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
May 2026
This Month’s Highlights
Wednesday, Apr 29 Meals on Wheels, 10:00 am
Thursday, Apr 30 The Longest Table, 5:00 - 7:00pm
Sundays, May 3-17 Sunday School 9:00 am
Worship 10:00 am
Monday - Friday, May 4-8 Services for the Blind 9:15-2:30 pm
Tuesday, May 12 Book Group 11:00 am
Tuesday, May 19 Conference Clergy Meeting, 10:00 am
Wednesday, May 20 Coalition on Homelessness, 10:00 am - noon
Thursday, May 28 - Saturday, May 30 Synod Gathering
Please read articles in the newsletter for more information about ministry opportunities offered here at Trinity Lutheran Church during April and May.
Please accept the invitation to participate.
Be safe, be kind.
From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Then (Jesus) led (the disciples) out as far as Bethany, and lifting up His hands, He blessed them. While He was blessing them, He withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshipped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God. Luke 24:50-53
This is the story of Jesus’ ascension according to Luke. Jesus does what He has done – and what He always does – He blesses them. What strikes me is how the disciples react. They worship, and they are filled with joy.
What about us? What is our response to the resurrected and ascended Lord? How do we react to being blessed by Jesus? Are our lives full of worship? of joy?
We are almost through the Easter season, moving towards the celebration of Pentecost. The alleluias sound a little less enthusiastic, the exchange of Easter greetings has all but ceased.
And yet, the Risen Christ still extends His hands and blesses us, embracing you and me into the eternal celebration of Easter.
Open your hearts and dare to be filled with the blessing of Jesus! Let your lives be extensions of worship and expressions of grateful joy for the love and life that come from God! Live as Easter people!
Happy Easter – today and tomorrow and always!
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 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.
If you have added a name to the prayer list, please contact Pastor Alice and share an update regarding the person. Names will be rotated off the list every 30 days. Thank you.
Words of Appreciation
Thank you to everybody who has given time and effort in assembling bulletins 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!
Love Meals During this time of uneasiness and stress when many in our community worry about financial security, faith communities and non-profit groups are more likely to receive requests for food – including Trinity. A reminder that the 1st Sunday of every month is designated as Love Meals Sunday (although your generous gifts are appreciated anytime!). Please bring non-perishable food items (basic staples) to share with folks in our community who struggle to provide food for their families. Please be sure to check the expiration dates. The bucket is under the side table in the Gathering Space. Thanks!
Meals on Wheels On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, Trinity will deliver meals to members of our community who are homebound. Meals are picked up at First Presbyterian Church at 10:00 am. This is an important ministry. Often, the only person the recipient might see in a day is the one who brings a hot meal and newspaper. Please watch for a sign-up sheet on Sunday, April 12. It takes just a little time in the morning but brings blessings that fill the rest of your day. Thank you.
Please Plan to Participate in a Special Event!
On Thursday, April 30, 2026, our community is gathering to share dinner at The Longest Table!
Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, a group of people in the Chelsea neighbourhood in New York planned an event to bring neighbours together for an outdoor potluck meal around one long table. Each neighbour brought a dish to share, and The Longest Table was born. Now a nationwide movement to strengthen relationships and build community around a free shared meal is sweeping across all 50 states. Last year Charlotte participated in The Longest Table.
The Harrison Family Y is excited to bring The Longest Table movement to Rocky Mount. The event is planned for Thursday, April 30, 2026, 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Kel Landis III Pavillion.
Trinity is registered as a Table Captain to sponsor a table by providing food, paper goods (plates, napkins, cups, flatware), and beverages for Trinity folks who attend and extra to serve a few more people. Bookmarks with an invitation to come to Trinity that will be distributed to guests at our table. Also, the Rocky Mount Police Department have been invited to join us.
In this time of divisiveness, The Longest Table offers opportunity to sit together as neighbours and community sharing food and conversation.
To learn more about The Longest Table movement, google longesttablecommunity.org and check out the videos. This celebration of community and neighbour has spread across the United States and has crossed the Atlantic Ocean – folks shared tables in Paris, France!
Please plan to participate. Watch for more information and a sign-up sheet for donating items, helping to set up our table, and attending. Thanks!
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 on May 10 and every day!
Book Group, Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 11:00 am. The group will discuss Revolutionary Mothers by Carol Berkin; June’s book is O Pioneers! By Willa Cather. Everybody is welcome to share this time of conversation and fellowship.
Christ in Our Home Copies of this quarter’s daily devotional resource are available on the tables in the Gathering Space. If you don’t already do so, please add intentional time with God and the Word and prayer to your day. Thank you.
Several Jesus Stories have been posted on our Facebook site! There is a Sign-Up Sheet for folks who are willing to participating in Sharing their Jesus Stories. Each of us has a story to tell, and all our Jesus Stories matter. Please talk with Pastor Alice for more information. 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 14th season! Announcement for the 2026 start date of this ministry will be coming soon. Quart-sized Ziploc bags are in the kitchen. For more information, please contact the church office. 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.
Monthly After Worship Fellowship Hosting There’s a sign-up sheet on the white table in the Gathering Space for folks to host simple refreshments at our monthly after worship fellowship gathering. This is when we celebrate birthdays and anniversaries and being a community. For more information, please call the church office. Thanks.
Graduates – We Want to Celebrate With You!
Families of graduates, please send information about your graduate to the church office via email at officetlc@trinityrm.org by Thursday, May 14 so it can be shared in the June newsletter. Include student’s name, school, date of graduation, and plans for after graduation. A litany of blessing will be announced when scheduled. Thanks!
Sunday School will have its last meeting on Sunday, May 17, as we take a break for the summer months. We look forward to the return in September. Thanks!
Until then, 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!
The Children/Youth Sunday School class uses the ELCA resource Whirl! Every week one of the readings for worship is the focus of the lesson. All children are welcome to share this time of studying the Bible in engaging ways.
Our New Adult Sunday School session continues with sharing our wonderings.
Pentecost On Sunday, May 24, 2026, 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.
Congregation Council
Cluster Reports
Presented for April 12, 2026 meeting
Worship Cluster
Worship Opportunities
3/29-4/4 Holy Week
3/29 Palm Sunday 10 AM
4/1 Holy Wednesday Noon
4/2 Maundy Tuesday Noon; 7 PM
4/3 Good Friday Tenebrae Service Noon; 7 PM
4/5 Easter Sunday 10 AM
Easter Cross
This Easter tradition is a witness to our community and all who pass our church on Winstead Avenue. It is adorned with greenery and flowers starting April 5 through May 24. Greenery and flowers may be donated – from your yard or store bought – and volunteers are needed to decorate the cross. There is a sign-up sheet in the Gathering Space if you are interested. Any questions please talk with Pastor Alice.
Faith Growing Cluster
Christian Education
Adults: Pastor Alice continues her “I Wonder...” Sunday School classes. Participants are learning a lot. Please continue to fill out “I Wonder” slips about the church, Jesus, being Lutheran, and anything else you wonder about. Pastor will continue to answer these “I Wonder ..” questions.
Children: Three members are continuing to teach from Whirl. Our participants are learning through Bible and faith-based lessons.
Stewardship
We will be starting our Capital Campaign soon. Keep an eye out for our kick off.
Please continue to pray for guidance as you reflect on your financial partnership with Trinity.
Also, remember that we are still sharing Jesus stories. Contact Pastor Alice for information.
Caretaking Cluster Report
Family Life
A sign-up sheet is available for hosting in March and April.
Finance
Congregational leaders have been scheduled to count offerings and make deposits through the next council meeting.
The Council has decided to switch our insurance plan from Church Mutual to Erie. The plan is more affordable, has fewer deductibles, and more coverage options. A significant discount is available if the premium is paid in full rather than in monthly installments. The money will be borrowed from the Capital Campaign fund to pay the premium in full. The money borrowed from the Capital Campaign fund will be repaid.
Property:
A Repair Fund has been established in an effort to fund maintenance issues.
Inspection of the boiler was performed on February 6th.
Invitation Cluster Report
Evangelism
YouTube, Facebook and the website are continually updated.
Photo Consent Forms: In order to honor privacy, we ask that everybody sign a photo consent form to be kept on file each year. Copies are available on the information table in the gathering space.
Jesus Stories: A cooperative ministry began in July between the Invitation Cluster and Faith Growing Cluster to record members sharing their Jesus Stories and posting them on social media. Several stories have been shared and posted to our Facebook site. Each of us has a story to tell, and all our Jesus Stories matter - please consider sharing yours! There is a sign-up sheet for those willing to participate. Please talk with Pastor Alice for more information.
Social Ministry
Love Meals: The 1st Sunday of every month has been designated as Love Meal/Soup Kitchen 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: The book group is held on the second Tuesday of each month at 11:00 am (unless otherwise announced). The book selection for April is The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams and May’s selection will be Revolutionary Mothers by Carol Berkin. Everyone is welcome to share this time of conversation and fellowship.
The Gospel Readings During Easter
Easter Day, April 5 - Matthew 28:1-10
Second Sunday of Easter, April 12 - John 20:19-31
Third Sunday of Easter, April 19 - Luke 24:13-35
Fourth Sunday of Easter, April 26 - John 10:1-10
Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 3 - John 14:1-14
Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 10 - John 14:15-21
Seventh Sunday of Easter, May 17 - John 17:1-11
Day of Pentecost, May 24 - John 7:37-39
Easter is more than just one Sunday. It is the week of weeks – seven Sundays!
Come and share worship during this most holy season of the Church.
All are Welcome!
Prayers for the Ascension of Our Lord
Almighty God, Your only Son was taken into the heavens and in Your presence intercedes for us. Receive us and our prayers for all the world, and in the end bring everything into Your glory, through Jesus Christ, our Sovereign and Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Almighty God, Your blessed Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, ascended far above all heavens that He might fill all things. Mercifully give us faith to trust that, as He promised, He abides with us on earth to the end of time, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
About the Prayers
The first prayer is inspired by prayer #497 in the 7th century Gregorian Sacramentary and focuses on the image of Christ as High Priest, who in heaven intercedes for the world. The second prayer, based on prayer #580 in the 7th century Gelasian Sacramentary, cites the phrase from Ephesians 1:15-23 that Christ now fills all things. The Ascension is not about His absence, but rather renews Christ’s promise to be with us always.
Sundays in Seasons, Year A 2026
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