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Monthly Monitor

SEPTEMBER 2026

September Shift
September arrives in the Saginaw Valley with a kind of gentle clarity. The fields begin to turn. The evenings cool. The hum of tractors grows steady again. And across our township and region, you can feel the shift—summer is giving way to a new season of purpose and promise.For our Trinity Monitor Church and School, that promise comes into focus as we begin another school year. After a full and joyful summer, our teachers, staff, and families are stepping into the year with excitement, energy, and a shared theme that will guide us: “Rooted in Christ,” based on Colossians 2:6–7.Paul writes, “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith…” What a gift this passage is for our children, our families, and our entire congregation. In a world that changes quickly, Christ remains steady. In a culture full of distractions, His Word nourishes. In every season—whether joyful or challenging—He anchors us, grows us, and strengthens us.
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Our prayer for this school year is simple and profound: that our students would grow deep. Deep in faith. Deep in character. Deep in the confidence that comes from knowing they belong to Jesus. May every lesson, chapel service, conversation, and moment of Christian community help root them more firmly in Him.Before the school year began, we celebrated one of our most beloved traditions: the 43rd Annual Pig Roast Weekend. Held the weekend before school starts, it has become a joyful marker of the season—a time to reconnect, welcome new families, enjoy good food, and celebrate the fellowship God gives His people as we support our ministry here at Monitor. It is one of those events that reminds us how blessed we are to be part of a congregation and school that truly feels like family.And then, as the first days of school settle in, we come to Labor Day weekend—a pause, a breath, a moment to give thanks. We remember the gift of work, the dignity and purpose God gives to our vocations, and the rest He provides for body and soul. It is a fitting way to begin a new year: grateful for the work God has given us, and grateful for the rest He promises in Christ.As we step into September, may God bless Trinity, Monitor with joy in the season ahead. May He strengthen our school, our teachers, our students, our families and our church. And may He continue to root us—deeply, joyfully, and securely—in Christ our Lord.-Pastor Kaiser
Bearing the Cross
That’s my cross to bear,” some sighing, self-pitying soul laments. What is it that we identify as a cross? Is it poor health? A hard-to-get-along-with in-law? An unfeeling employer? An unpleasant situation of some kind?What was the cross of Christ? It was the instrument His enemies used to kill Him. It symbolized the lowest degree of humiliation possible. Yet the writer to the Hebrews urges, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame…” (Hebrews 12:2). Through His death in our place, Christ exalted the cross. We look to the cross, not with shame, but with humble joy, for there our Savior took the punishment that is ours. There He won eternal life for us. There He won the victory over sin, death, and Satan. “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me,” Jesus declared (Matthew 16:24). The Christian steward taking up his cross is ridiculed by the world, just as his Savior was. The world hated Christ, and the world will hate His followers (John 15:18-19). Still we stewards, filled with His Spirit, equipped with His gifts, and renewed in our minds, joyfully take up the cross He gives us.
The cross, rather than being an agent of death, frees us – frees us to serve, to give, to sacrifice willingly and freely. Like our Savior on Whom we fix our eyes, we endure any hardship or discomfort for the joy that lies before us as we surrender our wills to the perfect will of our Father in Heaven.
God’s Instrument
Not many sermons which we hear in childhood are clearly remembered in later life. One which I heard as a boy, however, made such a deep impression upon me that I have never forgotten it. It centered upon an interpretation of Psalm 92:3, an exhortation to praise God “upon an instrument of ten strings.” Upon becoming a theological student I discovered that my pastor had been guilty of “forced exegesis.” Nor could he lay any claim to originality, for I have encountered the same line of thought in various other settings. Yet this quaint interpretation which was evidently quite popular a half-century ago carries a stewardship message which is permanently valid.“What is this instrument of ten strings?” asked the preacher. And he answered, “It is you. You have two eyes to see what God has done. You have two ears to hear God’s Word. You have two hands to do God’s work. You have two feet to walk God’s way. You have one tongue to speak God’s truth. You have one heart to give God. Add them up and you see that you are an instrument of ten strings to be used to praise God.”This is doubtless faulty exegesis of the psalm but it comes close to what Paul had in mind when he said, “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God” (Romans 12:1). And it is the secret of the liberal giving by the Macedonians who “first gave themselves to the Lord” (2 Corinthians 8:5).A Christian is God’s instrument and his whole life is a psalm of thanksgiving to God.(T. A. Kantonen)
September 2026
It is hard to believe we are already prepared to open our doors for another school year. Our hearts are filled with immense gratitude for this congregation. Trinity Lutheran School is a direct reflection of your unwavering faith, generosity, and commitment to Christian education. Because of your faithful prayers and financial support, we are able to welcome our students into a safe, nurturing environment where they can grow academically and deepen their walk with Christ.This year, our school theme is "Rooted in Christ," inspired by Colossians 2:6-7:"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."How Your Support Makes a Difference Spiritual Growth: You enable us to keep God's Word at the center of every classroom, morning devotion, and weekly chapel, grounding our students in truth. Academic & Facility Care: Your gifts help maintain safe facilities, update learning materials, and provide our dedicated teachers with the resources they need to lead effectively. Accessible Ministry: Your generosity directly funds scholarship opportunities, ensuring that families seeking a Christ-centered education for their children can find a home here regardless of financial barriers.How You Can Join Us in Prayer This Year For Our Students: That they remain deeply rooted in Christ, growing in faith, wisdom, and Christian character. For Our Teachers & Staff: For energy, patience, and joy as they pour themselves into their ministry each day. For Our Families: That our school community remains a source of encouragement, connection, and spiritual strength for every home represented.
We invite you to keep our students, faculty, and staff in your daily prayers as we launch into this new academic year. Thank you for walking alongside us, investing in the next generation, and serving as the foundation of this vital ministry. Once again we are inviting congregation members to be a Prayer Angel for a specific class. If you would like more information on what a Prayer Angel is and how you can participate please call the school office.With sincere gratitude in Christ,Karen FriebePrincipal, Trinity Lutheran SchoolThe Classroom Chronicles
This is the TEAM of individuals that work together to keep your school running like a fine oiled machine. Each and every person would greatly appreciate your prayers of support. PrincipalMrs. Karen FriebeSchool Administrative AssistantMrs. Amy Samborn PastorRev. Seth Kaiser-7th & 8th Grade Confirmation ClassChurch Administrative AssistantMrs. Lisa Mrozinski Middle School TeachersMrs. Judy Jean-7th/8th homeroom& Science, Math, STEM, Life SkillsMr. Brendan Harrison-6th homeroom& Faith Formation, Social Studies, Math, News MediaMrs. Suzanne Tomashewsky-5th homeroom& Faith Formation, ELA, Handbells Elementary SchoolMrs. Sarah Earle-4th Grade TeacherMs. Catherine Hutter*-3rd Grade TeacherMrs. Kelli Dent-2nd Grade TeacherMrs. Susan Thiel-1st Grade TeacherMrs. Karrie Estes-Kindergarten Teacher Early ChildhoodMrs. Rebecca Setula-E.C. Director & GSRP (4 year olds) Preschool TeacherMrs. Shawn Cook*-3 year old Preschool Teacher Shared Time Teachers - Carrollton Public SchoolsMiss Elizabeth Ahrens-ArtMrs. Brandilyn Gatza-Physical EducationMrs. Melissa Yagiela-MusicMrs. Rebecca Sugden-VLHS Elementary Band Mrs. Melissa Messing-GSRP Classroom AssistantMiss Lainie Armstrong-Preschool AideMiss Emma Samborn*-Preschool Aide, Extended Care
Custodian, Technology Director, Security DirectorMr. John Mrozinski Hot Lunch Program DirectorMrs. Yvonne Tennant Extended CareMrs. Anne Wegener-Before SchoolMr. Dale Fish-Before SchoolMiss Savanna Sylvester-After schoolMiss Jayden Jezowski-After schoolAthletic DirectorsMrs. Nicole MarterMrs. Karen Friebe School FinancesMr. Royce Wegener *new this year
Board of Christian EducationMrs. Katie Wohlfeil,Mrs. Patsy WeissMrs. Gretchen AndersonMrs. Cortney FeinauerMrs. Amy SrebinskiMrs. Kate Kaiser
PUBLIC SCHOOL CONFIRMATION2026-2027
Confirmation Classes for the 7th & 8th grade public school students of Trinity Lutheran Church will begin in September 16th in the church basement at 4:45pm and continue through April. If your child will be participating in the confirmation classes, or if you have any questions regarding confirmation, please contact Pastor Kaiser or call the church office at (989)662-6093.
News from VLHS
Welcome to a new school year from Valley Lutheran! We are excited to begin another year serving the students and families of the Great Lakes Bay Region in preparing students for life with Christ as our foundation. Our theme is “Forward in Faith”, drawing from the words of Moses in Deuteronomy 31:8, “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” May we boldly walk forward this year, knowing God goes before us and beside us, and will never leave us. What do we have to fear? May God bless your upcoming year in Him!
How Someone Becomes a Voting Member Being a confirmed, communicant member Being 18 years old or older Being in good standing (regular worship, not under discipline) Being formally accepted into the voters’ assembly by signing the constitutionWhy Voting Membership MattersVoting membership is how the congregation: Exercises its God-given responsibility for doctrine, practice, and mission Ensures decisions are made by the people Maintains accountability and transparency Preserves the LCMS principle that the congregation is the basic unit of the church’s authority
Life Clinic-Baby Bottle Campaign
Thank you to the members of Trinity Lutheran Church for your participation in the Baby Bottle Campaign.
Your donation of $1056.07 will help to eliminate barriers, restore hope, and empower the choice for life.
Homecoming at Valley Lutheran is coming up September 21-26! Mark your calendars now to be part of the festivities! Look for detailed information to come.Save the Date for the VLHS Parent Organization Mum Sale! Coming Friday, September 11 beginning at 1 pm in the VL parking lot.
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