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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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ST. CROIX ELECTRIC (SCEC) WINTER CLOTHES COLLECTION
SCEC is accepting gently used winter clothes including coats, snow pants, boots, mittens, gloves and hats in the lobby of the building at 1925 Ridgeway St in Hammond. These items will be distributed by Basics for Local Kids, a charity that helps kids in Pierce and St. Croix counties, ages newborn through age 18. BasicsForLocalKids.org.

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WALKING TOGETHER – the Northwest Synod Congregational Resource Event
Mark Saturday, March 21st on your calendars for a day of resources of ministries shared by congregations in the Synod. It is held at Bethany Lutheran Church in Rice Lake from 8:00 am. to 4:00 p.m. Registration is $25. The keynote speaker is the Rev. Natalia Terfa. More information is available at www.nwswi.org.

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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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$20,000 CHALLENGE ANNOUNCEMENT
A member of Trinity who wishes to remain anonymous has a challenge for the congregation. They gave $20,000 to the General Fund in August above and beyond their regular giving. They challenge members and friends of Trinity to give as many members and match the $20,000 by February 26, 2026. By everyone participating as they are able, the challenge is to raise $20,000 more. Thank you for the generosity of one! Thank you to all who are encouraged to participate in this challenge! The total received to date is $18,562.72,! A prayer as we give out of the abundance which God provides:
Holy One, Holy Three, you are known through relationship, and we know you through and with this gathered community. As we plan and support our ministry in your name for 2025-2026, we give thanks for all the generosity seen here. We give thanks for all the plans, hopes, and dreams planted here. We give thanks for all who have joined hands to make ministry happen at Trinity Lutheran Church. You have called us together in mission, you have called us together with purpose, and you continue to equip us to do your work. Bless the hopes and plans we now embark on fulfilling, and bless the work of our hands to your praise. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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WORTHY OF A BOOK GROUP

The following book is recommended as the story of the woman bent over for eighteen years makes its way through the lectionary cycle in Luke 13:10-17. Whenever the church gathers to read the story of the woman Jesus healed on the sabbath, there will inevitably be people present—in many cases women—living with debilitating chronic illnesses and disabilities who will not be healed this day. What does sabbath freedom look like in these circumstances? In My Body Is Not a Prayer Request (Brazos, 2022), Amy Kenny writes eloquently about sabbath rest for all people and declares, “Sabbath is at the core of disability justice principles because it affirms that all are worthy simply because we are made in the image of God” (p. 119). Anyone from Trinity interested in this book, let Pastor Julie know.

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SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
The Endowment Committee is pleased to announce this year’s scholarship recipients!
Each year high school graduates who are members of Trinity can receive a scholarship for completing the requirements of the scholarship. Congratulations to this year’s Trinity Orville Owens Memorial Scholarship recipient, Tadd Posey, who was awarded $2,000.
In addition, scholarships are awarded to high school graduates who continue their education in the field of agriculture. Congratulations to this year’s Orville Owens Memorial Scholarship for Agriculture recipients, Justin Kamm and Eliza McKenna, each awarded $2,000.

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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!!

Friday, March 6: (Office Closed)

Saturday, March 7: Turn clocks ahead one hour before going to bed

Sunday, March 8: 9:00 am – Sunday Worship Service (in church and/or live-stream); 10:15 am – Fellowship & BOLT

Monday, March 9:

Tuesday, March 10: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm – Office hours

Wednesday, March 11: 9:00 am-2:00 pm – Office staffed; 6:00 pm – Soup Supper; 6:30 pm – Confirmation/BAM; 7:00 pm – Lenten Worship

Thursday, March 12:

Friday, March 13:

Saturday, March 14: 12:30-1:00 pm – Fresh Express Food Truck in parking lot

Sunday, March 15: 9:00 am – Worship; 10:15 am – Fellowship, BOLT; 10:15 am – Pastor Randy to meet w/Call Committee; 6:00 pm – Girl Scouts