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GRAPEVINE July and August , 2013

TRINITY LUTHERAN

CHURCH 612 Main Street Westbrook, ME 04092

Stained Glass at Trinity Church: Symbolizes God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. . Three in One.

Karen Indorf, Pastor Elsie Reese, Editor Phone – (207) 854-5653 Phone – (207) 854-5653 Email – pastor@trinitywestbrook.com Email – office@trinitywestbrook.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PASTOR’S  REFLECTIONS Summertime,  and  the  livin’  is  easy….a  familiar  line  from  the  opera,  Porgy  and  Bess.  Summer  is  a  beautiful time in Maine - the temperatures are warm, the ocean and lakes are good for swimming, the flowers and trees are in bloom, the grass is green, the mountains beckon, and there are many outdoor activities. As the saying goes – Maine (especially in summer) is the way life should be. It is a time to be more relaxed, to kick back, to go to that camp on the lake or a favorite campground, perhaps to travel to some place special. Hopefully we find ourselves refreshed and renewed.

However, the livin’  can  be  so  easy  that  we  sometimes  forget  that  everyone’s  life  is  not  always  uncomplicated and carefree. Our prayer group is reminded of that every Wednesday morning when we lift up to God our intercessions for those who are sick or troubled, for families that are falling apart, for strife at home and around the world. We also pray for our church, the various ministries that are happening, and the direction of the Holy Spirit. We offer prayers of thanksgiving for healing and blessings received. Our prayers are a reflection of the complexity of our lives, whether easy or troubling. But always, by the end of group, whether with tears of sadness or joy, we feel touched by the presence of the Holy Spirit, knowing that our prayers are heard and our cares and joys shared with one another.

May  your  summer  be  filled  with  easy  livin’  but  don’t  forget  your  prayers  and  your  relationship  with your LORD, as well as your church family and its ministries.

Pastor Karen

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BY THE GRACE OF GOD THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING GOOD GOING ON AT TRINITY!!

THE ETHIOPIAN MISSION TEAM BRUNCH was held on June 2, after the Worship Service. Many people attended and enjoyed great pot luck and slides of when the team delivered Bibles and books, worked on the job site of building a bridge over the Wadecha River and visited relatives of our Ethiopian friends. They were warmly received and had many stories and comments to make about their experiences. Dorothy was inspired to write a poem about their trip.

The Rock Stars of Trinity By Dorothy

Doug, Abera, Martha and Jane - From Boston to Ethiopia, did take a plane.

To help build a foot bridge was the reason, - So the Ethiopians could cross during the rainy season.

Mixing cement and carrying heavy rocks was very hard, so they soon became known to us as Rock Stars.

They took with them Bibles, other books and even some tools. - The items were left when they visited a prison, church and even some schools.

They also visited many homes and places, -- And always were greeted with smiling faces.

To take the trip, they said they were blessed---AND SO ARE WE – To have such volunteers in our Church Family!!!!

CONFIRMATION WAS HELD on Sunday, May 19, Pentecost, for Sidney, Baleigh, Ethan, and Jillian. We keep these young people in our prayers.

BREAKING BREAD WITH OUR FRIENDS: In June, the Parish Care Committee went to have a meal with Barbara. It was a lovely event that was thoroughly enjoyed by all, especially Barbara.

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UPCOMING

A DAY AT CAMP CALUMET: Pastor Karen is serving as chaplain at the family camp at Calumet from June 29-July 5. She will be presiding at Sunday worship. Every morning from 9:15-10:15 she will be leading a Bible Study in the Micah Room at the Conference Center, and doing daily devotions at 10:30 at the big top tent in the campground. Consider coming to camp that week for

the day and join in the Bible Study and/or relax on the beach. You can purchase lunch at the beach barbeque and stay for dinner at 6:00 at the Conference Center. For more information about Calumet: www.calumet.org.

ON JUNE 29TH, AT 3:00PM, ETHIOPIAN AND ERITREAN WORSHIP will have a guest preacher,

Pastor Mulalem, who is from Ethiopia and is studying at Gordon Seminary. All are welcome.

GUEST PREACHER: On Sunday, July 7, Pastor Jerry, the father of Paul, a retired ELCA pastor, will be our guest preacher while he is in Maine on vacation.

RETREAT AT CALUMET FRIDAY, JULY 12: Our Ethiopian and Eritrean worshipers will gather at Camp Calumet for a weekend retreat with their friends from Emmanuel Disciples Church in Boston. The retreat begins on Friday, July 12,

in the afternoon through Sunday morning, July 14. For more information, see Abera if you would like to make a reservation to attend.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: VBS will run July 15-19 in a joint venture with St. Ansgar and led by Calumet staff. Please contact Doug if you can assist with a meal.

SUMMER WORSHIP IN THE PARK: On Sunday, July 21, we will be worshipping at the Riverbank Park gazebo at 9:00am. Come with a chair if you can, invite a friend, and bring something to share for a brunch picnic in the park following worship.

ONGOING AT TRINITY

ETHIOPIAN AND ERITREAN FELLOWSHIP IN SONG AND PRAYER – Our Ethiopian and Eritrean brothers and sisters from Westbrook and greater Portland are meeting weekly at Trinity every Saturday at 3:00pm in the fellowship hall for a Celebration of Prayer and Praise in their native languages.

REJOICING SPIRITS – Third Sunday in the month at 4:00pm: Casual and user friendly for those with disabilities or mental challenges. We have a sign language interpreter. Families and caregivers , as well as anyone

else who would like to attend is invited. The next worship service will be Sunday, July 21. A fellowship meal follows hosted by the Church Council.

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PRAYER GROUP – Meets Wednesday at 11:15. Many prayer concerns have been lifted up and many thanksgivings raised. We invite all who cannot attend to consider praying with us at 11:15 on Wednesday from wherever you are at that time. There

are prayer request cards and a box to place them in after they are filled out on the table next to the office door.

SENIOR SAINTS: Every third Wednesday of the month, Sr. Saints meet at 11:00am at North Deering Congregational Church, and then on to sing at a health care facility at 2:00pm. Senior Saints is now on Summer break and will resume in the Fall.

PAUL’S  PALS sing at nursing homes on designated Sunday afternoons. They are now on Summer break and will resume in the Fall.

COMMUNITY MEAL: Every Wednesday at the Mission Possible Teen Center, from 5:00-6pm, a free meal is served for anyone in the community. It is sponsored by Trinity Lutheran Church doing food prep, serving and cleanup, with the Wayside

Food Programs providing the ingredients. BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS are being offered at the community meal. An R.N. has volunteered her time. Trinity will be expanding this program to help promote healthy life styles. Thank you to all the volunteers who make this Community Meal possible. 664 meals were served at the Westbrook Community Meal at the Teen Center in May. COMMUNITY MEAL CONTINUES TO BE SERVED DURING THE SUMMER.

WOMEN’S  BIBLE  STUDY:   Now on Summer break until the Fall.

CHOIR: Our choir is now on Summer break. Choir will resume in September.

KNIT NIGHT PLUS: A group of knitters, hand crafters, etc., meet in the large Sunday School room between 5:30-7:00pm to knit prayer shawls, duduzas, cuddle bears, etc., or work on any art or craft project they find interesting. Beginners welcome.

This group is now on Summer break and will resume in the Fall.

POTPOURRI

NOTICE FROM THE OFFICE: Elsie has been happy and privileged to serve as secretary to a great congregation like Trinity. Elsie will be retiring by the end of August, hence the following notice:

SECRETARIAL POSITION: The vacancy for secretary is a 12 hour per week position, two days in the church office. The job entails producing weekly Sunday bulletin, monthly Rejoicing Spirits bulletin, monthly newsletter, answering mail and phone messages, correspondence, updating records and worship materials, and other responsibilities as needed. Computer skills are essential, as well as people skills and the ability to work independently as well as cooperatively. If you are interested in applying for the position of church secretary, please contact George or Pastor Karen by July 14.

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CONTINUING EDUCATION: Pastor Karen will be attending a continuing education workshop at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN, July 22-25.

JUNE’S COMMITTEE REPORT – FINANCE AND STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE- It was agreed during the Church Council meeting of 3/11/13 that each month during the committee reports section of the Council agenda, that one committee would highlight its purpose and identity and that this would be reported in the following Grapevine. As follows: The specific Roles and Responsibilities of the Finance and Stewardship Committee

at Trinity Lutheran Westbrook, ME: 1. Promote Christian stewardship; i.e. the giving of time, talents, and treasure through

regularly scheduled programs within the Congregation; 2. Provide advice and counsel to the Treasurer, Financial Secretary and Church Council on

all matters concerning Church funds; 3. Establish and implement appropriate financial controls regarding the receipt and

disbursement of Church funds; 4. Develop and use clear financial reports; 5. Establish and implement in investment policy that provides:

a. Cash flow to allow timely payment of Church bills and payroll; b. Adequate reserve funds; c. A reasonable return on investments consistent with the preservation of

principal; 6. Oversee the financial records of the Congregation, in conjunction with the Treasurer and

Financial Secretary; 7. Convene and oversee the work of a budget sub-committee for the preparation of the

annual budget; 8. Present the annual budget to the Church Council for approval each year prior to the

Annual Congregation Meeting 9. Support and adhere to all committee guidelines as determined by the Congregation

through the Church Constitution and By-Laws, and the Church Council.

ON SUNDAY, JUNE 16, WE HONORED OUR GRADUATES. Among them are Lucas from UMO and Levi from Gorham High School, sons of Carol & Paul; Dillon from So. Portland High School, son of James & Lisa; Hilary from Colby, daughter of Joyce & Tom; John from Westbrook High School, son of Judy & John; Keith from Westbrook High School, son of Kevin & Ellen; Jalene

from Colby, daughter of Yeshiwark & Teruneh.

JULY COFFEE HOUR has no volunteers. Please sign the posted list in the kitchen if you can help, or see Alice.

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FREE CONCERTS AT THE SEASIDE PAVILLION: 8 6th Street, O O Beach, ME 04064, Phone: 207/934-2024

July 4, Thursday at 6:00pm. FREE – Maine’s  195th Army Band July 21, Sunday at 6:00pm. FREE – Portland Night of Worship and Praise given by a team of musicians, singers and dancers from over a dozen southern Maine churches. August 5, Monday at 7:00pm. FREE – The  Salvation  Army’s  International  Staff  Band  all  the  way  from London, England. August 7, Wednesday at 7:00pm. - “Kairos,”    an  impressionist  telling  the  story  of  Jesus  of  Nazareth as found in the first four Gospels of the New Testament. Visit Seaside Pavilion on Line: www.seasidepavilion.org or facebook -- twitter Park at the highschool and shuttle over to the Pavilion.

CENTENNIAL BRASS BAND CONCERT SPONSORED BY ST. ANSGAR: Sunday, June 30 @7:00pm. $6.00 per person at the door or contact Associate Pastor Ellen Schoepf at (207) 774-8740, ext. 3 or prellen@saintansgar.org.

The Centennial Brass Band was founded in 1975 as part of the celebration   of   our   Nation’s  Bicentennial. The group, under the direction of Jon Hall, recreates a town band of 1850-1875, down to nineteenth-century dress. They play original instruments from this period, which have been collected over many years. The music comes from period sources and from modern editions or period-style reconstructions of music that was played in concerts of that time. Visit www.centennialbrassband.com to learn more.

MONTHLY GRIEF SUPPORT MEETINGS IN WINDHAM: VNA Home Health Hospice offers monthly grief support meetings in Windham on the first Tuesday of the month from 6:00 – 7:30 PM at the North Windham Union Church, 723 Roosevelt Trail, Rt. 302, Windham.

GORHAM CANCER PRAYER AND SUPPORT GROUP meets the first Tuesday of every month at 6:00 to 7:30  pm.    “If  you’re   looking   for   the  support  during  or  after  your   involvement  with  cancer,  please   join  us.”    Phone:    (207)  839-3111. Website: http://www.cresseyrdumc.org.

THANK YOU

The Property Committee would like to thank Doug and Greta for all their hard work – weeding, spreading bark, planting, removing weeds, sweeping and many other tasks to improve our grounds.    Because  of  Doug’s  recent  illness,  they  are  unable  to  continue  this  work.    If you would

like to volunteer to help maintain the grounds, call the church office.

THANK YOU TO:

Trinity Lutheran Church: Thank you for your investment in The Root Cellar. We feel God has given us a vision for encouraging families in our community and your gift helps to make that vision a reality. Your partnership is a great encouragement. Yours in Christ, Kurt from The Root Cellar.

The Parish Care Committee for sponsoring the Brunch and to all the people who attended our presentation of our Mission Trip to Ethiopia. We all appreciate your support. Abera, Doug, Jane and Martha.

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To All – On behalf of the Good Samaritan Fund, I wish to thank all members for the wonderful Easter Collection. Ann

JUST FOR LAUGHS!

A nursery School teacher was delivering a station wagon full of kids home one day when a fire truck zoomed past. Sitting in the front seat of the fire truck was a Dalmatian dog. The children fell to  discussing  the  dog’s  duties.     “They  use  him  to  keep  crowds  back,”  said  one  youngster. “No,”  said  another,  “he’s  just  for  good  luck.” A  third  child  brought  the  argument  to  a  close.  “They  use  the  dogs,”  she  said  firmly,  “to  find  the  fire  hydrant.”