Trinity Lutheran Church is a dynamic and compassionate congregation of gracious Christians of all ages who celebrate God’s love and presence. We’d love for you to consider Trinity your church home…welcome to our family!
“My mosquito bite itches,” is often heard from children in our families neighborhoods. But in Africa, mosquito bites cause an entirely different – and deadly – reaction: Mosquitoes often spread malaria, a disease that is preventable and treatable.
Children younger than age 5 bear the brunt of this devastating disease that kills more than 800,000 people each year. That’s the equivalent of losing the entire Grand Rapids-area population in just one year!
While malaria has been virtually eradicated from the United States for nearly 60 years,
the disease remains endemic in tropical and subtropical climates in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
According to the ELCA, “the ELCA Malaria Campaign is joining hands with 11 Lutheran church bodies in Africa and becoming part of an historic global movement to say, ‘enough is enough!’ No child, no person, should die of a disease that is both preventable and treatable.”
ELCA’s Malaria Campaign is raising $15 million to help prevent, treat and educate communities in Africa about malaria and eliminate deaths from this disease—for good. The campaign will help provide mosquito nets, insecticides, medication, health care, education and more.
Together with our church partners, we are poised to bring about a massive grassroots movement to contain malaria and bring hope to those who suffer.
Lutheran churches in Africa aren’t just places of worship: They are the center of community life. That’s what makes our work—the work of the church, through churches—perfectly positioned to make a difference.
Trinity’s Sunday School children have embraced this effort, and each week are bringing offerings. The entire Trinity family is invited to join in supporting the ELCA Malaria Campaign. Checks may be made payable to Trinity Lutheran Church (write "Malaria" in the memo line).
Zumba: Wednesdays, through Feb. 15, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall
Did you know the steps can be modified to accommodate all exercise and mobility levels? $5 drop-in for each class. Try your first class for free!
Souper Bowl Sunday: On Sunday, Feb. 5, Trinity’s youth will collect change, bills and checks to raise money for local food programs.
Parents of Special Needs Children Group: This group provides support and education for parents with special needs children, with a particular emphasis on behavioral issues. All are welcome. Childcare is provided. All meetings are held 6:15—7:45 p.m. in Room 125 (near Church Office).
Wednesday, Feb. 1– Kurt Ellis, Family Therapist
Wednesday, Feb. 15 – Networking and Support
All-Congregation Potluck & Annual Meeting: Sunday, Jan. 29: Celebration of Service at all worship services: Our Celebration of Service will celebrate the many people who serve God through Trinity’s ministries. Celebration Family Potluck: Please join us for a festive family potluck in Centennial Hall, beginning at approximately 12:30 p.m. What to bring to the potluck? Last names A-L: Salad or Dessert, Last names M-Z: Main Dish. Annual Congregational Meeting: Join us for Trinity’s annual meeting, to be held after the potluck, at about 1:15 p.m. (childcare provided).
Trivia Night @ Trinity: Saturday, Feb. 4, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Centennial Hall
Fun for the Entire Family! Ages 12 to 112: Trivia & enjoy a potluck of appetizers and desserts (mid-way through the evening). Ages 4 to 11: Movies and pizza
Calling all trivia buffs, Jeopardy game show watchers, and people just looking for a good time: It’s time to sign up for Trivia Night at Trinity (beginning Sunday, Jan. 8, just outside the Church Office). Sign up as an individual, entire team of eight people, or a partial team. The strongest teams are those whose members span different ages and life experiences. Not into trivia? Don’t worry! You’ll be on a team of eight and will still have a great time! Bring a favorite appetizer or dessert to share. Questions? Sylvia Stouten, 949-2492, ext. 21.
Bridge Group
Did you know we have a ladies afternoon bridge group at Trinity that meets at 1 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month? The group meets in the Parlor and usually concludes its time together by 4 p.m. or earlier. “We play party bridge and usually have two tables,” said Joyce Schenk. “And we do have coffee and treats!” Contact Joyce Schenk, 365-9679, with questions or if you would like to in the fun. “We would love to have you join us,” said Joyce.
A Family Movie Premiere (a Family Experience (FX) event): Friday, Feb. 17, 5:30 p.m. Enjoy make-it-yourself pizza (5:30 p.m.), s’mores, and The Smurfs movie (6:30 p.m.). Plan on an evening of fun that includes walking the red carpet and taking pictures with paparazzi! Complementary childcare available at 6 p.m. RSVP to Tim Van Der Bilt.
Needles, Hooks & Books
A group of needlework enthusiasts (beginners through advanced skill levels) meets at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month. Participants bring a current project to work on, or get inspired for their next project. They share project ideas/supplies, learn new techniques (informally and through workshops), talk about favorite books, and just enjoy connecting with each other. Upcoming Evenings:
Monday, Feb. 20: Learn to knit or crochet (bring a skein of four-ply worsted yarn and a G or H hook for crochet, or size 10 or 11 knitting needles)
Monday, March 19: Learn to knit or crochet a preemie blanket (bring 4 ounces of specially labeled baby yarn with either a G or H hook for crochet or size 10 or 11 knitting needles)
Monday, April 16: Learn to knit or crochet a scarf (bring a skein of four-ply worsted yarn and a G or H hook for crochet, or size 10 or 11 knitting needles)
Monday, May 21: Learn to knit or crochet a baby cocoon—part of Trinity’s New Baby Ministry program (bring four balls of Red Heart Buttercup yarn—any color—and knitting or crochet needles
Outreach Projects: The group also supports several outreach projects (patterns and training are available for anyone who is interested!). They include baby hats for DeVos Children’s Hospital; afghans for Lutheran Social Services to share with refugee families, foster families, and those who experienced a disaster; lap-sized afghans for MapleCreek residents; items for preemie babies born at DeVos Children’s Hospital; and baby cocoons for Trinity’s New Baby Ministry.
Lent & Easter at Trinity: Please Join Us!
Wednesday, Feb. 22: Ash Wednesday, Worship at 4 and 7 p.m.
Week of Sunday, Feb. 26: 5-week Grace Groups Bible studies begin, various days of the week and times
Thursday, April 5: Maundy Thursday, Seder Worship at 5 p.m., Traditional Worship at 7 p.m.
Friday, April 6: Good Friday, Worship at 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 8: Easter, Worship at 8:15, 9:30 and 11:15 a.m., Easter Breakfast served 7:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Baptismal Instruction Class
Are you interested in having your child baptized, or was your child recently baptized? Plan to attend a baptismal instruction class at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 27, in the Parlor. We’ll cover why we baptize, what it means to you as parents, and how the church can help with your child’s spiritual growth as he/she grows. RSVP to Carol Hendricks, 949-2492, ex. 23. Questions? Please connect with Pastor Sarah, 949-2510, ext. 24.
Trinity Blood Drive
Monday, March 5, 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. For every person who tries to donate blood at Trinity’s Blood Drive, a Trinity donor will give $20 to the ELCA Malaria Campaign. That investment can help purchase insecticide-treated mosquito nets and provide education for two families in Africa (per blood donor)! Questions? Contact Linda Taffs, 340-5901.
Elizabeth Claar To Speak About African Safari at Women’s City Club On Tuesday, March 6, the Women’s City Club dinner and program will feature Dr. Elizabeth Claar, Trinity’s organist, who will speak about her recent adventure in Kenya. Social hour begins at 5 p.m., the dinner will be served at 6 p.m., and the program will follow dinner. The menu includes East African sweet pea soup, roasted chicken breast or Mtuza wa Samaki (baked curried cod fish), couscous, plantains, and sweet potato pie. Cost is $28 for members and $32 for non-members. For information, contact Marjorie Paul, 616-209-5263.
Saturday Night Live (a Family Experience (FX) event): Saturday, March 17, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Centennial Hall. This event is fun for the whole family, from pre-K kids through grandparents. Complementary childcare available for infants and toddlers (freewill offerings are welcome).
New Member Classes Begin April 10
Trinity's Curiosity classes are designed for people potentially interested in joining Trinity. There is no obligation to join Trinity at the conclusion of the classes. We welcome you! Trinity provides childcare and a free family dinner (6 p.m.); class begins at 6:30 p.m. Questions? Contact Pastor Sarah, 949-2510, ext. 24.
New Member Curiosity Classes: Tuesdays, April 10, 17 and 24 6 to 8 p.m.
6 p.m. Family dinner
6:30 p.m. Class (childcare provided): Overview about Trinity, Lutheranism 101, review of Sacraments, the ELCA, spiritual gifts and discipleship
New Member VIP Orientation Night: Tuesday, May 1
6 p.m. Family dinner
6:30 p.m. This night is focused on honoring our new members (including those who have recently transferred) and connecting with staff members (childcare provided)
New Member Reception: Sunday, May 6
New members are formally welcomed into membership during
the 10 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. worship services (choose the service you wish to attend).
Rummage Sale Coming May 3-5: If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to de-clutter (clothes, toys, books, decorating items), please keep in mind that Trinity’s youth welcome your contributions for the annual Youth Rummage Sale, scheduled for May 3-4. Perhaps you can find a spot to stow items until closer to the sale time.
A congregation of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America
Trinity
Lutheran is Barrier Free
A Stephen
Ministry Church