Author Archive: Leesa Bell

Taizé Worship

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Sunday, August 30, 10:00 AM

We will mix up our worship a bit and be immersed in

The Taizé Experience

Pastor Kristin will lead us in a special worship experience which she explored during June, firsthand in France.   Our own pew hymnals contain over a dozen hymns from the Taizé community. 

In a noisy and busy world, come and experience quiet reflection and peace. This type of worship provides a gentle space to rest in God’s presence!

A Message from Pastor Kristin about Taizé

In June I had the opportunity to spend a week in Taizé, France.  It is an ecumenical monastic community.  The Humble Walk which is the name of The Lutheran Campus Ministry at the University of Maryland, College Park travels to Europe every other summer for the students to experience church in different settings.  They invite others to join the group while they are in Taizé.  Almost at the last minute, I decided to go to experience this community my son raved about from being there two summers ago.  I knew I loved singing the simple, beautiful music, I wanted to spend time with Joseph before his next adventure in Cambodia for the upcoming year and I’ve heard good things about the community.  

When you think of a trip to France you probably think of amazing food and wine – well this is not where you find either of those.  Breakfast each day is bread, chocolate and butter (which is actually delicious), the other meals of the day were also very simple, easy to feed lots of people quickly. Taizé is not a five-star resort, not even close, but one step up from camping (and some people do camp).   

The food and lodging are not ideal, but the beautiful part of Taizé is the worship and community.  

The community gathers together 3 times a day for worship.  Most people are sitting on the hard floor – some using prayer benches.  The Brothers from the community sit in the middle.  Most of the time no one is up front leading, no bulletins, but simply a song book and sometimes an extra paper with the Psalm of the day on it.  It is primarily songs – lots of them (and sung in many languages – representing groups of people currently there for the week). The week I was there we sang in English, Latin, French, German, Swedish, and Chinese.  Simple beautiful repetitive melodies and harmonies that echo throughout the space.    

Worship also includes a long period of silence (probably 7-10 minutes.)  At first, I just prayed my stomach didn’t make a lot of noise digesting my meal, but then as the week went on, I found the time to go by quickly – I prayed for my family and friends. I prayed for the world. I prayed for Holy Trinity.  I prayed for all who were in the community that week and so much more.   I also meditated on a line from one of the songs or the reading.  I felt God’s presence with me throughout the week in the people I met and in worship.  Many of you know I’m not a quiet person, but I enjoyed the silence and the space to reflect and meditate.   

When I left for this trip to France, I thought it would be a once in a lifetime experience – but as the week went on it was such a meaningful and different experience of God’s love that I hope to go again sometime and to bring others with me.  I met wonderful people of faith from France, Germany, The Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and The United States.   

Want to learn more about Taizé?  Check out their website taize.fr and join us on Sunday, August 30 for a Taizé style worship service.  

God’s Peace, 

Pastor Kristin Hoyer 

Women’s GLOW WELCA Circle

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Welcome to the WELCA – GLOW circle. GLOW stands for “Grace Lights Our Way”. We liked this based on our meeting time in the evening, as well as the meaning behind the name.
WELCA GLOW meets the fourth Wednesday of each month, and we will continue to meet throughout the summer.  We’ll be planning activities for “God’s Work, Our Hands,”  We have devotions each month focused on one of the women of the Bible, and what we can learn from their stories.

GLOW is currently collecting information for future College Care Packages. All parents of college students or college students please share:  Name, School Address, Email Address, Phone Number, Allergies, Birthday and send to Andrea or Cheryl Williams via the church office (office@holytrinityleesburg.org).

Thank you for helping us put our faith into action!

Contact the church office to learn more about WELCA GLOW.  (office@holytrinityleesburg.org)

Light at the Laundromat

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What if you had to choose between these things- Toilet Paper, Clean Clothes, Food? What would you choose and why?

How would having dirty clothes affect – making friends at school, getting a job, your self-esteem?.

Please consider joining us in service!  You can sign up at our Youth Kick-off Event on September 20  or you may speak with Nancy Fox or Pastor Kirstin! 

Our next  service dates are :

Sunday, August 30

Sunday, September 27

Thoughts from one of our Light at the Laundromat participants:

There’s a simple comfort many of us don’t think twice about—doing laundry at home. It’s convenient, private, and always available. But for some families in our community, laundry isn’t a daily routine—it’s a weekly journey. They arrive with garbage bags, or huge baskets filled with dirty laundry.  Some have the family show up with children of all ages, waiting, and having to entertain their children while they wait. This is where we as Holy Trinity can make an impact, and have started. In the past 3 months, we have seen our outreach grow. We have seen some families come in again, and now acknowledge us as we help. There have been many moments that have shown us this is making an impact. But one that stands out in my mind is of a dad reading to his child, eating snacks we provided. He had food and a comforting time at the laundromat that Sunday. The smiles and their appreciation have shown our youth that this is a great service project.

“Light at the Laundromat” reminds us that even in the most ordinary places, we can reflect compassion and care. The youth and their parents have been going to a laundry mat the last Sunday of the past 3 months, and we will continue to serve here. We have been able to provide laundry detergent, and snacks as well as books for the children to take home. Looking to help this youth project grow?  There Is a laundry basket by the front door, place laundry pods there, and the youth will bag them up. Coloring  books are also needed. And if you would like to give money, please note it for “Light at the Laundromat”.

“May we be mindful of the blessings we often take for granted, and may we look for ways—big or small—to bring light, hope, and dignity to those around us.”

Gods Work. Our Hands.

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God's Work, Our Hands September 13, 2026.

Our congregation will soon engage in service work right here in our community. We are one of over 8,500 congregations participating in "God's work. Our hands." day of service. Across the country, thousands of members will work to make a positive change in our communities, build and deepen relationships and share God's love. Join us as we do God's work with our hands!

Ages 3-133 are invited!

This will also be the first day of Sunday School! Classes for Children and youth will meet and all ages will engage in service activities!

What will we be doing during the Sunday School Hour?

  • Preparing "Birthday Boxes" for Loudoun Homeless Services.
  • Making "Placemats"
  • Making Blankets and Pillows for children at the homeless shelter
  • "Light at the Laundromat" preparations

How can I Help?

  • Take a "HAND" from the board in the gathering area. Purchase the item and return it to the church by 8:15 am Sunday, August 30.
  • Come at 8:45 am Sunday, September 13 to help
  • Travel to a local Laundromat to hand out supplies and pay for people's laundry!

You can donate to "Light at the Laundromat" by

  1. Using one of the envelopes provided on the board in the gathering area and placing it in the offering plate.
  2. Using our online payment portal - click on the "Donate" tab on our website menu.

“God’ s work, our hands; working together, building a future, repairing the world,...Bless God, our hands as we work in your name, sharing the good news of your gospel!”

Blessing of the Animals

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On Sunday, October 4, the Christian Church commemorates St. Francis of Assisi.  Francis had a deep love of nature and animals. Although he was born into a wealthy family in Italy, he embraced a life of poverty, simplicity and service to God. He believed that all creation reflected God’s goodness and that humans should take care of it with humility and gratitude. On this Sunday we will meet outside to celebrate the animals who bring joy to our lives.  Pets are invited to attend worship which will include a special blessing of the animals!

(In the event of inclement weather, the service will be held inside, and the Blessing of Animals will take place outside following worship.  Watch social media for weather updates!)

Choir Start Dates

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Holy Trinity is blessed with music opportunities for ages 4-104!  In addition to the established ensembles listed below, there are seasonal opportunities for instrumental musicians and opportunities to participate in special vocal ensembles. 

Chancel Choir (Adults)

Rehearses weekly Sunday mornings from 8:45-9:45 am

September 13, First Rehearsal

Terry Sisk, Choirmaster

Youth Singers (Youth Grades 6-12)

Rehearses monthly on Sunday evenings from 5:00-6:00 pm

(Generally, on the third Sunday of the month)

September 20, First Rehearsal

Nancy Fox, Director

Joyful Noise -Sing and Ring! (Children Grades K-5)

Rehearses Weekly from November through March 

Wednesday Evenings from 6:00-6:50 pm (There is an optional family friendly dinner served at 5:30 pm for singers and their families)

November 4, First Rehearsal

Nancy Fox, Director

Descant Singers (Pre- K Children)

Rehearses Weekly from November through March 

Wednesday Evenings from 6:00-6:50 pm (There is an optional family friendly dinner served at 5:30 pm for singers and their families)

November 4, First Rehearsal

Stephanie Valentine, Director

Questions?

Contact Terry Sisk (Terrysisk@aol.com)

 

Handbell Huddles

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Handbell Huddles!

To allow more people to participate in the JOY of Handbell Ringing, we are once again offering “Handbell Huddles”! With this model, a commitment is made for a specific time period, rather than an entire year.  Throughout the 2025-26 program year, we will have five “Huddles,” allowing you to pick the rehearsal and performance time period that works for you. Beginners are welcome; however, we must limit participation to ringers in  middle school and above!  Thank you in advance, since our handbells really enhance our worship!

Fall-Winter 2026

Throughout the 2026-27 program year, we will have four “Huddles.” Below you will see the dates and times along with sign-up links for the first two huddles.  Beginners are welcome; however, we must limit participation to ringers middle school and above!  

Fall Huddle

Wednesday Rehearsals 6:00-7:00 pm

September 30, October 7 & 14

Play in Worship 10:00 am

Sunday, October 18

Advent/Christmas Huddle

Sunday Rehearsals 11:15am-12:15pm

November 8 & 15, December 6

Play in Worship 10:00 am

November 22 & December 13  

Play for Community Carol Sing 4:00 pm

December 13   

Sign up for one of our first two huddles by following the link:

https://forms.gle/8kZeQXKGE58bxHKC8

If you have any questions, please let Nancy Fox know!

Classics Senior Adult Group

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Who are the Classics?

If you are retired, you qualify to be a Classic!

We Lutheran’s like to eat, so food is always included with whatever we decide to do. Is there something or some place you think would be fun? If so, please share it with us. We really hope you will join us and become part of our ‘Classics Family’ here at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.

Our upcoming events:

Friday, September 11

Visit the Museum of the Shenandoah in Winchester to experience the outdoor sculpture exhibit:  Earth & Sky: Sculptures by Marguerite Elliot.

Tuesday, October 13

Experience the beauty of autumn on a scenic train ride departing from Gettysburg.  We’ll meet at First Watch in Leesburg, for some yummy breakfast before we head out. We will  stop by church prior to leaving for the train for those who would rather meet there.  Watch the bulletin for information on tickets and timing.

November

Join Terry Sisk for a guided tour of the historic Leesburg Episcopal Church.

 

If you would like to participate, please email the church office to be added to the group list - Office@HolyTrinityLeesburg.Org

The Classics visited the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley    

We met 14 towering dinosaurs and prehistoric animals made from scrap metal and found objects by Minnesota artist Dale Lewis. Each sculpture, in a uniquely imaginative way, blended art and history!  We also enjoyed seeing the gardens and museum.

 

 

Be a Reading Buddy

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We have TWO Reading Buddy Outreach Volunteer opportunities:
Who– High School Age People and “Older” than High School Age People
Opportunity 1:To read to those residents at Meadow Glen Assisted Living in Leesburg who need a little brightening of their day. Bring along something to read that is light, uplifting and short for example- Chicken Soup for the Soul stories
Residents are of many abilities and would welcome an opportunity to meet someone with a smiling face, a little something to read and a willingness to have a little visit!  It will be good for the Reading Buddy and the person who is listening!  Come spread some cheer and brighten your day as well!
Meadow Glen Assisted Living (315 Dry Mill Rd, SW. Leesburg)
Talents: Willingness to smile, read and share some of your time with others, be a day brightener!
Opportunity 2: Help pre-K littles practice / learn to readWe’ll be helping teachers and children at Frederick Douglass Elementary School in Leesburg practice reading skills.  1 time per week if you can, but they are willing to take all the help they can get. Starting in October. Note: Volunteers going into schools must complete a short application form before volunteering. 

Sign up on Sign Up sheet in Narthex or contact Stasia Whitacre at

Donate to HTLC

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Our congregation is so generous in supporting Holy Trinity!  

Today, there are more and more ways to simplify your giving, making it less time consuming and sometimes even easing your tax burden.  Here are some of the many ways to support Holy Trinity:

  • In Person – Drop your check or cash into the offering plate at worship.  If you know your envelope number, please write it on the check or place your offering in your numbered envelope.  If you would like offering envelopes, please contact the office at Holy Trinity.
  • VANCO – Holy Trinity has established an online portal with VANCO to make it easy to donate electronically.  The URL is https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZP7Y/home .  It is also linked from the Donate button on Holy Trinity’s webpage.  You can donate one time or set up recurring donations.  This is a great way to support Holy Trinity when you are away on vacation. You can donate from your credit card or bank account.  Any financial  information you enter in VANCO is secure.
  • Text To Give – You can use your cell phone to text your contribution to Holy Trinity.  Text the amount you wish to give to 844-435-9809 and follow the instructions.
  • QR Code – In the pews at Holy Trinity are cards with a QR code.  Use your cellphone to scan the QR code and follow the instructions.
  • Online Banking – Use your online banking to send a check or electronic payment to Holy Trinity, just like paying other bills.
  • Donating Appreciated Securities – You can donate stocks, mutual funds, or other securities to Holy Trinity without having to sell them.  Holy Trinity has set up an investment account at our bank, Truist, to which you can transfer the securities directly.  This prevents your having to sell the securities and pay capital gains taxes on the amount the securities have appreciated since you purchased them.   Holy Trinity will hold the investment(s) and let them appreciate further until we need the money to pay expenses.  If you are interested in this, please contact me for the account information and specific instructions.
  • Name Holy Trinity as a Beneficiary or Leave a Bequest in your Will or Trust – Thinking about what may happen after you’re gone isn’t anyone’s favorite topic. However, naming Holy Trinity as a beneficiary or leaving a bequest in your will or trust allows you to give without overextending yourself if you need to spend more on long-term care or other expenses. Additionally, charitable bequests can reduce estate taxes.DISCLAIMER:  I am not a tax expert.  Please consult your own tax or financial adviser before deciding to implement any of the strategies I have described.Holy Trinity is profoundly grateful for the generous contributions, large and small, of all of our congregation members!  Please let me know if you have any questions about taking advantage of any of these giving suggestions or other ways of supporting Holy Trinity.Karla McGovernkarlakmcgovern@gmail.com