Scripture Readings
This Week
1 Samuel 13:5-14 (ESV)
5 And the Philistines mustered to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen and troops like the sand on the seashore in multitude. They came up and encamped in Michmash, to the east of Beth-aven. 6 When the men of Israel saw that they were in trouble (for the people were hard pressed), the people hid themselves in caves and in holes and in rocks and in tombs and in cisterns, 7 and some Hebrews crossed the fords of the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. Saul was still at Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling.
8 He waited seven days, the time appointed by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the people were scattering from him. 9 So Saul said, “Bring the burnt offering here to me, and the peace offerings.” And he offered the burnt offering.
10 As soon as he had finished offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came. And Saul went out to meet him and greet him. 11 Samuel said, “What have you done?” And Saul said, “When I saw that the people were scattering from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines had mustered at Michmash, 12 I said, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the favor of the Lord.’ So I forced myself, and offered the burnt offering.” 13 And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the Lord your God, with which he commanded you. For then the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. 14 But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.”
Psalm 27:1–9 (ESV)
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evildoers assail me
to eat up my flesh,
my adversaries and foes,
it is they who stumble and fall.
3 Though an army encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me,
yet I will be confident.
4 One thing have I asked of the Lord,
that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
and to inquire in his temple.
5 For he will hide me in his shelter
in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
he will lift me high upon a rock.
6 And now my head shall be lifted up
above my enemies all around me,
and I will offer in his tent
sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to the Lord.
7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud;
be gracious to me and answer me!
8 You have said, “Seek my face.”
My heart says to you,
“Your face, Lord, do I seek.”
9 Hide not your face from me.
Turn not your servant away in anger,
O you who have been my help.
Cast me not off; forsake me not,
O God of my salvation!
Ephesians 3:14-21 (ESV)
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Luke 22:39-46 (ESV)
39 And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. 40 And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 41 And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45 And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, 46 and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”
Sunday Worship – September 24
Mission Theme – We can surrender to God’s loving care.
Shawnee Theme – God goes with us on the journey of faith.
Senior Pastor Call Committee September 21 Update
The Call Committee developed a set of questions to pose to our remaining candidates in our initial interviews. In scheduling the interviews, one of the six remaining candidates asked to drop out of the process due to health issues within his family. The interviews of the remaining five candidates are scheduled for the week of September 25.
“God Give Us Faith to Sing Always” Hymn Festival with David Cherwien
Hymn Festival with David Cherwien
Saturday, September 23, 2023, 5:30 pm
Mission Campus
World-renowned guest organist Dr. David Cherwien and the Trinity Choir will lead us in a hymn festival including hymns, anthems, reflections, and prayer. The Trinity Choir, soloists, and our guest organist will help you learn the new hymns and will bring new life to the old favorites through creative musical accompaniments.
Pastor Phil’s Call Decision
There are many good things and still many opportunities and challenges here as yet unmet. I believe the Lord has been saying to me that my time here is not yet done. For this reason, I am declining the two new calls to Texas and will remain here as your pastor.
Confirmation Retreat Recap
On September 15-16, 22 confirmation students and 8 leaders took time away from our normal schedules to play games, study God’s Word, meet new people, and learn about Christian community. Check out these pictures of our devotions, team building activities, and game playing!
Discipleship Sermon Series
This week we begin a 7-week sermon series on what it means to be a Community Following Jesus. There are certain discipleship transitions that we strive toward making in our lives in order to be better disciples of Jesus. Join us in worship to learn more!
Children’s Ministry Summer Recap/Fall Kickoff
We had such a blast this summer with a successful VBS and fun Summer Sunday School. We wrapped up the summer with the fall kickoff on Sunday, September 10. Look what fun we had!
What can your youth participate in this year?
Sunday Mornings: Vibrant Bible study opportunities for middle and high school students.
Confirmation: Students spend three years diving into God’s Word and getting to know each other.
High School Youth Group: High school students from both campuses join in games, devotions, and catching up on each other’s lives.
Confirmation Kickoff
Sunday night, the Confirmation 2023-2024 got started with the Parent/Student Orientation meeting at Shawnee. Some parents, students, and staff got to talk about the upcoming year of Confirmation. Please pray for the 33 students at both campuses, their families, and our teachers.
Preschool Fundraising Night – September 25
Trinity Lutheran Church Preschool
Restaurant Fundraiser at
Culver’s of Lenexa
Monday, September 25
4-8 pm
25% of sales will be donated to the preschool when the flyer is presented!
Join us for our Confirmation Parent/Student Orientation!
Shawnee Campus — September 10th at 6:30pm in the worship area
Mission Campus — September 20th at 6:30pm in the middle school room downstairs
The student and at least one parent should attend. We will cover the units for this year, upcoming calendar, and meet table group leaders! All returning and new Confirmation students should participate.
The Gathering Place Grand Opening
Please join us for the grand opening of The Gathering Place on September 17th at 9:45 am. A place for conversation, coffee or tea (among other treats), and fellowship during the 9:45 service at the Mission campus.
Parking Lot Resurfacing
The parking lot at our Mission campus will be resurfaced on Thursday and Friday September 21st-22nd. There will be limited access to the parking lot during this time.
9:45am Bible Study – The Holy Spirit
Begins Sunday, September 10
9:45am, Mission Campus Heritage Room
Led by Amy Holsapple and Bill Vaughn
We have chosen Max Lucado’s Help is Here, finding fresh strength and purpose in the power of the Holy Spirit. There will be video, questions and discussions to bring us closer to the Holy Spirit, our promised Helper.
Recap of Youth Kickoff Event
23 high school students tried to escape from Civil War Jails and a Y2K virus. Only six of them were successful, but everyone had a great time! We are excited to see what this year brings in Sunday Evening youth group in our study, fun, and games. Thank you, Pastor Luke, for joining us! Check out the team photos from the night!
KC Young Adult Lutherans Upcoming Events
Two exciting events are planned for the Kansas City Young Adult Lutherans group: A Trivia Night on September 25 and a 1,000 Young Leaders & Ice Cream Bar on September 26. All young adults are welcome to attend one or both events and enjoy fellowship with other area Lutheran young adults!
Choir Rehearsals Resume
After our summer break, we are preparing to resume choir again at the Mission Campus! All choir singers are invited to join us as we start rehearsals again on Wednesday nights from 7:00-8:30pm starting on September 6th!
50+ Bible Study
10:15am Wednesdays
Mission Campus Fellowship Hall
Beginning September 20
Led by Pastor Ron
Church Assimilator Role at Trinity
Trinity Lutheran Church is looking for someone to fill a part-time position to develop and implement an effective strategy for integrating members into our Community Following Jesus. Please contact Pastor Luke if you are interested or have any questions.
Confirmation Registration Now Open
Confirmation Registration 2023-24
Students entering 6th -8th grade
As we prepare for a new season of confirmation class, we would like to make sure that all of our contact information is correct for each family.
2023 Altar Flower Sign-Ups – Mission Campus
Would you like a meaningful way to commemorate a special event in your life or the life of a loved one? How about dedicating altar flowers? The 2023 altar flower chart is now available for signups in the Mission campus foyer and online. Please keep in mind the...
Support for Ukraine
Would you like to help support the people of Ukraine? The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod Office of International Mission has ways you can help.