Trinity Lutheran Church
433 S. Winstead Avenue
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
(252) 443-7462
www.trinityrm.org
Identity Statement:
With God We Can!
The Joyful Noise
September 2026
This Month’s Highlights
Sunday, September 6 Worship 10:00 am Fellowship After Worship
Sundays, September 13-27 Sunday School 9:00 am Worship 10:00 am
Saturdays, September 5-26 With God We Can! Farmer’s Market
Mondays, September 7-28 With God We Can! TLC Kitchen 8:ooam
Tuesday, September 8 Book Group 11:00 am
Wednesday, September 30 Meals on Wheels 10:00 am
Please read articles in the newsletter for more information about ministry opportunities offered here at Trinity Lutheran Church during September and October.
Please accept the invitation to participate.
Be safe, Be kind.
From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
He will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick. Matthew 12:20
This verse is part of a passage in the Gospel according to Matthew that is a quote from Isaiah 42:3 both describing God’s gentle and kind love and treatment of those who are weak and hurting. For us Christian flavoured folks who experience that gentleness and kindness, we understand God’s protection and love are in the touch of Jesus.
How extraordinary that Jesus, Son of God, is mindful and aware of those the world, our culture, (we?) would label insignificant, unimportant, worthless, and sooner trample or grind into the ground as we move ahead in our own sense of power and authority and value.
Jesus sees and hears and welcomes all people – especially those society (we?) ignore, don’t notice, refuse to acknowledge. And more, Jesus reaches out to touch wounded bodies and minds and spirits and embraces into relationship all the forgotten and aching and marginalized children of God.
In this time of divisiveness, harsh words, hateful actions, the need is great for us, the Church, to be the presence of Christ, to reach out to brothers and sisters around us (including those who sit with us in this Sanctuary or at the dinner table) with Jesus’ protection, welcome, patience, healing, love.
Because you see, each one of us at some time is as fragile as a bruised reed and fainting as a smoldering wick. And whenever we are, Jesus touches us with grace. And as those who have known this touch and as members of the Body of Christ, we have the sacred privilege and responsibility and call to share this holy touch with the world Jesus loves.
Together, let’s grow in sharing Jesus’ gentle care, kindness, love.
Be safe. Be kind.
Thank you for your partnership in ministry.
You continue in my prayers.
Breathe peace,
Pastor Alice
Please include in your prayers our members, relatives, and friends who have requested our prayers:
. . . for people and land threatened by or recovering from recent weather events especially the flood, hurricane, heat, drought, storms, and wildfires; for our brothers and sisters who have no shelter and whose bowls are empty and who struggle to have hope for assistance especially those in Gaza and in our country; for all communities wounded by hatred, division, violence, and vitriol, especially in our country, Ukraine, Sudan, and the Middle East; and for those who feel there is no one to pray for them.
Words of Appreciation
Thank you to everybody who has given time and effort in assembling bulletins in August! We are truly blessed by your partnership in ministry.
Thank you to the folks who help prepare for worship and share worship leadership!
Dear Pastor Alice and Trinity Lutheran Church.
It is wonderful to see your continued support. Your partnership enables us to make a direct impact on the lives of domestic violence survivors, allowing My Sister’s House to be a bridge to safety. Thank you for your contribution as it is working to free victims from domestic violence and make them SAFE, SECURE, AND STRONG!
We truly value your dedication to our mission and look forward to continuing this work together.
With gratitude,
Staff of My Sister’s House.
(This thank you note was received to acknowledge the quarts of With God We Can! prepared produce. It is posted on the bulletin board in the Gathering Space.)
Thanks to everybody who attended our 2026 Vacation Bible School
Thanks for providing school supplies for our students!
Thanks to all who attended the Summer Movie Series!
September is National Suicide Prevention Month
The following is from the ELCA website:
Suicide is among the most common causes of death in the United States, especially among young people between the ages 15 and 24. (or something similar) More people die by suicide than by homicide every year, and millions have suicidal thoughts. Behind such troubling statistics are people, real individuals whose stories and relationships are unique and who live in our families, congregations, neighborhoods and workplaces.
Mindful of both the size of the problem and the lives affected, the ELCA Church Council adopted “Suicide Prevention” in 1999 as a call to members, congregations and affiliated institutions to learn more about suicide and its prevention in their communities, to ask what they can do and to work with others to prevent suicide. The social message was updated in 2021 with contemporary statistics, phrasing, and resource information.
The message affirms that life is God’s good and precious gift, but explains that suicide testifies to the tragic brokenness of living that some experience as a torment without hope. The message beckons God’s people to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2) when it is easier to ignore, reject or shy away from those who despair of life. It proclaims that God's boundless love in Jesus Christ will leave no one alone and abandoned. It offers suggestions for pastoral care when suicide does occur while emphasizing means for prevention through becoming aware and challenging false attitudes about suicide. The message has a practical bent in offering specific information about receiving and giving care, providing lists of resources and organizations dedicated to providing support. While some of the information is now dated, the message remains completely relevant in providing a comprehensive message about suicide and a clear call for concerted and collaborative efforts from all sectors of society and the church to prevent suicide.
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Illness Services Administration, an office of the federal government) writes
September – a time to remember the lives lost to suicide, acknowledge the millions more who have experienced suicidal thoughts, and the many individuals, families and communities that have been impacted by suicide. It’s also a time to raise awareness about suicide prevention and share messages of hope.
During September, and throughout the year, we can care about suicide prevention; connect to community, culture, data, and research; and collaborate with others to address this public health problem that has impacted millions of Americans.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide is a major public health concern and a leading cause of death in the U.S. Join the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) to raise awareness by sharing resources that can help you recognize the warning signs of suicide and learn how to get help.
And NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) states -
Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues.
September is Suicide Prevention Month — a time to raise awareness of this stigmatized, and often taboo, topic. We use this month to shift public perception, spread hope and share vital information to people affected by suicide. Our goal is ensuring that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.
What can we do? Listen, walk together, and pray for and care about those who carry the deep loss of a loved one who has died from suicide. Thank you.
For Crisis and Immediate Support
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline dial 988
For Peer Support 24/7 dial 855-PeersNC
For Help and Resources
NAMI NC Helpline dial 800-451-9682
text 919-999-6527
Lutheran Disaster Response – Nepal Flooding
A form with information about assisting the communities in Nepal which have suffered unimaginable destruction and loss from the recent floodwaters is available on the ELCA website. Gifts can be sent directly to the ELCA address on the form (payable to the ELCA LDR, Nepal flooding in memo line) or through Trinity (checks payable to Trinity Lutheran Church, Nepal flooding in the memo line). Please keep this country in your prayers. Thank you.
During Worship on Sunday, September 6, 2026, we will have a litany of blessing of vocations in observance of Labor Day. Luther said we all have holy vocations.
On Sunday, September 6, 2026, we will celebrate the month’s birthdays and anniversaries during our after-worship fellowship gathering in Resurrection Hall. Everyone is Welcome! It’s an opportunity to enjoy some conversation and light refreshments. There is a sign-up sheet in the Gathering Space for October, November, and December. Thanks!
Book Group, Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 11:00 am. The group will discuss Theo of Golden by Allen Levi (this was originally scheduled for the August discussion). Everybody is welcome to share this time of conversation and fellowship.
Get Ready! Sunday School will resume on Sunday, September 13, 2026. Classes meet at 9:00 am for adults and children/youth. The children/youth class will use Whirl, a resource that uses the assigned Bible readings. The adults will continue discussing Wonderings! shared last year. Come and be part of this opportunity of learning and growing together. There’s room for everyone! Thanks!
October 18 is the Commemoration of St. Luke
October is a month of focus on healing of body, mind, and spirit. It is the month traditionally designated to bring awareness of Breast Cancer, Mental Health, and Domestic Violence. It is also the month of the Commemoration of St. Luke, the Physician. During our worship service on Sunday, October 18, we will use some of the liturgy and prayers from the Service of Word for Healing. There will also be opportunity for personal prayer and anointing. Please join your brothers and sisters in Christ in this special gathering in worship. Invite somebody to come with you. Thank you
Sunday, August 9 Began Our Capital Campaign This event will continue until Reformation Sunday, October 25. The campaign is to raise funds to establish a dedicated line item named Repairs/Replacement. The purpose of this fund is to have monies available to cover cost of major repairs to our facility or (if necessary) to replace aging equipment. Giving to this capital campaign is not instead of giving to regular offering/tithing. Faithful regular offerings are how this congregation provides the daily ministry of Trinity. Below is a visual explanation of the need for this campaign. Please talk with council or Pastor Alice if you have questions. Thank you.
WHY DOES TRINITY NEED A REPAIR & REPLACE FUND?
HVAC REPAIR AVERAGE COSTS Average repair bill in Rocky Mount: $300–$500.
HVAC REPLACEMENT AVERAGE COSTS Basic system: $5,000–$8,000 per unit Mid-range, high-efficiency system: $8,000–$12,000 per unit
REPAIR AVERAGE COSTS Electrical repairs Electricians in the area typically bill $75–$150 per hour, depending on the complexity of the work and whether it's an emergency.
Plumbing repairs Most plumbers in the Rocky Mount area charge $90–$175 per hour, with emergency or after-hours service costing more.
Asphalt Shingle Roof repairs For a storm-damaged asphalt shingle roof in Rocky Mount, NC 27804, the average costs are approximately:
Scope of Work Typical Cost Minor shingle repair (10–20 shingles) $300–$900 Moderate storm damage (one roof section) $900–$2,500 Large repair (multiple slopes, flashing, underlayment) $2,500–$6,000+ Full roof replacement (architectural asphalt shingles) average around $8,400 for every 2,000 sq. ft. of building size
Congregation Council
Cluster Reports
August 9, 2026 meeting
Worship Cluster
August 2 Worship in Resurrection Hall
August 9 Blessing of the new school year
September 13 Blessing of Sunday School
Faith Growing Cluster
Christian Education
Mark your calendars. Sunday School for both Adults and Children/Youth will start Sunday, September 13th. We’re looking forward to a great new year of learning more about the Bible.
VBS will be on Saturday August 1. We are excited about what we will be doing. Matthew’s parable of the Sower will be our focus. Getting a little dirty might be in the picture. We will be painting flowerpots and then planting some seeds. And … All ages are welcome. The lesson will continue on Sunday, August 2. VBS and Worship will both gather in Resurrection Hall.
Also, remember that we are still sharing Jesus stories.
Stewardship
We will be starting our Capital Campaign Sunday, August 9th. You will hear more on Sunday, August 2. Remember the Capital Campaign is separate from our General Sunday giving. Everybody is encouraged to be prayerful about how you can participate in the capital campaign and be faithful in giving to support the general offing.
Please continue to pray for guidance as you reflect on your financial partnership with Trinity.
Caretaking Cluster Report
Family Life
A sign-up sheet is available for hosting in August and September.
Finance
Congregational leaders have been scheduled to count offerings and make deposits through the next council meeting.
Contributions have not met expenses for the last three months.
Property:
There are two emergency lights that need to be repaired or replaced.
The HVAC in Resurrection Hall was repaired.
Invitation
Evangelism
YouTube, Facebook, and the website are continually updated. Please check for ministry updates and invitations to serve and gather together.
Photo Consent Forms In order to honor privacy, we ask that everyone sign a new photo consent form to be kept on file for one year. Copies are available on the information table in the gathering space.
A Cooperative Ministry began in July 2025 between the Invitation Cluster and Faith Growing Cluster to record and post members sharing their Jesus stories. More stories are needed. There is a sign-up sheet for the folks who are willing to participate. Please speak to Pastor Alice for further information.
Social Ministry
With God We Can! and Freeze continues to prepare fresh produce contributed by vendors from the farmers market as well as produce purchased by financial support of shoppers. Produce is available for preparation on Sundays after worship to be returned by 9:00 am Monday; at 8:00 am on Mondays, folks gather to prepare tomatoes. Please talk with Pastor Alice for more information. Everybody is invited to participate.
Love Meals: A reminder that the first 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 themselves and their families.
TLC
Book Group continues to meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 11:00 am (unless otherwise announced). The August book is Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. Please join us. All are welcome.
Meals on Wheels Thanks to everybody who served in July. The next time Trinity is scheduled to serve is on Wednesday, September 30. There will be a sign-up sheet on the white table in the Gathering Space. Folks are asked to pick up meals to be delivered at 10:00 am at First Presbyterian Church.
DOWNLOAD PDF LINKS:
2025 November Newsletter
2025 October Newsletter
2025 September Newsletter
2025 August Newsletter
2025 July Newsletter
2025 June Newsletter