TRINITY

TOWER September 2017

Volume 25, Issue 9

Sunday Worship 8:45 & 10:15 a.m.

(Beginning September 10)

September 3 Matthew 16:13-20 (9 a.m.) Holy Communion

September 10 Welcome Sunday Luke 3:15-17, 21-24, 38

10 a.m. Altar Communion Sanctuary Choir

Baptism

September 17 Genesis 12:2 Holy Communion Sanctuary Choir

September 24 Romans 8:28 10 a.m. Altar Communion

Sanctuary Choir Baptism

October 1 New Life Worship Ruth 1:16

Holy Communion Joyful Noise & Sanctuary Choir

Our Spiritual DNA: Made in God’s Image

“Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him,

for we will see him as he is.” –1 John 3:2

Earlier this summer, my wife, Kim, and I decided to take the Ancestry DNA test. We each ordered a kit, spit into a test tube, and sent it back for testing. Eight weeks later, we received the results. Kim’s roots were found in many surprising and exciting places, like Great Britain and the Iberian Peninsula; mine was neither surprising nor exciting—nearly 100% Norwegian. Yet, it’s what she’s doing with that knowledge that is most exciting. She’s reaching out to the people around the world that match her DNA. Her hope is to discover parts of her “family” that she has never known before.

This fall, our congregation will explore the question, “What is our spiritual DNA?” If cellular DNA can help define our physical identity, is there a way we can discover our spiritual identity?

We will explore these questions this fall in some very unique ways. These are just a few:

Each Sunday, the sermons and Trinity Kids will focus on a particular Biblical character, looking at how God created and transformed each of these individuals so that they may reflect God to the world;

Trinity’s intern, Kassy Heinrich, will be teaching an adult course on Tuesday evenings exploring those same Biblical characters, and also reflecting on how each of us are created and transformed to portray God's image in our own lives;

I will be leading a Bible study on the book of Genesis on Wednesdays and Thursdays, beginning September 27 and 28. The compelling stories and characters of Genesis are literally the “beginning” of our spiritual DNA and reflect what God meant in creating humankind in his image;

Throughout the next year, we will be celebrating our Lutheran “DNA” as we recognize the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. A number of special studies and events are being planned, culminating in a journey this spring to Reformation sites in Europe from April 17-28, 2018.

When you come to worship on September 10, a beautiful worship banner created by Trinity’s own Mark Hemingway will spark your faith to discover your own spiritual identity as one who is created in God’s image.

Let the exploration soon begin!

–Pastor Brian

Walk for Water Saturday, September 16

Join Pastor Brian and other Trinity members at the walk

to raise awareness of the global water crisis and support Water Mission.

Learn more on page 11 and at the display

on Welcome Sunday.

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Trinity Women Testimony

From Rachel Dodge, a faithful participant in last year’s Trinity Women events:

Approximately one year ago, one of my dearest friends, Jennifer Eastman, invited me to attend a women's event at her church. A new group called Trinity Women was having a kick-off event. Even though I didn't attend her church, and I am actually Catholic (I know, right), I agreed to go!

That first event was a dinner followed by speaker Ruth Bachman. I knew God was whispering to my heart when the handmade gift tag read, "..with your eyes wide open in gratitude." From the moment I walked in, the energy was amazing! Everything was beautiful – details in all the little things from note cards to gifts, flowers, dinner, dessert and more. I have attended many events over the years, and this event was so well planned; every detail mattered, and I left feeling enriched and like I mattered. I couldn't wait to attend the next event!

With each event, I left more inspired than before. I was hooked! These events were a perfect mix of fun, inspiration, prayer, giving back and building friendships. The other beauty: they are meant for women of any age!

These events moved me and touched my soul; perhaps I needed movement or change. I felt so strongly about what this group is trying to do and so passionate about what these simple events could mean for women, that I have asked to volunteer and be a part of the Planning Team this year! It's a big challenge, I live and work across town and have other commitments, but I feel that strongly about what events like this can do for women, and I wanted to be a part of it in some small way!

I would encourage you to invite a friend, pick up a neighbor, think outside the box or just take time for yourself. Most often as women, we are taking care of others. These events give you the opportunity to take the time to do something special for you, and who knows, God often works in mysterious ways! It could move you or just give you a night to be pampered or inspired! –Rachel Dodge

NEW! Trinity Women OUT-of-the-BOX Events

Feeling the urge to challenge yourself, try something new, do something possibly uncomfortable… basically get OUT of your BOX? OUT-of-the-BOX events strive to provide a space for Trinity Women and friends to come together, support each other and connect. It could be as simple as taking an art course, exercise class or spending a few days together hiking and kayaking–you name it!

The first event will be an Aerial Yoga class on Saturday, October 7, from 2-4 p.m. Learn more and sign up at www.trinitywomen.org/TrinityWomen.

Join our Facebook group to stay updated on OUT-of-the-BOX opportunities and more. Search “Trinity Women of Long Lake” on Facebook to find us.

Save the date! Evereve Private Shopping Event Thursday, September 28, 6-9 p.m.

Enjoy a night of shopping and fellowship at the Evereve in Wayzata. 15% of your purchase will support the Trinity Women ministry. Learn more at www.trinitylonglake.org/trinitywomen

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“A Study of Genesis” led by Pastor Brian Beginning September 27 & 28

We all look back and wonder about beginnings. Children are fascinated with stories of their birth. Families trace their genealogies and take DNA tests to discover their roots. Nations produce histories of their origin. The pressures of the present and hopes of the future take on new meaning when we know more about how it all began.

Genesis is a book of beginnings—the origin of the universe, the birth of the human race, and the founding of the Hebrew family. And yet, it’s so much more than a book of origins. It provides the foundation for many of the great themes that continue throughout both Old and New Testaments.

Most importantly, it’s about the relationship between the Creator and the human creature. It’s a story about the relationship between God and you!

Join Pastor Brian on a Bible study of the book of Genesis, truly the starting point in understanding one’s spiritual DNA. Beginning on September 27 and 28, this fall study will happen on most Wednesday nights from 6:00-7:15 p.m. and repeat again on Thursday mornings from 9:30-10:45 a.m.

Sign up in the narthex or on Trinity’s website at www.trinitylonglake.org/signups

“Why Lutheran?” with Tyler Moe-Slepica Beginning October 1

All are invited for another year of Why Lutheran?, which will begin Sunday, October 1 at 10 a.m. This class is for anyone interested in learning about the life and legacy of Martin Luther – the German monk, priest, reformer, father, and all-around-rabble-rouser for whom our Christian tradition is named.

As we near the 500th anniversary celebration of the Reformation, come and take a look at where our roots began with the simple swing of a hammer.

The first class is an entry-level summary of Luther’s life. The rest of our gatherings, which will be the first Sunday of each month, will begin at his humble beginnings and carry on through his ministry, excommunication and influences on the church.

Those interested in traveling on the spring Reformation tour to Germany, the Czech Republic and Austria are strongly encouraged to attend!

“Made in God’s Image” with Trinity’s Pastoral Intern, Kassy Heinrich

Beginning September 12

This study will take a closer look at the same Bible characters the children will be getting to know in our Trinity Kid's programming this fall.

Join Kassy Heinrich in learning about Abraham, Joseph, Ruth, David, Esther, Anna and Jesus. We'll be looking at how God created and transformed each of these individuals so that they could reflect Him and complete the good works to bring about His Kingdom. We'll also reflect on how each of us can portray God's image in our own lives.

The study will meet various Tuesday evenings from 7:00-8:15 p.m. throughout the fall. September dates are the 12th and 26th – check Trinity’s website for the complete schedule. Sign up online at www.trinitylonglake.org/signups-media.

Bible Studies & Adult Education

Faith is not an achievement, it is a gift. Yet it comes only through the hearing and study of the Word.

–Martin Luther

Dorcas Circle Beginning September 7

All Trinity women are invited to join Dorcas Circle for coffee, conversation and Bible study. This season, the group will be examining The Apostles’ Creed and using the study out of Gather magazine. Dorcas Circle meets the first Thursday of each month, beginning September 7, in the narthex at 9:30 a.m.

Women’s Focus on Faith Study Beginning September 26 & 29

Trinity women are welcome to attend a six-session study of Lysa TerKeurst’s book “Finding I Am.” The book explores the seven “I am” statements Jesus found in the Gospel of John. Come discover how Jesus satisfies the cry of your heart and the ache in your soul. The study meets Tuesdays and repeats Fridays, both 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the narthex. View the study’s full schedule and sign up online at www.trinitylonglake.org/trinitywomen

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High School Ministry Updates

Registration for TNT (Together Night for Teens) is online now! High school youth meet Wednesday nights, 7:15-9:00 p.m., for fun activities, service projects and reflection. The first night of TNT is Sept. 27. Meet in the Great Hall.

Applications for this year’s Leadership Team are also available online. The team plans TNT nights and other special events throughout the year.

New speaker series starting this fall: FED (Faith, Education, Discipleship)

Over the course of the summer, Trinity’s Children, Youth, and Family staff members have talked about how we could facilitate discussion of difficult topics affecting our youth and provide vital information to our church family and community around those topics. As a result, the FED series was born!

Join us Monday, October 16 at 7 p.m. for the first FED event, which will be an open discussion about Mental Health and Wellness. The event will be led by Dr. Sonja Lockman from Trinity and Genna Torney from Orono Schools. This is an opportunity for families of middle school and high school youth, as well as those who care about the youth in our community, to come to a safe environment to have questions answered, learn more about mental health and walk away with some practical resources to help the youth in our community who are in need. Even if you don’t have children in this age range, this is an important topic to learn more about. Mark your calendars and invite your neighbors!

Future events will cover Faith & Finances and Online Safety & Digital Citizenship. Stay tuned for more information on Trinity’s newest series.

New Puppet Ministry beginning this fall!

God is the author of all creativity. Who can name a better storyteller than Jesus? Puppetry can bring life to Bible stories and God’s message in a unique and memorable way.

Would you like to be a part of this new ministry at Trinity? We are looking for 3-4 adults and/or high school youth who would be interested in bringing Bible stories to life! Performances would take place 4-6 times a year during Trinity Kids, our Just for Kids time in worship and during special church seasons, like Advent or Holy Week.

This is a fun opportunity for those who want to connect with the children of Trinity and be part of a team!

If you are interested in this new ministry or have questions, please email Laurann Patterson at lamarpatt@comcast.net) or Terrie Allen at terriea@trinitylonglake.org.

Middle School Ministry Updates

Welcome back, middle school youth! Confirmation registration for new and returning youth is now available on Trinity’s website. All youth in grades 6-8 are welcome! For questions about the confirmation program, please contact Tyler Moe-Slepica at tylerms@trinitylonglake.org.

Mark your calendars for Confirmation Kickoff Night on Wednesday, September 27 at 6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Youth and parents are expected to attend. The first lesson night will be the following week on Wednesday, October 4.

For our 9th grade youth being confirmed this fall, there is a dress rehearsal with photos on Wednesday, September 20, from 6-8 p.m. Please come dressed in formal attire! There is also a 9th grade fall retreat at Green Lake Lutheran Bible Camp on September 23-24. Save the date for Confirmation Sunday on October 29.

Trinity Kids Updates

Sign up before Trinity Kids starts on September 10. This fall, we will learn that we are made in God’s Image. The children will hear the same stories in Trinity Kids that the adults will hear in worship, allowing for important faith conversations at home.

Join the Walk for Water! Families are encouraged to participate in the walk on Saturday, September 16. Water Mission is the September–December special focus offering in Trinity Kids.

Finally, see below about our new FED series. This is an opportunity for parents, grandparents, and care-givers to learn about the challenges kids are facing in this complicated world today.

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Handmade cards are available in the narthex for a $2 donation each. Proceeds will support the mission outreach work of the Dorcas Circle.

Music and worship at Trinity is a vital part of our congregation and our worship life every week. Our various music ensembles are always open to new singers, ringers and instrumentalists willing to share their talents. Please talk to Mark about where you can let your musical light shine at Trinity.

Music ensemble rehearsal schedule:

Sanctuary Choir: Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m., starting Sept. 6

Chancel Bells: Mondays, 7-8:30 p.m., starting Sept. 18

Joyful Noise (KIND-Grade 2) and Youth Choir (Grade 3-5): Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00 p.m., starting Sept. 20

Confirmation Worship Arts (Grades 6-8): Wednesdays, 5:30-6 p.m., starting Oct. 4

Not musically inclined? Trinity has need for more people to assist with sound, tech support and video-streaming each week. Talk to Mark, or Charlie at the sound desk, to find out more about the possibilities for you to be involved at Trinity.

Congregational Life Together at Trinity

Membership A New Member Orientation will

be September 17 at 11:30 a.m. RSVP at the Sign Up Center.

Baptisms “I have called you by name,

you are mine.” Isaiah 43

Matilda Baller

Weddings “The two shall become one.”

Mark 10:8

Alaini Schneider & Michael Cossette

Allison O’Neill & Robert Tunheim

Financial Update Through July

As always, we would like to thank you for your giving and encourage you to continue your generosity. Through July, giving is ($19,400), or (2.6%), below budget. If you like to sign up for electronic giving, please contact the church office for a form, or access the link from the giving page at https://trinitylonglake.nm-secure.com/online-giving. You can pick up an ‘I Give Electronically’ card at the usher stand and place it in the plate during the offering to show your participation. You’ll be able to access your account at any time to make changes. Join the other 74 Trinity families who give electronically!

Trinity also accepts stock gifts, and if you’re 70½ or older, an IRA Charitable Rollover may be right for you. Contact Rindee Erdmann, Financial Manager, by email at rindee@trinitylonglake.org or by phone at 952-473-8577 x136 for more information on Simply Giving, stock gifts or IRA rollovers.

The Grief Coalition meets every Thursday at 4:30 p.m. This fall, they will meet at St. Philip the Deacon, located at 17205 County Rd 6, Plymouth, MN 55447. 763-475-7100. All are welcome.

Fall Pickleball Schedule

Join in the pickleball fun this fall! From September to November, players will meet at the following times in the Great Hall:

• Monday mornings, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

• Monday nights, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

• Tuesday nights, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

There may be more availability on other mornings if the gym is open. Check with Jeri Lowe to be sure.

To learn more about the game or to sign up for one of the above play-times, contact Boo Hanning at bhanning@gmail.com or Jeri Lowe at jerilynl@trinitylonglake.org.

Fall yoga with Pastor Carrie. Prayerful Yoga will be Tuesday nights at 6 p.m. and Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. Both meet in the narthex. Bring a yoga mat and dress comfortably. Chair yoga will continue to be Mondays at noon in Room 110 on Trinity’s lower level. All are welcome! No experience is necessary.

Regular office hours begin Tuesday, September 5. The church office will be open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

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On the Reformation Road with Pastor Brian and Kim Fragodt

April 17-28, 2018

In the late 1990’s, Life magazine published lists of the most influential events and people in the world in the last millennium. Third on the list of events was the Protestant Reformation and third on the list of people was Martin Luther, the German monk who stood up to the corruption of the church of his time and changed the course of the western world.

As the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Reformation draws closer, many eyes are looking toward the locations where Martin Luther and other reformers lived, thought and worked. Join Pastor Brian and Kim Fragodt on an adventure to the cradle of the Reformation.

Both new and repeat visitors will be awestruck by this journey to the land of Martin Luther. Although Luther lived five centuries ago, you can still feel his presence in Wittenberg, the Augustinian Monastery in Erfurt and at the Wartburg Castle. On this trip, you will be able to:

• examine the notes Luther wrote in his Bible

• stand at the doorway where Luther’s 95 theses were nailed

• admire the pulpit where he preached

• step into the very room where he translated the New Testament

You are guaranteed a tour experience that is not only a spiritual journey of faith, but also scenic and picturesque, educational and informative—truly the experience of a lifetime!

Kim brings her knowledge of music to the special places we will visit (including Vienna, Prague and Berlin) and Pastor Brian brings his knowledge of the type of sausage Luther liked to eat and the beer he liked to drink!

Join Pastor Brian and Kim next spring, April 17-28, on this “feast” travelling along the Reformation Road!

For more details, pick up a brochure in the narthex at church or download a copy on Trinity’s website.

God’s Plans for Trinity

For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and

not for harm, to give you a future with hope. —Jeremiah 29:11

The strategic planning process is in full swing, with Trinity Council member, Kathi Tunheim, leading the process. Already, Kathi has interviewed Trinity staff members, exploring with them what they believe to be Trinity’s strengths, areas for improvement and dreams they have for the future. Next, she will interview all Council members, then she will facilitate focus groups for congregation members throughout September and October.

We hope you will take the time to be a part of one of these focus groups. In October, you will also be asked to take a congregational survey that will offer an opportunity to comment on Trinity’s ministries and missions for the next three to five years.

All these steps will culminate in 3-5 strategies with measurable goals that will be considered for adoption at the annual meeting in January 2018.

God has plans for Trinity. Please know that you are a valuable part of those plans!

Help those affected by Hurricane Harvey

Hurricane Harvey, one of the most powerful storms to hit the United States in years is threatening millions of our neighbors in Texas and Louisiana with heavy rain, wind and rising tides. The National Hurricane Center called the storm’s effects “life-threatening, devastating and catastrophic” and predicted long periods of rain and flooding, along with massive power outages. While many have evacuated, significant damage is still expected, and thousands of people may be housed in shelters for extended periods of time.

We have an opportunity to accompany our neighbors during and after this disaster, in Jesus Christ’s name. Please consider a donation to Lutheran Disaster Response. Your support can bring hope and healing to those who have been or will be affected by this hurricane. Lutheran Disaster Re-sponse is already collaborating with our affiliates to initiate recovery efforts.

Visit https://community.elca.org/ushurricanerelief to make a donation and to learn more about Lutheran Disaster Response’s efforts to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey.

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Orono Sparks Tutoring Program

Mentor students at Orono Elementary and Middle School who need some extra help. We had about seven Trinity members volunteer last year, and we hope to have more this year!

Tutoring sessions will take place at Maple Plain Community Church on Mondays and Wednesdays and in Long Lake at Calvin Presbyterian Church on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The time commitment is once or twice a week, either 3-5 p.m. or 4-5 p.m. Even an hour or two each week can make a big impact on these kids!

The program runs from October 2017 to April 2018. There are more students wanting to participate than mentors, so we need your help! Volunteers can be adults or high school youth. A training will be offered for volunteers at the end of September.

If interested in helping, contact Genny Torney at gtorney@orono.k12.mn.us or 952-449-8338 x6350.

Thrivent Action Teams

All Thrivent members have two Action Teams to use throughout the year, each worth $250 of seed money to use in the community for doing good, whether it’s for a fundraiser, an educational event or service pro-ject. If you have an Action Team we can use, please contact Jill Cornell or Linda Koltes, and we’ll match you with a request we have.

Volunteer Opportunities

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards o f God’s grace.

1 Peter 4:10

Worship Assistants. For each service, we need 10 or more volunteers to help make worship run smoothly. The jobs are easy, and training is quick. No experience is necessary! We’re looking for greeters, ushers, readers, refreshment hosts, communion assitants and altar care helpers. Please talk to or email Linda Koltes at lindak@trinitylonglake.org to sign up.

Simpson Shelter Breakfast, Sept. 2 & Oct. 7, 5:30-8:30 a.m. 10-12 volunteers (any age) needed.

Mpls Crisis Nursery, Sept. 9 & Oct. 14, 6:30- 9:30 a.m. 4-6 volunteers (12 & older) needed.

Wed. Interfaith Outreach Church Night, Sept. 13 (ReSale Store) & Oct. 11 (Food Shelf), 5:30-8 p.m. 8-10 volunteers (12 & older) are needed.

Community Meal, Sept. 28, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Help serve food, prepare desserts, set up or clean up.

Sign up in the narthex or online at www.trinitylonglake.org/signups-media

Look what we are collecting — Can you help?

Items to repurpose for the AGAPE Market: Old jewelry, buttons (especially green), old CDs/DVDs.

Ongoing Donations: Used cell phones/batteries; travel-size shampoo, soap, cream rinse; grocery/coupon books (expired no more than 30 days); paper bags; diapers (any size and quantity); socks (both men’s & women’s); reusable bags; women’s bras (any size, new) and feminine hygiene products.

Thank you for the many ways you serve!

• Volunteers who faithfully serve at Simpson, Interfaith Outreach, Mpls Crisis Nursery, quilting and prayer shawl each month.

• Our faithful worship assistants who help on Sunday mornings.

• Volunteers who helped with the FMF Alumni BBQ and August Community Meal.

• The many donations provided each month, especially the FMF school supplies last month. All of these items are greatly appreciated.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23

El Salvador Seeds of Hope Sponsorship

Since 2012, Trinity members have been supporting students in El Salvador through the Seeds of Hope program. Currently, 72 students sponsored by Trinity members—with four at the University level. This past summer during our July trip, we were able to connect with almost every student that Trinity members sponsor. What a joy it was! We heard from both students and parents how thankful they are for the sponsorship and how it helps their whole family.

The school year in El Salvador is January through November. Throughout the month of September, we will be connecting with existing sponsors to see if they will continue the sponsorship. We are also exploring some type of sponsorship/support to the students at San Pablo, our sister church.

If you are interested in learning more or being a sponsor, please let us know. Stop by the display in the narthex or visit Trinity’s website at www.trinitylonglake.org/global-outreach

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• We’re looking for more vendors! Individuals and groups are welcome to participate in the Nov. 11-12 market. Applications are at the Welcome Desk and online. They are due ASAP.

• Workshops: Come help create some of the items for the market. Workshops will be every Tuesday and Friday, from 9 a.m.-noon in the Art Room on Trinity’s lower level. Stop in and help for the whole time or just part of the time! A few evening and Sunday dates will be added, too. See the Sign Up Center or Trinity’s website to sign up.

• At-Home Projects: Help with sewing, wood-working or simple tasks that can be completed at home. Contact Jill Cornell if you’d like to help.

• Items we’re collecting to repurpose: Old jewelry, buttons (especially green), old CDs/DVDs.

• Vintage and Small Home Décor Items: We’re collecting these for the Vintage Market area.

Help our local food shelves! During the month of September, we’re collecting mayonnaise and Miracle Whip. This is an item the food shelves cannot pur-chase from Second Harvest Heartland. Please drop off donations in the bin by the Sign Up Center.

Save the Date! Fall Serve Weekend, Oct. 27-28

A variety of projects will be available for all ages to serve together, including shifts at Second Harvest Heartland and Feed My Starving Children, bingo at Long Lake Assisted Living, community clean up and more. We’ll have over 250 volunteer spots to fill! More details and sign up information will be available later in September. Please watch the E-News and Sunday bulletin for more information.

Note: In the past, we had a Bridging Drive every other year. This general collection has been discontinued and replaced with a more focused drive, collecting one or two items of greatest need. This will be a part of our October SERVE Weekend, and the specific items will be announced at the end of September.

Families Moving Forward Hosting Week, Oct. 1-8

Help with our next hosting week, where we support several families who are experiencing homelessness by providing a place to stay at night, warm meals and activities. Volunteers are needed to serve food, wash dishes, play with the kids and stay overnight. Visit the narthex or Trinity’s website to sign up.

Testimonies from past volunteers:

• “I volunteer for FMF because I believe everyone deserves a safe, comfortable environment to live in as well as a place to feel comfort and love. Trinity members do an amazing job at supplying this to the families who come and stay at our church!” –Kathy Halloran

• “Annika and I wanted to volunteer together, but scheduling time can be difficult. The overnight option gave us that chance, but unfortunately not enough time with the families. But Annika and her brother were able to come back for evening activities with the families.” – Kimberly Mueller

• “Volunteering with FMF is one way I can be a blessing to others, just as many people are a blessing to me.” –Ruth Bash

Paper Tigers Film Screening & Discussion, Oct. 24

Join us for a screening of the documentary, Paper Tigers, which focuses on teenage struggles in a Washington state high school. It explores how new trauma-informed approaches are significantly improving students’ academic performances while decreasing their behavioral problems. The screening will be at Trinity on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 6:30-8:30 p.m. and is open to the community. To help us plan accordingly, please RSVP at the Sign Up Center.

Monthly Community Meal, Sept. 28

Thank you to everyone who attended one of the Monthly Community Meals over the summer. It’s amazing to see families from our community come together. This is a growing event, and we’re excited to see where the partnership with Calvin and St. George takes us.

The September Community Meal will be Thursday, Sept. 28, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The location hasn’t been determined yet, but watch the E-News and Sunday bulletin for more details.

Volunteers are needed each month to help serve food, provide desserts, greet people and offer rides to those in the community who need transportation. If you can help at the September meal or a future meal, sign up online via SignUpGenius or visit the Sign Up Center at church.

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Fair Trade Coffee at Trinity

You Might Be Lutheran If…

• The church is on fire and you rush in to save the coffee pot.

• The third service each Sunday is coffee hour.

• You forget to put water in the baptismal font but never forget to put water in the coffee pot.

• Donuts and coffee are a line item in the annual budget.

We Lutherans take our coffee very seriously, and we also take acting justly as a congregation very seriously. Over the past six months, the Outreach Ministry Team and the Hospitality Team have been exploring the option of serving Fair Trade coffee to support and encourage our mission statement to serve far and near.

We offered taste tests of different coffees, asked for feedback and enlisted a group of Carlson School of Management students to analyze the feasibility of switching to the Fair Trade coffee. We discovered the flavor of the Fair Trade coffee is far better and overwhelmingly preferred to the coffee we had been serving. The cost is greater, but as a team, we feel it is an expense that is justifiable and certainly a good step for Trinity to take toward acting more justly and supporting the small farmer.

Please join us on Welcome Sunday, Sept. 10, as we begin serving Equal Exchange Breakfast Blend in both Regular and Decaf. And in true Lutheran form, warm cinnamon rolls will also be served to accompany our new coffee. As always, your free will offering is appreciated and will be going toward supporting fair trade and small farmers.

Walk for Water & Water Mission

Water is one of our basic human needs. Roughly 1.8 billion people wake up every single day to a life without safe drinking water. There is a constant struggle to find the most basic of human needs. The lack of safe water and adequate sanitation worldwide is a very real and present crisis.

Water Mission, a non-profit Christian engineering organization designs, builds and implements safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) solutions for people in developing countries and disaster areas. In some areas where Water Mission works, women and children spend 2-3 hours per day walking to collect water–1-4 miles in many cases. And the water they collect often is not safe for drinking.

Imagine dipping a bucket into a lake where others are bathing and washing their clothes, and then taking the water back to your family to drink. Then imagine all the time you would spend collecting that water each day—leaving little time for work, school or leisure activities with friends and family.

On Welcome Sunday, Sept. 10, an interactive display will be set up in the Great Hall where you can learn about the global water crisis, including activities to help kids understand this major issue. We’ll also have Nalgene water bottles available in exchange for a donation. Proceeds will support Water Mission.

Join Trinity at the Twin Cities Walk for Water on the morning of September 16 in St. Paul. The walk starts at 9 a.m., and we’d love to have 100 participants from Trinity–all ages welcome! Come walk on behalf of those who walk every day, and help raise awareness and shed light on the global water crisis. Sign up through the link on Trinity’s homepage.

Saturday, September 16

Upper Landing Park in St. Paul

Walk starts at 9 a.m.

Join Trinity’s team at

www.trinitylonglake.org/watermission

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ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

POSTMASTER: DATED MATERIAL

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit No. 4

Long Lake, MN

Interfaith Outreach Church Night

Join us Welcome Sunday! September 10

Worship and Trinity Kids at 8:45 & 10:15 a.m.

Simpson Shelter Breakfast

Trinity Women Planning Happy Hour

Summer Stretch

Corn Days Parade Trinity Kids in action!