Trinity Family
From Pastor Martin
Baptism Celebration Weekend is this weekend, January 16/17. This is the weekend we celebrate the Baptism of Jesus, and we’ll also remember our own baptisms in each of the worship services. You will have the opportunity to come forward so that the Pastor or an Elder can place water on your forehead and say, “This is a reminder of your baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” What a great time to reconnect with your baptismal sponsors, and to teach your kids what happened at their baptism.
Greg Seltz at Trinity…on the Radio Sunday January 17
“Not What You’d Expect” was the sermon theme when Lutheran Hour Speaker: Rev. Gregory Seltz was at Trinity last November 15. Lutheran Hour Staffer Melissa Bohlmann emailed us to let us know that the sermon recorded at Trinity Downtown will be airing this Sunday, January 17 on WFLF 540 AM at 7:30 AM.
We’ll share some stories in church from our “Meet the Neighborhood Day.” Please pray as a number of us from Trinity go walking about the Lake Eola Heights Historic District Saturday January 16 from 1 to 2:30 pm. Pray that the Lord will bless us with some more relationship-building opportunities as we hand out “Touch A Truck” fliers to our neighbors.
Lutheran Schools Week is coming January 24-31, starting with former LC-MS President Rev. Jerry Kieschnick joining us as our guest preacher for Sunday worship services on January 24. Even though still haven’t finalized our new Dedication date, we can still celebrate how richly our school ministry is being blessed by the New Century Center, and how we keep striving for excellence as we go through the National Lutheran Schools Accreditation process.
By the way…watch for school registration information for 2016-17. We want you all to be able to help us get word out to potential Trinity School families!
Campus Revitalization Projects Up & Running! Eric Havens, our General Manager reports that the first “campus revitalization” project is already being scheduled. Yes, the contract has already been signed to replace the air conditioning unit for sanctuary balcony. Hopefully by the next round of warm weather, the balcony will be pleasant for our choir and musicians. Read more about Campus Revitalization gift opportunities below.
CAMPUS REVITALIZATION GIFT OPPORTUNITIES Last fall our Leadership Council prioritized a long list of campus revitalization projects. Just before the end of the year, a list of most urgent sanctuary renovations and campus painting projects was presented to some of our members who might be in a position to help. As of this writing, about $8600 had been pledged. Enough of those gifts had actually been received to go ahead with replacing the balcony air-conditioner.
Other projects for the sanctuary include railings in front and rear, finishing the sacristy repairs and the balcony wall/ceiling repairs. Meanwhile we’re getting estimates on the repairing the windows, so that when they’re securely waterproofed, the dollars previously donated for carpeting can be put to use. We’re hoping to keep making progress so the sanctuary will be looking much nicer this spring, and God-willing, some much needed campus painting can be done. More details about underwriting the cost of these projects will be coming soon.
MORE CAMPUS IMPROVEMENTS What was the “smell” on campus last week? Tar from replacing the GYM ROOF! The funds had been set aside before the gym floor was replaced this past summer, but we had to wait for the new driveway to be completed before the roofers could access the gym. As soon as work is completed, we’ll share more details about using the new driveway and parking area.
The Wheelchair Ramp and Gate are now fully functional if you enter the parking lot behind the sanctuary from Ruth Lane. THANK-YOU, LORD!
Meet the Neighborhood Day
This Saturday January 16, from 1 to 2:30pm we’ll meet at Trinity at 1pm in the New Century Center lobby, and then head out into our neighborhood. We had such a great time walking through the neighborhood talking with our neighbors on Saturday, Dec 12, with Tony Ramiz and Debbie Holley, that we’re inviting anyone who likes meeting people to join us!. It would be great to have 10-12 folks out visiting in teams of 2-3 at the same time. You can email Debbie Holley (debbieholley59@gmail.com) for more information.
Foundations Class Starts this Tuesday, January 19th
Led by Pastor Jim Martin, this class meets for 8 weeks, from 7-8:30pm on Trinity’s campus. The first five sessions focus on what Lutherans understand the Bible teaches us about what it means to follow Jesus. The last three sessions focus on what that means for us here at Trinity, and will provide opportunities for you to build friendships and get connected. We welcome anyone with an interest of learning more about learning more & growing in their faith: guests, members, school families, staff, neighbors… all are welcome! (Note: Amazing snacks are provided by our Member Ministry Team). Email us at TLC@TrinityDowntown.com to let us know you’re coming or if you have any questions. We’ll meet in the center loggia (hallway) room just down from the Sanctuary.
S-t-r-e-t-c-h and Flex and Relax
Set aside THIS Thursday evening for yourself. Come to Fellowship Hall (school lunchroom) at 6:30 p.m. to escape with women who are intelligent, interesting and maybe a little stressed (as juggling schedules, keeping organized, and helping others will do) for Supper and a Speaker. This pot-luck supper features our Trinity sister, Tina Hamilton, who will show us how to relax and stretch with easy yoga. Bring a dish showcasing fruit and vegetables, yummy healthy snacks and drinks, and delightful low calorie main dishes. The idea is to bring delicious food that is body constructive rather than body destructive. RSVP your attendance to Deaconess Liz: eborth@trinitydowntown.org or 407-488-1919 X 127.
Senior Pastor Call Committee Update, January, 2016
Your Senior Pastor call committee has been working diligently to compile all of the information obtained from our survey and focus groups in order to complete the Trinity Self-Study. We have now submitted that to the FL/GA District, along with all of the Senior Pastor Nominations we received from the congregation. The District President will now contact each nominee’s District President. He will evaluate all of the nominated candidates submitted by the congregation and will add additional candidates that he feels would also be a potential fit for Trinity. He will then return a call list to Trinity for consideration. Please note that names of congregational nominees who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to consider a call at this time, or who would not be a good match for our needs will not be included. We expect this process to take approximately 2-4 weeks. Pastor Martin and the call committee will keep you posted once the call list is returned and we move into the next phase of the process. Stay Tuned …
Game Day Subs – Support Trinity Youth
Order your sub sandwiches for the big game on Sunday, February 7th! Help the high schoolers raise funds to attend the LCMS National Gathering this summer! Order forms can be found in the main office on Livingston, or in the Narthex. Please return completed form to the office or in the basket in the narthex! Questions? email: trinityhsyouth@gmail.com
Touch-A-Truck, January 23, 9am-1pm
TAT is one of Trinity’s biggest annual community events and fundraisers, organized by the PTL of Trinity Lutheran School with a network of volunteers made up of church members, school families, and staff. Please check out the Volunteer needs for that day and find out where you are able to serve. This is a wonderful opportunity for our church and school family to come together to reach out to the surrounding community for some fantastic family fun. To find out more about where you are needed, please go to our event on Volunteer Spot at http://vols.pt/ThG7Lf Thank you!
Trinity Community Connections
Trinity will have a “Welcome Table” at the Saturday, January 23rd Touch a Truck event to meet all of our guests, but we need willing smiley faces, to greet our new friends. You’ll enjoy handing out a Trinity Church brochure, offering candy, goodies, and fun activities for the kids …. just an hour of your time (between 9am and 1pm). Contact Gladys, 407-658-9815, odittmer892@gmail.com. Thanks a bunch.
OWLS (Older, Wiser Lutherans) Fellowship
Since busy holiday season is over, let’s relax and enjoy lunch at Olive Garden. Come with other ideas of places you would like to go for lunch. Also, possible ideas of things you might like to do as a group. Please call (407-897-1418) or e-mail robert.w.gordon@yahoo.com to confirm. Hope to see you on Friday, January 29th at 11:30. Audrey and Bob Gordon
Family Science Night, January 28, 6-7:30pm — You’re invited!!
The Orlando Science Center’s Physical Science Night is coming to Trinity on Thursday, January 28, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Hosted by Trinity’s PTL, this event will take place in the gym and include 15 different science stations, with something to interest kids from VPK all the way through eighth grade. These high interest stations will include topics like Mastering Magnetism, Pop Rockets, Momentum Cars, Motion in the Ocean, Musical Bottles, and The Meltdown, just to name a few. Church and school families, neighbors and friends are welcome to attend! If you are interested in volunteering at the event, please sign up in the CDC or main office on Livingston. Science Center representatives will be on hand to train all volunteers. We hope to see you there!
Trinity is Hosting a JV Basketball Tournament during National Lutheran Schools Week- Your Help is Needed
We’re hosting a JV Boys’ basketball tournament on January 29-31, 2016. We are in need of help in a variety of areas to assist in making sure the weekend is enjoyed by all. We need help with scoreboard and scorebook for each game, individual to take entrance fees and welcome our guests as they enter and others to help with our concession area. Details are included in a handout in the Narthex. Please look it over, fill out when and where you are able to serve and return it to the main Livingston office by Thursday, January 14, 2016 or via email to mike.rottmann@trinitydowntown.com. THANK YOU! Michael Rottmann, TLS Athletic Director
Paint Nite Fundraiser for Lutheran Counseling Services-Register by Feb 1
You are invited to a Paint Nite Fundraiser for Lutheran Counseling Services on February 27 from 6-9pm at Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church. Tickets are $45.00 per person and you will take home your own painting masterpiece. Appetizers and drinks will be provided. All proceeds will to go the Hearts for Families Grant. Sign up at https://www.paintnite.com/pages/events/view/orlando/1035634. Contact Jamie with any questions: Jamie@lcsfl.com or 407.644.4692.
Concordia Choir, NY will perform here on March 10 — Volunteers & Host homes needed
Trinity has the great opportunity to host the Concert Choir from Concordia College New York on March 10. We are in need of volunteers to help with the following:
-Dinner for the students
-Housing for students
The area most volunteers are needed are for student housing. If you wish to host students, please include the number of students you can host (minimum of 2 as they travel in pairs). If you have a willingness to serve, please contact Justin Tayon at justin.tayon@trinitydowntown.com.
Who Are You?
When someone asks who you are, you respond with your name, but that doesn’t prove who you are. The only acceptable legal proof of who you are is a Federal REAL ID Act compliant identification card or driver’s license. Without an official ID, you will lose privileges taken for granted like: cashing a check or opening a bank account; renting or buying a place to live; voting; traveling on commercial airlines. You become invisible. Eight years ago, Trinity and four other downtown Orlando churches, along with members of social organizations and some compassionate individuals recognized a future need and organized IDignity. This volunteer based organization hold monthly events where 200+ individuals are assisted through the complicated process of proving their identity and receiving an official gold-star identification card or driver’s license. The February IDignity event is OURS to sponsor. This means we need to have a substantial volunteer presence, and either a monetary donation specifically for that month, or arrange for and sponsor lunch for the 100+ volunteers who make the event possible. Thursday, February 18 beginning at 7:00 a.m. and ending at 4:00 p.m. the Orlando Union Rescue Mission graciously gives up their home for IDignity’s event. Parking is free; continental breakfast is free; lunch is free; your time is priceless. Contact Deaconess Liz: eborth@trinitydowntown.org or 407-488-1919 X127 or in person to learn how to reserve your spot.
Angel Tree Success
The success of the 8th annual Trinity Shares Christmas is measured in the eagerness of Trinity members to grab an angel tag, having every requested item returned except one and only one item had to be exchanged, and we were able to contact 13 of the 14 assigned families on our list. For Trinity members, the annual giving tree is an opportunity to serve the least of God’s children who are in prison. Each of the 21 children in these families received two gifts which were to be given as coming from the incarcerated parent; an Angel Tree “Book of Hope”; and a “Come to Bethlehem” cup or booklet from Trinity. Many thanks to the volunteers who helped with this project: Maria Quesada, who contacted a caregiver who spoke only Spanish and followed up by delivering her items; Janine Delehunt and Diann Grover, who sorted food and gifts; Tina Hamilton, Omar & Gladys Dittmer, Sheila Mathews, and Diann Grover, who made deliveries. Five of the incarcerated parents will be released in the next five years; two are in for life; and the others’ release dates range from 2021 to 2052 – hard to imagine what life for the 21 children is like, isn’t it? Please pray for the parents, their children, and their caregivers
Get Connected – Develop Spiritually
Trinity has multiple ongoing Bible study options. Please let us know if you have any questions!
Sunday Adult Bible Class
9:30am and 11am, Fellowship Hall (S110)
9:30 New study topic began Sunday, January 3: Experience the amazing stories of Daniel who was forced to immigrate to a foreign country. There he became a powerful political leader who remained faithful to the true God. God blessed him with ability to forecast the future. His prophecies give us understanding of how God works in the lives of His people then and today. This 13 week study will be led by Gregg Yawman.
Sunday Moms’ Bible Study
9:30am, First Loggia Meeting Room (S104)
Sunday HS and MS Bible Study Groups
9:30am, Two Story School Building
Sunday School for Children 4 years through 5th grade
9:30am, meet in church basement, the break out to rooms
Monday Evening Winter Park Group
7:00-8:15pm (not yet scheduled)
Tuesday Women’s Tea & Coffee Bible Study
8:45am, Magnolia building first floor conference room (M115)
Tuesday Evening Women’s Bible Study
6pm Magnolia building first floor conference room (M115)
Tuesday East Orlando Group
7pm (1st and 3rd Thursdays), Location rotates in participant homes
Tuesday Foundations Class
7-8:30pm, (begins Jan 19, 8 weeks), Middle Loggia classroom (S105)
Thursday Morning Men’s Prayer Breakfast
6:30am, City Diner, 411 N. Magnolia Ave
It’s Time for Food on the Fifth
This 2016 calendar year, the first month 5 weekends appear is JANUARY. All items will fill the food pantry at the Christian Service Center with special focus on the Love Pantry program. There are currently 65 public schools in Orange and Seminole Counties that have Love Pantries. Teachers and other school staff draw from the Love Pantry to send much-needed groceries home with their students. Students grades improve, families become stable, teachers’ jobs get easier – the benefits are endless! Bring your family and child-friendly non-perishable food items to church January 30-31, 2016.
Help for Your “Family”
Jesus taught us to care for those who are hungry, thirsty, sick, and needy in many ways. This is not a duty, but a blessed result of Christian love. Within our church family there are members doing their best to stretch income for living expenses, but suffer when unforeseen circumstances and events deplete necessary funds for essentials. The need for financial assistance often means a humbling and embarrassing request to Pastor or Deaconess. YOU are the church body and YOU are the source of funds for the Discretionary Fund that helps YOUR family members. On the fifth Sunday weekend – January 30-31 – a special love offering will be collected. Let your gift be a generous and loving Christ-centered gift for your brothers and sisters.
Youth News
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!
Trinity Events
January 16 Meet the Neighborhood, 1-2:30pm
January 16/17 Baptism Celebration during worship services
January 19 Foundations Class Begins (sign up at TLC@TrinityDowntown.com)
January 21 Supper & a Speaker 6:30 Fellowship Hall
January 23 Touch-a-Truck, 9am-1pm
January 24-31 National Lutheran Schools Week
- Sunday, January 24 Trinity Lutheran School Sunday 11:00am
- Monday, January 25 Trinity Lutheran School Celebration 10:00-11:00am
- Tuesday, January 26 Kindergarten Round-Up 5:00-6:00pm
- Wednesday, January 27 Chapel led by Kindergarten
- Thursday, January 28 PTL Family Science Night
- Friday-Sunday, January 29-31 JV Boys Basketball Tournament
- Sunday, January 31 Trinity Lutheran School Sunday 9:30
January 29-31 Trinity hosts JV BBall Tournament
March 10 Concordia Choir, NY here at Trinity
Attendance & Giving
| Jan. 10, 2016 | |
| Worship Attendance | |
| 6:00 p.m. | 37 |
| 8:00 a.m. | 72 |
| 9:30 a.m. | 82 |
| 11:00 a.m. | 133 |
| Total | 324 |
| Sunday School | |
| Adult’s Bible Class | 16 |
| High School Bible Class | |
| Middle School Bible Class | |
| Children’s Bible Class | |
| Confirmation Class | 5 |
| Contributions | |
| Current & Missions: | |
| C & M Budget | $ 20,365 |
| C & M Actual | $ 13,005 |
| Faithfully Forward | $ 1,715 |
| Historical Debt | $ 175 |
| SOS/Faith Factor | $ – |
| Dedicated Funds | $ 5,315 |
