Pastor Joel Petruschke serves as the Senior Pastor at Holy Trinity. He has been serving as a pastor in the Lower Susquehanna Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America since his ordination in 1998. He attended The Theological Seminary at Gettysburg for his Master of Divinity. In addition to his MDiv, he earned a Master of Sacred Theology from LTSG and a Doctorate of Theology from the Evangelical Seminary in Myerstown. His wife Kathy is also a Lutheran Pastor in the Lower Susquehanna Synod. They have two children—Mary and Jonah. In their free time, Pastor Joel and his wife enjoy Scottish Country Dancing.
Christopher Prestia serves as Organist and Choirmaster at Holy Trinity. Chris has an extensive music background and education in music and music ministry. Chris is a graduate of Marywood University and holds an MM degree in organ performance from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. He is also the owner, director, and instructor in piano, violin and cello at The Columbia School of Music.
Andrea Collins has held the position of Executive Assistant since 2002. This position involves all the administrative work you’d expect (and many other things that you might not) but that’s all part of life in the Holy Trinity Parish House. Andrea has a BA from Millersville University and lives with her husband and their adorable cat.
Anna Marie Snyder is the Receptionist and Financial Secretary at Holy Trinity Church. She has been on staff since March 2012. Anna Marie graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in Philadelphia, PA. She and her family like to vacation in the Outer Banks. Her husband’s name is Terry. Her son Paul is married to Jessica. Anna Marie has 2 grand-daughters—Gigi and Savvy. Anna Marie and Terry have an adorable Goldendoodle named Cooper.
Rachel Kramer is the Director of Children’s and Family Ministry at Holy Trinity. She has oversight for children’s learning, family ministry activities, Children’s Christmas Program, and Vacation Bible School She has worked as a Parish Administrator. Rachel has a daughter, Penelope and son, Ronald.
Loren serves as the Director of Marketing at Holy Trinity Church. He has a forty plus year background in advertising, positioning, branding and marketing and joined the staff in April of 2022. Loren and wife Lori worship at Holy Trinity and have two adult children, daughter Nicole, married to Christian, and son Marshall.
Read about the storied history of our Church, our windows and the artists responsible for them.
Sunday, September 7th, Trinity kicked off the Church Sunday School Year with an all ages congregational Talent Show! We heard a variety of music, jokes, and a skit. A special thank you to all our performers and for those that attended, it was a great experience. For more photos, visit Trinity's FB page.
Families made a "prayer cross." located in Trinity's narthex. You are invited to write down a prayer on the colorful slips of paper beside the cross and then roll up your prayer and stick it in the "prayer cross" as a reminder that God is the answer to all our needs.
Trinity celebrated Lancaster's First Friday July 4th with outdoor games! Our resident chess coach showed off some smart moves for the games of chess. Save the date and join us Friday, August 1st at 5:00 pm for more family fun during Lancaster's First Fridays celebrations.
September 21, 2025
Columbia Borough Police Officer, Drew Snyder will talk with us about "Personal Safety and Awareness". Things you should know for your well being and that of your family and friends.
September 21, 2025
The study of presented by Mary and Tony Appplegate on C.S. Lewis's well read series, The Chronicles of Narnia continues. The Applegates will share their study of the books, take a deep dive into themes, good vs. evil, the purpose of the writer as the tale is told. Books will be provided. For all interested, the group will meet in the cafe at start of the education hour.....approximately 11am.
September 21, 2025
The teaching on the upcoming Sunday lectionary continues
September 28, 2025
A continuing series with Pastor Joel leading a discussion...we talk and listen to one another on a topic relevant for the day.
September 28, 2025
No Faith Talk today. We will join the forum for Pastor Joe's presentation.
October 5, 2025
It being the first Sunday in the month, the study will be on Luther's Small Catechism.
October 5, 2025
Representatives from Lancaster Habitat for Humanity will share their recent works and outlooks for the future
October 5, 2025
It being the first Sunday of the month, Doug will teach on Luther's Small Catechism.
October 12, 2025
The first in a two part series where we will dig a bit deeper into the Reformation of Luther's Day. There was a lot going on in Europe and the Near East at the time. Let's be open to learning more about this critical event in the history and evolution of "The Church"
October 19, 2025
We continue with the second in a two part series. The Arts were impacted and influenced greatly during the Reformation period. We'll take a look at this along with some other historical perspectives.
October 26, 2025
In August we heard from Reverend Cliff Eschbach on his most recent trip to the Konde Diocese in Tanzania. On this day, representatives from the Diocese will present to us the wonderful things happening there and the challenges they face.
