TRINITY NEWS
Volume XLIX , Issue 2 ~ February 24, 2026
The Pastor’s Paragraphs…
I don’t know why this proportionately small task has always stymied me in ways that other demands of the job don’t. Maybe once a month is just seldom enough for me to blow off (until it suddenly becomes an emergency requiring immediate attention) and forget about the importance of touching base in these pages.
I have found the life of faith to be similar. Years before I “went professional,” I attended worship and classes faithfully during the school year. As soon as choir took the summer off, though, I was lucky to darken the door at all. I always intended to attend at least once a month, but the weeks would stretch out before me and before long, it was September again. I know I lost ground during those long spells apart from the friendship of my fellow church-goers, my instruction of my pastor, the inspiration and challenge of Christian education, and the gentle discipline of simply showing up to encounter Christ.
As we enter the Lenten season, I encourage you to take the opportunity to go deeper into your heart. Spend time intentionally seeking the companionship of God (through meditation, scripture, nature-bathing, or even…coming to church!) It’s not about doing it right or feeling a certain way. Encountering God is about showing up for the God who is already and always everywhere. That’s easier to do with regular practice – just like learning to play an instrument or training for a marathon. Or writing this article.
Blessed Lent, my friends!
Adult Christian Formation ~ Sundays After Worship in the West Fellowship Hall
Building Biblical Literacy ~ Moses: In the Footsteps of the Reluctant Prophet ~ February 22; March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Take a Lenten journey through the life and ministry of Moses! In a video travelogue of history, archaeology, and biblical witness, Adam Hamilton guides us from modern day Cairo to Jordan, tracing the path of Moses’ life from palaces along the Nile to encampments at the foot of Mount Sinai. As we get to know Moses better, we will reflect on what the Exodus story reveals about God, ourselves, and God’s will for humankind. Participant books will be provided from the Christian Education budget.
MARCH
BIRTHDAYS
3/4 Dean Kruse
3/5 Isabella Patton
3/8 Ella Jack
3/8 Barb Gallaher
3/9 Annie Kruse
3/10 Dru McLuen
3/13 Travis Pinamonte
3/16 Thomas Roush
3/16 Renee Little
3/16 Karen Weinman
3/17 Lucy Kruse
3/17 Sam Weinman
3/17 Ashley Ackerson
3/20 Jayne Tabor Moline
3/21 Axel Kruse
3/21 Mickie Riebhoff
3/21 Jonah Sturtz
3/21 Joshua Blakely
3/21 Nicki Endriss
3/22 Dianne Richardson
3/23 Sarah Griffith
3/28 Brad Sturtz
3/28 Casey Coghlan
3/29 Abbi Henle
3/29 Hadley Van Dam
3/29 Brett Van Dam
IN OUR PRAYERS
Rodney Prickett who is in hospice care.
Kris Nielsen for continued healing and rehabilitation.
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
CIA (CHRISTIANS IN ACTION)
☘️ March Schedule ☘️
3/4 – Discussion Night – Please sign up for snack!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0449A4AA22A7FC1-57639210-cia20252026
3/11 – Serving SWAT/Worktrip Fundraiser. We need youth help from 4:30-7 pm. Please bring food/drink items (TBD) to help with the meal.
3/18 – No Youth Group – Spring Break
3/25 – Progressive Dinner – Meet in Youth Room at 6 pm so we can carpool to our stops.
Upcoming dates:
April 26 – Senior Breakfast 8 am
April 26 – Youth Sunday 9:30 am
Questions/Concerns – Text Van Dams at (515)689-2797.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Coldest Night of the Year is February 28 and Trinity’s team, the Frosty Frolickers, invite all our members and friends to participate in this international fundraising and advocacy event for the homeless. The Corn Crib B&B will match up to $1500 donated by Trinity members and friends. To contribute to the cause and/or sign up to walk with the team, go to https://bit.ly/2026CNOYTUPC. Thank you for your support of neighbors in need!
Deadline to commit to El Salvador Delegation (July 2-9, 2026) is March 1. Questions? Contact Renee Little or Betty Dyer.
WeLIFT is turning 20! Tickets to the 20th anniversary celebration are on sale now for $20 per person. You may mail or drop off a check at the WeLIFT Job Search Center during the week to secure your seat. Evening festivities include a nacho bar, awards presentation and a silent auction to benefit the ongoing (and expanding!) mission of this important community resource. March 5, 6-8 pm at the Indianola Parks and Rec Activity Room.
Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 8. Remember to move your clocks forward one hour.
Martha Morning PW Circle will meet on March 11 in the Fellowship Hall at 9:15 am. Ranae Fagan will be our hostess, and Susan Tinder will present Lesson 7 from our study books, The Woman Who Was Bent Over. Join us for fellowship, learning and a short business meeting. All are welcome.
The next Trinity News deadline is Wednesday, March 18. Articles must be turned into the church office by 10 am. Please e-mail submissions to trinityupc@dwx.com. If you have any questions, please call Wendy at 515-961-6231.
Pat Wilson
HEAL House Update – HEAL House is currently home to seven guests, ranging from a newborn to 55 years old. One of our guests will be moving to her own apartment on February 20, and we couldn’t be more excited for her! “D” came to HEAL House in May of 2025 finding herself homeless following a significant health-related event. We witness this often where life is stable until a person’s health status unexpectedly changes leading to job loss, income loss and finally loss of housing. HEAL House was D’s safety net which allowed her time to recover and regroup. Your continued monetary donations made this happen, so thank you, Trinity!
Current Needs: liquid laundry detergent, liquid fabric softener, large garbage bags garbage bags.
Highlights from the January 21 Session Meeting
- Discussion of session learning priorities for 2026.
- Review preparations for Congregational Meeting.
- Worship Team will take over the Sunday service attendance counting and relieve Hospitality Team of this duty.
- Approval for Trinity be a Compassion Fund Contributor, sponsoring at the $250 level, at the WeLIFT fundraiser on March 5.
- Approval for Pastor Macc’s Adult CE classes February 1 through March 29.
- Recognition of Members – Michael Kleene for cleaning the brass cross and candlesticks by the pulpit. Alan Core for his help changing the banners.
Music in March
March 1 – Worship with Chancel Choir
March 8 – Worship with Calvin Choristers and Chancel Bells
March 15 – Worship with Chancel Choir
March 22 – Worship with Chancel Choir
March 29 – Worship with Praise Team
March 1, 2 pm – All are invited to a concert in the sanctuary featuring DMMO’s OPERA Iowa Troupe. They will share arias, musical theater and arts songs. A freewill offering will be collected to support the Indianola Chapter of the DMMO Guild. Enjoy refreshments after the concert and meet the troupe members.
March 15, 3 pm – Anna Lackaff (Trinity’s choir accompanist) will perform in concert as part of the Indianola Concert Association season at the high school auditorium. Tickets are available at the door.
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
High School Youth Directors – Nick & Becca Van Dam
Middle School Youth Directors – Paul & Rachael Wilson
Minister of Music – Mark Koskamp
Chancel Bells & Calvin Choristers Director – Chari Kruse
Chancel Choir Accompanist – Anna Lackaff
Calvin Choristers Accompanist – Gary Richardson
Custodian – Kerry McKasson
Financial Secretary – Betty Dyer
Nursery Attendant – Juliana Van Dam