Pathways

Au g u s t- S e p t e m b e r 2 0 0 9
TR IN I TY PRE S BY TER IA N C HURC H

RALLY SUNDAY

Join us for a fun-filled morning of faith

TRINITY
and fellowship as Trinity Presbyterian
PRESBYTERIAN STAFF gathers for Rally Sunday, September
Pastor 13, 2009 the official beginning of our
Gary Hanson
Home: (651) 501-1820
Christian Education year.
Cell: (651) 373-1821
gary@trinitywoodbury.org There will be music, skits, games, food
and opportunities for children and
Administrator/Pastoral parents to meet our 2009-2010 Sunday
Care Coordinator
Dee Lindblom
School teachers.
Mon-Fri 8:30am-2:00pm
dee@trinitywoodbury.org It all begins at 9:00 am, followed by
Cell:(651) 353-6724 worship at 10:00.
Christian Education
Director
Joe Pendal RALLY SUNDAY POTLUCK
joe@trinitywoodbury.org
(651) 436-3435 Join us for a Rally Sunday potluck lunch following service
on Sunday, September 13. We need volunteers to
Church Musician help with set up and/or clean up. If you’re interested,
Joyce Piper contact Jodi Campbell at 651-738-1410 or
(651) 458-0341 jodicamp916@yahoo.com.
Choir Director
If your last name begins with… Then, please bring...
Neal Strand A-F Dessert
(651) 501-8225
G-L Side
Child Care Attendants
Nichole Rucker
M-R Main
Amanda Ulrich S-Z Salad/Bread
2125 Tower Drive
NURSERY NEW HIRE: Please welcome Amanda Ulrich as our new
Woodbury MN 55125
nursery attendant. Amanda starts August 30 and will be assigned to
Phone & Fax:
the infant nursery. Her experience and education are impressive and
(651) 738-0045
Trinity is lucky to have such an asset in the nursery. Currently she is
employed as a Special Needs Paraprofessional in the Oakdale School
District and as a Camp Counselor at St. Thomas. She holds an A.A.S.
in Early Childhood Development from Rochester Community and Tech-
nical College. Stop by the nursery to welcome Amanda to Trinity.
Page 2 Pathways

MUSINGS AND AMUSINGS FROM THE PASTOR…

During my one week Writing Festival workshop in Iowa City this past June, we performed many
exercises in our class time and daily homework. Our assignments included short stories, early
memories, news briefs and poems.
One of the new poetic forms I learned is called a ―villanelle.‖ A villanelle has only 2 rhyme
sounds. The first and 3rd lines of the first stanza are rhyming refrains that alternate as the 3rd
line in each successive stanza, and form a couplet at the end. Sound confusing? Actually, it is
quite simple and better known than we might think. Dylan Thomas’ ―Do not go gentle into that
good night / Rage, rage against the dying of the light‖ is probably the best known villanelle.
That particular poem is an encouragement for his father to fight death, or, as has recently been
suggested, it is a battle against his father’s imminent blindness.
Late one evening, I gave this new form (at least to me) a chance. What follows is my first at-
tempt at villanelle. It was fun to create.
The truth is never fully mine,
When troubles appear doubts arise,
To err is human, to forgive divine.
All we’re seeing is a sign,
Yet what results are many whys
The truth is never fully mine.
Some seek answers through wealth and wine
Short term pleasure never satisfies
To err is human, to forgive divine.
So oft we beg for precious more time
Grace within us lives and dies
The truth is never fully mine.
Eventually, the sun will shine
Still guilt will never sympathize
To err is human, to forgive divine.
Who absolves from this perilous bind?
God alone has the size
The truth is never fully mine,
To err is human, to forgive divine.
All right, so some of the rhymes were a bit of a stretch. However, I believed that the content
was more important than the style. The next day, our professor rewarded my work with a terse
notation saying, ―Good job!‖ Then he said in class that he thought this work might show up in a
church newsletter some day. He was right.
Gary

FALL BONFIRE, OCTOBER 10: SAVE THE DATE

The Stewardship and Finance committee is hosting a Fall bonfire on Saturday, October 10 as a kick-off
to the annual stewardship campaign. Hot dogs and s'mores are on the menu! More details to come.
AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2009 Page 3

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Committees

Building & Grounds A Final Farewell

Mike Schenck 739-3727
As I write this it is hard to believe that nearly two years have passed
Christian Education since my start here at Trinity Presbyterian. My official last day will be
Kirk Breen 436-4212 Sunday, August 30, as I prepare for my wedding on September 6.
Gretchen White 337-0159
As I reflect on my time here at Trinity, it becomes quite clear to me
Clerk of Session
Marnelle Andersen that the people of this church have blessed me more than I recipro-
735-3287 cated, and more than I could ever have imagined. The warmth of
your welcome and your friendship along the way has made an ever-
Communications
Susan Jamison 578-7100 lasting impression on me.
Long Range Planning I will cherish the memories of working with the children and youth of
Darryl Willison 739-2674 this church. I have enjoyed watching the children grow as they attend
Mental Health Group
Sunday School and LOGOS, and have felt privileged to be a part of
Dee Lindblom the lives of the youth as we grew together through Sunday School,
738-0045 or 353-6724 Youth Group, lock-ins and mission trips.
dee@trinitywoodbury.org
The support I received while being the Director of Christian Education
Mission & Action
Joan Nichols 714-8314 is perhaps the greatest blessing of being a part of this ministry.
Thank you to all of the volunteers that have been a part of Sunday
Moderator of Deacons School, LOGOS, Vacation Bible School, Junior Church and Youth
Garry Espe 730-6805
Group. These programs are a success only because of your hard work
Newsletter and dedication.
Mark Allen 204-3188
newslet- I do hope to continue to be a part of your lives, even as I move away
ter@trinitywoodbury.org and start a new chapter of my life. I will try to visit Trinity as often as
Nominating I can, and will continue to do ministry as I work with Thirst Missions.
Wilson Ekinde 501-3661 My job will consist of recruiting teams of people to participate in short
Nursery Coordinator term mission trips to Belize, Kentucky and London, England. I will
Tina Hacker 714-9671 lead trips, mostly in the summer, and be a part of what is a growing
team of people from all over the U.S.
Pastoral Care
Gary Hanson 738-0045 I will be living in Spooner, WI with my (soon to be) husband, Mark
Personnel Halvorson, and a Springer Spaniel puppy named Ole. We have re-
Steve Theiss 578-9348 cently become new homeowners and our new address will be:
W7334 Miller Road
Prayer Chain
Dee Lindblom Spooner, WI 54018
738-0045 or 353-6724
dee@trinitywoodbury.org For the time being at least, I will continue to have the same tele-
phone number of 715 310 7006. My new email address will be
Shared Ministry CarmenHalvorson@gmail.com.
Marnelle Andersen
735-3287 I would like to congratulate Joe Pendal in his recent hiring as the
Special Events new CE Director. I can think of no one that is more deserving, more
Barb Freeman 731-1220 qualified or more fit for this role.
Stewardship & Finance Thank you Trinity for all of the love you have blessed me with. I will
John Upson 730-9690
be forever grateful.
Worship
Kara Klink 735-0866 Yours sincerely, Carmen Speich
Page 4 Pathways

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Speaking of Christian Education because the youth are becoming amazing lead-
ers in their own right or because of anything.
For those of you who know me well, you might
We must pull together to take our Christian
be surprised to hear that I recently have found
Education program higher. Better, we must pull
myself at a loss for words. Not tongue-tied,
together to take our idea of what Christian
but truly unable to find the right words to ex-
Education is to greater levels of participation,
press the depth of appreciation and the heights
deeper meaning, and even more thought-
of enthusiasm I feel at being blessed with the
provoking opportunities for learning, fun and

C
opportunity to serve Trinity as DCE.
fellowship.
Two things
Just as almost all
make it even
harder to ar-
hristian Education is not simply aspects of Trin-
ity’s life depends
ticulate exactly Sunday School or LOGOS for
on the commit-
how I feel:
children, but is a commitment of ment of volun-
first, I am
given the reins the whole congregation to the teers, Christian
Education has
of a Christian
whole congregation to learn, to study, to long been the
Education pro-
beneficiary of
gram that is in pray, to play, to be together.
many gifted and
tremendous
generous teach-
shape and has been guided by the heart and
ers, parent volunteers, mentors filling more
mind of one of our faith’s young saints, Car-
roles than can be enumerated here. And while
men Speich; second, I am honored that a
I pray these same said heroes will continue to
number of members of the congregation
do what they have always done to nurture the
(including the youth) apparently took it upon
faith lives of our children, I invite any one with
themselves to write letters in support of my ap-
an interest in working with our children to con-
plication.
tact me. Together we will prayerfully find a
I am humbled to follow Carmen in this position. way to utilize your gifts and fill your spirit.
She is a wonderful person, a committed Chris-
Volunteers and leaders are not just being
tian, and a gifted leader. I am further humbled
sought for working with our children, but all of
by the intense support and encouragement I
God’s children of all ages. Christian Education
have received from so many during the process
is not simply Sunday School or LOGOS for chil-
(and over the years I have been volunteering
dren, but is a commitment of the whole con-
as a CE leader). My commitment is to take the
gregation to the WHOLE congregation to learn,
program Carmen leaves behind and build upon
to study, to pray, to play, to be together. De-
the strides we have taken under her leadership
veloping an integrated CE program that starts
and to continue finding new and exciting ways
with our littlest treasures and goes all the way
to teach our faith.
to our eldest saints is something to which I am
As if one needed more motivation than loving deeply committed.
the children of God and wanting them to feel
Please, with any idea, comment, concern, edu-
God’s love in everything we do at Trinity. With-
cational interest or desire to volunteer, call me
out question one of the chief motivators for me
at the church or at home. Or email me if you
is to prove that all of those fine people who
like (but no Twitter, and please no texting,
supported me were right to do so.
that’s for the youth alone.) I can not wait for us
That said we have a big job ahead of us. to get going, to keep the conversation of our
We can not rest on our laurels because Sunday faith growing!
School is good, because LOGOS is energizing, Joe Pendal, Director of Christian Education
AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2009 Page 5

MISSION AND ACTION NEWS

Peacemaking Sunday – October 4
―The second half of Psalm 85 provides a vision of what God’s peace on earth will look like when
people are centered in God’s ways. Words like prosperity, abundance, and good fortune rest
next to words like salvation, truth, love, peace, and justice. In times of great economic turmoil
like these, such a vision seems far removed, impossible. The temptation is to look only to our-
selves and our own families. And yet, it remains God’s intention for us to live and work for this
vision of peace. We are to recognize and speak the truth, love others, and ensure justice for all,
especially those who usually experience injustice, so that we may all live in true
peace.‖ (Mission Interpretation Brochure)
The Presbyterian Peacemaking Offering supports the efforts of Presbyterians to work for justice
and peace through their congregations, presbyteries, synods and the General Assembly. Every
gift is welcome! Watch for news about the Christian education opportunities on that morning, as
well as the local project our church will be supporting this year.
Presbyterian Women’s Fall Gathering - October 10
Join women from some of the 70 congregations in our presbytery for a day of inspiration, chal-
lenge and fellowship. The Presbyterian Women’s (PW) Fall Gathering is scheduled to take place
on Saturday, October 10th. Workshop leaders and guest speakers will include those represent-
ing Beyond Borders, Presbyterian mission work in Niger, the Immigrant Law Center, and local,
Presbyterian immigrant women themselves. Watch for registration forms in September. For
more information contact Joan Nichols.
Extra Innings Anniversary Celebration – October 11
It’s time to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Extra Innings program! Throughout the morn-
ing, there will be opportunities to learn more about, and celebrate the good work that this pro-
gram provides. If you have been involved in Extra Innings during these years and/or are inter-
ested in helping with this celebration, please contact Bob Anderson, Barb Outcelt or Joan
Nichols.
Guest Missionary Speaker – October 18
Kara Vandercamp will be with us for the education hour and our worship time. Kara has
served as a PC(USA) missionary in Niger , working to support the educational efforts of Chris-
tians in that West African country. There will be opportunities for all ages to learn and be in-
spired.
Follow-up to Trinity’s “Bread for the World Sunday”
More than 60 representatives have already signed on as cosponsors of bipartisan legislation that
Bread for the World (BFW) helped formulate. Securing more cosponsors will help move the bill
out of committee. Please write or call your member of Congress in the House of Representa-
tives. Urge him or her to cosponsor H.R. 2139, the Initiating Foreign Assistance Reform Act of
2009. By taking just a few minutes, you can help us secure at least 100 cosponsors. For more
information, visit www.bread.org.
You may receive the BFW on-line newsletter by contacting bread@bread.org.

ATTENTION SINGERS: Trinity’s choir is coming off its summer hiatus.

If you enjoy singing, please join us for our first rehearsal of the fall on
Wednesday, September 2 at 7:30 pm. Rehearsals last until approxi-
mately 8:45 pm. Contact Neal Strand for more information.
Page 6 Pathways

SCHOOL TOOLS DRIVE

Help Extra Innings students have the tools they  Elmer's white school glue
need to succeed this school year!
 Crayola crayons (24 count)
We are collecting new school supplies for our
 Fiskars scissors
Landfall friends through Sunday, August
23. Please place items in the bins in the Wel-  Crayola colored pencils
come Room.  Crayola markers (washable)
Needed Supplies:  Crayola watercolors
 Sturdy backpacks (for boys and girls)  Composition books
 Glue sticks  Pencils (no mechani-
 Large pink erasers cal)
 Highlighters  Pens (black, blue, and
red)
 Rulers (with inch and metric mark-
ings)  Kleenex tissues
 Dry erase markers  Texas Instrument-108
Calculator
 Post it notes
 1-inch 3 ring binders
 Spiral notebooks (wide-ruled)
 4x6 notecards
 Pocket folders
 3x5 notecards
 Wide-ruled loose leaf paper

NURSERY REVITALIZATION
With many years of use by tiny hands For the revitalization:
and feet the time has come for a Nurs-
 5 gallons white, satin paint (to be colored sepa-
ery Revitalization! It has been several
rately for each room)
years since the nursery has been up-
dated and repainted. This will make  6 blank 12 x 12 canvas (so the youth can help
the nursery a more inviting place for decorate our nursery)
children and parents. The nursery is
 5-10 8x10 frames
one of the first room one sees when
entering Trinity and is an important consideration for young  1- changing pad cover in a neutral color
families who may join the church. Our budget is small and Day to Day needs:
is used for essential needs like Kleenex, cleaner, and Gold
Fish. I am putting together a wish list of items that will  Gold Fish
help bring our nursery up to date. Please consider donating  Kleenex
items from this list to ensure our nursery remains an asset
(and not an eye sore) for Trinity. You can also donate to  Clorox Sanitizing Spray
the nursery by placing your donation in the offering plate  Dixie Cups
and putting "nursery" in the memo line. Please contact Tina
Hacker at 651-714-9671 or tinamhacker@hotmail.com if  Play dough
you have any questions.  Batteries (AA, AAA)

TRINITY bid a fond farewell to our seminary intern, Joa Sevlie, who finished her internship on
August 16, 2009. Thank you for your service to our congregation! We wish you much success
in all of your future ministries.
AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2009 Page 7

STEWARDSHIP CORNER
We’ve been following summaries from a book entitled ―Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations‖
by Robert Schnase, a United Methodist minister. The five practices are: Radical Hospitality, Pas-
sionate Worship, Intentional Faith Development, Risk Taking Mission and Service, Extravagant
Generosity. The following is a short synopsis of the fourth practice. Stay tuned for the last topic
in this series in the next column.
Risk-Taking Mission and Service
Risk-Taking Mission and Service includes the projects, the efforts, and the work people do to
make a positive difference in the lives of others for the purposes of Christ, whether or not they
will ever be part of the community of faith. Some churches have after-school programs for at-
risk children, some send work teams across the state or across the world, some offer regular
ministries to the incarcerated.
Risk-Taking refers to the service we offer that stretches us out of our comfort zone and has us
engaging people and offering ourselves to ministries that we would never have done if not for
our desire to follow Christ. Risk-taking steps into great uncertainty, a higher possibility of dis-
comfort, resistance, or sacrifice. It pushes us beyond the circle of relationships that routinely de-
fine our church commitments. It changes the lives of the people who are served as well as the
lives of those who serve.
Jay Wilkinson, Stewardship and Finance Committee Chair
―For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has—not according to what one
does not have.‖ 2 Cor 8:12

Financials July 2009 Month Actual YTD Actual Year Budget

Total Program Donations $18,864.71 $137,315.10 $259,562.45

Total Program Expenditures $16,243,47 $139,149.32 $259,520.38

Donations Less Expenses $2,621.24 (1,834.22) $42

Bldg Expansion Donations $4,748.22 $37,736.92

Bldg Expansion Expenses $7,053.00 $49,371.00

Mortgage Balance $789,883,89

Study of The Beatitudes begins September 11

Men and Women Welcome!
Trinity’s Friday study group has been chosen along with other groups around the country to field
test a new series for The Beatitudes. We’ll be providing feedback for Horizon, the official pro-
ducer of curriculum for the Presbyterian Church. Plan to attend as often as you’re able through-
out the fall on Fridays from 10:00 – 11:30 AM at the church beginning September
11. Questions call Beth (651.501.1820) or email brhanson@comcast.net. At this time, we don’t
know if there will be a cost. If interested, childcare can be provided with advance notification.
Page 8 Pathways

 Our sympathies to Jean Blanck, whose husband of 62 years Bob, passed away on June 26.
Also to Leslie VanderVeer, Bob’s daughter. A memorial service to celebrate Bob’s life was
held on August 7, officiated by Pastor Gary Hanson.
 Our sympathies to Bette Sherburne, whose husband of 68 years Neil, passed away on July
15. A memorial service to celebrate Neil’s life was held on July 20, officiated by Pastor Gary
Hanson.
 The Sacrament of Baptism was administered to Brynn Annetta Hacker on August 9.
 Recently hospitalized was Harry Krueger.
 The Blanck/VanderVeer family would like to thank their Trinity family for all the cards and
support they have received during their time of grieving in the loss of Bob. The genuine care
and concern we have felt is once again so typical of how our members come through when
needed. Your visits to Jean have been wonderful, and it truly makes her day to see you!

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

AUGUST Brad Wright

17 Katharine Upson 5 Robyn Gizzi
19 Agnes Kim Koehn 6 Lori Anderson
Leah Peterson 9 Bennett Carpentier
20 Marnelle Andersen 10 Kelsey Campbell
Ryann Roberts 11 Bruce Hafemeyer
21 Silva Theiss Carly Rosen
24 Phil Stevens 12 Beau Hafemeyer
25 Adam Johnson Steve Sawyer
26 Caroline Ellis 16 Jodi Campbell
Pat Kimbrough 17 Harry Krueger
27 Stephanie Schenck 18 Libby Hanson
29 Stephanie Hoekstra 20 Devin Campbell
Bill Sharp 21 Shu-Mei Hwang
30 Neal Strand 26 Bob Drehmel
31 Cathy Markovitz 27 Laura Behler
SEPTEMBER Anna Eger
1 Jack McKenzie 28 Stuart Ellis
2 Bob Culver 29 Breeya Channer
4 Teresa Thuet We regret if we missed your birthday; if we
have, please phone the office! 738-0045
AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2009 Page 9

HEALTHY MIND MATTERS

IS HUMOR A NATURAL ANTIDOTE FOR DEPRESSION?

Research shows that a healthy sense of humor helps reduce depression and boosts mental and
physical health. Do you have to suffer from depression or be stressed out to benefit from hu-
mor? No, not at all--you can enjoy the benefits of humor anytime. Trinity’s Mental Health and
Wellness Group invites you to view the DVD ―A Piece of My Mind,‖ on Monday, August 24, at
6:30 pm. Christian comedienne Chonda Pierce entertains with real-life topics like dieting and
the differences between how men and women view their world—and she openly discusses her
struggle with depression and how God helped her through it. ―I found myself in one of the
toughest places I’ve ever been in my life,‖ she said. ―I want families and friends to know that
depression is real.‖ Come laugh at Chonda’s stories, and leave with the message that no matter
how deep our personal pain, Jesus is there to bring us back to life. Invite your friends and family
to this free event!
“KEEPING UP IN A DOWN ECONOMY”
On Thursday, September 10, Trinity will host the quarterly luncheon gathering of the Inter-
faith Network on Mental Illness (INMH), from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm. Shelley White, Associate
Director of NAMI-MN, will be the featured speaker. All are invited, and are asked to RSVP
(including vegetarian meal requests) to Dee Lindblom (dee@trinitywoodbury.org or
651.459.6724) by September 8. A $5 donation for lunch is suggested.
WHY WALK THE 2009 NAMI WALK?
The pervasive stigma of mental illness prevents
individuals from seeking treatment for an aver-
age of 10 years. Can you imagine if someone
with diabetes or heart disease waited that long?
Too many people silently suffer alone. Hope and recovery is possible with medical treatment and
family or peer support. NAMI seeks to break down the myths of mental illness, erase stigma and
offer hope for recovery. NAMIWALKS is the largest anti-stigma event in Minnesota. This year’s
goal is 2,000 walkers and $250,000 raised. Walk with us to help reach that goal, or sponsor
someone who is! Look for materials by the Mental Health bulletin board, or contact Dee Lind-
blom at 651.738.0045.
WHEN: Saturday, September 26
WHERE: Minnehaha Park in Minneapolis
TIME: 1:00 pm – meet at Trinity at 12:15 to carpool
“WHAT’S UP WITH THIS KID?”
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in America; they affect as many as one
in 10 young people. Unfortunately, these disorders are often difficult to recognize and many kids
go without treatment. Suzette Scheele, the Director of Children’s Programs for the National Alli-
ance on Mental Illness (NAMI-MN), will discuss common anxiety disorders, including obsessive
compulsive disorder, effective treatment options and resources for families and young adults on
Monday, September 28, from 6:30 – 8 pm.
Suzette is a member of the Local Advisory Council for Children’s Mental Health, a member of the
Metro Crisis Planning Team and has served on the juvenile justice coalition. She also has three
children who are affected by mental illness and has advocated for children with mental health
needs for over 15 years. This event is free and open to the public.
Page 10 Pathways

PASTORAL CARE MESSAGE

One of the perks of working at Trinity, in addition to serving all of you wonderful people, is that I
receive continuing education dollars. In mid-July, I used some of those funds to attend a two-
day seminar at Luther Seminary entitled ―Prayer, Presence and Ritual: Creating Holy Time and
Space in Everyday Ministry.‖ We covered a lot of ground in those two days, and one of the most
enriching parts for me was the focus on rituals and how they remind us that all of life is in God’s
care and that we are profoundly loved. People generally think of ritual in terms of a prescribed
order of a religious ceremony to celebrate a wedding or a baptism, but ritual is really just stop-
ping to notice God at work in our everyday lives.
In groups, we shared rituals that are important to us personally and generated ways we could
help members of our congregations create rituals from daily life events to enrich their relation-
ship with God and with the people God has made present in our lives. One pastor shared that he
lit a votive candle for each of his children before leaving in the morning, and when they got up
and saw the flickering light, the children knew they had been prayed for. There was a woman
who celebrated her 65th birthday by gathering together special women in her life, and asking
each to bring something to be put in her memory book: a prayer, a poem, or a special memory.
Friends blessed a pregnant woman soon to give birth, and a young couple acknowledged each
month’s anniversary of losing their baby as a way to thank God for the friends and family who
had supported them. And those of you with teenage girls might like this one: a father accompa-
nied his daughter and the boy she was dating for the first time out to his car—and blessed it!
The events of our daily life, big or small, joyful or sorrowful, can be enriched by creating a ritual
around it to praise and give God thanks.
Blessings, Dee Lindblom

GOLF/SILENT AUCTION FUNDRAISER

The Session and Youth Group are co-sponsoring its first ever Trinity Golf Tournament on Friday,
September 18 (sign in at 4 pm), and Dinner/Silent Auction on Saturday, September 19, at
6 pm. The tournament will be held at Eagle Valley Golf Course in Woodbury and the Dinner
and Silent Auction will be in the fellowship hall the following evening.
The costs for the golf tournament are $60 per golfer ($7 for optional meal) and $15 per person
for dinner ($5 for children 12 and under).
Tournament Sponsorship: We are seeking sponsors for 9 greens and 9 tee boxes. For a $60
sponsorship, the sponsor’s name will be displayed as golfers approach the sponsored tee box
and green. Businesses, organizations, families, or individuals are all encouraged to become a
sponsor.
We would like to ask each family in the congregation to donate an item for the silent auction or
prizes for the tournament, such as gift cards/certificates, baskets of golf gear or even donate
cash (no amount too small).
Forms to register for the golf tournament, sponsorships and/or the dinner are on the church's
website and are due by Wednesday September 9. Checks can be made out to Trinity Presby-
terian and placed in the offering plate; please write ―Golf/Dinner Fundraiser‖ on the memo line.
Please bring all donated items for the silent auction and/or prizes to the church by Friday, Sep-
tember 11.
Call Kirk Breen (651) 402-7292 if you have any questions or want to help with the fundraiser.
Thank you!
AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2009 Page 11

THE ALMIGHTY SLUGGERS

The Almighty
Sluggers
church softball
team played
its final game
on July 27th,
a 10-3 loss,
capping a so-
so season.
It celebrated
its magnificent
mediocrity the
day after at
the home of
ever faithful
pitcher Tom
Rooney. Three "Rookies of the Year" awards were given: Lee Houck, the elder rookie, Jay
Gizzi, the middle rookie, and Sean Finn, the kid rookie. The "Silver Slugger" award went to
Gary Hanson, the "Gold Glove" to Ryan Schenck, the ―Outrageous Catch‖ to Craig Hanson,
and the "Player of the Year" to Don Breckle. Nils Espe received the coveted perfect atten-
dance certificate.

DEACON DISCURSION
“Oh no! There's my deacon! What do I do now?”
Not long ago, I was attending a wake in Northeast Minneapolis. I was speaking with an old ac-
quaintance, who suddenly exclaimed, ―Oh no! There's my deacon! I hope he doesn't see me.‖
Well, I learned two things. First, the Russian Orthodox church, like Presbyterian churches, has
deacons. I did not know that. Second, the title ―Deacon‖ apparently bestows on its holder a
mystical, perhaps dreadful power. Others see it, and I guess fear it. Or, they fear an obtru-
sive, meddlesome conversation. As you probably know, Trinity – and the Russians - assign
each church member to a deacon. Each deacon's group of parishioners is called a ―Kindred Spir-
its‖ group. There is no expectation that the people in each group will become best friends and
socialize together. Its just a way to ensure that the church, through the deacons, remains in
touch with every member. Not only are we all children of God, we are not forgotten. Now,
when a deacon approaches you, you might say to yourself, ―I bet she's checking up on me be-
cause that is her job.‖ You might be right, but if that deacon is me, I am approaching you be-
cause I want to know more about you, I want to understand life better and one way I can do
that is to talk with others, or I truly just want to say ―Hello‖ before I say ―Goodbye‖. The ―job‖
aspect of being a deacon, if I ever think about it, takes place at night away from Trinity when I
reflect on the day and missed opportunities. So, when you see your deacon, fear not. He or
she may simply be reveling in your Christian fellowship, not really aware that the conversation is
advancing the Deacon's cause of service to the church and congregation.
In next month's Discursion, I hope to address the connection between Trinity Presbyterian
Church, deacons, and amateur baseball. Until that time,
Garry Espe, Deacon Moderator
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the church website:
Trinity Presbyterian http://www.trinitywoodbury.org
Church
2125 Tower Dr
Woodbury MN 55125 Next Newsletter Deadline:
651-731-0038
info@trinitywoodbury.org September 15, 2009

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: ACTIVITIES AT TRINITY

Sunday Schedule August/ Upcoming Events

Pastor’s Column 2
September
Worship August 24
Schedule
10:00 am Chonda Pierce DVD
Christian Education 3-4
August 16 (page 9)
Fellowship and
Coffee August 23
Mission News 5 11:00 am September 11
Fall Study Group begins
August 31
Education Hour
School Tools Drive 6 begins September 13 September 6 September 13
9:00 am Rally Sunday & Potluck
Communion (front cover)
Stewardship Corner 7
September 13 September 18/19
-=-
Rally Sunday Golf Tournament/Dinner
Birthdays 8 Child care is Fundraiser (page 10)
available during September 20
worship service September 27 September 26
Healthy Mind
9 NAMIWALK (page 9)
Matters
September 28
Pastoral Care 10 ―What’s Up With This
Kid?‖ (page 9)

Almighty Sluggers 11
Additional parking is available in New Horizon’s parking lot
directly across from Trinity and by parking along one side
Deacon Discursion 11 of the driveway.