Discipleship is an important topic for Lutherans. It is a lifelong journey of living out and spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.

In worship our songs speak of the desire to follow Jesus and in assemblies and publications Lutherans are taught techniques for effective discipleship.  The ELCA wants congregations more involved in bible study and prayer time and to become better disciples on our spiritual journey. To become better disciples we need to seek God’s will in our lives through daily prayer, reflection, and Bible study.

As a congregation, Trinity provides many faith filled opportunities to learn and support fellowship.  These opportunities give us tools and insights into the joys and challenges of living out our faith daily.

Faith Formation

Faith Formation is more than academic exercise. It is about much more than learning about God or information about the Bible. Seeking to enrich our faith involves learning, yes, but also reflecting on the ways in which these learnings speak to our individual lives as well as our life together as a community of faith. It moves us to look deeply into the text and to do more than just examine their face value. We are invited to share with one another our own reflections and questions as we explore our faith together. We learn as much from each other as we do from any book.

Making Faith Formation part of our Sunday routine helps us through the rest of our week. It guides and empowers us to live as God’s people in our daily routines as well as in those changes that come our way. Making this particular adjustment to our routines and habits enrich our lives as we grow in faith and understanding about what it means to be a child of God living in the world today.

Sunday School for Children

Sunday School classes are held each week during the school year from 9:30 to 10:30 with separate classes for 3-4 year olds and grades K through 6. Classes are led by adult and confirmed members of the Trinity congregation and provide children with knowledge of the Christian faith while enjoying crafts, games and other age-appropriate fun!

Faith Exploration and Bible Study for Adults

Learn more about your faith in Jesus Christ while you share fellowship with others.You don’t need to be a “Bible scholar” to participate in the adult classes. While some classes concentrate on exploring the Bible directly, many small group classes read a book about faith or an important figure and combine it with reading and studying the Bible passages that are related. Study is generally one evening a week. In addition to Sunday morning opportunities, groups meet on Wednesday evenings and Thursday afternoons.

New Member Classes

If you do not belong to a church at this time, we welcome you to join the Trinity family. In New Member Classes you will meet with the Pastor to help you become familiar with the Trinity congregation and the Lutheran faith. Contact Pastor Boyd or the Church Office if you would like to explore becoming a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

First Communion Instruction

The gift of Holy Communion is the birthright of the baptized. Our first communion instruction helps our children learn how in sharing the bread and wine of Holy Communion we remember Jesus’ death and his rising to life again on the first Easter Day and how eating the bread and drinking the wine makes us one with him and brings us closer to one another. Children who have expressed their desire to join us as we gather around the Lord’s Table participate in this course of instruction during the Lenten season and receive the Sacrament for the first time on Holy Thursday.

Affirmation

Young people meet together in a three year confirmation program to guide them in their transition to a mature Christian faith. It’s primary goal is to enhance faith development by:

^Involving the young person’s family in passing on their faith.^Involving young people in fellowship and servant projects.^Teaching with an emphasis on application to real life.

To accomplish this:

^We ask parents and their young person to promise to take time each day to share their highs and lows, share a bit of scripture and talk about how it relates to their lives.^We ask parents to bring their young person to worship services.^We ask parents to participate in affirmation as small group leaders (Guides) or in some other capacity.

Theme Events are usually between services. In addition, young people participate in fellowship and/or servant events each month. Fellowship and Servant events may be held at Trinity or at other locations.

Diakonia

Diakonia is a two year education program to provide Lutherans with the tools and training to bring the good news of Jesus Christ into the world through word and deed. Those who join the Diakonia program, gain a deeper understanding of scripture, church history, theology, and practical ministry along with fellow Lutherans from other churches in the area. Classes are held at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Pleasantville, NY on Monday evenings from 7-10pm September to June. Diakonia is a wonderful way to discover your spiritual gifts and develop strong relationships with other Christians. Although some graduates of Diakonia are called to serve their congregations in more formal ways, you can pursue the Diakonia program simply as a way to deepen your understanding of your faith and be better prepared to respond to the call of Jesus in your life.

Trinity Library

Trinity maintains a library for the use of the congregation in expanding their knowledge and understanding of their faith. Books and videos are available for loan on topics for adults, children,and family sharing.