ELCA Church in Warrenville, IL
Trinity has a passion for serving those that need help in both our surrounding communities or around the world. This is where we get our name “The small church that does big things”.
We are always looking for ways to help others. If someone in the congregation identifies a need, we usually dive in.
We have provided a Live Nativity for over 25 years, an annual free Thanksgiving Dinner for the community and participate in “God’s Work Our Hands” as well as work through other organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and DuPage Pads.
We collect food donations for the local food pantry year round and to fill our Blessing Boxes (see below). Donations can be dropped off in the bins at the front of the church at any time.
We collect new and gently used children’s clothes for the local school. Donations can be dropped off at the church.
Women of Trinity and friends get together to knit and crochet items for people in need. Initially they created shawls to give to people who might be sick or going through hard times. As new needs arose they have expanded their activities to include chemo caps and lap robes for individuals. Whether you are an experienced with knitting or crocheting or would like to learn all are welcome.
The group meets every Friday at church from 9-10:20 a.m.
Trinity has presented a Live Nativity the 2nd weekend of December for the last 25 years. A large number of volunteers are involved in making the Live Nativity a gift to the community. It is a family event where you can sing Christmas carols, see live animals and watch the Christmas story unfold. You can share in cookies and hot chocolate at the conclusion of the story. There are many ways you can get involved in the presentation. Please contact us to find out more!
During the Warrenville 4th of July Celebration, Trinity collects non-perishable food and money for the Neighborhood Food Pantry. The Neighborhood Food Pantry is located in the parking lot of Immanuel Presbyterian Church. The food collection is done during the parade which many years has featured a float from Trinity that follows the parade theme. Walkers that follow along in the parade collect food and money donations from the spectators.
Christmas Sharing is a community activity that several churches in the area participate in. It provides much needed items for people at Christmas. A list of items needed is provided and we contribute. One of the churches in the area sorts and holds the event for people wanting to get Christmas gifts. Trinity participates in these activities.
Trinity provides a free traditional thanksgiving dinner for the community on Thanksgiving Day between 12:00 – 2:00. Many volunteers offer their services in preparing dishes and serving dinner. More than 100 people come each year to celebrate Thanksgiving with us. Leftovers are donated to a nearby shelter.
Several churches in Warrenville provide a Back to School Party just before school starts for students at a local elementary school. Five or six churches as well as Outreach Warrenville provide food, games and crafts, and music for all who attend. In addition, children in need are given school supplies based on grade. Each church takes a grade or part of a grade to buy school supplies for the students. There are about 350 school supply kits made available to the students. Seeing the parents smile and children’s excitement over getting new supplies for the school year warms our hearts.
Several times each year, we pack about 150 meals for the homeless. They are distributed through the Night Ministry, a Chicago-based organization whose mission is to provide human connection, housing support, and health care to members of our community who are unhoused or experiencing poverty.
Just off the parking lot at Trinity are two Blessing Boxes. The first contains food pantry type items. The second is similar but contains food for pets as we don't want our furry friends to go hungry either.
"God’s work Our hands" Sunday is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) — one church, freed in Christ to love and serve our neighbor. This is our way of life. We join with congregations across the country in a day of giving back to our community by picking up litter, painting the local school and a variety of other activities.
On the first Saturday of each month from 8 am to 10 am, we offer a free pancake breakfast to the community. All are welcome!