September 2010

Tri-anglesTrinity Lutheran Church300 S. Ardmore Avenue, Villa Park, IL 60181630/834-3440 www.trinitylutheranvp.com

In This Issue

The Lion’s RoarAnd which of you by being anxious can add a single hourto his span of life? (ESV Luke 12:25)

“Anxiety: The Adult’s Substitution for Middle School Drama”

I love that passage from Luke (see above) and people so often getirritated with me when I use it. They pour out their heart, telling me allthat they are worried about and I say,

“How’s that worrying working for you? Is all that worry solving yourproblems? Are you getting some kind of rebate at the end of life for all the time you areworrying now?” And then I ask the real question,

“What are you getting from worrying?” See I believe that we are need drivencreatures who do everything we do because it satisfies some need in our lives. Thestronger our faith grows, the better able we are to fill all of our needs with God, but withweak faith or no faith, we are left to fill our needs the best we can. That’s why AAdirects their members to “a higher power” which is code for God. The founders of AAknew that sobriety could not be attained on one’s own. There is a huge need thatalcohol is filling and before you can ever think about sobriety, you have to findsomething else to fill that need. Well in the same way alcohol fills needs for alcoholics,worry fills needs for us.

When we are in Middle School, the drama never ends. Someone is going to killherself over love lost. Someone is going to beat someone else up. Someone is plottingrevenge because someone was mean to him, someone is failing, someone is dating,someone SAYS he is having sex with someone who is crying now because someone SAIDhe had sex with her. We love the drama when we are in Middle School because it makesus feel so good!

First – if we are having the drama, we get to be in the spotlight.

Second – if we are helping someone in the drama we get to feel superior becausethey have this problem and we get to feel needed.

Third – someone else’s drama takes our mind off of our own difficulties andproblems (like watching “Jersey Shore” – at least I’m not THAT shallow).

continued on page 2...

Lions Roar 2

Annc,. 2

Bday’s/Anniv. 3

Memorials 3

Thanks 3

Youth 4

Annocments 5

Financial Rep. 6

TMC 7

Calendar 8

PastorRev. Robert A. Rogers

Pastoral StaffRev. Dr. RogerPittelkoAsst. to the PastorMary StahlkeKantorJudy BruschukYouth DirectorDebbie JohnsonParish NurseMargaret CotterillSecretary

Lay LeadersDave HeuserExecutive DirectorJeff BlankensopAsst. Executive DirectorWarren SheridanTreasurerSue LotterDir. of Christian Ed.Scott GolzDir. of Church PropertyJerry GraunkeDir. of EvangelismDiane BruschukDir. of Human CareSteve GehrtDir. of Lay MinistryCarol BoettgerDir. of Parish FellowshipMatt ThompsonDir. of StewardshipMike TicaricDir. of Youth MinistryJill KellyTCNS ChairHeather GrantDir. of Trinity ChristianPreschoolJenn EllsworthPublic Relations Dir.Kathy GolzHousekeepingMarilyn FelzAltar Guild PresidentSuzanne GaglianoDorcas Guild PresidentMary RindaLWML President

Attention Trinity Groups...September 1, 2010 is the deadline for Space Usage Requests. As of September

1st, all space requests for the 2010-2011 year must be arranged with Margaret.As we grow, more and more groups are meeting at Trinity. Whether you are anew group seeking space or an old group who has been meeting for years, youmust contact Margaret to insure that space will be available for you. We arethrilled to have this problem at Trinity as we use all of our resources to their

absolute capacity to serve God and our community.

continued from page 1...We transfer all of these needs being filled into adulthood with worry. Whenwe are causing all the worry, we get to be in the spotlight. I bet if no oneworried about us and everyone just looked at us and said, “let us know whenyou are done that,” we would do far fewer stupid things and we would quitbeing attention seekers (and you know “seekers” is a nice way to saysomething else). And where we really cannot control the drama in our lives(illness for example), we would be more inclined to see the positive side andwe would draw strength from those who loved us but were not worried aboutus. I don’t know about you, but when things are turning bad in my life forwhatever reason, the last thing I need is someone to come tell me howworried he is.

Maybe, instead of worrying, we could see all the ups and downs of lifeas part of the experience from which we learn and grow. Then, when wedon’t have to waste time worrying, we also don’t have to expend energycomplaining and whining about the difficult parts of life because we knowthat these spots are where the most learning and growth take place. Do Isound callous and uncompassionate? Well I guess I am to a degree. I don’tbelieve that life on this earth is the big show. I believe that life on this earth isjust a training ground and we are expected to make mistakes, have hard timesand find ourselves in difficult situations.

In a former parish, I had a volunteer youth worker who would come tome and complain about all manner of trials. There were snakes in the cabinsat camp. The bus was uncomfortable and cold. The lines were so long. Thekids were hungry. I would usually answer her, “It is all part of the experience.”What would camp be without bugs and critters? What would a gathering bewithout lines and waiting? These are the things from which we learn andgrow. God puts many experiences in our lives – some fun and some difficult.LEARN! GROW! STOP COMPLAINING! And DON’T WORRY! It is all partof the experience.

In His Service,

September 2010

September 2010

The Deadline is ...The 20th of September for the OctoberTri-angles Newsletter. Please send anyinformation or articles to Jenn Ellsworthat 134 E. Jackson in Villa Park, 60181,drop in the Church mail box markedNewsletter or e-mail me atjennart64@comcast.net.

Memorials

In Loving Memory of Rev. Raymond Giese given by: Mr. & Mrs. Warren Sheridan

In Loving Memory of Carolyn (Toots) Valkman given by: Mr. & Mrs. Chuck Buhman

A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO...

Charles Riedel, who volunteered as organistduring Mary’s absence.

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES:

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: 1-Arthur Hoeflinger 2-Michelle Jaent 3-Nancy King, Emiley Kleinfall 6 – Arlene Frindt, Becky Magnuson, Tom Saunders, Steven Wolf 7-Jason Lotter, Maria Prangen,Dawn Reinke 8- Laura Bach, Jacob Boettger-Mudd, Megan Ellsworth, Kaitlyn Kunde, Jennie Ludwig, Rose Tessler, Scott Wojtas 9-Juan Lopez 10- Felecia DeJong, Jacqueline Felz, Carol Knudsen, Amanda Wolf 12- Jeannette Michael 14-Joe Galfano, Sophie Gloz, Susan Stolzman15-Ron Edwards 16- Joyce Price 17-Joanne Kmen, Vivian O’Donnell, Dale Ohman, Matt Thompson 18-Jason Rothenburger 19-Rhonda Klonowski, Jessica Koors, LaVera Levin, Randy McCallister, Jane Seeger, Tammy Swane, Jeffrey Van Ewyk 20-Bob Behenna, Dawn Dapkus,Caroline Marchewka 21-Maddie Blankensop, Nathan Kelly 22-Amanda Brown, John Nordine 24-Zak Devermann, William Furlong, Eric Rundgren, Brian Taylor 25-Kyle Anderson, DonnaDonchenko, Jennifer Ellsworth, Anthony Finch, Kevin Stolzman 26- Wendy Bell, George Brockie,Carol, Ritt 27-Karen Baker, Hannah Gawat, Shelby Kampert 28- Robert Alessi, Judy Wardo, Diana Watkins 29-Katie Boudro, Bert Dale, Lynne Johnson, Karol Mullally, Jillian Ohman, Ed Schulz 30- Michael Zeman

ANNIVERSARIES: 4-Dave & Donna Heuser 5-Kristi & Kenneth Macholl 6-Deb & Tom Banks, Mark & Melinda Finch 7-Tim & Gina Heaney, Nancy & Stephen Rex 16-Craig & Debra Musa 17-Chuck & Sonia Buhman, Marcia & Carm Pansera 18¬-Cherie & Jim Belknap, Robert & TracySiessenbuettel 19-Mike & Lynda Dickmann 21-Josh & Erin Bruschuk 26-Martin & Roxanne Tyree27-Frederick & Elfriede Lohrentz 30-George & Carrie Brockie, Bob & Diane Devermann

September 2010

Music Notes Part 1Instruments of Praise!Accompanying the liturgy and hymns is a great way to contribute to worship at Trinity. A newinstrumental ensemble will rehearse on Wednesdays from 5:30 – 6:00 pm in the music room.The director, Mary Stahlke, will also be available after 6:00 pm to work with individual soloists.For more information, telephone the church office or Mary Stahlke (708-771-7842). See youat the first rehearsal on Wednesday, September 8!

Travels with Jesus

The year 2010 is nearly ¾ over and it’s been one of the most interesting of my life. I’vecrisscrossed the country, from California to Ohio, upper Minnesota to Louisiana. Last winter I rode ahorse in the snow at the high school winter camp in Wisconsin, then 2 weeks later on a beach innorthern California. When the summer began I didn’t really give a second thought to the MississippiRiver, but within one month’s time saw its end outside of my hotel in New Orleans and stood in itsheadwaters up in Minnesota.

I’ve slept on an air mattress in a school cafeteria, the beautiful Hilton Riverside in New Orleans,and a lower bunk in a retreat house. The food has varied between delicious regional cuisines to themass produced cafeteria type. One thing that has been consistent all over the country this summerhas been the heat. Enough said.

The most amazing thing about all these experiences is that no matter where I’ve slept, who I’vemet, or what I’ve done, Jesus kept popping up everywhere. I saw Him at home here at Trinity, in theway the members of the congregation came through for our youth in sending them to the NationalYouth Gathering. He was reflected in the eyes of so many people that I’ve encountered in my travels.I saw high school youth – 25,000 of them praise His name together in the Louisiana Superdome. Idon’t know where to begin to describe the world He created – the mountains, the waters, thesunsets, and starry skies I witnessed. And there He was in a Jell-O filled balloon on theconfirmation retreat!

It’s good to be back home, looking forward to old routines and familiar faces. My suitcase is inthe attic, the house is quiet, the pictures uploaded, the memories beginning to fade a little. I’ll bepacking up once again in November for the high school retreat – and I’ll be taking Jesus with meagain. He’s a great travel companion.

Judy Bruschuk

September 2010

Keep The Date....

Please keep the date of Saturday, October 2nd open….Parish Fellowship’s Fall Event will be ahayride at Danada Equestrian Center + campfire & goodies following. It will begin at 6:30 p.m.Further information & a sign-up sheet will be available soon.

Annoucement

DINERS CLUB-September is coming soon and Diners Club will be starting up again. If

you are interested in joining a group of people for dinner once a month at

someones home, maybe you would like to join this group. Some people will host the

meal and others bring salad, appetizers, rolls, dessert, ect to complete the meal, so

the host does not do all the cooking! It is a great way to meet others and to share in

good fellowship. Please sign up on the sign up sheet. The first night will be Sept 19.

Music Notes Part 2Voices of Praise!If you’re a woman in your teens, 20s, or 30s, this is a great singing group for you! Our firstmeeting will be on Thursday, September 9, at 9:00 pm in the sanctuary. At that time, we’lldiscuss a rehearsal time and repertoire that are of interest to the group. For moreinformation, telephone the church office or Mary Stahlke (708-771-7842).

September 2010

July 2010 Financial ComparisonIncome 2010 2009 Diff.Basket 3,350 2,313 +1,037Unified Envelope 156,963 162,413 -5,450Special Envelopes 14,038 15,472 -1,434Debt Retirement 23,957 24,960 -1,003Budget Income 198,308 205,158 -6,850Non-Budget Income 3,360 3,921 -561

Income 201,668 209,079 -7,4113

ExpensesBudgeted Expenses 222,861 21,020 +10,691Non-budgeted Expenses 918 1,068 -150

Total Expenses 223,779 213,088 +10,691

General Operating Fund -22,110 4,382 +17,829

Our Income/Contributions are down $7,411, and our expenses are up $10,691..

Our General Operating Fund is in the red $22,110 vs. $4,281 in the black last year. Our deficit has increased$7,648 from last month. We have spent $737 per week more than we took in.

Should you have any questions on this financial comparison, please contact me, Warren Sheridan, Treasurer.

Adopt-a-Student Financial Report – 4/30/10Income $2,941.00Pending Payment -369.00Sent to St. Louis -2,273.00Fund Balance $00.00

New Computer/Phone System Fund ($29,000 approved by 11/07 Voter’s Meeting)($2,500 approved by 11/08 Voter’s Meeting)

Expenses-ComputerDell Marketing L. P. 8,705.32CDW 9,689.67Chris Saunders - Software 139.30M.R. Keith & Associates 6,112.57Expenses-PhonePhone 4,964.00Total Expenses 29,610.86IncomeDonation by Members 1,000.00Net Amount Spent 28,610.86

Beginning Balance $31,500.00Total Expenses 28,610.86Fund Balance (2/28/09) $2,889.14

September 2010

TMC

“… with God all things are possible” Matthew 19:26

As I have been talking to people there seems to be some mixed feelings about the newTrinity Music Center. Instead of talking about the new and exciting programs TMC will be startingthis September, I would like to offer you the chance to get to know TMC a little better this month.

I have been preparing for a business like Trinity Music Center for over ten years. I startedworking for myself in high school when I began teaching private lessons to jr. high students.Since then I have worked for local music schools, audio production companies, and recordingstudios, all with the intent to open my own business some day. Finally, as I worked on a businessplan for my business, I realized how to make a business that is greater than anything I couldmake myself. I realized that this business should not be mine, but should be shared with acommunity of people who will do great things. Thus, the idea of Trinity Music Center was born.

After a few conversations with Pastor Rogers and several classes at Columbia College’sbusiness management masters program, I prepared video presentations that were shown to thechurch’s board of directors, and at the June voters meeting. To my excitement the Trinity MusicCenter plan was approved by both the board of directors, and the church at the June votersmeeting! A dream come true.

Although the official mission statement has changed several times over the past year, andI’m sure it will continue to change, currently TMC’s mission is; “to celebrate God through musicand art”. TMC plans to host fund-raiser concerts, offer individual and ensemble music lessons,offer pre-kindergarten through grade school music classes, and a Rock Orchestra for jr. high andhigh school students. How do I think any of these things are possible? “… with God all things arepossible” Matthew 19:26.

So I can say with confidence, exciting developments are coming soon with Trinity MusicCenter. Yes, I have lofty goals and expect great things. I have always thought of Matthew 19:26as a great verse for motivation to achieving goals and it seems fitting to use Matthew 19:26 asmotivation for Trinity Music Center. Please check the new website, www.tmcnow.com, for newdevelopments and feel free to e-mail me with any thoughts you have on TMC. Trinity Music Center is made for Trinity Lutheran Church and it’s surrounding community. Musicperformances will begin this September, I hope you enjoy them. Please help support this newprogram by participating with the music programs and attending concerts. They are all for you,enjoy them.

Erik Grantwww.tmcnow.comerikgrant@tmcnow.com

Music Notes Part 3

Choir and BellsThe kickoff for the school year is our annual Christmas/Easter party on Thursday, September 2,at 7:00 pm in the Trinity Center. Bring a dish to pass, and stay to enjoy singing holiday music.Actual rehearsals begin on Thursday, September 9, at 7:00 pm in the balcony (bells) and 8:00pm in the music room (choir). All are welcome.