Leadership

Pastor Michael Koch Interim Senior Pastor

Pastor Robert W. Pflueger Associate Pastor

Lay Pastor Jeff Scott Interim Associate Pastor

Ron Marenchin Music Ministries

Preschool,

Ministry

Jan Weaver Lyn SorensonAnne Seiss

Dee Pinkley

Pam Prezioso Wendy Shreffer

Kathryn Tooman

David Wolbert

Dawn Forbes Mary Johnson Mark Koehler

Wendy Anderson

Kate Kaeser

Beacon

Staff

Women’s & Children’s Ministries

Director of Youth Ministry

Organist/Pianist

Educational Ministries

New Members/Spiritual Gifts

Praise Team Leader

Youth Assistant

Afterschool

Children’s Ministries Assistant

Associate Choral Director

Nursery Coordinator

Preschool Director/Teacher

Montessori Director Interim Child Care Director

Beacon Afterschool Director

Financial Secretary BookkeeperParish Administrator

Communications/Outreach

Custodian

SecretarySecretary

Assistan Custodiant

Kitchen Coordinator Kitchen Assistant

Administrative

Valerie McCracken

Jeanne Saner

Dan Scott

Sheila Milligan

Lorraine Ogden

Kathy Shelly

Custodial

Randy Smith

Larry Spoon

Kitchen

Kathie Buchanan-Hogue

Lori Sprinkle

1963-

ca. 1850-1883

TRINITY PASTORATES 1839 - 2014 Senior Pastors, Assistant, Associate and Supply Pastors

TRINITY HOUSES OF WORSHIP & OFFICIAL NAMES

Rev. F.J. Ruth ...................1831-1835 ca. 1835- German Lutheran & Presbyterian Church of

Montgomery Township, Richland County* Rev. W. J. Sloan .................1839-1844

Rev. E. Eastman .................1844-1846

At Neff Church on Peter Dessenberg property on Troy Road, north of Ashland, shared building with Baptists.

Rev. J. H. Hoffman ...............1846-1847 *1846 Ashland County was formed from sections of Wayne, Richland,

Huron and Lorain counties.

Rev. W. A. G. Emerson ............1847-1852

Rev. Solomon Ritz ... ............1852-1855 ca. 1840- Lutheran German Reformed Church, Southwest corner of Orange & Third Streets

Rev. Isaac Culler .................1855-1857

Rev. S. M. McReynolds ...........1858-1860

Church purchased from Universalists; a frame building, originally a brewery.

Rev. W. A. G. Emerson ............1861-1862

Rev. A. H. Myers ..... ............1862-1866

Rev. J. W. Swick .................1866-1874

Rev. M. L. Wilhelm ...............1875-1880

Evangelical Lutheran Congregation, N. side of Third Street between Orange and Church Streets

Destroyed by fre (1883). *1864 Offcially organized as English Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ashland

Rev. C. S. Sprecher ...............1880-1884

Rev. H. C. Haithcox, D D ..........1884-1890

Rev. Arthur H. Smith .............1891-1904

Rev. Harvey E. Simon . ............1904-1908

1885- 1963 Trinity English

Rev. Arthur H. Smith, D D .........1908-1941

Rev. Harold H. Lentz . ............1935-1941

Rev. P. P. Anspach, D D ...........1941-1943

Rev. Harold H. Lentz, Ph.D. ...... ....1943-1952

Rev. Richard L. Smith . ............1946-1948

Rev. Nathan F. R. Harter ...........1952-1954

Rev. Richard C. Wolf, Ph .D. .......1954-1954

Rev. Robert S. Kinsey, Ph .D. .......1954-1979

Lutheran Church Corner of Church and Third Streets

Numerous additions and renovations.

Rev. Edward Stipe ................1957-1958

Rev. Richard G. Eisemann .........1959-1961

Rev. Charles R. Streich ..........1961-1964

Rev. Karl A. Grieshaber ...........1964-1966

Rev. Allen A. Hanson . ............1967-1969

Rev. Michael P. Fruth, Ph.D. ........1970-1977

Rev. Sanford C. Mitchell, D.D. ....1978-

Rev. David G. Shackle ............1980-1986

Rev. Terry L. Mohr ...............1986-1992

Rev. Robert W. Pfueger ..........1993-

Rev. Mark R. Oster ...............1997-2002

Rev. Jeffrey D. Messner ..........2003-

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church 508 Center Street

Numerous remodeling and addition projects,including Jack’s Place (2002) and the Gathering Space (2013).

TO WHAT HAS GOD BEEN CALLING TRINITY CONGREGATION OVER THE PAST 175 YEARS?

Woven throughout our history is our response to that question. Though the story may at times lack details or a precise sequence, a strong pattern emerges. Buildings, people and events come and go, but the intention of the faithful members of Trinity to follow God’s will is a consistent thread during nearly two centuries of...

†

Gathering regularly to worship and study in various places and styles including reading of Scriptures, vocal and instrumental music, offerings and prayers (1839--)

†

Building and maintaining a congregation through leadership, sacrifce and hard work (1839--)

†

Expanding facilities to meet needs of members and ministries (ca.1840, ca.1850, 1885, 1909, 1945, 1963, 1989, 1994, 1997, 2002, and 2013--)

† Participating with other congregations in the Lutheran denomination (1840--)

†

Providing religious education including Catechism (ca.1840--), Sunday School (1849--), Bible Studies, Vacation Bible School (1955--), Weekday School (1965-2013), and Share Groups (1986--)

†

Supporting missionaries in many parts of the world (1883-) and later facilitating Mission Trips (1974-) by youth and adult members to places such as Rocky Boy, St. Croix, NYC, Kenya and Ethiopia

†

Sharing resources for local and international needs through the Outreach Fund (1978--), collections for Associated Charities (1980--) and many other short-term charitable projects

† Supporting members in the military from the Civil War through WWI, WWII to the present (1861--)

† Communicating to members and others through local newspapers and later newsletters, bulletins and announcements (1908--), telephone (ca.1901--) magazines and journals, radio broadcasts (1948--), Internet (2005--) and Facebook (2009--)

† Providing regular activities, ministries and special events for all ages such as Luther League (1899--), Luther Club (1979--), Athletics, Trinity Travelers (1987--), Piecemakers (1991--), Woodworkers (2002-), Prayer Shawl (2003--), Mosaic and D-Groups for Youth, Man-to-Man and Woman-to-Woman (2007-1, T-S-T (2010--), MnM (2013--)

†

Expanding participation of Lay members in worship and the work of the church, such as Parish Visitors (1924-), Ushers, Altar Guild (1947--), Saturday Night Hosts, Office Volunteers (1986--), Lectors (1989--), Praise Leaders (1996--) Communion Deacons (1995--)

†

Opening our facilities to dozens of community groups for services, meetings, plays, recitals, performances and activities and also open to the community (and members) are Preschool (1985-), Choir Camp (1993--), Summer Reading (1993--), Child Care (2002-), Beacon (2002-) and Montessori Good Shepherd Preschool (2012-)

Opening Our Doors to Discipleship & Ministry

1839

1864

1889

1914

1939

1964

1989

2014

2039

Opening Our Doors

FOR DISCIPLESHIP &  MINISTRY

1989 - 2014

175 th Anniversary of Trinity - 165th th

th

st

st

Anniversary of Garden Services

1989 - 2014 Highlights 25 YEARS @ TRINITY

1989 150th Anniversary of Trinity! Building Expansion including additions and renovations to first floor and lower level; Lay members participating in worship services as lectors and prayer leaders; Banners added to Processional; First Mission Trip to St. Croix.

1990

Trinity's first purchase of a computer and printer for the Church Office.

1991

Piecemakers Group formed, meeting regularly to make quilts for mission projects.

1992

Mission Trips (throughout entire summer) to construct Worship Center at Holly Hill, SC.

1993

1st Choir Camp and 1st Reading Enrichment (now Summer Reading) open to community.

1994

Extensive renovation of Church Home exterior completed, including tuck-pointing and new porches.

1995

Lay members trained as Communion Deacons.

1996

Contemporary Service initiated on Sundays at 9:30 AM in Luther Hall; Young Adults Group work project in Charlotte, NC.

1997 Nursery expansion project completed; Altar Guild assisted by Pew Duty volunteers weekly; Altar candles switched from wax to oil; Computer system purchased for Office.

1999 1st Chime Choir of 4th-6th graders; TLC Belles formed.

2001

Mother-Daughter Banquets became All-Daughter Banquets; Woodworkers Groups formed; Greeting card ministry begun.

2002 Completion of Jack's Place and other additions, inside and out, doubling our space (cost $4,200,000); Opening of Trinity Lutheran Christian Child Care Center for children 6 weeks through age 12; Beacon After School Program began.

2003 Praise Worship (Contemporary Service) at 10:45 AM moved into Jack's Place; Prayer Shawl Group formed.

2005

Trinity website created.

2006 Electronic Giving Program authorized by Council; new hymnals and pew Bibles purchased; eight 12-step programs meeting in building.

2007 Man-to-Man and Woman-to-Woman visitation programs created; Youth Mission Trip to NYC.

2008

1st Father-Daughter Dance; Trinity website made interactive; Mission Trip to Biloxi, MS.

2009

Trinity on Facebook! Youth meeting on Wednesday evenings in Mosaic (whole group) and D Groups (small groups).

2010

Trails, Scales-N-Tales (T-S-T), an Outdoor Ministry began; Back-to-School Bash offered; final Circle Meeting (Deborah).

2011

Congregation voted to leave the ELCA and join the NALC (North American Lutheran Church).

2012

Good Shepherd Montessori Preschool began; Youth Mission Trip to Joplin, MO.

2013 Renovation of Narthex and Gallery and construction of Gathering Space completed; Installation of wireless technology throughout Trinity; Medical Mission trip to Ethiopia; 50th Anniversary of 508 Center Street facilities.

2014

Anniversary of Trinity Sunday School - 40 4

TRINITY CALENDARS

What a difference 25 years has made!

Don't expect to be able to read every item! The intent is for you to observe the difference twenty-five years have made in Trinity’s activity levels. Our doors are definitely open, many hours of each day - often into the evenings - to members and to the community! On an average monthly calendar (in the Newsletter and on the website), you would find more than a dozen community activities and fifteen regular self-help groups in addition to hundreds of on-site gatherings of Trinity members. In addition, there are many more 2014 Trinity events taking place that are not listed on the calendar!

OCTOBER 2014 www:trinityashland.org 

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WORSHIP SERVICES For almost twenty years Trinity's calendar has included four worship services each weekend. In some ways the services are alike and in some ways they are very different. Some members attend the same service every week. Some select the service that fits their schedule that week. Some members, especially Pastors and musicians, participate in multiple services. All are welcome! We gather to worship. We leave to serve the risen Christ.

10:45 Sunday Morning Service

The oldest and most blended of our services, it takes place in the sanctuary and follows Lutheran Worship liturgies and other resources. Musically it is led by the organ and piano, the Choir and other vocal and instrumental musicians. It has been broadcast live over the radio since 1948.

8:30 Sunday Morning Service

Added to Sunday mornings in 1955, while still at the old church, this is the most traditional of our services. It follows Lutheran Worship liturgies with music by organ, piano, the Sonrise Singers and special music by soloists and groups. In the summer, this service is held in the Rose Garden on four Sundays, weather permitting.

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6:30 Saturday Night Folk Service

Trinity's folk service began in1978. It has a Lutheran order of worship but is informal in nature. Its folk and gospel music are provided by a band which may include acoustic guitars, bass, drums, piano, keyboards, woodwinds and violins, led by a vocal team. Texts read and sermons preached are identical to Sunday worship services.

On one Saturday night each December, the service moves to Jack's Place! This was the 25th Christmas Musical Service in 2009.

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10:45 Sunday Praise Worship Service

Now eighteen years old, our "newest" service has a Lutheran flow of worship but is informal in nature. Upbeat contemporary Christian music is led by a Praise Team of singers and a band of electric guitars, bass guitar, drums, keyboard and other instruments. Text and pictures are displayed on two large screens. Dave Wolbert Percussionist,1995 - Praise Team Leader, 2005 -

Do you know how our Praise service began? Do you know where it got its start? You'll want to read on . . .

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Jeff Mitchell Young Adult Ministry 1995-1996

Nikki Wolbert Praise Team Leader 1995-2005

   PRAISE WORSHIP

In 1995, seeking to engage more young adults in the life of the church, Pastor Mitchell and his son, Jeff Mitchell, with the support of the Worship and Music Committee, began to consider the development of a new worship service. Early in the process, they sought the involvement of Nicole and Dave Wolbert, not yet members, in getting a contemporary service started. After much research, the planning team decided to pattern this alternative Lutheran service after the “Marantha Singers,” using a team of singers with a back-up band, replacing traditional liturgical music with contemporary music. The team then began to seek music, singers and instrumental musicians.

In 1996 as part of the August Forums, the service debuted in the Trinity Room with about 20 worshipers. Much to the team’s surprise and delight, attendance increased quickly and within two months the service moved to Luther Hall where it stayed and grew for the next 7 years. The team along with many volunteers (such as the Praise Guild) made it possible for this service to thrive. Since it was held from 9:30-10:30, special Sunday School classes were created to accompany the service.

After Pastor Mark Oster was called in 1997, much of the Praise Service planning shifted from the team to him. The congregation continued to grow and “Praise” became a significant impetus for Trinity to add more space to the building. Members of the Praise Worship committee were consulted and asked to list needs for when they moved “upstairs” to a 10:45 worship hour. It was an exciting time!

By 2003 Praise Worship was settled in Jack’s Place, the new fellowship hall. The service utilized high-tech lighting and sound and eventually the projection of song lyrics, images, video clips and announcements. Pastor Jeff Messner arrived soon after the move and began to coordinate the weekly service. Many volunteers were (and still are) required to prepare, participate and tear down each week especially since Jack’s Place is a multi-purpose room in the times before and after services and programs.

For almost two decades, the Praise Worship Team has maintained an innovative approach to worship, continually “changing things up” to remain contemporary and, thus, appeal to a broad segment of the Ashland community.

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Trinity has been (and still is) blessed with hundreds of versatile musicians who participate in countless worship services and performances. The opportunities to praise God with music have nearly doubled over the past twenty-five years; all are welcome to join or assist a musical group.

1989 MUSIC GROUPS

2014 MUSIC GROUPS

Senior Choir Sonrise Singers Saturday Night Singers Saturday Night Musicians

Junior Choir Cherub Choir Preschool Choir High School Choir

Trinity Brass Trinity Bells Luther Bells

Periodic soloists & groups

Senior Choir Sonrise Singers Saturday Night Choir Saturday Night Musicians Praise Team Junior Choir Cherub Choir Preschool Choir High Praise Trinity Singers Men’s Chorus Women’s Chorus Laudamus Quartet Bach Choir Trinity Brass Trinity Bells Luther Bells TLC Belles Trinity Chime Choir String Quartet Periodic soloists & groups

  HANDBELLS & CHIMES

From 1969 to 1980, Trinity’s first two bell choirs had five successive directors. In 1980 Kathleen Wendling began playing handbells in a choir that was primarily mothers and daughters; by November 1980 she had become director. Over the past thirty-four years Kathleen has expanded the number of bells from two octaves to five octaves, added handchimes and increased the number of choirs to four. For all of us, ringers and listeners, worship has been enhanced by the many hours she has devoted - all as a volunteer - to preparation, practice and performance of bell music!

Kathleen Wendling Bell Director, 1980-

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CHRISTIAN WOMEN CHRISTIAN WOMEN

revealed in the Old and New Testaments; in-depth discussions of thought-provoking questions INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL/LANGUAGE GROUP - international group that studies the Bible in Spanish and a group of students that studies

Many children, teens and adults were faithfully entering the doors of Trinity's Sunday School classrooms in 1989. Sunday School for Trinity members was actually begun in 1849, 165 years ago! Through the years, our Christian Education Ministry has maintained its appeal and strength by offering a wide variety of materials, groups, teachers and approaches.

2014 SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES: 11 CLASSES for children & youth, ages 2-high school & 13 CLASSES for adults YOUNG COUPLES - newly marrieds and young families L.I.G.H.T. - Learning in God's House Together - ages 20s -40s; informal lecture with discussion FRIENDS IN FAITH - couples and singles, 20s-30s, most with young children CORNERSTONE - couples, 30s-40s with young children (birth-age 10) HOMEBUILDERS - couples and singles, late 20s to 40s; gather to learn, serve and grow together; DVD-based curriculum with discussion and Bible studies CIRCLE OF FRIENDS - 30s-50s with a focus on prayer, the Word and discussion CHRISTIAN LIVING - 40s to late 60s, mostly grandparents; lively discussions and new insight into Bible topics S.A.L.T. - Serving and Learning Together - SHARE GROUP that meets on Sunday mornings - couples in 50s -60s, with young adult children DVD-based curriculum with discussion ADULT BIBLE STUDY - singles and married couples, many retired but all welcome; study contemporary writings on faith and the church ICTHYS - couples and singles, 60+, study the Bible and contemporary authors that help with Christian spirituality TRUTHSEEKERS - inter-generational class that seeks to understand the nature of God's love through the revelation of Jesus Christ as

the English language CHRISTIAN WOMEN - group of women of all ages

A popular innovation has been the annual Summer Sunday School for children and youth and Summer (August) Forums for adults; they have been a way to offer new learning opportunities while Sunday School teachers take a well-deserved break. The Forums have also sparked several permanent groups and ministries - Praise Worship in 1996 and one of the current adult classes, created by its prospective members following a 1991 August Forum.

  

CHRISTIAN WOMEN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS

This class consists of single, divorced, widowed or married women who come to church alone. Instigated by Evelyn Stephan, its first leader was Kathy Painter and the current leader is Sharon Sample. Offering a variety of discussions and studies, the focus is on different aspects of the faith journey. Members donate offerings to many causes, at Trinity and in the community. In addition to giving monetary donations, members serve as volunteers in each of the four services and in a wide variety of projects and groups.

The class was recognized and awarded with a “Chain Saw Award” at the 1994 Congregational Meeting for being on the “cutting edge,” supporting each other, becoming very involved in a variety of areas of Trinity ministry and reaching out to other women needing support. (Twenty years later, they proudly display their trophy in the South Sunroom.)

1992

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High School Sunday School Class 2013

Christian Education at Trinity hasn’t occurred only on Sundays, especially in our most recent twenty-five years. There is a Men’s Bible Study early every other Thursday morning and a Women’s Bible Conversation each Wednesday afternoon. There are various short term Bible studies on Wednesday evenings. In 2013 Trinity joined Right Now Media so that members can connect, on their own or in groups, with thousands of resources for Bible study and learning for discipleship. And we have share groups...!

SMALL GROUPS A vital component of our adult Christian Education ministry is the formation of small groups, or “share groups,” that meet at various times and for various purposes throughout the year. These groups may meet weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or occasionally. For instance, we have some groups that meet weekly for a short-term study such as the six weeks of Lent. Some do Bible studies, some do topical studies and some just meet for fellowship. One women's group meets weekly at a local coffee shop to do book-studies. Another group of women meets weekly, studies the Bible and provides support for group members’ weight loss goals using First Place 4 Health. In addition, we have had grief support groups and divorce support groups at various times.

Small groups have given us the opportunity to build Christian friendships while strengthening individual relationships with God.

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new ones.

The Women’s Ministry Committee has continued some traditional activities and events, some of which were begun by LCW and ELCW,

Lisa Harper - 2014 and has added many

Biennial Women’s Retreats featuring nationally known women’s authors have inspired hundreds of women from Trinity and beyond. In 2001, to become more inclusive, the annual Mother-Daughter Banquet became the All-Daughter Banquet.

The Women's Christmas Brunch, early each December, is enjoyed by many women due to a morning of delicious food, fellowship and the making of a pre-Christmas craft.

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A new and very popular event, the annual Father-Daughter Dance, was created in 2008.

Many events are

sponsored by the

Children's Ministry

Planning Board

to provide Christian

fellowship outside of

Sunday School.

4th-6th grade Hayrides

Advent Workshops

Other children's events:

Back-to-School Bash (in collaboration with Chris Ed and Nurture Ministries)

Share and Care Chili Cook-off Bowling Christian Music Concert Trips

Summer Reading

VBS

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of Trinity Lutheran Preschool in 1985.

Charmaine Kaylor Director 2006-2009

Anne Seiss, Director and Teacher, since the opening

Beacon began in 2002 as an after school collaboration with Lincoln School. It has been expanded and adapted to meet needs of students from all of Ashland’s elementary schools. Students participate in daily devotions, a healthy snack, homework assistance and many varied activities, including hearing special speakers and doing projects as volunteers.

Montessori Good Shepherd Preschool was begun in the Church Home in 2012 by Director and Teacher, Lyn Sorenson.

Weekday Church School featured Bible stories, crafts, music and snack for children ages 3-5; it was sometimes a child's first "preschool" experience. This program met for 6 weeks each Fall and Spring from 1965 to 2013.

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   TRINITY PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

The idea for Trinity’s Prayer Shawl Ministry came from an article in The Lutheran, written by a group in Michigan. The first meeting was held in 2003 in the South Sun Room of the Church Home with about 10 people present. Evelyn Palik presided over the 2003-2007 meetings, followed by the present leader, Pam Tresh. The 18-20 women in this group range in age from 60-86 years. Because of time, age and health issues, some do not attend meetings but contribute items. Prayer shawls are knitted or crocheted for those who may be ill, at Hospice or dealing with traumatic life issues and are usually delivered by someone in the group-with prayers. To date 1,003 Prayer Shawls and numerous Lap Robes and Tot Blankets as well as Chemo Caps have been made and distributed. Since 2005, approximately 267 white Baptismal Blankets have been made and presented. In addition, crocheted crosses are crafted for older children and adults being baptized. In 2007 High School Graduation Blankets were introduced; 111 have been given as of this year. Proud that their work has been distributed throughout the United States, in Europe and most recently in Ethiopia, the Credo of the Prayer Shawl Ministry is: “Where there is a need we give. We are open to anyone who has a need.”

“Under the arches” of this ministry, Trinity’s 2014 website lists nearly100 opportunities for volunteering and using spiritual gifts. Some categories are: Administrative/Leadership, Evangelism, Hospitality, Craftsmanship, Mercy, Prayer, Teaching, Music, Serving and Fellowship. So many opportunities! Once again, we have been encouraged to explore the question, “To what is God calling us?” Throughout our history, members (and visitors) have served in so many ways, sometimes joining in established groups and activities and at other times creating new ones. It is never too late to be inspired to join in, investigate possibilities, or invent new ways to serve.

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EXPRESSIONS OF FAITH

Expressions of Faith is a greeting card ministry which was started in 1999 by a group of faithful stampers* led by Cheryl Benway. Each card made is intended to be an expression of faith and a symbol of a sharing attitude. Some of the cards are donated to individuals or groups, but many of them are sold and the profits are donated to various ministries and charities at Trinity and throughout our community. This group meets the third Tuesday of each month; the members enjoy teaching stamping and card-making to anyone who is interested in helping. * Stampers are people who use rubber stamps,

ink pads, attractive paper and decorations to create one-of-a-kind greeting cards.

PIECEMAKERS QUILTING GROUP

Trinity’s quilt group began in April of 1991 when several women who were interested in sewing and quilting gathered together to make lap quilts for local nursing home residents. The work began at church but soon moved to a member’s home whose basement could house the work stations. Over the years quilts were created for Lutheran World Relief, the Women’s Shelter in Mansfield, Habitat for Humanity, and for AIDS patients in Columbus. Church members have helped supply the group with necessary materials and equipment.

In 2007 the group moved its work location back to the church after the Woodworkers created a work sta- tion in the North Patio Room. The group involved Trinity adults and children in the “Quilts for Injured Soldiers” campaign and sent 130 quilts to the program. Anyone is welcome to join this group whose motto is “Blessed are the quilters for they shall be called piecemakers.”

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Continuing to the present time, a significant number of men at Trinity engage in projects within the church facilities and out in Ashland and beyond, using their talents in construction and craftsmanship. Our outdoor team does carpentry, including ramps. The indoor group usually builds bookcases and other forms of furniture. The groups at times have joined together to participate in major projects.

TRINITY LIBRARY Trinity Library began on a single eight foot table, in the hallway, in the spring of 1985. Becky Lindquist, then Coordinator of Educational & Family Ministries, and Diana Scott, a first grade Sunday School teacher, had a common vision of creating an in-house church library for gathering Christian materials. Church Council approved their more permanent plans and Ron Bilger built shelves in the Social Corner hallway for adult books. Some “found” shelves were placed in a Sunday School hallway for children’s books.

Diana  Scot,  Librarian  1985  ‐    Madelyn  Drake,  Volunteer  

          Books were acquired through a small budget and generous donations; a group of volunteers formed to process and organize books and to create awareness through bulletin boards and a monthly newsletter. The library was a success! So much so, that a library room was included in the plans for a building addition in1995. Sadly, it had to be cut at that time, but it became part of a later renovation. Custom shelving for the children’s books was built in the corridor near the nurseries. Today the Trinity Library, whose door is always open, is an inviting, much-used room with many shelves stocked with a wide variety of fiction, non-fiction, and resource materials.

TRINITY WOODWORKERS

Men of Trinity have always risen to the occasion when special projects required various woodworking skills. Since the 90s, groups of men have gathered to work on projects to help others in need. Then in 2001, when Jack’s Place was added to the church facilities, Trinity Woodworkers evolved as a group. They came together (literally, in a room in the new basement space) to create meaningful objects of beauty and usefulness in the name of the church.

The joy of bringing significant products into being brings satisfaction to all those who are a part of Trinity Woodworkers, dedicating their skills and talents to the glory of God.

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TRINITY TRAVELERS

Created by Pastor Terry Mohr in 1987 as “Third Thursday Bus Trips,” members (& friends) began to take interesting and fun day trips. Now called Trinity Travelers, four or five chartered bus trips per year are planned, usually within Ohio.

  T-S-T started by Pastor Jeff, is a group whose goal is to pass on the love of God's creation, the great outdoors, through events that appeal to a large cross-section of Trinity and the community.

Outdoor Ministry

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Trinity has felt called not only to open doors and invite others in; we have also left the comfortable space inside our doors to reach out to serve others. "Community" can be defined as a unit that is large or small, local, national or international, so there is really no limit to where our outreach can extend.

Worship Center at Holly Hill, SC - Summer of 1992

Queen Louise Home for Children, St. Croix, Virgin Islands First Trip - 1989; eventually 8 group & individual trips

2009 Biloxi - 2008

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Followers of Jesus

(Disciples!)

serving Ashland

and beyond Kenya - 2006

Medical Mission Trip to Ethiopia - 2014

TRINITY TRADERS is a group of couples

and singles, led by Pastor Jeff, whose mission is to “trade in” members’ time and abilities to serve God. They have driven the Ashland County Food Bank Van to Perrysville to deliver food, built bookshelves for the “Bookcase for Every Child” project, built ramps and raised money for families in need. They have also had occasional fun outings!

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   ASHLAND COUNTY LIFEWORX, INC.

From 2002-2010 Lifeworx was housed in the Rec Room of Trinity, offering recovery assistance to people with mental health issues. Starting with just a handful of people and a very limited budget, it grew to providing group activities (including community involvement), transportation, computer training, employment readiness and information on continued education. Guided by Bea Kamp’s vision and assisted in its startup by this rent-free space and a supportive environment, daily attendance grew.

Bea Kamp Lifeworx Director 2002-2012

Over time, the Lifeworx program has moved several times and experienced changes in staff and operations, but for more than a decade it has made a positive difference in many lives. An innovative program, doing excellent ministry, it has become a contract agency with Ashland County Mental Health and Recovery Board. The State of Ohio has certified and funded the expanded ministry as a model for ministries like it in each of the counties of Ohio.

  

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS - Finding God in the Basement

Thoughts of a Trinity AA member: Many believers in Christ came to our church either by birth and their parents’ faith or as adults who had a relationship with another believer who encouraged attendance at worship. There was a desire to be there and to find and know God on Sunday. But, did you know that God is in our church all week?

There are many folks who find Him not in the sanctuary, but in the basement! These AA members are people who have found a better life after surrendering to God through their own understanding and desire, allowing the wounded spirit to seek God at just the right pace, without someone dictating what to believe or do. The Lord knows our instinct is to reject or push back, so He likes to meet in the basement and become acquainted as we build trust in Him. In 1981, there were only three weekly AA meetings in Ashland. In 1985 one of those meetings was faced with the need to find another place or close. When Pastor Mitchell was approached, he offered the rec room in the basement of the Church Home. This was a huge gesture, but the Lord blessed that AA group and has blessed the formation of many more groups which meet in the basement. “I thank God for my recovery and for His gift which allows me to witness the lives and families that have been restored because He is in the basement. God bless Trinity Lutheran Church.”

Unsolicited comments from this non-Trinity member: “When you look at this picture, just remember, you are looking at a soul you saved here at Trinity. I’ve been sober for seventeen years, and it’s because I’m here.”

Thanks be to God that we opened these doors!

14 Weekly Meetings: 11 AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) - 2 ALANON (for friends & family of alcoholics) - 1 NA (Narcotics Anonymous) A TYPICAL WEEK ON THE TRINITY CALENDAR

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   CLOSING ONE DOOR - OPENING ANOTHER  

Through the decades, Trinity has been a member of the General Council, the ULCA(1918-1962), the LCA(1962-1988), and the ELCA (1988-2011). In 2011 the Pastors and Council shared concerns about the ELCA with the rest of the congregation.

Three trends, brought us to this point. First, for all the years of its existence, the ELCA relied on quotas. That is, for the national governing body, X number had to speak languages other than English, X number had to be from certain age groups, and X number had to be male or female. There was no quota for Bishops (indeed, none serve on this 52 person governing body) nor for Lutheran theo- logians. That would be much like Boeing Aircraft company deciding to have pastors and teachers build their planes merely because they flew on them rather than using qualified engineers. Major mistakes were made, and the direction of the church veered away from faith in Jesus to making social statements and telling the U.S. President how to run foreign policy.

Second, decisions were made concerning sexuality that our members felt deviated from scripture. For Lutherans that is a serious difficulty.

Finally, when homosexual persons in committed relationships and transgendered people were being ordained into the ELCA ministry, the worship service contained what even our Northeastern Ohio Synod Bishop stated were “heretical” elements.

The first step taken by the congregation, with a 98% vote, was to suspend benevolence payments. A year later Trinity took the first vote to leave the ELCA which passed by an over 97% affirmation. After further examination of the ELCA sexuality statement by study groups and adult Sunday School classes, other investigating, and hearing from our Bishop, Trinity voted by over 97% to leave the ELCA.

This move was made with much sadness and with the realization that Trinity had not changed its position on scripture or church policy. The ELCA had moved away from where Trinity and the ULCA and LCA had been for generations. After careful considera- tion, Trinity members voted to join the North American Lutheran Church.

As of 2014, Trinity is one of more than 370 congregations of the NALC. Organized in August 2010, “the NALC is a renewed Lutheran community moving forward in faith and mission, fo- cused on living out Christ’s Great Commission to go and make disciples." www.nalc.org,2014

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GATHERING

SPAC

E

YE

AR

OF

CO

MP

LETI

ON

CHILD CARE  LIBRARY 

CHILDCARE  UNEXCAVATED 

As we know from previous historical documents, in 1959 Trinity gratefully accepted the gift of the Myers home and property and in 1963 moved into its brand new church building, constructed next to the Myers home at 508 Center Street. Growth in membership and ministries prompted several significant improvements to Trinity's facilities from 1989 to 2014.

1989 - BUILDING EXPANSION - approx. $750,000 FIRST FLOOR: Centralized office space, new nursery space, new classrooms, Music Room, Radio Room, enclosed breezeway (Gallery), elevator LOWER LEVEL: Trinity Room, chair and table storage, OUTSIDE: additional parking, outside stairs to Luther Hall

1994 - CHURCH HOME EXTERIOR RENOVATION - approx. $225,000 Cleaning and extensive repairs of the exterior of the Church Home, including tuck-pointing and new porches

1997 - NURSERY EXPANSION - approx. $160,000 Nursery expansion into the Courtyard, Trinity Library (in former Nursery space near Social Corner)

2001 - JACK’S PLACE - approx. $4,200,000 FIRST FLOOR: Construction of Jack’s Place, Jack’s Place Kitchen and pantry, large entrance hallway, Child Care rooms, expansion of Music Room LOWER LEVEL: classrooms, Youth area, storage, Woodworking and Mechanical Rooms OUTSIDE: Garage, new parking lot and lighting

2013 - GATHERING SPACE - approx. $370,000 New entrance space, including handicap-accessible restroom and extensive renovations to the Narthex and Gallery

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TRINITY PHOTO 1963 Church & 1915 Church Home, approximately 20,000 square feet

1989

After the much-needed 1989 additions were completed, we were very excited to stretch out into our 46,357 square feet! So excited, our expanded facilities energized us to create more and more classes, groups and programs for the growing congregation and for the community. Space became tight surprisingly quickly.

So, in 1997 we added more room for children's activities and for parking. But, God was calling us to look to the future and more ways to serve.

From 1998 through 2002,

2014 came more planning, funding, and construction for our largest expansion yet!

"Ashland, OH." Satellite Map. Google Maps. Google, 24 Aug. 2014. Web. 24 Aug. 2014.

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1ST

JACK’S PLACE FLOOR FELLOWSHIP HALL

LOWER LEVEL YOUTH AREA DEDICATED 2002 Jack and June Myers

Inspired by increasing numbers of people entering our doors, more and more members felt God was calling us to add a multipurpose area, space for expanded teen ministries, more office space and child care. This would mean expanding to a total of 85,557 square feet, nearly doubling our current space. Could we really do that?

Indeed, June Myers’ generous lead gift in 2000 was followed by the congregation rising to the challenge of raising the rest of the required funds.

Multipurpose? Well, so far, Jack’s Place, the home of Praise Worship services, has also welcomed recitals, plays, concerts, the Bloodmobile, scrapbooking, quilting, Christmas Musical services, basketball, Creative Movement, funerals, reunions, VBS, Choir Camp, Luther Club, banquets, celebrations, Wednesday Night Suppers, Mystery Dinner Theater, wedding receptions, dance recitals and more.

To what was God calling us? We believed it was to create quality space for our activities and to open our doors for new interactions with the entire community. So, we did it. . . we’re done! . . . well, almost . . . .

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   GATHERING SPACE 

Trinity has a lot of steps, partly because it has been built in stages! There had been many discussions about how to make it easier to get from one part of the church to another, in particular, how to get from the Sanctuary to a restroom, without using steps. In 2011, one of our faithful families proposed that they would make a large donation toward the creation of a new space to the south of the Narthex. Its 860 square feet would include a handicap-accessible restroom and a spacious entry, with no steps! In 2012 the congregation not only approved the plans which by then included extensive updates for the Narthex and Gallery but also pledged enough financial support to proceed with the project.

Construction began in the winter of 2013 and the Gathering Space was dedicated in August 2013. The finishing touches included a coat rack and carefully chosen furniture and artwork. In addition to the obvious benefit of the restroom, members have found the new area to be perfect for greeters, receiving lines, conversations, watching and waiting for rides and current information and displays. The improvements to the Narthex and Gallery have also made it much brighter and more welcoming to enter the doors of Trinity. And, all along, that's what Trinity has felt called to be - a welcoming, caring place.

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Seventy-five years ago at Trinity's 100 th

This book exhibits many things at Trinity that have changed over the past twenty-five years. But, notice, the doors are still there, opening out into the world for ministry that needs doing and opening inward for worship and prayer. And once again the most important question is, "To what is God calling us?"

anniversary, Rev. Arthur Smith asked the congregation to look back and appreciate the faith and sacrifices of those who founded and nurtured this church. Then he reminded them that they "must not fail to catch the vision of a yet greater and more blessed future." As Rev. Smith foresaw, long-time-faithful members have had to choose whether to give permission for change or rise up and say, "No more!" They have been open to amazing and delightful changes. Times in Ashland have changed over its nearly 200 years and are still changing. Our definition of "community" continues to expand. What new and exciting things does God have in store for His people over the coming years? With solid financial resources, an excellent building from which to do ministry and wise leadership, the future of Trinity stretches ahead. What doors to ministry will open in the years to come? It will be exciting to find out!

The doors

we open and

close each day

decide

the lives we

live. Flora Whittemore

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