What follows is the text of Holy Trinity's first Public Relations feature story, written by Carol Cottingham:

A JOURNEY OF FAITH

The sign outside the small yet dynamic church reads, "Expect Miracles." Holy Trinity Lutheran, tucked in the rolling hills of northwest Williamson County on Sneed Road, is a church that has been relying on miracles for many years. Its recent past, not unlike many families undergoing challenges in a changing financial environment, has truly been one of tests, risks, and faith, yet as a spiritual home to families in Williamson, Davidson, and counties beyond, continues to be a place where miracles are present.

In the late 90's, Holy Trinity was busting out of its building on West End in Nashville. Land-locked from further development or even additional parking, land was found in rural Williamson County and so began the precarious journey to build a new church. Selling the present site on West End was quick, thus leaving the congregation without a church home.

Due to the graciousness of Brook Hollow Baptist Church, however, members of Holy Trinity worshipped there first for one, then two years as the building process, as any family experiencing the building process can attest, took twice as long as originally anticipated. This delay, unfortunately, not only challenged the small congregation logistically, but financially as well. By the time building was completed, the budget was depleted and then some. Plans that originally included a fellowship hall were dropped. The congregation found itself struggling financially to make ends meet.

It was then that, as with all families facing a challenge, the "family" rolled up its sleeves and looked at creative ways to survive the latest test of faith. Finding opportunity to make money by working concession stands at the-then Adelphia Coliseum during Tennessee Titans' games, members staffed concession stands during home games and special events for at least two years. Some Sundays, the pews were mostly empty as congregants worked eight to ten-hour shifts. The hard work, dedication, and determination of the HT family and the extra money earned from working each game made it possible for the small but resolute congregation to pay the bills.

Then, a miracle happened. Holy Trinity was one of the area churches to receive an endowment from local resident Mrs. Ann Dahlinger. The Council decided that paying off the mortgage would indeed fulfill the wishes established in the endowment, and members finally felt the financial burden lifted and the path cleared for the real mission of the church.

Doing God's work had always been a priority even during all the instability the church had experienced. Active in many local missions like Habitat for Humanity, Room at the Inn, Salvation Army programs, Crop Walk, and Second Harvest, not to mention supporting global causes as well, members now felt they were in the position to build the fellowship hall they were unable to afford as part of the original build on Sneed Road. The vision for the hall was more than a place for fellowship: the vision included space for outreach activities, community events, and support programs.

Again, an unexpected challenge. As the aftermath of Katrina and Rita required unusual construction efforts from area builders, construction on the fellowship hall was delayed. Then, Tennessee experienced a draught, again delaying construction. Finally, in October of 2007 the ribbon was cut and the first shovel of soil was tossed. Work on the fellowship hall had finally begun!

Unfortunately, the construction, with numerous delays, simultaneously occurred with the downfall of the financial markets. Steel prices rose, interest on the account fell, and the operating budget of the church plummeted again. Meanwhile, the strain on the congregation took its toll as the membership roster decreased. Meeting budgets once again became a challenge.

Amazingly, wonderful outreach continued and the real mission of the church was profound. Trips to the Gulf Coast to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina began in October of 2005 and continued on a regular basis into 2008.

The then-current pastor, Pastor John Stirewalt, with his vision for the new fellowship/ community hall could accommodate, had a sign erected that read, "Need a Place to Meet?" And on a typical weekday, as if by a miracle, Kate Riley rode past the sign on Sneed Road. Kate had been looking for a space for her vision, a new Montessori School, and contacted the pastor.

Suddenly, energized by the possibility of sharing the serenity of the contemporary church and its pastoral setting with a Montessori school, the congregation unanimously voted to accept the new mission. Walls were knocked down, plumbing and electricity were reconfigured, and several small Sunday School rooms were transformed into the bright, welcoming Holy Trinity Montessori School, which will open this fall, 2009 with a full roster of students!

Not only was meeting the budget a continual challenge, but in the spring, the pastor left for his calling to a Florida church. The "little engine that could" congregation realized its next miracle by receiving its interim pastor, Pastor Gretchen Person.

With a faith in Christ, belief in the possibilities, and creative intellect, the congregation, led by its new spiritual leader, is posed to move forth in God's name. Exciting plans for the future include a September 26th Oktoberfest, a field concert series in the fall, and a 90/90 program that calls for families to obligate 90 minutes of service in 90 days. The annual Sunday School Rally Day is August 30 with exciting activities for youth.

Holy Trinity's roller coaster ride of survival has paralleled with much of society, yet stands as a forceful, altruistic entity in the Williamson/Davidson community. Pastor Person's sentiment on the marquee, "Expect Miracles" reflects the past and future spirit of this modern-day church. Sitting quietly in pastoral Williamson County, Holy Trinity Lutheran rests not on its past, but ascends into the future with dynamic goals to fulfill Christ's mission of faith, fellowship, and service.