Trinity Lutheran Church - Clinton, Iowa

05/06/2026

What's on Pastor's Desk Wednesday - Issue 2

**Not all Lutherans are the same**

Did I surprise you?

Be honest!

Not all Lutherans are the liberal, pride-flag-flyin' kind that make you wonder if they really have ever read or believe the Bible.
Not all Lutherans struggle to find or keep pastors.
Not all Lutherans ordain women or those who openly practice homosexuality.
Not all Lutherans teach that the only evil in the world is the president of the USA.
Not all Lutherans cater to the whims of society at large.
Not all Lutherans refuse to believe that the Bible is the inspired and inerrant Word of the one, true God.
Not all Lutherans openly deny that Jesus Christ is the only way to get into Heaven.

Enter: the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod.
Ours is a church body governed by Jesus Christ, not some liberal woman who is obsessed with forsaking and closing the smaller churches in the area.
We believe the Bible to be the inspired and inerrant Word of God, and because of that, we believe, teach, and confess that homosexual activity and marriage is sinful and are condemned by God.
We believe that the true source of evil in this world is the devil, the world itself, and our own sinful nature.
We have pastors in our churches, because we actually believe in something.

Is our church body perfect? By no means. Well, at least not yet. We are still in this world, and are still prone to abuses from within and without. Yet, we know that the gates of Hell itself cannot prevail against this confession that Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God, and that through Him and Him alone is there salvation and forgiveness for even the most seasoned and experienced sinner.

These two publications on my desk this fine Wednesday morning are written so that the history of our church body might be preserved, but even more than that, that we might have a true confession that unites us all in the one Lord Jesus Christ.

Fun fact: did you know that if your now liberal ELCA (Evangelical "Lutheran" "Church" of America) church was formerly an ALC (American Lutheran Church), the congregation only needs to vote to leave the ELCA?

The LCMS, while imperfect, is being upheld by the Holy Spirit in the confession of Jesus Christ as the crucified and risen, ascended and glorified Son of God. By His undeserved grace, Trinity Lutheran Church here in little Clinton, Iowa, is standing strong in the confession of the one, true faith. Come and join us on Sunday mornings at 9am, or reach out to the church via phone, email, or even Facebook. We are glad to answer any questions you may have!

04/21/2026

Former Trinity member, Penny Bebensee, has been called to her heavenly home.

Penelope Ann Bebensee, 86, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2026 in her home due to cancer.    A Memorial Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1363 1st Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:0...

04/15/2026

What's on Pastor's Desk Wednesday - Issue 1

Last night I ordered the first of two books that we will be reading during our popular "Summer Book Club". The first book that we will read is "On the Incarnation" by Athanasius of Alexandria.

A bit different from our normal summertime reads, this book, a foundational book for our understanding of Christology (the study of the person and work of Jesus Christ), will show us why it was necessary for the eternal Son of God to assume human flesh in the womb of the Virgin Mary, and why He had to suffer and die "for us men and for our salvation."

The other book we will be reading will be decided upon today in Bible Study. Fear not - the options are not as theologically substantive as this one!

Also, this particular edition of our first book features an introduction written by C. S. Lewis, whose series "The Chronicles of Narnia" was the basis for our first three summer book clubs.

If you'd like to join, we'd love to have you!

Due to my schedule this summer, we will be reading two shorter works, and will likely (hopefully) be done by the 15th of July. Our first meeting will be June 3rd at 11am. Books will be available to pick up in early May!

Come and join us!

04/02/2026

We will be screening The Passion of the Christ tomorrow at noon. Bring a snack and drink if you want to!

All are invited!

03/30/2026

Would anyone be interested in watching The Passion of the Christ at noon on Friday?

Please comment if you would be interested.

03/29/2026

We don't keep this tradition in our church... Maybe someday we will! Rev. Zoske is a good friend of Pastor Wille, and our Lord has used Rev. Zoske to incredibly bless His beloved church, and for this we give thanks.

(An explanation taken from Wednesday evening’s sermon)

03/19/2026

02/21/2026

Our very own, Carmen Loots is featured in the !

Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the children of our amazing town!

Carmen Loots | 39 years with CCSD
Bluff Elementary Counselor

Favorite work-related memory response continued: "My favorite memories come from the connections built along the way: fun-filled interactions, shared laughter, and creating a learning environment where students felt acceptance, belonging, challenge and growth. There is nothing quite like witnessing a student's lightbulb moment - when something finally clicks and they recognize their own potential. I'm also deeply moved by the way families and staff consistently support students, rallying around them and helping them envision their highest possibilities. It has been an honor to work alongside fantastic educators who are incredibly passionate and compassionate about what they do. These collaborative, heartwarming successes are some of my most cherished memories."

"What makes you passionate about Clinton Schools?" response continued: "I am proud to have contributed to generations of students in a positive way, using humor and positivity to build a fun and engaging learning environment. Seeing students truly happy and invested in their education melts my heart, and it reminds me why this work matters so much."

We’re proud to shine a light on the amazing individuals who make up our ! ❤️🖤

12/21/2025

Beautiful red poinsettias are the final addition to the altar area of Trinity.