Newsletter

New Year New Life

From Joe

What makes a year “new”? If each year were filled with the same things, the same troubles, the same blessings, the same experience day after day, could it really be called new? The new year has long been seen as a time of new beginnings. A new year gives us the hope that things might be different this time around, that things will be better as time moves on.

Yet, in order for things to be truly different in our lives, our lives must be truly different. If you were to live the same way, be the same person, make the same choices, could you really be called new? Of course not. New life is found in new living.

As Christians we celebrate the gift of a new life through faith in Jesus Christ. We celebrate that because of Jesus there really is a new beginning because he gives us the power to live a new life of love toward God and toward each other. Will this year really be “New”? By God’s grace it can be.

This year we can lay hold of a new life as we live out our faith in Christ day by day. We see our Lord at work through his many blessings here at Trinity as we welcome new faces to our congregation and staff, there really is new life to live together.

I pray for your new year, that it will truly be new, that your life will be renewed in Christ as you follow him in this year ahead. May your eyes be opened anew to God’s Word, may you know that your prayers are heard by our Lord, and may your thoughts, words, and deeds be formed into a new and greater life in this year ahead.

McFrederick

A Beautiful Advent & Christmas Season

As we conclude the joyful season of Advent, and the celebration of Christmas, there is a heartfelt gratitude for so much. We are truly thankful to each of the volunteers, musicians, and ministry leaders who offered their care, time, and service to create a warm and welcoming environment, allowing our community to celebrate God’s presence and blessings during this sacred time. We are also immensely grateful to our church leadership and pastoral staff for their many contributions throughout this season! If you haven’t already, consider taking a moment to share with our staff members how the gifts of their presence and efforts have impacted you during this season.

More than anything, we are grateful to God, and the life that has been shared with us through the gift of Jesus Christ! May God continue to guide and bless our community—both Trinity and the greater Ashland area—abundantly in the new year ahead.

advent 2025

Highlighted

Announcements

Congregational Meeting

Sunday, Jan 26th | 7pm

Save the date! All Trinity members are invited to a special

Congregational Meeting on Sunday, January 26th, at 7pm.

At this meeting, we will:

  • Vote on a constitutional amendment to allow the annual budget to be approved at the start of the year.
  • Approve the 2025 Congregational Budget.

This adjustment will streamline our budgeting process, ensuring ministries can begin each year fully supported. Your participation is vital as we make these important decisions for the future of Trinity.


WELCOME BEN Mollohan: Associate pastor

pastor ben mollohanWe’re excited to welcome Pastor Benjamin Mollohan who is joining Trinity Lutheran Church as Associate Pastor, bringing over a decade of ministry experience and a heart for proclaiming Christ. Originally from Gallipolis, Ohio, he holds a Master of Divinity from Liberty University and most recently served as Associate Pastor of Worship and Youth at Moundsville Baptist Church in West Virginia. Pastor Ben and his wife, Kayla, have three children—Judah, Augustine, and Imogen—and enjoy hiking, reading, and family time. While coming from a Baptist tradition, he has been drawn to the Lutheran Church, sharing, “I have become increasingly convinced that the Lutheran view most clearly proclaims Christ for the world and most adheres to the witness of the Scriptures.” Now pursuing ordination in the Lutheran Church through the colloquy process, he looks forward to becoming part of the Trinity community and sharing God’s love in this new chapter of ministry.


WELCOME Mackenzie Every: Director of Communications

mackenzie everyWe’re thrilled to welcome MacKenzie Every to the Trinity family!  Born and raised in Ashland, MacKenzie recently returned to her
hometown after living in Columbus. She and her husband, Austin, have deep roots at Trinity, where MacKenzie attended preschool and catechism. With a love for reading, playing and coaching volleyball, and spending time outdoors with friends, MacKenzie is eager to connect with the congregation and grow both personally and in service to the church.

 

 

Celebrations

Celebrating January Birthdays

Let’s shower our cherished members 85 and over with lots of love and well-wishes as they celebrate their birthdays this month!

  • Norma Hiner | January 3rd
  • William Hawkins | January 5th
  • Donna Wolf | January 16th
  • Rebecca Humrichouser | January 17th
  • Alice Fetzer | January 19th
  • Judy Eagle | January 21st

Youth

Ministry

Music

Ministry

Choir Rehearsal Schedule

Various days & times | Beginning in September & October

Join us in creating music, community, and worship! No prior singing experience is required. View the schedule for our various choirs below, and contact Kim Wolbert for more information at kim@trinityashland.org.

  • Children’s Choirs (Pre-K – Grade 6) | Wednesdays 6- 7pm | Trinity Preschool & Assembly Rooms
  • High Praise Youth Choir (Grades 7-12) | Downstairs Choir Room
  • Men’s Choir | 9/17, 9/23, 10/1, 10/7, 10/10 7-8:30pm | Sanctuary
  • Adult Choir | Wednesdays 7-8:30pm | Choir Loft
  • Luther Bell Choir (Grades 2-6) | Wednesdays 4:30-5:15pm | Mitchell Hall
  • Trinity Bell Choir (Experienced) | Wednesdays 6-7pm | Mitchell Hall
  • Sunrise Singers | First Monday of each Month at 7pm | Music Room

 

Senior

Ministry

Expressions of Faith

Friday, Jan 17th | Noon | Lower Level Hallway

Do you enjoy making greeting cards? Join us for Expressions of Faith, a creative time for anyone interested in crafting cards. Bring your lunch and any ideas you’d like to share—we’d love to see your creativity in action! No sign up needed.

Women's

Ministry

Men's

Ministry

Missions & outreach

Updates

Christian

Education

Preschool

Montessori

Preschool registration now open

Serving ages 2 ½ to 5 years of age. We follow the Montessori philosophy. In addition, we offer spiritual formation and experiential music enrichment. Our program provides individualized learning. Enrollment packets are available outside the Montessori office. For additional questions, please contact Cindy Duffey at (419) 289-2126 or montessori@trinityashland.org.

Get

Involved

WHERE WILL YOU SERVE? EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES

Job Opportunities

Please visit our job opportunities page for a full list of qualifications and full instructions on how to apply.

Volunteer Opportunities

At Trinity, we strive to serve others and make a difference in our community, just as Jesus calls us to do. We need your help continuing our mission through these service opportunities:

  • Event Setup: We’re looking for volunteers to join a list of people who can be called upon to help set up tables and chairs for various church events. It often takes a long time for one person to handle this alone, so having a team will make the process much quicker and easier. If you’re available and willing to assist, please contact Jeff Gray at jwgray1@outlook.com. Ideally, we’re hoping to gather a list of 10-12 volunteers. Your support is greatly appreciated! Thank you for helping serve our church and the greater Ashland community by helping our events run smoothly.
  • Food & Fellowship: Do you enjoy baking or connecting with new people? Our Olive Tree Cafe needs bakers to donate tasty treats and friendly hosts to greet visitors. You’ll be providing hospitality and helping newcomers feel welcome.
  • First Impressions: Help make a great first impression by volunteering at our Information Desk, welcoming new faces, and guiding people to classes and services. Your warmth and assistance can make someone’s day.
  • Radio Ministry: If you prefer behind-the-scenes work, we need help running our radio ministry programs. You’ll be spreading God’s message near and far from the comfort of our church.
  • Rides: We have members in need of transportation to attend church events. Are you willing to be the hands and feet of Jesus by providing the occasional ride? Any time you can volunteer is greatly appreciated and makes a lasting difference. Please contact the church office if you can help or know someone who can. As a Trinity family, let’s make sure transportation is not a barrier to participating in our church.

Jesus tells us that whatever we do for others, we do for Him. Through volunteering with us, you can share your gifts and passions while walking in Christ’s footsteps. Contact us today to get involved!

Community

Partnerships

what's on the

Menu?

5:30-6pm in Jack’s Place | Suggested donation $5 *Please note all meals are subject to change. 

RSVP encouraged by Tuesday. Call ahead for carry-out.
Please call: Peggy: (419) 210-5226 | Robin: (419) 632-5097

Jan 1
Happy New Year

No meal will be served.

Jan 8
Beef & Noodles

Mashed Potatoes, Corn, & Cherry Poke Cake

Jan 15
Chicken Pot Pie

Salad & Chocolate Cake with White Frosting

Jan 22
Goulash

Corn Bread & Cheesecake

Jan 29
Meat Loaf

Scalloped Potatoes, Mixed Vegetables, & Brownies

Attendance

& Giving

October 2024 ATTENDANCE
Date Sunday School Church Services
10/5-6 98 312
10/12-13 115 303
10/19-20 91 449
10/26-27 105 465

 

October 2024 Receipts
10/6 $27,065
10/13 $23,463
10/20 $13,206
10/27 $28,396
October Operating Fund YTD
Income $814,350
Disbursements $1,023,274
Deficit -$201,063
Weekly Income Needed for Operating Budget $23,797

COUNCIL NOTES

& NEWS

Meeting Highlights

Pastor’s Opening Reflection

Pastor Kevin reflected on the humble arrival of Christ as an infant, emphasizing faith in the unexpected and the power of God revealed through humility. He encouraged the council to embody this faith through love and sacrifice in their work together.

Approval of Minutes

Gary moved to approve the November minutes, seconded by Becky. Motion carried.

Staff Updates

  • Pastor Ben Mollohan and MacKenzie Every began their roles this week.
  • Rae Harris’s last day as Communications Director is Thursday.
  • Joellen Smalley has returned on a reduced schedule to assist with Christmas bulletins.
  • Wendy Shreffler fell and broke her arm.

Old Business

  • The 2025 Operations Budget was approved to present to the congregation at the January 26, 2025, meeting.
  • A motion was passed to update the Constitution to require annual congregational approval of the budget.

Christian Education

  • A “Birthday Party for Jesus” will replace K-6 Sunday School classes on December 22nd with a lesson, music, games, and cookie decorating.
  • No Sunday School for children on December 29th.

Outreach

  • The Outreach Committee received 337 ballots for fund distribution this year, with $225,009 to allocate.
  • The council approved the Outreach Funds grants as outlined in the distribution table.

Personnel Committee

  • Holiday pay eligibility in the Employee Handbook was updated.
  • Christmas bonuses were approved: $250 for staff employed since July 1 and $50 for staff employed at least 60 days.
  • The council approved funding for a staff Christmas party.

Property and Grounds

  • Approval was given for Kahls Electric to address wiring issues near the organ and piano.
  • Barefoot Floors will install new flooring on the choir stage after the wiring project.

Worship and Music

  • Christmas services include four Christmas Eve services (4pm, 6 pm, 7:30 pm, and 10pm) and a Christmas Day Service of Lessons and Carols at 10:30am.
  • Choirs will resume rehearsals the week of January 6th.

Youth Ministry

  • Upcoming youth events:
    • Dec. 18th: Minute to Win It
    • Jan. 15th: Pictionary
    • Feb. 19th: Pickleball (with costumes)
    • March 26th: Outreach for shut-ins
    • April 30th: Mini Golf in the church
    • May 21th: Senior Dinner

Women and Children

  • Kristen McClain is developing new baptism gifts and creating a schedule to connect with new parents.
  • Toddler Time begins mid-January, and Girls’ Night Out will feature a comedy movie night.
  • Nursery renovations are progressing, with painting nearly complete.

Adjournment

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, followed by the Lord’s Prayer.