Pathways F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 0

TR IN I TY PRE S BY TER IA N C HURC H

En g ag e th e L en t en Sea s o n !
TRINITY AT T E N D T R I N I T Y ’ S
PRESBYTERIAN STAFF
Pastor A S H W E D N E S D AY S E RV I C E
Gary Hanson
Home: (651) 501-1820
Cell: (651) 373-1821
gary@trinitywoodbury.org

Administrator/Pastoral
Care Coordinator
Dee Lindblom
Mon-Fri 8:30am-2:00pm
dee@trinitywoodbury.org
Cell:(651) 353-6724

Christian Education
Director
Joe Pendal
joe@trinitywoodbury.org
(651) 436-3435

Church Musician
Joyce Piper
(651) 458-0341

Choir Director LENTEN LEARNING and STUDY

Neal Strand
(651) 501-8225
JOIN PASTOR GARY HANSON as he leads a six-week
Child Care Attendants study of the PC(USA)’s Lenten Bible Study, Michael
Amanda Ulrich
Kristina Deneen
Lindvall’s Knowing God’s Triune Story. This class meets
Wednesdays 6:30-7:30 beginning Feb. 24 (See Gary’s
Custodians column inside for details.)
Jeff Lindblom
Karen Patraw
JOIN JOE PENDAL as he leads a spirituality Program
2125 Tower Drive using the Lord’s Prayer and Scripture to reflect on the mean-
Woodbury MN 55125 ing of Lent and the Easter story. Informational meeting held
Phone & Fax: Sunday, February 14, 11:00-11:30 am (See Joe’s column
(651) 738-0045 inside for details.)
Page 2
MUSINGS AND AMUSINGS FROM THE PASTOR…
Committees
Building & Grounds
Mike Schenck 739-3727
Christian Education
Kirk Breen 436-4212
Gretchen White 337-0159
Clerk of Session
Marnelle Andersen
735-3287
Communications
Susan Jamison 578-7100
Long Range Planning
Darryl Willison 739-2674
Mental Health Group
Dee Lindblom
738-0045 or 353-6724
dee@trinitywoodbury.org
Mission & Action
Joan Nichols 714-8314
Moderator of Deacons
Garry Espe 730-6805
Newsletter
Mark Allen 204-3188
newsletter@trinitywoodbury.org
Nominating
Wilson Ekinde 501-3661
Nursery Coordinator
Tina Hacker 714-9671
Pastoral Care
Gary Hanson 738-0045
Personnel
Steve Theiss 578-9348
Prayer Chain
Dee Lindblom
738-0045 or 353-6724
dee@trinitywoodbury.org
Shared Ministry
Marnelle Andersen
735-3287
Special Events
Barb Freeman 731-1220
Stewardship & Finance
John Upson 730-9690
Worship
Kara Klink 735-0866
Pathways
One of the highlights of my sabbatical last year was Beth‘s and my
week in New York City. Early on that April Sunday morning, Beth and
I rode a subway to the Upper East Side of Manhattan and worshipped
at the Brick Presbyterian Church. During a worship service that fea-
tured 6 baptisms, preaching that day was the Rev. Michael
Lindvall, whom I knew as the author of a wonderful book, The Good
News from North Haven. Lindvall gave a thought-provoking sermon,
and Beth and I were pleased to be able to meet him and talk for a
few minutes after the service.
Coincidentally, Michael Lindvall is the author of our Presbyterian
denomination‘s Lenten Bible Study for 2010. His daily studybook is
called Knowing God’s Triune Story. It is basically a look at the doc-
trine of the Trinity, and Lindvall examines how profoundly important
the 3 persons of the Trinity are as to how Christians believe in God
and how they live their lives.
During the 6 Wednesdays of Lent, beginning February 24, I‘ll be
teaching a small group study based on this book. It will be from 6:30
to 7:30 pm in the library.
Please add your name to the list on the poster in the Welcome Room,
or call the church office (738-0045) to sign up for the class. Each
family will need only one $10 book for the 40 day adventure. I hope
to be able to hand out the books at the Ash Wednesday service on
February 17. Why not come and join me and other interested mem-
bers, making this part of your personal spiritual discipline in prepara-
tion for Easter? After all, we are called Trinity Presbyterian
Church. It doesn‘t hurt to be more informed about our name!
Your pastor, Gary
KARAOKE NIGHT!
February 27, 2010, 7 pm
Tired of being recruited to join the choir? Prove you can‘t sing by
coming to the next Social Committee event – Karaoke Night! Choose
from over 200 titles in our makeshift nightclub for an evening of
potluck dessert and wholesome musical en-
tertainment. Join in the fun by singing and/or
watching others having a good time mangling
classic songs. It promises to be a night to re-
member. This event is intended primarily for
adults, but older youth willing to wait their
turn are very welcome. At press time, we are
working on child care options. Watch for de-
tails in the welcome area.
FEBRUARY 2010 Page 3

IT’S A BEAUTIFUL DAY FOR CHRISTIAN EDUCATION!

By the time you receive this month‘s newsletter is a prime opportunity to find a way to connect
we likely already had the annual Congregation- with God. Two particular offerings are availa-
al Meeting. Each of the committee chairs and ble this Lent, and the beauty is you can do
staff are asked to provide a report on the previ- both!
ous year‘s doings in their areas of responsibil-
As Gary references in his letter, he will be lead-
ity. To put that together I spent a great deal of
ing a Lenten Study: Knowing God’s Triune Sto-
time considering what Christian Education is,
ry. There is no better time to learn about and
(has been), and could be. Note I did not end
contemplate the sacred mystery of the Trinity.
that sentence with SHOULD be; there is no
This class will meet Wednesday evenings.
should in church and COULD BE reflects the
hope and limitless possibilities in front of us. The second offering is a test drive of sorts. For
Fear not, I shan‘t wax poetic in this missive … some time I have been working on developing
just wanted you to know that in conjunction various programs for spiritual development. In
with the CE committee, led so ably by Kirk essence the types of things Spiritual Directors
Breen, and with constant base-touching with do. I am not certified as a Spiritual Director
Pastor Gary Hanson, I am not just running (nor do I play one on TV), but this is something
around in circles trying to make sure there are I have spent many years studying and writing.
enough feathers, glue sticks and crayons in So, the long and the short of it is, I have pre-
classrooms. pared a program specifically for Lent. I am
looking for four to six brave souls willing to be
We are, in the midst of our daily efforts to cre-
guinea pigs: we will meet on Sunday, Febru-
ate and execute meaningful programs, thinking
ary 14 (at 11:00 am) for a brief organizing
long and hard about the unfolding future of our
discussion. Then each week I will schedule at
Christian Education program for all ages.
the convenience of participants one-on-one
No doubt some of you recognize the quote I meetings with me for some Spiritual exercise.
borrowed and paraphrased in my title. If you Then we will meet again as a group twice more
did, you would no doubt expect me to attribute throughout Lent.
it somehow to the New York Mets. Well, in a
Please give me a call or email to discuss this
doff of the cap to my buddy, and sad-little-
more in depth. As I wrote above, Gary‘s class
Cubs fan Tim Sinks, I opted to borrow from
would be a perfect complement to the Spiritual
Ernie Banks who said, ―It‘s a beautiful for day
Exercise program.
for baseball, let‘s play two!‖
Regardless of what you choose, or even if you
Even as rock-hard snow and cold temperatures
choose not to participate in either offering,
remind us that we have a long way to go be-
please do avail yourself of the season of Lent
fore Winter is over I choose to emphasize the
as a time to connect with God and prepare for
beauty of each day, and more importantly sug-
the amazing gift that is the hope of Easter Sun-
gest that every day, any day is a beautiful day
day! Peace, Joe Pendal
for Christian Education. We begin the Lenten
season on Wednesday, February 17 with Ash
Wednesday and every day until Easter Sunday

Amy and Brian Fisher’s 5th

and 6th grade Sunday School
class work on making mittens
and scarves for the Mitten
Tree. 13 mitten/scarf sets and
3 hats were created.
Page 4 Pathways

HAITI DISASTER RESPONSE

LORD, WHEN WAS IT THAT WE SAW YOU?

On January 12, a powerful earthquake hit approxi-

mately ten miles from the capital of Haiti, Port-au-
Prince. An earthquake of this magnitude would be dev-
astating to any city, but in one of the poorest countries
in the Western hemisphere its effects are catastrophic.
Millions of people have been affected by this disaster
and tens of thousands—possibly hundreds of thou-
sands—are feared dead. With many of the established
sources of safety and security demolished—churches,
schools, hospitals and government buildings—survivors
are searching for signs of hope and help.
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is responding
through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA). PDA is
rushing an initial $100,000 from One Great Hour of Sharing and designated funds to provide im-
mediate emergency relief to the affected people. Funds are being sent through our ecumenical
and local partners working in Haiti.
Presbyterian World Mission is gathering information on the safety and status of our mission per-
sonnel and ecumenical partners in the area. For updates on the earthquake and the church‘s re-
sponse, please visit the PDA Web site. Financial support for relief efforts can be designated to
DR000064.
Gifts can also be made by phone at (800) 872-3283, weekdays between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
(EST), and checks can be mailed to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, P.O. Box 643700, Pitts-
burgh, PA 15264-3700.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

As God‘s people, we are called to stand in the ―GAP‖— GIVE, ACT, PRAY.
Give – Financial support for relief efforts can be made online and designated to DR000064. Your
gifts, combined with those of others, provide a visible and tangible demonstration of God‘s care
in the midst of this tragedy. Recovery will be a difficult and long process, but Presbyterian Dis-
aster Assistance has time and time again modeled a faithful response over the long haul.
Act – Congregations and individuals can put together hygiene kits and baby kits to be distribut-
ed through Church World Service. For information, visit the PDA Web site.
Pray – Join with others in lifting up the people of Haiti and those seeking to provide aid in this
critical time.
God of compassion, please watch over the people of Haiti, and weave
out of these terrible events wonders of goodness and grace. Surround
those who have been affected by tragedy with a sense of your present
love, and hold them in faith. Though they are lost in grief, may they
find you and be comforted; guide us as a church to find ways of
providing assistance that heals wounds and gives hope. Help us to re-
member that when one of your children suffers we all suffer. Through
Jesus Christ who was dead, but lives and rules this world with you.
Amen.
FEBRUARY 2010 Page 5

FROM THE INTERN...

Over the last month, I have worked at taking some time to recharge, body, soul, and spirit.
One of my most favorite ways to do that is by diving into a great fiction book or movie. I love
stories. My Grandfather was a Storyteller and I could sit by his feet and listen for hours. I
think one of the reasons I like stories is that I love watching the process of growth in the char-
acters. They are stretched, pulled and transformed by the events in their story. I am rereading
―The Hobbit,‖ and Bilbo‘s character starts out as someone who is very content with life and is
looking for no changes, yet through the adventures he experiences, he discovers new qualities
and new passions in his life. Some of the adventures are quite ‗hair rising‘ and some are won-
derful but they all lead to a new, deeper character.
I have experienced a similar journey in my short four months at Trinity. I will admit that I was
very scared at the beginning, and I still have a healthy dose of that fear yet. It has been a
steep curve of learning, from the mechanics of putting together a service to learning where and
what I should be doing at any given time. In all of this, I realized that I had forgotten some-
thing important. I did not get to know the living, breathing community of Trinity. I had not
asked the right questions to know and understand the different theology of Trinity nor did I dis-
cover what experiences the community of Trinity was looking for as they meet and worship to-
gether. This lack of understanding led to my choices of words and stories for the Christmas Eve
service that caused concern. For those of you who were offended I want to apologize and ask
your forgiveness. I would love to meet with anyone who would like to share their thoughts con-
cerning that. Like all my favorite stories, I want to learn and grow through this internship, and
hearing from you is a helpful part of that.
Through conversations I have had since Christmas, I have learned a lot and I want to focus on
discovering the uniqueness of Trinity for this spring. It is a skill I need as I look at working with
my own congregation some day and it is a vital part of belonging to your community. So, just
as Bilbo puts on a sword for the rest of his adventure, this spring I am putting on my listening
ears and I want to listen to your favorite things about Trinity, the beliefs that you love, the tra-
ditions and experiences; I want to know and grow with the living, breathing community of Trini-
ty, together growing and stretching our characters in this adventure. - Katie Whipple

COMING SOON . . .
“ TRINITY COMMUNITY ART PROJECT”

The Decorating Committee would like to complete Trinity's two newest 'alleluia' banners in time for
Easter. Each banner has approximately 25 stenciled crosses. The committee is asking for donated
silver buttons, and that these buttons come from individual-members, who contribute them to be
sewn into the cross-centers, which incorporates an embedded meaning- a personal button on previ-
ously-worn-clothing- now on a Greek-cross-of-Discipleship. Most buttons should be 'pewter-like,
(some with detailed black line surfaces ), combined with more costume-like silver buttons, too. No
sewing necessary as the committee will take care of that detail. A "Silver Button" container will be
made available for these donations. Look for this container beginning the first Sunday in Lent - Feb-
ruary 21st. The button drive will conclude on Sunday, March 21st. Then, come see these completed
banners on Easter morning. - Debi Espe
Page 6 Pathways

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS
FEBRUARY
15 Tyler Channer
1 Amy McKenna 19 Mark Allen
Joan Nichols Cheryl Mosisa
Steve Palmer 20 Andra Zerbe
5 Beth Hanson 22 Kevin Andersen
6 Mark Keiper 23 Anne McKenzie
Cole Sawyer 26 Nathan Green
10 Dan Freeman Matt McKenna
Ewan Ha 27 Tara Johnson
13 Nate Andersen 28 Roger Punt
Jessica Pendal
14 Kirk Breen We regret if we missed your birthday;
Jane Dahlquist if we have, please phone the office!
Rebecca Knott 738-0045
Sandy Strand

Trinity Presbyterian Program Financial Summary Dec 2009

Month Actual YTD Actual Yr. Budget
Total Program Donations $30,709.04 $247,917.91 $259,562.45
Total Program Expendi-
$21,724.31 $243,456.48 $259,520.38
tures
Donations Less Expenses $8,984.73 $4,461.43 $42

Building Fund Donations $16,329.70 $81,399.93

Building Mortgage Payment $6,691.00 $83,550.00

Mortgage Balance $776,568.94

FRIDAY MORNING LENTEN STUDY GROUP

Beginning Friday, February 26 through Good Friday, April 2, the Friday Study Group will also
be reading Knowing God's Triune Story, by Michael Lindvall. This group meets every Friday
from 10:00 – 11:30 at the church and is open to all Trinity members, visitors and neighbor-
hood/community residents. Cost of the book is $10.00 payable to Trinity Church. Please call
Beth R. Hanson (651) 501-1820 if you‘d like more information.
FEBRUARY 2010 Page 7

WANNA BE A PART OF SOMETHING AMAZING?

Sure you do!
Is time an always fleeting commodity in your life?
Is it frustrating to want to volunteer, but not find the right fit?
Is it disappointing to volunteer and not connect with people?
Sure it is!
Well … read the following to learn about the program
born by Trinity and held at Trinity … learn how easy
it is, but more importantly how meaningful it is!
For more than twenty years, Trinity has played host to the Elder Friends of Woodbury program.
This once-a-week program offers people over the age of 65 a place to meet others, learn about
new things, reminisce about things of the past, but most of all it is a program that brings people
together in friendship and faith.

Every Thursday from 9:30-1:30 approximately 20 volunteers and participants gather in the Fel-
lowship Hall. The day begins with coffee and rolls and great conversation and lots of laughter.
Later in the morning a program is put on that can include anything from a quartet from the Min-
nesota Orchestra to our very own 4Praise, from a lecture on Islam to a presentation on Fire Pre-
vention and Safety (guess who‘s done that one!). Then everyone goes into the Sanctuary for
the devotional offered by one of the ministers from Woodbury churches. Lunch is brought by
each person and enjoyed over more stimulating conversation. After that it‘s game time until
1:30 comes.

All you need to volunteer for Elder Friends is a desire to be with people … to connect with them
and to show care and concern for them. Check Elder Friends out … no commitments until you
want to make one. We need people to help prepare and serve coffee, to set up tables, to assist
participants with activities … but more than anything, we need people who want to befriend folks
who might otherwise be alone the rest of the week. Your presence alone is volunteerism at its
best. Helping with dishes or even offering to put on a program is great … but person-to-person
connection is the heart of this program and the most important contribution anyone can make.

If you are interested in learning about Elder Friends (either to volunteer or join us as a partici-
pant) please call Joe Pendal (738-0045) at the church or just come some Thursday and check it
out for yourself. Once you come … you may have a hard time not coming back!

PARISH PERSONALS
 Congratulations to Joyce Piper on the birth of a new grandson, Thomas Richard, son of
Dan and Brooke, born on January 18.
 Our sympathies are extended to Sara Finn and family on the death of Sara‘s father, Jerry
Nelson, on January 23.
A Sincere Thank You . . . .
I want to thank all of you from whom I received cards, hugs, emails and memorials after
the death of my mother last month. Your support and compassion has meant a lot to me
during this painful time. Blessings, Dee Lindblom
Page 8 Pathways

PASTORAL CARE MESSAGE

“We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul.” – (Hebrews 6:19)

2009 was a difficult and painful year for many people at Trinity. Several members experienced
the shock of losing a job, and many of us suffered the loss of a loved one. In the past few
weeks, I have often heard expressed the hope that 2010 will be better year.
―Hope‖ is something Christians certainly embrace. ―Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the res-
urrection of Jesus Christ……” (1 Peter 1:3). The word ―hope" has different meanings and differ-
ent implications for our expectations and, therefore, the way we live each day. We commonly
think of hope as hoping for something--a particular gift for our birthday, or for world peace, or
for the health and happiness of those we love.
All of these are good things, of course, but they are all out there, in the future. The other
meaning of hope points us in a different direction. Instead of hoping for something in the vague
and uncertain future, we can hope in something now. We can place our hope in God, meaning
that we believe that God is here to support and strengthen us now-- here today--as we deal
with our struggles. If we are feeling anxious about ever finding a job, or wondering if our grief
will ever subside, we know we can place our hope in God.
Peter gives us a glimpse into how different "hope in" is from "hope for" in his letter written to a
community facing intense persecution. He doesn‘t tell them that everything is going to be fine
and rosy, but assures them that even though they may continue to suffer torment and pain,
their assurance of a better future is their hope and trust in God (1 Peter 1: 6-8).
Hope is a powerful force, one that reassures us in the current moment. It doesn‘t hide from re-
ality, but rather helps us to address those difficulties with courage and conviction. When we
place our hope in God, we are empowered to live in the present. For me this is good news, and
I wish the same for all of you. Blessings, Dee Lindblom

FEBRUARY MENTAL HEALTH EVENTS

CRISIS PLANNING FOR FAMILIES
Training designed for parents and caregivers of children with challenging behaviors. Learn the
role of county crisis teams, de-escalation techniques and how to create effective crisis plans.
Presenter: Suzette Scheele, Director of Children's Programs, NAMI-MN
When: Saturday, February 6, from 10 am - 1 pm
(Lunch provided free of charge, but registration requested – call NAMI at (651)645-2948.)

THE POWERFUL EFFECT OF NUTRITION ON OUR MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

Your brain is a vital organ that has specific needs when it comes to what you eat. It also is
greatly affected by the wrong things. Come and develop more of an understanding on how you
can fuel your brain with the right foods that will begin to support the rebalance of your brain
chemistry. You will receive tasty, healthy recipes and tips to start making positive changes to-
day.
Presenter: Christina Swigart, M.S., L.N.
When: Monday, February 22, from 6:30 – 8 pm
- CERTIFICATES OF ATTENDANCE PROVIDED FOR BOTH EVENTS -
FEBRUARY 2010 Page 9

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

DID YOU KNOW? Mental illnesses, like physical ones, are medical conditions.
Rather than affecting the body, however, mental illnesses af-
Mental illnesses are more com- fect a person‘s thinking, feelings, moods, and ability to relate
mon than cancer, diabetes, to others or function on a daily basis.
arthritis, heart disease or
Alzheimer‘s. Although brain disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar
disorder and schizophrenia affect as many as one in four Min-
Mental illnesses are no fault nesota families, fear, ignorance and shame often prevent
brain diseases. People do not people from talking about them. Myths still prevail that men-
choose mental illnesses. tal illness is caused by bad parenting, or that people who
Persons who live with a mental have an illness of the brain are prone to violence. Sometimes
illness, as well as their families, the prejudices are rooted in religion, such as the belief that
are often isolated because of people with mental illnesses are possessed by demons or be-
the stigma society has attached ing punished by God.
to having a brain disease. Support from religious communities is vital because sixty per-
cent of people in emotional distress turn first to their clergy
for help and counseling. Like all people, those who are struggling with mental illness issues are
in need of a sense of community. Frequently, they are shunned by society, and may wonder if
they are also shunned by God.
Faith and spirituality are essential elements of healing and recovery from any serious illness, in-
cluding mental illness. Churches must take extra steps to be inclusive. Clergy and congregations
have an obligation to educate themselves about mental disorders so that they may see people
with these illnesses as members who need their support and deserve their compassion. If
churches say they are a welcoming place, yet shut out a particular group of people, they are not
living up to Jesus‘ call. All people need a place where they feel safe and where they are accept-
ed for who they are.
Organizations which provide information and resources include:
 Mental Health Ministries www.mentalhealthministries.net
 Pathways to Promise www.Pathways2Promise.org
 NAMI FaithNet www.nami.org/namifaithnet.

DEACON BEACON
Mark Allen here, pinch hitting a Deacon Beacon invitation to participate in this year‘s Good Fri-
day to Easter prayer vigil. Last year, our first year, we ended up having 18 members spend an
hour (or more a few times) in silent reflection, prayer, Bible reading or meditation in the quiet
of the church.
This is a unique way to experience the physical presence of the church, sense our Trinity God in
and around you as you spend quiet time on the Lenten season and the celebration and promise
of Easter‘s victory for all of us.
A sign-up sheet will be in the Welcome Room no later than Ash Wednesday. (Yes, Lent is al-
most here already!) If you have any questions or would like to learn more please contact me in
person before or after Sunday worship, via email (mrallen1@yahoo.com) or by phone 204-
3188.
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info@trinitywoodbury.org February15, 2010

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: ACTIVITIES AT TRINITY

Sunday Schedule February Upcoming Events

Pastor‘s Column 2
Schedule
Education Hour
February 6
9:00 am
Christian Education 3 February 7 NAMI Workshop 10 am
Worship
10:00 am Communion
Mission and Action 4
Fellowship and February 14 February 19-21
Coffee Family Retreat @
From the Intern 5 11:00 am February 17
Ash Wednesday, 7 pm
Clearwater Forest
Youth Education Hour
Birthdays 6 11:00 am February 21
February 22
February 28
Nutrition and Mental
Parish Personals 7 -=- Health 6:30 pm
Child care is
Pastoral Care 8 available during
worship service February 27
Karaoke Night 7 pm
Mental Health 9

Additional parking is available in New Horizon‘s parking lot

directly across from Trinity and by parking along
one side of the driveway.