Trinity Announcer for Jan. 11, 2026

What’s Happening at Trinity—Jan. 11, 2026

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). 

MICHIGAN HS 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 today, Sunday, Jan. 11 at 9:45 a.m. in the Chapel.

>ENGAGE GOD

SERMON SERIES—At Jesus’ baptism, John the Baptist finds himself caught between what he knows and what he doesn’t. He recognizes Jesus as greater than himself—and yet he doesn’t fully understand why Jesus asks to be baptized. Still, Matthew tells us, “he consented.” This week, we’ll explore what that moment teaches us about faith, uncertainty, and trust. Can we follow Jesus even when we don’t have all the answers? The baptism of Jesus invites us to discover that faith is not about perfect certainty, but about learning to consent to what Jesus is doing in and through our lives. Readings for this week: Isaiah 42:1-9, Romans 6:1-11, Matthew 3:13-17.

WANT TO DIVE DEEPER? Join us for an adult Bible study following the worship service in the Church Lounge. Pastor Ben will dig into the sermon and the readings between services. The nursery is available for those not yet in grade school. Sunday school is open for kids in grades 1-5. Meet Mrs. Burge in the Commons. Youth in grades 6-12 meet in the Youth Lounge.

MONDAY NIGHT LADIES BIBLE STUDY meets on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. in the Church Lounge. The group is currently working through the book, “Heaven” by Jennifer Rothschild. 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. Beginning Jan. 14, the group will study the book of James. 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

WIDOWS’ GROUP—Trinity’s widows’ group, Kindred Spirits, has it’s first meeting of 2026 this Friday, Jan. 16 at noon in the Church Lounge. This group meets monthly on a Friday at Trinity for fellowship and camaraderie and then the group goes out to lunch. All widows are welcome to join. If you have any questions, contact Cathy Holley at 586-243-9757. 

ENGAGED? CONSIDERING MARRIAGE? —Trinity Christian Counseling offers a pre-marriage workshop running Feb. 22-March 29, 2026 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Church Lounge of Trinity Lutheran Church. This workshop is for any couples planning to get married or in a serious relationship, whether engaged or considering it. The six-session pre-marriage workshop is coordinated by professional counselors from Trinity's Christian Counseling Center. In addition to the workshop, all attendees receive one follow-up therapy session with one of Trinity's clinicians. The cost of attendance is $400 plus $35 for the Prepare/Enrich online assessment. Complete the registration form at Trinityct.org/marriage and a counselor will reach out with more information and a link to the assessment. Scholarships are available. For more information, call 586-468-0401 or email

CHOIR MEMBERS STILL WANTED—Just because Christmas worship services are 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. Round up your table of ten or purchase individual tickets for this fun night out! Find an 8th grader, or contact Rachel Nyboer in the school office at or call 586-468-8511 for information.

SCHOOL AND ECC OPEN HOUSE Trinity’s School & Early Childhood Center Open House is Sunday, Feb. from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It’s an opportunity for new families to visit the classrooms, meet with teachers, experience the facilities and learn about the programs Trinity offers. Tell your friends why Trinity is a great

place for an exceptional Christian education and invite them to attend! To learn more 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

YEAR END GIVING—As we begin 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). 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. 11-17, 2026

PRAYER LIST

Special Prayers

• For the sick and suffering
• For the ministry of our ECC
• For youth and children’s ministry
• For the poor, homeless and jobless
• For the call committees
• For our mission partner Compassion Pregnancy Center
• For our sister congregation Shepherd’s Gate