Trinity Family
Penny Thoughts from Pastor Martin
Some of those pennies I’ve picked up from the road have been run over so many times that Lincoln’s face is unrecognizable. I could scrub off the dirt, but that wouldn’t restore the original image. In church this weekend we’ll be talking about “How to Change People,” and how surface behavioral modifications aren’t God’s primary plan. Change from the inside of the cleansing of the Holy Spirit, the empowering love of Christ. Those ruined pennies remind me that God is the business of people-restoration….
Meanwhile, at Trinity we’re in the business of campus restoration for the sake of people-restoration. Huge changes have occurred this summer, and now we’re “so very close” to moving in. There was a group of staffers from Lutheran Hour Ministries walking our campus this past Thursday. (They were in town to make preparations for the Regional Outreach Conference coming up on November 13 & 14…and for Lutheran Speaker Rev. Greg Seltz to preach at Trinity on November 15). It was so uplifting to hear the “oohs and aahs” as they saw the new facilities and heard about our ministry plans.
New facilities are a huge blessing…likewise, the much-needed renovations planned for the rest of our campus. But ultimately it’s not facilities that change hearts, it’s the Holy Spirit planting the love of Jesus Christ inside of us. Please pray that our new (and renovated) facilities become a powerful tool for the Holy Spirit’s work at Trinity!
Three things about this coming weekend:
- We’re saying a big thank-you to Josh Brink for all he has done with the music ministry of our school and church. As he transitions his love of music to a public school setting, pray that he will continue to impact young lives for the Lord in a different arena…and take a moment to thank him personally.
- At the 9:30 service, we’ll be doing our first round of formal feedback-gathering. After the first month of experimenting with some changes in our contemporary service, we need to get a feel for the things that are helpful, and what still needs more work.
- Our Special Voters’ Meeting after the 11 am service will give us an update on a number of things, including Campus task force update, naming our buildings, and moving ahead with our Ministry teams, and with the Senior Pastor Call Process.
Lots more to come as we plan for fall activities and the first day of school!
Blessing of the Backpacks
TLS and Orange County start back to school on August 24th, so Pastor Martin will be blessing backpacks and praying for students in the new school year at all services August 22-23. Don’t forget to have your kids bring their backpacks with them to church that weekend!
Special Voters’ Meeting, this Sunday, August 9th
Please join us in the Sanctuary immediately following the 11am worship service (est.12:20pm) for a Special Voters’ meeting for the Voters Assembly to consider several orders of Trinity business including:
1) Pastor’s Update
2) School Board Update
3) Campus Task Force update
4) Naming the new ministry building and dedications
5) Naming additional campus buildings
6) Update on the Senior Pastor Call Committee.
Leadership Council Vacancy
It is with great regret that Leadership Council announces a call for nominations for an at large position vacated by Wendy Havens. It was with mutual agreement that Wendy resigned her position on Leadership Council because of the hiring of her husband Eric as the General Manager-Operations at Trinity. With the oversight that Leadership Council has over the General Manager position, all parties agreed that this was the best course of action to eliminate any potential conflicts of interest. Wendy remains a passionate member who will endeavor to participate in Trinity’s ministries. We thank her for her willingness to serve Trinity.
The at large position will serve on Leadership Position through the balance of the two year term ending on June 30, 2017. Members are encouraged to nominate willing members of the voter’s assembly for consideration by Leadership Council who will serve as nominating committee. Leadership will bring forth one or more qualified candidates at the next regularly scheduled voter’s assembly for selection. Please prayerfully consider nominations and forward them to LeadershipCouncil@TrinityDowntown.com.
Save the Dates–Saturdays August 15th and 22nd, 8am to Noon
Campus care is a big part of our “back to school” routine here at Trinity, so we’re setting aside two Saturday mornings for Campus Care to happen. One of these dates will include heavy lifting of furniture and supplies for moving CDC classrooms into the new building and the other will be campus clean up, landscaping care, classroom prep/cleaning, and odds & ends. We’re not sure which is which yet, as we’re wait on the final OK to move into the new building. Watch for a follow up email to give you specifics. Either way, we’ll be here on both Saturdays and could use your help!
YOUR School Book List
Trinity Congregation members love their school mission outreach! How much? We make certain every Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and Second Grade student receives a Bible. Our Lutheran education is centered and based on the message of love from God, our Father, through Jesus Christ, so naturally The Bible is #1 on the book list for Trinity. You can help with this mission project by sponsoring a Bible with a $15.00 minimum donation. Questions?: eborth@trinitydowntown.org
Ladies in Purple Shirts (LIPS) Event
This group is for Young Women and Women with Young Families who are associated with Trinity Lutheran Church & School. The next event for you and your children is Sunday, August 16th. Come, whether you bring Your whole crew or a friend, or get away on your own with new friends. Join us for the 21st Annual Harvest Grape Stomp at Lakeridge Winery. There is a $2 donation to benefit The Boys & Girls Club. We will be carpooling from the Trinity parking lot leaving at 12:30pm or you can meet us there at 2pm where Tory Wynter (band) will be playing. DON’T FORGET TO WEAR PURPLE! Contact: Jamieerp@gmail.com for more information.
MORE than Double
With great joy and thanksgiving Redeeming Life Maternity Home shares that our congregation (YOU) have doubled+ the dollars donated to help Redeeming Life Maternity Home in Sanford house and love women who choose to give life. The final number for Trinity this year was $1,941.29! (Last year you raised $879.25). Redeeming Life is the only Lutheran Maternity home in Florida. Contact: Sheryl for more information or to offer volunteer assistance: sheryl@rlom.org
Still Time to Hit the Beach
Although the deadline for a registration discount has passed, the Women’s Retreat to the Beach is open and waiting for you. Come to Sirata Beach Resort in St. Petersburg the weekend of September 25-27, 2015. for $140.00 you will be fed, relaxed, and spiritually rejuvenated. Final registration deadline is August 30, 2015. Sirata Beach Resort is directly on a beautiful Gulf beach, and is offering special LWML rates. For more information go to the website: www.flgalwml.com or pick up a copy of the Evangel printed for you on the LWML table in the back east narthex.
Girls Only
Every quarter, all the women of Trinity Church & School (that’s YOU!) are invited to get together for a pot-luck dinner and a simple program. It’s an evening of laughter and interesting information, with a little service occasionally thrown in . September 3 is our next supper together with One Pot or quick meals on the menu. Show off your slow cooker, crock-pot skills, or your overnight in the fridge then pop-it-in-the oven dish. Bring enough for 10-12 women on Thursday, September 3 at 6:30 p.m. and meet in Fellowship Hall. Please talk to Deaconess Liz – 407-488-1919 X 127, or eborth@trinitydowntown.com.
Used Pick-up Truck Needed
Trinity’s maintenance department is in need of a used pick-up truck. If you have a pick-up truck that runs that you are willing to donate to the church, we would be forever grateful. Please contact Trinity’s General Manager, Eric Havens at Eric.Havens@trinitydowntown.com or call at 407-488-1919, ext. 108. Blessings.
Here’s the Buzz
Can you open a box? Sure! Can you follow simple instructions? I’ll bet you can! Will you spend 20 minutes once a week reading a devotion and prayer? On September 13, the church music room will be THE place to begin 50 Sundays of Jesus time. Children in Pre-K4 through 5th grade will spend an hour each Sunday morning in Bible adventures. Can YOU give an hour each week (or every other week) to lead a group of children? It’s as easy as opening a box and following the directions. Contact the Youth Ministry Team’s facilitator, Kathleen Tesch, at Teschclan@gmail.com.
LiveUCF Gala – Celebrating our ministry to the University of Central Florida
You are invited to an elegant evening learning about and celebrating the ministry of LiveUCF. It is being held Saturday, September 12th, 6pm, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Orlando. We are grateful for our many partners, individuals and congregations who provide the resources we need to continue in ministry. The annual gala is a night to lift up the work we accomplish together. During the evening you will have the chance to hear about our Fall ministries, meet our Board of Directors, and talk with students and leaders while enjoying wonderful food and drink. More information & tickets LiveUCF.com/Gala or 321.287.7742
Don’t Miss Out
You’re invited to the Lutheran Counseling Services 25th Anniversary Banquet on October 10, 2015 from 5:30-8:00 pm; “Grace-Healing-Hope”. Join us as we celebrate 25 years and look forward to the future. The event MC’s are President Walton of FL-GA District and Bishop Schaeffer of FL-BH Synod. Catered by Chef Scott with the Music Styling’s of David Ludwig Jr. TICKETS ON SALE NOW: 1 for $20 or grab a friend and pay $30 for 2 Purchase your ticket now. For more information on this event, volunteer opportunities and the services we provide visit our website www.lcsfl.com/events or call Jamie at 407.644.4692. Table and Event Sponsorships are also available.
Facebook Updates
If you have a Facebook account, search for Trinity Downtown-Trinity Lutheran School. Articles, photos, and information are posted regularly on classroom activities, events, construction, and more. Please like the page so that you receive a notification when something new is posted.
Make a Life Difference
Certainly the disturbing news of Planned Parenthood, and the choices made to destroy life through abortion are leading you to wonder how you can make a difference. Yes, our prayers are vital and necessary. God will show you where your gifts can best impact life. Here is a suggestion some of you will realize is the open door God provides for those who seek Him: True Life Choice needs a larger space. This is a good problem for a Christian non-profit organization whose focus is to guide women to choose life instead of abortion. The most amazing answer to prayer for a larger facility is property located 587 feet from an Orlando abortion clinic, and just a little over a mile from Planned Parenthood. The LUCERNE PROJECT is running a race to meet a September 13 deadline in raising money for the property purchase. Perhaps this is your time to get involved. Donate through Trinity (mark your check “True Life Choice”) or directly to True Life Choice: www.truelifechoice.org.
Lifting Hearts
As we watch and maybe a little impatiently wait for the completion of our new education building, it’s easy to lose sight of the source of all we have. Don’t forget, when you put God first in all you say and do, all obstacles and troubles will be like sand on the shore. Jesus wants to hear from you personally. PRAY. Really. Prayer is your voice directly touching the heart of God with your fear, pain, joy and thanks. Thank God for safety and love for our children. The people you see everyday and nod or share a greeting with are God’s children. Make a purposeful decision to lift your words of thanks and intercessions. If you would like to receive a short prayer every day for your child and school, simply visit www.momsinprayer.org.
Youth News
High School Youth Events
All ages–tell your parents–bring your friends–spread the word–join us for some fun!
- THIS Sunday, August 9th: Beach Day! Beach Day! Join us for 8am service & then we’ll head to the beach at 9:15am! Bring a towel & sunscreen!
- September 11th: Night of Joy
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!
Middle School Youth Events
- September 11th: Night of Joy
- November 6-8: Middle School Youth Gathering Senior Confirmation Students (grades 7 and 8), the FL-GA District Middle School Youth Gathering is coming this Fall. Information on registration and fees will be available soon, but mark your calendars for this weekend to grow in your faith with friends! November 6-8, 2015, Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center, Leesburg, FL. If you’re interested, please contact Mrs. Jennifer Blackwood at mom23girls@cfl.rr.com.
Consider Adding One Hour
On September 13, the church music room will be THE place to begin 50 Sundays of Jesus time. Children in Pre-K4 through 5th grade will spend an hour each Sunday morning in Bible adventures. Contact the Youth Ministry Team’s facilitator, Kathleen Tesch, at Teschclan@gmail.com to volunteer as a teacher, to help with a 15 minute opening, or to set up teacher supplies (no teaching or Sunday morning hours).
High School Bible Class
Every Sunday morning throughout the summer (unless notified), 8th-12th grade students will continue to meet and share in discussions of God’s grace and mercy. Your faith will come alive and your belief will be challenged and strengthened when you get together. 9:30 a.m. in the school art room (second floor school building) is the place to be with Laura and Mike. Contact TrinityHSYouth@gmail.com.
Trinity Events
August 17-21 Camp Trinity Closed
August 15 8a-Noon Campus Care Day
August 21 Trinity Campus Closed for Staff Meetings/Classroom Prep
August 22 8a-Noon Campus Care Day
August 23 Back to School Worship–Blessing of the Backpacks in all services
September 3 Supper and a Speaker
September 7 Trinity Campus Closed for Labor Day
Attendance & Giving
| 2-Aug-15 | |
| Worship Attendance | |
| 6:00 p.m. | 48 |
| 8:00 a.m. | 43 |
| 9:30 a.m. | 92 |
| 11:00 a.m. | 102 |
| Total | 285 |
| Sunday School | |
| Adult’s Bible Class | 20 |
| Contributions | |
| Current & Missions: | |
| C & M Budget | $ 20,085 |
| C & M Actual | $ 10,477 |
| Faithfully Forward | $ 1,354 |
| Historical Debt | $ 450 |
| SOS/Faith Factor | $ 20 |
| Dedicated Funds | $ 130 |
