— ARNIE’S CORNER –

What is Lent?

Lent is the 40 days before Easter. Remember, Sundays are not counted because that was the day of Jesus’ Resurrection.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and continues until Holy Thursday. We end Lent at Holy Trinity with the Absolution and Peace of the Holy Thursday Liturgy. Lent is meant to be a period of soul searching and repentance; a time for reflection and taking stock. Lent originated in the early church as a preparatory time for Easter, when the faithful rededicated themselves and when converts were instructed in the faith and prepared for baptism. By observing the 40 days of Lent, the individual Christian imitates Jesus’ withdrawal into the wilderness for 40 days.

These 40 days had to be a time for soul searching for Jesus, a time of reflection and taking stock. So, too, it was a time for encountering temptation.

Isn’t this similar to the last paragraph?

Aren’t we to do the same for ourselves?

Do we?

I think the answer to that is “No.”

We celebrate Shrove Tuesday with Pancake Suppers and all types of other goodies before we embark upon the time without. The kids when I was growing up used to shout: “What are you giving up for Lent?” How many times

have we given something up to symbolize the experience of Jesus in the wilderness? How many times have we fallen to the temptations of life?

I can only speak for myself. I can’t remember when I went 40 days without falling to temptation. I can say it is painful to think that this happened, but I also remember that I am human and not divine. I also know that Jesus expects me to fall, that He picks me up and forgives me, urges me on my way with love and forgiveness. Then He forgets my transgressions, and no questions are asked.

I’ve come to the conclusion that this is what these 40 days are all about. They are to remind me that I am a member of the human race. They are to remind me that I will fall and I have a Savior and friend who understands me and loves me and picks me up. We each have that Savior who will die on a tree. We all need to reflect on our falls and when we’ve been picked up this Lenten season.

The glory of these forty days

we celebrate with songs of praise;

for Christ, through whom all things were made,

himself has fasted and has prayed.

Alone and fasting Moses saw

the loving God who gave the law;

and to Elijah, fasting came

the steeds and chariots of flame.

So Daniel trained his mystic sight,

delivered from the lions’ might;

and John, the Bridegrooms friend became

the herald of Messiah’s name.

Then grant, O God, that we may, too,

return in fast and prayer to you.

Our spirits strengthen with your grace,

and give us joy to see your face.

(ELW Hymn #320 as a poem.)

~~ Pastor Arnie

— CHRISTIAN EDUCATION –

Breakfast Club Cooking Up

‘Ziti Dinner Extravaganza’

The date has been set! The famous Ziti Dinner Extravaganza 2009, sponsored by the Breakfast Club, will be Sunday, April 26, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

The menu features delicious Italian salad, phenomenal baked ziti, fresh bread, mouth watering desserts and thirst quenching beverages. All this for $10 (adults) and $4 (children younger than 10-years old). But most of all don’t forget the fun and fellowship with your faith family and friends. Ticket sales begin the weekend of March 14/15 after the 5 p.m. service on Saturday and during coffee hour on Sunday. Tickets will be sold in Fellowship Hall. All are welcome.

Please remember to buy your tickets early! Because of seating constraints no tickets will be sold at the door. As in the past, 10% of the proceeds will be donated to a local charity chosen by the youth, and the balance will go toward deferring the cost of the July 2009 Youth Gathering in New Orleans.

Beginning Saturday February 28^,the Breakfast Club will be selling $20 chances for a $500 shopping spree at the Jersey Shore Premium Outlet Stores in Tinton Falls. A minimum of 50 tickets and a maximum of 100 tickets will be sold. The winning ticket will be drawn the night of the ziti dinner, as long as the minimum has been met.

Chances will be available for purchase in Fellowship Hall after the 5 p.m. service on Saturday and during coffee hour on Sunday. The money raised will go toward deferring the cost of the July 2009 Youth Gathering in New Orleans.

— LIBRARY –

Holy Trinity Library TRIVIA

The Holy Trinity Library is holding a contest to see how well you know your library!

Trivia questions will be handed out to Sunday School classes during library volunteer visits. Ask your Sunday School teacher what day the library volunteer is visiting your class. You can also go to the Holy Trinity website and click on the library blog (http://www.holytrinity-nj.org/libblog/) to find the questions. Print out the questions, answer them, and put your answers in the box on the cart in the library.

Each correct answer will be worth one point. The answers will be checked on Sunday, April 19 and the names of the top winners will be announced on the Holy Trinity Library website and displayed on the bulletin board in the library. All participants will be entered in a drawing for a Barnes & Noble gift certificate to be held during coffee hour on May 3. Good luck!

~~ Courtney Kays

Book Review

The Mixed-up Files of

Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

by E.L. Konigsburg

This is a story about a sister and brother, Claudia and James Kincaid, who live in Connecticut. Claudia decides to run away from her home to somewhere else more exciting. She convinces her younger brother to join her adventure. She is a good planner and is quite resourceful.

They take the train into New York City and end up in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. They set up secret residence there and it is fun to read about how clever they are to keep from being discovered by the Museum guards. The children also venture out into Manhattan to places like Grand Central Station, the New York Library and Horne & Hardart’s Cafeteria.

The Museum itself is a fascinating place. Claudia and James wander all around and join tours to learn about the exhibits. Claudia becomes obsessed with an Angel Sculpture and tries to find out all about it. This leads them to Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and her mixed-up files. She helps them solve the mystery of “Angel” and gets them safely back home.

I really enjoyed reading this book and feeling part of the wonderful adventure. What fun to live in a Museum! And many of the places are familiar from my childhood. I think it would be a great story to read or be read to for all ages. You can find it in the “Middle Grade Reader” section of our Sunday School Library!

~~ Barbara Tillson, Library Aide

Volunteers Needed for

Good Morning, Good Friday

We're looking for volunteers (adults and confirmands) to help with Good Morning, Good Friday on April 10. We need people to make cookie dough (delivery by April 8), bake cookies (April 8), set-up (April 9) and help on Good Friday (set-up, help-out, clean-up).

If you would like to volunteer, please contact JJ Keelan in person, by phone at (732) 256-4020 or by sending an e-mail to Mary.Keelan@yahoo.com .

Soup and Scripture

“Soup and Scripture” began on Ash Wednesday. The series, held Wednesdays during Lent in the Christian Education wing of the First Presbyterian Church, Manasquan, features six Manasquan Area Ministerium leaders. Each offers reflections based upon the book Cast of Characters: Common People in the Hands of an Uncommon God from the writings of Max Lucado.

The schedule for the upcoming weeks is: March 4: Pastor Steve Davis, First Presbyterian Church, Manasquan, speaking on Nicodemus; March 11: The Rev. Sean Flynn, pastor, St. Mark Roman Catholic Church, Sea Girt, speaking on Peter; March 18: Don Perusi, deacon for St. Denis Roman Catholic Church, Manasquan, speaking on the Rich Young Ruler; March 25: The Rev. Mary V. Farnham, pastor, Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Manasquan, speaking on Mary, Martha and Lazarus; April 1, The Rev. Keith Schmitt, interim pastor, the Church in Brielle, speaking on Paul.

— EVANGELISM –

Spring College Care Packages

The Evangelism Committee will be preparing our famous goody care packages to mail to our college students in late March.

We are asking all parents with college students to please contribute a jar of your child’s favorite peanut butter and a box of crackers. Please leave these in the church office in a bag with your child’s name on it, no later than Sunday March 22.

A list of the children’s names & addresses will be posted in Fellowship Hall on the Evangelism bulletin board. Please check to be sure we have your child’s correct mailing address or feel free to add your child’s info if they are not on the list.

Please let us know if your child does not wish to receive a package this semester, or if they are studying abroad.

If members of the congregation would like to contribute, we will be accepting donations through Sunday, March 22. (See below for ideas.) That gives us one week to inventory items and make the shopping list for any additional items we may need to “round out the packages.”

Should you prefer to make a cash donation and let us do the shopping, please put your donation in an envelope marked “Care Packages” and put it in the offering plate or in the church office.

If you would like to bake homemade goodies or have any questions please contact Pat & Chuck Augustine (732-282-0813) or at ZPT123@AOL.COM.

Homemade items may be brought in on Saturday, March 28 and left in the church kitchen. They will be included in the packing on Sunday, March 29.

Suggestions for items to be donated:

* Home baked cookies & brownies (in baggies ready to be placed in individual student boxes)

* Canned fruit or pudding (snack size)

* Cup of Soup

* Popcorn * Individual packages of chips

* Raisins * Tuna fish

* Hard candy * Lifesavers

* Gum * Peanut Butter

* Granola bars * Crackers

* Juice boxes * Cookies

* Pretzels No glass containers or personal items, please.

Thank you for supporting this very special outreach to our college students.

~~ Pat and Chuck Augustine

— SOCIAL MINISTRY –

Enjoy a Little Bit O’Ireland

Corned beef, cabbage and more will be on the menu when the Saints and Sinners host Irish Night at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14 in Fellowship Hall.

Details and a sign up sheet are posted on the General Bulletin Board in Fellowship Hall.

Many Hands Required When We Break the Fast

The annual Break the Fast Celebration is fast approaching! We will be celebrating after the Easter Vigil on April 11. Many people make this event happen. Fellowship Hall needs to be set up and decorated; food needs to be prepared; champagne and soft drinks need to be purchased, etc.

I have helped with this service for the past three years and, although it can be stressful, have enjoyed every minute of it. This service is a time to gather with family and friends for a short time and enjoy the beauty of this special season.

If you can help in any way, please do. Many people are unable to attend the evening service but will make a dessert or appetizer and leave it in the kitchen. Some people help with cleaning up when the celebration is over.

The most important thing is your presence, whether you can or cannot help! Please contact me if you are willing to assist us. Monetary donations are also welcome to defray the cost of the champagne, soda and paper products.

~~ Tina Braender-Shinn

PS: If anyone has a candelabra (Thank you, Ruth), we would like to have at least five or six for the tables.

Lenten Devotions

Holy Trinity is once again distributing daily Lenten e-mail devotions composed by members of our congregation. The focus this year is the Passion according to St. Mark.

We are looking for writers of all ages and backgrounds to share their meditations on Scripture during this holy season. If you’d like to write or just receive these daily e-devotions, please contact Susan Ardito at seven7seas7@yahoo.com.

A sign up sheet with daily Scripture passages is posted in Fellowship Hall, on the Worship and Music bulletin board.

— TRINITY BLANKETEERS –

Commitment to Project Linus Keeps Blanketeers in Stitches

The Trinity Blanketeers will meet at 1 p.m. Monday, March 9, in the back room of the Fellowship Hall. We will be making blankets to donate to Project Linus NJ.

If you cannot attend our meeting, please continue to work on your blankets at home.

Call Lois Hodousek for more information. Lois’ telephone number is (732) 223-2841.

Thank you for your support!

~~ Gloria Smith

— TRINITY TROUBLES –

“Nolan Ryan” Mussinan

Announces Retirement

After more than 20 years as the starting pitcher for Holy Trinity’s Trinity Troubles, I am announcing my retirement.

I have played with the Troubles from the first game in their history. In fact, I was involved in the naming of the team. We considered the name “Infield Flies,” but figured that most of our players would not have a clue what an infield fly is (some still don’t!!!).

There is no sport I’d rather play than softball. I love the game, and I love the Trinity Troubles. I thank God that I have been able to play this game

for 60 years. I remember the first time, about 30 years ago, when I came home in a cast and on crutches. I had slid into 3rd base and torn the ligaments in my knee (I was safe!!)

My mother said, “Maybe now you’ll grow up.”

My response was, “I sure hope not.”

Well, I’m certainly not trying to suggest that I have now grown up, but I have reached the “age of wisdom” when I can say that it is more important to me to walk than to play ball.

I have just had my fourth softball-related surgery. In the last 10 years, I have had my shoulder operated on twice and, recently, my hip. I think that is enough. I have always said that I will retire when I’m the oldest AND the worst. I’ve been the oldest for a number of years (being much much older than Maggie Spoke Stulz by 48 days). Now that I have added a second piano to my back, I am now also the worst. I am honoring my commitment to the team by retiring.

So, with all of that said, you needn’t think you’re getting rid of me. Meta Stretch Querns and I will be the coaching staff, so watch out for that cross-over play. What we really need now is a starting pitcher. It seems that we have a number of first basemen, i.e. everyone who has a bad shoulder or neck and can’t throw, so perhaps our bullpen, Susan Gumby Spill, will take over. If she does, we will still need a bullpen.

So, first order of business at our first practice will be trying to find people who can pitch. As is the case with all baseball teams, pitching is critical. For the Troubles, there is only one pitch needed – the one that goes over the plate!! So, look for the sign-up sheet on the board in Fellowship Hall.

The Troubles will again play on Mondays at 6:30 at Beaver Dam Creek Ball Park. First practice: Monday, April 20 at 5:30 p.m. First game: at home on May 4 against Immanuel/Manasquan.

Attention: Happy Campers

For the past several years Holy Trinity families have been spending a weekend together at the Atlantic City North Family Campground, Tuckerton.

The camp is family friendly and offers cabins, tent sites and RV hook-up sites. We gather together on Saturday night for a pot luck dinner and fellowship.

This year, we will be camping the weekend of Aug. 7 through 9. If you are interested in joining the fun, you can contact the campground directly to make a reservation. (Ask for a site close to the Quakenbush cabin.) Web site: www.campacn.com; phone: 1-888-229-9776.

See any member of the Quakenbush, Taft, Guarini, Chesney or Ritchie family for additional details or if you have questions.

Keep In Touch With Alicia

Alicia Dodds left for Peace Corps service in Dominica on Monday, Feb. 23.

She created a blog which she hopes to be able to update fairly regularly during the next two years about her experiences living and working in the Eastern Caribbean.

Alicia invites you to check it out at http://aliciawrites.blogspot.com. See how she’s doing and let her know how you are, too!

— CHILDREN OF GOD –

During the month of February, Holy Trinity welcomed the following children into the Body of Christ through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism:

Name: Kendall Grace Morgan

Date of Baptism: Feb. 15

Kendall’s parents are Kristen and Eric Morgan. Her sponsors are Jennifer Hill and Philip Lees, Jr.

Name: Amelia Grace Bramley

Date of Baptism: Feb. 22

Amelia’s parents are Juliann and Douglas Bramley. Her sponsors are Edward Kurtiak and Kimberly Risko. Her big brother, Jackson, is 20 months old. Holy Trinity members Sue and Kim Bramley are Amelia’s proud grandparents.

— REST IN PEACE –

Our love and prayers are with the family of:

Isabelle S. Hillman, who died Friday, Feb. 6.

Pastor Mary presided at the funeral liturgy for Isabelle on Tuesday, Feb. 10, in the Holy Trinity sanctuary, and interment in Atlantic View Cemetery, Manasquan.

— BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY –

On the first Sunday of each month, Holy Trinity offers bereavement support to those grieving a loss or a change of some kind. The group will meet at 10:15 a.m. on March 1 in Pastor Mary’s study. Chris Ann Waters, author and nationally certified bereavement specialist, leads the discussion. Consecutive attendance is not required and people are welcome to attend as needed.

The most recent Transitions, a monthly devotional written by Ms. Waters that addresses matters of grief and change, is printed here for the benefit of Lamplighter readers:

Linked by Love

We love Him because He first loved us.

1 John 4:19

Construction paper. Glue. Paper lace doilies. Scissors. For many youngsters, these simple art supplies offer an opportunity to express love in a new way. The annual arrival of Valentine’s Day prompts the making of a first valentine; a valentine memorable to a child and to a recipient. Such valentines are brought home and presented with great pride. Many a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle or friend accepts this particular valentine with glee. Truth be told, these gluey and crooked shaped hearts covered with a child’s scrawl are more valuable than fine parchment with gold leaf. These valentines are priceless, as is the love they bring.

As children, adolescents or adults, each age and stage presents us with different opportunities to express love. Unique personalities, talents, and skills guide expressions. Each kind of expression etches a memory on a heart. These memories remain, even when people and circumstances change. As relational beings, we form all sorts of relationships. Whether short or long in duration, whatever is exchanged in love offers something meaningful to be remembered and stored. This is love’s way. This is God’s way. God makes meaning out of whatever is shared. Exchanges in Him do prove purposeful. When love is lighthearted and buoyant, purpose is clear. When relationships bring challenge, love’s purpose is blurred. When relationships change or endings come, we find ourselves perplexed. It may feel as though there is nothing meaningful happening or worthy to retain. But there is.

Who travels for love finds a thousand miles not longer than one, Japanese Proverb. Sometimes efforts for a beloved are not only toward a joyous hope; efforts may be to endure a sorrow. I love you cements the uncertain. Once a heart says these words, a host of unexpected and inexplicable events are sure to transpire. This is the way of life. Some events will be exhilarating. Some will be devastating. Devastations include death, illness, divorce, and discord. Coping with the underside of love is difficult. However, trials reveal love’s depth and are often the catalyst that draws one closer to God.

For believers in God through Christ, every experience is known to God and held by God. Everything is shared in His presence, and each memory is preserved in His heart. Everything—everything—is linked by love. By God’s love. God loved people first, and because of His love inside of you and inside of me, God makes it possible to link our lives to one another and to Himself in such a way that time, distance, disease, or death cannot sever. Jesus is the link. Jesus is the proof of connection. Jesus keeps God and people connected to each other and to Himself—no matter what. Even the ugliest and most tragic endings possess something Jesus can use to change for growth and for God’s glory.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Jesus is the unbreakable link that stays and lasts. Whatever life brings, He is there. His love abides. His love renews. This love pours itself out in new ways in the interest of embellishment, growth or simple pleasures. There is comfort in knowing that Jesus is here and He is unchanging. Comfort in knowing that He has the greatness to contain the best and worst that is exchanged and treasured in love.

Valentine’s Day is set aside to declare and offer tokens of love. Candy, flowers, and especially cards are among the common objects given and received. There are other kinds of tokens that are more telling. Marriage licenses. Death certificates. Divorce decrees. Adoption papers. Deeds. Wills. Report cards. These are also evidence of love. These objects reveal how far one travels from the first expression of love drawn in a kindergarten classroom; travel that goes to the heights of serious commitments and realities far beyond doilies and glue.

Odd shaped valentines made by children fill hearts with rapture; rapture

that serves as a prelude for all the love to come. As perplexing as love’s expressions can be as seen in changing relationships, would we ever trade them? By virtue of God’s plan and His mysterious ways, it seems everything known in love has worth and is

treasured; as treasured as those crooked handmade hearts.

Lord, because of You, we know what love is. Because of You, our exchanges are forever valuable. All praise to You for the capacity You give to us to love. Thank You for comforting us when love hurts, when goodbyes come, when death’s hour is known. Thank You for preserving the finest of all that is given in love. How grateful hearts are for all that we share with You. Life is rich in experience, which includes conclusions and transitions that sometimes hurt.

Whatever comes, we trust You to be there and to link by love all the exchanges of our lives. In Christ alone, Amen.

Making Ends Meet

In these tough economic times, many people need to seek out help just to get by. The Food Stamp Program is there to help families buy the nutritious food they need. It’s a program that is often misunderstood. If you’re struggling to feed yourself or your family, if you’re wondering how your paycheck will last this month or if you’re cutting back on nutrition to save money, please look into the Food Stamp Program and find out if you’re eligible. Visit NJ Helps at http://www.njhelps.org or call 1-800-687-9512.

Our Manasquan Area Ministerium sponsors an ecumenical food pantry, currently located at First Baptist Church, South Street. Deacons from First Presbyterian Church, Manasquan, administer the pantry. If you are in need of food, please leave a message at (732) 223-0898 and someone will return your phone call.

— WOMEN OF THE

EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

IN AMERICA (WELCA) –

The next WELCA Executive Board meeting will be held at 5 p. m. Wednesday, March 11, prior to the Lenten Soup Supper.

Elisabeth Circle will meet at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 9, in the back meeting room. Marjorie Delaney will serve as hostess and Ruth Beers will prepare devotions. We hope that others will join us and see what we are all about.

— WORSHIP AND MUSIC –

It’s Time for Lent…Already?!?!

Believe it or not, it is! It seems like Christmas was just here. The sanctuary was filled with flowers, music and artwork. Now with Lent upon us we move into a more solemn and somber time of the liturgical year as we await the fulfillment of prophecy and the wonderful gift of Jesus’ resurrection. As we move into this new season, let’s take a look at some things that will be happening at Holy Trinity and some things that will be happening off-site.

What is a Lenten Wreath?

The Lenten Wreath, made of vines, represents the "Crown of Thorns” placed upon our Lord's head by Roman soldiers when they mockingly proclaimed Him to be "The King of the Jews". There are six purple candles – one extinguished consecutively each of the six weeks in Lent – and one white candle

that is extinguished on Good Friday at the conclusion of the Tenebrae service.

The purpose of the Lenten wreath is to show that the light which was revealed to us at Christmas is the same light that was taken out of the world at the crucifixion. This is the light which blazes forth from the tomb, symbolized by the lighting of the Easter fire at the beginning of the Easter Vigil.

The Lenten Wreath is a visual representation of the darkening days of Lent.

If you would like to participate in the Lenten Wreath ritual, please sign up on the Worship & Music bulletin board.

The British are Coming

March 15, the date of our RSCM festival, is right around the corner. Katherine Dienes-Williams, organist and master of choristers at Guildford Cathedral, England will be conducting the Holy Trinity Choir & Choristers at the 10:30 a.m. service. That afternoon the choirs of Holy Trinity will combine with the choirs of Trinity Church, Asbury Park, to sing a festival evensong service at 4pm. The 4 p.m. evensong will take place at Trinity Episcopal Church on the corners of Asbury and Grand Avenues in Asbury Park.

Events like this are a wonderful evangelism tool for Holy Trinity and a great way to strengthen our sense of community within the choir. It allows our church to interact with people from a variety of social and economic backgrounds. It truly is “Heaven Come to Earth” when all involved come together in worship.

If you would like to know more about Katherine Dienes-Williams, please look her up on the web. Personal Website:http://katherinedienes.com/KD/Welcome.html

Guildford Cathedral: http://www.guildford-cathedral.org/

Here is a picture from last year’s festival:

Question: Ok, we know you’re busy, but what does Worship & Music do for fun?

Answer: Believe it or not, we go to church!

Sunday, February 8, a small group from Holy Trinity got on the train and braved the two hour ride to New York City to hear Katherine Dienes-Williams and the Guildford Choristers at St. Mary the Virgin (Smokey Mary’s). It was a wonderful service of evensong followed by a fantastic reception in the parish hall – then dinner – then another two hour ride J

Here is a picture from the reception with some “Friends of Holy Trinity”

There’s so much going on! How can you keep track of it all, and how can you share this information with friends?

One of the best ways to keep track of all things Worship & Music is to look us up on the web. You can access the newly revamped Worship & Music website via Holy Trinity’s main website or directly at www.holytrinitynj.com There you will find information on all our ensembles, dates of special events, pictures, audio and more. Eventually (after the Easter season) there will be a welcome video which will highlight details of Holy Trinity’s Worship & Music ministries.

Remember, it’s never too late to join the Worship & Music Ministries of Holy Trinity!

We can always use more people in the choirs, at the lectern, and serving communion. Actually, there are countless ways in which you can participate. Please contact the Director of Music if you would like to participate in any way.

In His Service,

Ned Perwo

Director of Music

Be a Part of Our New Lenten Tradition

For the six Sundays in Lent, we will have a "Lenten Wreath" with candles in the front of the church. There will be a brief reading each week and one of the candles will be extinguished. This is like an Advent wreath in reverse!! Instead of lighting a candle each week as we move toward the joy of Christmas, we will extinguish one each week as we move toward the suffering, death and then resurrection of our Lord.

We are still in need of families or individuals to do this at the 10:30 Sunday service. There is a sign-up sheet on the Worship and Music bulletin board in Fellowhip Hall.

— MAILBAG –

Dear Holy Trinity Family,

               I want to thank you all for your thoughts and prayers for John and me during our trials. It’s nice to know there are wonderful people having prayers said. I very much feel God is with us and keeping His arms around us and loving us. Just keep us in your prayers as you are all in mine.

With love and may God bless you all,

~~ Helen and John Stemmerman