[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Dear Friends in Christ, Congregations have the choice between resembling a bag of marbles, with committees and individuals distinct, different and separate — or a bag of grapes, distinct, yet blending with the whole and being far more flavorful.  This Sunday, on Pentecost (wear red) Bishop Susan Candea of the Central States Synod will be with us as we celebrate the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to send the Holy Spirit to dwell in us and guide us, bringing understanding and unity.  There will be light refreshments to welcome Bishop Candea and in recognition of a new pastor at Trinity! On Pentecost, the church was born —  the apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit, and three thousand others were filled with the Spirit that transforms us and enables us to see others as our sisters and brothers in Christ.   If you have not already done so please complete the Acts of Grace and Service insert so we make use of the gifts the Holy Spirit has given to each of us. Four special needs for servants: #1  Our Trinity Pet Pantry which now serves once a month on the first Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon – and to set up the day before on Friday, also from 9 a.m. to noon. #2  Acolyte and Crucifer Coordinator. #3  Radio Broadcast and Flower Coordinator.  Charts for both are in the hallway or you may call the church office.  The radio broadcast is $90 and the flowers are $55. #4  Sacristan:  Someone to help with robing, candle lighting, and making sure worship assistants have what they need. Contact the church office if you can serve in an any of these, or another capacity. MAY 23, Pentecost (wear RED) Acts 2:1-21:  Filled with the Spirit to tell God’s deeds Psalm 104:24-34, 35b:  Send forth your Spirit and renew the face of the earth. (Ps. 104:30) Romans 8:22-27:  Praying with the Spirit John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15:  Christ sends the Spirit of truth   May 30, Holy Trinity Isaiah 6:1-8:  Isaiah’s vision and call Psalm 29:  Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. (Ps. 29:2) Romans 8:12-17:  Living by the Spirit John 3:1-17:  Entering the reign of God through water and the Spirit   In Christ, Jeffery Alvestad, Pastor[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Dear Friends in Christ, Jesus led his disciples to the town of Bethany and blessed them. Then he withdrew from them, says Luke, and “was carried up into heaven”. The Ascension is celebrated Thursday and the 50-day season of Easter ends Sunday. May 23 is the Festival of Pentecost and Bishop Candea will be with us for the installation. On Pentecost you are encouraged to wear Jayhawk RED. The Ascension represents the conclusion of the earthly ministry of Jesus. To understand this passage, theologians help us look at what led up to the ascension. Jesus appears to his disciples and to others in Jerusalem. We know the story of the resurrection, and how Jesus reveals himself to two of his followers on the road to Emmaus. He then appears to the disciples in Jerusalem, and at first they think he is a ghost. But Jesus says, “Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and blood as you see that I have” (Luke 24:39). Then he asks them for some food. They give him a piece of broiled fish, and he takes it and eats it in their presence (vv. 41-43). “While this might seem like an odd or humorous action,” says Professor Henrich, the people of the first century “would have recognized it as proof that Jesus was no disembodied spirit.” Jesus “opens the minds” of his followers to understand their mission. He knows that he has limited time between the day of resurrection and the day of the ascension, so he stresses that “everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled” (v. 44). Jesus presents himself as the word of God in human form, the one who completes everything that God began to say through the law, the prophets and the psalms. But Jesus knows that this is a lot for people to absorb — not only for the disciples, but for us as well. So Jesus “opens their minds” to understand the Scriptures (v. 45). Jesus gives them the gift of understanding, so they can better comprehend what God has been doing, from ancient times through the death and resurrection of Jesus. As always you are encouraged to read the appointed readings before worship: MAY 13, The Ascension of our Lord (no formal worship service) Acts 1:1-11: Jesus sends the apostles Psalm 47: God has gone up with a shout. (Ps. 47:5) Ephesians 1:15-23: Eyes to see the risen and ascended Christ Luke 24:44-53: Christ present in all times and places MAY 16, the 7th Sunday of Easter Acts 1:15-17, 21-26: Matthias added to the apostles Psalm 1: The Lord knows the way of the righteous. (Ps. 1:6) 1 John 5:9-13: Life in the Son of God John 17:6-19: Christ’s prayer for his disciples MAY 23, Pentecost (wear RED) Acts 2:1-21: Filled with the Spirit to tell God’s deeds Psalm 104:24-34, 35b: Send forth your Spirit and renew the face of the earth. (Ps. 104:30) Romans 8:22-27: Praying with the Spirit John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15: Christ sends the Spirit of truth In Christ, Jeffery Alvestad, Pastor[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Dear Friends in Christ, There has been a heaviness to the appointed readings over last few weeks: Jesus described himself as 11“… the good shepherd. Laying down his life for the sheep. There was the 23rd Psalm usually associated with funerals.: “walking through the valley of the shadow of death” Last week from 1st John: 21The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also. And this Sunday:. Jesus speaks of love as a command – “I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.” We don’t normally associate “love” with “command” or even use the two words in the same sentence! It is Spring, however, and this Sunday is Mother’s Days, so some lighter fare. As always you are encouraged to read the appointed readings before worship: MAY 9 Acts 10:44-48: The Spirit poured out on the Gentiles Psalm 98: Shout with joy to the Lord, all you lands. (Ps. 98:4) 1 John 5:1-6: The victory of faith John 15:9-17: Christ the friend and lover   MAY 16 Acts 1:15-17, 21-26: Matthias added to the apostles Psalm 1: The Lord knows the way of the righteous. (Ps. 1:6) 1 John 5:9-13: Life in the Son of God John 17:6-19: Christ’s prayer for his disciples In Christ, Jeffery Alvestad, Pastor[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Dear Friends in Christ, Jesus is Risen! Now that we have resumed ‘in-person” worship services at 9:30 a.m. we have special needs! There are Time, Talent and Interest inserts in your bulletins with immediate needs in bold print. Every baptized believer of all ages is gifted for a ministry! Please place them in the offering plates after the services or mail them to the church office. As always you are encouraged to read the appointed readings before worship: APRIL 18 Acts 3:12-19: Health and forgiveness through the risen Jesus Psalm 4: The Lord does wonders for the faithful. (Ps. 4:3) 1 John 3:1-7: The revealing of the children of God Luke 24:36b-48: Eating with the risen Christ APRIL 25 Acts 4:5-12: Salvation in the name of Jesus Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. (Ps. 23:1) 1 John 3:16-24: Love in truth and action John 10:11-18: Christ the shepherd In Christ, Jeffery Alvestad, Pastor[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Dear Friends in Christ, Jesus is Risen! It was so good to see in person so many of you at the Sunrise at South Park and regular service inside the beautiful walls and windows of one of the most beautiful sanctuaries in the United States!  Let’s hope for good weather on April 17, 2022 – when we may also have the added benefit of electricity! Now that we have resumed ‘in-person” worship services at 9:30 a.m.  we have special needs!  There are Time, Talent and Interest inserts in your bulletins with immediate needs in bold print.  Every baptized believer of all ages is gifted for a ministry!  Please place them in the offering plates after the services or mail them to the church office. As always you are encouraged to read the appointed readings before worship: APRIL 11 Acts 4:32-35:  The believers’ common life Psalm 133:  How good and pleasant it is to live together in unity. (Ps. 133:1) 1 John 1:1–2:2:  Walking in the light John 20:19-31:  Beholding the wounds of the risen Christ   APRIL 18 Acts 3:12-19:  Health and forgiveness through the risen Jesus Psalm 4:  The Lord does wonders for the faithful. (Ps. 4:3) 1 John 3:1-7:  The revealing of the children of God Luke 24:36b-48:  Eating with the risen Christ   In Christ, Jeffery Alvestad, Pastor[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Dear Friends in Christ, Now that we have resumed ‘in-person” worship services at 9:30 a.m.  we have special needs!  There will be a Time, Talent and Interest insert in your Holy Week bulletins with immediate needs in bold print.  Every baptized believer of all ages are gifted for a ministry!  Please place them in the offering plates after the services. I am hopeful you will invite someone to the informal and casual, 7:00 a.m. “Easter Sunrise at SouthPark!”  An Easter Egg hunt will follow the service as well as the more classical service at 9:30 a.m.  Please use SignUp Genius via www.tlclawrence.org for all 9:30 a.m. services or you may call the church office for reservations in order that we stay within our “60 seated in the pews” limit.  The in-person worship services are concurrent with the live-stream which also can be accessed via www.tlclawrence.org.  The KLWN radio broadcast continues at 11 a.m.  In the spirit of loving our neighbor masks are required and the offering plates and communion elements will be in the narthex.  Please take the elements to your pew so you may commune where you are seated.  Bulletins are placed where you are encouraged to sit in encouraging social distancing at all times. In Christ, Jeffery Alvestad, Pastor   The Easter Cross Please bring flowers from your garden or ones you might purchase — to both services on Easter morning. As you come to worship please place your flowers on the cross at the 7 a.m. Sunrise Service or 9:30 a.m. Easter Service. April 1:  Maundy Thursday 7 p.m. In Person and & Livestream Exodus 21:1-14: The passover of the Lord. Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19: I will lift the cup of salvation. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26: Proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. John 13:1-17, 31b-35: The service of Christ: footwashing and meal. April 2 Good Friday 7 p.m. In Person & Livestream Isaiah 52:13–53:12: The suffering servant. Psalm 22: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Hebrews 10:16-25: The way to God is opened by Jesus’ death. John 18:1–19:42: The passion and death of Christ. April 4 EASTER 7 a.m. (sharp) Sunrise at SouthPark (bring friends, masks, & seating!) 9:30 a.m.  In Person & Livestream 11 a.m. KLWN Radio Broadcast Acts 10:34-43: God raised Jesus on the third day. Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24: This is the day that the Lord has made! 1 Corinthians 15:1-11: Witnesses to the risen Christ. Mark 16:1-8: The resurrection of Jesus is announced[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Dear Friends in Christ, In-person worship services have resumed at 9:30 a.m. Please use SignUp Genius via www.tlclawrence.org or you may call the church office for reservations so we stay within our “50 seated in the pews” limit. The in-person worship services will be concurrent with the live-stream which also can be accessed via www.tlclawrence.org. The KLWN radio broadcast continues at 11 a.m. In the spirit of loving our neighbor masks are required and the offering plates and communion elements will be in the narthex. Please take the elements to your pew so you may commune where you are seated. Bulletins are placed where you are encouraged to sit in encouraging social distancing at all times. In Christ, Jeffery Alvestad, Pastor   The Easter Cross Please bring flowers from your garden or ones you might purchase — to both services on Easter morning. As you come to worship please place your flowers on the cross at the 7 a.m. Sunrise Service or 9:30 a.m. Easter Service. March 28:  Passion of our Lord/Palm Sunday 9:30 a.m. In Person & Livestream 11 a.m. KLWN Radio Broadcast Mark 11:1-11: Jesus enters Jerusalem. Isaiah 50:4-9a: The servant of the Lord submits to suffering. Psalm 31:9-16: Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit. Philippians 2:5-11: Humbled to the point of death on a cross. Mark 14:1–15:47: The passion of the Lord. April 1:  Maundy Thursday 7 p.m. In Person and & Livestream Exodus 21:1-14: The passover of the Lord. Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19: I will lift the cup of salvation.. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26: Proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. John 13:1-17, 31b-35: The service of Christ: footwashing and meal. April 2 Good Friday 7 p.m. In Person & Livestream Isaiah 52:13–53:12: The suffering servant. Psalm 22: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Hebrews 10:16-25: The way to God is opened by Jesus’ death. John 18:1–19:42: The passion and death of Christ. April 4 EASTER 7 a.m. (sharp) Sunrise at SouthPark (bring friends, masks, & seating!) 9:30 a.m.  In Person & Livestream 11 a.m. KLWN Radio Broadcast Acts 10:34-43: God raised Jesus on the third day. Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24: This is the day that the Lord has made! 1 Corinthians 15:1-11: Witnesses to the risen Christ. Mark 16:1-8: The resurrection of Jesus is announced[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Dear Friends in Christ, In-person worship services at Trinity resume this week at 9:30 a.m. —  53 Sundays after the last worship service was held in our beautiful sanctuary on March 15, 2020. So much has happened since we last gathered in the sanctuary.  The Trinity sanctuary is full of history and memories since 1910!  Memories of baptisms, weddings, and funerals.   In 2020, however, so much has not happened within the walls and windows of Trinity.  Those who lost loved ones were not able to receive the care and comfort this sanctuary and community brings during a time of loss.  There has been the loss of hands not held, hugs not shared.  The walls and windows have not heard the laughter of a child’s giggle and a baby’s cry.    So this Sunday, we will gather in person and on-line at 9:30 a.m. or listen on KLWN at 11 a.m. to laugh and pray. Initially, however, worship, will be modified for a period of time: You are expected to use Sign Up Genius (www.tlclawrence.org).   You may register for anyone you are bringing. In the spirit of loving our neighbor, masks will be required and seating will be socially distanced except for families. Initially we will not sing, but listen to several choir members in the loft. Individual communion elements will be available for you to take with you to the pews where there will be bulletins. Offering plates will not be passed, but will be available in the back. When coming and going please be mindful of being socially distanced. As we open, it is vital we expand our invitation and welcome!   To that end, for those who do not need their stimulus checks, if Trinity mailed a professionally designed “Christmas at Trinity” or “Easter at Trinity” with a Kevin Boatright photo to 10,000 households in Lawrence, the total cost including the card, postage labeling and actually shipping the mailing to the local post office is $2500.  Or, the cost of mailing an invitation to every new mover in Lawrence over a one-year period is $4200.  If you would like to make a special “over and above – 2nd mile” gift,” contact me or mark in the memo line of your check, “outreach.”  The process takes six weeks from the design to the mailing. Our worship schedule is on the back.  As we move forward, let’s all be safe and remember to love and care for our neighbor, be that neighbor six feet from us or six-thousand miles away! In Christ, Jeffery Alvestad, Pastor[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]