Trinity Tidings. And [the angel Gabriel] came to her and said, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." Luke 1:28 Trinity Lutheran

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1 Trinity Tidings Thursday 21. December 2017 Trinity welcomes all to a community in Christ; serving others, growing in faith, living in hope, and reaching out in love. Advent December Holy Communion ONE SERVICE at 10:00 am And [the angel Gabriel] came to her and said, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." Luke 1:28 Trinity Lutheran Church Old Georgetown Rd. North Bethesda, MD Phone office@trinityelca.org Web TrinityELCA.org Fourth Sunday of Advent Sunday morning 24. December 2017 Assisting Us in the Liturgy This Sunday Facebook facebook.com/trinityelca A Reconciling in Christ and a Stephen Ministry congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 10:00 am Acolytes Assist. Ministers Children s Church Greeters Lectors Ushers Coffee Hour Altar Custodians Bulletin Assembly Tellers John B David C Margo W John B Tom & Nancy M Sunhee P & James T Carol B & Winsome G Diana M Margaret & Greg F

2 Fourth Sunday of Advent 24. December Samuel 7:1-11, 16 Luke 1:46b-55 Romans 16:25-27 Luke 1:26-38 Fastest. Pregnancy. Ever. Usually a human pregnancy lasts nine months and it's a few days, not a few hours, between our gospels announcing Mary's pregnancy on the fourth Sunday of Advent and the birth of Jesus on Christmas Eve. But nothing will be impossible with the church calendar! Today, annunciation and delivery touch like folded segments of an accordion, or a wrinkle in time. Once a child was reading a book about where babies come from. It explained that a human egg was smaller "than the dot at the end of this sentence." The child stopped reading, caught up in wonder, staring at the dot. How could something invisible be transformed into... me? You? Every one of us? One thing we can say with confidence about each pregnancy, whether it originates the old-fashioned way, is helped along by modern science, or follows from a young woman's perplexing conversation with an angel: we don't know exactly when it starts. After a baby is born we can count backwards and make some guesses, but in the moment we cannot feel precisely when that new life blossoms. In the darkness, where we can't perceive them, everyday miracles take shape. In Advent night as we long for peace on earth, and in our midwinters of the spirit when hope is far away, we are reminded that new life develops within us before we're consciously aware of it. Even now. Today. For nothing will be impossible with God. Pondering, we move with Mary from "How can this be?" to "Let it be." Time wrinkles, a dot expands, and the Word becomes flesh to pitch a tent among us. For the power of the Most High, whisking away the offer of a cedar palace, loves to travel light and takes joy in surprising those who were said to be barren. The Spirit overshadows, and we ourselves become God's house, a moving tabernacle, a holy dwelling dancing in darkness at the wonder of a child. Reprinted from Words for Worship, 2017 Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission of Augsburg Fortress. Christmas Eve Sunday Dec. 24 6:00 pm Assisting in the Children & Family Liturgy Acolyte Assisting Minister Lector Ushers Altar Custodians Coffee Hour Joshua B LenS Nancy N Steve & Donna S Winsome G Steve & Donna S Christmas Eve Sunday Dec. 24 8:30 pm Assisting in the Festival Christmas Liturgy Acolyte Assisting Minister Lector Ushers Altar Custodians Coffee Hour Nathan L Miriam M Mike J & Thor N Carol B Donna S Trinity Singers: Glen F, Director Mary B, Kim B, Pam B, Carol B, Sarah G, Robyn K-V, David K, Nathan L, Rebecca L, Anita S, James T Heavenly Handbells: Glen F, Director Ross A, Carolyn B, Angela B, Wendy C, Jennifer E, Cristina G, Allan L, Patricia L, Ione L, Julie N, Nancy N, Ursula R Organist: Glen F Flutist: Robyn K-V Harpist: Ursula R Christmas Day Monday 25. Dec. 10:45 am Assisting in the Liturgy of Lessons & Carols Acolytes Assisting Minister Ushers Coffee Hour Altar Custodians Bulletin Assembly 10:45 am Rebecca P Carol B Mike J & Mark P Christmas Treats Potluck Carol B Diana M 2

3 Christmas Isaiah 9:2-7 Psalm 96 Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-20 Stewardship Update as of 17. December 65 families have pledged $481,440 to our 3 year mission appeal BIGGER than a Building!, and $342, has been contributed to BTAB! Out of the Ordinary There they were, just minding their own business. Perhaps they had just started to doze off, after taking the evening shift guarding the sheep. Perhaps they were sitting around the fire telling stories. Their night was ordinary, until that announcement to not be afraid. Of course, do not be afraid, or wondering, or surprised that the night sky is now dazzling bright. Of course, do not be afraid that an angel is speaking words that ears can hear over the beating of terrified hearts. Do not be afraid that everything has changed. And somehow, they weren't afraid, because the good news is just that good: "to you is born this day... a Savior" (Luke 2:11). On this evening, communities are gathered around the globe, waiting with eyes wide open to be surprised, filled with wonder, or moved by these words. Does it sneak up, like the candlelight moving around the room, or does it ring out like the heavenly ceiling filled with song? Or is this night not a reenactment at all, but the thanksgiving for how God works through our ordinary lives, in the mundane activity of tending the sheep or making the peanut butter and jelly sandwich? Part of entering this story each year is rooted in remembering our baptism each day. This story of the shepherds is a reminder that Christ calls us through baptism out of ordinariness, to become actors in God's story. The great cloud of witnesses proclaims to the newly baptized: "We welcome you into the body of Christ and into the mission we share: join us in giving thanks and praise to God and bearing God's creative and redeeming word to all the world" (ELW, p. 231). Somehow the good news of the angels still rings in our ears and wakes us from our dozing. Reprinted from Words for Worship, 2017 Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission of Augsburg Fortress Pledge Cards and Time & Talent Forms may be placed in the offering plate or mailed to the church office, Attn: Financial Secretary. To date, 53 families have pledged $214,840 to our annual stewardship campaign, and 61 adults and 7 youth have turned in their Time & Talent forms. Please see a copy of the Pledge Form and Time & Talent Form on pp. 7 and 8. Rides to Church Have you missed Trinity events because you lacked transportation? Trinity has missed you too and the following members of the congregation would like to provide you with a ride to Trinity events: Carol B Marilyn C Margaret F Peggy & Dick J Miriam M Nancy N Len S Zip codes are provided to aid in finding a driver close to you. Do not hesitate to call. If you would like volunteer to drive, call Dick J or rbjmmj@ comcast. net Trinity Drivers Wanted! Trinity members provide transportation to people who would otherwise be unable to attend church, but we need more volunteers. Even if you can only drive one-way, or occasionally, please or call the office to be added to the list. 3

4 Remember in Your Prayers... the church our synod & bishops Bishops Elizabeth Eaton and Richard Graham our missionaries Stephen Deal & Marta Giron, Central America our congregation Trinity Church... the nations Afghanistan, Haiti, Korea, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Liberia, Libya, Mexico, Myanmar, Namibia, Palestine, Somalia, Sudan, Spain/Cataluña, Syria, Ukraine, United States, Venezuela, Zimbabwe... the sick and suffering nursing/rehabilitation center Margaret B, Ashleigh at Lansdowne Elaine D, Potomac Valley N. & W. Bruce S, Sunrise of McLean Philip T, Manor Care Potomac John W, Sunrise of Rockville home Laurel C Atticus D Fred K Susan K Craig O Rob W family and friends* Paul G, husband of Louise G Solange M, friend of Nancy M Melanie M, friend of Carol B *For family and friends, prayer requests will be kept on the list for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, please complete another card. Thank you. Birthdays 24 Dec Jean B, Timothy F, Shannon P 25 Caden M 27 Lisbeth D, Dia S P 28 Margo W 29 Rich G 30 Lois F Anniversaries 26 Dec Susan & Ross A 28 Kathy & Don T 29 Claudette & Frederick V 30 Eva & Topher S Deaths Lana K +18. December 2017 aunt of Anita S The Word in Season daily devotional booklets for Jan - Mar 2018 are on the tract rack in the Social Hall. Please take one. This Week at Trinity 24. December 2017 Fourth Sunday of Advent 9:30 am NO Sun. School/Adult Forum 10:00 am ONE Service of Holy Communion Christmas Eve 6:00 pm Children & Family Holy Communion 8:00 pm Pre-service Christmas music 8:30 pm Festival Candlelight Holy Communion with harp and vocal and handbell choirs Monday 25. December Christmas Day 10:45 am Holy Communion with Lessons and Carols 1:45 pm Bethesda H & R - Choir Tues. 11:15 am Staff Meeting Wed. 9:30 am Trinitarian Mailing Thurs NO Confirmation NO Trinity Singers Next Sunday 31. December 2017 First Sunday after Christmas 8:15 am Holy Communion 9:30 am NO Sun. School/Adult Forum 10:45 am Holy Communion Looking Ahead at Trinity 1 Jan New Year s Day, office closed 2 7:00 pm Stephen Min. Supervision 7:00 pm Stephen Min. Training 4 7:30 pm Trinity Singers 6 11:00 am Larry Jackson Funeral 7 12:15 pm Christian Ed. Team 9 7:30 pm Congregation Council 10 1:00 pm Men s Group at ManorCare Potomac 13 10:00 am Church De-decorating Baptismal Days 24 Dec Georgine R 25 Matthew B, Cooper G, Pr Roger B, Donna S 29 Dick J, Anna V 2018 Offering Envelopes are in the Social Hall. Please take yours home this Sunday! 4

5 Trinity s Refugee Family is Coming! Lutheran Social Services (LSS) said our refugee family likely will arrive in January! (No specifics on our a c t u a l f a m i l y y e t! ) T h e congregation has donated very generously, but as the arrival time draws near, there is still much to do. We know it s a busy season, but with the deadline on the horizon, we d like to inform you of the remaining needs and ask for your continued support. Cash Donations We need cash donations to purchase new mattresses, stock the kitchen pantry, and cover miscellaneous items. We also want to create a general fund to cover expenses that will arise once the family is here. Please make out checks to Trinity with Refugee Project in the memo. In-kind Donations There is an updated wish list in the social hall where you can sign up or you can check out this link and sign up here: Please put donations in the Social Ministry storage room next to the new kitchen, marked Refugee Project. There are LSS tax donation forms in the storage room and social hall. Volunteering At this time we anticipate a need for drivers who can be available during weekdays to take the family to appointments. LSS requires that anyone working directly with the family have a background check; please contact Kathy T if you are interested. If you have other questions, please contact Kathy T at kthrower24@gmail.com or Christina V at c.britton.vernon@gmail.com Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria, and Nate This season has seen some of the worst hurricanes on record, and there may be more to come. From Texas and Florida to the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, Lutheran Disaster Response is there. As a church, we re standing by our neighbors who have already been affected, and we are ready to assist in additional locations as disaster strikes. The road to recovery is long, and Lutheran Disaster Response will be there to accompany those affected in every phase. Your gifts will be used entirely (100 percent) for direct response. Together, we can help provide immediate and long-lasting support for those whose homes have been devastated or who have been otherwise affected by hurricanes. Give now to support survivors of disasters. You may give in three ways: 1. Through Trinity. Place your gift made out to Trinity in one of the ELCA Disaster Response envelopes in the pew (or mark any envelope DISASTER RESPONSE) and place it in the offering or mail it to the church office, 2. Give through the ELCA web page 3. Send your check directly to: ELCA Disaster Response, P.O. Box 1809, Merrifield, VA write "Hurricane Response" or "Where Needed Most" on your check's memo line. 5

6 How can I support a good mission? Nominate it for a Trinity Mission Endowment Award! The Mission Endowment Committee looks to the congregation for recommendations of organizations to receive awards in spring Each year the Mission Endowment Fund generates income, which is used to enhance the mission outreach of Trinity apart from the operating budget. By sustaining the annual awards, the fund is a gift that keeps on giving! Mission Endowment Fund awards are made in three categories: 1. Special (non-budgeted) projects of Trinity Lutheran Church our congregation 2. Special ministries in the community 3. Special benevolence supporting mission of the church beyond our congregation Submit nominees to Kim B (bettcherk42@gmail.com), place this form in the offering, or return it to the church office. Nominations are due by 14. Jan

7 Joyful Generosity! "From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another." (John 1:16) God abundantly blesses us and wants us to use those blessings to his glory. How have you glorified God with the blessings you have received? Stewardship of our lives is our commitment to God and God's people. Each Fall we renew our commitment with pledges of Time, Talent and Treasure. Please renew your commitment by completing the enclosed financial pledge card and a Time and Talent form and place them in the offering at any service or return them to the church by mail, c/o the Financial Secretary. This year's theme is "Joyful Generosity". We often speak of sacrificial giving, to give back to God a portion of what he has first given us: the food on our table; the roof over our heads; the Christian fellowship we enjoy; and the means to help others. Sacrificial giving is not a burden we must bear, but rather a joyous opportunity to give thanks for all that God has first done for us. It is an opportunity, as part of God's Community in Christ, to give willingly of ourselves and teach our children to give willingly of themselves, with joy in our hearts, to show compassion to those in need, to ease their suffering and to lead them to God's Word. The scriptures tell us that our gifts reflect our desire to give to God the first portion of what we have received. We ask you to consider this as you make your pledge and, if you do not tithe already, we urge you to give a larger percentage of what you receive each year as you move toward a full tithe (10%). After praying for God's guidance, please: Complete the enclosed financial pledge card, Complete a Time and Talent form, Seal the pledge card and Time and Talent forms in the envelope marked "Trinity, Attn: Financial Secretary", and place it in the offering plate, or If you prefer, you may add postage and mail it to Trinity. We are praying for pledges from 100% of the congregation this year. Not all can be prophets or teachers, but there are many ways that you can serve. Experience the true joy that sacrificial giving can bring. Yours in Christ, Michael J Stewardship Committee Chair

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