What’s Happening at Trinity—Jan. 4, 2026
SERVICE TIME CHANGE—Beginning next Sunday, Jan. 11, the early church service starts at 8:30 a.m. This change in service time allows us to devote more time to Christian education between services. The 11 a.m. worship time stays the same.
NEW MEMBER CLASS—Our Life with Jesus new member classes have changed format! Classes begin Sunday, Jan. 18 at 1 p.m. in the Church Lounge. The session is scheduled to run for five weeks, including Christianity 101, baptism classes for all planning to be baptized (or have a child baptized) and First Communion for adults and students in fifth grade and up. To sign up for the new member class, go to trinityct.org/lwj/. Contact Ashley Butts at or 586-463-2921 with questions.
† Sunday, Jan. 18—Christianity 101, which also serves as our standalone Baptism class. This may be taken independently and (required for anyone not coming from a Christian background, but seeking membership).
† Sunday, Jan. 25—Engage God (LWJ 1)
† Sunday, Feb. 1—Engage God's People (LWJ 2)
† Sunday, Feb. 8—Engage the World (LWJ 3)
† Sunday, Feb. 15—(Community Center) is Lutheran 101, which also serves as our standalone First Communion class for 5th grade through adults (required for any new member not transferring from an LCMS church).
CHRISTMAS TREE TAKE DOWN—We had plenty of people help set up Trinity’s Christmas trees and place decorations, but now we need a team of people to help pack it away in January. Take down begins at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 7. Volunteer hours are available. For more information or to sign up, contact Tina Prosch at
>ENGAGE GOD
SERMON SERIES—This week, Pastor Ben returns to the sermon series, “The King is Coming,” with his sermon, “All Good?” Even as a child, Jesus enters a world marked by fear, violence, and evil. In Matthew 2:13–23, the coming King is not sheltered from the darkness—but steps directly into it. This week, we’ll reflect on the uncomfortable reality that evil is real and destructive, and how we often respond by either denying it or becoming desensitized to it. Yet the gospel invites us into a different way: to see the brokenness honestly, without losing hope, and to trust that God is at work even in the darkest moments. The King is coming—and nothing, not even evil itself, can stop His purposes. Readings for this week: Genesis 46:1-7, 1 Peter 4:12-19 and Matthew 2:13-23.
MONDAY NIGHT LADIES BIBLE STUDY—Ladies Bible Study meets on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. in the Church Lounge. All ladies welcome. For information contact Bonnie Young at 586-350-3222.
TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY—The Tuesday morning Bible study continues to meet to enjoy God's Word every Tuesday morning 9:30-10:45 a.m. Led by Mary Hartman and Lila Tirsell. Meets in the Church Lounge.
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY continues on Wednesdays from 6-7 a.m. in the Church Lounge. Start the new year with over twenty Christian brothers for Bible study, conversation, and spiritual growth. Study guides and coffee provided.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY—Women’s Bible study meets Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. in the Church Lounge. For more information, contact study leader Linda Gawinski at 586-431-1147.
SATURDAY MORNING MEN’S STUDY—A Saturday morning men’s Bible study at 8 a.m. This group meets in the Church Lounge. For more information, contact Brian Lanko at
CONFIRMATION MODULE REGISTRATION—Our confirmation modules are back and continue through the spring. If your 6-8 grader has modules to complete, consider signing up at Trinityct.org/confirmation. If you have questions, contact Katie Erkkinen at
>ENGAGE GOD’S PEOPLE
MICHIGAN HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH GATHERING—The Michigan District hosts the Michigan High School Youth Gathering on Mackinac Island Sunday, June 28-Wednesday July 1 at Mission Point Resort. Trinity plans to send a group of kids to this unique experience. Students in grades 8-12 are eligible to attend. To learn more, an information meeting is on Sunday, Jan. 11 at 9:45 a.m. in the Chapel.
PAPER HUGS MEETS JAN. 8—The next meeting of the Paper Hugs Crew is Thursday, Jan. 8 beginning at 2 p.m.-8 p.m. in the Church Lounge. New members are always welcome to join this card making group. They make cards for the Trinity community to give or receive. Come when you can and stay as long as you want. For more information, reach out to Kathy Reither at
CHOIR MEMBERS STILL WANTED—Just because Christmas is over doesn’t mean we don’t have opportunities for people to sing in church! The Trinity Music Ministry is always looking for vocalists and instrumentalists to help enhance our weekend worship services. If you've thought about joining us, the new year could be the perfect opportunity! From Adult Choir to our Contemporary Praise Team, we have a spot for just about everyone middle school aged through 99. Please reach out to Erica Batkins at with questions, opportunities, and audition information.
>ENGAGE THE WORLD
FAMILY OF GOD DINNERS—Trinity provides meals to Family of God in Detroit on the second Wednesday of each month. Volunteers are needed to donate a dish. If you’d like to contribute financially, leave a donation in the Church Office or Venmo Cathy Essig (@CLEssig). To schedule a dish donation, call Karen Langreet at 586-445-2460.
>SCHOOL AND ECC
SCHOOL DINNER DANCE—The 8th grade hosts its annual Dinner Dance Fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 28 at the Italian American Cultural Society to support the spring trip to New York City. Find an 8th grader, or contact Rachel Nyboer in the school office at or call 586-468-8511 for information.
TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL AND ECC OPEN HOUSE—Trinity’s School and Early Childhood Center Open House is Sunday, Feb. 1 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It’s an opportunity to visit the classrooms, meet with teachers, experience the facilities and learn about the programs Trinity offers. See why Trinity is a great place for an exceptional Christian education. To learn more about Trinity’s school visit Trinityct.org/admissions or call 586-468-8511.
KINDERGARTEN INFORMATION NIGHT is Tuesday, Feb. 3 from 6:30 – 8 p.m. We will meet in the church for a devotion and learn more about the school and kindergarten program. Invite anyone you know who is interested in attending kindergarten at Trinity next year. This event is for parents only. For information, call the school office at 586-468-8511.
GET YOUR GIFT CARDS THROUGH TRINITY—When you buy gift cards, consider Raise Right and help Trinity in the process. By purchasing gift cards through RaiseRight’s over 600 businesses, you can earn money towards student tuition and help Trinity. RaiseRight offers physical gift cards as well as e-cards. Explore at raiseright.com/.
>ANNOUNCEMENTS
USHERS NEEDED—The Trinity Usher Team is seeking church members to serve as ushers for all services. The 9 a.m. service has a serious need for team members as well as an additional Head Usher. For more information, please call or text Glenn Pollard at 586-463-2132.
CENTER FOR THE TRADES—The Michigan District, LCMS is launching a new way to form skilled workers and faithful disciples through CrossPointe Center for the Trades, a Christian vocational school developed in partnership with the Southeast Michigan Construction Academy (SEMCA) in Sterling Heights. Through this partnership, students receive hands-on training in a variety of construction trades—including carpentry, electrical, and HVACR—to prepare for a career of skilled service. Alongside their trade education, students will also grow in their faith through courses that connect Christian theology and daily life, as well as develop essential “soft skills” such as teamwork, conflict resolution, and effective communication. For more information, visit https://michigandistrict.org/about-us/schools-about/crosspointe-center-for-the-trades/.
YEAR END GIVING—As we enter 2026, this is the time many of the congregation evaluate their ability to make special donations of stock or cash gifting. If you are 70 ½ or older you can give from your IRAs Tax-Free to the charities of your choice. This is accomplished via making a QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTION (QCD). You don’t have to wait for the end of the year, but this option is available throughout the year. Contact your financial advisor to find out if this would be a good option for you. A qualified charitable distribution (QCD) is a distribution from your individual retirement account (IRA) to a qualified charity. To make a QCD you must be age 70 1/2 or older. A QCD is not taxed, nor included in your taxable income. At age 73 when your IRA requires minimum distribution (RMD) the qualified charitable distribution can be a portion. An itemized tax return is not required. Speak to your tax advisor.
This week at Trinity—Jan. 4-10, 2026
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Sunday (4) |
9 a.m. |
Worship—Sanctuary |
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10:10 a.m. |
Youth Group—Youth Lounge |
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11 a.m. |
Worship—Sanctuary |
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Monday (5) |
1 p.m. |
Alanon - Church Lounge |
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6 p.m. |
Macomb Quilt Guild-Community Center |
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6:30 p.m. |
Tai Chi--Gym |
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6:30 p.m. |
Women’s Bible Study—Church Lounge |
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Tuesday (6) |
9:30 a.m. |
Ladies Bible Study—Church Lounge |
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5:30 p.m. |
Scouts—Community Center |
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Wednesday (7) |
6 a.m. |
Men’s Bible Study—Church Lounge |
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Noon |
Kiwanis—Community Center |
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Thursday (8) |
10 a.m. |
PCAT Meeting—Youth Lounge |
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2 p.m. |
Paper Hugs—Church Lounge |
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5:30 p.m. |
Scouts—Meeting Room 1 |
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6 p.m. |
Elders Meeting—Youth Lounge |
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7 p.m. |
Purls Knitting Group—Church Lounge |
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7 p.m. |
Trinity Choir Practice—Choir Room |
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7 p.m. |
Confirmation Module—Chapel |
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Friday (9) |
7 p.m. |
NA Meeting—Community Center |
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Saturday (10) |
8 a.m. |
Men’s Bible Study—Church Lounge |
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5 p.m. |
Worship-Sanctuary |
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7 p.m. |
Friendship Club—Community Center |
PRAYER LIST
Members Who Are Ill/Recovering Fran Kuchenmeister, Kathe Balon, Vanessa DeGeorge, Karl Hallberg, Greg Dennis, Lew Thumm, Beatrice Trombley, Brian Bolitho, Doreen Buric, John Swatosh, Lynn Huff, Marlie Nazarko, Rob Garvin, Lucille Fuller, Janet Ragsdale, Joan Justus, Keith Ringstad, Bob Mann, Bill Ash, Christopher Mushenski, Richard McGee, Lori Ruppel, Mei Ye Habel, Joan Sobosky, Tammy Rentz, Gail Diegel, John Russo, Roberta Reblin, Sue von Fange, Dawn McDonald, Linda Palko, Rusty Muszell, Lynda Ringstad, Brandon Pendergast, Thomas Miller, Steve Parker, Ron Sauer, Dottie Henneman, Judy Vanest, Jim Whitehead, Colleen Rinnert, Audrey Rinnert, Bertha Perkins, Karen Birkholz, Julie Rechenbach, Keith Kuchenmeister, Arlene Bennett, Fran Brodeur, Gary Brodeur, Robert Bandalow, Dale Kasenow, Julie Kandt, Karen Alwardt, Nancy Kepsel, Bea Rosso, Donald Kinch, Bob Black, Frederick Jordan, Betsy Brace, Diane Brown, Xenia Woltmann, Kim Yoblonski, Mona Wade, Carol Lidtke, Anna Mae Jarrad
Others Who Are Ill/Recovering Kate Krupsky, Jill Pannell Janice Turner, Olivia Curis, Todd Lanko, Mark Thullen, Joan Werner, Christine Folts, Amy Fletemier, Pastor Brad Birtell, Tracy Danneels, Stefanie Wolvin, Tom Delor, Janet Riehl, Joe Pirrone, Audra Castor, Jaxon, Holmes Family, Davis Mankoci, Kim Hardy, Carter, Claire Hoover, Mary Westen, Marjorie Dismuke, Nancy Setsuda, Julie Harris, Roger Betcher, Jackie Kroll, George Baxter, Thomas Adkins, Andy Parker and Rose, Bob Smith, Lynn Macro, Erik Rinnert, Cash Johnston, Dottie Orth, Dani Eubanks, Craig Hohfeldt, Cora H., Kelley Saulnier, Michael Hoover, Donald Westen, Bobby Patterson, Doug Spieske, Destiny Williams, Kathy Breitmeyer, Terry Stopczy, Lynn Macro, Michael Sielaff, Kelsea Solovy, Jay O’Brien, Michelle Eckstein, Patrick Winninger, Erik Rinnert, Dawn Coti, Kortney Subaski, Alex Snyder, Debra, Doreen Neef, Todd Alwardt, Mike Hoover, Lori Harrell, Nancy Morrison, Victoria Powers, Karen Clausen, Kevin Gross, Tom Mercer, Lexi S., Terri Pickoff, Jane Boeling, Rose Kuechenmeister, Betty Nicholas, Debi Singer, Gail Cook, Donovan Davis, Rick Vinson, Jennifer Campau, Kathleen Yoblonski, Henry Gray, Mary Yoblonski, Marcel Johnson, Aaron Sterling, Levi Lehr, Kim Atwood, Martha Bonnay, Charles Muszall, Craig Jacobs, Keith Stockmeyer, Dylan Thompson, Rebecca Dalach, Catalina Gomez, Lori Kelke, Madeline Snyder, Rackie Kuchenmeister, Dianne Harms, Cynthia Steele, Steve Schalk, Ronald Mickelson
Special Prayers
- For the sick and suffering
- For those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries
- For the ministry of Trinity Counseling Center
- For the call process
- For our mission partner Family of God Detroit
- For our sister congregation St. Thomas Eastpointe
Baptism
Noah Reinhardt, son of Nickolas and Ariana Reinhardt
In Memoriam
- Ray Romanetti, husband of Lori Romanetti
- John Bonnay, brother of Dana (Lyle) Bliss
- Ryan Bowling