Volume 89, Issue 9

September, 2015

Special Event! All are invited!

Organ and Chime Dedication/Blessing

and Musical Program

Homemade Pie Reception follows

Sunday, October 4 at 5:30 p.m. program followed by

pie social and silent auction.

Come celebrate the blessing of Trinity’s new organ and outdoor chimes. There will be a program with a variety of music and instruments. You will hear organ, piano, bells, a string quartet, and an original composition by Ollie Bergh.

We are looking for others who might be interested in participating in this fun and exciting event. If you are, please talk with one of the Worship & Music Ministry team members.

Blessing for Back to School and Sunday

School

Sunday, September 6 at 10 a.m. worship

Teachers - Students - Backpacks

Kick off the school year with a BLESSING!

Worship & Music Ministry Team: Jon & Lynne Uusitalo,

Ollie Bergh, Sally Miller, Julie Oke, Mavis Graven, Pastor Dave, Janet Beck - Worship & Music Coordinator

page 2

Tell Your “God Story”

God is alive, present and active in our lives. There are stories to be shared, written and told that give witness to God's amazing love. These stories can benefit others.

Trinity would like to use stories with a wider audience (at worship, newsletter, other printed material,

Facebook, other social media, etc.) Do you have a story to share?

To write your story

Please keep your story brief. (300-400 words) Things to include: names, dates, and detail. Use and say what is accurate and currently verifiable. Only use the name of another person if you have their permission.

How have you seen God alive, present and active in your life?

All stories will be previewed before being used with minor edits as needed.

I would prefer to remain anonymous, but you may share my story.

You can share my story.

I would be willing to be contacted about my story.

Name (not required)

First Name Last Name

Email Date

**Please return to the church office. Thank you!

page 3

Financial Update Sally Davies, Financial Manager

You are invited to: Give Us An Hour

October 8, 2015 5:00—6:00 p.m.

Come to Pressed Coffee and Wine Bar, 788 Main St, Dallas to learn about Polk Community Free

Clinic and to help celebrate four years of providing medical care in our community

Hors d’ouevres will be served as you hear stories of how PCFC has affected the recipients and

volunteers of our community.

Call the clinic office: 503-831-0551 to reserve an individual seat or a table for eight. Or email:

polkclinic.info@gmail.com

PCFC has been very blessed these past four years

by providing free access to medical care for the

uninsured in our community. There have been

two clinics per month, serving over 575

individuals in need of care.

As part of offering prayer to our patients, we have

also given out about 300 prayer shawls, a tangible

warm remembrance that each of us is

important and loved by Christ. Almost half of the

individuals coming as patients and their families

request prayer by our prayer team. The clinic has

been supported by over 100 volunteers providing

over 10,000 hours of time.

Here are some additional ways our congregation can

help PCFC:

1. Prayer—include the clinic on your prayer list, or

individuals can offer to be part of our Prayer

Team.

2. Volunteer to work at the clinic. Leave a

3. message on the clinic phone and someone will

contact you. (503 831 0551) or visit the web

site: www.salemfreeclinics.org

4. Prayer shawls have been a very special par t of

the PCFC offering for our clients. If you are

interested in knitting or crocheting, this is a

wonderful way to share Christ’s love. Any

design is appropriate.

2013 Year End

2014 Year End

January – June 2015

July 2015 Jan-July Total 2015

General Fund Income $305,531 $332,123 $156,991 $22,900 $179,891

Special Donation $31,782 $22,866 $5,342 $5,342

Total Income $337,313 $354,989 $156,991 $28,242 $185,233

Expenses $349,817 $353,161 $165,791 $30,200 $195,991

Principal Paid from $8500 Mortgage

$20,824

$21,287

$1,210

$22,497

Total Expenses $349,817 $373,985 $187,078 $31,410 $218,488

Profit/Loss -$12,504 -$18,996 -$30,087 -$3,168 -$33,255

Extra Principal Funds Donated

$15,695 $236,275 $12,935 $249,210

Polk Community Free Medical Clinic News

page 4

Love God, Love Others Serve God, Serve Others

Prayer tree ministry

There are times in our lives when we need special

prayers for a friend, neighbor or loved one. The

prayer tree quickly sends prayer requests via phone

calls or email. If you need prayers or would like to

be a part of this important ministry, please contact

Michaele Pelzer 503.831.0993 or by email at

jimmichaele@yahoo.com.

Tour the Holy Land November 6-19, 2015

Pastor Dave and instructor Dr. Monte Luker will

be leading a group to the Holy Land for 14 days of

biblical study. Pick up a brochure in the office or

from Pastor Dave.

American Red Cross Blood Drive

September 18 is the next blood drive at Trinity.

Contact Alvera Blanchard at 503-623-8284 for

more information or to sign-up to donate.

Please hold these people

in your prayers:

The family and friends of Eileen Holmes, Joyce

Frank, Jim Coates, Virginia Miller, Bob Flugum,

Brownie Davies, Lloyd Graven, Todd Shetterly,

Shawn Howard, Erman Mays, Charley Koenig,

and Ralph Fischer

Those dealing with health issues— Judy Utter,

Mike McKelvey, Helen Midkiff, Barbara Gust,

Kacy Bliss, Jamie Bellinger, Bev Peterson’s dad,

Stephanie Barth’s grandmother, Greg Thompson,

Willie Reindl, Brian Zaglauer, David Holmes,

Fred Walter, Don, Austin Lee, Jeri Joule, Chuck

Graham

Those who are recovering—Bernie Shodin,

Dorothy Larson, Sharon Engelein,

Mike McAllister, and Mary Hamilton

We offer prayers of blessing and thankfulness—

for “My Stake in Trinity campaign”, Trinity’s

new members, for our missionaries, for Polk

Community Free Clinic,

Dear Trinity Lutheran Church congregation:

We would like to invite you to join us in a special

evening prayer service called “Prayer Around the

Cross” on Saturday, September 26th at 5:30 PM in

the church sanctuary.

“Prayer Around the Cross” is a contemplative

worship inspired by Holden Village (much like the

Holden Evening Prayer Service) and by models of

prayer practiced regularly at the Community of Taize

in France, and at the Iona Community in Scotland.

The service will include prayer, singing, silence,

sighing, kneeling or sitting, a cross, candles,

scripture and intercessions. “Intercession is loving

your neighbor on your knees.” Martin Marty

This evening service should last about 30 minutes

and children are most welcome. Worshippers may

stay for silent prayer after the

closing.

May we come together as community gathered

around the cross and see how the Holy Spirit works

among us. We invite all to join us September

26th. Feel free to invite your family, friends,

co-workers and neighbors.

In Christ,

Pastor Dave, Janet Beck, Don & Mary Jane Isensee

(Co-chairs of “Prayer Around the Cross” Planning

Committee)

Page 5

Comedy Corner

page 5

How do you feel when there’s no

coffee?

DEPRESSO!

Faith and Grace Book Group

Do you enjoy a good discussion and fellowship with other bookworms? Join this group in the library. It’s always fun!

Tuesday, September 1, 1:00 p.m. The Glass Castle,

by Jeannette Walls

Monday, October 5, 1:00 p.m. Traveling Mercies,

by Anne Lamott

Monday, November 9, 1:00 p.m. All the Light We Cannot See,

by Anthony Doerr

Get a head start on your

Christmas shopping or purchase

something you really love and

help two great causes!

We are having a silent auction of

beautiful handmade and locally produced

items. It will start on Sunday, September 27

and close on Sunday, October 4 at the

organ/chimes dedication.

The proceeds will be split between

“My Stake in Trinity” and Lutheran

World Relief.

If you have items to donate, please contact

either Barbara Flugum (503-831-3953) or

Carolyn Nestingen (nescar@gmail.com)

Hats off to our youth and their leader,

Naomi Woodrum for organizing a food

drive for the benefit of the Dallas Food Bank.

The group met August 7 at the Dallas WalMart and

collected $325 and a variety of canned food!

Thank you Trinity youth for assisting people in our

community in their daily living needs.

page 6

Youth Group is Back! Naomi Woodrum

First day of Youth Group for the new school year is September 13th following worship. Youth Group is

for all 6th-12th grade students. We eat lunch together, pray, play games and do devotions. Hope to see

you all on the 13th!

Small Groups Fair

Fall is a great time to get plugged into a small group! Make sure to check out all the different groups we

offer at the Small Groups Fair on September 13th. Invite a friend and sign up to be part of a group (or

two!).

Youth Group Lunches

It's that time of the year again! We need people to provide lunch for our hungry teenagers at Youth Group.

There is a sign up sheet and instructions on the bulletin board by the kitchen hallway. Thank you for your

support!

Dear Trinity family, Thank you for your support

Fill the Pantry—Pay the Rent

It is with sincere gratitude and appreciation that the Dallas Food Bank Fundraising Committee would like to

thank you for your contribution toward the 2015 fundraiser.

It is with your generous hearts, the fundraiser raised $8,132 to support the food bank in the continued effort

to assist hungry people in our community.

In addition to our wonderful sponsors, the Trinity Lutheran Youth group did a food drive on August 7. The

congregation of TLC also donated food. The combined effort resulted in 834 pounds of food.

We are looking forward to partnering with you again in 2016 as we continue to provide our community with

much needed support in making Dallas one of the best communities in Oregon.

We are honored to have served the Dallas Food Bank in sponsoring the 2015 Dallas Food Bank Fundraiser.

With much appreciation,

Eddie Nelson Beverlee LInn

Co-Chairperson Co-Chairperson

Page 7

On Sunday, September 13 We'll get together in several small activities. Everyone -- all ages -- are welcome to take part!

Some like to make or write cards, some visit people, some clean or paint, some help people with cell

phone questions, some play with children, and some plan other actions . . .

Please sign up ASAP in the fellowship hall. Also note there if you would like to wear a bright yellow

T-shirt. We've ordered shirts, and we'll have something else bright for you if we run out of shirts.

If you have questions or ideas for helping, please contact the church office or

Carol Christ at 503-551-6495.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has designated Sept. 13 as

a special day of service. For more background, see www.elca.org/dayofservice

God’s work. Our hands.

Day of Service

Volunteer Recognition

Can we list the many contributions of longtime

member Sally Miller?

Probably not.

But here is a statement that will describes Sally, “She

is faithful and devoted in everything she does.”

Sally is active in the service of WELCA, served on the

council, sews quilts for Lutheran World Relief, led the

choir for many years, sings in small groups, has played

the piano and organ for worship service for many

years.

And Sally has graciously offered her time and her

home to those who are in need.

We thank you Sally, for the countless hours of caring

dedication that you provide to Trinity and beyond.

Sally at work in the kitchen

page 8

Devotion: Pastor Dave shared some thoughts taken from his marriage counseling sessions. Generally speaking,

when asked what is most important to them in a relationship, women say love whereas men respond respect. Because

of this difference in emotional make-up between the sexes, the critical issue becomes developing good listening skills

in a relationship. This holds true in any relationship including our relationship with God. God listens to us, and we

need to be open to His will. Pastor Dave closed the devotion by offering a prayer that we would come to council

meetings with humility, our talents, and a readiness to listen, to God and each other.

Council Meeting Minutes: Minutes were reviewed/read by members. Minutes were approved as submitted.

Financial Reports: Financial repor ts were reviewed. To date, $308,499.32 has been received through the My

Stake in Trinity campaign to be paid against the church’s mortgage principal. Additional funds have been pledged

and will be applied as received. There hasn’t been much change in general fund giving from June; however, there

was $5,341.56 in special giving for July. The financial reports were approved as presented.

Committee Reports

Youth Ministry/Small Group Coordination- Naomi Woodrum updated the Council on Youth Group activities (Food

Bank Fundraiser at Walmart, reorganization of youth room, upcoming campfire/movie, cutting down trees at the

Davies’ to raise monies for youth mission). Naomi is working on lessons and devotions for fall and will be participat-

ing in the Small Groups Faire 9/13/15. She passed out an “in process” brochure that provides a “snapshot” of TLC –

e.g. Sunday morning schedules, contacts, office hours. staff, children’s activities, youth group, ministry groups, Bible

studies, community groups, and frequently asked questions. It is very comprehensive and will be an excellent out-

reach tool. Consideration was given to the viability of TLC providing “for profit” child care at the church as

community outreach. Naomi was asked to research the many facets of setting up an in-church daycare program.

After extensive research, she presented a very thorough report of the pros and cons involved in doing so. There are a

lot of issues to consider (start-up costs are high, finding qualified/certified teachers, staff turnover, safety

requirements, liability concerns among others.) Of primary concern were the current budget constraints. Also, the

fact we cannot have other groups using the same facilities during childcare operation hours caused concern for the

Council as that outreach is an important part of Trinity’s mission. After discussing the many cons, the Council

decided that day care was not a good option for TLC at this time.

Old Business:

Office copier- Over the past few weeks, Sally has been presented with copier options by various companies to

replace our office copier when the current contract expires in February, 2016. After discussing specifics about the

various copiers as presented in detail on a comparison spreadsheet, Janet made a motion to authorize Sally to

negotiate a contract with Pacific Office Automation if they will absorb the buyout fee without a $25 monthly charge.

Tammy seconded it; motion passed. Sally will also inquire as to whether we can add a tri-fold/middle stapler feature

at a later date.

Lower Mortgage payment with Faith Foundation- Pastor Dave and Sally will discuss talking with Faith Foundation

about lowering our mortgage payment (possibly to interest only as it was in the beginning) in light of our recent

sizable principal payments.

New Business:

Constitution/By-Laws Review-The main focus of this meeting’s constitution review was Chapter 11- Officers, with

specific attention to election, length of term, voting, and the Treasurer versus Financial Manager position. Lane

Shetterly had reviewed the draft presented to the Council and offered comments. Matt Davies will write a summary

of Lane’s recommended changes in language as well as the Council’s preferred wording to be discussed at our next

meeting.

The Lord’s Prayer: The meeting was concluded with the Lord’s Prayer .

Prayerfully submitted- Beverlee Linn, Council Secretary

Highlights of the August 18, 2015 meeting.

Page 9

Children's Sunday School Classes will resume on September 13.

Bible study schedules - Fall schedule

Sunday Adult Bible study – 9:00 a.m.

studying I Corinthians

Wednesday Bible studies at Davies home

7:00 p.m. studying book of John

Thursday Adult Bible study—7:00 p.m.

studying I Peter

Friday Adult Bible study—9:00 a.m.

studying I Peter

Third Wednesday of each month—WELCA

meeting and Bible study—10:00 a.m.

(Contact Sally Davies at 503-623-9235 for her

home address)

Community Service Opportunity Saturday September 12

9:00 a.m.

Are you interested in partnering with other Dallas folks

to provide a day of maintenance, painting, or

landscaping at the school district?

This year the focus will be on Dallas High School and

Whitworth Elementary. There are many projects. To

participate just show up at either school on

September 12

Celebrate Camp Lutherwood An invitation to attend the

2nd Annual Oktoberfest Celebration

and Fundraiser.

Saturday, October 3 from 3-7 pm.

The event will include dinner, live auction,

photo booth, live music and much more! Join

the staff as they celebrate the camp’s amazing

2015 summer season and look ahead to the big

plans that are in the works for the ministry of

Camp Lutherwood Oregon!

Visit lutherwoodoregon.org for more

information, or call the camp office at

541-998-6444. Tickets are available online.

Oregon Women of the ELCA will

meet in convention October 16-18

at the Convention Center in Lebanon,

Oregon, for the purpose of conducting

synodical business. This year’s theme is

“Aproned by Christ”

Each congregational unit of Women of the

ELCA in the Oregon Synod is requested to

send a voting member to this convention.

Women are encouraged to go, whether they

are a voting member or not.

Page 10

Lay Assistants Lectors Ushers

September 6 Lane Shetterly Diane Klipfel John & Sandy Grewe Greg & Sharlene Hattan

September 13 Tod Brostrom Carolyn Nestingen Greg & Janet Brunner Jim & Michaele Pelzer

September 20 Kate Richardson Jackson Bouchard Clayton & Linda VanRiper Lori VanRiper and Logan

September 27 Steve Utter Leanne Sleeper John Beck, John Engelien Alvera Blanchard Donna Wetter

Serving during worship

Kiosk Sept. 6 Sally Davies

Sept. 13 Alvera Blanchard

Sept. 20 John Beck

Sept. 27 Julie Oke

Oct. 4 Janet Brunner

Oct. 11 Carol Christ

Oct. 18 Sally Davies

Oct. 25 Alvera Blanchard

Nov. 1 John Beck

Nov. 8 Julie Oke

Nov. 15 Janet Brunner

Nov. 22 Carol Christ

Nov. 29 Sally Davies

Communion

ministry Red & Sherry Carroll John & Lydia Shodin

Sundays in the Nursery

Child Care—for ages 0-4

September 6 Matisyn Robischon

September 13 Anna Hammond

September 20 Michelle Sekafetz

September 27 Elle Robischon

October Ushers

Oct. 4 John & Lydia Shodin

Red & Sherry Carroll

Oct. 11 Pat & Diane Klipfel Cliff & Jill Simmons & family

Dave & Nicki Dippel & family

Oct. 18 Alan & Jan Treutle

Ken & Julie Oke

Oct. 25 Don & Fran Brostrom Tod & Kathie Brostrom

Susan Middleton & Janet Wheeler

1

9:00 Library

team

9:00 Staff meet

1:00 Faith &

Grace book

group

1:00 Piano lessons

6:30 Boy Scouts

2

6:30 Al-Anon

7:00 AA

3

9:00 Community

Partners

11:00 Rug hooking

Noon CPR class

1:00 Piano lessons

4:00 Worship pract

5:30 Creat worship

practice

7:00 Bible study

4

8:00 CPR class

9:00 Bible study

5

9:00 Free Clinic

10:00 Sewing group

6 Blessing back to

school and Sunday school classes 9:00 Adult Education

hour

10:00 Worship

7 Labor Day

Church office

is closed.

9:30 Quilters

8

9:00 Library team

9:00 Staff meet

1:00 Piano lessons

6:30 Boy Scouts

6:30 Titus 3

9

6:00 Master

Gardeners

6:30 Al-Anon

7:00 AA

10

8:00 Polk County

9:00 Community

Partners

11:00 Rug hooking

4:00 Worship pract

5:30 Creat worship

practice

7:00 Bible study

11

9:00 Bible study

12

10:00 A Journey

with Friends

13 9:00 Choir practice 9:00 Adult education hour 9:00 Mom’s Bible study

10:00 Worship

11:15 Ministry Fair

12:30 Day of service

God’s work. Our

hands.

11:30 MS/HS Youth

14Church office

is closed.

15

9:00 Library team

9:00 Staff meet

1:00 Piano lessons

6:30 Boy Scouts

7:00 Council

meeting

16

10:00 WELCA

Bible study

6:30 Al-Anon

7:00 AA

7:00 Bible study

at Davies

home

17

8:00 Polk County

9:00 Community

Partners

1:00 Piano lessons

1:00 Rug hooking

4:00 Worship pract

5:30 Creat worship

practice

7:00 Bible study

18

9:00 Bible study

11:30 Blood drive

19

12:30 Choir practice

20

9:00 Choir practice 9:00 Adult education

hour

10:00 Worship

11:30 MS/HS Youth

21

Church office

is closed.

22

9:00 Library

team

9:00 Staff meet

1:00 Piano lessons

6:30 Boy Scouts

23

6:30 Al-Anon

7:00 AA

7:00 Bible study

at Davies

home

24

8:00 Polk County

9:00 Community

Partners

1:00 Piano lessons

1:00 Rug hooking

4:00 Worship pract

5:30 Creat worship

practice

5:30 A Journey

with Friends

7:00 Bible study

25

9:00 Bible study

26

9:00 Free Clinic

10:00 Sewing Group

5:30 Prayer Around

The Cross

27

9:00 Choir practice 9:00 Adult education hour 9:00 Mom’s Bible study 10:00 Worship 11:30 MS/HS Youth

28 Church office

is closed.

29

9:00 Library

team

9:00 Staff meet

1:00 Piano

lessons

6:30 Boy Scouts

30

6:30 Al-Anon

7:00 AA

7:00 Bible study

at Davies

home

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Please contact the church office to receive the Visitor by email or

to be removed from the mailing list. page 11

Trinity Lutheran Church 320 SE Fir Villa Dallas, OR 97338

Contact us—

Office Hours

Tues-Friday 9-4 p.m. Website

www.dallastlc.org Phone

503 623-2233

503 999-1443 (pastor’s cell) Fax

503 623-2233

Address Service Requested

After a recent sermon I was greeting people at the back door. Often I get comments, mostly positive, but

sometimes a negative comment. I like getting both because it improves my preaching and the most important

thing is to get the Word of God to people and not my ego.

After this sermon, I had many nice comments. But one person, who knows more about the topic I was

mentioning than I do, told me I had it all wrong …. at least a lot of it. (Not the part about the Bible, but the

analogy I was using to make my point.)

It turns out I had done a lousy job doing my research and almost entirely trusted an online encyclopedia. I

should have done a better job, and I apologize to you and the people in my story.

But it is OK to be wrong. At the most basic level we are all wrong from the beginning. We are total sinners.

Knowing we are wrong saves us and helps us look to another for help. In my case, this person in line. In all our

cases, Jesus who saves us from our wrongness.

The only people Jesus could never help were those who were sure they were right. They missed the savior of

the world, right in front of their faces.

Love in Christ Jesus,

Pastor Dave