Your Weekly News & Updates
Bring a Friend to Church
September 18th is National Back to Church Sunday and we've designated it "Bring a Friend" to church weekend at Trinity (September 17th & 18th). Statistics tell us that a personal invitation from a friend is the best way to welcome someone to church, and that intentional relationships provide opportunities for connecting with people, filling a need and sharing about your faith. How many times have you listened to a sermon and thought, "I wish my friend could hear this."?  Here's a prayer assignment to get things started...
  • Pray for your potential Guests (make a list).
  • Pray for the opportunity to arise to invite them to Church.
  • Pray for awareness of their need.
  • Pray for awareness of the opportunity.
  • Pray for the courage to invite them to church.
  • Pray for favor that they would accept the invitation.
  • Pray they would follow through and come.
  • Pray that the Trinity family would make them feel welcome and comfortable.
  • Pray that the message and worship would be personally relevant, meaningful and inspiring.
  • Pray that they would hear the message and grow ONE STEP CLOSER TO JESUS!

New Bible Studies
  • Extreme Grandparenting/ Grandparents of the New Millennium  Are you ready to take grandparenting to the next level?  Trinity will be offering a new study group on Tuesday evenings beginning October 11 at 6:30 PM that will be based on the book, Extreme Grandparenting: The Ride of your Life! by Dr. Tim and Darcy Kimmel.  This class will offer timeless and tested principles for grandparenting in the 21st century from two experts in family dynamics.  This honest and Christ-centered study will motivate and guide you to develop richer relationships with your children and their children.  This study will be led by called Trinity Lutheran Church member, Julia Malenke. If you have questions, please email Mrs. Malenke at [email protected] or call 407-488-1919 x101. Each study participant (or one per couple) will need to purchase a copy of the Kimmel's book for $13.  These will be available in the church and school offices by October 1.  Please RSVP by October 4 at the email address provided to let us know how many will be attending so we can choose the appropriate meeting location.  We look forward to seeing lots of Grandparents there!
  • The Life of Paul Starts 9/18, 9:30am Sunday Mornings  This adult Bible study will review St. Paul's life and his important teachings. All are invited to join this 13 week study which will include dramatizations of a number of St. Paul's life experiences. The class will begin Sunday, Sept. 18th at 9:30 in the Fellowship Hall.
  • Check out the full list of Trinity Bible studies on the website at

What's going on with MS and HS YOUth?  
  • Y outh Ministry Open House and More Mark your calendars for SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 from 2:00-4:00 for a 6th-12th grades students and their families - YOUTH ROOM DEDICATION, Open House, Meet and Greet Fellowship time. We will register for confirmation, apply for S.A.L.T. (Student Activities Leadership Team), hear about different opportunities to serve at Trinity, discuss fellowship ideas, share interests, pray and begin relationship building that helps develop and continue relationships of a strong Youth Ministry.  But we need YOU there!  Any questions please email Jenn Blackwood at [email protected]
  • Guys and Gals MS and HS Bible Study  Bible Studies resume on September 25th 9:30am, meet in the Youth Room. MS with Ms. Jenn and HS with Miss Caroline.
  • Confirmed Guys and Girls Groups start October 2
    • Brave Girl: Jenn Blackwood will this group Bible study, "Brave Girl" by Jen Hatmaker, beginning October 2 at 9:30am.  Come to Youth Room downstairs and be ready to GROW!  It is part video lesson and discussion. Description: What girl doesn't want to have it all together? Whether popular, not-so-popular, quirky, cool, or anywhere in between, every teen girl wants to love, be loved, and find acceptance and meaning in the world around her. Often feeling alone and insecure, she spends her life competing, comparing, and creating drama to prove to the world and herself that she's enough. But what if she's already enough? What if girls aren't meant to be perfect, but brave? In this 5-part series, Bible teacher, New York Times best-selling author, and popular blogger Jen Hatmaker talks honestly with teen girls about the struggle to live for Christ when their lives are full of pressure and temptation. Each session features real-life stories of brave girls and focuses on a different relationship: themselves, friends, guys, parents, and God. Sharing Scripture and stories from her own life and experience, Jen Hatmaker offers hope, guidance, and assurance that now is the time to stand strong and build a life of significance.  (Details coming soon for the GUYS!)
  • What about Jr. and Sr. Confirmation this year?  Come to the September 18th Youth Ministry Open House event to talk about what confirmation instruction looks like.  If you cannot be there please email Youth Ministry Coordinator Jenn Blackwood at [email protected]

Children's Ministry
  • It's a New Sunday Morning  Trinity Lutheran Church offers the best choice for children ages 4 through 10 every Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m.  All children from Pre-Kindergarten through fifth grade please come and explore Bible accounts of making tough choices, Kings and Queens, and Conquests in the name of the Lord. Opening is in the church basement music room and pick up at 10:30 a.m. will be in the classrooms on the first floor of Heritage Hall.   
Music Notes
  • Choir Practice We will have our first Parish Choir rehearsal on Wednesday, September 7 at 7:30 pm in the music room in the basement.   We welcome all basses, tenors, altos, and sopranos who love to praise God with singing! We rehearse every Wednesday at 7:30 pm; during Advent and Lent, we start at 7:50 pm. If you have any questions, please contact Paul Soost at [email protected] .
  • Handbell Choir Our first Handbell Choir rehearsal will be on Wednesday, September 7 at 6:30 pm in the balcony.  We rehearse every Wednesday at 6:30 pm; during Advent and Lent, we start at 6 pm.   If you are joining us for the first time, or if you have any questions about ringing with us, please contact Glenda Frazier at [email protected].
  • The 1st Floor Once-In-A-While Choir This choir is in the planning stages.  If you are interested in singing with this group, please come to a very short (15 minute) informational meeting after either the 8 am service or the 11 am service on September 11.  We'll meet in the back pews of the sanctuary. Please contact Glenda Frazier at [email protected] if you cannot attend or if you have any questions.
  • Brass and Piano Helpers Needed! We would love to have the Trinity Brass play on special occasions, but we need someone to lead this group.  We would also love to have a backup accompanist for the choir - if you are a pianist with good sight-reading skills, we need you!  If you have an interest in either volunteer position, please contact Glenda Frazier at [email protected].
Urgent Prayer Requests During the Week
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 [email protected] .  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.

Support Trinity's School Ministry -- Attend the PTL General Meeting
PTL General-Special Meeting Wednesday, September 14
This General Meeting is truly a Special Meeting, as PTL rolls out a special, family-friendly meeting format this year.  The fun begins at 5:30, when children meet in the Gym for Music and Movement activities as adults assemble for the PTL meeting outlining PTL events for the year.  Chef Poole will cook up a special, nutritious family meal!  Kids get StoryTime in the Library!  This meeting concludes at 7:00pm. RSVP by 7pm on Monday for your meal at the PTL Special Meeting: Call the School Office at 407.488.1919, email [email protected], or click  HERE to make your RSVP online.

Update from Pastor Jeff and Lisa Moore
Pastor Moore and Lisa want to thank all our friends at Trinity for the prayers, cards, Facebook posts, and other messages during Pastor's hospitalization and since.  He's recovering slowly but steadily, and we hope to return to Florida later in September, if the cardiac surgeon gives the OK.  We've felt so surrounded by God's grace and your love during this difficult time--thank you all!  We love you!  (Home address in Daytona--let's fill it up for when they finally get home!  311 Mobile Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118)

Thrivent Choice Dollars and Personal Donations in Response to Pulse Tragedy
Funds distributed to Trinity to support a long term outreach response to the shooting on June 12 in Orla ndo, to help support the Orlando shooting victims, survivors and their families, ha ve exceeded $100,000 from all over the country. Donations made by July 31 to five local Lutheran churches were matched by Thrivent. Trinity representatives and our Orlando area ministry partners will be working together to develop a plan of how to best make use of those funds to support ongoing and new initiatives in keeping with Trinity's mission that reach out and make a difference in the lives of people touched by this tragedy. Leadership Council is accepting proposals for using these funds in a meaningful way to support those impacted by events on June 12. No idea is too big or too small with the main goal to reach out to victims/survivors, their caregivers, and others impacted by the events on June 12 with our promise to "walk alongside you with Christ's love and compassion".
Current Proposals for Outreach Initiatives received to date include
1) Supporting the Lutheran Counseling Services Crisis Care fund which supports free counseling and outpatient mental health services for those involved in the crisis and their caregivers. (Request for $30K)
2) The Orlando Modern Quilt Guild - making quilts for victims' families, survivors, first responders, and others affected - which has quickly grown to a worldwide drive with donations coming in from Mexico, UK, Australia, and more.  (Request for $5,355: fabric for backing the quilts $3K, batting $1,955  and for postage $400)
3) Trinity Lutheran Church LCC Comfort Dog Ministry -- proposal includes the cost for the dog, travel and the required training in Illinois before and when the dog and handler meet, then hands on training here at Trinity with the LCC team. A Comfort dog ministry would allow for ongoing care and outreach to those affected by the Pulse tragedy in addition to providing a huge number of outreach and service opportunities for the church long term in our local community which would allow for our church family to build relationships and become actively involved with those in need in our community. ($20K)
4) Support for an Urban Church Plant in Downtown Orlando, in partnership with FL-GA District and other area churches.
5) Partnering with local law enforcement professionals to offer a self-defense and active shooter scenario training. ($375)
6)Reimburse Trinity's expenses for the Pulse Vigil and Banner ($623)
Please feel free to contact Leadership Council member Tim Norris [email protected] , Senior Elder Mike Kunze [email protected] or Ministry Coordinator Chanda Gillenwater [email protected] for information on the Thrivent fund and submitting an idea or proposal for intentional outreach to those affected by the Pulse tragedy and survivors and responders and to the Downtown community.

Support Trinity Ministry Partners

Dine and Donate  A perfect date night is also an easy way to make an impact on college ministry. Would you seriously turn down an opportunity to meet local celebrities?  Honestly, there is NO charge for the meal and quality entertainment when you learn how choosing life is easy with support and love.  Come to dinner with your credit card or checkbook and help three very different organizations raise funds.  You can attend one, or two, or all three.


 

    • On September 22, IDignity is planning the annual Souper Douper where fabulous soups hand-crafted by local celebrities tempt your palate. Contact Diann Grover to reserve your spot at Trinity's table:407-587-5957.   Deadline to reserve your FREE spot at the table is September 11.
    • Put on your fancy duds for a Saturday night out.  Live UCF , a church at the University of Central Florida, spreads an elegant table for you September 24th , 2016, 6pm at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Orlando. Contact [email protected] .
    • A fall feast for Redeeming Life Maternity Home fills the spot for your third social outing.   November 5 , 2016 will be a Saturday evening you will never forget.  A delicious dinner, good entertainment, and heart warming stories are waiting for you at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Sanford. There is NO CHARGE for the dinner, but the "catch" is an expected donation that fits your budget. Contact Deaconess Liz for details [email protected]
    • Virtual 5K to Support Mental Health & Suicide Prevention   You might have heard about the Lutheran Counseling Services STRONGER; 5K - a walk to support local crisis care and suicide prevention. Well, we are excited to announce that we have upgraded this event to be a virtual 5K.   What does this mean?  It will no longer take place here in Orlando at the University of Central Florida, meaning that people from all over our district and even country can participate! Grab a friend or two or three and exercise for a great cause!  The cost to register is $25 per participant and $15 per student (through college).  How do you participate in a Virtual 5K?  It's simple!
- Sign up using this link
- You will be sent a "bib" and shirt
- Walk, run or bike a 5K sometime between September 18-30.
- During or after your 5K, post a picture to Facebook or Instagram wearing your shirt and using #Strong5K

Invest with LCEF and Help Earn THOUSAND$$ for Trinity!  
Trinity just received nearly $23,000 from LCEF to assist our ministry!  The check is the result of the outstanding response from the church, school, and CDC to open an account with Lutheran Church Extension Fund!   If you haven't already, please consider opening an LCEF savings account.  The more investors mean the higher the rebate check will be next year.  Savings account investments start as low as $25 for children under 18 and $100 for adults.   If your child is new to Trinity Lutheran School in either the CDC or K-8 programs Trinity will donate $25 to start the account.  Adult investment accounts with LCEF benefit Trinity in the same way the Youth Investor accounts do, so parents and church members, you can participate as well!  You can apply online at LCEF.org .   For more information, please contact Bruce Hahn at 407-701-3234 or email [email protected].

Special Voters' Meeting Summary
On Sunday August 28 th , members of the congregation gathered at a special voters assembly to consider for approval the FY 2016-2017 Trinity Annual Budget.  David Wilkosz, Trinity's Financial Officer, provided highlights for each Christian Operating Center as well as major ministry areas to provide clear insight and understanding of the various parts of the budget and how they influence how we engage in our mission and ministries at Trinity.  Several informational presentations were made for the benefit of those in attendance.  Bob Meyer provided information on the Faithfully Forward and Bridge to the Future campaigns while Bruce Hahn discussed Trinity's Shared Blessings Rebate program with the Lutheran Church Extension Fund.  Finally, Tim Norris provided an overview on the status of proposals to utilize Trinity's portion of the Thrivent Choice Dollars. A motion to approve the proposed FY 2016-2017 annual budget was affirmed by the congregation.  Forty Seven members were registered to vote.  Please find details on the meeting and the FY 16/17 budget on the Trinity Web page under "Member Resources" or by contacting the Church Office.  A detailed copy of the approved budget can also be obtained by contacting the church office.

Gideons Ministry
Did you know?  This week your Orlando East Camp of Gideons distributed 122 New Testaments outside of Winter Park High School; 194 New Testaments outside of Glenridge Middle School and 853 New Testaments at Valencia State College.  At the public schools we are not allowed on campus so we distribute on the public sidewalks when school is dismissed.  Please continue to pray for those who received God's Holy Word, and for your Gideons!

Disaster Response
Our Trinity Lutheran School Teachers and Administrators are participating in the gift card offering for our brothers and sisters in Baton Rouge, LA. when they attend the Florida-Georgia District Educators Conference the end of September.   Nearly 50% of the homes of children who attend Baton Rouge Lutheran School were flooded and more than 50% of the school faculty and staff had 6-8 feet of water in their homes. If you are able, please purchase a gift card for Lowes, Home Depot, Walmart, and Visa in any amount, and our Trinity Lutheran School educators will take them to the conference .   This is an opportunity for you to help share God's Mercy and the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ through the local LCMS congregations in Baton Rouge.  These funds are needed to put supplies on the ground in direct support of those affected by the flooding.  It will also allow the Southern District to share the message of the Gospel. A direct donation  may also be sent to: The Southern District, LCMS, 100 Mission Drive, Slidell, LA  70460-5221.   Earmark your donation for the support of the Southern District's Disaster Fund.  Alternatively, you can donate on their website at    http://southernlcms.org/connect/disaster-response/

Redeeming Life Maternity Home is seeking a new staff member!
The staff member will manage living operations of the home; be a supportive and loving role-model to each resident by living out the gospel in everyday life.  This role functions as a teacher, role model, advocate, and listener while overseeing the residents and enforcing rules and regulations. This is a full time overnight house parent position.  Please email resume to [email protected] or call 407-790-9745.  

Important Dates

September 11  Sunday School Rally Day
September 18 MS & HS Trinity Youth Ministry Open House, Youth Room Dedication
September 24   LiveUCF Gala, Prince of Peace
October 15-31 Pumpkin Patch PTL Fundraiser
October 22  Sam Hoard Memorial Golf Tournament
October 31  Reformation Day (499th)
November 4-6   District MS Youth Gathering
November 5   Touch A Truck Community Event and PTL Fundraiser
November 20  Congregation Thanksgiving Fellowship Meal
November 24-25 Campus Closed
November 23 Thanksgiving Eve Worship 7pm
November 24   Thanksgiving Day Worship 10am
December 2  Downtown for the Holidays Tree Lighting Event, Lake Eola
December 24   Christmas Eve Worship
December 25  Happy Birthday Jesus


Attendance and Giving
September 3 & 4

Adult Bible Study 
  Total 18

Worship 
6:00 p.m. 32
8:00 a.m. 44
9:30 a.m. 71
11:00 a.m. 85
Total  232

Giving:
 Funds                                    Actual               Budget                Over/(Short)
Current & Missions             23,576.00        27,811.00            (4,235.00)
Bridge To The Future         1,046.67
Faith Factor                          1,220.50
Holiday/Loose Plate            71.00
Faithfully Forward               675.00

Trinity Downtown | The Ministries of Trinity Lutheran Church & School 
407-488-1919 | [email protected]