February Newsletter
February Newsletter This picture was taken on January 4, 2015
Announcing Trinity eNewsletter Above is the eNewsletter Heading. This will remain the same each week with only the content changing. Please call the office at the number below or email me at: [email protected] with your info. Now it’s never too late to get your announcements out to the Trinity/Grace Church Family with the addition of the weekly eNewsletter . I will send this email out every Wednesday afternoon. All announcements must be in by 9 A.M.,
Two Churches One
Trinity Lutheran (706) 886-6723 4041 Hwy 17 T Toccoa, GA www.trinitytoccoa.com
Wednesday morning. Please specify if you would like the announcement to also appear in the weekly News Bulletin on Sunday. This weekly email will also include the Servant Guide for the upcoming Sunday and the list of Lectionary Readings. This will help to keep everyone connected with one another and updated on events and happenings at both Trinity and Grace. Grace Announcements will be listed on the lower half when submitted. Prayer Requests and Praise reports are also welcomed. Please call or email the office with the request by Wednesday , 9 A.M. Also be very specific about the information you would like included. Robin Hubbard
A Note from Sheldon Thank you to the Trinity choir for all your hard work in presenting Sing with the Angels this past December. We had obstacles to overcome, but you did me proud! I also want to thank the church for your generous Christmas gift. It was a true blessing. Grace Lutheran (706) 754-6696 1121 HWY 441 N, T Demorest, GA www.graceclarkesville.com
MIDWEEK LENTEN SERIES
WILDERNESS JOURNEYS Featuring
February 18 Ash Wednesday Holy Communion and Imposition of Ashes Midweek Services February 25 March 4, 11, 18, 25 12:15 p.m. Grace 7 p.m. Trinity
A PERFECT GIFT Well, we’ve just come through the major gift-giving season of Christmas and, of course, Valentine’s Day is coming soon. We do spend a lot of time thinking about gifts no matter what the occasion because we want to choose the perfect gift for our family and friends. In a recent daily devotion article, I read this Bible verse: “Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above…” (James 1:17) The writer of the article pointed out that the only perfect gift is God’s self-giving in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. BUT—it’s not the thought that counts; it’s the relationship to God that counts! (Christ in the Home Augsburg) When we respond to God’s generous and gracious love with gratitude and thanksgiving, the Holy Spirit moves us to action! R. W. Emerson said, “The only gift is a portion of thyself.” It is the relationship that counts among us, too--- with our family, friends, church, community, and the world. When we respond to each other, we are grateful for thoughtful gifts, prayers, encouragement, and help we may need. We should be generous in the same manner by giving of our time, talent, compassion, and resources, not just to the people we know, but also in reaching out to meet the needs of others. How awesome is our gift from God and how important is our response to that gift! May God guide each of us in our gift-giving this year. Together in Christ’s love,
Little Do you, or someone you know, deal with these issues?
Rev. Ken and Robin Hubbard, Directors
Please join us or tell someone you think would benefit from a biblical approach to healing in their life.
Depression Grief Anxiety Addictions Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Eating Disorders Anger Family Dysfunction Relationship Issues and the list goes on and on…. Celebrate Recovery can help anyone overcome and obtain freedom in their life. This freedom creates peace, serenity, joy and most importantly, a stronger personal relationship with God and others.
Weather behaving as Spring
“Sarah the Lutheran Raccoon”
Trinity Lutheran has a new member and her name is Sarah the raccoon. On Thursday, January 22nd, we had a little excitement here at Trinity. Leon Estep pictured front right caught a raccoon. This is the second raccoon Leon has caught and then brought here to be a part of Trinity Lutheran.
So, if you should see her here on the property, just say, “Hello, Sarah the Lutheran Raccoon”. She was beautiful and very ecstatic when she was released. “God’s creatures great and small are a magnificent sight to behold.”
Coats and Blankets for the Homeless There are many more homeless in Toccoa than most realize. Some are able to get a night or two at a motel paid for by local churches and other organizations. But there are many who end up sleeping outside with insufficient clothing for the cold temps. Pat Kemppainen has brought a few Men’s coats and two new blankets. Do you have winter coats or blankets that you know you are never going to use? If so, please bring them to Trinity and put them in the room just past
the kitchen, (refrigerator room). We will give them out to those in need who come to Trinity for help. My husband and I were part of a start-up ministry Jan., 2014 called Out of the Gate Ministries. God has placed a desire in us to leave the comfort zone of the church building and take the love of God and THE CHURCH to those in need where they’re at right now! We will help to distribute these items as we come across needy
But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture. Malachi 4:2 (NLT)
while on the streets and at the motels ministering to the displaced and homeless. We share the gospel with the people that we meet, but we must also meet their immediate needs when possible, to be most effective. Thank you, Robin Hubbard
But it’s really still Winter Popcorn, Hotdogs & Fellowship Find the hidden Heart in this Newsletter.
By Beverly Adams
A Brief History of Trinity's Prayer Chain I recently thought about the fact that the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church Prayer Chain has been a vital ministry here in Toccoa for over 20 years. The Prayer Chain, as we know it, began December 5, 1994. I was told that Trinity had tried to start a prayer request ministry earlier but it never really materialized. Around Thanksgiving in 1994, Pastor Walton talked to me about starting a Prayer Chain and so plans were made and as they say, "the rest is history." I'm not sure how many of our people were involved in the beginning beside the Waltons, Adams, Farmers, Maahs, and DeLaineTisdale, plus a few others who have moved away or gone on to be with the Lord, but in January 1996 the "membership" had grown to an all time high of 25 individuals. Over the years, the number has fluctuated and, at present we have 10 individuals who are "members" of the chain - Pastor Kehret, George & Beverly Adams, Dot Maahs, Faye Farmer, DeLaine Tisdale, Elnora Mila,
Thank you Notes My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Thank you so much for the Christmas gift. I am continually amazed at the love and generosity shown me by this congregation. It has been my pleasure and delight to serve as your Organist and I hope to continue for a long time in the future. Love to all and Blessings, Ruth Muir
Helen Estep, Gerry Robinson and Jan Evans. What does it mean to be a member of the Prayer Chain? There are no dues. We are not an exclusive organization. All it takes to be a "member" is the willingness to receive prayer requests and to pray for the needs expressed. I realize that many in the congregation take and use the printed Prayer List on Sundays to pray. Thank you! I want every one to know that you are sincerely welcome to become a "member" of the Prayer Chain. We receive the thanks and appreciation of so many of those for whom we pray, and we trust that knowing that "someone" is praying is an encouragement and blessing. Each month we will list several of the members and friends of Trinity and Grace and encourage everyone to pray for them. In February please remember: Jimmy & Elaine Bailey; Jan Baird; Bob & Mary Lou Berghel; Rev. Geary Bird; Richard & Cheryl Boettger; and George & Beverly Adams. "The prayer of a righteous man (or woman) is powerful and effective." James 5:16
Dear Trinity and Grace Church Families, I humbly thank you for all of the gifts that you so generously presented me at Christmas. Your kindness and giving hearts amaze and touch me in ways words cannot express. I pray blessings for all of you as you have blessed me and my family year after year. I am truly humbled by your love and munificence. Thank you! With heartfelt love, Robin Hubbard
Brave the Cold Waters of Lake Louise for a Heartwarming Cause
9th Annual Leap for Literacy - Feb. 28, 2015 Help raise money for the Read at Home program Come be part of Stephens County’s wildest, craziest & most invigorating fundraiser! The 9th Annual Leap for Literacy will be held February 28, 2015 at the Georgia Baptist Convention Center in Toccoa. We invite those in the community with an adventurous side to “LEAP” into the cold, cold waters of Lake Louise and raise money for a good cause.
Forms are located on the credenza at the back of the sanctuary.
VBS 2015 First Presbyterian Church Our joint VBS with First Presbyterian will be at their church this year, and once again, Group Publishing has created an outstanding theme! This VBS focuses solely on Jesus as we travel back in time to his hometown of Nazareth. Our Bible teacher will be his mother, Mary, who will help the children (and adults!) see firsthand God’s Word at work in a person’s life. The format will be the exciting Nazareth Marketplace where we will visit fun shops with interesting shopkeepers ---just like we had when we visited the ancient cities of Babylon and Athens. We will see God’s Word come alive as we enjoy role-playing, Bible-times customs, occupations, food, and games in Jesus’ hometown. So start spreading the news about VBS 2015! Tell your family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Mark your calendars and be sure to check the bulletins, the bulletin boards, and the newsletters for important VBS information concerning meetings, workdays, and needed supplies. Margit and I appreciate all of your faithful service to the VBS program, especially your prayers asking for God’s help and guidance. Thank you for all you do to make VBS possible! In His name and to His glory, Little
VBS 2015
Announcing Trinity eNewsletter Above is the eNewsletter Heading. This will remain the same each week with only the content changing. Please call the office at the number below or email me at: [email protected] with your info. Now it’s never too late to get your announcements out to the Trinity/Grace Church Family with the addition of the weekly eNewsletter . I will send this email out every Wednesday afternoon. All announcements must be in by 9 A.M.,
Two Churches One
Trinity Lutheran (706) 886-6723 4041 Hwy 17 T Toccoa, GA www.trinitytoccoa.com
Wednesday morning. Please specify if you would like the announcement to also appear in the weekly News Bulletin on Sunday. This weekly email will also include the Servant Guide for the upcoming Sunday and the list of Lectionary Readings. This will help to keep everyone connected with one another and updated on events and happenings at both Trinity and Grace. Grace Announcements will be listed on the lower half when submitted. Prayer Requests and Praise reports are also welcomed. Please call or email the office with the request by Wednesday , 9 A.M. Also be very specific about the information you would like included. Robin Hubbard
A Note from Sheldon Thank you to the Trinity choir for all your hard work in presenting Sing with the Angels this past December. We had obstacles to overcome, but you did me proud! I also want to thank the church for your generous Christmas gift. It was a true blessing. Grace Lutheran (706) 754-6696 1121 HWY 441 N, T Demorest, GA www.graceclarkesville.com
MIDWEEK LENTEN SERIES
WILDERNESS JOURNEYS Featuring
February 18 Ash Wednesday Holy Communion and Imposition of Ashes Midweek Services February 25 March 4, 11, 18, 25 12:15 p.m. Grace 7 p.m. Trinity
A PERFECT GIFT Well, we’ve just come through the major gift-giving season of Christmas and, of course, Valentine’s Day is coming soon. We do spend a lot of time thinking about gifts no matter what the occasion because we want to choose the perfect gift for our family and friends. In a recent daily devotion article, I read this Bible verse: “Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above…” (James 1:17) The writer of the article pointed out that the only perfect gift is God’s self-giving in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. BUT—it’s not the thought that counts; it’s the relationship to God that counts! (Christ in the Home Augsburg) When we respond to God’s generous and gracious love with gratitude and thanksgiving, the Holy Spirit moves us to action! R. W. Emerson said, “The only gift is a portion of thyself.” It is the relationship that counts among us, too--- with our family, friends, church, community, and the world. When we respond to each other, we are grateful for thoughtful gifts, prayers, encouragement, and help we may need. We should be generous in the same manner by giving of our time, talent, compassion, and resources, not just to the people we know, but also in reaching out to meet the needs of others. How awesome is our gift from God and how important is our response to that gift! May God guide each of us in our gift-giving this year. Together in Christ’s love,
Little Do you, or someone you know, deal with these issues?
Rev. Ken and Robin Hubbard, Directors
Please join us or tell someone you think would benefit from a biblical approach to healing in their life.
Depression Grief Anxiety Addictions Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Eating Disorders Anger Family Dysfunction Relationship Issues and the list goes on and on…. Celebrate Recovery can help anyone overcome and obtain freedom in their life. This freedom creates peace, serenity, joy and most importantly, a stronger personal relationship with God and others.
Weather behaving as Spring
“Sarah the Lutheran Raccoon”
Trinity Lutheran has a new member and her name is Sarah the raccoon. On Thursday, January 22nd, we had a little excitement here at Trinity. Leon Estep pictured front right caught a raccoon. This is the second raccoon Leon has caught and then brought here to be a part of Trinity Lutheran.
So, if you should see her here on the property, just say, “Hello, Sarah the Lutheran Raccoon”. She was beautiful and very ecstatic when she was released. “God’s creatures great and small are a magnificent sight to behold.”
Coats and Blankets for the Homeless There are many more homeless in Toccoa than most realize. Some are able to get a night or two at a motel paid for by local churches and other organizations. But there are many who end up sleeping outside with insufficient clothing for the cold temps. Pat Kemppainen has brought a few Men’s coats and two new blankets. Do you have winter coats or blankets that you know you are never going to use? If so, please bring them to Trinity and put them in the room just past
the kitchen, (refrigerator room). We will give them out to those in need who come to Trinity for help. My husband and I were part of a start-up ministry Jan., 2014 called Out of the Gate Ministries. God has placed a desire in us to leave the comfort zone of the church building and take the love of God and THE CHURCH to those in need where they’re at right now! We will help to distribute these items as we come across needy
But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture. Malachi 4:2 (NLT)
while on the streets and at the motels ministering to the displaced and homeless. We share the gospel with the people that we meet, but we must also meet their immediate needs when possible, to be most effective. Thank you, Robin Hubbard
But it’s really still Winter Popcorn, Hotdogs & Fellowship Find the hidden Heart in this Newsletter.
By Beverly Adams
A Brief History of Trinity's Prayer Chain I recently thought about the fact that the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church Prayer Chain has been a vital ministry here in Toccoa for over 20 years. The Prayer Chain, as we know it, began December 5, 1994. I was told that Trinity had tried to start a prayer request ministry earlier but it never really materialized. Around Thanksgiving in 1994, Pastor Walton talked to me about starting a Prayer Chain and so plans were made and as they say, "the rest is history." I'm not sure how many of our people were involved in the beginning beside the Waltons, Adams, Farmers, Maahs, and DeLaineTisdale, plus a few others who have moved away or gone on to be with the Lord, but in January 1996 the "membership" had grown to an all time high of 25 individuals. Over the years, the number has fluctuated and, at present we have 10 individuals who are "members" of the chain - Pastor Kehret, George & Beverly Adams, Dot Maahs, Faye Farmer, DeLaine Tisdale, Elnora Mila,
Thank you Notes My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Thank you so much for the Christmas gift. I am continually amazed at the love and generosity shown me by this congregation. It has been my pleasure and delight to serve as your Organist and I hope to continue for a long time in the future. Love to all and Blessings, Ruth Muir
Helen Estep, Gerry Robinson and Jan Evans. What does it mean to be a member of the Prayer Chain? There are no dues. We are not an exclusive organization. All it takes to be a "member" is the willingness to receive prayer requests and to pray for the needs expressed. I realize that many in the congregation take and use the printed Prayer List on Sundays to pray. Thank you! I want every one to know that you are sincerely welcome to become a "member" of the Prayer Chain. We receive the thanks and appreciation of so many of those for whom we pray, and we trust that knowing that "someone" is praying is an encouragement and blessing. Each month we will list several of the members and friends of Trinity and Grace and encourage everyone to pray for them. In February please remember: Jimmy & Elaine Bailey; Jan Baird; Bob & Mary Lou Berghel; Rev. Geary Bird; Richard & Cheryl Boettger; and George & Beverly Adams. "The prayer of a righteous man (or woman) is powerful and effective." James 5:16
Dear Trinity and Grace Church Families, I humbly thank you for all of the gifts that you so generously presented me at Christmas. Your kindness and giving hearts amaze and touch me in ways words cannot express. I pray blessings for all of you as you have blessed me and my family year after year. I am truly humbled by your love and munificence. Thank you! With heartfelt love, Robin Hubbard
Brave the Cold Waters of Lake Louise for a Heartwarming Cause
9th Annual Leap for Literacy - Feb. 28, 2015 Help raise money for the Read at Home program Come be part of Stephens County’s wildest, craziest & most invigorating fundraiser! The 9th Annual Leap for Literacy will be held February 28, 2015 at the Georgia Baptist Convention Center in Toccoa. We invite those in the community with an adventurous side to “LEAP” into the cold, cold waters of Lake Louise and raise money for a good cause.
Forms are located on the credenza at the back of the sanctuary.
VBS 2015 First Presbyterian Church Our joint VBS with First Presbyterian will be at their church this year, and once again, Group Publishing has created an outstanding theme! This VBS focuses solely on Jesus as we travel back in time to his hometown of Nazareth. Our Bible teacher will be his mother, Mary, who will help the children (and adults!) see firsthand God’s Word at work in a person’s life. The format will be the exciting Nazareth Marketplace where we will visit fun shops with interesting shopkeepers ---just like we had when we visited the ancient cities of Babylon and Athens. We will see God’s Word come alive as we enjoy role-playing, Bible-times customs, occupations, food, and games in Jesus’ hometown. So start spreading the news about VBS 2015! Tell your family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Mark your calendars and be sure to check the bulletins, the bulletin boards, and the newsletters for important VBS information concerning meetings, workdays, and needed supplies. Margit and I appreciate all of your faithful service to the VBS program, especially your prayers asking for God’s help and guidance. Thank you for all you do to make VBS possible! In His name and to His glory, Little
VBS 2015
