Trinity Lutheran Church

Transcription

1 Trinity Lutheran Church 106 W. Penn Street, Bedford, PA ~ ph: (814) Office Hours: Monday-Friday; 9:00 am-5:00 pm trinitylutheran2@embarqmail.com on the web ~ Pastoral Emergencies after Office Hours: Pr Short (814) Parish Announcements ~ December 11, 2011 ~ Sunday (11) Tuesday (13) Wednesday (14) Sunday (18) Tuesday (20) Wednesday (21) Saturday (24) Sunday (25) This Week... Third Sunday of Advent: Eucharists: 8:30 & 11:00 am Sunday School & Adult Forum: 9:45 am Church Christmas Decorating & Light Lunch: Noon Morning Prayer & Bible Study: 10:00 am Faith & Fun Club After-School Children s Ministry: 3:15-4:30 PM Free Community Dinner: 5:30 pm Theology on Tap: 6:00 pm (Jean Bonnet Tavern) Eucharist - Bedford Anglican Fellowship: 7:00 pm (Trinity Hall) Bell Choir Rehearsal: 6:00 pm Vespers: 7:00 pm Christmas Cantata Choir Rehearsal: 7:30 pm Anthem Choir Rehearsal: 8:10 pm Next Week... Fourth Sunday of Advent: Eucharists: 8:30 & 11:00 am Sunday School: 9:45 am (children s classes only) Congregational Meeting: 9:45 am 44 th Annual Parish Family Festival: Events begin at 3:00 pm Morning Prayer & Bible Study: 10:00 am Faith & Fun Club After-School Children s Ministry: 3:15-4:30 PM Free Community Dinner: 5:30 pm Christmas Caroling: 6:00 pm ~ hosted by Jill Aaronson, 110 Arandale Street Eucharist - Bedford Anglican Fellowship: 7:00 pm (Trinity Hall) Bell Choir Rehearsal: 6:00 pm Vespers: 7:00 pm Christmas Cantata Choir Rehearsal: 7:30 pm Anthem Choir Rehearsal: 8:10 pm Christmas Eve Liturgies: 6:00 pm Festival Eucharist w/ Children s Song & Special Homily for Children 8:30 pm Festival Eucharist w/ Trinity s Bell Choir 11:00 pm Festival Eucharist w/ Brass & Trinity s Anthem Choir Christmas Morning Eucharist & Carols ~ 10:00 am (1 LITURGY)

2 The Days of Advent are upon us ~ The Days of Advent are days which anticipate the promised coming of our Lord both as the Christ-Child of Christmas and as the Exalted Son of God in His 2 nd - Coming. Observed since the 6 th century, Advent brings us its annual invitation, through the 4 weeks of this penitential season, to reflect on our response to the Gospel and the Call of Jesus Christ ~ as we are called to be a people of peace, devotion, compassion, and charity ~ and to pray for the strength to make an intentional effort to more-fully reflect this calling. Like a mini-lent, it is a time to pray more fervently, worship more regularly, share more generously, and to live more graciously. Sunday Morning Fellowship Time ~ Please Join Us! 9:30 am in Trinity Hall o Parishioners and friends are invited to gather in Trinity Hall following the 8:30 am Liturgy and prior to the beginning of Sunday School & Adult Forum, for casual conversations and refreshments. Please join us! o Thank you to this morning s host: Barb & Pastor Short o Please be sure to take your turn providing refreshments. A sign-up sheet is in Trinity Hall. Christmas Decorating Sunday, December 11; 12:15 pm How does the Church get decorated so beautifully for the Christmas Season??? The answer is simple ~ By Parishioners who are willing to share a little time and make it happen The more the merrier! Please join us for decorating the Church and the Parish Christmas Tree as we prepare for the Holidays TODAY, at 12:15 pm. A light-lunch will be provided for those who can stay after worship and help. 29 Parishioners rang the Bell for Salvation Army this past week at Giant Eagle Their combined efforts provided over 58 man-hours of support for this charitable ministry which provides about $20,000 worth of housing and utility assistance to local residents each year Thanks for your efforts: Brenda & Lois Beegle, Gordon & Carol Bowers, Alyssa Burket & Denise Steele, Lisa Cessna, Olivia Cessna & Marlene Claycomb, Phil & Barb Debski, Rachel & Sarah Dikum & Jill Aaronson, Dan & Kim Dull, Troy Dunkle & Don Claycomb, Conner Gronborg & Wynn Leppert, Dan Kerr, Monica Littlefield & Beth Hullihen, Brandon Martin & Steph Leibfreid, Mike & Pat Macchiarolo, and Maggie Pfaff & Barbara Short. Ushers welcome and needed for Christmas Eve Liturgies... We ll need teams of 4 ushers for each of the 3 Christmas Eve liturgies. Sign up sheets are in Trinity Hall. The schedule is: 6:00 pm, with Children s Song 8:30 pm, with Bell Choir and11:00 pm, with Anthem Choir & Brass. Ushers are asked to arrive at least ½ hour prior to the liturgy. Please see Fred Claycomb with any questions. 2

3 Poinsettia Display for Christmas Liturgies... Sponsors Welcome and Delivers Requested! o Parishioners and friends are invited to sponsor poinsettias in honor or in memory of loved ones. The flowers will adorn the church during the liturgies of the Christmas Season, and will then be delivered to parishioners in special circumstances. Cost is $ Special envelopes are available on the bulletin tables and in Trinity Hall. Deadline to order Poinsettias is Wednesday, December 21. Contact the Church Office with any questions. o Share a few minutes and help deliver the poinsettias to home-bound and other parishioners in special circumstances. Please sign up in Trinity Hall. Trinity s 44 th Annual Family Festival Sunday, December 18, 2011 ~ An Afternoon for Families and Friends of the Parish ~ ~The Afternoon Begins at 3:00 pm in the Nave ~ Get in Line for Christmas A Christmas Pageant shared by the Children of the Parish Followed by Swing Into Bethlehem A Christmas Cantata presented under the direction of Composer, Terry Osman Followed by A Traditional Parish Holiday Dinner Prepared by Parish Volunteers and served by Youth of the Parish Family Festival Dinner Sign-Up Sheets Kitchen Workers Food Donations Dinner Reservations by December 14th are all posted in Trinity Hall. Please Contact LaDonna Snyder, Dinner Coordinator, with any questions. 3

4 Parish Christmas Caroling Tuesday, December 20; 6:00 pm Come along and spend a few hours sharing Christmas Joys with home-bound parishioners and friends. We ll gather at the home of Jill Aaronson, 110 Arandale Street (Meadowbrook, right over the bridge), our evening s host. Carolers are asked to bring a snack to share. A sign up sheet is in Trinity Hall. GloriainExcelsisDeo+GloriainExcelsisDeo+GloriainExceslsisDeo+GloriainExcelsisDeo+GloriainExcelsisDeo Christmas Liturgies O Come, Let Us Adore Him! Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24 6:00 pm ~ Festival Eucharist, with Children s Song & special Homily for Children 8:30 pm ~ Festival Eucharist, with Trinity s Bell Choir 11:00 pm ~ Festival Eucharist, with Brass & Trinity s Anthem Choir Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25 10:00 am ~ Eucharist, with Readings and Carols. PLEASE NOTE: We will be gathering for ONE liturgy this Sunday (Christmas Day). GloriainExcelsisDeo+GloriainExcelsisDeo+GloriainExceslsisDeo+GloriainExcelsisDeo+GloriainExcelsisDeo Bedford Christmas Church Walk Wednesday, December 28; 6:00 pm Trinity is the final stop this year, and will be hosting refreshments The local Christmas Church Walk has become a favorite ecumenical event for our community. (Last year, over 175 children, youth, and adults participated!) This year, the walk begins at Mt Pisgah AME Zion Church (244 W John Street) and will tour the downtown churches as the Scriptures are read and favorite carols are sung. The walk will conclude at Trinity, where we ve been invited to serve refreshments. Please plan to make this year s Walk a part of your Christmas activities! Please see Lois Boyer, Jeanette Croner, Mary Anna Martz, or Barbara Short, who have volunteered to work with the refreshments, if you are willing to help in some way. The Feast of the Circumcision and Name of Jesus, Sunday January 1; :00 am ~ Eucharist, with Cantata Choir and Installation of 2012 Church Council, followed by our annual Holiday Brunch served by The Women of Trinity. PLEASE NOTE: We will be gathering for ONE liturgy this Sunday (New Year s Day). 4

5 Worship & Music Ministries Tuesday Morning Matins & Bible Studies ~ 10:00 am We gather regularly on Tuesday mornings to sing Morning Prayers together and then spend an hour or so in Bible Study. Bring along your favorite translation and share in this time of worship and learning. Please bring a friend! Please note the schedule change: We will be on Christmas Break 2 Tuesdays: December 27 and January 3. We will resume our gatherings on Tuesday, January 10. Bedford Anglican Fellowship Tuesday Evening Eucharists and Bible Study at Trinity Parishioners and friends are more than welcome to worship on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm with our friends from the Bedford Anglican Fellowship Eucharist is celebrated at 7:00 pm and you are also invited to remain (should you desire) for Bible Study. Fr Mark Zimmerman or Sr Marion Kuch (an Anglican Priest and Deaconess) lead these liturgies. Wednesday Evening Vespers ~ 7:00 pm Parishioners and friends are invited to gather in the nave for this time of contemplative prayer, Scripture-reading, and traditional Biblical canticles. The melodies of the Canticles are written by the contemporary composer, Marty Haugen. Please join us! Please note the schedule change: We will be on Christmas Break Wednesday evening, December 28. Parishioners and friends are invited to share in the Bedford Community Christmas Church Walk this evening, which begins at Mt Pisgah AME Zion Church (John/West Streets) at 6:00 pm and will conclude, with refreshments, at Trinity. Choir Rehearsals ~ Wednesday Evenings Come and Ring and/or Sing With Us! o Bell Choir will ring on the 4 th Sunday of each month and rehearses Wednesday evenings at 6:00 pm o Anthem Choir sings at the 8:30 am liturgy the 1 st and 3 rd Sundays of the month and at the 11:00 am liturgy on the 2 nd and 5 th Sundays, and rehearses Wednesday evenings at 7:30 pm o Children Sing shares a special song at worship on the 3 rd Sunday of the month early in the 11:00 am liturgy. The children learn their songs during Faith & Fun Club and Sunday School. o Christmas Cantata Choir Rehearsals Wednesday evenings, 7:30 pm Swing Into Bethlehem, composed by Terry Osman, is this year s Cantata. They ll be singing the Cantata at the annual Christmas Family Festival (Sunday afternoon, December 18) and Sunday Morning, January 1, at the 10:00 am Liturgy. Please see Terry or Susan Casteel with any questions. 5

6 Children & Youth Ministries Weekly Sunday School Gatherings... Sunday Mornings; 9:45 am o Pre-Schoolers ~ especially for 3-5 year olds ~ Lessons and Crafts o Grades K-2 and 3-5 ~ Bible Stories, Crafts, Songs, Visits, and more! o Middle-School Youth ~ Lessons and Conversations o Sr High Youth ~ Reflections and Discussions o Adult Forum ~ Topical Studies and Discussions in Trinity Hall Faith & Fun Club ~ Children s After-School Ministries Tuesdays, 3:15-4:30 pm o Faith & Fun Club gathers children (K-5 th grade) and friends of the parish for Bible Stories, Activities, Games, and Refreshments every Tuesday afternoon. Transportation is provided from the Bedford Elementary School to Trinity. Children from other schools are also welcome to join us. Parents/Adults pick-up kids from Trinity at 4:30 pm. See Jill for registration and schedule details. o Adult and older-youth helpers are always welcome, and parishioners are also invited to support this ministry by donating the weekly snacks (cupcakes, cookies, etc). Sign up sheets are in Trinity Hall. Get in Line for Christmas This Year s Children s Christmas Pageant o Get in Line for Christmas is a musical pageant, which reflects on Mary & Joseph s trip to Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus, and the arrival of the shepherds and Wise Men. o In addition to rehearsals during Sunday School, children (grades k 5) will rehearse immediately following Faith & Fun Club, from 4:30-5:15 pm, through Tuesday, December 13. Please be sure to send their skits with them each Tuesday. o The pageant will be the opening event of this year s Parish Family Festival, which is set for Sunday, December 18, at 3:00 pm. Please see Jill with any questions. Youth ~ Sign Up To Serve the Family Festival Dinner Sunday, December 18 ~ activities begin at 3:00 pm Dust off your black pants and white shirts! We ll be serving plated dinners to those who come to the annual Family Festival Dinner on Sunday afternoon (12/18). A sign-up sheet is in Trinity. See Barb Short or Jill Aaronson with any questions Keep the Dates on the Calendar ~ See Jill or Pr Short with questions o Middle School & Sr High Youth Encounter Weekend Retreat ~ Pittsburgh: January 27-29, 2012 o 2012 ELCA Sr High Youth Gathering ~ New Orleans: July 18-22,

7 Adult & All-Parish Ministries Trinity Book Clubs ~ Please Pass the Word and Join Us! Coordinated by Pat Macchiarolo, Trinity Book Clubs gather to discuss contemporary works and reflect upon their significance and spiritual implications. We re blessed to have 2 groups which meet monthly ~ one meets in the afternoon and the other meets in the evening. o Both the afternoon and evening book clubs will meet at Eternity Tea Room in Everett on Friday evening, December 16 th, at 6:30 PM. We will discuss Christmas Jars by Jason Wright. Theology on Tap ~ Ministry with Young Couples & Singles Next Gathering: Tuesday, December 13; 6:00 pm Jean Bonnet Tavern We ll be getting together at the Jean Bonnet for our monthly gathering. Please your reservation to Pastor Short a few days in advance of the date. This month s discussion will be based on Matthew 25:1-13, Things Hidden from the Learned & Clever. Pass the word and invite friends and co-workers. Women of Trinity ~ Update o Our next event will be the planning and serving of the Annual All-Parish Holiday Brunch, which will be held immediately following the Sunday Morning Liturgy on New Year s Day January 1, Betsy Littlefield is organizing this event. A sign-up sheet can be found in Trinity Hall. We invite you to participate in this service to our congregation. The morning liturgy will be a little out of the ordinary, as the Cantata Choir will be singing this year s Cantata Swing Into Bethlehem and we ll be sharing in the Rite of Installation with the 2012 Church Council. There will be one liturgy at10:00 am, followed by the Holiday Brunch. o Thursday, January 5, at 6:00 pm, we ll be meeting for an evening of Fellowship over Breads and Soups. Linda Vensel will be hosting this meal in her home. You are invited to share in this evening together and in the supportive and nurturing ministries of The Women of Trinity. See Linda McElroy with any questions. 7

8 Outreach Ministries DECEMBER S SPECIAL APPEAL... Bedford Food Outreach ~ Annual Cash Donations Appeal... Our local food pantry, which serves upwards of 350 families on the average month, has undergone some significant changes over the past years in an effort to improve their ability to meet the needs of the people of our community. Our cash gifts, during the month of December, will be used by Bedford Food Outreach to purchase bulk foods at incredible savings, which will supplement the food items that local churches and organizations share.... Please share your gift to this Ministry by using a special envelope, and indicate Food Bank Ministry on the memo line. (Please make checks payable to Trinity Lutheran Church.) Contact the Church Office with any questions. And, Thanks! for your ongoing generous response to the special monthly appeals. Shoppers for the Winter Clothing Ministry for Local Children... o THANKS for the great response of parishioners willing to serve as shoppers... At this time, all slots are filled!!! o Shoppers are reminded to shop at their convenience and to bring receipts to the Church Office for reimbursement. Clothing can be brought to the church on Sunday, December 11, and Monday, December 12. Clothing CAN NOT be accepted prior to these dates, due to storage limitations. If special arrangements are needed, please contact Kathie in the Church Office at Free Community Dinner Notes Every Tuesday ~ Serving from 5:30-6:15 pm Trinity hosts this weekly ministry which supports local families and friends, serving an average of c. 70+ dinners each week. Parishioners of neighboring congregations also share in the ministry, giving witness to our common Christian devotion to the needs of those in our community. Upcoming Schedule: Dec 13: St. John s UCC Dec 20: St. Thomas Roman Catholic Church Dec 27: Methodist Church 8

9 Bedford Food Outreach ~ NEW distribution site and times this month! 2 Distributions: Thursday, December 15; Noon-2:00 pm Friday, December 16; 10:00 am- Noon o Distributions are held at the new home of The Bedford Food Outreach, at 140 School Street, Bedford. Please contact Dan Kerr ( ) to o learn more about this ministry and how YOU can be involved. A Collection Area is in the Narthex to receive the following gifts: Boxed Mac & Cheese Canned Soups Peanut Butter Canned Vegetables Jelly Canned Fruit Spaghetti &/or Sauce Skillet Dinners Breakfast Cereals Canned Tuna Canned Vegetables Church Council & Ministry Teams Please extend a word of thanks and offer your support to those sharing their time as 2011 coordinators and leaders of our ministries... Executive Team: President: Lisa Hagenbuch Vice-President: Michelle Plush Secretary, Beth Hullihen Treasurer: Erick Seager Ministry Team Coordinators: Worship & Music: Connie Claycomb & Linda McElroy Children & Youth: Chuck Replogle with Jill Aaronson Adult & All-Parish: Brenda Jennings & LaDonna Snyder Outreach: Mike Macchiarolo & Michelle Plush Finance & Stewardship: Beth Hullihen & Erick Seager Property: Dave Betts & Dan Wakefield * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 242 nd Annual Congregational Meeting of Trinity Lutheran Church Sunday, December 18; 9:45 am Annual Ministry Team Reports Action on the 2012 Parish Ministry Budget Proposal Election of New Council Members (nominees to date: Pr John Duffus, Rosie Leppert, Fred Shumaker, Linda Vensel) Please Join Us in Trinity Hall. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 9

10 Other Notes Check out the Upgrades in the Kitchenette off Trinity Hall! Thanks to members and friends of the Property Team for installing new cabinetry and countertop in the Kitchenette off Trinity Hall. This room gets a lot of use, and the installation of new and additional cabinetry is greatly appreciated! Thank you to. Ridgetop Orchards for donating apples that were included in the Christmas gift bags handed out to those attending last Tuesday s Free Community Dinner. Volunteers to Help with a Christmas Party for the Residents of Pennknoll Friday, December 16 Pr Dave Wight, Chaplain at Pennknoll Nursing & Rehab, invites friends to help out with the resident s Christmas Party on Friday, December 16 th. Volunteers can arrive at Noon to help prepare gift bags. The party will actually begin when Santa arrives at 2:00 pm. Volunteers will help by preparing the gift bags, sharing them with residents and assisting with the snacks. Please contact Pr Wright ( ) with any questions. Village Market of Africa ~ Fair Trade Some Unique Gifts Ideas Check out the display and the literature in Trinity Hall if you are looking for some unique gift-giving ideas. Village Market of Africa is a fair-trade business developing partnerships between concerned North American consumers and local artisans in cooperation with the Lutheran Church in Kenya. A portion of all sales is shared with Trinity, which has been designated to further some of our Outreach Ministries. Please see Mike or Pat Macchiarolo with any questions. Pledges for the Roofing, Steeple, Lighting, and Painting Projects Continue to Arrive Goal: $190,000 ~ To date, 80 families have committed $133, (70%) o THANK YOU to parishioners and friends who have shared a commitment to support the expenses of these much needed projects! o A pledge has been made in memory of John C. Imler, Sr. by John & Shirley Imler. The complete current list of pledging families and friends is published in Trinity Hall. o If you ve not taken the time to make a pledge to support this work through the upcoming 36 months/3 years, please take a moment to do so. You may consider making your gift as a memorial or honorarium gift to a family member, friend, or a special occasion. Pledge Cards are in Trinity Hall or please call the church office. 10

11 ELCA Good Gifts with Christmas coming (or anytime during the year birthdays, etc) $10 chicks, $20 ducks, $30 pigs $50 goats $125 sheep $175 alpaca and even a $500 milk-cow. If you re thinking about a great gift idea for someone who really doesn t need or want anything for themselves, consider shopping through the ELCA Good Gifts catalogue Go to where you can make a purchase to help a family start a small agricultural business (like those noted above) in someone s honor See Pr Short with any questions Daily Devotions Resources for Daily Devotions are Available in Trinity Hall... o Portals of Prayer (Daily Devotions for Adults ~ regular and large print) o Sparks Family (Daily Devotions for families with Children) o Please visit for daily devotions. While at this site, you can register for daily devotions to be ed to you. o Daily Devotions ~ Parishioners are encouraged to engage the Scriptures as a regular part of their daily routines. There are various printed resources in Trinity Hall (for adults and families) and even more on-line (check out to guide you in this Spiritual Discipline. Bible Readings ~ as we prepare to Worship... o Parishioners are encouraged to prepare for worship by reading and spending time in reflection on the Scriptures which will be read at the Sunday Liturgy. o Readings for Sunday, December 11 ~ The Fourth Sunday Of Advent: 2 Samuel 7:1-11,16; Psalm 89; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38 Worship Attendance & Offerings May our Worship and Tithes be an out-pouring of our gratitude in response to our Lord s gracious gifts of Life and Salvation. This Past Week ~ through December 9, 2011 Attendance: 197 Tithes & Offerings: $6, Year to Date Tithes & Offerings: $254, Thank You for your Tithes and Offerings which support Trinity s Ministries 11

12 Please contact the Church Office by Thursday afternoon to have family and/or friends included in this prayer list, and in the weekend s prayers. Parishioners and friends of the parish who would appreciate pastoral visitation and/or prayer while hospitalized are asked to share their request by contacting Pr Short through the Church Office. The Church... For all servants of the Church, especially Bishop Gregory, and all who labor for the sake for the Gospel. For those who serve in leadership tasks among us, especially our Pastor, Church Council, Ministry Teams and Teachers of our Children and Youth. For the Ministry of the Bedford Food Outreach, and all those who share so that the hungry might be fed. Our Nation and the World... Leaders of the nations of the world and all who govern, especially the President, members of Congress, the Courts of our Land, and our state and local officials. Military personnel and their families serving at home and over-seas. We Celebrate A Birth... A son, Carter Jay, to Brian & Amy Knopsnyder, on November 9. Carter s grandparents are Wally & Shirlene Knopsnyder. A son, Reid Austin, to Brian & Heather (Vensel) Kolander, on November 22. Reid s grandparents are Smoke & Dorothy Vensel. A daughter, Alice Rose Geraldine, to Jason & Elizabeth Miller, on Thanksgiving Day, November 24. Baptized in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Jared William and Chad Martin, sons of Todd & Candace Browell, who will be baptized at Vespers, Wednesday Evening, December 14. Parishioners and Family & Friends in Special Circumstances... Dave Betts, Ann Bittner, Lori Dunkle, Leigh Ann Gronborg, Betty Hoover, John Imler, Raye & Mert Speicher (12/11) ~ Ryan Matish (Jennifer Klavuhn s student), David Bittner (Frank & Alice s son), Delaney Heller (Janet Raines friend), Jim St. Antoine (Frank & Marilyn Homoki s relative) (12/4) ~ Steve Shroyer (Arlene Carl s son-in-law), Barbara Diehl (Brenda Beegle s mother), Shirley Alban (Sara Snyder s friend), Andrew Wright (Janet s son), Lila Whetstone (Shirlene Knopsnyder s mother), Britney Plush (Ron & Michelle s niece) (11/27) ~ Wyatt DeStephano (Olive McDaniel s great grandson) Rest Eternal Grant Them, O Lord Lynn Berkebile (12/2 Linda Vensel s friend), Blair Drummond (11/23 Janelle Lowe s uncle), Lee Ernest (11/09 Greg & Judy Slick s cousin), Leslie Waddill (10/21 Fred Claycomb s cousin), Harold Jones (10/20 Ruth s father), Fr Barton Berry (10/14 Ray & Brenda Jenning s friend) To The Glory of God The Flowers are sponsored in memory of Rose Marie & Anthony Casalena The Sanctuary Lamp burns in loving memory of Thomas Doyle sponsored by his wife, Marie 12