The purpose of the Holy Trinity Challenge Grant fund is to support initiatives for the development of services to address social, economic or cultural needs in Lancaster County.
Above is our 2026 Challenge Grant winner is the Lancaster Food Hub. Shown above is Pastor Joel handing off the $5000 check to Paige McFarling, Executive Director at the Food Hub.
Since 2001, the Community Outreach Ministry has awarded a $5,000 Challenge Grant annually. In 2011 the committee awarded two $5,000 grants to commemorate the Challenge Grant‘s 10th anniversary. In 2013 the Challenge Grant awarded $2,500 for existing programs, in addition to the $5,000 Grant for new projects.
For 2025, Anchor Lancaster was awarded the grant.
Priorities in selection of an organization to be awarded a Challenge Grant are:
- Address the needs of the most at-risk populations
- Provide services which help recipients to move toward living situations of self-support
- Empower people to be full participants in the economic, social and cultural life of the community
The process begins with a letter being mailed to all identified organizations in September with a grant request proposal. Our grant reading volunteers privately submit their assessment of each grant, ranking in order those they find the most deserving and why. The top 3-4 ranked organizations are invited to a designated day and time to be interviewed by a separate committee. From that interview process the current year organization is selected to be awarded the grant.
The grant presentation takes place on a Sunday in mid-November at the beginning of the worship service.
Past Recipients Include
Anchor Lancaster
SOWE
ASSETS Lancaster
Bridge of Hope
Clare House
COBYS Family Services
Crispus Attucks
Gaudenzia
Milagro House
The Mix at Arbor Place
Mom’s House
The Threshold Foundation
Transitional Living Center
Find Other Ways to Serve
Challenge Grant
International Ministry
Partnerships
School Supplies
Make a Gift to Support Our Mission
At Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, we believe and teach that all we have is a Gift from God. As good stewards of these gifts, we share as we are able with sacrifice and gratitude.Through our generosity we can express our Love, Faith and Thanksgiving. As the Psalmist writes: “The Earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.” (Psalms 24.1)
Consider Giving HereFamily News
Holy Trinity Youth Reformation Sunday Journey
Trinity Youth took part in a special Reformation journey Sunday, October 26th. Trinity's children and youth had to make a document printing press style, nailed their own 95 Thesis to the castle door, built their own "Mighty Fortress", played 9 pins, and decorated luminaries for All Saints Day! How cool is that?
Fall Foliage Day at Camp Kirchenwald
Disciples from Holy Trinity Lutheran Church joined Grace Lutheran Church and others from around the Lower Susquehanna Synod to attend Fall Foliage Day hosted by Camp Kirchenwald in Lebanon, PA. God's creation is so beautiful! Here is a gathering in a pavilion.
More Fun at Trinity Sunday School
Children's Sunday School meets every Sunday Morning at 10:45 a.m. starting in Trinity's Choir room for music time, then the kids will go to classroom 202 (located on the second floor of the Parish House in the corner, behind the choir room) for a Bible Story and Lesson. New faces are always welcome!
Upcoming Events
November 23, 2025
C.S. Lewis The Chronicles Of Narnia
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.
November 23, 2025
Adult Forum – Gulliver’s Travels
Well not quite Gulliver's but rather the travels of our nomadic Trinity worshipers. We have many in our flock that have traveled near and far. We'll see how many countries, states, provinces we collectively have visited and maybe hear some tales(mostly true)
November 23, 2025
Faith Talk in the library and via zoom after worship
November 23 we will have our final Lectionary Texts discussion. The texts include: Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122 Romans 13:11-14 and Matthew 24:36-44
November 30, 2025
Advent – The Beginning of a Significant Journey
Pastor Joel and the Worship and Music Small Group will set the table so that you can enjoy the Advent Season. It's more than just parties and concerts. A daily devotional, a weekly service, all in preparation for the coming of the Christ Child.
November 30, 2025
Faith Talk in the library and via zoom after worship
Our Advent Study will begin on November 30. This year, during Advent, Doug will be using one of his books: Advent - From Darkness to Light: Devotions for the Season. This is a four week, seven daily devotions each week
December 4, 2025
Advent Series
Beginning Thursday December 4th and continuing December 11 and 18, Holy Trinity will host an Advent Series focusing on three groups of characters from the Nativity story. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke alone recorded what we know of the Christ Child's birth. We'll talk about the the Innkeeper and Animals, the Shepherds, the Wisemen, and the Star. Unraveling the mystery a bit. We will meet in Fondersmith at 6:00p.m. for a Potluck Meal. Please bring a side dish or a dessert. We will then begin worship at 7:00p.m. After worship the choir will hold rehearsal. Trinity will provide beverages. You are encouraged to take part and make this Advent Season an opportunity to grow in your faith and understanding.
December 7, 2025
Adult Forum – Pastor Joel Continuing Series
We will meet in the chapel for forum December 7th with another presentation from Pastor Joel, Let's Listen and Let's Talk.
December 7, 2025
Faith Talk in the library and via zoom after worship
During Advent, we will use one of Doug Frazer's books, Advent - From Darkness to Light: Devotions for the Season. This is a four week, seven daily devotions each week
December 14, 2025
Children and Youth Christmas Program
Trinity's children and youth will take to the stage and present the annual Christmas Pageant. Please plan to attend. We'll enjoy a cookie exchange during coffee fellowship that day as well.
December 14, 2025
Faith Talk in the library and via zoom after worship
This year, during Advent, we will use one of Doug Frazer's books, Advent - From Darkness to Light: Devotions for the Season. This is a four week, seven daily devotions each week
December 21, 2025
Christmas Sing Along
Back by very popular demand........what has become a tradition of sorts, we'll gather after worship for a good ole time singalong of Christmas and Holiday favorites. Maybe you have a request? If so, contact Loren Good and we may be able to work it in amongst the selections. Bring yourselves and your hearty voice. No previous professional singing experience required.
December 21, 2025
Faith Talk in the library and via zoom after worship
During Advent, we will use one of Doug Frazer's books, Advent - From Darkness to Light: Devotions for the Season. This is a four week, seven daily devotions each week
December 28, 2025
Holiday Congregation Brunch
Following our service of Lessons and Carols, we will meet in Fondersmith for a celebratory brunch. Please sign up by December 22nd so that we know how much food to prepare and how to set the tables. Food to be prepared by Trinity disciple, Brandon Clouser, a caterer.