Autumn came quietly. There was a leaf in the air. It let go the twig inaudibly, hung quivering in place for an instant—unbelieving—then drifted slowly downward. There was a heavy stillness; the noisy labors of life paused to observe the quiet suddenness of autumn’s arrival. Rocking back-and-forth on whispers of air, the first leaf of autumn touched the earth, grounded now from its lofty perch.

Autumn brings change. In a way, it brings the reality of death with it. The green promise of springtime life has given way to the bright forest colors of nature’s own aging!

I like autumn, though, because it is full of life as well. The changes of autumn are full of the promise of life, even as they are full of the reality of death and passing. That is as it should be. It is an honest view of our experience. It is also a powerful illustration of the richness of Christ— whose own death was filled with the pregnant promise of life. But his disciples did not hear the promise and continued in despair until He claimed life with a shout and appeared peaceably in their midst.

In this autumn-time of change, in your autumn-time of change, look to the constant promise of life in Christ. New life—ever new. In the Christ life.

Breathe deeply the musty smell of decaying leaves—the stuff of death perhaps—and let it mingle with the breath of the Spirit of the living Jesus, which is in you. So know life and death and life again in Him! Jesus is our Life.

Autumn Blessings,
Pastor Don

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September Celebrations
Happy Anniversary to Tim Klick & Claire Engelbrecht(9/26) and Roy & Berit Lehner (9/30)!

Vandalism Update
A big thank you to everyone who helped deal with the vandalism incident:

• Karl & Pat Brunner cleaned up the glass and took pictures.
• Andrew Potsko and Stacy dealt with police, insurance, news and getting people there to fix the damage.  
• Ruth Patterson, Esther Reese, and Karl & Pat Brunner provided assistance in decision making to replace the glass.
• Berit Lehner went over all the insurance coverage to make sure we have enough coverage. 

We need money to cover both the $1000 insurance deductible and the clear glass replacement for the 2 front doors that weren’t covered by insurance as they weren’t broken.

Thank You!
Peter Wick with Lutheran Ministries Seattle thanks Trinity for their continued support of LMS.

Coffee Hour Contributions
A $100 contribution to Ted Englebrect was made from Trinity Coffee Hour contributions.

Update on Operation Backpack
A hearty “Praise the Lord” and kudos to the delegates of FAN INTO FLAME THE GIFT OF GOD! Together we impacted the greater Portland Metro area with these gifts of God's love. God has blessed these efforts 100 times over – we have received reports that at least 3 individuals became part of His eternal family and many more Gospel message seeds were planted.

A total of 461 Backpacks was donated!

LMS NW Appreciation Day
On August 13, the following Trinity members attended the program held at the Seattle Asian Art Museum: Gert Eilers, Lena & Gorgon Meeke, Debbie Ruppert, Chris Sherman, Sara Staban, Joanne Welty, and former member Walley Quammen with his wife Mona. The program began with opening remarks by Peter D. Wick, Executive Director, in which he praised all Chaplains and Volunteer workers. Appetizers and live music were provided. Following the meeting, all enjoyed a free tour of the museum. It was a fun, educational and relaxing afternoon enjoyed by all.

From the Church Office
Here’s another update for your church directory: Andrew Potsko no longer has a land line at the parsonage.  To contact him, please use either the cell phone number or the number for Chapel.

From the Editor
The newsletter contribution deadline is generally the Friday prior to the second-to-last weekend of the month. Please use this timeframe as a guideline for composing your contributions. Also, please note that we are planning to consolidate the January and February newsletters into one that will be published in late January. Feel free to send ideas, comments and critiques to j_begus@msn.com.

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Lectio Divina Group!
The Lectio Divina group will reconvene for the Fall beginning Tuesday, September 26. We will meet in the Fellowship Hall at Trinity, 7:00 pm until 8:15 pm. All are welcome. For any who would like to bring a meal, Pastor Don will be present to dine with you. Or, if you’d prefer to dine alone, he’ll stay in his study! Please consider this opportunity to engage with others in a wonderful prayer form. Our plan is to meet weekly through November 14, break for the Advent/Christmas season, and resume in January.

Trinity Bike Ride!
Plans are finalized for the first Trinity Bike Ride on September 9, 2006.

We will meet at the south end of the Centennial Trail at 10:00 am. The Centennial Trail begins just north of Snohomish. After you pass Harvey field, continue north to 2nd Street. Turn right [east] on 2nd, continue to Maple, and turn left [north]. Continue out of Snohomish on Maple, and you will see the trail on the right side. Maps will be available at Trinity. Street parking is available. Bring snacks/lunch. Total ride is 34 miles, but it is an out and back ride so those who don't ride the entire distance can stop and rest along the way.

An Outing at Valley Camp!
The lower picnic area has been reserved for camping (September 16-17) with a potluck on Sunday about 1:00 pm to accommodate anyone who would like to come after church. To rent the cabin or RV space with hookup, please contact Valley Camp at 425.888.1852.

If you have not been to Valley Camp, we encourage you to come. It is in a beautiful, quiet woodland setting. There are hiking trails, half court basketball, children's play area and volleyball. It is common to see deer grazing on the outskirts of the field. It is a time to relax or play but, always, to enjoy the company of your church family.

If you would like more information, please talk with Chris Sherman, Karl or Pat Brunner, or Bob or Sharon Heckel. Bob and Sharon will have driving directions available; directions are also at www.valleycamp.org.

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Lutheran Community Services

Save the Date!
Fall 2006 Banquet “Opening New Doors”DoubleTree Hotel – SeaTac Saturday, October 28, 2006
4-6 pm Preview Visit The Village at Angle Lake
6 pm Hospitality Hour
7 pm Dinner and Program

Interested in being a table host?
Contact: Shawn Corkery
Phone: 206/694-5705
Email:scorkery@lcsnw.org

LCS Divorce Lifeline
Are you or a friend experiencing separation or divorce? LCS Divorce Lifeline offers therapeutic groups for adults and workshops for children and teens. For more information, www.lcsnw.org/divorcelifeline, or 206/694-5700.

Lutheran Community Services Foster Care programs provide foster care for young children 0-9 years old and refugee and immigrant children of all ages. Are you interested in learning more about becoming a foster care parent? For additional information, call 206/694-5713.

Sanctuary Art Center

Sanctuary Art Center is a non-profit art studio serving street-involved / homeless youth (ages 13-25). Our mission is to create a safe, warm, calm environment for creativity and discovery through the use of artistic media, such as pottery, stained glass, painting, beading, and drawing. We are seeking volunteers who are willing to spend at least two sessions a month with youth at the art center. If you enjoy working with youth and love art, please contact Allison Terbieten at 206.522.6256 or check out our website www.sanctuaryartcenter.org for more information and an application.

Must be available during our open hours: Tuesday & Thursday 9am–noon; Wednesday 1pm–4pm; Saturday 10am–1pm.

Thrivent

2006 Thrivent Financial Kickoff Classic, PLU Vs Cal Lutheran
Thrivent Financial is proud to sponsor the Pacific Lutheran Lutes and the California Lutheran Kingsman as they face each other on the gridiron.  The action takes place Saturday, September 9 at 1:30 pm at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup.  Thrivent will have information booths, giveaways, and news on local Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity projects.  Join us as we support Lutheran Higher Education and enjoy some outstanding small college football!  Tickets are available at the gate.

Lutheran Ministry Services

Don’t Forget the “Stuff” Sale
LMS is holding our annual “Stuff Sale.” You can help by donating sellable items. The sale will be held at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, September 14-16, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

We need: Houseware and Glassware; Toys, Games, and Hobbies; Tools and power equipment; Working radios and other small appliances; Clean furniture and household furnishings; Collectibles, coins, jewelry and antiques.

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