TRINITY NEWS
Volume XLVIII, Issue 10 ~ October 21, 2025
The Pastor’s Paragraphs…
If you were to ask me what my favorite month of the year is, October would be a strong contender. By October, I’ve settled into the school routine, I’m enjoying the return of longer nights, and like Mike Myers’ Linda Richman, I relish the return of “sweatah weathah.” Also, Halloween is my favorite (non-religious) holiday.
It’s not just the candy and prevalence of secondary colors in home decorating. I love the festive atmosphere and smiling pumpkins, the joy of wearing costumes and pretending I’m someone else for a few hours, and the fun of revisiting weird stories that point to a world beyond our own. To that last end, I’d like to share with you my top ten “Spooky Scripture Stories” to help you celebrate the season and maybe learn a little more about what the Bible contains.
10. The Witch of Endor – I Samuel 28
9. The Skeletal Army – Ezekiel 37:1-14
8. The Werewolf of Babylon – Daniel 12
7. Weird Angels – Ezekiel 1
6. Ghostly Writing – Daniel 5
5. Never Lie to God – Acts 5:1-11
4. Apocalyptic Horsemen – Revelation 6
3. Zombies in Jerusalem? – Matthew 27:45-54
2. The Dragon – Revelation 12
1. The Ten Plagues – Exodus 7-12
I hope you all enjoy these autumn weeks. Remember, always, that God loves you (and so do I!)
Pastor Macc
Adult Christian Formation ~ Sundays After Worship in the West Fellowship Hall
Digging Into Our DNA: Members Class – November 2 and 16
Prospective, new, and seasoned members of Trinity are invited for introduction and review of the central tenets of Reformed faith, the peculiarities of the Presbyterian way of “doing church,” the ministries of Trinity, and the values and ethics of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in this interactive class. Thinking about hitching your team to Trinity’s wagon? Wondering what it means to be Presbyterian in the 21st century Midwest? Think you know Trinity better than Pastor Macc does? Come weigh in with your questions and answers as we bring newbies, veterans, and the Presby-curious up to speed!
Strengthening Christian Spirit – Report from the Presbyterian Women Synod Gathering – November 9
Join PW Martha Circle Moderator Karen Weinman and Trinity’s 2025 PW Synod delegate Juanita Ott for stories and reflections on the ministries of the Presbyterian Women and the 2025 Triennial Presbyterian Synod Churchwide Gathering.
Planning Meeting for Adult Christian Education – November 23
Interested in helping set the direction for Adult Christian Education in the New Year? Join us for a brain-storming session on classes to help us Dig Into Our DNA, Build Biblical Literacy, Strengthen Christian Spirit, and Inform Christian Ethics. Topics will include crafting a Bible-reading plan and a churchwide study for Lent.
Building Biblical Literacy – Faithful: Christmas Through the Eyes of Joseph – November 30; December 7, 14, and 21
The story of Joseph provides a great example of following God’s lead even when we don’t understand; and faithfully moving forward in the strength that God provides. Exchange your doubt for courage this Advent and Christmas as we consider the life of a Biblical character who doesn’t speak a word, yet whose impact on human history was extraordinary. Cost of the book will be covered by the Christian Education Ministry Team. Please contact Pastor Macc or Wendy for a copy!
NOVEMBER
BIRTHDAYS
11/1 Jim Carson
11/1 Robert Brown
11/2 Wyatt Grissom
11/7 Julia Thorius
11/8 Patty DeHeer
11/10 Jodi Anderson
11/13 Sally Johnson
11/13 Barbara Overton
11/14 Stacia Kleene
11/15 Joan Claerhout
11/17 Ron Albrecht
11/17 Katie New
11/17 Chelsea Sunken
11/18 Lochlan Lanning
11/18 Nicole Coghlan
11/19 Heather Roush
11/19 Shari Shaw
11/21 Abby Anderson
11/22 Katie Black
11/23 Sarah Kruse
11/24 Dale Crain
11/24 Marilyn Kroll
11/27 Kylie Hervey
11/28 Arlette Kuehl
11/29 Laird Jack
IN OUR PRAYERS
John & Bev Anderson for strength and healing.
Lillian Williams for strength and healing.
Jon Vernon who is at Norwalk Nursing and Rehab center for physical therapy.
AREA CARE CENTERS
The Village Care Center
Everett Brown, Betty Labertew
Westview Care Center
John & Bev Anderson, Sandy Newell
CIA SCHEDULE
(CHRISTIANS IN ACTION)
11/5 – Help at Many Hands Thrift Market from 5-7 pm – wear closed-toe shoes.
11/12 – Discussion Night
11/16 – Pancakes with Van Dam from 8-9:30 am in Fellowship Hall Kitchen
11/19 – Discussion Night
11/26 – No Youth – Happy Thanksgiving!
12/1 – Supper and putting up the sanctuary and atrium Christmas trees from 5:30-7 pm
Questions/concerns, text Van Dams (515)689-2797.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” Matthew 5:7
ANNOUNCEMENTS
All Saints’ Day – Please plan to attend this special day of remembrance on Sunday, November 2. During this service, we dedicate memorial gifts that were purchased, and remember members and friends of Trinity who have died since the preceding All Saints’ Day. Invite your family and friends.
Daylight saving time ends November 2. Remember to turn your clocks back one hour.
Trinity’s Annual Thanksgiving Dinner will take place on Sunday, November 16 at 1 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Watch the bulletin for more details!
The next Trinity News deadline is Wednesday, November 19. 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.
Ecumenical Service of Thanksgiving led by The Indianola Ministerial Association on Sunday, November 23 at 3 pm at The Village Senior Community featuring Village Chime Choir directed by Chari Kruse.
Annual Report Deadline – To allow time for the preparation of the Annual Report for Trinity’s Annual Congregational Meeting, please plan on emailing all reports to the church office by Friday, December 5. If you have any questions, please call or email Wendy.
Highlights from the September 24 Session Meeting
- Ministry Team Assignments: A&F – Sue Sorden & Greg Avitt, CE – Stacia Kleene & Amy Fredricks, Hospitality – Sue Sorden & Dick Tinder, I&S – Tom Westbrook & Marieta Grissom, Mission – Ranae Fagan, Property – Rodney Prickett, Worship – Chari Kruse, Greg Avitt & Reed Robbins, Endowment – Dick Tinder, Green Team – Mary Jack & Ranae Fagan, Memorial – Sue Sorden & Heather Pinamonte, Nominating – Greg Avitt, Mary Jack & Jo Westbrook (Deacon), Personnel – Stacia Kleene.
- Approval to form a task force to review the Membership Roll based on attendance and financial support. Chari Kruse, Margaret Blair, Stacia Kleene and Pastor Macc volunteered.
- Approval to create in Inactive Membership Roll.
- Approve baptism of Marigold and Violet Dyer on November 9.
- Annual Report Deadline is Friday, December 5.
- A&F Budget Request Deadline is Wednesday, November 12.
- Recognition of members – Lou Nady for trimming bushes. Tom Westbrook, Ron Albrecht, Stacia & Michael Kleene, Grace, Laura & Greg Avitt, Jo Byers, Amy Fredricks and the CE Team for the September 14 service and activities. Special appreciation to Maurice Dyer for his pulpit supply messages.
HEAL House of Iowa
During the last week of September, HEAL House experienced an unexpected challenge. A minor plumbing issue escalated into a major sewer line collapse, requiring HEAL House to temporarily pause operations for a few days. We were able to relocate our guests over the weekend so Indianola Mechanical could complete this huge undertaking in just a few days. As can be expected, this resulted in significant expenses. Fortunately, our financial management has been prudent over the past five years, so we were able to cover the costs. Nevertheless, this huge expense has caused some concern.
If anyone would like to make a donation to HEAL House, our website HEAL House of Iowa has a donation button. Checks can also be given to Jo Byers (or put in Jo’s mail slot in the PATH) or mailed to: HEAL House of Iowa, 906 S Jefferson Way Indianola, IA 50125.
Our Sister Parish, Inc. Presents a Family-Friendly Event ~ BINGO Bonanza!
Sunday, November 9 from 2- 4 pm
Heartland Presbyterian Church (14300 Hickman Rd in Clive)
Raising funds for January 2026 Medical Delegation to Berlin, El Salvador
BINGO ~ Prizes ~ Silents Auction ~ Treats
$20 Entrance Fee ~ $50 Families – Bring the kids!
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