Trinity Loves Orlando
How You Can Support Crisis Care & Outreach after the Orlando Shooting
Thrivent Choice Dollar Contributions -- Thrivent will MATCH
Thrivent is deeply saddened about the tragic loss of life that occurred in Orlando on June 12. When heartbreaking events of this magnitude occur, Thrivent members often want to know how they can make a difference. In addition to continuing to hold those affected by this tragedy in our prayers, other opportunities exist to support the victims, their families and their community during this difficult time. One way eligible Thrivent members can help support efforts is to direct Choice Dollars to organizations working diligently to support the victims and their families - and Trinity is one of those organizations to which you can direct choice dollars. Thrivent will be matching all Choice Dollar directions made to Trinity through Thrivent.com
through July 31, 2016.
Personal Donations - Thrivent will MATCH
Anyone who wishes to contribute to this effort with a financial donation can contribute directly to
Trinity's Outreach Fund
. All personal donations made will be matched by Thrivent
through July 31, 2016.
In the coming weeks Trinity will be working with FL/GA District President Greg Walton, and with other LCMS congregations who are directly connected with Disaster victims/survivors, to determine the most effective ways to use the contributions of God's people.
Crisis Care Fund at Lutheran Counseling Services
Lutheran Counseling Services has a long history of responding to community crisis and disasters. The financial resources in the LCS Crisis Care Fund are made available in order to provide professional, outpatient mental health counseling as well as opportunities for training and debriefing of those who have been involved in giving care and services to victims and survivors. Please consider a financial gift to this fund. For more information or to donate, please call 407-644-4692 or visit lcsfl.com.
Individual Local support
Thrivent members can help support those affected in Orlando in meaningful ways by forming a Thrivent Action Team to meet a need. For more information, visit Thrivent.com/actionteam.
Saying Goodbye
From Ted Lange, President Leadership Council
Trinity chose to call an Intentional Interim Pastor to serve over the past year in order to provide ample time for self-study, review of mission and to some degree to heal. Approximately one year ago, the Trinity Leadership Council interviewed two candidates to consider for the position and was seeking a gifted pastor to work with Trinity to better position itself to call a Senior Pastor. After interviewing two candidates the decision was clear, that is until Pastor Tom Zehnder laid a slip of paper on the table with a name and phone number and said, "Call this man" and promptly left the room. After a conversation with the Reverend Jim Martin the decision was easy and within weeks Pastor Jim and Carol Martin were part of the Trinity family. As was announced at the Voters Assembly meeting this past Sunday, Jim and Carol are being called in a new direction to minister to another LCMS congregation in need of their special skills and insight. So, it is with mixed emotions that we are soon to bid farewell to a close family who are needed elsewhere. We are excited for a new chapter in Jim and Carol's ministry which we know is guided by God's hand to where they are most needed in His kingdom. We of course, will miss their encouraging words and loving and caring example. We have two more weekends to celebrate their ministry at Trinity and to encourage Jim and Carol as they move a little bit north and a little bit closer to the grandchildren. The weekend of July 9
th
/10
th
will be their last weekend with us.
What does this mean for Trinity? For those of you who had the opportunity to meet Pastor Jacob May this week, you know that the Senior Pastor Call process is ongoing and we expect to have another candidate visit soon. We also know that Christ carries out his mission not only through the office of the public ministry but also through the priesthood of all believers (this is ALL of us). Both have been instituted by God for the sake of His Kingdom. It is our responsibility to carry on the mission and ministries of Trinity as we are reminded in 1 Peter 9,
"You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light".
At the same time God has established the office of the public ministry for the sake of proclaiming the Gospel, administering the Sacraments, and leading the ministries of the Church. We will intentionally proceed forward with discerning God's will for pastoral leadership at Trinity. Pastor and Carol Martin have been faithful servants to Trinity and to Christ in these areas but Trinity is ready to move forward, as are the Martins.
Take some time and let Jim and Carol know how much you've appreciated their time at Trinity, maintain vigilant prayer for their future ministry and for Trinity. (Details for the farewell event are below). Perhaps Pastor Martin was preparing us for this change last weekend as he preached on Philippians 4-6,
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
"
Thank you, Goodbye and God Bless You
The ministry and presence of Pastor Jim & Carol Martin this year at Trinity Lutheran Church and School has been such a blessing. We are sad to see them leave, but celebrate their time with us and hold them in prayer as new ministry journeys are ahead!
Please join us on Friday, July 8th
5:30-7:30pm in Fellowship Hall and courtyard for an ice cream treat.
All The News
4th of July Parking
Support our Youth attending the National Youth Gathering in two weeks by parking at Trinity when you head into Downtown Orlando for the 4th. Parking for $5 or $10 is available on Trinity's campus. Funds raised will go toward the NYG trip. Thank you!
Coffee Hour
Coffee Hour during Bible study will be taking a break in July and August. The last Sunday to grab a cup is this Sunday, July 3. Coffee Hour will return in late August/early September. If you'd like to help Fellowship with Coffee Hour when it returns, please contact Paul Soost at [email protected].
Church & Finance Office Volunteer Staff Needed
The Church/ finance office is seeking one or more individuals for a total of about 15 hours a week for a two month duration to process various task including but not limited to:
1. Process new hire parking passes
2. Making new employee badges
3. Filing HR files for the PEO (this task requires handling of confidential files and will require higher level of experience and professional background)
4. Filing non-confidential records and other clerical tasks as needed
*Some tasks could be managed by a mature highschool student who needs volunteer service hours.
If you're interested in helping out, please contact Trinity's General Manager, Eric Havens at [email protected]
Meet LCMS DCE Krista Young During Worship Next Weekend
Krista Young serves the Lord as a career missionary in Ethiopia, based out of Addis Ababa. Krista is a volunteer coordinator, working with local leaders to identify and open opportunities for short-term volunteers and teams to support the work of the church. She coordinates these visits and makes the needed arrangements to help them be successful. Together, Krista and Joel host people coming into Ethiopia and help connect them to the resources they need. Through these interactions, they share the love of Jesus with these individuals new to this country. They also are active in local congregations. Learn more at
http://www.lcms.org/young
Summer Sunday School
All children ages 4 through 5th grade will meet as a group at 9:30 a.m. every Sunday morning. The cool church basement music room will be THE place to meet Jesus. Children are encouraged to bring their offering for Trinity's discretionary fund. They lovingly voted last September to "help people who don't have enough food or a place to live", so we will continue directing their gifts for that purpose. Children will stay in the church basement for parent pickup at 10:30 a.m.
VBS Starship Payload Needed
Your annual gift to Trinity's children's outreach ministry is NOW. Look for a VBS Supply display in the narthex and choose the item you can contribute to our neighborhood and city-wide summer ministry. If you cannot shop, monetary donations will allow the supply team to shop for you. Look for the special VBS collection container near the display in the narthex beginning this weekend. Contact Ken Boggs (
[email protected]
) with questions regarding supplies for kids to fiind A'Bot Jesus!
Get on Board Star Ship Trinity
This summer, July 25-29, Vacation Bible School returns to Trinity campus, but children will "take off" every day to visit a new star looking for the missing parts of a real live robot named GADGET and discover
G
od
A
lways
D
oes
G
reat and
E
xtraordinary
T
hings. All children ages 4 through 5th grade are welcome to register on-line NOW! Use this link:
http://church.trinitydowntown.com/vbs/
If your child is attending Camp Trinity during the week of July 25-29, NO NEED to fill out a separate registration form. Vacation Bible School is always included in our Summer Camp Trinity plans. Contact Deaconess Liz (
[email protected]
or 407-488-1919 X 127) with questions.
Vacation Bible School HELP
Small group leaders are essential for success and safe travel. A group leader is anyone 18 and over who can care for 8-10 children every day guiding them on the star adventure. Very little preparation is needed. Volunteer today, but you won't serve until July 25-29! Trinity is preparing the campus for 100 children to discover the wonder of God's creation, love, care and promises. Travel to new unheard of stars! Assemble unique, personal Robots! Learn why
G
od
A
lways
D
oes
G
reat and
E
xtraordinary
T
hings!. Contact Deaconess Liz (
[email protected]
or 407-488-1919 X 127) to volunteer as a group leader.
New Job for a Star
OH! And there are 2 spots left for storytelling. This job description changed a little so it requires only
1 day
of time. The storyteller is the star guide who introduces the children to one of God's wonderously made body parts: hands, mind, eyes, ears, and heart. A little "acting" (script provided) with the whole group, and then a small group interaction telling the story.
Lutheran Women are Awesome
As a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, you ARE an LWML member. Composed of individual women and women's groups within the congregation, on campuses, in homes or other settings, LWML is a women's organization that helps women find ways to use their God-given talents to share Jesus. The new LWML quarterly magazine can be found on the small table in the east narthex area. Inside you will find news stories about sister Lutheran women and the many ways we are all involved in Gospel outreach. If you are interested in receiving a paperless copy of the magazine, contact Deaconess Liz: [email protected] or 407-488-1919 X 127. Check out
http://www.lwml.org
for more ways to keep connected as an awesome Lutheran woman.
Women Should Take a Break
Every now and then, you deserve a time away from responsibility to refresh and relax. The LWML Florida-Georgia Convention is Sept. 30-Oct. 2, 2016. Time away with active Christian women is an experience designed especially for stressed, busy, and even bored women held in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Information is available in the narthex or on-line
http://www.flgalwml.com
. The
Evangel
is a publication specifically for the women in Florida and Georgia congregations and a printed copy is on the LWML table in the narthex.
Support for our Ministry Partner: Live UCF
Saturday Night LiveUCF:
A gala to benefit our congregation at UCF.
On September 24th, 2016, 6pm at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Orlando - Please join us for an elegant evening to support and celebrate LiveUCF; our congregation on the campus of the University of Central Florida. The event will highlight Live's ministries on and around campus for the school year while current students serve and share their stories. The gala will include a cocktail hour, catered dinner, entertainment, and greetings from District & LiveUCF leaders. Please plan to join in and support the ministries of LiveUCF. Tickets are available now at LiveUCF.com/Gala. For more information or to help sponsor the event please email [email protected]
Flooding in West Virginia
With all the recent flooding in West Virginia, the need is going to be great. The Ohio District, LCMS is coordinating emergency relief for this emergency event. If you would like to donate aid, monetary donations and Lowes/Home Depot/Walmart gift cards can be sent to Ohio District, LCMS, 6451 Columbia Rd, Olmsted Falls, OH 44138-0277. Thank you.
Lutheran Counseling Services
Conflict, loneliness, guilt and anxiety can result in the door to peace, joy and vitality being closed. LCS provides a safe (professional and pastoral) environment, an open door to hope, dignity, growth and grace. Call Lutheran Counseling Services 407.644.4692 or visit
www.lcsfl.com
-Sharing God's Abundant Grace and Mercy in Our Community-
Summer Reading Challenge
Look for the display on a narthex bulletin board for information to "Read Like a Lutheran". Summer reading ideas and challenges are there for your down time. Go to
http://read.cph.org/
and register for a summer challenge.
Facebook Friends of Trinity Downtown: Like, Comment and Share to expand our outreach impact!
When you see blogs, updates, photos and event invitations on Facebook, don't just read them and scroll on. Make a comment, click like, and SHARE the post with friends, family and relevant groups you may be a member of online.
Your actions through social media expand our outreach impact by sharing the stories of our ministry with people outside of our Trinity community
. Please be part of our outreach efforts!
Like us on Facebook
Summer Music Opportunities!
The Parish Choir and Handbell Choir will be taking a well-deserved break for a few months; however, we're presenting two new music opportunities this summer. One or both of these might be exactly right for you!
The 1st Floor, Once-in-a-while Choir:
This is a proposed singing group that will follow the rules of its name. We realize that there are some beautiful voices out there belonging to people who cannot handle the steps to the balcony or who cannot make a weekly commitment. So, we're looking into organizing a singing group that would not have to climb stairs in order to practice and would sing once in a while. If there is enough interest, we'll do it! Please contact Glenda Frazier at [email protected] and include your preferred service and any comments or questions you might have.
Handbell Lessons:
Coming this summer for teens and adults - 1-hour sessions for learning or brushing up on ringing techniques! No prior experience is required, and we'll fit the sessions to your schedule. There is no commitment to join the handbell choir (unless you want to); try it out and have some fun! Please contact Glenda Frazier at [email protected] and include several choices of day/time that would fit your schedule.
Summer Sunday School
Spending time with Jesus each week doesn't stop when the school bell rings "end of class". Church classes continue with summertime special Sundays. All children ages 4-10 (VPK-5th grade) meet together in the church basement at 9:30 a.m. Children stay in together and will be waiting for parent pick-up at 10:30 a.m.
High School Youth are headed to the July 2016
--National Youth Gathering
For more info: Contact
Laura
(407) 404-3242 or
Mike
(727) 686-7403,
email
[email protected]
, check the Trinity Website or the Trinity HS Youth Facebook page
Call Committee Update June 29, 2016
During the week of June 20, Trinity had the pleasure of hosting a visit from one of our Senior Pastor Candidates, Rev. Jacob May. We planned a very packed itinerary for him, to afford him the broadest view of Trinity and what makes us tick. In addition to a tour of the campus, he had the opportunity to take part in special meetings with the ministry staff, administrative staff, the school board, leadership council, a large representation of the elders, task force/campus development, Pastor Martin, and the call committee. We held three town hall meetings, where nearly 100 members of the congregation had a chance to meet Pastor May and ask him any questions that came to mind. Some of the topics included:
· Bringing the church and school together
· Engaging the Orlando community
· His role and relationship with elders, the pre-school, conducting of bible studies, committees, finances, voter's meetings, etc. at his current parish
· Ministering to the homeless
· The Pulse tragedy in Orlando
· Leadership skills and people skills
· Style of service and ability to mesh with our current structure
· How to build youth programs
· Need for additional ministry staff at Trinity
Pastor May's answers touched on communication, transparency, "branding" Trinity within the community, building trust, seeking out gifts in others, being the face of Trinity, and showing people you care. I was personally impressed with the thought he gave to each question, his heart-felt and intelligent answers, and in his confidence to simply respond that he didn't know the answer yet to a couple of the questions that were posed. But my thoughts are only a miniscule part of the whole picture. I asked all of the individuals who had met him during a special meeting to send me a synopsis of their thoughts. I have included some quotes below.
"I believe God has given him the abilities and experiences to serve effectively at Trinity, and, if Trinity extends him a call to be our next Senior Pastor, I believe he and his wife will truly seek God's will."
"He spoke a lot about the importance of relationships in leadership. I am a firm believer in developing trust through various relationships before you can ever begin to be a leader. I think he has what it takes to lead trinity into the future, I don't know that it won't kill him doing it ... We need to think seriously about how we can support him by making sure he has the experienced help he needs to be successful."
"Trinity needs a careful and observant leader and I think Rev. May can be described as that kind of person."
"I had the pleasure of meeting w/Pastor May one on one for a while. He strikes me as a thoughtful, in the sense that he weighs what he hears, and compiles that input in a manner to ingest and cipher it to come to a conclusion of what has been ingested. I feel he is mature beyond his young years."
"I would have liked to spend more time with Pastor May, but was impressed by his responses at the meeting I attended. Pastor May though young in age has the maturity and knowledge that could lead Trinity now and as we bridge the future."
Several members who I have spoken to individually have expressed the desire to immediately extend Pastor May a call to Trinity. The call committee still has at least one meeting to conduct, but I am optimistic that Trinity will be prepared to issue a call in the month of July. Please stay tuned for the announcement of a special voter's meeting in order to extend that call. As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have.
Important Dates
July 4
Independence Day! (Offices and School ministry Closed)
July 8
Friday 5:30pm, Goodbye and God Bless You event for the Martins
July 10
Pastor Jim & Carol Martin's Last Day at Trinity
July 25-29 VBS
