Since 1948

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

Since 1948

Paul wrote, “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:6-8

On Ash Wednesday, February 25th we began the season of the Church Year known as Lent. Lent truly is a solemn time of the year. This is because during Lent we focus on our spiritual condition due to our sin. And if we think that the outlook for our economy is 2009 is extremely bleak, our spiritual condition due to our sin is a million times worse. To tell you the truth, the situation is down right hopeless. Because of our sin, there is no way we could establish and maintain any kind of relationship with Him. Instead, we are completely, totally separated from Him. Think about what this separation entails. He would not hear our prayers let alone answer them. He would not be our refuge and strength. He would not deliver us. In this life with all of it’s trials and tribulations, we would be totally alone. Worst of all, this complete and total separation from Him would be forever. To put it another way, we would be cast off into hell. All we would ever experience is eternal suffering, pain, and despair as well as hopelessness. If all the doom and gloom of our present economy depresses you, this news is enough to push us over the cliff.

Oh, we are sinners and the ungodly. And because of this, we are powerless to save ourselves from the above spiritual death. However, listen to Paul “When we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly, . . While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” During Lent we emphasize the suffering and death of Christ. We hear how Jesus was arrested and forsaken by His disciples whom He dearly loved. We hear how He was unlawfully tried and sentenced to death. We hear how about how His people rejected Him by screaming “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”, we hear about how He is mocked, ridiculed, beaten, and whipped to an inch of His life. We hear about how He is nailed to a cross and crucified. We hear of His immense suffering on that cross, of being forsaken by His very own Father on that cross, of His dying on that cross. Why would God allow this? Jesus is His very own Son whom He loved. He never sinned so He should never have died. Why? It is a demonstration of God’s immense, unconditional love for us. Only if Jesus traveled this road of suffering and death could He save us from our sin! Because Jesus did, He has saved us from our sin. We couldn’t save ourselves. Thus, out of love for us God took the initiative. He saved us.

Lent is certainly a solemn time! It calls on us to acknowledge our sin and our hopeless spiritual condition because of that sin. It calls on us to repent of that sin and lean solely on God’s mercy by crying out “Lord, have mercy on me!”. It calls on us to trust that Jesus, the Son of God, by His horrible, and I add, indescribable, suffering and death has won the forgiveness of our sins and thereby life with God and salvation.

However, while Lent is a solemn time, it is also a joyous time. This is because it is a time of renewal. Because God demonstrated His own love for us by doing what He did to save us, we are renewed. This love, this Gospel, renews our faith. God assures us that all our sins are forgiven. He assures us that we are His beloved sons and daughters. He assures us that He is ever present with us as our refuge and strength. He assures us that after death, there is life. He assures us that we will live with Him forever in the perfection of heaven. At the same time this love, this Gospel, renews our life. God makes us new creations. He empowers us to love Him and others. He empowers us to strive to follow His will. He empowers us to strive to witness that Jesus is the Savior in deed and word to those around us and throughout the world.     

Friends, it is my sincere prayer that during this season of Lent you will use every opportunity to hear the Lenten message as contained in the words of Paul to the Christians in Rome that I quoted at the beginning of this article. I pray you will use every opportunity to hear it during the rest of the year as well. This love, this Gospel has power. God will continually renew your faith and your life.

150th ANNIVERSARY UPDATE
“Brothers and Sister IN CHRIST”

Our 150th Anniversary Celebration kicked off this last month with a fantastic “Valentine’s Dinner” hosted by our Dorcas Society and Ladies Aid. Most confessed that “they ate too much” and everyone commented on what a great time they had. We certainly thank the ladies for this wonderful meal and everyone who was able to attend. Above all, we must praise and thank God for He is the One who enabled us to have this celebration in the first place.

Our celebration will continue with a special Sunday on March 15th. On that Sunday, there will be a special service at our regular time, 10:30AM. The theme of that service is “Our Congregational Heritage”. Did you know that the average life span of a Protestant congregation in America is 80 years. Yet, God has blessed our congregation with 150 years. Why? Look at our theme. You may notice that I capitalized a portion of our anniversary them, namely IN CHRIST. There is the key to our past and to our future. As part of our service, we will use the liturgy of our forefathers, which is in essence the liturgy on page 15 of The Lutheran Hymnal. Following the service there will be a “Boiled Dinner” sponsored by our Youth Group. Information about this dinner is in this issue of the TELCO. I pray that all of us will be able to attend.

NEW BIBLE STUDY OPPORTUNITY

A number of members have expressed an interest to have an in-depth study of theology and in particular, Scriptures. I think this to be an excellent idea. If you are interested, there is a sign-up sheet on the table in the church lounge. You can also give me a call at my study, 585-593-4439. Once we have an idea as to who is interested, we will have a short meeting, probably after a worship service to work out the details, such as when, where, and how many times per month. God willing, we can begin after Easter.

Ever been on a cruise? It certainly is different. It is certainly not real life. They serve food and beverages around the clock. They make your bed, clean the bathroom, and leave wonderful little chocolate treats on your pillow and even an occasional fruit basket on the table. Not only that, there is wonderful entertainment, warm weather, and beautiful beaches and exotic places to visit. Life is good! But even as I was enjoying this vacation, I knew that it would soon end, and I would have to return to real life again. However, as part of this cruise, we enjoyed special entertainment and guest speakers. The message that these individuals shared is something that I was able to take with me and always have available to enjoy again and again. They shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the love He has for me. Their message is life. Life to the fullest. We enjoyed the music and story telling of Mark Lowery, the comedy of Chonda Pierce and the Bible Study with Ellie Lofaro.

Chonda Pierce has experienced pain and darkness, which she shared with humor and candor. She inspired us to receive the grace necessary to fight the good fight of faith and win. Ellie Lofaro offered a wonderful Bible study on 1 Chronicles 26:18. Mark Lowery challenged Ellie to preach on that verse, and she did. Obviously, there was much more to the lesson than that verse. Ellie talked a lot about being a Christian with a capital C and how God teaches us to love one another, because He first loved us. She reminds us of the rich relationship we can have with God. Through gentle, poignant stories, you will discover how every promise of God is for you and for me. The life you always wanted – the peace, the promises, the protection are for us. The strength through every challenge, hope for your family, eternal life is there as we take a leap of faith into our Savior’s waiting arms. I was able to purchase a book written by Ellie entitled “ Leap of Faith, Embracing the Life God Promised You”, and one by Chonda entitled: “Laughing in the Dark”. I highly recommend that you read both of them. You will not be disappointed. Let me know if you would like to borrow either copy.

Finally in closing, I would like to share this prayer with you as we begin our journey through Lent:

“Blessed are you, O Lord, our God,
the shepherd of Israel,
their pillar of cloud by day,
their pillar of fire by night.
In these forty days you lead us
into the desert of repentance
that in this pilgrimage of prayer
we might learn to be your people.
In fasting and service
you bring us back to your heart
You open our eyes to your presence in the world
and you free our hands to lead others
to the radiant splendour of your mercy
Be with us in these journey days
for without you we are lost and will perish.
To you alone be dominion and glory,
for ever and ever.

WONDERFUL NEWS!!

Thanks and Praise to God! He has graciously provided the funds to purchase the 4 acres of land in Hyderabad, India for the Children of Compassion Clement Mission. They now have land on which to build, plant a garden, raise some animals, and safely play. More importantly, however, is that they will also continue to hear of God’s love and mercy, and know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. How exciting!

The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. - Isaiah 58:11.

We now continue to ask for continued prayer and support, for we need to pay back 2 loans totally $45,000. We also need to put a fence around the property and put up temporary shelter. We have accomplished a major step in getting the land, but we must also continue to move forward. Just imagine, with God’s help, we have provided a home for 150 + children and more to come, along with expanding God’s Kingdom here on earth. I know of no other greater joy!

Blessings,
Betty

March Birthdays

1 Senta Streeter
4 Kimberly Scutt
5 Katherine Engelder, Chelsea Gridley
7 Nathan Miles
10 Arianne Moll
11 Edna Lehman
16 Pauline Brown, Loralai Crawford, Kara Gallmann
17 Ruth Kling
18 Kyle Flurschutz
20 Brian Link
21 Eleanor Cott, Michael Lamberson, Matthew Monroe
22 Clair Coyle
25 Marilyn Cornelius
26 Jane White
27 Deirdre Roeske
31 Brendan Wesche

March Anniversaries

31 Jack & Marilyn Palmer

THANK YOU

The centennial committee would like to thank the Concordia Ladies Aid and the Dorcas Guild for the wonderful dinner and program that they provided for our 150th cerebration. It was a great way for them to share what their organizations have provided for in the way of Christian out reach and fellowship. The ladies of our church have been active in their ministry of service almost as soon the church was formed. It is very important to realize that such Christian fellowship was very essential for these ladies for mutual support.  They had left their immediate families behind and followed their husbands to what was at that time was almost a wilderness with non existent service to provide for their needs such as giving birth to their children and providing proper parenting. There were no phone to call mother and ask what do I do now?  So their fellow Christians became sisters and mothers banding together providing support for each other. We are including in this issue of TELCO a brief summary of their program. Delving into the history of our church is very exciting and informative and the committee hopes to see you in March when we look at the youth programs and Christian education.

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH
COUNCIL MEETING - ABBREVIATED MINUTES
JANUARY 19, 2009

Meeting was called to order by President Jim Helms at 7:08 P.M. and opened with a prayer by Pastor Morris. Members in attendance were Jim Helms, Dick Kling, Fran Lanphier, Kay McCulloch, Lois Flurschutz, Betty Wood, Cathy Farwell, Linda Gridley, Carol English, and pastor Morris with guest Tom Shoup from the Daycare Board.

The meeting started with a lengthy presentation from Tom about the Daycare and their ideas about the path they want to follow this upcoming year. They will be presenting more as it comes available

We then had a presentation by Ron lane from Olan Mills discussing our new directories that we are interested in for our upcoming anniversary.

After that we went on to the rest of the regular business of reviewing minutes and other reports were accepted with copies enclosed with the minutes in the Church office for information.

Meeting was closed at 8:37 with the Lord’s Prayer and all adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Farwell

Trinity Christian Daycare
Looking More Prosperous

Not only is our number of enrolled children consistent and somewhat increasing, it is our financial picture that is beginning to look brighter. For the month of January all ended on the “plus” side! This is a result of diligent monitoring of all accounts – tuition revenue and expenditures.

Our spiritual side has also been nurtured through the efforts of Betty Wood and Pastor. February’s focus was “warm fuzzies” – kind words and actions we receive from God and also that we give to others.

TCD again thanks our Christmastime special donor. To date we have purchased very needed equipment: a high chair, two tables, and children’s silverware. The tables will be available for Sunday School use. Also in the spending plan is an inexpensive computer to be used by school agers and staff. It will have internet connection through the wireless set-up in the daycare office. A parental control program and a written parental consent will be in place before allowing internet usage.

Senior Citizens News

Trinity Lutheran Senior Citizens met for our luncheon meeting at noon on Feb. 5. Seven members plus Sally Dannheim were able to attend. It is always amazing to see the variety of delicious food prepared.

Cards were signed for seven shut-ins and Secretary’s and Treasurer’s reports were given. We were reminded to sign up to have pictures taken the first part of march for the new Pictorial Book.

June read an article “A Bit of History” about George Washington containing interesting facts about the origins of many of our sayings.

Our next meeting will be in June with the date and committee to be announced later.

Submitted by Dorothy Herke

Concordia Ladies Aid Society

On March 9, 1894, nine women of Trinity Congregation met at the home of Mrs. Mary Buehring and formed this organization.  This was an offshoot of the St. Paul's Ladies Aid Society. The St. Paul's Ladies spoke primarily German, so the younger women felt that they should have an organization that spoke English. The organization grew as more English speaking women joined so Concordia Ladies Aid was born.

The word Concordia means harmony or cooperation.  More literally it means the beating of hearts in one accord.

C:  stands for CHRIST.  What ever we do let us do it all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
O: stands for ONWARD. Do not live upon the reputation of those who nave gone before but resolve to go onward, forward, upward.
N:  stands for NEED. This society has filed a real need in mission work, and we strive to fulfill even greater religious and educational needs.
C: stands for CHURCH.  Large amounts have been given for missions and for charitable purposes. 
O: stands for OPEN.  To keep our future bright and progressive we must keep our hearts and minds open to new ideas and wining new members.
R: stands for READY .  Each member must be ready to make a contribution of either in time, work or talent.  Cooperation and harmony can only be achieved on this basis.  Not only to be ready to look into the future, but to look back to GOD in grateful remembrance to those who have been called from their earthly labors.
D:  stands for DO'S & DON'TS  We cannot always be receiving, neither can we always be giving, We can give only as we receive.  We must observe this simple rule to make our society a real CONCORDIA

Through their fund raising projects over the years the Ladies have made many contributions to the church. Just a few highlights are;

• In 1900 they purchased the marble Baptism Fount that is presently in our library.
• They paid for the first installation of electricity in the church. They didn't have enough money so Lena Doty loaned the money and they collected dues to repay the loan.
• They gave a Memorial Window that was in the front of the Genesee street church and parts of it are now imbedded in the window on the south side of the present church.
• They purchased carpeting and had the church painted and other improvements over the years
  For many years they gave $300 for missions.
• In 1941 the membership was 75 ladies. They started to sell knives and dishcloths to raise money.
• They then branched out to have a yearly rummage sale from donated goods and a bazaar during the sauerkraut supper.
• One of their ongoing contribution is to provide a funeral luncheon when the necessity arises.

MEN’S CLUB

The regular monthly meeting of Men’s club was held at the fellowship Hall with eleven members present. A delicious meal of cube steak was enjoyed by all. Thanks Chuck and Dave.

The March meeting is election of officers and will be held at the Fellowship Hall on the 17th at 6:00PM.

Paul Vossler, Secretary

ST. PATRICK’S DAY DINNER—MARCH 15TH

Do you have great memories of your youth group and its adventures? Who was your favorite Sunday School teacher? Come join us for a St. Patrick’s Day corned beef and cabbage fellowship dinner on Sunday, March 15th, following Sunday morning services. The dinner will be our second in the sesquicentennial celebration series and will be hosted by the Youth Group. Those planning on attending will need advance purchase tickets available in the church office at $7 per person or $20 per family. Even if you’re not Irish, we’re sure that reminiscing about youth group trips and Sunday School shenanigans will bring out the blarney in you.

The Lutheran Dorcas Society

The Lutheran Dorcas Society was formed Aug. 24, 1964 The purpose of this society is to make articles of clothing and possibly bed coverings to send to various mission nations or wherever the need might be. Material will to be purchased with funds received through gifts of love from each Dorcas member or any individual who may wish to make a contribution.

At the first meeting the following officers were elected: President - Clara Peschki Sec. & Treasurer - Eva Oescreich, Project Chairman - Mrs. Ernestine Willis Publicity - Mrs. Marguerite Schulz, Eighteen members were present.

Hundreds of quilts, lap robes, wheelchair caddies, cancer dressings, layettes, items of baby sweaters, hats, mittens etc. have been made. Many of these items were sent to the Bethesda Lutheran home where former member Doris Putzman was a resident.

Past Presidents of Dorcas – Clara   Peschko , Hilda Lacher,  Martha Norris, Louise Browning, Muriel Kruger and Betty Havens, still president. 

Secretary & treasurers - Eva Oestreich, and June Helmer still serving.

We have a treasured picture of former member Eva Oestreich tying a quilt, Eva was treasurer from 1964 - 1995.  She died Dec. 20, 1996 at age of 100

Original  members –

Clara Peschki, Florence Oestrsich, Anna Braunschweiger, Kate Tutton ,  Althea Gaus, Ernestine Willlis,  Emma Potrafke, Hilda Lacher, Sharon Faulkner, Alice Jensen, Doris Ballerstein, Freda Schrader, Marguerite Schulz, Florence Lehmann, Mary Heineman, Florence Andersen, Alma Dornow, Mrs. Faulkner, Sr., Emma Marsh, Eva Oestreich, Betty Havens

From some 20-25 original members a group of about 10 ladies have become a small dedicated group of workers. We are still tying quilts. A large share of the beautiful quilt tops have been fashioned by Shirley Neu. We have on display two of her colorful quilts, Butterfly and Galaxy recently finished by the ladies.

Many pictures of quilts and photo of quilting projects are also on display. Quilts have been given to the Red Cross, Fire Victims, Open Door mission in Rochester, World Relief, Hurricane Katrina victims, many individuals in need also lap robes to Wellsville Nursing Home, Highland Nursing Home .

A Paper -Peace Corps project was conducted sending Bibles, Portals of Prayer etc. to other
countries until postal regulations and postage proved too high.

2009 members~

Betty Havens , June Helmer, Eleanor Cott, Janet Vargo, Ginny Scott, Edna Lehman, Arlene Leave, Dorothy Herke, Lois Flurschutz, Marge Knowles.

We meet the second and forth Monday mornings from 9:30 to noon in the Dorcas room. Our schedule is on the church calendar. If you would like to come and tie a few knots with us we would be very happy for your help!

February 9th the Dorcas gals chose four quilts for display at the February 15th Valentines Dinner. “Salt Water Taffy”, “Galaxy”, “Butterflies” and a colorful block quilt. Two quilts and a lap robe were given to two ladies who lost their home in a fire.

February 23rd the ladies tied a quilt with 986 small squares–a riot of colors. Our next meeting will be March 9th and 23rd. Come join us!

I miss the cross!

I miss our cross above the altar! Oh, it’s there, but why up so high? It’s impossible to focus on it up there! I remember the majority voting to have it returned, but not to this location! I thought maybe I’d get used to it or forget about it (it’s been a few years) but I still think about it every Sunday when I sit in church. Does anyone else feel this way? Is there any hope of having it lowered to it’s original place?

Signed, Jane White