Photos of the Week

Four baptisms during school Chapel this week!

Ellis from Z88.3 Mornings visited Ms. Beltz classroom this week

Your Weekly News & Updates

Highlights from Pastor Martin
  • Trinity's "Town Hall meetings"   Over 100 folks stayed after our four worship services last weekend to receive a 30 minute update on all the amazing things happening at Trinity.  If you didn't receive the paper copies of those updates, you can read a very brief summary below, or you can pick up a copy at church this weekend, or read them on the website.
  • "A Bridge to the Future" and Congregational Ministries Commitments  Cards can still be returned for the next few weeks in preparation for the June 19 Voters Meeting.  Here are the current totals:
2016 Operating Stewardship Drive
      Pledges Received....................82........$545.364
Bridge to the Future
      Pledges Received.................. 57.........$113,901
Volunteer Pledge Responses
      Pledges Received...............40
  • Baptisms in Chapel    This past Wednesday, we were privileged to celebrate the baptisms of Christopher & Kayla J., Cleo R. & Theryn T. A number of other CDC & K-8 families are planning baptisms in worship services in the near future.  If you want more information, contact the Ministry Coordinator, Chanda Gillenwater at 407-488-1919 x101 or TLC@Trinitydowntown.com or Pastor Martin at 407-488-1919 x112 or Jim.martin@TrinityDowntown.com.
  • Recognition of 2016 Graduates  On June 11/12 we want to recognize not only Trinity's 8 th grade graduates, but all H.S., College, and Post-grad graduations. Please submit by June 6th, the name, school, degree/career, and, if possible a picture we can put into the powerpoint that weekend.
Town Hall Meetings Key Information
  • Senior Pastor Call Process   We're inviting Pastor Jeff Anderson of Bethel Lutheran Church in Morton, IL,  and Pastor Jacob May of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Hampton, VA, to come and visit Trinity for a few days as soon as we can make arrangements.
  • Mortgage Payments Begin  Our Lutheran Church Extension Fund loan closed on May 13.  Our new monthly mortgage payments of approximately $45,000 begin in June. We are currently receiving enough revenue to make those payments, plus the additional funds needed for...
  • The 3 Year Bridge Loan   A bridge loan to cover construction overages, and to free up additional funds to begin work on the "three houses" on Ruth Lane has been put in place. LCEF, our ministry partners, encouraged this move so that the houses would not become a liability, but will begin producing rental income, hopefully, later this year.  Read about details for paydown, and/or refinancing of this bridge loan in the written Town Hall Meeting reports.
  • Congregational Finances   Although congregational offerings are about 7-8% behind expectation year-to-date, overall Trinity's financial picture is just slightly ahead of the budget projections.  Summer months are challenging. Working out a balanced budget for 2016-17 won't be easy, but overall there is no reason for panic.  We are also preparing for a full audit to begin in September.
  • School Ministries Move Forward  Not only are we celebrating National Lutheran Schools and AdvanceEd Accreditation, but we're implementing the school ministry growth plan.  With over 300 children enrolled in the Child Development Center, including VPK 4 students, projections for enrollment of 90 students in K-8 are not unrealistic.  As larger classes move up, we intend to add another single-grade classroom each year.  A three-year plan is being implemented starting in 2016-17, for reducing employee tuition subsidies to sustainable levels, and investing in our staff with cross-campus salary increases.  NLSA growth goals are integrated with the Trinity Ministry Plan currently "under construction" for 2016-19.
  • Trinity Ministry Plan  The first draft of a three-year ministry plan with specific ministry action steps for 2016-17 was presented to the Leadership Council on May 16.  As further revisions are made, we'll be publishing portions of the plan over the next few weeks in preparation for the June 19 Voters Meeting.  You'll see Major Emphases of the Leadership Council, and the specific goals of each of our four major ministry areas:  Church, K-8, CDC, and General Operations, plus some specific focuses of our Elders and School Board.  Our goal is that everyone can see where Trinity is heading, and every one can find a place to be involved in Trinity's ministries.
  • Campus Revitalization  With the encouragement of LCEF, and the bridge loan funding to move forward on the three houses, it is now clearer that we can focus the rest of our efforts on three major efforts:  1) The "must-do" campus fix-it projects, like the Loggia Roof.  2) Examining the Historic Preservation Grant possibilities as we engage an architect with specialized historic restoration skills to ensure that we pursue our sanctuary renovation in the best ways possible. 3) The full rental of the Magnolia office building.
  • Historic Preservation Award  This is the place to note the 2016 Historic Preservation Award given to Trinity by the City of Orlando for its design of the CDC, its preservation of the 3 houses, and its continuing work with its neighbors in the Lake Eola Historic District.
  • Campus Development Task Force   After evaluation of the Task Force's work on the Phase I project, the Leadership Council is re-purposing the Task Force and adding team members. They  will be responsible to coordinate all the special campus projects with the ongoing campus oversight entrusted to our General Manager.  If you have a special skill to contribute to the team, contact Ted Lange or Kathy Aber.  We need your help!
  • So....When Can We Use our Athletic Field and Parking Lot?  After reviewing all the amazing things happening at Trinity, the only sure answer is "SOON!"  There are very few things left on the list before we our final Certificate of Occupancy is granted!  But as many of us have learned over the years, sometimes the best answer is simply, "GOD ONLY KNOWS!"  
  • God Only Knows!  What a great summary of how God is leading & blessing Trinity!  When you see all that He has done among us, and all the potential for ministering to Downtown Orlando, all we can say for sure is  "GOD IS GOOD...ALL THE TIME!"   "God is able to do so much more than we can ask for, or even imagine!   TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!! "  Ephesians 3:20, 21
ALL THE NEWS

This weekend is Food and Funds on the Fifth
May has a fifth Sunday, so Trinity members know that it is time to share bounty and thank God for blessings with gifts of dollars for the Discretionary Fund and canned and non-perishable food for Plymouth Senior Services.  Look for the Grocery Cart in the Narthex this weekend.

Our School PTL wants to say Thanks for Vounteering!
Thank you to everyone who has volunteered with Trinity's Parent Teacher League this year! You have helped make this a great year of fellowship and connections that have resulted in so much support of our amazing school! If you volunteered with PTL this year, please join us for a Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast on Thursday, June 2, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. in the first loggia classroom (closest to the K-8 office). We can't wait to celebrate you!

Voters Meeting 
June 19th 12:30pm in the Sanctuary 

Summer Camp
Who is ready for summer at Camp Trinity 2016 ? Forms are available in on our Camp Trinity webpage. Please return forms to the school office.

NO Sunday School classes May 29, 2016

Celebrating our Graduates on June 11-12
If you or a family member is graduating this month, please let us know.  In addition to celebrating Trinity's 8th grade graduates, we will list Trinity's High School, College and Post-Grad graduates in PowerPoint during the June 11-12 worship services.  Please send in first and last name, place graduating from and (optional) a photo and a few words describing "what's next" (ex: Jane Smith, Graduated from Boone High School, attending UCF next fall; John Smith, Graduated with MBA from Rollins;  Sally Smith, Graduated from UCF, Starting new Job as a HS Teacher ).   Deadline Monday, June 6 th .

Deny Your Selfie Shirts
Shirts are $7.00 and proceeds will go toward purchasing Youth Ministry curriculum and HS Gathering participants. The text says, "deny your #selfie Take up your cross and follow Him!" which was our Confirmation Retreat theme this year.They will be on sale Sundays in June after services. Please contact Youth Ministry Team member Jenn Blackwood at mom23girls@cfl.rr.com.

Homeless Children in need of New and Gently Used Clothing
The Garden of Exploration VPK class is doing an end-of-the-year project on "generosity" and need your help!  Partnering with a parent who works with the homeless in Orlando, we've found there is a huge need for clothing for homeless children. If you (or someone you know) have access to new or gently used clothing school age clothing (size 5 and up) we would love to accept your donations to put toward our gift to these precious children. The clothing items must be either new or gently used, if gently used, also laundered. Thrivent has also provided seed money to make 20 bags of new clothing for the kiddos and the GofE class is tye dying shirts for them too!! 20 children will get summer bags with complete summer outfits, including sunglasses, plus a whole load of new and gently used clothing! You may drop off at the New Century Center front entrance or in the Narthex collection box. Deadline June 3. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact GardenofExploration@TrinityDowntown.com.  Thank you all for helping us to live Generously!

The B-I-B-L-E
You are a vital part of Trinity's ministry to children.  You tell the entire community of Orlando that you believe a firm foundation in the Gospel message of Jesus Christ and God's mercy is necessary because you support a school.  As our 4 year old children graduate into "big school" and move to kindergarten, Trinity congregation members congratulate these youngest students by presenting a Beginner's Bible as a graduation gift.  Your donation of only $15.00 will send one child into the world or into Trinity's next level of education with the precious Word of God.  A display board is located in the Narthex.  Your may donate cash or a check payable to: Trinity Lutheran Church & School with Child's Bible in the memo line. Graduation day is June 7, 2016.

Support our HS Youth attending NYG
Trinity's High School Youth will provide the Sunday Fellowship hour treats through the month of May as a fundraising effort to raise the necessary funds needed to attend the National Youth Gathering this summer.  Please stop by for a morning snack and support our Youth!

Gearing Up for 2016 - 2017!
Trinity Lutheran School is gearing up for 2016-17!  In just three quick months, after a summer that we all know will speed away, Trinity will open its doors to its 64 th academic year.  Since 1953, Trinity has been nurturing Christian character and promoting academic excellence!  For more info on K-8 staffing for next year, read more here    Returning and New Teachers for 2016-17!  

Baby Bottles
Redeeming Life Maternity Home is using baby bottles to collect your loose change, bills, and checks.  Our congregation supports this nurturing and safe Christian home for pregnant women over age 18 who have no safe place to live.  Redeeming Life a maternity home where help with life changing decisions is provided in Christian love and forgiveness.  Whether a resident chooses to parent or to lovingly place her child for adoption, grace and mercy found in Christ Jesus are evident. Trinity Church encourages supports  this service organization of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod through donations and volunteer time.  Pick up an empty bottle in the narthex display and return full on or before Father's Day or June 19, 2016. Contact: eborth@trinitydowntown.org  or 407-488-1919 X 127 with questions.

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

Readers needed for 6pm worship
Readers are needed for the 6pm worship service. This is a once a month commitment to support your worship team and serve in worship! Please contact Lisa Harris to sign up at my3c_angels@yahoo.com .  Thank you!

VBS is a'BOT time with Jesus
G od A lways D oes G reat and E xtraordinary T hings.  This summer, July 25-29, GADGET, a shiny robot, will lead children on a star adventure to search for his essential parts. 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 their very own 'Bot.  Be prepared to spend the summer having fun with robots, outerspace, and God's creation while traveling to new stars. Registration forms are on-line through the church and school website.  Paper registration forms available in church/school office beginning May 31, 2016, and church narthex June 5.  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 ( eborth@trinitydowntown.org or 407-488-1919 X 127) with questions.

Vacation Bible School HELP
Thank you for the most positive and encouraging response to our push for volunteers. this past weekend during worship services. You will be contacted this coming week to begin your adventure on a star trek. HOWEVER, small group leaders are essential for success and safe travel.  A group leader cares 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 ( eborth@trinitydowntown.org or 407-488-1919 X 127) to volunteer as a group leader.  
   
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 whitemice@bellsouth.net 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 whitemice@bellsouth.net and include several choices of day/time that would fit your schedule.


High School Youth Movie Night!
Sunday, June 12, 6pm-9pm.  Location Details coming soon!
Bring your 1 movie of choice and we will vote! Snacks will be provided.

Middle & High School Bible Classes available at 9:30 Sunday Mornings
MS and HS Youth each have their own Sunday classes providing opportunities for students to grow deeper in their relationship with God as well as their relationships with others. Meet the Youth Ministry Team leaders in the second floor classrooms of the K-8 building for fellowship and study time each week. No Middle School Bible study on May 22.

NO Sunday School classes May 29, 2016

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. beginning June 5, 2016 .

High School Youth July 2016 --National Youth Gathering--check website for more information!
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

2016 Leadership Nominations

The 2016 Nominations Committee, consisting of John Strandquest, Bob Gordon, David Tesch, Karen Arnett, and Mike Kunze have brought forth a slate of nominees for Leadership Council and the Elders Ministry Team.

On Leadership Council, two at large positions are to be filled to replace outgoing members Carolyn Burnette who served a two year term and Rocky Smothers who served a one year term in the at-large position following a 2-term commitment as the Congregational President.  Carolyn previously served Trinity by participating on the Evangelism board while Rocky has served in various capacities including serving on the Fellowship and Youth Boards.  Both have shown great commitment and love for Trinity and are to be commended for their continued service.  Both serve Trinity in many other capacities in addition to their elected positions.

Nominations for the two vacant Member at Large Positions will serve a 2-year term beginning in July 2016 through the end of June 2018.  The nomination committee brings forth Gregg Yawman and Tim Norris to fill these positions.  Both Gregg and Tim have prayerfully considered the responsibilities and have committed to serve if it be the will of the congregation to select them.  Leadership Council meets at least once per month and acts on behalf of the congregation with the authority to conduct and perform all acts and affairs of the church.

Typically, the Elders Ministry Team fluctuates in size depending upon the needs of the congregation and the desire of individuals to serve.  Following service to the Elder's Ministry for two terms, Cal Wacker will be leaving the Elders Team as is Tim Norris who served two and a half terms.  We thank each of them for their faithful spiritual leadership at Trinity.

The nominations committee and Interim Pastor Martin have asked eight men to prayerfully consider participating in the Elders Ministry Team.  There are three Elders currently serving that have committed to serve an additional term including Ulysses Floyd, eligible for a third term, Steve Kerestes, eligible for a second term, and Bob Trapp who is also eligible for a second term. Additionally, there are five men who have prayerfully considered serving Trinity including Rocky Smothers, Lo Phillips, Jim Curtis, Rusty Stephens, and Ken Boggs.   

Elders are elected to two year terms and outside of this annual election, any member in good standing can nominate another member of the church as a candidate by a written note to the Pastor or President, allowing the size of this ministry team to fluctuate as needed to support various church functions.  The primary responsibility of the Elders is Christian nurture to all members, to facilitate worship schedules and content, to assist with the Holy Sacraments during worship and to insure ushers, acolytes and all facets of worship are covered.  The Elders minister to, support and care for the senior pastor and staff of the office of Public Ministry, maintain the congregational role, maintain Christian discipline within the church, and maintain open communication with the Leadership Council.  The Elders Ministry Team is responsible for all aspects of spiritual leadership at Trinity.

These nominations are provided to you to prayerfully consider their participation in the Mission and Ministries of Trinity Lutheran Church and School.  Moreover, members of this congregation have full right to nominate additional members for Leadership Council or the Elders Ministry Team.  Please provide in writing any additional nominations to the Nominations Committee (John Strandquest jcjstrandquest@comcast.net or 407-496-6034).  Please insure that all nominees are aware of the nomination and are willing to prayerfully consider service to Trinity in the capacity of the position.

Important Dates

May 30 Memorial Day Holiday (Offices & School programs closed)
June 19 Father's Day
June 12 Celebrating our Grads
June 19 Voters Meeting immediately following 11am worship

Attendance & Giving

22-May-2016
Worship Attendance
6:00 p.m. 42
8:00 a.m. 48
9:30 a.m. 99
11:00 a.m. 84
Total 273

Sunday School
Adult's Bible Class 31
High School Bible Class -
Middle School Bible Class -
Children's Bible Class 16

Contributions
Current & Missions:
C & M Budget $16,375
C & M Actual $11,434
Faithfully Forward $1,109
Historical Debt $-
SOS/Faith Factor $-
Dedicated Funds $16,693

Trinity Downtown | The Ministries of Trinity Lutheran Church & School 
407-488-1919 | TLC@TrinityDowntown.com