2802 Wetmore Ave. Everett, WA 98201
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August 2009
Prayer Fellowship Letter
The "Preacher" often sits in the "catbird seat" which enables the Pastor to observe what is going on in society: socially, religiously, and otherwise. Most of you who listen to the radio, watch TV, or read, are aware of several state governors who have objurgated their oaths (aka VOWS) of Office. And with humility we remember the counterparts of the Sons of Levi who were cohabiting with members of their congregations. A sincere contrast to the officers, teachers, and clergy who have kept their vows. I used my computer to determine that there are 91 Bible scriptures that discuss vows. To note a few: Gen.28:20,31-13, Judges 11:30-31, 2 Samuel 15:7-8, Ps.50:14,15, and Ps.116:14. Psalms 116:18,19 reminded me of the vows I made on May 26, 1952, when 18 of us were ordained as missionaries and military Chaplains at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN. Dr. J. A. Aasgaard, the president of the Synod at that time, asked each of us: Do you promise to fulfill the vow of ordination which you make now before God and this congregation? We responded, Yes, by the help of God. Chaplain Gynther Storaasli had briefed each chaplain by quoting Martin Luther as he remembered his ordination vow in his Sacristy prayer : "... if I am left to myself, I will bring it all to destruction ..." I have this prayer posted in my office so that each time enter or leave, I see it. God did for Martin Luther what He did for each of us: helped us to overcome the temptations that come to us in the clergy. Any clergy who tells you he/she is not tempted as a Shepherd of the Sheep, will lie to you about other things as well. Think through the vows you have made: baptism, confirmation, marriage. You made promises. Have you kept them? By Grace, we have the power to overcome the temptations with which the devil - with our assistance - seeks to lead us astray. Your Vow. My Vow. This is my bond. Before God. Before the congregation. The Rev. Dr. Francis E. Jeffery
National Chaplain Emeritus, The Military Order of the Purple Heart
Prayer Requests & Praises
Will you help us save the trees (and postage) by using the online version of the Prayer Letter? Try it out! Log on to www.tlc.edu/prayerletter Either print it out or use it each day. If you would like to sign up, just send an e-mail to marilyn.grotzke@tlc.edu, with “Prayer Letter Online” in the subject line. We’ll send you a monthly reminder when the new one is ready. Thanks!
1. Prayer for Ester Sihite, former Admissions Counselor. Pray that as she moves on from her position at Trinity, that God would bless her in her vocational and educational goals. 2. Pray that alumna Morgan Wieland (’98) is able to raise sufficient support to return to her mission work in Equador. 3. Prayer for Michael Anderson (’93) as he battles advanced stages of colon cancer. Please pray for comfort, strength and hope during this difficult time. 4. For Beth Elness-Hanson (’90), Professor & Chair of Biblical Studies, as she assumes oversight as the Director of Alumni & Church Relations. 5. Prayers for Anna Fevergeon, former Admissions Office Manager, as she begins her new career. Pray for God’s provision as she embarks on this new journey. 6. Praise for John Burkhardt, new Admissions Counselor. Pray that he would quickly learn his new role and would be blessed in this new position. 7. Pray for Tom Ramsey, Vice President of Finance, and Dr. Jeff Mallinson, Academic Dean, as they oversee many of the presidential duties during this time without a college president. Pray that as they balance both their roles and added duties, that they would be filled with perseverance and strength.
Dates to Remember Fall Classes Begin September 2 SLP Fair September 18 Registration for January Term and Spring Semester Opens November 16 Advent Festival Concerts December 4-6
8. Praise and thanksgiving for the Affiliate Faculty that are teaching this Fall semester. Praise the Lord for these individuals that are using their passions and backgrounds to education and inspire the students. 9. Prayer for Chuck Nelson, Registrar, Susan Dalgleish, Director of Financial Aid, and Shanna Pyzer, Student Accounts Assistant, as they support and assist our students. Pray for blessing over them both at work and in their home lives. 10. For the new members of the ASB Student Council. Pray that they will be a great asset to the college this academic year. 11. Prayers of comfort and condolence to the families of Pat Morris, Sam Giesy and Dianne Peters (’77); three committed individuals now resting in the arms of our Lord. 12. For Anne Reinisch, Graphic Designer. Pray for amazing creativity and insight that only comes from Christ, to inspire her and her work for the college. 13. Prayers for our finance/accounting department personnel, Tom Ramsey, Vice President of Finance, Miwa Easton (’02), Accounting Associate, and Shanna Pyzer, Student Accounts Assistant, as they manage our finances. Pray for God’s provision in their lives. 14. Praise and thanksgiving for the new Trinity students joining us this Fall. Pray that as they begin their education here, that they would quickly feel welcomed in this new community. 15. Prayers for Mark Jackson, Professor & Chair of Children, Youth & Family Studies, as he coordinates college-wide communications and administrative efforts in a new role as Associate Dean for Administration. 16. For Lori Cavender (‘09), Student Coordinator, Center for Community Engagement & Service Learning. Pray for blessing over this department and over her as she balances her work life, health and family. 17. Pray for the Certificates of Professional Studies that Trinity offers. Pray that the students pursuing these certificates would strengthen their personal faith and increase skills for professional leadership. 18. For Paul, son of a college friend, who is struggling to get out of drugs and is presently incarcerated. Pray that God will help him break free from his addiction. 19. For the Residence Assistants training beginning on August 19. Pray that this will be a time of team-building and excitement for this new team. 20. For Stuart Webber, Professor & Chair of Business, Leadership & Management, as he oversees the Corner Store this next school year and expands it as a teaching tool for his students. 21. For the technological needs of the college during this school year. Pray that any glitches would be worked out before the school year begins and that our students and employees would be blessed by it. 22. Prayer for healing for Ellie Lunder who had heart surgery on June 24th. Pray that she will experience God’s strength and peace during her recovery. 23. Praise and thanksgiving for God’s continual protection over our new Everett building. Pray that this building would be a blessing to our school, to our neighbors and to our community.
Note to all interested readers: If you feel led to write the opening devotional for a future Prayer Fellowship Letter, please contact us at 425-249-4754 or by e-mail at marilyn.grotzke@tlc.edu Please send your prayer requests and praises for the September Prayer Letter by August 10th. Trinity Lutheran College Trinity Prayer Letter 2802 Wetmore Ave. Everett, WA 98201 or via e-mail at marilyn.grotzke@tlc.edu
24. Pray for the many students that will become student workers this school year. Pray for wisdom and strength for them as they balance their school load and work at the college. Pray that the college would be blessed by their service. 25. For alumna Rebecca Lee (’00) as she trains and travels to China to teach ESL for two years. 26. Continued prayers for the Presidential Search Committee as they search for a new college president. 27. For the Cultural Diversity Training at the college on August 27. Pray that it will be a time of growth and team-building for the college. 28. Pray for all the students moving into the Trinity Housing on August 28 and 29. Pray that there would be no confusion or problems during the move-ins and they all would be blessed by their new living arrangements. 29. For Dr. Betsi Little as she serves as the new Dean of Students while continuing her role as Professor & Chair of Psychology. 30. For student advising and orientation on August 30, 31 and September 1. Pray that it would be a great start to the new school year. 31. For Opening Convocation on September 2. Pray that this time would be a fresh beginning to the school year and that God’s name would be praised.