November 2009 Pathways

Pathways N ov e m b e r 2 0 0 9 TR IN I TY PRE S BY TER IA N C HURC H

NOVEMBER 8: STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY Extravagant Generosity describes practices of sharing and giving that exceed all expectations and extend to unexpected measures. It describes lavish sharing, sacrifice, and giving in service to God and Pastor Gary Hanson neighbor. Every scriptural example of giving is extravagant, and Home: (651) 501-1820 churches that practice Extravagant Generosity teach, preach, and Cell: (651) 373-1821 [email protected] practice the tithe. The focus is on the Christian's need to give because of giving nature of God whom we worship. TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN STAFF

Administrator/Pastoral Care Coordinator Dee Lindblom Mon-Fri 8:30am-2:00pm [email protected] Cell:(651) 353-6724

For Trinity Presbyterian Church, November 8 is Commitment Sunday when we ask that you return a card with your best estimate of your giving for 2010. I want to remind you that the payments for our mortgage (for the most recent addition to our building) are not part of our operating budget. For this, we ask for separate pledges of support for our capital needs.

Christian Education Director Joe Pendal [email protected] (651) 436-3435

Last year we conducted a campaign asking for 3 year pledges to this need. Our mortgage over 3 years is approximately $252,000. Last year, our campaign received pledges of only $208,000. If you did not pledge last year to this need, we hope you will prayerfully consider pledging for the remaining 2 years of this campaign, in addition to supporting the annual operating needs of Trinity. If you did pledge toward this 3-year campaign last year, please consider raising that pledge.

Church Musician Joyce Piper (651) 458-0341 Choir Director Neal Strand (651) 501-8225 Child Care Attendants Amanda Ulrich Kristina Deneen Custodians Jeff Lindblom Karen Patraw 2125 Tower Drive Woodbury MN 55125 Phone & Fax: (651) 738-0045

John Upson, Stewardship and Finance Chair ―The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.‖ 2 Cor. 9:6-7

TIME TO FALL BACK: DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS NOVEMBER 1 Be sure to set your clocks and watches one hour back on Saturday, October 31 before you go to bed. Enjoy your extra hour of sleep, and make it to church on time!

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MUSINGS AND AMUSINGS FROM THE PASTOR… As I write, I am finishing a full but wonderful time in Madison! The week began with officiating the wedding of Garry and Debi Espe's son, Alex, of our congregation, and Elizabeth Stewart of Milwaukee. Beth and I enjoyed the rehearsal dinner on Friday, the wedding and reception on Saturday, and the warm hospitality of our hosts and new acquaintances we made. I was also able to visit our son Craig, in his last semester of his senior year at the University of Wisconsin. I saw his apartment and even attended one of his classes! We walked around campus, shopped for groceries and went out for dinner. I enjoyed the ―male bonding‖ time and the opportunity to relive some of my own college experience. My primary reason for staying the extra 5 days, however, was to take part in a study opportunity through the University of Wisconsin Extension, a continuing education studies program. My sabbatical earlier this spring/summer exhausted my study leave for the year so I took this time as a vacation week. My first of three classes addressed ADHD in Adults, Separating Myth from Reality. Among other things I learned that ADHD in adults is quiet and often undiagnosed, yet the consequences can be very serious, sometimes even deadly. Treatment, however, is very effective and safe. My second class, taught by the same renowned university professor and practicing clinician, was on the topic of schizophrenia in teens and young adults. Defined as the presence of hallucinations and delusions characterized by loss of function, schizophrenia has always puzzled me. I’m glad to now be more aware of its ramifications. The third class was entitled, ―Visioning and Planning: Holy Conversations about Your Congregation's Future.‖ I know some of this content will be useful as our congregation continues the process of long range planning. I have learned that good strategic planning asks essential formation questions such as ―Who are we?‖ ―What are we called to do?‖ and ―Who is our neighbor?‖ Additionally, we need to ask ourselves, who are the ―clients‖ of our congregation; the people already here, those not yet here (but will be someday) or, the mission field in which we are located? You may wish to ask and wrestle with these questions yourself as we journey through the fast changing cultural context that all congregations are facing today. Your pastor, Gary

Friday Bible Study Preparing for Advent by Examining Hanukkah 11/20, 12/4, 11 & 18 Hanukkah’s theme is of a miracle and during Hanukkah Jesus spoke of His miracles: ―If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.‖ (John 10:37-38) Jesus wanted the people of his day to see His miracles and believe in Him as a result. His miracles point to his divine and messianic identity and in this way Jesus personifies the message of Hanukkah. Please join us for four weeks beginning November 20 from 10 – 11:30 at Trinity. Discussions will be facilitated by Debbie Bloom, Ruth Bloom’s daughter, who attends Kehilat Sar Shalom, a Messianic Christian congregation in St. Paul. There will be no session on 11/27. On 12/18, we’ll meet at the home of Beth Hanson, 8201 Somerset Road , Woodbury, for a discussion and Christmas brunch. Questions about the study group call Beth (651) 501-1820.

NOVEMBER 2009

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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION All You Want to Know About CE in 1,000 Words November? Seriously? And before we know it: Advent and Christmas and a brand new year! Since I began serving as director of Christian Education in September life has moved at a break-neck pace and only the family’s bout with the flu has provided an opportunity to catch my breath. Still, the work goes as we look to provide more and interesting, deep and meaningful educational opportunities. What Have We Been Doing & What’s Happening Now?

tention on his life, theology and controversies (some of which still effect the views others have of Presbyterianism. Looking Further Ahead Since the December newsletter will arrive after we have begun, here’s a peek at CE’s plans for Advent and Christmas: beginning with the Dec. 6 (the second Sunday of Advent) three consecutive Children’s messages will present the stories of various participants in the Nativity. First, Mary and Joseph, then the Angels, followed by the shepherds. Children will be invited to volunteer to be costumed while a narrator reads their story. We will review these three vignettes and present the final installment that is the story of the Three Kings during the 5:00 Children’s Service on Christmas Eve. This project, which was proposed by Debi Espe (thank you, Debi!) will serve as this year’s Christmas pageant. So, on Christmas Eve all interested children will be invited to be costumed whether as a sheep, a camel, a shepherd, or any of the above.

Starting in September a once-a-week Story Time Trinity kicked-off and after a few weeks of intermittent attendance, we are moving that program from Tuesdays to Fridays (10:0010:30 a.m.). For preschoolers this story time includes a Bible story, a children’s story, and an activity. Join us, bring a neighbor or a friend. Additionally, our Saturday series, Reading the Bible Together, for families of Pre-K to 6th graders continues, but rather than attempting to meet every week, we will meet In addition, the Children’s Service will include on the following dates (Nov. 14 and 21; carol singing as well as other traditional ele10:00-10:45). We will take December off and ments we have come to expect from this serresume in January. vice. Recently we concluded a four-week class that About the Youth explored some basic tenets of Presbyterian/ th Reformed theology by examining specific read- In December First Sunday is the 6 from 11:00-2:00. We will enjoy our typical Bible ings from Scripture. And by the time you receive this, we will have embarked on our ten- Study and discussion time, as well as team building games, a service project, lunch, and a session study of Acts of the Apostles. If bounty of laughs. you haven’t joined in, but are interested you can still do so. Our only text is Acts itself. We As if First Sunday is not enough, we hold our are meeting in person as a group five times first Lock-in of the year on December 11 & (Mondays, 10:00-11:00 a.m. or 7:00-8:00 12. Come prepared as usual with a favorite p.m.); the other five sessions are being consnack to share, sleeping bag/blankie and pilducted online. This class wraps up on Decem- low, appropriate sleepwear, appropriate outber 21 (that’s more like nine weeks than ten, door wear (just in case we dream up some outbut we will double up one week to finish before door activity). Registration will begin at 6:00 Christmas). pm (please eat dinner before you arrive) and November 7 from 10:00-1:00 is a class on John Calvin. This year is the 500th Anniversary of Calvin’s birth … to commemorate the font of Reformed theology we will focus our at-

we will open the doors for departure at 10:00 am following clean-up.

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FROM THE INTERN... This month I found myself facing a giant. Was I was to rejoice in what God has done in my my giant a huge, hairy Philistine like David life, to rejoice in how God was working in the faced? No, he was a 5 foot 5 professor of Heworld. To find that joy, I praise God for the brew at Bethel Seminary. Yet, just the mere promises’ that have been given me. The promthought of him would have me terrified and ises that God is in control, that God will never shaking- just as Saul and his army did at the leave me, and that God is restoring me into a voice of Goliath. How could this slight man new person. cause so much fear? For me, it was the way he Then with this heart of thanksgiving, I prayed taught Hebrew – that God would give and how I felt unAlways be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again – me the energy I able to do what rejoice! Let everyone see that your are considerate needed to finish this was asked in class. in all you do. Remember the Lord is coming soon. class. I prayed that This Hebrew class Don’t worry about anything; instead, Pray about the Lord would open was my second to everything. Tell God what you need and thank my mind to absorb last language the information I him for all he has done. If you do this, you will course needed for needed to, and that experience God’s Peace, which is far more wonmy degree and or- derful then the human mind can understand. His The Creator would dination, yet I peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in soften my heart towanted to run as wards my professor, Christ Jesus. far away from this so I could have a Philippians 4:4-7 (NLT) challenge as I teachable spirit in could. There was class. Then I sat no way I could walk forwards and meet this gi- back to watch and see what God did. The class ant! I was losing sleep as I worried about this is still hard, but I don’t have to worry about it class. I would mope and complain to everyone anymore. And when I feel the panic rising – I about this challenge and how I was guaranteed again rejoice in who God is and I hand over my to fail! My time with God turned into rants as I worry again and again. would blame God for creating me in such a way As we all approach this busy season, I encourthat I had to struggle so hard with Hebrew. I age you to join me in handing over your worry was a perfect ―Eeyore.‖ to God. An easy way to do this is to start Then God reminded me about what my job was every day by praising God for three things. while I faced this Giant. I was not supposed to Watch and see how God can meet with us waste time grumbling and blaming everyone. when we stop worrying and start praying. That is what David did when he walked out and My job was to trust God. faced Goliath, and it is what we can do as we face our own giants.

TRINITY’S NEWEST MEMBERS On September 27, Trinity was blessed with several new members. They are very spiritual people and will be valued members of our congregation. Please be sure to meet them! (Photos of our new members can be found in the welcome room!) John and Miriam Griffiths - Miriam joins us by transfer from St. Philip’s Lutheran Church in Fridley. She is a self-employed violinist, violin/viola teacher, and a stay-at-home mom. John is a CPA-tax accountant who likes to run, do yardwork, and watch/play sports. John and Miriam have a very active 18 month old daughter, Tove. (Continued on page 5)

NOVEMBER 2009

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MISSION AND ACTION NEWS Alternative Christmas Market On the first three Sundays of Advent, beginning November 29, the Mission & Action Committee will provide alternative gifts for your purchase. You will be able to donate to support the work of local and international efforts such as Extra Innings, the Christian Cupboard, the Medical Benevolence Foundation and the Heifer Project. In exchange for your donations, we will provide you with cards to acknowledge your contribution to the recipients of your alternative gifts.

Extra Innings Tutors Still Needed – Young Students Waiting for Your Friendship Specific needs for tutors include: Tuesday evenings: 

5th grade girl, help with math



9th grade girl, help with all subjects

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9th grade girl, help with all subjects

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9th grade boy, help with all subjects

Thursday evenings:

Decorate the Tree and Fill the Crib



5th grade girl, help with math

This year we will again be decorating our Christmas tree with hats, gloves, mittens and scarves to be distributed to those in need. Please bring purchased or home made items. In addition, we will be filling a crib with bedding (pillows, blankets, sheets, pillow cases) and baby items (from diapers to baby food) for Project Home. There will be further announcements in the bulletin with more specific needs listed. We will collect these items through January 10 (Epiphany) in honor of our Lord, who was himself a young refugee and homeless.

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9th grade girl, help with all subjects

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9th grade boy, help with all subjects

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1st grade girl, help with English and other subjects

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1st grade girl, help with English and other subjects

Substitutes are available, parking is convenient, you will be oriented and other tutors will help you. Please contact: Susan Lundin, [email protected]

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Elizabeth Ha joins us by transfer from First Presbyterian Church in Twin Falls, Idaho. She is a student at the University of Minnesota and moved to Woodbury to live with her parents, Ewan and Joann, who are also members of Trinity. Elizabeth plays the flute, has already joined the choir, and enjoys cross-stitching. Bev Handy, who incidentally is Evie Ryden’s mother, joins us by reaffirmation. Bev resides at Stonecrest Senior Living, where she actively lives out her philosophy of life: ―Be alive and aware, participate, reach out to others.‖ Lee and Judy Houck join us by letter of transfer from Crossroads Church in Woodbury. Lee is a Plant Engineering Manager with 3M who enjoys golf, reading, theater, and watching Gopher Women’s Basketball. Judy is a full-time graduate student at Augsburg College. She enjoys many of the same activities as Lee, and also likes to travel. Mark and Kate Keiper join us by letter of transfer, Mark from Westminster Presbyterian Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Kate from Trinity Lutheran Church in Stillwater. They have an 8 month old son, Jack. Mark is employed at Marathon Oil Company, and enjoys photography. Kate is a human resources manager for Thomson Reuters-West, and likes to spend time at their lake place in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter. (Continued on page 10)

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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Committees Building & Grounds Mike Schenck 739-3727 Christian Education Kirk Breen 436-4212 Gretchen White 337-0159 Clerk of Session Marnelle Andersen 735-3287 Communications Susan Jamison 578-7100 Long Range Planning Darryl Willison 739-2674 Mental Health Group Dee Lindblom 738-0045 or 353-6724 [email protected] Mission & Action Joan Nichols 714-8314 Moderator of Deacons Garry Espe 730-6805 Newsletter Mark Allen 204-3188

[email protected]

Nominating Wilson Ekinde 501-3661 Nursery Coordinator Tina Hacker 714-9671 Pastoral Care Gary Hanson 738-0045 Personnel Steve Theiss 578-9348 Prayer Chain Dee Lindblom 738-0045 or 353-6724 [email protected] Shared Ministry Marnelle Andersen 735-3287 Special Events Barb Freeman 731-1220 Stewardship & Finance John Upson 730-9690 Worship Kara Klink 735-0866

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Junior Church Guidelines Approved by CE Committee If you have children participating in Junior Church, please take a few moments to review the guidelines posted outside the Junior Church room; you may also take a copy from the CE stand in the hallway leading to the CE wing. Bottomline: we are trying to offer a safe, fun, Christian-oriented activity for children still a bit young to remain happily in service. Children beyond kindergarten are encouraged to remain in the sanctuary with their parents. We are developing a short guide to help parents nurture their children’s participation in the worship service; this should be ready early in the New Year. Speaking of children in the sanctuary … Trinity revels in its children and whole-heartedly embraces every age and stage of life. While we hope to see more and more children participating in worship with their parents, Junior Church and our nursery (with its exceptional two -person staff) continue to be options for those not ready. Infants and toddlers are welcome in the nursery as needed. To further assist parents of our littlest ones enjoy our services, the sound system includes speakers in the narthex for times when someone needs to step out to comfort an unhappy camper. All-Church Retreat We are seeking a handful of individuals interested in serving on the planning committee for the February All-Church Retreat. This retreat at the Presbyterian camp, Clearwater Forest is for all ages, for all families, couples, singles; basically anyone breathing. Our retreat will be a time of extreme fun, hearty fellowship and meaningful faith activities. Help make it a reality by serving on this committee or attending February 19-21, 2010. Final Thoughts Our efforts to create a Christian Education program that reaches and teaches people of all ages are taking shape. What we need most to push us further... is you. We learn best when we learn from each other. Additionally, if there is a topic you want explored or would like to teach, let me know. Peace, Joe THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICE The 2009 Thanksgiving Eve Service for Woodbury Area Christian churches will be held on Wednesday, November 25, 7:30 pm, at Woodbury Lutheran Church. All attending are asked to bring nonperishable food items for our Woodbury Food Shelf. The event is sponsored by WACO, Woodbury Area Clergy Organization. Bring a neighbor and give thanks with your neighbors for all God’s good gifts.

NOVEMBER 2009

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STEWARDSHIP CORNER DID YOU KNOW that Trinity’s mortgage payment for the new addition is not paid from our operating budget but is paid for out of our capital campaign fund? We are presently not collecting enough from the campaign contributions to cover our approximate $7,000 per month mortgage payment. At the present rate our building fund will run out in October 2010. See the building fund status chart below. We need your support!

FALL WORK DAY It was below freezing and snow was on the ground on Saturday, October 10, but that didn’t stop 11 members from helping out at Trinity’s fall work day. Amid the buzz of two gas-powered chain saws and the hustle and bustle of seven branch haulers, five dead trees were removed from the west end. Other chores completed included clean-up of the old cross debris and various winterizing tasks including flushing the water from the honor garden underground sprinkler system. Workers this year were Greg, Leslie and Scott Vanderveer, Darryl Willison, Bob Drehmel, Glenn Heckmann, Neal Strand, Dick Johnson, Roger Punt, Mike Gram, and Mike Schenck. Thank you for a job well done.

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PARISH PERSONALS 

Recently hospitalized: Jack Emeott, Harry Krueger



Congratulations to Barb Outcelt; she has a new grandson! Finn Outcelt was born on September 28.

October was a busy month for weddings: 

Matt McKenzie and Laura Larson were married on October 3. Laura has an 11 year old daughter, Sophia.

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New member Judi Stinson Olson was married on October 1. The service was officiated by Pastor Gary Hanson.

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On October 17, Pastor Hanson travelled to Madison, Wisconsin to perform the wedding of Alex Espe and Elizabeth Stewart.

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Karen Lindblom and Nate Patraw were married ton October 17 at an outdoor wedding in Pepin, Wisconsin.

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS 16

1

NOVEMBER Erin Donnelly

2

Sara Finn

17

Anna Sikorski

3

Ann Allen

21

Kate Keiper

4

Cole Palmer

Judi Olson Rockford White

Joyce Piper

Eden Palmer

21

Kaitlin Roberts

5

Curtis Johnsen

24

Jack Emeott

5

Melissa Lehmann

25

Joann Ha

7

Marilyn Sharp

27

Gabriella Gizzi

9

Glen Heckmann

10

Sam Harder

11

Mike Gram

12

Doug Ryden

29

Kara Klink

Ciarra Williams

30

Garry Espe

Bruce Williams 28

Lee Houck Noah Klink

13

Chad Peterson

Kathie Wilkinson

14

Josh Anderson

Dee Lindblom

Pauline Wiken 15

Grant Olson

We regret if we missed your birthday; if we have, please phone the office! 738-0045

FUNDRAISER RESULTS The golf tournament, dinner and silent auction fundraiser held on Friday, September 18 and Saturday, September 19 made $3,990.91. Thanks to everyone who made the fundraiser successful!

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HEALTHY MIND MATTERS “Every year, without any treatment at all, thousands stop suffering from depression. Because it kills them.” There are endless organizations and websites that provide education, support and services for people with a mental illness, but one you may not be familiar with is DepressionIsReal.org. The Depression Is Real Coalition is a group of physician, patient and constituency groups that has come together to create an educational campaign about depression. These groups want to clarify the confusing messages in popular culture suggesting that depression is "just the blues" or worse, a "made-up disease." Their goal is to help people living with depression, their families, friends and the general public to understand essential facts about depression. The Depression Is Real Coalition has developed a national communications campaign to educate Americans on the truth about depression through TV and radio public service announcements, as well as newspaper/magazine ads. Their basic message is: Some say depression is all in your head. Well, that’s right. And wrong. It’s right because depression is in the head, or more precisely, the brain. In fact, we’ve seen how it destroys the connections between brain cells. DEPRESSION IS REAL But saying depression is all in your head is also wrong. There’s nothing imaginary about depression. It’s a serious, medical condition that affects every RESOURCES aspect of a person’s health. And untreated depression kills American Psychiatric Founthousands of Americans a year — through suicide and by dation intensifying the symptoms of life threatening illnesses such as www.psychfoundation.org cancer and heart disease. HOPE IS REAL, TOO Today, research has identified many of the biological and environmental factors that contribute to depression. And medical science has developed effective treatments that can restore brain cell connections and lead to recovery. These treatments save lives. Depression is real. Fortunately, hope is real, too. To get the facts, please visit DepressionIsReal.org.

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance www.dbsalliance.org Mental Health America www.nmha.org

National Alliance on Mental Illness www.nami.org National Medical Association www.nmanet.org

DEPRESSION IS NOT GENDER SPECIFIC – Dr. Michael Wilson from Stillwater-based Human Services, Inc., will discuss the reality of male depression and the obstacles that often keep men from receiving the treatment they need on Monday, November 23 at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. He will also explain how retirement and unemployment may trigger depressive episodes, so invite your family and friends and learn from this enlightening discussion.

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PASTORAL CARE MESSAGE "I can do all things through him who strengthens me" Phil. 4:13

And the death of a loved one necessitates perhaps the biggest ―new normal‖ adjustment, with a grieving person having no idea what that will look like.

I asked a friend recently how things were going for her family since her mother’s stroke. She responded All change carries with it a level of discomfort, posthat life as she had known it had completely sibly pain and risk, but it can also bring growth, new changed, and she was trying to adjust to the ―new challenges, and new relationships. Establishing a normal.‖ People often use the term ―new normal‖ ―new normal‖ is the beginning of a new phase, and when trying to might include takdeal with huge ing a class you’ve y mantra became “God is the changes, and always wanted to, strength of my heart and my there is no doubt or resurrecting a that our life jourhobby you had portion forever." (Psalm 73:26) I ney sometimes given up for lack requires us to of time due to would remind anyone facing redefine the faprior obligations. I significant change to know that there is no know that some miliar—the ―normal‖-- in our illness, no challenge, no change—good or days the challives. Although lenge is just to not all of us have bad—that cannot be faced with God to get up in the the experience of morning and to strengthen us. parents going muster the courthrough the age and strength stage my friend has, we have all had to endure to persevere and not give up. Turning to friends for transitions and adjust to a ―new normal.‖ support, and remembering that change takes time is helpful. My transition time triggered the beginning As an example, I know how a child leaving home of a more personal relationship with God, where I completely redefines what ―normal‖ means in a learned to lean into God’s grace and strength. My household. It was especially difficult for me to admantra became “God is the strength of my heart just to a totally ―empty-nest,‖ and I shed many and my portion forever." (Psalm 73:26) I would tears working with a therapist. For some people, remind anyone facing significant change to know becoming first-time parents is a bigger adjustment that there is no illness, no challenge, no change— than they expected. A new job may bring with it a good or bad—that cannot be faced with God to need to move, causing others to leave the familiar strengthen us. for the unknown. A person receiving a diagnosis of a serious illness faces significant changes in life-style. Blessings, Dee Lindblom

M

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Judi Olson joins us by letter of transfer from Hope Presbyterian Church in Spicer, Minnesota. She was recently married, and has two stepsons, Grant, age 11, and Dylan, age 8. Judi spends much time attending their sporting practices/games, and she also likes to sing. Colin and Heather Sehnert join us by letter of transfer from Valley Presbyterian Church in Golden Valley. They have two daughters, Isabelle, who is 3 1/2, and 4 month old Paige. Colin is a manufacturing engineering manager with Bellcomb Technologies, and loves baseball! Heather is a senior branch director with Favorite Healthcare Staffing, and enjoys going to musicals and plays.

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A Service of Remembrance and Healing November is traditionally a month in which we remember those who have lived and died before us. Although our loved ones are no longer with us, memories of them remain vividly in our hearts. Trinity is planning a service on Sunday, November 15, at 7 pm, to acknowledge the pain of losing a loved one, as well as to bring together those who are suffering the pain of physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, or financial distress to receive prayer and comfort through prayer, music, and meditation. All Trinity members, friends and family are encouraged to come and participate to receive God's gift of healing and wholeness. Following the service, everyone is invited to stay and share refreshments and fellowship. CHURCH POTLUCK: NOVEMBER 15! November is about abundance and thanksgiving. Join us for a fall potluck immediately following the service on Sunday, November 15 to share the abundance of food and faith this community of God’s people has been blessed with. Especially for new members, this is a great way to socialize and get to know each other. If your last name begins with A-J, please bring a main dish; K-O, bring some type of bread; P-T, bring fruits/vegetables; and U-Z, please bring a dessert. Help with set-up and clean-up is a necessary part of planning a potluck, so please contact Barb Freeman (731-1220 or [email protected]) with how you can help. THE CROSS The cross on the back of the church has undergone a subtle change that you might not have noticed. The old cross needed replacement as the wood was rotting and couldn’t be painted. After considering bids from a contractor to replace the cross with one constructed of solid cedar ($5,000) and one of aluminum ($7,000) we decided to refurbish the cross using our own labor. In late September Dick Johnson led a construction crew consisting of Greg VanderVeer, Mike Schenck and Bruce Williams. After several days of labor and many trips up and down the scaffolding, the crew dismantled the old cross and replaced it with new cedar. Jane Willison, with valuable input from Susan Rooney, Sue Schenck, Debi Espe and Gretchen Trebnick, selected a metallic gold paint for the cross. The paint crew consisted of three charter members of Trinity: Darryl Willison, Tom Rooney and Bruce Williams. They applied a coat of primer and two coats of metallic gold. The final cost of the project was only $1,000 thanks to the generous donation of time and effort from the volunteers mentioned above. A special thanks goes to Dick Johnson who got the scaffolding, purchased the materials, and led the construction phase of the project. THANK YOU Jodi Campbell and her children, Kelsey and Devin, have volunteered to fold and mail the newsletters for the congregation. Thank you for providing this valuable service to our church family.

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT 46 COTTAGE GROVE, MN 55016 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

The newsletter is also available on the church website: http://www.trinitywoodbury.org

Trinity Presbyterian Church 2125 Tower Dr Woodbury MN 55125 651-731-0038 [email protected]

Next Newsletter Deadline: November 15, 2009

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Pastor’s Column

ACTIVITIES AT TRINITY 2

Christian Education

3

From the Intern...

4

Trinity’s Newest Members Mission News

Sunday Schedule Education Hour 9:00 am Worship 10:00 am

Fellowship and Coffee 4 11:00 am

November Schedule November 1 Communion November 8 Stewardship Sunday November 15

5

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Stewardship Corner

7

Child care is available during worship service

Birthdays

8

Healthy Mind Matters

9

Pastoral Care

10

Fall Potluck November 22 November 29

Upcoming Events November 7 John Calvin seminar, 10 am - 1 pm November 15 Potluck, 11 am Service of Remembrance and Healing, 7 pm November 23 Men and Depression, 6:30 pm

Beginning of Advent

Additional parking is available in New Horizon’s parking lot directly across from Trinity and by parking along one side of the driveway.