Trinity Missions

Lessons from Chief Rocky Boy

pastorkatie — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 08:00:03 +0000

A smart man once said, “Be Kind to One Another.” At the end of July twelve members from Trinity went out to the Rocky Boy Indian Reservation in Montana to learn from the people and to also walk alongside them in their time of need. A month before our arrival, a severe flood hit Rocky Boy. Not knowing what to expect our group traveled to the reservation in hopes that we would be able to help and care for those we met. We all learned a lot about the reservation and the people who live there.
We learned that the “tribe” is actually two tribes, the Cree and Chippewa, who were put together when the reservation was created in the early 1900’s. The tribes were not fans of each other and often engaged in hostile activity. While there is still some hostility towards members of the two different tribes, they are learning how to live peacefully together. When the reservation was started, Chief Rocky Boy was the one who told both tribes to “be kind to one another.” All of the people we met from the tribes and from the community were nothing but kind, sweet, and welcoming to our group. Our group especially bonded with Mike, who works for Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, and Rosa, who works for the reservation’s social agency for domestic violence, drug abuse, and HIV/AIDS patients.
Both Mike and Rosa taught our group just what Chief Rocky Boy was trying to say. They welcomed us into their community and shared with us a part of their history as well as the history of the people of Rocky Boy. They not only shared with us, but they offered to carry us in their prayers as we traveled home. Our mission team will hold Mike, Rosa, and the people of Rocky Boy in our hearts as we journey through life, and we hope you will be able to remember the famous words from Chief Rocky Boy, “Be Kind to One Another.”

Nashville, TN

pastorkatie — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 14:06:27 +0000

In early May of 2010, the Cumberland River crested causing severe flooding in downtown Nashville, TN. The community suffered tremendous loss and ten people died because of the flooding in Nashville alone. The majority of downtown Nashville was damaged by the flooding and winds. Governor Phil Bredeson called it, “an unprecidented rain event.” Governor Bredeson also said that over 150 roads were closed in middle Tennessee alone with bridges washed out all over the area during the flooding.

In the Summer of 2011 our congregation will send a group of missionaries to Nashville to help in the cleaning and rebuilding efforts. You must be at least 16 years old to participate in this mission trip. Also, if you have health or respiratory issues, it is recommended by Lutheran Disaster Response that you have clearing from your doctor before participating.

Please check back often for more information about this mission trip and how you can help.

Mexico

Michelle — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:27:38 +0000

Trinity will be traveling to Ensenada, Mexico in July 2011 to serve our neighbors in need. More information will be coming soon!

Rocky Boy Mission Team Reports

pastorkatie — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:48:14 +0000

Now that we have been home from Rocky Boy Indian Reservation for a few weeks now, the mission team is excited to talk about our experiences and what we have learned about the people we were able to walk alongside. Many of us were surprised to see the damage of the Box Elder River flood on the reservation and the long process of starting the clean-up and rebuilding efforts. Our group spent most of our time focused on helping to repair and clean-up Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church and their retreat facilities.

The group looks forward to sharing our experiences with the congregation on August 29th during Mission Sunday and Backpack Blessing Sunday.

If you would like to learn more about Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, please check out their website.

Mount Joy Food Bank, Faith Homes of Donegal

pastorkatie — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:15:58 +0000

In the book of Matthew, Jesus says to the crowd, “for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.”
Currently our society is facing tough economic challenges. While we often think that we do not have people who are in need, the truth is that in our community we are seeing more and more people who use the Food Bank or Mount Joy Helping services.
Here at Trinity we receive one call every day asking if we are able to help a person who is in need. Historically our congregation has been very giving of food, clothes, and other personal needs even during economic crisis.
Currently the church is unable to provide monetary assistance to people who are in need, but we are asking members to donate health items and household cleaning items.
We will use the donated items for Faith Homes of Donegal and also for people who come in asking for donations.
These items, while they will not be able to pay a light bill, will be able to provide for some of basic needs. These items will allow for someone to use the money on other bills and needs, instead of those essential items.
If you are able to donate any of these items, please drop them off by the back glass doors. There is a bin marked Health/Beauty/Household Items for these donations.

Haiti Mission Team Report

Michelle — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:09:29 +0000

The team has returned safely! And what an experience of serving and learning did they have in Haiti.
The Trinity team consisted of Joe Rago, Alex Rago, Brian Booth (nephew to Joe), Logan Chappel, Erin Zern, Garret Olson, and Michelle Shirk. They served with a larger group of 28 youth and adults from around the synod. The purpose of the trip was “accompaniment” – to walk beside another in need with Christ in our midst. The way we accomplished our goal was through teaching the summer school program, and doing work around the school grounds.
Trinity should be proud of their representatives in Haiti! Through 110 degree heat, high humidity, large spiders, bugs, and no A/C, this team went above and beyond what was expected!
Join us on August 29th, Mission Sunday, for a full report of our experiences in Haiti.

Chicken BBQ on May 2nd to Benefit Mission Teams

Michelle — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:30:29 +0000

The Summer 2010 Mission Teams are preparing to serve those in need in many ways.
The Haiti team has met with the larger mission group of forty Lutherans from around the synod. They will soon begin writing curriculum and planning activities for grades PK—grade 13 at the school where they will teach in July.
The Rocky Boy team has already planned logistics and travel, and have begun researching the tribe and reservation in order to prepare for their trip.
Although missionaries for both trips pay 75% of the costs out-of-pocket, they rely on fundraising to achieve the remaining 25% of the fees.
Please help our teams by purchasing tickets for the Mission’s Chicken BBQ on Sunday, May 2. The $7.50 meal will consist of a half-chicken, baked potato, apple sauce, fresh roll and the new Trinity Cookie Bar! Please mark this date on your calendar and get ready for a great Sunday afternoon meal.

Win a $150 Gift Certificate to Haydn Zug’s!

The missions teams have acquired a generous gift from the owners of Haydn Zug’s Restaurant in East Petersburg—and they are offering it to the congregation!
Help the teams sell Chicken BBQ tickets and you can win a wonderful four-course dinner for two at this prestigious restaurant!
See Michelle or Pastor Katie to get a bundle of tickets to sell to family and friends. The individual who sells the most chicken BBQ tickets, will win the dinner!
Many thanks to our friends at Haydn Zug’s for their donation. See the menu and dining information at www.haydnzugs.com.

Meals for Members

pastorkatie — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:28:24 +0000

Occasionally we need people who are willing to make a meal for a family in our congregation.
At Trinity we try to offer meals for people whenever there is a sickness in the family, they are going through a loss, or if the meal would help to make their life just a little bit easier.
The meals can range from something simple like pizza to a gourmet creation. If you are able to donate a meal, please contact Barb Green, Evvy Duke, or Pastor Katie.

Salvation Army Collects Clothes at Trinity

pastorkatie — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 08:00:08 +0000

Did Santa bring your family new clothes for the holiday? Then think about donating clothes you no longer wear to the Salvation Army.
Every Tuesday morning workers from the Salvation Army come to pick up the clothes members of this community have donated. If you are looking for new ways to make more room in your closets at home, please bring in your clothes.
All the clothes donated go to help people in our community stay warm during this cold season. Currently the Salvation Army is in need of winter coats, hats, scarves, mittens, and other cold winter survival clothing. The Salvation Army accepts clothing of all sizes. Simply place them in the bin by the glass door. They also accept shoes, socks, and boots. If you have any questions or would like to find out more about the Salvation Army in Lancaster County, please check out their website at: www.salvationarmyusa.com.

Water Street Gift Tree

pastorkatie — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:20:29 +0000

November marks the start of our collection of toys for Water Street Mission. Every toy we collect goes directly to Water Street Missions to be given to youth in Lancaster County who are need. This year our participation is even more important as hundreds of people in our area are losing their jobs and struggling to make ends meet. This year please consider donating a gift from our gift tree to a youth in our area. The tree will be located outside the church office with various ornaments. Each ornament has a gift listed that has been requested. We ask that you return your gift by the first Sunday in December to the table located outside the church office. Thank you for helping to bring a little Christmas joy to local families!