Dear Friends:
We are just three weeks away from a very special time in the life of this great church. Beginning August 11, we'll spend three Sundays celebrating the 60
th
anniversary of Trinity. Celebrate 60: Remember, Rejoice, Renew will be an opportunity for us to give thanks for all that God has done through Trinity since our beginning in 1959 and a time to look ahead at where God is leading us next.
On August 11, we will remember the first 40 years, most of which was based at the NW 8
th
Avenue campus. That day will include our annual blessing of the Stepping Stones teachers as they prepared to begin a new school year. Stepping Stones is one of the vital ministries started in those first 40 years that continues to provide a foundation for faith and learning for young children, serving hundreds of families in our community. All of the past directors of Stepping Stones have been invited to join us that day to participate in that time of blessing.
On August 18, we will rejoice in being a church that has been on the move with God throughout its history, giving special thanks for the bold faith and trust that brought Trinity to our NW 53
rd
Avenue campus 20 years ago. All clergy who have served Trinity and are still living have been invited to join us that day, as well as past full-time staff members and persons who heard their call into ministry during their time as members of Trinity. I am pleased to tell you that we'll have the joy of welcoming Rev. Dan and Jan Johnson home that day and Dan will be offering the message.
On August 25, we will renew our commitment to be a church that offers a courageous witness for Christ in our community and beyond. We will turn our eyes toward the future on this Sunday, unveiling the vision statement and key goals that will shape our focus for ministry for the coming years. This exciting vision is the result of a yearlong discernment process which included meaningful input from many of you and we can't wait to share it with you!
And speaking of the future, isn't it great to have Ben Richards here as one of the pastors of Trinity? Catherine and I are thrilled to welcome him as a part of the team and grateful for the gifts that he brings to this church. Here's the video of his
message
from last Sunday on the "Showdown at Mount Carmel" in case you missed it.
Are you ready for the next installment of Once Upon a Time in Israel? This weekend takes us to another one of the incredible stories in 1 Kings and yet another example of Elijah's bold witness as God's prophet. I look forward to seeing you this Sunday at either 9:30 or 11am.
Grace and Peace,
