Friday, October 16: (Office Closed)
Saturday, October 17:
Sunday, October 18: (NOTE NEW TIMES) 9:30 am – BOLT; 10:00 am – Sunday Worship Service; 11:00 am – Fellowship; 11:15 a.m. Short WELCA meeting; 6:00 pm – Girl Scouts meet here
Monday, October 19:
Tuesday, October 20: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm – Office staffed; 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Celebrating Families here
Wednesday, October 21: 9:00 am-2:00 pm – Office staffed; 9:00 a.m. Coffee at Caribou; 6:00 p.m. Confirmation & BAM
Thursday, October 22:
Friday, October 23:
Saturday, October 24: 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Visitation, 12:00—Cindy Fritz funeral
Sunday, October 25: (NOTE NEW TIMES) 9:30 am – BOLT; 10:00 am – Sunday Worship Service; 11:00 am – Fellowship
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.
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
ANY USED CHRISTMAS TREES TO SPARE?
Joan Ramberg is looking for artificial Christmas trees in working order – either small, medium, or large—that are no longer being used. She would like to have them for the fall collection of gifts for families that she gets referred from the school Social Worker.
Joan puts tags on the trees with information for each family and collects the congregation’s generous donations underneath. The current trees are in sad shape and need replacing! Thanks much!
ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO HELP FEED CHILDREN
Feed My Starving Children has a mobile unit that will be coming to Hudson soon, much closer than their Minnesota location. Their truck will be at the YMCA on October 23-24. They are seeking volunteers to help pack nutritious meals and welcome financial donations also to help pay for shipping them to children in need. You can register for a time or donate at this link: St Croix Valley Packs Hope.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Find all the podcasts at www.enterthebible.org. The latest installment is on the book of Galatians. Galatians may be the most explosive book in the Bible. Rev. Dr. Sarah Hinlicky Wilson joins Dr. Kathryn Schifferdecker and Rev. Katie Langston to explore Paul’s fiery
letter. She explains why Galatians is not a battle between Judaism and Christianity.
Instead, it detonates every human effort to earn God’s approval. Through a lively game of Bible Bingo, Sarah unpacks key pairs in Galatians: flesh and spirit, freedom and slavery, and faith and works of the law. Sarah also explores what Paul means by justification and why it became the hot point of the Reformation. You’ll hear about Paul’s mysterious health problems and the “marks of Jesus” branded on his body. Most of all, you’ll
discover the good news at the heart of Galatians. For freedom, Christ has set you free!
COFFEE HOUR
Wednesday, October 21st at 9:00 am!
Caribou Coffee in Baldwin
EVERYONE IS WELCOME!
Confirmation/Bible And Me begins this Wednesday, Oct. 14th for youth in 5th-8th grades. For this first week we will meet here at Trinity at 6:00 p.m. Parents/guardians can stay or come back at 7:00 to pick you up your child.
BOLT – faith education for children ages 4—4th grade Note changes!
Beginning Oct. 11 it will be held at 9:30 a.m., before 10:00 worship.
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!
BOLT begins for the new school year!
BOLT – Building Our Lives Together-Sundays at 10:15 a.m., following 9:00 worship. (Please note a change to Sunday morning time schedule is anticipated in the coming weeks.)
TIME CHANGE: Starting Sunday, October 14th, BOLT is changing to 9:30 am!
YOUTH/FAMILY ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
Contact tlchwebsite@gmail.com to receive a registration link.
- High School Youth at Trinity –
Wednesday, October 21, 7:00 – 9:00 pm.Will be rescheduled soon! - MercyMe and Jeremy Camp at Target Center – Sunday, November 15, 7:00 pm
Goal is to purchase group tickets at a cost of $30.
Events planned by Sarah Pommerening and Michelle Kost
SAVE THE DATE – UPCOMING EVENTS
St. Croix Valley Grief Coalition – Fall 2026 Grief Support Series
The Fall 2026 Grief Support Series meets on Tuesday evenings, September 22 – October 27 at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi, MN. This is a free series for people age 18+ and no need to pre-register. You may attend one or all sessions and participate in all aspects or only what you choose. This is community based and religion neutral. Sign in at 6:00; Speaker from 6:30-7:15; opportunity for small group engagement, 7:30-8:30 p.m. See the tri-fold brochures for more information, or www.scvgriefcoalition.com.
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.
FOOD TRUCK CHANGE OF LOCATION —Second Saturday each month 12:30-1:00 p.m.
The Fresh Express free food truck is moving from our parking lot to the lot at the new Hammond Library at 555 Klein Drive. This will allow folks in line to wait inside the lobby of the library in cold weather, use the restrooms, etc. since the library is open Saturdays.
(We received notice of the change too late for that week’s newsletter or newspaper but we made sure a volunteer was here to redirect people on Sept. 12th.) They expressed gratitude for Trinity’s help these past many months of using our facility to serve the community.
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
FREE FOOD SHELF INFORMATION
An option for 24-hour access to free food is the pantry in the entryway of the Village of Hammond building at 455 Davis, on the upper level. The Hammond Library also has a small shelf available when the library is open, and they sometimes have some non-food items such as diapers.
The food pantry at the Roberts Congregational UCC church (at 1001 Birch Dr. in Roberts) has normal open hours from 9:00 am-11:30 am on Tuesdays and Thursdays. In an emergency situation there might be some access other days when the church is open (M-F, 8:30 am-12:30 pm). Ring the doorbell for Kim to let you in. The Baldwin Community Pantry is open on Tuesdays from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12 Noon. It is located 1010 Main St. in Baldwin.
If you are interested in donating food to any food shelf, please make sure it isn’t past its expiration date! We want to ensure the health and safety of all.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 2026 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: loiskoosmann044@gmail.com
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!!