A quick glance at Dot and it's hard to miss that New Prague has some very competitive and successful High School athletes. Her bright images flashing every seven seconds display a different team accomplishing their goal of making it to the state tournament. Girls Cross Country, Girls Swim & Dive Team, Holy Trinity's own Ella Schmiesing, and the New Prague Bowling Teams - all top athletes in the region and worthy of a trip to the State Meet!

Each October, Holy Trinity, like all churches, focuses on Stewardship -  a call for members to pledge their giving for the upcoming year. The fall sermon series "Faithful In..." led to various topics each week, and it wrapped up with an inspirational call to be Faithful In Giving. It's a sticky subject all churches face every year. At the bare minimum, your offering keeps the lights on and warms the sanctuary. But being Faithful in Giving goes far beyond lights and heat.

Sharing God's love for all people from one generation to the next. 

Ministries programs, materials and staff for those ministries, and volunteers to glue everything together - Holy Trinity is certainly blessed with the right people in the right places to drive its Vision, Mission, and Values. Your ability to be Faithful In Giving will provide the gas to keep the church moving forward.

There's still time to submit your Estimate of Giving card! Last year, 124 cards were submitted. This year, 97 cards have been returned. In the spirit of competitiveness, like a high school athlete trying to make it to the State Meet, Holy Trinity has a goal. 124 or more Estimate of Giving cards. If you've misplaced your card, pick one up at the Welcome Center or Cross Wall before/after worship. Or complete the updated (glitch-free) digital Estimate of Giving card. 

Thank you for being Faithful in Giving! Keep reading for a message from Brian Gieseke, HTLC Council Treasurer.
 

Hello Holy Trinity,

Several months ago I wrote a letter speaking of our financial strength but, knowing of our aspirations for the future, asking you to consider an increase in giving. I’m not changing that message, but it will take all of us, working together, to balance our budget by year-end and prepare for a successful 2023. I’m also writing from a place of understanding…the cost of living, economic unknowns, holiday expenses, and, of course, other charitable causes…Your finances are being pulled and stretched in many directions.

I also want to include a brief thank you to our Pastors, Ben and Alicia. We should all be grateful for their mindfulness in helping to manage expenses. I have been very impressed this year while consistently seeing our expense reports come in, under budget. They have huge dreams for where this congregation can go and, I believe, they are mostly responsible for the energy and passion that can be seen in every aspect of this church and its ministries.

Of course, much of the recent excitement, thanks to the recent vote, is due to us moving ahead with hiring Station 19 as our architect. I’m excited to see their vision for the future of our facility. However, we all know this is only the first step in what will be a significant process. As many of you are looking at your year-end finances, looking towards 2023 and beyond, I ask that you help us be as prepared as possible for whatever future expenses may come. If you haven’t already, we would greatly appreciate you submitting your pledge for 2023. I would also invite you to start considering the role you want to play in our future projects, whether facility related or otherwise, with your time, talents, and resources.

I wish you all a blessed holiday season and a very Merry Christmas!

Your Council Treasurer,

Brian Gieseke

Wednesday Schedule Change!

Due to the Thanksgiving Holiday and Community Dinner, there will be no Wednesday dinner, worship, or Faith Formation classes on Wednesday, November 23. 

They broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people.
- Acts 2:46-47

The church office will be closed on Thanksgiving and Friday, Nov. 25.
Blessings for a glad and generous Thanksgiving from the Holy Trinity Staff!

Sharing Tree

70 tags = 70 children that will have presents under their Christmas tree. This year, the Sharing Tree is supporting Le Sueur County Santa Anonymous!

Directions are simple.

2.  Write your name and phone number on the designated tag and place it in the box (next to the tree). Keep the other tag.

3.  Purchase the item on the tag.

4.  Return your UNWRAPPED gift to the Sharing Tree by Sunday, December 4.

Thank you for sharing God's love for all people from one generation to the next this Christmas!

Christmas Worship Services

The most wonderful time of the year is right around the corner! Yep, the biggest birthday party for the most important baby ever born. You're invited to be a part of these worship services as a Worship Assistant. 

Blue Christmas
Sunday, December 18 @ 7 pm

Christmas Eve 
2 pm
4 pm
10 pm

Christmas Day
9 am

Worship Assistants are an important asset in making visitors feel welcomed! Training is provided and it's a great way to meet new people or be together as a family. Sign up here or call Jamie in the church office, 952-758-3513.

Thank you for sharing God's love for all people from one generation to the next!

Love Thy Neighbor Signs

This phrase is one that many have heard before, especially those who participated in the Embracing Diversity book study this past summer. It is a call to action!

In response to the call, the Racial Justice Committee, with the help of a Thrivent donation, ordered 50 signs for anyone to display at their home. Signs are available to pick up after each service in the Narthex or in the main office during business hours.

Share God's love for all people, with no exceptions. All are welcome to get a sign before the ground freezes!