Should I give to Debt Reduction instead of my regular giving this year because the match means my dollars have twice as much impact?

No. Regular giving is vital to our church operations. Any dollars given to the Debt Reduction Fund cannot be used for regular church operational expenses. They must be used to pay down the principal of our note. While it may seem like a better use of money while we have the matching opportunity, it is important to note that investments in our future should not come at the expense of our church's work today.

Do you have handicapped parking?

We have designated handicapped spaces in front of our sanctuary.

What should I expect after I arrive?

As you enter the double doors, ushers will be there to welcome you and answer any questions you may have before worship. If you arrive early, we welcome you to join us for coffee and fellowship in the Narthex area outside of the Sanctuary. Sanctuary seating is first-come, first-served. In each seat, you will see a pocket with various papers and a pen on the back of the seat in front of you. We like for everyone, members and guests, to fill out a Connection Card from this pocket and place it in the offering plate. This gives you a chance to let us know more about you and if you would like anyone from the church to connect with you. There are also Prayer Request cards in this pocket for your use. Below the seat in front of you, there is a basket with a Bible and a Hymnal for your use during the service, but everything will be projected on the two large walls up front. You can also ask the ushers for a paper Worship Guide when you arrive, if you prefer. Communion is served every Sunday. If you are not sure what this means, please read our Communion Policy . If you determine that you will not be receiving Communion, you may still come forward and signal your desire to receive a blessing by crossing your hands over your heart. You are also welcome to remain in your seat during this time. At the conclusion of each service, you will exit using the same doors through which you entered. You will have the opportunity to greet Pastor Crowe as you exit.

You will see some people in suits and dresses and others in jeans, shorts or other casual attire. In any form, modesty and appropriate attire is appreciated. We are glad you have chosen to worship with us!

What do children do during worship services?

All children are welcome to stay and worship with their families. There is a special time during the service for a Children's Message where children are invited to come forward and participate in a message just for them. We know that sitting through church with a little one can sometimes be difficult, so there is a wiggle room where you can still participate in the service even if your child has the \"wiggles.\" This room is located to the right of the sanctuary as you enter, near the women's restroom.

Do you have Christian education for adults?

There are several Bible Studies that take place during the Christian Education hour, from 9:45–10:45 a.m. There are also special interest classes held periodically, such as New Member classes. The topics and locations of these studies change, so ask an usher what is available that Sunday if you are interested in attending. There are also several Bible Studies that meet throughout the week, both in person and online. Many, but not all, of these are on the calendar on our Events page. Call our office at 225-272-3110 for help finding the right group for you. Some groups have limited meeting space and may not be able to accommodate new members immediately.

Do you have Sunday School for children?

Sunday School and Bible Classes for children and teens begin at 9:45 each Sunday morning. These classes are held in the Trinity Lutheran School classrooms, which is the first cluster of buildings you reach after turning in to the campus from S Harrell's Ferry.

Debt Reduction Campaign - Trinity Lutheran Church Baton Rouge

Debt Reduction Campaign

Updated:

September 29, 2026

Update from Your Midweek TLC | July 15, 2026

We’ve met our $100,000 match!

In February, we announced that we had a donor willing to match all contributions to Debt Reduction, up to $100,000. As of last week, we have surpassed that $100,000 mark! And that leads us to an exciting announcement—another donor has generously offered to match the next $25,000 donated to Debt Reduction! Progress in the new matching campaign will be reported in our weekly news in the same place. Praise God for this blessing and we ask for His guidance as we continue our work to steward the gifts He has granted our congregation to glorify His name and lead others in our community to faith in Him.

Update from Your Midweek TLC | February 4, 2026

God is good! Trinity has an opportunity to make a huge impact in our remaining debt this year.
In a letter to the congregation (read here) included with giving statements mailed to members last week, Stewardship Ministry Team Chair Jeff Gribnau announced that in 2026, members will have the opportunity to double any debt reduction gifts they make, above and beyond regular giving. An anonymous donor has pledged to match congregational donations directed to debt reduction up to $100,000, beginning February 1 through the end of 2026. Donations will continue to be included in our weekly reporting as part of the Total Loan Principal Donations. An additional line will report how much of the $100,000 matching funds remain available to match member gifts. If you have any questions about this, please email tlcbusiness@tlcbr.org or call the church office.

Campaign Origin

In December of 2023, a grassroots Debt Reduction Campaign was born from a conversation at a Voter’s Meeting. At that time, our outstanding debt on our South Harrell’s Ferry facilities, after applying the majority of funds from the sale of the Florida Boulevard property, was $1,055,158. Since then, Trinity has been tracking member donations specifically designated to reduce this outstanding debt. To date, Trinity members have contributed more than $125,000 to this quiet campaign. The combination of these member gifts and voter-approved church reserved funds has brought our current outstanding debt balance to $442,900. It is remarkable and truly by the grace of God that in two years, with no official campaign or marketing, our outstanding debt has been reduced by more than half.

Donate Online to Debt Reduction Here

To make a contribution by check, you can mail your gift to the church office or place it in the offering plate. Please be sure to write “Debt Reduction” in the memo section of your check to ensure it is properly allocated.

While all donations to the Debt Reduction Campaign are a blessing, please consider any gifts to be above and beyond normal giving. Our church relies on the regular giving of members for annual ministry and operational expenses. This campaign is an investment in Trinity for the future and is not meant to detract from our current ministry focus.