Trinity Lutheran Church Newsletter

July 2020

A message from Pastor Debra:The Twelve Gifts of Birth by Charlene Costanzo

Once upon a time, a long time ago, when princes and princesses lived in faraway kingdoms, royal children were given twelve special gifts when they were born. Twelve wise women of the kingdom, or fairy godmothers as they were often called, traveled swiftly to the castle whenever a new prince or princess came into the world. Each fairy godmother pronounced a noble gift upon the royal baby. As time went on, the wise women came to understand that the twelve royal gifts of birth belong to every child, born anywhere, at any time. They yearned to proclaim the gifts to all children, but the customs of the land did not allow that.One day when the wise women gathered together, they made this prophecy: Someday all the children of the world will learn the truth about their noble inheritance. When that happens, a miracle will unfold on the Earth. Some day is now. This is the secret they want you to know.At the wondrous moment you were born, as you took your first breath, a great celebration was held in the heavens and twelve magnificent gifts were granted to you.The 1st gift is STRENGTH. May you remember to call upon it whenever you need it. The 2nd gift is BEAUTY. May your deeds reflect its depth.The 3rd gift is COURAGE. May you speak and act with confidence and use courage to follow your own path.The 4th gift is COMPASSION. May you be gentle with yourself and others. May you forgive those who hurt you and yourself when you make mistakes.The 5th gift is HOPE. Through each passage and season, may you trust the goodness of life.The 6th gift is JOY. May it keep your heart open and filled with light.The 7th gift is TALENT. May you discover your own special abilities and contribute them toward a better world.The 8th gift is IMAGINATION. May it nourish your visions and dreams.The 9th gift is REVERENCE. May you appreciate the wonder that you are and the miracle of all creation.

Contact: E: tlc118@mymts.netP: 204-735-2503tlcstarbuck.com

Address: 43 River Ave Starbuck MBR0G 2P0

The 10th gift is WISDOM. Guiding your way, wisdom will lead you through knowledge to understanding. May you hear its soft voice.The 11th gift is LOVE. It will grow each time you give it away.The 12th gift is FAITH. May you believe.

Now you know about the Twelve gifts of birth. But there is more to the secret than the wise woman knew. Use your gifts well and you will discover others among them a gift that is uniquely you.See these noble gifts in other people. Share the truth and be ready for the miracle to unfold as the prophecy of the wise woman comes true.

Doing Our PartThe best thing you can do to prevent spreading COVID-19 is to wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. If none is available, use hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60% alcohol base.To protect others, you should also: -stay at home if you are ill -maintain a 2-metre physical distance from others -when physical distancing cannot be maintained, consider wearing a non-medical mask or homemade face covering-avoid touching your face, mouth, nose or eyes

Wearing a homemade non-medical mask/facial covering in the community is recommended for periods of time when it is not possible to consistently maintain a 2-metre physical distance from others, particularly in crowded public settings, such as: -stores, shopping areas, public transportation

A note from our treasurerAt our June church council meeting Loren Hendrickson, our Treasurer, explained that overall, financially, we have a fairly good story to tell. Thank you, Loren for all your work.

While we are still experiencing challenges with our donation income (down 47% to budget this month, down 32% year to date) this allows us to qualify for government assistance programs (approximately $6500 to date). At the same time, we are under-spending on expenses (primarily Repair and Maintenance) so our net income is only $1535 below budget. So once again, not too bad.

Sunday Morning Readings for the Month of July: July 5First Reading Zechariah 9:9-12 Psalm Psalm 145:8-14 Second Reading Romans 7:15-25a Gospel Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

July 12First Reading Isaiah 55:10-13 Psalm Psalm 65:[1-8] 9-13 Second Reading Romans 8:1-11 Gospel Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

July 19First Reading Isaiah 44:6-8 Psalm Psalm 86:11-17 Second Reading Romans 8:12-25 Gospel Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

July 26First Reading 1 Kings 3:5-12

Jan - May 20 YTD Budget

Total Income $50,255 $59,667

Total Expense $54,221 $62,099

Net Income -$3,966 -$2,431

Psalm Psalm 119:129-136 Second Reading Romans 8:26-39 Gospel Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

A Prayer for a time of preparationEternal God, we give you thanks for your loving presence with us throughout this challenging season of pandemic. As we begin a time of planning and preparation to re-enter our church buildings and reunite with one another in worship, we pray for your continuing grace, guidance and comfort. Encourage and equip us, give us wisdom and insight, keep our hearts and minds peaceful and focused on creating safe and welcoming spaces and liturgies. As we once again physically gather in your name, however strange or unsettling our new practices may seem at first, help us remember our faithful worship will always be holy, always pleasing to you. All this, and whatever else you see that we need, we ask in the name of Jesus, Immanuel, ‘God-with-us’. Amen.

Your church council at workOn Saturday June 13 the members of church council got together at the church to weed the front beds and do a general clean-up of our church grounds. This is LITERALLY, your church council at work.

Special Thanks to all the members of our church council for their dedication to Trinity and all their hard work during this Pandemic. “Well done good and faithful servants.”

Your church council at work

work

ATTENTION TRINITY YOUTH

Seeking Synod Bus Trip PicturesWith the delay of CLAY 2020, the synod bus trip was also cancelled this summer.  Many youth and leaders are missing the chance to travel, get to know each other, and deepen relationships with others in the synod.  As a way of commemorating the trip that will not be happening this summer, youth and leaders are invited to submit photos from a previous Synod Bus Trips or CLAY

Gatherings for a special project that is being created.  Pictures submitted must have permission to be shared via the MNO Synod's social media communications channels.  Please send photos to Lisa van Dijk splc-youth@live.ca or by text to (204 293-6357) by July 12, 2020. Please include your congregation name in the filename of the photo.  

- Deacon Michelle Collins, Assistant to the Bishop

HAPPY CANADA DAYLord of all the worlds, guide this nation by your Spirit to go forward in justice and freedom. Give to all our people the blessings of well-being and harmony, but above all things give us faith in you, that our nation may bring glory to your name and blessings to all peoples, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen

Questions for your consideration

-Who are we as people of God, members of Trinity Lutheran church, collectively, as a congregation outside the brick and mortar of our building? -What might Christian Education and Youth ministry look like without and inside our building? -What might music ministry look like, care of our finances, Christian outreach, Bible study, Adult Education, Sacramental ministry and affirmation of faith look like?

Starbuck All CharitiesStarbuck All Charities Goes “Virtual”! For those of you who wish to make donations to the Starbuck All Charities this year, you may do so by mailing a cheque to Starbuck All Charities Box 34, Starbuck MB R0G 2P0. Please make cheques payable to Starbuck All Charities and enclose the remittance slip indicating the charities of your choice. The Deadline for donations is Friday, July 31, 2020. Receipts for your donations will be available for pickup August 15, 2020 at One Insurance c/o Kathy Rather. If you would rather have it mailed to you, please indicate on the remittance slip below. If you would like a list of donatable charities, please contact Pastor Debra (204) 735-2503.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

REMITTANCE SLIP. The following are the charities and amounts I wish to donate to:

NAME: __________________________________________

ADDRESS: _______________________________________

$____________ ____________________________________

$____________ ____________________________________

$____________ ____________________________________

$____________ ____________________________________

$____________ ____________________________________

$____________ ____________________________________

____________________________________ Signature

Yes, please mail my receipt.