Trinity Family
Highlights from Pastor Martin
Congratulations to Trinity Lutheran School! It’s time to Celebrate! The National Lutheran Schools Accreditation Team completed its visit to Trinity this past Thursday afternoon. Both the CDC & K-8 visitation teams recommended Trinity for accreditation. Hundreds of hours of work have gone into our self-study as we set goals that will guide our continuing progress for the next five years. It was no surprise how impressed the CDC Visit Team was by our new facilities. But they were equally excited about how we could do so much so well with so many infants through 4 year olds. Even more encouraging was the enthusiastic report from the K-8 Visit Team about all the steps that have already been taken to strengthen this ministry, and the plans to continue our progress. PLEASE CONGRATULATE ALL OUR CDC & K-8 STAFF! And… thank our School Board for their unswerving support of these marvelous ministries! We are blessed!
Enjoy Your Giving! Most of us understand what that means when we give Christmas presents or Birthday presents. It gives us great joy to share with people we love. This weekend our worship theme is “How to Enjoy Your Giving.” Too often churches act as if giving is just a responsibility, or even a “dreaded duty.” Not so for Jesus! “It is more blessed to give than to receive!” Do you know where those words of Jesus are found in the Bible? Find out this weekend
New Member Focus Groups Sunday, April 24 12:15-2pm Invitations were sent last week to our most recent new members to get together with some of our Elders and our Outreach Team. Light lunch and small group discussions will give us an opportunity to get better acquainted and see how our new members are doing.
“A BRIDGE TO THE FUTURE” …revitalizing our campus for ministry! As we launch our annual Congregational Stewardship effort this month, our Leadership Council has announced the plan to take big strides forward on our Campus Revitalization Project. It’s a short-term capital campaign to complete many of our urgent projects. (Read the separate “BRIDGE TO THE FUTURE” article below.) As we make our commitments later this month, one great measure of our spiritual maturity would be where our hearts are on the “JOY-METER.” How much joy do we experience in giving to the ministry of our Lord Jesus?
BRIDGE TO THE FUTURE: An 18-month campus revitalization stewardship campaign designed to prepare Trinity for its second century of ministry.
What’s the focus?
- Fix the rest of our campus, now that the New Century Center is up and running!
Why call it “a bridge?”
- It “bridges the gap” between Phase I and Phase II of our master plan. We’re not ready for another major effort now, especially while we wait for our next senior pastor.
How will it be a “BRIDGE TO THE FUTURE?”
- We’ll take care of our most urgent campus revitalization projects. We’ve identified about $500,000 worth of “must-do” projects. Watch for the mailing that lists those projects.
- Our next pastor, God-willing, will be settled in, and we’ll have two more years of seeing the growth of our K-8 ministry
- We will have a window of opportunity for planning as we approach our 100th anniversary in 2019
How can we combine “BRIDGE TO THE FUTURE” with OUR ANNUAL STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM?
Presenting both programs together gives us an opportunity to think about the whole picture of our giving to the Lord’s work at Trinity. Watch for the mailing that will help you think through your regular giving and facilities improvements at the same time.
Let’s Build “A BRIDGE TO THE FUTURE!” Watch for more info in the mail.
All the News
Round Table Discussion and Prayer March For Persecuted Christians and Jews
April 16, 6:30-8:30pm, Trinity’s Fellowship Hall: Round Table Discussion on persecution of Christians and Jews with an expert panel including Senator Alan Hays. On April 17, 3:30 – 7:00PM @ Lake Eola. Gather at the bandshell. This is a free event, open to the public. The march will cover one mile and take about 45 minutes, ending back at the bandshell at approximately 5pm where you will hear from an international group of speakers who know persecution first hand and will tell their stories. We will be praying for the persecuted and the persecutors. For more information contact Rev. Bruce Lieske 407-359-0449 or Alan Kornman 407-702-0494
I Believe
It is a tradition of Trinity Lutheran Church for every young confirmand to profess his or her faith publically. Our “public” forum is to the sisters and brothers in Christ of Trinity Lutheran Church. Beginning this weekend and continuing through May, the 2016 class members will stand under the arms of Jesus and share what they believe about our Triune God, our Lutheran Sacraments, Prayer, and Jesus’ work of salvation, offer of forgiveness and eternal life. This Sunday, the congregation members attending the 9:30 a.m. service will hear from Lina B. and Morgan F.
New Bible Study Series starting for the regular 9:30 Sunday School Class
Exploring Contemporary Adult Issues is a review of Jesus’ teachings about emotional, physical and spiritual health & well-being. It is a 12 week study led by Deaconess Liz Borth. Don’t miss this great opportunity for Christian growth and fellowship. Meeting in Fellowship Hall at 9:30 every Sunday. Open to everyone – invite a friend!
Supper & a Speaker
On Thursday, April 21, spend an evening in our own “home” with a Spring Salad Supper & Speaker. Merry Jo Moran, our own Trinity sister as well as speaker for Harbor House, will share information on the importance of Harbor House’s work. Harbor House is a shelter for victims of domestic violence and includes a shelter for the pets of those families. Come and learn more and enjoy a fabulous salad supper. Mark your calendar for Thursday evening beginning at 6:30 p.m. and talk to Deaconess Liz with questions: eborth@trinitydowntown.org or 407-488-1919 X127.
Spring MAY DAY FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERS AND SPONSORS NEEDED!!!
Please join us! The Spring May Day Festival is coming up on Friday, April 29, from 5:30-8 p.m. This is a fundraiser for our school, so please consider donating your time and/or resources to this event!
Volunteer Opportunities So far we only have a couple of people signed up to volunteer, so please check Volunteer Spot at http://vols.pt/aPBQY7. This is the last PTL fundraiser of the year, and we need YOUR support!
Sponsorship opportunities are also available as follows:
- Human Snow Cone Machine: $100
- Super Silly Stress Ball Maker: $100
- Dunk Tank: $175
- Kid’s High Striker: $75
- Ball Game: $85
- Spring Craft Art Supplies: $100
- Art Auction Supplies: $250
- May Day Pole supplies: $50
- Entertainment (Raising Cadence): $200
You may sponsor the entire amount or just part of the amount. You can also donate as an individual, business, or several families can sponsor together. Please email Jenny Beyer at jennybeyer@gmail.com if you would like to sponsor.
Baptism Celebrations at School Chapel Services
We’re doing a Celebration of Baptism in our school chapel services at 8:30 and 9:30 on Wednesday, April 27 (like we did in January on our Baptism Celebration Sunday). SEVEN students are already scheduled to be baptised that day! Pray for many lives to be blessed!
Trinity Lutheran School parents share about Baptism at Trinity:
The Baptism experience at Trinity was one of openness and embrace. The information provided beforehand from Pastor Martin was very informative on what to expect and what it means to be baptized. Pastor Martin’s warm and welcoming manner helped my daughter feel comfortable. Afterwards we were given a beautiful certificate, medallion and candle. What made the process so open was realizing that by having my daughter baptized it does not mean she is a Lutheran but she is now a child of God. My family has come to embrace Trinity [just] as Trinity Lutheran Church has come to embrace us as we now attend church regularly on Sundays. My daughter looks forward to that time – spending it with us and Jesus. As we drive past the church from school she waves to Jesus and tells him, “See you Sunday, Jesus”. (TLS parent Lanie Pividal)
Pastor Martin was new to Trinity Lutheran Church when we were considering baptizing our daughter. He was able to make my husband and I feel comfortable about the idea, without concentrating on the different backgrounds of our families, which I assumed would make the process harder. We were honored to have Pastor Martin baptize our daughter. The education was very helpful, and the actual baptism during the normal church service, with at least 100 people in attendance showing support and warmth made it even more special. (TLS parent Laura Sikonia)
Ladies in Purple Service Event
ALL women are invited to join this group that meets quarterly- This group plays and prays together while serving God and Our Community. JOIN US May 1, 2016, 1-3pm for Spring planting at Lutheran Counseling Services at 1505 Orchid Avenue. Bring your favorite spring flowers or plants, picnic lunch, KIDS and FRIENDS! Any questions please contact Jamie at jamieerp@gmail.com
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Vacation Bible School-It’s All A‘Bot Jesus!
July 25-29 right here on Trinity’s campus, we are expecting 80 children to spend 3-½ hours every day actively experiencing God’s love for them. But, here’s the catch: The program does not run itself. Oh, it’s an easy to execute program, but section leaders are essential for success. Trinity has a weekly church attendance of 300+ but to-date, 2 (two) people have stepped forward to offer leadership assistance. Contact Deaconess Liz this week (eborth@trinitydowntown.org or 407-488-1919 X 127) with your choice from the following positions:
- Supply coordinator — Help collect needed supplies from congregation; shop on-line, or at a local grocery or craft store.
You will begin immediately and continue through July 29. Your time will be needed more the end of June and July and less in May and the first part of June.
- Craft station leader – Guide children in simple crafts that reinforce the point of the day
No need to think creatively until the of June.
- Snack station leader – Easy to serve. You can be a shopper or not, but all you need to know how to do is make a grocery list!
You begin serving the first part of July and will need to be availalble July 25-29 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Story Teller – Creative, drama, nice clear reading voice: all those talents or just a few.
Prepare the first part of July and be at VBS every day 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Games station leader – Outdoorsy, fun, loud commanding voice, laughter and easy going.
You don’t have to worry about anything until the second week in July. Must be available all week July 25-29 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Lutheran Haven Spring Flea Market
Saturday, April 23, 8:00am – 2:30pm. Lots of great items, big and small, for sale at low prices! Lunch food and drink on site. Located at Aloma Ave and Chapman Road, Oviedo, FL. Proceeds benefit Lutheran Haven Nursing Home. We Love Lutheran Haven!
Youth News
Sr. Confirmation Retreat
Sr. Confirmation students will participate in a on campus retreat on SATURDAY, APRIL 30 1:00-5:00 then dinner and attend 6:00 service. The theme for the day and class verse is: Luke 9:23 deny your #selfie take up your cross and follow Him. Part of the day includes a service project of collecting self-care items: deodorant, socks, lip balm, wet ones, granola bars, etc where confirmands will assemble kits to distribute. Please help them make 50 bags! Please leave items in Narthex in box labeled #selfie. We could use a snack break during the day. Would you like to provide a snack for our confirmands- sweet treat and water bottles? Mark your calendars. Please make every effort to be there. Any questions? Want to help? Please email Jenn Blackwood mom23girls@cfl.rr.com. Many thanks to Thrivent for a grant to help cover expenses for the day. #livegenerously
Sr. Confirmation Class Schedule
Due to retreat plans on April 30th, there will be no class on May 1.
Middle & High School Bible Classes available at 9:30 Sunday Mornings
MS and HS Youth each have their own Sunday classes providing opportunities for students to grow deeper in their relationship with God as well as their relationships with others. Meet the Youth Ministry Team leaders in the second floor classrooms of the K-8 building for fellowship and study time each week.
High School Youth July 2016–National Youth Gathering–check website for more information!
For more info: Contact Laura (407) 404-3242 or Mike (727) 686-7403, email TrinityHSYouth@gmail.com, check the Trinity Website or the Trinity HS Youth Facebook page!
Important Dates
April 16 Round Table Discussion re: Persecuted Christians and Jews, Fellowship Hall 6:30-8:30
April 17 Prayer March for Persecuted Christians and Jews Events, Lake Eola
April 24 New Member Focus Groups
April 29 Spring MayDay Festival and Auction
April 30 Sr. Confirmation Retreat
May 1 Consecration Sunday
May 8 Mothers Day (don’t forget!)
May 15 Confirmation Sunday
April 24 Sunday, 12:15-2pm New Member Focus Groups
April 27 Wednesday, Baptism Celebration in School Chapel Services
April 30 Confirmands Retreat
May 15 Confirmation Day
Attendance & Giving
10-Apr-16
Worship Attendance
6:00 p.m. 49
8:00 a.m. 40
9:30 a.m. 85
11:00 a.m. 98
Total 272
Sunday School
Adult’s Bible Class 35
Children’s Bible Class 20
Contributions
Current & Missions:
C & M Budget $26,000
C & M Actual $36,473
Faithfully Forward $1,249
Historical Debt $175
SOS/Faith Factor $1,000
Dedicated Funds $20
