Week 4

(Written by Wendy Countryman)

Prayer for families:
Lord,

It’s fun to ride in the elevator, and the ramp for the wheelchairs looks like a perfect place for skateboarding.

But when I see someone at church who is able to come and worship because we have a ramp and an elevator, I forget about my fun, and thank you that our church is accessible.

Thank you, Lord. Amen.

Prayer for Adults:
Lord,

I used to feel like I was essential, that the church couldn’t function without me. Now, someone else is working n the kitchen, someone else is acting as usher, someone else is serving on the committees. So, do I still matter? Do I still make a difference?

Over the years, I have prayed a lot of prayers, prayer of thanks, prayers of struggle, prayers for help, and prayers to help. And all those prayers made a difference, a real difference. So, maybe I am not on a committee, but I can do something powerful – I can pray. Hear my prayer now, Lord, my prayer for my church. Amen.

Week 3

(Written by Wendy Countryman)

Prayer for families:
Lord,

You do good work! Thank you for the beauty of our earth and help us take care of it.

Thank you for special places we love on this earth – a special tree that we like to climb, a peaceful lake, mountains or valleys, a starry sky, a rainy day, a fishing spot, or our backyard – our own special place that we love.

When we climb a special tree and are cradled in its branches, it is like being held in your hand. When we play in a park or walk or bike through the woods, we breathe in your peace. When we see the mountains, we are reminded that we are just one small part of a wonderful world.

Lord, help us listen to your voice when we are in the world. Amen.

Prayer for Adults:
Lord,

Throughout my life, you have blessed me wih moments of incredible beauty.

Thank you for the physical beauty of the earth you created. Whether it is the Grand Canyon or my own garden, I can see your hand in the beauty of this earth.

Thank you for the beauty of stillness, a breeze through the trees, water lapping at the shore, birtds chirping, a sleeping child’s slow steady breathing, the stillness of our congregation during silent prayer.

Thank you for the beauty of our church. The laughter of our youth, the commitment of the young adults, the tears of joy that form in Pastor Amanda’s eyes, our shared joys and concerns, and the amazing stained glass windows are all reminders of the beauty of your creation.

Thank you for the beauty. Amen.

The Benefit Concert and Silent Auction will feature:

A 6pm start time – doors open, bidding begins in the auction!
Donors include:
James J Chocolate Shop
Famous Dave’s
Pizza Pit
Frugal Muse
The Head Quarters
Clausen’s European Bakery
Chiripa
Local Artists – Stained Glass Art, photography
Collectors – Antique furniture
And MORE!

Concert Starts at 6:30pm and will include:

Chris Collins playing the piano
Julie Stalheim: piano/singing
John Itson: singing/sax
Mark and Cheryl Saltzman: trumpet and harp duet
Janet Huenink playing the piano
and some Members of the Madison Chamber Choir

Final bidding during intermission, when you will also be enjoying delicious appetizers and goodies. – Items distributed after the concert – 8pm.

Suggested Donation for this event is $5.

Trinity United Methodist Church is warm and welcoming – both its people and its physical space embody these qualities. The cost of making the church building more accommodating and comfortable has placed a large financial burden on the people of the church and has restricted their efforts to be a positive influence in the community and in wider circles.

This event is part of a larger ‘Unite to be Debt Free’ campaign to pay off renovation costs incurred years ago. Help Trinity free itself from financial debt and begin working at full strength – helping those who are struggling, feeding the hungry and sharing the good in this world.