News & Updates
March 5, 2021
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From Pastor Doug: Lent – a Season of Preparation
I am sure you have noticed a change of some of the bible story themes, notes, distributing ashes a few weeks ago, and the giveaway cross yard signs. I thought it might be good to cover some of the basics about the Season of Lent for us here at Trinity.
Lent is a period of 40 days before Easter observed annually by Christians that starts with Ash Wednesday (about six weeks before Easter.) The ashes remind us, “from dust we came and to dust we shall return,” and the cross reminds us that we are forgiven and saved by Jesus who died on the cross for us. Lent is a time of personal reflection and repentance as we examine our life before God. Some Christians give up or sacrifice something that is important to them during this season to remind them of all Christ gave up for us–namely His life, to pay for our sins and offer us forgiveness. Some take on a new good habit of kindness or service or start praying and reading the bible more regularly. (You can even do both if you would like). Holy Week is the week before Easter and begins on Palm Sunday when we remember Jesus riding triumphantly into Jerusalem mounted on a donkey. Maundy Thursday commemorates Christ’s institution of the Lord’s Supper (Holy Communion) and is also the night in which He was betrayed. Good Friday is the day Jesus was crucified and paid the penalty for all our sins. On this day something very good happened. You were forgiven!
Easter is the culmination of the Season of Lent and of the Christian faith itself. Paul, a follower of Christ, said, “I am determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” We read of the resurrection account that the women were going to where Jesus was buried. At the tomb early Sunday morning they found frightened soldiers stationed there to guard the tomb, the stone rolled away and two angels. One said, “why do you seek the living among the dead…see the place where He lay. Go and tell His disciples …” Luke 24:1-12.
Lent spans from the death and suffering of Christ to His resurrection and victory over death and the grave. All of this assures us that we are overwhelming conquerors in life and over death and the grave.
Of course, you and your family are invited to join your Trinity Family for Easter morning worship at 9am or 11am Sunday, April 4. Midweek Lenten devotions currently are held weekly on Wednesdays at 12:10 p.m. and 7 p.m. All special services are listd below...
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THIS SUNDAY
"FAM" - Care Communities for Foster/Adoption Families
Thank you to all who have responded in interest to Trinity's Family Advocacy Ministry (FAM) awareness and orientation events. Since November, we have had 7 members go through our equipping orientation, to be a part of the Care Communities we will be forming around foster families who live around us. Did you know that 90% of foster families who have Care Communities to wrap around them, feel so supported that they end up fostering more children, and for longer lengths of time? This is why we're so excited about this ministry! Our next awareness event is Sunday, March 7, 11:15 in the loggia 3 classroom (just west of the Sanctary). Just ONE hour of your Sunday for a truly important cause. The next step will be the equippng session, Tuesday, March 9 via Zoom. For more information, you may contact Kelley Lane, our "FAM" advocate. Kellye is also happy to host a mini event for your small group Bible study - online or in person. Please email her at skyblu@bellsouth.net.
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Immerse Bible Reading Experience
Book 2: Beginnings
STARTS MARCH 8
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Immerse: Beginnings is the second of six volumes for use in Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience. Beginnings takes the reader on a new and unique journey through the first five books of the Bible: the Pentateuch. In Beginnings readers follow the ancient nation of Israel from its earliest ancestors to the moment it is poised to enter the land God promised them. As God’s covenant community follows the instructions laid out in the Pentateuch, they not only receive God’s blessings but also are uniquely positioned to bring renewal and healing to the world and to show all peoples the true character and nature of God. |
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- Book needed, daily readings, eight week plan
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Saturdays at 4:00 with Pastor Doug, via ZOOM.
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More info about ordering, audio book access and supplemental materials can be found HERE
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Join Zoom Meeting by going to this link
- Meeting ID: 871 5950 5495 Passcode: 87227
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Bookfair Fundraiser for Trinity's Child Development Center
Open Through March 10
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We are so excited to be having a Scholastic Virtual Book Fair for the benefit of Trinity's Child Development Center. The children in your life will love all the new books they have to offer. With everything going on this year, parents not entering the building, strict safety protocols, and many people still worshipping at home, this virtual bookfair gives us an opportunity to have an event where everyone can participate in support of Trinity's school ministry! Please feel free to share these links with friends and family.
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Drive Through Communion
Our next drive through communion is scheduled for Saturday, March 20 from 4-5pm. Please enter at the Livingston Street parking lot and drive through.
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Our Next Campus Work Day - Preparing for Easter
Please join the Trinity family for a few hours of fellowship and campus care tasks like weeding, trimming, small repairs, and more. ALL efforts are appreciated!! Help us prepare for Easter guests by beautifying our campus! Please bring your own gloves, water and snack. More task specific details coming soon.
Campus Care Volunteer Service
The majority of our day to day campus care is managed by our Maintenance Manager, Bill McFadden! (We thank God for Bill and his expertise and dedication ALL the time!) Can you imagine, the amount of work that must take place each and every day to keep Trintiy's campus running smoothly? Not to mention the unanticipated needs that come up. Mr. Bill is a treasure!
In addition to Mr. Bill's dedication and diligence, our Staff Administrative Team and elected Leadership Council members continually communicate about and work on campus project management, and are responsible for goal setting and priority setting for our campus care. Once those priority levels and task lists are reviewed and developed, the Administrative Team on staff is then responsible to assign those tasks, based on priority/availablility of resources etc, to the individual or team who are best suited to tackle those needs.
In many cases that's Mr. Bill (all the lawncare, urgent campus repairs, supply replenishing, heavy lifting, help with deliveries, lighting, campus events support, restrooms and SO MUCH MORE), often it requires a paid contractor (roof repairs, A/C repairs, elevator/lift maintenance, etc), at times it's a task specific volunteer or team team (altar guild volunteers polish the pews periodically, a individual volunteer may take care of a much needed carpet cleaning, our green thumb members help with weeding and watering plants, a volunteer with a certain day off each week might help with sweeping the parking lots, a Bible study group might volunteer to tackle a task on a list), and sometimes tasks require recurring congregational involvement (like seasonal campus work days for major clean up days with weeding and trimming, work on the three houses we're preparing to sell, and there are urgent needs too (like an all-call for help after a hurricane, an unexpected need that hadn't been planned for, or a safety issue that needs an immediate fix before longer term plans can be made).
Essentially, there are MANY ways you can help to support Trinity's ongoing campus care needs! And volunteering to serve on a Campus Care team requires no monthly meetings, no minute-taking, no elections. Win-win.
Examples of recent Campus Care teamwork:
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Termite Tenting - in ongoing discussion of campus care needs, the Leadership Council, under the direction of Congregation President Tom Finger, reaffirmed that the care of our historic Sanctuary and termite erradication was to be made a TOP priority after being delayed for a quite some time with spot treatments and short term fixes. Given the nature of the work, the Care Team for this project was the Leadership Council, Finance Manager, and a paid contractor - and just this past year, our Sanctuary was tented and treated for termites in order to ensure its long term preservation. A big project, and many thanks t our finance manager Liz Roberts, for finding financial solutions for this too. (Coming up soon will be sealing the Stained glass windows and repair and care of our Sandstone exterior showing wear).
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Preparing the three houses for sale was been an ongoing project overseen most recently by Trinity member Ted Lange and multiple "handy" volunteers who have been able to fix safety issues, shore up security breaches, and beautify a bit to prepare for listing. We've also had the help of a member who is a real estate agent, a member with property assessment experience, a member with roofing experience, and so many more just handy with a hammer and nails or a paint brush or capable of holding a ladder still while someone climbs.
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The Tuesday morning Women's Bible study groups became a task specific care team after they re-started Bible study groups in the Loggia 3 classroom. After staring up at the 30+ year old blinds with missing valances and gaps in the coverage, it was suggested that replacing them would be a good project. With approval from the Admin Team and confirmation this was a task in need of a team, the ladies took on the task. Measurements were taken, quotes secured, approval received, and the blinds were due to be installed on March 4. Many ladies were happy to contribute financially to the purchase. Some remembered fondly when their children were students in these former classrooms, and all appreciated the use of the centrally located Loggia 3 classroom for their weekly Bible Study group and fellowship needs. Blinds were also purchased for the windows in Fellowship Hall!
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Another long term need on the "to do" list of upcoming repairs was wood rot damage along the Loggia hallways. At the entrance to Heritage Hall, a heavily travelled entry point for members, guests and renters, there was water leak damage to the wood. With approval from Leadership and Admin staff, and great appreciation as well, Tom, an independent contractor friend of Trinity members Ed and Darlene Sabin, contributed his time to do the repair. Ed and Darlene provided the lumber and 2 extra pairs of hands. And now we're just waiting on the paint for the job to be completed.
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Hannah, the daughter of one of Trinity's "go-to" substitute pastors, Kermit Rickenberg, approached Trinity's Admin Team and Leadership about a landscaping project she'd like to fund through her American Heritage Girls association (if you're not familiar with this, it's very similar to an Eagle Scount project). In cooperation with Leaders, Bill McFadden, our green thumb volunteers and a few more, we're moving foward with Hannah on a project that will beautify the Trinity campus!
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Saturday Campus Work Days - just this past Saturday (and again on March 20 8am-12pm), volunteers gathered to do some weeding and trimming, raking out some leaves, picking up litter, and cleaning windows and bulletin board glass. THANKS to all who were part of that campus care team - and we hope to see more on Marrch 20 - come for whatever amount of time you can give - every bit makes a difference!
THANK YOU to all who have helped or are currently helping with these projects and many others as well! More projects are coming up all time! Stay tuned!
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Operation Barnabas News
With the help of both Trinity and Christ The King members, Operation Barnabas sent out packages for 63 servicemen and women of Army Unit 65 stationed in Republic of Niger in West Africa this week. These packages contained snacks, toiletries, card games, puzzles, and socks all collected from both congregations. They should be arriving in Niger next week. On behalf of Mike, thanks to everyone who donated items, collected coins, and help package everything. It is very much appreciated. -Kim Hofmann
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Livestreaming
We're livestreaming Sunday 10am worship every weekend. If you need any help finding any services or subscribing to our YouTube channel, please contact Chanda at TLC@TrinityDowntown.com or 407-490-7339.
You can find the Saturday services on Trinity's website and posted on Facebook weekly.
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EASTER signs and invitation cards
ALL 150 signs have been taken home to UNIFY, WITNESS and CELEBRATE! Thanks to additional donations, we've ordered more signs which will be in next week.
MANY THANKS to those who donated to make this possible!
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Sharing Trinity Family Moments |
Send in your photos of Trinity Family moments- pictures of your study groups, special birthdays, rehearsals, etc. With so much isolation right now, let's do more to share photos and stories to keep in touch. We'll share them in the Weekly. Send to Chanda at TLC@TrinityDowntown.com.
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LERT Training
Join a Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) training event near you to learn how to be prepared to show Christ's love to the community when a disaster strikes. Attendees will receive training in the following areas:
- The LCMS Disaster Resonse Program
- Christian Care in Times of Disaster
- Congregation Preparednes
- Engaging in Community Response
- The LERT Program
- Safety and Equipment
- General Volunteer Opportunities
The next event is at Hope Luteheran Church in Orlando, on March 27 from 9am to 3pm.
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Children's Sunday School and MS/HS Youth Bible Study
These Sunday classes are not yet meeting in-person. Planning is underway now with tentative plans to re-launch Children's and Youth Bible Studies in August with the new school year.
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Christian Yoga
Christian Yoga continues online via Zoom on Mondays @ 6:30pm. Now more than ever - the relaxation of yoga is a tremendous benefit. Email Beth for more information at baschu4@bellsouth.net.
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Support Trinity Downtown while you shop!
Start your Amazon shopping from Amazon smile, and you’ll a small percentage of your shopping totals will be donated to Trinity ministries! THANK YOU!
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CONNECT - LEARN - GROW
Small groups connect you to others where you can learn, connect, and grow in ways which will strengthen and equip you to share the gospel and serve in your local community and beyond! That’s straight from Trinity’s mission statement and our commitment to bring people one step closer to Jesus.
Trinity’s mission: to share the gospel through ministries which strengthen and equip people for Christian witness and services in downtown, metropolitan Orlando and the world.
Currently Running Groups (see red notes for NEW info)
Immerse Bible Reading Experience, Book 2: Beginnings, STARTS MARCH 8
- Book needed, daily readings, eight week plan
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Saturdays at 4:00 with Pastor Doug, via ZOOM.
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Join Zoom Meeting by going to this link:
- Meeting ID: 871 5950 5495
- Passcode: 872275
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More info about ordering, audio book access and supplemental materials can be found HERE
Immerse: Beginnings is the second of six volumes for use in Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience. Beginnings takes the reader on a new and unique journey through the first five books of the Bible: the Pentateuch. In Beginnings readers follow the ancient nation of Israel from its earliest ancestors to the moment it is poised to enter the land God promised them. As God’s covenant community follows the instructions laid out in the Pentateuch, they not only receive God’s blessings but also are uniquely positioned to bring renewal and healing to the world and to show all peoples the true character and nature of God.
Grief Share - Grief Recovery Support Group
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Discussion leader is Norma Smith, contact at normie1939@gmail.com
- Tuesdays at 1pm, Loggia 3 Classroom, in-person, workbook needed
- Each weekly session is a stand-alone session - so you can join at any time and at any pace!
GriefShare is for people grieving the death of a family member or friend. You’ve probably found there are not many people who understand the deep hurt you feel. This can be a confusing time when you feel isolated and have many questions about things you’ve never faced before. Grief Share support groups are led by people who understand what you are going through and have been trained to facilitate this support group. Please share with others who may need to hear about this. These groups are open to all. To learn more visit https://www.griefshare.org/ . Questions? Contact Trinity’s Ministry & Communications Coordinator, Chanda, at 407-490-7339 or TLC@TrinityDowntown.com
Participants will gain access to valuable GriefShare resources to help you recover from your loss and look forward to rebuilding your life. It is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone. GriefShare meets weekly for 13 weeks. Each GriefShare session has three distinct elements:
- Video seminar with experts Each week your GriefShare group will watch a video seminar featuring top experts on grief and recovery subjects. These videos are produced in an interesting television magazine format featuring expert interviews, real-life case studies, dramatic reenactments, and on-location video.
- Support group discussion with focus After viewing the video, you and the other group members will spend time as a support group, discussing what was presented in that week’s video seminar and what is going on in your lives.
- Personal study and reflection During the week you will have the opportunity to use your workbook for further personal study of the grieving process and to help sort out your emotions through journaling. Your group will spend time discussing questions and comments from the workbook study.
Prayer Bible Study Group (MEETS THURSDAYS AT 7PM DURING LENT)
Pastor Doug leads an evening prayer group on Wednesdays at 7pm. For a weekly check-in, a lesson on prayer, and time to pray with and for one another, contact Pastor Doug for the Zoom meeting invitation at doug.kallesen@trinitydowntown.com.
Adult Bible Study - IMMERSE - Prophets
Immerse Bible Reading Experience, Book 4: PROPHETS - Started the last week of January
Book needed, daily readings, eight week plan, multiple meeting options
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Sunday Mornings 8:45am adult group will meeting in-person at Trinity with the option of Zoom link for those who aren't yet meeting in-person! Contact Gregg Yawman at gyawman@instetag.com for moreinformation.
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Tuesday Morning Women’s Group with Connie Sobol facilitating. Loggia 2 Classroom, 9am. Email darlene.rehbein.sabin@gmail.com for details.
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Tuesday Evening Women's Group with Julie Lasater in her home. Email julieheals@att.net.
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Tuesday Evening Adult Group in Gregg Yawman's home. Contact Gregg at gyawman@instetag.com
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Saturdays 4:30pm, at Trinity, in the Loggia 3 Classroom right next to the Sanctuary. Lead by Bob Trapp, Jr. Email segt@netzero.net
The bulk order for Immerse: Prophets has already been placed/received. Books came to $12 each with the 20% bulk discount. If you missed the deadline and still need to order a book, just visit the website HERE and place your own order. You can also find audio files of the book on the website for free.
Tuesday Morning Women’s Group, "Women of the Word" - WOW
NEW STUDY STARTED FEB 9. Jump in anytime!
- Book needed $13, weekly reading assignment, jump in anytime
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Tuesdays at 9am, Loggia 3, in-person. Contact Terry at mammierocks@yahoo.com to sign up.
"Surrendered" (40 Devotions to Help You Let Go & Live Like Jesus) by Barb Roose is in. I will bring the books to class this Tuesday. We will begin the new study on Tuesday, February 9th. The total cost of the book is $13.00.
If you struggle with the dreaded C-word, control, this devotional is for you. Are you in the midst of a hard or heartbreaking season of life? Do you try to control your situation or other people? Do you struggle to let go?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, this forty-day devotional journey is for you. Within these pages, you're invited to embrace the life-giving power of surrender as you learn to let go and live like Jesus-fully trusting God's power, presence, promises, and provision for your life. Inspired by Jesus' forty days in the wilderness, the devotions are divided into four sections:
1. Letting Go of Circumstances
2. Letting Go of Others
3. Letting Go of Expectations
4. Living Like Jesus
Everyday will challenge you to let go as you draw closer to Jesus than ever before.
Online/At Your Own Pace
Rev. Milan Weerts shares a study on "The End Times" and "The Gospel of John." You can follow along via Pastor Weerts' Facebook page, or study at your own pace accessing the lessons on Trinity's Bible Study webpage. Pastor Weerts uses the ESV translation but you can use your own favorite translation for study as well. If you have specific End Times questions, send them to Pastor Weerts at StrongInChrist@CFL.RR.COM
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Covid-19 Safety Procedures
Visitors on Campus
Masks are required for all those visiting the Trinity campus. You are required to respect a six foot minimum distancing from the person you are scheduled to meet with. If you feel ill or have been exposed to or test positive for Covid-19, please do not enter the campus. We will gladly reschedule the meeting to a Zoom meeting if needed.
Use of Trinity meeting rooms for Bible Study groups or meetings
- masks are required of all attending (all those over 2 years old)
- 6 feet distancing is required between all individuals not in the same primary household
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no food or drink during meetings because this requires one to remove their mask to eat or drink .
Sanctuary Capacity with Social Distancing
Please note that we are able to accommodate fewer than our usual maximum capacity in the Sanctuary while following social distancing guidelines. With many still worshiping online from home, we do not believe we will reach that capacity right away and plan to move to two services on Sunday before that happens. However, if that increase in attendance happens more quickly than expected, we may find ourselves in a situation where we have to turn someone away once the Sanctuary is full. Please be aware of this possibility and know that we are doing our best to anticipate attendance and seating needs.
Required Quarantine
*We ask that if you have had direct exposure (within 6ft, 15 min, with or without a mask) to someone who is now being Covid tested because they suspect they are ill or were directly exposed, please self-quarantine until you find out that person's results. If that person tests negative, all is well. However, if that person tests positive, you have now been directly exposed to someone who is positive and must take the necessary CDC steps to quarantine until: 1- you have experienced 6 days of NO symptoms and a PCR on day 7 that comes back negative, OR 2- you have experienced a full 10 days completely symptom free. Thank you to all who have taken these steps to keep others safe!
Required Notice
If you (staff member, church or CDC family, guest, volunteer, etc) have had direct exposure to someone who believes they may have been exposed and are now getting tested, or have had direct 1:1 exposure to someone positive for Covid-19, or test positive for Covid-19 yourself, and have been on Trinity's Campus for worship, volunteering or other reasons, please immediately notify a member of Trinity's Administrative Team (Pastor Doug Kallesen, Chanda Gillenwater, Liz Roberts or Patty Moser - email TLC@TrinityDowntown.com). Your name will be kept in confidence, while Trinity makes its best effort to determine which others you may have had contact with to inform them of the need for testing and/or quarantine.
Worship Safety Procedures - MUST READ
- If you are feeling ill, have a fever or any of the symptoms related to Covid-19, please stay home and join us for ONLINE worship.
- The wearing of masks is required for all in attendance except for children under the age of two. Proper use is required - mask should fully cover your nose and mouth for the entire service, even while singing.
- The Pastor is permitted to remove his mask to give the sermon in order to communicate effectively - for this reason the front two pews of church will remain empty to allow for additional distancing between the pastor and guests.
- All hymnals, Bibles, pencils, attendance and prayer cards have been removed from the pews. There will be no printed bulletin. This removes all items which would have multiple contacts.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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/nursery will not be available until further notice. Children are always welcome in worship services!
* Children's Sunday School and Youth Bible Study decisions are being made now. Updates coming soon.
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Live and Local Lunch Series |
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The St. Luke's Concert Series
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Feb 24-Mar 24 Lenten Devotions on Wednesdays 12:10 and 7pm "Return to the Lord"
March 8 New Immerse Bible Study starts via Zoom
March 20 Campus Work Day
March 20 Drive Through Communion
March 15-19 OCPS Spring Break
March 28 Palm Sunday Worship (Sat 6pm, Sun 10am)
April 1 Maundy Thursday Worship 12:10 and 7pm
April 2 Good Friday Worship 12:10 and 7pm, CDC and Trinity offices closed
April 3 Easter Eve Worship 6pm
April 4 Easter Morning Worship: 9am Contemporary, 11am Traditional
(No Easter Breakfast this year due to Covid concerns)
April 5 Easter Monday - CDC and Offices Closed
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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.
Those Fighting Cancer
Karl S, Bruce S, Jamie J, Rick B, Christine M, Gail W
Health Concerns
Hazel H, Tuley B, Jessica and family, Allen C, Claudia K
Other
Mindy, H, Karen E, Margaret
Peace and Comfort
- For the family and friends of Marilyn Haberkamp, a friend of the Killinger family.
- For the family and friends of Vaughn Cornell, husband of Susan Cornell, and son-in-law of Martha Pfantz.
Surgery and Recovery/Hospitalized
Clara M , Dale N, Cindy D
Confidential Prayers
For those prayers that have been shared in confidence, you know the details, Lord. We lift them up to you.
For Our Communities - For Our Nation - For Our World
We pray for our nation, for our Nation's leaders, for its people, and for our future together as One Nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all! We pray that we may all be a reflection of Christ's love, sharing grace and mercy, living in peace with one another. Let's reach out, listen, connect, and have those hard conversations. Love is first. Love wins.
Additional Prayers
- For all those caring for aging and/or ill family members in need
- Prayers for our CDC staff & families, Trinity membership and all Trinity staff & leaders
- For all those struggling with mental health issues
- 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.
- Prayers for all those who have Covid-19 to be restored to full health
- 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 Trinity Missionaries
Wasmund Family in East Asia, Trump Family in Kenya, Clausing Family in Tanzania, Lehman Family in Spain, Young Family in Kenya
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