
+WORSHIP | IN-PERSON or Online | 9:30 AM+
In today’s second reading Paul questions why we judge one another, since we all stand before the judgment of God. Yet we do sin against one another, and Jesus’ challenge that we forgive seventy-seven times reveals God’s boundless mercy. When we hear the words of forgiveness in worship and sign ourselves with the cross, we are renewed in baptism to be signs of reconciliation in the world.
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 September 2023 Trinitarian HERE
Readings for this Sunday
Genesis 50:15-21
PSALM 103:8-13
Romans 14:1-12
Matthew 18:21-35
Masks are now optional.
+COMMUNITY NEWS+
Welcome Back Pastor Peter E. Bastien
The Rev. Peter E. Bastien retired from Christ the Servant Church in Montgomery Village, which he served for 25 years, in 2010. He served four parishes during his time in the ministry. He is married to Patricia and has two grown daughters, Florence and Sarah. He is the author of PRAYING WITH MARTIN LUTHER. He and Pat live in Gaithersburg.
God’s Work. Our Hands.
Sunday, September 10th marked 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 our remaining event on September 16th; please join us.
On Saturday, September 16th, from 9-12pm, is Trinity’s monthly food drive to support Bethesda Help.
If you missed our activity from GWOH Sunday, please take a moment to share how you are doing God’s work in the world these days. Paper, markers, scissors, and tape are available next to the nursery. Please add your hand to the wall.
God’s Work. Our Hands. Join us.
Cleaning the Attic
On September 15th and 16th, beginning at 10:00 am, Trinity will be completely cleaning and organizing the attic. All the items in the attic will be removed; these include costumes, Christmas ornaments, cookbooks etc. The space will be cleaned and new shelving will be installed. The contents will be subsequently reorganized, rehomed, or discarded. If you want to join in or if you have any questions, please see Mike M or Pam B.
September 24: Join Mar-Lu-Ridge friends and staff for all the annual Walk-a-Thon
Schedule:
1 pm: Welcome and registration
1:30 pm: Walkathon begins – walk as far as you are comfortable. (There are snacks and
drinks along the way!)
2:00 pm: Cookie Run 5K
3:00 pm: FREE Community Meal
3:45 pm: Worship in the Chapel
3:45 pm: Worship in the Chapel
Register for the Cookie Run and/or the Community Meal on the Mar-Lu-Ridge website:
Mar-Lu-Ridge.org
All proceeds gathered benefit the year-round ministry of Mar-Lu-Ridge, including money set aside for scholarships. Please contact Julie N if you have questions!
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.
Sharing Stories of Faith
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+

Sunday School Classes and Adult Forum | September 17
Mar-Lu-Ridge Walk-a-Thon | September 24
Women’s Retreat | September 29 and 30
Choir Retreat | October 14
Council Retreat | October 21
Food Drive | October 21
Reformation Day | October 29
Women’s Center Dinner | October 29
+Next Week at Trinity+
Sun, Sept 17 The Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost
9:30 am Holy Communion Worship Service
(Coffee Hour to Follow)
10:45 am Sunday School Classes and Adult Forum
Mon, Sept 18
5:00 pm Call Committee
7:30 pm Heavenly Handbells Rehearsal
Tues, Sept 19
11:00 am Staff Meeting
7:30 pm Congregational Council Meeting
Thurs, Sept 20
7:30 pm Trinity Singers rehearsal
Sun, Sept 24 The Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost
9:30 am Holy Communion Worship Service
(Coffee Hour to Follow)
11:00 am Sunday School and Adult Forum Classes
+CLASSES AND MEETINGS+
Sunday School Classes and Adult Forum | Sundays | 10:45 am
These sessions return Sunday, September 17th, after worship, See the sign in the Social Hall for room assignments.
This year there will be two 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. it will examine a brief look at the history of the Lord’s Supper in the early years of the church and where some of our practices have originated and evolved. After this one session, we will finish up the Faith and Sexism statement we started in the spring. 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
Sunday School and Adult Form 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 | 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
Little Free Library and Pantry
The boxes have been installed and are ready for use. They are located on the Old Georgetown Rd. side near the entrance to the larger parking lot. The Library is accepting books for children and adults. The Pantry is accepting non-perishable food items in good conditions and with expirations date at least 2-3 months out. Food items that require no cooking and/or easy to open would be appreciated by guests experiencing homelessness.
+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
Gene B, friend of Kim and Pam 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
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
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
Carolyn T, daughter of Jim V
Alex V, friend of Sunhee P
Victor V and family, friends of Kim and Pam B
The Voigtsberger family, friends of Greg and Margaret F
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
deaths
Philip Thornton, +January 15, 2023 +, friend of Trinity
*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.