+WORSHIP | IN-PERSON or Online | 9:30 AM+
In Isaiah the people are advised to look to their spiritual ancestors as the rock from which they were hewn. Jesus declares that the church will be built on the rock of Peter’s bold confession of faith. God’s word of reconciliation and God’s mercy are keys to the church’s mission. Paul urges us to not be conformed to this world but to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, using our individual gifts to build up the body of Christ. From the table we go forth to offer our spiritual worship through word and deed.
We continue to worship in a hybrid fashion. Please worship in the manner which is best for your household. Although we no longer require advance signup for in-person worship, please check in with a greeter as you arrive (for contact tracing purposes if needed). If a change needs to be made to this plan, we will notify you via email.
This Week’s Bulletin: HERE
View the August 2023 Trinitarian HERE
Readings for this Sunday
Isaiah 51:1-6
Psalm 138
Romans 12:1-8
Matthew 16:13-20
Masks are now optional.
+COMMUNITY NEWS+
Welcome Back Rev. Dr. Mark Docken
Rev. Dr. Mark Docken retired last year from forty years of ministry in Montana, South Dakota, and Minnesota. He and his wife, Lois, moved to Greenbelt, MD to be closer to their daughter’s family in College Park. They are enjoying time with their two grandchildren, Zak and Noelle. Mark and Lois also have a son and future daughter-in- law living in Australia and a son and daughter-in-law in Nashville.
The ELCA Task Force on Studies for Civic Life and Faith—One Remaining Session
The ELCA Task Force on Studies for Civic Life and Faith has published a six-session study about government, democracy, and how Christians are called to participate in civic life; there are three remaining sessions. Good Shepherd in Gaithersburg MD will host a group to participate in the study via Zoom from 6:00–7:00 PM every other Wednesday June 28 through September 6. Please sign up to join the study by providing your name and email address through the signup link at goserve.net/blog/civic-study. There is one session remaining:
September 6—Session 6: How Do We Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord in Civic Life
Blessing of the Backpacks
Sunday, September 10th Children young and old are invited to bring their school or work bags to worship. We will bless the bags and their carriers at the end of the service
God’s Work. Our Hands.
Sunday, September 10th marks the 10th anniversary of congregations throughout the ELCA joining to offer a day of service known as God’s Work. Our Hands. For the 10th Anniversary, Trinity has expanded beyond a day of service and has various service projects extending from September 9th through September 16th. Join us for some or all of the acts of service below:
Stella B-A received a Mission Endowment Fund grant last year to fund her vision of a “little library” at Trinity. On September 9th and 10th — help us to bring Stella’s vision to life. We will be assembling 2 little libraries. Saturday will include painting, assembling the boxes, and setting posts in concrete/cement; allowing for dry time, the project may need to be completed on Sunday.
On September 9th, from 10-12pm, the Social Ministry team is organizing a group to volunteer at Interfaith Clothing, located at 751 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, from 10-noon.
On Sunday, September 10th, after service, there will be an intergenerational project in the social hall to assemble children’s snack bags for Bethesda Help.
On Tuesday, September 12th, from 1:30-6pm, there is an American Red Cross Blood Drive at Trinity.
On Saturday, September 16th, from 9-12pm, is Trinity’s monthly food drive to support Bethesda Help.
God’s Work. Our Hands. Join us.
Call Committee Progress
The Call Committee journey continues and is starting interviews with additional candidates identified by the Synod. To date we have received one additional candidate, but the Synod is expecting to provide additional names for consideration shortly.
Please continue to keep the Call Committee and the process in your prayers.
Flat Jesus is back!
Pick up a flat Jesus from the Social Hall. Color Him and take Him on your travels this summer. Snap a selfie and send it to the church. We will be displaying your pictures in future church publications.
Sharing Stories of Faith
On July 23rd Susan S. gave a great Temple Talk about Stephen Ministry. This is her experience:
“I was going to give a Temple Talk to explain how a Stephen Minister can change the course of someone who is suffering in several ways. On the way to Trinity, I prayed to God. I asked that God stand right beside me as I gave the Temple Talk. As I got up to give that talk, I felt at peace. I looked at the audience and I gave the speech. I felt that God was all around me”.
How have you experienced God’s presence this summer? Please share your story by submitting it via email to office@trinityelca.org or posting it to Carmen’s attention. They will be printed in future issues of the Trinitarian.
COFFEE HOUR HOSTS NEEDED
There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer for Coffee Hour! Please call the church office to sign up, or click here or contact Chelsea Y at Chelsea.kiehl@valpo.edu with questions.
+HAPPENING AT TRINITY+
Interfaith 5K Race | September 4
First Choir Rehearsal | September 7
God’s Work Our Hands | September 9 and 10
Blessing of Back Packs | September 10
Red Cross Blood Drive | September 12
Food Drive | September 16
Sunday School and Adult Forum | September 17
+Next Week at Trinity+
Sun, Aug 27 The Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost
9:30 am Holy Communion Worship Service
(Coffee Hour to Follow)
Tues, August 29
11:00 am Staff Meeting
Sun, Sept 3 The Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost
9:30 am Holy Communion Worship Service
(Coffee Hour to Follow)
+CLASSES AND MEETINGS+
Sunday School and Adult Forum | Sundays | 10:45 am | Room 10
These forums return Sunday, September 17th, 15 minutes after the end of worship.
This year there will be 2 children’s Sunday School groups: K through 3rd grade and 4th grade and up. The younger children will continue with our lectionary curriculum and the older children will study the Old Testament this year.
Adult Forum will offer a variety of series and guest speakers, starting with a brief history lesson on the Lord’s Supper on September 17th. Please see the Trinitarian for more information about topics this fall. We hope there will be something of interest for everyone.
Trinity Singers | Thursdays | 7:30 pm
We will return in September
Faith Formation for Youth | Sundays | 10:45 am
We will return in September
Trinity Men’s Group | Every Second Wednesday | 1:00 pm | Zoom
Contact the church office for zoom info
Heavenly Handbells | Mondays | 7:30 pm | Sanctuary
We will return in September
Stephen Ministry | See the Calendar for meeting dates
Mission Endowment Committee | See the Calendar for Future meeting dates
+DONATIONS AND AID NEEDED+
Registration Open for the September 4 Interfaith 5K Race
Registration for the Interfaith 5K on Sept 4 is now open. We are team “Trinity Lutheran Church”. See https://mocointerfaith5k.org
Five Montgomery County religious communities are partnering to create the seventh annual Interfaith 5K race. The 2023 race beneficiaries are Gaithersburg Help and C-4, an interfaith group serving the needs of the Colesville Community. For more information, see the website above, or contact Leslie S.
Red Cross Blood Drive | September 12 | 1:40pm to 6pm
Trinity is proud to support the Red Cross’ humanitarian mission to help ensure there is lifesaving blood available to patients in need. Help give the gift of life by donating at Trinity’s next blood drive on Tuesday, September 12, from 1:40-6; the sign up is now open on the American Red Cross’ website.
In the past year, The American Red Cross has implemented changes to long existing restrictions and creating greater donor eligibility. There is more information available on the ARC website. The following is a note about the change to the Individual Donor Assessment (IDA): Under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s new individual donor assessment, all donors will be asked the same sexual behavior questions to determine individual risk for exposure to HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). The overall blood donation process is not changing – all donors will now be asked some new questions during Health History. This update eliminates questions based on sexual orientation and treats all potential donors with respect while maintaining the safety of the blood supply. Years of data have demonstrated that this new eligibility screening process ensures a safe blood supply.
This is a community drive, all are welcome; donors of all blood types are needed. Please help us get the word out in the community… invite a friend, add to a list serve, post an announcement!
If you have questions, please contact Margaret F at gmfitzwm85@gmail.com.
Food Collection: Food Drive | September 16, 2023 | 9-noon | See the list of critical food needs here
Thanks to the many congregation members who continue to support our monthly food drives to support Bethesda Help. We are also pleased that each month we welcome donations from members of the neighborhood. Each month we drop off between 300-500 pounds of food and 10-20 gift cards. Bethesda Help is very appreciative and recognizes Trinity each month in the BH newsletter. Trinity’s food drives will continue the third Saturday of the month from 9-12. The list of food donation requests is on Trinity’s website. If you have any questions please contact Margaret F at gmfitzwm85@gmail.com
+REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS+
We are grateful that people have been lifting up our members and friends in prayer during Zoom gatherings. Please also call the office at 301-881-7275 or email office@trinityelca.org to add them to the list below.
nursing/rehabilitation center:
Philip T (Manor Care Potomac)
Yulie N (Village at Rockville)
home
Isabel F, Tigist G, Lineth M, Anya N, Vimala P, Elizabeth R, Gio S, Margo W
family and friends*
Donald B, brother of Marilyn C
Kathy B, custodian and friend of Trinity
Lonnie B, friend of Carol B
Pam C, sister of Mike M
Pastor Paul O, friend of Trinity
Pastor Sarah F-M, friend of Anita S
Betsy G, friend of Margaret F
David G, friend of Tad and Vi D
Terry K, brother-in-law of David and Leslie C
Randi L, friend of Mike and Valerie M
Juan-Maria M-M, friend of Len S
Linda P, cousin of Julie N
Martha R (Sterling Care), friend of Trinity
Karen and Harold S, friends of Pamela B
Paul S, brother of Steve S
Carolyn T, daughter of Jim V
Alex V, friend of Sunhee P
Gerry W, friend of Tom K and Sarah M
first responders
Lisbeth N-D
Greta S & Linda A, sister & sister-in-law of Anita S
Vanessa B, friend of Elizabeth & Ben R
*For family and friends, prayer requests will be kept on the list for 4 weeks. To renew, please complete another card/call the office.
+RESOURCES+
Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TrinityELCA/streams
+OFFICE HOURS+
Carmen will be in the office from 9-5 on Monday-Friday. Please contact the office or a council member if you have a request for pastoral care.
