Outreach Commission

“Sharing the Good News of Christ in as many ways as possible, as often as possible, and to as many as possible.”

First Sundays…For New Members and Recent Visitors All new members and recent visitors are invited to come and visit with the Connections Team and Pastor at First Sundays. This event takes place on the first Sunday of each month from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the East Campus. Join us in the Conference Room in the church office for a casual half hour of hospitality and conversation about Trinity’s ministries and activities. This is another great opportunity to learn about Trinity and “get connected!” Please direct questions to the East Campus Connections Team: Naomi Glynn 913.677.5241; Chris Haden: 913.722.6022; Dawn & Wes Hargis: 913.538.5575 or Pamela Castrey, Coordinator: 913.563.5205 or pam@tlcms.org.

Let’s keep our reputation as a “Friendly Church!”
On any given Sunday, we have first time visitors at all our services at each campus. We don’t want to overwhelm a visitors with attention; however, some common courtesies are in order:

• Please remember to move to the middle of a row and make room for late arrivals.
• Some visitors are unaware of our worship routine and need a little assistance along the way.
• If you introduce yourself, please don’t ask if they are a member. This is offensive to some.
• Visitors may need directions to an area of the building—please help them out!

Thanks for offering hospitality to all who enter the Trinity doors.

Report on Religion in America
America’s unchurched are willing to hear what people have to say about Christianity, but a majority also sees the church as a place full of hypocrites, finds a LifeWay Research study. 72% of those interviewed think the church “is full of hypocrites.” Yet 71% said they believe Jesus “makes a positive difference in a person’s life” and 78% would “be willing to listen” to someone who wanted to share what they believed about Christianity. While 64% think “the Christian religion is relevant and viable for today,” 72% of unchurched adults believe God, a higher or supreme being actually exists. Only 48% agree there is only one God as described in the Bible, and 61% believe the God of the Bible is no different from gods or spiritual beings depicted in non-Christian religions. Up from 17% in ’04, 22% of Americans say they never go to church (highest ever recorded by the General Social Survey). 79% of unchurched Americans think Christianity today is more about organized religion than about loving God and loving people; 86% believe they can have a good relationship with God without being involved in church. 44% said Christians “get on my nerves.” Yet, 89% of the unchurched have at least one close Christian friend. And while turned off by church, 78% are willing to listen to someone who wants to talk about their Christian beliefs. The number rose to 89% among adults ages 18-29. Additionally, 78% said they would enjoy an honest conversation with a friend about religious and spiritual beliefs, even if they disagreed. Only 28% think Christians they know talk to them too much about their beliefs.

Gift Bags available at the East Campus!
Do you have a new neighbor? If they have children, we have gift bags available with several goodies inside. Personalize the bags with a note, cookies or whatever you choose. You new neighbor will have a warm greeting from Trinity Lutheran Church thanks to you. Look for Trinity cards coming soon. Do you have other ideas about new neighbor gifts? Email Tony Whitter or call: 913.345.0404. Thanks to Chris Haden!

Trinity participated in the Turkey Creek festival with a booth, over 40 volunteers in the parade, and the Youth Band performing on a float. The Trinity balloons were one of the most popular items! Below are some pictures from the event the past 2 years.

Outreach is vital to our future as a church. Jesus directed his followers to “Go and make disciples of all nations.” The function of the Outreach Commission is to provide training, opportunities, and settings whereby the unchurched and pre-saved can experience the love of God through His Word and the lives of His people. Some of Trinity's Guest Ministry Outreach activities are:

• Worship Greeters
• First Time Visitor Callers
• Visitor Data Entry
• Orientation Class
• Welcome Center Attendants
• The Electronic Sign
• Marketing/Publicity Committee

Learn more about the Outreach CD “Light of Healing & Hope” which is available to share with your friends, family, neighbors and acquaintances, particularly those in times of spiritual, physical or emotional stress. This was recorded in 2005 by Trinity musicians and friends from both campuses.

Trinity has a portable Display Board to take to community events. The board will be used to educate others about both Trinity campuses, the preschool and other church events. If you have photos from church events, please email them to Shawn Veal as we may be able to use them for displays.

New Member Assimilation
The Connections Team works in this area to help new members become a part of the Trinity family. They develop a relationship with new members, invite them to join in activities at the church and introduce them to other members. A New Member Dinner is held at least annually to help further connect these new members.

Relationship-Building
Relationships are the way into people's hearts. It might begin with being a good neighbor, becoming friends, spending time together, gaining trust, walking through the door and then sharing one's own personal story. It's all about getting to know people and gradually sharing your faith. It requires using a gentle, caring, accepting approach.

For more information, or to get involved in Outreach, contact Tony Whitter