And Jesus, looking at [a wealthy young member of the ruling class], loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Mark 10:21 ESV
Liquidation sale—everthing must go
Dear Members and Friends of Trinity Downtown:
So this young, wealthy guy comes up to Jesus, and asks what appears to be a serious question—what else must he do to earn God’s approval. The young man had done all that his religious upbringing told him should be done, and he might have felt a bit proud of that fact. I mean, really, how many people could claim that they’ve kept all of the Ten Commandments? But in his heart, there seemed to be something still lacking; the young man just didn’t feel like he was doing enough. So, he decided to ask Jesus what He thought.
He didn’t have a clue what Jesus was going to tell him. Boy, was he disappointed.
Jesus’ answer falls into the category I’d label “the hard sayings of Jesus.” What do you think motivated Jesus to challenge this young man so severely? More importantly, what does His answer mean for us, today? Should we be texting our financial advisor?
Have you ever felt like you weren’t doing enough?
This weekend at Trinity Downtown
(October 9th & 10th)
This weekend at Trinity Downtown, we’ll be discussing how important our relationships are, and the abundant grace that is available when we mess up. Come to Trinity this weekend to 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 traditional worship service on Sunday at 9:00 am. Or, you can watch the “live stream” of our traditional service on Sunday at 9:00 am by clicking here. And, of course, you may also participate by watching the “on demand” video of our contemporary or traditional services 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.
Our new in-person Sunday School, Youth and Adult Bible classes on Sunday morning are overflowing Come see what everyone’s talking about at 10:15 am each Sunday morning.
On Saturday, October 9th at 5:00 pm, Trinity is hosting a presentation by the American Guild of Organists of “Silent Movie—The Hunchback of Notre Dame” with organist Rob Landes. There is no charge for the concert, although donations will be welcome. You won’t want to miss it!
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.
Saturday Contemporary Service Notice
Despite a very well done service and strong marketing efforts, our Satellite worship service on Saturday afternoon has not rebounded from the COVID -related shutdown. In fact, attendance continues to decline. We have decided to “reboot” the service and move it to Sunday morning at 11:15 am in Trinity’s Sanctuary. So, beginning November 7th, we’re excited to be launching a revamped and revitalized contemporary worship opportunity. The change in date and time will allow participants the opportunity to attend the Bible study hour at 10:15. Stay tuned for further details as November 7th grows nearer.
Following the new contemporary worship service on November 7th, we’ll be hosting a “Congregational Informational Meeting” open to Trinity’s members to discuss any questions on the topics to be voted on at the following week’s Congregational Assembly. Be sure to mark your calendars for both November 7th and November 14th. By the way, the Holy Smokers will be cooking brisket for lunch on November 14th. You won’t want to miss it!
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 starting this Sunday we will reducing the portion of the Sanctuary that offers “socially-distanced” seating. This arrangement will now be set up in the front portion of the Pulpit side. Our ushers will be happy to guide you to where you wish to seat. As always, please stay home and take advantage of our streaming alternatives if you aren’t feeling well. And we would continue to encourage everyone over three years of age to wear a mask while on-campus.
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