Trinity Weekly News
Happy July 4th - Independence Day!
Have a wonderful, restful, safe and healthy long weekend!

In-Person Worship and Meetings Suspended
Due to the recent and significant increase in COVID-19 cases in the Orlando area, Trinity has suspended all in-person worship, gatherings, social groups and meetings for all groups affiliated with and/or sponsored by Trinity Downtown until further notice. The safety and well being of our entire Trinity family is of the utmost importance. We will continue with online worship and study groups to provide for the spiritual care of our Trinity community. Meetings, study groups, teams, social groups and the like are not permitted to meet in-person on campus and are encouraged to utilize online meeting resources such as Zoom, or phone conferencing. The only exception will be for Trinity's Child Development Center ministry which will continue to operate under strict safety protocols as an essential provider of childcare in our downtown Orlando community. Trinity Leadership will continue to closely monitor the situation and will determine at what point it is safe to resume in-person worship and on-campus meetings. Updates will be shared via the Trinity Weekly, website, and Facebook page.
Links to Worship Online

Drive Through Communion / Online Instruction for Communion
On July 12 if we are not scheduled to return to in-person worship, we will offer drive-through communion and online instruction for at-home communion at 10-11am. Please mark your calendars and check back with the Trinity Weekly next week for an update.
Another 12 Hours of Prayer
During this time with so much changing, so much stress and strife, changes in routine, isolation and uncertainty, there is certainly no better time than now to really commit ourselves to prayer. We need 24 prayer warriors to sign up for another 12 straight hours of prayer, scheduled for Friday, July 10 from 9am to 9pm. Each individual (or two people can sign up to share a slot) signs up for a 30 minute time slot and will be given a list of prayer prompts to cover areas of our Trinity community (Church, CDC, and staff families), the Orlando community, the US, the world, and individual prayer needs. If you're interested in participating, please contact Trinity Elder Bob Trapp, Jr. at segt@netzero.com .

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study
This 9:30am study group has been meeting Virtually via Zoom to study the weekly readings. To participate and confirm start time, please contact Gregg for Zoom meeting invitation at gyawman@instetag.com .

Prayer and Connection Groups
Pastor Doug continues to lead two prayer groups on Wednesdays. For a weekly check-in and time to pray for one another, contact Pastor Doug for the Zoom meeting invitation at doug.kallesen@trinitydowntown.com .
New Virtual Bible Study, Book Clubs, Video Studies & Discussion Groups
In response to the additional time we're going to have to be cautious with in-person meetings, we're doing more to increase options for virtual connectivity, discipleship, learning and growth. We hope to launch a variety of new book clubs, new group Bible study options and discussion groups. New leaders are being sought now, some groups have are lead by the author on video, some are book discussions and simply need a group host. Groups will set start dates as quickly as possible. We'd like see everyone be quick to jump in a get started and to also make a big effort to bring someone with you (virtually) who isn't a regular Trinity member or worship guest...but someone you know would benefit from time with some others to connect, learn and grown. Let us know which groups interest you!

  • Surrendered - Letting Go & Living Like Jesus, by Barb Roose (Women's STUDY, Teaching led by author via video, daily study assignments in Study book, 6 weeks long.) Are you disappointed by unchanging circumstances? Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase, “Let go and let God,” which suggests that surrender is God’s path for peace for your life. It maybe true, but it’s easier said than done, isn’t it? In this six-week Bible study, you’ll learn how to let go by exploring Jesus’ time of testing in the wilderness. As you look to his example, you’ll discover six principles that will equip you to let God lead you to victory as you deal with the problems and pain you are facing. Along the way, you’ll compare Jesus’ responses to those of the Israelites, who also faced a long wilderness season centuries earlier. This study will equip you to give up control, reach for God, let go of fear, and experience the blessings of the surrendered life. It’s possible to let go and live like Jesus and the result is experience God’s power and peace as never before.Resources Available: Leader Guide, Study Workbook, Six-Session Teaching videos online.

  • Joining Jesus on His Mission - How to Be An Everyday Missionary by Greg Finke. (Adults, discussion based on reading book) Joining Jesus on His Mission will alter the way you see your life as a follower of Jesus and take you beyond living your life for Jesus to living life with Jesus. Simple, powerful and applicable insights show you how to be on mission and recognize where Jesus is already at work in your neighborhoods, workplaces and schools. You will feel both relief and hope. You may even hear yourself say, "I can do this " as you start responding to the everyday opportunities Jesus is placing in your path.

  • Discipleship - The Road Less Taken by Pastor Greg Laurie (Adults, 4 sessions, author led teaching via video, no book) Pastor Greg Laurie shares what it means to be a real disciple of Christ, and encourages us to learn and grow into spiritual maturity. As believers in Jesus, it is our commission and purpose to be disciples who obey and imitate Him. Opportunity is everywhere, but time is limited. We must seize the moment while we can.  

  • But Now I See - Finding God's Plan for your Life by Julie Hale Maschhoff, published by CPH (ADULTS, Discussion based on reading book) We hear people say this in good times and in bad—but does God really have a plan for us? How can we see that plan? God promises He has a plan for our life: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). But it’s not always easy to see what that plan is. After working through the eight chapters in But Now I See, you will have a clearer idea what God has in store for your life and how you can serve Him.

  • Go Fish by Andy Stanley (Adults, 6 sessions, video sessions led by the author, book needed) Fishing stories. We've all heard them. "It was this big." "You should have seen the one that got away." People love to tell stories of their fishing adventures. When it comes to faith, however, most people clam up. Why is it we can't talk about what God has done in our lives as naturally as we can spin fishing tales? In this six-part study, Andy Stanley explores the motivation behind sharing your faith and how it can become a natural part of your life.  

  • Get Your Life Back: Everyday Practices for a World Gone Mad by John Eldridge (ADULTS: Discussion based on weekly book reading, book/study guide needed) We live in soul-scorching times. The 24-7 onslaught of contemporary life—with its never-ending feed of global tragedies, demands for our attention, and pressures of work, family, and friends—has left us feeling ragged, wrung-out, and emptied. But if we have no margin in our lives, how do we find room to change anything? In this life-changing video Bible study (study guide sold separately), John Eldredge distills a lifetime of wisdom into five practical and ready-to-implement practices for putting your life back together. These practices include: (1) the one-minute pause, (2) benevolent detachment, (3) practicing kindness, (4) getting outside, and (5) stepping back from technology. These practices, ready for the taking, will enable you to begin recovery, focus on what matters most, disengage from the tragedies of this broken world, and discover the restorative power of beauty. You don't need to abandon your life to get it back. You can restore it here and now. And you will never be the same.

  • One Nation under God: Healing Racial Divides in America (ADULTS, CPH published study, discussions based on readings, 6-weeks, reading materials needed) We are a nation divided. This division stems from a lack of communication, empathy, and understanding. Author Rev. B. Keith Haney, an African American LCMS pastor, encourages everyone to seek answers to racial tensions in the only place where truth and peace can be found—God’s Word. Healing must begin with Jesus. In this six-session study, you’ll openly communicate and begin the healing process. Let’s be a nation united—united under God. “The study is dangerous and risky. It will demand open and honest conversation. . . . The study will likely make a predominately white-Missouri synod feel discomfort as we talk about prejudice, discrimination, hatred, diversity, and divisions. So be it.”—Rev. Bart Day, Executive Director of National Mission for the LCMS

  • Anxious for Nothing - Finding Calm in a Chaotic World by Max Lucado, (Men & Women/separate or coed, Author led teaching on video, five session study guide required) Do you feel weighted down with worry? Does the uncertainty and chaos of life keep you up at night? Are irrational fears your constant companion? Could you use some calm? In this five-session video Bible study, bestselling author Max Lucado explores God''s treatment plan for anxiety found in the most underlined verse in the Bible, Philippians 4:6-7: Be anxious for nothing, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. As you follow the Biblical prescription - celebrating God''s goodness, asking for his help, leaving your concerns with him, and meditating on good things - you will experience God''s peace. This is a peace that "transcends all understanding" and will help you reframe the way you look at your fears.With the heart of a pastor and his poetic storytelling and homespun humor, Max will help you:*Let God help you win the war on worry and receive the lasting peace of Christ.*Recognize the difference between present anxiety and persistent anxiety. *Find true freedom and experience more joy, clarity, physical renewal, and contentment by the power of the Holy Spirit. *Train yourself to rejoice in all circumstances. *Discover the secret of remaining calm when you feel you have more than you can handle. *Know how to encourage a friend and help them navigate anxiety and fear with real help from God''s Word.

  • Revolutionary Parenting -How to Raise Spiritual Champions by George Barna (Parents, author lead via video, book needed, 8 sessions) As parents our deepest desire is to raise children who succeed in life. This is also our greatest challenge. How can we foster traits such as honesty, compassion, and dedication in young minds? How can we raise children who will love and serve God as adults? How can we develop future spiritual champions? The Revolutionary Parenting series will help you create a plan for your family to do just that. Drawn from a landmark study of Christian twentysomethings and the parents who raised them, these resources are designed to help you build a solid foundation of faith in your child. Revolutionary Parenting is an eight-week journey designed to help you create a parenting plan for your unique children. So whether you're the parent of a newborn, a teenager, or any age in between, join the revolution and share a lasting legacy of faith with your children.  

Groups can start with as few as TWO participants and grow from there! Open to church, CDC, guests, friends, neighbors and strangers. All are welcome to connect, learn and grow! Contact Chanda at chanda.gillenwater@trinitydowntown.com to indicate your interest in a particular group so we can start a list and connect people with similar interests. Don't see one that you're looking for? Let us know and we'll find something in your area of interest. If you're new to virtual meetings, don't worry, it's not complicated, and we can walk you through the process. You'll be a pro in no time.

Virtual Options for Youth and Children
Updates will be shared next week - stay tuned!
Sermon Reflection Questions
Pastor Doug has provided some reflection questions for those interested in digger deeper into this weekend's Sermon lesson. These will be posted on our Facebook page as well if you'd like to share insights and responses there for further discussion.

  1. Jesus said, “Come unto Me and I will give you rest.” What does that mean to YOU? How do you approach Jesus and receive that rest?
  2. Has Christ ever given you “rest” from a situation in the past? Did you recognize it at the time or only afterward? How did it benefit you?
  3. “Take My yoke upon you” How can someone be yoked to Christ?
  4. Are you yoked to Christ now?
  5. “I will give you rest.” Do you need this? Is this happening in your life? And if not, what needs to change so that you can receive this rest from Jesus?

President's Equip Conference - One Body, Many Parts
The District is moving the President’s Equip Conference to a virtual format—a new venture for the Florida-Georgia District! It was changed because of the threat of a resurgence of the pandemic, keeping in mind the health and safety of people, along with financial concerns for our congregations and school.

All congregations and schools are encouraged to participate virtually -all you need is a computer or mobile device and an internet connection to attend from home. It's described as "a unique “ministry equipping conference” never done before — bringing together the many parts of one church body. This first-ever virtual conference will include pastors, teachers, vicars, deaconesses, DCEs, lay ministers, youth group leaders, members of the LWML, church councils, boards of elders, school board members and all active and retired men and women interested in ramping up their ministries and ministry skills!"

The conference is still scheduled for September 24-26 and will feature a great variety of speakers, including: David Kinnaman, President of Barna Group; Donna Snow, CPH Author and Speaker; The Skit Guys! As plans are developed and finalized, they will be  updated on the district website .

LWML
LWML Fall Zone Convention will be hosted virtually this year, due to the cancellation of Lake Buena Vista booking originally planned. If you are interested in becoming a voting delegate and can spend two days (September 24-26) of online attendance, you have a short deadline. Let me hear from you via e-mail as soon as possible as your information must be sent to our Zone President before June 25, 2020. As one of two delegates you will be asked to vote on several proposed grants ranging from $5,000 to $150,000. A full packet of information will be sent to you once your information is received by the Zone President. If interested, contact Mary Lou Evanchyk as soon as possible via phone: 407-491-4452 or e-mail: mevanchy@att.net.

Volunteer Service Opportunities


  • Sunday School Teachers are needed in the Fall. If you love children and want to teach them about Jesus and the Bible this just may be your opportunity to serve your Lord at Trinity. If you are interested please contact Pastor at 407.234.5296 or pastordoug@trinitydowntown.com We seek to find enough volunteers to staff two teams. 

  • Choir and Bell Choir  – “Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises!” Ps. 47:6 Trinity’s got Talent and we are in search of a few more singers and ringers. If you are interested contact Paul Soost at sooster67@yahoo.com or Glenda Frazier at whitemice@bellsouth.net.  

Thank You!
A call came out from our FL-GA District asking for assistance making masks, and, as in Acts 16, an amazing group of women from Trinity Downtown answered that call.  In Acts 16:9, we read, “And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and  help us .” Likewise, our Trinity family has been helping. They have given money, material, and made masks! A total of 170 homemade masks! A sincere “THANK YOU” to every lady who participated so selflessly in this very worthy mission!
Those Fighting Cancer  
Cheryl S, Nora V, Sandy A, Carol D, Mehlia G, Randy H, Travis L, Chuck M, Christine M, John S, Victoria, Rick B

Health Concerns 
Jim B, Cory C, Herman G, David G, Hazel H, Carolyn M, Yvonne S, Hudson W, Bruce , Fran , Barbara B, Len G, Andrea G, Robert S, Jim C.

Peace and Comfort
For the family and friends for former Trinity member and teacher, Jeff Wegner.
For the family and friends of Ruth Brown who has received her crown of glory
For the Kallesen family after Pastor Kallesen's uncle was called to glory

Surgery and Recovery 
Rich P, Bob S, Janice D, Austin, Gracie, Maggie E

Confidential Prayers
For those prayers that have been shared in confidence, you know the details, Lord, we lift them up to you

Serving Our Country
2nd Lt. John Kauffman, Alexis Peterson, Chad Elders, Cpls. Ricardo Wright, Cpt., Amanda Killinger, Cpt. Paul Roeder, James Henry Bond , Luke Rawlings, Quinn Koller, Ralph Ramos III, William

Additional Prayers
  • Prayers for peace and unity over the civil unrest in our city and nation.
  • 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.
  • We pray that a vaccine for Covid-19 will be developed soon and we be able to prevent further illness.
  • 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. 
  • Thanks be to God and the generosity of our members and CDC families supporting the work of the Lord at Trinity Downtown.
  • Prayers of thanks for our Trinity staff working to ensure things run smoothly during so many unexpected changes.

Our Missionaries
Wasmund Family in East Asia, Trump Family in Kenya, Clausing Family in Tanzania, Lehman Family in Spain, Young Family in Kenya

For Our Community - For Our Nation - For Our World
That we may all be a reflection of Christ's love, sharing grace and mercy, living in peace with one another. Reach out, listen, connect, and have those hard conversations.
Submit your prayer requests by emailing them to TLC@TrinityDowntown.com .
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. Confidential prayer requests can be sent to Pastor Doug at doug.kallesen@trinitydowntown.com .