Trinity Family
A Message from Pastor Martin
This Sunday September 13 is Rally Day! Not only will we be introducing all our Sunday School students to their teachers, but we’ll be doing a Blessing of the Confirmands as they begin or continue their studies. This is the year Trinity completes the switch to sixth and seventh grade confirmation classes, with our last group of eighth graders in the second year class. After our 9:30 Parents meeting on September 13, classes will switch to Sunday afternoons from 2-4pm every other weekend, beginning Sunday, September 20.
Coffee Hour returns this weekend! Refreshments will be served after all three Sunday services. Why is coffee hour important to us? It gives us an opportunity to take time after worship to welcome our guests and reconnect with folks who have been away this summer! Then take your coffee or lemonade into a Bible class…
This Sunday is the launch date for a study of the Gospel of Mark at 11 am, led by one of our Elders, Steve Kerestes. The 9:30 Adult Bible Study continues in the Fellowship Hall, and a Bible Study for Moms of All Ages meets at 9:30 in one of the loggia classrooms. Remember, IT’S THE WORD OF GOD WE NEED TO STRENGTHEN OUR FAITH AND OUR CHURCH! As we continue to talk about the importance of engaging our whole church family in ministry– strengthening existing ministries and launching new ones–we will be even more dependent on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the power of God’s Word to help us move forward in the name of Jesus. Please check out all of Trinity’s Bible study options and register now (even if you’re already involved) with our online registration form so that you can indicate which study you want to be (or are already) a part of. Again, Sunday morning opportunities:
- Sundays 9:30am, Fellowship Hall: All adults are invited to the Fellowship Hall at 9:30 a.m. for a great Sunday morning Bible study on “Gifts of the Spirit.” We’d love to have you come join us …. there’s coffee too.”
- Sundays 11:00am, Fellowship Hall: Studying the Book of Mark and will be loosely following the sermon series from worship. Making good use of the resources available to us, we’ll dive deeper into the message to find personal application and greater understanding of the Word.
- Sundays, 9:30am, Bible Study for Moms of all Ages: This study group is open to moms of all ages. This group meets in the first loggia classroom next to the main office every Sunday at 9:30 am. Now reading and discussing The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demand by Lysa TerKeurst. You may join at any time. For more information, please contact: Stephanie.weidner@psiusa.com
By the way…you can now do online registration for Sunday School, Confirmation Class, and all of our Adult Bible Classes…including the Fall Foundations Class. It really helps our teachers to have that information in advance…for planning, and to save time in class. I would love to see some of our members (two registered so far) come to the Foundations class (see article below) to begin building friendships with new members and staff.
Did you notice the modular classrooms are gone, the new gym floor is finished, and all CDC and K-8 classroom are up and running? What an amazing move! However, there is still a lot of wrap-up construction work to be done. As often happens in a project of this size, the completion date has been pushed into late fall, so we’re still not able to set the public dedication date. Just keep thanking God that we are able to use these new facilities. What a blessing!
Speaking of thanking God…I want to invite you to a special Service of Prayer at 5 pm this Saturday, Sept 12 in the sanctuary. I’m thankful that we are part of a church body that believes in the power of prayer. Our LCMS Synodical President Rev. Matthew Harrison has asked every congregation to set aside Saturday, September 12 as a Day of Prayer …especially in light of “at-risk lives” all around us — unborn children, victims of abuse, police officers, persecuted Christians — and everything that threatens marriage and family life. Whether or not you can join us Saturday at 5 pm, please be in prayer about these things. We’ll finish by 5:45 so we can get ready for worship at 6 pm. Saturday night worshipers are invited to come early. Others may wish to stay for the 6 pm service, or go about your normal Saturday evening activities.
“Lord Jesus, grant me a prayerful heart about “at-risk lives.” You told us, “the thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy, but I have come that you might have life in all its fullness.” Lord, we pray that You would STOP THE THIEF…and show each of us how we can help protect these precious, endangered lives. In your name! Amen!”
FOUNDATIONS CLASS STARTS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 7 PM Magnolia Conference Room
You all are invited to join our new members and new full time CDC & K-8 staffers in the 8 week Fall Foundations series. The first five weeks we’ll be reviewing the basics of our faith, and what it means to live our lives with God every day. Along the way we’ll be making new friends and learning about ministry opportunities. The last three weeks focus on using God’s Word to develop deeper relationships, discover our spiritual gifts, and become actively involved in Christ’s work in His Church. Help us extend the invitation to couples getting married at Trinity, families having babies baptized at Trinity, and non-member school parents who want to learn more about Trinity. What a blessing to have long-time members join the class and build friendships with our guests! Register online or by calling 407-488-1919 x101 or emailing TLC@TrinityDowntown.com
Membership Ministry Team – Hostesses Needed
Foundation class is fast approaching, and we love providing a warm welcome to new members, guests, staff and even current members who participate in this class. We are in need of several more hostess for our Foundation classes to meet & greet and prepare and serve beverages and desserts/snacks to those attending the class. If interested in being a part of this team and welcoming/meeting people and making them feel welcome please contact Brandi Meyer @ 407-579-8359.
It’s Jesus Time!
Sunday School begins THIS Sunday, September 13th. Come together in the church undercroft (basement), where Tom Finger will spark interest and then the children will break into separate classes. We have some amazing Sunday School Leaders lined up to start the Fall quarter with classes for all children ages 4 through 5th grade. Pam Yates, Nicole Pickering & Holly Hendrix, Traci Brown & Liz Bradley, and Bob Gordon will guide children through the Bible and open their eyes to see Jesus as they’ve never seen Him before. With behind the scenes support from Lisa Warren and encouragement from Bill Ruffier, this year will be a strong reflection of our ongoing commitment to Christ-centered education here at Trinity. Register online. Thoughts or questions, please contact the church: 407-488-1919 X 101 or tlc@Trinitydowntown.com.
Message from Deaconess Liz
The Lord is mending my bones. Thank you from my most humble and loved heart for the abundance of encouragement, well-wishes, and prayers. Although I am still stitched together, my doctor has released me for partial duty. I am looking forward to seeing you at worship this weekend.
Preparing for Outreach at Trinity!!
Check out the Lutheran Hour Ministries-Regional Outreach Conference! No doubt you’ve heard the terms“Millennial” and “GenX” in recent news regarding the decline of the church. Are you wondering just who they are, and why they are disinterested in church? ROC Orlando will answer how you, the church, can teach these generations to be discerning, influential followers of Christ. Learn more and register at lhm.org/roc today! November 13-14, 2015 at the Buena Vista Palace Hotel • Orlando, FL Reduced registration fees are now $99 for adults and $49 for youth (14-18). (Trinity adults will receive a $79 rate since we’re hosting the worship service for LHM that weekend!) We would love to see a large group of Trinity folks there to learn more about outreach in the church today!!
Don’t Forget our Ministry Partners’ Upcoming Fundraiser/Awareness Events
Want to support Orlando’s poor and homeless?
Thursday, September 24: IDignity Souper Douper. Helping our homeless and poverty-stricken neighbors with Florida identification, IDignity is a Trinity sponsored organization in Orlando working steadfastly to provide state identification for all residents of Florida, who are unable to navigate the requirements alone. The Souper Douper party will be held at the Double Tree Hotel (60 S. Ivanhoe) beginning at 5:45 p.m. To reserve your free place at the table, contact Diann Grover: 407.587.5957 for details.
Want to help those in need of Counseling support?
Saturday, October 10: Lutheran Counseling Services Anniversary Banquet. For 25 years, Trinity has provided the gift of God’s grace and mercy through counseling and consultation by supporting Lutheran Counseling Services. In addition to individual, couple, and family therapy, LCS provides assistance to strengthen care giving skills and credentials for clergy, educators, and nurses. To reserve your space at a table with other Trinity members, contact: Jamie: 407.644.4692 or Jamie@lcsfl.com.
Want to support Life?
Saturday, November 14: Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries 2nd annual dinner highlights the life of unborn and newborn children residing at the only Lutheran maternity home in Florida. Located in Sanford – only 30 minutes from downtown Orlando – Redeeming Life is a real home of love and acceptance sharing God’s grace and mercy. Trinity is committed to supporting life from conception so this is a high priority ministry. Our gracious host church is Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Sanford where the evening celebration begins at 5:30 p.m. Contact Sheryl: Sheryl@rlom.org or 407.790.9745 for additional information.
THANK YOU
To everyone who contributed toward a fully funded church to school outreach effort which put Bibles in the hands of our new VPK and second grade students! During advent, we will ask for Toddler Bible donations to distribute to our two-year old classes as Christmas gifts. God speaks and makes Himself known through His Word. We thank and praise Him for the freedom to teach and share with the youngest of His children..
Hello from the Trinity Lutheran School PTL!
Whether you are a staff member, parent, or church member, PTL has plenty of opportunities for you to get involved in our shared ministry events. PTL events like our first-ever Fall Pumpkin Patch and the HUGE annual Touch-A-Truck event connect our school, church, and surrounding community. These events not only raise funds to support our school (Infants to 8th Grade), but they draw big crowds from the surrounding community to our church! We need your help to make them happen! The first planning meeting for Touch-A-Truck is MONDAY. We hope to see you there!
- Touch-A-Truck Planning Meeting: Monday, September 14, at 6:00 p.m. in the middle classroom on the loggia.
IDignity Orlando Event
We need volunteers for the IDignity Souper Douper fundraiser on September 24th. You can view volunteer roles and sign-up to volunteer via http://tinyurl.com/idignitysouper2015. If you have any questions/comments, please contact Julie Harwell at 407-792-1374, ext 11 or julie@idignity.org. Thank you for your ongoing support of IDignity as we strive to restore dignity and hope by providing identification!
It’s Time To Make A Joyful Noise!
In Psalm 100, we’re instructed to “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing and ringing.” We’ll, maybe we’ve taken a little creative liberty with adding ringing, but none the less, the choir and bells of Trinity are ready to make a joyful noise. Are you? Join us as we return from our summer break. The more the merrier. Rehearsals begin Wednesday, September 9, and continue every Wednesday following. No prior ringing or singing experience is needed, just a willing heart, which we know you have! For additional information on bells, please contact Glenda Frazier at whitemice@bellsouth.com. For additional information on choir, please contact Paul Soost at sooster67@yahoo.com.
Bells – First rehearsal is Wednesday, September 9 at 6:30 pm, meet in the church balcony. We have room for more ringers, especially alternates! To join or find out more, contact Glenda Frazier at whitemice@bellsouth.net.
Choir – First rehearsal is Wednesday, September 9 at 7:30 pm, meet in the church basement. Please join us – if you love to sing and you love God, singing in the choir is perfect for you! To join or find out more, contact Paul Soost at sooster67@yahoo.com.
Office Help Needed – Microsoft Word
Trinity is in need of someone to reformat job descriptions in multiple formats used over the years to one standardized format for all Trinity positions. This formatting will be done in Microsoft Word and requires the use of a computer with Microsoft Word, attention to detail, and an understanding of basic categories in a job description. If you’re interested in helping, please contact General Manager, Eric Havens at 407-488-1919 x108. Thanks so much!
Craft Fair at Lutheran Haven
Don’t miss the annual Craft Fair being held at The Lutheran Haven on THIS SATURDAY, September 12, 2015, 9am – 4pm with refreshments. Please check it out! Flyers available in the Narthex.
Youth News
High School Youth Events
- September 20th after the 11am service in the church basement: Parent and Student meeting for those attending the LCMS National Youth Gathering in July 2016 for students ages 14-19. More information on the Youth page
- Upcoming Events
- Friday, October 30th 7:30pm, Costume Party!
- Sunday, November 22nd 6pm, Turkey Day Party!
- Saturday, December 12th,
- 2pm: Christmas Shopping Fundraiser/Servant Event
- 6pm: Christmas Party
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 (see information above)
- November 6-8: We are excited to let you know that registration is now open for FEARLESS – the 2015 Middle School Youth Gathering. Our speaker this year is DCE Audrey Duensing-Werner who will give us insight into our Romans 8:11 verse and delight us with her humor. Our band this year is ALL THINGS NEW. Go to http://flgadistrict.org/msyg/ to get all the information. If you’re interested, please contact Mrs. Jennifer Blackwood at mom23girls@cfl.rr.com.
Your Church belongs to YOU
All members are important, no matter what age. Trinity encourages all high school young people to volunteer for service for weekend Worship Services.
- Powerpoint and Sound Board operation allows you to show off your interest or skills in simple technology.
- Usher team is fabulous because you aren’t solely responsible. You work with a group of trained and experienced people.
- Greet our members and visitors as they enter for worship. Super short service time! 15 minutes before each service you smile and shake a hand. You might ask the name of someone you don’t recognize and then share yours. That’s it!
- Reading the Bible lessons requires a clear and steady voice and a little bit of preparation so you don’t stumble over those names. Every service has one assigned reader, so sign up for the service you normally attend with your family.
- And, as many of you are trained and skilled in Acolyte service, you can continue doing just that.
Contact the church office with your decision as soon as you can. Each of our young adult members will receive a letter in the mail this week as a reminder. TLC@trinitydowntown.org or 407-488-1919 X 101.
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.
Important Dates
September 12 5pm, A time for Prayer, Sanctuary
September 13 9:30 Sunday School Kick off, Opening in church basement
New 11am Adult Bible Study starts, Fellowship Hall
Confirmation Meeting for parents and students 9:30, K-8 Building, second floor
12:30 meeting for parents and students attending July LCMS Youth Gathering
September 14 6pm, Touch-A-Truck Planning Meeting, middle classroom on the loggia.
September 22 7 pm, Foundations Class, Magnolia 2nd floor Conference Room
Sept 30-Oct 1 Book Fair at TLS
October 1 Grandparents Day at TLS
October 10 Pumpkin Patch Sales begin
November 6-8 Middle School Youth Gathering
November 14 Touch A Truck
Attendance & Giving
| Sept. 5-6, 2015 | |
| Worship Attendance | |
| 6:00 p.m. | 48 |
| 8:00 a.m. | 52 |
| 9:30 a.m. | 127 |
| 11:00 a.m. | 115 |
| Total | 342 |
| Sunday School | |
| Adult’s Bible Class | 26 |
| Youth | 3 |
| Contributions | |
| Current & Missions: | |
| C & M Budget | $ 18,105 |
| C & M Actual | $ 29,741 |
| Faithfully Forward | $ 2,799 |
| Historical Debt | $ 280 |
| SOS/Faith Factor | $ 1,020 |
| Dedicated Funds | $ 345 |
