Fusion is going to look a little different...

Fusion Light

Fusion launched in September, 2018.  After a year-long process of discovery and discernment, the visioning team developed the format for Fusion, designed to be Trinity’s primary outreach. Using feedback gained through research, reading and conversations, we decided on a format that focused on storytelling, food and fellowship.  Fusion was developed for those who might describe themselves as “spiritual, but not religious” and as seeking a sense of community, but may not be attracted to traditional, or even contemporary, church worship services.

In the early months of 2020, Fusion had achieved an important goal:  roughly 50% of those attending Fusion were outside our Sunday morning members and constituents.  And, attendance was averaging around 40-45 with an average of 8-10 children participating in Fusion Kids.

COVID has presented a significant challenge…
March, 2020 Fusion was cancelled.  During April’s lockdown, we experimented with an entirely virtual/online format.  In May, Fusion resumed, meeting outdoors.  But cold weather is on its way.
Fusion is a unique format focused around building relationships so social distancing presents a significant challenge.

Beginning October 19, Fusion will become Fusion Light and will follow a modified format through March, 2021.  The planning team has done our best to adapt to our new reality.  Here’s what Fusion Light will look like…

On the 2nd Monday of each month, a storyteller will share their story via video.  The story will be posted to the Fusion page of Trinity’s YouTube channel and our Fusion Facebook page and the link will be distributed via a church Eblast.  Because storytellers will be videoed, this will allow us to access storytellers from far off geographical places.  Do you have a friend, relative, or colleague who has an interesting story to share?  It doesn’t matter where they live.  Let Morris DuBose or Pastor Tracey know and we are happy to reach out to them.
Individuals will be able to engage with the story in one of three ways which we hope will accommodate those who are quarantining and need a virtual option, as well as those who are not tech savvy or suffering Zoom fatigue:
  1. Asynchronously: The video will allow the opportunity for viewers to comment, allowing asynchronous engagement and discussion.
  2. Zoom: On the 3rd Monday of each month at 7 p.m., Lisa Nielsen will facilitate a Zoom discussion group which will be structured like our discussion groups at our in-person Fusion gatherings.  There will be 3-4 discussion questions based around the theme of the storyteller that will invite you to share your own stories and build a sense of discovery and sharing within the group.  Check the weekly Eblast or home page of  Trinity’s website and Fusion pages for the Zoom link.
  3. In-Person: Also on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7 p.m., no more than 14 people will gather at the church for discussion.  We’ll break out into two discussion groups, socially distanced in two different areas of the church building, led by facilitators (just as has been the practice at Fusion).  Masks will be required.  Please RSVP to info@trinitylafayette.org for the in-person groups so we do not exceed capacity to appropriately socially distance.  While we hope many will view the video story, viewing the video online will not be required in order to have meaningful engagement in the in-person discussion groups. Please note that food will not be served at the in-person discussion groups since eating requires removal of our masks and in-door eating is not advisable during this COVID pandemic.
The ability to share our stories, to connect our stories to the sacred story, and to build community beyond our walls is critical to Trinity’s vision of “growing in love and service through relationships with God and community.”  So, we hope and pray that you will continue to support our vision by engaging with Fusion, talking with friends and colleagues about Fusion (particular those who do not enjoy traditional church formats), sharing the video links through your own social media platforms, and informing Morris and Pastor Tracey about potential storytellers.

Fusion Kids will take place in the basement but capacity will be limited.  You MUST sign your child/ren up in advance.  

Bring your story. Bring you.

Fusion is a once-monthly gathering offering an alternative experience in Christian community.  It’s designed for individuals who might describe themselves as “spiritual, but not religious” and as seeking a sense of community, but may not be attracted to traditional, or even contemporary, church worship services. 

Fusion features a speaker sharing a personal story based upon a specific topic and a bible (sacred) story connected to their own experiences.  At the conclusion of the speaker’s narrative, participants are invited to join in “table talk” to share their personal stories and perspective in a facilitated, small group setting.  Fusion concludes with a free meal.  You are invited to connect, discover and grow within this community.  Fusion Kids is offered for children Pre-K through grade 5.

Can’t physically make it to Fusion?  It’s live streamed on our Fusion Facebook page.

Trinity Fusion meets third Mondays at 6 pm. 

Previous Storytellers

  • Rebecca S. Hauer, amateur theologian, avid writer, abuse survivor. Read more on her website.
  • Nicole Ramirez, NAMI and mental health.
  • John Collier, Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette
  • Allegra Smith, took us through an autobiographical writing exercise: Take 24 words that describe you or things and events from your life, winnow it down to 12 and feel free to add connections and conjunctions, continue to winnow it down until you arrive at a single word.
  • Allison A. Meyer, humanitarian photographer​
  • Representative Chris Campbell
  • Local artist Priya Sirohi shared her story of navigating a path distinctive from her South Asian American upbringing.​
  • Morris DuBose, and the power of story
  • ​Rev. Annettra Jones, associated pastor at St. Andrew's UMC in West Lafayette shared her "passion for social justice activism and ministry with the poor, unchurched, addicted, incarcerated, and all who society has counted out and pushed to the margins"
  • Andrew and Ivy Meyer shared the story of their journey of almost losing a child, the emotional turmoil they went through, and the community that surrounded them. 
  • Matt Bestich, owner of The Guac Box 
  • Brianna Hubner, on how we develop healthy, nurturing relationships as adults when those healthy relationships were not modeled in our childhood.
  • ​Bee Redfield, on connecting with her spirituality through nature. 
  • ​Jason Conner, on maintaining his Christian faith as a gay man and his hopes for churches and their acceptance of the LGBTQ community.

Connect with us on Facebook.
Fusion Kids is NOT meeting. Children are invited to remain seated with their families during Fusion. Activity Bags are available.
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Fusion Kids is a space where children connect and build relationships with God and each other, discover the love of Jesus Christ, and grow in faith. We focus on creating an environment where children feel safe. Activities are designed to reinforce skills they learn in school, as well as teach them something new.

Join us during Trinity Fusion in the Fusion Kids room!

Opportunities to Serve in the Fusion Community

Are you a Child at Heart?
Are you a Foodie?
Are you an Influencer?
Are you a Storyteller?
Are you a Welcomer?
Trinity Fusion needs you! 

Interested in one of the Fusion Teams? 
Contact the team leader for more 
​information or to sign up!
Fusion Kids: Melissa Kramer
Food Team: Isabel Danz
Story Team: Morris DuBose
Hospitality Team: Bob Lilly