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 J  God is the source of our nourishment. Jesus’ invitation to “take and eat . . . take and drink” is a repeated one. In holy communion, in the word read and proclaimed, in the assembly of the people of God, the dominion of God has come near. Rejoice! Your name is written in heaven. To love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind is to reflect God’s mercy in responding to one’s neighbor. That mercy found its most profound expression in the “gospel that has come to you”—namely the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That gospel mercy comes to us again today: at the font, at the table, and from the pulpit. It is very near to you.  Mission and Vision Statement Trinity Lutheran Church is a welcoming, healing community participating with God in caring for the world and all people. We seek to grow as we follow God’s example of unconditional love and compassion. We worship to thank and praise God as we experience God’s grace. We live as Christ’s body, each of us individually gifted to share in God’s forgiving and reconciling work in the world. We encourage one another to love as Jesus loves us by bringing hope to those who despair, comfort to those who fear, and healing to those who hurt. (adopted by Council 9/19) Sunday Worship Information Hybrid Worship Service (In-Person & via Zoom) Sundays at 10:15 a.m. Each Sunday, we offer “Hybrid Worship” so that those on Zoom and those in the Sanctuary may worship together. The bulletin is shared on the screen for all participants. There is also a view/print version in Google Share Drive that generally includes musical notes. (See the link below.) Should those in the Sanctuary prefer, the bulletin may be viewed on your wifi device by using the link below. You can connect to wifi using the “TLC” network (password: 5108363135). There are also pew cards with various versions of the Prayer of Jesus / Lord’s Prayer for you to choose. Most hymns may also be found in the cranberry “ELW” or blue “With One Voice” hymnals in the pew racks. Those on Zoom are invited to set up an Altar next to your computer / phone… perhaps using a small linen, a cross or another symbol meaningful to your faith. If it is a Service including Holy Communion, remember to include bread & wine (or equivalent). You may also want a copy of the Prayer of Jesus / Lord’s Prayer in advance. (See the link below.) We have recently added some alternative versions of the Lord’s Prayer to the Google shared drive and will be laminating copies to place in the pews. A Look Ahead… Every Sunday 10:15 am: Hybrid Worship Service (In-Person and via Zoom) September 10th Grief Counseling Opportunity  As mentioned in our announcements, there may be an opportunity to have a Zoom group meeting (3 – 5 people) with a synod grief counselor regarding our transition and/or possibly the loss of Nancy Hughes, which many of us felt very deeply. If you are interested, please let Gayle Miller or Linnea Graff know, so that they can determine the best next steps.  Please click the link at the bottom of this newsletter to see what the ELCA Advocacy group is doing and how you can help by emailing the people who are making the decisions.  Dear church, You’ve likely seen the devastating news about the catastrophic flash floods in South Central Texas. Our hearts break as we learn of the damage, loss of life and ongoing search for survivors. We join Bishop Sue Briner’s call to “pray, pray, pray for those who are still lost as well as the families of those who are lost, who have died, or who have experienced loss of home or property.” As ever and with your support, our church stands ready to walk with our neighbors in the Texas hill country as the floodwaters recede and rebuilding begins. Your gifts to Lutheran Disaster Response ensure that our neighbors are not alone on the long road to recovery after a disaster strikes. GIVE NOW With gratitude, Briner, bishop of the Southwestern Texas Synod, shared: “As of this moment, we know of no congregations, clergy, or members who have suffered loss due to the flooding, but a number of us know people who are missing or connected to those missing, or who are sustaining flood damage.” The flash flood warnings have expanded, and more rain is expected. Lutheran Disaster Response is coordinating with the Southwestern Texas Synod and will work with them and other partners to respond to urgent needs, provide emotional and spiritual care, and support cleanup and long-term recovery. Can our neighbors recovering from disasters count on your support? Through these disasters and others in the United States and around the world, Lutheran Disaster Response accompanies communities throughout the recovery process, walking with them for as long as it takes. Together, we follow Christ’s call to share hope and healing with our neighbors in need. GIVE NOW  Sharing Good Times Please let us use this space to share our good times with each other. Just send in what you’d like to share and we’ll be sure to include it. An Ecumenical Christian Statement on Immigration  The statistics are staggering. In Oakland, it is estimated that 1 in 4 children live in households that struggle to put food on the table. This means that thousands of children in our community are at risk of hunger each day. These numbers are more than just figures—they represent real lives, real struggles, and real challenges that must be addressed. THAT MEANS THEY DON’T HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT!! URGENT REQUEST – Our food basket has been empty as of late – and the need is greater because school-age children are not receiving free breakfasts and lunches. We are also in need of children’s books – they seem to love them! To help those who are hungry, we collect an offering of non-perishable (canned/plastic jar – NO boxes or packets) foods each week during our worship service. Place your offering in the basket when you come into our sanctuary or as you come forward to Communion. We will add your item to our Community Blessing Box. It’s a wonderful way of sharing our bounty.  |
A welcoming, healing community