This is Trinity English Lutheran Church. You are welcome here.

We believe God’s love is for everyone. People of all ages, viewpoints, genders, sexual identities and expressions, abilities, and ethnicities are welcome here. We believe we are called to live out that love in the world around us. When Jesus taught us to pray, “…on earth as it is in heaven…”, we believe he meant it. We welcome all who want to be part of this community and work to support each person in living the fullest life possible.

Our Beliefs & Values

Being a church means doing the things Jesus did, saying the things Jesus said, and loving the people Jesus loves–which happens to be everybody.

We believe Jesus shows us what it means to be human. Church is a place where we work on being human together. Jesus sends his Spirit to be with us, to give us strength and vision to become the people God intended.

We believe God’s love is for everyone. People of all ages, viewpoints, genders, sexual identities and expressions, abilities, and ethnicities are welcome here. A church is never full or complete without everyone. We welcome all who want to be part of this community and work to support each person in living the fullest life possible.

We believe we are called to live out His love in the world around us. As followers of Jesus, we try to be his hands and feet in our community. When Jesus taught us to pray “on earth as it is in heaven,” we believe he meant it. We also believe that he taught us to pray these things together so we can help each other grow into the things he taught us.

We are a church that stands in the long line of things Christians have believed and taught since those early days of the first followers of Jesus. These are gifts from God to help us feel the presence of Jesus among us, to strengthen us, and to shape us as a community. These Include:

  • The Trinity: We serve a triune God–God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit

  • The Sacraments: Baptism, Holy Communion, Confession & Reconciliation

  • The Lord’s Prayer: Teaches us how to pray and live in the world with trust in God.

  • The Ten Commandments: Guide how we treat one another, and help keep us from falling off the edge

  • The Bible: Tells us the story of God’s relationship with humanity and helps us understand what it means to live with faith, compassion, and hope, and invites us into that same, ongoing relationship

  • The Nicene Creed, The Apostles’ Creed, and The Athanasian Creed: Ancient creeds, over 1,700 years old, remind us of who Christians say God is, asking us to guard these truths so the next generation of Christians can be shaped by them, too

We seek a world where everyone has safety, dignity, meaningful work, love, and enough to eat. 

We believe that working together—with intention and care—can help earth look more like heaven, which was always God’s intention. Believing in God, trusting Jesus, feeling the Holy Spirit and going to church should help you become a better human. We seek a world where everyone has safety, dignity, meaningful work, love, and enough to eat. 

Simply put: God loves every person.

On the national level, Trinity English Lutheran Church is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA).

On a local level, Trinity is a member of the Indiana Kentucky Synod.

Submit a Prayer Request

Thank you for sharing your prayer request with us. Each and every one of our requests that come through are prayed for by someone in our church community.

“Trinity has become home for our family. We’ve built deep friendships, served together in meaningful ways, and made wonderful memories–from festivals and TinCaps games to the joy of Waffle Church.”

–Hillary, Trinity Member

“For our family, Trinity English Lutheran Church is so much more than a building or a place we come on Sundays–it’s truly home. One of us was baptized here 57 years ago, and the other was welcomed in love through marriage 29 years ago. Together this church has shaped our lives, nurtured our faith, and given us a community where we belong.”

–Brian & Sandra, Trinity Members

What to Expect

  • Our building has several entrances, but the easiest for worship services are on Washington Blvd. and Wayne Street.

    Free parking is available in our Washington Blvd. lot or on Wayne Street west of the church.

    Ushers will greet you at the door, answer questions, and offer a printed bulletin so you can follow along every step of the way in the service.

  • Our worship includes traditional music, prayer, Scripture readings, and a message from one of our pastors. Services usually last about one hour.

    The printed bulletin will guide you through the entire service, including when to sit or stand and the words for prayers and hymns.

    If Communion is offered, you are welcome to participate. Gluten-free wafers are available.

  • Wear whatever feels comfortable to you. Some people dress casually while others dress up a bit. Either way, you will fit right in.

    Our pastors wear traditional robes, and you may see young people serving as acolytes or assistants during the service.

  • Families are an important part of our church community.

    On Sundays from 9:45–10:25 AM, children in Pre-K through 6th grade are invited to Sunday School, where they hear Bible stories and participate in activities designed to help them grow in faith.

    Children can be dropped off upstairs:

    • Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Pre-K & Kindergarten — Room 106W

    • Elementary, 1–6th Grade — Room 205W & 210W

    • Youth Group, 7–12th Grade — Room 101W

    Children may be picked up at 10:25 a.m. for the service.

    All Sunday School teachers have completed background checks.

    During this time, parents and caregivers are invited to gather, enjoy refreshments, and connect with one another.

  • Guest information cards are available in the pews if you would like to share your contact information or learn more about Trinity. Or, fill out our online form below. Filling one out is completely optional.

    If you have questions, feel free to contact us anytime at info@trinityenglish.org.

    Consider signing up for our weekly newsletter where we’ll share information about events, volunteer opportunities, partners, and more.

    We hope your first visit feels welcoming, meaningful, and uplifting.

  • Anyone can join Trinity English Lutheran Church. If this feels like your church home, then it is. You belong here. Simply complete the form below. You’ll receive a welcome email and packet, and be signed up for our weekly newsletter so you’ll never miss out on what’s happening at Trinity.

    New Member Form

    Visit trinityenglish.org/events to find the next Trinity 101 class so you can learn more about life and worship at Trinity.

Pastoral Leadership

Reverend Dr. Pastor Gary Erdos

Pastor Erdos grew up in Butler, Pennsylvania (Yes, he is a Steelers fan!) and graduated from Grove City College before attending seminary in Boston and Columbus. After ordination, he served parishes in Pittsburgh and Yorktown, Virginia, and earned his doctorate from Virginia Theological Seminary in 2011 while engaging in teaching and outreach work.

Pastor Lee Zandstra

Pastor Lee grew up in Northwest Indiana and graduated from Clarke College before attending seminary in Philadelphia. Before ordination she worked for Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey.  She has served congregations in New Jersey and Michigan. When she’s not at church, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her wife Dori and their rescue dog Nala. 

In addition to pastoral staff, we have a dedicated team that cares deeply about their work at this church. Learn more about the people who make everything happen at Trinity.

Mary Lasits is the Deacon for Resource Development at Trinity. She is responsible for resource development and encouraging people to make a difference in the world through Trinity.

Deacon Mary E. Lasits

STAFF AT TRINITY

Our History

Trinity English Lutheran Church began in 1846, when seventeen Lutherans in Fort Wayne decided to form an English-speaking congregation for their children.

From its earliest days, Trinity English has looked toward the future while remaining rooted in faith. That same spirit continues to guide the congregation today.

EXPLORE TRINITY'S HISTORY

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