“And who is my neighbor?” a lawyer once asked Jesus. In reply our Lord told the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37). At Holy Trinity, we are committed to knowing and serving our neighbors, in the city, in the nation, and throughout the world. Reaching out in ministry and service, sharing our resources and gifts, and praying for the needs of others - these are integral to Trinity's identity and mission.

The Community Outreach Committee implements and oversees Trinity's social ministries with our neighbors in Lancaster.

Sunday Morning Breakfast Fellowship
Breakfast is served to the hungry every Sunday morning throughout the year, with food donated by Trinity members and a variety of local businesses. Between 30 - 70 individuals of all ages and from all walks of life attend each week. Devotions and a bible lesson follow the breakfast for interested participants.

Criminal Justice Ministry
The Criminal Justice Ministry (CJS) of Trinity sponsors a Support Group for family and friends of those in prison or jail. It meets every first and third Wednesday of the month from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm in the cafŽ, located in the Parish House. It is a time of fellowship, encouragement and support for those experiencing the stress of a loved one in prison or jail. Please call the church ahead of time if you will need childcare.

Support Group Flier

A Prayer Gathering for those in the Criminal Justice System takes place every non-holiday Monday from 12:05 to 12:35 pm in Rengier Chapel, located in the Parish House. Prayers are offered not only those who are incarcerated but also for their families, correctional and police officers, judges, treatment providers, prosecutors and lawyers, Prison Board, Commissioners, those providing re-entry services as well as victims of crime and their families.

Prayer Meeting Flier

Refugee Resettlement
In partnership with Lutheran Children and Family Services, Trinity has a history of support for refugees seeking to build new lives in the United States. Vietnamese, Bosnian, Turkish, and Ethiopian families have become “our neighbors” through the resettlement program. In 2008, Trinity is resettling a refugee family from Burma.

Holy Trinity Challenge Grant
Through the annual Holy Trinity Challenge Grant, Trinity awards $5000 to a local service ministry or agency, to support the initiation of new community services. Past recipients of the Challenge Grant include the Elsie Shenk Center for a preventive care program for children whose parents abuse drugs; the Threshold Foundation's Dig It program to train city youth in gardening; and Bridge of Hope's “Girls of Hope” program to help prevent a generational cycle of homelessness.

Crispus Attucks Community Center
Trinity members make financial offerings on a monthly basis to support the work of Crispus Attucks Community Center. Two weekends a year, in the spring and in the fall, we provide the evening meals for residents of the Crispus Attuck' Shelter and for other homeless individuals in the Lancaster community.

Share a Little Help A Lot
Share a Little Help A Lot is an opportunity for Trinity members to share material resources as needed by local service organizations such as Mom's House, Harb-Adult, Vantage House, and local clothing banks. “Share A Little, Help a Lot” also supports the work of Lutheran World Relief through the provision of health and education kits.

Martin Luther King Scholarship
The $3000 Martin Luther King Scholarship is granted to a college bound senior from J.P. McCaskey High School each year, and Trinity hosts the community-based MLK Scholarship banquet every May

Other community involvements
Other community involvements include Habitat for Humanity and the YWCA Race Against Racism. Trinity is a founding member of the Center City Neighborhood Enhancement Corporation, a non-profit organization working to improve the neighborhood.