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TRINITY UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
131 East Perry St.
Tiffin, Ohio 44883
Phone: 419-447-3191
Website: www.trinityucctiffin.org
email: officeadmin@trinityucctiffin.com
Pastoral Update
Grace and peace to the Body of Christ in Tiffin, Ohio!
This month we move from the season of Christmas into celebrating Jesus as God’s epiphany to the world. You might remember that the word “epiphany” was used by ancient authors to describe a “glorious manifestation of the gods,” especially as the gods came to help those in need (BlueLetterBible.org). An epiphany was an experience of divine help. Authors of what would become the Christian New Testament used this word to describe Jesus, or more specifically, the glorious manifestation of God’s aid to humanity as Jesus (which literally means “God saves” btw). For Christians, Jesus is the epiphany of God because of how Jesus helps us and the world.
During Epiphany, and throughout the season after Epiphany, we celebrate the many ways God has helped us and others and creation. They may be mission projects, friendly conversations, or acts of service. If they are inspired by Love, they are epiphanies in our midst. They are glorious manifestations of divine Love made plain and accessible. They are sacred instances that offer help to a beloved creation.
So, what epiphanies have we noticed?
Our ecumenical services, ongoing mission efforts, caring for those struggling with illness, or loneliness, or grief, and our ministries of hospitality (weekly snack, gifts for those who find it hard to leave their homes, greeting people as they come to worship, having a friendly word for those who are not totally comfortable at church) have been a few of the epiphanies I have seen in our shared life. These have been instances of God’s helpful revelation, and I’m sure we could think of many more of these.
As we celebrate Epiphany again this year, may we learn (again) to notice how God/Spirit/Christ has appeared in our lives, our church, and the world through helping those in need.
In hope,
Peace be with you,
Pastor Karsten Snitker
6A child is born to us, a son is given to us, and authority will be on his shoulders.
He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 CEB
THANK YOU!
Dear Trinity Friends,
We would like to thank Kathleen and Norman Rose for the beautiful alter flowers given to us for our Anniversary! Also a big thank you to Becky Grammar for delivering them!
Alan and Marsha Bilger
Dear Trinity,
Please know of my deep appreciation for the flowers delivered to me by Donna Dorsch which had been donated by Larry Clausing. They have special significances to me as a recipient knowing they graced the altar on Sunday morning during worship. And be aware that the visit to bring them from one of our church family is as much of a gift as the flowers themselves. The visit and interaction was like a breath of fresh air. And I want to also thank TWT for the gift to OCWM in honor of my 98th birthday. The extra gift to this arm of our national UCC as they desperately try to meet the needs all over the world wherever they arise. It is good to know a bit extra has been given to meet constantly arising emergencies.
Wilma Farmer
Dear Trinity UCC,
I found a pretty bag when I went to lunch with my name on it. I felt like a kid again. What a precious "goody bag." The various snacks, oreos and lovely array of candy will be such a treat and I'll think of you one by one while enjoying it. The pencil, writing pad, sticky notepad, pocket tissues etc. are life savers here. All the family forgot to bring me from the study when purging my villa. Thanks.
Wilma Farmer
Dear Trinity UCC,
Thank you for the flowers carrying prayers from the congregation. Thank you to Lewis Miller for his contribution and sharing of the beautiful flowers during Sunday worship. Laura, Leche and I enjoyed a visit with Brenda Young who delivered the lovely flowers to me.
Dan Johnson
Dear Trinity UCC,
Please accept our donation from the Sisters of St. Francis of Tiffin to send to church World Service to purchase blankets to be used around the world. Thank you for your ministry in our midst. We are grateful to call your parish neighbor and friend. We are very grateful for your social justice efforts and your encouragement of us to act the same. Thank you also for the concerts and prayer experiences in your church to which you invite the community of Tiffin and the surrounding area.
Sister Leanne Kerschner, for Sisters of St. Francis of Tiffin.
Dear Trinity UCC,
Thank you for the Christmas goody bag. It was filled with such wonderful treats. Also thank you for the monthly newsletter. I also want to thank Pastor Karsten for his visits.
Irene Althouse
Dear Trinity UCC,
Thank you! Two words that do not express how much “church family” has meant to us these past several months. All of your prayers, the notes, the calls, the visits and the Service. The outpour of generosity from each of you has provided comfort to me and my family. Thank you is never enough said for all you have done to console our hearts during this difficult time.
From the Family of Jon Ewald.
God Bless you Everyone!
New Year Changes of Joan's hours
I, Joan, have requested to be part-time. Council approved my request. On Mondays, I will not be in the office. Pastor Karsten has office hours from 1 to 3 p.m. On Fridays, the office will be opened only in the mornings. I always look forward to seeing and visiting with the members.
Joan Nelson
Weather advisory
Sunday services will be cancelled when Seneca County is at a Level 2 or 3 Snow Emergency. We want the members to be safe.
COUNCIL REPORT
CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING
The following is a report of the December Council meeting.
Christian Education – next movie night on January 10, dinner at 6, movie at 7.
Church and Ministry – recommend Christmas bonuses for staff ($300 PT, $500 FT) consistent with past years. Approved. Recommend continued payment for Derrick Smith to attend Lay School of Religion through the NWOA, $360 to be reimbursed and another $360 to be paid out as classes are completed. Approved (M-Rainey, 2-Dorsch).
Communications – livestream is using a different slide deck for online vs in the sanctuary, to better meet the needs of both groups.
Endowment Trustees – the market value of our invested funds is $2,949,827 as of 9/30/25,
up from $2,700,042 at the beginning of 2025 (up 9.3%). Next report will be 12/31/25.
Mission – Recent gifts include Neighbors in Need ($1,000), Hurricane Melissa relief through
UCC ($3,000 + $219 noisy bucket), Salvation Army ($1,000), and FISH ($1,000).
Property – Usual maintenance activities continue. We are now able to lower the temp in the former Child Care Center areas to 64 degrees to save money.
Worship and Music – Sound system refinements continue, member surveys were reviewed with suggestions being considered. When time and energy permit, a tour of the vacated TSCCC spaces would be helpful as Trinity evaluates how to use these recovered spaces. Over the years, Carl Rainey has taken care of organizing communion servers and ushers when needed, and coordinating Christmas Eve candle lighters. Thank you, Carl! New volunteers or new plans are needed for these tasks. As a first step, council members are asked to circle their name on the signup list to be communion coordinator on a particular Sunday.
Pastor’s Report – PK shared a report of recent activities and schedule updates. We will recognize Beth McKibben Nee on December 21 as she completes her time working and studying at Trinity. PK is on vacation Dec.30-Jan.5 and Sunday worship on January 4 will be done in a hymn sing format.
Old Business – TSCCC is in process of exiting our building, and they will arrange for a “deep cleaning” once their items are removed.
Another insurance provider will tour the church soon prior to providing a quote. No agreements are available to sign at this point. Sam Palm of UIS is working on our behalf, with a December 31 deadline to obtain coverage.
Altar flower deliveries remain a concern. Council will invite flower donors to deliver flowers on the Sundays when they are providing flowers. They can take them home, or deliver to shut-ins, or whatever they wish. If the donor is unable to do so, our short list of volunteers can offer delivery.
Council reminds our congregation that during a Level 3 weather alert, our building is closed, including Sundays.
New Business – Volunteers were solicited for closing the building after church on Sundays,
offering stewards, and communion servers. Nominating Committee has provided two nominees for first term on Church Council: Fran Fleet, and Sharlene Houk. Jim Koehl and Jon Laux will begin their second terms. Council will celebrate outgoing members Carl Rainey and Carol Roush in February.
Annual Meeting of the congregation will be Sunday, January 25, 2026.
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Music notes
“Joy to the World!”
We celebrate the birth of Jesus and look forward to a new year filled with hope, peace, and love.
All of our musicians — organ, praise band, handbells, and choir – carry this message in every service. We wish you all a joyous and peaceful 2026!
Blake Depinet, organist
Lynn Huenemann, handbell choir director
Vicki Ohl, choir director and music coordinator
Pat Powers, praise band director
General Memorial
Jon Ewald by Norman and Kathleen Rose
Jon Ewald by Kathryn Adams
Jon Ewald by Ron and Phyllis Bosler
Jon Ewald by Larry and Dreah Cook
Jon Ewald by Vicki Ohl
Music Memorial
Jon Ewald by Roy and Barbara Zinn
MISSION EMPHASIS
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Habitat for Humanity
Tiffin and Seneca County Habitat for Humanity has been providing housing for needy families in Tiffin and Seneca County for over thirty years. Many Trinity members are active participants in the local Habitat for Humanity. The Seneca Habitat for Humanity and the Seneca County Home Builders Association often complete an extreme build to get a home under roof in one day. Heidelberg students have also helped prepare for the building of some Habitat homes in Tiffin. As we begin 2024, we are all thankful for having adequate housing in which to live. Imagine if you had no home or potential to find one.
Habitat for Humanity in the US was founded in 1965 to address the need for adequate housing throughout the USA and now the world. Once a family’s application is accepted by the Tiffin-Seneca HH Family Selection Committee and the Board of Directors, they then approve building them a home. The family, in turn, must provide a certain number of hours of work on their new house, “sweat equity”, before the completion of the home and move in day.
Habitat for Humanity is an excellent example of Trinity United Church of Christ mission efforts working locally here in Tiffin. Your donations this January will go toward this effort to continue to provide housing for needy families in our own community. The local organization is very appreciative of your donations.
Thank you for your support,
Trinity Mission Committee
KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS
Did you know that you can earn money for the church just by buying groceries? Use your existing digital Kroger Plus Shopper’s Card (or sign up for a free Kroger Plus shopper’s card) to convert a percentage of your grocery spending into a donation to the church.
Go to the Kroger.com website; Community; Kroger Community Rewards;
• Create a digital account and pick your preferred Kroger store;
• link your Kroger Plus shopping card to a selected organization (in this case click on Trinity United Church of Christ, Tiffin and enter the NPO.
• Any transaction using the shopper’s card number associated with your digital account will be applied to the program at no cost to you. Quarterly contributions from your purchases will be forwarded to Trinity Church.
The Art Gallery is not yet full. Please bring your paintings, photography, poetry, recipes, needlework, crafts or any other hand-made items to share.For more information, contact Lynn Huenemann through the church office at 419-447-3191 for more information or to display items.
Daybreak Service begins at 8:30 am
Service of the Word begins 10:30 a.m.
