26.05.13 E-news

"I Will Not Leave You Orphaned; I am coming to you” - John 14:18 

There is a particular kind of loneliness that has no easy name. Not just being alone in a room - but feeling untethered. Unmoored. Wondering if anyone really sees you or stays. 

The disciples were about to know that feeling. Jesus was leaving. And into that fear he speaks one of the most tender lines in all of scripture: 

"I will not leave you orphaned." 

Something in us recognizes this promise because it speaks to something essential about who we are. We are created in the image of a relational God - Father, Son, and Spirit in eternal community - we are wired for belonging. Loneliness is not a weakness. It is a signal that tells us something true about how we were made. We are not meant to be untethered. We are not meant to do this life alone. 

Jesus promises not just his own presence, but the presence of the Spirit - one who abides in us, and among us. The spirit draws us together as a reflection of God's own nature. 

You are not abandoned. You were made for belonging, and you belong to something that does not leave. 

For Reflection: Where do you most need to hear "I will not leave you orphaned" this week? Who might need you to be that promise for them? 

Prayer: Gracious God, you made us for community, bearing your relational image. When we feel most untethered, remind us we are not orphaned, your Spirit abides in us and among us. Help us to receive that gift, and offer it freely to others. Amen. 

Peace, Pastor Erin

Check out the Weekly Bulletin to see the full schedule of what’s happening at TLC this week!

Please join us as we celebrate the life of Nancy Maxwell on Saturday, June 6 at 11:00am at Trinity Lutheran Church. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall.

Join us for one combined service on May 17 at 10:00am, followed immediately by our semi-annual meeting.

This is an important time for our community to gather as we discuss and vote on future leadership, hear an update on the Youth and Family Ministry Coordinator position, and review the annual report materials.

We hope you’ll join us.

Final Reminder: Donation Drive This Sunday

The Salvation Army and TLC are hosting a donation drive this Sunday, May 17, from 9:30am to 12:30pm. A collection truck will be in the church parking lot to accept gently used clothing, accessories, small electronics, housewares, and small furniture.

Please bring donations only during this window, as we cannot accept items before or after the event.

On May 24, please join us in sharing a heartfelt thank you and farewell to Gabby Ortiz. As her time serving as our Interim Youth and Family Coordinator comes to a close, we want to celebrate the incredible care, dedication, and lasting impact she has had on the TLC community.

We are so grateful for all she has done for our youth and families. Be sure to stop by next Sunday as we send Gabby off with our love and best wishes!

Celebrate Pentecost Sunday with us on Sunday, May 24 by wearing red as we give thanks for the gift of the Holy Spirit and the life of the Church.

The TLC Quilters are currently seeking donations of clean, gently used or new sheets to support their work. The quilts they create are sent to Lutheran Disaster Response to provide comfort and care to those affected by crisis.

If you have sheets to donate, please bring them to the church office during regular business hours. Thank you for supporting this ministry.

Join us for our final luncheon before summer! Our next Young at Heart gathering will be on May 21 at noon. If you’re planning to attend, please sign up at the Welcome Desk—we’d love to see you there.

We’ll be taking a short break over the warmer months, but look forward to being together again in the fall.

The American Red Cross will be at TLC on May 27 from 10:00am to 3:00pm for a community blood drive. This is a meaningful way to care for others—each donation can help save lives and support those in need.

If you’re able, we invite you to sign up for a time at RedCrossBlood.org using sponsor code TLCV.

If you have questions about eligibility or the donation process, Karen Jensen, RN, PhD, is happy to help.

Pinewood Derby and Ice Cream Social
Saturday, May 30 - 2 - 4pm

Ready, set, race! Join us for the Pinewood Derby competition followed by an Ice Cream Social — an afternoon of fun, treats, and friendly competition.

Bring your Pinewood Derby car and show off your speed and creativity. No car? No problem! Come cheer on the racers, enjoy ice cream, and be part of the fun. Prizes will be awarded for categories like fastest car and best-looking design.

Let’s celebrate the Easter season together - remember to bring your flowers to help our Easter Cross bloom in color through May 24.

City Center is in need of toilet paper and paper towels, diapers (sizes 5 & 6) and groceries of any type.  Please place your donations in the baskets located in the Gathering Space.

Thank you for your ongoing support! As a reminder, residents at The City Center purchase their own food and household items, so your contributions help them redirect those funds toward their children’s needs, such as school supplies and clothing.

May 13 - Julie Dahl-Nicolle
May 14 - Larry Nafie, Kristie Wallace
May 15 - Marianne Pitcher, Irma Tierney
May 16 - Dianne Maggio, Sage O’Neill
May 17 - George Carrera III, Karin Childress
May 18 - Leland Howard, Casey Sturgeon
May 19 - Dana Kloeung

Please keep the following people in your prayers:

For Healing and Comfort

• Jim Aguirre

Let Us Pray for the Families who are Mourning the Death of:

• Einar Rasmussen, father of Karen Foster

• Sandy, mother of Kim Kinney

Week 18 (May 3  - May 9, 2026)