TRINITY NEWS
Volume XLIX , Issue 1 ~ January 27, 2026
The Pastor’s Paragraphs…
If Christmas is over and we know who’s in the Super Bowl, can Lent be far behind?
Believe it or not, friends, we are only three weeks away from Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season. It’s a time of year when we’re invited, among other things, to consider the three temptations of Jesus and how following his lead – not the lead of forces opposing him – carves out the kingdom of heaven right here on earth. The problem with that approach is that we have to get clear on what those three temptations were!
Better thinkers than me have puzzled over the particulars for centuries and I won’t try to spell out my opinion for you here. More relevant than the temptations, according to Presbyterian theologian Frederick Buechner, is the wilderness experience itself. Most of us have been there. Riding the highs of life when all is right with the world, we unexpectedly plunge into dry and trackless territory populated by our fears, our idols, and our unmet desires.
Crisis has a way of waking us up to the demons lurking around within us. The voices that insist we will never have enough (“So make these stones into bread!”), never be enough (“Throw yourself off this ledge and show everyone you’re all that!), and never be enough (What COULDN’T you do with all the kingdoms of the world at your disposal?)
This Lent, rather than giving your wilting New Year’s resolutions another go, consider the places in your life where you’re afraid to go. These are the places you hide from others, the places you avoid going yourself. They might be memories or regrets or unanswered questions that nag at you. They might be losses insufficiently grieved or unresolved conflicts or irreconcilable relationships. Spend some time exploring your wilderness, knowing that you’ll encounter the devil there, but confident that the follower of Christ already has the model – and the means – to face it, contend with it, and let it go.
HAVE A WORSHIPFUL LENT
Ash Wednesday Worship
February 18, 2026 at 7:00 pm
A service of Taizé-style prayer, confession, commitment to Lenten discipline, and imposition of ashes
First Sunday in Lent
February 22, 2026 at 9:30 am
Worship led by the Trinity Praise Band and featuring The Calvin Choristers
Adult Christian Formation ~ Sundays After Worship in the West Fellowship Hall
Informing Christian Ethics ~ Brené Brown: “The Power of Vulnerability” ~ February 1
In the fourth most viewed TEDTalk of all time, renowned researcher, author and podcast host, Brené Brown shares her findings on what makes meaningful human relationships possible, as well as the story of how her ground-breaking discoveries about shame and vulnerability triggered a nearly career-ending emotional breakdown. We will watch Brown’s TEDTalk in class, then discuss how her research dovetails with Christian ethics of humility, confession, and forgiveness.
Informing Christian Ethics ~ Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: “The Danger of a Single Story” ~ February 8
Internationally celebrated writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie explains how only knowing a single story about other people and places distorts our worldview. Many stories from diverse points of view foster appreciation for others, combat stereotypes, and equip us to better tolerate the complexities of life. After watching Adichie’s TEDTalk, we will discuss Christian ethics of discipleship (learning), truth-telling (and hearing), and welcoming the stranger.
Informing Christian Ethics ~ Margaret Heffernan: “Why It’s Time to Forget the Pecking Order at Work” ~ February 15
CEO, author, and business guru, Margaret Heffernan, presents “the chicken experiment” model based on her observations of the negative impacts of “superstars” on corporate functioning. Organizations operate better when they bring out the best in everyone, rather than rely on a few high achievers. We will watch Heffernan’s TEDTalk in class, then discuss how prioritizing social capital rather than peak performance embodies Christian ethics of neighboring, collaboration, and spiritual giftedness.
Building Biblical Literacy ~ Moses: 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.
FEBRUARY
BIRTHDAYS
2/5 Lon Davey
2/5 Bob Dyer
2/7 Greysen Griffith
2/12 Lorena Bollin
2/13 Cindy Barton
2/13 Cody Riebhoff
2/14 Rachael Henle
2/14 Gary Noble
2/16 Emmett McAllister
2/17 Owen Jack
2/23 Everett Brown
2/18 Nick Van Dam
2/21 Rick Ackerson
2/22 Stephanie (Little) Loew
2/23 Austin Olsen
2/24 Sara Sturtz
2/25 Cindy Henle
2/28 Brad Eveland
2/28 Carmen Eveland
IN OUR PRAYERS
The family of Lillian Williams who passed away on January 21.
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 SCHEDULE
(CHRISTIANS IN ACTION)
2/4 – Discussion Night
2/11 – Discussion Night
2/13 – Worktrip Fundraiser – Sweethearts Dinner Set-up 6-9 pm
2/14 – Worktrip Fundraiser – Sweethearts Dinner Set-up 10 am-5 pm & Clean-up 5-10 pm
2/18 – Discussion Night
2/25 – TBD
Please follow the link to help with snacks – https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0449A4AA22A7FC1-57639210-cia20252026
Upcoming Dates-
March 11 – Worktrip Fundraiser – Serving SWAT 4:30-7 pm
April 26 – Senior Breakfast 8 am & Youth Sunday 9:30 am
Questions or concerns? Text Van Dams at (515)689-2797.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Thank you to all who gave generously to the Christmas Joy Offering! The 2025 Joy Offering total was $1,732. Every generous act of giving is from above. (James 1:17)
The next Trinity News deadline is Wednesday, February 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.
HEAL House Update – HEAL House of Iowa recently received a grant from the Central Iowa Housing Trust Fund to renovate our kitchen and pantry area. Previously, the space included three refrigerators, two microwaves, a coffee maker and a bathroom sink. The updated kitchen will feature a full kitchen sink, dishwasher, oven/stove, microwaves, a community refrigerator, cabinets and expanded seating. Renovation work began the week of January 12, 2026. Once completed, guests will be able to prepare their own daily meals. Staff will provide coaching on budgeting, managing SNAP benefits and preparing cost‑effective meals. HEAL House is currently home to seven guests, ranging from newborn to 55 years old.
Current Needs: liquid laundry detergent, liquid fabric softener, large garbage bags garbage bags.
Annual Per Capita is an annual offering on behalf of all members of Presbyterian congregations. It reminds us of our belonging to a nationwide church 1.1 million strong. It reinforces the value of supporting ministry beyond our own walls. And it upholds our current and evolving governance structures. We encourage each member of the church to contribute to the annual per capita offering. The amount per member for 2026 is $53.38. This would be in addition to your regular offering.
Trinity 2026 Delegation
Have you ever considered traveling with a group of Trinity folks to El Salvador to help with the Our Sister Parish mission there? Have you had a little voice in the back of your mind for years that whispers, “Maybe I should go”? Have you felt a nagging feeling in your heart when a new delegation forms that makes you wish you were part of it? God may be calling you and we would love to have you join us!
It is an exciting time to make the commitment to travel to ES as representatives of Trinity get to meet with our new communities, Loma Alta and Hacienda Nueva, and help to begin forming the very important personal relationships with our families there!
TEST (Trinity’s El Salvador Team) will be having an informational meeting for anyone interested to learn more about the trip, the mission and what we do there on Sunday, February 1 at 11 am in the SW room of the PATH. Please join us!
Delegation dates: July 2-9, 2026 and March 11-25, 2027 (exact dates TBD)
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