And [Jesus’ disciples] were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” Mark 10:26 ESV
The Rich and Powerful
Dear Members and Friends of Trinity Downtown:
Last week we discussed this young, wealthy guy that had come up to Jesus, and asked Him how he could earn God’s approval. Jesus told this rich fellow that, if he wanted to be perfect, he must sell everything he possessed and give it to the poor. That bummed the guy out, and (as far as we know) he rejected Jesus’ advice.
Jesus’ response also shocked His disciples. They lived in a culture that equated having lots of money with having God’s favor. If you were rich, then you were also probably someone who had followed the Ten Commandments, and God blessed your efforts with wealth. Many of the Jewish patriarchs were wealthy e.g. Abraham and Solomon. Being wealthy wasn’t a 100% guarantee of having God’s favor, but it was a pretty reliable indicator.
Down through history, many cultures and religious systems have fallen into this trap. It’s even infiltrated parts of the Christian church in North America and around the world. But the core truth that Jesus came to tell us is that there is NOTHING we can do to earn God’s favor. Period. End. of. story.
That said, we are often tempted to try. When was the last time you felt you “weren’t doing enough”?
This weekend at Trinity Downtown
(October 16th & 17th)
This weekend at Trinity Downtown, we’ll be diving down into just how we CAN build and maintain our relationship with God, and how we can tap 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 is talking about at 10:15am 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.
Oktoberfest
Be sure to mark your calendars for our annual Oktoberfest celebration on Sunday, October 24th at 11:30 am. The Holy Smokers will be serving brats and all the fixings, and we’ll have beer from St. Arnold’s Brewery, a Oompah band, games and a time for great fellowship. Invite your friends and neighbors!
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.
You’ll also want to reserve a spot on your calendars to attend the launch of our Contemporary worship opportunity on Sunday, November 7th at 11:15 am. 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.
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.
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