I read an article online that encouraged congregations to not let the current moment pass by before taking some time to reflect on what we have learned during the last year (or two). Here’s a share-out from meetings/gatherings during January, 2022 at Trinity:
Worship Altar Guild and Music
We’ve become adaptable
Things can be simpler
Communion adaptations have gone well
We are now ready to bring back some things
Gospel and Growth
We need repeated, frequent contact with God and our church family; that contact was maintained through online worship and Zoom classes; we pay closer attention to worship when we are here in person, so that makes us appreciate in-person worship even more. We have taken time to get better acquainted with each other and, seeing fewer people around to get things done, we feel a higher level of responsibility to do things. We appreciate how many people it takes to make things happen. The Advent Daily Devotion showed people are increasingly willing to be transparent and vulnerable in the stories they tell.
Stewardship
We have learned that this congregation has great generosity and faithfulness; we have weathered the loss of some core members and have gained new members; this has worked out better than we had anticipated; despite a long period without in-person worship in the sanctuary, giving has continued. Despite everything feeling off-balance initially, members have been resilient and adaptable. Liturgical worship surprisingly lends itself to online participatory worship experience; perhaps changing the liturgical setting several times each year helped prepare worshipers for having a “the same but different” worship experience online. If we pulled the tvprays.org devotions authored by Trinity members, we could gauge ways the church was addressing the pandemic.
Monday Morning Study Group
Don’t take anything for granted. We can learn new things like Zoom and technology can keep us connected from others near and far away. It’s different, but one can created new relationships with people you have never met in person using technology. The importance of working highspeed internet for all households. We’ve become a church without walls and there are benefits to online church for real people. It was important to use hard copy/paper communication with people without internet. Consistently doing in-depth assessment of who is connected and who is in danger of falling through the cracks was crucial. The deep importance of feeling community-but that takes work-and we have been willing to do that work. Being isolated gives us time to be reflective; we’re more capable of enduring isolation than we had imagined. Online giving is great and we hope it continues.
Church Council
The church of Jesus was not about brick-and-mortar 2000 years ago; being online and outdoors and doing many things differently feels more like being the church of Jesus. We have had to deal with changes, on almost a week-to-week basis, and have become more accepting of change because of this; we have adjusted well, despite our desire to have things be the way they used to be. We have become more open to the perspectives of others. We have a sense of just how long a year can feel. We have named what is hard and learned to celebrate what we have accomplished. We used the strengths we already had such as respect for others, dignity, and creativity. Our concept of what a healthy congregation should look like (full sanctuary; full offering plate) has been altered; we are healthier than preconceived notions indicate.
Your Turn
Call me or a council member, email, write a letter, share in Facebook comments or in the comments on my blog (megganmanlove.com). What have YOU learned or what do you think WE have learned these past two years?
Trinity New Hope’s tagline is “Help and hope for those in need.” That’s what we do! We are very proud of the numerous families we have been able to help this year, including assisting several families transition from homelessness to a clean, safe home in which to live. Trinity members have participated by helping to provide furniture, appliances, cleaning supplies, and holiday gifts for our tenants.
Since Trinity New Hope is a 501(C)(3) non-profit corporation, we are eligible to receive donations. In 2021 Trinity New Hope participated in the Home Partnership Foundation’s Avenues for Hope housing campaign, which raised $17,900. We exceeded our fundraising goal of $15,000 and received donations from more than a dozen different states! Our goal is to use part of the funds raised to improve our property’s landscaping. We used the Avenues for Hope funds raised in 2020 to complete the construction this year of a maintenance shop on the Trinity New Hope land, which provides space for a workshop for our maintenance staff and a place to store maintenance tools and materials.
Trinity New Hope’s 16 single family homes are overseen by our amazing staff: Tami Romine (property manager) and Steve Van Atter (maintenance manager). If you see these fine individuals, please thank them for their excellent work!
The Board of Directors is proud of the difference that Trinity New Hope is making in Nampa. If you have a heart forthis ministry, please contact Pastor Meggan or any board member. There are many opportunities to volunteer, and we would welcome you to the team.
The Board of Directors, Trinity New Hope
(Pastor Meggan Manlove, Tami McHugh, Cathy Winwood, Judy Kellar, Andrew Hanson, John Hergert, Shelly Regis, Debra Harris, Carl Radke, and Tom Dale)
Blessed Lord God, you have caused the holy scriptures to be written for the nourishment of your people. Grant that we may hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that, comforted by your promises, we may embrace and forever hold fast to the hope of eternal life, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.Amen.
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
1All the people [of Israel] gathered together into the square before the Water Gate. They told the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had given to Israel. 2Accordingly, the priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could hear with understanding. This was on the first day of the seventh month. 3He read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law. 5And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. 6Then Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. Then they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. 8So they read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation. They gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading. 9And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. 10Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our Lord; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Psalm 19
1The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
2Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.
3There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;
4yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun,
5which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
6Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat.
7The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lordare sure, making wise the simple;
8the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes;
9the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lordare true and righteous altogether.
10More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
11Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
12But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults.
13Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
14Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
12For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. 14Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15If the foot would say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16And if the ear would say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? 18But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20As it is, there are many members, yet one body. 21The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23and those members of the body that we think less honorable we clothe with greater honor, and our less respectable members are treated with greater respect; 24whereas our more respectable members do not need this. But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior member, 25that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another. 26If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it. 27Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. 29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31aBut strive for the greater gifts.
Luke 4:14-21
14Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. 15He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.
16When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, 17and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: 18“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, 19to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” 20And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
Scroll of Isaiah from Qumran – Museum of Israel, Jerusalem
Sermon – Pastor Meggan Manlove
When we think about scripture passages that describe Jesus’ identity, his vision for his ministry here on earth, we have some real gems to choose from. He ate with tax collectors, cast out demons, washed his disciples’ feet, taught with parables like The Good Samaritan and The Prodigal Son. But today, on his return to his hometown of Nazareth, Jesus gives his inauguration speech.
Inaugural addresses are important. Presidents of this country use them to announce their priorities for the next four years. It’s more than priorities, it is a vision for what this country can and should be. Second-inaugurals have a storied history. The most famous is probably President Lincoln’s. He used his second inaugural address to do something no president had ever done before–speak in critical terms of the nation–in order to name the evil of slavery, the toll it had exacted in human flesh and warfare, and the need to stay the course and resolve both the war and its cause.
Jesus was first baptized in the Jordan River and then whisked away to the wilderness where he was tempted by Satan. After the temptations he returned to Galilee, to Nazareth, his hometown. All along, including our story today, the Holy Spirit has been the driver. Jesus was a devout Jew and so he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath. The story finally slows down here. Jesus arose to read. The book of Isaiah was given to him. Jesus opened the scroll and read. Then he gave his inaugural address. He laid out for the people in the synagogue his platform for ministry.
There is nothing surprising. Parts of the sermon echo the song his mother Mary sang when Gabriel told her who she would give birth to Jesus. The mighty one “has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.”
After Jesus is finished reading from Isaiah, he says: “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” The fulfillment of what? “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Jesus announces the fulfillment of Isaiah’s vision. It is a radical and powerful word. It is a message of spiritual nurture. It is a message of healing for everyone who is broken by sin or death. Salvation and healing are for all people to be sure. But there is more. It is also message of radical liberation. These are words of justice, or care for the real, physical, and social needs of the world.
One of the most radical signs of that liberation is Jesus’ proclamation of “the year of the Lord’s favor.” Behind this phrase is the Old Testament concept of the year of jubilee. It is described in the book of Leviticus. The jubilee year, the year of the Lord’s favor, was one of the most radical laws of Scripture. Every 50th year was to be a jubilee year, a year in which all land was returned free to the original owners and slaves were released. Imagine it—a clean slate.
The law protected the poor from their two greatest threats: the loss of land and the loss of freedom. We don’t have to stretch our imaginations to see how radical a vision this is. Simply imagine if there had been a year of jubilee in 2008 or 2009 in this country. In ancient Israel, the jubilee year was a hope for many. It was a challenge to all private ownership rights. It was an affirmation that God owns the land and that God’s economy supersedes human economies.
Now Jesus proclaims that his ministry is like the year of jubilee. “He has sent me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
I must admit that with my own frustration with the pandemic, the toll the past few years has had on so many people’s mental health, and daily conversations about exhaustion, every fiber in my body wants to spiritualize this text. In other words, I want to talk about the things we are emotionally captive to, how we are metaphorically blind, even how we might be spiritually poor. But if you look at Jesus’ ministry, the way he follows up his inaugural address with other actions and words, that is not a faithful reading or hearing of his first big speech. It is purely about those who never get to take up space in the center of the page, those whose voices, stories, and beings are instead relegated to the margins.
And so, we might ask, is his message good news or not so good new for those of us gathered at Trinity in Nampa, Idaho in 2022? We are not the richest of the rich. Nor are we truly poor. Most of our stories fall in the center of the page.
Maybe we read Jesus’ speech faithfully by acknowledging that we are not Jesus’ primary audience, at least for this inaugural address. It does not mean that we cannot listen in. It does not mean that there is no good news for us from Jesus. It simply means that he is addressing here those who are truly poor, and held physically captive, and literally blind. He is speaking to those who are marginalized by society, both then and now.
We might feel powerless in hearing Jesus’ vision cast. We are not his central audience, but what can we do to help bring about the redistribution of wealth, to move people from the margins to the center of the page? It was an odd experience to have this text in front of me while reading about the Idaho legislatures’ proposals to impact our economy. I scoffed at them giving rebates connected to income taxes instead of doing the more complicated work of reforming property tax code or giving relief through sales tax. But did I call or email our legislators? I confess I did not. But maybe some of you did.
Our own budget, which we will vote on at next week’s annual meeting, is one of many ways we articulate our mission for ourselves and the broader community. If you want to see what an organization values, look at how they spend time and money. We thank those of you showing up to ask questions and think critically about how our budget and spending matches our vision and mission. That is a gift. And others of you gift us with financial record keeping and auditing. Thank you.
In addition to our budget and time, we have our space. We have taken some good steps to take away barriers for people who are differently abled. What about people of color or people whose first language is not English? What do we need to keep doing or change to make sure our language, our songs, our physical spaces follow our guiding principle that all are welcome? What barriers are there? What can we change so that those on the margins feel welcome in our spaces? Some of you are particular gifted, because of your life experiences or just how you came out of the womb, to ask and answer these kinds of questions.
There are others on the margins. Last spring our church council talked about the need to create safe spaces in Nampa for LGBTQ youth and young adults. I was given the blessing to be open for where we might feel the Spirit nudging. After planting many seeds last summer, in what felt like a fruitless endeavor, an invitation came for conversation this week. The same Holy Spirit there at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry is with us still.
We gathered here may not be Jesus’ primary audience. But we can listen in. And we can follow him to the margins. The vision he paints is vast and can be overwhelming, which is why I love that it is paired with Paul’s image of the body. The body metaphor in today’s text from First Corinthians is nonhierarchical, which is crucial. Every appendage, no matter the size or function, is crucial. And there is great variety in body parts and gifts. Jesus’ vision requires that variety.
It is a lot, and the work will never be done until as we say, Christ will come again. In the mix of grief and tragedy and cynicism we live with hope. We have an ultimate hope in the triumph of God’s purposes and an everyday hope. In his explanation of the Lord’s Prayer, Martin Luther lays this open. We pray, “Thy kingdom come.” What does this mean? God’s kingdom comes indeed without our praying for it, but we ask in this prayer that it may come also to us.”
What’s more? We pray that we might help the kingdom break into the world here and now. We are a people of faith who have heard Jesus’ inaugural address. We know that we that we are drenched in God’s goodness and mercy. We respond to Jesus’ love as a community of faith.
Prayers of Intercession (from Sundays and Seasons)
The prayers are prepared locally for each occasion. The following examples may be adapted or used as appropriate.
The Spirit of the Lord is poured out upon us in abundance; so we are bold to pray for the church, the world, and all that God has made.
A brief silence.You reveal yourself to us in the reading of scripture. Fulfill your word through the faithful witness of your church. Send us out to bring your liberating good news to all people. God of grace,hear our prayer.
All creation proclaims your handiwork. Teach us to love the intricate and beautiful bodies that you have created. Bless tiny insects, enormous whales, and every creature in between. Sustain species at risk of extinction. God of grace,hear our prayer.
You desire that there be no dissension among us. Where we are divided in our society, nation, or world, come quickly to reunite us into one body. Ease conflict, dispel violence, and bring an end to war. God of grace,hear our prayer.
Anoint with your Spirit all who seek your favor. Grant provision and justice for people living in poverty, people living with disability, those living with pain, or those living under oppression (especially). God of grace,hear our prayer.
Build up the body of Christ in this place. Bless the variety of ministries in this congregation (especially). Empower us to freely welcome and deeply value each person who enters into worship and ministry among us. God of grace,hear our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.In thanksgiving we lift before you the saints for whom the promise of salvation has now been fulfilled. Tend to those who mourn (especially). Bring us together in your everlasting glory. God of grace,hear our prayer.
Since we have such great hope in your promises, O God, we lift these and all of our prayers to you in confidence and faith; through Jesus Christ our Savior.Amen.
Mission Statement: Trinity Lutheran Church is a place to congregate, refresh the faithful, and reach out with Word and service to others through the Holy Gospel. —December 3, 1978
Dear members and friends of Trinity Lutheran Church,
Throughout the pandemic, the council has been committed to ensuring that Trinity Lutheran Church continues to worship weekly. This time last year, our weekly worship opportunities were being streamed from Pastor’s phone. Due to the leadership of the CoVid Task Force and their safety protocols, many of our members can meet in person each Sunday. Additionally, our new cameras and sound system have improved the quality of our online services. We owe a debt of gratitude to Bryce Quarve, for his work getting our system installed. I’d also like to thank David Sheriff, Pat Cosgrove and Larry Mills for their contributions to this project. It’s empowered us to better serve members who do not feel safe coming in person at this time.
In 2021, we reinstated many of the things that were lost to us in 2020. We have in person Sunday School. It’s been delightful to spend time together at events like the church camp out, Advent Soup Suppers, and the Christmas pageant. We’ve also continued some of the outdoor services we liked from 2020 like the pet blessing service.
We’ve planted trees, celebrated confirmations, grieved losses and welcomed new faces. We’ve continued to show up for one another, continued to give, continued to serve. In the midst of a turbulent year, I am astounded by how life and ministry continue to happen in this place. Thank you for embodying a tenacious hope both in the God we confess and the value of this community.
I would like to thank Lloyd Kellar and Peggy Miller for their years of service in managing TLC’s finances. I am immensely grateful for their faithfulness over the years. As you move into new adventures, I want to acknowledge and honor how much time and effort you have put in over the years. Thank you for your service.
I would also like to thank the CoVid Task Force, Church Council and Pastor Meggan for their service this year. It is difficult to make decisions in polarizing times when answers are few and far between. I am grateful for your dedication and leadership in the face of uncertainty. I am proud of you. It has been an honor to serve alongside you.
19 I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:19)
The verse from Isaiah 43 is my annual report thread. The structure for the report is our church council’s goals for 2021. I hope to give an overview of how God continues to do something new through and with the congregation of Trinity Lutheran, Nampa.
Plan for a Safe Return: Our Covid Task Force and Church Council have continued to balance our physical, mental, and spiritual health in their discussions and decision making. The work has felt both heavy and holy. It has been a gift to share this work. In the end, return may not have been the best word. We have not so much returned to what we had but started writing a brand-new chapter together.
Worship Weekly: Our leadership is grateful for the congregation’s flexibility and openness. We started with small groups in the sanctuary, moved to occasional worship on the patio, then came inside when it got too hot and covid numbers went down. You adapted at every step, and we continued to hear the Word of God and offer prayers and praises. We streamed the whole time and now both our streaming and sound system are vastly improved. I want to again thank Bryce Quarve for leading those improvements and for training our tech team. I also want to thank our Worship Altar Guild and Music Team for their ideas, guidance, and work. One silver-lining of the pandemic, evidenced at Ashes on the Go, Pet Blessing, and Longest Night, is that we like worshiping outdoors, at least for special occasions.
Financial Stability: Thank you for continuing to give financially. I am grateful that we were able to take away barriers to giving and for the way our congregation responded. This year we also undertook some important transitions in personnel. After many years as Treasurer, Lloyd Kellar began passing the baton to Karissa Armbrust. Peggy Miller was our Financial Secretary for several years and when she stepped down, the position was filled by Kristina Radke. Thanks to all four of these individuals for their service: past, present, and future.
Communication and Connectedness: When I consider how we remained connected in this unusual year, I remember the work of our Gospel and Growth Team (connecting us to one another), Church in Community Team (connecting us to our community), and Office Administrator Bob Cola (keeping communication flowing between the office, congregation, and larger community). I also think of the countless phone calls made and cards sent by all of you. These will never be recorded, but they made a huge difference in people’s lives and in our collective spirit. Thank you.
What’s Next: I am a little shy about making grand predictions after the last two years. And yet, I am personally looking forward to taking the tape off the pews, taking seven youth to the ELCA Youth Gathering in Minneapolis in July, continuing to teach and preach, welcoming new guests and members, welcoming new colleagues to serve in our cluster congregations, and discovering with you what the Holy Spirit is calling us into next.
In 2021 we welcomed Brandon Ziemer as a new member to the team and Sarah Henthorn as Church Council liaison. While Stewardship is so much more than just the period each fall when a church asks its members to make financial commitments, we did, of course, conduct a “fall financial campaign”. We created a six-minute video presentation which was posted to the church website, with links emailed to members. It was also shown in the Koinonia Room after church on several Sundays, allowing those without internet to view it. Here is a link to this video: https://bit.ly/TLCFall21 We are so grateful to the 38 households which, in these uncertain times, committed to give $101,020.00 in 2022. We also appreciate the households which do not pledge but always give faithfully. As a follow up on giving, we are grateful to Tammy Torrey for asking us to share something Bob had written in 2005; this inspiring story about Trinity member Effie Richmond was the December 18th entry in the Advent Daily Devotional booklet. You can re-read this in your booklet or watch it on YouTube.
Yet “stewardship” is much bigger than the pledge drive. The broader perspective is this: Christians acknowledge that all we are and have are gifts from God. This concept permeates our daily decisions about how we use our time, what we do with our stuff, how we care for our bodies and our world, and how we share our giftedness (both within our church and in the world beyond the narthex doors.) “Year-Round-Stewardship” is how Trinity addresses stewardship in daily life. For example, living with uncertainty is hard on our bodies and on our minds; this ripples into our relationships at home and in the community. Realizing this, we spent several months encouraging people to take breaks from the stress of uncertainty. We asked people, by engaging their five senses, to transport themselves to places of calm, if only for a few moments at a time. We encouraged using physical activity or meditation (or whatever made sense to the individual) to return to what is positive and life-giving.
We also celebrated the generosity of our member, supporting fundraisers such as God’s Global Barnyard (ELCA World Hunger) and Idaho Gives (Trinity Community Gardens, Learning Peace: A Camp for Kids, and Luther Heights Bible Camp) in the spring, the yard sale (National Youth Gathering in Minneapolis) in the summer, and Avenues for Hope (Trinity New Hope housing) in the winter.
With in-person worship resuming in June, the need for volunteers was immediate. We asked people to complete “time and talent sheets”, and 52 people responded, providing us with names of those willing to help in a variety of ways.
Advent Conspiracy was highlighted twice in 2021. In April, we encouraged people to start working on Christmas projects early. In November, the tenets of Give More, Spend Less, Worship Fully and Love All were incorporated into Zoom chats with Pastor and Adult Forum. August was all about our stewardship of youth. We highlighted the school supplies collected for Duck Valley students, our Sunday School, Luther Heights Bible Camp, and the upcoming ELCA National Youth Gathering.
We continue to encourage people to give in a variety of ways, including through practices we found helpful while not worshiping in person and “dropping an envelope in the offering plate” was not possible. These other ways included online giving, using your bank’s bill-pay system, mailing checks to the church, and qualified charitable donations from IRAs. At present, we have about 30 households using one of these methods.
Phil Cronk, Sarah Henthorn, Penelope Smith, Brandon Ziemer
The Task Force [Sharon Jones, Kim Mills, Steve Ward, Jeff Henderson, Randy Miller and Pastor Meggan] have met monthly during 2021 to review and discuss developments in the Corona virus pandemic. After each review, the task force has provided information & recommendations to the Council on how Trinity might respond to safeguard the members and staff.
The Covid Task Force hopes that we will, during the Season after Epiphany 2022, reduce more of our Covid protocols. First up, we will be taking down the tape in the pews and returning to our normal Holy Communion practice around the altar. We are looking for the Positive Test Rate in Canyon County to get to 5% and stay there or drop further. The final step will be taking off masks during worship. As we have said before, we are guided by neighbor love and the desire to be any small part of keeping the curve flat so as not to overwhelm our healthcare systems.
CDC * 7-day Metrics І 7-day Percent Change as of January 5, 2022
The Mutual Ministry committee met regularly during 2021 to review the ministries within the congregation, evaluate goals, and address concerns. This happens in a safe and confidential environment. The committee also discusses Pastor’s plans for continuing education for the coming year as well as the needs of the congregation. Committee members for 2021 were Jerry Armbrust (congregational vice president), Sharon Jones, Tammy Torrey, and Steve Ward.
Tammy Torrey
PROPERTY COMMITTEE
New Roof complete. Hall ceiling fix, one square just need to be replaced. South door locks changed and fixed. New speaker system and video installed. Thanks to Bryce Quarve and David Sheriff. The Hansons, they planted a Sensation Maple by the Garden in Klayton Hanson’s name. We planted a Spring Snow Crabapple (non-fruit bearing) by the S. East corner of the lawn. The heating and cooling system is a work in progress. Lloyd has found a great tech that has been servicing them for us.
I want to apologize no being around this past year. Between the farm and helping take care of my mom. That is all I got done this year. After mom passed. I have been sick. Therefore, I have been staying away. I am so appreciative to Darrell and Peggy Miller, Jerry Armburst, Lloyd and Judy Keller. Pastor and Bob for support. Of course the congregation for making everything possible. Borrowing from Sharon Jones. “I LOVE THIS CHURCH!”
Sunday School for you youth remained cancelled due to the pandemic for winter and spring 2021. We did have a wonderful Tuesday evening (Holy Week) with families decorating Easter Eggs and then delivering baskets to members. We had Games and Crafts on the Lawn for families in early June. Sunday School in person did resume this fall. Thanks to Amanda, Tammy, and Larry for teaching our kids/youth. Kick-off Sunday School was intergenerational, and we plan to use that model two more times this schoolyear.
Sunday Adult Forum met online for a few months early in the year and then took an extended break due worship logistics. In the fall we read Bill White’s In Over Our Heads: Meditations on Grace and then we spent a few weeks on the Advent Conspiracy.
Monday Morning Study Group read/studied the following: Mark’s Gospel, Rozella White’s Love Big: The Power of Revolutionary Relationships to Heal the World, 1st and 2nd Samuel, Bishop Michael Curry’s Love is the Way, and Richard Rohr’s The Universal Christ.
Confirmation Co-op utilized Zoom meeting and Google Classroom for winter and spring 2021. We had one in-person event at Hope in early May to finish the year. This fall Confirmation Co-op has included Trinity, Hope, Immanuel, Redeemer, and King of Glory Lutheran Churches. We were excited to attend the fall retreat at Luther Heights, but it was cancelled due to the Jakes Gulch Fire. We have been able to meet monthly in person. Diane Irunkunda affirmed her baptism Reformation Sunday.
Luther Heights Bible Camp
Seven youth attended summer camp, including the new Leader in Training program. Cathy Winwood served on staff and Pastor Meggan helped with staff training and served one week as a resource pastor. A few more members enjoyed retreats in the fall before the camp was evacuated.
Learning Peace: A Camp for Kids
A number of volunteers from Trinity helped staff Learning Peace: A Camp for Kids July 19-22 at the Hispanic Cultural Center (ages 6-13). We had around 80 campers. Next year’s camp will be a bit earlier in the summer: June 27-30.
Senior High Youth
We are getting ready for the ELCA Youth Gathering in Minneapolis, MN July 24-28. Last spring and this summer we had information sessions and we held a garage sale fundraiser. We had Getting Ready sessions at Pastor Meggan’s home in October and December, with three more scheduled for 2022.
The audit committee met several times from April to September and submitted their report to the council at the regular meeting in September. Overall, the books were in order and no major issues were found. The data entry errors that were found were corrected and procedures were put in place to provide confirmation for each transaction.
The committee recommended that the QuickBooks program should be updated regularly, starting now, so the Treasurer has the latest version to work with. As our Treasurer (Lloyd Kellar) is retiring from his position, we also recommended that the council review the Standard Operating Procedures for the financial officers and update them as needed for the current responsibilities for those who are taking on the treasurer’s duties.
The committee also recommended that an audit be conducted annually so the function of the committee becomes routine. It will help simplify the process for both the financial officers and the audit committee.
Tami Robinson
12-30-2021
COMMUNICATIONS
During the past two years, relevant communication has never been more important for our congregation. Between our monthly newsletters, bulletins, emails, monthly congregational mailings, Zoom, and YouTube, we have tried to cover all of our bases in keeping everyone apprised of the goings-on at Trinity. Sometimes it seems that we are inundated with information and that it may seem repetitive, but more information is always better than less during times like these. Maintaining the free flow of information is the primary objective of the Communications team.
A Place at the Table 