Trinity Lutheran Church
433 S. Winstead avenue
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
(252) 443-7462
Identity Statement:
With God We Can!
The Joyful Noise
September 2025
This month’s highlights
Sundays, Sept 7-28 Sunday School
9:00 am
Worship
10:00 am
Sunday, Sept 7 Fellowship/celebration
of birthdays and anniversaries
After Worship
Saturdays, Sept 6-27 With God We Can!
Farmer’s Market
Mondays, Sept 1-29 With God We Can!
Kitchen
8:00 am
Tuesday, Sept 9 Book Group
11:00 am
Please read articles in the newsletter for more information about ministry opportunities offered here at Trinity Lutheran Church during September.
Please accept the invitation to participate.
be safe, be kind.
From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way
you fulfill the law of Christ.
NRSV, Galatians 6:2
Stoop down and reach out to those who are
oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete
Christ’s law. The Message, Galatians 6:2
I might be dating myself, but when I read this verse, whether from the New Revised Standard Version or The Message, there’s always background music. It’s the Hollies 1969 hit recording of He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother. I know it’s a lot, but please read the powerful poetry of the lyrics shared below.
The road is long
With many a winding turn
That leads us to who knows where,
who knows where
But I'm strong
Strong enough to carry him
He ain't heavy, he's my brother
… So on we go
His welfare is of my concern
No burden is he to bear
We'll get there
… For I know
He would not encumber me
He ain't heavy, he's my brother
… If I'm laden at all
I'm laden with sadness
That everyone's heart
Isn't filled with the gladness
Of love for one another
… It's a long, long road
From which there is no return
While we're on the way to there
Why not share?
… And the load
Doesn't weigh me down at all
He ain't heavy, he's my brother
… He's my brother
This Bible verse is part of Paul’s letter to the Church in Galatia. Word got back to Paul that his teachings about Jesus’ radical unconditional love that set people free from the shackles of having to earn love and forgiveness by following strict rules and regulations was being challenged by old school religious leaders. Paul was really angry – with the old guard and their strong-arm tactics, and with the congregation who so easily caved into the intimidation.
This letter was written to help that 1st century congregation as well as us recover the nature of God’s gift of freedom. This verse calls the Church, you and me included, to live in a community that walks together, cares for one another, and is the presence of Christ to and for each other. And through our words and actions to carry the amazing message about God’s freedom and love into the world.
In this time of turmoil, of vitriol, of violence, of divisiveness, this call for us to remember whose and who we are and the sacred gift of freedom that comes through Jesus and His unfailing love is so needed. May we all grow as people claimed into the law of Christ which is, beyond everything else, love.
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 Hurricane Helene, the flooding in Texas, and the flooding in North Carolina; for our brothers and sisters who have no shelter and whose bowls are empty especially those in Gaza; for all communities wounded by violence especially in Rocky Mount, Ukraine 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 and newsletters 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 Trinity Lutheran Church – ELCA,
We at My Sister’s House, Inc. are truly grateful for the impact our donors and sponsors are making within our organization and throughout Nash and Edgecombe counties. We acknowledge that without your support of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking may not have the resources they need to flee from their situations. Your contributions allow each victim to receive the services they need free of charge.
We personally thank you, our “community Church heroes” for your enduring support. We are appreciative and feel fortunate to be able to share in a community that is committed to supporting those in need. Your compassion and investment are always amazing in impacting the healing of people you may not know!
Again, thank you so much for your kindness! Your generosity and care keep us moving forward toward justice and a world we look forward to living in.
May God bless all of you.
Sincerely, The Staff
A Big Thank You to everybody who contributed items for back to school. Our students are very grateful for your kindness and support. Please keep all teachers and staff and students in your prayers.
With God We Can! and Freeze continues – On Saturdays produce is received from vendors at the farmers market; produce is distributed on Sundays to be prepared for freezing; on Monday mornings additional produce is prepared and delivered. For more information, please call 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.
During our worship service on Sunday, August 31, a Litany of Thanksgiving for Vocations will be offered as we recognize Labour Day.
Get Ready! Sunday School will resume on Sunday, September 7, 2025. Classes meet at 9:00 am for adults and children/youth. Come and be part of this opportunity of learning and growing together. There’s room for everyone! Thanks!
The Book Group meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 11:00 am (unless otherwise announced). On September 9, we will discuss Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne. The book for October is Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Come join us for this time of fellowship and conversation. Everybody is welcome!
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!
On Sunday, September 7, 2025, we will celebrate September 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. Thanks!
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. 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.
The ELCA affirms that life is God’s good and precious gift, but (understands) that suicide testifies to the tragic brokenness of living that some experience as a torment without hope. The Church asks 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.
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…Suicide is a major public health concern and a leading cause of death in the U.S.
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.
If you or someone in your life is having thoughts of suicide, please seek help or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or call/text 988.
What can we, the Church, do? Listen, walk together, and pray for and care about those who struggle with suicidal thoughts and those who carry the deep loss of a loved one who has died from suicide. Thank you.
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. Because the 18th is on a Saturday this year, we will observe the Commemoration of St. Luke as part of our worship on Sunday, October 19, 2025. Included in the liturgy will be the opportunity for anointing. Petitions in the Prayers of Intercession will be lifted which specifically ask God’s healing presence for those whose lives are affected by breast cancer, mental illness, and domestic violence. Please join your brothers and sisters in Christ in this special gathering in worship. Invite somebody to come with you. Thank you.
Everybody’s Story Matters – Including Yours! And we all have some! Think about how many times you’ve told or listened to somebody else tell stories about life experiences – childhood or playing sports or spending a week in the summer with grandparents or heading to college or the first day on a new job – anything. Think about how stories connect us and engage us in each other’s life.
Same as the many stories we tell and retell to one another about our lives, each of us has Jesus stories about how we’ve experienced Jesus through people or events. Our Jesus stories are important to share. They provide ways to invite each other into some of the ways we experience Jesus in our lives. All our stories are special and unique. Telling and hearing Jesus stories in our lives helps us grow in our faith journey and witness that the Good News of Jesus is dynamic and active in our lives, now, today.
To help us share these important Jesus stories, the Invitation and Faith Growing Clusters are developing a new ministry. Anyone who wants to share a Jesus story is invited to prepare a brief narrative (no longer than 90 seconds) and be recorded sharing your story to be posted on our website and Facebook. A helpful guide – think about a time when somebody was Jesus to you by how they treated you or through something they might have said (hint – keep in mind a Jesus story tells how Jesus touches us; we are not the subject or hero of our stories).
If you have any questions, please talk with a member of the council or Pastor Alice. Thanks for your partnership in this ministry.
Chrismon Workshop Coming Soon!
A shared ministry among all our clusters in being planned – and everybody is invited! This event will be a time of focus on Chrismons. It will an opportunity to learn about the symbols and colours used. It will also include time to repair old Chrismons and make new ones to be placed on our Chrismon tree this Advent.
Please watch and listen for more information. No special skills required – just an interest in participating in this ministry. Thanks!
Congregation Council
August 17, 2025 meeting
Cluster Reports
Worship Cluster (August/September 2025)
Thank you to all who attended the Summer
Community Worship Service. The offering` received will support the ministry of Meals
on Wheels.
August / September- continue Green Season
Sunday, August 10, 2025- litany of blessing on new school year
Faith Growing Cluster (August/September 2025)
Christian Education
· Beginning in August we will be recording and broadcasting videos of individuals telling their Jesus story. The videos will be about 90 seconds in length with one video to be broadcast each week. This activity will be coordinated between the Faith Growing Cluster and Invitation Cluster.
· Adult Sunday School is reviewing some new information to determine content for the fall program. Currently, material covering the Parables of Jesus is being evaluated.
· Mark your calendars! On four Wednesdays in August, we will have a movie series. Our theme is perseverance. Selections are Breathe; American Underdog; and A Smile as Big as the Moon; the fourth Wednesday will be a conversation about the movies.
Stewardship
· Please pray for God’s guidance as you reflect on your partnership in Trinity’s ministry through your financial stewardship. Thank you.
Caretaking Cluster
Family Life
o A sign-up sheet will be available for June-September hosting of the monthly after worship fellowship gatherings.
o A new ministry has been formed called “Son-Shiners”. They will be responsible for sending cards, making phone calls, and visiting parishioners.
Finance
o Congregational leaders have been scheduled to count offerings and make deposits through August.
o Some stocks were sold to make up for the shortfall in June revenue.
Property
o The cable that Brightspeed installed still has not been buried. The company has been notified.
o There are open dates on the sign-up sheet for grass cutting.
o BPFE inspected and updated the fire extinguishers.
o The shingles on the roof are due to be replaced, and some damage has been noted.
Invitation Cluster
Evangelism
- Please read the article in this newsletter about the new ministry Sharing Our Jesus Stories
- 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.
- Meals on Wheels Thank you to Trinity people who served meals on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. The next date for us to participate is Wednesday, August 27th.
- With God We Can! is in full swing! Buckets of squash, melons and tomatoes are ready for pick up every Sunday and the group gets together every Monday!
TLC
- Book Group –The book group is held on the second Tuesday, at 11:00 am. The book selection for August is Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne All are welcome. (please note the article in this newsletter has updated/corrected information)
- Watch for information about a congregation trip to the Nash County Arboretum on Friday, November 14.
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