Trinity eNews

September 18

Trinity eNews

Scripture Readings

Leviticus 20:1-9 (ESV)

¹ The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ² “Say to the people of Israel, Any one of the people of Israel or of the strangers who sojourn in Israel who gives any of his children to Molech shall surely be put to death. The people of the land shall stone him with stones. ³ I myself will set my face against that man and will cut him off from among his people, because he has given one of his children to Molech, to make my sanctuary unclean and to profane my holy name. ⁴ And if the people of the land do at all close their eyes to that man when he gives one of his children to Molech, and do not put him to death, ⁵ then I will set my face against that man and against his clan and will cut them off from among their people, him and all who follow him in whoring after Molech.

⁶ “If a person turns to mediums and necromancers, whoring after them, I will set my face against that person and will cut him off from among his people. ⁷ Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, for I am the Lord your God. ⁸ Keep my statutes and do them; I am the Lord who sanctifies you. ⁹ For anyone who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death; he has cursed his father or his mother; his blood is upon him.

Psalm 51:1-13 (ESV)

¹ Have mercy on me, O God,

according to your steadfast love;

according to your abundant mercy

blot out my transgressions.

² Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,

and cleanse me from my sin!

³ For I know my transgressions,

and my sin is ever before me.

⁴ Against you, you only, have I sinned

and done what is evil in your sight,

so that you may be justified in your words

and blameless in your judgment.

⁵ Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,

and in sin did my mother conceive me.

⁶ Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,

and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.

⁷ Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;

wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

⁸ Let me hear joy and gladness;

let the bones that you have broken rejoice.

⁹ Hide your face from my sins,

and blot out all my iniquities.

¹⁰ Create in me a clean heart, O God,

and renew a right spirit within me.

¹¹ Cast me not away from your presence,

and take not your Holy Spirit from me.

¹² Restore to me the joy of your salvation,

and uphold me with a willing spirit.

¹³ Then I will teach transgressors your ways,

and sinners will return to you.

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 (ESV)

¹³ But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. ¹⁴ To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. ¹⁵ So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.

¹⁶ Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, ¹⁷ comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.

John 3:1-15 (ESV)

¹ Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. ² This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” ³ Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” ⁴ Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” ⁵ Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. ⁶ That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. ⁷ Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ ⁸ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

⁹ Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” ¹⁰ Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? ¹¹ Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. ¹² If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? ¹³ No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. ¹⁴ And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, ¹⁵ that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.”

Sunday Worship – September 21

The Holy Spirit Sanctifies.

Advent Devotionals Call for Writers

This December we are looking to put together an in-house devotional book that coincides with our sermon series – “The Way to Bethlehem.” We are looking for individuals who would be interested in sharing their writing skills with the congregation. If you are interested, please contact Pastor Luke.

Fall Church Picnic Recap

Trinity’s Fall Kickoff Picnic was enjoyed by many. What a beautiful day for a picnic. The weather was great, and the fellowship was phenomenal! Thank you to all who helped make the event a success. We look forward to next year, as the picnic will become an annual event for Trinity, where we will kick off our fall ministries by gathering together for fun and fellowship.

Trunk-or-Treat

Sunday, October 26, 4:00-5:30, Mission Campus
So many fun activities and goodies for kids and adults of all ages! Trinity Youth will be serving a fundraiser dinner during the event. Bring canned goods to support Mission Community Food Pantry. Invite your friends, family and neighbors!

Mission Summer Music Recap and Thanks

While the Trinity Choir had its summer break, the Sunday morning traditional services at Mission were blessed by a variety of musicians who shared their gifts in worship. We give thanks for their service!

Fourth Sunday Shakers

Shawnee campus is excited to restart the Psalm 150 tradition inviting children to come to join the band for the closing song on fourth Sundays of every month. Kid-friendly shakers, tambourines/timbrels are provided and dancing for the Lord is encouraged!

Get Ready for the Ultimate Photo Scavenger Hunt!

October 12, 6:30-8pm, Mission Campus
Middle Schoolers — You’re invited to a thrilling Who Dunnit mystery night at the Mission Campus! Team up with friends, crack clues, and solve puzzles as you race around the church to uncover the culprit.
High Schoolers — Your mission takes you off campus! Explore the Mission area in a fast-paced scavenger hunt where you’ll snap pics of iconic spots, hidden gems, and maybe even a few surprise challenges.

Fall Confirmation Retreat

November 7-8
Confirmation students, it’s time to register for the confirmation retreat on November 7-8! We will travel to Tall Oaks Retreat Center in Linwood, Kansas, to play some fun games, eat some great food, and faith-filled Bible studies!

High School Youth Gathering

4pm, November 14 – 2pm November 16
Meet at and Return to the Shawnee Campus
Retreat Location: Rock Springs Ranch
The Kansas District Youth Gathering (KDYG) is a Kansas District youth event that happens annually during the month of November. This year it is centered around the theme of ‘Fear Less.’ Students will spend the weekend fostering their faith through worship, Bible study, and fellowship. This year, the camp is in Junction City at the Rock Springs Ranch.

Second Grade Bible Milestone

Classes will be held Sunday, October 19, and Sunday, October 26, during the Sunday School hour from 9:45 – 10:45am.
Bible Presentation Sunday, October 26 – Parents will present the Bibles to your children in the 11am worship service.
Trinity gives each second-grade student a new Hands-On Bible as part of our milestone journey. Mark your calendars for the classes and presentation dates.

50+ Bible Study

Wednesdays, 10:15am
Mission Campus Fellowship Hall
For those who are 50 and wiser, this study is designed just for you! Join us as we study the Book of John with Pastor Mark Wood. We meet Wednesdays at 10:15am in the Fellowship Hall at the Mission Campus.

Back to Preschool!

Preschool is back in full swing for the fall. Enjoy these facts about the preschool and join us in praying for a successful year!

September Sermon Series: “The Work of the Holy Spirit”

This September, join us at Trinity Lutheran Church as we embark on a powerful new sermon series exploring the life-giving work of the Holy Spirit. Rooted in the third article of the Apostles’ Creed and Luther’s Small Catechism, we’ll reflect on how the Holy Spirit: calls us to faith, enlightens us with truth and grace, sanctifies us for holy living, and and keeps us in the one true faith.

Young Adult Bible Study Group

7-8pm, Mondays
Mission Campus Gathering Place
Join us for a Young Adult Bible study group on Monday evenings from 7-8pm in the Gathering Place at the Mission Campus. This Bible study is led by Pastor Mark and is an in depth look at God’s Word. Each week offers an opportunity to learn more about God’s Word, how to follow Jesus in our everyday lives, and time for Q&A.

Study God’s Word, Meet Jesus, and Make Friends.

Coffee & Conversation – NEW for Parents

9:45am, Sundays
Shawnee Campus Sanctuary
Parents are invited to join in a NEW opportunity for conversation and connection during the Sunday School hour, 9:45-10:40am.
This opportunity provides time to share a short devotion and discussion question, plus time to connect and build relationships with other parents over a cup of coffee.

Shawnee Communion Servers Needed – Especially at 11:00!

Trinity is seeking additional Communion Servers for both worship services, with a special need at the 11:00 a.m. service at the Shawnee Campus. If you feel called to serve in this meaningful way, we’d love to hear from you! Please contact Earl Baxter.

Thank you for helping make worship a welcoming and sacred experience for all!

Monday Morning Online Bible Class: Revelation

9am, Mondays, beginning Sept. 8
Online via Zoom
Led by Pastor Luke

The Monday morning online bible class is ramping up to start in September. Mark your calendar for September 8th at 9 am to join Pastor Luke in a study of God’s Word. We are studying the book of Revelation using the book “Revelation” by Michael W. Newman. If interested in joining, please contact Pastor Luke (luke@tlcms.org) to receive the email link for the class!

“That the World May Know” Bible Study

9:45am, Sundays
Beginning September 7
Shawnee Campus

Beginning on September 7th, the adult bible study will begin a DVD series titled “That the World May Know”. The series was developed by Focus on the Family which features renowned teacher and historian Ray Vander Laan who illuminates the historical, geographical, and cultural context of the sacred Scriptures.

Interest in Guatemala Mission Trip

Interested in a short-term mission trip to Guatemala? Trinity is looking to send a team at the end of January or early February 2026 to continue our working relationship in Panajachel, Guatemala. Please contact Pastor Luke if you would be interested in joining the mission team.

AV Volunteers Needed at Mission Campus

We are looking for volunteers to run the slides and the soundboard during Mission campus worship. We especially need help during the 9:45 service, but volunteers for all services are welcome. If you can push buttons and follow along with what is going on in worship, you are qualified! We will provide training.

2025 Altar Flower Schedule

The 2025 altar flower chart is now available for signups in the Mission campus foyer and online. Please note that there is a change this year. Please make a payment for the flowers when you sign up. This will help for ease of accounting and eliminate forgotten payments.

MLM Minor Home Repair Program – Applications Open!

In partnership with Johnson County, KS, MLM has funding available to provide Minor Home Repair assistance to income eligible homeowner residents of Johnson County. We currently have a short waiting list for services. While the MHR program at MLM ordinarily prioritizes assistance to elderly and disabled households, this program serves a broader population who meet income eligibility guidelines