
+WORSHIP | IN-PERSON or ONLINE | 9:30 AM+
In today’s readings the risen Christ ascends into heaven and his followers are assured that the Spirit will empower them to be witnesses throughout the earth. The disciples were told to not gaze up into heaven to look for Jesus (Acts 1:11); we find his presence among us as we proclaim the word and share the Easter feast. We too long for the Spirit to enliven our faith and invigorate our mission.
This Week’s Online Bulletin: HERE
View the May Trinitarian HERE
Readings for this Sunday
Acts 1:1-11
Psalm 47
God has gone up with a shout. (Ps. 47:5)
Psalm 93 (Alternate)
Ever since the world began, your throne has been established. (Ps. 93:2)
Ephesians 1:15-23
Luke 24:44-53
In the wake of gun violence and death, Trinity will be holding an outdoor prayer vigil on Saturday, May 28th at 7pm. We will meet on the front lawn for song and prayer; to receive comfort and solace from one another and God; and to be empowered in our action and witness. You can read more in this letter that was sent to the congregation on Wednesday.
Dear siblings in Christ,
For those of you who listened to my sermon on May 22nd, either in person or via YouTube, you will know that I shared about a concerning situation within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), of which we are a part. As I mentioned, I feel it is my duty to make sure you are aware of things that are happening within the broader church. Because the situation in the Sierra Pacific synod is so complicated, I wanted to share a few articles with you, so that you have the opportunity to read and digest for yourself.
I also want us to be careful not to contribute to the spread of gossip, not to slander, or assume guilt on either side. We cannot know the full facts. In truth, they are not ours to know. I trust that the noise this situation, and others like it, have made will help the ELCA become a fuller expression of Jesus. My best hope is that necessary change will happen and healing will take place.
Two of the articles I am sharing are clearly written in support of Pastor Nelson Rabell-Gonzalez and one is from the Synod Council of the Sierra Pacific synod, and one from their Bishop. There is an enormous amount of written support available for Pastor Rabell-Gonzalez. Not as much is available from the Synod Council or Bishop Roher on their position (this can be for a variety of reasons, including privacy, interpretation of law, and investigation). Some comments and suppositions made in these articles and others, do, at times, border on slander and hearsay, so please keep that in mind when reading.
You’ll also note that I’m sharing articles from a few sources to demonstrate that this isn’t just a topic within Lutheran circles, another reason I believe you should at least be aware of what’s out there. I believe this situation will be a topic of discussion at Synod Assembly in June. I will share any action that the Metro DC synod takes. In the meantime, let us continue to pray for the health of the church. I am reminded of what Paul says in his letter to the Galatians: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Christine
“Why the ELCA needs to investigate the case of Rev Nelson Rabell Gonzalez”
“Sierra Pacific statement regarding Latina Luterana”
“ELCA fires whistleblower Rev Nelson Rabell Gonzalez”
“Open Letter to the Delaware Maryland Synod”
A Letter From Pastor Hazel Salazar-Davidson
Read our in person worship protocols here
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.
+VOLUNTEERS NEEDED+
In order to help our worship services run smoothly, we need your help. There are a variety of ways you can be of service including: online greeter, cantor, special music offering, welcome team, usher, lector, technology team, assisting minister, and altar guild. We are in need of more people to help out. Please contact the office (office@trinityelca.org)
+COMMUNITY NEWS+
Practice caution!
A few weeks ago a car was broken into and a purse stolen during the In Christ Worship Fellowship Church worship service. Last Fall a member of our congregation had a similar thing happen. For your safety and security, please do not leave valuables in your cars.
Coffee Hour is Back! It’s been 2 long years without coffee hour. With all the changes; one thing hasn’t changed – the need for coffee hour hosts. Please consider selecting a Sunday (or a few) and volunteer to host. Nothing elaborate is needed… light snacks; if baking isn’t your “thing”, store bought is perfect. On Sundays before our monthly food drive we will have “Hunger Sunday” as a simple reminder of food insecurity in the world. Hunger Sunday coffee hour will be limited to coffee, juice and water – no snacks. Hosting involves simple set up and tidying up afterwards. If this is your first occasion there are plenty of veterans to help show you the ropes (complete written instructions are stashed in the cabinet too). If you prefer to share the responsibility, we can help find you a partner. To select a Sunday that is convenient for you, a Sign Up Genius has been set up for future Sundays; please use this link to sign up https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050e4caba82f4-coffee If you have questions or need help signing up, please reach out to Margaret F at gmfitzwm85@gmail.com or Chelsea Y at chelsea.kiehl@valpo.edu
See you at coffee hour!
It’s time to order Geraniums for Pentecost Sunday, June 5! Deadline for ordering is May 29.
I wish to order red geraniums @ $5.00 each
Given by _________________________
In memory of ____________________
In honor of ______________________
Number of Flowers Requested_____________________________________
Amount Donated________________________________________________
You may place your order form and cash or check, made payable to Trinity Lutheran Church, in the offering plate on Sundays, or mail it to the church office.
Mar-Lu Ridge: Summer Camp Mar-Lu-Ridge is ready to welcome campers ages 6- 17 and families to the 2022 season! Check out the schedule and the information on their website and make your plans today. Financial assistance is available. Registration began January 1. The 2022 session promises to be full of laughter, faith building lessons and activities, time spent outdoors and new friends. Check out the new Summer Camp schedule. The curriculum for the summer is “Boundless”, written in conjunction with the curriculum for the Gathering. More information and registration can be found: https://www.mar-lu-ridge.org/
To Accommodate Those who Wish to Donate to our AV Efforts, we have recently established a livestream/technology special fund. This fund will be used to purchase additional microphones, cameras, and AV equipment that may be needed to support our efforts to improve sound quality (both online and in-person) and our online worship experience. Any donations should be notated as such in the memo.
+HAPPENING AT TRINITY+

Save the Dates:
Interfaith Works Quarterly Dinner | May 29
Congregation Picnic | June 5
Contact David K or Greg F for more info
Red Cross Blood Drive | June 9 | 1:00 – 6:00 pm
Interfaith 5K | September 5 | 8 am
Adult Forum | 10:45 am | Contact the church office for zoom link
Trinity Singers | See the Calendar for Future rehearsal dates
Sunday School for Youth | Sundays | 10:45 am | Social Hall
Trinity Men’s Group | Every Second Wednesday | 1:00 pm | Zoom
Contact the church office for zoom info
Heavenly Handbells | No Rehearsals until the Fall | Mondays | 7:30 pm | Sanctuary
Stephen Ministry | See the Calendar for meeting dates
Mission Endowment Committee | See the Calendar for Future meeting dates
Church Picnic
After a two year hiatus, the annual summer Church Picnic is back. Come to church on Sunday, June 5th and stay for the picnic! Festivities will begin around 11 AM. Fried chicken and beverages will be supplied! Please bring a dish to share: if your last name begins with A-M, bring a side dish or salad; if it begins with N-Z, bring a dessert! Communal meals have been part of Christianity since the first Pentecost, so come and let us celebrate fellowship together.
Upcoming Blood Drives at Trinity
In March 2022, Trinity hosted a very successful Blood Drive with the American Red Cross. We exceeded the ARC’s goal for the drive thanks to over 40 members of the community and Trinity members’ participation. Given the continued need for blood and our success, two additional drives are scheduled at Trinity: Thursday, June 9, 1-6P and Thursday, August 11, 2-7P.
To donate sign up on American Red Cross Website here
Trinity needs a few volunteers for each drive to welcome donors. If you are willing to help, please contact Margaret F
The Montgomery County Interfaith 5K is a unique race that brings together people from all walks of life, religious backgrounds, ethnicities, and fitness levels. But, what everyone has in common is a desire to come together to foster relationships and unity, while giving back to the community and building a more inclusive and healthier Montgomery County.
The 5K can be run or walked, and strollers are welcome! Let’s gather a group together and make public witness to our commitment to care for our community, share information about our congregation, and enjoy meeting others!
The race takes place on September 5th at 8am at the Maryland Soccerplex. Registration is now open.
Profit made by the race is DONATED to two area beneficiaries: Gaithersburg HELP and C-4 Clothing Closet. Find out more about the MoCo Interfaith 5K here: www.mocointerfaith5k.org or on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/mocointerfaith5K
Questions? See Pastor Christine or Angela B.
Interfaith Works Quarterly Dinner
Our quarterly dinner for Interfaith Works Women’s Center is Sunday, May 29th. We will serve 35 women. We are planning an easy holiday weekend meal. Social ministry funds will cover Popeye’s fried chicken. See SignUpGenius at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050e4caba82f4-interfaith to review the menu and consider providing an item. Items can be dropped off at Trinity on Sunday morning, May 29th, or by 4:00 p.m. Alternatively, if you need to drop off items during the week, you can do that during office hours. Be sure to clearly mark the items for the shelter dinner. Disposable containers should be used. If you have questions, please contact Leslie S.
+This Week at Trinity+
Sun, May 29, Ascension of Our Lord| Food Collection, Diaper Collection,
9:30 am Holy Communion Worship Service (Coffee Hour after)
10:45 am Adult Forum
10:45 am Youth Sunday School-Room 11
4:00 pm Interfaith Works Quarterly Dinner
Thurs, June 2
7:00 pm Trinity Singers Choir Rehearsal and Year-End Celebration
Sun, June 5, Pentecost | Food Collection
9:30 am Holy Communion Worship Service
10:45 am Intergenerational Picnic
+DONATIONS AND AID NEEDED+
Disposable Diaper Drive during the month of May to celebrate Mothers! During May, the Social Ministry Team has been collecting disposable diapers for the Greater DC Diaper Bank (GDCDB). Our goal is 3,500 diapers (about the # of diapers a newborn uses in a year). With one Sunday left we are at 3,273 diapers; 94% of our goal. Thanks to all who have donated. There is still time to help exceed our goal this Sunday. If you do not have time to shop, feel free to make an offering noting that the donation is for the “diaper drive”. For more information on GDCDB check out greaterdcdiaperbank.org
Many of us feel helpless in the wake of the Russian invasion into Ukraine and want to help. These are three sources that are providing immediate and direct support to the Ukrainian people:
Lutheran Disaster Response
Provides refugees with immediate support and supplies such as food, blankets, water and hygiene kits. *This is our Lenten offering beneficiary.*
Lutheran World Relief :
Provides families facing crisis with emergency food, clean water, safe shelter, medical supplies and more.
World Central Kitchen:
Provides meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises, building resilient food systems with locally led solutions.
Please mark ‘Ukrainian relief’ with your choice of beneficiary in the memo of checks.
Food Collection: June 18 | 9 am- Noon | Trinity Parking Lot | See the list of critical food needs here
Afghan Refugees (LSS): Lutheran Social Services (LSS) is reaching out with immediate needs due to the influx of Afghan refugees arriving in this area. They are in need of drivers, storage space, rooms on a temporary basis, and housing settlement. Contact: https://bit.ly/3z6u2Xj
+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:
Martha R (Bethesda H&R)
Philip T (Manor Care Potomac)
Yulie N (Village at Rockville)
Anya N
home
Tigist G, Margo W, Lineth M, Isabel F, Gio S, Valerie and Mike M, Vimala P, Marilyn C, Lisbeth N-D, Bill B, Brian A. Ana S-G, Jim M, Dick J
family and friends
Lonnie B, friend of Carol B
Donald B, brother of Marilyn C
Winnie T, niece of Leslie C
Jameson Family, friend of Sunhee P
Linda M, choir member and friend of Trinity
Lamar K, friend of Tom K and Sarah M
Jake M, son of Leslie S
Carl S, father of Dan S
David T, brother of Sunhee P
first responders
Lisbeth N-D
Greta S & Linda A, sister & sister-in-law of Anita S
Vanessa B, friend of Elizabeth & Ben R
deaths
Jean Anne Cronin + May 16, 2022, sister of Jim McN
*For family and friends, prayer requests will be kept on the list for four weeks. After four weeks, please complete another card/call the office.
+RESOURCES+
Our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/TrinityELCAYouTube
+OFFICE HOURS+
MONDAY: 9:30-3:30 PM
TUESDAY: 9:30-3:30 PM
THURSDAY: 9:30-3:30 PM