+WORSHIP | IN-PERSON or Online | 9:30 AM+
Rooted in the past and growing into the future, the church must always be reformed in order to live out the love of Christ in an ever-changing world. We celebrate the good news of God’s grace that Jesus Christ sets us free every day to do this life-transforming work. Trusting in the freedom given to us in baptism, we pray for the church, that Christians will unite more fully in worship and mission.
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 October 2023 Trinitarian HERE
Readings for this Sunday
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Psalm 46
Romans 3:19-28
John 8:31-36
Masks are now optional.
+COMMUNITY NEWS+
Welcome Back Pr. Cindy Baskin
Pr. Cindy, now retired from active ministry, has served as a supply priest/pastor in both Episcopal and Lutheran congregations. She and her husband live in North Potomac and enjoy traveling.
Stewardship Appeal
Stewardship should be seen as an invitation to renewed generosity. It’s our rejoicing as we, as a community, gathered around the generous, crucified and risen one, share our gifts to support Trinity’s mission in 2024. Stewardship Sunday is November 12.
Why do I pledge?
When my sisters and I were little, every Sunday morning my dad would put our Sunday School offering envelopes and three dimes on the dining room table. It was our job to fill the envelopes and write our names on the front to take to church. That set the pattern for me to give consistently into adulthood, as I learned where and how my offering was being used. If you haven’t pledged before, please consider doing so for 2024! —Carol B
Adult Forum
How much of the Bible have you read? Maybe you’ve started with good intentions and gotten bogged down in Leviticus. Maybe you’ve just read the gospels or the Old Testament histories and stories. Maybe you’ve read the whole thing, cover to cover. Maybe you’ve just picked out some of your favorite stories or Psalms. No matter how much you’ve read, whether you’ve read it all or only a little, the Adult Forum class now is for you. We will be using Daniel Erlander’s Manna and Mercy to try to understand the Bible as a whole—its major themes and messages, ultimately covering both the Old and New Testaments. This fall we will start with six sessions that will take us up through the people of Israel settling in the land of Canaan (approximately Genesis to Judges).
Please join us for Adult Forum this Sunday, October 29, in Room 10. We will be exploring the whole Bible through the lens of Daniel Erlander’s book, Manna and Mercy. Come experience this wholistic approach to God’s Word.
On November 12, Jillian Copeland, Founder and Interim Director of Main Street, will be our guest speaker for Adult Forum. Main Street, located in Rockville, is a nonprofit that models inclusive practices, bringing together people with and without disabilities. They offer affordable housing, a membership-based community, and a movement of inclusion. Please join us. All are welcome! —David K
All Saints Sunday
Please submit names and death dates for those you would like remembered on All Saints Sunday, November 5. Please note that the remembrances are for those who have passed away since November 1, 2022. Please email names to the office no later than Tuesday, October 31. Thank you.
On All Saints Sunday, November 5, we will be continuing the tradition of displaying pictures of all friends and family who have died in the faith on the brick wall of the sanctuary. Please bring in your pictures to Carol B this Sunday, or on All Saints Sunday, to be displayed on the 5th.
Minister of Music Search
In preparation for welcoming a new pastor, Trinity has re-opened our search for a new Minister of Music. A search committee has been formed, consisting of Mary B, Kim B, Jerry B, Carol B, Marilyn C, and Julie N. The committee will be interviewing candidates and inviting them to play for upcoming Sunday morning services. You will notice someone new at the organ from time to time in the next several weeks as the search proceeds. Please direct your comments about the search process or the candidates to any member of the search committee.
Sing to the Lord a Jubilant Song!
The choir would like to thank you all for the many kind compliments on our anthem on October 15. If you enjoyed hearing the music, you should try singing it! It’s an exhilarating feeling to raise your voices to God in song!
Now is the perfect time to join our vocal choir. We are starting to prepare our Advent and Christmas music, we are working on a special anthem with the children in November, and we will be helping the musician search committee to evaluate candidates for the Minister of Music position. All voices are welcome, all ability levels, and all ages from 15 and up! Please speak to Mary B about how you can join in the fun and fellowship. Thank you.
Little Free Library and Little Free Pantry
We are excited to have our Little Free Library (LFL) and Little Free Pantry (LFP) open for business. Both are located near the entrance of the southside parking lot (the big lot), facing Old Georgetown Rd.
The LFL has 2 shelves and is accepting children’s and young adult books (lower shelf) and adult books (upper shelf). The books may be new or gently used books in good condition.
The LFP is accepting food items (no produce or perishables), as well as non-food items. Please review the list below for suggested items and items to avoid. Additionally, please consider the time of year. Containers may be damaged when the contents freeze. Contents may spoil if sitting in hot weather for an extended period. Pull-tab cans are good for those with limited kitchen gadgets.
Questions can be directed to Stella, Jerry, and Social Ministry members.
What types of items should be provided in the LFP?
- Individually packaged snacks: boxes of raisins, granola and protein bars with NO chocolate, fruit snacks, juices
- Food not requiring kitchen preparation: nuts and seeds, dried fruits, granola, nut butters, applesauce, cereal (especially those good for snacking)
- Toiletries: facial tissue packs, bar soap, hand wipes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant
- First aid items: mini first aid kits, bandages, topical antibiotics, anti-itch crème, hand sanitizer,
- Seasonal items: sunscreen lotion, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, sunglasses, hats, gloves, scarves
What types of items should NOT be provided in the LFP?
- Perishable items that need refrigeration
- Food within a 3-months of its best by date
- Food with damaged packages
- Dented cans
- Fresh produce of any kind
- Food that is spoiled or moldy
- Homemade or home-canned food products
- Opened or re-packaged foods (do not break bigger packages of food into smaller packages due to possible contamination and lack of nutrition label)
Faith Formation Bulletin Board
The bulletin board outside of Room 11 has information about our faith formation offerings this academic year. Individual flyers will be posted there about Adult Forum guest speakers. Please check it out.
Connect to Trinity’s Hearing Assistance System
Follow these easy steps to get connected:
1. Download the AudioFetch app to your smartphone or tablet.
2. Connect your phone/tablet to the AudioFetch WiFi network.
(No password should be required.at this time.)
3. Connect your phone/tablet to your listening device. This will be unique to your situation:
●Bluetooth hearing aid
●Bluetooth earbuds
●Wired headphones
Please come to the A/V table if you need assistance.
Children’s Koinonia —Saturday, October 28th, 9:00am-12pm
Children are invited to gather in the social hall for a morning of fun and fellowship. We will paint pumpkins, make bird feeders, and play games. A snack will be provided. Toddlers and preschoolers are welcome as well. Young children need to be accompanied by a parent.
Please RSVP to Valerie M. so enough materials can be purchased
Trinity Question & Answer Session, Sunday, November 5th, after worship
Are you new to Trinity or to the Lutheran faith? Do you have questions about this community or about the Lutheran Tradition? Then join us in the library after worship on Sunday, November 5th for an informal conversation with a few members. We’d love to answer your questions and get to know you better.
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+
Children’s Koinonia | October 28
Reformation Day | October 29 (WEAR RED)
Women’s Center Dinner | October 29
Daylight Savings Time Ends | Nov 4
All Saints Sunday | November 5
Trinity Question and Answer | November 5
Stewardship Sunday | November 12
Food Drive | November 18
+Next Week at Trinity+
Sun, Oct 29 Reformation Sunday
9:30 am Holy Communion Worship Service
(Coffee Hour to Follow)
10:45 am Sunday School Classes and Adult Forum
12:00 pm Interfaith Women’s Dinner
Mon, Oct 30
7:30 pm Heavenly Handbells Rehearsal
Tues, Oct 31
10:00 am Stephen Ministry Training
11:00 am Staff Meeting
Thurs, Nov 1
7:30 pm Trinity Singers rehearsal
Sat, Nov 4
Before Bed Turn clocks BACK one hour
Sun, Nov 5 All Saints Sunday
9:30 am Holy Communion Worship Service
(Coffee Hour to Follow)
10:45 am Sunday School Classes and Adult Forum
10:45 am Trinity Q and A — library room 2
+CLASSES AND MEETINGS+
Trinity Singers | Thursdays | 7:30 pm | Room 9
Sunday School and Adult Forum Classes | Sundays | 10:45 am
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
Stephen Ministry | See the Calendar for meeting dates
Mission Endowment Committee | See the Calendar for Future meeting dates
+DONATIONS AND AID NEEDED+
Food Collection: Food Drive | Nov 18, 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
Interfaith Works Women Center Dinner, Sunday, October 29th
The Social Ministry Team is assisting in the Interfaith Works Woman Center Dinner. The entrée is being provided, but sides, desserts, and drinks are needed at Trinity by noon on the 29th.
Please review the signup through the link below and contribute what you are able. We’re also looking for 3 people (not limited to Social Ministry team members) to serve dinner.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050E4CABA82F4-interfaith1#/
Thank you.
Care Packages for Our College Students
We are continuing our care packages for our college students with some changes. I am asking the congregation to contribute the snack items that will go into the bags. The list of items, which includes some of the students’ favorites, and additional information is in the link below. All items are needed by start of worship on Sunday, November 19th. Additionally, I will have white gift bags and pens out on Sunday mornings for you to write a message of encouragement to our students. If you have any questions, please contact Valerie @ valerie@vmwishes.com.
Thank you! Valerie
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050E4CABA82F4-45500908-college#/
+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:
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
Viola Cleo B, online prayer request
Gene B, friend of Kim and Pam B
Pam C, sister of Mike M
Pastor Sarah F-M, friend of Anita S
Josefa F-V, friend of Len S
Betsy G, friend of Margaret F
David G, friend of Tad and Vi D
Bishop William G, Bishop of the Maryland-Delaware Synod
Luke H, friend of Trinity
Lucina I, friend of Sabrina R
Joe J, friend of Sarah M and Tom K
Terry K, brother-in-law of David and Leslie C
Anne L, friend of Len S
Randi L, friend of Mike and Valerie M
Juan-Maria M-M, friend of Len S
Kathy M, niece of Margaret and Greg F
Beatriz N, Vera and Ben’s grandmother
Linda P, cousin of Julie N
Martha R (Sterling Care), friend of Trinity
Cristobal R-M, friend of Len S
Cristobal R-S, friend of Len S
Karen and Harold S, friends of Pamela B
Paul S, brother of Steve S
Lola S-G, cousin to Ani S-A and friend of Len S
Alex V, friend of Sunhee P
Victor V and family, friends of Kim and Pam B
deaths
Emu V, + October 21, 2023 +, friend of Nancy N
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.
