HTLC News Blast – Friday, July 17, 2026

HTLC News Blast – Friday, July 17, 2026

Hello Everyone!

How fun to be singing everyone’s favorite hymns through July and August!  And who can resist Christmas in July – coming up next week?! 

This Sunday, July 19th, we will be celebrating the 8th Sunday after Pentecost. It’s also Fill the Food Barrel Sunday. Worship with Live Stream begins at 9:30 am and Youth Group follows at 10:45 am.  Tongan Worship is at 1:00 pm.  

What’s Happening?

• Do you have a project idea for Seeds of Faith? – Looking for someone to work on the idea with you? Submit your idea (such as “Playground for the Community”) to Pastor Barbara. Once a month, the ideas will be printed in the insert. If something is of interest please let Pastor Barbara know and she will get you in contact with each other.
• ELW Hymnal Fundraiser – It’s ongoing – our ELW Hymnal Fundraiser—an opportunity to help provide hymnals for our pews and support the shared song, prayer, and worship life of our congregation. You are invited to give in honor or memory of a loved one, allowing each hymnal to carry not only music, but also stories of faith, love, and connection. Our goal is to purchase at least 44 hymnals at a cost of $35 each. Donation forms are available in the narthex/church office. We invite you to take part in this meaningful act of generosity as we continue to sing the story of God’s love together.
• NEXT WEEK! – Brush up on your baking! Next week, please bring Christmas treats for our Christmas in July Service! My mouth waters at the thought of it!
• ADOPT AN ANGEL – Christmas in July! Please Turn them in by July 26^th – School Supplies and Backpack Drive, Supplies Needed – Backpacks, Lined paper, Highlighters, Pens, #2 Pencils, Pencil Sharpeners, Scissors, Sticky Notes, Crayons, Erasers, Colored Pencils, Pocket Folders, Small Packs of Hand Wipes, Rulers, Glue Sticks, 1-inch Binders, 2-inch Binders, Steno Books

Here’s the newsletter!

Sierra Pacific Synod July 16th Newsletter

Look below for info on a new ELCA Sexuality Study. It looks interesting!

Blessings! See you in Church!

Pr. Barb

Pr. Barbara Caine

Parish Life CoordinatorHoly Trinity Lutheran ChurchFremont, California(510) 793-62The ELCA sent this in an email and I’m passing it along JUST IN CASE YOU ARE INTERESTED!Dear siblings in Christ,The task force leading the ELCA in the reconsideration of one section of the social statement Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust is excited to share two important opportunities for you and your congregation to engage with this summer.The task force is releasing a podcast called Learn and Discern as an educational tool for this church as we journey together through the reconsideration process.The podcast’s episodes will explore the following topics:

• A history of the ELCA’s social teachings and ministry policy on human sexuality.The nuances of Lutheran theological ethics.A deeper look at the history of the Lutheran understanding of “the bound conscience.”The sources of agreement and disagreement on human sexuality in the church.Lutheran approaches to faithful conversation.

This five-episode podcast is a companion to the study “Conscience and Conversation” (described below). Individual episodes will be released in audio and video over the summer at elca.org/reconsiderations.The task force has released a new study to foster conversation across this church and to generate feedback that will guide its work. The study, “Conscience and Conversation: A Study During the Reconsideration of the Social Statement Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust,” invites reflection on agreement and disagreement through “the unity of the Spirit” (Ephesians 4:3).Session One looks at what unites us as ELCA Lutherans and explores ways Christians have disagreed faithfully while seeking unity in the Spirit.Session Two invites deeper reflection on disagreements and agreements regarding sexuality.Please prayerfully consider leading your congregation or small group in this study. There is a survey link for participants to share feedback with the task force. Your input is essential as the task force prepares a first draft of the reconsidered subsection of the social statement for the church to consider. The survey is open until Sept. 30.We understand this is a short period for feedback during a busy time of year. Please know that feedback, comments and questions can be shared with the task force at any time by emailing Reconsiderations@elca.org. In addition, there will be a longer period for public comment on the draft reconsidered social statement once it is released next year.Download the study and podcast and learn more about the reconsideration process at ELCA.org/reconsiderations.In Christ’s love,Dr. Ryan CummingRev. Dr. Laurie JunglingCo-directors of the task forceYou have received this email as a member or supporter of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

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