Church Council

Blessed To Be A Blessing

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Ephesians 1:2-4

These days we all find ourselves remembering, reflecting, shedding a tear, and then focusing

forward to the future. Although we all have our unique time frames for moving on, we share a love for the God that loves us beyond our reasoning and who cares for us without ceasing. In the midst of our pain and sadness, we often reflect aloud on the many wonderful blessings that have come to us out of our shared ministry with Pastor Jim these past 10 years. Not a single one of us has gone untouched by his love and caring; truly God’s work, Pastor Jim’s hands!

As I move through these days, one at a time, I am constantly reminded that Pastor Jim continues to smile on us and is counting on each of us to carry on the work of our gracious God. As I look into the eyes of each of you, I see that same serenity combined with a commitment to trust in God’s love and guidance as we travel together into the future. I trust that you are seeing that trust in my eyes as well.

The only thing, about the future, of which we can be certain is that we will continue to be blessed “with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” (Eph. 1: 3) It is in that promise that we can begin to move on, knowing that our steps are being guided with love. It may be difficult at times. Things may feel unsettled or uncomfortable from time to time. We will each find moments of longing for the familiarity of the past. But the reality is that moving on with ‘every spiritual blessing in Christ’ is a blessed adventure that awaits!

I invite each of you to pray for patience and love for one another. Pray for our leaders as we move into the surprises of our tomorrows. January 2010 will bring new and joy-filled events,

including the leadership of our newly elected Church Council. We will be celebrating the

ministries of Trinity and beginning the steps to move forward in calling a Pastor for Trinity.
These are the days to pray and prepare for the blessings that lie ahead in the New Year.

I pray that God blesses each of you as we gather to celebrate the Birth of our Savior. May this memorable event remind us of the new beginnings that Joseph and Mary experienced in faith and see that as a blueprint for our journey into the future as well.

In His Love and Grace,

Marilyn Hartig

Congregational Council President

Dear Trinity,

ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson has written an open letter to all ELCA members.

He writes, "Together we will proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord in worship spaces and workplaces, in online
conversations and around kitchen tables," and he invites participation in an online town hall forum on Sunday, December 6, at 3:30 p.m. (MST). Check www.elca.org for the details closer to that date.

Link to Bishop Hanson's message (.pdf and video) and additional resources.

ELCA News Service article on recent ELCA Church Council meeting.

note particularly the section: Secretary reports on Constitution, votes in synods

Thank you for your partnership in ministry and in communication.

Kent Mueller

Director for Administration and Communication

Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA