Welcome to

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH
Brattleboro, VT

August 28, 2022, Pastor Jon's message about Trinity Lutheran Church's support of the Brattleboro Boys & Girls Club.

Humility, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, August 28, 2022 Luke 14:11 Jesus taught: “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” This teaching is about ego and our desire to be recognized, affirmed and celebrated. “Look at me!" You could describe sin as excessive self-concern, or an excessive pre-occupation with “me.” Adam and Eve wanted to be like God. Consider for a moment the extraordinary people you can remember from let’s say – 10, 20, 50 years ago. We have to think about it to come up with those names. The reality is most of us fall into that large category as ordinary people. Ordinary folk….. who, oftentimes, quest to be extraordinary. That ego has such power over us, doesn’t it? Reminds me of the saying – there are two kinds of folks in the world – sinners who know themselves to be sinners and sinners who think they are saints. There is a certain peace in humility because we no longer try to prove ourselves to anyone. May we take our humble place in the grand order of life. Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides, joined by Jeff Herman-May as assistant minister, 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.

Red Flags from God, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, August 14, 2022 Luke 12:54 Jesus taught: “When you see a cloud…. You think it is going to rain… You know how to interpret the earth and sky. How is that you do not know how to interpret this present time?” Watch for the signs! What goes on in our own heads determines what goes on in our bodies. Can we interpret the signs? Reports suggest 80% of our trips to the doctor are for conditions that are anxiety related. We can observe our bodies and see the “red flags” that alert us that all is not well within. That eye tic, jiggling our leg, tapping our fingers, biting our nails, uncontrolled desire for sweets, impatience and anger, all are the red flags that tell us we are under stress and not at peace. Watch for the signs – they are a tip-off that maybe we need to tend to what is within. Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides, joined by Marsha Heydenreich as assistant minister, 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.

Make it Count, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, August 7, 2022 Luke 12: 37 Jesus taught, (about the master who comes home from the marriage feast) “Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake… you must be ready.” Most read this story – in its literal context – as a prophetic word about the coming of Christ. We might consider it a reference to the second coming. Set aside the literal for a moment. I suggest we look at it as a story about life and death. The master is coming – are you ready? Every day we read of accidents and sicknesses that impress upon us that life is fragile and short. Young or old – make this day count. No more going through the motions. Make it worth something. When we live alert, ready, awake – we live a blessed life. Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides, joined by Jeff Herman-May as assistant, Gene Kuch 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.

Peace in the Middle, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, July 24, 2022 Romans 5:3 … we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. We really admire those who work hard. We respect those people who struggle, who never give up, who despite all obstacles charge forward and persevere. But at what cost to ourselves and to our loved ones? We are called to be people of the middle way...to balance work with rest...to balance quitting with denial...to balance caring for others with caring for ourselves. Knock, seek, find, persevere...this is all good of course...but recognize the limits. The way of Jesus is the middle way. Be at peace in the middle way. Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides, joined by Jeff Herman-May as assistant, 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.