Trinity Weekly
News & Updates
April 16, 2021
Forward In Ministry Survey - IMPORTANT AND TIME SENSITIVE
Through this brief survey (approximately 15 minutes), we want to check in with you to see how Trinity might better serve you and move forward in ministry in the weeks and months ahead as we turn the corner on this COVID-19 season. The survey can be completed online by clicking the blue button below, or you may choose to completed a printed copy which is available in the Narthex (just inside the front doors of the Church).

Please be candid in your responses. Your responses will be confidential (i.e., select church leaders will see only aggregated responses and open-ended comments; avoid personal identifiable information in comments). Please complete this survey online (or return print copies to the the church office) no later than Wednesday, April 28.

Thank you, in advance, for helping us better understand our Trinity family ministry needs and opportunities.
THIS SUNDAY!
"FAM" - Care Communities for Foster/Adoption Families
Thank you to all who have responded in interest to Trinity's Family Advocacy Ministry (FAM) awareness and orientation events. Since November, we have had 7 members go through our equipping orientation, to be a part of the Care Communities we will be forming around foster families who live around us. Did you know that 90% of foster families who have Care Communities to wrap around them, feel so supported that they end up fostering more children, and for longer lengths of time? This is why we're so excited about this ministry! Our next awareness event is Sunday, March 18, 11:15 in the loggia 3 classroom (just west of the Sanctary). Just ONE hour of your Sunday for a truly important cause. The next step will be the equippng session, Wednesday, March 21 at 7pm via Zoom.

Kelley is also happy to host a mini event for your small group Bible study - online or in person. Please email her at skyblu@bellsouth.net.

To RSVP to foster care movie awareness event next Sunday (4/18, from 11:15-12:15), please click here. Please let Kelley Lane know if you will be attending virtually or in person, by emailing skyblu@bellsouth.net.
 
To RSVP to the volunteer orientation, on Wednesday (4/21 from 7-8 pm), click here. 
Easter Lily Sponsorships

Thank you for Your many generous sponsorships of Easter Lilies! Please accept our most sincere apologies for those Lily Sponsors whose donations and memorials were not previously recognized. We honor your personal memorials and thank you for your generous giving that provides for holiday flowers in the Sanctuary.

Donated by Kathy Aber
in memory of Wren Aber and
in memory of Peggy Trapp.

Donated by Ken & Terry Boggs
in memory of Hazel Boggs,
in memory of Joe Boggs,
in memory of Marie Ersch,
in memory of Ray Ersch,
in memory of Richard Boggs and
in memory of Joey Boggs

Donated by Omar and Gladys Dittmer
in honor of Our Savior and Lord - Jesus

Donated by Tom & Terri Finger
in memory of Frederick W. Finger,
in memory of Anita Finger,
in memory of Susan Finger,
in memory of Olga M Kaish,
in memory of J. Edward Kaish,
in memory of Mark A. Kaish and
in memory of Christian T. Finger.

Donated by Diann Grover
in memory of Kenneth Grover and
in memory of Robert Trapp, Sr.

Donated by Mary Jo Hoard
in memory of Pastor Sam Hoard.

Donated by Ron & Carol Logan
in memory of Mike Hofmann,
in memory of Mary Gene Carr,
In memory of Lorenzo Phillips, and
in memory of Mark Schmidt.

Donated by Sheila Mathews
in memory of Shirley Leiffer.

Donated by Brendan O'Brien
in memory of Peggy L. Trapp, and
in memory of Fay & Richard Boese.

Donated by Myrt Rhoads
to the Glory of God and
in memory of Loved Ones.

Donated by Paul Soost
in memory of David Soost.

Donated by David and Gail Wilkosz
in memory of Louis Siems and
in memory of Alberta Wilkosz.

Donated anyonymously in memory of Mouse.

Donated by Calvin and Lynn Wacker
in loving memory of Linda Stroker
and in thanks for Hudson Wacker.

Donated by Doug and Desiree Kallesen
in loving memory of Orville and Polly Boggess, Lyle Kallesen,
and in thanks for Jesus, Everyone’s Savior.
Voters Meeting Highlights from Last Week (32 in attendance)
  • Our Mission is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ through ministries which equip and strengthen our members to witness and serve in downtown, metropolitan Orlando and the world.
  • Voted to approve minutes from last meeting
State of the Parish Report-Pastor Kallesen
  • Worship COVID has been with us a whole year, Good to be in person, Time of strengthening through our challenges, PRAISE Team, 2 fabulous organists, Holiday Choir, bells, Paul Soost-scheduled singing during ZOOM services, Drive through communions, Ash Wednesday with CDC, Staying in contact-phone tree, Triune Weekly, Online worship-live stream with You Tube, Lance Bell, Bill Woodall, and Bob Blackwood-getting all in place for technology to work, Children’s Sunday School-will be contacting parents to see how many will come back, The new service schedule voted on would have been started by now, Prayer vigils, Prayer groups, Prayer bible study
  • Word Joining Jesus on His Mission book study, Immerse bible studies, CDC, ZOOM, WOW Bible studies, Jr. Confirmation through ZOOM
  • Witness Cross yard signs, Shoebox Christmas, Easter/Lent invitation cards
  • Fellowship Small groups are meeting regularl , Continued with ZOOM, LWML quilting meeting again, OWLS started meeting in person again, some of the Lenten midday and Saturday evening service attenders eating lunch or dinner together
  • Stewardship Kept our CDC doors open throughout covid, CDC still going starong, 3 Ruth Lane houses soon to be sold, termite Tenting accomplished, 3 new air conditioners installed, Tree trimming completed, Comfort Dog Outreach active and expanding, Blinds installed, Members' own service projects: ie Salvation Army , Carpentry work on Heritage Hall entry
  • Forward in Ministry Survey coming for ministry needs next weekend-please fill it out either online or on paper
  • Communion Many requesting for a more normalization in communion, Will still offer in-seat communion option, Space between individual cups in tray, Pastor will drop the bread into hand, Come forward, Voted to begin first weekend in May with optional continuous communion-Pastor Kallesen
School Ministry Report-Bonnie Roby
  • Thanked members of School Board, Currently have approximately 279 students, Transitional room in Heritage Hall, deadline extended due to COVID for accreditation, Limiting movement between rooms, Patty applied for new grant of $3250, Trying to meet new minimum wage, Maintenance needed done-need to find financing, New fencing to get up to code, Working on new campus program called Prepared to notify whole campus during an emergency
Finance Report-David Wilkosz
  • Revenues below budget $39,000, Ministries have done a much better job of minding expenses, Most of the expense is payroll, $204,000 better than budget, Still not positive, $389,000 less revenue than last year, Loss of $221,000 from last year, Membership & COVID taking a toll, CDC numbers heading in right direction as parents trust procedures for safety,
  • Reviewed giving, Most months down from last year, Some of that is COVID related, Some members have passed away, Giving is down, Coming up on stewardship campaign for next year,
  • LCMS Foundation Investment Update: Combined the Kunze, Kasper, and Betsy Johnson funds 3 years ago, Have seen tremendous growth on the original investmentWant to head toward endowmentRelies on stock marketStandard equity & standard modified balance
  • PPP Loan Update (Paycheck Protection Program) $465,800 received, Need to file for loan forgiveness, We were able to pay our workers through COVID, Applied for a 2nd draw on this loan for $23,416,
Leadership Highlights/Discussions-Tom Finger
  • Status of Ruth Lane Properties: Looking at $770,000 for all 3 houses, with all expenses rolled into it, What is left over will go to LCEF to pay loan
  • Landscaping Improvements- Hannah Rickenberg Project: Working with landscaper, Should be minimal cost & increase curb appeal,
  • Property Maintenance: Thank you to all the Campus Care volunteers to get things done
  • Transition/Loosen COVID 19 Precautions as Orange County loosens their precautions
  • Need for volunteers for all worship services

Documents:
Voters Meeting 4.11.21 PowerPoint for Finances
Ushers and Greeters Needed

“If any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” John 12:26
“But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15

No experience is necessary—only the desire to give unto our Lord and allow all those who enter Trinity's sanctuary to feel welcome and be a part of our family here at Trinity.
As our numbers in worship are increasing, our need is growing to have our team of "Those Who Serve in Worship" fully staffed with volunteers. Our goal is to have ushers and greeters serve just once a month on behalf of He who saved us. You may also ask to be scheduled for just one service to partner with a veteran usher and see what it's like before signing up for once a month service. If you feel that tug on your heart to serve your Lord in some way and make our church feel more like home to all who visit, or if you have any questions, call or email Brian Paul, 407-489-3363, bpaul1@hotmail.com.
Peace Comfort Dog - Running for Respect!
Peace and team are participating in Run for Respect this Saturday, an annual event hosted by Pontiac Township (IL) High School benefitting their Life Skills Special Education Students. Over 55 LCC K9 Comfort Dog teams from 21 states are participating in the virtual event and will complete a 5K Run/Walk. The PTHS students send out the race packets, including a race bibs and a medal for each team, track the race results, and study the locations with participating teams. In addition to the LCC K9 Comfort Dog teams, they have participants from all 50 states and several continents. We're proud to join the cause spreading the word of Respect For All and Spread The Word - INCLUSION! 

Peace is reaching out into our community with God's love and compassion! So, if you know of someone who would love to be visited by Peace and her team, please talk to Paul Soost or any member of the Comfort Dog team. They would love your help in getting Peace's schedule booked up a bit more. And if you're interested in being part of Team Peace, please talk to Paul Soost. Have you thought about being a handler and taking Peace on visits? There's a place for you on our team. Talk to Paul Soost at sooster67@yahoo.com!
Sponsor a Child's Bible
Do you know the purpose statement of Trinity's Child Development Center? We've just updated it this year and we feel very, very grateful for what Trinity Downtown is able to provide to local children and families through the CDC. The purpose statement is:

Trinity Lutheran School's Child Development Center
nurtures the development of the whole child 
from a core foundation of faith, 
preparing them spiritually, academically, socially, and emotionally
in partnership with their family
for future academic success and to lead purpose-filled lives for Christ.

So, in keeping with our purpose, each year Trinity Downtown gives a brand new children's Bible, The Jesus Storybook Bible, to every child who graduates from our four VPK classes. As these children leave our Lutheran child care center and begin Kindergarten at a new school, we send with them, and their families, the best gift we can give - a foundation of faith, nurturing and preparating, and the Word of God -- with a note inside that will remind them for years to come of their Trinity Family!

Each Bible is $7 or a case of 20 for $139. Please consider sponsoring one or more Bibles for these children. Checks can be sent to the office or dropped in the offerring plate with VPK BIBLES written in the memo line.
Sharing Trinity Family Moments
Send in your photos of Trinity Family moments - pictures of your study groups, special birthdays/awards, rehearsals, etc. With so much isolation right now, let's do more to share photos and stories to keep in touch. We'll share them in the Weekly. Send to Chanda at TLC@TrinityDowntown.com.
Portals of Prayer
The April-June edition of the Portals of Prayer devotional booklets are available now in the Narthex (free).

If you aren't back to worshiping in person and would like to pick up one in the office or at drive-through communion, please email TLC@TrinityDowntown.com so we can make sure they're in the right place for you.

Thanks!
Livestreaming
We're livestreaming Sunday 10am worship every weekend.

If you need any help finding any services or subscribing to our YouTube channel, please contact Chanda at TLC@TrinityDowntown.com or 407-490-7339.

You can find the Saturday services on Trinity's website and posted on Facebook weekly.
Children's Sunday School and MS/HS Youth Bible Study
These Sunday classes are not yet meeting in-person. Planning is underway now with tentative plans to re-launch Children's and Youth Bible Studies in August with the new school year.
Christian Yoga
Christian Yoga continues online via Zoom on Mondays @ 6:30pm. Now more than ever - the relaxation of yoga is a tremendous benefit. Email Beth for more information at baschu4@bellsouth.net.
Support Trinity Downtown while you shop!  
Start your Amazon shopping from Amazon smile, and you’ll a small percentage of your shopping totals will be donated to Trinity ministries! THANK YOU!
CONNECT - LEARN - GROW

Small groups connect you to others where you can learn, connect, and grow in ways which will strengthen and equip you to share the gospel and serve in your local community and beyond! That’s straight from Trinity’s mission statement and our commitment to bring people one step closer to Jesus.
 
Trinity’s mission: to share the gospel through ministries which strengthen and equip people for Christian witness and services in downtown, metropolitan Orlando and the world.  

Currently Running Groups (see red notes for NEW info)

Immerse Bible Reading Experience, Book 2: Beginnings
  • Book needed, daily readings, eight week plan
  • MONDAYS at 7pm with Pastor Doug, via ZOOM.
  • Join Zoom Meeting by going to this link:
  • Meeting ID: 871 5950 5495
  • Passcode: 872275
  • More info about ordering, audio book access and supplemental materials can be found HERE
Immerse: Beginnings is the second of six volumes for use in Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience. Beginnings takes the reader on a new and unique journey through the first five books of the Bible: the Pentateuch. In Beginnings readers follow the ancient nation of Israel from its earliest ancestors to the moment it is poised to enter the land God promised them. As God’s covenant community follows the instructions laid out in the Pentateuch, they not only receive God’s blessings but also are uniquely positioned to bring renewal and healing to the world and to show all peoples the true character and nature of God.

Grief Share - Grief Recovery Support Group
  • New Series BEGINS MAY 4, 2021
  • Discussion leader is Norma Smith, contact at normie1939@gmail.com
  • Tuesdays at 1pm, Fellowship Hall, in-person, workbook needed
  • Each weekly session is a stand-alone session - so you can join at any time and at any pace!
GriefShare is for people grieving the death of a family member or friend. You’ve probably found there are not many people who understand the deep hurt you feel. This can be a confusing time when you feel isolated and have many questions about things you’ve never faced before. Grief Share support groups are led by people who understand what you are going through and have been trained to facilitate this support group. Please share with others who may need to hear about this. These groups are open to all. To learn more visit https://www.griefshare.org/ . Questions? Contact Trinity’s Ministry & Communications Coordinator, Chanda, at 407-490-7339 or TLC@TrinityDowntown.com
 
Participants will gain access to valuable GriefShare resources to help you recover from your loss and look forward to rebuilding your life. It is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone. GriefShare meets weekly for 13 weeks. Each GriefShare session has three distinct elements:
  • Video seminar with experts Each week your GriefShare group will watch a video seminar featuring top experts on grief and recovery subjects. These videos are produced in an interesting television magazine format featuring expert interviews, real-life case studies, dramatic reenactments, and on-location video.
  • Support group discussion with focus After viewing the video, you and the other group members will spend time as a support group, discussing what was presented in that week’s video seminar and what is going on in your lives.
  • Personal study and reflection During the week you will have the opportunity to use your workbook for further personal study of the grieving process and to help sort out your emotions through journaling. Your group will spend time discussing questions and comments from the workbook study.

Prayer Bible Study Group
Pastor Doug leads an evening prayer group on Wednesdays at 7pm. For a weekly check-in, a lesson on prayer, and time to pray with and for one another, contact Pastor Doug for the Zoom meeting invitation at doug.kallesen@trinitydowntown.com.

Adult Bible Study - Studying Lectionary Readings
Sunday Mornings 8:45am adult group will meeting in-person at Trinity with the option of Zoom link for those who aren't yet meeting in-person! Studying lectionary readings each week. Contact Gregg Yawman at gyawman@instetag.com for moreinformation.

Adult Bible Study - IMMERSE Bible Reading Experience - POETS coming up next
DATES TBA
  • Sunday mornings
  • Tuesday morning and evening
  • Saturday evening

Tuesday Morning Women’s Group, "Women of the Word" - WOW
Jump in anytime!
  • Book needed $13, weekly reading assignment, jump in anytime
  • Tuesdays at 9am, Loggia 3, in-person. Contact Terry at mammierocks@yahoo.com to sign up.
"Surrendered" (40 Devotions to Help You Let Go & Live Like Jesus) by Barb Roose.
If you struggle with control, this devotional is for you. Are you in the midst of a hard or heartbreaking season of life? Do you try to control your situation or other people? Do you struggle to let go? ...If you answered yes to any of these questions, this forty-day devotional journey is for you. Within these pages, you're invited to embrace the life-giving power of surrender as you learn to let go and live like Jesus-fully trusting God's power, presence, promises, and provision for your life.

Online/At Your Own Pace

Rev. Milan Weerts shares a study on "The End Times" and "The Gospel of John." You can follow along via Pastor Weerts' Facebook page. Pastor Weerts uses the ESV translation but you can use your own favorite translation for study as well. If you have specific End Times questions, send them to Pastor Weerts at StrongInChrist@CFL.RR.COM   
Covid-19 Safety Procedures

Visitors on Campus
Masks are required for all those visiting the Trinity campus. You are required to respect a six foot minimum distancing from the person you are scheduled to meet with. If you feel ill or have been exposed to or test positive for Covid-19, please do not enter the campus. We will gladly reschedule the meeting to a Zoom meeting if needed.

Use of Trinity meeting rooms for Bible Study groups or meetings
  • masks are required of all attending (all those over 2 years old)
  • 6 feet distancing is required between all individuals not in the same primary household
  • no food or drink during meetings because this requires one to remove their mask to eat or drink .

Sanctuary Capacity with Social Distancing
Please note that we are able to accommodate fewer than our usual maximum capacity in the Sanctuary while following social distancing guidelines. With many still worshiping online from home, we do not believe we will reach that capacity right away and plan to move to two services on Sunday before that happens. However, if that increase in attendance happens more quickly than expected, we may find ourselves in a situation where we have to turn someone away once the Sanctuary is full. Please be aware of this possibility and know that we are doing our best to anticipate attendance and seating needs.

Required Quarantine
*We ask that if you have had direct exposure (within 6ft, 15 min, with or without a mask) to someone who is now being Covid tested because they suspect they are ill or were directly exposed, please self-quarantine until you find out that person's results. If that person tests negative, all is well. However, if that person tests positive, you have now been directly exposed to someone who is positive and must take the necessary CDC steps to quarantine until: 1- you have experienced 6 days of NO symptoms and a PCR on day 7 that comes back negative, OR 2- you have experienced a full 10 days completely symptom free. Thank you to all who have taken these steps to keep others safe!

Required Notice
If you (staff member, church or CDC family, guest, volunteer, etc) have had direct exposure to someone who believes they may have been exposed and are now getting tested, or have had direct 1:1 exposure to someone positive for Covid-19, or test positive for Covid-19 yourself, and have been on Trinity's Campus for worship, volunteering or other reasons, please immediately notify a member of Trinity's Administrative Team (Pastor Doug Kallesen, Chanda Gillenwater, Liz Roberts or Patty Moser - email TLC@TrinityDowntown.com). Your name will be kept in confidence, while Trinity makes its best effort to determine which others you may have had contact with to inform them of the need for testing and/or quarantine.

Worship Safety Procedures - MUST READ
  • If you are feeling ill, have a fever or any of the symptoms related to Covid-19, please stay home and join us for ONLINE worship.
  • The wearing of masks is required for all in attendance except for children under the age of two. Proper use is required - mask should fully cover your nose and mouth for the entire service, even while singing.
  • The Pastor is permitted to remove his mask to give the sermon in order to communicate effectively - for this reason the front two pews of church will remain empty to allow for additional distancing between the pastor and guests.
  • All hymnals, Bibles, pencils, attendance and prayer cards have been removed from the pews. There will be no printed bulletin. This removes all items which would have multiple contacts.
  • The carpets will have been steam cleaned and sanitized. All surfaces inside the Sanctuary will be sanitized, including the pews and pew cushions. These areas will be re-sanitized after the Saturday night service in preparation for Sunday morning.
  • Please enter the Sanctuary from the front (south) doors or the west side door (ramp).
  • There will be hand sanitizer available at both the front door and west side door - please use before you enter and as you leave.
  • You will be welcomed into the Sanctuary by an usher or greeter who will escort you to your seat. They will also be able to answer any questions that you might have.
  • The pews and aisles will be marked to facilitate safe social distancing.
  • No hugs or handshakes are permitted.
  • We will be administering in-pew communion rather than having the congregation proceed to the altar to receive the bread and wine. Each communicant will be given a sanitized plastic bag containing the bread and wine (gluten-free wafers will be available to those who need them) at their seat. Pastor will provide instructions detailing the exact procedure to be followed at each service.
  • At the conclusion of the service everyone will be asked to remain seated until it is their row’s turn to leave the sanctuary.
  • Collection plates will be placed at the front doors and west side door from the church to receive the tithes and offerings of those attending the service.
  • There will be receptacles for the used communion kits at each exit as well.
  • Worship will be posted online as it has been, so if you are feeling ill or wish to worship from home for any reason, you may certainly do so!

* Childcare/nursery will not be available until further notice. Children are always welcome in worship services!
* Children's Sunday School and Youth Bible Study decisions are being made now. Updates coming soon.
Community News
LCS is Hiring a Part Time Receptionist
Lutheran Counselign Services is looking for a part time front desk receptionist. The job will consist of answering phones, scheduling and checking in clients. If you are interested in joining a professional staff who offer a variety of mental health services,and want to help those in need you can go to "lcsfl.com - who we are - join our team", to see a full detailed description of the position.  LCS is a nonprofit 501c(3) with many of our services funded through grants and donors. This allows us to offer sliding scale fees to the clients and supplement therapist fees. At LCS, our clients find a safe and caring environment where licensed mental health professionals provide counseling services that are available to the entire Central Florida community. We hope you will prayerfully consider joining our team. https://lcsfl.com/who-we-are/join-our-team.html
The St. Luke's Concert Series
To view ONLINE concerts, visit St Luke's website for links. Links to watch live.
APRIL 10-11, 2021
Attending in person:
Saturday 6pm 35
Sunday 10am 53
Contributions:
Current & Missions – $7,456.50
Holiday/Loose Plate – $612.00
April 16 Moving Forward In Ministry Survey Begins
April 18 Awareness Meeting for "FAM"
April 21 Equipping Meeting for "FAM"
Apr 28 Final Deadline for Survey Responses
Submit your prayer requests by emailing them to TLC@TrinityDowntown.com.
All prayers are kept on the list for a period of three weeks, so please resubmit long term prayer needs regularly.

Those Fighting Cancer 
Jamie J, Rick B, Andy S, Sandy A, Karl S, Bruce S, Christine M, Gail W
 
Health Concerns 
Charlie L, Norma Simmons, Clara M, Hazel H, Tuley B, Jessica and family, Allen C, Claudia K
 
Other
Mindy, H, Karen E, Margaret

Peace and Comfort
  • For the family and friends of Robert E. Trapp, Sr. Robert's Memorial Service is scheduled for Saturday, April 17 at 11am at Trinity Downtown followed by a Reception in the gymnasium. In lieu of Flowers the family suggests a direct contribution to Trinity Lutheran Church, or the Comfort Dog Ministry of Trinity Lutheran Church, or IDIGNITY Orlando in his honor.
  • For the family and friends of Everette Fischer (member of Zion Lutheran)

Surgery and Recovery/Hospitalized

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

Our Trinity Missionaries
Wasmund Family in East Asia, Trump Family in Kenya, Clausing Family in Tanzania, Lehman Family in Spain, Young Family in Kenya
 
For Our Communities - For Our Nation - For Our World
We pray for our nation, for our Nation's leaders, for its people, and for our future together as One Nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all! We pray that we may all be a reflection of Christ's love, sharing grace and mercy, living in peace with one another. Let's reach out, listen, connect, and have those hard conversations. Love is first. Love wins.

Additional Prayers
  • For all those caring for aging and/or ill family members in need
  • Prayers for our CDC staff & families, Trinity membership and all Trinity staff & leaders
  • For all those struggling with mental health issues
  • 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.
  • Prayers for all those who have Covid-19 to be restored to full health
  • 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. 
 
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