You know, I"ve not posted anything in a while and I hadn't really thought much about it.  I talked Pastor into writing his reflections on Monday morning so I started a blog for him, as well.  Hopefully, we can both do a little better than I've done lately.  Seems the end of the year flew by.  We just celebrated the birth of our Savior and we're already starting to plan for Lent, His crucifixion, and His Resurrection! 

One of the questions in the Women of the ELCA's Bible study was, "What's your favorite liturgical season.  I was having to get back to work at that point but I heard a few say Christmas.  Christmas is definitely a great time.  I think my favorite would have to be Lent.  I see it as a time of self reflection, repentance and forgiveness.  So, if you're holding a grudge or not getting along with a family member, maybe it's a time to set things right.

Last year I gave up sugar for Lent.  Perhaps this year I should give up computer games and use that time for Bible study, reading, and anticipation of the Day of Resurrection.  We'll see how that goes.
Peace to you all!

Our trip to Lake Guntersville, AL was just wonderful.  We had worship, we had workshops and we ate way too much.  Each day was tiring but so much fun.
    One of the most enlightening moments came during one of my workshops.  I believe it was called Healing Hands and Hearts.  Lisa Johnson, a hospice nurse in Knoxville, led the workshop.  One of the things she said that I found surprising was that each of us is given the ability to heal.  Of course, the healing comes from God and is not a healing of the physical body, but of the mind and spirit.  Through the laying on of hands and anointing with oils, we can channel our own vibrations of healing to others. 
   I was paired with a woman named Bonnie, whom I'd never even met.  During our exercise, I was supposed to be the "healer" and she was the receiver.  To make a long story short, after we were finished, I asked Bonnie, "Were you praying for me?"  She sweetly answered, "Well, of course," with the most caring, understanding face I'd ever seen.  When I was telling some people later about it I described it as the "face of Jesus."  I don't know what He will look like, but I think when I see him, I will know that same feeling that I had when I looked into Bonnie's face.
    Some of you might think I've lost it, and maybe I have.  But I really think there's something to this.  So, I ask you to pray for me to have a better understanding of all this.  Thanks be to God!

So, this weekend is the WELCA convention and we're leaving on Friday.  Actually, some of the gals are going on Thursday.  It's a very uplifting weekend.  We have church services and SO much more.  They will have rooms set up for knitting, quilting, shopping for women's studies, luncheons, dinners - all in all a tiring but wonderful weekend.  If you've thought about going but never have, maybe next year you could come along with us.  The women of all churches usually have some kind of retreat weekend and this is ours.  May the peace of Christ be with you.  Please keep

We are talking a lot about change here at Trinity lately.  So, what is it we want to change?  Just think about this question for a moment.  We are, after all, a church.  So maybe we should consider what we do NOT want to change.  Now keep an open mind.  Sometimes, we as Lutherans just decide we don't want to change anything.  I've heard lots of jokes about Lutherans and change.  I would love to hear some feedback from you folks out there.
The first Sunday of August we will experience a new worship service.  We will be asking you for feedback on this new service.  And we will experience this new type of service each month on the first Sundays of the month.  That means that we'll be tweeking it along the way to see if it's something that we want to keep on a more permanant basis.
So, my fellow Lutherans, if you want to see some change in action, be sure to show up on August 7.  And remember, you can't please all the people all the time.  But just know, that I want you to feel something!  And I want you to talk to us about it.  I'll bet there are a lot of ideas floating around out there about just about everything.  Instead of talking about it with the person that sits next to you in service, fill out the form and tell us what you think! 
I really feel that God is pushing Trinity to reach outside its comfort zone.  And he's pushing me, too.  He just might be giving you a nudge, as well....take notice!
Peace,

You know, I can't remember it being so hot before.  I know we probably do this every year, but is it global warming?  When you walk outside the air just slaps you in the face and you really know it's hot!  When I was a kid (back before AC was in all homes and businesses - yes, I'm THAT old!) we played outside all day whether it was hot or not.  Ever think what it would be like if all of a sudden you didn't have that air conditioning to walk into?  I suppose you could say we've all gotten a little soft.  Are you aware that there are places in the world that NEVER have air conditioners, still?
This Sunday, you are invited to hear Pastor Gerald Kovac from Food for the Poor.  He will be preaching from Matthew 25.  "Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You?"  Can you believe that $36 will feed three families for a month?  You will receive a handout in your bulletin on Sunday and I hope you will look at it and think about making a donation to this cause.  Next time I start whining about the AC not working, maybe I will just take a look at that handout.
Hope to see you on

So, Pentecost has begun and will continue for several months - the longest season of the church calendar - and I have already had one vacation.  We went to Las Vegas and saw lots of shining lights, people trying to sell us stuff, and lots of folks down on their luck.  I was suprised by many things in Vegas but mostly the homeless and the panhandlers.  Many of the homeless just sort of sulked in the shadows, not asking for anything.  Then you had the folks staggering up to you asking for change.  And then, you had the more industrious with their coolers offering you a bottled water for $1.  Believe me, in those temperatures (over 100 every day) that was definitely the best buy on the strip.
     I did not see the James Bond types at the tables with their martinis and a bundle of cash to bet.  Some looked like they might have been in some service industry and local.  Some were a lot like us, vacationing and just trying to see what all the whoopla was all about.  I just know I was happy to get back home.
     I don't know if any of you have ever been away from the church or not, but let me tell you from experience - coming back is like coming back home.  The love of Christ is in all places, but having a church home and a loving church family makes all the difference.  We might have some problems here at Trinity, but most churches are going through the same stuff.  And, after all, a church is not a building.  It's the people that go there.  I love you Trinity, and it's good to be back home.

So, after my last blog, someone told me they actually read it.  Well, I couldn't believe it.  Anyway, I guess I'll write again after all.  And I have something really exciting to say this time - I'll be on vacation next week!  Yep, the whole family is going to Vegas.  I'll take lots of pictures and maybe post one.  I'm really excited about the water show at the Bellagio.  But, enough about me.

This Sunday is Holy Trinity Sunday.  That's what this church is named for after all.  Until I became a Lutheran (no, I wasn't born one) I never heard a whole lot about the Trinity.  I think it's one of my favorite things about the church - the whole mystery of the three in one.  Three distinct persons, yet one.  We talk to God, we walk with Jesus, but how many of us have ever experienced the Holy Spirit?  We sometimes pray for the Holy Spirit to guide us, but do we even know when He is there with us?  Most don't.  I think that any time anyone says something like "That's a God thing," that many times it's the Spirit working in our world.  So, stay alert you Christians out there.  Keep praying for the Holy Spirit to work here at Trinity, but be prepared for some really powerful stuff...or it might just be that "still small voice."  Pray for discernment, too, while you're at it!
Peace,
Pam

You know, I don't consider myself a writer.  I guess if folks aren't reading there's probably a good reason for it!  Anyway, since no one will see this anyway, I guess I'll just call it quits.  I had hoped that people would come here for announcements throughout the week, but that would require effort on their part.  You see, it's too much trouble to have to go to a website and click on something.  Seems everyone wants an update during the week, they just want it to magically appear in their mailboxes.  So, I guess that's what we'll do.  Sorry if I sound a little irritated.  I was so excited about this website but obviously, no one really cares about the website.  I can say that a couple of visitors recently had viewed the website and found us that way.  I suppose that's what it's all about.  Better go now and get out that weekly email to folks so they'll know if they're

So, the church sustained a little more damage with this latest storm system that went through, but after seeing some other pictures around the south I can say that I truly feel blessed and protected.  We had a big tree uprooted here and it brought some water lines with it (which are in the process of being repaired now) and a couple more leaks in the gym.  On the massive scale of destruction I've seen, we took a very minor hit.  My brother in Cleveland thinks he probably won't have power for a week - his power lines are lying in the street in front of his house.  I pray for all the families who suffered losses in property, but mostly those who suffered loss of family members. 
If you're a church member here, it would be nice if you'd give us a call and let us know you're okay.  The Pastor and I will probably be making phone calls checking on those in outlying areas.  God bless you all and I hope to see youn

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success. 
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect. 
My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain. 
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name. 

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow!

This was sent to me by a friend and church member.  It's so true and sometimes we all need to be reminded that it's all about God and not about us.  Tonight ends the Wednesday Lenten worship services.  This Sunday is Passion (Palm) Sunday and is the beginning of Holy Week.  With Holy week comes Maundy Thursday, which includes a Seder meal at 5:45 (call if you didn't get a chance to sign up), and 7:00 worship with foot washing, first Holy Communion, and the stripping of the altar.  On Good Friday, we'll have a noon service and a 7:00 pm tenebrae service.  New this year is the Family Easter Vigil, starting at 7:00 pm.  There will be a couple of baptisms and a service moving from darkness to the light of Christ in the resurrection.  And then, of course, will be the Easter morning services at 8:30 and 11:00.  In between those will be breakfast and an Easter egg hunt for the kids.  I hope you'll plan to be with us on any (or all) of these services. 

God grant you peace and hope in the resurrection of His Son, Christ our Lord.  Thanks be to God!