A MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR
 
 
 
 
MARCH 2024
TRINITY U.C.C. VISION STATEMENT:
All will know the love of God through the teaching of Jesus!!
Trinity U.C.C. is called by
God to:
–Share God’s love with our
community
–Serve God’s children
–Bring healing and
wholeness to those in need
–Share the Gospel in
liturgy, music and study
 
He called the crowd with his
disciples, and said to them, “If any
want to become my followers, let
them deny themselves and take up
their cross and follow me. For those
who want to save their life will lose
it, and those who lose their life for
my sake, and for the sake of the
gospel, will save it. For what will it
profit them to gain the whole world
and forfeit their life? Indeed, what
can they give in return for their life?
(Mark 8:34-37)
 
 
Catch the Vision,
Share the Joy!!
.
                           

Dear Friends,

At our recent leadership seminar, the speaker from the Samaritan
Center suggested that we read our mission/vision statement at all
committee meetings. It has caused me to reflect on this statement that
was created by the Stewardship Committee and approved by the Consistory several years ago. In the past, this statement has been used to celebrate the past year’s ministry and guide where we are going in the future with our budget. I am now using this with the Executive Committee to do some visioning for Trinity’s future. In the coming months, I want to reflect how we are living out each of these statements and provide some ideas for the future.
Trinity U.C.C. is called by God to share God’s love with our community:
–Our building is used by the community through the Trinity Preschool, the AA group, the Scouts, the Life Line Screening, and as a polling site on Election Day.
–We serve community meals in East Petersburg, Landisville, and Lancaster.
–We collect food for the Hempfield Power Packs and the Lancaster Food Hub.
–We support local missions through our various offerings: Love INC., Milagro House, Help Thy Neighbor Fund of the Hempfield School District, Schreiber Pediatric, Habitat for Humanity, etc.
–The annual Friendship Fest is a way to connect with our neighbors and raise money for the Trinity Preschool.
–Participate in the annual East Petersburg parade.
I am sure that there are other things you could add to this list. As you reflect on this list, it is obvious that we share God’s love through acts of hospitality, compassion, and presence to those in the local community. Some of these ministries have expanded our understanding of community!
As we move forward in faith, we must always be cognizant of the community’s needs. How might Trinity respond to those needs? How might Trinity work with other congregations or partner with other organizations to respond to those needs? What are we willing to give up in order to share God’s love with our community?
I would encourage you to reflect on the words from Mark 8:34-37. We must deny ourselves in order to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ. When we deny ourselves  for the sake of Christ, we will continue to receive the life that is promised to us on Easter morning! I hope you will continue to join us for the Lenten journey to the cross and then share the joy of the abundant life we receive from our Risen Lord!
 
Blessings,
Pastor Chris
 
 
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Pastor Chris and Michael
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