News & Events

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Friday, September 4: (Office Closed)

Saturday, September 5:

Sunday, September 6: 9:00 am – Sunday Worship Service; 10:00 am – Fellowship

Monday, September 7:

Tuesday, September 8: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm – Office staffed; 4:00 p.m.– 8:30 p.m. Celebrating Families here

Wednesday, September 9: 9:00 am-2:00 pm – Office staffed

Thursday, September 10:

Friday, September 11:

Saturday, September 12: 12:30-1:00 pm – Fresh Express Food Truck in parking lot

Sunday, September 13: 9:00 am – Sunday Worship Service (Pastor Julie’s Last Worship Service); 10:15 am – Fellowship

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WORSHIP HELPERS
There are many opportunities to sign up for assisting at worship this Sunday and the next six weeks. The sign up is available online (Church Family: Worship Helpers 2026-2027) here and a paper copy will be passed around at worship.
Thank you to all who sign up and participate in the Sunday worship! Your participation allows us to share the duties, provide good worship, and live-stream the service. Needed participants include Greeters standing near the entrance; Ushers handing out bulletins and directing offering; Acolytes to light and extinguish candles at the book ends of worship; Lector’s to read scripture with a new Lector’s Pronunciation Guide on the reading desk; Holy Communion has two parts – setting elements up (allow 15 minutes) along with cleaning up (10 minutes after worship) and distributing the sacrament; Slide Show to use a mouse to forward worship slides; and Sound/Video to get the system running to ready to live-stream with updated instructions plus making sure microphones are ready. Singers are also welcome to help lead the singing with practice one hour prior to worship. If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Julie.

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EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE AND BASIC NEEDS SUPPORT
Are you or someone you know facing unexpected expenses? Temporary loss of income? Struggling to make ends meet? Operation HELP, a nonprofit, offers resources for St. Croix County residents dealing with temporary financial hardships. They have Emergency Financial Assistance for rent and utilities, a Resources Center, Diaper Bank, Temporary Emergency Shelter, Christmas for Kids, Budgeting Classes, and Connections to Additional Help. They are located in Hudson at 901 Fourth Street, Suite 214 (United Way). For information call: 715-386-1300 or email: operationhelp.source@gmail.com. Check out the website: Operation Help

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SPIRITUAL PRACTICE/CONNECTIONS
The Star Word of the Week is “strangers.” This week’s story in the gospel of Matthew includes an encounter with a Canaanite woman, a Gentile, not an Israelite. After some back and forth conversation, Jesus recognizes her great faith. This is one of many places in scripture where the Divine demonstrates recognition of one who is often assumed to be outside of the mercy of God. This story corrects that false assumption. There are tens of references in scripture highlighting acceptance and inclusion of orphans, strangers, aliens and foreigners into the community of faith of God and Christ, or of providing assistance to these people as if they were members of the community of faith. Read Romans 12:13; Ephesians 2:12, 19; Psalm 146:9; Deuteronomy 24:14; Isaiah 56:6-8; and Hebrews 11:13 for some examples. What might you do to increase your knowledge of someone with a different background or culture than your own? How might learning about another affect your posture towards those you may have at one time considered a stranger?

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USE OF TRINITY BUILDING BY ST. CROIX COUNTY
The Trinity Council has granted permission to the St. Croix County Health and Human Services to use the Trinity building for their extended program, “Celebrating Families.”
The County needs a space where there can be a measure of safety and is less public than other meeting areas. The County will use the building on Tuesdays, August 18 until December 1 from 4:00 – 8:30 p.m. This is a marvelous example of Trinity located in the heart of St. Croix County serving the needs of the people. Thanks be to God!

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SYNOD WOMEN’S BIENNIAL CONVENTION
The Northwest Synod of Wisconsin Women of the ELCA is having their Biennial Convention on September 26, 2026 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Rice Lake from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The theme is “Who Is My Neighbor?” and there is a great line-up of guests to lead breakout sessions on a variety of topics. Worship will be led by Pastor Melinda Halom, with featured speakers Deacon Lidixe Montoya and the Rev. Lori Ruge-Jones. Cost is $20 per person, including lunch. Each congregation may have one voting representative for the morning business meeting. For a list of discussion topics and registration information, see the flyer in the narthex.

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ELCA RESPONDS TO DISASTER
The new 2026 edition of the colorful online Thrive magazine is for supporters of Lutheran Disaster Response, who are making a difference in the world. See brief stories of ways that that your gifts are at work as the ELCA responds to disasters. Click here.
You might be surprised at the map showing all the places in the US and world where the ELCA is currently involved in helping our neighbors.

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A VIDEO to WATCH
In the letter to the Romans, Paul writes that “creation waits . . . in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its enslavement to decay . . . .” That theme is beautifully brought to life by the animated short film Hope (Green Tree: 2020), which follows the adventures of a baby turtle on its way from egg to the ocean. Along the way the turtle encounters many obstacles, from human trash to predators, and its poignant ending
echoes our grief that the world is captive to sin and death, as well as our hope in the glory to be revealed. You can find it on YouTube. Watch the credits to see the variety of sea turtles.

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Civil Rights Pilgrimage: October 28 – November 2, 2026

Join retired pastor Joanne Sorenson on this walk in the cities of Montgomery, Birmingham, Selma and Atlanta and learn the history which brought about the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Sorenson has been leading these pilgrimages for several years The cost is $2500. For specific details contact Joanne at 651-398-3989 or joanne@inourhandsadventures.com.

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NEW GLOBAL MISSION DIRECTORY
Over 110 ELCA missionaries are at work in 365 countries, thanks to your support. They meet needs of their neighbors as pastors, teachers, health care workers, and more. Most importantly they are forming deep relationships that connect us as a global community of faith. The new Global Mission directory gives you a chance to get to know the missionaries you support a bit better. See: GlobalChurch@elca.org

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SUMMER READING
Here are a couple of recommendations for summer reading.
The Rapture Exposed: The Message of Hope in the Book of Revelation by Dr. Barbara Rossing. An ELCA pastor and theologian, Rossing taught New Testament at Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago and now contributes to Lutherans Restoring Creation. Rossing unpacks how the Bible has been distorted using the psychology of fear. She reclaims for us the beautiful image of God’s healing love for the world. Published in 2004, she was interviewed by national news media including 60 Minutes.
Craving: Why We Can’t Seem to Get Enough by Omar Manejwala, M.D. Whether it’s a minor sugar craving or a serious threat to relapsing with drugs and alcohol, Dr. Manejwala explores the root cause of cravings and ways to combat them.
Teaching Fish to Walk: Church Systems and Adaptive Challenges by Peter Steinke. Steinke was an internationally respected church consultant who lead numerous workshops with congregations leading them through change. This easy to read book gives a vision of what is needed for congregations to make sustainable change. Pastor Julie has several copies available for anyone, free.

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SHARING OUR FACILITY
Trinity lets local groups occasionally use our building as a way of supporting our community and making use of this large, beautiful space. Three different Girl Scout Troops have met in our Fellowship Room in the past couple of years and continue to do so. In case you weren’t aware, this can also provide income for Trinity if the group is not a nonprofit. If you know a trusted community organization that could use a place to meet, you could have them fill out a Facility Use Request Form (on the credenza in the Fellowship Room) or email the office at: trinitylutheranhammond@gmail.com

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RESOURCES POSTED IN THE NARTHEX:
The St. Croix Valley Grief Coalition provides grief support. Sessions are free, no registration is needed, and you are welcome to participate as you feel you can. Current fall sessions are in progress. You are able to access recorded sessions from 2024 and 2025 online at www.scvgriefcoalition.com.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness has a local branch with various resources for those who struggle with mental health and those who support ones dealing with mental health. Free resources are available www.nami-stcroixvalley.com.

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God came down to us in Jesus Christ bringing love, hope, peace, and joy. God blesses us with abundant provision for daily life. Because God gives to us first, we are able the example of generosity. Good places to give in this Christmas season, especially in honor or in memory of someone you love:
Trinity Lutheran Church General Fund – Trinity Gen Fund or Mortgage
Trinity Lutheran Church, Mortgage
Northwest Synod of Wisconsin – multiple options – nwswi giving
Luther Point Bible Camp, Grantsburg – camping ministry
ELCA World Hunger 50 years – fight hunger
ELCA Good Gifts Catalog – shop now
Please note your gifts and offerings to Trinity make it possible for this community to thrive. Thank you for your prayers, offerings and support!
Trinity is one of 191 congregations of the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin that walk together in mission for regional and global ministries, learn together through synod led events, and are supported, especially in times of transition.
Luther Point Bible Camp is a special ministry of the church. Kids who attend camp often Become leaders in congregations. The goal of Luther Point is to provide the good news of Jesus for everyone who attends camp.
The work of ELCA World Hunger is one of the most popular ministries of the church. Almost 1 in 10 people – 733 million – in our world are hungry. As people of congregations, we are called to respond to this need. We are a church that rolls up its sleeves and gets to work!
The best gift catalog is the ELCA Good Gifts Catalog. The items in the catalog are real Ministries supported through the work of the ELCA. Each program is a long-term, partnership- based ministry that focuses on the needs identified by local congregations and global companion churches and their communities. The ELCA focuses on relationship building and contextual ministry. Several paper copies of the catalog are at the entrance.

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AMONG FRIENDS—A DEMENTIA SOCIAL RESPITE PROGRAM in RIVER FALLS
If you are caring for anyone facing memory challenges, you are not alone. Many caregivers could use a break occasionally and might not be aware of this program. Among Friends offers a few hours of relief to refresh yourself and give the person with dementia some independence by getting them out to enjoy the company of others. Research shows that even a little social activity a week can delay memory decline in seniors, help sleep, and decrease agitation. The group meets every Tuesday from 9-3 (come when you can) at First Congregational Church in River Falls (110 No. 3rd St.). You can drop off your loved one with trained professionals who ensure a safe and welcoming environment. Food and activities are offered, including music, crafts, chair yoga, conversations, and visits from animal friends or other learning activities. A catered lunch is provided. The cost for all of this is $35, though talk to them if this is a problem. Rides might also be arranged if this is an issue. A brochure is in the narthex; you can also look for more information at their website: amongfriendsrf@gmail.com or call: 715-293-2561.

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BULLETIN SPONSORSHIP OPENINGS ARE AVAILABLE
If you are interested in honoring a loved one or remembering a special date with the congregation, there are many opportunities in 2025 to sponsor a bulletin and newsletter.
For $8 you can submit a note to be included for a particular Sunday. Please send these to Lois Koosmann at: lois044@centurytel.net

LIGHT’s OFF, DOOR SHUT PLEASE
People have arrived at church a couple times to lights being left on with no one in the building. If you are here and the last to leave please make sure light are off. Please also double check the front door to make sure it has latched shut. (During the winter, the cold makes it stick open occasionally)

THRIVENT CHOICE DOLLARS:
If you have not directed your Thrivent choice dollars for 2023 you have until March 31, 2026 to do so. Trinity, Hammond WI, can be a choice for you! You can help Thrivent designate it’s charitable grant funds if you have one of the following…
1 ) $750 or more in annual billed premiums of qualifying life and health insurance products.
2) $20,000 or more in contract value of qualifying life insurance and annuity products . You can access this with your online account or contact your Thrivent representative.
***Remember, some Thrivent members are also eligible for Thrivent Action Team Grants. This is an easy way for Trinity to get up to a $250 grant for events, fundraisers, and service projects. If you need help figuring out how to apply for this, let Pastor Kim know and she will get in touch with someone who will walk you through it!***

Collecting Eye glasses and empty pill bottles: Trinity Lutheran is collecting used eye glasses for the Lion’s club. The container is in the hall by the quilting room. We are also collecting used pill bottles for third world countries, both over counter medications and prescription bottles. Please remove the labels from the prescription bottles. The pill bottle container is in the back hall near the quilting room. If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Jensen.

Weekly Newsletter Items are due to the church office on Tuesday by noon.

Warm up your heart, be a co-worker in God’s work by volunteering for a Sunday worship ministry role. Greeters, ushers and readers are needed every Sunday. The gifts of your time and interest are priceless. Contact the church office at (715) 796-2788 or sign up by clicking here.

Trinity wants to stay in touch with you through church communications. Please notify the church office of any changes to your email address, street address, P.O. Box number, telephone or cell phone numbers. It’s important that we stay connected in God’s busy world.

Check out Trinity’s AMAZING library! The Library is located just off the Kitchen and Fellowship Hall. It is stocked with some AWESOME books, videos, CDs and more! It is easy to check out items. Located the checkout card in or on the back of the item), write your name and date on that card and drop it in the checkout basket! IT IS THAT EASY!!