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
Easter Egg Stuffing Party
A Fish Fry, featuring cod tenderloin, seared boneless chicken breast, and potato au gratin were served(just kidding....fish sticks, chicken nuggets and fries) before the annual "egg stuffing" party began. All in preparation for Holy Trinity's Community Easter Egg Hunt.
Holy Trinity Journey Through Holy Week
After our education hour Palm Sunday, Rachel Kramer, Director of Children and Family Ministry, led an interactive event taking our youngest disciples on a Holy Week journey beginning with Jesus's triumphant entry into Jerusalem to his death on the cross. Here, Judy Kitsock is coordinating a prayer box activity.
Hudson Heisey Playing the Postlude
Hudson once again shared his talent with the Trinity faithful. This time, playing the Postlude Sunday, March 17th.
Upcoming Events
Quest for Learning
Spring 2024 Quest for Learning is underway. Thursday mornings through May 9th. You can get more details at https://www.questlancaster.org/
April 20, 2024
Lancaster Festival of Voices
Music for Everyone presents a concert for your enjoyment. The concert begins at 6:30pm in the Historic Holy Trinity Lutheran sanctuary.
April 21, 2024
Adult Forum – The ELCA – Young Adults in Mission(YAGM)
Quentin Bernhard – an alum of this mission who was part of the cohort in Senegal will share his experience about this wonderful ministry.
April 21, 2024
Faith Talk in the library and via zoom beginning at 10:45am
Basically Lutheran The Heart of the Reformation – Augsburg Confession 4 – Justified by Grace Through Faith
April 27, 2024
African American Historical Society Annual Tea at Trinity
The South Central, PA chapter will hold their Annual Tea event Saturday, April 27th at Holy Trinity.
April 28, 2024
Annual report to the congregation from the Vestry
In lieu of adult forum we will gather in the auditorium after worship for fellowship and a meal followed by an annual report from vestry. Please plan to attend. Another opportunity to listen and ask questions.
May 5, 2024
Adult Forum – We’re having a baby shower!!!
The Easter season commemorates the time that Jesus spent with his disciples following the resurrection, prior to his ascension. To mark this special time in our church calendar, we are celebrating with a Baby Shower for Bethany Christian Services! A crib will appear in the narthex April 7th through May 5th. Please drop a Baby Shower gift of diapers before or after worship. Then, join the party Sunday, May 5th following worship during the Forum in Fondersmith Auditorium for special refreshments and Baby Shower games!
May 5, 2024
Faith Talk beginning at 10:45am in the library and via zoom
Basically Lutheran The Two Natures of Christ
May 12, 2024
Adult Forum
Meet and Greet with Holy Trinity's new organist and choirmaster.
May 12, 2024
Faith Talk beginning at 10:45am in the library and via zoom
Basically Lutheran Law and Gospel
May 15, 2024
Career Connections
Holy Trinity Lutheran is hosting an event for young career minded professionals. The event will begin at 6:00pm in the cafe of The Fisher Parish House, 31 South Duke Street in downtown Lancaster. Plenty of free parking is available in our two lots that you can access from the alley off of Duke Street. After refreshments and light snacks, we'll walk down the hall to our chapel to hear from our guest speaker, Deborah Brandt of Fig Industries. A sign up on Eventbrite will be live so you can register and we can then properly prepare. We look forward to hosting you!
May 17, 2024
MLK Scholarship Event
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church hosts the 43rd annual MLK Scholarship Event. Scholarships are awarded to JP McCaskey seniors. In 2023 more than $250,000 was given.
May 19, 2024
Adult Forum
Amos Stoltzfus and the SOWE team will share an update on progress with their Challenge Grant initiative, and the work they do in the community
May 26, 2024
Adult Forum
No forum today, we will enjoy lemonade and other delights on the front lawn after worship.
July 12, 2024
National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution
The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution will hold their annual convention in Lancaster, July of 2024. They have chosen Holy Trinity Lutheran Church to host the memorial service. Our historic and beautiful sanctuary is a fitting venue for such an occasion.