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Readings for Sunday December 31, 2023: First Sunday after Christmas Isaiah 61:10-62:3, Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7, John 1:1-18, Psalm 147 For the text of Sunday's readings, visit lectionarypage.net |
If you would like to place a name on the Trinity Prayer List, please call the office at 215-297-5135 or visit trinitysolebury.org/prayerlist
For Those of Our Parish:
Ru, Emory, Carol, Phyllis, Jean, Janet, Emil, Ruth, Sue, Alice, Rick, Ali, Cat, Mary, Jeanne, Anne, Faith, Evie, Chip, Dick, Bill
For the complete prayer list including non-parishioners, go to trinitysolebury.org/notices
For church members only - to view last names go to trinitysolebury.org/members
The Rev. Rob Baldwin, Rector, Celebrant Susan Johnson, Guest Organist and Choirmaster Acolytes: 8:00 a.m. Karen Dewar; 9:30 a.m. Kim Laughlin Ushers: 8:00 a.m. Beth Schermerhorn; 9:30 am Paul Angulo and John Shields Lector: 8:00 a.m. Earlene Austin; 9:30 a.m. Susan Wells Lay Eucharistic Minister: 9:30 a.m. James Wells | Chalice Bearers: 8:00 a.m. Earlene Austin; 9:30 a.m. Susan Wells and Sue Benner Altar Guild: 8:00 a.m. Beth Schermerhorn; 9:30 a.m. Dotti Brown Flower Guild: Linda Kenyon Flower Distribution: Lyn Fox Greeters: 9:30 a.m. Cathy and Nick Mumford Coffee Hour: 9:30 a.m. Sue and Pat Houston |
Coordinators
One of the greatest joys of being a part of Trinity's community is discovering one's own gifts and the gifts of others as we work toward a common purpose. Listed above are ways any member of our congregation can participate in weekly worship. Please let coordinators know of your interest.
Start the New Year with
a "Brown Bag Sermon"
No it won't be Johnny Carson,
but our own Rev. Rob!
Ever had a topic you would really love to ask your priest, but haven't had the chance? Was there something you would like to hear discussed from the pulpit, but it never seems to come up? On Sunday, December 31 our Rev. Rob will be doing his first "brown bag sermon" where, in place of a prepared message, he will collect questions written on note cards from the congregation and answer as many as possible. And those questions that do not get answered will be covered in future e-newsletter articles. This is a fun and engaging way to begin the new year with new things to ponder.
The "brown bag sermon" will be at both the 8:00 AM and the 9:30 AM service.
Reflections from the Rectory
Catching the "Christmas Spirit"
This is a phrase that gets used a lot this time of year. Commercialism aside, the Christmas Spirit is often characterized by things like feeling a little closer to the people we love, having a little more hope about the possibility of peace, being a little more generous and mindful of those in need, and feeling a sense of contentment when it comes to the life you live.
So what if the “Christmas Spirit” is in face the Holy Spirit, the aspect of God that abides in our selves, celebrated not in December but at your baptism, reinvigorated by the observance of the sacrament of the Eucharist, and continually nurtured and grown by God particularly in times of prayer? Much like Lenten disciplines that are not intended to lapse once Easter rolls around, we do not need to box up like so many Christmas ornaments the idea that we can live more kindly, more lovingly, and more hopefully just because the season has ended.
Someone mentioned to me last week that for him, the Messiah concert “was the real kickoff” of the Christmas holidays; but the good news is that the real gifts of this season do not have to end just because the season does, but that the “Christmas Spirit” is here to stay.
As always, I remain Yours in Christ,
Rob+
A Sixteen Week Adult Forum
Begins January 7, 2024 - Led by The Rev. Rob Baldwin
The Rt. Rev. Daniel Gutierrez, Bishop of the Diocese of Pennsylvania, will be visiting our church on Sunday, April 28, 2024. In preparation for our Bishop's visit, Rev. Rob will be leading a weekly class for those interested in Confirmation or Reception into the Episcopal Church, as well as any who are interested in learning more about our church's history, theology, and mission. The class will use as a companion text, the book "Your Faith, Your Life: An Invitation to the Episcopal Church" by Jenifer Gamber, but reading the book is not a prerequisite for the class.
If you have ever had any questions about what it means to be a member of this church, or just want to revisit topics you have learned about in the past, this is the class for you. The format will be discussion-oriented with plenty of opportunity for questions. We plan to make this available online as well as in person.
The Adult Forum will meet at 11:00 a.m. in the Trinity Chapel, Sunday mornings, starting January 7, 2024. If you have questions, please feel free to contact Rev. Rob Baldwin.
Topics
Peacemeal Next Sunday Peacemeal is for anyone and all, but especially for those who might be experiencing a sense of isolation: the elderly, homeless adults and youths, or anyone who would benefit from sharing a meal with others in a safe and non-judgmental space. And you don't have to be experiencing problems to to join in the festivities. All are welcome! Trinity and our sister church St. Phillips New Hope are partnering to host Peacemeal. Dinners is held on the first Sunday of every month at 3 p.m. at Trinity. We are always looking for volunteers to help set up/break down. Sides and desserts are needed for all meals. Want to come but transportation or you have questions? please contact John Dey at jdey100369@gmail.com or 973-715-2514.
| Episcopal Church Foundation
This week’s tip: Make good use of the Christmas cards you’ve received When I store the decorations for another year, I’m always faced with a dilemma: What should I do with the Christmas cards? It’s the one time of year that folks send a snail mail card, and even if most have a simple signature, they are still a tangible connection to a longtime friend, a faraway relative, neighbors, and fellow parishioners. Instead of throwing them away, each week, draw a card from the pile you received, add the person to your prayer list, and then write and mail a note. This ministry of encouragement has brought some stillness into my life, time for reflection and for expressing gratitude. And somehow, for some people, it has been a lifeline. Read the full article on ECF Vital Practices: Make the spirit of Christmas last year-round by Richelle Thompson. |
Our Beloved Helen Montgomery
A Celebration of a Life Well Served
Helen Montgomery passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 94 at the The Bridges, Jamison, Wednesday, December 6.
Helen was a longtime member and leader of Trinity Solebury. Soon after she arrived with husband Monty, she launched the Trinity Christmas House Tour, which ran for 25 years, and gained a devoted following and brought new members, revenue for mission and ministry, and much joy to many people.
She was warden and vestry member multiple times, and was instrumental in the building campaign and reconstruction both before and after the fire. She led Cookie Bake for years, and participated on two search committees, chairing one. She always made an extra effort to reach out and welcome all potential new members.
Helen continued to be interested and devoted to Trinity even when health conditions prevented her weekly attendance. As late as 2022, she had visited Trinity for Easter. Betty Stagg felt a calling to visit her 3 weeks ago. Betty says, "Helen shared many memories, and she inquired about our new Rector, the Rectory renovation back to a home, and members that she knew. We spent an hour and a half together with smiles and laughter." Father Rob also had a lovely visit with Helen last month and brought her communion.
Her "Celebration of Life" service was held Tuesday, December 12, at Trinity. Click here to watch.
That could be:
Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for yourself or if you are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. 988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the United States, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help. |
Healing Prayers First Sunday of Every Month
| Seeking a Nursery/Childcare Provider Trinity is seeking a Sunday and special event Nursery/Childcare Provider. The person will be expected to serve each Sunday morning, 9:15-11:30 a.m. and on occasion, during special events such as the performance of The Messiah. All appropriate clearances are required. A competitive hourly rate is available. Please contact Kyle Evans at kyle.evans55@gmail.com or Dr. Nancy Harrison at nharrison@trinitysolebury.org if you know of someone who may be a candidate. |
Have News to Share??
Your notice is VERY important to us. Our mission is to fully support and amplify the work you are doing! When you volunteer or organize something, we want that work to be fully recognized and supported.
So, to submit a notice, email communications@trinitysolebury.org or contact Marilyn Schuster or Jon Hayward directly. We like to have notices by Thursday, but 'stuff happens', and we'll try our best with every notice no matter what.
To add an event to the church calendar, email communications@trinitysolebury.org or call the office at 215-297-5135
To add someone to the prayer list, visit trinitysolebury.org/prayerlist or call the office at 215-297-5135
Responding to the Israel-Hamas War
Episcopal Relief and Development
Since the start of the current Israel-Hamas war, Episcopal Relief & Development has been supporting long-time partners in the Holy Land including Al Ahli Hospital, a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, to provide emergency medical support in Gaza. Despite being hit by two explosions that damaged buildings and claimed hundreds of lives, the hospital is still serving those who are in need of care. Episcopal Relief & Development stands with the brave staff of Al Ahli Hospital as they risk their lives to help others.
Please pray for peace in the Holy Land and consider making a contribution to the Episcopal Relief & Development Middle East Fund to help meet the growing needs of all people in the region.
Stay informed about the Episcopal Relief & Development response at episcopalrelief.org
Click here to make an online donation or write a check to Episcopal Relief & Development. Mail to: PO Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058
Trinity Parish Directory Updates Maintenance of the parish directory is a never ending process. To make sure our members can reach you, please check your listed contact information. Send updates to Sarah Doyle at sdoyle@trinitysolebury.org. Updated photos are welcome too. For an online copy of the parish directory, visit trinitysolebury.org/mdir | Help Ukrainian Families Support Episcopal Relief & Development in providing humanitarian aid in response to the crisis in Ukraine. By donating to the Ukraine Crisis Response Fund, you will help meet critical needs for people fleeing the violence including food, cash, blankets, and hygiene supplies. Visit episcopalrelief.org/ukraine-crisis
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Follow Trinity Episcopal Church on Instagram and Facebook Connect with us on Instagram at instagram.com/trinitysolebury and on Facebook at facebook.com/TrinitySolebury Like and follow Trinity's Facebook and Instagram pages to stay connected. |
Wardens Vestry Volunteer Support |
TYG finished the year on Tuesday wrapping the last of the gifts for the Pearl Street kids. Seventy-five presents were delivered on Wednesday to Lisa Barkley (Miss Lisa) at her home near 55th and Pearl Street, Haddington, West Philadelphia. Miss Lisa will hand deliver the gifts to the families living in the neighborhood. TYG expresses our heartfelt thanks for the generosity of the Trinity parishioners in helping to make this Christmas a little brighter for these children.
Need Crisis Support - Dial 988: Everyone is familiar using '911' when emergency help is needed, but you may not know about '988'. Dialing 988 from your phone will connect you with 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress.
The first Sunday of each month, healing prayers are available at both of Trinity's services during Communion. Prayer requests can be for oneself, a friend or family member, a local, regional, national or international issue. Individuals of all ages are welcome and encouraged to come to the healing stations.
