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.
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 2024, SOWE was awarded the grant. Their project is to construct outdoor locker space in Culliton Park, giving the unsheltered a safe place to store their belongings.
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
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
Shop with a Cop
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
Upside Down Bible Story
The second "Upside Down" Summer Bible Storytime was held Sunday, July 14th. We heard the parable of the mustard seed, and discovered that bigger isn't always better. Just a little faith in God goes a long way!
Making Waves at Bible School
During Night Four of Vacation Bible School, Grace Lutheran and Trinity Lutheran once again took Downtown Lancaster to the beach. We sang, played games, did arts and crafts, prayed and learned how Christ is central to our life. Join us Wednesday, July 10th at Grace Lutheran beginning with dinner at 5:30pm for our final night of VBS and make waves.
Vacation Bible School Kickoff
We discovered that God made people with a purpose! God created this beautiful planet and all the animals and it's up to us to take care of his creation! We sang, crafted "Beach Planters", played the "Litter Bug minute", made "Trash Castles", did "The Wave, and heard the story of Creation! Our VBS continues next Wednesday, June 12th at Trinity Lutheran Church starting at 5:30 pm with a family dinner!
Upcoming Events
July 28, 2024
Adult Forum – Homelessness
Homelessness in Lancaster County. It may be a bigger issue than you think. A video presentation from the Hourglass Foundation and Lancaster County Homeless Coalition.
July 28, 2024
Faith Talk after Worship in the Library and via zoom
The Gospel of Matthew – Chapter 1 Continues
August 4, 2024
Faith Talk after Worship in the library and via zoom
The Gospel of Matthew – Chapter 2
August 4, 2024
Adult Forum Families in Transition
Lisette Rivera, Site Coordinator for Families in Transition (FIT). What SDL is doing to remove barriers, making public education available to all.
August 11, 2024
Upside Down Summer Bible Story Time
Over the summer Children, Tweens, and Teens are invited to hear "Upside Down" Bible stories! We're going to hear three parables Jesus tells that completely change how we think the world should work! Story time will follow worship August 11th. Story time will start at 10:45 a.m. in the Parish House Café. (Don't forget to join us for worship for the children's sermon as well!)
August 11, 2024
Adult Forum – What you may know, and don’t know
Potpourri – some stuff you may know, you may not. But why? Discussion led by Loren Good.
August 18, 2024
End of Summer Celebration
Following worship on Sunday, August 18th, join us in Fondersmith Auditorium for refreshments and a variety show where you showcase your talent! A sign-up sheet is out in the narthex next to the Summer Bible Reading Challenges for you to share your talents! Do you play an instrument, write poetry, tell jokes, dance, and sing...? Whatever your talent, please share it with us!
August 18, 2024
Back to School Blessing
Attention all students and teachers! Be sure to join us for worship on Sunday, August 18th for the "Back to School Blessing!"
August 25, 2024
Adult Forum – where you saw your faith at work
Let's hear from one another moments of faith at work in your daily life. In sharing, we will all better understand one another as we continue to use our hands, minds, and souls to do God's work. Cliff referenced this idea in a June sermon. Please contact Loren Good with your interest.
September 1, 2024
Lemonade on the Lawn
In lieu of Adult Forum we will celebrate our last "picnic" of summer following worship.
September 8, 2024
God’s Work. Our Hands.
God's Work......is the name given to a Sunday in early September, this year it falls on September 8th. This is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America . This Sunday also is the official kickoff of the Sunday School Year.
October 13, 2024
Autumn Bonfire
The Petkas are hosting a bonfire party at their home. Please look for details in upcoming bulletins and newsletters.
November 24, 2024
Servant Stage Christmas Crooners
Holy Trinity will once again host Servant Stage. Join us and be enchanted by a heartwarming and nostalgic revue show that will transport you to the golden age of holiday classics. From timeless renditions of beloved carols to modern twists on traditional favorites, Christmas Crooners promises an unforgettable journey through the joys and wonders of the holiday season. Sunday, November 24th at 1:00pm.
December 15, 2024
Children’s Christmas Program
Holy Trinity will be entertained during the Adult Education Hour with the annual Christmas Program let by Director of Children and Family Ministry, Rachel Kramer and Organist/Choirmaster, Chris Prestia. The event begins after worship December 15th.