Trinity Weekly News
This Sunday-Contemporary
This is the first Sunday of the month! Worship at 10am Sunday will be lead by our contemporary Praise Band.

Upcoming Special Service Dates & Times
Due to Covid-19, safety protocols require social distancing and masks at all services. Since seating will be limited, we will be using an RSVP system to ensure numbers are spread out among the three Christmas Eve services. Watch for details on how to reserve your spot.
Trinity Family News - Mary Gene Carr
Trinity's beloved Mary Gene Carr, 94, of Oviedo, FL, passed away on December 2, 2020, in Valdosta, GA. Can you just hear those angels singing?? She was such a special person, and treasured by so many. She poured the love of Christ into the lives of all those with whom she came into contact, and she was a steadfast prayer warrior for the people in her life! She is survived by her loving family and dear friends. Due to COVID-19, upcoming services are private. However, sometime early next year when the Covid-19 situation is better, we hope to have a public service at Trinity Downtown. We'll keep you posted. Please keep her family and friends in your prayers. Thank you.
Sponsor a Poinsettia for Trinity's Christmas Decorating
You can sponsor the cost of a Poinsettia that is displayed in the Sanctuary for Christmas services, and then take it home after Epiphany. It will be a red, 7-8 bloom poinsettia. $12 sponsorship per plant. To have your sponsorship information shared, please email TLC@TrinityDowntown.com with information as follows:
Number of plants ______ sponsored by ______________________________________
In memory of _____________________ *OR* In thanks for _____________________
Please put your sponsor payment, with a memo attached stating it is for Poinsettia Sponsorship, into the offering plate after worship, drop off into the locked payment box in the front office, or mail to Finance Office of Trinity Downtown at 123 E. Livingston St, Orlando, FL 32801. Thank you!

Voters Meeting Dec 13
Mark your calendars please! There will be a regularly scheduled Voter's Meeting Sunday December 13 at 1pm. At this point the meeting is scheduled to be conducted on ZOOM. That may change if the local COVID-19 conditions improve. Additional details will be provided at a later date.
Our 1st Awareness Event: SUPPORT for Adoption & Foster Families
Did you know there are 1789 kids in foster care in Central Florida, and that siblings going into care often get separated?? There’s a lot we don’t know about adoption and foster care, including how we can support families who have adopted or foster children at home. Our Adoption and Foster Care Family Support Group, facilitated by Kelley Lane, can share with us opportunities for Trinity families to support current Adoptive and Foster families in our community.

Together, we can learn more about how to be part of a Community Care Team at our FIRST AWARENESS event for Adoption and Foster Care Support, on THIS Sunday, Dec 6 (CORRECTED DATE) at 11:30 in the Loggia 3 meeting room. Masks and Distancing are required. Please RSVP to Kelley at skyblu@bellsouth.net.
Calling All Chalk Artists!
Peace Comfort Dog would like to feature your Christmas and New Years artwork on her social media pages. You create a masterpiece. Peace shows up to take a picture with you and your artwork. Your artwork is featured on Peace's Facebook and Instagram pages. Sounds easy, right? Not good with chalk? You could do a painting or pencil drawing. Please email or call Paul at sooster67@yahoo.com or 407.590.9333 if you'd like to participate.
LWML Update
The LWML FL-GA president has put out a call to all women in the Greater Orlando Zone willing to serve as Zone Treasurer, or VP of Mission Grants or VP of Spiritual Growth. At present, any candidate will need to be computer literate and able to use zoom for virtual meetings. If you would like to be nominated for any of these positions in the Greater Orlando Zone, please call Mary Lou Evanchyk at 407-491-4452 or mevanchy@att.net. Also, our Zone Pastoral Counselor position needs to be filled as well.

New Mite Boxes - PENNIES amount to HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS $$
Based on the Biblical account of the widow's mite (Luke 21:1–4), the Mite Box is intended for regular contributions of "mites" — offerings above and beyond the support given to congregations and the LCMS. Mite Box contributions amount to millions of dollars that fund district and national mission grants and implement the LWML program. The new Mite boxes are now available in the church narthex. Put one in your car, on your kitchen counter or dresser, wherever you might collect spare change! Our LWML Zone collected $125, 093.55 from MITES in the past two years! 15 District Mission Grants were ministry granted based on those mite gifts! YOUR PENNIES MATTER!!

LERT Training
The next LERT training is on December 12 from 9am to 3pm at Hope Lutheran Church Orlando, F. For more information or to register contact Lori Bachmann at (214) 842-0776 or email L_bachmann@bellsouth.net
Children & Youth Ministry News

Children's Sunday School and MS/HS Youth Bible Study
These Sunday classes are not yet meeting in-person.

Trinity Family Volunteer Needs
Work Day Tomorrow!
Please join us for an impromptu Saturday morning project day to spruce up and improve the Trinity Campus. We will meet starting at 8am and finish up no later than noon but please drop in for whatever period of time works for you. 

Targeted projects include light grading of dirt recently installed along the west side of campus along the hotel’s brick wall. Once graded we will be installing mulch. Another important area for creating a more aesthetic and safe campus is cleaning up the east side of the sanctuary which will include trimming bushes, pulling weeds, and generally cleaning up the landscaping. Here too we will install mulch once the area is cleaned. There are also additional hedges to trim, bushes to clean up and weeds to pull around campus. Future work will also include specific projects around campus including installing security fences on the west side of campus as well as addressing other campus needs. 

We look forward to seeing you! Please bring appropriate tools, if you have them, and refreshments for yourself. The weather is looking great for some light work and fellowship time!! THANK YOU!
Volunteers Needed to Serve In Worship - ESPECIALLY for the Special Holiday Services!
TRINITY NEEDS YOUR HELP! If you are now attending in-person worship services, please consider lending a hand as an usher. Ushers are an important part of the worship experience. If you, or you and your spouse. or even the whole family, can help by serving please contact Mike Kunze at mwkunze@gmail.com or Ted Lange at lange5fla@hotmail.com. Thank you!

Team Peace Needs You!
Peace Comfort Dog Ministry Team is looking for additional handlers and ministry team members. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs are a bridge for compassionate ministry, opening doors for conversation about faith and creating opportunities to share the mercy, compassion, presence and proclamation of Jesus Christ. Peace and team visit local community organizations, churches, schools, nursing homes and first responder locations. We may also be dispatched in times of disaster and crisis to bring comfort to all those affected. If you are interested in being part of the team, please contact Top Dog (Team Leader) Paul Soost at 407.590.9333 or sooster67@yahoo.com
 
Campus Care Needs
There is a long list of property projects that need volunteer support to be accomplished, including photos and details. If you're handy with tools or skilled in a specific trade, please contact Ted Lange at lange5fla@hotmail.com for details on projects and to share how you might be able to help!
12 Straight Hours of Prayer
You are invited to join together as a Trinity family on Saturday, Dec 12 for 12 straight hours of prayer. You can schedule a 30 minute time slot you will cover by emailing Bob Trapp at segt@netzero.net, or you can jump in whenever you're able on that day.
 
Together we pray...

  • for the United States of America, to keep this nation free and defend the Constitution YOU established against all who may wish to subvert it.
  • that we as Christians will not be restricted from worshiping the Lord by any despotic force that may be forming in this country which would deny this
  • for our leaders that there will be a revival in Christian values in all decisions made within the United States and world. 
  • that the people of the Untied States return to worshiping the Lord and acknowledging HIM as KING above all.
  • for our church membership and guest, and all of our Trinity staff in the church and CDC ministries to keep them all safe from any danger or illness.
  • for our Trinity Child Development Center children and families, for safety and protection from all danger or illness.
  • for our Comfort Dog Ministry and those who serve in this capacity, for safety and protection from all dangers or illness.
  • that Trinity Lutheran Church may be a beacon of the LORDS LOVE for His people to all of Orlando
  • for our Voter’s Meeting Dec 13 at 1 p.m. - that the Holy Spirit would guide each and every step we take as a ministry called to serve our Lord, that God's will be carried out in each decisions, that our own agendas are set aside to obey God's will for the good of the Church and the Kingdom of God.
  • for our volunteers and those who may wish to serve in that capacity, open their hearts to service in YOUR NAME.
  • in Thanksgiving for the pandemic vaccine that is going to be released in the near future, to let the world and our nation know that this was accomplished only by your HAND in guiding the scientists and medical personnel to achieve this breakthrough.
  • that the LORD'S name is glorified and always is a part of our prayers first and foremost before all other requests or concerns.
  • for our law enforcement, who place themselves and the security of their families in defending others even at the risk of their lives, keep them safe and be their shield against all dangers.
  • for our medical doctors, nurses, technicians, and first responders for safety in their service to this nation fighting the pandemic, be their shield against all dangers.
  • for our Fire Personnel, the firemen, paramedics/EMT’s, who respond to aid the ill and injured and fight fire at the risk of their lives, keep them safe and be their shield against all dangers.
  • for Peace and Unity in our cities
  • for a return to CHRIST by all of our population.
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!

Missionary Update

Update from the Wasmund Family
We would like to send you our Thanksgiving greetings. You should be able to view this month's newsletter in one of two options: 1) Within text below, though you might have to allow the image to be shown by your web browser.2) Download a higher resolution PDF version, which is also good for printing. (You may also prefer a reduced color version.)

Thankful in Jesus, The Wasmunds
Matt, Dee Dee, Lily and Olivia
LCMS missionaries in East Asia
Trinity Family Moments
Sharing Trinity Family Events
Send in your photos of Trinity Family events - pictures of your study groups, special birthdays, 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.
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.  


Safety Protocols for All In-Person Small Groups on Trinity's Campus
  • All participants must wear masks covering face and mouth for the duration of the meeting
  • Social distancing must be maintained
  • No refreshments allowed at this time (because consuming a beverage or eating requires a person to remove their mask)
  • At the conclusion of each meeting the room must be sanitized to be safe for the next group
* As things improve, this policy will be revised and updated. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Currently Running Groups
 
New Series begins Jan 5
Grief Share - Grief Recovery Support Group
This Series ends Dec 1. New Series begins Jan 5.
  • Discussion leader is Norma Smith, contact at normie1939@gmail.com
  • Tuesdays at 1pm, Loggia 3 Classroom, in-person, workbook needed
GriefShare is for people grieving the death of a family member or friend. GriefShare 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. You are welcome to begin attending the GriefShare group at any session. Each is “self-contained,” so you do not have to attend in sequence. You will find encouragement and help whenever you begin. You will be able to continue with GriefShare through the next 13-week cycle and view any of the videos you have not seen.

Immerse Bible Reading Experience, Book 1: Messiah
  • Book needed, daily readings, eight week plan
  • Saturdays at 4:00 with Pastor Doug, via ZOOM. If you're interested, contact Chanda at TLC@TrinityDowntown.com.
Immerse: Messiah is the first of six volumes in Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience. Messiah takes the reader on a unique journey through every book of the New Testament. Each section of Messiah begins with one of the Gospels, and together they combine to provide a life-changing reading experience centered on Jesus.

Online/At Your Own Pace
Rev. Milan Weerts is presenting a study on "The End Times." Many people are having questions about the end of the world due to the Pandemic because of Covid–19. We'll study this topic through daily lessons, six days a week, for an estimated two or three weeks at the most. You can follow along via Pastor Weerts' Facebook page, or study at your own pace accessing the lessons on Trinity's Bible Study webpage. Following the End Times study, Pastor Weerts will begin a study of The Gospel of John. 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   

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 for one another, contact Pastor Doug for the Zoom meeting invitation at doug.kallesen@trinitydowntown.com.

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study-Advent
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! The group is now studying the scriptures assigned for Advent. Contact Gregg Yawman at gyawman@instetag.com for moreinformation.

Immerse Bible Reading Experience, Book 3: Kingdoms
  • Book needed, daily readings, eight week plan
  1. Tuesday Morning Women’s Group with Connie Sobol & Darlene Sabin - Begins Oct 6, Loggia 2 Classroom, 9am. Email darlene.rehbein.sabin@gmail.com.
  2. Tuesday Evening Women's Group with Julie Lasater in her home. Email julieheals@att.net.
  3. Tuesday Evening Adult Group in Gregg Yawman's home. Contact Gregg at gyawman@instetag.com
  4. Saturdays 4:30pm group will meet in person, in the Loggia 3 Classroom right next to the Sanctuary. Lead by Bob Trapp, Jr. Email segt@netzero.net
Immerse: Kingdoms is the third of six volumes in Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience. Kingdoms presents a new and unique journey through the story of Israel from the time of its conquest of Canaan (Joshua) through its struggle to settle the land (Judges, Ruth) and the establishment of Israel’s kingdom, which ends in a forced exile (Samuel–Kings). The nation of Israel, commissioned to be God’s light to the nations, falls to division and then foreign conquest for rejecting God’s rule. Read more HERE about IMMERSE.

Tuesday Morning Women’s Group, Bless These Lips
  • Book needed, weekly reading assignment, jump in anytime
  • Tuesdays at 9am, beings Oct 6, location TBA, in-person. Contact Terry at mammierocks@yahoo.com to sign up.
Bless These Lips: Words are powerful. They can build up or tear down. They can affirm and teach or criticize and condemn. By God’s grace, a mouth makeover can improve our relationships and affect our attitude toward life. Our words can enrich our connection to God as we spend more time in prayer and praise. Most important, God desires that we use the gift of speech to give Him praise, encourage others, and verbalize our faith in Christ as Lord and Savior. Bless These Lips: 40 Days of Spiritual Renewal examines things we say that get in the way of our relationships with God and with others. Each chapter draws on lip product analogies and uses humor, anecdotes, and observations to introduce Scripture passages that address common behaviors and attitudes. And each day’s reading includes Bible study questions and suggestions for personal reflection.
Community News

The St. Luke's Concert Series
To view ONLINE concerts, visit St Luke's website for links. Links to watch live!

Local Event Dates

Covid Testing Info
Important Dates

Dec 5 Campus Work Day
Dec 6 Adoption and Foster Care Support Group - Awareness Event 11:30am
Dec 9 Advent Devotion 12:10 or 7pm
Dec 13 Voters Meeting 1pm (Zoom)
Dec 16 Advent Devotion 12:10 or 7pm
Dec 19 6pm Sat Service - Service of the Longest Night fort hose struggling during the holidays
Dec 24 Campus Offices and CDC Closed Dec 24 through Jan 3
Dec 24 Christmas Eve Worship 5pm, 7pm, 9pm
Dec 25 Christmas Day Worship 10am
Dec 31 New Year's Eve Worship 7pm
Jan 5 New Grief Share Series begins
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.
 

Those Fighting Cancer 
Bruce S, Gary B, Gail W, Richard C, Sandy A, Carol D, Mehlia G, Randy H, Travis L, Chuck M, Christine M, John S, Victoria, Rick B
 
Health Concerns 
Dan G, Dixie S, Mat M, Ingrid, Pat M, Bud P, Ann T, Keri P, Gordon H, Jim B, Cory C, Herman G, David G, Hazel H, Carolyn M, Hudson W, Bruce , Fran , Barbara B, Len G, Andrea G, Robert S, Jim C.
 
Peace and Comfort
  • For the family and friends of Mary Gene Carr.
  • For the family and friends of Rich Martin with the Comfort Dog Minsitry.
  • For the Brubaker family, following the loss of Jean Byrd, Dina's mother.
  • For the family and friends of Yvonne Scott, Julie Lasater's mother, who is now surely singing in the heavenly choir with friends and family gone before her!


Surgery and Recovery/Hospitalized
Sheila M, Fern, K, Susan P, Clara M, Dixie P, Bob D, Avery B
 
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
  • 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 peace and unity over the civil unrest and racial division 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 will be able to prevent further illness.
  • 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. 
 
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. Let's reach out, listen, connect, and have those hard conversations. Love is first. Love wins.
Reminder: Public Worship Safety Guidelines
Join us this weekend on Saturday at 6pm and Sunday at 10am. Safety procedures are outlined below and are required. Online services will continue to be posted online for those who choose to continue with online services. 

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 Notice of Exposure or Illness
If you (staff, member, guest, etc) have had direct exposure to someone with Covid-19, or test positive for Covid-19, 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 - or 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.

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.
Links to Worship Online