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May Newsletter

Newsletter Contents

Calendar of Campaign Events

Renewing for Generations Bible Study/ Adult Forum
April 26, May 3, 10 & 17
Porch Visits
Sunday, May 3
Congregational Challenge Meetings
May 6 through May 13
Leadership Commitment Dinner
May 27 6:30-7:30PM
Children’s Prayer Event
Friday June 5th 5-8PM
Youth Prayer Event
Friday June 5th 7:30-9PM
Congregational Prayer Event
Saturday June 6th 10AM-12PM
Celebration Sunday
Sunday, June 7 – One worship service at 10:00 am followed by a congregational picnic
First Fruit Sunday
June 28th

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Meditations on Giving

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

- 2 Corinthians 9:7

It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

- Acts 20:35

…grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.”

– Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi

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A Word from Mark Paciga, Executive Director

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
We read in the Bible (1 Kings 8) that when king Solomon built and dedicated the temple in Jerusalem the Covenant Box was moved there and the temple was suddenly filled with a cloud shining with the dazzling light of the Lord’s presence. We further read that Solomon prays to the Lord to not only watch over the temple but also to hear the prayers of the Israelites and to rescue them from their troubles whenever they come to the temple and repent. The Lord even appears to Solomon (1 Kings 9:1-9) and states that He will indeed do as Solomon has requested in his prayer, as long as His laws are obeyed. How lucky were the people of Israel. “No other nation, no matter how great, has a god who is so near when they need him as the Lord our God is to us” (Deuteronomy 4:7).

Although the building of the temple by Solomon happened approximately 3000 years ago, when I read this passage in the Bible, I feel as if Trinity Lutheran Church is being described. I feel that we at Trinity are as fortunate, maybe even more so than the Israelites. Has not the Lord watched over and blessed this church for more than 50 years? When we pray for our leaders, the sick and those who are in need, have our prayers gone unanswered? When our pastors give the sermon, are we not hearing the true and mighty Word of God? The Israelites had to regularly sacrifice animals for the forgiveness of sins, whereas for us wasn’t the one time sacrifice of Jesus Christ sufficient? Is the work of the Holy Spirit not present in our social ministry and Trinity’s benevolences? How many congregations have a regular choir and a handbell choir? How many congregations are blessed with regular Sunday school classes ranging from children to adults?

The above examples of are just a few of the blessings bestowed by God onto Trinity Lutheran Church. I’m confident that you are able to list many others. As you’re making your list of blessings, I urge you to list as one of the blessings a renovated and expanded administrative and educational wing of the building. In the 5 years that I have been living in this area, I have seen numerous new houses, condominiums, offices, stores and other structures built. However, I have not witnessed or been a part of a project where a church is so blessed that it needs to expand! Over the next month or so, you will be receiving more details and information about this expansion project including our capital campaign – Renewing for Genera†ions. Renewing for Genera†ions is not about collecting money for bricks/mortar/steel/glass. The goal is that once this project is completed, you and I will be still able to agree with the words of the psalmist: “I rejoiced with those who said to me ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord’” (Psalm 122).
- Mark Paciga

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What is my part in this endeavor?

Our Renewing for Genera†ions stewardship campaign is one of the most exciting and challenging faith ventures ever to be undertaken by Trinity Lutheran Church.

As we pray about our commitments for the next few weeks, many of us will be asking, “Just what is my part?” Actually, this is a question that only you can decide. No effort will be made during this campaign to tell any person what he or she should or should not give. The part that each of us will contribute to this campaign will depend on the decisions we make with the Lord.

Our decisions on our financial commitments are very personal, confidential matters. Only we know what amounts would be true sacrifices for us and our families. God will reveal this to us when we open our hearts to Him in prayer.

If you have any questions regarding Renewing for Genera†ions, please use the question slips in the Social Hall, contact a member of the Genera†ions team, call the church office or send an email.

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What is Celebration Sunday?

June 7, 2009, marks a very important milestone in the history of Trinity Lutheran Church. You should have received your personal invitation in the mail. On that day, we will take the first steps toward Renewing for Genera†ions by offering our gifts to God.

Please make plans to attend this exciting and important event in the life of our church. It will be a service you will not want to miss!

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Christian Education – The Renewing for Genera†ions Bible Study

We are about to embark on one of the most exciting adventures God’s creation affords us—the adventure of spiritual discovery and renewal. Although our plans for our Trinity congregation’s future have some very practical and material aspects, the core of our effort should be a spiritual renewal leading to deeper faith and more intentional stewardship. Without a spiritual commitment at its foundation, we may as well be building condominiums. As part of our Renewing for Genera†ions campaign, we will have a Bible-based study program for all ages. Look for opportunities for participation in a discussion group beginning on Sunday, April 26th.
- David Kleiner

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The Importance of Prayer

Do you find it difficult to pray sometimes? Is it hard to focus? Don’t know what to say? Me too!

Making room for prayer sometimes means a quiet space – apart from other activities. These spaces can be separate places or designated times in which we allow ourselves to simply rest in the Spirit. Taking holy rest, to be present to God and to notice that God is present with you opens the room for prayer. At Trinity we will create a “Prayer Oasis” with indoor and outdoor space that invites you to prayer and personal reflection. There will be information and resources about the renewing and rebuilding campaign, a prayer booklet, and the opportunity to experience a labyrinth walk as well.

Medieval Labyrinth

You might take a moment to pray before or shortly after a meeting or activity at church. You might explore the Oasis in preparation for or following worship by just sitting and praying for a few minutes or so. You might join with others one Thursday evening sometime between 6:45 – 7:15 pm for a quiet, contemplative prayer time. You might stop by the church during the day just to rest in the Prayer Oasis or have the larger Sanctuary to yourself to inspire your prayer. Whether you use the prayer oasis at Trinity or make a place or time for prayer wherever you are, we encourage you to be renewed in prayer throughout the month of May. To assist you in your journey, Trinity will be offering multiple opportunities to gather together for prayer:

  • Friday, June 5th, 5:00-8:00 pm (families with young children encouraged – light supper and indoor labyrinth walks)
  • Friday, June 5th, 7:30-9:00 pm (youth encouraged – indoor labyrinth at night with candles and meditative music)
  • Saturday, June 6th, 9:00 am-12:00 pm (mini prayer retreat for adults and youth featuring quiet time for personal prayer and reflection, labyrinth walks on the hour, and guided prayer and meditation in the Prayer Oasis)

A labyrinth is a helpful tool for prayer. It offers a safe place in which to journey spiritually – a path with no wrong turns. Like our life’s journey, the labyrinth has many turns that seem to go back over the way we have come, all the while leading us forward in time and space to our final resting place with God. The labyrinth is a tool and aid for prayer that holds a unique experience for every pilgrim and a different insight each and every time one enters the path. As Christ journeys with us and intercedes for us, our prayer changes and we learn to be good stewards of our whole lives, our time, as well as the talents and treasures entrusted to us. May we be renewed in our prayerful journey – together.

Hope to see you there.

In Christ,
Pat Freitag

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Renewing for Genera†ions Challenge Home Meetings!

This spring, Trinity is joining together in fellowship, Bible study, and prayer for our building program. We will be holding small group meetings in the homes of Trinity members from May 6-13 for the Renewing for Genera†ions campaign. These gatherings are to provide information, awareness, and fellowship only. No important decisions will be called for, and no commitments will be made. If you'd like to attend one of these meetings, please contact the church office at 301-881-7275 or send an email.

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Thinking About What We’ve Been Given…

God of your goodness, give me yourself, for you are sufficient for me... If I were to ask anything less I should always be in want, for in you alone do I have all.”

- Julian of Norwich

In the economy of mercy
I am a poor and begging man.
In the currency of Grace,
Is where my song begins.

– Switchfoot, The Economy of Mercy

O Lord, my God,
grant us your peace; already, indeed, you have made us rich in all things!
Give us that peace of being at rest,
that Sabbath peace,
the peace which knows no end.

– St. Augustine

’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’

- Jeremiah 29:11-13

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