Welcome to

 TRINITY LUTHERAN   CHURCH
  Brattleboro, VT

Holy Week, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, April 13, 2025 Luke 23:28 Jesus said, “…weep not for me, weep for yourselves and your children…” Trinity's service today is unusual in that it combines the major events of Holy Week into one service. We begin with Palm Sunday, the day Jesus came into Jerusalem to the cheers of "Hosanna!" from the crowd, then we move to Thursday and the Last Supper with the disciples, then we move to Friday, the day Jesus was killed. This is holy week. We contemplate the death of Jesus. Weep not for him. Weep for us. Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides, with Gene Kuch as our 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.

Practice Acceptance, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, March 30, 2025 I Corinthians 12:31 Eagerly desire the greater gifts… and the greatest of these is love. HCMAL is our theme for the transformed life - a five part series for this Lent. H is for Home - God has made a home within me. C is for Cherish life. M for Mercy - Have a little mercy toward others. This week: Acceptance - Living in Christ, I approach my day with open hands, not a clenched fist. I accept the day as it unfolds. This is the way of peace. Accept, accept. Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides, with Carolyn and John Siefers assisting, Diane Hill as our 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.

Have a Little Mercy, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, March 23, 2025 Matthew 5:45 Jesus taught: “God’s sun rises on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous...” HCMAL is our theme for the transformed life - a five part series for this Lent. H is for Home - God has made a home within me. C is for Cherish life. This week: M for Mercy - Living in my Christ self maybe I can have a little mercy toward others. Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides, with Jeff Herman May assisting, Micaela Carlton Newton as our 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.

Come Home To God, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, March 9, 2025 John 14:23 Jesus said: “If someone loves me, God will love that person and we will make our home with that person…” For the next five weeks – Lent, a time of spiritual re-focus - we deal with the transformed life – life in Christ. This first week our theme is our awareness of where home is. When we live, at home, in Christ, we live in the One who accepts and loves us. We are not under as much compulsion to achieve, to accomplish, to “look” a certain way, to impress anyone… We are loved, somebodies, because we realize we are God’s. When we look outside the home it is perilously easy to be affected by the neighbors and what everyone else is up to. Look in the mirror, not out the window. When we look in the mirror there is much to be grateful for. It can be a good thing to pull down the shades. Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides, with Kris Grotz-Kuch assisting, Beverly Wolf as our 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.

What's in it for me?, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, February 23, 2025 Luke 6:35 Jesus taught: “Love your enemies, do good to them…. (t)hen your reward will be great…” We seek to do good. Sometimes we are chastised, criticized. On occasion we see affirming results. On occasion. Living in Christ we become more intrinsically focused. When extrinsically focused we look for “external to us” validation of what we have done. When “in Christ,” and intrinsically motivated, we find “reward” within ourselves. We know what we have done and that is the payback. Live in Christ. Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides, with Kris Grotz-Kuch assisting, Gene Kuch as our 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.

The Star, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, January 5, 2025 Mattthew 2:2 The wise men said, “We have seen his star and have come to worship him.” As the story comes to us, the wise men followed a star to Jesus. Now, how it is that a star leads these fellows to Jesus and how do they know it is Jesus? Sometimes these days we may not be so sure of where we are going. Jesus taught – stay “in God,” (vs. wanting to be admired, or getting attention, or winning, or impressing others)… Care for the gift of life we have received (vs. taking well-being for granted) and care for others (where we find meaning and purpose). What star am I following? Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides, with Jon and Carolyn Siefers assisting, Gene Kuch as our 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.

Do Something, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, February 2, 2025 Isaiah 29:13 These people honor me with their lips but their hearts are far from me. Jesus preaches the good news of the Kingdom of God. One interpretation of the work of Jesus was that we need God, but God works through us. It is a collaborative relationship. Do I allow God to work through me? Or, do I live primarily following my own interests. In essence, I need God’s inspiration. Intentionally, center on God. Take care of yourself and try to do something for someone else. Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides, with Jon Siefers and Carolyn Siefers assisting, Micaela Carlton Newton reading, 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.

Look Within, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, January 12, 2025 Luke 17:20 Jesus taught: “The kingdom of God (the place of peace, joy, goodness) is not something that can be observed. People will not say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is.’ The kingdom of God is within you.” Jesus taught- do not look “out there” for the Kingdom of God/peace. That Kingdom is within us. Yet we are captives to the idea that I will be at peace when: when the weather turns… when I get married, or when I have kids or grandkids, or when I get divorced, or when I have more money… I call it the disease of “When.” Look for the good that God has provided today. It is among us. Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides, with Ron Solberg assisting, Gene Kuch reading, 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.

Make It Real, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, December 29, 2024 John 1:14 The Word became flesh… The passage from John is “The Word became flesh.” If we “blow it up” to a larger meaning we get – The Spirit became real. So what's your New Year's Resolution? Eat better, exercise, cut out alcohol, get more sleep? None of this is easy. If the spirit is going to be real – (Word became flesh) – we have to do the work. So make it real. Do the work. Never quit on your self. Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides, with 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.

Faithful Purpose, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, December 24, 2024 Luke 1: Mary was troubled by the words of the angel that she would bear a child(v.29)…. She questioned (v.34) and she concluded “May it be to me as you have said.” This Christmas we are remined, as always, to strive to keep our eyes fixed on God. Do what we are called to do for the good of ourselves and for the good of others. That is putting our energy to a faithful purpose. Prepare. Get ready. And keep your eyes on Christ, the one who comes to us. Merry Christmas to all. Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides, with Beverly Wolf as lector 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.

The Way We Think, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, December 15, 2024 Luke 3:8 John the Baptist, paving the way for the coming of Jesus: Therefore, bear fruits worthy of repentance…. for I tell you, God is able… We have only so much willpower or strength. Experience a tough day at work and it becomes so easy to lose willpower - so we eat, drink, vegetate. Have confidence that God is able. We just need a little determination. Ask for God's help. God is able to change the way we think. Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides, with Kris Grotz-Kuch assisting, Micaela Carlton Newton as lector 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.

Shine On, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, November 24, 2024 John 14:27 Jesus said: “Peace I leave with you…I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled…” Jesus offers something our culture does not offer – peace. Remember to whom you belong – the one who embraces you, accepts you, sees the good in you. And when we can accept this – no small thing by the way – the light of Christ will shine through us. Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides, with Kris Grotz-Kuch assisting, Gene Kuch as lector 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.

Press On, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, November 17, 2024 Philippians 3:13 Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize… We go through a transition from winter to spring and life gets easier. Then we go from fall to winter and it gets a bit more difficult for many of us. Facing a difficult transition might prompt us to “get serious.” Have to get ready, focus on what needs to be done, and prepare. The old is over. The new is coming. Jesus speaks of the destruction of the temple, the old. False prophets arrive, there is confusion. A mess. The idea is to keep your eyes focused on who you are, where you are going, and what you need to do. Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides, with Ron Solberg assisting and as lector 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.

The Gift of Giving, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, November 10, 2024 Luke 21:2 Jesus saw the rich putting in their gifts to the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow putting in two small copper coins….. all that she had to live on. The story – obviously – is not a call to “give everything.” That is foolish. But the teaching is a call to consider just where do I find my identity – my life. As such the story is symbolic. How do I relate to the Giver of this life. The larger issue is that of giving beyond my self. Not just money, but what of my self do I give. In such giving we find life. Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides, with Carolyn and John Siefers assisting, Marie Wright as lector 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.

Fear Pushes, Faith Pulls, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, November 3, 2024 Matthew 14:29 Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water…. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and began to sink… Peter had faith and courage and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind he was afraid and began to sink. Fear came back. We are a mixed bag of the two. Fear can nip at our heels. It pushes us. I suggest faith can pull us forward. If we fear death, then faith can pull us toward a love for life and a vison of a healthier person. Seek to transition from fear to the love for life that faith can produce. Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides, with Jeff Herman May assisting, Lynne Stone as lector 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.

God Loves Equally, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, October 20, 2024 Matthew 5:45 God’s rain (love) falls on the righteous and the unrighteous. God’s sun (love) shines on the evil and the good.” God’s love is like rain – it is for everyone. What differentiates us is whether we live out of that center. When I live out of God’s love for me, I still care deeply about family, job, etc. but they do not hold me as captive. The highs are not quite as high and the lows are not quite as low. And my sense of calm is a slight bit more real. It is a hard thing to do – to maintain that center in God. Do hard things. Work on that awareness. Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides, with Ron Solberg, Chas Carafiello as lector 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.

A Prayer, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, October 13, 2024 Matthew 11:28 Jesus said, “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest…” We can pray in many ways. One way is to pray God intervene and change my circumstances – my family, my work, my house, etc. Another way is to pray God give me whatever I need to accept these circumstances. O Lord, help me get the ego of my desires out of the way, that I may come to see what I can do, and accept what I cannot, that I may live with a measure of serenity. Amen. Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides, with Jeff Herman May assisting, Beverly Wolf as lector 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. .

I Think I'm OK, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, October 6, 2024 Mark 10:17 “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" "Why do you call me good,” said Jesus. “No one is good – except God alone….” A few years back there was a book entitled – “I’m Okay, You’re Okay.” The title “I’m Okay…” appeals to many of us. But sometime we tend to think "I'm OK, you're not OK". Listen to Jesus for a bit. He is always prompting us to take a good look at ourselves. He said, no one is good but God alone. Live in truth. When we do, we are less inclined to find all the faults in others. Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides, with Carolyn and John Siefers assisting, Gene Kuch as lector and Marsha Heydenreich on piano. And today special guest musician Robert Zimmerman joined us on cello during the prelude. 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.