And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ Mark 9:47-48 ESV
Hell, no
Dear Members and Friends of Trinity Downtown:
God created all that we call Reality simply by saying it into existence. As the perfect author of everything, God cannot lie. Not only would lying be against His nature, God can’t lie. Just think, if God were to utter something which was untrue, within a nanosecond every sub-atomic particle in our vast universe would be racing to make sure what He had just said becomes reality.
So, God can’t lie. So, when His son gives us insights about Reality, we should perk up our ears and listen. Jesus gave us God’s perspective on lots of things, into our behavior, how sin buries itself into our soul, how to spend our lives, a glimpse of heaven…and some terrifying details about Hell.
We should take what Jesus said seriously about Hell, because it’s true. But, to borrow a political phrase, it’s an “inconvenient truth” that we’d all rather deny, dismiss or discount.
So, what would happen if we seriously took Jesus at His word about Hell?
This weekend at Trinity Downtown
(September 25th & 26th)
This weekend at Trinity Downtown, we’ll be discussing what the reality of Hell tells us about our behavior and our faith. Come experience anew the reason Jesus’ disciples remained astonished by His perspective on Reality. Come hear how focusing on God’s love and worshiping Him can carry you during these times, and how you can be an encouragement to those that may be going through tough times. You can join us in our contemporary service on Saturday at 5:00 pm, and/or the traditional worship service on Sunday at 9:00 am. Or, you can watch the “live stream” of our Satellite Service at 5:00 pm on Saturday, or our traditional service on Sunday at 9:00 am by clicking here. And, of course, you may also participate by watching either of these services “on demand” by clicking here. You can enhance your worship experience by viewing the traditional service’s worship folder by clicking here. Our weekly prayer list can also be found by clicking here.
You won’t want to miss our in-person Sunday School, Youth and Adult Bible classes that start at 10:15 am each Sunday morning.
Our doors will open 30 minutes before the start of each worship service, and you may enter from any door. As always, we ask that if you are not feeling well, please stay home and participate with us online.
In response to the increased number of infections, this weekend at Trinity Downtown we’re making some changes in our recommendations and seating arrangements designed to lower the chance we’ll inadvertently spread the infection further.
I am pleased to announce that our congregation raised $3,920 in Hurricane Ida relief monies. Those funds are already on their way to the LCMS Southern District to use for rebuilding churches and helping congregants in need. Thank you so much for your generosity!
Watch Online
You can watch the “live stream” of our traditional service on Sunday at 9:00 am by clicking the button below. And, of course, you may also participate by watching either the traditional service or contemporary service “on demand” at any time. To enhance your worship this weekend, we’ve placed this weekend’s Order of Worship and our updated prayer list below.
Drive-Up Communion
Please note that Drive-up Communion is being offered on Saturday and Wednesday of each week.
COVID-19 Updates
We continue to be deeply thankful for the God-inspired work of our medical professionals who developed and are distributing the COVID vaccines, and who continue to care for those afflicted with this disease. Please keep the members of our congregation who serve in these capacities in your daily prayers that God may grant them strength, courage and a robust immune system.
In-person attendance at our 9:00 am traditional worship service on Sunday has continued to grow, and we will be discussing changes to our COVID-related protocols with the Governing Board next week. For this Sunday, please follow these recommendations and seating arrangements designed to lower the chance we’ll inadvertently spread the infection further. Specifically:
- We are encouraging everyone over three years of age to wear a mask while on Trinity’s campus. (Please note that is NOT a mandate, just a heart-felt recommendation;)
- We also would encourage you to get vaccinated if you’re eligible and haven’t already done so; and
- We’re increasing the size of the sanctuary seating area designated as “socially-distanced”. A large portion of the Pulpit side will be marked so that only every other row is available for seating.
- As always, if you’re feeling unwell, please stay home and take advantage of our streaming alternatives
Please take advantage of our nursery, which is now open to care for children 2 years old and younger on Sunday mornings.
Together, let’s consider how we can put the astonishing message of Jesus into practice, and how leaning on His provision and care can lessen our stress load and bring deep transformation in our hearts. Celebrate with us the depth of Jesus’ love for us and find out how you can live a life of significance, filled with meaning. Discover how following Jesus can help you and your family navigate around the minefields of life.
This weekend come get a fresh jolt of spiritual energy at Trinity Downtown. It will make a tremendous difference in your life.
Your Pastor,
Michael Dorn