123 E. Blackwell St.
Dover NJ 07801
(973) 366-2821
TLC worships each Sunday at 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 AM. Holy Communion is celebrated every week.
Nursery service for young children under age 6 is available during 8:00 AM, 9:30 and 11:00 AM worship (Summer schedule is 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM)
Sunday Church School meets each Sunday from 9:30 to 10:30 AM. There are classes for children ages 3 through senior high. At the same time, special forum programs are held for adults, each offering a rich and varied program.
TLC is a 118- year old congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, New Jersey Synod, with more than 500 baptized members, 360 communing members, and 320 "active" members. Average worship attendance is 185. We are part of the NW Cluster of the N.J. Synod, ELCA. Bishop E. Roy Riley, Jr. serves as our synodical leader. The Rev. Scott Schantenback is the Assistant to the Bishop assigned to shepherd TLC.
We actively seek and welcome new members to our community. Trinity is a church with doors open to all. We invite you to come for worship, fellowship, education and opportunities for service. If you would like to know more about our special community, call our church office so we can include you on our mailing list.
History
Trinity enjoys the distinction of being the first Swedish congregation to be organized in the State of New Jersey since colonial times. Although the period of its existence is not as long as that of other congregations in Dover, the Trinity congregation represents an important spiritual influence in the community.
In May of 1886, Mr. John Edward Larson arranged a meeting of a group of individuals on the government reservation near Dover. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the possibility of organizing a Sunday School for children, and to arrange for Swedish Lutheran services. The first service was held in July, 1886 with Pastor J. A. Rodell of Brooklyn, N.Y. officiating. Subsequently, the Rev. A. B. Lilja, an emigrant missionary, was sent out to preach twice monthly.
On March 9, 1889, with Pastor Lilja serving as chairman, a meeting was held for the purpose of incorporation and election of trustees and to name the congregation. The name decided upon was: The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church of Dover. And so a Swedish Lutheran church came into existence in Dover to serve the Swedish-speaking immigrants, many who had made their homes in and near that community.
The ceremony for the laying of the cornerstone of our present building was held on July 23, 1894. The completed building was dedicated in ceremonies held on March 17, 1895. A parsonage was built in 1912 during Pastor A.G. Olsson's period of service.
In 1972 a terrible fire gutted the parsonage that was adjacent to the church, resulting in the construction of the new Parish Life Center.
Since its founding in 1889, Trinity has been served by
twenty-nine student-pastors and pastors ending with our present pastor,
The Reverend Cheryl Johnson. Pastor Cheri began her ministry at Trinity
on July 1, 1983 and has been the spearhead of many successful programs
during her ministry here.
Under Pastor Cheri's leadership, Trinity has experienced growth in all areas of its ministry. We have grown not only spiritually, but in our youth program, in our community outreach programs, in our senior programs, in our physical plant, and in the founding of the Faith Kitchen and the Parish Nurse Program.
For those interested in a more comprehensive history of Trinity, we suggest you obtain a copy of the 100th Anniversary edition of "The History of Trinity Lutheran Church" available from the office.TLC - "Trinity Lutheran Church" and "The Love Continues" as we look to the future. Click here for more information on Trinity Lutheran Church History.
1. Worship and Music Committee
This committee plans and schedules worship services with Pastor, including observance of special holy days and other special occasions. It develops innovative worship formats, i.e., drama, music, etc. It oversees the acolyte, usher, greeter and reader programs, as well as thee communion assistant, nursery, memorial and altar guild programs. It annually reviews the job performance and recommends the pay scale to the Finance Committee for church musicians (organist, choir director, bell choir director, etc.). It works with the organist/choir director to enhance the role of music in the worship services. This committee meets on the 3rd Monday of the month.
Altar Guild:
The folks in Altar Guild are responsible to set up the altar for Holy Communion and clean up after worship. The assignment is for 1 month each year and 3 persons share the month's duties. Task takes 15 minutes each Sunday.
Ushers, readers and greeters are helpers for worship. Reminders with instructions are mailed the week prior to assignment.
Nursery:
Nursery duty is during worship. The job is to take care
of young children in the nursery while parents worship. The job is 1 hour
each Sunday assigned. Reminder and instructions are sent the week prior
to assignment.
2. Evangelism
Evangelism means "to invite" and that is our
job as God's children to invite others to worship and develop a relationship
with God.
Evangelism Committee:
This committee shall provide leadership for the congregation in outreach and witness programs and activities. Primary areas of responsibility shall include seeking out prospective members, making contact and following up with visitations and facilitating the integration of new members into the life of the congregation. This committee shall also be responsible for the congregation's tape ministry. Opportunities to serve include visitation of prospective members, the sick and shut-ins; sponsoring new members; and being a nametag keeper (helping to distribute and collect nametags on Sundays).
3. Parish Health Ministry
"And Jesus called the twelve
together and gave them the power and authority
over all demons and to cure diseases,
and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal." -
Luke 9-1:2
Caring for all of God's people is a part of every congregation's mission. At TLC, we recognize the need to join faith and healing in one mission that serves the members of our parish. The Health Cabinet of TLC provides focus, direction and encouragement to the healing ministry of the congregation. We undertake this mission because we know:
- The Bible has much to say about the importance of the interrelationship between body and spirit.
- Congregations provide regular opportunities for prayer, service and friendship.
- People in congregations foster an attitude of inclusion and hope, contributing
to a person's total health.
Parish Nurse
The parish nurse assists members of the congregation in becoming more aware of their health and in moving toward a fuller sense of wholeness through the linking of physical, emotional and spiritual needs. The role of the parish nurse includes:
- promoting an understanding of the interaction between lifestyle, attitude, faith and well being.
- promoting optimum personal health through individual
discussions, congregational screenings, supportive counseling and
hospital and nursing home visits.
- providing health education to all age groups
- promoting a sense of wholeness by acting as a liaison
with all congregational groups.
- recruiting and coordinating volunteers to provide meals,
transportation and childcare to members of the congregation who are in
crisis.
Lynn Sienkiewicz, RN, is TLC's parish nurse and can be
reached at 973-208-0835.
TLC is part of the Congregational Nursing Program at Saint Clare's Hospital. Ann Marie Kitchen, Congregational Nurse, is the Coordinator of this outreach program.
4. Finance
Committee on Finance :
The treasurer(s) and financial secretary shall be members ex-officio. This committee coordinates budget preparation and prepares and submits a draft budget to the Congregation Council for its action and later presentation to a congregation meeting. It reports regularly to the congregation its financial status, such as arrears on commitments. This committee reviews expenses and makes necessary recommendations in relation to the budget. It works with the Stewardship Committee to plan drives. This committee insures an adequate insurance program for the congregation.
The Audit Committee :
The Audit Committee is constituted as set forth in the constitution of the congregation. The chairperson of the Audit Committee is designated by the Congregation Council. The Audit Committee may request assistance from other congregation members including members of the Congregation Council. The Audit Committee makes annual audits of the financial records and the parish register of the congregation including the financial records of any organization established in accordance with Chapter 14 of the constitution of the congregation. The Audit Committeel files a written report with the Congregation Council setting forth the scope and results of the audits conducted by the Audit Committee.
5. Social Ministry I
Committee on Social Ministry I:
This committee oversees the congregational response in areas of social concern. Its responsibilities include the assessment of need, both within the congregation and also in the community. Based on this assessment, the committee is responsible to develop and implement programs designed to meet those needs. The committee also takes a leadership role in the support of programs proposed by the synod in the area of social ministry. We support projects through Lutheran World Relief (blankets, Tools of Hope); ELCA World Hunger/ Disaster Relief; Heifer Project; Love Sunday Project to a global mission; Lenten Projects to support local and global ministries.
TLC is actively involved in N.J. Synod Outdoor Ministry at Cross Roads Outdoor Ministry Center in Califon, N.J. Summer camping and retreats are offered there.
TLC is the official campus ministry site for County College of Morris.
ESL:
In the Fall of 2003 an English as a second language program was started at TLC on Monday and Wednesday evenings 6:30-9:30 PM. This class is offered for free to anyone in our community. It is being offered in cooperation with Morris County Vocational School who provides the instructors.
Ministry with Seniors :
2007 marks the 31st year of Trinity's ministry with the residents at 215 E. Blackwell Street. We provide food and fellowship for any and all residents of the Senior Building, without charge, who wish to attend the monthly activities. The ministry with seniors is funded through the TLC budget and is supplemented with donations from the seniors and TLC folks. We also receive $100.00 from the Kiwanis Club of Dover to purchase Christmas gifts for the seniors.
Once a year the Senior Ministry Committee meets to schedule activities. Input from the seniors is obtained prior to the meeting and, if possible, worked into the schedule. Among the favorites that appear year after year are the summer barbecue, a luncheon outing, the Epiphany program, and Bingo.
Another aspect of the ministry are the monthly coffee klatches. Approximately 11 seniors gather with Pastor Cheri and Gertrude Goddard in the Community Room for coffee and cake. We do a lot of talking, listening and praying.
In this ministry TLC members get plenty of chances at serving. With a variety of programs, there's always a need for baked goods, prizes, drivers, or volunteers to help with the monthly activities. All programs are open to TLC members and you are encouraged to join with the seniors for an evening of fun.
Greystone Fruit Project:
Money is collected after worship once a month to purchase fresh fruit for patients at Greystone State Psychiatric Facility.
Food Cupboard:
Food Cupboard is another way in which TLC reaches out to the community. Nonperishable food is donated to Trinity from local congregations (several area churches hold food drives on a monthly basis and their collections are sent directly to us), businesses, service organizations, and individuals. Bags of food are distributed to those family units in need for emergency groceries. Over 1,000 bags of groceries are given out each year.
We have also been able to give assistance in the form of supermarket certificates. For many people there is a genuine need for milk, fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, baby food and formula, and toiletries (items which we cannot store). Supermarket certificates are invaluable when it comes to these items.
6. Committee on Social Ministry II
This committee oversees and reports to the Congregation Council on:
1. Meals on Wheels
2. Interfaith Council for Homeless Families
3. Faith Kitchen
Meals on Wheels:
Trinity provides the management and financial administration for this project, with drivers coming from TLC and other organizations. The meals are prepared at St. Clares, Dover, and distributed six days a week. We serve Mine Hill, Wharton, Dover, Victory Gardens and part of Randolph Township. We deliver to about 14 men and women each day, on a "pay-as-able" basis. More people could be served if more drivers were available for this noon-time run. The heartfelt thanks of these usually elderly and often disabled folks is reward enough for one's efforts.
Interfaith Council for Homeless Families (ICHF):
The ICHF provides shelter, meals and assistance to homeless families. Each host congregation furnishes overnight lodging within their church, and meals for three to five families (up to 14 people) for one week on a rotating schedule. Support congregations (of which Trinity is one) provide the volunteers and meals for up to two days during the week.
Trinity established Faith Kitchen, a "soup kitchen" in 1983, with the goal of reducing hunger in the Dover area through community and congregational involvement. There are presently 17 churches and a half-way house for recovering alcoholics involved in this feeding program, supplying the main meal, plus the volunteers to serve and clean up. We are currently serving as many as 100 meals on a daily basis, Monday through Saturday, 11:30- 12:30 pm. More than 150 volunteers serve each week, providing over 27,000 meals in 2006. Funding is received from local congregations, service organizations, businesses and individuals. The Faith Kitchen also helps clients to network into social services, jobs, housing and mental health care.
7. Stewardship
Stewardship means the care of all the gifts we have been given. We have a year round, creative program at TLC that challenges us to be aware of our gifts and how we use our time, talent and money. We also have a Stewardship for Youth Program which presents a stewardship education program to the SCS 3 times a year.
The Committee on Stewardship educates members on the importance of regular giving, growth in giving habits and proportionate giving. It educates members on the need for contributions of time and talent as well as money. It has the responsibility for maintaining an effective stewardship program consistent with the directions of the Congregation Council. This committee meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month.
8. Congregational Committees:
Congregation Council:
The Council has oversight of the life and activities of the congregation. It is comprised of up to 15 members for 3 year terms.
Executive Committee:
This committee prepares the agenda and plans for the items to be considered for Congregation Council meetings, including recommendations for the action to be taken for each item to be considered. Members of the cabinet are members of Congregation Council and include the vice president who shall serve as chairperson. Cabinet meets on the first Monday of each month, unless circumstances necessitate a change at which time agreement of the majority of cabinet members is required to make the change.
Staff Support Committee:
The purpose of this committee is to provide a sounding board for pastor(s) and staff; to review and recommend salary, benefits, insurance, pension, and security for the pastor(s); and to maintain liaison between pastor(s), congregation and Congregation Council. This committee meets a minimum of three times a year. It is a planning group and sets goals with pastor; a support group for pastor; and a committee to carry out other duties as charged by Congregation Council.
Committee on Educational Ministry:
This committee oversees and provides lifelong Christian educational opportunities for the entire congregation. These opportunities are provided within a Christian environment. The committee oversees the Sunday School program, including the Adult Education classes and maintenance of the Cradle Roll. It works with the Sunday Church School superintendent to oversee the goals and approve the curriculum to ensure that the congregation learns the basic tenets of Christian faith and Lutheran theology. This committee establishes guidelines for the Confirmation program and monitor progress of students. It also supervises the First Communion preparation. This committee oversees the congregation's role in the Women of the E.L.C.A., the Men's Group and Youth Ministry.
The following educational opportunities are available:
-Cradle Roll, where all children from baptism through 3 years old are cared for via mailings and Pastoral contacts.
-Sunday Church School is offered for children ages 3-18, Sundays 9:30-10:30, September-May.
- Adult Forum is offered every Sunday from 9:30 to 10:30 AM, covering a variety of topics from Bible Study to contemporary issues.
-First Communion classes are held each winter for children in 5th grade. First Communion is celebrated on Transfiguration Sunday.
-Confirmation Ministry is for youth 6th - 9th grade. Classes, retreats, and projects are scheduled in advance and team taught by laypersons and Pastor. Affirmation of Baptism (Confirmation) takes place on Pentecost Sunday for 9th graders who have completed the class material.
-Youth Group is for Jr. and Sr. High youth. Supported by Youth Leaders and Sponsors, this group is for education, fellowship, and support.
-Vacation Bible School - is scheduled for one (1) week during the day in the summer and several evenings for total family events.
-Story Hour - is a Bible story/craft time for younger children through kindergarten. Scheduled for 10:00 AM once/month.
-Daytime Bible Study - Tuesdays at 12:30 PM. Evening
classes and studies are scheduled periodically.
-Women's Book Discussion - scheduled once/month
-Women of E.L.C.A. - 3 groups of women gather to study,
for support and service.
9. Property
The Committee on Church Property oversees the church property and its upkeep. It oversees the grounds, perform repairs on property, oversees the sexton, and provide necessary supplies. It ensures that all city ordinances are adhered to for safety and liability. It coordinates work forces on approved tasks and advise the Congregation Council on long range capital needs. It reviews the job performance of the sexton(s) annualy and recommends the pay scale to the communities on finance.
10. Support Groups
-Mothers Group
-Bald Eagles and Silver Foxes (retired men meet to do property projects)
-WOWs - Widow & Widowers Group - support and fellowship
-AA - Tuesday P.M.
-Mental Health Association Drop-in Center (Monday) and
-Social Club (Wednesday P.M.)
Join Us!
Persons interested in membership at TLC should contact Pastor. People are received into membership in one of the following ways:
1. Letter of Transfer - This is for those who are active members of a Lutheran congregation.
2. Adult Instruction - This is for people of non-Lutheran background.
3. Reaffirmation of Faith - This is for those who have become inactive in the Lutheran Church and wish to become active again. An orientation meeting for all persons being received into membership will be provided in order that new members may become knowledgeable about the congregation.
Baptized children are received as Baptized members of the congregation.
New Members Class- March 2 and 12.
All are welcome. New members will be recieved on March 30th.
Rev. Cheryl L. Johnson
Home: (973) 361-4561