Pathways J a n u a ry 2 0 1 0

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

TRINITY
PRESBYTERIAN STAFF
Pastor
Gary Hanson
Home: (651) 501-1820
Cell: (651) 373-1821 2010 Kicks Off With A Bang!
gary@trinitywoodbury.org

Administrator/Pastoral Sunday, Jan. 3 (9:00 a.m.)

Care Coordinator
Dee Lindblom Take part in an
Mon-Fri 8:30am-2:00pm
dee@trinitywoodbury.org INTERGENERATIONAL CLASS ON THE EPIPHANY
Cell:(651) 353-6724
Led by teacher extraordinaire
Christian Education
Director Joan Nichols
Joe Pendal
joe@trinitywoodbury.org Next
(651) 436-3435 Join us Saturday, Jan. 9 (5:00 p.m.) for
Seminary Intern TRINITYLIVE!
Katie Whipple
(763) 258-7972 (dinner, entertainment
Church Musician and our very own Game Show!)
Joyce Piper
(651) 458-0341 Then … Sunday Morning, Jan 10 (9:00 a.m.) recharge yourself
by attending CE’s
Choir Director
Neal Strand
(651) 501-8225
WINTER RALLY SUNDAY
Child Care Attendants
All ages gather in the Narthex, we begin the new term with
Amanda Ulrich prayer and song … kids will then be led to their classrooms by
Kristina Deneen their teachers, and adults will go either to the Fellowship Hall
Custodians for Option 1:
Jeff Lindblom The Road to Life: Interactive Bible Study
Karen Patraw
or to the Library for Option 2:
2125 Tower Drive Faith & Fellowship
Woodbury MN 55125
Phone & Fax:
(651) 738-0045
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
I love to read. When I have no other commitments, a good evening
for me is sitting on the couch with a book in hand and our little shel-
ter dog, Neptune, by my side. What could be more relaxing than
reading something worthwhile and entertaining while petting a dog?
I especially love reading fiction which allows my mind to wander. I
have recently finished Pillars of the Earth, The Guernsey Literary and
Potato Peel Pie Society, and Tender is the Night, yet I try to keep up
with other genres as well. For example, I am currently reading
Thomas Friedman’s, Hot, Flat and Crowded as well as periodicals
such as ―Newsweek‖ and ―The Economist,‖ and my theological jour-
nals.
Yet in the midst of novels and periodicals, I always make time to
read the Bible, not just for my sermon preparation but for my devo-
tional time as well. Since this is the time of year when we think
about new habits and resolutions, may I suggest that each of us
make a new or renewed commitment to our spiritual health in 2010
by reading the Bible?
Our Adult Education Committee has made it a priority for the coming
year, and will be offering classes to help all of us in this respect.
There are a number of tools to help us in this quest. I know of sever-
al ―Read the Bible in One Year‖ approaches. Taking this personal
pledge doesn’t have to be anything lengthy; just opening up the
scriptures and reading a small portion each day will work wonders.
In the New Testament, you could start with the Gospel of John and
work through the other 3 gospels, and then proceed into some of the
letters. If you begin with the Old Testament, start with the Psalms,
which can be wonderful daily devotionals, and go on to the creation
story in Genesis, or powerful stories of the heroes of our faith, such
as Joshua, David and Ruth. I invite you to try it. Come see if your
Bible has anything to say to you, or if you have anything to say to it.
Your pastor,
Gary
PER CAPITA FOR 2010
Membership has its privileges and its responsibilities. One of the re-
quirements of being a member of the Presbyteri-
an Church (USA) is paying an annual contribu-
tion to the denomination that helps support the
resources provided to all PC(USA) churches.
For 2010, that membership fee will be $30.01
per member. We, as a church, must bear the full
amount whether individual church members pay
or not.
JANUARY 2010 Page 3

WHAT IS HAPPENING TO … IN … CHRISTIAN EDUCATION?

Winter Term Offers Much Ado About All-Church Retreat
Something!
If you have not yet signed up for the February
Happy New Year! For some reason that phrase 19-21 retreat please email or call me as soon
always makes me think of Frosty the Snowman as you can. The retreat committee has
and his coming alive expression, ―Ha-ppy planned a weekend for all ages, couples,
Birth-day!‖ Nonetheless, I wish to you and singles, families with all ages of children … it is
yours a joy-filled and faith-filled 2010. To help going to be fun and meaningful. Whether
with both the joy and the faith, Christian you’ve been on retreat before or not, this is
Education is preparing a host of classes and sure to be a weekend where friendships are
activities. Please mark your calendars and plan deepened.
to attend … remember every program is free
Small Group Opportunities
(except where it is not) and all come with
money back guarantees if you are not A four-session class, ―Creation: Everything Out
completely satisfied (except where they don’t). of Nothing,‖ will begin Monday, January 11 …
it will again be offered at 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Seriously … your Christian Education
and in the evening from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Call
Committee and humble servant director of
or email me for details or to sign-up.
Christian Education have put together a menu
of opportunities for all ages that is sure to ―Back to the Basics‖ will be a study of Christian
touch your heart, move your mind, and beliefs and Presbyterian thought. The date and
prayerfully bring you even closer to God. And time for this class has yet to be determined,
it all starts with: but requests for such a class have come to my
attention. If you are interested in participating,
Family Night At Trinity
please call or email me. Specify a couple days
Saturday, January 9 Christian Education is of the week and times that work for you and
welcoming everyone home from the holidays we will try to cobble together a schedule. Let
with a chili or soup supper (5:00 p.m.), which me know also if child care issues need to be
will be followed at 6:00 by a Variety Show … addressed to enable your participation.
which in turn will be followed by a Game Show
More things are planned and will be announced
(prizes and parting gifts to be provided). Help
in due time. Please know that anyone and
us kick-off the Winter Term by coming together
everyone is invited to bring ideas for learning
for pure fellowship and fun.
opportunities to our attention. We are
Winter Rally Sunday committed to developing and offering programs
that meet the needs and interests of the
The next day, January 10 we will mark the
congregation.
beginning of the new term with a wintery take
on the annual Fall kick-off. Join us, one and Joe Pendal, Director Christian Education
all, in the Narthex at 9:00 a.m. for a warm
(651-738-0045 or joe@trinitywoodbury.com)
welcome, song and a prayer. Then kids will go
off to class with their teachers, and adults will
head into the Fellowship Hall for a preview of
the classes being offered in 2010 … as well as
the class that day. Fellowship & Faith will also
be offered in the Library following the preview.
Page 4 Pathways

2010 TRINITY YANKEE SWAP

This year’s Yankee Swap and potluck dinner will be held at 6 pm on January 23 at Brad and
Julie Wright’s house (451 Bluebird Ln, Woodbury). Bring a dish to share and a relatively
inexpensive lovable gift to exchange - one for each person. Be sure to wrap it up nicely so that
no one can tell what it really is. This is a classic Trinity social event, and always a hilarious
evening. Please sign up on the sheet in the welcome area. This social event is intended for
adults; another event for the whole family is coming in February. If you haven’t been to a
Trinity social event, this is a great opportunity to meet some of the congregation.
Trinity Ad-hoc Social Committee

In November the Buildings & Grounds Committee planted a 10 foot spruce

tree southeast of the honor garden. This tree was purchased with funds
donated by the Bob Anderson family in honor of Bob's mother, Mary
Anderson. The tree provides an extension of the natural arbor border.
Thank you Bob, Lori and Josh for this generous and thoughtful gift.
JANUARY 2010 Page 5

Photos of the church’s advent décor by Debi Espe. Thank you!

Page 6 Pathways

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS
JANUARY 17 Kerry Breckle
1 Jean Kearns Ginny Carlson
2 Travis Chavez 18 Bob Anderson
3 John Culver Judy Houck
5 Craig Hanson 18 Mary Rosen
5 Josh Peterson 19 Emma Lehmann
6 Don Breckle 21 Jack Keiper
Mark Ramsey 23 Jenelle Krueger-Wolny
7 Stacie Anderson 26 Brayden Fisher
7 Danielle McKenna 26 Chris Rooney
7 Alison McKenzie 29 Michelle Allen
8 Matt Olson
Scott VanderVeer We regret if we missed your birthday;
10 Keith Hogie if we have, please phone the office!
11 Sean Gavin 738-0045
Jane Williams
16 Kelly Medd

PARISH PERSONALS
 Our sympathy is extended to Dee Lindblom and family on the death of her mother,
Delores Yecke on December 5.
 Our sympathy is also extended to Dexter Johnson and family on the death of his wife, Kay
on December 18.
 Our sympathy is also extended to the family of Bette Sherburne, who passed away on
December 22.

Alternative Christmas 2009

A big thank you to all who participated in Trinity’s Alternative Christmas last month. A total of
$1375 was contributed to the following organizations: Solar Ovens, East Metro Women, Chris-
tian Cupboard, Elder Friends, Medical Benevolence Foundation, Heifer International, and Extra
Innings.
Mission and Action Committee
JANUARY 2010 Page 7

Weekly Study Group: New for January – February

Trinity’s Friday study group will begin a new study on January
8 which will provide the opportunity to take seriously the Beati-
tudes, which we studied last fall.
To help guide our discussions, the group will utilize the book,
Beyond Your Backyard: Stepping Out to Serve Others by Tom
Ellsworth. Each session will present relevant and simple ideas
that can impact others in big and little ways. Books are $6.00
and are available on the literature table in the Welcome Room.
Women and men who have never visited the group are wel-
come any week. Meeting time is from 10:00 – 11:30 AM at the
church. Please call (651) 501-1820 if you have questions.

Trinity Presbyterian Program Financial Summary Nov 2009

Month Actual YTD Actual Yr. Budget
Total Program Donations $19,785.91 $217,208.87 $259,562.45
Total Program Expendi-
$22,370.69 $221,732.17 $259,520.38
tures
Donations Less Expenses ($2,584.78) ($4,523.30) $42

Building Fund Donations $7,324.84 $65,070.23

Building Mortgage Pay-
$6,691.00 $76,859.00
ment
Mortgage Balance $779,052.28

BLOOD DRIVE
Don’t forget that Trinity’s Third Annual Blood Drive is scheduled
for January 29! More specific information about the drive, in-
cluding times and eligibility guidelines will be coming soon from
your deacon.
If you’re not the needle type, we need volunteers of all kinds to
help us run the event. Jobs include donor sign in and registra-
tion, running the post-donation canteen and set up/take down/
clean up.
Contact your deacon or the church office to sign up for an ap-
pointment or volunteer for one of the many organizational tasks.
Page 8 Pathways

PASTORAL CARE MESSAGE

As many of you know, my mother died recently, I am grateful for the outpouring of
comfort and support from many of you. Among the cards, one of the nicest things I re-
ceived was a list of quotes about a mother’s love. I believe there is a lot of truth in the
Jewish Proverb, ―God could not be everywhere and therefore He made mothers,‖ be-
cause there is a spiritual nature to a mother’s love whose source is God. Mothers express moth-
er-love because of the way God created them: "God created man in his own image, in the image
of God created he him; male and female created he them" (Gen. 1:27).
The quote that immediately spoke of my mother is one from an unknown author—―A mother's
love is instinctual, unconditional, and forever.‖ In spite of my mistakes, I know my mother
loved me and my siblings unconditionally, just as God does. She always made me feel as
though I was a cherished child of God.
I hope others who have been blessed with such a mother will identify with the additional quotes
I share below.
 Mother is the name of God in the lips and hearts of children. - William Makepeace Thackeray,
English novelist
 To a child's ear, "mother" is magic in any language. - Arlene Benedict, “For Mother with Love”
 Life began with waking up and loving my mother's face - English novelist, George Eliot
 Mother is the bank where we deposit all our hurts and worries. – unknown author
 My mother's love for me was so great I have worked hard to justify it.— Marc Chagall
 A mother loves her children even when they least deserve to be loved. - Kate Samperi,
"Mothers"
 A mother understands what a child does not say. - Jewish proverb
 Mother's love is peace. It need not be acquired, it need not be deserved. - Erich Fromm,
psychologist
A mother’s love is the love and grace we receive from God…..unconditional and freely given.
Blessings, Dee Lindblom

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

Good things are happening with Trinity’s mental health ministry. Our Mental Health &
Wellness group has invited local churches to form a ―faith-based network that seeks to
promote mental health and wholeness in our churches and communities through educa-
tion and awareness.‖ Representatives from Woodbury Lutheran Church, Crossroads
Church, and King of Kings, along with Trinity have become the “Faith-Based Health &
Wellness Network,” and we will continue reaching out to other churches in the hope
that they will join us in whatever way is compatible with their mission.

(Continued on page 9)
JANUARY 2010
(Continued from page 8)
The “Faith-Based Health & Wellness Net-
work” is committed to presenting monthly
topics about mental, emotional and behavioral
issues. In January, we will begin filming
monthly presentations for airing on public tele-
vision (local channel 14 has agreed to air
them) and the web. The Network will have a
web page up and running in early in 2010 on
which we will publicize similar ministry events
of local churches, such as grief groups, health
related topics, disabilities concerns; informative
articles on various mental illnesses; and useful
links, workshops and conferences being spon-
sored around the Twin Cities.
The monthly presentations will continue to be
held at Trinity on the 4th Monday of each
month. The first presentation for 2010 will be
”What research says about vitamin thera-
pies in autism, ADHD, Alzheimer’s, violent
behavior, bipolar disorder, depression and
schizophrenia,” on January 25 at 6:30 pm.
Come and be amazed at how much research on
the impact therapeutic dosages of vitamins can
have on brain function. The use of supple-
ments can have as positive results as medica-
tion in some instances. Side effects of medica-
tion can be a major problem in treating brain
chemistry imbalances. By combining medica-
tions and supplements the drug side effects
and dosages can be lessened, enabling the in-
dividual to lead a more productive and comfort-
able life. This presentation explores specific nu-
tritional studies that have been conducted on
various brain disorders. Researches on Omega
3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, Vitamin D, B12 and
lithium orotate are a sampling of nutrients that
will be presented. Common dietary interven-
tions will also be discussed.
The presenter will be Laura McDaniel, a regis- Lilac Drive, Golden Valley. Please register by
tered nurse at Wyndgate Health. Prior to that, emailing Bebe Baldwin at
she worked at The Pfeiffer Treatment Center
for nine years, where she trained physicians,
physician assistants, and nurse practitioners in dee@trinitywoodbury.org) if you would like to
biomedical therapies. Laura’s own family has
benefited by this approach.
Page 9
This event is free and open to the public.
Experienced child care will be available for
a freewill offering. Registration is required
so that we can arrange appropriate care for
your child/ren—(651)738-0045.
– Dee Lindblom
OTHER TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Crisis Planning for Families
Working with children can be stressful and at
times, families need help. Learn the role of
county crisis teams, de-escalation techniques
and how to create effective crisis plans. These
trainings are designed for parents and caregiv-
ers of children with challenging behaviors.
This workshop will be held at Trinity. on Satur-
day, February 6, 2010. It is free of charge;
but pre-registration is requested. Stipends are
available for transportation and childcare. To
register or request stipends call NAMI at (651)
645-2948. Lunch will be provided and Certifi-
cates of Attendance will be available.
Suicide and the Church’s Ministry
This workshop, sponsored by the Presbyterian
Disability Concerns Task Force, is designed to
help church people answer their questions
about suicide, recognize warning signs, and
minister to those who are coping with loss. Cof-
fee and sign-in will begin at 8:30, with the pro-
gram starting at 9 am. A speaker from Suicide
Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE) will
speak about the facts and myths of suicide,
with break-out sessions to follow. The Rev.
Ross Aalgaard from Westminster Counseling
Center will wrap up the workshop with a dis-
cussion on the church’s ministry regarding sui-
cide.
The workshop will be held on Saturday, Jan-
uary 30, 2010, from 9 am until 12 noon, at
Valley Community Presbyterian Church, 3100
randbonmarquette@hotmal.com. Contact
Dee Lindblom (651)738-0045 or
carpool from Trinity.
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the church website:
Trinity Presbyterian http://www.trinitywoodbury.org
Church
2125 Tower Dr
Woodbury MN 55125 Next Newsletter Deadline:
651-731-0038
info@trinitywoodbury.org January15, 2010

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: ACTIVITIES AT TRINITY

Sunday Schedule January Upcoming Events

Pastor’s Column 2
Schedule
Education Hour
January 9, 5 pm
9:00 am January 3
Mission and Action 3 Family Night
Worship Communion
10:00 am
About our Seniors 4 January 10 January 10
Fellowship and Epiphany Winter Rally Sunday
Coffee 11:00 am
Birthdays 5 Jr./Sr. High January 17
January 23, 6 pm
Education Hour January 24 Yankee Swap
Healthy Mind Matters 6 11:00 am
January 31
January 25, 6:30 pm
Pastoral Care 7 -=-
Vitamin Therapy and
Child care is Mental Health
available during
worship service

Additional parking is available in New Horizon’s parking lot

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