Category Archives: serve

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!”

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

Raise the Roof Campaign

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Raise the Roof  

Our Mission:  Together in God's Love, We Care, We Grow, We Serve.

In order to fulfill our mission, we must raise funds for major maintenance projects including replacing our aging roof, windows and HVAC. 

Why Give?

  • Our church roof is in critical condition. After years of wear, storm damage, and patchwork fixes, it can no longer protect our congregation and ministries. Leaks are now threatening not just the building, but our ability to gather, worship, and serve.
  • We need to raise funds to replace the roof and ensure a safe, welcoming home for worship, service projects, and community events.
  • This building is more than bricks and shingles. It is...
    • A home for worship, learning, & growing
    • A hub for meals, outreach, and support
    • A community gathering place

Your gift helps us keep the doors open and the Spirit moving.

How to Donate

  1. Vanco online giving - Choose the "Property Needs / Building Improvements" tab.
  2. Cash or Check offering on Sunday or mail Checks to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 605 W. Market Street, Leesburg, VA  20176. 
  3. Stocks/IRA gifts:  Different ways to support htlc 
  4. Contact our Parish Administrator for additional options or questions. (703) 777-4912
  5. Complete this electronic pledge card to let us know of your intentions and help with our planning
  6. We are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

“Raise the Roof” Capital Campaign Progress As of May 15, 2026, we have collected $152,685.35. We are in the process of soliciting updated bids for Phase I, the replacement of the flat roof. We extend our sincere thanks to all contributors on this remarkable advancement in the Raise the Roof Campaign.

Background (From July 2025 Property Report)

Addition Roof (New Building) - 2006

Flat roof replaced - 2007

  • EPDM (rubber/flat) roof from Versico Roofing Systems. 
  • Warranty issued 12/3/2007 that expired 12/2/2017
  • The roof replacement we are currently evaluating will meet or exceed 20 Years.

As of 9/23/24, Our insurance has enacted a $10,000.00 deductible for water damage on our policy.

Windows

Many of our windows are single pane glass. Windows with only one pane of glass are very poor insulators. Being near them when either very warm or cold is uncomfortable. This is energy inefficiency and it contributes to higher costs to heat and cool the building.

Support Joseph

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Greetings All,

My name is Joseph Dubsky, I am the son of Pastor Kristin, and I have been called through my faith to be a missionary in the Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program for 2026-2027. This is a program through the ELCA that sends young adults to various countries with a focus on accompaniment and intentional service with global companions. I will be serving for a year in Cambodia. I will find out my specific location later this year. 

There are two primary global companions in Cambodia, the Lutheran Church of Cambodia and the Lutheran Hope Cambodia Organization. I do not yet know what exactly I will be doing, but in previous years young adults in the program have served with: feeding programs, rural development, youth Bible classes, pastoral care, nongovernmental organization support, human rights trainings, and teaching. 

I am very excited for this opportunity, but it will not be possible without the prayer and financial support of people who want to be part of my journey. I need to raise $10,000 to help support my mission and the service that I will be doing. I will provide updates in the form of newsletters every other month so that people know what I am doing.

I will be at Holy Trinity on Sunday, May 17th to share more about my upcoming year of service.

If you’d like to donate, follow this link to give.elca.org Please make sure to choose “Joseph Dubsky” in the drop down menu.

Thank you for your prayer and financial support. 

Lawn Mowing

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For the first time in several years we have 5 mowing teams consisting of 3 Father/Sons, 2 Families as well as our regular volunteers. Mowing starts March 30 and ends mid Oct.

I am setting up a standby roster to fill in if needed. If interested please contact me.

Each mowing team will be contacted before their scheduled cycle to insure all information is current.

Thanks to everyone who volunteered for our 16th year of mowing .
Jim Truxel
jimtruxel@comcast.net

Loudoun Hunger Relief

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LOUDOUN HUNGER RELIEF

Although it may be hard to believe, there are about 16,000 people in LOUDOUN COUNTY, the richest county in the nation, who struggle with food insecurity! We continue to collect food items and paper goods.  Collection boxes are located in the Gathering Area near the Church office, and in the Narthex by the main sanctuary doors.

Any items are welcomed, but the following months have themed foods:

  • March : Canned/Box pasta and/or rice
  • April : Canned Veggies
  • May : Cereal
  • June : Canned Fruit

We also need extra hands to help collect and deliver the donations. If you can assist, contact Kim Mills or the church office. (office@holytrinityleesburg.org)

Always needed:  

  • Dry beans
  • Whole grain pasta, rice
  • Whole grain cereal
  • Canned meats (tuna or chicken)
  • Olive Oil
  • Peanut Butter
  • Low Sodium soups (under 350mg per serving)

Help Serve in Worship

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Help Serve in Worship!  There are many roles where you can assist:

  • Be a Lector (reader)
  • Teller (Count offering, complete computer spreadsheet)
  • Coffee Host (Set up coffee and goodies, clean up after)
  • Usher (collect offering, help with communion seating)
  • For our youth – be an acolyte or crucifer (Light candles, carry our cross at entrance and exit)

Sign up at https://tr.ee/tGtGg2

If you need help signing up, e-mail the church office at office@holytrinityleesburg.org.

To see who has already signed up, please go to: https://tr.ee/zsigxr

 * If the date is X’d out or not optionable on the calendar, it has been filled. If you are unsure, do not hesitate to email office@holytrinityleesburg.org for help!

New to being a worship volunteer? Training and Experienced Mentors provided.

Got Flowers?

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Have you noticed the fresh display of flowers in the sanctuary every Sunday? If you want to celebrate a special occasion-whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or memorial— don’t hesitate to get in touch with Bill Bishop at billbitc@aol.com or call 240-291-8128 for more details.