Volume 94, Issue 8

Trinity Lutheran Church Newsletter

The garage sale was a great success but we could not have done it without all the work put in by the many hard working volunteers. There was donating, collecting, storing, sorting, more sorting, pricing, selling, helping shoppers and delivery. Then packing up and cleaning up after the sale. Whew— that is a LOT of work. You folks are the best.

Would you like to be a part of a ministry at the church that is fun, easy to learn, and spiritu-ally fulfilling ? Then check this out. We are looking for people to become a part of the wor-ship team as a sound technician. You will have the opportunity to manage the sound board during Sunday services as well as special events with on the job training and the best seat in the house during Sunday services.

We are in need of people to invest a small portion of their time to sign up on a rotating schedule for help with this very important ministry. If you feel a calling to help fill this need please contact Steve Large at 503-551-8202 or talk to Janet Beck, Worship and Music Coordinator.

Thank you,

Steve Large

Facilities Manager and Sound Tech Coordinator.

hello

August!

SUMMERTIME

Vacation time!

Our missions and ministries do continue, so please prayerfully give of your tithes and offerings.

Traveling? Please con-sider attending a church along the way or at your destination. When you do, if you would bring back bulletins, brochures, church publi-cations, ideas, etc., to share. Your Worship & Music Ministry Team would love to hear about it.

Staying Home? Sunday worship, 10:00 a.m. each week.

To All Volunteers for the Youth Garage Sale

Thinking Back to Think Ahead

In the hallway that leads into the pastor’s office hang six portraits, each of them of one of the pastors who served Trinity since 1945, when the parish was founded. Every day I say good morning to the first one, Karl A. Ufer, who was the founding pastor and hangs first in line.

Dave Pedersen used to say that Karl’s pastoral DNA—his genetic code—still shapes Trinity. He was not only a fine pastor but a splendid man. There are lots of wonderful stories about him, often involving his wife, Phyllis who died just a few years ago. After Karl was discharged from the army, he started work of his new con-gregation here. The army called him back for short term service, which not only delayed work on the congrega-tion but also postponed Karl and Phyllis’ wedding. When Karl got out the second time, he sent Phyllis a fa-mously short telegram, quoting Scripture: “The bridegroom cometh.”

I met Karl first of all when I was interning at Emmanuel in Spokane, then again when I was serving in the North Pacific District of the old ALC, to which Trinity also belonged. In Spokane, Karl gave Phyllis a spe-cial birthday gift for her garden, a load of manure which he had had piled in the front yard. When she got up, he took her to the front window, opened the curtains and showed her. “Oh Karl,” Phyllis said, “you shouldn’t have.”

As I have visited with you over the past years and now, during the interim, I have heard all kinds of these stories. Some of them, like those of Karl and Phyllis and Ken and Barbara date back. But there are lots of recent ones. The relationships that develop between pastors and congregations are rich and they live on in the stories that we tell.

Memory and hope go hand in hand. There have been some delays and disappointments as we’ve been seeking a new pastor. But looking back we can also get a sense of what is coming. God works with his people through the word and the sacraments. So he provides us with preachers, like Karl, like Dave, like Al—like a whole succession of them. Soon enough, the good Lord is going to add another one who will carry on in line with the six already pictured in the hallway.

Pastor Jim Nestingen

page 3

To My Trinity Lutheran Church family, I never thought I would have a home church. Heck, I never thought I would have a church at all. The first church I had entered as an adult was Monmouth Christian because I was trying hard to get a date with a girl. I wasn’t a militant atheist like I had been in the past, but I wasn’t yet “religious.” I was just trying to date this girl. The second church I entered, though, was Trinity Lutheran. I thought I was interviewing for a job, but it turns out I was the only one that applied. So, with only a year and a half of a music degree under my belt, I became the choir director at Trinity Lutheran Church in Dallas, Oregon. Then, I attended service because I thought I was supposed to. And thank God, because the love of Christ was shown to me in such an incredible way: through you, the congregation. Without knowing me, you loved me. You supported everything I did with the choir, including my many failures. When I did fail, you brushed over it and had me get right back on it. What an incredible gift. But the best gift was one I didn’t entirely understand when I got it: the baptism that you gave me. Since then, it has become my foundation. And over my three years with you, I’ve needed that foundation. This congregation has helped me through the hardest years of my life. You’ve helped me through changing majors and being entirely overworked. You’ve helped me through a devastating breakup. You helped me as I lost all my hair. You helped me as I went through therapy and relearned what it means to be me, and you did it all with the grace and love of Christ. Thank you. This church does so much. I’ve only been involved in a few things we’ve done here. We held a Halloween festival (that was so successful we did it the second year, too!). We brought John Doan — who, at the time, was my guitar teacher — to perform for us at Christmas. We started a Wednesday night ministry where you let me, for whatever reason, preach just about every week. There was this along with so much music — many thanks to my choir for working so hard, and also for featuring my music at the organ dedication. And for letting me try to teach the kids some music that one summer! I have learned and lived so much with you. Now, I’m going to seminary. Think about that — you were so incredible that I came in here trying to become an actor and music director and I am leaving trying to become a pastor. All I ask is you keep me in your prayers. I’m moving the furthest I’ve ever been from home, and I won’t have Sunday mornings in Dallas to lean on. I will be back. This is my home church! Maybe, I’ll even be a guest preacher or something. Just make sure to tell the new pastor about me. Thanks be to Christ Almighty, who brought me to you. May His face shine on you all as you have shone on me. Blessings, Ollie Bergh

Farewell to Trinity

page 4

COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – July 18, 2017

Financial Reports: Financial Reports through June were presented by Janet Brunner, Treasurer. Nicki Dippel assisted in closing the June books. Reports reviewed included Financial Report Notes, the Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2017, Profit & Loss- January through June 2017, Profit & Loss January through June 2017-Budget versus Actual, and a General Ledger report replacing the previous Transaction Detail.

Miscellaneous Financial Notes- • Per a motion made at the June 20th Council meeting, monies accumulated in Local Only donations through May

were distributed 6/29/17, splitting the funds between Sable House and James II Community Kitchen- $450 each.

• My Stake account currently has a balance of $2,225.00 through income received. When funds reach $5,000, a check will be submitted to Faith Foundation.

• Trust funds from LaVina and Don Brixius estate pending receipt

• In Faith statements (as related to Endowment Fund monies) were not received in time for June closing. Janet Brunner proposed processing In Faith monthly adjustments with a one month lag to maintain consistency in monthly reporting (with a catch up on year end reports).

• Net Income for June was $1,138.52; YTD profit stands at $3,867.42

• Janet Brunner will be providing a new report (P&L- Prior Year Comparison) beginning with the July Financial Reports. Comparing June, 2016 to June, 2017, net income after expenses is up $2,800 for the current year.

Jonathan requested adding the ending balance from the prior month to the Ending Balance per Quickbooks on the Financial Notes to enable a better analysis of real ending balance in Citizens Checking General Fund.

Treasurer- Transition Comments/Observations/Recommendations: Janet has spent the past couple weeks reviewing the financial processes in place and the inner workings of the various aspects of staff involvement as she takes on her new role as Treasurer. She commended the office staff and extended her appreciation for all they do and how re-sponsive they have been in sharing information.

*After getting a more thorough understanding of our financial workings, Janet Brunner has reconsidered the previous recommendation put forth last month by the Financial Manager Replacement Committee, i.e. Cliff, Jonathan, Janet. Janet proposed to the Council that she maintain day to day financial processes in house at this time. Payroll continues to be processed by ComputerEase. A motion was made and passed to have Trinity’s financial books remain in house, with Janet Brunner as Treasurer handling the day to day activities including overseeing and writing checks, with the current 2 signature requirement to remain in place; Nicki Dippel will continue to coordinate closing the monthly books and preparing reports with the Treasurer. (Note: Those currently with check signature authority are Janet Brunner, , Dot Lee, and Cliff Barnhart. Treasurer and the financial oversight being provided by Janet Brunner and Nicki Dippel are being done on a volunteer basis. Thank you Janet and Nicki!

*VISA card – As Financial Manager, Sally Davies was the primary cardholder on Trinity’s VISA card. In order to change the “primary” cardholder, Sally will need to cancel the card, and Janet Brunner, as new Treasurer, will have to apply. (New cards will be provided to Dot Lee, new Pastor, Treasurer-Janet Brunner-primary, and either Steve Large [Facilities Manager] or Janet Beck [Worship Ministry].) Janet Brunner will talk with Steve and Janet for their preference.

* Janet Brunner recommends having Office Manager and Facilities Manager process their own purchase orders. Overview would be provided in daily communications and invoice processing.

Committee Reports:

Call Team- Pastor Susan, Assistant to the Bishop in Portland, has spoken with Matt Davies, indicating the Synod currently has a list of two potential pastoral candidates for the Call Team to consider. Additionally, some new candidate applications have been received by the Synod and are being reviewed for possible inclusion in the list to be provided in the coming weeks to the Call Team.

Council will begin the process of obtaining an Interim Pastor to begin in late October.

page 5

Solar Eclipse Committee-Julie Oke reported that to date TLC has received 19 reservations for the August 21st eclipse event.

Old Business:

“Sanctuary Church” Consideration- No further information was provided. Council is in agreement that we will not be declaring TLC a sanctuary church at this time. More research and discussion is needed.

New Business:

Small Groups- Janet Beck offered a suggestion to Council to consider “Dinner For Eight” as a small group activity. Council gave approval.

Hospitality Coordinator- Kathy and Brittany Brostrom have offered to serve as Hospitality Coordinators. We all know they will do a great job! Thank you!

Security Concerns- It was noted that we need to be more diligent in our security and protecting our assets. Council will ask Facilities Manager Steve Large to identify items of concern and look into a security system/equipment to protect our valuable assets.

Fire Wood Storage- Ken Braun has asked about the possibility of allowing the Royal Order of the Red Suspenders to store cut wood in four portable tents on the NE side of church property, to be provided to those in need. Gravel would be added to the area for stability for the stacked wood. His request was approved.

Meeting was closed with The Lord’s Prayer.

Prayerfully submitted-Beverlee Linn, Council Secretary

Continued…...

Please hold these people in your prayers:

Recovering: Judy Graham,

Illness: Tim

Grief: Family of Lulu Smith

If you would like to add a name to the prayer request please call the office at

503-623-2233 or email to dotdallastlc@gmail.com.

The Visitor can be read:

Online at www.dallastlc.org

Sent to an email address

Mailed to your home address

Picked up at the kiosk table

Are you receiving the Visitor in a

format that works for you? Changes

can be made at the church office, by

phone or email to

dotdallastlc@gmail.com

“I must still read and study the catechism daily, yet I cannot master it as I wish, but must remain a child and a pupil of the catechism, and I do it gladly.”

Martin Luther in his preface to the Large Catechism

Page 6

Here is something that you may not know. Conflict is both Normal and Neutral. Everyone has conflict….sometimes they are big things like choosing a different job, moving, or working through family or marriage differences. Some-times they a smaller things like trying to choose what clothes to take on vacation, what to make for dinner or which restaurant to choose. The truth is that we all experience conflict every day. It is normal. But my experience tells me that when we think about the first thing that pops into our minds when we hear the word “conflict”, the vast majori-ty of us think of something negative like fighting, arguing, politics, war and many others. Few people think of posi-tive things when they consider conflict. When something is no longer working we have a conflict, but that conflict provides us with the opportunity to try something different. When we try a venture and fail, we learn things about what is needed to succeed the next time. Conflict is in and of itself neutral, it is how we respond to conflict that can make it a positive or negative experience. Notice that I used the word “respond.” That was very deliberate on my part. When we respond we are making a choice informed by thought and deliberation. Many times people use the word reacted as though that were somehow not a choice. Let me assure you that a reaction is also a choice but it is most often a choice that is driven by emotion (anger, fear, frustration, impatience etc.) The difference between a thoughtful response and an emotional reaction is the often unintended consequences of a choice made without con-sideration of what happens next. Community Mediation Services is a program that helps people resolve conflict. We don’t fix your problems for you but we help you think through the situation and possible resolutions and work things out with the person(s) you are in conflict with. While we don’t solve your conflicts, we do empower you to make informed choices about how you might go about living at peace with that neighbor, that friend, child or parent. When you are able to say the things you need to say AND hear the things you need to hear, people in conflict are often able to find a solution that works for all the people involved. Often times the cause of a conflict is two people looking at the same set of facts or circumstances but coming up with very different versions of what they are seeing. Your perspective is unique to you, but sometimes when we are able to communicate what we understand or see and hear what someone else understands or sees, we can learn that someone can see things differently but that it does not make either of you right or wrong, just different. My friends, if we begin with the knowledge that conflict is both normal and neutral and it is how we respond that makes it either a positive or negative experience, then we can choose to use the conflicts we encounter as opportu-nities to build stronger relationships, take advantage of potential solutions and experience life without the fear of the unknown tying us down.

Ken Braun, Community Mediation Services

Conflict is Normal…………..

Attend a

Bible study at

Trinity

Thursday 7:00 pm Room 4

Friday 9:00 am Room 4

The third Wednesday of each month WELCA meets in

the library for a Bible study at 10:00 a.m. All women

are welcome! Come join in the discussion.

Faith & Grace August 15th 2PM

Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil DeGrasse Tyson, who can be

seen on OPB. The book is thin but talks about the universe and the earth succinctly and clearly with a sense of humor. We think its good preparation for the eclipse the following week. Join us!

Page 7

Financial Update Janet Brunner, Treasurer

Dear Trinity Family,

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the church financials please feel free to get in touch with me. My email is; jbrunnerdallastlc@gmail.com and phone number is; 503-551-5237.

Blessings to you all!

Janet Brunner

Council Treasurer

Account Jan-March 2017 April-May 2017 June, 2017 Year-to-Date

General Fund $67,832 $54,584 $22,280 $144,696

Building Use $240 $180 $130 $550

Misc. Income $1,658 $75 $0 $1,733

Special Gifts $0 $14,500 $4,978 $19,478

Baneveolence Income for GF $618 $1,350 $0 $1,968

$0

Total Income $70,348 $70,689 $27,388 $168,425

General Expenses $2,786 $3,153 $1,817 $7,756

Faith Foundation Mortgage $25,500 $17,000 $8,500 $51,000

Staff Compensation $35,586 $27,596 $12,398 $75,580

Payroll Related Expenses $2,173 $1,229 $389 $3,791

Educational Expenses $606 $493 $0 $1,099

Music & Worship Expenses $973 $544 $119 $1,636

Evangelism Expenses $432 $920 $357 $1,709

Operating Expenses $7,626 $9,221 $2,275 $19,122

High School- Middle School $130 $0 $0 $130

Office Expenses $1,658 $682 $395 $2,735

Total Expenses $77,470 $60,838 $26,250 $164,558

Profit/Loss -$7,122 $9,851 $1,138 $3,867

Additional Faith Payment Income $12,537 $7,869 $1,205 $21,611

Dallas Food Bank Fill the Pantry-Pay the Rent

Now to the end of August we are collecting food and funds to help the Dallas Food Bank. Please see the form on the back of this

newsletter if you would like to be a sponsor, but any amount that you can give is very much appreci-

ated. Also please look in your own pantry for items that the Food Bank needs and bring to TLC.

Ask your neighbors to donate a few cans of food and bring those as well. Be on the lookout for the

buy-one-get one deals and donate that “free” one! There is a list of items that the Food Bank is most in need of on the Kiosk, pick one up before you go shopping.

page 8

Church Directory update

We are getting close to printing the new directory! Thank you to everyone that took the time to fill out the forms and get pictures to us. If you have and extra binder, 1” or more you can take the printed directory home and use your binder. We do plan on having some binders here for those that may not have one at home.

Scripture readings for August August 6 Isaiah 55:1-5

Romans 9:1-5

Mathew 14:13-21

August 13 1 Kings 19:9-18

Romans 10:5-15

Matthew 14:22-33

August 20 Isaiah 56:1, 6-8

Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32

Matthew 15;[10-20] 21-28

August 27 Isaiah 51:1-6

Romans 12:1-8

Matthew 16:13-20

ECLIPSE NEWS

page 9

August 21st, 2017 our town of Dallas will be in the path of totality for the first total solar eclipse to touch the continental US since 1979. There is a lot of excitement over this event that will be just under two minutes long. We are the lucky ones, we don’t have to travel to see the eclipse, unlike the expected million people that will come to see the event in the narrow, 70 mile wide, path across the state. With the influx of visitors nothing is going to be “business as usual” in the few days leading up to and for a couple of days after the eclipse. Below is a partial list of things that you should do, plan for or expect to happen. Plan on get-ting any supplies you will need in the 4-5 days around the eclipse a week or so ahead of time.

To purchase: Groceries Gas/Fuel

Medications Pet/animal supplies Paper products Anything you regularly use in a 5-7 day time frame.

To be aware of: Traffic-will be very heavy. Back ups, closed roads. Gridlock. Cell phone service may be limited. Internet connections may be difficult. Plan ahead if you have to go to work that day-maybe take an eclipse day? Possible power outages Expect longer emergency response times if you need to call them. Make way for these emergency vehicles on the road.

Also: Enjoy-there won’t be another coming across the state for a very, very long time. Be safe view only with eclipse glasses. Spread the word to neighbors, friends, those that may not have a lot of contacts outside of their homes.

If you are able to help out with the fund raising camping event anytime from Saturday, August 19 at 9:00 AM though Monday, August 21 until 5:00 PM, please contact Steve Large at 503-5551-8202 for more information. Thank you for your help.

page 10

August 6 Tod Brostrom Diane Klipfel Open

August 13 Jonathan Thompson John Beck Don & Fran; Tod & Kathie Brostrom

Susan Middleton, Janet Wheeler

August 20 Bob Davies Don Isensee Diane Klipfel, Cliff & Jill Simmons & fam

Dave & Nicki Dippel & fam

August 27 Steve Utter Carol Christ Clayton & Linda; Lori & Logan VanRiper

Kiosk

August 6 Alvera Blanchard

August 13 John Beck

August 20 Janet Beck

August 27 Carol Christ

Sept. 3 Donelle Flammang

Sept. 10 Julie Oke

Sept. 17 Alvera Blanchard

Sept. 24 John Beck

Oct. 1 Carol Christ

Oct. 8 Donelle Flammang

Oct. 15 Julie Oke

Oct. 22 Janet Beck

Communion Ministry Phyllis Smith

Velma Stepper Ann Gorden

Sue Shallenberg

Nursery care attendant

August 6 Anna Hammond

August 13 Michelle Sekafetz

August 20 Anna Hammond

August 27 Michelle Sekafetz

Date Lay Assistants Lectors Greeters/Ushers

August Sunday Helpers - 2017

September Ushers

September 3 Greg & Sharlene Hattan, John Grewe, Eddie Nelson

September 10 Jim & Michaele Pelzer

September 17 John Engelien, Stephanie Barth, Pete Christensen, John Beck

September 24 John & Lydia Shodin, Kathie Peterson and family

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

The Profile Retreat

SilSilent Auction opens.

1

9:30 Library team

6:30 Boy Scouts

2

6:30 Al-Anon

7:00 AA

10

9:00 Community

Partners

9:30 Staff

1:00 Piano lessons

1:00 Rug hooking

6:15 Choir rehearsal

5:30 Creat worship

7:00 Bible Study

4

9:00 Bible Study 5

10:00 ELCA

Women's Synod

meeting

6

9:00 Choir Rehearsal 10:00 Worship

11:30 Youth Meeting

7

Church office

is closed.

9:30 Quilters

2 p.m. Bell Choir

8

9:30 Library team

6:30 Boy Scouts

9

6:30 Al-Anon

7:00 AA

10

8:00 Polk Co

9:00 Community

Partners

9:30 Staff

1:00 Piano lessons

1:00 Rug hooking

6:15 Choir rehearsal

5:30 Creat worship

7:00 Bible Study

11

9:00 Bible Study

5:30 Sew/craft circle

12

13

9:00 Choir Rehearsal 10:00 Worship

11:30 Youth Meeting

14

Church office

is closed.

2 p.m. Bell Choir

15

9:03 Library team

2:30 Faith & Grace

6:30 Boy Scouts

7:00 Council

16

10:00 WELCA

6:30 Al-Anon

7:00 AA

17

9:00 Community Partners 9:30 Staff 1:00 Piano lessons 1:00 Rug hooking 5:30 Creat worship Practice

6:15 Choir rehearsal

7:00 Bible study

18

9:00 Bible Study

19

Eclipse Camping

Event

20

9:00 Choir Rehearsal 10:00 Worship

11:30 Youth Meeting

Eclipse Camping

Event

21

Eclipse!!

Church office

is closed.

2 p.m. Bell Choir

22

9:30 Library team

6:30 Boy Scouts

23

6:30 Al-Anon

7:00 AA

24

9:00 Community Partners 9:30 Staff 1:00 Piano lessons 1:00 Rug hooking 5:30 Creat worship Practice

6:15 Choir rehearsal

7:00 Bible Study

25

9:00 Bible study

26

7:00 Free Clinic

5:00 Shodin/Smith

wedding

27 9:00 Choir Rehearsal 10:00 Worship

11:30 Youth Meeting

28 Church office closed.

2 p.m. Bell Choir

29

9:30 Library team

6:30 Boy Scouts

30

6:30 Al-Anon

7:00 AA

31

9:00 Community

9:30 Staff

1:00 Piano Lessons

1:00 Rug hookers

5:30 Creat worship

6:15 Choir Practice

7;00 Bible Study

Sept 1 9:00 Bible Study

Sept 2 7:00 Free Clinic

page 11

Deadline for Visitor articles

hello

August!

If you have quality, clean clothes you would like to

donate they can be dropped

operational hours or call and they can be

picked up.

Trinity Lutheran Church 320 SE Fir Villa Dallas, OR 97338

Address Service Requested

Contact us— Office Hours Tues-Friday 9 am-4 pm Phone 503 623-2233 Pastor Jim cell 503-831-4822

Website www.dallastlc.org

Dallas Food Bank Fundraiser

Fill the Pantry – Pay the Rent

“CAN”

YOU HELP?

Make checks payable to and mail to: Dallas Food Bank Fundraiser

322 Main St., Ste 180 Dallas, OR 97338

For more information contact: Eddie Nelson (503) 857-5042

Food is now being collected at the Kiosk located in the Narthex

GOLD SPONSOR $500 - Listed as major sponsor in newspaper article SILVER SPONSOR $200 - Listed in newspaper article * BRONZE SPONSOR $100 - Listed in newspaper article * OTHER SPONSOR $________

*Form must be submitted by August 31st

to be included in newspaper

Name as you would like it listed in newspaper:

__________________________________________________________

Contact person:___________________ Phone:__________________

Address:___________________________________________________

hello

August!