Monthly Newsletter of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church - July 2016

in this issue …

Page 2 Pastor’s article continued from page 1 Bookends Happy Fourth of July!

Page 3 2016 Vacation Bible School The Congregation is Invited to Read

Page 4 Worship & Music Ministry Grass Still Needs Mowing

Page 5 L.O.U.D. Youth News Fellowship & Hospitality Community Action Ministry

Page 6 Lutheran Night at Camden Yards New Council Members Keep Them in Your Prayers

Page 7 Prayer Concerns

Back Page Men’s Fellowship Breakfast & Bible Study Annual Picnic Coming in September Day School Registration Christ in Our Home

Continued on page 2

The Tidings

God Bless America! Dear Members and Friends of Holy Trinity,

One of the most foolish things I did last spring was to yell at a snake. A pair of robins had built a nest on the outside ledge of my kitchen window at the back of the house, and the four, lovely, blue eggs the mother laid in the nest had hatched. The tiny nestlings grew, and were quiet until feeding time, when they would chirp so loudly I could hear them from inside the house. I enjoyed being aware of the robins’ feeding schedules, and watching the parent birds perch on the nest and tend to each of the ridiculously helpless little birds. While I was doing yard work one day, I noticed a long, straight, black object on the surface of the brick. Then it dawned on me that it was a snake, headed straight towards the, by then, fledglings. So I yelled, “Oh no, you don’t! You get right off of there!” The snake, of course, proceeded up the wall, so I grabbed a shovel and used the handle to lift the snake off the wall and onto the patio. Then I told him to get going, and blocked his way back to the house until he had slithered across the yard towards the blackberry bushes. Over time, the birds grew and flew away, but the robin parents returned to raise one more family that also successfully fledged. I left the empty nest on the ledge where I can still see it when I am at the sink getting water or washing dishes. My only daughter has grown and moved away, and the empty nest serves as a clichéd but true reminder of my own “empty nest.”

The other day I was at the kitchen window and I noticed a pair of purple finches (perhaps house finches) pulling some of the dry grass out of the robin’s nest. I thought they were recycling materials for their own nest, but then the next day, I noticed the same pair sitting on a tree branch close to the nest, looking towards the window ledge, and I thought, ”Maybe they are actually redecorating and getting ready to move in!” Either way, the finches lifted my spirits.

I come from a family of birdwatchers. No one is particularly serious about it, but we put up bird feeders and talk about the birds that are visitors, especially those that are out of the ordinary. It won’t surprise you to know that one of my favorite hymns is the one that has the line, “I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free. His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.” Those words come from Jesus’ encouragement to us not to worry or be anxious about anything because God cares about even the most common, seemingly insignificant, little birds, and cares when they fall, so certainly, God cares about us even more than the birds, and we can trust God’s care for us and not be afraid (Matthew 6:26, “Consider the birds of the air, they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more

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The Bookends reading selection for our July 18 meeting is Ordinary Grace: A Novel by William Kent Krueger. The summer of 1961 was for thirteen-year-old Frank Drum a grim summer in which death visited frequently and assumed many forms. This book is described as "an unforgettable novel about discovering the terrible price of wisdom and the enduring grace of God." August 15 - The Sound of Glass by Karen White. Themes are love, courage, and personal relationships. Mother's love is expressed in many different ways by several generations of women in the book. September (date TBD) - Take This Cup by Bodie Thoene. October 17 The Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman. Bookends meets at 6 PM at Panera Bread (off Rte 198). Questions? Contact Karen Brownell at mammakar@aol.com or 301.595.4449.

value than they?” and Matthew 10:29, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. And even the hairs on your head are all numbered. So do not be afraid, you are of more value than many sparrows.”) Yours in Christ’s Love,

Pastor Julie Peterson Brigham Note: Thank you to Julie for supplying our Pastor’s note this month. About it she wrote, “I am sending this because I was thinking about Donna Brunt the whole time I was writing the article. The first time I ever heard the hymn, "His Eye Is On the Sparrow," it was when Donna sang it as a solo at Holy Trinity. She lived the faith expressed in that hymn, and I will always associate it with her.

Pastors article

continued from

page 1.

Happy Fourth of July!!

The Church Office & Day School will be closed on Monday, July 4 for the holiday. Please remember that the security alarm will be set. If you need to come to the church for any reason, you MUST enter through the side door and key in your code. If you set off the alarm, please do not leave the building. Go to the Welcome Center and wait for the Security Alarm Company to call. When they call, please identify yourself and ask them to call Alan Ramsey, Sheree Tiller or Dottie Westrom. If you do not have a code to enter the building, please wait until Tuesday, July 5 during regular business hours (9:00 AM - 4:00 PM). Thank you!

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School is over and so is Sunday School for the summer. That must mean Vacation Bible School is just around the corner. If you are feeling a little batty and want something fun to do over the summer, join us for Cave Quest VBS. The Quest begins on Monday, July 11 and runs through to Friday, July 15. The adventure begins nightly at 6:00 and ends with lively music at 8:30. Children ages 2 through and including completion of 5th grade are invited to join in each night's quest. Youth/ Adults who have completed 6th grade and higher are welcome to help in the various stations throughout the night. Every night is packed with singing, games, Bible stories, snacks and cinema. Invite your grandchildren, neighbors, friends, nieces or nephews. The cost is still $15/child with a maximum of $40/ family. T-shirts are on sale for $5/child and $9/adult. We are still in need of much help to make the week a success. Please see me if you are willing to help out during the week of VBS. Maybe you are not able to physically be there, we can still use you. There are always

2016 Vacation Bible School

supplies that are needed, especially for snack and imagination station. Please see the sign up sheet in the Welcome Center for those items. If you would like them returned, in the case of some game supplies, please note that on the sheet.

Some one time, oddish, items that are needed are broken Christmas lights or lights you don't want back. They will be turned into

stalactites and stalagmites while decorating. We also need some old heavy socks. Thank you in advance for supporting such a fun-filled week at Holy Trinity.

Jen Renkevens Christian Education Ministry Chair

The Congregation Is Invited to

Read

Bookends is inviting the congre-gation to read a book over the summer. We'll get together on a Sunday afternoon in September (date TBD) to share a potluck meal and have a good discussion of the book. We did this a few years ago and those who participated reported they enjoyed the experience.

The book we've selected is Take This Cup by Bodie and Brock Thoene. Here's a brief summary:

Nehemiah is born and raised among the Jews who didn't return to Jerusalem from the Exile. Educated by Rabbi Kagba, one of the magi present at Jesus' birth thirty years earlier, Nehemiah grows up with the expectation of a soon-coming Messiah. Could the Yeshua of Nazareth, who is walking the Earth, reportedly doing miracles, be that Messiah? When young Nehemiah must travel the long caravan road to Jerusalem, he is charged with an unusual mission: to carry a mysterious object back to the holy city of Jerusalem - an object whose reappearance heralds the Messiah's arrival. In Take This Cup, only Nehemiah understands the true sacrifice that is to come as he makes the cup worthy of his Savior.

If you'd like to participate in this group reading project, the book is available at the various county libraries, and from all the major bookstores: Amazon, Family Christian Bookstores, Barnes & Noble, etc. Pick up a copy, enjoy the story, and join us in September for dinner and a lively discussion.

Karen Brownell on behalf of Bookends

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Grass Still Needs Mowing

With the hot summer days also comes storms and showers … it makes the grass and weeds grow faster. We still can use help with the yard work. If you would like to volunteer, a sign up sheet is located on the Information Center table to schedule people to mow on a weekly basis, preferably on Friday or Saturday, so it looks neat for services on Sunday. We have a riding mower that is used to cut at least 95% of the property and a push mower to cut around the Prayer Garden and one or two other areas. No previous experience is necessary, as I can show you how to use the equipment. If you have any questions or would like to be put on the list, call me or send an email (301.776.1824, brookeg@wlgary.com).

Brooke C. Greer Property Ministry Chair

Ministry Reports

Worship & Music Ministry News

We want to thank our JoyBells and JoyBell Lights for the wonderful Joint Concert that was held on June 4 at HTLC. Lynn Monkres and Marilyn Converse, Trinity Lutheran, did a great job of preparing the choirs and planning the event. We also want to thank those who came out to attend the presentation on that Saturday night. Music Sunday was June 12, and we want to thank all of the participants as well as Lynn, Sarah, and Kevin, for making this a memorable event with which to end the music year. I know all our participants and leaders look forward to having the summer off, but we will resume rehearsals in September, as always. The second service on July 3 and July 17 will be held indoors. For logistical reasons, the rest of the

month, they will be outdoors, if the weather allows. Pastor Connie will be away on July 17 and Alan Ramsey will officiate at the services.

Communion will be held at the first service on July 10 and 24 and at the

second service on July 3 and 31. There will be a healing service during the 8:30 worship and Holy Communion during the second service on July 31. Have a good summer!

Jim Thomas Worship & Music Ministry Chair

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Fellowship and Hospitality

Ministry Thanks to our Worship & Music & Christian Ed Ministries for hosting coffee hour for Music Sunday. A very lovely cake was provided along with other goodies. Many thanks to Robin Smith and all those involved with the reception for Pastor Tom on June 26. Thanks to Wes Westrom for his work on the slide show presentation. Please feel free to drop off some cookies, juice, or any goodies that you would like to sustain us through the summer months. If you would like to contribute monetarily that would be fine, just see me. I will be happy to purchase items for you. If there is a special event that you would like to celebrate, please contact me so we can work out the details.

Blessings,

Dottie Westrom Fellowship & Hospitality Ministry Chair

Ministry Reports

L.O.U.D. Youth L.O.U.D. Youth

NewsNews (Living Our Ultimate

Destiny)

Parent Meeting: We will have a parent and youth planning meeting the end of August or early September. If you have a youth in grades 6-12, be thinking of what activity you want to lead or chaperone this year. You can let me know anytime over the summer where you want to help so we have a preliminary list. Pray & Play: The first Pray and Play will be Sunday September 18 from 5-8 PM, so we have time to put new footprints on the wall. FreeRide: FreeRide for 6-8th graders and LYO will be October 21-23 at North Bay. Deposits will be due in early/mid September.

Blessings,

Stephanie Gonzales

L.O.U.D. Youth Ministry Chair

Community

Action Ministry

Christmas in July for Elizabeth House Items are being collected to be included in bags to be given to the dinner and pantry clients. You can find a list of items needed attached to the marked plastic box in the Welcome Center. Take a copy of the list, obtain any items you wish to donate, and return them to the box by Sunday, July 3. Elizabeth House is seeking regular casserole donations from Holy Trinity parishioners. If interested in helping/donating, contact either Laura Stough (larstough@comcast.net) or Linda Crossley (ellcee@comcast.net) for details and delivery instructions. We thank you in advance for your generosity.

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Members: Pastor Tom Christine Patton Joyce Herring Sharon Olaitan

Friends: Terri Bowers (cancer; Liz Bowers’ daughter in-law) Bob Gonzales, Sr. (Bobby Gonzales’ father) Lee Rose (medical issues; friend of Sharon Leaman) Dan Hahn Sr. (hip; Danny Hahn’s dad) Marisol Ramirez (waiting for another transplant) George Patton (Christine Patton’s husband) Dayaman Prasad (cancer; Benjamin Frederick’s sister) Eugene Peterson (hip; Sarah’s dad) Krissy Biles (medical issues; Pastor Harry & Sharey Biles) Mary Evers (Stephanie Gonzales’ mom) Kristin Switzer (Sharon Leaman’s granddaughter) Shelli Evers (Stephanie Gonzales’ sister) Don & Joan Zimmerman (medical issues; Chuck Zimmerman’s parents)

Shut-Ins: *designates member Eva Rice Bill & *Betty Girvan *Annaliese Ashley Lewis Rose

Military & Mission: *designates member *Greg Prahl *Mark Comstock *Robert Fox *David Lundeen *Taylor Uthoff Kevin Quigley Bill Zgieb Scott Pendergraph Jonathan Schwarz Chris Passmore Kevin Fraley Christopher Nolan James Klinger II Paul Westrom, Jr. Kristina Westrom Adam Bowers Ashley Fortson Jeffrey Houston Desiree Fortson

This year's Lutheran Night at Camden Yards will be held on Friday, July 22. The Orioles will be playing the Cleveland Indians; the game starts at 7:05 PM. Those 21 years and older will receive a floppy hat from the Orioles. Tickets are $20/person (the Orioles will return $5 per ticket in support of ELCA World Hunger and local hunger programs around our synod). To order tickets, call Margie DeLong (St. Andrew, Parkville) at 410.292.9089 before July 6.

Lutheran Night at Camden Yards

New Council Members

At our annual congregational meeting on Friday, June 10, the following congregation members were elected to serve on the Council for the next two years. Sheyli Ribeiro, Vice-President; Sheree Tiller, Financial Secretary and Scott Ritz, At-Large. Our thanks to these members for taking on the duties and responsibilities of the offices they were elected to serve.

Keep Them in Your Prayers

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Prayer Concerns

July 2016

Let us Pray…. 1. For children with chronic diseases and their families.

2. For those who speak out against racism, sexism, classism and ageism.

3. For homes and provisions for refugees displaced by war.

4. In Thanksgiving for the vision and sacrifices of our nation’s founders.

5. For families separated due to military service.

6. For God to supply the financial needs of the church throughout the summer months.

7. For healing for victims of sexual abuse.

8. For the healing power of forgiveness for ourselves and others.

9. For renewal of body, mind, and spirit through vacation opportunities.

10. For a bountiful season for those who rely on the land for their sustenance.

11. For our Vacation Bible School leaders and students for a fun week of learning.

12. For those who lead and those who study the scriptures.

13. For those who are dying to come to know the peace and love of Jesus Christ.

14. For the children in Vacation Bible School that they catch the joy of the Gospel.

15. That God will direct your life, showing you how to be humble, gentle & patient.

16. For those who live in fear, both imagined and real, to discover God’s peace.

17. For Alan Ramsey as he preaches and the VBS children as they share their joy and faith in Jesus.

18. With praise and thanksgiving for the salvation that comes through Jesus Christ!

19. In Thanksgiving for DE-MD Synod ministries, its congregations and partners.

20. For those who suffer with PTSD, their families and their medical providers.

21. For those living with Sarcoma and for scientists working to find a cure.

22. For those living with Parkinson's disease for improved quality of life and effective treatments.

23. For HTLC to be a place where we effectively grow disciples for Jesus.

24. In Thanksgiving for our families and for summer vacations.

25. For those living with Multiple Sclerosis and Muscular Dystrophy.

26. For the emergent church of the 21st century to flourish and grow in God’s Spirit.

27. In thanksgiving for grandparents and older role models.

28. For those seeking adequate employment to support their financial needs.

29. For boldness to invite and welcome those God leads to the congregation.

30. For those living with Melanoma; for effective treatments and cure.

31. For scientists working on immunotherapy for cancer treatment.

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church

7607 Old Sandy Spring Road - Laurel, MD 20707 301.725.1666 FAX 301.725.2532 Email: htlc.laurel@verizon.net Web: www.htlclaurel.org

Holy Trinity Christian Day School www.htlcdayschool.com

301.317.6600 htlclaurelmd@gmail.com

The Rev. Connie Miller, Pastor

July Worship Schedule

8:30 & 10:30 Worship

Christ in Our Home Christ in Our Home is a devotional booklet which provides daily Bible studies and devotions covering a three month period. Holy Trinity purchases these booklets and they are available to you for FREE in the Information Center. You can find them in the wire racks or lying on the table.

Using these booklets provides an organized way for you to read scripture every day, and various authors provide insights as to how we can apply Bible truth to our daily lives.

Large print copies can be found on the table in the Information Center. Enjoy!

Men’s Fellowship

Breakfast and Bible

Study is Saturday,

July 9

7:30 AM in the

Fellowship Hall.

ALL MEN ARE

WELCOME!

Day School Registration is now open for 2 & 3 year olds and Preschool. For more information go to www.htlcdayschool.com and check out the parent handbook. Tours are available by calling 301.317.6600.

Mark Your Calendar

Annual Outdoor Worship & Picnic

Sunday, September 11 ONE Service at 10:30 AM

on the lawn Congregational Picnic

following service