TRINITY NEWS
Volume XLIX , Issue 5 ~ May 26, 2026
The Pastor’s Paragraphs…
“The church is a movement, not a meeting house. The faith is an experience, not an exposition. Christians are explorers, not mapmakers.”
George MacCleod (1895-1991) was one of the most influential Presbyterian theologians of the 21st century. Son of a generations-long Church of Scotland dynasty, he left the comfort and predictability of a well-heeled Edinburgh parish ; and after serving a parish in a Glaswegian slum, undertook rebuilding the Abbey of Iona where he founded the legendary Iona Community.
Having settled in as your called pastor, I find myself itching for two things: geographic roots and opportunities for Christ-like service. The former desire is driving my search for a home to buy. I suspect most of you know the ups and downs of shopping for residential real estate. The pictures always promise what the properties never quite deliver in person. While we all know no home is going to check every box on our wish list, we keep at it, usually until we’re too exhausted to hang onto everything we thought we wanted.
As I’ve begun to feel the grind of searching for a two-bed, two-bath, move-in ready residence with a garage and semi-private deck, I find myself reflecting on my second desire: to follow Jesus in my life, not just in my day job. I know I’m faithful to Christ’s Church, but I often wonder if I’m as faithful to him. When I’m honest, I don’t know that my aspiration for a private hideaway would quite hit the mark with the Son of Man.
So, between looking at little homes with the seclusion and affordability I seek, I’m also wondering if there’s an opportunity here. Could I (we?) help address Indianola’s housing shortage by buying something with room to include more people and more desires than just mine? Might there be a chance to build something out of scraps, like George MacLeod and his people rebuilt Iona?
~ Pastor Macc
Adult Christian Formation at Trinity: Summer 2026
Read the Gospels in Ninety Days!
“Jesus loves me, this I know; for the Bible tells me so.” But do we really know what the Bible says about Jesus and his love? Join fellow seekers and Pastor Macc for a summer discussion series on the four Gospels. We will read privately and devotionally during the week, then gather to learn and support each other’s commitment to know our sacred story for ourselves.
By July 4, we will have read Matthew and Mark.
By the end of Balloon Fest, we’ll be through Luke.
We’ll bring it home with John before Labor Day!
You’ve been meaning to read the Bible:
Get started this summer!
Faith-building is better together!
Saturdays beginning June 13 through August 29
Via Zoom 9:30-10:30 am and in person at TUPC 11:00 am-noon
JUNE
BIRTHDAYS
6/2 Ashley Brown
6/2 Aubrey Edgington
6/3 Andrew Little
6/4 Noah Kruse
6/6 Bill Hopkins
6/7 Karla Hansen
6/8 Addison McCombs
6/8 Glenda Richards
6/10 Rev. Erica MacCreaigh
6/13 Ranae Fagan
6/14 Everett Dyer
6/14 Cynthia Tracy
6/15 Jeanne Noble
6/17 Emerson Black
6/18 Mayli McConnell
6/18 DeVerne Dixon
6/18 Mark Koskamp
6/22 Blane Sturtz
6/22 Denise Core
6/23 Jo Byers
6/23 Haley New
6/28 Jon Vernon
6/29 Andrew Weinman
6/30 Maxine Blazek
IN OUR PRAYERS
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)
June 19-26 – Mission Trip to Denver, Colorado
June 28 – Mission Trip Sunday
All are invited to Nick & Becca’s Retirement Party as Youth Leaders!
Sunday, June 28 following worship in the Fellowship Hall.
Join us for a picnic brunch to celebrate their past 15+ years as TUPC leaders.
Wear your worktrip t-shirts!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Trinity stays busy during the week! In addition to our own activities, several outside groups regularly utilize our space as a community resource, including Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, LifeServe and Habitat for Humanity, as well as neighbors hosting large celebratory events like graduation, anniversary and birthday parties. ALWAYS check with Wendy or Pastor Macc before making plans to use the church space or supplies (like broilers or tables). We want to keep an orderly schedule and avoid last-minute surprises. Thank you!
Organ Recital – Trinity is hosting the spring members’ recital of the American Guild of Organists, Central Iowa Chapter on Saturday, May 30 at 1:30 pm in the sanctuary. The event is free and open to the public. Come for the music and stay for the cake!
A big thank you to everyone who helped me celebrate my birthday. I really appreciate it. It was great day! God bless you. Sandy Denning
One Great Hour of Sharing collection total for 2026 was $2,155. Thank you for your generous contributions!
The next Trinity News deadline is Wednesday, June 17. 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.
Generosity Team Update – After taking the month of December off, your Generosity Team comprised of Al Farris, Barb Yearous, Maurice Dyer, Tom Westbrook, Marieta Grissom, Robert Endriss, Ron Leuwerke and Pastor Macc began meeting again in January.
We have been busy creating a job description for the team, which has since been approved by Session, and compiled an annual timeline of what we would like to accomplish in 2026. In 2025, the small group soup suppers were so well received, we will continue to put those together for 2026, as well as some small group lunches for those that prefer not to go out in the evening.
In addition to providing quarterly monetary giving updates, we also will be doing a better job of keeping track of your time and talents, an opportunity for more church gatherings, education opportunities for legacy giving and leaving part of your estate to the church and creating a gift acceptance policy. These are all works in progress, so if you feel you want to join this ministry team, please reach out to anyone on the committee as we would love to have you share your ideas. Stay tuned as we will continue to provide updates via the monthly newletter, the church bulletin and Faith in Action.
God Bless, Barb Yearous (Team Moderator)
Mark your calendars for the following Trinity Tunes & Treats concerts:
June 14 – Des Moines Metro Opera Singer
July TBT – Indianola Trombone Ensemble
August 16 – Des Moines Community Band
Ice cream sundaes served by our middle school youth with funds going toward their youth trip at 4:30 pm and concert at 5 pm. Come and listen to some great music and support our middle school youth. Bring your friends and neighbors! Everyone is welcome!
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