Trinity Weekly
News & Updates
January 16, 2021
THIS SUNDAY!
Support for Adoption & Foster Families
Not everyone is called to foster or adopt, but there's a way for everyone to do their part. Bring a meal, pray, or help with childcare! Come and learn more about the world of foster care, and how you and your family can support the hard work of fostering. Join us Sunday, January 17, at 11:15, right after the 10:00 service, in Loggia 3, for a 45-minute awareness event. Please click on the link to RSVP: https://fam.care/r6384

We will also have a follow-up equipping orientation on Tuesday evening, Jan 19, from 7-8, via Zoom. You can RSVP and get the link here: https://fam.care/r6385

Together, we can learn more about how to be part of a Community Care Team to support Adoptive and Foster Care Support. The next meeting will be in January. For more info, please email Kelley Lane at skyblu@bellsouth.net.

"Taking the child in His arms, He said to them, 'Whoever welcomes one of these little children in My name welcomes Me; and whoever welcomes Me does not welcome Me but the One who sent Me.'" Mark 9:36-37
Positive Test Rates for Covid-19 are going up!
We know vaccines are starting to go out now, however, it takes the second booster to be fully vaccinated, AND, time to get through the entire population (now just those in first responder fields and over 65 are receiving the vaccine). We are seeing a very evident increase in rates in our own local community and in the Trinity family. Please be hypervigilant and keep the well-being of others in mind. Wear a mask, distance six feet or more, limit exposure outside your immediate family. We're almost through this!!

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 Notice of Exposure or Illness
*We ask that if you have had direct exposure to someone who is now being tested becasue 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. If that person tests positive, you have now been directly exposed to someone who is positive and should take the necessary CDC steps to quarantine until test negative yourself, or until after testing positive, 14 days, several days with no symptoms and once again test negative. Thank you to all who have taken these steps to keep others safe!

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, 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.
Luminaries on Christmas Eve
Did you notice the beautiful luminaries on Christmas Eve, lighting the way to Trinity's worship services? Those were created by several classes of our CDC students and teachers as a project of love and service to their extended Trinity family. THANK YOU to all of you who participated to share the light of Jesus with everyone on such a special evening!
Take Home Poinsettias
Now that sponsors have had time to take home their poinsettias, all in worship are welcome to take home a poinsettia plant as they last - one per family please - first come first served! Enjoy!

FOOD & FUNDS on the FIFTH Sunday
On months that have five Sundays, Trinity members bring in a fifth Sunday collection of non-perishable foods for a local food pantry, and a donation of funds above regular giving that go into the Pastoral Discretionary Fund. The Discretionary Fund is used to assist those experiencing an acute financial crisis which requires one-time assistance, which is available to all of the Trinity family (members, staff, CDC, and all) and sometimes someone from outside the Trinity family as well. Decisions are made by Pastor, President and Senior Elder on how those funds are used. Please join us in building up these food and funds collections. Prepare now by gathering those buy-one-get-one deals or cleaning out your kitchen cabinets, and gathering funds, to be shared on Sat/Sun Jan 30-31. Thank you!

Prayer List Update
All names have been updated as announced last week. If you have a name that should be on the list and is missing, please email us and we'll add it back to the list. Note: All names that have been on the list more than 3 weeks without a subsequent update will be removed to ensure up-to-date information. Please resubmit ongoing prayer request every three weeks if a name needs to stay on the list as is, or move to another list etc. Thank you! Email TLC@TrinityDowntown.com.

Military Personnel Prayer List
Please resubmit your military family members now serving. None which are on the prayer list now have been resubmitted and will be removed next week, assuming they are no longer deployed. If that's not the case, please let me know ASAP by emailing TLC@TrinityDowntown.com or call/text 407-490-7339.
New Outreach Opportunity - Divorce Care Support Group
Trinity is wrapping up its first year of Grief Share which has been a tremendous support to many! Moving forward we would like to host additional support groups to meet the needs of our members and the community. Divorce is widespread in the world today and has a significant impact on the families going through the recovery process. If you have a heart for serving in some way to support those recovering from divorce, please contact Trinity’s Ministry & Communications Coordinator, Chanda, at 407-490-7339 or TLC@TrinityDowntown.com.  

Missionary Update
Dear friends and family, Happy New Year to you all in the name of Jesus, who makes all things new! Speaking of new, we have made a few, small tweaks to our newsletter format - both digital and print - and we hope you like it. CLICK HERE
Peace in Christ to you, The Wasmunds

Children's Sunday School and MS/HS Youth Bible Study
These Sunday classes are not yet meeting in-person.
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!
Sharing Trinity Family Moments!
Send in your photos of Trinity Family moments- 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.

Trinity Family Moment: The Perks of Online Worship
"Eureka! Happy Sunday! Must say I'm getting a little spoiled by online church. It's still not the same as being there but a cozy fire (thanks Ricky) warm blankie and dog on my lap make being home on a cold morning pretty nice." -Shared by Eva Schroeder Martin
Trinity Family Moment: Trinity Members/Graduates both working for Orlando City Soccer
"My son Tyler Killinger working the Orlando City soccer game, along with Martin Ramiz. Tyler is on the left, he is an Athletic Trainer [Martin on the far left] Tyler & Martin have known each other since their days at Trinity Lutheran Church & School." Shared by Karen Killinger
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)
 
Grief Share - Grief Recovery Support Group
  • Discussion leader is Norma Smith, contact at normie1939@gmail.com
  • Tuesdays at 1pm, Loggia 3 Classroom, 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.

NEW START on Jan 11: 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 - IMMERSE - Prophets
New Immerse Bible Reading Experience, Book 4: PROPHETS - Starts the last week of January
Book needed, daily readings, eight week plan, multiple meeting options
  1. 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! Contact Gregg Yawman at gyawman@instetag.com for moreinformation.
  2. Tuesday Morning Women’s Group with Connie Sobol facilitating. Loggia 2 Classroom, 9am. Email darlene.rehbein.sabin@gmail.com for details.
  3. Tuesday Evening Women's Group with Julie Lasater in her home. Email julieheals@att.net.
  4. Tuesday Evening Adult Group in Gregg Yawman's home. Contact Gregg at gyawman@instetag.com
  5. Saturdays 4:30pm, at Trinity, in the Loggia 3 Classroom right next to the Sanctuary. Lead by Bob Trapp, Jr. Email segt@netzero.net

Bulk order for Immerse: Prophets has already been placed. Books came to $12 each with teh 20% bulk discount. If you missed the deadline and still need to order a book, just visit the website HERE and place your own order. You can also find audio files of the book on the website for free.

Tuesday Morning Women’s Group, Bless These Lips
This group will start a new book in Feb 2021 - Stay tuned
  • Book needed, weekly reading assignment, jump in anytime
  • Tuesdays at 9am, Loggia 3, in-person. Contact Terry at mammierocks@yahoo.com to sign up.

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, or study at your own pace accessing the lessons on Trinity's Bible Study webpage. 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   

Immerse Bible Reading Experience, Book 1: Messiah (Continues)
  • 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.
Community News
Live and Local Lunch Series
The St. Luke's Concert Series
To view ONLINE concerts, visit St Luke's website for links. Links to watch live!

Covid-19 Vaccine information From the Orange County Govt Website
A Phased Approach... Know before you go:
By appointment only. No walk-ups. Register online.
Must be 65+ years old.
Must present valid ID.
Must present valid QR Code. This is different from the barcode you receive when you make an account. You will only receive a QR code once you've successfully booked an appointment.

Concordia St. Paul
January 2021 - Concordia University, St. Paul has announced a new church work tuition guarantee that ensures eligible students enrolled in church work programs will pay no more than $6,000 in tuition each academic year. This move further supports Concordia St. Paul’s commitment to prepare more workers for the church as the most affordable church work option in the Concordia University System of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS).

Beginning fall 2021, full-time students enrolled in a church work program will receive a minimum of $17,900 in combined institutional financial aid each year. Scholarships and grants from a student’s home congregation, LCMS District and local community may be stacked on top of this guarantee to further reduce the cost of tuition and living expenses.

The new church work tuition model is available for all incoming and current full-time church work students enrolled in the following programs:

• Director of Christian Education
• Director of Christian Outreach
• Director of Parish Music
• Lutheran Classroom Teacher
• Pre-Deaconess
• Pre-Pastoral

The vital need for future church workers cannot be overstated. Please consider encouraging the young people you serve to contemplate utilizing their God-given gifts in full-time ministry. Thank you in advance for directing any questions pertaining to Concordia St. Paul to Tom Halligan at halligan@csp.edu.

2021 ANNUAL CFEC JOB FAIR POSTINGS
Name: Mayor's Job Fair
Date:  January 27, 2021
Time:  12:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Central Florida Fair Expo Park, 4603 West Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL 32808
All Job Seekers Welcome! All safety protocols are in full affect for this event. Meet companies from the Central Florida region waiting to meet YOU. Find your next employer at Central Florida Employment Council CFEC Job Fair in Orlando, Florida, from 12-4 pm at the Central Florida Fair Expo Park, 4603 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808. Thousands of career openings in various industries as well as employment resources on hand to assist your job search. PROFESSIONAL DRESS, bring resumes, free admission/parking, and no children, please. Registration and attendance information for our next job fair is located at https://www.CFEC.org/job-fairs. Questions call Christian HELP/CFEC at (407) 834-4022
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.
 
NEW YEAR PRAYER LIST UPDATE: Next week, all names that have been on the list more than 3 weeks without a subsequent update will be removed to ensure up to date information. Please let me know every three weeks if a name needs to stay on the list as is, or move to another list etc. Thank you. Email TLC@TrinityDowntown.com.

Those Fighting Cancer 
Jamie J, Rick B,  Bruce S, Christine M, Frank N, Gary B, Gail W, Richard C, Sandy A, Carol D, Randy H, Travis L, Chuck M, , John S, Victoria
 
Health Concerns 
Jessica and family, Allen C, Claudia K, Kallesen family, Boggs family, Dan G, Mat M, Ingrid, Bud P, Ann T, Gordon H, Jim B, Cory C, Herman G, David G, Hazel H, Carolyn M, Hudson W, Bruce, Fran, Barbara B, Len G, Robert S, Jim C.
 
Peace and Comfort
  • For the family and friends of Marilyn Haberkamp, a friend of the Killinger family.
  • For the family and friends of Vaughn Cornell, husband of Susan Cornell, and son-in-law of Martha Pfantz.
  • For the family and friends of Carl Kunze, Jr.
  • For the family and friends of Robert Stuart, Madison Perault's grandfather.
  • For the family and friends of Mary Gene Carr.

Surgery and Recovery/Hospitalized
Dale N, Cindy D, Charlie L, 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.
  • 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 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 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.
Links to Worship Online