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 not to return to in-person 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.
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.
|
|
Voters Meeting Summary
Thanks to all who participated in a successful first ZOOM voters meeting last weekend. Three votes taken:
- Previous voters meeting minutes approved unanimously
- Unanimous verbal vote approving the presented 2020-2021 Budget
- Unanimous verbal vote giving approval to sell Trinity’s three houses
Trinity's LWML News
LWML's faithful member, Martha Pfantz, has been quilting 35+ years at Trinity. Up until March of this year, she has been to all sessions and 4 meetings a year. Her mother, Cora Bowman, quilted at Trinity as far back as 1945. Martha would hang around after high school with the "OLD Ladies" LOL, listening and watching until her Dad picked her up. She said "back in those days, the Ladies made pretty quilts and sold them". We SALUTE YOU, MARTHA, and look forward to the day you will be able to join us again. Meanwhile, keep safe at Windsor Place. Sadly, LWML has recently lost a faithful member of six+ years, Nora Van Deest. She will be honored with a $100 memorial gift from LWML to the Pastor's Discretionary Fund.
Deaconess/DCE Call Committee
The DCE/Deaconess Call Committee has been meeting regularly for the last several months. For those of you who are not familiar with the call process for church workers, there are a number of steps that congregations need to complete prior to being able to access a list of candidates for the Call. By the time you read this we will have completed all the preliminary items and started to review potential candidates.
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.
Food and Funds on the Fifth Sunday
Our next Food and Funds on the Fifth collection will be on the fifth Sunday of November 29! Hold on to those BOGO deals for a local food pantry and dollars meant for the Pastoral Discretionary fund!
Email Scams
Do not respond to any random email request of you to purchase gift cards for the church or for the Pastor. These emails can appear to come directly from the email accounts at trinitydowntown.com. They are not. Emails are often hacked and Pastors email addresses are often used to manipulate people into thinking there is an emergency and that you need to purchase something like prepaid gift cards quickly to help the Pastor. Please do not be taken in by these scams. If you ever have concerns about the legitimacy of a request for funds or donations, please contact our office by phone to verify in advance. Thank you.
Planning for Sunday School, MS & HS Youth, and Confirmation Classes
UPDATE: Thus far, survey results indicate 30% of respondents would not participate in public Sunday School/Youth Meetings, but 100% would participate in online options. Seeking more responses from parents. Link below.
Trinity's leadership is currently working toward a decision on whether or not the time is right to reconvene in-person Sunday School, MS & HS Youth Group, and Jr/Sr Confirmation Classes in the same manner as we have in the past. There is discussion about the possibility of needing something online temporarily, and also for getting things back to normal and in-person with proper safety protocols similar to what is seen in worship. We want to hear from parents and students. How are you feeling about in-person Sunday School or classes? What about online options? Please complete this brief survey to let us know - feel free to use the last comment section to share freely, your thoughts and any input from your child that is relevant. Link above. THANK YOU!
|
|
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
Street Work On E. Livingston - Plan to Avoid
On Tuesday, September 8, 2020, the City’s Contractor, JMD global, will begin a brick street rehabilitation project in the Lake Eola Heights neighborhood. 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
TRINITY FAMILY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
URGENT NEED 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. THANK YOU to DESIREE, CODY AND MADISON who have signed up to serve with Sunday School!
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.
|
|
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.
Currently Running Groups
Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study - TIME CHANGE/LOCATION CHANGE
Discussion lead by Gregg Yawman
THIS WEEKEND, Sept 6, meets at 8:15am via ZOOM
Meeting now via Zoom to study the weekly readings, plans to begin meeting on-campus Sept 13 (NOT SEPT 6). Masks and distancing required. To participate and confirm start time, please contact Gregg at gyawman@instetag.com.
Prayer Bible Study Groups
Wednesdays at 11am and 7pm
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.
Joining Jesus on His Mission - How to Be An Everyday Missionary
Discussion lead by Pastor Doug Kallesen
TUESDAYS at 10am via Zoom
Joining Jesus on His Mission will alter the way you see your life as a follower of Jesus and take you beyond living your life for Jesus to living life with Jesus. Simple, powerful and applicable insights show you how to be on mission and recognize where Jesus is already at work in your neighborhoods, workplaces and schools. You will feel both relief and hope. You may even hear yourself say, "I can do this " as you start responding to the everyday opportunities Jesus is placing in your path.
One Nation under God: Healing Racial Divides in America
Discussion lead by Trinity member Alina Davis alinad@bellsouth.net
MONDAYS at 7pm, begins Aug 31
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 Soon
IMMERSE PARTICIPANTS BOOK ORDER - the group order has already been submitted. If you still need a book, please order individually. Thank you.
Immerse Bible Reading Experience, Book 3: Kingdoms
Book needed, daily readings, eight week plan
Sunday Mornings 9:30am group will adopt this study in late September Contact Gregg Yawman at gyawman@instetag.com to confirm
Tuesday Morning Women’s Group with Darlene Sabin - Begins Oct 6. Email darlene.rehbein.sabin@gmail.com.
Tuesday Evening Women'sGroup with Julie Lasater. Email julieheals@att.net.
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.
Immerse Bible Reading Experience, Book 1: Messiah
Book needed, daily readings, eight week plan
Saturdays at 4:30 with Pastor Doug, in-person. 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.
Tuesday Morning Women’s Group, Bless These Lips
Book needed, weekly reading assignment
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.
More Options
Book Club Learning via Facebook
Anyone interested in an online book club geared specifically toward discipleship and spiritual development topics please contact Chanda at chanda.gillenwater@TrinityDowntown.com to learn more.
And More
Multiple other study group/book club/discussion group options are listed on our website, and suggestions are always welcome. Go to church.trinitydowntown.com/word. Groups are open to Trinity families, parents, staff, friends, neighbors, anyone… so you’re strongly encouraged to invite a friend to participate with you. Sign up now - contact your Trinity Ministry and Communications Coordinator, Chanda Gillenwater, at Chanda.Gillenwater@TrinityDowntown.com or 407-490-7339 (text or call).
|
|
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.
-
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, we invite you to our next team meeting, Thursday, September 17 at 6:30pm If you are interested in being a handler for Peace (must be 18 years of age or older), we invite you to join us Saturday, September 12 at 8:30am for a handler training and information session. For more information, 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!
|
|
DISTRICT EVENTS
President's Equip Conference - One Body, Many Parts
The District is moving the President’s Equip Conference to a virtual format—a new venture for the Florida-Georgia District! It was changed because of the threat of a resurgence of the pandemic, keeping in mind the health and safety of people, along with financial concerns for our congregations and school.
All congregations and schools are encouraged to participate virtually -all you need is a computer or mobile device and an internet connection to attend from home. It's described as "a unique “ministry equipping conference” never done before — bringing together the many parts of one church body. This first-ever virtual conference will include pastors, teachers, vicars, deaconesses, DCEs, lay ministers, youth group leaders, members of the LWML, church councils, boards of elders, school board members and all active and retired men and women interested in ramping up their ministries and ministry skills!" The conference is still scheduled for September 24-26 and will feature a great variety of speakers, including: David Kinnaman, President of Barna Group; Donna Snow, CPH Author and Speaker; The Skit Guys! As plans are developed and finalized, they will be updated on the district website.
LWML
LWML Fall Zone Convention will be hosted virtually this year, due to the cancellation of Lake Buena Vista booking originally planned. If you are interested in becoming a voting delegate and can spend two days (September 24-26) of online attendance, you have a short deadline. Let me hear from you via e-mail as soon as possible as your information must be sent to our Zone President before June 25, 2020. As one of two delegates you will be asked to vote on several proposed grants ranging from $5,000 to $150,000. A full packet of information will be sent to you once your information is received by the Zone President. If interested, contact Mary Lou Evanchyk as soon as possible via phone: 407-491-4452 or e-mail: mevanchy@att.net.
|
|
Important Dates
Sept 7 - Campus Closed for Labor Day
Sept 28- *TENTATIVE* IMMERSE: Kingdoms study begins
Nov 26 - Thanksgiving Day
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.
|
|
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
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 Trinity member Nora Van Deest.
- For the family and friends of Trinity member Celia Schroeder.
- For the family and friends of Trinity member Mike Hofmann.
Surgery and Recovery
Susan P, Clara M, Dixie P, Bob D, Avery B, Gail W
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
- Prayers for our CDC staff & families, Trinity membership and all Trinity staff & leaders
- Prayers for wisdom and planning and preparation regarding reopening for AUGUST 29-30
- Prayers for all families working through adjustments to the new school year
- 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 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.
- Many, many prayers of thanks that Trinity has not had to furlough any employees!
Our Missionaries
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
