September 1, 201912:00 pm - 12:30 pm Meeting in The Upper Room
Join Trinity member Mark Mattison as he facilitates this traditional Benedictine practice of scriptural reading, meditation and prayer. Lectio Divina is a contemplative blend of silence and slow, prayerful reading of Scripture. Are you new to Lectio Divina? All are welcome — come on your own and invite a friend.
Group meets in The Upper Room (located just outside the narthex)
“SOLO Together” just might be a great way for you to get out more often and enjoy the company of other women! Trinity women who are at least fifty years of age and are widowed, divorced or are single without a significant other have been having a great time together. They meet for lunch at area restaurants at 11:30 a.m. on the first Tuesday of most months to simply have fun!
Reservations are made for the group in advance so it is important to RSVP. Please contact Trinity member Marjorie Paul by Sunday, September 1 to let her know you would like to attend on the September date or if you have questions. Marjorie can be reached at 616.209.5263.
This specialized adult handbell ensemble prepares music for worship and participates regularly in area handbell events. Directed by Larry Biser, rehearsals are held in the sanctuary. If you are interested, please contact Mr. Biser at larry.biser@tlcgr.org.
Do you like to praise God? Would you like to sing together with a fun, intelligent, thoughtful, and talented group of people ages high school to retirement age? We welcome vocalists who want to join others in praising our God through music. It is a rewarding and spiritually enriching volunteer experience. Directed by Sidney Hoeksema, the Trinity Choir participates in the 10:45 a.m. worship services. Come and give us a try! Please contact Mr. Hoeksema at sidney.hoeksema@tlcgr.org if you are interested or have questions.
All preschoolers will receive a special blessing at the 9:15 a.m. Rejoice worship service. Three-year-olds and children new to Trinity’s Sunday School will be gifted a storybook Bible. First time preschool parents are invited to experience class with their children following the blessings at the 9:15 a.m. worship service.
We kick off another great year of Sunday School on September 8! Sunday School is available for children ages three years through grade five. Children are taught in small, age-grouped classes. We use a lectionary-based Lutheran curriculum. Children will hear Bible stories and do crafts and activities. Each class is taught by a lead teacher and a parent helper. All parents are asked to help once or twice each fall and spring.
This year we look forward to launching a new and improved registration and check-in system. The registration link can be found on Trinity’s website. When families arrive at church on Sunday morning, head to the Sunday School Check-in Desk. A volunteer will help you print name badges for your children, and also give you a matching claim check. These printed labels ensure a safe pick up by matching the child’s name badge to the parent/guardian claim check.
Children will start each Sunday in worship with their parents at 9:15 a.m. After the Children’s Message, they will be dismissed to their classrooms. Families worshipping at 10:45 a.m. are encouraged to bring their children directly to Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. Class officially ends at 10:30 a.m. It is suggested that parents enjoy a few minutes of fellowship and refreshments in The Courtyard before picking up children from Sunday School.
September 8, 201912:00 pm - 12:30 pm Meeting in The Upper Room
Join Trinity member Mark Mattison as he facilitates this traditional Benedictine practice of scriptural reading, meditation and prayer. Lectio Divina is a contemplative blend of silence and slow, prayerful reading of Scripture. Are you new to Lectio Divina? All are welcome — come on your own and invite a friend.
Group meets in The Upper Room (located just outside the narthex)
Inspired:
Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again
by Rachel Held Evans
What does it mean when we say the Bible is inspired? When Rachel Held Evans asked herself this question, she began a quest to better understand what the Bible is and how it is meant to be read. Drawing on the best in recent scholarship and using her literary expertise, Evans examines some of our favorite Bible stories and possible interpretations, retelling them through memoir, original poetry, short stories, soliloquies, and even a short screenplay. Evans wrestles through the process of doubting, imagining, and debating Scripture's mysteries. The Bible, she discovers, is not a static work but is a living, breathing, captivating, and confounding book that can equip us to join God's loving and redemptive work in the world.
Please order a book on your own or contact Karen Unruh by September 3 about ordering a study book.
Contact Karen Unruh with questions
karen@unruhfamily.net
319.621.2886
This specialized adult handbell ensemble prepares music for worship and participates regularly in area handbell events. Directed by Larry Biser, rehearsals are held in the sanctuary. If you are interested, please contact Mr. Biser at larry.biser@tlcgr.org.
Do you like to praise God? Would you like to sing together with a fun, intelligent, thoughtful, and talented group of people ages high school to retirement age? We welcome vocalists who want to join others in praising our God through music. It is a rewarding and spiritually enriching volunteer experience. Directed by Sidney Hoeksema, the Trinity Choir participates in the 10:45 a.m. worship services. Come and give us a try! Please contact Mr. Hoeksema at sidney.hoeksema@tlcgr.org if you are interested or have questions.
September 14, 20198:30 am - 1:00 pm Sixth Street Park, 647 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
“God’s work. Our hands.”
Typically we celebrate this denomination-wide event together with the members of other ELCA congregations across North America on a Sunday in September. This year, the newly formed “Trinity Earth Keepers” are inviting all of the members of Trinity to do something a little different to commemorate this ELCA event. On the morning of Saturday, September 14 we will gather with hundreds of other people from all walks of life in downtown Grand Rapids for the 16th Annual Mayor’s Grand River Cleanup.
Volunteers will meet at the Sixth Street Bridge Park for check-in and light refreshments from 8:30 to 9 a.m. Mayor Bliss will welcome the crowd of volunteers from 9 to 9:15 a.m. Volunteers will then be transported to specific cleanup sites and pick up trash on the shores of the Grand River from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Volunteers will travel back to the Sixth Street Bridge Park for a light lunch, live music, and a beverage garden from Founders Brewery and Cascade Blonde for volunteers over 21 years of age.
Your first step in order to participate in this event with others from Trinity is to sign up on the SignUp Genius through the link in recent Trinity eBlasts. Additional information will be shared with Trinity members and friends who sign up. Volunteers who sign up by September 11 should be placed at the same cleanup site. Car pool opportunities for volunteers will be made available to ride together from Trinity to the Sixth Street Bridge Park.
If you have questions, please contact Director of Discipleship Sylvia Stouten sylvai.stouten@tlcgr.org or 616.949.2510 x121.
Prayer is making a difference in the lives of Trinity adults and children
Our fifth annual Prayer Tree ministry kicks off on Sunday, September 15. An email was mailed in mid-August to parents and guardians of Trinity children ages in-utero through age 18, requesting permission to include them in this ministry. The children’s names received will provide an intergenerational opportunity for Trinity’s adult members to pray for our younger church family members.
If you have questions, please connect with Angela Davis, Director of Congregational Life at angela.davis@tlcgr.org or 616.949.2510 x129.
A 20-minute informational meeting will follow all three Sunday morning worship services on Sunday morning, September 15, regarding a summer of 2020 trip to Holden Village in the Cascade Mountains of Washington. Plan to stay for a few minutes after worship to learn more about the proposed Trinity Travelers trip to Holden, a Lutheran retreat community in the heart of the mountains. Learn more at www.holdenvillage.org.
Sunday School is available for children ages three years through grade five. Children are taught in small, age-grouped classes. We use a lectionary-based Lutheran curriculum. Children will hear Bible stories and do crafts and activities. Each class is taught by a lead teacher and a parent helper. All parents are asked to help once or twice each fall and spring.
Children will start each Sunday in worship with their parents at 9:15 a.m. After the Children’s Message, they will be dismissed to their classrooms. Families worshipping at 10:45 a.m. are encouraged to bring their children directly to Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. Class officially ends at 10:30 a.m. It is suggested that parents enjoy a few minutes of fellowship and refreshments in The Courtyard before picking up children from Sunday School.
A 20-minute informational meeting will follow all three Sunday morning worship services on Sunday morning, September 15, regarding a summer of 2020 trip to Holden Village in the Cascade Mountains of Washington. Plan to stay for a few minutes after worship to learn more about the proposed Trinity Travelers trip to Holden, a Lutheran retreat community in the heart of the mountains. Learn more at www.holdenvillage.org.
A 20-minute informational meeting will follow all three Sunday morning worship services on Sunday morning, September 15, regarding a summer of 2020 trip to Holden Village in the Cascade Mountains of Washington. Plan to stay for a few minutes after worship to learn more about the proposed Trinity Travelers trip to Holden, a Lutheran retreat community in the heart of the mountains. Learn more at www.holdenvillage.org.
September 15, 201912:00 pm - 12:30 pm Meeting in The Upper Room
Join Trinity member Mark Mattison as he facilitates this traditional Benedictine practice of scriptural reading, meditation and prayer. Lectio Divina is a contemplative blend of silence and slow, prayerful reading of Scripture. Are you new to Lectio Divina? All are welcome — come on your own and invite a friend.
Group meets in The Upper Room (located just outside the narthex)
Inspired:
Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again
by Rachel Held Evans
What does it mean when we say the Bible is inspired? When Rachel Held Evans asked herself this question, she began a quest to better understand what the Bible is and how it is meant to be read. Drawing on the best in recent scholarship and using her literary expertise, Evans examines some of our favorite Bible stories and possible interpretations, retelling them through memoir, original poetry, short stories, soliloquies, and even a short screenplay. Evans wrestles through the process of doubting, imagining, and debating Scripture's mysteries. The Bible, she discovers, is not a static work but is a living, breathing, captivating, and confounding book that can equip us to join God's loving and redemptive work in the world.
Please order a book on your own or contact Karen Unruh by September 3 about ordering a study book.
Contact Karen Unruh with questions
karen@unruhfamily.net
319.621.2886
September 18, 201910:30 am - 12:00 pm Meeting in Centennial Hall
Trinity’s Earth Keepers invite you to view this special film about some of the effects of climate change and the inspiring ways Americans are responding. This National Geographic film features countless people already choosing sustainable energy options in the face of challenges posed by climate change. The film will be shown on Wednesday, September 18 at 10:30 a.m. and on Sunday, September 22 at 6:30 p.m. with brief discussions to follow facilitated by representatives from Michigan Interfaith Power and Light.
The members of Trinity’s news Earth Keepers group are passionate about sharing their knowledge about environmental issues and are enthusiastic about having a positive impact together on God’s creation. The group is initially focusing on three different areas: educating our church family about environmental topics, becoming vocal about concerns through advocacy and participating in service projects as a church family and/or with other groups.
We would love to have you participate in the events and activities the group has planned.
We would also enjoy adding members to our group of Trinity Earth Keepers—all are welcome to join us.
Please be in touch with Director of Discipleship Sylvia Stouten at sylvia.stouten@tlcgr.org or 616.949.2510 x121 if you have questions or would like more information.
This specialized adult handbell ensemble prepares music for worship and participates regularly in area handbell events. Directed by Larry Biser, rehearsals are held in the sanctuary. If you are interested, please contact Mr. Biser at larry.biser@tlcgr.org.
Do you like to praise God? Would you like to sing together with a fun, intelligent, thoughtful, and talented group of people ages high school to retirement age? We welcome vocalists who want to join others in praising our God through music. It is a rewarding and spiritually enriching volunteer experience. Directed by Sidney Hoeksema, the Trinity Choir participates in the 10:45 a.m. worship services. Come and give us a try! Please contact Mr. Hoeksema at sidney.hoeksema@tlcgr.org if you are interested or have questions.
Jewish Roots: The Heritage of the Christian Faith
by Mart De Haan
Friday Morning (all Fridays except for Second Fridays)
9:30 - 11 a.m.
For many followers of Christ, who was born in the lineage of King David and other prominent Jews, the connection between Judaism and Christianity never occurs to them. Often, Christians see the two faiths as being separate and almost unrelated.
This nine session Bible study was designed to help Christians see that this is just not true. In fact, the two faiths have some surprising and fascinating things in common. Mart De Haan traveled to Jerusalem to visit some key first-century locations and discuss with three Hebrew Christians the Jewish roots of Christianity.
Discover the Jewish origins of Christianity with added historical and spiritual meaning. Gain insights into the remarkable significance of Jewish religious beliefs and practices and discover who Jesus Christ really was.
Contact Kris Fox with questions
jklsafox@comcast.net
616.682.0671
Sunday School is available for children ages three years through grade five. Children are taught in small, age-grouped classes. We use a lectionary-based Lutheran curriculum. Children will hear Bible stories and do crafts and activities. Each class is taught by a lead teacher and a parent helper. All parents are asked to help once or twice each fall and spring.
Children will start each Sunday in worship with their parents at 9:15 a.m. After the Children’s Message, they will be dismissed to their classrooms. Families worshipping at 10:45 a.m. are encouraged to bring their children directly to Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. Class officially ends at 10:30 a.m. It is suggested that parents enjoy a few minutes of fellowship and refreshments in The Courtyard before picking up children from Sunday School.
September 22, 201912:00 pm - 12:30 pm Meeting in The Upper Room
Join Trinity member Mark Mattison as he facilitates this traditional Benedictine practice of scriptural reading, meditation and prayer. Lectio Divina is a contemplative blend of silence and slow, prayerful reading of Scripture. Are you new to Lectio Divina? All are welcome — come on your own and invite a friend.
Group meets in The Upper Room (located just outside the narthex)
Trinity’s youth will join other Trinity members and friends at 6:30 p.m. in Centennial Hall for a special showing of this National Geographic film. For more information about “Paris to Pittsburgh,” please see page 19 of this newsletter.
September 22, 20196:30 pm - 8:00 pm Meeting in Centennial Hall
Trinity’s Earth Keepers invite you to view this special film about some of the effects of climate change and the inspiring ways Americans are responding. This National Geographic film features countless people already choosing sustainable energy options in the face of challenges posed by climate change. The film will be shown on Wednesday, September 18 at 10:30 a.m. and on Sunday, September 22 at 6:30 p.m. with brief discussions to follow facilitated by representatives from Michigan Interfaith Power and Light.
Inspired:
Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again
by Rachel Held Evans
What does it mean when we say the Bible is inspired? When Rachel Held Evans asked herself this question, she began a quest to better understand what the Bible is and how it is meant to be read. Drawing on the best in recent scholarship and using her literary expertise, Evans examines some of our favorite Bible stories and possible interpretations, retelling them through memoir, original poetry, short stories, soliloquies, and even a short screenplay. Evans wrestles through the process of doubting, imagining, and debating Scripture's mysteries. The Bible, she discovers, is not a static work but is a living, breathing, captivating, and confounding book that can equip us to join God's loving and redemptive work in the world.
Please order a book on your own or contact Karen Unruh by September 3 about ordering a study book.
Contact Karen Unruh with questions
karen@unruhfamily.net
319.621.2886
September 24, 20192:00 pm - 8:30 pm The Commons and Classrooms
We Want YOU in our New Trinity Pictorial Directory! Sign-ups begin in August for our new pictorial directory! There is no obligation to purchase anything, but everyone who is photographed receives a FREE 8 x 10 color portrait and a FREE copy of the new Trinity pictorial directory. If you submit a photo there will be a $10 fee. Our church is just not complete without you so please plan to participate!
Click here to sing up: https://www.ucdir.com/schedule/login.php
Use the church code: mi1178 and password: photos
September 24, 20197:00 pm - 8:00 pm The Upper Room
Contact Corina Dulecki questions and details. corinard@comcast.net or 616-575-5317 Group meets in The Upper Room (located just outside the narthex)
Tuesday Evening Book Club meets the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. We would love to have new members join us! We have met at various member's homes in the past, but this year we decided to meet at church since it is most centrally located for our group.
Our book list for the current year is as follows: September 24 - Where'd You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple October 22 - Dear Church: A Love Letter from a Black Preacher to the Whitest Denomination in the US by Lenny Duncan November 26 - Normal People by Sally Rooney December - we do not meet January 28 - City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert February 25 - Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan March 24 - Call your Daughter Home by Deb Spera April 28 - Hag-Seed by Margaret Atwood May 26 - All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders
Trinity members and friends can count on enjoying conversations with each other, learning, laughing - and of course, eating very good food! While many who attend JOYful Days are senior adults, we welcome participants of all ages. If you have time in your day, you will want to join us for JOYful Days!
Our Schedule - 10 a.m.: Coffee, donuts and conversation
10:30 a.m.: Bible Study *
11:45 a.m.: Luncheon is promptly served followed by the special
speaker/performer
TODAY'S SPEAKER:
Ellen Bacca, Meteorologist, WOOD TV8
Thunderstorms and Tornadoes!
We are so excited to have Ellen as our first speaker of the fall season! She comes into our homes on a regular basis with her sweet smile and professionalism in sharing weather forecasts. Ellen is a native of West Michigan having grown up in Portage. She has worked all across the country from Montana to North Carolina to Michigan covering everything from tornadoes to hurricanes and blizzards. Ellen is a graduate of Valparaiso University.
The people of Trinity are invited to join me in the fall of 2019 for Wednesday morning and evening Bible study forums based on Rabbi Donniel Hartman’s Putting God Second; How to Save Religion from Itself. We will begin an eight-week study on September 25, coinciding with the first session of JOYful Days. Forums will be offered weekly on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
The themes for the eight weeks are as follows:
September 25 Religion’s Autoimmune Disease
October 2 You Are Your Brother’s Keeper; the Religious Ethic of Nonindifference
October 9 God Intoxication and God Manipulation
October 16 Recovering from God Intoxication
October 23 Immunizing Against God Manipulation
October 30 When Scripture Is the Problem
November 6 Do I Have to Believe in God to Be a Good Jew (or a good Christian)?
November 13 Putting God First by Putting God Second
September 25, 20192:00 pm - 8:30 pm The Commons and Classrooms
We Want YOU in our New Trinity Pictorial Directory! Sign-ups begin in August for our new pictorial directory! There is no obligation to purchase anything, but everyone who is photographed receives a FREE 8 x 10 color portrait and a FREE copy of the new Trinity pictorial directory. If you submit a photo there will be a $10 fee. Our church is just not complete without you so please plan to participate!
Click here to sing up: https://www.ucdir.com/schedule/login.php
Use the church code: mi1178 and password: photos
The people of Trinity are invited to join me in the fall of 2019 for Wednesday morning and evening Bible study forums based on Rabbi Donniel Hartman’s Putting God Second; How to Save Religion from Itself. We will begin an eight-week study on September 25, coinciding with the first session of JOYful Days. Forums will be offered weekly on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
The themes for the eight weeks are as follows:
September 25 Religion’s Autoimmune Disease
October 2 You Are Your Brother’s Keeper; the Religious Ethic of Nonindifference
October 9 God Intoxication and God Manipulation
October 16 Recovering from God Intoxication
October 23 Immunizing Against God Manipulation
October 30 When Scripture Is the Problem
November 6 Do I Have to Believe in God to Be a Good Jew (or a good Christian)?
November 13 Putting God First by Putting God Second
September 26, 20192:00 pm - 8:30 pm The Commons and Classrooms
We Want YOU in our New Trinity Pictorial Directory! Sign-ups begin in August for our new pictorial directory! There is no obligation to purchase anything, but everyone who is photographed receives a FREE 8 x 10 color portrait and a FREE copy of the new Trinity pictorial directory. If you submit a photo there will be a $10 fee. Our church is just not complete without you so please plan to participate!
Click here to sing up: https://www.ucdir.com/schedule/login.php
Use the church code: mi1178 and password: photos
This specialized adult handbell ensemble prepares music for worship and participates regularly in area handbell events. Directed by Larry Biser, rehearsals are held in the sanctuary. If you are interested, please contact Mr. Biser at larry.biser@tlcgr.org.
Do you like to praise God? Would you like to sing together with a fun, intelligent, thoughtful, and talented group of people ages high school to retirement age? We welcome vocalists who want to join others in praising our God through music. It is a rewarding and spiritually enriching volunteer experience. Directed by Sidney Hoeksema, the Trinity Choir participates in the 10:45 a.m. worship services. Come and give us a try! Please contact Mr. Hoeksema at sidney.hoeksema@tlcgr.org if you are interested or have questions.
Jewish Roots: The Heritage of the Christian Faith
by Mart De Haan
Friday Morning (all Fridays except for Second Fridays)
9:30 - 11 a.m.
For many followers of Christ, who was born in the lineage of King David and other prominent Jews, the connection between Judaism and Christianity never occurs to them. Often, Christians see the two faiths as being separate and almost unrelated.
This nine session Bible study was designed to help Christians see that this is just not true. In fact, the two faiths have some surprising and fascinating things in common. Mart De Haan traveled to Jerusalem to visit some key first-century locations and discuss with three Hebrew Christians the Jewish roots of Christianity.
Discover the Jewish origins of Christianity with added historical and spiritual meaning. Gain insights into the remarkable significance of Jewish religious beliefs and practices and discover who Jesus Christ really was.
Contact Kris Fox with questions
jklsafox@comcast.net
616.682.0671
September 27, 20192:00 pm - 8:30 pm The Commons and Classrooms
We Want YOU in our New Trinity Pictorial Directory! Sign-ups begin in August for our new pictorial directory! There is no obligation to purchase anything, but everyone who is photographed receives a FREE 8 x 10 color portrait and a FREE copy of the new Trinity pictorial directory. If you submit a photo there will be a $10 fee. Our church is just not complete without you so please plan to participate!
Click here to sing up: https://www.ucdir.com/schedule/login.php
Use the church code: mi1178 and password: photos
September 27, 20196:00 pm - 9:00 pm Ganders, 4747 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, USA
The Over-60 crowd will be dining together on Friday, September 27, at 6 p.m. at GANDERS restaurant, inside the Double Tree by Hilton, located at the north west corner of 28th and Paterson. The Ganders chefs take pride in their locally sourced ingredients grown here in the heart of Michigan, and work with local vendors to create a variety of thoughtful entrées for you to enjoy and savor. Due to restaurant accommodations, reservations will be limited to the first 30 people. To make your reservation, contact hosts Bob and Louise Pfau at 616.954.7062, or pecok2467@gmail.com, or Pastor Karen at karen.niemeyer@tlcgr.org.
September 28, 201910:30 am - 5:00 pm The Commons and Classrooms
We Want YOU in our New Trinity Pictorial Directory! Sign-ups begin in August for our new pictorial directory! There is no obligation to purchase anything, but everyone who is photographed receives a FREE 8 x 10 color portrait and a FREE copy of the new Trinity pictorial directory. If you submit a photo there will be a $10 fee. Our church is just not complete without you so please plan to participate!
Click here to sing up: https://www.ucdir.com/schedule/login.php
Use the church code: mi1178 and password: photos
Sunday School is available for children ages three years through grade five. Children are taught in small, age-grouped classes. We use a lectionary-based Lutheran curriculum. Children will hear Bible stories and do crafts and activities. Each class is taught by a lead teacher and a parent helper. All parents are asked to help once or twice each fall and spring.
Children will start each Sunday in worship with their parents at 9:15 a.m. After the Children’s Message, they will be dismissed to their classrooms. Families worshipping at 10:45 a.m. are encouraged to bring their children directly to Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. Class officially ends at 10:30 a.m. It is suggested that parents enjoy a few minutes of fellowship and refreshments in The Courtyard before picking up children from Sunday School.
September 29, 201912:00 pm - 12:30 pm Meeting in The Upper Room
Join Trinity member Mark Mattison as he facilitates this traditional Benedictine practice of scriptural reading, meditation and prayer. Lectio Divina is a contemplative blend of silence and slow, prayerful reading of Scripture. Are you new to Lectio Divina? All are welcome — come on your own and invite a friend.
Group meets in The Upper Room (located just outside the narthex)
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