Pathways

A publication of Trinity Presbyterian Church

2125 Tower Drive Woodbury, MN 55125

www.trinitywoodbury.org
December 2011

(651) 738-0045

December Schedule
18th 10am worship with Christmas Cantata (see below) and Pageant 4:00 carpools from church for Trinitys annual caroling! 6:00 & mac & cheese pot luck for singers and non-singers alike! Sign up poster in Welcome Room 24th 5pm Family Service 10pm Candlelight Communion 25th 10am worship to celebrate the birth of our Lord!

Trinity Alive teacher Joan Nichols creates an interactive approach for 2-4th graders to learn about Jesus' Three Dinner Party Parables from Luke 12: 1- 24: Where to Sit, Who to Invite, and the Joy of the Host.

The Greening of Pathways

This issue marks the last time Pathways will be sent entirely via US Mail. Were encouraging everyone to switch to electronic delivery to save resources, receive earlier and enjoy clarity and color. If you receive mass emails, youll automatically receive Pathways electronically. For those of you not on the email list, simply contact 651-7380045 if you wish to continue receiving. Hard copies will always be available on the table in the Welcome Room. Its our intent that our excellent newsletter continues to be enjoyed and read by everyone and given the attention it deserves. Thank you for your support!

Enjoy the Magic of the Season Through Music and Pageant

Experience the Christmas story anew with the Trinity Choir and youth as they present How Great Our Joy on Sunday, Dec 18 during the worship service, This choral celebration by Lloyd Larson and Douglas Wagner brings a fresh look to the traditional story as it explores the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the groups of people who first learned of Jesus' birth, the shepherds and the Magi. Worshipers near and far and those down through he ages celebrate the fulfillment of God's promise through How Great Our Joy! "The Word became flesh and lived among us." (John 1:14)

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The Words of Isaiah: Light Will Prevail and Illuminate Everything

From the Pastor
The people who walk in darkness they said, But that doesnt look have seen a great light. Those who like her, Picasso responded, It lived in the land of deep darkwill one day. And it happened. nesson them light has shined. The artist had a vision of what she Isaiah 9:2 would look and be like one day and The Old Testament Book of framed the vision in his painting. Isaiah is full of wonderful propheIsaiah framed his vision, sies and magnificent visions that too. A seem impossible or far-fetched. glorious However, these visions will be fullight will filled because they are promises overcome from God. Though we live in darkthe darkness we can take hope because a ness. The lightJesusis shining! The dark- people ness will never overcome the light. will reThe light will prevail and illuminate joice. The everything. world will live in peace, harmony In Paris in the 1920s, Pablo and love. It is tempting to say to Picasso was asked to paint a porIsaiah, But the world doesnt look trait of the young poet, Gertrude like your vision. And yet God is Stein. After saying to us, It will one day! months of Christmas is an invitation to work, Picasso dream big and believe that revealed the Gods great promises will come painting. Peotrue. May we receive the light ple were of God and shine. shocked. The portrait someFor a child has been born for what resemus, a son given to us; authority bled Miss rests upon his shoulders; and Stein, but he is named Wonderful Counshowed her as Gertrude Stein by Pablo selor, Mighty God, Everlasting Picasso older, wise Father, Prince of Peace. and strong, not the young, uncerIsaiah. 9:6 tain woman that they knew. When

STAFF Gary Hanson Home: 651.501.1820 Cell: 651.373.1821

gary@trinitywoodbury.org

Pastor Care Coordinator/ Administrator Dee Lindblom M-F 8:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Cell: 651.353.6724
dee@trinitywoodbury.org

Director of Christian Education Joe Pendal joewriteslot@gmail.com 651.436.3435 Church Musician Joyce Piper Choir Director Neal Strand Child Care Attendants Tori Ruckle Cate Lewis Custodians Jeff Lindblom Karen Patraw

church website:
www.trinitywoodbury.org

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Christian Ed Update: If You Liked Our Fall, Youll Love Our Winter-Spring
Learning Opportunities Abound; Fellowship & Faith Deepen
A first snow. A tradition1. On Friday evening rich family holiday. November January 27, Trinity will play host turning to December in the blink to theologian and lecturer, Richof an eye. Truly, I never cease to ard L. Rohrbaugh. Professor be amazed at how time speeds Rohrbaugh will be presenting a along. As the old rockers sang: discussion about Messiah Talk, Time keeps on slippin, slippin as found in the gospel of Mark into the future. chapter 8 what did Jesus Our winters are known for know and when did he know it, their reliable snowfalls and nippy did he know he was the Mestemps, and of course there are siah? Please plan on joining us plenty of hip checks and hat tricks for this very interesting discusto go along with ice fishing and sion and reception. More inforcross country skiing. And lets not mation will come available as the forget the comfort and peace of date draws nearer. curling up in front of the fire with a good book (maybe even The Good Book) and hot chocolate. But this time of year (especially as the crush of the holidays fade into memory and springtime begins to seem far off in the distance), is also a time for taking advanTrinity Alive! Cooks Amy McKenna and Sara tage of the many mean- Finn display enthusiasm (and some Hallowingful Christian Educa- een candy!) after the October dinner. Dinner tion opportunities avail- was served to approximately 40-45 each able at Trinity for peo- Wednesday during the fall session. ple of all ages. Three things in particular are worth your consideration and 2. All-Ages Class on the participation: Lords Supper will be held during the 9:00-hour on Sunday, January 8. This class is open to adults and children; parents with elementaryaged children are encouraged to attend and bring their kids with them. Questions such as: what does communion mean to us? What do the bread and juice represent? Who can take communion? What age is appropriate to start?, will all be explored. (PLEASE NOTE: our regular Sunday School schedule resumes January 15.) 3. TrinityALIVE! resumes on Wednesday, January 11 sign up for the new ten-week session either email or call me. Forms will be on the table near the Welcome Room, and you can even sign-up on the 11th. PreK-6th grade classes begin at 5:10, as does Confirmation Class for 7th & 8th graders. Dinner is at 5:45 and Adult Classes, Youth Bible Study and Kid RecTime begin at 6:30. Please keep your eyes open in the Sunday Bulletin and on the CE Bulletin Board for more information about these and the many other programs we will be offering. Joe Pendal

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The Advent Virus

from Dee Lindblom
ences. An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.

This is the time of year when we are reminded to wash our hands and cover our sneezes to avoid spreading a flu-bug or virus. I contend, however, that there is one virus to which we should all be exposed and should make every effort to pass along to everyone we meet. It is the Advent Virus. I wish I could take credit for having written the following poem, but it has been circulated for ten years or so, seemingly by an anonymous author. Be on the alert for symptoms of inner HOPE, PEACE, JOY AND LOVE. The hearts of a great many have already been exposed to this virus and it is possible that people everywhere could come down with it in epidemic proportions. This could pose a serious threat to what has, up to now, been a fairly stable condition of conflict in the world. Some signs and symptoms of The Advent Virus: A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experi-

A loss of interest in judging other people. A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others. A loss of interest in conflict. A loss of the ability to worry. (This is a very serious symptom.) Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation. Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature. Frequent attacks of smiling. An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen. An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.

Please send this warning out to everyone. This virus can and has affected many systems. Advent is the season when we reflect on the difference between the world as it is, and the world as God intended it to be. It is the liturgical time of year in which we prepare to receive the Prince of peace, and learn a new way to live and love. If we were all to be afflicted with the Advent Virus and make a concerted effort to practice virtues of kindness, patience and nonjudgmentalism, we just might help achieve peace on earth. May the joy, peace and love of the season be with you . . . and may the Advent Virus remain in you forever. Blessings, Dee Lindblom

FAITH-BASED HEALTH & WELLNESS NETWORK: www.fbhw-mn.org

Special Gifts For Special Needs

Christmas Joy Offering Assists Presbyterian Clergy and their families from Bob Anderson, Mission in Action
As a full-time pastor at Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church in Livonia, Michigan, Kellie Whitlock had her hands full. A loving husband, two children and the joy she found in serving the church kept her strong and fulfilled. When Kellie and Marc's third child, Macaylah, was born, suddenly everything changed. Born deaf with Down Syndrome, a neonatal form of leukemia, and in need of open-heart surgery, Macaylah there for one another.

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Macaylah, now cancer-free, still faces many challenges. Through our Christmas Joy Offering, the Whitlock family is facing those challenges with renewed financial AND spiritual strength. For this deserving family - and many others- your gifts count. Funds distributed by the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions support income supplements, shared grants, emergency assistance grants and housing supplements for faithful servants in the Presbyterian Church. The other half of this offering supports Presbyterianrelated racial ethnic schools and colleges in Concord, NC, Tempe, AZ, Knoxville, TN, Albuquerque, NM, Kingsville, TX and Tuscaloosa, AL. NOTE: At the 9:00 am Education Hour On Sunday, Dec 18, a special speaker, Jim Matthews from the PC (USA) office, will discuss our Christmas Joy Offering. Everyone will have an opportunity to contribute a donation during the service.

When you consider your gift to the Christmas Joy has required chemotherapy treatOffering, remember that ments, long hospital stays, and exone-time or short-term pensive assistance through the care at home. Assistance Program will The Whitlocks' financial burden both lessen the financial has been crushing. Even with health pressures of the recipient insurance, tens of thousands of doland reinforce our comlar in expenses added up quickly. So mitment throughout the when Kellie heard about the Assischurch that we are there for one another. tance Program, she did what too
many of our church leaders find hard to do - she asked for help. When you consider your gift to the Christmas Joy Offering, remember that one-time or short-term assistance through the Assistance Program will both lessen the financial pressures of the recipient and reinforce our commitment throughout the church that we are

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Trinity Contacts Buildings & Grounds Mike Schenck 739-3727 Christian Education Sara Finn 714-9510 Robyn Gizzi 731-9844 Clerk of Session Bruce Williams 731-8233 Marketing/ Communications Don Breckle 739-5429 Mission& Action Bob Anderson 578-9367 Moderator of Deacons Brad Wright 501-1037 Newsletter Beth R. Hanson 501-1820 brhanson@comcast.net Nominating Gretchen White 337-0159 Nursery Coordinator Katy Gavin 304-0515 Pastoral Care/Prayer Chain Dee Lindblom 738-0045 dee@trinitywoodbury.org Personnel Bruce Williams 731-8233 Special Events Barb Freeman 731-1220 Stewardship& Finance Brian Fisher 578-9827 Worship Debi Espe 730-6805

Trinitys 2012 Stewardship & Finance Campaign

Were On Our Way to 100%!
From Brian Fisher As you know, your Stewardship & Finance Committees goals for this year are 100% of pledges returned (both Operating & Mortgage pledge cards) and 12% increase in income. So how are we doing so far, you ask? Wellas of November 15, a total of 71 pledges had been returned, which is almost twice the number of pledges returned at this same time last year! We are off to a good start. For those of you who have already pledged thank you. If you havent turned-in your pledge cards, please do so as soon as possible so that we can begin our budgeting process with the most accurate information possible. Thank you! Trinity Stewardship & Finance Committee Bob Anderson, Dan Freeman, Stephanie Hoekstra, Dan Jamison, Terry Lewis, John Upson, Brian Fisher, Chair

Trinity Presbyterian Program Financial Summary

Month Actual Total Program Donations Total Program Expenditures Donations Less Expenses Building Fund Donations Building Mortgage Payment Mortgage Balance $31,818.05 $22,998.79 $8,819.26 YTD Actual $205,254.55 $203,287.12 $1,967.43

Oct 11
Yr. Budget $263,140.24 $262,079.75 $1,060.49

$6,640.14 $6,691.00 $716,387.54

$62,066.13 $66,910.00

Lets Watch the Mitten Tree Begin to Sprout with Your Warm Contributions from Mary Elrod
The weather is turning colder and the season of sharing is upon us which means its time to invite Trinity members to contribute mittens, gloves, hats and scarves for the children of John A. Johnson Achievement Plus Community School, a St. Paul School whose principal is Trinity member Melissa Lehmann. Our Mitten Tree will be located in the Welcome Room beginning Nov. 27 and continuing through December. Please consider decorating the tree with winter items for Johnson students in pre-school through 6th grade.

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With 98 percent of the students qualifying for free and reduced price lunch and many with family incomes below $10,000 per year, the need for assistance is very real and greatly appreciated. This school is working very hard to improve the education and future prospects for these children. With this years addition of an extra hour of academic time and a program to encourage cooperation between home and school, Melissa and her staff are doing their part. In addition, many community groups use the school facility to provide everything from tutoring to food, clothing and shelter to health In these challenging economic times, services. Its an opportuthe needs of the JAJ community are nity for our church to conmore visible than ever before, says tribute through our Mitten John A. Johnson principal and Trinity Tree. member, Melissa Lehmann.

December Birthdays
3 5 7 9 13 15 16 17 20 Carol Paleen Tove Griffiths Rich Williams Sue Bergeron Nick Behler Ryan Griffin Bob Paleen Bryant Hafemeyer Jack Dahlquist Angeline Ekinde 21 23 25 28 29 30 31 Josh Upson Suzanne White Jesse Carpentier Gavin Pendal Stephanie Bensen Jennifer Ellis Stephanie Sharp Lars Espe Jean Morris

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December at Trinity
Mon Tue Wed Thu
1 Elder Friends 10 am-1:30 pm 2

Sun

Fri

Sat

3 Mens Youth Lock-in Breakfast 8 5 pm am

4 Education 9 5 am Worship w/Communion 10 am Youth Class 11 12 Education 9am Worship 10am Youth Class 11am 18Education 9 19 am & Worship 10 am 11am Youth Caroling 4 pm Potluck 6 pm

Choir 7:30 13 14 Confirmation TLC 11:30 am Class 6:308 pm

8 Elder Friends 10 am-1:30 pm Meetings: B & G 6:30 pm Worship 6:30 pm

9 Game Night For ALL ages 7 pm

10

15 16 Elder Friends 10 am-1:30 pm Lunch Bunch January news- 11:30am letter deadline Choir7:30pm Session 6:30 pm 21 22 23

17 Mens Breakfast 8 am Pageant Rehearsal10 am 24 Christmas Eve Family Service 5 pm Candlelight/Commun ion Service 10

20

25 26 27 Christmas! Worship 10am Office Closed Family Place 3-6 p

28

29

30

31
Have a safe and happy New Year

Parish Personals

Recently hospitalized: Harry Krueger Our sympathies to Kris Crouse and family on the passing of Kris mother, Kathie Doran, on November 18. Steve, Meggin, Connor, Chandler, Kayla, Cooper and Cole Sawyer moved so quickly in September many did not get to wish them good bye. Their new address is: PO Box 920, Madison, AL, 35758

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

Tis the Season To Be Jolly Or Is It?
by Joe Pendal
Lets take care of one thing right off the bat: the Christmas Season is far more important to our faith lives than the commercialism and the bustling allow us to recognize. Advent is upon us but how often do those candles in the front of the Sanctuary seem as much a countdown of weeks left to shop as for the countdown to the birth of Jesus? Same thing with Advent Calendars, which I love and which I always had growing up; whether with a piece of chocolate or with a picture of some element or player in the Nativity scene, my guess is I wasnt the only one aware that the last day of the Calendar happened to be Christmas Eve! From the perspective of Mental Health & Wellness, the

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be mindful of those around us who period between Thanksgiving and are often dismissed as: Scrooges or New Years can be a long, ardunot into Christmas or lacking the ous, uphill slog for many people holiday spirit. In this season of giving, around us. The general busyness this season of a Joy universal, need to and automatic seasons greetings remember that the make it even harder best present is presto recognize someone ence. Take notice. who is hurting. Not Reach out. Ask. hurting in the sense of Support. Encourage. solving their problem But do each with feet by serving Thanksgivfirmly planted, shouling Dinner at a soup der abreast, not in kitchen, or adding to passing but in staying. the collection of Toys And if you are finding Its hard to feel for Tots; I mean the inthe season a challenge, it and reach out, but talk to someone dont visible hurting malduring this season struggle alone. aise, discomfort, old when we celebrate wounds, depression the greatest example of Gods great that the holidays can mean for so love know that you are not alone, many. that you matter, and that you are not We dont do anyone any burdening anyone by seeking supfavors by stifling our joy and our port. celebration of the season and of Christs birth; however, we should

In a collection of essays titled, Unholy Ghost: Writers on Depression, editor Nell Casey borrows a poem from Jane Kenyon. Rarely have I read anything that so accurately depicts my experience with depression heres the middle stanza this could be someone in May or June just as easily in November and December does it resonate? Coarse, mean, youll put your feet on the coffee table, lean back, and turn me into someone who cant take the trouble to speak; someone who cant sleep, or who does nothing but sleep; cant read, or call for an appointment for help.

Tuesday Lunch Club

On the second Tuesday of each month, Trinitys retired adults gather for lunch and

camaraderie in the Fellowship Hall. Birthdays for the month are also celebrated. In November, the guests enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast.

Host Tom Rooney presented Don Carlson with his birthday balloon. (Please note: Don was also observing Halloween.)

Above, Renate Esquivel, Delores Espe and Barb Outcelt are more refined than the men as they pass through the buffet.

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