Since 1948

The TELCO Online Congregational News of Trinity Lutheran Church - Wellsville, NY

Since 1948

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As I began to prepare to write this article, I noticed that the month of September will begin in less than a week. In one way, I am sad that September is almost here. Sad because it marks the end of Summer. However, in another way, I am very excited. With the beginning of September, certain activities here at First Trinity will once again be in full swing. This is especially true with our Christian Education program.

In American Lutheranism, and especially in our Synod, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, September has always been unofficially designated as Christian Education month. The emphasis has been on the importance for children, youth, and adults to hear, read, and study the Holy Scriptures. Actually, I tend to believe that such hearing, reading, and studying is vital for our growth as Christians.

Jesus on numerous occasions said that being a Christian is not easy. As a matter of fact, it is extremely difficult. Daily we find ourselves in the midst of a spiritual war. We are constantly tempted by the devil, the world, and our own sinful flesh. We are constantly facing trials and tribulations. We are constantly bombarded by false teachings about God and His Son Jesus Christ. The result is that we fall into sin. We doubt God’s love, presence, forgiveness and salvation in Christ. We become tossed to and fro by false doctrine, sometimes losing sight of the truth. I suppose that I could write much more about this spiritual war. However, I don’t really need to, do I. you know all about it because you live it.    

This is why it is vital for children, youth, and adults to hear, read, and study the Scriptures. No matter what we may think, we cannot fight this spiritual war by ourselves. If we try, we will lose. We will be led astray. Our faith will be destroyed. However, God by sacrificing His Son Jesus Christ on the cross and raising Him from the dead has defeated sin, death, and the Devil once and for all. Through faith in Christ as our Savior, this victory becomes our victory. As we lean on God, He will keep us steadfast in this faith.

And how do we lean on God? By using His means of grace, His Word and the sacraments. In particular, by the hearing, reading, and studying of the Holy Scriptures. Through these means the Holy Spirit works in our minds and hearts. The Holy Spirit renews and strengthens our faith. He assures us that God really does love us, that He faithfully keeps all of His promises, that all of our sins are really forgiven, and that we will definitely live with Him forever in heaven. He leads us into the truth so that we will be able to discern false teachings and not be led astray. He fights the spiritual war for us, keeping us steadfast in the Christian faith.

Peter, in his first letter, chapter 2, verses 2-3 wrote, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” It is my prayer that everyone of us here at First trinity; children, youth, and adults, will hear, read, and study the Holy Scriptures at home, in worship, and by participating in our Christian Education program.

Hello and greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The summer is flying by and a lot has been happening here at Trinity. We had a very successful week at the Fair, had fun at the rummage sale and car wash, and camped out at VBS. We also held a benefit piano, organ, violin concert for Sheba’s kids at the Congregational Church. I hope you were able to participate or enjoy any or all of the past events.

Here is a short update on raising our goal of $200,000 for the 4 acres of land in India. We have sent $121,000 as of August 10th. We are continuing to work with other churches across western New York and northern PA to raise money. The brother is still waiting for the rest of the money. They do things differently over there and if someone else comes along with the total amount, we could loose the land, but NOT the money. Please pray that we can continue to raise the money and that it is the Lord’s will that Sheba and the children can own this property. Please reach out to other family members and friends who may attend churches in other places across the US. Please let them know what we are doing. I would be very happy to forward them any information they might need. Any contribution is greatly appreciated! Also, I hope you saw the wonderful article about our Music Director, Carole Aldrich in the newspaper. If you haven’t gotten a copy of the CD, “Summer Classics”, there is still time. You won’t be disappointed. Also copies can be purchased on-line through our website. Simply go to www.trinitywellsville.org and following the instructions. We will ship anywhere in the world.

Upcoming events here at Trinity: We will be offering a short but very helpful class on being a “Greeter” for Sunday mornings. Watch the bulletin for more information. Altar Guild members: There will be semi-annual meeting on Monday, September 22 at 7:00 pm.

Other events in our area, that you might be interested in attending are the Genesis Festival 2008 at the Allegany County Fair Grounds in Angelica. It is a 2 day Gospel music event on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5th and 6th. There is a Genesis Festival Art Exhibit the same weekend where local Christian artists share their works of art. For more information go to www.thefountainartscenter.org or www.wnyconcertministries.com.

God is good! All praise, honor, and glory be to God!

Betty Wood
DCO/Counselor

REMINDER

• DORCAS RESUMES ON MONDAY, SEPT 8 @ 9:30AM
• SENIOR CITIZENS’ LUNCHEON WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY, SEPT. 4 @ NOON

September Birthdays

1    Helen (Mrs. Norbert) Shear, Betty Wood
2    Carol Fanton, Ed Flurschutz
3    Ed Fahs
5    Bernie Gridley, Julianna Patrick
6    Jalea Graham
10    Cathy Farwell, Jackie Harris
11    Robert Broughton, Earl Wright
12    Judson Scutt
13    Barbara Delity
16    Scott Patrick
17    Aaron Helms, Adelaide Wightman
19    Roger Mallory, Alice Stevens, Patricia Taylor
21    Matthew Cornelius, Kate Lamberson
23    Patrick Lynch, Marilyn Osgood
25    Michele Rech
26    Phyllis Graves
27    Jodi Austin
29    Virginia Dean, Gary Havens II, Ann Weinhauer
30    Julia Wesche

Anniversaries

4    Chuck & Jane White
7    Arnold & Linda Hurd
11    Randy & Deb Moll
14    Dave & Jane Pinney
16    Brad & Ann Ball
18    Gary & Julie Shaver
28    Howard & Linda White
29    Bill & Ann Weinhauer

LADIES AID

JULY 1, 2008 MEETING - Very few ladies were able to attend our July meeting. Arlene read devotions and prayer which spoke of the freedoms of the Christian. This was very fitting for the 4th holiday. Secretary & Treasurer’s reports were approved. Thanks to all who helped with the rummage sale to benefit Sheba’s orphanage. The Hearts and Hands craft show will be here before we know it. It will be Sept. 27th. Please be working on your crafts. This is also a congregational fundraiser and your support is needed and appreciated. Best wishes sent to John Nydegger since he fractured his wriest last week. After reciting the Lord’s Prayer, we dismissed at 8:30.

Respectfully,
Sally Dannheim, Secy.


MENS CLUB

JULY 15, 2008 MEETING - The annual Men’s Club steak bake was held at Kato’s house on July 15. 18 members and guests attended and the weather was perfect. Everyone enjoyed some good fellowship and a great meal. Thanks Kato for your hospitality. Seven members of the Men’s club from Pastor Larry Gerdes’ church in Rochester were our guests. Also a special thanks to Jane White for the delicious cakes we had for dessert.

Next month’s meeting will be held at the church pavilion on the third Tuesday in August.

Submitted by
Paul Vossler, Secretary

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
ABBREVIATED MINUTES
JUNE 16, 2008

The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm by President Jim Helms. Other members present were Barry Dunne, Kato Aldrich, Fran Lanphier, Pastor Morris, Kay McCulloch, Betty Wood, Kristen Crawford, Eleanor Cott, Marv Wood, Lois Flurschutz, Carol English, Linda Gridley and Cathy Farwell.

We went over minutes and other monthly reports and accepted them as read and full copies are on file with the minutes. Daycare reported that Carol will be taking over as the new Director in July and she wanted to commend Angels Chandler for doing such a good job in the interim.

Kristen Crawford reported that they are getting organized for VBS and this year’s theme is “Friendship Trek”. We discussed all the details involved with getting air conditioning throughout the building and we decided to pass the motion to go ahead with it. Pastor wanted to let us know that we are having a joint service on August 10th with a pig roast to follow.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:10 and closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Farwell

COUNCIL MEETING
ABBREVIATED MINUTES
JULY 21, 2008

The meeting was called to order at 7:06 PM by Vice President Kato Aldrich and opened with a prayer by Pastor Morris. Members in attendance were Fran Lanphier, Kato Aldrich, Dick Kling, Kay McCulloch, Carol English, Linda Gridley, Kristen Crawford, Eleanor Cott, Betty Wood, Pastor Morris, and Cathy Farwell.

Reports were read and accepted from the previous minutes, Treasurer and Financial Secretary. Kristen then reported that we were gearing up for VBS. Dick reported that it had been decided that as long as we had to have some electrical work done for the air conditioning we were going to go ahead and have the whole service upgraded because we have known for quite some time that ours was outdated and needed done and now was a good time to do it all. Carol gave us a full Daycare report as well as a copy of the new weekly newsletter they are going to send home to parents every Friday. Copies of hers and Pastor’s reports are on file with the minutes and can be found in the office.

Meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer and adjourned at 8:10 PM.

Respectfully submitted
Cathy Farwell, Secretary

DON’T FORGET OUR
HEARTS, HANDS & HARVEST
CRAFT FESTIVAL COMING UP
ON SEPTEMBER 27TH.

REMINDING ALL OUR CREATIVE MEMBERS
OF THE CRAFT FESTIVAL ON SEPTEMBER 27.
WE NEED DONATIONS OF HANDCRAFTED ITEMS FOR THE CHURCH TABLE.
KNIT, CROCHETED, PAINTED, WOOD WORK, QUILTED, ETC.,
ANY HAND MADE ITEMS ARE WELCOME! ITEMS MAY BE BROUGHT
IN ANYTIME. DON’T FORGET TO “SPREAD THE WORD”
AND PLAN TO ATTEND!