News & Updates
June 18, 2021
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Stewardship Drive
In addition to regular volunteer service where we share our God-given talents and gift our time to serve others, as members of the Trinity family, our call to stewardship also includes financial support of Trinity Ministries. We are now making our way through our annual stewardship drive where we speak specifically to the contribution of funds in order to create the upcoming year's budget for ministry. You should have received a letter and pledge form in the mail, and perhaps a second letter as a reminder! There are also extra pledge forms in the narthex too. If you haven't received a letter, let us know right away! And if you've already returned your completed pledge card, we sincerely THANK YOU for the quick return!
Please know that each and every dollar contributed to the ministries of Trinity through your annual pledge makes a VERY significant impact on Trinity's ability to plan for the year of God's work ahead of us. We are EAGER to return to full staffing and expanded initiatives to engage in new and improved efforts of OUTREACH, and to provide more opportunities to STRENGTHEN AND EQUIP our Trinity family for exponential outreach into your own cirlces of influence on a daily basis! Please partner with us in joyfully contributing to this annual budget process - so that we can faithfully join Jesus on his mission of reaching out to the world with the Gospel!
You can turn in your pledge card to the offering plate on your way out of worship or mail it in to the Finance office at 123 E. Livingston Street, Orlando, FL 32801. YOUR pledges are ESSENTIAL to Trinity's budget planning efforts, so that we know what resources are available to be shared across ministry efforts for the coming year! THANK YOU
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JULY THOSE WHO SERVE
Once again, we have a beautiful list of those serving in worship at Trinity Downtown!! SO MUCH to be thankful for!
Print too small to see here?
As worship services continue to fill up and things get back to normal, we'll need more and more volunteers to join back into the regular rotation of reading, greeting, ushering, PPT/Sound, nursery volunteers, acolyting and more! Don't worry, if you're nervous about taking on a new role, we'll pair you up with someone who has experience and can give you all the information and support you need! You'll love it!
NURSERY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
"Many hands make light work!" Contact Chanda at TLC@TrinityDowntown.com
THANK YOU to all those who contrtibute your time and talent to ensuring worship flows smoothly and is a meaningful experience for all who participate. If you'd like to be added to the list of those who serve from time to time, please contact our scheduling volunteers as listed below!!
Elders are scheduled via the Senior Elder
Please note: If you aren't available on your scheuled date/time of service, please contact your scheduling volunteer with as much notice as possible, to ensure that a substitute is found to cover needs in worship. Thank you!
FUNERAL CARE VOLUNTEERS
Funeral Care volunteers are called upon when we have a Trinity funeral or memorial service with a reception that requires hosting/serving/decorating and such. We have a service coming up on June 19 and have all the support needed - however, if you have considered serving in this way but wanted to know more about how it works, we'd be happy to connect you with a current volunteer on June 19th to walk with them through the morning's events so that you're more familiar with the routine. Then, if a need arises later on (the NEXT scheduled receptoin is in early August) and you're available, you'll be ready to serve! If this interests you, please contact Darlene Sabin at darlene.rehbein.sabin@gmail.com.
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Celebrating Juneteenth on June 19, 2021
Juneteenth is an annual celebration of the end of slavery! We celebrate and thank God!!
And what about the changes that still need to come to fruition? What can we do with this annual reminder? Let's learn more and do better... and we can start with some Lutheran friends who are doing just that! Lutherans for Racial Justice is a grassroots coalition that seeks to bring about racial reconciliation and reform within the congregations and communities of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS).
Article: The Most Luthearn Thing (Excerpts)
by Joshua Salzberg: a filmmaker, LCMS member, and co-founder of Lutherans for Racial Justice. Originally published by Lutheran Services in America's Fall 2020 Issue of Caring Connections, which focuses on Reflections About Racial Justice.
I’M A LIFELONG LUTHERAN. I was Baptized and Confirmed in Lutheran Churches. I attended Lutheran Schools. I married a Lutheran Teacher whose family is from Frankenmuth, Michigan. But on Juneteenth, 2020, I did the most Lutheran thing possible: I created an acronym: LRJ. Co-founded with Rev. Matthew Ryan González, Lutherans for Racial Justice.
This movement is not on a crusade to bear false testimony against current leadership or dwell on past grievances. In fact, the goal is quite the opposite: we love our church body and are endeavoring to find ways to better-understand and better-serve all nations by creating a safe space to ask questions, express ideas, and share concerns about the many complex issues surrounding race. Over the past two months, the LRJ team has created and curated free educational resources, started a network for congregational connections and support, and lovingly encouraged Lutheran Schools to form policies around racial diversity and representation. We’re also in the early stages of developing a diversity training and mentorship program, custom-built for LCMS institutions.....
This [past] summer, the public health crisis shined a spotlight on needs that have been lingering in the shadows of our society for decades. We caught a glimpse of the challenges single-parents face to raise a child and earn a living wage. We saw the toll that isolation and anxiety can take on mental health. And we watched a man suffocate over the course of eight minutes and forty-two seconds, as a crowd of bystanders cried out in protest. While George Floyd’s murder was shocking, the racial disparities in America across many demographics are no secret. We know that BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) Americans are disproportionately arrested and charged. We know that a Black mother with a college degree is up to five times more likely to die in childbirth. We know that a Black child is three times more likely to drown than a white child. Our society’s racial inequalities were not invented in the past few months, but the harsh summer sun has made the truth difficult to ignore: there are systems in place which favor the sanctity of some Americans’ lives over the sanctity of others based on nothing more than the color of their skin. This is not radical neo-Marxist thought. This is not Critical Race Theory. This is reality — a reality that the LCMS presently acknowledges. ...
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.” —John 15:13
I was not willing to lay down my life for George Floyd or Breonna Taylor. Most days, I’m not willing to lay down my coffee for a friend, let alone lay down my iPhone or my job or my life ambitions. No, most days when faced with the needs of my neighbor, I’m less likely to respond with Godly compassion and more likely to respond with the words of Cain: “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Thank God that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of which I am the worst. With Luther, we pray that “the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.”
Lutherans for Racial Justice does not expect the deep wounds of racial divide to be healed overnight. We do believe, however, that this moment offers both church workers and laity the opportunity to take part in the great Lutheran tradition of Martin Luther, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Rosa Young, as we, by God’s grace, pursue our holy vocations, not to better ourselves or our place before God, but to wash our neighbors’ feet. And I can’t think of anything more Lutheran than that (except for a good acronym, of course). CLICK HERE FOR FULL ARTICLE
Lots of fantastic resources!
LRJ I A CALL TO ACTION (from the website)
Lutherans for Racial Justice (LRJ) is a grassroots coalition committed to the pursuit of racial equity, justice, and healing within the congregations, communities, schools, and organizations of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). LRJ strives to embody the Synod’s teaching on racism:
“Be it resolved that the members of the congregations of the Synod be encouraged to work toward racial reconciliation and equality within the Church and within society-at-large, praying that those who advocate racist ideologies and those who are deceived by them be brought to repentance, and that justice and healing come to those who have been wounded.” - Excerpt from the LCMS’ 2019 Convention Resolutions
WHAT IS RACIAL JUSTICE? (from the website)
We define justice as Scripture defines it, which is well-summarized in this video. The Bible says that all people were created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27) and that we, having received Christ’s righteousness (Romans 3:22), are called to love our neighbor as ourselves (Luke 10:25-37), offering our bodies as living sacrifices (Romans 12), to do justice and righteousness and deliver the oppressed (Jeremiah 22), so that they may know God’s promises for all people (Isaiah 49:6, Revelation 7:9).
LRJ acknowledges that the world will not be rid of racism until the day when Christ makes all things new (Revelation 21:5). Provisional as it may be, this faithful pursuit of racial equity anticipates the fulfillment of that promise as we seek to heed the Scriptural call, incumbent upon us all, to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8).
Amen!
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OWLS Fellowship Lunches on Last Fridays
This month, on June 25, all Older, Wiser Lutherans are invited to meet at Sonny's Barbecue at 7055 South Semoran Blvd. in Orlando. Please e-mail robert.w.gordon@hotmail.com or call Audrey at 407-897-1418 to confirm your attendance in advance. We're looking forward to seeing you!!
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Redeeming Life Maternity Home Fundraiser
RLOM has locations in Sanford, Florida and NOW ALSO IN Carpentersville, IL! It is one of only a handful of maternity home ministries in the nation. Our mission is to preserve life by serving single pregnant women who lack the support of a loving, caring, Christ-centered home and family. Through the Baby Bottle Fundraiser, you give hope to these women in a tangible way and make it possible for them to hear about and experience the love of God that is ours in Christ Jesus. Take a baby bottle, put it in your car or at the front door of your home for a few weeks, fill it with your loose change, or bless it with cash or a check, then return it back to church to the Narthex or Finance office! DEADLINE is on JUNE 27. Your gift will change lives for eternity! For more information, please visit rlom.org. Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries, Inc. P.O. Box 1496 Sanford, FL 32772-1496.
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Property Improvement Landscaping Project for Trinity
You've seen the plans and we're ready to move forward! Two ways you can help with this project to beautify Trinity's campus - volunteering on workdays and sponsoring plant purchases! THANK YOU so very much for your support!
PLEASE SIGN UP NOW: Landscape Workdays 7am to Noon
We'd love to have your support, partnering with American Hertitage Girls volunteers, for the three workdays needed to get this project accomplished! Please join us for one or all dates, from 7a-12p or any amount of time you're available during that time. All efforts are welcomed and appreciated! (Please bring water, gloves and any helpful tools too! Thanks).
June 26 - removal *** July 17 - planting *** July 24 - mulching
Plant Sponsorships UPDATE
YOUR AMAZING GENEROSITY has completely covered the plant expenses for the entire project. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
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You Can Help a First Time Guest - SEND IN PHOTOS
DID YOU KNOW? Most people check out a new church online before ever stepping foot onto a church campus. They read our Trinity Weekly online, read over the pages of our website, look at campus maps, listen to the sermons, check out our Facebook page, browse the YouTube channel, and in all those areas, they see PHOTOS of the life of Trinity. That's why we like to have as many photos as possible from our Trinity family, in all aspects of the life of the Chruch.... so that we can post these in the Trinity Weekly, share on the Website, and use as Marketing material to show others what we're all about and reduce some of that "FIRST TIME GUEST" anxiety. Whether its photos of campus work days, of the choir sining via Zoom, kids in Fridat Comunion, Confirmation Essays, Confirmation classes, Trinity members in a meeting or Bible study group all spaced out with masks on, a group out in the community doing a service project with family and friends. ALL of them tell the story of what it's like to be part of the Trinity Family PLEASE, Send in your photos of Trinity Family moments! Send LOTS! Send to Chanda at TLC@TrinityDowntown.com.
Missionary News
Young Family Missionary Update - June 2021
ALLIANCE MISSIONARIES WELCOMED TO AFRICA FIELD
An Alliance missionary is someone sent from our partner church body into the mission field to work directly with the ministries the LCMS is already working with. One of the most requested positions in Africa is for theological educators at various seminaries. Equipping Pastors is a huge need as churches are growing and there are not enough local leaders with the credentials to teach at the seminaries. We are thankful that Ireja Evangélica Lutheran do Brasil (IELB) in Brazil is able to meet that need.
“Igreja Evangélica Luterana do Brasil (IELB) has prepared men who are able to serve immediately in the area of church planting and theological education. So, they were excited about sending four families to help in different parts of Africa. IELB, in partnership with the LCMS, has called eight pastors to serve as missionary pastors and theological educators. For the Africa region—Rev. Moacyr Alves Júnior – Republic of Congo; Rev. Daniel Martins Silva and Rev. Volmir Knevitz da Rocha – Uganda; Rev. Carlos Kracke – South Africa.” (International.lcms) Read the whole story on our international LCMS website.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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)
Weekly Men's IHOP Breakfast and Devotions Group (ongoing)
- Men's small group for the early birds amoung us!
- Meets weekly at IHOP on Colonial drive
- Thursday mornings at 6:30am
- contact Omar at odittmer892@gmail.com for details
Immerse Bible Reading Experience, Book 3: Kingdoms
- Book needed, daily readings, eight week plan (June 7 through 8 wks)
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MONDAYS at 7pm with Pastor Doug, via ZOOM.
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Join Zoom Meeting by going to this link:
- Meeting ID: 871 5950 5495
- Passcode: 872275
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More info about ordering, audio book access and supplemental materials can be found HERE
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.
Grief Share - Grief Recovery Support Group
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Discussion leader is Norma Smith, contact at normie1939@gmail.com
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Tuesdays at 1pm, LOGGIA 3, 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.
Sunday 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.
Coming AUGUST 25 SUNDAY SCHOOL returns for children and youth 4 years through 12th grade (class breakdowns between 4yrs and 5th grade, MS and HS)
Coming AUGUST 28 - Foundations of Faith which doubles as our New Member Class
Adult Bible Study - IMMERSE Bible Reading Experience - POETS
Starts first week of September
- Sunday mornings Fellowship Hall on campus plus Zoom
- Tuesday morning and evening on campus
- Saturday evening on campus Loggia 3 with Bob Trapp
- Book needed, daily readings, eight week plan
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More info about ordering, audio book access and supplemental materials can be found HERE
Immerse: Poets is the fifth of six volumes in Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience. Poets presents the poetical books of the First Testament in two groupings, dividing the books between songbooks (Psalms, Lamentations, Song of Songs) and wisdom writings (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job). These writings all reflect the daily, down-to-earth faith of God’s people as they live out their covenant relationship with him in worship and wise living.
Tuesday Morning Women’s Group, "Women of the Word" - WOW
WOW will break for the summer and return in September
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Book needed-order here, Weekly reading assignment, jump in anytime
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Starting September 7 with Max Lucado's ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING
- Tuesdays at 9am, Loggia 3, in-person.
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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. 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
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June 19 Memorial Service for Mary Gene Carr 1pm
June 26 Landscaping Workday 7a-12p (removal)
June 27 Voters Meeting
July 17 - Landscaping Workday 7a-12p (planting)
July 24 - Landscaping Workday 7a-12p (mulching)
August 22 SUNDAY SCHOOL returns - children, MS and HS
August 28 Foundations of Faith / New Member Class Begins
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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
*Gail W sends her love and appreciation for all the prayers and concern on her behalf! She's doing well and is coming off the prayer list now. PRAISE GOD!
Health Concerns
Charlie L, Norma S, Clara M, Hazel H,
Other
Mindy, H, Karen E, Margaret
Peace and Comfort
- For the family and friends of Louise Killinger, mother (mother in-law) of Brent (Karen) Killinger.
- For the family and friends of Christine M., close friend of Mary Hohman.
- For the family and friends of Ed Milam, Sr., father of Mary Bell and Ed Milam, Jr,. and father-in-law of Lance Bell.
- For the family and friends of Rhet King.
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Mary Gene Carr's memorial service is scheduled for 1pm on June 19th at Trinity Downtown. Reception will follow immediately after.
Surgery and Recovery/Hospitalized
Richard Mathews
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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The Week of June 5-6, 2021 |
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Attendance
Saturday 6pm
30 in person
12 online
Sunday 10am
74 in person
20 online
Bible Studies
(six groups)
50
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The St. Luke's Concert Series
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Current Covid-19 Safety Procedures
The Center for Disease Control has published, “Risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection is minimal for fully vaccinated people..." (and research shows this includes those with naturally acquired immunities.) "The risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission from fully vaccinated people to unvaccinated people is also reduced. Therefore, fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing…"
Trinity no longer requires masking and 6 ft social distancing for all in attendance who have been vaccinated. Those not fully vaccinated or those who are immunocompromised are encouraged to follow CDC guidance for prevention measures. For anyone with Covid or other health concerns, Trinity will provide a separate seating areas for those who wish to continue to mask and distance in worship. This seating will be loacted in the northwest and northeast wings/vestibule (the pews in front on each side) of the Sanctuary. Trinity will also continue to offer ON LINE worship as well.
Please also note that during school operating hours, M-F. 7:30-5:30pm, Trinity’s campus is host to our Child Development Center and Quest School – both of which still require masking and distancing. If your weekday activities bring you in proximity to those school programs while on campus, we ask that you wear a mask.
Communion Practices
Trinity has now moved to two options for communion during our in-person worship services. You may continue to commune in your pew, seated, with the elements you picked up upon arrival packaged for each individual, or you may commune by coming up the center aisle during the worship service to receive a wafer from Pastor Doug and to pick up a cup of wine which has not been touched by others. For those not worshiping in person who wish to commune, please contact the church office and let us know your needs and we will do all we can to accomodate. Email TLC@TrinityDowntown.com or call /text 407-490-7339. Thank you.
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