Life Together at Trinity
At Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, we walk together through every season of life, trusting in the steadfast love and promises of our Lord Jesus Christ.
From the life-giving waters of Holy Baptism to the joy of Christian Marriage, to the hope-filled proclamation of the Resurrection at a Christian funeral, every milestone of life is shaped by God's Word and sustained by His grace.
Scripture reminds us that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)
Because Christ never changes, His people have a sure foundation in every circumstance. Whether you are celebrating life's blessings, grieving the loss of a loved one, or preparing for a new chapter in life, Trinity is honored to walk beside you in faith, prayer, and hope.
Funerals and Memorials
Funerals and Memorials are services of the Church; these services are a public confession of the Christian faith concerning death, burial, resurrection, and life eternal.
The focus of the funeral is the proclamation of Christ crucified and the comfort Christians find in Christ’s resurrection. For the Christian, death is not the last word. Christ’s death and resurrection proclaim victory! Jesus calls His disciples to follow Him through death to life. Life in Christ begins in the death and resurrection that happens in Holy Baptism; the baptismal theme of death and resurrection with Christ is most prominent (Romans 6:1-11).
The Christian funeral is a public act of the Church. Even if the service is "private", with only the pastor and a few family members, it remains the public ministry of God's Word; the Church rejoices that God keeps His promise for each and every believer—and the Church through the service and her ministers declares that. The local congregation has the divine responsibility to see that the service is conducted for the praise of the Lord. Hymns, Scripture readings, and prayers are selected for the glory and majesty of the Lord, who has saved His people.
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church provides Christian Funerals for all congregation members in good standing and those Christians who regularly worship with us.
At the time of death, the family’s preferred funeral home and the pastor of Trinity should be promptly notified and before plans have been announced. The pastor will work with the family and funeral director in planning the funeral or memorial.
Pre-planning a funeral is encouraged to assist the mourners in honoring the deceased’s desires for the funeral.
Definitions
Funeral is the service at which the mortal remains are present in a casket.
Memorial is conducted when no remains are present. This order of service is preferable when the mortal remains are unavailable or the service is celebrated a significant time after the death.
Public: public does not refer first to a non-private assembly; it refers to a service conducted for / on behalf of the Christian Church in the confession of the Christian faith.
Christian Marriage
Marriage is one of God's good gifts to humanity. Instituted by God in the Garden of Eden before the fall into sin (Genesis 2:24–25), marriage is a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman. In the New Testament, St. Paul teaches that Christian marriage reflects the profound mystery of Christ's love for His Bride, the Church (Ephesians 5:32). Because marriage is God's gift, it is entered into reverently, thoughtfully, and with prayer. Christian marriage is given for:
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Lifelong companionship, mutual love, and faithful support.
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The joyful union of husband and wife in holiness and honor.
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The blessing and Christian nurture of children whom God may provide.
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A lifelong witness to Christ's faithful love for His Church.
Our congregation rejoices to celebrate marriages that are rooted in God's Word and lived in the forgiveness and grace of Jesus Christ.
Planning a Wedding at Trinity
Weddings at Trinity are acts of Christian worship in which God's Word is proclaimed, His blessings are sought, and husband and wife publicly make their lifelong vows before God and His people. Because of this, weddings at Trinity are ordinarily celebrated for members and those who are actively participating in the life and worship of the congregation. Couples are encouraged to contact the church office soon after becoming engaged to discuss available dates, pastoral counseling, and preparations for the wedding service before making other arrangements.
Our Confession of Marriage
As a congregation of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, Trinity joyfully confesses the historic Christian teaching that marriage is God's institution. Accordingly, we believe:
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God created marriage as the lifelong union of one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24–25).
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Marriage reflects Christ's faithful love for His Church (Ephesians 5:32).
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Sexual intimacy belongs within the covenant of marriage established by God.
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The pastor of Trinity officiates only those marriages that are consistent with the teaching of Holy Scripture as confessed by The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
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Trinity's facilities are used only for ceremonies and activities that are consistent with these biblical convictions.
The congregation provides weddings for its members at no cost to the couple on a first come, first served basis. Only one wedding can be scheduled for a weekend.
If Trinity‘s pastor is unable to perform the wedding and an ordained minister on the roster of the LCMS may be allowed to conduct the wedding in Trinity‘s building with the Pastor of Trinity or the Board of elders’ permission. No other clergy or persons shall be allowed to perform weddings at Trinity.
At least one of the persons being married must be a member in good standing during the engagement, when the wedding is being planned, and also at the time of the wedding. If at any time during the planning process, up to an including the day of the wedding, the member comes under church, discipline, or is removed from the congregational membership, the wedding will not be performed at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church.
We recognize that these teachings are increasingly countercultural. Nevertheless, we confess them not as matters of opinion but as joyful expressions of God's good design for human life and His loving will for His people.