Outreach

PURPOSE OF SOCIAL MINISTRY OUTREACH

God has told us that because He loves all people that we are called to love all people. This value of loving all people is practically lived out through our Social Ministry and Missions at Trinity.

Social Outreach Ministries

Social Ministries empowers volunteers to become the hands and feet of Jesus. We are blessed with being able to work with so many opportunities. What price is put on changed lives—of the receivers as well as the givers?

HOME Ministry

HOME Ministry- (Hope Opportunity Mentoring Equipping)   While the task force continues to meet to develop a strong program to help families in Macomb County avoid homelessness, God continues to show us the need and His power to make this a reality.

Pastor Lew recently shared a story of God’s version of “a bag of money falling from the sky.” A women he met with was facing eviction. She was a substitute teacher who had fallen behind on her rent.  She had found a new job, however, the start date wasn’t soon enough to pay her balance by the court hearing.  Trinity was able to provide a “letter of commitment” for $400.00.  Pastor counseled her that “a bag of money was probably not going to drop out of the sky and on to her porch.”  The Good Shepherd Coalition and another church were also able to assist. However, she was still short of the full amount needed.

Prior to her court date, Pastor Lew and she prayed. While they prayed, Pastor mentioned the “the bag of money falling from the sky.” We believe God can do immeasurably more than we think to ask-so be bold in our asking!

After the court hearing, Pastor Lew was one of the first people she called.   She told him, “Pastor Lew, a bag of money did not fall from the sky last night—BUT—God sent me an HOUR GLASS!” The court gave her 3 weeks to come up with the money needed.  She was starting her new job which would give her a check in 2 weeks.

This sister in Christ may have more challenges ahead, but Trinity was able to provide her a wonderful example of what it means to trust in God and He will provide.

The HOME Ministry is working towards developing programs which, through collaboration with other organizations, will mentor and equip families who are facing eviction and homelessness. Please continue to pray for this ministry.

Trinity Kids Closet

Trinity’s Kids Closet is dedicated to supplementing closets and providing for clothing needs of children in Macomb County free of charge. 

The Kids Closet works with local ministries and organizations to connect with families, schools, foster parents & social workers helping to ensure that each child has what they need.

The Kids Closet is located in the accessory building at Trinity Utica. This is in the North End of our Parking Lot, next to the large Playground Structure.

Tuesdays: 10 AM – 2 PM*
*Open until 6 PM on the last Tuesday each month by appointment only-call to schedule*

Upcoming Holiday Closures:

  • July 4, 2023
  • September 5, 2023
  • December 26, 2023
  • January 2, 2024

Church Phone: 586-731-4490
Email: kidscloset@trinityutica.com

 

Trinity BUILD Team (Previously L.E.R.T.)

Responding to these hurting people is a vital part of who we are as members of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS).  We show mercy and love to our communities because of the great grace and love that God has first shown to us. Trinity’s Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) trains to be prepared to show Christ’s love to the community when a disaster strikes.

As our community has been blessed, our need for disaster response is less than support within our community. Trinity’s L.E.R.T. Team has transitioned to assisting members and local neighbors in need with small build projects (such as ramps or minor home repairs) deemed necessary by Departments of Health and Human Services.

Here are three ways you can help Trinity’s L.E.R.T Team:

1. Pray for L.E.R.T. as they work to assist those in need.

2. Volunteer your time to assist those disaster victims by training and showing your Christian compassion and mercy with dirty hands and a smiling face.

3. Support the Trinity L.E.R.T. Team with funding.  As with all disasters, you hear the call for monetary donations.  Money enables L.E.R.T. to help those in need by strategically placing the funds where needed most.

Family Feud Fundraiser

Let’s Play The Feud!

Hosted by Trinity Lutheran Church, Utica – Our very own game show host and judge/announcer pit six charities against each other to win prize money and raise funds during three fun filled games. Between the games guests enjoy hors d’oeuvres and bid on silent auction items. All proceeds from the event are split between the competing charities.

Click Here for photos and details on this year’s event!

Free Oil Change Ministry

The Free Oil Change Ministry is sponsored in partnership by Utica United Methodist Church, Trinity Lutheran Church and King of Kings Lutheran Church.

 

This Ministry Event is designed to serve single parents in need. Qualifications include current enrollment in Medicaid, SNAP/BRIDGE/WIC Programs, other assistance in Macomb County or direct referral. If this applies to you, we would like to invite you to receive a Free Oil Change.

Please complete the registration information completely to help us best prepare for your visit. All information will be required in order to complete an oil change as scheduled.

Oil Changes will be done at:

Utica United Methodist Church
between Canal & Clinton Rived Roads (Hall & Van Dyke)
8650 Canal Road
Sterling Heights, MI 48314
You will receive verification of your appointment prior to Saturday the 8th. If you are unable to attend the day of the event – Please call 586-731-490 ext 230 to notify our schedulers. This a ONE DAY event that will take place rain or shine, there will be no alternative date provided.

Please arrive during your scheduled time and our oil changing volunteers will do their best to keep things moving quickly as scheduled. An area for children to play will be available in the Fellowship Hall where you will wait while your car is serviced.

**Registration must be completed by September 23, 2023**

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Food Ministries

Trinity’s Food ministry consists of a network of charitable sources including Caterers, Forgotten Harvest and Donations from our community. We pick-up food donations from various locations, re-purpose and re-distribute between our Sunday Meal Program, Delivering Disciples and our Meal Ministry Partnerships. We work with Family of God, the Detroit Rescue Mission, Life Challenge, QTMC, Lighthouse, MCREST and People’s Missionary to assist them with serving people in need in their neighborhoods.

Meal Ministry

A kitchen crew gathers on Mondays from 12:30-2:30 to process donations and prepare meals for various ministries. Please contact Dawn Janicki at djanicki@trinityutica.com for more information or to get involved!

Delivering Disciples
Mission Statement

Delivering Disciples is dedicated to providing pre-packaged, healthy meals at no cost to those who are unable to either get or prepare their own meals.

Motto

Matthew 4:4 “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone,but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” We bring good food to those in need!

How We Serve

Prepackaged Frozen meals – Delivering Disciples prepares meals in a ServSafe Certified Kitchen that is registered with the Department of Health. Eats are prepared, cooled, packaged and frozen for distribution in freezer and microwave safe containers making them easy to warm and eat.

Who We Serve

Senior Living Facilities – Delivering Disciples will deliver meals to Senior Living Facilities with community members that are unable to acquire or prepare their own foods

Individuals – Delivering Disciples will deliver meals to qualifying individuals living in homes or apartments in our neighboring community.

Charitable Organizations – Delivering Disciples partners with local homeless shelters and meal ministries to assist with food distribution on an as-needed basis.

SIGN UP TO RECEIVE MEALS

To find out more, please download the Delivering Disciples Brochure here or email deliveringdisciples@trinityutica.com.

Holiday Meal Baskets

Trinity’s Food Ministry provides holiday food baskets to Macomb County individuals and families in need with a frozen ham or turkey and non-perishable items needed to prepare a holiday meal the week prior to Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Meal baskets are delivered to the doorsteps of our neighbors in need the Sunday before each holiday.

Recipients:

  • Delivery Requests: We do ask that families be in a 5-10 mile radius for delivery unless there are special circumstances we can take into consideration.
  • Recipients may alternatively choose to pick up a registered basket from Trinity on the designated date between 1-2:30pm.
  • Baskets are able to be picked up from our accessory building located in the North end of of our parking lot near the Playground.

Volunteers:

  • Our volunteer teams will be packing the baskets Sunday early afternoon and delivering them in the mid-afternoon.
  • Volunteers are needed to help gather donations, sort donations, pack baskets and deliver baskets leading up to and on the date of our event.

We pray that these non-perishables and food items bless each family as we celebrate together our thankfulness, the birth and the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Please direct additional questions via email to socialministry@trinityutica.com 

SSS - Supper/Sack Lunch/Showers
  • What began with only 1 or 2 guests in August 2002, SSS has grown to average 110 guests each Sunday.  15% of our guests are homeless, and the rest of our guests are often income-challenged. We bring our community a hot meal on Sundays from 1:00 to 3:00 and more importantly, our  community meal provides fellowship that many people don’t receive during the week.
  • The meal (all you can eat until) has been provided every Sunday for 20 years, even on holidays.  Bible Study runs from 2:00 to 2:30, showers: 12:30 to 2:00, haircuts (when available): 1:00 to 2:30 and a sack lunch is available to each guest as they leave.
  • SSS is open to volunteers but groups are limited to 6-8 people.  At times, we are booked with volunteers for a number of weeks in advance.
  • Our meal operates out of a Licensed and Inspected commercial kitchen. Several Lead volunteers and staff are ServSafe certified and trained in food handling and safety protocols for health and quality assurance.
  • Register to Volunteer on Sundays here: https://trinityutica.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2164764
  • For more information on assisting with laundry or assembling sack lunches please email sssvolunteer@trinityutica.com.

Partner Ministries

Trinity is blessed to partner with several local organizations to do works in the community. We rely on our relationships with ministries nearby to help provide for our neighbors in need in the most efficient way by getting involved through financial support, group opportunities or individually.

Camp Restore Detroit

I would like to bring some visibility to a ministry operating in the city of Detroit I personally support.  In early 2017 I joined the ministry “Steering Committee” for the formation of Camp Restore Detroit (CRD).  CRD is not a 501(c) 3 non-profit ministry working out of a sister LCMS congregation, Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Detroit.  I was asked to join the Board of Directors and currently serve as a member of that board.

Our Michigan District has loaned CRD $250,000 to get the effort up and running, and it has been operating now for the last two summers.  What was once a vibrant and productive community decades ago has deteriorated into almost a forgotten wasteland dotted with a few remaining houses.  The devastation has been termed a “hurricane without water.”  But the compelling love of Jesus will not allow this congregation’s effort to go unnoticed.

CRD is a bridge to the community that provides volunteers – from all over the United States – wishing to partner with the community to bring hope and restoration back to the people.  The camp provides beds and food to volunteers, and coordinates all their service and partnerships in the city (Michigan District).

If you would be willing to assist CRD in the rebuilding efforts you will realize just what a unique opportunity you have to spread God’s LOVE and bring HOPE for a brighter future to many as well as meeting and working side-by-side with people who share the same mission and vision you have through a relationship with Jesus.

-Pastor Lew Stier

MCREST

 

MCREST shelters 60 people each night of the year by working with 65 churches that open their doors for a week at a time as a shelter.  All meals, transportation, safety, clothing needs, laundry, etc. are provided by over 200 volunteers and a steering committee of 15.

Trinity began working with the MCREST program in 1999. Trinity Lutheran Church hosts annually during the last full week of July. The Macomb County Rotating Emergency Shelter Team (MCREST) offers job readiness, placement and additional learning resources to help those awaiting transitional housing. For more information regarding this program or organization please visit www.MCREST.org.

Thank you for your interest in helping Trinity serve our community in partnership with MCREST (Macomb County Rotating Emergency Shelter Team).  We provide them with Shelter and Food as well as Laundry, Showers, Fellowship, Transportation and by fulfilling needs as we work with case managers helping them to find stable housing solutions.

In order for our host week to be successful, we require donations and volunteers to help keep things running smoothly. From set-up, tear-down, meal serving and preparation, to laundry, check-in, safety and security we have a job that will fit anyone!

Please consider signing up to assist with a day (or more) as you are able! Invite a friend or family member to come along and use it as an opportunity to serve together! Sign up to volunteer here.

Please contact Jenny at jjaroneski@trinityutica.com with any questions.

 

Motown Soup

Motown Soup has been helping our community feed and shelter people by donating $1,860,000 over the past 18 years.  This amount has been earned with the continued support of our volunteers and customers. Know that while you are eating our product, someone less fortunate is eating too.  Because of your purchase today, you are helping support the fight to end homelessness or hunger right here in Michigan.

Motown Soup is a 100% volunteer organization.  100% of our profits are given to Michigan Non-Profits that are:

  • Food Banks / Food Pantries
  • Homeless Shelters
  • Soup Kitchens

You can continue to support these groups through the purchase of the products offered by Motown Soup:

  • Over 20 varieties of soup
  • Baked Goods
  • Dips
  • Gift Boxes for all occasions

Or partnering with Motown Soup through:

  • Fundraising
  • Retail
  • Corporate Gifts (Tailored to your needs)

Make sure to visit us at:  www.motownsoup.com for the most current and up-to-date information on:

  • Product information/ordering for pick-up or to ship throughout the United States
  • Where to purchase Motown Soup
  • Motown Soup booths at craft shows and other events
  • Volunteer Opportunities
Trinity Community Care

Trinity Community Care is a free clinic established in 2013 in a 2000 square foot store front at 47511 Van Dyke, just north of 21 Mile Road, in Shelby Township. After merging local concerns for health of the poor with medical mission trips, a separate 501c3 non-profit was formed to provide answers to the uninsured and the under insured. Trinity Community Care offers dental and medical help at 47511 Van Dyke on Sundays.  Troy Beaumont Hospital, Wheat Ridge Ministries and Motown Soup grants as well as other donations and fund raisers have helped TCC open their doors. Meaningful volunteer opportunities for clinicians and non-clinicians are available, where they will be able to see first-hand their impact on the local community.

Medical, dental, pharmacy, social and spiritual support services are provided to those with incomes at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, who do not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid. Medical services are available to those ages 19-64, and dental services to those aged 19 and older. Care is provided by volunteer doctors, nurses, social workers, dentists, hygienists, and assistants. Focusing on whole person care, clinic volunteers will also help patients navigate their care by offering individual support services, referrals, screenings, benefits counseling and educational classes during the week.

The clinic is currently open on Sundays by appointment only. For further information or to volunteer, please contact us at 586-649-3014 or trinitycommunitycare@gmail.com.

Global Missions

Jesus has a heart for the whole world, so as His disciples at Trinity we also do. This heart is shown through our current partnerships listed below.

Haiti Mission

Working in partnership with the local Lutheran Church, our team will reach out with the love of Jesus as we provide medical care, community health education, and experience the life and culture of Haiti. This will be the eighth mission team to Ouanaminthe, Haiti!  Although medical professionals are needed, we also welcome people without a medical background to assist in the clinic.

Rev. Daniel Paul leads a church, girls and boys orphanages, and a school in Ouanaminthe, Haiti, all of which are all government accredited. Support and oversight are supplied by North East Haiti Lutheran Mission (nehlm.org) – started by Faith Lutheran Church, La Grande, Oregon and Lamb of God LCMS, Lake Stevens, Washington. The Church in Ouanaminthe is recognized and in fellowship with Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS).

Please pray and consider joining us in this incredible ministry.

LAMP

LAMP is Lutheran Association of Missionary Pilots.  LAMP is a cross-cultural ministry that has been sharing Jesus Christ with God’s people in remote areas of Canada since 1970 through the ministry of pastor/missionary/pilots, and short and long-term volunteers-in-mission. Each year over 5,000 children, youth and adults are impacted by the ministry of LAMP.

Why should you serve with LAMP?

1.) Opportunities to proclaim the gospel

“If we are sharing and showing love, we may be impacting someone without realizing it. If we can give His LOVE and HOPE to one person, it is a trip well worth the time.”

— LAMP Volunteer

2.) Eye-opening and life-changing experiences

“I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew it would be difficult, but I had no idea how rewarding it would be to work with the children and see my fellow team members with kids clinging to them!”

— LAMP Volunteer

3.) Develop relationships and grow in faith

“I understand better that serving God is not always about the words we share, but often just about being there.”

— LAMP Volunteer

4.) The need to hear of God’s love found in Jesus

“While in the community, a young man working in the store thanked us for what we were doing. He remembered the previous LAMP team from Texas. He said it was because of VBS and the team that he believes in God and goes to church regularly… and then we saw him at church.”

— LAMP Volunteer

5.) Strong relationships and respect in the community with invitations to serve alongside them

“We sometimes need outside help to encourage those who are doing ministries in their communities. They help lots to bring the gospel to people who have no help and no hope. People think nothing will change. We need to give them hope in Christ. We need people to encourage the workers — pastors, ministers, etc. They rejuvenate and uplift us workers.”

— Pelican Narrows community member

God taught me that His will is the best plan for my life. Every year I serve with LAMP, I am reminded of this truth, and it becomes very evident. (Steven – Sucker River, SK)

Trinity Lutheran Church has been sending teams in support of LAMP since 2015.   Lately, we have been sending teams to Sucker River 156C Indian Reserve of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band in Saskatchewan, Canada.  The team has been conducting vacation Bible school with the children of the community.  We are also working on establishing relationships with members of the community.  Last year we hosted a community dinner which allowed the team to make connections with the adults in the community.   Each year the trip is the first full week of August.    If you would like further information on LAMP or would consider taking part, please contact Cindy Gliesman at 586-557-5576.

Mission Central

Mission Central is the largest mission network that is providing support to LCMS Office of International and National Mission also known to many people as LCMS World Mission. It continues to be blessed by God as a conduit to raise millions of dollars every year to send and keep missionaries in the mission field.

Mission Central Provides a comprehensive listing of active missionaries and mission projects throughout the world. Visit Mission Central Website

LWML - Lutheran Women In Mission

Visit the webpage:

Who We Are

The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) is an official auxiliary of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Since 1942, the LWML has focused on affirming each woman’s relationship with Christ, encouraging and equipping women to live out their Christian lives in active mission ministries and to support global missions.

 

Volunteer Opportunities

At Trinity we share the love of Jesus with our neighbors on an on-going basis! There are plenty of opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus as you serve in our social ministry.

Who To Contact

Pastor Lew Stier

Associate Pastor of Outreach

Jenny Jaroneski

Social Ministry Associate

Volunteer Team Contacts

Delivering Disciples

SSS Meal Ministry

Trinity Kid's Closet

Welcome to Trinity!
Hello! How can we help you today?
Fields marked with an * are required