Trinity Tidings. First Sunday of Christmas Holy Communion. Our Refugee Family is on the way!

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1 Trinity Tidings Thursday 28. December 2017 Trinity welcomes all to a community in Christ; serving others, growing in faith, living in hope, and reaching out in love. First Sunday of Christmas Holy Communion 8:15 am and 10:45 am 31. December Lord, now you let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled. Trinity Lutheran Church Old Georgetown Rd. North Bethesda, MD Phone office@trinityelca.org Web TrinityELCA.org Facebook facebook.com/trinityelca A Reconciling in Christ and a Stephen Ministry congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Our Refugee Family is on the way! A family of three from Afghanistan (father, mother, and 6 year old girl) will arrive 18. January. See the story on p. 4 for ways you can help: Cash Donations In-Kind Donations Volunteering Song of Simeon Luke 2:29 Questions? Contact Kathy T at kthrower24@gmail.com. First Sunday of Christmas 31. December 2017 Assisting Us in the Liturgy This Sunday 8:15 am 10:45 am Acolytes Assist. Ministers Jerry B Robert M Children s Church Anita S Anita S Greeters Nancy J Peggy J Lectors John B Susan S Ushers Mike J & Ross A David & Henry C Coffee Hour Nancy & Thor N Lynn & Bud B Altar Custodians Carol B & Winsome G Bulletin Assembly Diana B Tellers Peggy & Dick J

2 First Sunday of Christmas 31. December 2017 Isaiah 61:10-62:3 Psalm 148 Galatians 4:4-7 Luke 2:22-40 Hope Fulfilled The mothers and young children filled the room with song, dancing, scarves, bubbles, and bouncing balls. Most of the participants knew the songs well and would get really excited when their favorite song began. It looked like any other young children's music and play group, except for the circle surrounding the circle. This play group was taking place in a retirement home, and the little ones would toddle back and forth to their "grandfriends," giving and receiving a mutual blessing, along with a ball or scarf. We are hard-wired to be in relationship and in community, and yet we can easily organize systems that keep us apart and distanced from one another. Like the gardener who awaits a new shoot of green in the garden, older generations await new ones to come along in their place, bringing new life. Young ones eagerly long to be accepted and received, indeed adopted into the belonging that comes in extended family. So it is with Anna and Simeon. Their well-being is wrapped up in this baby being presented. Today's story invites us to look back to the distant past, be present in their longing, and cast our hope with them into the future. Simeon conveys a sense of relief and completion, indeed a sense of peace after a long wait for the Messiah. It sounds as if it has been a long, arduous wait. The rhythm of Simeon's song helps the Christian people along the liturgical path of endings and beginnings: hope fulfilled and hope still longed for. The church sings Simeon's song (Nunc dimittis) daily in its night prayer (ELW, p. 324). We can sing Simeon's song weekly after communion (ELW, pp. 113, 135, # , 313, 440). The assembly hears this story every year on the Presentation of Our Lord (February 2) and, including today, on the first Sunday of Christmas every three years. Reprinted from Words for Worship, 2017 Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission of Augsburg Fortress. Stewardship Update as of 25. December 65 families have pledged $481,440 to our 3 year mission appeal BIGGER than a Building!, and $351, has been contributed to BTAB! 2018 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. 2

3 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 Susan T, mother of Leslie C Vika T, sister-in-law of Doug L *For family and friends, prayer requests will be kept on the list for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, please complete another card. Thank you. Baptismal Days 1 Jan Rob S, Marilyn G, Robert C The Word in Season daily devotional booklets for Jan - Mar 2018 are on the tract rack in the Social Hall. Please take one. Put on your calendar: The annual Christian Unity Service featuring T r i n i t y s H e a v e n l y Handbells. 28. January 2018, 3:00 pm St. Jude Catholic Church Veirs Mill Rd Rockville, MD This Week at Trinity 31. December 2017 First Sunday of Christmas 8:15 am Holy Communion 9:30 am NO Sun. School/Adult Forum Mon Tues 10:45 am Holy Communion New Year s Day, office closed 11:15 am Staff Meeting 7:00 pm Stephen Ministry Training 7:00 pm Stephen Ministry Supv. Thurs 4:45 pm Confirmation 7:30 pm Trinity Singers Sat 11:00 am Larry Jackson Funeral Next Sunday 7. January 2018 Epiphany of Our Lord Sunday 8:15 am Holy Communion 9:30 am Sun. School/Adult Forum 10:45 am Holy Communion 12:15 pm Christian Ed Team Looking Ahead at Trinity 9 7:30 pm Congregation Council 10 1:00 pm Men s Group at ManorCare Potomac 13 10:00 am Church De-decorating 2018 Offering Envelopes are in the Social Hall. Please take yours home this Sunday! TRINITY S ANNUAL COOK OFF!!!! 21. January 12:00 pm The Trinity youth will be hosting a cook off as a fundraiser for our trip to the National Youth Gathering and our mission trip. This year's foods are (drumroll please)... Soups (hot or c o l d, m e a t y o r vegetarian) and Breads (however you interpret bread sourdough, shortbread, banana bread, whole wheat). Tastings are free, but votes are a dollar apiece. Come see who is the best Trinity bread baker or soup maker! 3

4 Trinity s Refugee Family is Coming! Our refugee family will arrive on 18. January! We have been assigned a family of three from Afghanistan, a father, mother, and 6 year old girl. The 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. 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. If you have other questions, please contact Kathy T at kthrower24@gmail.com or Christina V at c.britton.vernon@gmail.com 4

5 Christmas at Trinity The Year of our Lord 2017 In the long nights of winter we proclaim the coming of the light. Isaiah announces that the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. St. Paul reminds us that the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all. And, in the familiar account of Christ's birth, the evening sky is bright with the heavenly host singing, Glory to God in the highest. In our broken world we proclaim that the prince of peace is born among us. God comes to us in human flesh, so that we may be bearers of divine light. The A Family In memory of Rev. McCurtis W. A Susan & Ross A To the glory of God Diana & Bill B In memory of Marlin & Esther D, Sarah W, & Edna T Pr. Roger B In memory of Ralph & Eva B; Ted and Ron B, and Joyce I Lynn & Bud B In honor of our sons & daughters-in-law, Greg & Ani, Chris & Heather, and Andy Wilhelmina B In memory of George Harold B and William D. R Robert C In memory of Linda C Susan & Kevin D In memory of Loved ones Martha D In memory of Richard W. C, III 2017 Christmas Poinsettias and Greens Joan E In memory of Dr. & Mrs James F. E Margaret & Greg F In honor of our families Trevor H In memory of Ron F Miriam & Karl M In memory of Jack & Vera S, Jim R, and Kveta, George & John M Diana M In memory of Helen, Tom, & Alastair M, and Helen H Nancy & Thor N In honor of our children and grandsons The N Family In memory of Rev. Vera A B Vimala P In memory of Thomas P and in honor of Paul G Brooke P In memory of Betty and Scott L M Len S In memory of Susan S and in honor of Ani S G Frederic S In memory of Mary Jane S Rob & Dan S In memory of Cecilia & Gerald R and Joseph V Donna & Steve S In memory of loved ones The S Family To the glory of God Karen W In memory of Ray W, Marion & Bill B, Alda & Willie K Margo W & Turquoise W In memory of the Rev. Joseph J. B, parents, grandparents, and loved ones Our gratitude to all who contributed!

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 plate, or return it to the church office. Nominations are due by 14. January I nominate Name The Trees of Sin (Death) and Redemption (Life) Using trees, the Mystery Plays of medieval times taught the story of humanity s fall into sin and God s grace and redemption through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The two trees in the sanctuary tell the same story The Tree of the Garden of Eden (left) is laden with apples reminding us of our rebellion against God. The Tree of Life (right) is decorated with 33 white Christmas roses ( I am the Rose of Sharon. Song of Solomon 2:1), reminding us that Jesus is God s Messiah bringing us forgiveness, peace, hope, and life everlasting. Below the trees are red and white cloths, reminding us of the forgiveness of sin, Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be white as wool. Isaiah 1:18 The Crown of Light The Advent wreath has been transformed. The four candles are gone! Now the wreath is ablaze with 12 white candles (for the 12 days of Christmas) 11 candles surrounding the central Christ Candle. As the kings from the east are making their journey (ETA: January 6 th ), the babe in Bethlehem was born a child, and yet a King. This Christmas wreath announces Christ s reign of light and love to all on earth. A light to the nations and the glory of your people Israel. Luke 2:32 6

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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