is looking for a Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministry. This is an active and fun position working with children and families. There are many activities and events that this person will be involved with! Want to learn more? Check out the job description here.
Questions? Contact Pastor Elizabeth, prelizabeth.trinitysg@gmail.com. Or Staffing Team lead Betty Dokken, bettydokken8@gmail.com.
Wednesday Bible School update
Families of 3rd-6th grade youth please note --
Wednesday Bible School is on hiatus through Lent.
Wednesday Bible School will resume again on April 3.
Each Sunday through Lent we will be working on a collaborative art project and would love to have many youth participate and help create this one-of-a-kind piece! Come to Sunday School at 10:30 a.m. and let your creative juices flow!
Questions? Contact Pastor Lane, 507-498-5291 or cyf.trinitysg@gmail.com.
Annual Meeting
Trinity’s Annual Meeting is Sunday, February 4, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. following worship in the Sanctuary. Treats and beverages will be served in the Sanctuary.
All confirmed members are eligible to vote. Please plan to attend in-person or via Zoom (info below).
The Annual Report for 2023 will be available Sunday, January 28.
MEETING AGENDA
1. Call to Order – President Kim Kapplinger
2. Opening Prayer and Litany – Pastor Elizabeth Hermeier
3. Approval of Minutes from February 5, 2023 Annual Meeting
4. Acceptance of Financial Reports
5. Pastor’s remarks
6. Trinity’s Mission and Ministry: Presentation of 2024 Proposed Budget and vote
7. Presentation of 2024 Ballot and elections
8. Other business
9. Closing Prayer and Benediction – Pastor Elizabeth Hermeier
10. Adjournment
11. Installation of new and returning team and endowment members.
Gracious God, we give you thanks for these brothers and sisters who have come forward to serve our congregation. Bless them, O God, with wisdom, energy, and joy. Guide them with your Holy Spirit that they may glorify Christ in all they do. Amen
To join the meeting via Zoom:
You can CALL in to the meeting or join via the ZOOM APP / WEBSITE.
(It is a free app, download it in your device’s app store or visit www.zoom.us/download.)
To call:
- call (312) 626-6799.
- when prompted, enter meeting ID: 816 5749 3253
Via Zoom app or website:
- type in or click on this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81657493253
- you will be let into the meeting, please be patient as others may be trying to join at the same time.
To vote:
- on your device you will need to have your video turned on, then you will raise your hand to vote yes or
keep your hand down to vote no.
All Saints Sunday
On All Saints Sunday, we light candles during worship in remembrance of those who have gone to their heavenly home before us, especially remembering those who have passed this last year.
This video is dedicated to those who have passed in the last year. Blessings on them all; until we meet again.
Statement from ELCA Presiding Bishop Eaton
ELCA presiding bishop issues statement on Israel-Hamas war
10/13/2023 12:00:00 PM
"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning?" —Psalm 22:1
Dear church,
As Lutherans, we are accustomed to holding tension between two truths. Thus the ELCA denounces the egregious acts of Hamas, acts that have led to unspeakable loss of life and hope. At the same time the ELCA denounces the indiscriminate retaliation of Israel against the Palestinian people, both Christian and Muslim.
For the past week we have borne witness to the horrors of the escalating crisis between Israel and Hamas. We also watch a growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza as Israel blocks food, water, fuel and medical supplies and as airstrikes continue to cause unbearable civilian casualties ahead of a just-announced ground assault. We see Israelis and families around the world in the agonizing wait for word about the fate of loved ones killed or taken hostage by Hamas. We are in anguish, grieving and praying for all people who are living in trauma, fear and uncertainty.
Among us are Palestinian Lutherans who are fearful for their families, their communities and their homeland. In our communities we have Jewish and Muslim neighbors, who are also facing the horrors of this crisis and its impact on their loved ones.
It is difficult to find words that suffice in the complexity of this moment, and in the web of relationships that bind us together, as church, with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land and our interreligious partners. Yet God has called us to be a people who stand with others amid suffering.
We must also call a thing a thing. The power exerted against all Palestinian people — through the occupation, the expansion of settlements and the escalating violence — must be called out as a root cause of what we are witnessing. We are committed to our long-standing accompaniment of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land.
The God who liberates us calls us to be a liberating witness. May it be so.
In Christ,
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton
Presiding Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Things you can do:
Find updated resources and statements from the ELCA here.
Join our partner Churches for Middle East Peace for prayer every Wednesday from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Eastern time. Register here.
Call your lawmakers today through the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 and urge them to take action to deescalate the conflict and uphold unrestricted humanitarian aid to Gaza. Find your member of Congress at govtrak.
Support Lutheran Disaster Response here.
You may notice that we sometimes publicize statements and other information from organizations of which we are members. We will never share information that did not go through our internal vetting process, so you should feel free to share such information on behalf of your church.
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For information contact:
Jocelyn Fuller
Sr. Director, Strategic Communications
Jocelyn.Fuller@ELCA.org
ELCA Youth Gathering
ELCA Youth Gathering 2024
WHAT IS THE YOUTH GATHERING? Every three years, thousands of high school youth and their adult leaders from across the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) gather for a week of faith formation known as the ELCA Youth Gathering. Through days spent in interactive learning, worship, Bible study, service and fellowship, young people grow in faith and are challenged and inspired to live their faith in their daily lives.
WHERE: New Orleans, Louisiana
WHEN: July 16 - 20, 2024 (with a day or two before and after for travel)
WHO: youth in 8th thru 12th grade (school year 2023-2024)
THEME: Created to Be
We are created to be…
...brave, to show up with an open mind and heart, willing to be challenged.
...authentic, to bring our whole selves and know that we are loved by our Creator.
...free, to be transformed by the gospel.
...disruptive, to work for justice for all our siblings.
...disciples, to be sent out into the world to love our neighbor just as we are loved by God.
COSTS:
$375 registration if registered by 10/31/23
($425 if register 11/1/23-2/14/24)
($475 if register 2/15-4/15/24)
(registration amounts include non-refundable $150 registration fee)
$175 for hotel
$70/day for meals (approximation)
tbd for bus
?? for souvenirs
DEADLINE: October 31, 2023 for registration with non-refundable $150 registration fee
FUNDRAISERS: Thanksgiving pies, Lenten dinners, Easter Breakfast, Syttende Meatball Dinner, maple syrup sales, others may be added.
OPTIONAL FUNDRAISER: sell shares in the youth program
People who purchase shares receive: a shareholder meal (on a Sunday evening), 1 pint of
maple syrup, pictures of the group and the trip, 2 postcards from New Orleans about the
Gathering experience, a thank you note.
EXPECTATIONS FROM PARTICIPANTS:
1. come to worship once or twice a month
2. help with worship before and after for a trip response
3. help with all fundraisers
REGISTRATION FORMS: Turn in to Trinity office by Oct. 31 along with $150 non-refundable deposit.
Click here for ADULT registration form.
Click here for YOUTH registration form.
Want to learn more about the Gathering? Check out this link!
Celebrating Almore “Matt” Mathsen’s Musical Ministry at Trinity
During worship on Sunday, October 8, we will celebrate the impact of Almore "Matt" Mathsen's music at Trinity. Much of Trinity’s deep musical roots were established when Matt was our choir director. He was also a Lay Assistant and Release Time instructor. Matt’s impact was felt over multiple generations.
Do you have memories of how Matt impacted your life? Please share them with us so that we can create a tribute wall for this special Sunday. You can email us your memories, trinityspringgrove@gmail.com.
You can also print out this sheet and fill it out and return it to us.
CHOIR ALUMNI! All alumni of Matt's choirs are invited to sing in a mass choir during worship on Sunday the 8th. Come sing some of his favorite songs!
Following worship on the 8th, we will also have a special fellowship with Matt’s family — his wife, Vivien, and their children and families.
It will be a wonderful, musical, special day! We look forward to receiving memories and seeing you at worship!
We're hiring -- 2 positions!
Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministry
This person will be responsible for developing and leading programs for our children, youth, and families. Qualified candidates will have strong communication and organizational skills and an understanding of Lutheran beliefs. Prior experience working with youth programs is preferred. This is a paid position with benefits.
For more details, email us: trinityspringgrove@gmail.com or call: 507-498-5291.
Or contact our Staffing Team: Betty Dokken (bettydokken8@gmail.com) or Nancy Gulbranson (nancy.gulbranson01@gmail.com).
Position open until filled.
Wednesday Bible School Leader
We are looking to hire someone to lead the 3rd-6th grade children in Wednesday Bible School. They meet Wednesdays throughout the school year from 3:30 pm-5:00 pm. The first time is Wednesday, September 27. Pay is $20/hour. Wednesday Bible School consists of a Bible lesson, playing games, serving a snack, building community together, and sharing faith with the children. Time in preparation and class is approximately 4-5 hrs per week. This would be a temporary position until a Director of Youth Children and Family ministry is hired.
WELCA quilts for sale
These quilts are available for purchase. They are on display in the Fellowship Hall. If you’d like to purchase one, checks can be made out to WELCA and taken to the office. Thank you for supporting WELCA and their projects and causes.
Done in ‘30s fabrics, this beautiful quilt measures 90” x 100” and fits either a queen or king size bed. Machine quilted by Yvonne Krogstad. $400.
This quilt has the state birds hand-embroidered and hand-quilted by Bernice Glasrud. The quilt measures 67” x 90” and will fit a double bed nicely or will also go on a queen size bed and will have a 3.5” drop on the sides. This is a treasure! $400.
This windmill patterned quilt was completed by Jean Ann Tweeten. It is done in pretty spring colors and hand-tied by WELCA members. It is 60” x 80” and will fit a twin size bed. $75.
Civic Life and Faith
The ELCA is developing a social statement on Civic Life and Faith, the relationship of church and state and related matters, as called for by the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.
Social statements are the ELCA’s primary documents to address significant social issues. They are intended to aid reflection and shape conscience and to set forth the ELCA’s teaching and policy on the major social issues and questions of contemporary life.
An ELCA task force provides primary leadership for the statement’s development over a five-year period, using an established process of study and widespread participation in theological and moral deliberation.
The task force is now offering a six session study curriculum for use throughout our church. It provides a guide into the issues and invites participant feedback for the task force.
Learn more and find many resources and information here, www.elca.org/civicsandfaithstudy. The study response period is open through Oct. 15.
North Prairie Lutheran Church is offering six sessions for faith communities in the Root River Conference (Trinity’s conference). They begin on Saturday, August 19 from 9-10 a.m. Future Saturday dates will be discussed at this first meeting. To reserve a seat, contact Pastor Sarah Walker Brown, sarahjwalkerbrown@gmail.com.
More information can also be found here:
www.elca.org/Faith/Faith-and-Society/Current-Social-Writing-Projects/Civic-Life-and-Faith
Steeple Repair
After 130 years, the shingles on the steeple have become damaged, and some have fallen off during high winds. The current shingles are heavy, and they also contain asbestos.In order to improve the look of the steeple as well as for safety reasons, the Property Team has determined it is time to reshingle. Earlier in the year the Congregation Council voted to contract with Krause Konstruction, experts in church steeple repair, to do the work. The congregation agreed, voting unanimously to proceed (see below for the motions from the Special Congregation meeting).
We expect the work to begin sometime in late September. The work to repair the steeple includes removing the old shingles, replacing them with new Davinci Single Width Synthetic Slate. It also includes fabricating and installing new copper roof edging, valleys and flashings, ornaments and the cross. The bulk of the project will be paid for with funds from the sale of the second parsonage in 2018, from refunds issued to Trinity from the Employee Retention Credit program, and from donations from the Roger Tollefsrud estate, WELCA, and other donations, for a total of $80,580.
The congregation also voted to replace the 12 copper ornaments on top of the gables. This will cost an additional $12-13,000. We are currently fundraising for that part of the project. If you are interested in “adopting” all or part of a copper ornament (approximately $1,000 each), please contact the office.
On June 11, a Special Congregational meeting was held to discuss repair work to the steeple.
A motion was made and passed unanimously to hire Krause Konstruction Company of Coon Valley, WI, to replace the steeple roof at the cost of $80,580 with the following specifications:
- Remove all roofing materials from the entire steeple.
- Replace any missing or rotten wood.
- Install High Temp Ice and WaterShield to all roof surfaces.
- Fabricate and install new copper roof edging, valleys, and flashings.
- All flashings will be fabricated from 16 oz. copper.
- Copper joints will be riveted and soldered.
- Fabricate and install copper ridges, ornament, and cross.
- Install DaVinci Single Width (12’’) Synthetic Slate.
- Fabricate and install 4 corner copper cupolas.
- Fabricate and install new white fascia on steeple.
The following points were raised during discussion of the motion:
-The steeple can be lighted for an estimated $4,000 to $6,000.
-The new slate will be covered by the church’s insurance.
-The steeple roof cannot be installed until September.
-The bid includes disposal of all old roofing materials.
-$15,000 is available and set aside for this project.
-$30,000 is available from the sale of the second parsonage.
-$35,000 is available from government Employee retention Funds
A second motion was made and passed unanimously to replace the 12 copper ornaments, an estimated cost of $14,000 to $15,000.
Time & Talent Survey
Everyone has talents….baking, teaching, singing, reading, assisting, smiling, helping, and the list goes on and on! What talent would you like to share at Trinity? Fill out the following survey and let us know! We’d love to have you share your talents!
Click here for a paper version to print out.
Click here for an online survey.
Scan this QR code to go to an online survey.
Stained Glass Window project
Our windows before the restoration.
January 10-11 — The windows are carefully and gently removed and transported to La Crosse.
January 26 — The restoration process has begun! The round window frame has been fixed and all the stained glass has been taken out. A new table had to be built to accommodate the big panels and currently they are taking one apart and cleaning every piece, one-by-one.
February 3 — Work was done on the frames today. When the restoration is complete, the existing "bars" will be removed so that nothing obstructs the view of our beautiful windows..
March 10 — progress continues. Everything is looking good for the Easter deadline!
March 29 — the reinstallation has begun!
April 5 — getting closer to being complete!
May 17 — work on the outside frames
June 7 — storm windows nearly complete including painted trim
Annual Meeting & Annual Report
Trinity’s Annual Meeting
Sunday, February 5
Stewardship Brunch served at 10:30 a.m.
Annual Meeting follows brunch
The Trinity Center has served Trinity Lutheran Church for more than 50 years. From Sunday School to Confirmation to Release Time to the Beary Patch Preschool, this building has served the congregation well.
In the past year, however, many things have changed regarding our use of this building. The school now offers a 4K program that has been well received and is very successful. We give thanks to Bethany Bergsgaard and the Beary Patch Board of Directors for seeing the preschool through this transition.
During the past year, a youth room was created at the church, which also has been very well received by our youth of all ages. In addition, the Wednesday afternoon Bible School program is now at church. It’s great to see and hear our youth enjoying this space!
Our Release Time program is now at Giants of the Earth Heritage Center. We give thanks for the generous use of this space.
Finally, the boiler at Trinity Center failed late last winter. To repair the existing boiler will cost thousands of dollars. A new boiler will cost more than $25,000.
At the 2019 Trinity Annual Meeting, a motion was made to sell the Trinity Center and the associated storage facility. The motion was tabled. The Congregation Council voted unanimously at the December 2022 meeting to offer the Trinity Center and storage facility properties to the school for $30,000 with the caveat that future Release Time program activities would again be held on the property.
The motion to sell Trinity Center will be un-tabled at the 2022 annual meeting to be held on February 5, 2023.
During the next month, please consider what is the best use of our stewardship resources, what is the best for the school and the community, and what is best for our youth. Please, thoughtfully and prayerfully consider this opportunity.
If you have questions about Trinity Center, please talk to Congregation Council President, Saundra Solum, or Pastor Elizabeth.
Annual Report for 2022
To download the report, click here.
Paper copies are also available in the office and sanctuary.
The Annual Meeting can also be attended via Zoom.
Below are instructions for attending that way.
To join the meeting via Zoom:
You can CALL in to the meeting or join via the ZOOM APP. (It is a free app, download it in your device’s app store or visit www.zoom.us/download.)
To call:
- call (312) 626-6799.
- when prompted, enter meeting ID: 854 3677 8921
Via Zoom app:
- type in this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85436778921
- you will be let into the meeting, please be patient as many may be trying to join at the same time.
To vote:
- on your device you will need to have your video turned on, then you will raise your hand to vote yes or keep your hand down to vote no.
- if you called into the meeting via phone, you will need to say yes or no followed by your name, you will be asked for your answer so that people are not talking over each other.
Thrivent Choice Dollars
Thrivent Choice is a charitable grant program that gives eligible Thrivent clients with membership the opportunity to influence where Thrivent distributes some of its charitable funds each year. Clients are invited to direct Choice Dollars® among thousands of enrolled nonprofit organizations, including churches, camps, schools, seminaries, campus ministries and more. More than $490 million in Choice Dollars grant funds were distributed to churches and other nonprofit organizations since the program was introduced in 2010. More than 40,000 churches and organizations are enrolled in Thrivent Choice.
Trinity is one of the eligible organizations to which Choice Dollars® can be designated. Not sure how to do that? Contact your Thrivent representative or the Trinity office and we can help.
The deadline to designate your Choice Dollars® is March 31.
Cookbooks
Did you know that the 2007 Homecoming Edition of our cookbook is still available to purchase?!
Have you worn yours out or want to give a copy as a gift?
The cookbooks are $15 and available to pick up in the office.
We are called to bear one another's burdens
Suicide is a leading cause of death in the U.S., and suicide rates have increased in almost every state since 1999 (some by more than 30%), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Suicide occurs among all demographics and all religious groups. And behind the statistics are individuals–people who live in our families, communities and congregations and whose stories and relationships are unique and important.
Mindful of the lives affected, the ELCA adopted “Suicide Prevention,” a message that calls on members, congregations and leaders to learn more about suicide prevention and what they can do to help. The message calls us to this work as people of faith saying, “We who lean on God’s love to live are called to ‘bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ’ (Gal. 6:2). Our efforts to prevent suicide grow out of our obligation to protect and promote life, our hope in God amid suffering and adversity, and our love for our troubled neighbor.”
At the 2016 Churchwide Assembly, a social policy resolution advocating for suicide prevention research was adopted. Below is a list of resources members, congregations and faith leaders can use to learn more about suicide and how to prevent it.
Lutheran Suicide Prevention Ministry (suicidepreventionmninistry.org): With an inclusive and interfaith mission, the Lutheran Suicide Prevention Ministry’s goal is zero suicides for all people, regardless of beliefs. The website includes resources for congregations, clergy and leaders, including lists of trusted faith-based mental health organizations.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (suicidepreventionlifeline.org): The Lifeline provides free, 24/7, confidential support for people in distress and advice for professionals. (800-273-8255)
National Alliance on Mental Illness (www.nami.org): The nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization provides information on warning signs and risk factors for suicide and resources for helping people with mental illnesses.
ELCA video message on suicide prevention (youtube.com/watch?v=JSjnigqS7sI): Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton shares a message of hope, saying, “Suicide can be prevented. We are never beyond God’s mercy and compassion.”
National Suicide Prevention Organizations
American Association of Suicidology (AAS)
Phone 202-237-2280
Website www.suicidology.org
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
Phone 888-333-2377
Website www.afsp.org
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
Phone 800-826-3632
Website www.dbsalliance.org
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Phone 301-443-4513
Website www.nimh.nih.gov
Additional Resources for Dealing With Grief
“Transforming Traumatic Grief: Six Steps to Move from Grief to Peace After the Sudden or Violent Death of a Loved One” by Courtney Armstrong (Artemecia Press, 2011).
“Healing Trauma: A Pioneering Program for Restoring the Wisdom of Your Body” by Peter A. Levine (Sounds True, 2008).
“The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma” by Bessel van der Kolk (Viking, 2014).
Maple Syrup Project Help Needed
Everywhere a person goes these days they see a sign that says “Help Wanted” or “Now Hiring”. We aren’t looking to hire anyone to help with the Maple Syrup Project, but we are looking for volunteers! It is great because you don’t have to list it on your taxes. We are planning a wood cutting bee September 30 beginning at 9:00 a.m. for anyone who can make it. We will be completely out of wood after next season if we don’t get any put up. If you want to bring a chainsaw, great. If you want to split wood, great! If you want to stack wood, great! Lunch will be provided. Hope you can make it. Questions? Give me a call, 498-5823. ~Pastor Lane
Little Free Pantry
Did you know that Trinity has a Little Free Pantry?
It has just been moved to a new location — the southwest entrance (the entrance farthest from the parking lot) off of Main Street. Look for a sign on the door.
ALL are welcome to use the pantry as needed. Know someone that could use a little help with food or toiletries? Please direct them to our Little Free Pantry. It is open 24-7. There are also new socks and hats
Take what you need, give when you can.
