CURRENT NEWSLETTER
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Trinity Lutheran Church
433 S. Winstead avenue
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
(252) 443-7462
Identity Statement:
With God We Can!
The Joyful Noise
May 2025
This month’s highlights
Wednesday, April 30 Trinity hosts a meeting of the Coalition on Homelessness
Wednesday, April 30 Meals on Wheels 10:00 am
Sundays, May 4-25 Sunday School 9:00 am
Sundays, May 4-25 Worship 10:00 am
Sunday, May 11 Mother’s Day
Tuesday, May 13 Book Group 11:00 am
Sunday, May 18 Council Meeting
Monday, May 26 Memorial Day
Thursday, May 29 - Synod Assembly
Saturday, May 31
Please read articles in the newsletter for more information about ministry opportunities offered here at
Trinity Lutheran Church during May.
Please accept the invitation to participate.
be safe, be kind.
Pastor: Rev. Alice Johnson-Curl
pastortlc@trinityrm.org
officetlc@trinityrm.org
252-443-7462
From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Jesus said to Mary, “Woman, why do you
weep? Who are you looking for?”
Thinking He was the gardener, Mary said,
“Mister, if you took him, tell me where you
put him so I can care for him.”
Jesus said, “Mary.”
She went and told the disciples, “I have
seen the Lord!”
John 20:15, 16a, 18
It’s dark and early. After a brutal few days, Mary Magdalene walks the road to the tomb where Jesus’ lifeless Body has been placed.
I imagine her heart is heavy with the enormous loss of her Teacher and Lord. Mary was among the few who stood at the foot of the cross and watched, heard Jesus die. Surely it takes huge effort to be there.
All the hopes and dreams and expectations vanished in the events, the last agonizing breath on the hill of Golgotha.
Mary can’t bring Jesus back to life, so she plans to care for Him one final time.
Blinded by tears, almost unable to move under the weight of her shattered spirit, I picture Mary almost dragging herself to the spot.
Then she hears it – her name! Jesus’ gentle, loving voice calls her by name!
And suddenly, the tears dry and her spirit is restored and she can move and breathe again!
Dear brothers and sisters, same as 2000 years ago when Jesus called Mary’s name, Jesus calls us by name – you and me and all people! Jesus reaches for us, takes our hands, and lifts us up from whatever weighs us down, whatever fears and sorrows!
It’s Easter! Christ is alive! And through all the chaos and vitriol and violence and division and brokenness that swirl around us, the Risen Christ brings wholeness and restoration and life!
Dare to celebrate!
Dare to hear Jesus call your name!
Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!
Thanks for walking with me as Easter people!
Thank you for your partnership in ministry.
You continue in my prayers.
Breathe peace,
Pastor Alice
We commend Pope Francis into God’s eternal embrace. We thank God for his ministry.
Words of Appreciation
Thank you for remembering me with a bag of sweet treat for Administrative Assistant’s Day! I am so appreciative of your thoughtful consideration.
Administrative Assistant
Thank you to everybody who has given time and effort in assembling bulletins and newsletters in April! We are truly blessed by your partnership in ministry.
Thank you to the folks who help prepare for worship and share worship leadership!
Words from My Heart Sincere thanks are offered to many people for their support and partnership during Lent, especially Holy Week and Easter Sunday. You provided sacred ministry during sometimes challenging and sad times. Thank you
- to those who serve as worship leaders
- to our technical crew who provide sound and record worship services
- to the very gracious folks who assembled the many extra bulletins
- to our congregation’s leadership for preparing the Lent devotional
- to folks who provided lilies to adorn our Sanctuary
- for maintaining the flowers and greenery on the Easter Cross
- to all who share in the many worship opportunities in-person and via Facebook and YouTube
- to all who prayed (and still pray) for this congregation and pastor
Together we announce the Easter proclamation –
Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!
Easter blessings to each of you! Pastor Alice
Happy Mother’s Day! To all the women in our lives who provide a mother’s care, love, guidance, and support, thank you! May God bless you! Take time to remember those special women in your life.
During the Easter Season (seven weeks ending June 8) the Easter Cross at the gate to the Memorial Garden will be adorned with colourful cut flowers and greenery. A sign-up sheet is on the table in the Gathering Space. Folks are needed for Wednesdays and Saturdays during this holy season. All are invited to participate in this witness of the Resurrection by keeping flowers and greens fresh. Every year our neighbours comment about how much they appreciate this Easter proclamation. If you have any questions, please talk with Pastor Alice. Thank you.
It’s That Time Again! Spring has definitely arrived – which means so has the invitation to mow the church lawn. The sign-up sheet is posted on the bulletin board near the office. Please talk with the church office if you have any questions. Thanks!
Pentecost On Sunday, June 8, 2025, the Easter season ends with the celebration of Pentecost. This is when the Church gives thanks for the gift of the Holy Spirit and the sacred privilege of being the visible presence of the Risen Christ in the world. You and I are members of the Church which connects us to brothers and sisters across the world. To remember and celebrate, let’s wear red! Thanks.
United Community Ministries
And they asked, “Lord, when did we see You hungry or naked or sick or homeless
and help You?” And Jesus said, “When you care for those who are seen by the
world as unimportant and easy to ignore, you care for Me.”
My loose translation of Matthew 25
Trinity Lutheran Church has been asked to sponsor the ministry of our local shelters in the month of June through a contribution of general supplies. This effort is in addition to our monthly collection of food. The list of requested items follows:
55 gal. trash bags
13 gal. trash bags
laundry detergent
bleach
toilet tissue
napkins
paper towels
dish detergent
8 oz. foam cups
12 oz. foam bowls
plates (dinner size)
Please place contributions in the Gathering Space. Your assistance will help folks living in the various shelters that provide housing for many brothers and sisters who have no place else to call home – men, women, children. Now that we are nearing the close of school, the need will increase. More children will be served meals through the shelters – children who during the school year receive free or reduced breakfast and lunch. The need is great in our community. This congregation has always been very generous – and I thank you! I am blessed to serve with such faithful folks who live what they confess they believe, who take seriously who God has claimed each of you to be – partners in the mission of Christ. If you have any questions, please contact me. And, I ask that you please keep those served by UCM and the staff in your prayers.
Together in Christ,
Pastor Alice
PS A reminder that UCM is one of our partners in With God We Can!.
With God We Can! and Freeze Our ministry partners at the Farmers Market have already asked when we’ll begin the 13th season! On Sunday, June 1, 2025, fresh produce will be available for Trinity folks to prepare for freezing. Quart-sized Ziploc bags are in the kitchen. For more information, please talk with those dedicated members who keep the program running. It is indeed a sacred privilege to be the hands of Jesus providing vegetables for our brothers and sisters whose bowls might otherwise go empty. Thank you for your partnership in ministry. Please keep With God We Can! and Freeze in your prayers.
Sunday School classes are available for all ages. Classes meet at 9:00 am. Come and be part of this opportunity of learning and growing together. There’s room for everyone! Sunday School will have its last meeting on Sunday, May 18, as we take a break for the summer months. We look forward to the return in September. Thanks!
Love Meals A reminder that the 1st Sunday of every month is designated as Love Meals Sunday. Please bring non-perishable food items to share with folks in our community who struggle to provide food for their families. The bucket is under the side table in the Gathering Space. Thanks!
The Book Group meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 11:00 am (unless otherwise announced). On May 13, we will discuss The Sign of Four by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. In June, we will discuss The Judge’s List by John Grisham. Come join us for this time of fellowship and conversation.
On May 29-31, the North Carolina Synod comes together for an Assembly, a time of worship, learning, and fellowship. This year’s theme is “God Is Calling.” Voting members selected from each congregation join pastors and deacons to make key decisions, including approving the budget, electing synod council members, and, this year, selecting a new bishop and a new Vice President of the Synod Council. Our congregation has representatives who have graciously agreed to attend this year. Along with Pastor Alice, they will travel to Greensboro for this year’s event.
Congregation Council
April 6, 2025 meeting
Cluster Reports
Worship Cluster
Adorning the Easter Cross- Every Saturday starting April 19th through June 7th
We will be adorning the Easter Cross weekly during the Easter Season. The Easter Cross is located in front of the gate of the Memorial Garden facing Winstead Ave. We will need fresh greenery and flowers weekly. If you have greenery and or flowers in your yards, please let Pastor Alice know.
May
· Thursday, May 29th – Ascension of Our Lord
June
· Sunday, June 8th- Day of Pentecost (red)
· Sunday, June 15th- Holy Trinity (white)
· Sunday, June 22nd- green season begins
Faith Growing Cluster
Stewardship - March 18th, 2025, we began a new capital campaign that was announced in February. This campaign is intended to raise a target of $5,000 in order to reduce the mortgage balance under $100,000. Ours is a generous congregation, always sharing support when a special request or campaign is needed. For that generous heart, thank you! Currently, $1,842 has been raised through the end of March. With your continued support we will be able to refinance our mortgage in June and make our monthly payment lower. Please pray for God’s guidance as you reflect on your partnership in Trinity’s ministry of financial stewardship. Please talk with a member of council or Pastor Alice if you have any questions. Thank you.
During this Easter Season take a look at yourself and prayerfully consider what you can give back to God for all the many gifts God has given us, most importantly the giving of the Risen Son through Whom we are embraced into eternal life!
Christian Education – In the adult class, we have been studying Romans. Paul’s continuing message of our role in sharing the Gospel of salvation is one that is key to living out our faith. Nothing can separate us from God’s love. As he says, our fears about for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away. The class has also discussed aspects of the Nicene and Apostles Creeds.
The children’s Sunday school will continue to use Whirl, an ELCA lectionary-based resource.
Come join us on Sunday mornings at 9:00 am.
Sunday School will pause for the summer after Sunday, May 18th.
Caretaking Cluster
Family Life – The sign-up sheet for refreshments is in the Gathering Space. Please sign up to participate in this ministry.
Financial – See separate report
For the capital campaign, we have an update. The March giving came to $1,842. As of April 20, we have received an additional $1,450. The total is $3,342. Our goal is to receive at least $5,000 by May 18th to reduce the principal of our mortgage.
Property – The sign-up sheet for mowing is posted on the bulletin board near the office.
Invitation Cluster
Evangelism
· YouTube, Facebook and the website are continually updated.
Photo Consent Forms In order to honor privacy, we ask that everybody signs a photo consent form to be kept on file for a year. Copies are available on the information table in the gathering space.
Social Ministry
· Love Meals A reminder that the 1st Sunday of every month is designated as Love Meals Sunday. Please bring non-perishable food items to share with folks in our community who struggle to provide food for their families.
TLC
· Book Group –The book group is held on the second Tuesday, at 11:00 am. The book selection for May is Sign of Four by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. All are welcome.