Trinity Lutheran Church is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, which has about 3.3 million members in nearly 9,000 congregations. The ELCA was formed in 1988 as the result of a merger of three Lutheran denominations.
Trinity affirms the traditional Christian teachings expressed in the Bible and the ancient Christian creeds (statements of faith), as interpreted by Martin Luther and the Lutheran Confessions. Above all, we emphasize the grace of God – the free gift of forgiveness and salvation – which comes to us primarily through hearing the Word of God and by receiving the sacraments of baptism and holy communion. We respond to God’s grace with faith and loving service to God.
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church was started in 1893. The fellowship hall and education building were built in 1954, and the sanctuary in 1961. Rev. Kent Tuohino has served as pastor since December of 2008.
Through the years, Trinity has seen itself as an integral part of the community of Riverside and as a center for spiritual growth, family growth and outreach. It is a mission-oriented church, and includes people from a variety of religious backgrounds.
What We Offer
Worship is at the center of our congregational life. We offer two Sunday worship services. Our Contemporary Service features a band and singers who lead the congregation in singing modern praise and worship music. Our Traditional Service features classic hymns and traditional liturgy led by organ and piano.
In addition to our worship services, Trinity offers a variety of programs for individuals and families. Check our weekly worship bulletin or the monthly newsletter for more information on these and other activities:
For Spiritual and Family Growth
- Sunday School for preschoolers through 12th grade
- Bible Studies for adults
- Book Club
- Quilting Bee
- Prayer Shawl ministry
- Membership classes
- Church library
- Lutheran Cursillo retreats
Youth Activities
- Confirmation classes for 7th & 8th graders
- Youth activities for 9th-12th graders
- Chrysalis retreats for high school youth
Music
- Contemporary service worship team
- Trinity choir
- Handbell choir
- Music lessons in guitar and ukulele
Social Activities for Adults and Families
- Potluck dinners and fellowship activities
- Community concerts & events
- Trunk-n-Treat in October
Helping Others (just a few examples)
- Free breakfast served every Saturday at 8:00 AM
- Free dinner served every Monday at 5:00 PM
- Food bags for the homeless
- Food pantry (every Wednesday)
- Shower of Hope (every Thursday)
- Christmas gifts for families in need
- Building homes with Habitat for Humanity
- Support for local charities and Lutheran World Relief
- Riverside office of Lutheran Social Services of Southern California
https://www.lsssc.org/location/riverside-county/
What Does “Lutheran” Mean?
Martin Luther (1483-1546) was a German priest and university professor who studied the Bible in search for an answer to his spiritual questions. Like many others, he was concerned that the Church of his day had strayed away from biblical Christianity. He sought to reform the Christian Church, and started a movement known as the Protestant Reformation.
Martin Luther recovered the biblical message of God’s grace that is central to the teachings of Jesus and the New Testament: we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. (See John 3:16, Romans 3:21-28 & Ephesians 2:8-9.) The Lutheran Church grew out of Luther’s efforts for reform and renewal. Today there are more than 70 million Lutheran Christians around the world. Lutherans are part of the whole Christian Church, united in faith with all those who believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Lutherans believe the Bible reveals God’s Word. They accept the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds as summaries of the Christian faith. They uphold baptism and holy communion as sacraments that Christ gave us to make his presence real in our lives, and to assure us of God’s love and forgiveness. Lutheran Christians seek to work together with other Christians and people of goodwill to help people in need, strengthen families and communities, and make the world a better place for all.
Holy Communion & Baptism
Holy communion is offered at Trinity on the first Sunday of the month at the 10:45 service, on the third Sunday of the month at the 9:00 a.m. service, and at both services on Easter and other festival Sundays. We welcome all adults to receive communion who believe in Christ’s real presence in the bread and wine. Children are invited to take communion after they have completed First Communion instruction, which we offer to students in 3rd grade and older (contact Pastor Kent to arrange for First Communion instruction). Younger children are encouraged to come forward with their family to receive a blessing.
The Bible teaches that through baptism, God gives us forgiveness of our sins, salvation and the gift of the Holy Spirit. To become a member of Trinity, you must have been baptized in a Christian church. If you need to arrange a baptism for yourself or for a member of your family, speak with Pastor Kent or call the church office.
How Do I Become a Member?
Our membership class is for anyone who wishes to become a member of Trinity, as well as anyone who is simply interested in learning more about the Lutheran Church and Trinity. The two-session class is offered as needed, and meets on Sunday afternoons. Check the weekly worship bulletin or the monthly newsletter for the dates of the next Membership Class, or contact the church office.
Other Questions?
We invite you to explore the groups and activities we offer. You do not need to be a member to participate in any of our programs or activities. If you have any other questions about our congregation, please contact Pastor Kent or call the church office at 951-682-1350.
Church Staff
Pastor: Rev. Kent Tuohino
Administrative Assistant: Michael Myers
Director of Music Ministries: Dr. Glenn Pickett
Our Vision & Mission
The vision of Trinity Lutheran Church is to provide a community of faith where all people are challenged to reach their full potential in Christ. Our mission is to represent our Lord Jesus Christ in this time and place. We will do so by:
- Inviting people to know God and His message of grace, love, hope and forgiveness.
- Assisting people to grow in their relationship with God.
- Equipping people to serve Christ’s church.
- Enabling people to share their faith through what they say and do.
KNOW, GROW, SERVE & SHARE!