Read below to learn about important Trinity Lutheran Church news, activities and upcoming special events for members and guests of our Grand Rapids congregation.
Peace — And Good Health — Be With You
Trinity is continuing to assess the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation with general infection control practices in place.
One additional step we are taking will be replacing handshakes with respectful bows during the Sharing of the Peace in worship. We encourage everyone to practice good hand washing, staying home when ill, covering coughs/sneezes, and keeping hands away from faces.
Lenten Soup Suppers and Midweek Worship Continue
On Wednesdays throughout March, a wide variety of delicious soups will be served in The Courtyard from 5:15 to 6:15 pm. Please consider providing soup or bread or helping with set-up or clean-up for one or more of our Soup Supper dates.
Click here for more details or to sign up.
Contact Sylvia Stouten for more information. Midweek Lenten Worship fill follow Soup Suppers at 6:30 pm.
Life Begins at 60 Supper on Mar 20th
We will gather for a first-class dining experience at Reds Restaurant at the Thousand Oaks Golf Club, 4100 Thousand Oaks NE, on Friday, March 20th, at 6 pm. If you are 60 years or older, please join us. Please note that reservations will be limited to the first 30 people who register. Contact Carol Butler or Pastor Karen to make your reservation.
March 24th Grand Rapids Community Interfaith Seder
You are invited to a full interfaith Seder on Tuesday, March 24th, at 6 pm at Temple Emanuel, 1715 East Fulton Street.
The Seder will be led by Rabbi Michael Schadick from Temple Emanuel along with clergy from a variety of local faith communities. A full dinner with traditional Passover ceremonial foods will be served and Halal and Vegetarian options are available. Click here to RSVP for this event by March 20th. The cost is $20 per person. Contact the Temple office at 616.459.5976 with questions and/or to pay by check.
The Choir of St. John’s College, Cambridge on Wed, Mar 25th
You are invited to the inaugural presentation of the Grand Rapids Choir of Men & Boys as they join their voices with the Choir of St. John’s College at the Biennial Andrew Larson Memorial Concert Series. The concert will be held at the Basilica of St. Adalbert on March 25 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available; call 616.460.0598 for more information.
Young and Sleepless Game Night & Potluck Sat, Mar 28th
Join other young families on Saturday, March 28, from 5 to 7:30 pm. The Courtyard will become a giant playground! Bring a favorite “toddler” game and a dish to pass.
Click here to sign up. For more information, please contact Anne Meeuwsen at 517.896.8018.
Lenten Grace Groups at Trinity
Grace Groups are Trinity’s small group Bible Studies that typically take place during the five weeks of Lent. These small groups meet for weekly study and conversation between Ash Wednesday on March 2nd and Holy Week, which begins on April 10th. Grace Groups are especially appealing for individuals who are unable to make a commitment to long-term Bible Studies. The small groups are led by volunteers and are scheduled on a variety of days of the week and at various times. If you have questions, please contact the church office at 616.949.2510
Entering the Narrow Gate: School of Spiritual Formation
This year-long program, hosted by Trinity Lutheran Church, is open to anyone who would like to explore the classic elements of monastic, spiritual and contemplative life — to
discover how this ancient wisdom, learning and spiritual practice might be understood and lived in new settings and life today. Contact Trinity’s Kris Baker 616.949.2510, x 110 or
program facilitator Sister Nancy Brousseau 616.560.4580 for more info. Click here to learn more.
St. Croix Mission Trip May 22 - 30, 2020
Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR), a program of Lutheran Social Services of the Virgin Islands, is seeking Lutheran construction teams of 10 to 20 members to assist with rebuilding hurricane damaged homes on the island of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Pastor David Sprang is organizing a group to travel to St. Croix this May to assist in preparing and replacing roofs. Learn More.
NAMI Family-to-Family Starts New Feb Session
Trinity is continuing our partnership with NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness) to host “Family-to-Family” and the Spring sessions begins on Monday, February 3. Family-to-Family is a free, 12-session educational program for family, significant others and friends of people with mental health conditions. Click here to signup or contact Faith Community Nurse Kristin Bradley for more information.
Trinity Fitness Classes
Don’t wait for the new year to care for your physical health! March fitness class schedules are available at the Courtyard Welcome Center. Somatic Yoga, Tai Chi or Functional Movement offerings are available. The suggested donation is $3 per class or $20 per month. Contact our fitness instructor, Xristina Kuhlmann
Trinity’s Inclement Weather Policy
When the Forest Hills Public Schools close during the day, all Trinity daytime activities are cancelled and the church offices are closed. When Forest Hills Schools announce a two hour morning delay, morning programming at Trinity will be cancelled.
After 3 pm and on weekends, check WOOD TV8 or WZZM TV13 about the status of our evening or weekend activities. Use your best judgment when it comes to your personal safety this winter!
Personal Care Items Appreciated
We are collecting personal care products at Trinity through April for distribution to area agencies. Items such as shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste are simple things we take for granted but are difficult for many to afford.
Please consider purchasing regular size items. You may drop off your donations in the labeled black barrels found in the Narthex and in The Courtyard by the Welcome Center through Sunday, April 26th. Thank you!
Neerekshe Bus Appeal Successful
Thank you to everyone who donated money toward the Neerekshe Bus Fundraiser. We met and exceeded the $8,800 goal! We will reallocate the remaining Lenten offerings to the World Hunger Appeal.
Kids Helping Kids – Backpack Appeal
On March 15th, Sunday School kids will fill 25 backpacks with comfort items for children in the Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) program.
Donations are due this Sunday, March 8th.