The Pastorate of Gerald Renken
1975-1985
As the Lord had so often done in the past, He blessed Trinity with the good news that Trinity’s prayers were answered. Rev. Gerald L. Renken of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Dubuque, Iowa, had accepted Trinity’s call to be its pastor. Pastor Renken was installed on December 7, 1975. He was married to Barbara Lou Heuen. They had three adopted children: Douglas 12, Charles 11, and Christine 9.
In 1976, Trinity’s application for a Vietnamese family was granted and the congregation was pleased to meet its newly adopted refugees in January, Tin and Lien Ung. A reception was given to welcome them on January 18. Various Trinity members assisted the couple in their needs and adjusting to their environment and lifestyle.
In March, Trinity’s third and fourth grade teacher, Mr. Otto, was issued a call to fill a newly established position of Director of Christian Education. Because of increased school enrollment, it was decided to separate grades one and two and call a sixth teacher for the fall.
After the students were dismissed for the summer, the school gym was renovated. The large windows were bricked in and a steel frame door on the outside exit was added, at a cost of $3,600.
Summer also brought celebration of the country’s bicentennial year. The congregation adopted the theme “Freedom in Christ and Country,” and prepared a display of Trinity’s history for the occasion. A special Bicentennial Worship Service was held at the church on July 4, and Trinity, along with other churches throughout the country, rang its bells to proclaim the joy of freedom of worship.
The Wyandotte Parade on July 5 gave Trinity members the opportunity to witness to the community with a float entitled “Freedom in Christ and Country.” Also representing Trinity in the parade was a Women’s Drill Team. During the month of September, Trinity was one of the many Wyandotte churches that hosted an Open House for the community in conjunction with the Heritage Committee of the Wyandotte Bicentennial Commission. A photo album of these Bicentennial events was placed in Trinity’s history file.
September saw Arlo Otto installed as Director of Christian Education. Installed in the same service was Miss Christine Meissner as first grade teacher, and Mr. David Mietzner as third and fourth grade teacher.
In March of 1977, and acolyte program was approved by the Board of Elders. The seventh and eighth grade boys served in this new program. Arlo Otto was given approval to assist with preaching and Holy communion.
Summer of 1977 claimed several noteworthy events. Principal Edgar Bender was honored June 12, at a service and reception for his twenty years of service to the Lord through the teaching ministry. The Voters’ Assembly gave final approval to a new constitution and by-laws which would become effective on October 31, 1977. Under this, some boards were given new names. The Boards listed were: Lay Ministry (Elders), Stewardship, Christian Education, Evangelism, Church Properties (Trustees), Public Relations, Parish Fellowship, and Board of Young People’s Work. Officers and Directors of Boards made up the Parish Planning Council (PPC), which was to be a planning, not a decision making body. Terms of office were extended form June until October, when the new constitution went into effect.
In September a second home was added to Trinity’s Convalescent Home Ministry, headed by Russell and Jean Boettner. Under their direction, volunteers now visited residents and held a devotional service at Trenton Convalescent Home on Wednesday evenings and at Pine Knoll, Taylor, every Monday morning.
Under Pastor Renken’s leadership Bible classes grew with more than 130 adults attending each week.
Erwin Selke, full-time custodian, resigned July 1, 1978 after 11 years of faithful service to Trinity. Howard Geierman filled the job until the end of summer when Tien Ung was hired. At the end of September, staff member Arlo Otto was feted at a farewell reception. He had accepted a call to Ascension Lutheran Church, St. Louis, Missouri.
The Voters’ Assembly had approved sponsorship of a second refugee family and this second group, the Lieus, arrived on November 17. They all had great difficulty adjusting to Michigan’s cold weather, but they thrived on the warm reception and attention of Trinity members.
In January 1980, Trinity opened a “Little Lambs” Nursery, for use during Sunday School and Bible Class. By March, the Nursery was staffed for both worship services, also.
A Scholarship Committee was established by the Voters’ Assembly on February 11, its purpose was to oversee and grant program for members who desired to study for full-time work in the Church. Memorial contributions would fund the scholarships.
The Double Pastorate of
Gerald L. Renken and David R. Cloeter
1980-1985
Rev. David Cloeter graduated from Concordia Seminary in Fort Wayne in May, 1980 and was ordained on June 22, at his home church in Chaska, Minnesota. On July 27 he was installed as Assistant Pastor at Trinity by Rev. Robert Kass, Circuit Counselor and Pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Taylor, Michigan. Pastor Cloeter was called specifically to be in charge of Evangelism and Youth ministries. He was also to assist in preaching, teaching and other areas of service to be worked out with the Administrative pastor, Rev. Renken.
During this year, 1980, the 100th anniversary of The Michigan District of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod was celebrated. In October, the 50th anniversary of the first “Lutheran Hour” broadcast was celebrated.
In 1982, a growing unemployment rate in the area affected Trinity members, and a Free Store was begun to aid persons or families in need. Food for the store was donated by fellow members.
Principal Edgar Bender marked his twenty-fifth year of teaching on September 19, 1982.
In March of 1982, The Voters’ Assembly gave the Property Committee approval to purchase two Oak Street houses to be used for future parking facilities. One was next door to the parsonage and the other was the second house east of the school playground. Both houses were rented out until such a time as it would be possible to convert the lots to parking facilities.
Those plans were delayed, however, for in April it was noted that the school roof needed immediate repair. Heavy rains had caused damage to ceilings, walls and the gym floor. The congregation had to take out a short term loans to cover the cost of $30,000. All repairs were completed by September.
The newly purchased house next door to the parsonage was made into a Youth Center in September. Only the first floor was used by the youth, the upstairs apartment was rented out.
The 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s birth was observed by a large gathering at Detroit Ford Auditorium on November 6 1983, and again Trinity members participated. The theme was “The Means of Grace.”
Although it was difficult to keep a secret, Trinity members managed to stage a surprise celebration for Pastor Renken on November 20. He had served the Lord in ministry for twenty years. He was honored in the worship services and at a congregational dinner. Trinity ladies held their first “Advent by Candlelight” gathering on November 28. The event was well attended.
As of May 1984, the Missouri Synod had helped resettle 68,000 refugees, and May 6, 1984 was pronounced Refugee Concern Day. Trinity had helped twelve refugees and received a recognition award from Synod.
A summer Wednesday evening worship service was begun on June 6 to provide worship opportunities for those unable to attend Sunday services.
Trinity member Bradley Yops was ordained as a pastor of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod on June 17. The ordination service was held at Trinity and a reception was given for Pastor Yops after the service. He accepted his first call to Excelsior Springs, Missouri.
The combination of unemployment and much higher heating bills (as a result of a nation-wide oil shortage), inflation, and other factors led to a financial crunch in 1983 and 1984 that could not be erased even with a very strict moratorium on spending and cut of hours for the secretaries. When the deficit went over $15,000, a special appeal was made to the entire congregation on Palm Sunday, explaining that Trinity’s utilities were in danger of being shut off. By May, the treasurer’s report showed all bills paid up to date, including the remainder of the school roof and gym repair debt, and over $4,000 remained in the treasury! Once again a prayer of thanksgiving was raised.
In 1985, many changes tool place in this year. For the first time, seventh and eighth grade girls became part of the acolyte program.
It became apparent that Trinity’s governmental structure under the constitution adopted in 1977 was not as effective as expected. Voters approved a proposal of giving the Parish Planning Council more decision-making power on a one-year trial basis.
At the end of the fiscal year, June 30, there was a surplus in the treasury! Praise the Lord! The voters stipulated that 5 percent of the unexpended money be given to Concordia College, Ann Arbor, 5 percent to Concordia Seminary, Fort Wayne, and 10 percent be placed into Trinity’s Church Repair Fund. A new equipment fund for the church and school would be allocated 20 percent and another 20 percent would be set aside for utility payments.
Former Trinity teacher, Mr. Fred Kowitz, still a member of Trinity, celebrated his ninetieth birthday on July 28, and his sixty-eighth year since graduating from Concordia Teachers College. What a blessing to have a servant such as Mr. Kowitz!
The electronic age entered the church with the purchase of an electronic typewriter, a copier, a video cassette recorder and a video camera, all purchased with the money allocated for new equipment. History could now be recorded in sight and sound!
September also brought an end to the double pastorate of Gerald Renken and David Cloeter. Pastor Renken accepted a call to Dalem Lutheran Church in Springdale, Arkansas. He had served Trinity faithfull for ten years. A Farewell Potluck Dinner was given for Pastor Renken and his family on September 29.