Trinity Weekly February 27th

Trinity Family

 A Message from Pastor Tom Zehnder

Trinity Family! I was impressed with the Voters’ Assembly meeting last Sunday. Congratulations!

I was taken by the concise and well thought out reports of those who made them! We have good leadership here! Those who have church-tasks take them seriously and it is evident that their service to Trinity comes from a heart filled with love for Christ and this, His Trinity Church!

Glenda reminded us that we have a full slate of nominations for all of the offices that need to be filled! That is quite remarkable. It seems that at Trinity we do not have to drag people by the feet to accept an office. In fact for Members at Large of the Leadership Team we need two, and four folks have allowed their names to stand. (Never fear! The two of the four “running” for those two seats… we have plans for other avenues of service for you!  Thanks!

Those at the gathering last Sunday heard of the Ministry Teams that are being put in place. Filling these teams with willing servants in critical, because in our church governance plan, these are the people who make the ministry happen! Here are some of the teams under construction: Evangelism, Stewardship, Fellowship, Property/Building/Facilities, Youth Fellowship, Media/Communications. To this point 30 Trinity members have volunteered, or they have been suggested by others for these roles. We are grateful for these 30, and we need yet more. Trinity, we are moving forward!

May 31, 2015 will be a great day at Trinity. That Sunday marks “Consecration Sunday” the final day of our 2015 Stewardship Process. Each Sunday, from May 10th until the 31st we will highlight aspects of our lives as stewards of the possessions God has entrusted to us. This process is Gospel-driven. There will be no visits at your door, no frantic calls to increase your giving. Rather we will be led by the Spirit of God to take a good look at what we do give and ask ourselves if there is any more we might do. We MUST make considerable gains in the stewardship of our every Sunday giving. Without that, there will be painful consequences for our ministry together. We can overcome this, Trinity! Let’s pull together.

Consider joining the happy throng that is walking the Wednesday Lenten Journey. Services are at 12:10 PM and 7 PM.  They are 35 to 40 minutes in length, quite informal, yet introspective and I think helpful for our spiritual growth. The overall theme is “The Cruciform Life.” This week we will consider “Caring.” We will be with Jesus as He looks from the agony of His cross and says to John, “Here is your mother…”

God bless us all! And He does – so beautifully.

Nominations for Trinity Downtown Leadership

To the Members of Trinity Lutheran Church and School:

As Chair of the 2015 Nominating Committee and in accordance with Trinity’s Constitution and By Laws, I submit the following listing as the Committee’s slate of nominees for the open Leadership Council and Elder positions, presented to the congregation on February 22, 2015 and posted by February 27, 2015.  Published postings are placed for public viewing in the Trinity Weekly (both email and printed), the bulletin board in the Loggia area adjacent to the School Office, and on the TLCS Website, at Trinitydowntown.com.

1. Leadership Council Nominations for the 2015 – 2017 Term

Position                                Name                        Term    

President                              Ted Lange                 1st 2-year term

Vice President                     Stephanie Landis    2nd 2-year term

Finance Officer                   David Wilkosz         1st 2-year term

President – School Board    Kathy Aber               2nd 2-year term

Member at Large (position vacated by Ted Lange)

                                               Rocky Smothers     Complete 2nd year of term

Member at Large (two open positions; vote for two of four candidates)

                                     Don Behrmann       1st 2-year term

                                               Wendy Havens       1st 2-year term

                                               Susan Roby              2nd 2-year term

                                               David Tesch             1st 2-year term

(The fourth Member at Large position is currently held by Carolyn Burnette who has one year remaining of her 1st 2-year term.)

1. Elders Ministry Team Nominations for the 2015 – 2017 Term

Position                                Name                        Term

Senior Elder                         Mike Kunze              2nd 2-year term

Elder                                      Mike Hofmann        1st 2-year term

Elder                                      Chris Gerou              1st 2-year term

Elder                                      Clay Bourgeois        1st 2-year term

Elder                                      Tom Finger               1st 2-year term

Elder                                      Gary Schumacher 1st 2-year term

Elder                                      Eric Havens              2nd 2-year term

Elder                                      Donald Behrman    2nd 2-year term (if not elected to LC)

Elder                                      Tim Norris                3rd 2-year term

(Elders who are in the middle of their terms are Ulysses Floyd, Steve Kerestes, Robert Trapp, Jr., and Cal Wacker.)

Currently several Elder positions remain with no nominees. We will continue to petition the congregation through our nominating process for members qualified and able to serve in this capacity.

Respectfully submitted,

Glenda Frazier, Leadership Council, Member at Large, Trinity Congregation

Nominating Committee

Glenda Frazier, Pastor Tom Zehnder, Rocky Smothers, Paul Soost, John Strandquest

The Big Red Bus is here This Sunday, March 1

The Big Red Bus is coming to Trinity on Sunday, March 1st from 8:30am-1pm.  Sign-up sheets for appointments are located in the Narthex.  You can also go online at www.oneblood.org, click on the Big Red Bus icon in the upper right hand corner of the screen, and then type in Trinity Lutheran Church.  It will list appointment times available and you can select one that fits into your schedule.  Please take time to give the gift of life!  Questions?  Contact Bruce Hahn at 407-299-3510 or bruce@mm-c.com.

$10,000 from LCEF to Trinity

Great News!  The new building will be open on June 14.  Even Greater News!  Trinity received a $10,000 rebate check from the Lutheran Church Extension Fund on Sunday, Feb 22 for having 79 people from our Trinity family invest in LCEF.  The Lutheran Church Extension Fund loaned Trinity the money to build the new facility.  And the Greatest News!  Rebates can reach in excess of $30,000 each year if Trinity reaches a total of 336 investors!  

Trinity members and Trinity Lutheran School (infants through 8th grade) parents can open an account with LCEF for just $25.  It’s called the Young Investors Club and it yields 3.5% on the first $1000 invested.  Please consider opening a Young Investors Club account with LCEF.  This is a terrific way for you to start a high yielding savings account for your child and also help Trinity fund its ministry at the CDC.  Applications can be found online at http://lcef.org/yi_club/index.cfm or through one of the staff members. Mark you calendars for a June 14th Grand Opening Celebration!

Thank a Teacher

Trinity has a Sunday School with faithful and dedicated teachers.  Each Sunday 25 children ages 4 to 5th grade meet and enjoy walking through the Bible, learning about God’s love and Jesus Christ, our Savior.  This is so important!  Teaching young children is the most valuable evangelism and mission work we can provide.  Please make a point of thanking Pam Yates, Bill and Stephanie Ruffier, Andrea Gabriel, and Robert Gordon.  If you have a desire or feel the twinge of the Holy Spirit leading you toward Children’s Ministry, please contact Deaconess Liz: eborth@trinitydowntown.org or 407-488-1919 X127.

Upcoming Lenten Worship

Please mark your calendars to plan for Lenten Worship:

March 4, 11, 18, 25 - Wednesday Lenten services at 12:10 and 7:00pm.

April 2nd - Maundy Thursday services at 12:10pm and 7:00pm.

April 3rd - Good Friday services at 12:10pm and 7:00pm.

April 4th - Easter Vigil service at 6:00 pm

April 5th Easter Sunday services at 6:30 am, 8:00 am, 9:30 am, and 11:00 am

Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

"The Light Shines in the Darkness," written by Rev. Wayne Palmer are daily devotions available for you to read online or to receive as a daily email.  You can find more information at www.lhm.org/lent

Easter Palms and Lilies  

The flowers that make Trinity especially beautiful during the Palm Sunday and Easter celebrations are provided by members of our Trinity family who wish to remember loved ones, or simply express special thanks to God.  Order forms are in the Narthex. Please print clearly & place in the offering plate.

Lenten Rehearsals for Choir & Bells

Bells and Choir rehearsals will shift during Lent.  Bells will meet at 6:00pm and choir will meet at 7:50pm (right after 7 p.m. Lenten services).  Thanks!

Foundations Class/New Members/Lutheran Refresher Course

Our next class will begin on Saturday, April 11, at 4:30pm (time change from 4:45pm previously published) in the Church music room, led by Pastor Tom Zehnder.  Class will meet for four consecutive Saturday evenings.  Please email TLC@TrinityDowntown.com to sign up!

Childcare Needed for New Member Class

We have several parents with small children who will be attending the new member Foundations class beginning Saturday, April 11.  We are in search of volunteers to provide care for several young children during the four classes this Spring.  Please contact the church office if you are willing to serve in this way. TLC@TrinityDowntown.com

Women’s Retreat in April

This isn’t a therapy session, but you will discover it is a safe place to release frustrations, fear, sadness, and anger.  Every woman struggles at some time with the challenges of motherhood, marriage, finances, and health.  Are you or someone you love facing a difficult time in your life?  This weekend retreat offers HOPE. Strength for the Journey retreats are held all over the nation.  We are blessed that Julia Malenke’s guidance and commitment for a Florida chapter resulted in a local retreat location. SFTJ is open to women of all ages and stages of life.  Led by women who have experience teaching, counseling and facing their own life challenges with others beside them, this weekend away will give you comfort and support.   Reserve your spot NOW for April 10-12, 2015.  For more information click here.

Construction update as 2/22, 2015

• Doster Construction is on schedule to complete the new building on June 14 (112 days). That will give Trinity's CDC operation 2 months to move in and get DFC approval in order to open in its new home in August, simultaneously with the beginning of the 2015-16 school year with a Grand Opening, Ribbon-cutting/Dedication Ceremony. From June to August, Doster will continue its work on campus to complete the road system.
• Currently, the South roof (ie the flat roof) is being installed now, framing is 3 weeks ahead of schedule and drywall should be going in within 3 weeks.
• The Orange house on Amelia should be demolished shortly. The first step in the teardown was the removal of asbestos shingles, which required special environmental services.
• The last of the 3 historic houses should be lowered onto its foundation within two weeks and then Doster will begin the soccer field work.
• We are grateful to Bob Blackwood for working out a contract with garage across Livingston for temporary parking for staff during this last phase of construction.

TLS Annual Silent Auction Fundraiser--Save the Date, Get Involved

Save the date for this year’s Silent Auction Event- “Masquerade Madness” on Saturday, April 25th, 2015.  If you would like to make a donation to the auction please contact the front office for a donation form. There is a lot of help needed to make this event a success.  It is a great opportunity to earn P.R.I.C.E. hours.  Please contact the front office for more details.

Where Do I Park?

Access to Amelia Avenue is gone and traffic flow in and out of Trinity’s campus is through the Magnolia Building parking lot. The driveway of the Magnolia building is a TWO WAY drive. No parking will be permitted along the Magnolia driveway any time of day or evening. When you visit the Church or Finance offices, please park in the back of the building along the left side property fence line, labelled employee parking.  You should not use  “Tenant Parking” or “Parent Drop off” spaces between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Thank you!

Save the Date – Golf Tournament

It is our pleasure to announce that Trinity Lutheran School will be hosting this year’s ”Pastor Sam Hoard Memorial Golf Tournament” on May 9, 2015, at Celebration Golf Club.  Please visit our webpage listed below to learn more about this tournament and to register.  Register soon as spots will fill up quickly!  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Josh Brink at JABrink@TrinityDowntown.com.  http://www.trinitydowntown.com/golf

Can’t Make it to Church?

If you or a family member cannot make it to church,  please contact Trinity’s Visitation Pastor, Rev. Dennis Glander.  He would be very happy to visit with you and bring Holy Communion to you at home.  You may contact him at 407-249-0361 or cell 407-409-1179 or via email at  dglander1326@att.net.  

Sermons Online

Did you know?  On Trinity’s website, you can access the Sunday sermons online.  If you really enjoyed the message and want to listen again or share it with someone else--just click on the link!   Sermons Online

Always Time for Prayer

Work diligently to build prayer walls of protection, love, unity, and joy around our school and homes.  Use a Bible verse like: “Jesus, take these little children into your arms and bless them.” or simply focus on your child, your child’s class and teachers and say, “Lord show your mercy and love.”  Any simple prayer can be lifted to our heavenly Father and easily repeated daily. If you would like to receive a short prayer every day for your child and school, simply visit  www.momsinprayer.org

VBS Countdown

One more week of planning has passed.  Although July seems so very far away, the week of our annual Vacation Bible School will be here soon.  The theme is Jerusalem Marketplace.  This is a walk through busy Jerusalem during the week we now call Holy Week.  Children and adults will taste bakery goods, enjoy snacks, make pots, weave rugs, and build in the carpentry shop.  NOW is the time to think about your talents and passion.  We will only be successful if adults help with the event.  This is a short term ministry opportunity with only two preparatory meetings. Broadway Methodist Church is willing to share their facilities with us on July 20-24, 2015.  Contact Deaconess Liz with questions and offers for assistance with planning and executing this exciting short-term mission opportunity.  407-488-1919 X 127 or eborth@trinitydowntown.org.

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.

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Youth News

High School Youth Gathering--Save the Date

Come enjoy a weekend of fun, focusing on to what it means to be a new creation in this world!

Est. cost:  $170 per student covers the registration event fee and hotel.

Registration is open and payments are due by March 2nd. Please contact Laura Ramiz or Mike Miessler ASAP if interested at trinityhsyouth@gmail.com

Upcoming Trinity High School Youth Events

All ages--tell your parents--bring your friends--spread the word--join us for some fun!

March : 13-14 Collide! -- FL/GA District Gathering!!

              29th -- Palm Sunday Picnic 12:30pm

April : 19th -- A Day on the Town (Service project & community involvement)

May : 3rd -- Summer Bash, details TBD

Contact Laura (407) 404-3242 or Mike (727) 686-7402 for more info!

Or email TrinityHSYouth@gmail.com

8th Grade Confirmation News

We are entering into the home stretch, with only a couple of months left before the big day!  As we move toward the Rite of Confirmation there are some special events coming up:

• First Draft of “I Believe” essay due March 15 to Deaconess Liz

• Seder Meal, Thursday, April 2, 5:00pm (seated by 4:50pm), Fellowship Hall

• Confirmation faith discussion and sharing, Wednesday, April 22, 7:00pm, Sanctuary

• The Rite of Confirmation, Sunday, April 26, 11:00am service, Sanctuary

We look forward to walking with you through these Confirmation Days! Questions? Contact Elder, 8th grade confirmation teacher, Tim Norris at norris.timothy@gmail.com.

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Trinity Events

Big Red Bus Blood Drive

Sunday, March 1

Strength for the Journey Women's Retreat

April 10-12

Foundations Class

Saturday, April 11, 4:30pm

Voters Meetings

Sunday, April 19, in the Sanctuary at 12:30pm

TLS Silent Auction Fundraiser

Saturday, April 25th

Stewardship Drive Kick-off

May 9-10

Pastor Sam Hoard Golf Tournament

Saturday, May 9

Grand Opening Celebration

Sunday, June 14

Vacation Bible School

July 20-24

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TLS News

 Viking Challenge

While you may have missed the kick-off event at Lake Eola last Saturday, the Viking Challenge continues through March 31.  Challenge all of your friends to support this effort to finish our soccer field and renovate our library.  Click on school.trinitydowntown.com/VikingChallenge. After you participate in your physical activity, record a video message challenging your family and friends to participate in a physical activity and encourage a monetary gift to Trinity. This can only be successful when the message goes beyond Trinity, so share that recorded message via email, Facebook or other social media.  When you share on social media please use the hashtag #TLSVikingChallenge.  Use your phone or video recorder to record your message, please note that a suggested script can be found on the Viking Challenge webpage.

Target Take Charge for Education

Did you know that you can earn money for Trinity Lutheran School by just shopping at Target?  If you have a Target Credit Card or Debit REDcard you can designate Trinity Lutheran School as your K-12 school of choice to receive 1% of each and every purchase you make at Target and on Target.com.  If you have one of these cards and have not designated a school yet, please consider making Trinity Lutheran your school of choice today!

TLS Alumni News

As we have been working on assembling our school alumni roster, we've discovered that we are missing several copies of yearbooks: 1960-61, 1964-65, 1970-71, 1971-72, and 1976-77. If you have a copy of one of these that you would be willing to loan us to scan, please notify the main office at 407-488-1919 x100. Thank you!

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Attendance & Giving