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  In May 1989, the Reverend Mark Schulz accepted the call as outreach pastor. The Wisconsin Synod proposed an area-wide ministry to the under-privileged, supported by the synod at first and then by local congregations. Pastor Schulz spear-headed Trinity’s support of this ministry, an effort called “Project Share,” an outreach to members of the community who might otherwise never walk through the doors of a church. The ministry has since expanded to local jails and rescue missions. Staff minister Duane Anderson became the first fulltime director of Project Share.

  Trinity’s outreach for Christ to the community continued with the start of a pre-school program in 1993. Class was held in the educational wing of Church due to lack of space at school.

Bethlehem’s townspeople visit the “tax collector”

  The congregation increased its outreach in a very visible way with the “Living Christmas Card,” a live portrayal of the events of Christ’s birth as recorded in the Holy Bible. Members dressed in “period” costumes, with scenery and animals added to give the evening a special feel.  The first Trinity “Living Christmas Card” was held December 1995, and it was estimated over 8,000 people enjoyed the event.
 
  In an effort to engage the youth of the congregation, a new staff minister position was created in 1999, “Minister of Youth and Music.” Randy Cochran accepted the call to serve as principal and serve this ministry. Mr. Steve Towne was called to teach 7^th and 8^th grades.   
 
  When Pastor Muetzel accepted a call to “Thoughts of Faith” ministry in 2002, Pastor Richard Starr was led by the Lord to replace him. As administrative pastor, he continues the work of the Lord entrusted to Trinity throughout the generations. 
 
 

The present Trinity Lutheran School

Crowded conditions at the school had the congregation planning to replace the structure with construction of a new two – story school attached to the church. The congregation had begun purchasing property near the church when nearby Whittier School suddenly became available. The school and its playground, with nearly three times the size of the old school, allowed the congregation to continue its outreach for Christ with space for the pre-school program and a new child care center as well. After renovations the school was dedicated June 1, 2003, with the first classes held there already in January of that year.
 
  In 2005, Mr. Ryan Hill was called to be principal and Project Share director. He became principal/teacher with the departure of Brian Abraham the next year. The excellent Christ-centered education continues, as Trinity Lutheran School was recently accredited by WELSSA. It is one of only three WELS elementary schools in the state of Michigan with this honor.
 
  Mr. Troy Yerks accepted a call as Minister of Youth and Music in 2005. With the creation of the praise band, known as “Narrow Door,” the congregation enjoys a monthly service with contemporary Christian music.
 
  The congregation explored uses for the old school, and in 2008 celebrated yet another outreach ministry for Christ with the grand opening of “Amazing Grace” Bookstore. The store makes available Biblically sound Christ-centered resources to the church family, the Christian community, and the unchurched.
 
 

Our latest ministry, Amazing Grace Bookstore

The congregation has sold both the parsonage and teacherage, and concentrated its focus on the Church, North Campus (housing Amazing Grace Bookstore and the Gymnasium) and the South Campus (Trinity Lutheran School). 
 

In 2011 God blessed Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church with 125 years of Grace. The celebration featured guest speakers, including the presidents of the Wisconsin Synod and Michigan District, and sons of the congregation who have entered the ministry. An extensive renewal of the landscaping was also undertaken.
 
It is our prayer as we look to the future that the congregation will always eagerly serve the Lord throughout all generations.