Trinity Weekly News
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 notify a member of Trinity's Administrative Team immediately (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.

Positive Test for Covid
Yesterday, Thursday, Oct 1, Trinity's Leaders were notified that a member of the Trinity family has tested positive for Covid-19. This person had no symptoms until that (Thursday) morning, got tested Thursday afternoon, and the results were positive. While this person did attend the Saturday evening worship service on September 26, they did NOT have any symptoms at that time and we have confirmed that they were NOT in "close contact" (as defined by the CDC as within 6 feet for a period of at least 15 minutes) with anyone while in attendance. When the Health Department interviewed them to get contact tracing information, they only requested information as far back as Tuesday given the facts at hand. This information is shared with you today, as well as the separate email sent yesterday, in keeping with our commitment to the published policy (below) on required notice of exposure or illness. This person is now completing the recommended period of quarantine at home and is managing mild symptoms. Please keep this person in prayer - that their symptoms continue to be mild and that they are restored to full health quickly. Thank you & God Bless!

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.
Care Giver Support Group
There are many people in our Trinity family who are now providing regular care for aging or ill family members. We have contacted our ministry partners at Lutheran Counseling Services and they have graciously offered to provide a series of support group meetings for those interested - either on campus or online, specifically for those providing care giver support to loved ones. First we need to see if there's an interest. If this kind of support group would be a blessing to you, please contact Chanda at TLC@TrinityDowntown.com to let us know of your interest. If we have enough for a group, we will contact LCS to take next steps. Thank you.

Portals of Prayer
The next quarter's Portals, Oct-Dec, are now in the Narthex and side entrance to the church. Please feel free to pick up your copy as you enter/leave. Thank you to Robert Trapp for making sure those made it out before the first week of October!

Middle School Youth Gathering 2020
Mark your calendars! The MSYG this year will be virtual on November 7, 6-9pm! It's also FREE! We encourage groups to gather safely at their churches to attend this event. There will be live, interactive elements, along with recorded segments. The theme of GRIPPED is based on Romans 8:38-39.
  • Speakers: Jake, Maile & Leilani Youmans
  • Band: Bread of Stone - including a live 30 min meet & greet with the band!
  • Emcee: Wes Wright

Confirmation Classes - 7th and 8th Grade Students
Confirmation Classes are offered at Trinity for students in 7th grade (Jr Confirmation, first year) and 8th grade (Sr. Confirmation, second year). This is a two-year curriculum with an emphasis on Scripture and Luther's Small Catechism. These classes, attended by both the student and a parent/guardian, are intended to continue, more intentionally, the exploration of their faith, faith and daily life, and faith life in the church as they approach adulthood. Classes will begin Sunday, October 4 on Zoom at 12pm. (Note: Meeting time might need to be adjusted when a second Sunday worship service is added). Please contact Tim Norris for details ASAP at Norris.Timothy@gmail.com.

Last Year's Classes did not get to wrap things up due to suspension of in-person services. In order to complete last year's activities the following dates are reserved:
  • Nov 8 - last year’s First Communion will be held at the Sunday service.
  • Nov 15 - last year’s Sr. Confirmands will be Confirmed. 

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

Member Nominations for Deaconess/DCE
Members of Trinity are encouraged to nominate candidates for the Deaconess/DCE Call Committee to consider. Please email the name of the candidate with as much contact and supporting information you have the Call Committee Chairman Gary Harris at gaharris5252@gmail.com or Congregation President Tom Finger at tfinger888@aol.com.

Elected Leadership Position Nominations
We are now soliciting nominations from the Congregation for candidates willing to serve as Leadership Council At Large Members and members of the Elders Ministry Team. Anyone who is interested or who knows of someone who might be interested is asked to contact Congregation President Tom Finger at tfinger888@aol.com. or Senior Elder Mike Kunze at mwkunze@gmail.com.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AT TRINITY

Accounts Payable Specialist (Part Time)
Trinity's Finance Department is seeking an A/P Specialist. This is a part-time position, requiring in-office hours three full days per week - Mondays & Fridays required, and the third day can be Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays. Applicants must have at least one year of A/P experience using an A/P software application; must have G/L experience; and Microsoft Office Excel, Word & Outlook experience; must possess strong written and verbal communication skills., and must be a team player with a “can-do” positive attitude. For more information, please contact Trinity's Finance Manager, Liz Roberts, at Liz.Roberts@TrinityDowntown.com.

Church Administrative Assistant (Full Time)
Trinity's Pastoral Office is seeking a full time church ministry Administrative Assistant. This is a full time support position to our Pastoral Ministry team, requiring in-office hours five days per week. Applicant must be an engaged, mature Christian, active in their walk of faith. Must know, understand, and truly believe in the mission and purpose of Trinity ministries. Must be a person who truly enjoys building genuine connections with others and serving to meet needs as they arise. Must have a minimum of two years professional office/admin assistant experience or equivalent, some college background preferred, church ministry experience preferred. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Google Suite. Must be tech savvy and eager to learn (ie: can you start a PowerPoint presentation, connect to a zoom meeting, create a photo slide show, work a sound board, edit a bulletin or letter, set up email on a phone, do internet research, walk someone through setting up online giving, use member management software to prepare reports). Must be very organized, multi-tasker, reliable, consistent, and a self-starter. This person should have excellent written and verbal communication skills and should be able to demonstrate healthy interpersonal boundaries. Must work well independently, contribute with a positive & encouraging attitude, be supportive of the team and always willing to share a smile. Must be able to manage difficult situations (or people) with grace and love, must respect strict confidentiality expectations and must not be prone to gossip. This position would be responsible for front desk reception role at Trinity's church office as well as Administrative Assistant duties such as screening/receiving guests and vendors, receiving phone calls, handling mail, computer data entry, preparing reports, processing baptism/wedding applications, running reports as needed, internet research, mailings, printing documents, responding to emails, organizing resources, and more. We're seeking a person of unwavering integrity, excellent moral character, with a sense of humor and humility, with a diverse skill set, who absolutely loves Jesus and serving His people, and would find great joy serving as a support system to a Trinity's Pastoral Team. Are you that person? For more information please contact Trinity's Ministry & Communications Coordinator, Chanda Gillenwater, by email at chanda.gillenwater@trinitydowntown.com.

TRINITY FAMILY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
 
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 Ministry Team, please contact Top Dog (Team Leader) Paul Soost at 407.590.9333 or sooster67@yahoo.com
 
Sunday School Teachers are needed!
If you love children and want to teach them about Jesus and the Bible this just may be your opportunity to serve your Lord at Trinity. We use GROUP Sunday School curriculum - materials and teaching helps are all provided, with lots of support. If you are interested please contact Pastor Doug at 407.234.5296 or pastordoug@trinitydowntown.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!
 
Choir and Bell Choir
“Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises!” Ps. 47:6 Trinity’s got Talent and we are in search of a few more singers and ringers. If you are interested contact Paul Soost at sooster67@yahoo.com or Glenda Frazier at whitemice@bellsouth.net.
TRAFFIC IMPACT NEWS

Street Work On E. Livingston - Plan to Avoid
A brick street rehabilitation project in the Lake Eola Heights neighborhood began on September 8. The project will occur on E. Livingston Street between Mills Avenue and Highland Avenue. During the project, OUC will use this opportunity to replace previously identified water mains. We expect to complete this project in its entirety in five months. More info in these two attachments: Livingston Street Rehab Livingston Street Memo
CONNECT - LEARN - GROW

Why do we encourage everyone to get involved in a LEARNING GROUP of some kind? These small groups learning experiences provide multiple options 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
 
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
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.

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study
  • Discussion lead by Gregg Yawman
  • Meeting in-person, Loggia 3 classroom just West of the Sanctuary, 8:45am
Studying the weekly readings together -- switching over to the IMMERSE: Kingdoms study. Masks and distancing required. To participate and confirm start time, please contact Gregg at gyawman@instetag.com.
 
Prayer Bible Study Groups
Pastor Doug continues to lead two prayer groups on Wednesdays, 11am and 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.
 
One Nation under God: Healing Racial Divides in America
Discussion lead by Trinity member Alina Davis alinad@bellsouth.net
MONDAYS at 7pm via Zoom
We are a nation divided. This division stems from a lack of communication, empathy, and understanding. Author Rev. B. Keith Haney, an African American LCMS pastor, encourages everyone to seek answers to racial tensions in the only place where truth and peace can be found—God’s Word. Healing must begin with Jesus. In this six-session study, you’ll openly communicate and begin the healing process. Let’s be a nation united—united under God.
 
**Beginning This Week**

Immerse Bible Reading Experience, Book 3: Kingdoms
Book needed, daily readings, eight week plan
  1. Sunday Mornings 8:45am adult group will meeting in-person at Trinity. Contact Gregg Yawman at gyawman@instetag.com to confirm 
  2. Tuesday Morning Women’s Group with Darlene Sabin - Begins Oct 6, Loggia 2 Classroom, 9am. Email darlene.rehbein.sabin@gmail.com.
  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 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.

Coming Up Next Month
 
Immerse Bible Reading Experience, Book 1: Messiah
Book needed, daily readings, eight week plan, starts Nov 7
Saturdays at 4:00 with Pastor Doug, in-person/online TBA. 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.
OUTREACH AS A WAY OF LIFE - 24/7 MISSIONAL LIVING
 
How can We all be living missional lives 24/7? What can we do on our own, or from home? Here are a few suggestions. We can support Local First Responders and Essential Workers who are working under high risk conditions, including support for Trinity’s essential CDC workers & church workers, we can bless people in our own local circles of essential workers, we can reach out to those who are lonely and isolated in our community, and we can personally invite people to get connected into a Christ-centered community alongside us.…  

  • Neighborhood Check-Ins - Do you have a neighbor who is isolated or has special needs? Check in. Do you have a neighbor you regularly wave to but no more? This time say hello and exchange names. Be a light for Jesus - opportunities will open up.
  • Prayer Offering When you go out to eat/pick up an order, say hi to a neighbor, have someone drop off a delivery to your front door - simply let them know you’ll be praying later and can you include a prayer request for them. What can go wrong? They either say no, or they’ll say yes and share a prayer request! That also opens a door for conversation - listen.
  • Comfort Dog Ministry Peace Comfort Dog Ministry Team is always 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 Ministry Team, please contact Top Dog (Team Leader) Paul Soost at 407.590.9333 or sooster67@yahoo.com
  • Pen Pals - Community Outreach to Nursing Home Residents and Trinity Shut-Ins. Writing pals and sending Birthday and special holiday greetings cards.
  • Supporting YOUR local essential workers This refers to essential workers close to where YOU live and work - finding ways to bless those individuals with the love of Christ and small acts of kindness as you go about your day to day life right now. This would include store workers where you shop, mail carriers who come to your home, salon workers where you get your haircut, etc. Plan in advance to bring with you a card with an inspirational scripture verse, a word of thanks and encouragement, and a promise to pray for that individual by name as long as this pandemic goes on. 
  • Invite Someone to one of Trinity’s Study Groups There’s no better way to welcome someone to something new than by inviting them to do it WITH you. Ask a friend, relative, coworker, neighbor… and join a discussion group WITH them. That’s outreach. We’re planting a seed that has the potential to grow and grow and grow.
  • Other Ideas? Do you have other ideas for our Trinity family to engage in outreach projects from home? Let us know!

If you’re interested in any of these options or want to suggest others, please email chanda.gillenwater@trinitydowntown.com. ALSO, for those already involved in these or something similar, please write in to share your success stories so they can be utilized to bless and inspire others to jump into this 24/7 Missional Living adventure!
Trinity's Child Development Center
6 Weeks through PreK 4

Sharing the Gospel five days a week!
Important Dates

Oct 4 Jr. Confirmation will begin via Zoom
Oct (First Week of October, several groups) IMMERSE: KINGDOMS study begins
Nov 7 (Updated date) IMMERSE: MESSIAH study starts on Saturdays
Oct 6 Bless These Lips Women's study begins
Nov 8 Last Year's Jr. Confirmands will receive First Communion
Nov 15 Last Year's Sr. Confirmands will be Confirmed
Nov 26 - Thanksgiving Day (Worship TNX Eve at 7pm, TNX Day at 10am)
Nov 26-27 Trinity Campus Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
Nov 29 First Sunday of Advent, Food & Funds on the Fifth Collection

Community/Fellowship Event Decisions: Given current CDC and Health Department recommendations regarding large community gatherings, Trinity's Administrative Team has reviewed the list of upcoming Trinity community events based on size of the gathering, purpose, amount of contact involved, eating/drinking/mask-off components, necessary public access to the campus, and with great attention to whether or not these events could potentially contribute to a spread of COVID-19 in our Trinity community and then beyond. The following decisions have been made: Trinity will not host the regularly scheduled Downtown Orlando Pumpkin Patch, Pumpkin Paloosa / Halloween Parade, Oktoberfest, or the CDC & Congregational Thanksgiving Meals. Decisions regarding events further away such as Trinity's Lake Eola Outreach and the Touch-A-Truck fundraiser will be made at a later date as more information becomes available about changing trends with the COVID-19. Updates will be provided when available. Thank you for your understanding.
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, Cheryl S, Sandy A, Carol D, Mehlia G, Randy H, Travis L, Chuck M, Christine M, John S, Victoria, Rick B
 
Health Concerns 
Ingrid, Pat M, Bud P, Ann T, Keri P, Gordon H, Jim B, Cory C, Herman G, David G, Hazel H, Carolyn M, Yvonne S, Hudson W, Bruce , Fran , Barbara B, Len G, Andrea G, Robert S, Jim C.
 
Peace and Comfort for the families and friends of those lost
  • For the family and friends of the Boggs family following the passing of Ken's father.
  • For the family and friends of Trinity Member Maggie Ennis
  • For the family and friends of Trinity member Pat McCall

Surgery and Recovery/Hospitalized
Fern, K, MaryLou E, Susan P, Clara M, Dixie P, Bob D, Avery B
 
Peace Comfort Dog Ministry Prayers
  • Peace has been called for deployment to Elberta, AL in Baldwin County. The deployment is for Thursday through Sunday, October 1-4. Prayers for Team Peace, Team Luke and Team Lizzie for travels and ministry, as they are deployed to Elberta, AL in Baldwin County. Prayers for all those struggling there - many were without power, sewer and water for several days and now are faced with clean up and restoration. 
  • Prayers for those considering joining the team and serving in this outreach ministry.
  • Prayers for the upcoming visits with church members.

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.
Links to Worship Online