Newsletter - January 2020

VISION GOALS FOR GROWING IN GOD’S WORD

Trinity’s goal is that all members actively participate in Bible study as individuals and alongside each other in small or large group studies. Primarily the Board of Education will coordinate with Pastor and other leaders to provide a wide range of opportunities for all ages. In addition, many boards and ministries have set goals to increase and encourage Bible study within their membership. A vital part of our success in getting every member growing in God’s Word will be the lifting up of our desire for Spiritual growth to God in prayer. Some of the new initiatives include:

Pathway to Confirmation - Sunday School children are supported and encouraged to learn the chief parts of the catechism and what the Bible says about each. Resources for families to use at home will be shared. Learning the books of the Bible and Bible Buddies is also a part of this program.

Bible Buddies - A program of Bible reading in partners child/adult, teen/teen, adult/adult with a choice of schedules for reading the whole Bible. Partners may also choose to read books or sections of Scripture.

Adult Studies - A whole congregation structured plan to include Bible studies for all ages and interests. A complete listing of all Bible studies, times, locations and a contact person will be made available on the website and in a printed brochure. The weekly schedule printed in the bulletin will include Bible studies available that week.

Bible study resources - Trinity library has been reorganized and updated to include many resources to support Bible study for individuals and groups. New books will continue to be added and featured on the Friends of Trinity FB page and the Trinity Tidings Newsletter. A list of online resources and their links is being compiled and will be shared on the Trinity website.

LWML is sponsoring a Bible study retreat led by author, Deb Burma in January of 2020.

Lizzie Comfort Dog - Lizzie’s FB page includes Bible passages and prayer through the daily posts. Studies of Ephesians and Philippians were posted and well received this fall. We will look to include future studies in 2020.

Elder/Pastor visits and the Assimilation team are working to stay connected with every member of Trinity and encourage them to grow spiritually and remain active participants in worship, study and fellowship. Developing these communication networks is essential to our congregational life.

VISION GOALS FOR SHARING CHRIST’S LOVE

Trinity’s goal is that every member be equipped and empowered by God to share Christ’s love with those they encounter in their daily life. Sharing Christ’s love is accomplished by sharing the Gospel message of salvation in Jesus. Often doors are opened for this message by compassion and loving presence with those who are suffering and in need. Evangelism is planning ways to equip members to be more confident in sharing their faith in Jesus and inviting others to learn more through our Bible studies, worship, and Christian fellowship. Some specific goals and initiatives include:

Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) - The women collect mite offerings and raise funds to support local, regional and international missions. Women also support other care ministries with their talents and gifts.

Bombas Socks - Our partnership with Bombas, allows us to share socks with needy populations throughout our region. Through this effort we develop relationships that open doors for the Gospel message.

Hearts of Compassion Homeless Ministry - Hygiene materials, clothing, food and Bibles are regularly available to the homeless struggling to survive. We invite them to worship and Bible study as well as breakfast on Sunday morning and Pastor is working to build relationships with them to become familiar with their individual spiritual and physical needs.

Food Pantry - In addition to much needed food items, Bibles and a Simple Explanation of Christianity are offered to all who request.

Safe Shelter - Social Ministry and Lizzie Ministry both have a relationship with those receiving support through a difficult time of transition. Needed supplies and clothing are collected and shared through Social Ministries efforts. Lizzie visits every other Wednesday and her helpers provides crafts and Bible stories while

Lizzie Comfort Dog Ministry - Lizzie and her handlers are in the community several days each week. Christ’s love is shared at care facilities, schools and community events where we listen and pray with those who are in need. Every person is given contact information for Trinity and stay in touch through Lizzie’s FB page. Lizzie’s page regularly includes Bible verses with a Gospel message, prayers and opportunities to see God’s love at work.