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)
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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
June 23, 2026
Lutheran World Relief Personal Care Kits
International Ministries is collecting LWR Personal Care Kits from Sunday June 28 – August 2nd. Assembled kits can be dropped in collection bins located the church narthex on Sunday mornings or at the church office during the week. LWR Personal Care Kit instructions can be found at https://lwr.org/kits/personal-care-kits. Or, visit our International Ministry Page and click on the "here" link. Please Contact Sally Bair or Bruce Stauffer if you have any questions.
June 28, 2026
Adult Forum – Peace and Justice
Peace and Justice in the Bible and at Holy Trinity today
June 28, 2026
Faith Talk after worship in the library and via zoom
We will conclude our study of the 12th chapter of Romans
June 29, 2026
Science Mondays Vacation Bible School!
Summer Vacation Bible School continues on Monday evenings through July 6th beginning at 6:00pm, concluding at 8:00pm. This year's theme is God's Wonder Lab, Science Monday. A collaborative ministry between Grace Lutheran Church and Trinity Lutheran Church. Grace Lutheran Church is hosting each week at 517 N Queen St, Lancaster, PA 17603. For questions please contact Rachel Kramer, rachel@trinitylancaster.org.
July 3, 2026
Holy Trinity First Friday
Holy Trinity hosts a timely presentation Friday, July 3rd. Tim Slaugh will talk about the role Holy Trinity played in the Revolutionary War. It was a prominent role to be sure. The evening begins with a ringing of the bells at 5:00 followed by a short organ performance. The presentation begins at 5:30 and concludes by 6:00 with historical tours offered afterwards for those interested.
July 5, 2026
Worship July 4th weekend at Holy Trinity
In commemoration of the 250th anniversary of our country, Holy Trinity's worship service will be tailored to the occasion. A pipe and drum prelude processional followed by a reading of the Declaration of Independence. The sermon that day will explore a message relevant to the celebration.
July 5, 2026
Faith Talk after worship in the library and via zoom
Our journey through the book of Romans continues with Chapter 14.
July 8, 2026
Declaration of Independence Reading
At 12 noon July 8th, several downtown church communities will gather at Lancaster's Penn Square and deliver a reading of the Declaration of Independence. It was on this day in 1776, the the Declaration was first heard in Lancaster.
July 12, 2026
Faith Talk after worship in the library and via zoom
We will continue studying Paul's teaching in the Book Of Romans, chapter 15.
July 12, 2026
Adult Forum, Let’s Listen Let’s Talk with Pastor Joel
An ongoing series with Pastor Joel where he will address a particular topic and we'll have a conversation around that.
July 19, 2026
Adult Forum – Holy Trinity Going Solar, In Part
We will hear from representatives of the ad hoc small group that has been working with Solar providers to help Trinity with energy efficiency.
July 26, 2026
Adult Forum – it’s all about the Bees, Honey that is
Christina Seldomridge, apiarist(beekeeper) will talk with us about the importance of this small insect in God's creation. There's more to what they do than manufacture honey.