TRINITY NEWS
Volume XLIX , Issue 8 ~ August 25, 2026
The Pastor’s Paragraphs…
What a summer! From the Des Moines Opera to Synod School, Balloon Festival to kayaking Lake Superior, a gall bladder attack to buying my very own home, the last three months might have been too much to take in. Thank God for the gift of Sabbath – otherwise, I’d have missed the whole thing!
I don’t know how many times Sabbath rest is mentioned in the Bible – it’s a lot – but when scripture does mention it, it’s usually in the form of a command. Remember the Sabbath day. Observe it. Keep it special! Even three thousand years ago, people didn’t need to be ordered to rush around and stay busy until they dropped. Most of us have always worked as if the slave-masters’ whips are at our backs. We play the same way! Every minute it’s always something.
There’s an old pedagogical adage about how learning doesn’t happen at the moment of instruction; it happens when a person reflects upon instruction. We can name what’s going on in our lives, even experience our lives in the moment. But making meaning of our lives only happens in moments of reflection. That’s when we actually capture the memories that stay with us – not when we’re experiencing them, but when we are re-experiencing them through retelling, examination, and thanksgiving.
Long after I forget the “plot” of King Roger, I’ll remember the neural overwhelm of a sixty-voice multigenerational choir singing “Hagios!” less than four minutes into the performance because I replay it in my head – and on Spotify – several times a week. Long after I forget the names of the pastors and artists who headlined Synod School this year, I’ll remember the first group of Trinity teenagers who attended – because I got to curate their photojourney for worship and their stuffed koala “Ron” still sits in my office. Long after I recover from the stress of moving, I’ll sit in my new living room and remember how many Trinity friends helped me get from “there” to “here” in multilayered ways.
It’s not too late to enjoy the summer, my friends. Slow down, reflect, and take it all in.
~ Pastor Macc
Adult Christian Education
Exciting information coming to you soon!
SEPTEMBER
BIRTHDAYS
9/1 Mitch Cross
9/1 Chase Cross
9/1 Emma Damman
9/2 Bill Damman
9/5 Elliott Johnson
9/5 Marlin Bollin
9/5 Juliana Van Dam
9/6 Stephanie Frerichs
9/8 John Sorensen
9/8 Marilyn Lawson
9/16 Megann Grissom
9/16 Larry Lepper
9/16 Louis Nady
9/19 Kim Grissom
9/19 Carmen Hampton
9/19 Dick Tinder
9/21 Chari Kruse
9/26 Brian Anderson
9/27 John Anderson
9/27 Robert Endriss
9/28 Gary Richardson
9/30 Cheri Riebhoff
9/30 Jovanka Westbrook
IN OUR PRAYERS
Juanita Ott and her family for the passing of Juanita’s daughter, Toni Salazar.
Laird Jack and his family for the passing of Laird’s Dad, Larry Jack.
Geri Bartletts’s son, Shawn, for strength and healing.
John & Bev Anderson for strength and healing.
AREA CARE CENTERS
The Village Care Center
Everett Brown, Betty Labertew
Westview Care Center
John & Bev Anderson, Sandy Newell
PICTORIAL DIRECTORY
SIGN-UP
The following dates and times have been set for our next Trinity Pictorial Directory photo sessions:
Thursday, October 15 from 2:00-8:36 pm
Friday, October 16 from 2:00-8:36 pm
Saturday, October 17 from 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Scheduling can be done online with the following:
- Log into www.ucdir.com
- Click on Photography Session Sign-up
- Church Code: ia379
- Member Password: trinitymember
From there you can choose a date and time for your picture. If you have more than five family members being photographed, please reserve two appointments consecutively (such as 6:12 and 6:24). For questions call 419-522-5011. Contact the church office to change or cancel your photography appointment.
Appointments fill up quickly, so schedule as soon as possible to secure your preferred date and time.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
From the Quilting Ministry – Thank you all that have kindly washed and sorted material for our future comforters, and to those that contributed to the cost of batting. More details will be coming as how we will move forward to finish making comforters. There are numerous steps, not all being seated at the machine! Thank you again!
Pastor Macc is out of the office 8/30 (after worship) – 9/6. In case of pastoral emergency, please contact your deacon or Rev. Kip Harris at 515-318-3465.
The church office will be closed on Monday, September 7 in observance of Labor Day.
Interim Senior High Youth Director Position – Due to a serious health issue for the person Personnel hired as Interim Senior High Youth Director, we are in need of a person to fill this position and possibly the CE Director position in the future. If you are interested in applying for this position, please provide a letter of application and resume to the church office. We will accept applications until Friday, September 4. Senior High Youth will start Wednesday, September 9.
SWAT (Supper Wednesdays at Trinity) is back beginning September 9! Wednesdays from 5-6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. They are free and open to the public. Free will donations will be accepted.
Each week’s meal will be hosted by a different group in the church. Any group is welcome to host a meal. If your committee, youth group or just a group of friends would like to help keep the tradition going, please use this link to sign up: SWAT Group Sign-up
If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to Barb Yearous.
GrandPEOPLE Sunday – A Soaring Celebration of God’s Gift of Grandchildren (and Grandparents). Join us for worship at 9:30 am on Sunday, September 27. After worship, join us for intergenerational fellowship at Barker Park. Crafts, food, games and (weather permitting) a real hot air balloon demo!
The next Trinity News deadline is Wednesday, September 16. Articles must be turned into the church office by 10:00 am. Please e-mail submissions to trinityupc@dwx.com. If you have any questions, please call Wendy at 515-961-6231.
Highlights from the July 22 Session Meeting
- Approval of updated Mission Ministry Team Description.
- Approval of Trinity Gift Acceptance Policy & Guidelines.
- Approval of Congregational Meeting on August 9 for Election of Officers.
- Approval of Ordination & Installation Service for Edlers and Deacons on August 23.
- Approval of 2026/2027 Youth Curriculum.
- Retroactive approval of Summer 2026 Adult Gospels Learning Plan.
- Approval for Housing Allowance change request from Pastor Macc.
- Approval to hire Christine Neumeier as the Calvin Choristers Accompanist for nine months of the 2026/2027 schedule.
- Recognition of the Personnel Committee for extra meetings and interviews for staffing and for coordination with A&F.
Choir Notes:
Trinity choirs will begin rehearsals on Wednesday, September 9.
5:25-5:50pm – Calvin Choristers, (1st-6th grade) Sanctuary
5:50-7:00pm – Chancel Bells, West Fellowship Hall
7:00-8:00pm – Chancel Choir, (9th grade-adult) Sanctuary
New members are always welcome!
Bell Ringers Needed!
Chancel Bells is looking for some additional ringers, full-time or as an occasional substitute. No experience needed, we will teach you everything you need to know! If interested, please contact Chari Kruse (515-979-1879).
September Music Schedule:
Sept. 13 – Chancel Choir
Sept. 20 – Chancel Choir
Sept. 27 – Praise Team
Please keep Trinity in your regular giving. You can give via ACH, online or by mailing your gifts. To give online, use the QR code and click on the “Give” tab at the top of the page.
TRINITY STAFF
Pastor – Rev. Erica MacCreaigh
Office Administrator – Wendy Dowell
Children and Youth Director – Amy Fredricks
Middle School Youth Directors – Paul & Rachael Wilson
Minister of Music – Mark Koskamp
Chancel Bells & Calvin Choristers Director – Chari Kruse
Chancel Choir Accompanist – Anna Lackaff
Financial Secretary – Betty Dyer
Nursery Attendant – Juliana VanDam