1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
Postage Paid
Milaca, MN 56353
U.S. Permit No. 109
The TLC Connection
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, ELCA • 735 2nd St. SE • MILACA, MN • 56353
320-983-6420
Volume 19, Issue 10 • October 2014
THANK YOU TRINITY! The luau was a great success thanks to
the giving people in our congregation. Thank you for your
donations of food, wonderful silent auction items, bids on auction
items, extra donations in offering plate, and work preparing and
cleaning up. With all that stewardship and Thrivent funds we
raised over $5,000. We will have colored a total of 70 keys out of
the 88 keys on the piano. We enjoyed the great Hawaiian clothes,
sharing a delicious meal, our special entertainment, the photo
booth, and the kids’ activities. Mahalo! (thank you in Hawaiian)
Phone: 320-983-6420
Website: trinitymilaca.org
E-Mail: [email protected]
Facebook: www.facebook.com/trinitymilaca
Pastor Bauer’s Cell: 320-362-0301
Pastor Bauer's E-Mail: [email protected]
Monday - Thursday 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Communications:
Office Hours:
Sunday Worship
October 5, 12 & 19 at 8:30 AM & 10:45 AM
October 26 at 9:30 AM
Service Schedule:
Newsletter
Trinity Lutheran Church
P.O. Box 249
Milaca, MN 56353
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Elementary Ministry, 3-4, 5-6 to begin in October
Matt Schwind will be gathering with Elementary age groups
starting in October. 3rd and 4th graders will meet after school
October 1st and 15th, 5th and 6th graders will meet after school
October 8th and 22nd. The plan is for kids to meet by Mr. Lundeen’s and Ms. Prose’s
rooms near the playground. Once there, they can walk out together using the crossing
guard at First Street to walk up the hill to Zion and be met at Central Avenue by an adult
to cross the street. These groups will meet until 4:30 PM and can be picked up at Zion.
For more information talk to Pastor Bauer or Pastor Blenkush.
Pastor Bauer, servant of Jesus Christ at Trinity
Lutheran Church; grace to you and peace from God our
Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The last Sunday of September during fellowship we talked about our
congregation, Trinity Lutheran Church. We asked:
 If Mission is, “God’s reconciling and restoring action in the world,” how do you
see us participating?
 If someone looked for a Church in Milaca what would you tell them about
Trinity? How would you describe what we do here, who we are, what makes this
a Christian community witnessing to the love of God?
 How do others in Milaca perceive Trinity? What they have heard about this
Church?
We will continue having these types of discussion each month on the last Sunday of the
month, exploring how we can serve Milaca and beyond as people of God.
The last Sunday of this month is Reformation Sunday. In the past we have let the
day be devoted to the Service of Affirmation of Baptism for our confirmands. This year
that Service will take place on All Saints Sunday, November 2nd. Reformation Sunday
recalls Martin Luther’s emphasis on our relationship with God in Jesus, saved by grace
through faith. Luther often asked the question, “What does this mean?” to matters of
faith and church. As we are seeking to ask questions of ourselves as a congregation it is
also helpful to ask question of faith and church of ourselves.
 Who is God in my life? What difference does that make both for my personal
life and for the lives of those I meet day by day?
 How do I practice Christian faith and discipleship? (Read the Bible, Pray,
Worship, Give, Serve, have Christian Community/Fellowship.)
 Where I live at home are there reminders of my faith? When I am in the world,
at work do I live in such a way that people might see God’s love in my actions,
words, or attitudes?
Today I ask you to spend some time reflecting and praying about those
questions. Let them accompany you for a few days as you go about your activities and
life. Remember them when you are faced with living them. Invite God to come with you
and be blest.
Keep the faith. Say your prayers. Love like Jesus. Pastor Tim Bauer
Community Events
Salad Luncheon at Milaca United Methodist Church on October 1st
serving from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Cost: $7. Carry outs available.
Are you Scandinavian? Join us at our Sons of Norway Open House on October 5th
from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Trinity, Milaca. Come learn more about our cultural programs
focusing on music, food, history, folk arts, literature and hospitality. Free food, fun and
information being served.
This Side of Heaven will have its next country gospel sing-along October 5th at 2:00
PM at the Milaca Alliance Church. Music and refreshments. Everyone is welcome!
Camp Onomia Work Days! Come join us in making camp a better place. Work for all
ages and skills. We have two dates this Fall! Bring a friend, some tools and let the office
know you are coming! Dates are October 5th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and November
1st from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Please call ahead to register 320-532-3767.
Yoga Classes starting the week of October 6th - want to improve your strength,
flexibility and balance while reducing stress and tension? Yoga is Mondays and
Thursdays at 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Cost: $5 per session. Bring a yoga mat, rug or
towel. Call Carol Jerzak, Yogafit Instructor 320-291-3143 or [email protected]
with questions.
German Supper at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Princeton on October 6th. Serving
times are 5:00, 5:15, 5:45, 6:00, 6:15 and 6:30 PM. $10 for adults; $5 children under 10.
Menu: roast pork, spaetzle, German potato salad, sauerkraut, breads and apple dessert.
Tickets available at the door.
Stew Supper, Craft Bazaar & Bake Sale at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on October 8th
from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM. $8 for adults and children 13 and over; $4 children 5-12;
children 4 and under free. Come and enjoy our homemade stew, desserts, bake sale, and
many other handcrafted items.
Savvy Social Security Planning - What Baby Boomers need to know to maximize
retirement income. Event will take place at Milaca High School on October 14th at 3:30
PM and 6:30 PM. The event is hosted by Thrivent Financial and your local
representative Chris Ehlen. Call Val at 763-633-5300 or email
[email protected] to reserve a place for yourself and a guest.
Practice Discipleship: Frames for Faith
Stewardship/Generosity/Our life of Sharing Together
October 23rd from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Camp Onomia the NE MN
Synod is leading a workshop exploring two Frames for Faith: Framing
Christian Community and Framing Failure with Forgiveness. Pastor will
be attending and has room for others to come with. This event is for
anyone who wants to grow in faith and leadership. As there is interest a second
opportunity will take place November 4th in Duluth to explore Framing the Vision:
Seeing Things New and Framing the Path: Practicing Things New. Speak with Pastor
Bauer for more information.
We have done very well with some important Fund Raising in the past few
months. The youth preparing for the ELCA National Youth Gathering in
Detroit next summer has made their initial registration goal and have good
plans for the payments to come. The planning for the Luau met with great success in so
many ways as we worked together, celebrated and ate together and raised $5000 for the
Grand Piano. We have only $3200 left. November 1st we serve the Lutefisk Dinner to
raise funds for many good purposes of the congregation, and again will experience the
joy of working together and serving others. We are good at Fund Raising. We know
how to do that. We have the ability to work on Special Projects. It is fun to see us all
pull together. As good as we are at that receive this simple reminder that the ongoing
mission and ministry of the congregation fulfilled through weekly offering continually
needs our attention and support. Thank you for being the people of God.
Sunday Morning Worship Tasks
Each family is assigned a month to help with Sunday morning worship tasks (ushering,
greeting, reading lessons, etc). November and December worship sheets are posted on
the worship board in narthex. PLEASE sign up!
November
Merle & Shirley Brink
Mike & Rita Cassens
RuthAnn Christianson
Jesse & Kayla Gerads
Jim & Roxi Gerads
Nicole Hartung
Candy Jacobson
Duane & Carol Jerzak
Mark Johnson
Delwood & Sara Larsen
Kenneth Larsen
Mark Larsen
Robert & Katie Mason
Dan Mettling
Peg Monroe
Randy & Jennifer Nelson
Cory & Denise Pedersen
Pete Pedersen
Dan & Nancy Ruis
Randy & Joyce Sundberg
Judy Swanson
Steve & Dee Voshell
Nancy Wilken
December
Bob & Jan Anderson
Tim & Julie Bauer
Dean & Audrey French
Duane & Lorraine French
Tony & Tracy Hass
Gerald & Laura Johnson
Gary & Kristi Kragt
Terry & Jan Larsen
Andy & Kristie Larson
Nick & Jody Meixell
Chris & Amy Nord
Pat & Pam Novak
Tim & Sue Nystrom
Dave & Connie Oistad
Joel & Connie Patnode
Don & Elaine Sanderson
Mark & Linda Skinner
Mel & MaryAnn Swanson
Judee Wall
Scott & Geri Wild
New Member Orientation
Trinity Lutheran will be offering a New Member Orientation on October 5th
at noon, with a Reception of New Members October 12th. Encourage those
who have been attending church over the summer and families that are
participating in Sunday School and who are looking for a place to worship
and belong. Take this time to invite others from the community who are
looking for a faith community to come to worship. Are you willing Shepherd/Befriend a
New Member Family? Talk to Pastor Tim.
Fall Readers Forum
Plainsong by Kent Haruf has been recommended as a good read. It is not particularly
religious but is the first part of a trilogy that includes Evensong and Benediction, each
title having religious meaning. Plainsong is a novel, a story about a community on the
Colorado plains. We will share our reading of the book on October 30th at 7:00 PM.
Books can be ordered by signing up, getting an electronic format or picking it up on
your own. A sign-up sheet will be by Pastor’s office, and talk to Pastor if you need a
copy. Plainsong was a National Book Award Finalist.
Adult Faith Study: Ephesians
Ephesians is the letter of Paul that helped the early Church understand
how to organize and be in mission. Starting October 5th at 9:45 AM the
Adult Faith Study will read through this letter together and talk about how we
understand the church, the mission and ministry we share in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Youth Ministry

Senior High Youth meet together with Matt Schwind every
Wednesday from 7:00 to 8:00 PM for discussion, fellowship,
games, etc. This month’s topics are: October 1st Mixed
Messages; October 8th How are you defined?; October 15th
Science and God; October 22nd Talking about Camp; October 29th Halloween
Party: Pumpkin carving. There is also an outing planned for Saturday October 18th
to a Pumpkin Patch.
Rise Up! ELCA Detroit National Youth Gathering. We are registered and are going
to Detroit next summer, July 11-20. Participants from Trinity and Zion include:
Pastor Bauer, Jennifer Goerger-Tolzman (chaperones); Ted Blenkush, Matthew
Franson, Haley Hoskins, Olivia Kragt, Beau Lepper, Derrick Lepper, Logan Mero,
Claire Mettling, Kennedy Rusk, Reece Sandberg, and Maddy Voshell. Thank you
for your support and prayers.
NE MN Synod Middle School Youth Gathering November 21-22 Registration. We
encourage youth in grades 6-9 to attend the gathering because it is an overnight of
faith and fun. Registration is $40, Trinity covers the final payment of $24.
Registration forms are available at Confirmation or with Pastor Bauer. And yes, we
will need chaperones!
Trinity Lutheran Church Women
Welcome to our fall calendar of activities. We look
forward to your participation!

WELCA Heartland Conference Fall Gathering is October 2nd. Registration
begins at 8:30 AM at Trinity Crossing Building in Princeton (across the street
from Trinity Lutheran). “Framing Our Faith” will be the theme of Pastor Chris
Manisto’s presentation for the morning program. Business meeting will take
place after lunch. Please bring something for the Silent Auction.

TLCW meeting, October 8th, 11:30 AM.

Quilting Group, October 9th, at 9:00 AM.

Cookie Bake, October 20th, 9:00 AM in kitchen - these delicious treats are used
for the Lutefisk Dinner.

Fall Quilt Raffle for TLCW. As you receive this newsletter please take the sheet
of tickets for the raffle, make as many copies as you would like, and sell them to
family and friends. The money and tickets should be turned in to Jan Larsen (our
treasurer) and the drawing will be in November at the Thank Offering Service.
The two homemade quilts will be on display soon. Be sure to take a look.

Christmas Cantata practice begins October 6th from 7:00-8:00 PM. Performance is
December 7th. Questions please see Ann Kern.
Bake Sale, November 1st, day of Lutefisk Dinner - please
consider donating an item for the Bake Sale. Items can range
from baked goods to canned specialties. All are welcome.

TLCW meeting, November 12th, 11:30 AM.
Here & Now will lead second service on October 12th.

Thank Offering Sunday, November 23rd - this is the service that is planned and
lead by women.


News & Notes
Jr. High Youth Group meets Sundays at 9:30 AM by the nursery.
uniTed will lead second service on October 19th.
Trinity Day at the Dining Site at the Hi Rise is October 16th. Serving begins at 11:30
AM and the cost of the meal is $4.00 for persons 60 or older.
Friendship Coffee will meet October 16th at 2:00 PM at church. Join us for a short
devotion and conversation. Coffee will be on and bring a couple of cookies to share.
Trinity Supper Club Fellowship For All is going to Rockwood’s Grill in Otsego on
October 30th. Meet at church at 5:00 PM.
Operation Community Connect
OCC is not utilizing our Fellowship Hall this year, but we are still involved in
supporting this project. Each congregation of the community is being asked to provide
some item to be distributed to those who attend the day looking for resources. Trinity
has been assigned the task of collecting bars of soap. Bring it in and it will get to those
in need. Thank you.