Trinity Lutheran Church

Trinity Lutheran Church Trinity Lutheran Church is a family of followers of Jesus Christ, committed to sharing the Gospel, and serving all of God's people with love and hospitality.

We are a group of imperfect people who are grateful to be held in God's grace... a family of believers seeking to grow in God's love and to share that love through living intentional Christian lives. We are a congregation of more than 1,200 people today. Trinity is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, but nearly half of our members come from other faith traditions. All are welcome. Sunday worship services are at 8 and 10:30 a.m.

06/21/2026

6/21/26 “The Truth of a Broken Heart" by Pastor Eileen Burdick – 10 a.m. service

Explore the power of Divine love during our 8 and 10 a.m. worship services this Sunday. Worship with us as Pastor Eileen talks about how God loves us full circle through all of our shortcomings. Enjoy music by Karl and friends as we enjoy the talents of several guest artists this morning.

06/21/2026

6/21/26 “The Truth of a Broken Heart" by Pastor Eileen Burdick – 8 a.m. service

Explore the power of Divine love during our 8 and 10 a.m. worship services this Sunday. Worship with us as Pastor Eileen talks about how God loves us full circle through all of our shortcomings. Enjoy music by Karl and friends as we enjoy the talents of several guest artists this morning..

Join us at our 8 and 10 a.m. worship services this Sunday, June 21You are invited to worship with us as we raise our voi...
06/20/2026

Join us at our 8 and 10 a.m. worship services this Sunday, June 21

You are invited to worship with us as we raise our voices in praise of God this Father's Day Sunday.

Come and be ministered through the Word, Holy Communion, and music by Karl and friends.

Then join us for coffee hour after each worship service. In honor of Fathers Day, there will be an assortment of Donuts for Dads (and everyone).

A JOURNEY TO PURDYToday's word from Pastor KatrinaLet me tell you a story about five quilters who went to prison.“Way ba...
06/20/2026

A JOURNEY TO PURDY
Today's word from Pastor Katrina

Let me tell you a story about five quilters who went to prison.

“Way back when,” Alice Conroy had taken a Health Information Management internship at Purdy, a Corrections Center for Women. Little did she realize that her experience then would eventually lead her future self, and a handful of TLC quilting sisters, on a journey back to Purdy, this time as a visitor and learner. There were many seeds planted, and steps taken along her journey. During Alice’s internship, she learned that the women were engaged in various activities like dog training, and the arts. Another seed was planted when a friend told Alice about a group of women who sew, and took some of Alice’s fabrics to Purdy. Alice thought “well gee, they have this quilting group, I’m going to find whoever is in charge, and I did. Her name is Lara, and she said ‘why don’t you come visit us?’ ” That was two years ago. It took time to coordinate, and in that time the TLC quilters sent donations to support the classes and programs. Finally, on May 14th, it was time to visit. There were five quilters on the journey: Alice Conroy, Sally Rongren, Susan Lewis, Cheryl Young, and Jane Lusk.

As they approached the facility, the twisted wire fencing was overshadowed by the beautiful grounds and gardens. They brought with them two bins full of supplies which all went through security with the group. There were three “questionable quilters” who got patted down by the security officer, Mr. Kim. Alice’s contact, Lara, came to take them to meet the sewing group and see the work space.
The quilters asked Lara why the ladies in the quilting group were at Purdy. “They’re all here for murder convictions,” she said. “Probably a man that was ruining their lives or their children' s lives… So they’re in there for life.” One woman– maybe she was 40, and the others were probably in their 80’s– 7 women total.

Everywhere they went, there was evidence of service to others. Lara showed them their small work space. There appeared to be adorable little hats on one work table, but Lara quickly explained that they were “possum pouches” for the orphaned baby possums at the wildlife animal rescue center on Bainbridge Island. They also make curtains for tiny homes for the homeless in Seattle; hats for people in Thailand; ceramics; bees raised and given to bee keepers.

Lara explained that the prison follows the Norwegian method of rehabilitation: “We consider this a reset- it gives you a chance to reset your life and go forward differently when you come out of here– to be a good neighbor.” Sally shared that Lara’s words really struck her: to be a good neighbor. “She was so respectful of the people she works with, and it gave you this feeling of hopefulness instead of power-over.”

In the work space, a quote is painted on the wall: “Hope Lives Here.” Another quote by Maya Angelou was in a prisoner’s journal: “Try to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.” This was the energy the women shared with the TLC quilters. They were delighted to show and tell their work. One of the older women had shaking hands and was unable to use the circular cutter, so she cut– by hand– every tiny square that went into the 80 unique squares in a quilt that the women gave to the TLC group. One quilter explained that the women give themselves over to the work– they’re expressing hope for the future by creating something beautiful and giving to others. Sally shared that the whole atmosphere in that group reminded her of the atmosphere in the TLC group: they have personal connection and purposeful activity. “Each year they get to do one quilt for someone,” Jane said, “so the younger woman shared that she had made a quilt for one of the older prison guards who was undergoing cancer treatment” The women were hospitable, offering coffee and cookies, and were so happy they had come!

Jane explained that the women are like sisters to each other. There was no sense of any kind of competition or negativity. They had also shared that TLC was the only organization that had given them donations for their batting and thread. They are always in need of this, especially cone thread. This planted more seeds for the TLC group, to set aside items and resources to send.

When it came time to leave, the hospitality followed them out the door with bags of popcorn which they munched on during the drive home, as their hearts processed (and continue to process) all they had seen and experienced with the women at Purdy. They pondered rehabilitation and reset versus revenge. Sisterhood that mirrored their own camaraderie in the quilting room. The shared goals to serve others and to be a good neighbor. The TLC quilters are already organizing bins to take on their next trip this fall, and the Purdy group gave them two jaw-dropping quilts to use in their fundraiser this November. The quilters are excited to return the proceeds to support the various projects at Purdy, nurturing seeds of loving neighbors, in joy and service. Thanks be to God!

In Gratitude,
Pastor Katrina

06/14/2026

6/14/26 “What Kind of People Will We Be?” by Pastor Jim Lindus – 8 a.m.

Explore the power of hope this Sunday. Worship with us as Pastor Jim explores the role hope plays in our identity as followers of Christ. Plus, be ministered through music by Karl and friends.

Explore the power of hope during our 8 and 10 a.m. worship services this SundayYou are invited to worship with us as we ...
06/13/2026

Explore the power of hope during our 8 and 10 a.m. worship services this Sunday

You are invited to worship with us as we learn about the role hope plays in our identity as followers of Christ.

Come and be ministered through music by Karl and friends.

Then join us for coffee hour after each worship service.

Reminder: our mid-year congregational meeting takes place after the second worship service.

AM I SAFE?Today’s Word from Pastor JimJesus said to the religious people, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the ...
06/13/2026

AM I SAFE?

Today’s Word from Pastor Jim

Jesus said to the religious people, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the Kingdom of God ahead of you.”

Matthew 21:31

The question arises from time to time, a question born in pain, rooted in personal experience, an apprehensive question which reveals the fear of being known, known by those who may not be compassionate or trustworthy. The question: “Am I safe? Will I be judged?” Broken people walk into our church every week. They are looking for sanctuary, a safe place, they long for words of hope as they carry more than their share of shame, guilt and regret. Those who are most likely to ask the question are people whose families are dealing with addiction, divorce or some form of mental illness.

Broken people walk into a church that bears the name of Jesus, and they wonder if they will be shunned, judged or excluded. It has been said that “the church is the only army that shoots its wounded.” Of course, that is not true. Those of you who have been in the corporate world, politics or professional sports know that the wounded are discarded every day.

My father was a highly functional alcoholic. He was never absent from work, never had a DWI, never missed a beat during the day. He poured his life into his corporate work for 30 years, and he poured a lot of drinks at the end of the day. When his family had an intervention to help him back to health, he swallowed his pride and headed off to Hazelton for 30 days of in-patient rehab. His boss gave him the time off, but when he returned to work, it was clear that his days were numbered, and soon the company that he had given his life to had retired him.

The Church too, is not always very understanding or patient with those who are damaged, broken, non-conforming, or high maintenance. We praise high achievers, we are intoxicated by wealth and power, we imply that God has blessed the faithful with success, at the same time implying that others are suffering the just fruits of their behavior. The cancer of self-righteousness is always close to the surface among religious people like us. We take ourselves too seriously, we claim favored status with God, we somehow believe that we are better than the broken. We show up on Sunday, we say the right prayers, we wear the right clothes, we make offerings of time and money and do good deeds.

But we too are hiding, hiding behind a mask, hoping that others won’t discover the secrets of our families or the secrets of our lives. And if the mask were to come off we wonder, “Am I safe? Will I be judged?” Will the Harper Valley PTA or the Country Club members toss me aside? One of the most freeing moments of my life came when I realized that I am not called to bear the burden of judging others. I am your pastor not your judge. I set the table for communion, and I let Jesus determine the guestlist. I am not responsible for what you believe, I am only responsible for what I teach. I am not responsible for your salvation, I am called to proclaim God’s love for you.

“My child is gay, am I safe?” “My husband is in prison; will I be judged?” “I am an addict in need of recovery, am I safe?” “I am an undocumented immigrant; will I be welcomed at TLC?” “I am not sure that I even believe in God, will I be judged here?”

She sat in my office, she told me her story, her courage inspired me, the pain overwhelmed me and then she said it, “Am I safe? Will I be judged here?”

We can do better. We must do better.

Pastor Jim

[email protected]

MID-YEAR REPORT OF PASTOR JIM LINDUSToday’s Word from Pastor Jim“I thank my God in every remembrance of you.”Dear Friend...
06/12/2026

MID-YEAR REPORT OF PASTOR JIM LINDUS

Today’s Word from Pastor Jim

“I thank my God in every remembrance of you.”

Dear Friends in Christ, there has never been a more important time to be the church together. Our neighbors long for words of promise, grace and hope. The non-profits of Whidbey Island need the support of Trinity Lutheran Church. Young families need a caring Christian Preschool where their little ones will learn life lessons and experience love in a safe environment. The mission entrusted to us is bearing fruit every day and thanks to the Trinity Endowment we are positioning ourselves to touch the future long after we are gone.

I am thankful for our wonderful staff. They are dedicated to you and to our shared mission. I am thankful for the dozens and dozens of volunteers who share their time and talent with the community each week making Trinity a place of hospitality and grace. A few weeks ago, a young mother who lives in another state contacted me and said that Trinity offers her hope for the world.

Last week a couple who had returned from winter in the South met with me midweek. Reflecting on the previous Sunday service they commented saying, “On the way home we both said, ‘This is what worship should be like.’” We have something special at TLC; there is a sweet spirit in this place. The stewardship of this precious place is up to each of us. No judging. No excluding. No background checks. Either all are welcome or soon all will be excluded. So put on the uniform of a servant each Sunday morning and come ready to welcome the guests that Jesus invites to our community.

Our mid-year financials are strong and put us in a position to do even more for our neighbors. We will continue to work with trusted ministry partners who go places that we cannot go.

It is an exciting time of transition as Pastor Katrina is now with us full-time. We continue to adjust our staff responsibilities, matching ministry gifts with the needs of the congregation. No one is leaving our staff in the near term, we are growing and thriving together.

On July 12th we have a once in a lifetime event, once in the lifetime of a church that is already 73 years old, as we will be hosting the Presiding Bishop of the ELCA. I was with one of our colleagues in Everett last week and the pastor asked, “How do you rate?” The Presiding Bishop will be here to observe and give thanks. Bishop Curry wants to see and experience a congregation in the most unchurched region of the country that continues to thrive even in the midst of an historic decline in mainline denominations. Bishop Curry also wants to thank us for the amazingly generous benevolent giving that sets Trinity apart as one of the most generous congregations in the ELCA.

So, I have two asks of you in the Summer of 2026. First, please plan to be with us on July 12th. Worship services will be at 8 and 10:30 to allow us time between services for a forum with the Presiding Bishop and with Northwest Washington Synod Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee. Let’s show our bishops who we are as we extend extravagant hospitality to all. Second, an invitation for you to join Felicia and me by remembering the Trinity Endowment in your estate plan. We have the names of lawyers in the office who can help you with this. Together we can touch the future. Together we can assure that our legacy of generosity will go on for decades to come.

Blessed to be a Blessing! I am thankful for you! I am one beggar, telling another beggar where to find bread, I am your,

Pastor Jim

[email protected]

Address

Address: 18341 State Route 525/Mailing Address: PO Box 97
Freeland, WA
98249

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 3pm
Wednesday 9am - 3pm
Thursday 9am - 3pm
Friday 9am - 12pm
Sunday 8am - 1pm

Telephone

+13603315191

Website

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