FOR SALE

Crossings
The May 2007 Newsletter of Triumphant Cross Lutheran Church
Mission Statement of Triumphant Cross
The mission of Triumphant Cross Lutheran Church of Salem, New Hampshire is to provide for the spiritual, emotional, and
physical well being of its members through worship, learning, and outreach, to provide an environment for building
community, to bring new members into the church, and to support the Lutheran Church at large, so that we and others
may experience God's love through Jesus Christ.
FOR SALE
Toro/Wheelhorse Lawn Tractor
Approximately 12 - 15 years old
15 Horsepower Kohler Engine
Dual Blade, 42” Cut
6 Forward Speed (Hi/Low) Transmission
Spring Concert
(submitted by The Bedrosian’s)
On Saturday evening, May 12th at 7:00 p.m.,
the New Greeley Singers will be presenting a
spring concert at Triumphant Cross. Under the
direction of Peter Bedrosian and accompanied
by Jeanne, the chorus consists of men and
women from Pelham, Salem, Windham,
Londonderry, Dracut, Lowell, Lawrence, and
Methuen. The program includes a wide variety
of styles of music that will surely please the
audience! Tickets are $8 for adults, and
children under 10 are free. The concert will
last just about an hour, and is an enjoyable
way to spend the evening before Mother’s Day.
There will also be a performance of the
same concert on Sunday, May 6th at 2:30
p.m. at the Pelham Congregational Church.
We hope many of our church members and
their families and friends can attend one of the
performances!
Needs some maintenance to a sticky
starter solenoid, a return spring for the
brake pedal and blade sharpening.
Uses ½ pint of oil every 3 to 4 hours of
mowing.
Asking for $250.00 contribution to TCLC
Building/Grounds Maintenance Fund
Contact Bob Peters 382-7849
May 2007
CROSSINGS
Results of NH Thrivent Chapter Sponsor of
Alva Pingle in the Boston Marathon
(submitted by Alva Pingel)
Dear friends,
Some of you have called or written to inquire
about how I did with my run at the Boston
Marathon. I’m completely overwhelmed and
am falling further behind in responding. I hope
no one is offended by an email response to
everyone who played a role in the success of
this endeavor.
At this point, I’m still a little sore but expect to
be running again by this weekend. Running the
Boston Marathon was everything I dreamed
about and then some! It was the fulfillment of a
childhood dream sweetened by having put off
the effort for so many years and anticipating it.
Given the opportunity to run in the charity
division and help the efforts of Boston Medical
Center to serve the less fortunate members of
society was a tremendous incentive.
I did finish, despite the nor’easter and its strong
headwinds of 20-25 MPH with gusts reaching
40--50 MPH. We started out with wet feet
because the tents in Hopkinton at the start
were ankle deep in water. Your choice was to
seek shelter from the pounding rain under the
tents or stand out in the rain and get thoroughly
soaked. There seemed to be no dry areas
available to anyone not an elite runner. So we
waited for three hours until the second wave
start was announced. The start went as well as
could be expected with so many runners and
so little space. The cheering crowds were a
real lift as usual all along the course. Being a
novice marathoner, I made a few mistakes
early in the race. Despite meticulous
preparation of gear and endless hours of
training, I had never tried the Gu energy gel
supplement in a run on a mostly empty
stomach. The results were predictable and it
wasn’t until Mile 5 that my stomach settled
back down and I had figured out a strategy of
taking the Gu with water or Gatorade. We
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fought the wind and rain mile after mile and I
wasn’t surprised or disappointed by my splits
considering the weather. I’d gone into the race
determined to run the race by a strategy
developed by my doctor and me using a heart
monitor to pace myself rather than trying to run
a specific pace (i.e. 8 minute miles). Due to the
weather, I was never able to consistently
implement that strategy and simply ran as fast
as conditions and my training would allow. I hit
the halfway point at 2:39:20 about 20 minutes
slower than I had anticipated going into the
race that day considering the weather. But I felt
good and was confident that as long as I kept
properly hydrated that I would finish in less
than 5:15. The trouble started about Mile 18
with the muscles in the back of my left knee
cramping up. I tried stretching and varying my
pace to no avail. In the end I was reduced to a
run-walk-run-walk strategy for the last 8+ miles
to the finish. The worst part of that strategy
was that after I got over Heartbreak Hill (Mile
21) we got hit with the cooler winds off the
ocean and I started to chill and I cramped even
more as my body conserved heat in the core
and sent less to the extremities. I was
determined to finish nonetheless, and aided by
countless prayers, the relentless cheering of
the crowds and encouragement from fellow
runners I finally reached the finish line. It was
obvious to the worker who removed my
computer timing chip from my shoe that I
needed medical help. Two policemen
dragged/carried me to a cot in the medical tent.
My temperature was 92 and I was diagnosed
as hypothermic. They covered me with warm
blankets and put a snorkel from a heater under
the blankets and blasted warm air in. After half
an hour they managed to get my temperature
up to 97. Then they gave me some warm
broth, put me in a wheelchair, contacted my
wife to arrange a meeting place and stayed
with me until she picked me up.
I’m proud to say that I did finish, even though
my official time was 6:05:45.Oh the stories to
tell of the 111th running of the Boston Marathon
during the spring 2007 nor’easter! It definitely
was an experience to be remembered, the
CROSSINGS
fulfillment of a childhood dream and an
opportunity to aid a worthy cause (Boston
Medical Center). Through your generosity and
supplementary funds from Thrivent Financial,
more than $5000 was raised through this
endeavor. Thanks for your generosity, prayers,
support and concern. Peace, Alva
May 2007
Youth Director Candidate
Meet & Greet Sunday, May 6th 9:45 a.m.
(submitted by Lorilee Mather)
Spring (finally) greetings to all!
We have good news! The Youth Ministry
Director Search Committee (YMDSC) invites
everyone to a congregational 'meet & greet' for
our Youth Ministry Director candidate, Nicole
Vieu on Sunday, May 6.
Nicole, 27, holds a Bachelors degree in pre-law
and psychology from Westfield State College in
MA, lives in Methuen, and is currently
attending Boston University for her Master of
Divinity degree (projected graduation in 2010).
Following the 'meet & greet' with both the youth
and the congregation, the Council will meet
(May 8) to accept the recommendations of the
YMDSC, and prepare an offer for Nicole.
The proposed schedule for May 6 is as follows:
9:45 am Nicole arrives
9:50 am meets with Ken & Stella in the office
10 am meet & greet congregation -Sanctuary
10:20 am meet & greet youth in youth room
10:45 am meet with confirmation classes
11:00 am youth service
Nicole is excited about her potential opportinity
here at TCLC, and looks forward to sharing her
faith with and helping to guide our youth.
Please come to help make her feel welcome
and say hello.
Peace to All, your TCLC Youth Ministry
Director Search Committee
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Outreach
(submitted by Virginia Rowe)
Once again the Outreach Ministry has done
what it does best – serving others.
The Bread of Life Food Pantry
Food had to be purchased for the food pantry,
because of the lack of donations. I have never
seen the pantry so empty.
Please check the board in the Narthex for
updates on needs of the pantry. At this time
everything is needed from apple juice to
canned zucchini, from food items to personal
needs items, from baby to adults.
Every time you go to the store it is becoming
more expensive to buy food and needed
personal items. So, keep in mind those that
are doing with less because they can not afford
the increase of costs, and if you are able,
please pick up an item or two of something for
the food pantry. If everyone was able to do
this the food pantry would be able to serve the
families that come. If you would rather give a
donation of money, that would be appreciated,
too.
Memorial Meals
Two memorial meals were prepared during
April. The first was for the Joyce/Arvidson
Families then another for the Parhiala Family.
Once again our thoughts and prayers were put
into action. Many thanks to all that helped. It
was appreciated by the families.
Senior Lunch
On Wednesday April 25th we had a beautiful
day for a turkey dinner, which was enjoyed by
a total of 68 hungry people. Everyone looks
forward to this special meal. We had a lot of
good food prepared by our “expert” chefs.
Good food and good fellowship. Thank you to
the ladies and gentleman for a delicious meal.
The May lunch will soon be here. Lunch will be
May 2007
CROSSINGS
served on May 30th – Memorial Day. Watch for
the menu to be posted and sign up to bring a
dish. If you are working, but would like to
contribute in some way, there are different
options for helping out. You could make a dish
and drop it off at the church, drop off “sandwich
makings” and “helpers” could make them the
day of the lunch, or you could contribute
money and someone can go buy items. Any
way you choose would be greatly appreciated.
Speak to Barb Pingel, Erika Escher, or Virginia
Rowe if you would like to do an “option for
helping out.”
Antrim Girls’ Shelter
On Thursday April 26th there were 6 ladies that
traveled to Antrim for a tour of the home,
dinner, and fellowship. We delivered 24
“welcoming bundles” along with 2 lap size
quilts, an afghan, a big bag of toiletries, a bag
of stuffed animals, and a set of dishes (service
for 12, plus extras). The tour of the home was
given by the principal of the school. We meet
new girls and staff, and learn something new
every time we go.
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(submitted by Tracy Jahrling)
Tues. May 1 YM Director Search Committee
meeting 7:00 pm.
Sat. May 5 REHEARSAL Youth Led Worship
11:30 am to 1:30 pm.
Sat. May 5 Thrivent NH Caring Covers Join
Hands Day. Quilts, Immanuel Lutheran
Church, Manchester, NH. Contact Virginia
Rowe.
Sun. May 6 Youth Led Worship Service
11:00 am (Coordinators: Amy Nesheim, Leigh
Hofmeister, Melanie Nesheim) Ice Cream after.
Meet Niki Vieu, YMD candidate during
fellowship.
Sun. May 13 Learning Hour adult advisor:
Betty Gay
May 18-20 Spring Fling Teens Camp Calumet
May 20
TCLC hosts Crop Walk. Diane
Hardy Coordinator
If you are interested in making “welcoming
bundles” for the girls, please watch the
Outreach bulletin board for the list of items.
This is a project that TCLC will continue to be
involved in.
Sun. May 20 TENTATIVE Youth Ministry
Gathering 5:00 to 7:30pm. Please RSVP for
planning purposes. Fleece blankets?
Upcoming Senior Lunch Dates
Sun. May 27 Learning Hour adult advisor:
Betty Gay
First Communion/Pentecost
Learning Hour adult advisor: NEEDED
The menu for 2007 is as follows:
Summer break
May 30
Pot Luck
June 27
Sandwiches / Salads / Strawberry
Festival
July 25
BBQ
August 29
Main Dish Salads
September 26
Casseroles
October 31
Soup & Sandwiches
November 28
Meat Loaf
December ?
Holiday Fare
Youth Ministry Upcoming Events
June 24-30 Mission Trip Work Camp,
Reading, PA. 8th-12th graders. Organized by
Wayne Trombley at Shepherd of the Valley,
Groton, MA Lorilee Mather to handle
registration paperwork.
July 15
Hammonasset Paperwork due.
Aug Need youth to help Salem Haven
residents on Canobie Lake Park Outing/Emily
Nutter is contact.
CROSSINGS
May 2007
Page 5
(submitted by Ken Tupper)
Sun., Sept. 9 Fall Fling/Calumet paperwork
due
Fri. Sept. 7-9 Hammonassett, CT New England
Synod Gathering. 8th – 12th graders. Sign up
due by July 15, 2007.
Sept. 28-30 Fall Fling, Camp Calumet, Middle
School Youth
From the Church Office
(submitted by Ann Rowe)
Mailboxes
Help keep “mailing expenses” down!
Please check your mailboxes for messages /
Crossings / envelopes / etc. Our “finance
people” have been keeping track of mailing
expenses, and have seen an increase in
mailings (and its cost). With the increase of
postage coming up mid-May it will be even
more expensive to mail out these items.
Crossings
We are also looking into ways of making
delivery of the Crossings more cost
effective. There have been many people not
picking up their newsletter. Due to the
increase in amount of newsletters left at the
end of the month and the cost of mailing, many
newsletters are being placed in the office “on
hold” – no one has come asking about not
receiving their newsletter. Eventually they are
put into the “recycled paper” bag. We need
your help – How can the congregational news
be passed on? One option could be to have it
placed on the website and only print copies for
those that need the “hard copy”. Let Tina
Villnave or Ann Rowe hear your suggestion.
Acolytes
Thank you to the following students for being
Acolytes for the months of March and April:
Zack Lisien, Tim Hillman, Kara Parhiala, Kristy
Parhiala, Caleb Alexander, Mark Laing,
Michelle Hofmeister, Nicholas White, and Erika
Moretti.
Making a Mentor
Ephesians 4: 11The gifts he gave were
that some would be apostles, some
prophets, some evangelists, some
pastors and teachers, 12to equip the
saints for the work of ministry, for
building up the body of Christ.
I know. This is the Bible passage I used last
month in my Crossings article. I assure you
that I am not having a senior moment. I also
promise this is not another article on time and
talent, so please read on. This month I wanted
to talk about what it takes to ‘make’ a pastor.
To do this, I first want to discuss the role of a
pastor. The above passage from Ephesians is
the only place in most translations of the Bible
where the word ‘pastor’ appears. It suggests
that the role of a pastor, as well as all leaders
in the church, is to equip and prepare people
for ministry.
Pastors spend their time in seminary learning
God’s message of grace through study of the
Bible and other writings pertinent to our faith.
Of equal importance, they learn how to share
that message with others. I believe that pastors
are our mentors; they are our tour guides
during our faith journey. They share God’s
message of grace with us as we live through
both good times and times of adversity. They
encourage us to study the Bible and help us to
draw conclusions about its message. Through
both their training and experience, they help us
to discern what God is calling us to do. It is
through both sharing God’s message and
guiding us in the study of that message that
they teach us to serve God and others.
So what does the journey look like for
someone who believes that God has called
them to serve as a pastor? The ELCA has
several steps a person must go through as part
of the process. The first is a period of
discernment. This period involving prayer,
discussions with others, and personal
reflection. Should this discernment process
result in a person feeling they have been called
to serve as a pastor, the next step is
candidacy. During the entrance phase of
May 2007
CROSSINGS
candidacy, under the guidance of the synod, a
person completes the application process. A
person then begins their theological education,
which is completed when the person is
endorsed by a candidacy committee. Once a
candidate is endorsed, they participate in an
internship program. All candidates in the ELCA
are required to do an internship as part of their
educational process. Once a candidate
completes their studies and internship, a
candidate is approved and is eligible to receive
a Letter of Call.
I must admit that in the above description I
have oversimplified the process. The point I
want to make is that this is a journey that
requires the guidance and support of many
people. Triumphant Cross has several
members who have either entered the
seminary or are in the application process. We
should ask how we can assist our friends in
their journey. One way is by supporting the
Seminarian Designated Fund at TCLC. Each
year the congregation sets aside a small
amount of money to assist our members who
are in seminary. This year, the amount voted
on at the annual meeting was $1000. I would
encourage each of you to consider making a
donation to the Seminarian Designated Fund,
in addition to your regular giving, to help those
members who have determined that God has
called them to serve as pastors. In addition, we
should ask how we might support the church at
large in its efforts to educate new pastors. One
way would be to consider sponsoring an intern.
If you are interested in finding out more about
how TCLC might become involved in the ELCA
internship program, or if you would like more
information on the Seminarian fund, please feel
free to contact me.
NAMIWALKS FUNDRAISER
(submitted by Isabel Castñneda)
I am writing today to spread the word about an
upcoming event that I am participating in that is
both very important and very exciting to me. It
is NAMIWalks for the Mind of America, NAMI’s
signature walkathon event that is being held in
NY, NY at South Street Seaport on May 12th.
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NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness,
is the largest education, support and advocacy
organization that serves the needs of all those
lives are touched by these illnesses. This
includes persons with mental illness, their
families, friends, employers, the law
enforcement community and policy makers.
The NAMI organization is composed of
approximately 1100 local affiliates, 50 state
offices and a national office.
The goals of the NAMIWalks program are: to
fight the stigma that surrounds mental illness,
to build awareness of the fact that the mental
health system in this country needs to be
improved, and to raise funds for NAMI so that
they can continue their mission.
NAMI is a 501(c)3 charity and any donation
you make to support my participation in this
event is tax deductible. NAMI has been rated
by Worth magazine as among the top 100
charities "most likely to save the world" and
has been given an "A" rating by The American
Institute of Philanthropy for efficient and
effective use of charitable dollars.
My family and I have become very involve with
this organization since we have been touched
by mental health/problems in our family. We
have discovered that anyone can be affected
by these illnesses and the importance of a
corporation such as this is indescribable to us.
I would like to ask you to come and walk with
my family and I or to support my participation in
this great event. Visit my personal walker page
to sign up:
http://www.nami.org/namiwalks07/NYC/isacast
aneda. There is also a link so you can donate
directly to me online. Donating online is fast
and secure, and I'll get immediate notification
via e-mail of your donation. Thank you in
advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Isabel Castañeda
Learning
(Submitted by Ken Tupper)
CROSSINGS
The Sunday school meets every week between
services from 10:00 to 10:45 AM. If you are
interested in finding out more about the
Sunday school program, have questions about
the curriculum, or are interested in becoming a
Sunday school teacher, please contact Steve
Furstenau or myself. I would like to remind
everyone that we currently do not track
individual Sunday school donations.
May 2007
There are also several opportunities for adults
to participate in educational programs at
Triumphant Cross. There is a Sunday adult
learning hour which meets at the same time as
the Sunday school. On Wednesday evenings
at 7:00, Pastor Yasenka leads a Lutheran
Studies class. There is also a weekday study
group. Please contact Melanie Nesheim,
Nancy Neeb, or Christine Hecox for more
information. Finally, there is a monthly
luncheon group. If you are interested in
attending one of the TCLC lunches, please
contact the Church office.
The deadline for submissions to Crossings
is one week prior to publication.
Submission deadline for the next Crossings is
Sunday, May 27th. Please put any articles in
my mailbox (Tina Villnave), or email me at
TINAVILLNAVE@ADELPHIA.NET
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