A Note from Pastor Zehnder

January 6 is Epiphany! Other than Easter, Epiphany is the most ancient Celebration of the Christian Church. Epiphany marks the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. The mysterious sages from the East followed the star and knelt before the Christ Child, bringing Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

It makes sense to refer to Epiphany as The Christmas of the Gentiles, since the Magi represented the non-Jewish nations who would call Christ their Lord. The visit of these Wise Men to the Savior indicates that, indeed, salvation is for all nations, and that Christ came to give His life for all people.

The word "Epiphany" means "revelation," and in this Season of the Church, the Sunday Gospel reading will reveal yet another aspect of the meaning of Christ's Person and His ministry for our sake! Epiphany brings us, as it did the Magi, into the presence of Christ Jesus. We will be blessed!

On Sunday Pastor Green, our Circuit Visitor will lead us in a brief Call Service during the Special Voters Meeting, as the congregation gathers to extend a Call to a candidate for our Senior Pastor position. We are grateful for the Call Committee's leadership. We pray for the Holy Spirit's presence in this most important event. The meeting is scheduled for 12:30 PM in the Sanctuary.

Foundations Class is scheduled for 6 Saturdays, starting on January 14 (Please note the date!). The sessions will begin at 4:00 pm and end at 5:20 pm in Fellowship Hall. I am praying that members of our congregation will join in these discussion sessions with any who are interested in formal membership at Trinity. It is my fervent hope to have at least 50 people in attendance. It will be a wonderful time for fellowship, for learning and growth regarding what the Church believes and proclaims. Your presence will be a great encouragement for people who are newer to Trinity's fellowship.

I have mentioned previously that I will be assisting Tim Norris and others in the teaching of the Confirmands. The plan is slightly altered from its first iteration as I am planning to be with the Confirmands two Sundays a month (not one) at the 9:30 am time. Again, dear brother Pastor Schaefer will step in at those 9:30 am services as needed.

Lord Jesus is our Immanuel. Indeed, God is with us!

trz

Special Voters Meeting, this Sunday, January 8  12:30

To vote on a Senior Pastor Call - Please plan to attend!

Epiphany Cantata this Sunday at 8am and 11am Worship

The Parish Choir is preparing its Epiphany Cantata, Song of Emmanuel , which will be sung at the 8am and 11am traditional services on January 8.  

New Sunday Bible Adult Study starts this Sunday: Peace, Purity and Unity

Let's explore what is really expected of us as members of the church, and how should we respond?  This has become increasingly more confused over the last several generations.  We are bombarded with and significantly influenced by the secular world more and more. Scriptural teachings have become watered down, perverted and unheeded throughout Christendom.  Much of the Church has become polarized, divided and unloving.  It too often is failing to accomplish its mission effectively, and worse it is damaging people...its own people.  Jesus told us people would know who we were by how we loved each other.  Yet, too much of our energy is spent on internal issues which severely hamper, and even derail, our efforts to engage in effective ministry.  More and more of our pastor's, leaders' and members' time is spent on conflict and disunity.  We need to be better.  We must be better.  We have to be accountable.  It is past time to review and recommit Scriptural principles to our efforts.  Let us make the time now to work on our peace, purity and unity, together!

Trinity is on the precipice of its resurgence and possess an opportunity for tremendous community impact for the Gospel. This study is intended to remind us of God's teaching about our relationships within His Church and to help us encourage, admonish and love each other in a way that honors our Savior and accomplishes His work.  Let's make this well attended.  Invite someone who hasn't been coming for a while.

Begins January 8, 2017 and continues for 13 weeks. This group will meet at 9:30 am on Sundays in Fellowship Hall and will be led by Gregg Yawman.

New Bible Study for Confirmed Youth starts this week 9:30am

New 9- Week Youth Bible Study. We will walk through the book of Ephesians. Series is both discussion and video presentation. I look forward to seeing our TYM kids!

"Has it ever dawned on you that nothing has ever dawned on God? He knew before the world began that His people would face hardship, so He gave us His Word. The Book of Ephesians is a survival manual-it equips believers to thrive in a world that hates the message of Jesus Christ. Paul the Apostle writes to encourage believers to live well-we've been lifted from the graveyard of sin and called to shout the gospel into the darkened world."

Pastor and author J.D. Greear walks through the powerful words of Paul. In 9 sessions, J.D. digs into the text of Ephesians verse-by-verse and challenges believers to live out the gospel. If the people of your city, of your school, of your family are going to hear the gospel, it's going to be from your mouth. Encounter Ephesians, and get swept up into the story of Jesus.

Comfort Dog Ministry - Informational Meeting

The Dogs & Donuts meetings is now scheduled for Saturday, January 14th at 10am in the first floor conference room of the Magnolia building. SASHA Comfort Dog will be joining us for this meeting AND will be present at all weekend worship services !  During this meeting we'll share an overview of the next steps in planning to get a comfort Dog Ministry established at Trinity, and all the volunteer roles available to Trinity members.  Please RSVP in advance to  TLC@TrinityDowntown.com so we can plan for adequate space (and donuts).

Quinto domingo

(Fifth Sunday - did it catch your eye?)  For nine years, Trinity has set aside the fifth Sunday, whenever it occurs, to think of those in need.  Food on the Fifth is now Food and Funds on the Fifth . Anyone who attends services on that weekend is encouraged to bring money for Trinity's discretionary fund or food.  The weekend of January 28 and 29 is the first 5th Sunday weekend of 2017. THIS MONTH ONLY we are helping the Christian Service Center collect SOUP!   So bring a can or two of soup and put it in the grocery basket located in the narthex.  Of course, you may also bring any "bogo" canned or boxed food items to help fill the grocery basket.  Monetary donations for the Discretionary Fund can be placed in the collection plate, but be sure to indicate "Discretionary Fund" on the check or envelope.  Trinity has partnered with the Christian Service Center since 1971 to provide various programs designed to meet physical, emotional and spiritual needs, regardless of race, religion or gender of those hurting and struggling in Central Florida. All food collected is distributed through the Christian Service Center's three core programs: Family & Emergency Services (FES), Daily Bread, and the Love Pantry. Last year, more than 25,000 cans of soup filled our pantries!  Let's top that this year!!!!

Any questions?  Ask Deaconess Liz: eborth@trinitydowntown.org or 407-488-1919 X 127.

Church Directory Photos, February 1-4

Re:MEMBER Church Directories will be on the Trinity campus Wednesday February 1 st thru Saturday February 4 th taking photos for Trinity's 2017 Member Directory. Each family that participates will receive a free 8x10 portrait and have the option to buy other photo packages. Sign up sheets will be available in the Narthex after all four services the weekends of January 7-8 and 14-15. All members are strongly encouraged to participate. Having an up to date photo directory will make it much easier for our new Senior Pastor to get to know his congregation. Point of Contact is Tom Finger. 407-765-9483, tfinger888@aol.com .

So Many Ways to Help

In April, Susan Brockberg, our Middle School teacher, is participating in a mission trip to Haiti with the LCMS Florida-Georgia District.  She is asking the children in our school to bring new toothbrushes and tubes of small toothpaste.  These will be donated to the many people in Haiti in need of basic hygiene care.  Bring your donation to church and put in the white "Food" basket, or drop off with the school & church receptionist desk during the week..

Volunteer Opportunities at TLS

Upcoming PTL events could use your volunteer support if you have the time and talent to share!  We have Book Fair, Grandparents Day and Science Night all coming up during the week of January 22-29.  You can sign up online through this link http://signup.com/go/PsbVtX , or in either of the school offices. Thank you.

Confirmation Class

Pastor Zehnder will be assisting Tim Norris and others in the teaching of the Confirmands. That will start in January, two Sundays a month at the 9:30 am time. Again, dear brother Pastor Schaefer will step in at those 9:30 am services as needed. Parents of Confirmands, please note this and help your son or daughter be present!

Servant Saturday, January 28th -- Sign Up Now

SERVANT SATURDAY will take place on Jan. 28, 9am-12pm This is Trinity's chance to help our Downtown Parramore neighbors. Trinity's Outreach Ministry Team has organized three service opportunities:  

1. Grand Ave. Primary School  

2.Orlando Rescue Mission Thrift Store (ages 15+)  

3. Coalition for the Homeless (preparing 150 sack lunches).  

Please sign up in the Narthex by Jan. 22.   Afterwards, we will meet for lunch and sharing at The Diner (next to TravelLodge).   If you have questions, please contact Gladys Dittmer at odittmer892@gmail.com . Don't miss this great opportunity to serve and help our Downtown Neighbors!

Midweek Prayer Requests

If you have an urgent prayer request that can't wait until you fill out a yellow prayer card during worship, please submit it via email to Pray@TrinityDowntown.com .  While submitting a yellow card during worship is still the preferred way to share prayer requests, sometimes a prayer need can't wait until Sunday.  Your prayer request (first name and basic details of the prayer requested) will be shared with a team of committed weekday prayer warriors and will also be added to Trinity's regular printed prayer list for the congregation.  All prayers are kept on the printed list for a period of three weeks, so please resubmit long term prayer needs regularly so that they stay on the printed list. Thank you.

Important Dates

January 8  Epiphany Cantata at 8am and 11am

January 8  Special Voters Meeting, 12:30 Sanctuary

January 14  Dogs & Donuts Meeting

January 14  Foundations Class Begins

January 16  MLK Day -- Campus and Offices Closed

January 22-29  National Lutheran Schools Week

January 24  Kindergarten Round-Up

January 28 Servant Saturday

February 1-4 Re:Member Church Photos on Campus