Trinity Lutheran Church
“Proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ…”
106 W. Penn Street, Bedford, PA 15522 ~ ph: (814) 623-8813
Office Hours: Monday-Friday; 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
e-mail: [email protected]
on the web at: www.trinitylutheranbedford.com
Pastoral Emergencies after Office Hours:
Pr Short (814) 977-4741 * Vr David (410) 971-3495
Parish Announcements
~ January 26, 2014 ~
Sunday (26)
Monday (27)
Tuesday (28)
Wednesday (29)
Sunday (2)
Monday (3)
Tuesday (4)
Wednesday (5)
This Week…
THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY ~ Eucharist: 8:30 & 11:00 am
Sunday School & Adult Forum: 9:45 am
Youth Return from Pittsburgh Youth Quake: approximately 2:30 pm
Free Community Dinner Ecumenical Partners Meeting: 5:00 pm
Diners & Travelers (Sr Adults) Fellowship Lunch: Noon (at Landmark)
Faith & Fun Club: 3:15-4:30 pm
Free Community Dinner: 5:30 pm (United Methodist Church serving)
Outreach Ministry Team Meeting: 6:00 pm
Children & Youth Ministry Team Meeting: 7:00 pm
Meals to Heal Ministry Team Meeting: 6:00 pm
Bell Choir Rehearsal: 6:00 pm
Worship: 7:00 pm (Vespers)
Anthem Choir Rehearsal: 7:30 pm
Next Week…
THE FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY ~ Eucharist: 8:30 & 11:00 am
Sunday School & Adult Forum: 9:45 am
Youth Nite: 4:00-5:30 pm
Finance & Stewardship Ministry Team Meeting: 6:00 pm
Property Team Meeting: 6:00 pm
Trinity Book Club: 1:30 pm (at Hebrews)
Faith & Fun Club: 3:15-4:30 pm
Free Community Dinner: 5:30 pm (Bedford County Christian Church serving)
Worship & Music Ministry Team Meeting: 6:00 pm
Adult & All-Parish Ministry Team Meeting: 7:00 pm
Ashes/Interment Study Team Meeting: 5:00 pm
Bell Choir Rehearsal: 6:00 pm
Worship: 7:00 pm (Vespers)
Anthem Choir Rehearsal: 7:30 pm
Sunday Morning Fellowship Time ~ Please Join Us!
9:30 am in Trinity Hall
Parishioners and friends are invited to gather in Trinity Hall following the 8:30 am Liturgy (prior to
Sunday School & Adult Forum) for casual conversations and light refreshments. Please join us!
… Will You Be a Host?... A sign-up sheet is posted in Trinity Hall for parishioners and friends to
schedule a Sunday to provide the morning’s refreshments. Baked goods, donuts, fruits, etc. are all
enjoyed and appreciated! Be sure to take your turn, please!
… “Thank You” to This Morning’s Host: Linda Vensel
Worship & Music Ministries
Wednesday Evening Worship
Gathering in the Nave at 7:00 pm
Parishioners and friends are encouraged to make Trinity’s Wednesday evening liturgies a part of their
regular worship-life. We’re adding Healing Services, as well as Eucharists, to our regular Wednesday
evening schedule. Vespers is a beautiful contemplative and ancient prayer office which makes use of
chant, candlelight, and incense. Our Healing Service gives us the opportunity to pray for ourselves
and others who long for healing of mind, body, spirit, and relationships. The Evening Eucharist
celebrates the Word and Blessed Sacrament in a simplified rite. We hope you will join!
 Upcoming Schedule: January 29: Vespers… February 5: Vespers… February 12: Eucharist
Parishioners and Friends are invited to Ring & Sing with our Choirs…
Rehearsals ~ Bell Choir: 6:00 pm… (Worship: 7:00 pm)… Anthem Choir: 7:30 pm…
If you enjoy music and would like to share in any of our choirs, please connect with one of our parish
musicians, Terry Osman or Susan Casteel. We would love to have you add your voice and talents to
the mix and would welcome you with open arms!
Children & Youth Ministries
Sunday School with Children & Youth
Sunday Morning; 9:45 am
 Pre-schoolers, Kids in grades K-5, Middle School Youth, Senior High Youth (and Adult Forum,
too)… There is a place for YOU to learn the stories of the Faith and grow and mature in grace.
 Our K-5 Learners begin each week in the Choir Room where we sing and dance before going to our
classes to talk about stories of the faith and learn about some of the outstanding characters of the Bible.
 Middle School Youth and Sr High Youth gather each Sunday, at 9:45 am, in their classrooms on the
2nd Floor, for their time of checking-in and their ongoing studies and discussions with their leaders.
Pittsburgh Quake…
Our youth are with hundreds of youth from the region at the Hyatt Regency for a weekend of spiritual
growth and nurture. The group will be returning this afternoon, probably around 2:30 pm (or so).
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“Faith & Fun Club” (Afterschool Ministry with Children Grades K-5)
Tuesday Afternoon; 3:15-4:30 pm
 If you are in grades K-5, then you’ll want to be a part of the fellowship and fun of “Faith & Fun Club”,
our after-school ministry. Snacks, Bible Stories, Crafts, Games, Activities abound!
 Please check the link on the church’s website or contact the Church Office for Registration Material.
 Don’t forget ~ we provide transportation (via Bollman Coach) from Bedford Elementary School to
Trinity each week. (Families are asked to make a contribution to help cover this expense.)
Our Next “Youth Nite” ~ Don’t Miss It!
Sunday, February 2; 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Pass the word to your friends and plan to join us for this “Pre-Super Bowl” Youth Nite… So – guess
what the theme will be??? Anyway, we’ll be making Sundae’s for our “dinner”, and wrapping up a
little earlier than usual (5:30 pm) so that everyone can get home for the game!
International Bankers – Our Youth
This year we’re helping our youth engage the needs of the world through a new project that works with
an organization called Kiva. For this project, our youth will examine various needs from around the
globe and decide on a few to support. And, the best part about this….the people helped, given some
time, will repay the assistance given and our youth can use the money again to help someone else!
Chicken Parmesan Benefit Dinner for our Youth
Sunday, February 16; Serving from 4:00-5:30 pm
Parishioners and friends are invited to support our youth’s annual Chicken Parmesan Fund Raiser
Dinner, which will be prepared and served by the youth in the Social Room. Tickets are $20.00 each,
and all proceeds will be used to help cover the expenses of this year’s Summer Youth Week at Camp
Sequanota (which runs c. $375/person). And remember, this dinner is a great bargain, since the
Chicken Parmesan dinner at the Olive Garden (with drink, dessert, tax, and tip added) would cost you
about $27.00!
 Please make plans to support our youth in their effort and to come for an enjoyable evening of
fellowship and a great meal! See most youth or contact the church office for advance tickets.
Adult & All-Parish Ministries
Adult Forum ~ Sunday Mornings in Trinity Hall
A Survey of the Prophets
Each week we’re exploring one of the Old Testament Prophets who spoke God’s Word to the people
of Israel (the Northern Kingdom) and Judah (the Southern Kingdom). These prophets spoke words
of challenge to God’s people to live faithfully as well as words that comforted and sustained them in
their times of struggle. Vr David and Pr Short are leading the weekly conversations. Please join us,
in Trinity Hall.
 Jan 26 ~ Jeremiah
 Feb 9 ~ Hosea
 Feb 23 ~ Amos
 Feb 2 ~ Ezekiel
 Feb 16 ~ Joel & Obadiah
 Mar 2 ~ Jonah
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Diners & Travelers ~ Senior Adult Fellowship Ministry…
Tuesday, January 28 ~ Noon ~ At Landmark Restaurant
Parishioners and friends of “Diners & Travelers” will gather for lunch and fellowship at the Landmark
Restaurant on January 28 (rescheduled from last week’s weather cancellation). We’ll order from the
menu. A sign-up sheet is in Trinity Hall. Please contact Ron or Mary Johnson with any questions.
Trinity Book Club ~
Tuesday, February 4; 1:30 pm ~ At “Hebrews”
Parishioners and friends are invited to be a part of our Trinity Book Club, which meets at Hebrews
Coffee Company (103 S. Richard Street, Bedford) to discuss books with spiritual themes or
devotional or theological significance. Our February book will be “Rena’s Promise – Two Sisters in
Auschwitz”, by Rena Kornreich Gelissen and Heather Dune Macadam. Please contact our
coordinator, Pat Macchiarolo (623-8495), with any questions or for help locating the books we read.
A Very Special One-Day “Winter Retreat” for Women of the Parish
Saturday, February 22; 8:30 am-3:00 pm; Spring House Estates
Theme: "Legacy: Blessing Those We Love”
 This year’s retreat will be led by Pastor Marilyn Lerch, Pastor of the Bedford Church of the Brethren.
Marilyn is a mother, grandmother, and former teacher. In her middle years, she attended seminary
and was ordained. Before coming to Bedford, she was a pastor in Illinois and Virginia. Marilyn
loves travel, knitting, gardening, cooking and reading.
 During our time together at this retreat, Marilyn will: * briefly explore the topic of blessing in
scripture; * encourage you to live life from the perspective of blessing; * suggest as well as allow
you to experiment with some very practical ways through which you can pass blessings on to those
you love in your life. We will gather at Spring House Estates in the dining area.
 Registration cost of $35.00 includes continental breakfast, lunch, materials, and the day’s activities,
and is limited to the 1st 35 paid reservations (checks payable to Trinity, please). Reservations can be
accepted by Linda McElroy or Mary Ann Martz on Sunday mornings or by Kathie in the church
office during the week.
Outreach Ministries
Free Community Dinner…
Served at Trinity ~ Every Tuesday ~ from 5:30 - 6:15 pm
 Trinity hosts this weekly ministry which supports about 75+ local friends and neighbors each week.
Neighboring congregations also share in the ministry with us, giving witness to our common
Christian devotion to the needs of the hungry. “THANKS!” for all the support that’s been shared
over the past 4+ years, especially your financial gifts, serving efforts, and food donations!
 Trinity’s next evening to serve will be Tuesday, February 11, 2014. Adults, Youth, and kids can all
be a part of this ministry! If you want to help with the food preparation, please arrive at c. 4:00 pm…
If you would like to help with the serving, please arrive by 5:15 pm. See Betsy Littlefield, Linda
Vensel, or Mike Macchiarolo, who can answer any questions you might have about this ministry.
January’s Special Ministry Highlight and Appeal
Seminarian Endowment Fund of the Allegheny Synod
 Lutherans have long-valued a well-educated and trained clergy to nurture the faith of our parishioners
and support the life and ministries of our congregations. With seminary tuition cost in the area of
$15,000/year (x 4 years), this expense (especially after 4 years of undergraduate education) can be
very difficult for many to afford. The Allegheny Synod Endowment Fund has been aiding our
synod’s seminarians with gifts of c. $2,500/year, for the past 10 years, to help meet these expenses as
they prepare for a life of service and leadership within the Church.
 Currently, there are 6 men and women from congregations of the Allegheny Synod who are preparing
for ordained ministry who are benefiting from these funds, and would greatly appreciate whatever
support we are able to share.
 Please, as you are able during the month of January, share a gift with the Seminarian Endowment
Fund, to support the training and maturation of local men and women who are willing to prepare for
and respond to the Church Call. Please make checks payable to Trinity, and note Seminarian
Endowment Appeal on the memo line. Special Envelopes have been prepared for this appeal, and are
with the Sunday Bulletins and in Trinity Hall.
Bedford Food Outreach ~ 2 Distribution Dates Each Month…
February: Thursday & Friday, February 20 & 21; 10:00 am-Noon
 Distributions are held at The Bedford Food Outreach, 140 School Street, Bedford. Contact Dan Kerr
(623-6384) to learn more about this ministry and how YOU can be involved.
 Please bring your gifts of non-perishable food items to the Collection Area inside the Penn Street
Door in the front Narthex of the Church. THANKS!
Church Council & Ministry Teams
President: Jerry Gronborg
Secretary: Rosie Leppert
2014 Officers:
Vice-President: Fred Shumaker
Treasurer: Linda Vensel
2014 Ministry Team Coordinators:
Worship Ministries: Lori Dunkle & Ben Altman
Children & Youth Ministries: Sue Prescott & Josh Leibfreid
Adult & All-Parish Ministries: Rosie Leppert & Sandy Zembower
Outreach Ministries: Del Turner & Linda Vensel
Property Ministries: Elden Lorah & Fred Shumaker
Finance & Stewardship Ministries: Jerry Gronborg, Janet Raines, & Linda Vensel
If you would like to serve the Church by working with one of our Ministry Teams
this year, please see either of the Team Leaders or Pastor Short.
Your support and contribution of time would be greatly appreciated and welcomed!
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Upcoming Meetings:
 January 27 (Monday); 5:00 pm ~ Free Community Dinner Ecumenical Planning Meeting
 January 28 (Tuesday); 6:00 pm ~ Outreach Ministry Team
 January 28 (Tuesday); 7:00 pm ~ Children & Youth Ministry Team
 January 29 (Wednesday); 6:00 pm ~ Meals To Heal Ministry Team
 February 3 (Monday); 6:00 pm ~ Finance Ministry Team
 February 3 (Monday); 7:00 pm ~ Property Team
 February 4 (Tuesday); 6:00 pm ~ Worship Team Meeting: 6:00 pm
 February 4 (Tuesday); Adult & All Parish Ministry Tea Meeting: 7:00 pm
 February 5 (Wednesday); Ashes/Interment Study Team Meeting; 5:00 pm
 February 25 (Tuesday); 6:30 pm ~ Church Council
Other Notes and News
2 Upcoming Ecumenical Liturgies…
Bishop Gregory invites parishioners and friends of the congregations throughout the Allegheny
Synod to gather with him and other Christian leaders at 2 upcoming liturgies, as we continue to
explore and celebrate deeper Christian Unity…
 Sunday, January 26; 3:00 pm ~ St Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Martinsburg
 Sunday, February 9; 3:00 pm ~ Christ the Savior Cathedral, Johnstown
Free Community Dinner Ecumenical Partners’ Planning Meeting
Monday, January 27; 5:00 pm
Leaders of our neighboring congregations, who share with us in the serving of the weekly Free
Community Dinner Ministry, will gather in the Social Room to reflect on our experiences, discuss
any ongoing concerns, and share new ideas. Parishioners and friends are welcome to join us,
Meals to Heal Ministry Planning Meeting
Wednesday, January 29; 6:00 pm
Trinity’s Meals to Heal Ministry seeks to reach out and share support with parishioners and friends
after a time of hospitalization. It’s a great way to touch the lives of others in a very meaningful way.
If you would like to join our efforts, please attend this meeting, or contact Pr Short or Vr Weinhold or
any of the team members: Marlene Claycomb, Leigh Ann Gronborg, Janelle Lowe, Mike & Pat
Macchiarolo, and Shirley Sipe,
Ashes-Interment Study Team Meeting
Wednesday, February 5; 5:00 pm
Developing an area on our property for a small cemetery for the interment of cremated remains
(ashes) is being considered by this Study Team, which has been gathering information and meeting
since last Spring. Thanks to parishioners who completed the “Interest Questionnaire” last fall. We
hope to create a proposal for Council’s consideration in the near future. Please contact Pr Short or Vr
Weinhold with any questions, or any of the Study Team members: Marlene Claycomb, Lisa
Hagenbuch, Ray/Brenda Jennings, Mark/Faith Nelson, and Judy Slick.
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Recycling at Trinity
 We speak often about how good this Creation is that God has made and how good things are to be
cared for. This coming year we are beginning recycling efforts at Trinity in an attempt to capture and
recycle some of the paper that often gets thrown away (especially left-over Sunday bulletins) as well
as the many cans and bottles that are tossed in the daily use of Trinity’s kitchens.
 If you would be willing to assist in this effort by being a part of a team of volunteers who will take
care of occasionally picking up recyclables and taking them to a local drop off site, please sign up in
Trinity Hall or speak to Vicar David.
Mortgage Update
From our 2003 Building Expansion & Elevator Project
and our 2011 Roofing & Steeple Restorations
Total Projects & Financing Costs:
$ 1,193,000.00
Gifts Received this Past Week:
$
2,200.00
Remaining Balance to Pay Off Mortgage: $
4,039.00
THANK YOU to everyone who has shared recent contributions!!!
If YOU are not sharing special offerings, PLEASE join those who are!
Parish House Restoration Update
Thanks for all the Great Support !!!
Gifts Received to Date: $15,115
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Please Contact the Church Office if you would like
to receive a formal Statement of Contributions
for offerings given to Trinity during 2013.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Please, as we begin a New Year, parishioners and friends are invited to strive to
grow in our weekly financial support of Trinity’s ministries through 2014, as you are able.
Modest growth by each member, when shared by many households, will enable
us to continue to provide faithful worship, learning, fellowship and service ministries,
and to care for our facilities through the year ahead.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Worship Attendance & Weekly Offerings
May our Worship and Tithes be an out-pouring of our gratitude
in response to our Lord’s gracious gifts of Life and Salvation.
This Past Week ~ through January 24:
Attendance: 250
Tithes & Offerings: $4,330.00
Year to Date Tithes & Offerings: $18,033.00
Thank You for your Tithes and Offerings which support Trinity’s
Ministries of Worship, Learning, Fellowship and Service
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Please contact the Church Office to have family and/or friends included in the Parish
Prayer List and in the prayers at the weekend liturgies. Parishioners and friends of the
parish who would appreciate pastoral visitation and/or prayer while hospitalized are
asked to alert Pastor Short or Vicar David through the Church Office.
Please Pray for The Church...
 All Servants of the Church, especially Bishop Gregory, Pastor Short, Vicar David, our Liturgical
Deacons, and all who labor for the Gospel.
 Seminarians of the Church, and those preparing for a life of Ministry and Witness.
 Parishioners who are serving on our 2014 Church Council: Ben Altman, Lori Dunkle, Dr Jerry
Gronborg, Rosie Leppert, Josh Leibfreid, Elden Lorah, Sue Prescott, Janet Raines, Fred Shumaker,
Del Turner, Linda Vensel Sandy Zembower.
Please Pray for Our Nation and the World...
 Those who lead the nations of the world, especially our President, Governors, Legislators, and Judges.
 Those serving in the Military, and their families.
We Rejoice In A Birth…..
A daughter, Daylynn Rae, to Jeremy & Crystal (Nave) Peck, January 12. Daylynn’s grandparents are
Jerry & Miriam Peck & Tom & Joy Nave.
Please Pray for Parishioners, Family Members & Friends in Special Circumstances...
 Roger Arnold, Ann Bittner, Cory & Wendy Claycomb, Pr. John Duffus, Doug Feather, Cyndee Ford,
Dot Keller, Tony Lowe, Juda Markle, Ann Mitchell, Raye & Mert Speicher, Phyllis Strawn, Janet
Wright, Jim & Sandy Zembower.
 (1/26) ~ Robert Whetstone and Maura Whetstone (Shirlene Knopsnyder’s brother and niece)
 (1/19) ~ David Hyde (Faith Nelson’s brother), Monte Waugh (Pat Macchiarolo’s nephew)
 (1/12) ~ Don Stutzman (Erle & Shirley Sipe’s friend)
Please Pray ~ “Rest Eternal Grant Them, O Lord…”
Gary Young (1/23 Megan Boyer’s father), Ed Growden (1/21 Jim & Sandy Zembower’s friend),
Shirley Molnar (1/18 Frank & Marilyn Homoki’s friend), Ferne Vensel (1/14 Ted & Smoke’s mother),
Rose Mowry (1/10 Nancy Saxman’s mother), Emily Scott (1/4 Mark Nelson’s aunt), Dr Arthur
Ciachella (12/29 Wayne Hullihen’s friend), Eleanor Lamens (12/21 Bethany Nelson’s grandmother),
Harold Stayer (12/20 Fred & Arlene Fluke’s friend), Marty Harsh (12/12 Joe & Mary Jo Casalena’s
friend)
To The Glory of God…
 Flowers ~ In memory of Cliff Dunn by Lou Dunn
 Bulletins ~ In honor of Christopher Macchiarolo’s birthday by Mike & Pat Macchiarolo
 Missionary ~ In honor children and grandchildren by Dan & Lois Boyer
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