Dear Trinity Family,

Christ is Risen!  Christ is Risen Indeed.  Alleluia! 

This Easter has most definitely one for the history books.  Worship leaders gathered in a small group in the gathering space at back of the sanctuary.  I preached looking into a dark sanctuary, with empty pews, and my heart sank… until I looked up and saw the light beaming in the sanctuary through the beautiful stained glass… amid my disappointment,  sadness and missing you… shone JESUS in the stained glass.  Reminding me that regardless of our circumstances at the moment - we as Easter people can proclaim Alleluia anyway… in the midst of uncertainty, illness, and even death…We proclaim ALLELUIA anyway. 

So, I sit here preparing for worship for the 3rd Sunday of Easter, writing this newsletter, listening to the news, being in discussion with the Synod office, other clergy, and our congregation councils wishing I could type this letter with a concrete plan for us to once again be together in worship.   Unfortunately, at this point and time we don’t have an idea of a date yet and being church together may look different for a while longer.  Trust me, as soon as it is advisable we will be together again and I can not wait to see you, and hear your voices join together in song and liturgy.

What I can tell you is that God is still working in and through us and continues to call Trinity—you and I to continue to be church together even if we are apart. 

Here’s what we have been doing as church together…

GATHERING -

although virtually we gather for

Worship

 Education

 Zoom Classes and Daily Facebook Devotions)

 Council Meetings

BEING GOOD STEWARDS

Caring for our buildings -

 repair to our roof in Truman and our sacristy in Madelia.
Remaining faithful in our offerings -

 We are grateful for all who are going to the extra effort to continue to send in offerings

Providing opportunities to give -

Through the mail or dropping off at church

Simply Giving or Automatic Giving

Give Plus+ Online and Mobile App Giving

(check out our webpages and this newsletter for more details)

LOVING OUR NEIGHBORS

Provided Daily Devotion Packet for Living Meadows

Made over 2000 Face Masks for 1st Responders, Heartland Truman, and Community Members

Participated in Veryle Williamson’s 90th Birthday Parade

Running Errands and Picking Up Groceries for Members

Congregation Callers

Surprise Visitors - Bearing Gifts or Treats.

150+ Items for the Madelia Food Shelf

The church buildings may be closed but THE CHURCH - our church - The Body of Christ has been busy.  I want to thank you all for you doing your part. I give thanks for all those who have been stepping out of their comfort zones to gather in ways that are unfamiliar for us.   WE ARE THE CHURCH TOGETHER!  Keep up the great work. 

Please do not hesitate to call or email.  I am working primarily from home but usually end up in Truman at least once a week and at my office in Madelia at various times during the day. 

Let’s continue to be.church in the days ahead - proclaiming Alleluia Anyway!  Through our words and actions. 

Peace!

Pastor Krista