Welcome to

 TRINITY LUTHERAN   CHURCH
  Brattleboro, VT

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.

Grip It! Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, September 29, 2024 Matthew 13:45 Jesus taught: The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that they had and bought it.” When we think of the most gratifying period of our life it is probably a period characterized by focus, discipline and determination. I knew what I was doing every day. I knew what the vision was. All the other matters of life I needed to tend to – they were done. I found that pearl and I gripped it. Go ahead and grip it and let go of all the other stuff. Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides, with Ron Solberg 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.

Quinn blessed us with a beautiful solo today! Accompanied by Marsha Heydenreich on piano. Quinn loves to sing and we hope to hear more from her in the future!

Me! Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, September 22, 2024 Mark 9:35 Jesus Taught: “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” We make a big deal as to who is the greatest. There is even an expression: GOAT which stands for Greatest Of All Time. It really goes back to Adam and Eve, who wanted to be like God. Who was the “great” star, or the “great” athlete a few years ago, or even last month? It is a fleeting memory. Jesus gets right to the heart of life. Want greatness? It is not about you. Contribute to the lives of those around you. There you will have something lasting. Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides, with Kris Grotz-Kuch assisting, Marie Wright as lector and Marsha Heydenreich on piano. And we have a very special soloist today - Quinn sings a beautiful solo! 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's Love Is For All, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, September 8, 2024 Matthew 5:45 Jesus taught: God’s sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. (In other words, God’s love is for all.)… Be perfect, therefore, as God is perfect. Why can't everyone me more like me? If everyone agreed with me then this would certainly prove that I am right...right? I might then think folks that disagreed with me were "wrong", or taking it a bit further, I might even condemn or vilify them. Remember God’s love is for all people, not just those who are “like us.” Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides, with Ron Solberg assisting, Diane Hill 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.

Look Within, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, August 25, 2024 Luke 17:20 Jesus taught: People will not say “’There is the Kingdom of God,’ or ‘Here is the Kingdom of God,’ because the Kingdom of God (that place of joy and peace) is within you.” Jesus taught that the kingdom of God – joy, peace – it is within us. But we so often look for it elsewhere. Rest in God’s love for you. That is where joy can be found. Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides, with Jeff Herman May assisting, Lynne Stone 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.

Get Out of the Boat, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, August 11, 2024 Matthew 14:29 Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. Jesus summons Peter to walk on the water, to do the miraculous, the extraordinary. We second guess ourselves all the time. There is the doubt. We create excuses… any justification to keep on sitting in the boat. Take that chance. Be of good courage. Trust that God has blessed you. Take up that new hobby. New life awaits. Just have to get out of that boat. 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.

Pay Attention, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, August 4, 2024 Mark 6:46 - And after Jesus dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain to pray. And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. Many of us push, push - and I do not refer to physical push push, I refer to the emotional push, push. We go through emotionally draining times. Are we aware of the drain? To see our need for rest we must live with awareness. Look for the red flags, which are different for each of us. Take time to rest. Or re-frame it: time to get the cup filled up a bit, without feeling guilty about it. Pay attention to the red flags. Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides, with Jeff Herman May assisting, Kris Grotz-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.

Move On, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, July 7, 2024 Mark 6:11 Jesus instructed his disciples: “If any place will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust from your feet, when you leave, as a testimony against them.” If we read Jesus we see that we need be ready to “go it alone.” He sends the disciples out two by two. He warns them they will be rejected. And for us...people will not clap for us. No one is building us a monument. Sadly, we need be prepared for “incoming flak.” Stay aware of how you (and I) are affected. Stick to your path. God is our silent cheerleader. Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides, with Hannah Cooper 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.

The Path to a New Life, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, June 30, 2024 Mark 5:34 Jesus said to the woman: (Y)our faith has healed you. Go in peace...” Why are we afraid to take on new tasks and delve into unknown futures – to do anything out of our norm? Even in small matters: we look over a menu… and order the same thing again. We sit in the same seats. We wear the same style clothing. Often it is fear of the unknown which keeps us rooted in place. With belief – the confidence we can – there is new adventure and new life. Believe we are loved. Believe we have gifts. Believe we have a home and resting place in God. Believe God will energize our Spirit. Believe we can live into a new future. Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides, with Jeff Herman May assisting, Lynne Stone 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.

Survive the Storm, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, June 23, 2024 Mark 4:35 A great windstorm arose, so that the boat was being swamped. Jesus was asleep. They woke him up and said, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" Jesus then rebuked the wind and sea, "Peace! Be still!" Then there was a dead calm. He said to them, "Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?" There is the battle – fear versus faith. Fear that life will not go my way on my terms. Faith that God will see me through. Usually we ask that God works things out for us. Save me! Storms always occur. Every day has its storms of a sort. We might pray that we find peace amidst the wind and rain. Christ is present in those storms. Have to look. Live in Christ. All will be well. Pastor Dennis Walker presides, with Kris Grotz-Kuch assisting, Beverly Wolf 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.

Do Some Good, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, June 16, 2024 Mark 4:26 Jesus taught: "The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how...” We are the sowers here - we throw the seeds out and hope that what we are doing is meaningful. We would love to see the seed blossom and we hope to get some kind of positive reaction, but sometimes it doesn't come. Jesus is subtly teaching – live in Christ, and do not depend on the reactions of others. God knows what you have done. And so do you. Throw the seeds. Do some good. Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides, with Ron Solberg assisting, Gene Kuch 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.