Plans to Reopen the Sanctuary for In-Person Worship
Trinity's Leadership has scheduled a date for opening up the Sanctuary for in-person worship: Saturday, August 29, at 6pm and Sunday, August 30, at 10am. Safety procedures are outlined below and are required. Online services will continue to be posted online for those who choose not to return to in-person services. Please join us in a commitment to prayer asking that God will bless us once again with a safe and smooth reopening to in-person worship in the Sanctuary and time for family and friends to gather safely for memorial services as well!
Safety Procedures - MUST READ
- Prior to you arriving for the service Trinity staff and volunteers will have removed the hymnals, Bibles, pencils, attendance and prayer cards from the pews. The carpets will have been steam cleaned and sanitized. All surfaces inside the Sanctuary will be sanitized, including the pews and pew cushions. These areas will be re-sanitized after the Saturday night service in preparation for Sunday morning.
- Please enter the Sanctuary from the front (south) doors or the west side door (ramp).
- There will be hand sanitizer available at both the front door and west side door - please use before you enter and as you leave.
- Bulletins will not be available. We will have PowerPoint projection for both services.
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The wearing of masks is required for all in attendance except for children under the age of two.
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We will NOT be checking everyone’s temperature when they enter the Church. We do however ask anyone who is not feeling well, or who has any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 to worship from home.
- You will be welcomed into the Sanctuary by an usher or greeter who will escort you to your seat. They will also be able to answer any questions that you might have.
- The pews and aisles will be marked to facilitate safe social distancing.
- No hugs or handshakes are permitted.
- We will be administering in-pew communion rather than having the congregation proceed to the altar to receive the bread and wine. Each communicant will be given a sanitized plastic bag containing the bread and wine (gluten-free wafers will be available to those who need them) at their seat. Pastor will provide instructions detailing the exact procedure to be followed at each service.
- At the conclusion of the service everyone will be asked to remain seated until it is their row’s turn to leave the sanctuary.
- Collection plates will be placed at the front doors and west side door from the church to receive the tithes and offerings of those attending the service.
- There will be receptacles for the used communion kits at each exit as well.
- There will be no gathering before or after the service for fellowship or Sunday School.
- Worship will be posted online as it has been, so if you are feeling ill or wish to worship from home for any reason, you may certainly do so!
* Childcare and nursery will not be available until further notice.
* Children's Sunday School and Youth Bible Study start up dates are coming soon.
Backpack Blessings ----> Back to School Blessings, Aug 29 & 30
This has been a treasured Trinity tradition for years now, having all the kids, parents and teachers gather in church to receive a blessing for the new school year and to receive a backpack/diaperbag/carseat tag with a reminder of that blessing all year long. With current circumstances as they are, we weren't sure this would be a possibility. However, we've had a whole lot of LOVE and input shared this past week focused on making sure we're sharing those back to school blessings LOUD AND CLEAR this year - so let's make it happen! In order to reach all of our Trinity families with school age kids, plus our teachers, and home-schoolers and tech support people supporting education this year, we'll do some version of back to school blessings in multiple ways: in worship on Aug 29/30, in the online service for that weekend, in person in the CDC classrooms through our CDC teachers, and via a drive-through back to school blessing where you can be blessed, receive a tag, and get some love shouted at you from a safe distance from your Trinity family! (tentatively set for Saturday, August 29 at 9:30am).
Let's Welcome Anthony on Sunday, August 30
Anthony Lamourt has joined the Music Ministry of Trinity as a part time Minister of Music. Anthony will serve as Trinity’s traditional service organist, as well as bells and choir director, among other things. Likely you’ll first meet Anthony when we get back to in-person worship in the Sanctuary on Sunday, August 30. Please plan to bring with you a welcome card and perhaps a small gift of welcome (gift card perhaps?) since we won’t be permitted to host a fellowship gathering at this time. THANK YOU!
Food and Funds on the Fifth Sunday
With all that's planned for this first weekend back to in-person worship in the Sanctuary (first weekend back, welcoming Anthony, Back to School Blessings) we are postponing the Food and Funds on the Fifth collections until our next fifth Sunday, which will be November 29! Hold on to those BOGO deals and dollars meant for the Discretionary fund!
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Campus Care: Termite Tenting
Scheduled and confirmed for August 21-23. Campus will be CLOSED throughout that time (with the exception of CDC and necessary staff during daytime hours on the Friday, August 21). For all others, campus will be closed FRIDAY through SUNDAY due to termite tenting.
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News From Trinity's Leadership Council
Voters Meeting
There will be a regular Voters' Meeting on Sunday August 30 at 1pm via Zoom. At the meeting the congregation will be asked to vote on the final budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. Additionally there are a number of property related issues and housekeeping items that need to be addressed. All members are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to participate. Login information will be promulgated prior to the meeting.
Deaconess/DCE Call Committee
The DCE/Deaconess Call Committee has been meeting regularly for the last several months. For those of you who are not familiar with the call process for church workers, there are a number of steps that congregations need to complete prior to being able to access a list of candidates for the Call. By the time you read this we will have completed all the preliminary items and started to review potential candidates.
Member Nominations for Deaconess/DCE
Members of Trinity are encouraged to nominate candidates for the Deaconess/DCE Call Committee to consider. Please email the name of the candidate with as much contact and supporting information you have the Call Committee Chairman Gary Harris at gaharris5252@gmail.com or Congregation President Tom Finger at tfinger888@aol.com.
Elected Leadership Position Nominations
We are now soliciting nominations from the Congregation for candidates willing to serve as Leadership Council At Large Members and members of the Elders Ministry Team. Anyone who is interested or who knows of someone who might be interested is asked to contact Congregation President Tom Finger at tfinger888@aol.com. or Senior Elder Mike Kunze at mwkunze@gmail.com.
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Connect - Learn - Grow
Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study
This 9:30am study group has been meeting Virtually via Zoom to study the weekly readings. To participate and confirm start time, please contact Gregg Yawman for Zoom meeting invitation at gyawman@instetag.com.
Prayer Bible Study Groups
Pastor Doug continues to lead two prayer groups on Wednesdays, 11am and 7pm. For a weekly check-in, a lesson on prayer, and time to pray for one another, contact Pastor Doug for the Zoom meeting invitation at doug.kallesen@trinitydowntown.com.
Beginning Soon:
Joining Jesus on His Mission - How to Be An Everyday Missionary
Discussion will be lead by Pastor Doug Kallesen
TUESDAYS at 10am, Begins August 18
- Joining Jesus on His Mission will alter the way you see your life as a follower of Jesus and take you beyond living your life for Jesus to living life with Jesus. Simple, powerful and applicable insights show you how to be on mission and recognize where Jesus is already at work in your neighborhoods, workplaces and schools. You will feel both relief and hope. You may even hear yourself say, "I can do this " as you start responding to the everyday opportunities Jesus is placing in your path.
One Nation under God: Healing Racial Divides in America
Discussion will be lead by Trinity member Alina Davis
BEGINS THE WEEK OF AUGUST 23 (those who sign up can choose best meeting time for the majority, so please contact Alina ASAP at alinad@bellsouth.net
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(for ADULTS, reading materials provided, discussions based on readings, 6-weeks) We are a nation divided. This division stems from a lack of communication, empathy, and understanding. Author Rev. B. Keith Haney, an African American LCMS pastor, encourages everyone to seek answers to racial tensions in the only place where truth and peace can be found—God’s Word. Healing must begin with Jesus. In this six-session study, you’ll openly communicate and begin the healing process. Let’s be a nation united—united under God. “The study is dangerous and risky. It will demand open and honest conversation. . . . The study will likely make a predominately white-Missouri synod feel discomfort as we talk about prejudice, discrimination, hatred, diversity, and divisions. So be it.”—Rev. Bart Day, Executive Director of National Mission for the LCMS.
Immerse: Kingdoms
Book needed, daily readings, eight week plan
Multiple Groups will be reading this book together and meeting weekly to discuss. You must contact a group leader, or Chanda, to get in the group book order ASAP, or you can certainly order the book on your own.
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Sunday Mornings 9:30am group will adopt this study in late September (Contact Gregg Yawman at gyawman@instetag.com to confirm your participation and a need for a book ASAP)
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Tuesday Mornings (Contact Darlene at darlene.rehbein.sabin@gmail.com to confirm your participation and need for a book)
- Likely one more group, meeting on Tuesday evenings (waiting for confirmation)
Immerse: Kingdoms is the third of six volumes in Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience. Kingdoms presents a new and unique journey through the story of Israel from the time of its conquest of Canaan (Joshua) through its struggle to settle the land (Judges, Ruth) and the establishment of Israel’s kingdom, which ends in a forced exile (Samuel–Kings). The nation of Israel, commissioned to be God’s light to the nations, falls to division and then foreign conquest for rejecting God’s rule. Read more HERE about IMMERSE.
More New Virtual Bible Study, Book Clubs & Discussion Groups
Multiple other study group/book club/discussion group options are listed on our website, and suggestions are always welcome. Go to church.trinitydowntown.com/word. Groups are open to Trinity families, parents, staff, friends, neighbors, anyone… so you’re strongly encouraged to invite a friend to participate with you. Sign up now - contact your Trinity Ministry and Communications Coordinator, Chanda Gillenwater, at Chanda.Gillenwater@TrinityDowntown.com or 407-490-7339 (text or call).
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Surrendered – Letting Go & Living Like Jesus, by Barb Roose (Women’s STUDY, Teaching led by author via video, daily study assignments in Study book, 6 weeks long.) Are you disappointed by unchanging circumstances? Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase, “Let go and let God,” which suggests that surrender is God’s path for peace for your life. It may be true, but it’s easier said than done, isn’t it? In this six-week Bible study, you’ll learn how to let go by exploring Jesus’ time of testing in the wilderness. As you look to his example, you’ll discover six principles that will equip you to let God lead you to victory as you deal with the problems and pain you are facing. Along the way, you’ll compare Jesus’ responses to those of the Israelites, who also faced a long wilderness season centuries earlier. This study will equip you to give up control, reach for God, let go of fear, and experience the blessings of the surrendered life. It’s possible to let go and live like Jesus and the result is experiencing God’s power and peace as never before.Resources Available: Leader Guide, Study Workbook, Six-Session Teaching videos online.
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Anxious for Nothing – Finding Calm in a Chaotic World by Max Lucado, (Men & Women/separate or coed, Author led teaching on video, five session study guide required) Do you feel weighed down with worry? Does the uncertainty and chaos of life keep you up at night? Are irrational fears your constant companion? Could you use some calm? In this five-session video Bible study, bestselling author Max Lucado explores God’s treatment plan for anxiety found in the most underlined verse in the Bible, Philippians 4:6-7: Be anxious for nothing, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. As you follow the Biblical prescription – celebrating God”s goodness, asking for his help, leaving your concerns with him, and meditating on good things – you will experience God’s peace. This is a peace that “transcends all understanding” and will help you reframe the way you look at your fears.With the heart of a pastor and his poetic storytelling and homespun humor, Max will help you:*Let God help you win the war on worry and receive the lasting peace of Christ.*Recognize the difference between present anxiety and persistent anxiety. *Find true freedom and experience more joy, clarity, physical renewal, and contentment by the power of the Holy Spirit. *Train yourself to rejoice in all circumstances. *Discover the secret of remaining calm when you feel you have more than you can handle. *Know how to encourage a friend and help them navigate anxiety and fear with real help from God’s Word.
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Revolutionary Parenting -How to Raise Spiritual Champions by George Barna (Parents, author lead via video, book needed, 8 sessions) As parents our deepest desire is to raise children who succeed in life. This is also our greatest challenge. How can we foster traits such as honesty, compassion, and dedication in young minds? How can we raise children who will love and serve God as adults? How can we develop future spiritual champions? The Revolutionary Parenting series will help you create a plan for your family to do just that. Drawn from a landmark study of Christian twenty-somethings and the parents who raised them, these resources are designed to help you build a solid foundation of faith in your child. Revolutionary Parenting is an eight-week journey designed to help you create a parenting plan for your unique children. So whether you’re the parent of a newborn, a teenager, or any age in between, join the revolution and share a lasting legacy of faith with your children.
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Volunteer Service Opportunities
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URGENT NEED Sunday School Teachers are needed for the Fall If you love children and want to teach them about Jesus and the Bible this just may be your opportunity to serve your Lord at Trinity. We use GROUP Sunday School curriculum. If you are interested please contact Pastor Doug at 407.234.5296 or pastordoug@trinitydowntown.com.
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THANK YOU to DESIREE KALLESEN for signing up for the new Sunday School year!
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THANK YOU to new teaching couple CODY AND MADISON who have signed up to serve with Sunday School!
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Choir and Bell Choir – “Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises!” Ps. 47:6 Trinity’s got Talent and we are in search of a few more singers and ringers. If you are interested contact Paul Soost at sooster67@yahoo.com or Glenda Frazier at whitemice@bellsouth.net.
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Confirmation 2020-2021
Plans are being made now for the coming year of Confirmation instruction. Pastor Doug and Elder Tim Norris will lead. Jr Confirmation starts in 7th grade and Sr Confirmation for 8th graders. Please watch your email for information or contact the church office at TLC@TrinityDowntown.com.
Youth Memorization Challenge (with PRIZES)
To keep your brains sharp and your eyes in the Bible, we have a memorization challenge for our Youth. Ten verses to memorize before we return to our regular Sunday School/Youth Group schedule in the Fall. Our top two “memorizers” will receive a gift card prize, and runners-up will be treated to “first choice of donuts” on our first week back! Anyone who goes above and beyond, let us know! Your ten verses are: 1 Timothy 4:12, Ephesians 4:29, Galatians 6:9, Jeremiah 29:11, Proverbs 1:8, Philippians 4:13, 1 Corinthians 16:13, Psalm 119:105, Matthew 11:28, Ephesians 6:1.
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OUTREACH - Missional Living 24/7
How can be all be living missional lives 24/7? What can we do on our own, or from home? Here are a few suggestions. We can support Local First Responders and Essential Workers who are working under high risk conditions, including support for Trinity’s essential CDC workers & church workers, we can bless people in our own local circles of essential workers, we can reach out to those who are lonely and isolated in our community, and we can personally invite people to get connected into a Christ-centered community alongside us.…
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Pen Pals - Community Outreach to Nursing Home Residents. Note: this is an expansion to a current 24/7 missional living initiative that Trinity members are now involved in with our own Trinity shut-ins. Pastor Milan Weerts serves as our Visitation Pastor and visits/communes Trinity shut-ins once a month, and our 24/7 Outreach Missionaries send cards to them on special occasions, periodically including CDC children or Sunday School children to participate. If you would like to participate in this outreach effort, let us know.
- Plus, we’re now compiling a list of local nursing homes in our area who have residents who have been prevented from having visitors for months and months and would like to have a local pen pal with whom to correspond. If you would like to become a regular pen pal to a local nursing home resident writing regular letters sharing friendship and the love of Christ, sign up now.
- Prayer Support for Our Trinity Staff
- Member-written cards of thanks, connection and encouragement
- Dedicated daily prayers for each CDC staff, as well as all support and Pastoral staff members, person by name, for their health and overall wellness.
- MANY THANKS to our WEDNESDAY PRAYER GROUPS for keeping the Trinity staff covered in prayer.
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Supporting YOUR local essential workers This refers to essential workers close to where YOU live and work - finding ways to bless those individuals with the love of Christ and small acts of kindness as you go about your day to day life right now. This would include store workers where you shop, mail carriers who come to your home, salon workers where you get your haircut, etc. Plan in advance to bring with you a card with an inspirational scripture verse, a word of thanks and encouragement, and a promise to pray for that individual by name as long as this pandemic goes on.
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Invite Someone to one of Trinity’s New Study Groups There’s no better way to get someone to church or Bible study than to invite them to do it WITH you. Ask a friend, relative, coworker, neighbor… and join a discussion group WITH them. That’s outreach. We’re planting a seed that has the potential to grow and grow and grow.
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Other Ideas? Do you have other ideas for our Trinity family to engage in outreach projects from home? Let us know!
If you’re interested in any of these options or want to suggest others, please email chanda.gillenwater@trinitydowntown.com. ALSO, for those already involved in these or something similar, please write in to share your success stories with us so we can use them to bless and inspire others to jump into this 24/7 Missional Living adventure!
Suggested Online Personal/Spiritual Development Resources
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First Week Back to School for Trinity's Child Development Center
Our CDC staff & families report that it was a fantastic first week in new classrooms and with all the safety procedures in place. Way to Go!
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Campus Care Needs
There is a long list of property projects that need volunteer support to be accomplished, including photos and details. If you're handy with tools or skilled in a specific trade, please contact Ted Lange at lange5fla@hotmail.com for details on projects and to share how you might be able to help!
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Lutheran Counseling Services is hosting a Virtual 5K
You're invited to the "We Care Virtual 5K!" LCS cares about our Older Adults and we invite you to Run, Walk or Roll in honor of an Older Adult in your life. Over 8 years ago Angie Majors began a ministry at LCS to support the older adult community in Central Florida. We place counselors into Independent Living Facilities for Seniors so they will have greater access to mental health services at no cost. This is the only program that LCS fully funds itself as we recognize the need to create safe places where older adults already feel safe. Help LCS continue to support older adults and improve mental health during this COVID Crisis. Register Today! Register Now!
President's Equip Conference - One Body, Many Parts
The District is moving the President’s Equip Conference to a virtual format—a new venture for the Florida-Georgia District! It was changed because of the threat of a resurgence of the pandemic, keeping in mind the health and safety of people, along with financial concerns for our congregations and school.
All congregations and schools are encouraged to participate virtually -all you need is a computer or mobile device and an internet connection to attend from home. It's described as "a unique “ministry equipping conference” never done before — bringing together the many parts of one church body. This first-ever virtual conference will include pastors, teachers, vicars, deaconesses, DCEs, lay ministers, youth group leaders, members of the LWML, church councils, boards of elders, school board members and all active and retired men and women interested in ramping up their ministries and ministry skills!"
The conference is still scheduled for September 24-26 and will feature a great variety of speakers, including: David Kinnaman, President of Barna Group; Donna Snow, CPH Author and Speaker; The Skit Guys! As plans are developed and finalized, they will be updated on the district website.
LWML
LWML Fall Zone Convention will be hosted virtually this year, due to the cancellation of Lake Buena Vista booking originally planned. If you are interested in becoming a voting delegate and can spend two days (September 24-26) of online attendance, you have a short deadline. Let me hear from you via e-mail as soon as possible as your information must be sent to our Zone President before June 25, 2020. As one of two delegates you will be asked to vote on several proposed grants ranging from $5,000 to $150,000. A full packet of information will be sent to you once your information is received by the Zone President. If interested, contact Mary Lou Evanchyk as soon as possible via phone: 407-491-4452 or e-mail: mevanchy@att.net.
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Important Dates
Aug 10 - First Day of new school year in Trinity’s Child Development Center
Aug 18 - Joining Jesus on His Mission study begins
Aug 21-23 - FULL CAMPUS CLOSURE for termite treatment (open to CDC families until closing)
Aug 29 (tentative) - Drive Through Back to School Blessings
Aug 29-30 - Reopening for Worship in the Sanctuary (Sat 6pm, Sun 10am)
Back to School Blessings
Welcoming Music Minister Anthony Lamourt
Sept 7 - Campus Closed for Labor Day
Sept 28- *TENTATIVE* IMMERSE Kingdoms study begins
Nov 26 - Thanksgiving Day
Nov 26-27 - Trinity Campus Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
Nov 29 - First Sunday of Advent, Food & Funds on the Fifth Collection
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Your prayer request will be added to Trinity’s weekly emails for the congregation. All prayers are kept on the list for a period of three weeks, so please resubmit long term prayer needs regularly. Confidential prayer requests can be sent to Pastor Doug at doug.kallesen@trinitydowntown.com.
Those Fighting Cancer
Gary B, Gail W, Richard C, Cheryl S, Sandy A, Carol D, Mehlia G, Randy H, Travis L, Chuck M, Christine M, John S, Victoria, Rick B
Health Concerns
Bud P, Ann T, Keri P, Gordon H, Jim B, Cory C, Herman G, David G, Hazel H, Carolyn M, Yvonne S, Hudson W, Bruce , Fran , Barbara B, Len G, Andrea G, Robert S, Jim C.
Peace and Comfort for the families and friends of those lost
- For the family and friends of Trinity member Nora Van Deest.
- For the family and friends of Trinity member Celia Schroeder.
- For the family and friends of Trinity member Mike Hofmann.
Surgery and Recovery
Dixie P, Bob D, Avery B, Gail W
Confidential Prayers
For those prayers that have been shared in confidence, you know the details, Lord, we lift them up to you
Serving Our Country
2nd Lt. John Kauffman, Alexis Peterson, Chad Elders, Cpls. Ricardo Wright, Cpt., Amanda Killinger, Cpt. Paul Roeder, James Henry Bond , Luke Rawlings, Quinn Koller, Ralph Ramos III, William
Additional Prayers
- Prayers for our CDC staff & families, Trinity membership and all Trinity staff & leaders
- Prayers for wisdom and planning and preparation regarding reopening for AUGUST 29-30
- Prayers for all families working through decisions for their children in the new school year
- Prayers for peace and unity over the civil unrest and racial division in our city and nation.
- Prayers for all of the front line workers in our community and nation; our doctors, nurses, EMT, fire fighters, special needs caregivers, essential workers and police.
- We pray that a vaccine for Covid-19 will be developed soon and we will be able to prevent further illness.
- Prayers for those who have lost their job or who have been furloughed. And we give thanks for those who have found new employment or have been able to return to their jobs.
- Prayers of thanks for God’s daily provisions.
Our Missionaries
For Our Community - For Our Nation - For Our World
That we may all be a reflection of Christ's love, sharing grace and mercy, living in peace with one another. Reach out, listen, connect, and have those hard conversations.
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