Dear People of Trinity Lutheran Church:

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5.  There will be a service of Holy Communion at 7 pm with the Imposition of Ashes.  We will begin a sermon series that evening on "The Seven Last Words from the Cross." At 11 am that day Pastor Ash will lead a brief service at Jones Memorial Hospital in the chapel for staff and any others who would like to receive ashes.  There are free Lenten devotional booklets for all ages and other free devotional books available on the glass case in the narthex, please help yourself.  For Lent, the Adult Sunday School will begin a series on March 9 titled "The Body of Christ."  All are welcome. 

Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday, March 9.  Please remember to set your clocks ahead one hour before retiring this Saturday night.
In Christ's service, Pastor Ash
Dear Members of First Trinity Lutheran Church:

 

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 1 Timothy 4:7

 

I am writing to tell you that I will be retiring.  My last Sunday here will be June 1, 2025.  Please be happy for Melanie and me.

 

In 2024, I celebrated my 65th birthday and marked 35 years as a called and ordained servant of Christ.   I am thankful to God for the opportunity I have had to serve Him in His Church.  My tenure at First Trinity Lutheran Church has been a joy and a blessing to me.  My hope is that I have been a blessing to you.

 

Why am I retiring at this time?  It is important for you to be assured that it is not due to any dissatisfaction with the congregation. To the contrary, I am very happy with the way things are in our parish. I do have some health issues. These are things I have tried not to dwell on or discuss publicly.  I will be glad to have time to rest and heal.  I pray God will eventually give me useful ways to serve Him in the future.

 

Also, Melanie and I have lived away from our families since I began seminary almost 40 years ago.  We never get to spend holidays, or  much time at all really, with our children and grandchild.  You know how important family is.  At this stage of life, having active, meaningful time with them is something we want to do while we can.  Our plan is to move into a retirement community in Nevada near our daughter and her family.

 

Eastern District President John Pingel has been informed and I will be filing the appropriate paperwork forthwith.  He and Circuit Visitor Tom Lutz will be working with you on the next steps the congregation needs to take.  Before I go, I will share with you some of my thoughts and hopes about the future of First Trinity Lutheran Church. It is all good.

 

Thank you all for your love, support and prayers. May God bless you and First Trinity Lutheran Church.

God bless you all.
In Christ's service,  Pastor Ash