March Monthly Newsletter
When Is Jesus’ Birthday?
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary (Luke 1:26-27)
And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’” Having said this, He breathed His last. (Luke 23:46)
The title of this brief article sounds more appropriate for December than March. The question and the two Bible passages quoted above, however, are very much related to the crucifixion of Jesus.
The popular explanation of December 25th being celebrated as the birth of Jesus is that the Early Church wanted to substitute Christian festivals for pagan festivals. Thus Christians substituted Jesus’ birthday for a December 25th sun god festival. This explanation, however, is not true.
Two thousand years ago, the birthdays of only the powerful were noted. If you were born into Roman nobility, for example, the date of your birth would be recorded. You were considered important enough to have that day noted. If you were of less than noble birth (and Jesus would be considered of less than noble birth), no one remembered on which day you were born.
In those days, though, there was the belief that people lived on this earth a complete number of years. In other words, the day of your death would be on the anniversary of your conception. This would mean that in the minds of early Christians, Jesus died on the anniversary of Gabriel’s visit to Mary telling her that she would give birth to the Savior of the world.
This year, Good Friday is March 25th. It also happens to be the Festival of the Annunciation, when we remember that visit from Gabriel to Mary, (which is also nine months prior to Christmas). Far from making it a replacement for some pagan festival, the early Christians linked the death of Jesus to His birth. The early Christians, knowing that Jesus was crucified on March 25th, would then believe that He was born on December 25th. That is the reason the Church has celebrated Jesus’ birth on that day. Good Friday and Christmas have a lot more in common that you might have imagined.
Pastor Klein
A Day To Be Remembered!
What has been the most IMPORTANT event in your life---a day to be remembered and treasured??? Most of us don’t even remember this day; the day we became a member of God’s Kingdom, THE DAY OF OUR BAPTISM!!
In an effort to help Trinity members reflect and “remember,” Trinity is honoring the baptismal birthdays of our members. On the last Sunday of each month, members, young and old, who were baptized during that month can sit together, enjoy a treat and, perhaps, share stories during the fellowship hour.
We do have the dates of baptism for most of our members; but, if we missed yours, please let us know so we don’t miss it again. Any questions and/or dates, please contact the church office: 645-4438.
Arise and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. Acts 2:16
Baptism doth also now save us. I Peter 3:21
March Baptisms
Gloria Berg Jean Childers
Jeff Ciffra Lillian Criswell
Marcia Huber Cliff Roberts
Kathy Schuster Susan Stock
Lynn Webber
FROM THE TREASURER
January Home Fund Budget Status Report
Home Fund Balance on January 1, 2023 $15,621.90
January Home Fund Contributions $20,434.76
Designated Giving* $19,560.00
Loose Plate Giving** $874.76
Rental Property Fund $0.00
January Home Fund Expenses $21,208.05
Home Fund Balance on January 31, 2023 $14,848.61
* Includes giving by people who use offering envelopes and e-giving
**Includes giving by people without offering envelopes
Home Fund Balance
Trinity began 2023 with a surplus of $15,621.90 in the Home Fund. The 2023 budget adopted by the voters included $247,782.14 in Home Fund Contributions and $255,722.64 in Home Fund Expenses, a difference of $7,940.50. In January of 2023, Trinity did not need to transfer money from other funds to the Home Fund to cover expenses.
CHURCH COUNCIL MINUTES –
Trinity Lutheran Church
February 2, 2023
Attendance:
Pastor Klein
Kurt Anderson – Board of Elders
Barb Anderson – Treasurer
Tony Schmidtke – Board of Trustee
Bobbi Schmidtke – Board of Missions
Jim Koch – Board of Elders
Lisa Martinson – Director of Christian Education
Jeff Martinson – Board of Elders
Becky DeMann – Congregational Secretary
Call to Order – 8:08 p.m.
Opening Prayer – Pastor Klein
Review of Minutes - Approved
Financial Statement - Approved
Old Business
Church Usage policy with alcohol – Need to check with Northfield if there are any requirements of police officer if alcohol is served
Nominating Committee - Karen Wagner will re-up for Education Board, Grant Hovlands perhaps ?
Other
New Business
No Wednesday meals during Lent
Church council will form a committee for technically issues to correct our issues:
Jeff Martinson, Josh Wagner, Brent Casmey – committee
Authorized to spend up to $2500 for issues out of Trinity Fund
Reports
Pastor Klein – Ash Wednesday – evening – Service maybe in the church, afternoon in chapel
Pastor Boehme – N/A
Lisa – see attached report
Youth Sunday School Schedule – Resuming our study of the book of James
Youth FUEL Fleece Day – 2 adults; 8 youth
Soup/Chili Cookoff – over 30 participants; 2 soups and 9 chili contestants.
Stress/Anxiety Presentation – postponed
Future events:
February 5: Youth FUEL Zoom Baking 6:00-7:30pm
February 11: Youth will help with Valentines Dinner
February 12: Parent/Youth Meeting 10:30-11:30am
February 17-February 18: Youth Girl’s Night at Lisa’s (7pm – 9am)
February 26: Family Sledding Day (3:00-6:00pm) Pizza at church from 4:30-6pm.
March 12: Family Bowling Day (3:00-5:00pm)
March 26: Youth FUEL Shopping for Homeless Event (5:30-7:00pm)
April 1: Easter Party (9:30-11:00)
April 17: Youth FUEL First Responders Event (5:30-7:00pm)
Family Lunch & Bingo – February 19 (11:30-1:30) – Pot Luck lunch, beverages provided. Bingo and prizes will start when everyone has food.
Supper with Confirmands will resume as soon as I can get kids scheduled.
Blessings to you all!
Lisa Martinson, DCE
Missions - Bulletin Board will be updated
Stewardship – N/A
Elders – Dan and Stephanie Scheffler are released
Plastic Communion Cups – several cups cracked during last week’s service, Should go thru the alter guild – Pastor Klein will go contact them
add additional greeters, quick training session with group
New Committee – Technology: Jeff M, Josh W,
Education – Need more Sunday School teachers thru the end of the year
Need EWF for playground
Fellowship – Easter breakfast is next activity
Trustees – Nothing new
Luther’s Evening Prayer
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have graciously kept me this day; and I pray that You would forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
Lenten Discipline: Denying the Self
We are at the beginning of Lent. During the Lenten season, the church calls to our attention the sufficiency of what God gives. It points to the sufficiency of God’s grace in the atoning work of Jesus. It shows us the sufficiency of faith in Jesus’ work for us. It makes known the sufficiency of God’s Word in faith and life.
But Lent doesn’t just remind us of the sufficiency of God’s spiritual gifts — the gifts that pertain to our redemption and salvation. Lent also reminds us of the sufficiency of the physical, temporal gifts of God which pertain to this body and life. In other words, it reminds us of the importance of godly contentment and of outward discipline and training of the body.
This outward training of the body teaches us not to give in to every desire of our flesh, but to learn to say no to them. And it does this in such a way that if you fail, it is no sin. It is a way to practice without putting yourself into a compromising situation.
Fasting is a good example of this outward training. When you fast, you are practicing saying no to the desires of your body. But if you fail in this, if you break your fast, you have not sinned. But you have learned something about how your flesh works, how difficult it is to fight against it, and how you need help from above to discipline the desires of your body.
Another example is almsgiving. An increase in giving to the church and its mission during Lent is also a form of outward training. We all know that our flesh finds security in money and stuff. By committing to give more to the church, you are training your flesh. You are, by this outward discipline, training yourself to be content with what God gives. You are practicing saying “no” to your desires. Again, if you fail, you have not sinned. But you’ve learned just how powerful your flesh is — it leads you instead of you leading it. You’ve learned how you need help from above in being content with what God gives.
This is why St. Paul instructs young Pastor Timothy in this way: But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. (1 Tim. 6:6–10)
Our sufficiency is not of ourselves; it is in God. Let us learn this without sin by training our flesh this Lenten season.
lcms.org/stewardship
TRINITY NEWS
WEDNESDAY DINNERS DURING LENT
There will not be Wednesday dinners before the 7:00 p.m. Lenten worship services this year. Because of the popularity of the 2:00 p.m. service, attendance at the evening service is expected to be smaller than in previous years. The bi-monthly Wednesday dinners will resume on April 19th.
TRINITY BOOK CLUB
These are the books we will be reading over the next several months. Everyone welcome! You don’t have to commit to every month, so if you see a book you want to read, plan to join us for a lively discussion. First Monday of each month.
March 6 – “Fellowship Point” by Alice Elliott Dark
April 3 – “The Saints of Swallow Hill” by Donna Everhart
May 1 – “The Girl in Building C” by Nathan Harris
WEDNESDAY BIBLE CLASS
Pastor Boehme will not be having his Wednesday evening Bible class during Lent. The class will resume meeting after Easter, April 19.
LENTEN WORSHIP SERVICES
Lenten Worship services will be held on Wednesdays at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm. These will be on March 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th.
EASTER BREAKFAST
The Fellowship Committee will host the annual Easter Breakfast this year, starting after the church service on Easter Sunday. The committee will also provide Easter baskets for the younger children during the breakfast. Please watch for additional details in the March weeklies. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to invite your friends and family members to Trinity. The breakfast will not be a fundraiser and there is no charge, but there will be a free-will offering basket to help with costs. The Fellowship Committee members are Barb Anderson, Linda Hutton, Kay Koch, Darlene Larson, Linda Munson, Bobbi Schmidtke, and Bryce Skaar.
VALENTINE’S BANQUET THANK-YOU
Thank you to everyone that helped to make the Valentine's Banquet a success! Jim Fredrick, Troy Nystuen and Jeff Martinson for preparing a wonderful meal. Josh and Ruthie Wagner for taking photos. Jackie Ohmann, June Volkert, Karen Wagner, Josh Wagner, Lisa Martinson, Kathy and Craig Schuster, Becky DeMann, Terri Casmey and Kurt and Barb Anderson for donating door prizes. Brent and Teri Casmey and Tony Schmidtke for helping with set up and making sure the night went smoothly. The youth, Jonah Koch, Abby Pape, Eowyn Camareno and her mother Julianna, who helped serve and clean up after the meal. Barb Anderson, Linda Munson, Darlene Larson, Kay Koch and Teri Casmey for making delicious desserts and appetizers.
Finally a big Thank You to all that attended the banquet you all help to make the evening a great night!
FAMILY SLEDDING DAY
Sunday, February 26 starting at 3pm. Meet at Carleton with your sledding stuff. When we are done sledding, we’ll head over to church for pizza. This is for the whole congregation. If you are staying for pizza, the cost will be $5 for anyone 5th grade and older and $3 for kids age 5 to 4th grade. Kids age 5 and younger will be free. The maximum cost for one household will be $20.
FAMILY BOWLING DAY
Sunday, March 12 from 3:00-5:00pm at Flaherty’s Bowling in Northfield. This is for everyone – young and not-so-young. We will have drawings for prizes again too. Sign up by Wednesday, March 8 so I can reserve the lanes. Cost is $13 for 2 hours of bowling and shoes. If you don’t want to bowl but want to just come and cheer for our bowlers – you can also be entered in our drawing for fun prizes. Friends are welcome to join in
MAIN STREET LIVING
Main Street Living airs each Sunday at 9 a.m. on WFTC Channel 29/9-2. The broadcast starts with an episode of This Is the Life, a reproduction of a popular program in the 60s, 70s, and 80s, by Lutheran Hour Ministries. At 9:30 there is a modified Lutheran worship service, produced locally, and features pastors from the viewing area. Here is the schedule for the month of March:
(Notice Pastor Klein will be featured on Sunday March 12 and Sunday March 19).
March 5 - This Is the Life episode “Prescription TLC”. The Worship service will feature Rev. Tom Evans from Emanuel Lutheran Church in Inver Grove Heights, MN. His message is titled “How Do You Feel Today? Condemned or Loved?” based on John 3:16-17.
March 12 - This Is the Life episode “Dangerous Moment”. The Worship service will feature Rev. Dr. Brent Klein from Trinity Lutheran Church in Northfield, MN. His message is titled “The Power of Forgiveness” based on John 4:5-30, 39-42.
March 19 - This Is the Life episode “Who Will Tell Laura?”. The Worship service will feature Rev. Dr. Brent Klein from Trinity Lutheran Church in Northfield, MN. His message is titled “Seeing and Blindness” based on John 9:1-7, 13-17, 34-39.
March 26 - This Is the Life episode “Holy Land Tour - Part 1”. This episode is a video tour of locations in Jesus’ earthly ministry. The Worship service will feature Rev. Jeffrey Williams from Trinity Lutheran Church in Slayton, MN. His message is titled “For This Jesus Deserved Death” based on John 11:17-27, 38-53.
For more information or to watch the program, go to www.mainstreetliving.com and select the “Twin cities” tab.
MARCH 2023 READINGS
March 5 - The Second Sunday in Lent
Genesis 12:1-9
Romans 4:1-8, 13-17
John 3:1-17
March 12 - The Third Sunday in Lent
Exodus 17:1-7
Romans 5:1-8
John 4:5-30, 39-42
March 19 - The Fourth Sunday in Lent
Isaiah 42:14-21
Ephesians 5:8-14
John 9:1-41
March 26 - The Fifth Sunday in Lent
Ezekiel 37:1-14
Romans 8:1-11
John 11:1-53
DCE LISA'S PAGE
YOUTH ITEMS
Challenge for Youth: Memorize 52 Bible Verses This Year (1 verse per week).
Feb. 26 (week 9): Philippians 4:19
March 5 (week 10): Jeremiah 29:11
March 12 (week 11): Isaiah 26:3
March 19 (week 12): James 1:5
March 26 (week 13): Psalm 107:9
Youth Sunday School Schedule – for students in grades 5 and up. We meet from 10:30-11:30 each Sunday morning. Outside of learning the lesson and teaching the Children’s Sunday School class on March 19 we will also be reading and talking about the Book of James. Bring a Bible and enjoy! *I am looking for someone to lead the youth class on March 5. Is there anyone interested?
THANK YOU to our Valentines Dinner Volunteers! Jonah, Abby, Eowyn and Julianna came and helped the annual Valentines Dinner and did a phenomenal job! Thank you all so very much for all your hard work!
Update from the Youth and Parents Meeting:
1. 2023 Servant Event: We will be taking part in the “Rochester Servant Event” from June 11-14, 2023. I have attached an information sheet and all forms you need to complete to register. Be advised (from the RSE planners): IMPORTANT!!! FULL PARTICIPATION IS REQUIRED!!! (MISSING DUE TO ILLNESS IS APPROPRIATE WE JUST NEED YOU TO COMMIT AND PRIORITZE THIS OVER OTHER ACTIVITIES.)
2. 2024 Servant Event/Mission Trip: We will further investigate a larger trip, possibly Idaho or Costa Rica, for the summer of 2024.
Playground Update: In the Spring we will be reworking our playground area with a new ADA compliant surface. If there are ideas you have regarding what we could add to the area, please let me know. We will keep the existing slide/swing structure (making sure it’s safe and sturdy).
Family Sledding Day at Carlton College – Sunday, February 26 starting at 3pm. See the announcement elsewhere in this newsletter
Family Bowling Day – March 12 from 3-5pm. See the announcement elsewhere in this newsletter
Youth FUEL Shopping for Homeless – March 19 from 5:30-7:00pm. We will meet at church to hand out shopping “assignments”. Then we’ll head to Aldi’s for shopping. Monetary donations are appreciated for our shopping event. All funds received will be spent on items that will be donated to CAC. Please sign up on the youth bulletin board if you plan to attend. We will need a few drivers for this event, please contact Lisa if you can help.
Lutherans for Life Minnesota 2023 Essay Contest: Here's an opportunity for students in grades 6 through 12 to write a life-affirming essay based on the theme “Just As I Am”. Ephesians 2:10, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" is the theme verse, and is required in the formation of the essay. The deadline for submission is April 1, 2023. Look at the attached pdf file for the official “rubrics” or go to: https://bit.ly/lfl-essay-contest.
Jeff and I will be on vacation from March 2-5.
Here’s what else we’re working on for 2023. *Subject to some changes
April 1: Children’s Easter Party (9:30-11:00am)
April 17: Youth FUEL First Responders Event (5:30-7:00pm)
WORSHIP CAMERA OPERATOR SCHEDULE
March 1 (Lent) 7 pm - Amy Klein
March 5 - Brent Casmey
March 8 (Lent) - Martinson
March 12 - Olivia Voigt
March 15 (Lent) 7 pm - Amy Klein
March 19 - Josh Wagner
March 22 (Lent) 7 pm - Martinson
March 26 - Becky DeMann
March 29 (Lent) 7 pm - Amy Klein
SNOW SHOVELING SCHEDULE
February 26 - March 4 Joshua Wagner
March 5 - 11 Tom Pumper
March 12 - 18 Tony Schmidtke
March 19 - 25 Brent Casmey
March 26 - April 1 Dan Wett
April 2 - 8 David Nybakke
April 9 - 15 Jeff Martinson
April 16 - 22 Jim Frederick
TRINITY COMMUNION ASSISTANTS
February – March 2023
March 4 Barbara Greenfield
March 12 John Pfeiffer
March 18 Jeff Martinson
March 25 Craig Schuster
USHER SCHEDULE
March 5 - Group B
March 12 - Group C
March 19 - Group D
March 26 - Group E
Group A - Ray Larson, Dave Downhour, Ray Ozmun, Larry Pralle
Group B - Tom Pumper, Jeff and Holly Ciffra, Jackie Ohmann
Group C - Kurt Anderson, Kevin Bakken, Brent Casmey, Russell Kraft, Jim Koch
Group D - John Greenfield, Josh Wagner, Jesse Hinz, Steve Norstad, Mike Aurich
Group E - David, Erin, and Jared Nybakke, Jonathan Ohmann, Martin Ohmann, David Ohmann
Group F - Tony and Bobbi Schmidtke, Grant Hovland, Dale Nelson, John Pfeiffer
Group G - Craig and Kathy Schuster, Jim Grieser, Norm Webber, Jeff Martinson
Group H - Dan Wett, Bryce Skaar, Bruce Young, Rudy, Myleen, and Ashlie Maurer
TRINITY COUNTING SCHEDULE (UPDATED)
January July
Bobbi and Tony Schmidtke Emelda Rasmussen
Barb and Kurt Anderson Nancy and David Downhour
February August
Joan and Larry Pralle Darlene and Ray Larson
Bryce Skaar Susan and Cliff Roberts
March September
Darlene and Ray Larson Deb and Karl Thomforde
Susan And Cliff Roberts Brenda and Kraig Niebuhr
April October
Deb and Karl Thomforde Joan and Larry Pralle
Brenda and Kraig Niebuhr Bryce Skaar
May November
Emelda Rasmussen Emelda Rasmussen
Nancy and David Downhour Nancy and David Downhour
June December
Bobbi and Tony Schmidtke Bobbi and Tony Schmidtke
Barb and Kurt Anderson Barb and Kurt Anderson
TRINITY GREETER SCHEDULE
March 5 David, Jackie, & Grace Ohmann
March 12 Craig & Kathy Schuster
March 19 Bruce & Lori Young
MARCH VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE
PLEASE NOTE: If these times do not work for you, please remember that it is your responsibility to find a replacement or someone to switch with. (Special services are in bold, italics.)
WORSHIP ASSISTANTS USHERS ACOLYTES
March 5 Barbara Greenfield Group B Ashlie Maurer
March 12 John Pfeiffer Group C Morgan Voigt
March 19 Jeff Martinson Group D Elijah Wagner
March 26 Craig Schuster Group E Jonah Koch
GREETERS
March 5 David, Jackie, & Grace Ohmann
March 12 Craig & Kathy Schuster
March 19 Bruce & Lori Young
ALTAR GUILD COUNTERS
Becky Grieser, Colleen Vivant Ray & Darlene Larson
Marcia Huber Cliff & Susan Roberts
SNOW REMOVAL
February 26 - March 4 Joshua Wagner
March 5 - 11 Tom Pumper
March 12 - 18 Tony Schmidtke
March 19 - 25 Brent Casmey
March 26 - April 1 Dan Wett
Website: www.trinitynorthfield.org
Emails:
Rev. Dr. Brent Klein, Pastor: pastor.klein@trinitynorthfield.org
Rev. Dr. Armand J. Boehme, Associate Pastor:
pastor.boehme@trinitynorthfield.org
Lisa Martinson, Director of Christian Education: dce.lisa@trinitynorthfield.org
Dana Criswell, Secretary: secretary@trinitynorthfield.org
Barb Anderson, Treasurer: treasurer@trinitynorthfield.org