Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

2300 West Main Street, P. O. Box 606

Richmond, IN 47375   

(765) 962-7197

http://www.trinityrichmond.org/  

“Where Good News is  in Our Name”

From the Pastor’s Desk                                       October 2011

Nineteen sixty-seven was the 450th anniversary of Martin Luther’s nailing of the 95 theses on the Castle church door at Wittenberg, Germany, and the beginning of the Protestant Reformation.  In 1967, I visited “Lutherland” as part of the 450th Reformation Celebration in Europe.

Besides visiting the famous cities of Luther’s life, the trip included many more interesting and    fascinating places in Europe.  The tour began with an overnight jet flight to Cologne, Germany, which has a large and beautiful cathedral.  We traveled by bus to Bonn, capital of West Germany, and along the Rhine River to Coblentz.  Here we boarded a steamer for a cruise up the Rhine, passing many castles and vineyards on the way to Mainz, where we traveled by bus to Worms.

I well remember a huge cross at the top of one of the hills along the Rhine.  The story is told that the cross was placed there by parents who had lost their only child.  They wrote the inscription, “WE WERE SAVED BY  JESUS ALONE!”  I cannot forget those words.  I visited Worms and remembered the site of the famous Diet of Worms (1512) before which Luther refused to recant.  The next day in Berlin we spent sightseeing both East and West zones of the city.  Next, we    visited Wittenberg where Luther taught at the university and preached at the castle and town churches.  Remember, Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of All Saints Castle Church at   Wittenberg (1517).

We visited Eisleben where Luther was born and died; Erfurt where Luther served as a monk in the Augustinian Monastery; and Eisenach, home of Wartburg Castle where Luther  translated the New Testament into German.  Leipzig is Germany’s outstanding city of fairs, books, and music.  We  received Holy Communion in St.    Thomas Church where Luther preached for the first time in 1539.  Bach was the organist of St. Thomas Church. 

In 1967, all of “Lutherland”, except Worms and Augsburg was in East Germany and was a communist-controlled and restricted area.  I found the church of Jesus Christ Our Saviour was not dead in East Germany.  In many of the huge cathedrals, we found standing room only.  Yet, those who attended were “marked           persons”.  In the midst of poverty and sorrow, they had     courage and faith.

One of my last views of Europe in Geneva, Switzerland, was a great inspiration.  It is simply    unforgettable—to look across the lake into the huge fountain and see God’s rainbow.  It  reminded me of the faith that God has given us if we trust his promise—faith that we are saved by Jesus Alone!

Freedom means more to me since I visited East Germany.  I am thankful and proud that I am an American.  We are not great because we have more material things.  Rather, our greatness lies in the fact that a poor man’s son can be educated.  Our country is great, because she represents  freedom-loving people.  Today as a “Nation   Under God”, we need to be reminded of the faith God has given us if we trust his promise.  WE can minister to the needs of the world—not as much by the words we say, as by the kind of people we are—and by the kind of lives we live.

Most of all, let us come to the foot of the Cross to realize once again, “We are Saved by Jesus Alone.”

Faithfully,

Pastor Daniel

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The bazaar and chili supper will be held on Saturday, Oct.  22, from 4-7 p.m. at Trinity.  Tickets are $6.00 and children 5 and under are free.  Beverly Rexrode will  print the tickets for us.  Tickets will be sold in advance as well as at the door. 

I was born at Reid Memorial Hospital and baptized at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church on South 7th and A Streets when I was four weeks old.   After graduating from Richmond Senior High at the age of 17 years, I attended the dental school at  the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.  After completing the course, I worked at the dental clinics which were held in all of the grade schools in Richmond to complete data for the Dental Demonstration Study.  Later, I worked as a medical secretary for a  cardiologist.  I was a widow at the age of 31 but now have been happily married for 37 years.  I have been a member of Trinity all my life.

September “Who Am I” - Lois Martin

Pastor Walker’s wife, Carol, of First English Lutheran Church sent Trinity a card of  appreciation for use of Trinity’s handbells so that both of their choirs could play at the same time for their    workshop. 

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There are unclaimed dishes in  the kitchen.  If  they belong to you, please take them home.

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We are now having coffee fellowship after Worship every Sunday.  The sign-up sheet is  located on the bulletin board outside the kitchen.

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Diana Clawson reported that the “All Women’s Coffee and Tea” on September 17 was   wonderful.  Many thanks to everyone who helped with the centerpieces, setting up, serving, and clean up.  Also, a thank you to Pastor for his Welcome, Jennifer for playing the piano, and to the volunteers from the other churches who helped with the coffee/tea and to those who baked the coffee cakes. 

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The tentative date for Bible study to begin is Wednesday, October 26 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.  This would be for both men and women and a snack would be served.  Any questions, please speak to Dave or Cindy Kelly.

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The Cub Scouts will be picking up the food and delivering it to the food pantry.  On Sunday,        October 9, Trinity will be collecting hamburger and tuna helper  for the food pantry.  At Trinity, every month a Sunday will be designated for a collection of  a specific food item for the food      pantry.    Monetary  donations are also welcome as well as other food items.  If you have any    questions, please speak to Diana.

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The Synod will accept the changes to Trinity’s constitution after these changes have been ratified by the members of  Trinity during our annual meeting.

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Budgets are due by Wednesday, October 12.  Please give your budgets to Jeannine.

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On Sunday, November 6,  Trinity will have its Thanksgiving meal in early evening followed by the play “Katie Luther”.  If you have any questions, please speak to Pastor.

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The Cub Scout Troop at Trinity is growing.  There are now 30 boys.  We would like to thank Kathy for all her hard work as well as all the other volunteers.

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Through the generous donations of  Trinity’s members, the boys at Wernle receive birthday cakes or cookies.  Your continued support is greatly appreciated.