Church guide

Jesus Among the Doctors "And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions." Luke 2:46 The layout here is unusual compared to other depictions: Joseph is shown in knee-breeches and holding a large hat, Mary in a striped skirt. They seem to have already found the young Christ, who continues to address the doctors. The Temple elders and patriarchs wear their traditional turbans while the two central elders seated beneath the elegantly curved and sculpted architecture wear more noble robes.

The Young Jesus Leads His Parents to Jerusalem "And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast." Luke 2:42 Here Jesus is even taller and clearly older, and again he leads the way. Joseph manfully tries to keep pace and Mary's cloak flaps wildly, reflecting her effort to keep up with her energetic son. Peasants bearing baskets full of produce for the markets in Jerusalem can be seen just over the rise in the road.

The Holy Family Meets the Young John the Baptist "When they came to the edge of the desert they found John the Baptist, who had already begun to do penance there, although he had not committed any sin." (Meditationes vitae Christi 81, 82) In his interpretation of a rare subject, Domenico Tiepolo deftly blends prosaic and mystical elements. Resting temporarily along their journey, the party is diversely occupied. Joseph, deeply absorbed in some text, could be taken as a traveler consulting a map. The two children greet one another with a mixture of shyness and interest. Jesus, wearing his boy's tunic (made by his mother), reaches toward John, whose tousled hair and hairshirt reflect his hermit's existence. Besides his traditional emblems, the cross and lamb, John holds a martyr's palm. The adoring angel at the right kneels in the pose John himself will assume as an adult later when he worships at his makeshift altar. Above them a heron (symbolizing the dutiful son) flies away.

Today we commemorate John the Baptist. Did you know that we celebrate his birth exactly six months before Christmas Eve? For Christians in the Northern Hemisphere, these dates are deeply symbolic. John said “[Jesus] must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30), so the days are longest when John’s birth is celebrated, then steadily decrease, whereas the days are shortest when Jesus’ birth is celebrated, then steadily increase. (Bread for the Day, p. 411) [Photo: Mosaic of the baptism of Jesus Christ by Saint John the Baptist in Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina]

Here is a correction...The Strawberry Social is this Friday, not Thursday like I previously posted. It always is a good social event at TLC!

Congratulations to these two wonderful young people who received confirmation yesterday at Trinity. Many years of success and happiness ahead of you!

"But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." - Joshua 24:15

Flower logs are being displayed in honor of Trinity's first and second pastors.

Dear God, with deep gratitude, we thank you for those who guard, guide, and serve our nation. Thank you for those who gave the last full measure of devotion by sacrificing their lives to secure and safeguard our liberties. Bless their memory, as well as their family, friends and community who now enjoy the freedom for which they died. This we pray in the name of Jesus, even as we plead for peace and justice in our time. Amen.

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Hazleton, PA At Trinity we have many great works of art. Aside from the building itself, shown here are four wooden symbolic carvings of the gospel writers: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit. (John 15:5)

Happy Easter! Christ is risen! "They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, 'Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.' Then they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest." -Luke 24:2-8

Youth member Sarah Yanuzzi doing a beautiful job playing the piano during our Sunday Service.

Thank you to Pastor Mindy Heppe for this years memorable and special Christmas Service.

Rev. Dr. Carl Schweitzer and his wife Mary Ann lead the service on December 20, 2015 and deliver a heartwarming and funny children's sermon.

The children at Trinity say what they are thankful for.

Rev. Mindy Heppe welcomes the new school year as well as blesses the children's backpacks.

Pastor Mindy Heppe sings along with the children on Palm Sunday, March 29, 2015.

Pastor McKeeby talks to the children about St. John the Baptist's message, December 2013.

Pastor McKeeby gives his sermon about fears to the children on the altar, November 2013.

The children at Trinity tell what they are thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Church and council member Rick DeCosmo talks about how Trinity has affected his life.