Trinity Lutheran Church

Join us this Christmas season as we celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus!Here is our worship schedule:Christmas Eve: 7pmChristmas Day: 10am

Life in Christ is about giving back. That's not a law. It's not something that saves us. It's something we joyfully do in response to the grace that our Lord has given us. Here are the current opportunities at Trinity Lutheran:Clothes Closet for Bethany OutreachDrop off new or used clothing for homeless and needy peoples in our community. Look for the big blue box in the Church Narthex (Lobby).

We've been blessed to have an incredible relationship with the good folks at the Erie City Mission. They work in providing transitional housing, food services, counseling, and short-term treatment to anyone down on their luck. TLC heads down once a month (every 4th Saturday) to prepare, serve, and clean-up for their lunchtime food service. We're there from 10 am till 1pm...a short commitment, but always a great experience. New opportunities will arise as our relationship builds, but if you'd like to sign up for the next service day, email Pastor James.

LifeLight is a 9-week series that typically takes an in-depth look at a book of the Bible. Participants receive personal study guides to work through throughout the week. On Thursday nights, we'll meet together for a few minutes of worship, then break off into small groups throughout the church. You'll hammer out some wisdom between your group and Scripture, and then come back to the large group in the Sanctuary for some wrap-up, plus a time of questions and answers.Our next series should begin in February 2012. Childcare is provided! Email Pastor James for info or sign-up here.

Trinity Lutheran Church14 East 38th Street Erie, PA 16504Office/Fax: 814-456-1703Pastor James: 814-452-4888

Welcome to the Trinity Business DirectoryThe businesses listed below are for informational purposes only and are not officially recommended by Trinity Lutheran Church. They are however, a list of businesses in the Erie, PA area to which our church members are connected...and we love our church members! If interested in being listed, contact Pastor James.LandscapingMaywood Landscaping9283 W Law Rd.North East, PA 16428814-725-8497Pet ServicesPeninsula Pups - Doggie DaycareLiz Freitag - owner 801 W 12th St.Erie, PA 16501814-454-PUPS (7877) Email: info@peninsulapupsdoggiedaycare.comWeb: www.peninsulapupsdoggiedaycare.com

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." - Proverbs 27:17Most men in our culture are just boys with facial hair. But what does it look like to be a man? And not just a man, but a Christian man? Society has slammed gender roles into one, and been highly critical of the traditional viewpoint of men. So let's dig deep. Let's get young men together with older men, and let the timeless wisdom of God's Word show us what it takes to honor God, wife, and family in today's world.We meet for breakfast and coffee every Tuesday @6:30am @ Shirley's Country Kitchen. All men are welcome - just bring a Bible and your man-card!

The Table Project is our own internal social network for church members. The goal is to engage this community, empower leaders, and move people beyond the pews and into authentic, life-changing friendships. You're probably thinking it sounds like an alternative to Facebook or Twitter - but you'd be wrong! There are so many more ways to connect. Check out this video for more info.

Sign-up or Log-in here!

At Trinity, we know the victory we have in Christ cannot be fully experienced when we limit our interactions to one hour a week on Sundays. Life in Christ is meant to be enjoyed on a regular basis. On our own, we have the tendency to forget, to get distracted, or to morph the truths of God into something of less value. But together as the body of Christ, we lift each other up, carry each other’s burdens, and encourage each other as we walk together in relationship with Jesus.Community Groups are the primary model for discipleship at Trinity. They exist to nurture and encourage growth of the seeds of faith planted when we worship together each weekend. There isn’t a specific look or feel for Community Groups because they each reflect a unique make-up of those involved. However, each Community Group:•is inviting, encouraging, and caring (our mission statement)•meets regularly, preferably weekly•has three or more people regularly involved•has a leader, and intentionally works to identify and develop a co-leader•includes one or more of the following: Bible Study, Prayer, Worship, and Faith StoriesThere are three types of Community Groups at TLCInvitingInviting Community Groups share life together around a specific task, interest, or hobby. Here, people invest in healthy friendships centered around the truth of the Gospel. They create a healthy church with deep and inviting relationships.EncouragingCommunity Groups gathering around Encouraging are dedicated to studying Scripture and finding the meaningful relevance in an ever-changing world. These are bible studies, small groups, and prayer chains. CaringCaring-based Community Groups focus on receiving God’s gifts and then responding to those gifts through acts of service to their church and world. Just as Jesus came to serve, so His followers bear His image as they serve.Click through the categories on the left to discover a Community Group you can be apart of!

The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod Spiritual Gifts Assessment Tool LCMS English District Lutheran Hour Ministries LHM Men's Network LHM JC Parent Zone LHM JC Play Zone Lutheran Women in Mission Concordia Publishing House About Erie, PA

Monthly Newsletters(click to open)January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011

Church office: churchoffice@tlcerie.comPastor James: pastorjames@tlcerie.comChildren's Ministry: brittany@tlcerie.com

Louise has lived in the Erie area her entire life. She received her degree in Computer Technology from Edinboro State University and worked at Lord Corporation in the field of personal computers for nearly 30 years. She took early retirement from Lord and has been at Trinity since February of 2004. Louise enjoys helping people and serving others!

Pastor James Baumgartner grew up in Colorado, getting a degree in Finance from Colorado State University. He started to feel God pulling him in a different direction as college was ending. So, he packed up, started classes at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and married his wife, Brittany. After graduating, his first call was as Associate Pastor at Faith Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, Nevada. After serving there 2 years, the members of Trinity extended a call to him in April 2011 to be pastor here, and the rest is history!Twitter: @pastorjamesb

Children's MinistryMOPS NEW DATE AND TIME!!There has been a lot of interest in the group but most people cannot attend a morning meeting, so we are officially changing the meeting days and time to the 2ND & 4TH TUESDAYS, 6:30 - 8 PM! KICKOFF EVENT WILL BE FEBRUARY 28TH!!!! Pass the word along!Childcare provided. RSVP to brittany@tlcerie.com.Email Brittany for info or to help out in Children's Ministry!

Men's Ministries****Do you have a passion for a certain type of ministry? Contact Pastor James and start one!Trinity SeniorsFor all members and their friends 55 years and up. This group has regularly scheduled catered luncheons here at the church. The luncheons often include a guest speaker from the Erie area to speak on interesting and relevant topics. Ironmen"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." - Proverbs 27:17We get together over coffee to talk about biblical manhood. More info here.

Healing Ministries****Do you have a passion for a certain type of ministry? Contact Pastor James and start one!Stephen MinistryOur congregation’s Stephen Ministry has trained lay people dedicated to the physical, emotional, and spiritual care of Trinity members and friends as they walk through difficult times in life. They offer prayer, Christian guidance and resources to and for those experiencing health and human care issues.

Women's Ministries****Do you have a passion for a certain type of ministry? Contact Pastor James and start one!Dorcas - Tuesdays @9amThis group of women meets weekly for Christian service activities and fellowship. An on-going project is trimming cancelled stamps. For each pound of stamps, a Bible is provided by the Canadian Bible Society to a third-world country in their native language. Help us spread the Gospel in this way by saving your cancelled stamps (leaving at least 1/4" of envelope around the stamp) and sending them to us. Thanks!LWML (Lutheran Women's Missionary League) Open to all women of Trinity, this group serves God in many different capacities. As part of Trinity Lutheran Church, LWML provides meals at certain church functions and also provides financial and material support to community assistance organizations here in Erie. As part of a national organization, LWML supports Christian missions both nationally and around the world. Meetings are quarterly.Ladies AidOpen to all women attending Trinity, Ladies Aid is a service organization created to give aid to Trinity Lutheran Church. They also encourage fellowship through various social activities throughout the year. Dues are just $10 a year and most meetings are the 2nd Thursday of the month. Trinity SeniorsFor all members and their friends 55 years and up. This group has regularly scheduled catered luncheons here at the church. The luncheons often include a guest speaker from the Erie area to speak on interesting and relevant topics. Shawl MinistryMany ladies within the church prayerfully knit or crochet shawls, baby blankets, afghans, etc. which are dedicated during a worship service and then distributed to individuals or families in need, to local neo-natal units, families of fallen soldiers across the US, and more.

A Congregational History of Trinity Lutheran ChurchTrinity Evangelical Lutheran Church had its humble beginning in the autumn of 1881. It was at that time that a Christian layman, John Kuppler, appeared before a North East, Pennsylvania meeting of the Buffalo District Pastoral Conference of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. He appealed for a mission to be established in his hometown of Erie. The request was granted and members of the Pastoral Conference alternated in serving the new Erie mission.It was Pastor John Sieck of Buffalo who conducted the very first worship service of Trinity on September 8, 1881. Services were held in a hall on the southeast corner of 11th and State Streets. That same autumn a provisional constitution was adopted under the direction of Pastor John Sieck.Pastor Henry Sieck of South Bend, Indiana, was called and in the spring of 1882 was installed as the first resident pastor. The first congregational meeting was held on June 6, 1882, when a permanent constitution with by-laws was formally adopted.The first property was acquired in 1882 and consisted of a parsonage located on the southwest corner of 6th and Myrtle Streets. The front room of the residence was converted into a chapel at which regular Sunday services were held. That same year a lot on West 7th between Myrtle and Chestnut was leased for a three-year period and a frame church measuring 28 x 44 feet was erected on the site. In 1885, the church was transported to a more desirable location on West 11th Street between Myrtle and Chestnut. Also in the year 1885, Trinity’s first Christian Day School was established with teacher O.Lange presiding.In 1886, Pastor Sieck accepted a call to the congregation in Silver Creek, New York and on July 18, 1886, Pastor C. Morhart was installed. Two years later, in 1888, the congregation became self-sustaining and at the convention of the Eastern District of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod at Buffalo, New York, on July 18, 1888, Trinity was received into membership of Synod. In 1890, a lot adjoining the church was acquired and in 1892 a parsonage was erected on the site.In July 1892, Pastor Morhart left for Washington D. C. and Pastor Carl Ruppel of Quebec, Canada was installed. He served until July of 1894, when due to ill health he resigned from office. Pastor G. Johannes of Baltimore, Maryland was then installed on January 15, 1895, and served until he resigned due to ill health in 1899. On March 12, 1899, Pastor T. Keyl of Newfane, NY was installed as pastor.On October 23, 1904, the cornerstone of the 11th Street church was laid and the dedication of the new edifice took place in August 1905. The original church building was moved to the rear of the property and was converted into a schoolhouse.In October 1906, Pastor Keyl accepted a call to Plymouth, Massachusetts, and was succeeded by Pastor R. Von Niebelscheuetz the same year. He served until May 1908, when he suffered a stroke. In October 1908, Pastor M. H. Heman became the pastor and served until October of 1911. In January 19, 1912, Pastor F. H. Schwandt of New Berlin, Illinois was installed and served faithfully for 15 years, leaving in May of 1927.The following week, May 22, 1927, Pastor H. W. Rueger of Sebringville, Ontario, was installed as Trinity’s ninth pastor. In 1947, at Pastor Rueger’s insistence, the congregation decided to call another individual as lead pastor. Rev. Carl A. Scheuerman of St. Louis, Missouri, accepted the call and was installed November 21, 1948. In December 1949, Pastor Rueger, after 22 years of faithful and dedicated service to Trinity, accepted a call to become assistant pastor in Rochester, New York, and to also serve as institutional missionary in that area.It was about this time that the constitution and by-laws were translated from German to English. The original name literally translated was “German Evangelical Lutheran Trinity Congregation” and was changed and incorporated as “Trinity Lutheran Church of Erie, PA.”In the early 1950’s, members of Trinity recognized the inadequacy of the West 11th Street location and the changing community. Realizing that “they who labor in the cause of the Master with poor tools squander His mercy,” a program for relocation was initiated. Highly desirable property at 38th and State Streets was purchased and the 326 West and 328 West 11th Street properties were sold to the Zion AME Congregation.In 1953, the congregation authorized the officers to contract for building the parish hall and tower unit, or first phase, of the new Trinity Lutheran Church building program. The new structure was dedicated on February 28, 1954. After paying off the debt in four years, the church proper, or sanctuary, was built and dedicated on March 16, 1958, with the old original cornerstone being placed in the tower structure of the new church. In the spring of 1960, the stained glass windows were installed and in 1977, the chancel paneling, as called for in the original plans, was installed. Two additional classrooms were added to the main floor in 1981.In 1966, the entire building debt was eliminated and the congregation voted to start another ambitious program. In October of 1967, the first live television broadcast of the church service was shown on local channel 12 – NBC TV. Members and television viewers were served wonderfully with the Gospel of Jesus Christ in this way until the station came under new management and the service broadcasts were discontinued in September of 1997, ending 30 years of “Building the Kingdom” in this manner.In June 1975, Pastor Scheuerman resigned after 27 years of faithful and dedicated service. One week later, on June 22, 1975, Rev. Donald E. Sallach was installed as the 11th pastor of Trinity Lutheran. Greater efforts to minister to the television audience as a quasi-congregation took up a great deal of time for the pastor, as well as monitoring the program of a pre-school. The Erie community and the congregation would prosper and thrive under God’s blessing in the 1980’s.As noted earlier, a school was supported by the church in its early years until closed in 1912. Later in the century, a Christian pre-school was operated from 1976 until 1992.When, in 1994, Pastor D. E. Sallach announced his approaching retirement, the congregation began its search for another shepherd for the flock. Rev. Mark L. Sallach of British Columbia, Canada, son of the current pastor, was called as pastor and was installed on February 19, 1995. Rev. D. E. Sallach, after faithfully serving the congregation for nearly 20 years, would yet assist with some pastoral duties for a few years to aid in the transition.In the years of Pastor Mark’s service, the congregation updated many things for the continuing service of the Gospel into the next century. Special projects included the following: a new sound system, a new organ, air-conditioning of the sanctuary, an expanded parking lot, computers for offices, two new musical keyboards, a main floor kitchenette, an elevator, a new wall sign, many new paraments and vestments, modifications to some pews and to the building entry for those physically challenged, replacement of some original windows, a sanctuary projection system, and a number of smaller projects. An evening service was begun in the year 2000 in order to offer other times and forms of worship.In 2002, the congregation received a Director of Christian Education intern in Mr. Phil Stilke. He was called to continue in full-time service in that position at Trinity the following year. In 2005 he would accept a call to Clarksville, Tennessee.2006 brought the congregation to its 125th Anniversary year. Special services, displays, a new Sunday worship schedule, and other special activities observing the theme: “Celebrating with Thanksgiving, Ablaze with Hope – 125 Years at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1881 – 2006.”Trying times would come to the congregation after Pastor Mark lost his battle with cancer in December of 2008. The decision was made to utilize an interim pastor while the congregation grieved and the call committee began its search process. Pastor Fred Poeppel of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Albion, PA graciously stepped in to sustain the congregation for nearly 2 years.In 2011, Pastor James Baumgartner of Las Vegas, Nevada was called and installed on May 1st. With the Lord’s direction, Trinity Lutheran Church will continue to live the truth of the Gospel while meeting the needs and challenges of ministry in the 21st century. We will grow in faith and love, focusing on our mission to share the good news of Jesus Christ. History beyond this moment in time is yet to be written, but the members of Trinity Lutheran Church have set their minds and hearts in accomplishing the Lord’s work, and we will travel whatever roads He chooses to take us down.

Our vision is God's vision. Where God chooses to take us in life and ministry is where we want to be. In the meantime, our passion is to reach as many people as possible with the Gospel. It's our prayer that God aligns our passion with His will!Our Vision StatementWe are maintaining our historical adherence to God's Word and the Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and growing in faithfulness to the Lord Jesus Christ in the context of a changing world. With this understanding, we are working towards providing a more comprehensive ministry that impacts people in their daily lives.We are:increasing our involvement in and support of the faithful administration of the Word and Sacramentsusing and developing Lutheran forms of worship as adopted by the congregationproviding regular Christian educational opportunities for people of different ages and life situationsoffering settings that will attract non-members into experiencing the gospel of Christassimilating more individuals into ministry opportunitiesidentifying and ministering to people with particular needs or interestslooking for opportunities to connect with other Christians churches or Christian-based groups to provide joint ministry, service, or fellowshipencouraging and providing education and training for managing life's resources in a God-pleasing way

Sanctuary Bible StudySundays @9amCurrent Series: Tiny TextsDec 11 Obadiah Dec 18 NahumDec 25 No study - Christmas Jan 1 HabakkukJan 8 Zephaniah Jan 15 HaggaiJan 22 Titus Jan 29 PhilemonFeb 5 2 John Feb 12 3 JohnFeb 19 JudeStop on by and join us as we dive into God's Word each Sunday morning. We'll try and go deep into the beauty of Scripture, but also make it applicable and easy to fall in love with.

Trinity Lutheran Church14 East 38th St.Erie, PA 16504Click here to get directions

Our MissionThe mission of Trinity Lutheran Church is toshare the Good News of Jesus Christ by inviting others into God’s family,encouraging spiritual growth through God’s Word and Sacraments, andcaring for one another in the love of Christ.

A Journey Through RomansJoin us every Sunday at 9 am for a journey through the book of Romans. This letter from the apostle Paul explodes with passion for the mercy and grace that believers in Jesus receive! Romans gives us many of our core doctrines that we hold dear to, so stop on by as we open things up and see what God has in store!

Contemporary Worship - Sunday @6 pmToday's PraiseThis worship service uses the basics of traditional liturgy, but we toss in praise songs from this generation of believers. The atmosphere is inviting and comfortable, and we always share a free meal together after the service.

Traditional Worship - Sunday @10 am No matter what church you go to, their worship service has what's called a "liturgy". It's basically an order of worship. Along with hymns, this service incorporates a liturgy that's been used for centuries. It's meant to focus our attention solely on God; killing us as sinners, and raising us anew in Christ.

We BelieveThe Bible is the inspired Word of God.All people are sinners separated from God, cannot save themselves, and deserve eternal punishment.Jesus Christ, God’s Son and true God, having also become true man, lived, suffered and died for the sins of all people, that we need not remain separated from God. Whoever repents of his sins and accepts by faith, Jesus Christ as his Savior, has forgiveness of his sins and has eternal life with God. Therefore, each person is saved from eternal separation from God only by the grace of God Himself, through faith in Jesus Christ. In response to this loving gift of God, Christians will strive to live holy lives as the fruit of their faith, and together with their fellow Christians in the Church, will serve God and do His work. With the universal Christian Church, The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod teaches and responds to the love of the Triune God: the Father, creator of all that exists; Jesus Christ, the Son, who became human to suffer and die for the sins of all human beings and to rise to life again in the ultimate victory over death and Satan; and the Holy Spirit, who creates faith through God's Word and Sacraments. The three persons of the Trinity are coequal and coeternal, one God.Being "Lutheran," our congregations accept and teach Bible-based teachings of Martin Luther that inspired the reformation of the Christian Church in the 16th century. The teaching of Luther and the reformers can be summarized in three short phrases: Grace alone, Scripture alone, Faith alone.Grace alone God loves the people of the world, even though they are sinful, rebel against Him and do not deserve His love. He sent Jesus, His Son, to love the unlovable and save the ungodly. Scripture alone The Bible is God's inerrant and infallible Word, in which He reveals His Law and His Gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ. It is the sole rule and norm for Christian doctrine. Faith alone By His suffering and death as the substitute for all people of all time, Jesus purchased and won forgiveness and eternal life for them. Those who hear this Good News and believe it have the eternal life that it offers. God creates faith in Christ and gives people forgiveness through Him. For more detailed information we invite you to visit www.lcms.org

QUICK LINKS

Welcome toTrinity Lutheran Church!TLC is a community of bible-believing, truth-seeking, joy-filled people. It all comes down to Jesus Christ and what He has done for us. He has forgiven us, promised us eternal life, and given us strength to overcome life's struggles. That's a journey worth taking and we'd love for you to stop by to see for yourself!

14 East 38th Street Erie, PA 16504Phone/Fax: 814.456.1703Pastor's Office: 814.452.4888

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