All Members, Winter Residents, Family and Friends,

          Greetings on this January 15th, 2024!  I had a good three days away with my son Brian in Georgia.  Brian’s wife Morgan parents have a beautiful lake home in Woodbury, Ga.  It was cold, but so needed for some R&R despite the fact that it was in the 30’s and yesterday, Sunday it was like 22 degrees.  I used muscles and body parts I have not excercised in many month and I am aching today.  But it is a good ache, as they say.  So thank you goes to Brian and Holly and Charlie Taylor for letting us stay at their home and yes, hunt the adjacent leased property.  (Brian got a good size doe yesterday morning.) 

          Have you given any serious consideration to what people may think of you after have left this world for your eternal reward in the Heavenly Splendor.  At home in heaven is the hope that all who believe in Jesus Christ have that one day we will be reunited with our Lord in heaven.  However, when we leave this world what will people remember you for in the years to come.  I know that I have made mistakes and bumbled things in my life and I cannot go back to change those issues.  I have left an impression on every person I have ever met some good and some no so good.  I am not alone in this situation, we have all left impressions upon those we have interacted with in life those we have loved, family, friends and those who were simply passing acquaitences.  Perhaps you are like me in so far

I truly wish that I could go back and change some impressions people have of me, but that is not possible. 

Part of these impressions are your legacy.  A legacy is what you leave behind after you die, and it can include your life lessons, values, beliefs, or attitudesYour legacy is largely determined by how purposefully you lived and the impact you made on othersIt can be anything transmitted or received from you, including intangibles like values, beliefs, or attitudesHaving a lasting legacy means that you share these deeper meanings with friends, family, and posterity.

Your legacy is the sum of the personal values, accomplishments, and actions that resonate with the people around youIt is largely determined by how purposefully you lived and the impact you made on othersWhile we are alive, our legacy is a mere abstraction — an idea about what we hope to leave behindIt might be thought of as our mission or life purposeAt any moment, our legacy is a summary of who we are and how we will be remembered should we die in this moment.

Starting Sunday, we are going to look at different individuals from Scripture.  The First is the “rich young ruler” from Mark 12:28-31.  The second will be Hannah from 1 Samuel 1:10-13.  The third will be Abraham from Genesis 22:1-19.  These three are just a few of those who have left a legacy for us to follow.  We will be looking at our legacy as well, what are we leaving as members of Trinity Lutheran Church for future generations to follow and be inspired by our legacy of faith, time, talents, and treasures. 

My goal in sending these emails each week is to keep YOU as well informed about things going on a resources available to you.  So here are some things from last week that bear repeating. 

Here is an aid for you in your prayer life from the Florida/Georgia District. . .

                   https://flgadistrict.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/FLGA-District-MISSIONS-Prayer-Guide-JAN-2024.pdf

          Here is another aid for you.  Living as an Along Sider. . .

                   (7) 10:02 Prayer – The Alongsider... - LCMS Florida-Georgia District | Facebook

                Set you watch or an alarm to go off at 10:02AM each day to stop and pray with other “Along Siders.”

          We need a “few more in 2024!”  Yes, we need some more volunteers to help our congregation. 

The Altar Guild needs some additional volunteers.  Women or Men can volunteer to help with the Altar Guild responsibilities.  This is a great behind the scenes activity that is a vital aspect of our overall ministry.  If you can “do a little more in 2024!” please speak with Arlene Harmon or Pat Stevens.  They will welcome you with open arms.

Another ministry opportunity is helping with our sign.  We need people willing to help keep our sign on North Mainstreet current with activities here at church or inspirational sayings.  If you can help with this opportunity, then please speak to Norm Church who will help you get started.

Susan is seeking to find you favorite hymns to be included in worship services over the next month or so.  If you have a favorite hymn that you would like to sing in church, please fill out one of the blue sheets in the narthex or email Susan at

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Lent begins on February 14th, 2024 (Valentines Day) with Ash Wednesday.  Our focus for the Mid-Week Lenten Series will be “Christ On Trial” as different individuals from the Bible will come alive as the Pastor cross examines them. 

This year we are going to be inviting everyone to stay following each Lenten Service for a Soup and Sandwich Supper.  The Board of Elders and perhaps a few additional volunteers will be providing three different types of soup, and YOU bring your own sandwich.  It is an opportunity for fellowship and the chance to get some good homemade soup or maybe chili!  More information will be forthcoming in the weeks ahead. 

Have a great week and make it great for someone else as well! 

Respectfully In

Rev. Richard A. Norris

Trinity Lutheran Church

25 Lakeview Street

Lake Placid, Florida 33852

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863-441-4168