Trinity Family
Penny Thoughts from Pastor Jim Martin
PENNY THOUGHTS
On my bike ride Thursday morning, I saw three pennies lying on the road as I stopped at an intersection. The light changed. I didn’t have time to pick them up. That made me think of the Good Samaritan who took the time to pick up the man who had been robbed and beaten. Sometime it feels like “the lights change too fast” to be able to stop and help someone who needs a “pick-me-up.”
In church this weekend we’re talking about the day Jesus told his disciples to “come away and rest for awhile,” but then turned right around and started teaching and feeding a crowd of people who “were like sheep without a shepherd.” The Bible says his heart was filled with COMPASSION.
Here’s my PENNY THOUGHTS Challenge-of-the-week: Try to take a moment sometime this week to ACT compassionately when the Lord stirs your heart.
DEACONESS MINISTRY CELEBRATION
Anyone who knows Liz Borth realizes that she’s one of those marvelous people who can’t help but act compassionately – she’s got a big heart. She’s been doing it at Trinity for nine years…one year of internship, and eight years since her installation. But she’s not one to stand in the spotlight, so she asked if we would celebrate the work of the Concordia Deaconess Conference, and the many dedicated deaconesses all over the LC-MS. (However, you might find an article elsewhere describing Liz’s work.) Watch for the opportunity to thank Liz and offer support to Lutheran deaconess ministry in worship this weekend.
GROWING EXCITEMENT…
Last week I wrote: I don’t believe in “change just for the sake of change.” As we continue to experiment with ways to make our 9:30 service communicate the Gospel as effectively as possible, we’ll be seeking feedback of two kinds: 1) Personal preference, and 2) Effective Gospel communication. Guess which one is more important? Gospel communication. What drives me is finding the best way to communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the hearts of God’s people…and, specifically, through different worship styles. Paul said it this way in 1 Corinthians 9:22-23, “I become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel.”
This week I was talking to our FL/GA District Mission Executive, Doug Kallesen. He told me a story about Laotian LC-MS Pastor Khamphuey Munnicha, the same young man who translated God’s Word into Lao for me 35 years ago. He said, “Khamphuey put together a Lao translation of the catechism, which brought Jesus to someone who didn’t speak English.” Well, all these years later, there is still a desperate need to translate the love of Jesus into the heart language of the people in our community.
That’s why, at the same time as keep doing our 6, 8, and 11am services in the “worship language” many of us grew up with, we need to discover the “heart language” of the people in our community whose musical heritage is different from our own. Personal preferences of those of us who are already at Trinity are important, but the bigger issue is what speaks to the hearts of the people around us who don’t know Jesus.
So, in couple of weeks, after we’ve had a chance to try some things together, we’ll be asking for feedback. You don’t have to wait until then…it’s an ongoing process…but part of the process is seeking feedback from a broad cross-section of our worshipers. We’ll learn as we go. Let’s enjoy the journey together!
GETTING ACQUAINTED
I love getting to know people. I know it won’t be possible to spend time personally with everyone at Trinity during the interim before we call our next Senior Pastor. However, I need to connect personally with some of you for one of two reasons: 1) You’ll help me understand Trinity better – I need that to serve more effectively. 2) You need to talk with a pastor – let’s find a time to get together. A phone call to the office, an email, a note on the attendance card…or just tell me at church. So, for either or both of those reasons, LET’S CONNECT!
Stewardship Pledges
Thanks again to everyone for the great response to the Stewardship Drive. There were 110 pledges received which represent a Current & Missions pledge increase of 23% over their last years giving. There were also 14 New Giver pledges received. This is a wonderful response which clearly shows Trinity members’ commitment to support Trinity’s ministry in spreading the Word of our Lord to all. If you have not yet sent in your pledge for this year, you can contact Bob Meyer by email at itsfriday@yahoo.com or call 407-826-9486.
We have posted your submitted pledge and you will see it in this quarter’s contribution statements. As a reminder, your Current & Missions contributions received after May 31st will be for your submitted pledge. If you have any questions please contact Bob Meyer. –Stewardship Ministry Team
OWLS Fellowship
Trinity’s “Older, Wiser Lutherans” will meet this coming Friday, July 31 at 11:30 for lunch at Outback Steakhouse located at 1927 Aloma Ave. in Winter Park. Please call or e-mail Bob and Audrey Gordon to confirm at 407-897-1418.
VBS Success
There are no words to adequately describe this past week. The contribution of gifts, time and energy from Trinity members remains an un-measurable asset in the successful witness of God’s love through His Son, Jesus through Vacation Bible School. Broadway Methodist and Trinity shared the message of Christ’s love with 70 children and it was evident from the responses children shared: “Hey Mom!, I’m a Tribe!” (His name is Levi) “They arrested Jesus because they didn’t have faith.” Go to the Trinity Facebook page for pictures and stories of some of the week’s happenings.
Time for Sandy Sanity
Come to Sirata Beach Resort in St. Petersburg the weekend of September 25-27, 2015, and either gain or lose yourself with the zany, zealous, and zuper women of Lutheran Women in Mission. Registration forms are in the back east narthex on the LWML table. Register by July 31 and the cost is only $125.00. Final registration deadline is August 30, 2015. Hotel has 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.
September Supper & Speaker
All ladies and female friends of Trinity are invited to another quarterly Supper & Speaker on Thursday, September 3 beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Come and spend an evening of interest before taking a Labor Day break. More details to follow in upcoming Trinity Weeklys and through email letters.
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@trinitydownton or call at 407-488-1919, ext. 108. Blessings.
Summary of Regularly Scheduled Voters Meeting held 6/28/15
The meeting was called to order by Rocky Smothers who led an opening devotion with Psalms 131 and 133 read in unison by all in attendance. Highlights from the Agenda include;
1) Minutes form 4/19/25 Voters Meeting were approved.
2) Trinity’s is well on its way to reaching its goal of 336 investors to qualify for a full rebate through the LCEF Shared Blessings Rebate program. With 35% of the congregation participating Trinity will receive up to $7000,000 in rebates over the life of our loan. There is still time to participate by opening a youth or adult LCEF account.
3) School board and Campus Development Task Force
- Initiated a development committee to seek outside grants to support Trinity schools; Creating an alumni database; Child Development Center has received a 5 Star rating; K-8 School reports improvements in school curriculum and efforts are underway to earn accreditation from the National Lutheran Schools and Southern Schools and Colleges.
- New building certificate of occupancy expected in Early July; Facilities Team has made progress with Ruth Lane houses with much work yet to be completed; Gym floor in the Christian Life Center is in process of being replaced.
4) New Business
- Motion to name the new building “New Century Center for Growth and Development” was discussed and tabled for further consideration at the next voters meeting.
- The $4.7 million FY 2015/2016 Budget was unanimously approved by verbal vote.
5) President’s Report
- Welcomed Trinity’s Interim Senior Pastor, Jim Martin, and General Manager, Eric Havens.
- Ministry Teams moving forward with a group meeting on July 1
- Recognized outgoing elected leaders
- Leadership Council-Bob Meyer, Glenda Frazier, and Susan Roby
- Elders-Lo Phillips, Leo Nagy, and Bill Ruffier
A full copy of the minutes, agenda, and all support documents from the 6/28/2015 Voters Assembly can be obtained through the church office.
Lutheran Counseling Services’ 25th Anniversary
As a friend and supporter of LCS you are invited to the 25th Anniversary Gala, with the theme “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. Purchase your ticket now. For More Information on this event, volunteer opportunities and the services we provide visit our website www.lcsfl.com or call 407.644.4692
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.
Buy a Brick–Deadline July 31
For $50 you may purchase a brick that will be one of many that make up the foundation of our Trinity Courtyard to be completed with our new construction. You may have up to three lines of text engraved on your brick, 13 characters per line (including spaces, no punctuation). Proceeds will be used to fund the second CDC playground. To order your brick(s), please complete the order form in the Narthex or main office and return to an usher, or to the main office.
Lift your petitions
God’s people are here, people He loves personally and individually. 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. Thank God for safety and love for our children. 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!
- July 25th: S’mores & A Movie! 8-10pm. Ramiz home. Bring friends.
- August 2nd: Parent Meeting: Meeting for parents of all MS and HS youth who are attending Night of Joy. We’ll be meeting right after 11am worship in the church basement.
- August 9th: Open Gym & Games
- 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
- August 2nd: Parent Meeting: Meeting for all MS and HS youth who are attending Night of Joy. We’ll be meeting right after 11am worship in the church basement
- September 11th: Night of Joy at Disney If you’re interested, please contact the church office at TLC@TrinityDowntown.com
- 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.
Sunday School Leaders Wanted
Look forward to September 13, when the church music room will be THE place to begin 50 Sundays of Jesus time. Prayerfully consider spending an hour each Sunday morning leading children on 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 prepare teacher boxes during the week (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 21 Trinity Campus Closed for Staff Meetings/Classroom Prep
August 23 Back to School Worship–Blessing of the Backpacks
September 20 New Building Dedication
Attendance & Giving
| Jul. 19, 2015 | |
| Worship Attendance | |
| 6:00 p.m. | 33 |
| 8:00 a.m. | 49 |
| 9:30 a.m. | 93 |
| 11:00 a.m. | 93 |
| Total | 268 |
| Sunday School | |
| Adult’s Bible Class | 19 |
| Contributions | |
| Current & Missions: | |
| C & M Budget | $ 15,500 |
| C & M Actual | $ 12,831 |
| Faithfully Forward | $ 2,225 |
| Historical Debt | $ 250 |
| SOS/Faith Factor | $ 20 |
| Dedicated Funds | $ 55 |
