{"id":1719,"date":"2025-03-06T19:07:03","date_gmt":"2025-03-06T19:07:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trinitylclb.org\/?page_id=1719"},"modified":"2025-04-16T04:42:52","modified_gmt":"2025-04-16T04:42:52","slug":"welcome","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/trinitylclb.org\/?page_id=1719","title":{"rendered":"Welcome to Trinity"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"pl-1719\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-1719-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-1719-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1719-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-first-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-b0fc9a4c9ad6-1719\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tGet to know Trinity Lutheran\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"decoration\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"decoration-inside\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1719-0-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>Beloved, I do not know of better words to inspire us for a new year and new beginnings than this opening verse from the first chapter of the Gospel of John; \u201cIn the beginning was the Word.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>Years ago, I was greatly encouraged by the writings of Stephen Covey, particularly his principle of \"Begin with the End in Mind.\" This concept encourages us to envision our destination, to define our purpose and goals clearly from the outset, and to allow this vision to guide our every step.<br \/>\nOur vision for this interim year is to continue the work of creating a faith community that fosters spiritual growth, engaging support, and intentional service. Together we see a future where every member feels valued, inspired, and empowered to make a positive impact in their own lives and in the lives of others. This vision will be our compass, directing our actions and decisions, ensuring that we stay true to our core values and purpose as disciples of Jesus the Christ of God. <\/p>\n<p>By beginning with the end in mind, we are not just planning for the future; we are building it with intention and faith. This notion of \u201c\u2026with the end in mind,\u201d isn\u2019t  as much about completion or perfection as it is about being drawn forward by a sacred vision and goal. On behalf of the Trinity Church Council and myself, we invite each of you to join us in this journey, to contribute your unique gifts and talents, and to help bring our shared vision to life. We begin with the end in mind. <\/p>\n<p>I count it an honor to be of service as interim pastor, alongside this community here at Trinity. Together, we can create a ministry that not only responds to the needs of today but also charts a path for a fulfilling future.<\/p>\n<p>Your Partner In Service<br \/>\nPastor Albert Starr<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-1719-0-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1719-0-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-video panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"2\" ><div class=\"fw-video panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-1719-0-1-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-video so-widget-sow-video-default-c08170c47cfb-1719\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-video-wrapper\n use-fitvids\">\n\t\t\t<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Welcome To Trinity Lutheran Long Beach\" width=\"680\" height=\"383\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/B45Q0S1unug?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen allowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation\"><\/iframe>\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1719-1\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"siteorigin-panels-stretch panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-1719-1\" data-stretch-type=\"full\" ><div id=\"pgc-1719-1-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1719-1-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-first-child\" data-index=\"3\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-b5cebbf8df0e-1719\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/trinitylclb.org\/general\/trinity-organization\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow God's Work Gets Done At Trinity<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"decoration\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"decoration-inside\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1719-1-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor\" data-index=\"4\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>Like most businesses and non-profit groups, the people at Trinity have set up an organizational structure that helps to define who is responsible for what, who focuses on what, who has what authority, and how are activities and operations accomplished at Trinity. Learn more about the Trinity Lutheran <a href=\"https:\/\/trinitylclb.org\/general\/trinity-organization\" target=\"_blank\">organizational structure<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1719-1-0-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline\" data-index=\"5\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-a96595cc198b-1719\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tTime &amp; Location\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"decoration\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"decoration-inside\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1719-1-0-3\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor\" data-index=\"6\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>Our Sunday morning service begins at 10:30am and is followed at 11:45am by refreshments and fellowship. Our Bible Study is held on Wednesday mornings at 10:00am in person and on Zoom.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1719-1-0-4\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"7\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3316.390697226322!2d-118.18917262403286!3d33.77640763224448!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x80dd3140e5dcb63f%3A0x4173c0d40957d704!2sTrinity%20Lutheran%20Church!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sin!4v1741681570439!5m2!1sen!2sin\" width=\"100%\" height=\"350\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-1719-1-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1719-1-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-first-child\" data-index=\"8\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-b5cebbf8df0e-1719\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tCommon Questions\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"decoration\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"decoration-inside\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1719-1-1-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_toggle-widget\" data-index=\"9\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-toggle-widget so-widget-toggle-widget-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"accordion\" id=\"\">\r\n    \t                                    <div class=\"accordion-group panel accordion-panel\">\r\n                        <div class=\"accordion-heading accordionize\"> <a class=\"accordion-toggle active\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#\" href=\"#Area_0\">Is the Trinity Lutheran church building available for weddings or rentals?<i class=\"fa fa-angle-down\"><\/i> <\/a> <\/div><div id=\"Area_0\" class=\"accordion-body collapse in\"><div class=\"accordion-inner\">Yes, Trinity Lutheran\u2019s space is available for weddings, filming and ongoing space rental.  Please contact our office or use our chatbot below to get in touch with us about renting space at Trinity Lutheran.<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"accordion-group panel accordion-panel\">\r\n                        <div class=\"accordion-heading accordionize\"> <a class=\"accordion-toggle \" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#\" href=\"#Area_1\">Does Trinity follow a traditional Lutheran liturgical service?<i class=\"fa fa-angle-down\"><\/i> <\/a> <\/div><div id=\"Area_1\" class=\"accordion-body collapse \"><div class=\"accordion-inner\">Yes. The Evangelical Lutheran Worship book and a weekly church bulletin are available to all worshippers. These provide the words and music of hymns and guidelines to follow throughout the worship service. The service encourages participation in music, liturgy, and prayer.<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"accordion-group panel accordion-panel\">\r\n                        <div class=\"accordion-heading accordionize\"> <a class=\"accordion-toggle \" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#\" href=\"#Area_2\">Are there opportunities for fellowship?<i class=\"fa fa-angle-down\"><\/i> <\/a> <\/div><div id=\"Area_2\" class=\"accordion-body collapse \"><div class=\"accordion-inner\">A period of fellowship including coffee, water, juices, and light refreshments follows the worship service. All are invited to the fellowship room adjacent to the sanctuary to enjoy this opportunity.<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"accordion-group panel accordion-panel\">\r\n                        <div class=\"accordion-heading accordionize\"> <a class=\"accordion-toggle \" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#\" href=\"#Area_3\">Are there evening worship services?<i class=\"fa fa-angle-down\"><\/i> <\/a> <\/div><div id=\"Area_3\" class=\"accordion-body collapse \"><div class=\"accordion-inner\">Evening worship services are held at special times of the church year\u2014Good Friday, Christmas Eve, and during the Advent and Lenten seasons if the congregation at Trinity decides to hold such services.<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"accordion-group panel accordion-panel\">\r\n                        <div class=\"accordion-heading accordionize\"> <a class=\"accordion-toggle \" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#\" href=\"#Area_4\">Is there opportunity for Bible Study?<i class=\"fa fa-angle-down\"><\/i> <\/a> <\/div><div id=\"Area_4\" class=\"accordion-body collapse \"><div class=\"accordion-inner\">A weekly Bible study is held every Wednesday at 10:00 am in one of the conference rooms of the church buildings. Pastor Albert Starr leads the study. Everyone is encouraged to attend, to learn, to share ideas, and to discuss.<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"accordion-group panel accordion-panel\">\r\n                        <div class=\"accordion-heading accordionize\"> <a class=\"accordion-toggle \" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#\" href=\"#Area_5\">Is Holy Communion offered every Sunday?<i class=\"fa fa-angle-down\"><\/i> <\/a> <\/div><div id=\"Area_5\" class=\"accordion-body collapse \"><div class=\"accordion-inner\">Holy Communion is an integral part of every worship service. Individual wafers and individual cups holding wine or grape juice are offered to participants.<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"accordion-group panel accordion-panel\">\r\n                        <div class=\"accordion-heading accordionize\"> <a class=\"accordion-toggle \" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#\" href=\"#Area_6\">Is Holy Communion open to everyone?<i class=\"fa fa-angle-down\"><\/i> <\/a> <\/div><div id=\"Area_6\" class=\"accordion-body collapse \"><div class=\"accordion-inner\">Anyone who believes in Christ Jesus as their Savior is welcome to participate in Holy Communion at Trinity.<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"accordion-group panel accordion-panel\">\r\n                        <div class=\"accordion-heading accordionize\"> <a class=\"accordion-toggle \" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#\" href=\"#Area_7\">Is there a Sunday School class for children?<i class=\"fa fa-angle-down\"><\/i> <\/a> <\/div><div id=\"Area_7\" class=\"accordion-body collapse \"><div class=\"accordion-inner\">There is no special Sunday School class for children at this time, but children are welcomed to attend worship and participate.<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"accordion-group panel accordion-panel\">\r\n                        <div class=\"accordion-heading accordionize\"> <a class=\"accordion-toggle \" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#\" href=\"#Area_8\">Are you a standalone congregation or part of a larger group?<i class=\"fa fa-angle-down\"><\/i> <\/a> <\/div><div id=\"Area_8\" class=\"accordion-body collapse \"><div class=\"accordion-inner\">Trinity Lutheran Church is a part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA), headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with nearly 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1719-1-1-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline\" data-index=\"10\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-b5cebbf8df0e-1719\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat to expect\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"decoration\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"decoration-inside\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1719-1-1-3\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"11\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>We try to keep things simple and straightforward, with the Gospel of Jesus Christ at the center of our worship experience. We watch for the ways the scripture lessons carry relevant connection to daily life in the here and now. At Trinity, we always anticipate experiencing the fullness of God's grace whenever we gather. Our Sunday morning worship service is fairly traditional, yet we maintain a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere where everyone is encouraged to come as they are. We extend a warm invitation to all, and we hope you will bring friends and family along with you.During our worship services, we listen for the voice of God in the lessons and sermons and in the music we share through congregational singing, as well as through the contributions of our talented musician and choir. Each Sunday, we include time to confess our faith in God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) and to celebrate the precious gift of forgiveness through Holy Communion. Everyone is welcome. Come as you are. We encourage you to invite others to come with you. We make room in our worship, taking time for prayer, believing God hears us when we pray. Come join us, we will be wonderfully encouraged to have you.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Beloved, I do not know of better words to inspire us for a new year and new beginnings than this opening verse from the first chapter of the Gospel of John; \u201cIn the beginning was the Word.\u201d Years ago, I was greatly encouraged by the writings of Stephen Covey, particularly his principle of &#8220;Begin with the End in Mind.&#8221; This concept encourages us to envision our destination, to define our purpose and goals clearly from the outset, and to allow this vision to guide our every step. Our vision for this interim year is to continue the work of creating a faith community that fosters spiritual growth, engaging support, and intentional service. Together we see a future where every member feels valued, inspired, and empowered to make a positive impact in their own lives and in the lives of others. This vision will be our compass, directing our actions and decisions, ensuring that we stay true to our core values and purpose as disciples of Jesus the Christ of God. By beginning with the end in mind, we are not just planning for the future; we are building it with intention and faith. This notion of \u201c\u2026with the end in mind,\u201d isn\u2019t as much about completion or perfection as it is about being drawn forward by a sacred vision and goal. On behalf of the Trinity Church Council and myself, we invite each of you to join us in this journey, to contribute your unique gifts and talents, and to help bring our shared vision to life. We begin with the end in mind. I count it an honor to be of service as interim pastor, alongside this community here at Trinity. Together, we can create a ministry that not only responds to the needs of today but also charts a path for a fulfilling future. Your Partner In Service Pastor Albert Starr Like most businesses and non-profit groups, the people at Trinity have set up an organizational structure that helps to define who is responsible for what, who focuses on what, who has what authority, and how are activities and operations accomplished at Trinity. Learn more about the Trinity Lutheran organizational structure. Our Sunday morning service begins at 10:30am and is followed at 11:45am by refreshments and fellowship. Our Bible Study is held on Wednesday mornings at 10:00am in person and on Zoom. We try to keep things simple and straightforward, with the Gospel of Jesus Christ at the center of our worship experience. We watch for the ways the scripture lessons carry relevant connection to daily life in the here and now. At Trinity, we always anticipate experiencing the fullness of God&#8217;s grace whenever we gather. Our Sunday morning worship service is fairly traditional, yet we maintain a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere where everyone is encouraged to come as they are. We extend a warm invitation to all, and we hope you will bring friends and family along with you.During our worship services, we listen for the voice of God in the lessons and sermons and in the music we share through congregational singing, as well as through [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":624,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1719","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/trinitylclb.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1719","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/trinitylclb.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/trinitylclb.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trinitylclb.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trinitylclb.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1719"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/trinitylclb.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1719\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2152,"href":"https:\/\/trinitylclb.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1719\/revisions\/2152"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trinitylclb.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/624"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/trinitylclb.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1719"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}