Pathways

A publication of Trinity Presbyterian Church

2125 Tower Drive Woodbury, MN 55125 www.trinitywoodbury.org (651) 738-0045
March 2012

Spring Is Springing and Breaks are for the Taking

For individuals and families who set aside their studies for a week of rejuvenation, we remind friends and members that March makes up the lions share of the Lenten Season. Our jubilation will overflow on Easter Sunday, April 8, but in the meantime, we encourage everyone to engage in the quiet contemplation of Lent as you enjoy the week off from schools hectic scheduling. Among the opportunities for spiritual exercise at Trinity are: Garys Lenten Bible Study on Wednesday evenings (which by the time you read this will be just beginning, offering plenty of time to jump in); Adult Education continues each Sunday with a new Bible Study format; th Sunday School for our PreK-6 graders at 9:00 am Youth Sunday School at 11:00 am Additional Youth activities such as the upcoming Youth Retreat to Clearwater at the end of the month. With the math and science books set aside for a week, its a good time to share Scripture as a family. And if you are on vacation and waiting in line to ride a crazy scary roller coaster, (always a time of prayer!) remember to reflect on the On pages 8-9 you can read about meaning of this important what members of Trinitys Youth season of the Group experienced during their recent churchs year. Presidents Day break.

The Events of Holy Week

Good Friday, 4/6: Noon Worship Service to help kick off Trinitys Easter Reflections (Prayer Watch) Saturday 4/7: The Great Easter Vigil, including the Lords Supper. Something new! This service will begin at approximately 8pm. Easter Sunday 4/8: Worship Services at 9:00 and 10:30 am Youth-Served Pancake Breakfast 8:30-11:00am

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Looking for Lent

This Lent Im looking for a change no longer giving up but taking on instead the task of noticing whatever has been there unseen from the beginning perceiving all those mysteries monsters too and even the odd miracle which until now escaped my eye caught up in catching up who knows what may be glimpsed between the Lenten rose and Easters banks of lilies perhaps even the footprints of the gardener himself whose waking walking word to us spells seeing is believing.

by Gary Hanson, Minister

Shepherd counters the traditional Lenten theology of giving up something by saying no longer giving up but taking on instead the task of noticing whatever has been there unseen. Since Lent has always been a time of excessive introspection, reflection, and self-denial, it would naturally flow to give up certain things or attributes in our personalities as a form of penance or even punishment. And yet Lent should be a time of instruction leading up to the glorious occasion of Easter. Lent becomes a time to prepare for this celebration and to renew our lives and our vows of baptism. Lent looks expectantly and anxiously toward the resurrection of our Lord Jesus. Being aware of sin is appropriate, yes, but so is profound joy. Lent should not merely be a time to be spent or endured. It is to be savored and shared. Blessings along the journey, Gary

By J. Barrie Shepherd
For me, this particular poem by J. Barrie Shepherd is a refreshing insight on Lent.

Open to Me the Gates

Wednesdays in Lent, 6:30 7:30 pm. Discover how gates are conceptually used throughout the Bible. Books are $8.00.

Dates to NOTE:

Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 11 at 2:00 am. Set your clocks an hour forward before you go to sleep Sat. March 10! Photo Make-up: Wed March 7, 6:00 pm.

Mental Health Matters

Babies and Toddlers Can Suffer Mental Illness, Seldom Get Treatment
According to research published by the American Psychological Association, infants and toddlers can suffer serious mental health disorders, yet they are unlikely to receive treatment that could prevent lasting developmental problems. Contrary to traditional beliefs that infants cannot have mental health problems because they lack mental life, even young infants can react to the meaning of others intentions and emotions because they have their own rudimentary intentions and motivating emotions. While trauma can be a significant factor in developing mental health issues, researchers encourage more study of the impact of everyday life and continual interactions between infants and parents or caregivers. They say that infants make meaning about themselves and their relation to the world of people and things, and when that meaning-making goes wrong, it can lead to development of mental health problems. The research emphasizes the importance of the creation and integration of services for parents and caregivers of young children so they can recognize mental health issues in infants and are able to find help. Among the researchers recommendations: Expand early screening for infants and toddlers to detect mental health issues, such as relationship disorders, depression and self-regulation problems. Train professionals in mental health, pediatrics, early childhood education, child welfare and other related professions to recognize risk factors, and ensure that undergraduate, graduate and continuing professional education include content on infant mental health. Integrate infant mental health consultations into programs for parents, child care, early education, well -child health services and home-based services. Address insurance and Medicaid payment policies to provide coverage for prevention and treatment of mental health issues for infants and toddlers.

The Turning Point: Navigating a Relative's Move to Residential Care Monday, March 19 from 3 5 pm
Dr. Joe Gaugler from the University of Minnesota, an expert of Gerontology/Geriatrics, will address families, care givers and other professionals on the topic of moving a loved one to a long-term care facility. He will: 1. Review the feelings and issues that families and staff report when navigating the residential care transition; 2. Examine programmatic approaches that can help families deal with a relative's admission to longterm care; 3. Inform family members what they can do to deal with "the turning point." Sponsored by the Faith-Based Health & Wellness Network, this workshop will be held at Norris Square, 8200 Hadley Ave S, Cottage Grove MN, 55016 on Mon., March 19 from 3 5 pm. Dont miss the opportunity to hear Dr. Gaugler free of charge. Certificates of attendance will be available.

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Lent Can be a Time of Spiritual Growth for Children and Adults by Dee Lindblom, Pastoral Care
We are early in our Lenten journey, and I talk about will help them put it all together. want to wish you and your families a time of spiritual Many families schedule a weekly meeting, growth. Lent is a reflective period of fasting, almsgivwhich includes prayer, and then a conversation ing and prayer as we prepare ourselves for the feast about what each person is doing to become of Easter. closer to God during Lent and decide what the The 40 days of Lent can lead to transformawhole family could do to be more like Jesus. tion if we focus on finding quiet time to talk with God, Even if children aren't contributing financially, to ask for guidance, and to trust that God is our comthey can be involved in the process by deciding together how the family can give in some fort and our rock. way during Lent. Although young children may have a hard time understanding There are many The 40 days of Lent can lead to Lenten traditions or pracLent, one way to explain it is as transformation if we focus on finding tices that families can try a time to bring us closer to quiet time to talk with God, to ask together to see what fits God. In our busy lives, we fill ourselves with candy, sports, them best. The important for guidance, and to trust that God thing is that you lay the video games and television is our comfort and our rock. groundwork for your children which makes us happy, but during to understand Lent as a special Lent we give some of this up to make more room for God. If adults talk about Lent and entime that will grow and mature with them. Pray and study together, and watch your family emerge from gage in practices that children can see and be a part this Lenten season in of, they will naturally grow up in a culture that embraces Lent as a season of grace. joyful anticipation of Reading scripture to share the story of salvaEaster and what it means. tion and our history as children of God begins to help kids form a spiritual foundation. Blessings, Lent is a time to be renewed in our baptism, so taking out your child(ren)s baptismal candles Dee or perhaps a photo or video of their baptism to

To Trinity Presbyterian, Thank you for the card (after my riding accident and foot surgery). It meant a lot to hear that I was also on the prayer list. Special thanks to Pastor Gary for making a house call to check on me. All of your thoughts and prayers have helped me greatly through this hard time Things are looking greatIll have one more

week of weight bearing activities and then start four weeks of physical therapy. I should be back at work by the beginning of May Im slowly but surely making progress and it would be a lot harder without you all! Thanks again, Aurielle Ryden Also Recently hospitalized: Nicki Danielson & Don Carlson

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March Birthdays & Parish Personals

4 5 8 10 11 13 14 15 Greg VanderVeer Devon Breckle Marty Danielson Jay Wilkinson Megan Rooney Axel Gahl Kevin Bensen Allison Fisher Liam Pendal Brian Fisher 22 19 20 16 18 Sue Betten Sam Elrod Dorianne McCreary Arlene Richards Julie Sinks Dan Schenck (Little) Sam Harder Jane Willison Pam Drehmel Karen Lindblom 29 30 31 26 27 24 25 Andy Mayfield Sean Finn Mike Schenck Laura Theiss Ryan Schenck Kelsey Strand Debi Espe Joyce Lewis Jonathan Ellis

Gracias from Sue Bergeron Thanks to all for your support of my mission trip to Mexico. I have been participating in the Intercambio trips for 17 years and this year the trip was to San Juan de Dios in rural Yucatan. We held medical and dental clinics and helped in construction of a concrete porch in front of the municipal building. My specific role was to help with sanitation for our group as well as provide health education programs for the villagers. The children learn the importance of washing hands and brushing teeth through songs and puppet shows and the men and women participated in programs about staying healthy, too. Another opportunity was to hold craft classes for the women of Bethesda Presbyterian Church in Cancun. It was well attended with about 30 each day. It was enjoyable for all to use their creative ability and see how simple it is to make beautiful items.

Trinity Contacts
Buildings & Grounds Mike Schenck 739-3727 Christian Education Sara Finn 714-9510 Robyn Gizzi 731-9844 Clerk of Session Bruce Williams 731-8233 Marketing/Communications Don Breckle 739-5429

Mission & Action Bob Anderson 578-9367 Moderator of Deacons Brad Wright 501-1037 Newsletter Beth R. Hanson 501-1820 brhanson@comcast.net Nominating Gretchen White 337-0159 Nursery Coordinator Katy Gavin 304-0515

Pastoral Care/Prayer Chain Dee Lindblom 738-0045 dee@trinitywoodbury.org Personnel Bruce Williams 731-8233 Special Events Barb Freeman 731-1220 Stewardship & Finance Brian Fisher 578-9827 Worship Debi Espe 730-6805

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Mission and Action

Sunday, April 1st Your Contributions for Shrimpers, Crabbers, and Fishers Will Make a Difference
In partnership with the PC-USA's Selfto address systems of poverty while helping fishDevelopment of People (SDOP) program, fishers to rebuild the fishing industry, restore their ermen in Plaquemines Parish, LouisiThe cooperative communities, and maintain their heritage. ana, created the Step One-Recovery This project is providing shrimpers, crabprovides oppor- bers, and fishers an alternative market project. Determined to rebuild their lives after Hurricane Katrina, this multunities to ad- outlet and equitable opportunities. tiracial group of lifelong shrimpers, With funding from One Great Hour dress systems of crabbers, and fishers have estabof Sharing, SDOP provides grants for poverty while projects that are owned and controlled by lished the South Plaquemines United Fisheries Cooperative. helping fishers to the people who will benefit directly from The fishing cooperative itself, rebuild the fish- them. Each project must address and owns and controls the project, and is correct long-term conditions that keep ing industry, re- people bound by poverty and oppression. led by an 11-member steering committee. With your gift to OGHS, you share store their comThe cooperative's business is munities, and in the joy of helping people help themcentered on the existing way of life, selves. maintain their and works to circumvent the current Please give generously on Palm economic system, which creates low Sunday, April 1st. heritage. and volatile prices. Members of the newly-formed cooperative are developing a joint dock that will Sharing change the economic base of the community resources, and promote family fishers. changing lives The cooperative provides opportunities

Since 1949 Presbyterians have joined with millions of other Christians through One Great Hour of Sharing to share Gods love with those in need. Your generous gifts assist those affected by natural disasters, provide food to the hungry, and help build strong communities.

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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

March at Trinity
Facebook Address: Trinity Presbyterian Church of Woodbury, Minnesota. http://www.facebook.com/#!/TrinityWoodbury

1 Elder Friends 2 10 am-1:30 pm

3 Mens Breakfast 8 am

7:00

Nominating
4 5 Education 9 am Worship 10 am Communion First Sunday 11a 6 7 Trinity ALIVE 5:10 PreK-6 class 5:45 Dinner 6:30 Adult class 6:40 Youth Bible Study Choir 7:30pm 8 Elder Friends 9 10 am-1:30 pm B & G 6:30 pm Worship 6:30 pm 10 Presbytery 9 am

6:00 Photo makeups

11 Education 9 am Worship 10 am Youth Class 11am 12 13 14 15 Elder 16 Friends 10 am-1:30 pm

Game Night For all ages at church 7 pm

17 Mens Breakfast 8 am

TLC 11:30 am Trinity ALIVE 5:10 PreK-6 class 5:45 Dinner 6:30 Adult class 6:40 Youth Bi- M & A 6 pm ble Study CE 7 pm Choir 7:30pm

18 Education 9 am Worship 10 am Youth Class 11am

19 20 "The Turning Point: Navigating a Relative's Move to Resi- Deacons 6:30 dential Care" pm Norris Square in Cottage Grove 3-5pm 26 27

21

22 Elder 23 Friends 10 am-1:30 pm Lunch Bunch 11:30

24

Lenten Class 6:30p Choir 7:30 pm

25 Education 9 Worship 10 Youth Class 11am Family Place 4 pm

29 Elder 30 31 Friends 10 am-1:30 pm Lenten Class 6:30p Youth Retreat @ Youth Retreat @ Choir 7:30 pm Clearwater Clearwater Session 7 pm

28

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Trinity Youth Immersed in Poverty

By Gavin Pendal, 9th Grade, East Ridge High School Burnsville. Just being in the city was an eye-opener for Honestly, I didnt want to go. Not because the kids from Iowa and North Dakota (who came from I dont care about people and not because I didnt very small towns, first trip to the Twin Cities). Friday want to spend time with other members of the night was about statistics and discussing our assumpyouth group. I simply didnt want to go because I tions about poverty and the poor. You know the things didnt want to have to think about poverty and people say about the poor: lazy, dirty, just want a handdidnt want to be in a place where I would have to out, irresponsible, identified as false face it. in the majority of cases. True were Honestly, I statements like: children, low-paying cant imagine what a jobs, lack of opportunity, high costs huge mistake it would and human beings just like us. have been if I didnt go I went to bed that night still on the Urban Immerdealing with having been forced into sion Retreat in Februa small group of strangers for our ary. I know my eyes activities (and no one from Trinity) were opened and my and struggling to make sense of mind brain was challenged, -numbing and frightening stats. We but most of all my talked about charity and justice, but heart was pierced. such a big problemhow could we On Friday Josh make a difference? Anderson, Laura Saturday morning was about Behler, Angie Drehgetting ready for our day of service, mel, Sydney Johnson Clockwise: Sydney Johnson, Laura Behler, Vol- and for me trying not to feel sick and I met at Perkins in Woodbury for dinner unteer Jason, Gavin Pendal, Josh Anderson, An- about what might lie ahead. Like my father, I am very uncomfortable with Lori Anderson gie Drehmel, and Lead Volunteer Bobby; and that guy who leads Bobby and Jason made sure we had plenty of talking to people I dont know and though I was with my youth group, it the youth group. We supplies during our time there. By the end of was the unknown people that were talked a little about our shift, we managed to make approximately ahead of me that I was worried our expectations, but 1000 sandwiches ... they had more food and about. mostly we were just more empty racks waiting for more volunteers We arrived at the Dorothy quiet. I was anxious Day Center in St. Paul at 10:00am, and barely ate. Then to pick up where we left off. shortly after their breakfast service. we headed for MinAs usual, large numbers of people were hanging around neapolis and the Ewald Center for Urban Service. outside the center. There might have been fifty or so Once we got settled in our dorm it was time people outside, but when we got inside and went to the for the first evening of activities. Three other main hall to check in .. it felt like we were in a bus churches were there from Iowa, North Dakota and

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terminal. Huge, high ceiling room crowded with hundreds of people sitting on chairs, sleeping on the floor, all waiting for a bus that would never come. Our job was to make sandwiches that would be distributed in the coming days. That sounds easy, but we had to hustle so we could get as much done in about 90-minutes so we could clear out for the lunch service. Then we would come back and make more. All told we made about 1,000 sandwiches. The bread was good, the ham was good quality and the cheese was cheese. While we stood making sandwiches one of the former participants in the Dorothy Day program and current volunteer, Bobby, who was off doing his many other tasks, would check on his and make sure we had the supplies we needed. And then there was Jason, a guy in his mid-to-late twenties who was a participant and a volunteer. Jason pretty much hung out with us and told us about the center and his life. Getting to talk with them as we worked, then helping out in the dish room after lunch, then starting up again with the sandwiches and being joined in our task by a guy in his twenties who just got out of drug rehab, began to put faces on some of those mindnumbing statistics from the night before. As a group, we all said we want to see volunteering at Dorothy Day become our youth groups ongoing service project. And while it is hard to see people in that situation, it is important that we look and see the people living in that situation. People. Gods people. Jumping ahead to dinner. We headed back to Mpls where we ate at the soup kitchen run by the House of Charity. (NOTE: Urban Immersion donates food to that program so its retreaters can eat there without taking food from those in need.) Before the day at the Dorothy Day Center, I would have given anything not to have to eat at the House of Charity, especially after it was explained to us that an important reason we were eating there was so that we could eat with participants and get to hear their stories. Not

exactly laugh-a-minute meals we are used to on our youth retreats. After the time in St. Paul, being open to and hearing the stories of their lives that Jason, Bobby, Trey and Randy (ask my dad about Randys story and Trey as well), I began to understand why we were eating at this place. A bit hesitant for sure, but really talking to God each step of the way, I headed for a table where a lone man sat eating his dinner. I asked if I could join him, and soon Josh and one of the boys from the Burnsville group sat down with us. We talked a bit. And then the man was finished and left. We were done eating, but wanted more contact. We saw another man by himself, went over, asked if we could join him. Twenty minutes later we were being told it was time to go, and reluctantly the three of us said good-bye to Beau, a man who shared his story with us and told us how he was turning things around. Please ask me about Beau, Id love to tell you about him. Yeah, a face was put to the statistics. And a group of teenagers from Woodbury were touched and inspired. It is not making a big deal out to say that when we were encouraged to see Jesus in the people we would meet that I was doubtful, but after meeting them and being open to meeting them, I felt closer to God than I ever have. Now I just hope I can remember that feeling of sadness and concern, and the feeling of awe and inspiration at examples of courage and desire to overcome so much, and remember that it wasnt so awful connecting with people in poverty.

Trinity Presbyterian Program Financial SummaryJan 12

Month Actual Total Program Donations Total Program Expenditures Donations Less Expenses YTD Actual Yr. Budget

Member Mission Trips

$22,906.61 $21,624.82 $1,281.79

$22,906.61 $242,033.36 $21,624.82 $242,000.29 $1,281.79 $33.07

Building Fund Donations Building Mortgage Payment Mortgage Balance

$8,896.84 $6,691.00 $707,412.16

$8,896.84 $6,691.00

A portion of Trinitys budget goes towards Missions. Along with health and craft classes, Sue Bergerons (above right) trip to Mexico also included helping in the construction of a concrete porch in front of the municipal building.

Trinity Presbyterian 2125 Tower Drive Woodbury MN 55125

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