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
Father’s Day, Bow Tie Sunday at Trinity
In May, we invited ALL to wear their favorite hat Mother's Day. We followed up with Bow Tie Sunday for Father's Day. Men, young men, even some of the ladies adorned with their "bows" are pictured here.
Holy Trinity at the Lancaster Barnstormers
Holy Trinity was the recognized nonprofit June 10th. Trinity's choir sang The National Anthem, and confirmation student, Hudson, threw out the 1st pitch! Between Trinity throwing the first pitch and the rousing rendition from the choir, the "Stormers" were inspired to deliver a huge comeback over their across the river rivals, The York Revs, to win 5 to 4!
Bible School Science Mondays
Grace Lutheran Church and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church this summer are collectively bringing to downtown Lancaster the 1st Summer Science Monday: God's Wonder Lab! Our little scientists, played Bible games, made slime, art with sand, heard the Bible Story of Jesus turning water into wine, and praised God through song! Everyone is invited to join us each Monday through July 6 at 6:00 pm for Science Monday at Grace, 517 N. Queen Street.
Upcoming Events
August 7, 2026
First Friday Event
Join Trinity Lutheran Church for a Trinity First Friday Speaker Series event. Randy Harris of LancasterHistory.org, will present “Uncovering & Preserving Our Underground Railroad Heritage: Stories of People and Places Across the Commonwealth.” The evening begins at 5 pm with the playing of the Church bells and a short organ demonstration. The speaker presentation will start at 5:30 pm followed by sanctuary tours and refreshments. All activities will be held in the Church Sanctuary at the corner of Duke and Mifflin Streets. Free parking is provided.
August 9, 2026
Holy Trinity Fun Raiser Collection of Donations
Starting Sunday, August 9th to Wednesday, August 12th, Holy Trinity will be accepting donations of new or gently used men's, women's, and children's clothing; accessories, such as, shoes, purses/wallets, backpacks, hats, belts, scarves, ties, jewelry; plastic toys, board games, dolls, puzzles, toy cars; housewares, such as, pots/pans, dishes/stoneware, glassware; and, pet items.
August 9, 2026
Faith Talk after worship in the library and via zoom
Faith Talk continues the study of the Gospel of Luke. Chapter 2:41–52 and Chapter 3:1–22.
August 9, 2026
Adult Forum – The Old Testament
We'll take a dive into the Old Testament. Presentation led by Loren Good.
August 15, 2026
Holy Trinity Fun Raiser Event
Holy Trinity will be giving away all items collected over the past few days. We're calling it a Yard Sale, but we aren't raising money just fun! Our Yard Sale "Fun"-raiser starts at 8 am and goes until 11 am.
August 16, 2026
Faith Talk after worship in the library and via zoom
Faith Talk continues with the exploration of the Gospel of Luke, the 3rd chapter.
August 16, 2026
Adult Forum – Pastor Joel
Pastor Joel will lead a conversation, part of a continuing series....Let's Listen, Let's Talk.
August 23, 2026
Back to School Blessing
All students, teachers, and school administrators are invited to come forward for a special blessing during worship today. This is an annual occurrence at Holy Trinity we lift our students as well as those charged with their educational development.
August 23, 2026
Back to School Offering
Trinity will collect a special offering to benefit the Families In Transition Program or FIT. The FIT program helps remove barriers keeping students from education who are experiencing homelessness by supplying them with school supplies, transportation, personal care items, and some clothing. These special offerings will be collected August 23rd, August 30th, and September 6th. Please write "FIT" in the memo section of your checks! If you wish to give cash, please, put the money in an envelope marked "FIT".
August 23, 2026
Adult Forum – Cliff Eshbach – Tanzania update
Reverend Cliff Eshbach will share what was seen, heard, and experienced by a group of missionaries just having returned from Tanzania.
August 23, 2026
Faith Talk after worship in the library and via zoom
Doug Frazer continues with the study of Luke with chapter 4 verses 31-44.
August 30, 2026
Adult Forum – Worship and Music…the 2nd part
Organist and Choirmaster Chris Prestia will talk with us about music at Holy Trinity. What we sing and hear. Why. The relevance of music in our worship.
August 30, 2026
Faith Talk after worship in the library and via zoom
Doug Frazer continues with the study of Luke Chapter 5 verses 1-39
September 6, 2026
Lemonade on the Lawn
Our final lawn event for the summer. If the weather is inclement, we'll move inside.
September 13, 2026
God’s Work Our Hands
God's Work, Our Hands Sunday - Christian Education Classes for children and youth will start up on Sunday, September 13 for God's Work, Our Hands Sunday.
September 20, 2026
Worship and Picnic in the Park
On this Sunday, we'll worship in the park with Emmanuel and Christ Lutheran. The three congregations will worship together followed by a picnic beginning at 10:00am.