THE BLESSING OF BEING OCCUPIED”
“Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him-for this is his lot.” Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work-this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.” Ecclesiastes 5:18-20
Dear friends and members of Trinity,
As we enter into the Thanksgiving and Christmas season many of our schedules tend to expand. For example, I’m finding that as a parent of two grade school children trying to keep up with their activities is practically a full time job. When our schedules are filled we tend to bemoan our situation and daydream about a time and place where the demands on our time and energies are next to nil (my daydreams often have a Caribbean beach in the background). However Solomon, in the above section from Ecclesiastes, calls us to find satisfaction in the daily stuff of life, to accept our lot (busyness included) as a gift of God. Can we overdo the activities thing? Absolutely, but let us not undervalue the benefits of being occupied (busy) with gladness of heart. Go ahead enjoy your food, drink, wealth, and possessions and see them as gifts of God, a God who also gives you the mercy and cleansing of a Savior. Dare I say, we are blessed to have an occupied (busy) life. So let us stop our complaining, and instead be thankful.J
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Krenz
Thank You- On behalf of my family I would like to convey my appreciation to the friends and members of this congregation who sent cards, memorials, and prayed for us following the death of my Father. Your gracious words, acts of kindness, and hope filled cards brought us great comfort. Pastor Krenz
Victorious in Christ- Please remember in your prayers the family and friends of the following individuals from our congregation who have gone on to heaven in the last year. Jack Lueking, Herbert Knolhoff, Martin Vogel, Carl Ramsour, and Vernon Obermeier “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15
Trinity Lutheran Church Hoffman Illinois
Church Council Meeting Minutes October 12, 2009 @ 8:00 p.m.
The October 12, 2009 Church Council Meeting was called to order by President Dennis Nottmeyer with 9 members present. Pastor Krenz opened with devotions, prayer and hymn 685 verses 1 and 2. The meeting minutes from September 14, 2009 were reviewed and passed with a motion for approval by Howard Hohman and seconded by Bob Zimmermann. Motion passed.
Pastor’s Report: Funerals: 9-28-09 Carl Ramsour and 9-29-09 Vernon Obermeier. There will be a committee or group formed to keeping college students, college age students and just out of college age staying connected to the church.
Financial Report: September, 2009
General Fund $26,508.22
Envelopes $25,723.00
Loose Offerings 785.22
Synodical Budget 915.00
Debt Reduction 1,975.00
Thrivent 11,760.00
Shirley Twenhafel Memorial 100.00
Delbert Brammeier Memorial 105.00
Thomas Pigg Memorial __ 50.00
Total Contributions $41,413.22
Trustee Report: The sale of the house is complete. Repairs to the parsonage garage were completed.
Elder Report: Reformation Service will be held 10-25-09 at 3:00 at Christ Our Rock Lutheran High School. The new microphones are ready to be installed. The school has a new defibulator and the old one will be placed in the church.
Cemetery Report: No report at this time.
Youth Group: The Cardboard Camp Out will be held on 11-7-09. Care packages for college and military will be distributed. Received $1,000.00 from Thrivent for Balloon Fest. Aluminum can drive will be held 10-18-09. Farmers State Bank purchased the t-shirts for the gathering to be held in 2010.
Board of Education: The student enrollment count remains the same. The doors to the stalls in the boys restroom will be repaired. Basketball coaches are: boys – Brian Jansen and girls – Liz Behrens.
Board of Parish Education: No report at this time.
Benevolent Fund: No report at this time.
Old Business: The sanctuary lighting committee will be reviewing pricing from Southern Glass on updating the light fixtures. A motion was made by Ralph Twenhafel and seconded by Mike Luebbers to instruct Rita Tyberendt to pay off the 2nd note by 10-24-09 with funds from the original line of credit if needed.
New Business: The 2010 budget was discussed. A meeting will be held on 10-21 at 7:30 to further discuss the 2010 budget. Nominations were discussed.
A motion was made by Erna Boehne and seconded by Mike Luebbers to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed. Closed with hymn 685 verse 5.
Respectfully submitted unapproved, Jodene Carpenter, Secretary
On October 22nd the three month $25,000 operating loan was paid off in full. All Praise to God alone for His continued gracious care toward our congregation and school.
Bible Study Opportunities
Tuesday morning discussion –As of Nov. 3rd we will break for the holidays and begin again January 5th at 8:30am to begin the in depth study of the book of John.
Heroes of the Bible- Our Sunday morning Bible Class continues to look at “Heroes of the bible”. Throughout the month of November we will look at Ruth, David, Jeremiah and other significant Old Testament Figures whose lives both reflect their weaknesses in the face of their callings, but also the eternal mercy of our gracious God .
Prayer Group meets at CORLHS on the Shattuc Road at 6:30am every Thursday
DATES TO KEEP IN MIND
November 2nd- Sunday School Teachers Meeting 6:30-7:30
November 7th – Cardboard Camp out.
November 9th- elders council, trustees
November 22nd-6:30pm- Concordia Seminary/Concordia University Representatives at Hoffman.
November 22nd- Men’s Club Thanksgiving Meal
November 26: 9:00am Thanksgiving Day services
November 30th- Shots at School for N1 H1 Flu
December 1st Joint Band Concert with other Trinity Schools at CORLHS.
December 2nd- 7pm Joint Advent Service here in Hoffman.
December 3rd : Ladies Aid Christmas Party at the IGA Annex.
December 13th at 7pm.Voter’s Meeting covering 2009-2010 budget Sunday, December 20th at 7:00pm Children’s Christmas Program.
Church Work Careers (Vocations)- Do you or someone you know have an interest to serve the church on a full time basis as a Pastor, Teacher, Director of Christian Education, Deaconess or Director of Parish music? If so please consider setting up an appointment with a representative from either Concordia University in Chicago or Concordia Seminary in St. Louis on Sunday, November 22nd at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hoffman. The representatives will be here at 6:30pm and will continue to meet with individuals throughout the evening. If you are interested call Trinity Lutheran Church in Hoffman (495-2545).
Reserve this date: January 10, 2010 The Endowment Fund Committee is planning a dinner meeting at 5:30pm at the Carlyle IGA Annex. Kirk Mueller of the LCMS Foundation will give a presentation entitled “Lifetime Planning for Giving”. There will be no charge but advance reservations will be required. More information will be forthcoming.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
We’d like to thank everyone who supported our October Market Day sale. Market Day is pleased to offer Dessert Bonus Days this month with fourteen high quality pies, cheesecakes and individual desserts. When you purchase three desserts, you’ll receive a FREE 12 oz. bag of coffee! Our school earns extra profit for each dessert purchased. Order guides available in the church narthex or school office. Please return completed order guide to school by Nov. 9 or order online at marketday.com until 11 pm on Nov. 9. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to help, you can call Connie at 594-7916.
THIS THANKSGIVING GIVE THANKS BY GIVING THE GIFT OF BLOOD.
Blood drive at the Hoffman Community Building on November 16th from 3-7pm.
BCMW COMMUNITY SERVICES, INC as many of you know the BCMW is a community Service organization that assists low income families in Clinton County receive utility assistance, rental assistance, homeless shelter, home weatherization, emergency food pantry and clothing pantry. Along with this list they also provide a Christmas Toy Give Away for the children of these low income families who cannot afford to buy toys and clothes at Christmas time. The Toy-Give-Away is held at the VFW in Carlyle on December 16th and 17th, , 2009. We are asking your Church to help us out this year by donating toys, clothing, coats, hats,, &gloves like you have in the past. If questions contact Deb Kohnen at Clinton County Office of Community Resource.
SHOP WITH A COP Fundraiser Breakfast Saturday November 7th at the Centralia Elks Lodge. Serving 7:00am to 11:00am. $6.50 All- You- Can- Eat.
BAPTISMAL ANNIVERSARIES
1) Dennis Abernathy, Cheryl Nottmeyer, Blake Wolter; 2) Michael Tyberendt; 3)Mallory Peters: 4)Joshua Maschhoff 5) Dennis Haake,Sr., Timothy Draves, Lauren Carpenter: 6)Cody Jackson, Kyle Jackson; 8), Brian Barth, Parker Glasscock, Mabel Mattmiller, Ashley Wright; 9) Gavin Watts; 11) Alicia Knolhoff, Gertrude Lueking, Sandra Toon; 15) Cassie Brake, Bill Criley; 16) Alfred Hugo, Layla Waddell; 18)Lois Kellermann, Elvira Vogel; 20) James Tyberendt; 21) Mandy Boatright, Myka Hugo; 23) Taylor Kuder, Betty Lippert, Valorie Smith,; 24) Lindsey Knolhoff, 25)James Gutersloh, Jerald Hanke, Cory Kleiboeker, Dennis Wessel, Tyler Wright; 26)Bonita Boehne; 27) Brian Atchison; 28)Katy Crocker, Marie Lippert, Ethan Peltes, Paula Stein,
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
4) Mr. and Mrs. Travis Simpson; 5) Mr. and Mrs. Gary Robinson; 11) Mr. and Mrs. Jason Steinkamp; 17) Mr. and Mrs. Gale Nottmeyer; 19) Mr. and Mrs. Merle Moehle; 20) Mr. and Mrs. Brian Hitpas 21) Mr. and Mrs. Paul Finke 45th ; 24) Mr. and Mrs. Don Draves ; 25) Mr. and Mrs. Dale Edler
From the Archives. 1953
Trinity Lutheran school at the enrollment at the present time is 56, two more than at the opening of the school term in September. All except three of these come from families in the congregation. Enrollment by grades is as follows: Grade 1- 8 grade 2-7 grade 3-11, grade 4- 6, grade 5-2 , grade6-11 grade7-11. There are no children in the eighth grade.
The past year saw a change in the teaching staff. Mr. and Mrs. Walther, who had been teaching for the last six and five years respectively, accepted at called to the school of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Unionville, Michigan. Miss Agnes Michael was engaged to teach grades one to three for the remainder of this year. She began teaching on October 1. Mr. Vernon Grefe is teaching grades four to seven since October 20. Efforts are being made to call a Principal and teacher of the upper grades for the next school year.
On May 1 and 3 the children presented the Operetta, “Mulligan’s Magic” in the school auditorium.
Four children graduated from the school at the end of the 1952-1953 school term. They were Milfred Meyer, Imogene Michael, Lou Ann Ostermeier, and Daniel Walther. They were given their diplomas after the morning service in church on May 31.
The average church attendance of the children is about 71%.
Hot school lunches were served to the children throughout the year. The charge to the child at the present is $.20 per meal. The lunch program purchased a frozen food chest during the year to help preserve foods, especially the surplus commodities received from the government.
Christian Education week was observed September 27- October 2 with most of the stress this year being laid on the Sunday School. A parent’s night meeting was held and a number of parents visited school during this time.
Rev. W. C. Ostemeier
School and Board Financial Report.
Receipts. Disbursements
Balance, January 1, 1953 $468.81 Picnic expenses $898.18
Book Rentals and sales 331.53 Books, Supplies Etc . 724.18
Picnic Receipts 1252.55 Christmas Eve treats 155.80
Children’s Insurance 66.25 Tree lights and ornaments 12.03
Christmas Eve Contributions 167.60 Children’s insurance 66.25
Choir music 13.33 Films 58.64
Play receipts 139.50 Play Checks 8.15
Cash- Office outfit 1.71 Postcards .72
Miscellaneous 17.63 Loan to Lunch Program 200.00
Total Receipts $2458.91 Refund Check 28.50
Total Disbursements 2181.26 Playing equipment 28.91
Balance January 1, 1954 $ 277.65
Loan to School Lunch 200.00
Total Assets, January 1, 1954 $477.65 Mr. F.J. Walther
Mr. H. Kroeger, Treasurer
School News 10/27/09
October is nearly gone and November is right around the corner. This means a number of things for us as we are about to begin a new Church year. The season of Advent leads us toward Christmas and the joy of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We all know how busy this time of year can be, but keeping the focus on Christ always keeps on the right path.
The first quarter of the school year is complete and parent teacher conferences have taken place. We are proud to report and congratulate the following students that are on the Honor Roll:
High Honor Roll
5th Grade 6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade
Anna Krenz Landon Michael Sean Kellermann Celia Belli
Brooke Nordike Cameron Owen Sabrina Maschhoff Jake Hemker
Elliot Palm Reid Michael Elijah Isaak
Mollie Rueter Brianne Paulsmeyer
Nikolas Stein Brook Paulsmeyer
Hannah Rueter
Britlyn Tyberendt
Christopher Watkins
Honor Roll
5th Grade 6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade
Ruth Belli Rion Hill Caleb Boehne Kahre Hiles
Karly Nottmeyer Joel Krenz Brandon Jansen
We are pleased to note that Pastor Krenz has worked out a schedule with Pastor Nierman to teach the 7th & 8th grade confirmation class so that he will have an opportunity to work with the students from Ferrin as they prepare for confirmation there. It is also a great way for him to learn more about our school as he encourages a Christian education to the members of his congregation. We pray that the Lord will bless and grow this relationship between our two congregations.
The PTL has begun work on the auction to be held in February Watch for forthcoming details and opportunities to help.
The Clinton County Health Department has been scheduled for November 30th from 1:30 – 6:00 p.m. to come and administer the H1N1 Vaccine to the students of our school as well as any others in the community that are in the following priority groups as designated by the CDC:
· Children and young adults aged 6 months through 24 years
· Pregnant women
· People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
· Health care and emergency medical services workers
· People ages 25 through 64 years who have certain health conditions such as HIV, Diabetes or heart or lung disease
If you have any additional questions about the vaccine or the vaccination clinics, please contact the Clinton County Health Department at 618-594-2723 from 8:00 to 12:00 and 1:00 to 4:00.
May the Lord bless you through this coming month.
Stephen Burger
Principal