+WORSHIP | IN-PERSON | 9:30 AM+
As Solomon prays for wisdom, we seek to more deeply know the treasures of faith. In today’s gospel Jesus offers everyday images that reveal to us the reign of God: a tree that becomes a sheltering home, yeast that penetrates and expands, a treasured pearl, a net that gains a great catch. Even as we seek the riches of God’s reign, the great surprise is that God’s grace finds us first!
This Week’s Bulletin: HERE
View the July 2023 Trinitarian HERE
Readings for this Sunday
1 Kings 3:5-12
Psalm 119:129-136
Romans 8:26-39
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
Masks are now optional. Please read more here.
No Livestream July 30 or August 6!!
Please be aware there will be NO LIVESTREAMING OF SERVICES ON JULY 30 AND AUGUST 6 This lack of activity is due to the shortage of livestream volunteers. Currently, recruitment is underway for participants to be trained as livestream operators. Please contact Jeanine or John B if you are interested.
+COMMUNITY NEWS+
Welcome Chaplain Bill Perry
Captain Bill Perry, Chaplain Corps, U.S. Navy (Retired) served more than twenty-seven years in the U.S. Navy. In the early 90s he served as Pastor to both the Chief of Naval Operations and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. In 1994 he was the escort chaplain for the body of former President Richard M. Nixon, assisting Dr. Billy Graham and serving as pastor to the Nixon family throughout the presidential funeral.
Chaplain Perry has served throughout the world as a Navy chaplain. He accompanied the Chief of Naval Operations on a 1993 Christmas trip to visit 20,000 troops on fifteen ships in eight countries in eight days. For thirteen years he hosted “Celebration,” a program syndicated to the ships at sea as well as to over 500 AFRTS radio stations around the world. He is the only chaplain of any military service to host a syndicated program in the eighty year history of AFRTS. During this period, he assisted Rod McKuen publish a book of poems.
In addition to his service with the U.S. Navy, Chaplain Perry served for over thirty years with the White House Commission on Remembrance, and No Greater Love. He spent six years on the board of Alice’s Kids, taught ESL for eleven years, and served as a CASA to aid abused and neglected children. He leads regular hymnsings in dementia units, and preaches in metro area churches.
The ELCA Task Force on Studies for Civic Life and Faith Remaining Sessions
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. Each session listed below includes a video and guided discussion. 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. Participants are also asked to give feedback to the ELCA on the content after each session to help the task force draft a social statement.
Please sign up to join the study by providing your name and email address through the the signup link at goserve.net/blog/civic-study. Participants will be emailed the Zoom information prior to the sessions. Here is a listing of the remaining sessions:
- August 10
- Session 4: What Are the Objectives of Democracy in the United States?
- August 24
- Session 5: What’s Faith-based Living Got to Do With Civic Life?
- September 6
- Session 6: How Do We Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord in Civic Life?
God’s Work Our Hands
On Sunday, September 10, congregations of the ELCA will join together for our 10th annual day of service. “God’s work. Our hands.” began in 2013 in connection with the ELCA’s 25th anniversary and continues to be a day to celebrate who we are—one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. Make plans to join us! See Leslie S for more information.
Trinity Women’s Retreat September 29-30
Friday 7:00 pm through Saturday 3:00 pm
R.S.V.P. Deadline is August 1st
We will be going on retreat Friday through Saturday in September, staying in the main camp area at Mar-Lu-Ridge in Jefferson, MD (1 hour from Trinity). The cost for the 1 night plus breakfast and lunch on Saturday will be $90, plus $10 for materials, drinks, and snacks. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated. Staying at the main camp will give us easy access to the dining hall, labyrinth, chapels, and the trail to shock rock for those so inclined. The theme and schedule (including end time) will be worked out over the summer, but there will be a mix of structured time and down time.
Friday dinner will be on your own before you leave or come early (5:00 p.m.) and bring a bagged dinner to have picnic style. Snacks and water will be supplied for our stay. The cabins have 2 sleeping rooms and 2 bathrooms downstairs and a gathering space upstairs. You will need to bring a pillow, bed linens (twin) or sleeping bag, and toiletries and towel. Carpooling will be an option. Please watch for more details as plans come together. If you have any questions or want to reserve your space, please see Valerie M.
Please use the attached registration form to provide basic information and dietary restrictions.
Some Sprucing Up
During the week of Aug 7-11, the floors in the church will be stripped and waxed. During this time, access to the church will be limited. If you need to access the church during that time, please call the office at 301-881-9725.
Take Me Out to the Ball Game!!! – Washington Nationals Game – Saturday, August 19th
A group outing is being organized to see the Nationals play the Phillies in a 4:00 p.m. game. Carol B. is collecting information about group pricing but if there is enough interest, ticket price should not exceed $20. Please contact Carol B, by the deadline July 31, to ensure your seats are together with the others, at csbruno@usa.net with questions or to sign-up.
End of Summer Outing at the Irish Inn
Irish Inn Mates, an Irish music band that Julie sometimes plays with, will be at the Irish Inn of Glen Echo. Weather permitting, they will be playing outside—a much more pleasant space than the bar. A rain date is scheduled in the event of inclement weather preventing an outside performance. If you have questions, please see Valerie M. The dates are as follows:
6119 Tulane Ave
Dinner at 7:00 pm
Irish music 7:00 pm – 10 pm
Monday, August 21st (weather permitting)
OR Rain date – Monday, August 28th (outside if nice, inside if raining)
Call Committee Progress
The Call Committee journey continues. The Call Committee received 3 additional Pastoral candidates to include in our discernment process. The Call Committee completed first interviews with each candidate (all via zoom). After the first interview, 2 candidates were released from Trinity’s Call process as the Call Committee did not believe the candidates were a good fit for Trinity. An in person second interview was performed with the third candidate. While Trinity’s Call Committee thought the Candidate was a good match, the candidate decided to move forward in a call process with a Congregation outside the Metro DC synod. Our Synod will provide additional candidates as they become available.
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.
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+
Deadline for Women’s Retreat | August 1
Quarterly Interfaith Women’s Center Dinner | August 14
August Food Drive | August 19
Nationals Baseball | August 19
Irish Inn Event | August 21 (Aug 28 Rain Date)
Interfaith 5 K Race | September 4
God’s Work Our Hands | September 9 and 10
Red Cross Blood Drive | September 12
+Next Week at Trinity+
Livestreamed services on Trinity YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@TrinityELCA/streams
Sun, July 30 The Ninth Sunday After Pentecost
9:30 am Holy Communion Worship Service
NO LIVESTREAMING JULY 30
(Coffee Hour to Follow)
Tues, August 1
11:00 am Staff Meeting
Sun, Aug 6 The Tenth Sunday After Pentecost
9:30 am Holy Communion Worship Service
NO LIVESTREAMING AUGUST 6
(Coffee Hour to Follow)
+CLASSES AND MEETINGS+
Adult Forum | Sundays | 10:45 am | Room 10
We will return in September
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+
Quarterly Interfaith Women’s Center Dinner – Monday, August 14
Trinity will be hosting the Quarterly Interfaith Women’s Center Dinner on Monday, August 14, 2023. The Social Ministry Team will be providing the protein and vegetarian main courses; we need your help with the sides, drinks and dessert. Link to Sign Up Genius for the event: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050e4caba82f4-interfaith1#/
Food should be dropped off on Sunday August 13. We need the following for the sides
2 packages of ditalini (small ring macaroni)
2 14oz packages of cole slaw mix
1 red onion
2 cucumbers
2 green peppers
2 8oz cans of water chestnuts
6 large tomatoes
1 13″by 9″ chocolate cake
1 13″ by 9″ cake – non chocolate
2 gallons of lemonade
Food Collection: Food Drive | August 19, 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
Registration Open for the Sept 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
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
+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
Tigist G, Margo W, Lineth M, Isabel F, Gio S, Vimala P, Anya N
family and friends*
Erik B, friend of Valerie M
James B, father of Mary B
Lonnie B, friend of Carol B
Pam C, sister of Mike M
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
Linda P, cousin of Julie N
Martha R (Sterling Care), friend of Trinity
Karen and Harold S, friends of Pamela B
Andrew T, friend of Leslie C
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.
