Pastor Mike's Mash - Trinity Lutheran Church ...

FEBRUARY 2022 NEWSLETTER

                                                              Pastor Mike's Mash
Please note: this is basically my annual report and my sermon for the Sunday of the annual meeting, Sunday,
January 30, 2022. It was written long before my bombshell letter about my health, also included in this
Trumpet. Nothing changes about my thoughts and prayers in this Pastor Mike’s Mash article. In fact, in some
ways, the urgency and intensity of the invitation to have your name included in “the Book of Names” is only
increased now.

Want to help with my healing and wellness in this journey we’re still trying to figure out? Come and be an
active part of what God is up to here at and through Trinity Lutheran Church! –mep

***
Exodus 1:1-7--These are the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt with Jacob, each with his
household: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, Dan and Naphtali, Gad and
Asher. The total number of people born to Jacob was seventy. Joseph was already in Egypt.
Then Joseph died, and all his brothers, and that whole generation. But the Israelites were fruitful and prolific;
they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them.

                                              “The Book of Names”

One of the podcasts I frequently listen to on my beautiful drive between Princeton and Becker is a Bible study
podcast called Imbibleing: A Weekly Podcast that Drinks in the Bible. (It’s deep, yet approachable, and I highly
recommend it.) The episode for the week of January 9 looked deeply into Exodus, especially Exodus 1 (quoted, in
part, above). In Hebrew, the original language of the Old Testament, the book of Exodus is actually called “the
Book of Names.” It begins by naming the sons of Jacob (renamed “Israel” by God, earlier in Genesis 32). It was
Jacob—Israel—and those sons who went to Egypt first to flee a famine that had spread over the land of Canaan
and eventually stayed as honored members of their brother Joseph’s family. (If you don’t remember, Joseph was
also one of Jacob’s sons and was already in Egypt, having been sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. But
Joseph eventually rises to rank of “secretary of agriculture” under Pharaoh, the king of Egypt and ends up saving
both Egypt and even his jerk brothers from that famine by enacting a program that proactively set aside a
portion of seven years’ of harvests.)

One of the keys to understanding what God is up to, both in Exodus 1 as well as the rest of the book in
general, is to note—in this work originally called “the Book of Names”—WHO gets named and who
DOESN’T get named. Jacob’s sons, the eventual namesakes of Israel’s tribes, get named, hearkening back to
and fulfilling God’s promise to make Abraham’s and Sarah’s descendants a great nation. Lowly, even
insignificant Hebrew midwives get named: Shiprah and Puah. But noticeably, the one who supposedly has all
the power… the one whose fear and lack of knowledge of his nation’s history and its relationship with the
Hebrew people blinds him with hate… the one who believes his shrewdness, power, and violence will open a
bold, new chapter in his nation’s life… PHARAOH, other than his title, DOESN’T GET NAMED.

Later, when Moses is drafted and commissioned by God for the deliverance of Israel from their
bondage and suffering in Egypt, the name of God figures prominently. “If someone asks about you, if
they ask me, ‘What is this God’s name?’ what do I tell them?” Moses wonders before the spectacle of the
burning bush. And God gives Moses God’s name, God’s identity, the very essence of God who makes and
keeps promises: “I AM who I AM…the Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob…” (3:1-17). Pharoah
himself asks this question when Moses first appears before him: “Who is this god who supposedly sent you
to me?” (5:2).

The book of Exodus, the Hebrew “Book of Names” remembers and identifies the name of God who
makes promises and is faithful to those promises, even in the face of great crisis and struggle. It
remembers and names people of faith and their response—Moses, yes of course, but as significantly the
otherwise ordinary women, Shiphrah and Puah, who “feared God,” (1:17) even in response to the command
by Pharaoh to kill the newborn Hebrew boys. Their faith in God steels them for their disobedience to the
Pharaoh’s edict. (One would think they would fear Pharaoh.)

But of the one who deals only in earthly power, rage, violence, and self-supposed “shrewdness,” the
Book of Names draws a blank.

I share this brief Bible study with you as part of my annual report to the congregation because listening
to this podcast and study jogged my memory and gratitude of the names of those from our
congregation—you yourselves—who have responded to God’s promises and faithfulness to those
promises in Christ Jesus even through these trying times.

I can’t name names here because as soon as I start trying, I’ll leave someone out. And I won’t try, lest this
attention embarrass them simply for doing what I know many of them would say is “just what I do.”
BUT. If I were to name names, I would want to name…

…our council members, most of whom have been trying, without a blueprint or roadmap, to reinvent and
re-chart a course for our council and congregation, from “a business board” that follows a stiff and
inflexible model in responding to and guiding our congregation into an unknown future--a future that
needs nimbleness and flexibility from our congregation and a future that though unknown is nonetheless a
future from which we know God calls and in which God awaits.

…our staff, who have sought in their own areas and spheres of work and ministry to support and live out
grace and compassion with patience and frugality.

…our offering donors, especially those who have sought to continue to be regular and to be more
generous in their offerings and growing in their generosity.

…our musicians and singers who have lifted our hearts and souls heavenward through their talents.

…our volunteers, in all their various spheres of service,
  in watching over our building and its overly-long deferred maintenance;
  in caring for our worship spaces and its accoutrements;
  in broadcasting our services for those who are cautious about their in-person presence;
  in attending Bible study and letting the Word of God sink deeply into their lives;
  in offering themselves as teachers and mentors for our young people;
  in feeding our community;
  in getting into the habit both of checking to see what’s needed for worship on Sunday morning and making
  an offering of themselves to what’s needed;

…folks who have sent notes of encouragement and solidarity, or who have spoken to me face-to-face to say,
“We’re still with you,” even as so many have silently fallen away or withdrawn in disappointment, disillusionment,
or even anger.

…the parents and grandparents in our congregation who continue to live their baptismal promises to model
and pass on the life of a follower of Jesus to their children;

…our servants of Christ who find meaning and purpose in caring for the impoverished in our community
through the Princeton Pantry, the high school pantry, Laundry Love, the Giving Tree, and/or donations to the
Good Shepherd Fund.

As I wrote this, the names and faces of each of you came to the forefront of my heart and mind with
praise and thanksgiving to God! Your gifts and efforts are not unnoticed nor taken for granted. In fact, I
would go so far to say, they are the sacramental “bread and wine” of God’s faithfulness to our congregation and
world!

This annual report—this “Book of Names” in miniature—seeks to be not only a memorial to the past, of what’s
been going on in 2021, but as importantly, it seeks to point us into 2022 with purpose, meaning, and intention.
And I want to invite all of you who have stuck it out—BOTH through your presence and solidarity AND through
your offerings of every type (as well, perhaps even in reading this article!)—to continue responding both in small
and big ways to God’s calling in your life to be a part of this grand, beautiful, and difficult adventure of life, faith
and discipleship going forward.

And, if you are one of those who, for whatever reason, by will or by circumstance, have become disconnected,
know that your name and presence, for their own sakes, are missed. We are a people called and created by the
grace of God offered to all through the name of Jesus. This is your Father’s house. And you are always welcome
to and welcome back in your Father’s house. In Christ’s name--Pastor Mike

Table Setters—Preparing the Altar for Worship
In our homes, we teach our kids to help out with basic
chores for the good of the family and to grow in service. It
is no different for the House of God—we are looking for a
few more folks to help set the table for Sunday worship.
It’s not a difficult or complicated service, and we have
families with kids even who help out. If this might be
you… Or , if you’d like to find out more, please contact
Linda Zarns or the office to get trained in today!
lzarns42@gmail.com

                 Counters Needed
Trinity is looking for people who are interested in
counting. Do you enjoy working with people and doing a
little math. Please contact the office and we will get you
set up with someone to train you in.

Update from the Annual Report
    Thank you for your support from the
            Princeton Pantry!
Because of you in, 2021:
   *The Food Shelf served 3,273 people included in 942
                         families
 *The Mall/Fresh Market served 15,836 people included in
                      5,931 families
              *Through 5,254 volunteer hours

 The Princeton Pantry has been supplying an emergency
   food pantry for homeless people staying briefly in the
Princeton Motel. Area churches take turns picking up food
     from the pantry on a monthly basis. March Share
   Minnesota drive and Thanksgiving/Christmas holiday
                  drives were conducted.

Altar Flowers - 2022 Sign up is out
 Sign up for altar flowers today! This is a great way to
acknowledge an anniversary, birthday or loved one.
The sign up is located in the Narthex. Cost of the
arrangement is $15. Payment can be made by noting
FLOWERS anywhere on any of your donation (online or
in person) or you can drop payment by with the office.
Please take your arrangement home after the service
that Sunday.

         SMALL GROUP STUDIES

              Men’s Breakfast
Men’s Breakfast is the 2nd and 4th Saturdays,
8am at the Church. Our next session will be Sat.,
February 26th only

        Tuesday Morning Bible Study
 On Hold until further notice. Otherwise- We meet
Tuesday mornings at 10am in fellowship hall .

           Women’s Bible Study
We Meet the 3rd Thursday of the month. We will
gather in the fellowship hall next on Thursday,
March 17th at 9:30am.

          PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
Our group knits Prayer Shawls to be given to those
who need God’s arms wrapped around them in the
time of need. Baby shawls are given to children who
are baptized, and caps/scarves are given to support the
Twin Ports Seafarers Ministry. All shawls, caps and
scarves are blessed before they are given away. Please
join us in the choir room during coffee hour.

AA Meetings, Open & Welcome to All -
Thursdays, 7pm here at TLC
If you think you have a problem with alcohol-please
attend. If you're interested in attending an AA meeting
but this time doesn't work for you other meetings can
be found by searching online using "AA Meeting
Locator".

Living IT Schedule and Updates

February 2 - Luke 15:1-32- The "Lost"   April 10 - Palm Sunday
Parables                                April 13 - NO CONFIRMATION
February 9 - Matthew 5: 13-48           April 14 - Maundy Thursday
February 16 - John 20:19-31-Thomas      April 15 - Good Friday
                                        April 17 - Easter Sunday
February 23 - Acts 2:1-21
                                        April 20 - Philemon - Paul, Philemon,
March 2- April 6 - Mentor Time/Sheets
                                        Onesimus
              **Holy Week **            April 27 - Revelation 21: 1-6a

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    Heggies Pizza

***Faith in Action in Becker, MN is hiring for two different positions***
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Part time Volunteer Coordinator Job Opportunity:
             O
This fulfilling team player position develops and manages role descriptions for all volunteer
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services at Faith in Action. You would work in our Becker office and creatively manage the
recruitment, orientation, and training of volunteers: individuals and church groups,
businesses,Tand civic groups. Also, you’d have great communication regularly with volunteers,
assisting them with issues, questions, and providing them with encouragement, assistance,
and feedback.H This position would include other aspects of serving in this ministry as they
arise. This is a flexible 16 hours a week position.

           F
Part time Client Advocate Job Opportunity:
The goal of this position is to share the love of Christ and provide needs assessments and care

           U
consultation to senior citizens and adults with disabilities, so they can live safely in their home as long
as possible. Position duties include meeting with new and existing clients to share about services and
           N
updating information as needed. While working at the Becker office, you will create requests and
work closely with the volunteer coordinator for needs which includes the following services for
           D
clients: Chore, Light Cleaning, Visiting, Minor Home Repairs, Transportation, etc. This opportunity
helps elderly or disabled people to live independently, reduce isolation and connect to their
           R
community, as well as other provider services and resources.
This is a flexible 16 hour a week position.
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       **Applicants can send resume to Maureen Baty--Executive Director at
                               Maureenb@grfia.org
                              Website: www.grfia.org
                            Great River Faith in Action
                     13074 Edgewood St SE, Becker, MN 55308

REMINDER:-PLEASE HELP US MAKE FINANCIAL HEADWAY TODAY.
REGULARITY is what we need more than anything!! But regularity is usually what we are lacking
during the summer months. Please be mindful of such dynamics and your role in that as we
anticipate our summer months.
As there have been throughout the pandemic, there are still any number of ways to give:
· By Mail—Simply drop your gift in the mail: Trinity Lutheran Church, 111 6th Ave. N, Princeton,
MN 55371
· On-line—You can visit www.trinity-princeton.org and give RIGHT NOW, if you want, and that gift can also
be set-up to come in a recurring way. (This is from our website, scroll down and click on the offering plate
image there.) This is THE most efficient way of signing up for Simply Giving, which is administered by
Vanco, one of the most secure e-commerce companies in the industry.
· Automatic Withdrawal—Contact your bank.
· By App—Both the Apple and Google Play app stores have a free app called “GivePlus.” Once
downloaded to your device, simply search for “Trinity Lutheran Church, Princeton, MN”; follow the
directions for registering; and set-up your giving in whatever way works for your faithful
generosity, one time, recurring, or whatever.
· In-Person--We have I-pads set-up to receive your debit or credit cards for those who don't travel
with cash or checkbooks. And, of course, our offering plates are always available to receive your
gifts.
Thank you again for supporting God’s mission for us! THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!!

Prayer List
Members                     Family Members & Friends                         Serving in the Military
The family & friends of     Melaina Anderson (Joyce Anderson’s grand         Andrew Anderson
 Ron Almberg                daughter)                                        Andrew Barthel
Tony Alferness              Ben (Judy & Bill Hilliard’s nephew son’s )       Claire Barthel
Jeri Ann Bredemus           Peter Berry (Mary Berry’s son)                   Jacob Benver
Joy Christenson             Diane Boser (Friend of Dan & Jean Anderson)      Eden Betzler
Jim Dery                    Tim Bost (Mark Bost's brother)                   Lacee Broding
Susan Deyle                 Gene Brown (Pastor Mike's uncle)                 Riley Broding
Katey Donais                Caitlin Christenson (Kenny & Joy Christenson’s   Ronald Duresky
Lainey Druar                daughter in-law)                                 Riley Forland
Dale Dunham                 David Doerfler (Pastor Mike's uncle)             Derek Hanson
Marlys Hanson               Rachel Fadden( friend of Ron & Judy              Hunter Lestrud
Bruce Lacher                Peterson/Jim & Jan Dery)                         Kenzi Lytle
Greg Larsen                 Jan Gale's daughter Jamie                        Anthony Mandt
Tad Larsen                  Joan Gessar (Courtney Hoppe's mother in-law)     David McCarney
Lee Family                  Dick Johnson(Barb Senne’s brother)               John McCarney
Del Liestman                Patrick Kavanagh (friend of Jan Wittnebel's      Zachary Morisset
Eric Lukkari                family)                                          Ben Noard
Chellis Matz                Evelyn Kingma (June Kunkel’s sister in-law)      Parker Pedersen
Jean Miller                 Janice Luecks (Jeff Lueck's mother)              Mario Scandinato
Emily Nelson                Randall Lundgren (Debi’s Pederson’s nephew)      Jaden Thimmesch
Ed Peterson                 Dale McLaen (Darcee Larsen/Laurel
Judy Peterson               McKenney’s brother in-law)
Bev Reed                    Esther Neussendorfer (Danette Scepurek’s
Warren Reed                 grandmother)
Dina Scandinato             Janice Omtvedt (Ingrid Bavier’s mother)
Wayne Senne                 Elliott Pancoast (Pastor Mike’s dad)
Carol Skare                 Tracy Pidde( Princeton 3rd grade teacher)
Matt Skarohlid              Amanda Ridout (friend of the Pancoast Family)
Brenda Smith                Marion Rova (Chuck Warner’s sister)
Anne Stevenson              Rob Savage ( Friend of the Keller family)
Joyce Tessmer               John Schmid (family of Mike & Linda Baumann)
Prudence Tessmer & family   Andy Struthers (Maria Barlage’s brother)
Ardy Tourville              Mauricio Trujillo (friend of the Patnode and
Barb Wicktor                Miller families)
Russ Wicktor                Patty Thul’s Sister Sheri
Dean Winslow                Scott Wallin (Char Kramersmeier’s son)
Ginny Winslow               Eric Webster (friend of the Morisset family)
Clint Zeug                  Ronda Wetzel (daughter of Andrea & Ron
                            Sandusky)