Three Generations of Connections at Trinity
Making a connection with others can make all the difference in the world. In fact, that’s one of the reasons behind the title of Trinity’s newsletter. Look around when you are in church. Do you know everyone sitting near you? Even if so, do you know more than their names?
Everyone has a story, and admittedly, some are more willing to share theirs than others. Discovering a little something extra about another person can sometimes be the key that unlocks a new friendship. At a very minimum, it usually unlocks a smile the next time you see one another.
This is what led our staff to discuss a few members of our congregation at a recent staff meeting. Somehow we began to talk about the oldest member of Trinity and remarked that Pauline Bull is now 106 years old and still “sharp as a tack!” And from that comment, the connection of two other generations in her family was made. Not only is Pauline a lifelong Trinity member, but her great nephew, David Swartwood and his family (his wife, Lindsey, and their daughter, Lydia) are also members. Three generations!
Pauline, Lindsey and Lydia answered the same questions about Trinity and their faith, and making a connection with each generation in this way was enlightening.
First, let me introduce you to Lydia, who is in 7th grade. She likes to read, draw, play the guitar and listen to music. She has been a member of Trinity for one year and chose Trinity because her parents liked it here and wanted to join. The most important thing to Lydia about her faith is that “it feels real and meaningful to me.” Lydia says going to church makes a difference in her life because she is “able to learn and meet people.” One favorite memory involving Trinity for Lydia was the middle school lock-in that she attended with her friend.
Another connection at Trinity is Lydia’s mom, Lindsey Swartwood. Lindsey is a Trust & Wealth Assistant at First Citizens Bank, and her favorite things include reading, scrapbooking and spending time with her family.
A member at Trinity for just over one year, she chose Trinity for the following reason: “Ultimately, Trinity felt like home to us. My husband, David, had a stroke a couple of years ago, which left him disabled and unable to return to work. He looked forward to going to church and seeing people. However, we found ourselves at a crossroads after the pastor at our old church retired. My parents had attended Trinity before they moved to Des Moines and really liked it. We started visiting Trinity and were happy to find that we already knew quite a few people. Also, we were really impressed with the youth programming with our daughter soon to start confirmation. We love the feeling of belonging we have found at Trinity!”
What’s most important to Lindsey about her faith is “the promise that God is always with us and that we aren’t alone. My faith is my source of peace, hope, and encouragement. When difficult circumstances arise, it is my faith that encourages me and comforts me and keeps me going. Regardless of what life brings along our path, our Savior is with us every step of the journey.”
Going to church makes a difference in her life by encouraging her and lifting her spirits. “I love the sense of belonging and connection it gives me,” Lindsey said.
Some favorite memories involving Trinity of course involve Lydia. Lindsey shared, “My daughter is currently in confirmation and I have been volunteering with her small group this school year. I am enjoying seeing the change in the kids as they learn and build on their faith. The yearly Scandinavian Bazaar and worshipping with my family are meaningful memories for me as well.”
And finally, the 3rd generation in this family, Pauline Bull, who lives in a lovely apartment in the IOOF Home. She talked about things she loved to do all her life, such as golf, baseball and bowling. “I golfed til I was 99!” she exclaimed, and her niece, Becky Swartwood, added, “She even got a hole in one at 99 years old!” Pauline chuckled and said, “Those were the days!” Now Pauline “walks down to lunch if I’m able and I take therapy three times a week.”
A member of Trinity for over 100 years, Pauline remembers going here with her parents. She served in many ways at Trinity throughout her life. She said, “I worked with lutefisk and made pies for the bazaars.” When I asked her if she liked lutefisk, she answered a strong “NO!” before the question was out of my mouth. “I made it, bagged it and stored it. It was a big thing. We couldn’t make enough!!” The lutefisk discussion continued…the conclusion being you either love it or you hate it. And although she didn’t eat it, she cared enough to prepare it for others.
Why did Pauline choose Trinity? Interesting story… She started at Bethlehem Lutheran with her husband initially “and the pastor there told us we couldn’t dance! We couldn’t have a social life. It was very closed. It was a good church and had a large congregation, but we just didn’t like his ways of thinking.”
Faith is very important to Pauline. “I listen to church every Sunday on the radio and I like it when Pastor Beverly comes to visit.” She also appreciates having Communion brought to her by Robin Bratvold. Church has made a “big difference” in her life. “I remember Easters and getting dressed up with the family. Church was very social! And there was always something going on during the weekdays, too. The choir music was so special!”
Two of Pauline’s favorite memories involving Trinity are the Scandinavian Bazaar and of course, lefse! “We always had things going on…every week! You always had someplace to go!” she said.
A place to go that makes a big difference in your life. That…and so much more. Three generations. Three women who value faith, Trinity, and connection. Make a connection of your own…or several. Follow Pauline’s lead. Something has worked for her to be around for 106 years. Connecting with others who share your faith and love of Trinity…that’s a hole in one at any age.†
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