Back to "Normal"?

I guess “normal” is a relative term around here - or anywhere, I suppose. We’re all still processing the stories and photos of the devastation from the 500 year storm Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana - what would getting back to “normal” be for residents of New Orleans now? It certainly will all change significantly. It’s amazing to me, after hearing all the stories of tragedy and destruction, that we are now hearing stories of hope and rebuilding. Lutheran Churches are there - some under about 8 feet of water, I’m told, but the people are rebuilding, sharing, reaching out, comforting, and worshipping. It’s amazing. Please consider donating through the church or other aid agency to help this process.

Return to “Normal Schedule” at Trinity
Beginning THIS SUNDAY we return to our two service schedule: 8 am traditional worship and 10:30 am Contemporary worship, with Coffee Hour right after the 1st service and Sunday School at 9:15.

6th - 8th Grade Confirmation News
Parents and kids are invited to an Orientation Night on Wednesday, September 21st at 6 pm in the AMC. We will discuss the curriculum and schedule for the year. Mrs. Sharp will continue to teach the 6th and 7th graders from 6-7 pm on Wednesdays in the library, and I will take the 8th grade kids from 7-8 pm in my office.

Pictorial Directory Follow-up Pictures
Quite a few member families did not make it in to have their photos taken when the photographers were here in August. WE REALLY WANT YOU IN THE DIRECTORY!!!! First Lutheran Church in Torrance (2900 West Carson, Torrance) is also using the same company and has an opening in their schedule for Trinity make-up photos. We are invited to come on Saturday, September 17th from 2-5 pm. You MUST make an appointment with Bunny at 310-326-6188.

That would be the preferred option. If that date doesn’t work for you, I will have my equipment set up at Trinity during the following week to take your photo for the directory. I have an appropriate photo background and a professional digital SLR camera, so the photos should be ok for the directory. I will even give you a free 8x10 copy for coming in! Please make an appointment with me to get the photos taken - my schedule is pretty flexible, but I would like to do it during the week of September 19th through the 24th so we can finish the directory. Call 310-675-4493 ext 108 for an appointment at Trinity with me. Otherwise, I’ll find a photo of you eating spaghetti at a potluck and we’ll use that (just kidding, mostly).

A Few Personal Notes from the Becker Family
I don’t generally like to talk about my own family much - we’re here to serve, not blow our own horns - but I’ve been taken to task by several people for not publicly announcing these things, so... Shirley has been recognized as the ELCA Early Childhood Director of the Year for 2005-2006. She is beginning her 10th year as the director at First Lutheran in Torrance, and has been involved with the national church in writing curriculum and handbooks for churches with preschools, is a trainer and mentor for other directors, and has set up a second site for her preschool because their preschool always has a waiting list. She is being celebrated at First Lutheran on Sunday, September 11th at their second service. The article about her is on the ELCA’s web site at: http://www.elca.org/schools/BeckerShirley.html. Please join me in celebrating this wonderful accomplishment with her (there’s just no living with her now...)

Also, there is a wedding coming up in the Becker family, and we’d love to have you attend. My son Jonathan is engaged to the wonderful Kristy Rutherford of Reedley, California (near Fresno). The wedding will be at Trinity on July 8th.

Jon and Kristy met at UCLA about four years ago. After graduation, Jon continued his work for The Aerospace Corporation, and Krisiy is continuing her education at UC Riverside, where she earned her Masters Degree and is working on her Doctorate degree in Education with a specialization in School
Psychology. The exact time of the wedding will be announced soon, but we would love to have you all attend the wedding and a light reception at Trinity following the service.