At the July 14th voters meeting of Trinity Lutheran Church the congregation voted unanimously in favor of moving forward with the purchase of the open lot across the street from the church at a cost of $90,000.

Regarding the vision for the property, Pastor Tinetti wrote in a recent Inklings:

"I envision a place that brings together people of all ages: to eat together, to play together, to pray together, to serve together. I imagine this new part of Trinity’s campus turning into a hub of neighborhood activity. I see outdoor picnics and movie nights. I picture young and old playing yard games (wiffle ball!). I think of Vacation Bible School and maybe even concerts or a farmers’ market. In short, I envision an open space becoming a beloved place for our community: a blank canvas upon which God can paint His beautiful work of redemption through us."

Fundraising efforts have been underway. We are pleased to report that as of July 28th more than $80,000 has already been pledged. Thanks be to God for His provision and the generosity of His people!

While we are close to reaching our goal, we have not yet arrived. Please prayerfully consider helping to get us across the finish line. Any proceeds received that exceed the cost of the purchase price will be earmarked for the future development and utilization of the property. 

You can give online (mark it as "Other" with a note indicating that it is for the Kladder property), or send a check to church, noting in the memo line the purpose of the gift. 

This is an exciting time for Trinity Lutheran, as we continue striving to share God's heart by bringing neighbors together in Christ. This is the next step in realizing that mission. 

Make a gift today!

We are fortunate at Trinity Lutheran Church to be welcoming not one, but two, new additions to our church staff this week! One of these is a familiar face around TLC, while the other is a relative newcomer. We wanted to introduce them both in their new roles, so that God's people can adequately welcome them!

Becky Emery, Church Secretary

Becky and her family are members of Trinity and actively involved in a variety of congregational ministries. 

What interested you in the position of church secretary?

"I've always wanted to be a church  secretary. So when I recently began considering part-time work, and this position came along at the same time, I was interested. Matt and I both thought it could be a good fit, and here I am!"

How do you hope to help the ministry of TLC in this role?

"I hope to be the behind-the-scenes help to any ministry going on at TLC. Communication, organization, and Christian friendship are among my priorities in this service."

When you're not caring for your family or serving at church, what do you enjoy doing?

"I am almost always reading, and I love to kayak. Trying to figure out a way to do those simultaneously."

Anything else you'd like to share?

"I'm looking forward to tending to the daily needs of our congregation, helping to spread the good news of Jesus to our neighbors, and serving faithfully in whatever task God puts in my path." 

Becky will be occupying the church office from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Kasie Gage, Church Cleaning

Kasie and her family (husband Derrick and kids Kaitlyn, Emmalyn, and Parker) are local Arcadians and newcomers to our Trinity family. You'll no doubt be learning more about the Gages in future communications. 

Where are you from originally, and what brought you to Arcadia?

"I am originally from Gaylord, MI.  After living in Frankfort where our children attend school, we purchased our home in Arcadia 4 yrs ago.  We knew this was where we were meant to be.  The many trails, wildlife and community.  Everything about it feels like home."

Why do you think it's important that our building keeps clean?

"I am looking forward to keeping the church beautiful for all our neighbors.  There’s something very special about the history and details of Trinity Lutheran Arcadia."

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

"In my free time I enjoy spending time with family and friends.  I love a peaceful morning with a cup of coffee, our kids sporting events, fishing and concerts in the summer time."

Anything else you'd like to share about yourself?

"My family would like to thank everyone from the church that have made us feel so welcome in such a short time.  After searching and praying for a church to call home, we know God has led us here. :)"

The leadership of Trinity Lutheran recognizes that the increase in Covid-19 related hospitalizations and deaths in NW Michigan is concerning. Recently, Covid-19 has directly affected church members and their families. It is important to us, now as always, that we care for the health and well-being of all Trinity members, their families, guests, and neighbors.

The current circumstances do not change who we are or what our mission is in the community. Moreover, even with respect to the pandemic, we recognize that we are in a different place than we were a year ago. As our local hospitals struggle under the weight of the current surge, however—and as Covid-19 touches the lives of our own community—we want to take measured steps to convey our sensitivity to the situation and to help ensure that our congregation continues to be part of the solution, rather than part of the problem. 

Consequently, we are taking the following steps at this time in addition to our current protocols:

• The 5 p.m. service on Christmas Eve will take additional precautions, including the requirement of face coverings. The 7 p.m. Christmas Eve service will be normal.
• On Sundays, the rear 3 pews will be reserved for those who wish to wear face coverings and practice more intentional physical distancing. (If you're wearing a face covering you may sit wherever you like, but these pews in particular will be set aside.)
• Pastor and his assistant for Holy Communion will wear face coverings for the distribution of the Supper.
• Live-streamed services will continue for the foreseeable future.

The Elders considered once again having two services each Sunday, but ultimately decided against doing so. Our desire is to bring God's people together rather than splitting us up (recognizing that there are times and situations when this isn't possible). We believe that continuing with one service at this time helps us best fulfill our mission. 

With respect to face coverings, no one will be required to wear one, but neither will anyone be discouraged from doing so. Please follow your conscience and do as you feel comfortable. We are "eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3).

In this, as in all that we do, we will keep seeking to share God's heart with our neighbors, echoing the angelic announcement: “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10-11).

Your servants in Christ,

Pastor & Elders

Register here: https://forms.gle/Yba9EUXD7WNMadsa6

Questions? Contact Sandy: (317) 439-0611

As disciples of Jesus, we know that the Lord has given all of us the charge to share His heart in our neighborhoods. But that sounds like a daunting task. What if you don't know what to say? Or even where to start?

Join us at Trinity Arcadia on Saturday, June 12th, from 9 a.m. - 12 noon for a time of encouragement and edification with Greg Finke, author of the book Joining Jesus on His Mission. Pastor Finke will be providing biblical wisdom and practical guidance that shows how all of God's people can participate in what He is up to. And bring a sack lunch along, as our time together will conclude with fellowship and Pastor Finke engaging in some Q & A.

Whether you're an intrepid evangelist or a novice Christian, this workshop is for you. Hope to see you on June 12th!

This Holy Week at Trinity Arcadia we have a full schedule of opportunities to worship our crucified and resurrected Lord. 

• Holy Monday, March 29th—Matins @ 8:30 a.m.*
• Holy Tuesday, March 30th—Matins @ 8:30 a.m.*
• Holy Wednesday, March 31st—Matins @ 8:30 a.m.*
• Maundy Thursday, April 1st—Holy Communion @ 5* & 7 p.m.
• Good Friday, April 2nd
  • Tre Ore (Noon Prayer) @ 12 p.m.*
  • Tenebrae Vespers (Service of Darkness) @ 5* & 7 p.m.
• Easter Sunday, April 4th—Holy Communion @ 9* & 11 a.m.

In addition, all of the chief services of the week will be live-streamed on our church YouTube channel. 

*Face coverings are required at this service. 

We are thrilled to be celebrating the birth of our Savior, and to welcome you to worship our newborn King this Christmas! 

If you're not able to join us for worship in person, please know that all of our Christmas services will be live streamed on our Facebook page, facebook.com/TrinityArcadia, and on our YouTube channel, youtube.com/c/TrinityArcadia.

If you do intend to gather with us in-person for worship, here is some of what you can expect:

Christmas Eve

• There are two identical services of Carols & Candlelight at 5 and 7 p.m. The service is a modified version of Lessons & Carols and, as the name suggests, includes a lot singing, as well as a series of Scripture readings and a sermon.
• The service will last about an hour.
• Seating capacity is limited on account of our Covid-19 precautions. Please plan to arrive early to secure your seat.
• Please enter the church building through the center double doors. This will help with traffic flow and also keep the sanctuary warmer.
• Overflow seating will also be available in the parish hall with the service streamed in.
• In the event that we are at full capacity when you arrive, you will have the option to attend in the overflow seating area or to return for a later service. Please know that the last thing that we want to do is to turn anyone away!
• Physical distancing is observed at all services; sit only in every-other pew, and within pews please maintain a 6' distance between households.
• Masks are required at the 5 p.m. service, and recommended but not required at 7 p.m.

Christmas Day

• The service of Holy Communion will be held on Christmas morning at 10 a.m. This is a different service from the evening prior. It is the customary Divine Service from the Lutheran Service Book.
• In previous years, the Christmas Day service has much lower attendance than Christmas Eve, and so if you are anxious about crowds or want to be certain you'll have a seat, you might consider attending this service.
• All the above precautions remain, and masks are required.

We look forward to worshiping with you this Christmas!