Welcome to

 TRINITY LUTHERAN   CHURCH
  Brattleboro, VT

Anger and Isolation, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, September 24, 2023 I Corinthians 12: 26 If one part of the Body of Christ suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. The teaching today is about jealousy. Do we rejoice for the goodness others experience or are we inclined to be jealous? Jesus teaches that the way to life is through unity with others. Jealousy and the instinct to compare ourselves to others separates us from the people around us. We end up on an angry isle of isolation, clinging to a few kindred souls. When we do the work of being grateful for our lives we are free to celebrate the blessings of others. Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides, with Jeff Herman-May assisting, Kali Taylor and Kris Grotz-Kuch as readers, and Laura Josephs on piano. No matter who you are in your walk of faith, or where you are in that journey, you are invited to the communion table at Trinity Lutheran Church. Trinity Lutheran Church is an ELCA congregation, more or less traditional and relaxed, and a Reconciling in Christ congregation where all are welcome.

But I Don't Want to Forgive!, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, September 17, 2023 Matthew 18: 21 Then Peter said to Jesus, "If another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as 7 times?" Jesus said, "Not 7 times, but, I tell you, 77 times. Usually, when we are angry with someone, we get fixated on the injury they have caused. We are fixated on them and how “bad” they are. The thoughts eat away at us. But forget “them” for a moment and think about the price we pay - what “they” are costing us. Forgive – for your sake and well-being. I suggest Jesus came to bring peace and his counsel to forgive opens that door to a measure of such peace. Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides, with Kris Grotz-Kuch assisting, Lynne Stone as reader, and Laura Josephs on piano. No matter who you are in your walk of faith, or where you are in that journey, you are invited to the communion table at Trinity Lutheran Church. Trinity Lutheran Church is an ELCA congregation, more or less traditional and relaxed, and a Reconciling in Christ congregation where all are welcome.

Find Peace, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, September 10, 2023 Matthew 18:15 Jesus taught: "If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one…” I cannot count the number of folks who allow some issue, some unfairness or injustice, to eat at them. And the anger breaks the relationship. The counsel of Jesus is to work out the problem. Settle it, restore the relationship and know that Jesus will be there with you. Pastor Dennis Walker presides, with Kris Grotz-Kuch assisting, Diane Hill as reader, and Laura Josephs on piano. No matter who you are in your walk of faith, or where you are in that journey, you are invited to the communion table at Trinity Lutheran Church. Trinity Lutheran Church is an ELCA congregation, more or less traditional and relaxed, and a Reconciling in Christ congregation where all are welcome.

Who Is God Calling You To Be?, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, September 3, 2023 Exodus 3 and 4 Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh… Suppose the Israelites ask me, ‘What is God’s name?’ ……“What if they do not believe me…. Finally Moses said to the Lord, “ I have never been eloquent…” God calls Moses to lead the Israelites to freedom from slavery. Moses is called way out of his comfort zone, and he makes lots of excuses. God says, in effect, ‘Look, there is a better future out there for you and for them. Get up and go! I will give you what you need.’ Where is God calling you? Forget the excuses. Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides, with Jeff Herman May assisting, Micaela Carlton Newton as reader, and Marsha Heydenreich on piano. No matter who you are in your walk of faith, or where you are in that journey, you are invited to the communion table at Trinity Lutheran Church. Trinity Lutheran Church is an ELCA congregation, more or less traditional and relaxed, and a Reconciling in Christ congregation where all are welcome.

Transformed, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, August 27, 2023 Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Paul writes about being transformed. But he also writes he does not do the good he wants to do because he is caught in this sin condition. Maybe he is not so “transformed.” When we think about our own “transformation” perhaps our thoughts should focus on - what do I ascribe to as a person of faith? Step one: have a vision! The temptation is to fall into the ritual of day to day unexamined living. Spirituality is consciousness, awareness. Where am I headed? What is my vision? How do I seek to live? Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides, with Ron Solberg assisting, Beverly Wolf as reader, and Marsha Heydenreich on piano. No matter who you are in your walk of faith, or where you are in that journey, you are invited to the communion table at Trinity Lutheran Church. Trinity Lutheran Church is an ELCA congregation, more or less traditional and relaxed, and a Reconciling in Christ congregation where all are welcome.

Be Bold, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, August 13, 2023 Matthew 14: Peter got out of the boat and started walking on the water…But when he saw the wind, he became frightened… Jesus… caught him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" You are Not Your Fears. We can sit in the parking lot of life, secure in our cars…. Or we can open the door and hike up the mountain. The car is easy, comfortable, warm. Hiking is hard… we do not know where we will end up. Sitting in the car we wonder if we can make it. Fear keeps us sitting there. And we never know what we are missing. Peter is walking on water, hiking up the mountain, so to speak. Then fear enters the equation and Jesus said to Peter, in effect, manage those fears Peter. Observe them. Watch them. They are not you. You live in Christ. Keep walking. Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides, with Jeff Herman May assisting, Laura Haskins as reader, and Marsha Heydenreich on piano. No matter who you are in your walk of faith, or where you are in that journey, you are invited to the communion table at Trinity Lutheran Church. Trinity Lutheran Church is an ELCA congregation, more or less traditional and relaxed, and a Reconciling in Christ congregation where all are welcome.

Believe It, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, July 30, 2023 Matthew 22:14 Jesus taught, “Many are called but few respond.” (paraphrased) What we believe affects our behavior and can change our lives. If I believe I can climb a mountain then I will plan, train and prepare. If I do not believe – nothing. For some “belief” is no more than a set of words. Precious few of us allow belief to motivate us in substantial ways. In effect, we say: “I believe, but let me stay as I am.” But even a small belief, akin to a mustard seed, has the potential to instill in us the confidence and courage to move forward and grow into something big. God has blessed you. Believe it. Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides, with Ron Solberg assisting, Lynne Stone as reader, and Marsha Heydenreich and Laura Josephs on piano. No matter who you are in your walk of faith, or where you are in that journey, you are invited to the communion table at Trinity Lutheran Church. Trinity Lutheran Church is an ELCA congregation, more or less traditional and relaxed, and a Reconciling in Christ congregation where all are welcome.

Know Yourself, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, July 16, 2023 Matthew 13: Jesus taught: A farmer scattered seeds - some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly… and they withered because they had no root. The question to ask ourselves - What are the rocks in the soil of my life that I need to address? Do I try to impress people? Am I ultra competitive? Do I like to buy, buy, buy? Do I seek admiration via my dress or accomplishments? Cultivating the soil of my life means dealing with those rocks. The seeds of goodness – of care for my self (in healthy ways) and care for others - will have a hard time germinating if there are those rocks in the way. Know your self. It is a step in allowing the Spirit of God to blossom in our lives. Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides, with Kris Grotz-Kuch assisting, and Laura Josephs on piano. No matter who you are in your walk of faith, or where you are in that journey, you are invited to the communion table at Trinity Lutheran Church. Trinity Lutheran Church is an ELCA congregation, more or less traditional and relaxed, and a Reconciling in Christ congregation where all are welcome.