July 2018 Vol. 46, No. 7

Trinity United Church of Christ310 West 8th Street … Jasper, IN 47546

(812) 482-4090

Office Hours: 9 am – 12:30 PM Monday – Thursday

Check us out on Facebook: Trinity UCC Jasper, INWebsite: www.trinityjasperucc.org

Rev. Jane I. Hillman (812-631-1147)pastortrinity@psci.net

Regina Soellner, Office Administratortrinityucc@psci.net

No Matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!

Trinity United Church of Christ is a gathering of thoughtful and caring people from multiple backgrounds who embrace 3 Great Loves: Love of Children, Love of Neighbor and Love of Creation. We believe in embracing and celebrating the love of God, and in dedicating ourselves to the just example of Christ Jesus. We value the Spirit that brings illumination and wisdom into our world.

PJ’s Ponderings… July 2018

“…therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live,Loving the Lord your God…” Deuteronomy 30:19

The words above were spoken by Moses as God’s people wandered in the wilderness. The future was unknown to any of them. They had a promise of new land flowing with milk and honey; yet they could not see it and did not know the way.

Some among the group wanted to go back to Egypt, to the familiar. “No!” said others, “we shall not go back to the past. We have come too far to go back; we do not want to give up our God or freedom.”

Yet others declared that the people should remain where they were, in the wilderness. After all, God had provided water, manna and quail; this had been sufficient thus far. It was too dangerous to think of entering the Promised Land. Reports were that there were giants in the new land; it was safer to stay put.

“No!” said others. “We shall not linger in the present; for a generation has already died while we have been wandering in this wilderness.” Many agreed that it was time to cross the Jordan River. It was time to push past the barriers.

So God’s people left the wilderness, crossing the river Jordan. They placed stones in the river to remind them of the past as they forged a new beginning. As God’s people journeyed, the cry was heard: “Today, we choose life.”

So it is with God’s people today. We have the promise of God’s presence in this life and in life everlasting, even though we do not know the details regarding the days ahead. We are in a time of unrest and uncertainty on many fronts, including our personal lives and the lives of those in our country and world. At times we simply have to admit, we do not know the way.

Yet, in the midst of the journey, we can, with the help of our Lord, proclaim: “Today, we choose life.”May God bless our journey! ~ Pastor Jane

Susan M. – home following hospitalization. Norma B. – Good Samaritan for rehab. Room #501 Diane G. – gaining strength and will continue new treatment. Roberta H. - trying new treatment. Pete R. – anticipating leg surgery on July 3rd in Indianapolis. Randy C. – home following outpatient procedure. Hugh M.-- home following hospitalization.

Living with Cancer: Diane G., Hugh M., Pete R. Alene F., Roberta H.

Within the Fellowship

Death: June Astrike died May 28, 2018. Her funeral was held at Trinity UCC on May 31st. Our sympathies are extended to June’s husband Jack, her sons, Bret and Neil and their families.

Wedding: Congratulations to Heath Astrike and his new wife Kathirene! They were married on May 26, 2018.

Page 1

Send a card or visit those not able to be in church.

* Nina F. - 408 W. 9th Street * Claire R. - 1031 Dorbett Street* Jack A. Northwood Assisted Living, 400 W Pleasant View, Apt. # 1* Marge S. - 111 W. 26th Street, Apt 2* Jason S. - The Timbers, 2909 Howard Dr. Room 316-2* Eileen R. - The Timbers, 2909 Howard Dr. Room 512-2* Carrie L. - 855 Missouri St., Apt. 17, Ferdinand, IN 57532* Josephine J. - Northwood Skilled Care, 2515 Newton St., Rm. 210* Jeanne H. - 851 Poplar Lane (Phone her nephew, Mark at 812-309-8443)* Margie K. - Scenic Hills Care Center, 311 E. First Street, Ferdinand, IN 47532* Doris W. - Hamilton Trace, 11851 Cumberland Rd. Fishers, IN 46037* Mariemma H. - Northwood Assisted Living, 400 W Pleasant View, Apt. 23

In Loving Memory of June L. AstrikeJune 30, 1932 … May 28, 2018

We give thanks to the Lord for the 85 years of life appointed to God’s beloved daughter, June L. Astrike. By God’s loving grace, June is now resting from her labors, free from all earthly limitations and safely cradled in the loving arms of her Lord. We remember June as the only child of Clarence and Opal (Henke) Nuhring.

June and her beloved husband, Jack enjoyed 65 years of marriage. Their love story begins in childhood as they went to school and church together. They walked down the aisle at Salem UCC in Huntingburg to be confirmed in 1946 and again to be married on August 31, 1952. As a couple they loved to travel, hike the various trails, play cards with friends and enjoy a good meal out.

June and Jack’s love brought forth two sons, Neil and Bret. June was Grandma to 3 grandchildren: Brandi, Heath (his wife Kathirene), and Logan (his wife Blaine). These grandchildren turned to Grandma for wisdom and counseling; she had a listening ear and an open, loving heart. Gathering together on Christmas Eve is a cherished memory. June was delighted with the birth of a great grand-daughter, Clarke. May June’s love be forever on the hearts of her family.

June was a faithful disciple of the Lord, reading her Bible daily. She believed her purpose in life was to show love and kindness to all she met. Once June and Jack moved to Jasper in 1964, they transferred their membership from Salem UCC to Trinity UCC. June was an active member serving on the Church Council, Worship Team, Women’s Guild and teaching Sunday School, sharing her love for Christ. There was a special place in her heart for being a part of the “Stephen’s Ministry” which visited with the sick and shut-ins offering support and prayer.

June found joy in being a homemaker. She sewed her own clothes, crocheted many afgans and made sure that Jack was well fed and cared for every day. We celebrate the life of June Astrike which centered on Faith and Family. Her strong faith and courageous spirit served her well in life and in death.

Page 2

From the Pulpit… Worship is held at 8:00 am & 10:15 am July 1st Communion SundayBible Lesson Mark 5: 21-43Message “Touching Jesus”Bible Readers Mary Ann Weisheit, Heather GoodhueFavorite Songs “I Love to Tell the Story”, “Amazing Grace”

“In the Bulb there is a Flower”,“How Beautiful Our Spacious Skies”

July 8th Bible Lesson Ezekiel 2Message “Speaking God’s Word” Bible Readers Connie Schmitt, Sabrina PetersTime with Children Audra JahnSpecial Music Mya UebelhorFavorite Songs “How Great Thou Art”, “On Eagle’s Wings”

“For the Beauty of the Earth”

July 15th Bible Lesson Ephesians 1: 1-14Message “Our Inheritance”Bible Readers Gary Frank, Melissa BlackgraveTime with Children Heather GoodhueSpecial Music Goodhue FamilyFavorite Songs “Ask Me What Great Thing I Know”

“Mansion Over the Hilltop”, “What a Covenant”

July 22nd Bible Lessons Jeremiah 23: 1-6, Psalm 23Message “The Lord Is My Shepherd”Bible Readers Cortney Seng, John KahleSpecial Music Hailey KnebelFavorite Songs “Let There Be Peace on Earth”,

“Precious Lord”, Shall We Gather at the River”

July 29th Bible Lesson II Samuel 11: 2-15, 26, 27Message “Truth & Consequences”Bible Readers Bill Small, John SchnarrTime with Children Heather GoodhueSpecial Music Glory Bound TrioFavorite Songs “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry”,

“Down to the River to Pray”, “Some Glad Morning

Our thanks to Kay Hall, Connie Schmitt, and The VBS Kids for providing special music in June.

A summer filled with Special Music… What a Blessing!

Page 3

Vacation Bible School Sails into the Sunset!

A group of 35 kids, 12 youth and 18 adults ventured onto an uncharted island where kids learned that Jesus carries them through life’s storms. Over and over the Anchor Kids learned that JESUS RESCUES! The groups enjoyed each day: Castaway Sing & Ply, Bible Discovery, Imagination Station, Ship Rec Games, Tropical Treats, and KidVid Cinema. Tired and smiling kids left with a Sail Away Send off.

On June 24th, the VBS kids led worship at 10:15 am. We give thanks for their speaking and reading voices which filled the air and our hearts. 22 kids participated in worship.

A big THANK YOU to all those that helped with VBS. Whether it was by making donations, behind the scenes work, giving of your time or being a leader for the event...it was greatly appreciated! We do amazing things and I hear so many kids say they can’t wait for our VBS each year. The amount of time spent planning this week long event is worth it when you see the smiles on all of God’s kids! Thanks again to all those involved!

VBS KIDS thank the following peoplefor their donations to the VBS Reception on June 24th.

Vickie Campbell, Carol Ellis, Alene Frank, Heather Goodhue, Melissa Hafele, Judy Hubster, Pastor Jane, Sabrina Peters, Kari Roth, Connie Schmitt, Janis Schnarr, Sarah Sergesketter, Mary Ann Weisheit, and Lelani Wittwer.

Communion Sundays – August 5th, Sept. 2nd , Oct. 7th Strassenfest – August 2nd – 5th Blessing of the Backpacks Sunday with lunch – Sunday, Aug. 12th Fall Wednesday Program - begins on September 5th Sunday School begins – September 9th Christian Education Sunday – September 23rd

Attention College Students!College Student’s Addresses are NEEDED! Please send your address for the coming year to the church office.

Back-to-School Luncheon – August 12th The Parish Life Team is sponsoring “Back to School Luncheon” following the 10:15 am service.

Upcoming Special Events:

The Outreach Ministry Team plans to send “care” notes and gifts this fall.

Page 4

It is time once again to list some possible reasons you may want to give Pastor Jane a call at 812-631-1147! Would you like to have Pastor visit you in your home? Simply call!

Do you have a pastoral need? Do you want to… get married, be baptized, join the church, receive Holy Communion, have Pastor present for your surgery, be visited in the hospital, or simply talk? Pastor will only know your needs IF you tell her.

Do you have a question or concern about: a ministry or activity for which Pastor Jane has leadership responsibilities? Talking to her directly is both helpful and respectful.

Do you have an idea for a new ministry or do you want to share your gifts of time or talent? Call Pastor!

My thanks to all of you that have been excellent communicators in the past; our ministry together has been a blessing. ~ Pastor Jane

Pastor’ Joy Journal… (This is just a hint of the joys in my heart.)

What a joy it is to return from vacation and hear people talk about the wonderful worship that took place while I was away. Thank you Mary Ann Weisheit for designing the worship service and providing the message. It was also a blessing to have your daughter, Kay sing and family members and friends attend!

It was a joy to watch the Vacation Bible School take shape under the leadership of Audra Jahn, our Youth Ministry Leader. Thank you to ALL who gave of their time. It was a JOY to have God’s house filled with song, prayer and laughter. Thank you for the many donations of decorations, food & supplies. Our gifts to the VBS mission will be a blessing to CASA.

PJ’s Behind the Scenes: (Here is what is happening!)

Budget & Nominating Teams begin work… In July, the various teams will be working on the 2019 budget. The Pastoral Relations Team will be meeting with Pastor Jane and Council representatives will be meeting with staff. Your Stewardship Team and Finance Teams will be looking at the first 6 month figures. Plus, the Nominating Team will be looking to fill 3-4 positions.

This summer, we welcome Music Together back to our building. Note: We have plenty of space, so if you know someone who needs a room or two for an event please have them call the church office.

Our thanks to Phil & Tom Schmidt for coming to the rescue when a water problem was found in the church.

Good Communication leads to Healthy relationships!

Pastor Jane is looking for old clay pots… Please bring them to the church office.

Page 5

Signup sheets have been posted in the foyer. We will need lots of help. There are 3 areas where you can help: making cobblers, working the booth, and booth setup/teardown. Please find a spot to work when you are available. We are still looking for donations for the following ingredients for cobblers: Blackberries, Blueberries, Apples, Flour, Baking powder, Sugar, Butter, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Cornstarch…… If you would like to make a donation, please contact Treva or Kurt Heise. 812 827-3209 or 812 639-2706. Thanks for your help. Kurt & Treva Heise Booth Chair David Peters - Co Chair

Trinity Re-affirmation & Information Update…. It is time to re-affirm our commitment to Trinity, update our family information and put faces and names together. Here is the plan:

1) In July, each family will be given new information sheets to complete by September 1 st. These sheets will be given out to those in worship; remaining forms will be mailed. Members and Friends of Trinity will be asked to provide current contact information, re-affirm a commitment to Trinity, whether as a member or a friend, and give some family information that will be useful such as email, phone numbers and mailing addresses. The last time this was done was 2013. Information provided will enable us to update our directory and provide a new copy to each family.

2) Instead of a pictorial directory which becomes outdated very quickly, the Parish Life Team, in consultation with The Arts Team, will be making a “Meet our Faith Family” display for the church. People will be asked to provide their own pictures for display; families can then update these pictures at any time. Do not worry if you do not have a picture, there is a plan to solve that problem. More details next month, but begin planning for your “photo”. Thank You!

Stewardship Reminders… Summer Vacations & T.O.T. Summer is upon us and with it comes the excitement of summer vacations!!!

While we enjoy special time with our family, please don’t forget your church family by offering your time, offerings and talents before you go. Give before you go!

God’s Home Improvement News!

We are accepting donations to God’s Home Improvement for the circle drive. We have been blessed with memorial money designated for this project in memory of Mae Metzger and June Astrike.

We received the initial Bid and Civil Engineering Documents from Cash-Waggner. We have asked them to add the canopy designed by the Trinity Arts Committee to the package. We should have final documents available to send to local contractors later this month so they can bid on the current design. Following the receipt of the bids, the GHI will determine and propose the appropriate package. The team will then propose the package to the council so appropriate value engineering can take place prior to presenting to the

Strassenfest Is Coming! August 2nd – 5th Come & enjoy Homemade Cobbler & Ice Cream!

congregation. We have received an updated bid for the tinted windows which now includes an exterior tinted film that has a longer warranty. The estimated cost will be $200 per window for the 10 lower clear windows to receive the treatment. A local company will be installing the same tint very soon to some skylights, so we will have the opportunity to view it before finalizing our decision.

Page 6

Pastor Jane, Dan and Sarah Sergesketter and I, (Fred Robberts), attended the IK Annual gathering on June 1-2, 2018. The theme for this year's event was "Igniting Church". It raised the spirits and inspired our sense of purpose in our local church's ministries. Hopefully, all those in attendance were inspired to ignite each home church to reach out in unconditional love and acceptance.

Thursday was a voluntary education day open to all clergy and lay persons. It focused on assessing, planning, and building church vitality by building a church community for a thriving future, led by Reverend Dr. Kristina Lizardy.

Marcia McFee of the "Worship Design Studio" was the worship leader and keynote speaker; she led the conference helping to discover new ways to worship and spark faith. McFee is an author, speaker, and worship designer. I was able to have several personal conversations with this dynamic lady and bought one of her books. In our conversations, the use of visual arts came up. I was pleased to find that some of the things churches should try to do more of are already in place at Trinity.

Indiana natives Rev. Leah Robberts-Mosser and Rev. Vince Amlin, two young pastors, presented the two worship services. Both ministers grew up attending Merom church camps and were active as youth while growing up and receiving their calls to ministry. Leah, daughter of Marilyn and me, led the opening worship service. Vince led the closing worship. I was Vince's first church camp counselor. It was a very humbling experience to see both of these energetic young people in the pulpit.

Friday evening found us at a Banquet with time to celebrate and recognize ministers and their years of service to the church. The Reverend Don Buckthal was recognized for 70 years of ministerial service. Don had been an inspiration to both Marilyn and I, and I was pleased to see this recognition given. The evening concluded with Indiana singer-songwriter Carrie Newcomer in concert with a social gathering following. You can find Carrie on YouTube.

Last but not least, and the purpose of the conference, was the conducting of the conference business which was held in three plenary sessions. Each session we heard one part of a 3 part message "3 Great Loves": Love of Neighbor, Love of Children, and Love of Creation.

Plenary Session #1- included the usual welcome and announcements and review of Standing Rules. We were introduced to partners representing Sri Lank and heard a presentation. This was followed by a message from the Pension Board.

Plenary Session #2- included the calling of IKC Conference Minister Reverend Chad Abbott. (Chad will be with us in November.) The ratification of partnership with the United Church of Canada was voted on and passed. A presentation from Cornerstone was also heard.

Plenary Session # 3- included an introduction by Leah Robberts-Mosser to the newest generation of Young Ambassadors. Leah was in the first generation of Young Ambassadors in a two year exchange between the Church of Germany and the IKC.

A presentation was given of the State of the Conference. The proposed 2019 budget and Clergy Compensation guidelines were presented and passed. Between the meetings on Friday, there were eleven workshops from which one could choose two.

Much of the conference was captured on video and can be seen on the IKC website through Facebook.

I wish to thank Trinity for the honor of representing you as Trinity's voting delegate and encourage all of you to go sometime to see our wider church in action. If you do not go as a delegate... go as a visitor. Marilyn and I often went

55th Annual Gathering of the Indiana/Kentucky ConferenceBy Fred Robberts, Delegate

as visitor/observers. It was always an honor and privilege to be there and re-establish long time friendships and just take it all in.

Thank you, Fred Robberts Page 7

Mission Alive at Trinity

Christmas in July: Adopt-a-Family & MeromOnce again our Christmas in July mission will help our Adopt-A-Family. This year we will be collecting monetary donations for rent, utilities, groceries, etc.

A Christmas tree is set up in the entrance with brightly colored gift tags and dollar amounts. Each tag color will correspond with an expense. Please put the tags and your money in an envelope; if you would like your donation recorded, please include your envelope numbers. Our goal is $1000. Any amount collected will help this very deserving family. Envelopes can be found in the pews or on the table under the Christmas tree.

Since our adopted family is smaller this year, the Outreach Team has decided to divide our goal of $1,000 in half and give half of the donations collected to Merom Camp & Retreat Center. We are spreading our generosity around this year.

Thank You for your Generous Giving…

One Great Hour of Sharing: We have received a total of $261! CASA – To date we have received $981.36 towards a goal of $1,000 to purchase books!

In June, we purchased a grocery gift card. Blessings to you for the difference you are making for this young family!

Food Bank Sunday – July 1st In July, we are collecting canned fruit. On Sunday – July 1st, please place your donations in the wicker baskets in front of the altar. Throughout the remaining weeks, donations may be placed in plastic tubs in the foyer. In June, we collected 63 boxes of Mac and Cheese. Contributions go to the Jasper Community Food Bank. Looking ahead: In August, we will collect Cereal.

DON’T FORGET . . . Monthly Blood Pressure Check July 15th! (Lounge) Get your blood pressure checked from 9:00 – 10:00 am

Adopt-a–Family… This year's Adopt-a-Family is a young couple with a 3 year old girl and Mom’s 8-year-old sister. They asked us to pray for them.

Page 8

June 2018 – Child Care & Acolytes Date Child Care (10:15) Acolyte (10:15)7/1 Dana Schnarr Ushers7/8 Heather Goodhue Kenley Emmons7/15 Meghan Premuda Harry Hulsman7/22 Treva Heise Ushers7/29 Melissa Hafele Lilly Hulsman

July 1st Communion

Preparation: Kurt & Treva HeiseServers: 8 am Mary Ann Weisheit 10:15 am Adam & Kari Roth, Kurt Heise, John Schnarr

Council Highlights – June 2018 All church financial accounts for 2017 were approved in the audit. Nominating Team was formed; Andrea Hulsman will chair this team. Budget Team was formed; Mark Blackgrave will chair this team. Approved the purchased 2 sets of chancel wire style planter stands using memorial money from the

Church’s Choice account. Approved purchasing sample set of Chrimsons for foyer Christmas tree, using money from “The Arts”

memorial account. Approved the revised landscaping plan for area in front of foyer, money will be used from the Shirley

Meyer memorials. Approved the removal of all shrubs at the parsonage; work will be done by volunteers. Christmas in July money will be split between Adopt-a-Family and Merom Camp and Retreat Center.

Please pray for your leadership and future leadership as we begin the planning for 2019. Consider the callto serve your church.

A Word from Your Property Team… This month, the team focused on re-programming the thermostats for summer. When areas of the church are not in use, the thermostats are set at temperatures that will save us money!! If you need to use a space, you

can override the system for a period of two hours. Just press “override “on the thermostat and then adjust the temp up or down. We are happy to report that during the recent heavy rain, there have been no leaks. We will continue to monitor the situation. The floors in the church building have been cleaned and polished the week of July 10th.

Page 9

July Worship Participants

July 1st

8:00 am Ushers: Carol Rasche, Carol Mundy, Linda TroxlerMedia Tech: Adam Roth

10: 15 am Ushers: Treva & Kurt Heise, Susan & John McGovren, Jane NeukamMedia Tech: Adam Roth Media Producer: Mark Blackgrave

July 8th

8:00 am Ushers: Alene & Gary Frank, Janice SundermanMedia Tech: John Kahle

10: 15 am Ushers: Selena & Kurt Vonderheide, Dean Vonderheide, Shirlene DreherMedia Tech: Brian MeyerMedia Producer: John Kahle

July 15th 8:00 am Ushers: Bill Small, Bret Astrike, Heath Astrike

Media Tech: Kurt Vonderheide

10: 15 am Ushers: Kari & Adam Roth, Greg Schnarr, Melissa & Kevin Blackgrave Media Tech: Anna VonderheideMedia Producer: Kurt Vonderheide

July 22nd 8:00 am Ushers: Angie & Rick Hobson

Media Tech: John Kahle

10: 15 am Ushers: Janis & John Schnarr, Jerry Brewer, Melissa HafeleMedia Tech: Mark BlackgraveMedia Producer: Mark Blackgrave

July 29th 8:00 am Ushers: Connie Schmitt, Mary Ann Weisheit

Media Tech: Kurt Vonderheide

10:15am Ushers: Geoff & Sarah Mauck, Audra Jahn, Rich Meyer, Larry LaGrange

Media Tech: Brian MeyerMedia Producer: John Kahle

Page 10

7/1 Greg Kincer 7/16 Chad Brinkman7/3 Candy Berger 7/17 Linda Kahle7/6 Christine Dodd 7/18 Pastor Jane Hillman7/7 Sheila Matheis 7/19 Hugh Mattingly7/7 Regina Soellner 7/20 Emily Schnell7/9 Norma Blackgrave 7/23 Corrine Clark7/9 Ann Fleck Schroeder 7/23 Donna Mattingly7/11 Josh Blackgrave 7/23 Jack Goodhue7/11 Jo Jochem 7/24 Rich Klem7/11 Josh Premuda 7/26 Marjorie Kalb7/14 Diane Kapp 7/28 John Schnarr7/14 Mason Mauck 7/31 Sydney Peters7/15 Caitlyn Brinkman 7/31 Noah Wright7/16 Ron Blackgrave

July Anniversaries 7/3 Rod & Jan Kalb 477/4 Jeff & Melissa Adams 97/14 Dean & Ellen Vonderheide 297/16 Hugh & Donna Mattingly 527/17 Pete & Carol Rasche 267/18 David & Rhonda Scherer 377/18 Phil & Lisa Schmidt 157/22 William & Cheri Cox 407/22 Brandon & Audra Jahn 12

JULY BIRTHDAYS

Page 11