One of the blessings of being an Episcopalian in gen- eral and at
Trinity in particular is that Episcopalians vow to respect and
honor the dignity of every human being. For the Trinity worshipping
community and our Trinity School of Early Learning, our dedication
to this vow creates many beautiful teachable moments as we en- gage
with persons of different religious, cultural and racial
backgrounds.
One such beautiful moment happened this October. Three TSEL
teachers took over an hour to create in Trinity’s Par- ish Hall a
Rangoli (i.e., a tradi- tional Indian art form which in this case
used multi-colored sand and tea lights to form a symbol on the
Parish Hall floor) in honor of Diwali, the Hindu Festival of
Lights.
I watched as Ms. June, Ms. Joyseree, and Ms. Rama dili- gently and
patiently poured sand through their cupped hands to shape the
desired design. The finished product was breathtaking, looking very
much like a vibrant and lush carpet. According to one website, to
Hindus, darkness represents ignorance and light
—knowledge. Lighting lamps amidst color- ful displays symbolizes
the destruc- tion, thru knowledge, of all nega- tive forces. As
Christians called to be the light of
the world (Matthew 5:14), we certainly can identify with an
experience symbol- izing the eradication of darkness and
negativity.
Unfortunately the joy we experienced upon the com- pletion of this
sacred symbol was not to last. The very next morning, a visitor
inad- vertently walked through the design, scattering the sand and
destroying the design. One moment we were cele- brating. The next
we were in the valley of disappoint- ment. My heart broke, not only
for the artists, but also for those who would miss out on the
beauty we had just begun to glimpse.
Holidays can be that way, can’t they? Despite our best efforts to
find the perfect gift, to cook the per- fect meal, to arrange for
the perfect party, things beyond our control can step in to disrupt
or destroy our hard work. The famous line from John Steinbeck’s
novella “Of Mice and Men” comes to mind: The best laid plans of
mice and men often go awry.
So how do we face holi- days that almost certainly will include the
unexpected and disruptive? How do we have a holy experience in the
midst of hectic demands and not enough time? I urge us to commit to
heart and mind the words often attributed to the Apostle Paul:
“Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling
apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day
goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small
potatoes compared to the coming good times… There’s far more here
than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone
tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forev- er” (2
Corinthians 4:17-18).
Beloved, be on the lookout for God’s grace. Find the good somewhere
and don’t just celebrate it, LOL. And cherish the people, the pets
and the memories that feed your soul. Happy Diwali. Blessed Advent.
And merry, merry Christmas. Your sister in Christ,
Nov-Dec 2017
TR IN
o f
T ri
ni ty
• Celebration Potluck Luncheon, Nov 19, p. 5
• Pictorial Review of Fall Events, pp. 10-11
Birthdays & Anniversaries 2
Music News 3
T RINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH, is a diverse community of faith
where all people find home in Jesus and in each other. We
unite to transform the world to celebrate God.
2217 Columbia Pike, Phone: 703/920-7077 Arlington, Virginia 22204
Fax: 703/920-5560 Office Hours Monday—Friday 9:00 am-3:00 pm Church
Office E-Mail
[email protected] Rector E-Mail
[email protected]
Minister of Music Email
[email protected] Website
http://www.trinitychurcharlington.org Webmaster E-Mail
[email protected]
Episcopal Church in the United States Presiding Bishop The Most
Rev. Michael B. Curry
The Diocese of Virginia
Bishop Suffragan The Rt. Rev. Susan E. Goff
Assistant Bishop The Rt. Rev. Edwin “Ted” F. Gulick Jr
Trinity Church Staff
Rector The Rev. Kim L. Coleman
Parish Administrator Florence Dennis-Huskin
Music Director Patrick Kabanda
Senior Warden Ed Phifer
Junior Warden Darlene Sellars
Vestry Members
Gus Cosmas Beth Lofgren Jim McCaskill Edward Phifer Darlene
Sellars
Cathy Tullis Kimberly Turner
Joy Warburton Jim Wight
Trinity School of Early Learning Deborah Ellis, Executive Director
703/920-8695 2217 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204 Monday —Friday
7:00 AM — 6:00 PM
Columbia Pike Thrift Shop 703/521-3110
4101 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204 Monday —Saturday, 10:00
AM—4:00 PM Consignments taken daily 10:00—11:30 AM
Happy Anniver- sary to…
11/20 Gyselle & Anthony Rodriguez 12/17 Elizabeth and Keith
Schreiber 12/29 Edward and Yvette Connell
12/31 Tim Hart and Rhonda Spencer
December 3 Desta Clarke 6 Isabela Rodriguez 26 Keith Schreiber 27
Quinton Bowman 27 Margarita Johnson 27 Quint Bowman 29 Norma
Taliaferro 30 Da’aga Hill Bowman 30 Mimi Tackie
A Word of Welcome to our Readers Trinity is a reconciling,
affirming and healing Christian
community striving through worship, love and service to welcome
every individual just as God created you.
No matter where you are on your journey of faith, and whether you
are single, married, divorced, separat- ed, or partnered, our
welcome knows no boundaries of age, race, ethnicity, culture,
gender, sexual orientation, economic condition, physical or mental
ability. We be- lieve that God delights in the diversity of
creation and so do we!
We encourage you to get to know us better by visit- ing our website
at www.trinitychurcharlington.org. Also like us on Facebook,
Trinity Episcopal Church Arlington, VA and follow us on Twitter
#TrinityEpiscArl.
We hope you enjoy the glimpses we provide into how Trinity
participates with God in redeeming and transforming our world. As
by God’s grace we become more like Christ in his life of
self-sacrificing love and ser- vice, we invite you to join us and
pray that soon we will meet face to face.
Deadline for
Jan-Feb 2018
November
1 Rosalyne Cameron 1 Edward Conell 3 Kim DeBerry Wilkes 17 Stephan
Conell 21 Bethany Brittain 22 Yvette Conell 26 Catherine Ailstock
29 Edna Laureen Keith 29 Carol Muench
Singing: The Art of Praying Twice Beth Schreiber, Alto and
Flutist
I've been attending Trinity for a decade and
participated in musical praise both vocally
and with my flute for most of that time, but
that's not where my faith journey started.
As a school-aged child, my parents sent me to Sunday School but
didn't at-
tend themselves so they let me choose which church. I chose the one
with the
most joyous music. My confused understanding at the time was that
the hymns were like the com-
mercials in a TV show, an unrelated interruption so we could
appreciate the sermons. Then, when I
was 12 we learned Sister Janet Mead's folk rock style version of
the Lord's Prayer which became a
Top 10 hit. At that point, the light bulb lit and I realized that
singing is not just a commercial inter-
ruption, it's praise and prayer. Over the decades since then, I've
been happiest participating in musi-
cal praise. When my faith journey is more difficult and I'm not
listening to God's message very well,
it's hymns that calm me so I can hear the message. For me, the St.
Augustine quote "A person who
sings prays twice" is true. Singing is praying.
I'd like to close with one of my favorite memories of the hymn
"Praise, Ye the Lord!" Picture
about 80 Cub Scouts (6 to 10 year old boys) and their families
early Sunday morning at a campout
with wind blowing through the palm trees. It's the last morning of
a two-night campout and we're
all tired, hungry, and muddy. We're making a joyful noise at the
top of our lungs with the "Praise, Ye
the Lord!" team and the "Allelu, allelu, allelu, alleluia!" team
and each team trying to be louder than
the other then trading sides to repeat. Just as we all joined
together for the final and loudest "Praise,
Ye the Lord!" the sun came out. See you in choir!
Annual Community Carol Sing with Live Nativity
Sunday, December 10, 2017 Carols and Nativity Story
Re-enacted
5:00—6:30 pm Front Lawn of Trinity Church
Trinity Church, Trinity School of Early Learning families, and
guests from the community join to-
gether for a Community Carol Sing.
We’ll roast marshmallows, sing Christmas music and carols, and
participate in a Live Nativity
with an assortment of love animals as the Christ- mas story is
being read intermittently throughout
the evening.
4
Renovation Loan up for Renewal The current renovation loan was
originated in 2003. Trinity took a loan of $199,000.00 from Burke
& Herbert Bank to build the accessible ramp and the acces-
sible bathroom located in the entry level. The loan was renewed in
2008 and again in 2013. At the time of renewal in 2013 the balance
was $36,199.00. The loan was renewed at a balance of $199,000.00 to
help fund renovations to the Trinity owned house located at 912 S,
Veitch Street, and con- vert the house into a rectory now occupied
by our rector, Rev. Kim. The interest rate on the current loan is
4.75%. Since origination in 2003 the loan has
been a five year term loan amortized on a 20 year basis. This means
that our monthly payments are based on a 20 year loan term. The
loan will be up for renewal again in March, 2018. The principal
balance as of September 30, thanks to the generous donations of
parishioners, has been reduced to $94,271.00. From January, 2013
through and including September, 2017, Trinity parishioners have
donated $66,092.00 toward reduction of the principal balance of the
loan. Every dollar donated has been applied to principal re-
duction. This would be a good time, as we approach the end of the
year, to make a meaningful donation to- ward reduction of the
principal. We do need to take out another five year term loan in
March, 2018. By the time of renewal the balance will be
approximately $90,000.00 based on current monthly pay- ments. It
would be great if we could reduce the balance even further by the
time of renewal in March. Please prayerfully consider a donation.
We extend special thanks to those who have already donat- ed so
generously toward reduction of the principal. Trinity is ever
grateful for your generosity. Al Muench Chair, Finance
Committee
SAYING “THANKS” TO OUR TRINITY STAFF
Trinity is blessed to have as employees a team of professionals who
help us make ministry happen including our Rector, Rev. Kim;
Florence Dennis-Huskin our Parish Administrator, Patrick Kabanda
our Minister of Music, our Sexton, George Fernan-
do; and our Bookkeeper, Ann Frati.
At this time, our annual budget does not include allowances for
staff bonuses. We choose to show our appreciation for what they do
each year during the Christmas
season by collecting a Staff Christmas purse that will be divided
amongst staff.
Contributions from worshippers to this Purse (if by check, made
payable to Trinity Episcopal Church, ear- marked Staff Christmas
Purse) either may be mailed in to the church office or brought to
services and (1) placed in the offering plate; or (2) handed
directly to a Vestry member. We hope to receive any gift you wish
to offer by Monday, December 19 so that the staff can receive their
gifts in time for the annual staff
Christmas get-together. Thank you for your support and your
appreciation of our wonderful staff.
The Vestry of Trinity Church Ed Phifer, Senior Warden
5
Agnes spent the
day with friends
ster luncheon and
ber 17, 2017 where Rev. Kim Coleman
offered a blessing and the congregation
offered congratulations to Agnes.
HEALTHY CELEBRATION POTLUCK LUNCHEON
ON SUNDAY, NOV. 19
It’s no surprise that Americans tend to gain weight be-
tween Thanksgiving and New Year’s. With that in mind,
Trinity plans a healthy potluck to kick off the season of
overindulgence, headed up by Jake Johnson, in the Parish Hall after
the 10:30 a.m. service.
We’d like for as many parishioners as possible to bring delicious
dishes that are not fried and do
not contain processed sugars. Baked, grilled, steamed or sautéed is
appropriate, as are raw fruits
and vegetables. Also please bring an index card or something like
it listing the ingredients of
your dish, to display alongside it in order to alert those with
food sensitivities.
Plan to stow your dish in the refrigerator in the Parish Hall
kitchen or on the kitchen countertop
during the service and then reheat it there if needed.
All are welcome!
If you have any questions, contact Jake through the church office
at 703-920-7077.
6
Vestry Elections Coming Up Soon
Do you find yourself thinking about how to make Trinity
thrive?
Are you excited about Trinity’s mission and ministries?
Are you interested in finding out more about our opera- tions,
finances and budgeting process?
Do you have a commitment to participating in worship
regularly?
Do you give of your time, your talent, and your financial
resources?
God may be calling you to undertake Vestry service
Eligible candidates will be a member of record before the Annual
Meeting. Eligible candidates worship and serve regularly and
faithfully.
Eligible candidates pledge of their financial resources. Eligible
candidates commit to serve a two year term with monthly
meetings.
It’s rewardIng work! See any Vestry member for more
information!
ANNUAL BREAKFAST MEETING PREVIEW February 4, 2018, 9:00 am—Parish
Hall
Interested in running for Vestry Election? Expressions of interest
are due to church office by Mon- day, December 12. Please submit to
the Vestry up to two paragraphs explaining why you want to serve on
the Vestry and including your involvement in parish life to date.
Also include a picture!
Annual Reports from all ministry groups
Due to church office no later than Friday, January 6 (annual
reports should include a summary of ministry highlights for the
previous year as well as plans and/or vision for the year to
come)
Annual Breakfast Meeting on February 4
We will elect Vestry members, review 2017 budgetary highlights,
hear ministry reports and worship together.
THRIFT SHOP HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
December Consignments Beginning December 1, the shop only will
accept one consignment per customer per week through the month of
December. We resume our regular consignment practices when the shop
reopens in January after our holiday break.
Holiday Closings Announced
The Columbia Pike Thrift Shop will be closed be- tween December 24
and January 1 for cleaning. If anyone has time during the holidays
to help with this project, please call Mae Kmeco at the shop at
703-521-3110.
7
Christmas Decorations Beautify our worship space for the Christmas
Season
YES! I WOULD LIKE TO DONATE TOWARDS CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS:
NAME:
________________________________________________________________
PHONE HOME/CELL:
______________________EMAIL:___________________________
Enclosed is my check payable to Trinity Church, earmarked
“Christmas Decorations” Amount: ( ) $30.00 ( ) $40.00 ( ) $50.00
Other __________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Payment may be made by check, online via Trinity’s website, or by
texting to 703-844-2384. Names you provide will be published in the
Christmas bulletins. Please type or print legibly. Your donation
form is
needed in the church office no later than Monday, December 18,
2017.
Notes from the Altar Guild: Advent & Christmas Prep
Advent: A season of preparation for Christ’s coming
We begin on Wednesday November 29, when the Altar Guild places the
mitten tree in the Narthex. On Sunday, December 3rd, the
congregation is invited to begin decorating the mitten tree with
mittens and gloves, caps and scarves.
The Mitten Tree will be available for two Sundays, through Sunday,
December 10th, after which all items will be delivered to Salvation
Army for distribution to the needy in our community.
Volunteers are needed at 1 pm on Saturday, December 9th, to begin
the Greening of the church for the Advent and Christmas season. The
Altar Guild welcomes your help in hanging roping on the balcony and
above the Ten Commandments and placing window wreaths and bows. The
Palladian wreath will be hung in the Narthex.
Sunday, December 24th, after the 10:00 service of Morning Prayer,
continues the Greening of the church with phase two. We’ll place
Chrismons in the wreaths and candles, mirrors, and greenery in the
windows. The Altar Christmas Creche will be set up in the Nave. All
bows will change to white. Volunteers are again welcome to
help!
Please plan on helping us beautify Trinity Church for this Holy
Season by completing the form above and making a donation towards
Christmas decorations.
8
9
10
very successful
bowling event.
Annual Arlington County Crop Walk for
Hunger. We handed out water, snacks
and lots of support for the walkers.
11
celebration of St. Francis of
Assisi for a blessing and
some treats.
Attura
Recent Hurricanes, Ty- phoons, Fires and Floods all over the world
demonstrate the horrific forces of nature and the NEED for us to
take
seriously our duties as Stewards of All Creation in “for better or
for worse” situations. Many humans and COUNTLESS animals perished
in these storms because of man”KIND”s irresponsibility or
unprepar-
edness.
In hurricanes Irma and Harvey, some people evacu- ated BUT left
their pets TETHERED or CAGED in their homes or backyards, where
these animals died a horrible death. The authorities are looking
for these people and WILL be bringing charges against them for
negligence, cruelty and abandonment. You see, these animals –
innocent beings who are truly part of our Family -- depended
TOTALLY on their “owners”, but their “owners” let them down in a
cruel
and tragic way.
As Stewards of all creation, our duties demand re- sponsible
preparation and action for ourselves AND our pets in situations
such as natural disasters. Even God is concerned about animals in
disasters! Wit- ness what He tells Jonah: “Should I not be
concerned about Nineveh, that great city, in which there are
more than 120,000 per- sons ….. and also many ani- mals?” As
Stewards of Creation, what BETTER exam-
ple than this?
Natural disasters are called “Acts of God” .From the 07/30/15
“moneytips” website: "Acts of God … are … events that occur through
natural causes and could not be avoided”. The phrase "Acts of God"
re- fers to natural disasters……. hurricanes, tornadoes,
earthquakes, hail, or floods…..” (I add here: Chemical spills,
forest fires, and fires caused by freight train derailments,
blizzards, volcanic activity, windstorms, sandstorms, hailstorms,
gas leaks. One can also add “riots with local curfews” to this list
of disasters). A disaster can happen tomorrow—with
no warning—are you prepared?
Do you know that a wildfire ten miles away from your house in the
morning could be at your DOORSTEP by Noon? One family went
shopping, then came home to find their house and pets totally
destroyed by the fire. NEVER underestimate Mother Nature’s
destructive abili- ties !! And although we can’t AVOID these
disasters (unless we get advance warning and, with our pets can
evacuate safely), we CAN prepare for these disasters WAY in advance
(yes, we should -- even if they never happen!!). So….HOW do we
prepare – ourselves, our family, our pets or livestock -- for
something of this
magnitude?
FEMA (The Federal Emergency Mgmt Agency) has EX- CELLENT FREE
documents on-line on how we can pre- pare for disasters. My
favorite is “Animals in Disasters” Modules A and B
https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?
code=IS-10.a
Why did I study “Animals” in Disasters and not “Humans” in
Disasters? Because this FREE Course not only tells us how to
prepare for our animals’ welfare in a disaster, but it teaches US
how to prepare OURSELVES, our families, pets and livestock for
disasters -- to stock up and replenish our food, our pets’ food,
batteries, etc -- replacing them BEFORE their expiration date. As
long as we live on earth, disasters will happen; it is a VERY WISE
move on our part to put to- gether and maintain a simple, es-
sential Disaster Preparedness Kit
for us AND our pets.
In addition to a two-page “Ready Arlington” brochure, Arlington
County’s Office of Emergency Management has VERY important
information on-line (in English AND Spanish) on how we prepare, en-
dure and recover after an emer- gency. https://
emergency.arlingtonva.us/make-plan/ Or (Spanish)
https://emergency.arlingtonva.us/es/
(continued from page 12)
Did you know the local Animal Shelter has an Emergen- cy
Preparedness plan for THEIR animals? So MUST we. The shelter will
be HAPPY to share information with you
on creating YOUR Emergency kit for your pets.
As followers and lovers of God’s word, dedicated to the betterment
of our souls and the souls of others on this earth – we must
embrace with equal fervor the DU- TY of looking after our Physical
Safety as well and safety and welfare of all who look to us for
their health, safety and lives – be they Children, the
Elderly
or Our Pets.
Please acquaint yourself with disaster planning docu- ments, read
them carefully with your family -- make disaster planning into a
family project – at once. Nev- er wait for the last minute— prepare
your Disaster Kit NOW -- avoid the last minute crush and the
reality of
NOT finding what you desperately need.
Empower your family to share responsibility for the sur- vival of
the family unit (and the pets). Have your pets Microchipped. Make
lists of what everyone will need, including sturdy carriers for
your pets, leashes, blankets (wool gives warmth even when wet),
tarps, slickers, warm clothing, flashlights, prescription
medications (for you AND your pets), water purification tablets,
water, paper towels, non-perishable food, hand wipes (also candy
for the humans and treats for the pets, to bring
joy into an otherwise bleak situation).
Place everything in EASILY ACCESSIBLE area in your home, with a
very visi- ble list that notates ex- piration dates; re- place what
needs to be replaced LONG be- fore it ex- pires (batteries, food,
wa-
ter). Adding a small Bible would be a great comfort as
well.
Disaster Planning is not a “scary thing”. It’s a LifeSaver.
Almost everything for your Disaster Kit can be
found at the local supermar- ket and drug store. If using a
generator, be aware of risks associated with Carbon Mon- oxide
poisoning (NEVER use a generator indoors; and be careful when using
them out- doors – deadly fumes could leak from outside and into
your living areas). Consider emergency lamps (Amazon, LL Bean), and
a “stored energy unit/power bank” to recharge cell
phones/handhelds, since electricity during a disaster
may be out for a while.
We prepare for our Spiritual Welfare daily; we also prepare for our
Physical Welfare in a disaster. “God helps those who help
themselves” could not ring truer
in this situation!!
May we always know peace and safety, even in the midst of turmoil
and stress – may our families and pets always know that they can
count on us to protect them. May the coming Christmas Season bring
you and yours Peace on Earth. (Please remember to keep all tinsel,
ribbon, small objects and rich human foods, like turkey, ham,
gravy, etc and stressful noises of holiday gatherings away from
your pets, to keep them from physical harm). “God Bless us,
Everyone!!”
Communications Survey We need your input!
We want to hear your thoughts about Trinity’s
communications ministry. Do you read the
newsletter? Do you follow Trinity on social me-
dia? What do you enjoy reading about?
We have a quick 9 question survey and would
love to hear your opinion. Click on the link
below to get started.
the back of the church for those who do not
have access to a computer.
Please only complete the survey once.
Thanks for your input!
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!
According to our Catechism, part of the duty of all Christians is
to come together week by week
for corporate worship (Book of Common Prayer, page 856).
Extreme inclement weather may make worship attendance unadvisable.
In cases of extreme in- clement weather (e.g., where travel
advisories have been issued, the Federal Government has closed or
we are experiencing weather related closings) please call the
church office before coming to church for services. While
transportation to church may be possible, in some instances, road,
park-
ing and sidewalk conditions around the church may be too dangerous
to navigate.
Notice of any necessary cancellations will be placed upon the
parish’s answering machine (703- 920-7077), on local television
stations as possible, and can be determined by calling the Sr. War-
den. In addition, if at all possible, we will send out an E-Notes
email to all parishioners for whom we
have email addresses advising you of any service or program
cancellations.
Please note that in any and all cases of pastoral emergency (e.g.,
hospitalization, crisis requiring prayer support, death, etc.), you
are encouraged to contact our rector Kim through the Sr.
Warden,
Ed Phifer, the Jr. Warden Darlene Sellars, or online at
[email protected].
15
Healing and Special Intentions: Trinity Members Cathy Langstaff
Irene Strack Norma & Dick Taliaferro Ed Phifer Barbara Rose
Virginia & Sedge Moss Joy Warburton Carolyn Dubose Ruth Emery
Carolyn Shubatt Edmund Warburton Evelyn Reindorf Maurice Spraggins
Christopher Guy Modupeh Nylander & family Diane Walker Simi
Fasehun Philip & Bobbie Baroody Edna Keith & family
Our Family and Friends Tahlia Marini & Family Dinah Ayensu
Dinah Reindorf Tami Snoots Patrice Neal Carole Coleman Bernest
Sellars Joyce E. DeBerry Nickki Dawes Belinda Mehlman The Galoci
Family Prabir Dasgupta Reba & George Winstead Lynn and Don
Hawley Armand Mazel & family Rosemary S. Sophia Cowan Clara
Gipson William Penn & family Elaine Warburton Aileen R. Cypress
Connor Hair Brandon Wallace Cheril Gandy Katy Langstaff Anne Strack
Eric Strack Judith Davies David Gurr Joan Gbenyon Chris Abraham The
Hyde Family Alexandra Conrads The Thomas Family Dee Dawson
Christian & Angelique Phifer The Wills Family The Timity Family
The Fasehun Family Kaye Wratchford The Weston Family Tanya Milland
& Family Christine Webster Mo Damole Cornelia Hill Colby Stokes
Cindy Lewis The Opstelten family Merry & Al Brinkley John
Restan Rey Ducal & Family Arlene Corbin Julie Tumbo The Rev.
Elliott Waters Theophilus Ray Spencer Michael & Rozanna Levine
Consolate Mvuyekure The Edens Family Wharton Dillard The Hill
Family Mia Chauvenet Karen Kelly Eddie Blackadar Barbara Woskis
Margaret Bailey Bob Blair Bodhi Rodden Ferdinando Stan Stanfield
The Rigaud Family Mary Ellen Hatcher Walmsey Parker Remi Davies
Joan Maria Shenoy The Findlay Family
For our Blessings Creator God, for the many wonders of our lives we
bless your name and find, in turn, that we are blessed. Guide and
strengthen us on life’s journey, so that we may be the voice and
face of Christ in the world, through our actions, attitudes and
presence. Give us the desire to be instruments of your blessings in
the places of our hearts and homes, both now and always.
Amen.
Repose of the Soul: We commend to your mercy all who have died,
especially Celia Mae Gywn, Alvin John- son, Samuel Gwyn, Pam
Herrell, Frances Gillis, Jeffrey Hill, Cynthia Mazel, Tanae Bailey,
Sica Randolf and the 8 persons who lost their lives in the October
31 truck attack in New York City, that your will for them may be
fulfilled. May we, like they, share with all your saints in your
eternal kingdom. Amen.
Giving Thanks O Divine Gift-giver, we stand beneath the endless
water-
fall of your abundant gifts to us. We thank you especially for the
blessing of life, the most precious of all your gifts to us. We
thank you, Ever Generous One, for clothing to wear, for food and
drink to nourish our bodies, for all the talents and skills that
you have bestowed upon us. We thank you for the many joys of our
lives, for family and friends, for work that gives us a sense of
purpose and invests our lives with meaning. We thank you as well
for the sufferings and trials of our lives which are also gifts and
which together with our mistakes are among our most important
teachers.. Grant that we may never reach a new day without the
awareness of some gift for which to give you thanks. And may
constant thanksgiving be our song of perpetual praise to you,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
From Prayers for Parish Groups, pp. 87 and 90.
For our embrace of Advent Blessed be the eternal God, whose promise
has been taking shape for us in the events of history—in Abra-
ham’s venturing forth, in David’s singing praise, in the prophet’s
crying out, in Mary’s saying Yes. As our hearts quicken to the
advent of what is promised, may Emmanuel be born in our souls and
take flesh in our lives, May God-with-us be for all people the
salva- tion and joy for which they long. We make this prayer in the
power of the Spirit, who lives and reigns with the Father and the
Son, world without end. Amen
From Prayers for Parish Groups, p. 191.
For all nations, peoples, and tribes throughout the world, for all
who lost their material livelihood due to devastating weather
phenomena and who this Christ- mas may find themselves bereft of
joy and enthusiasm, for the under or unemployed, and for all who
remem- ber, respect, honor and care for them, praying espe- cially
for the work of NOVA Catholic Community, our partners in racial
reconciliation work, Youth for Tomor- row, the Arlington Food
Assistance Center (AFAC), Haiti Micah Project, Samaritan Ministry
of Greater Washington, Shirlington Employment and Education Center,
Mary Marshall Residence, the Alliance for Housing Solutions, and
also for Claudaline Muhindo and the Mothers’ Union of Goma,
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Trinity's partnering
organizations. Amen.
We pray for all medically vulnerable people in this nation and
around the world, including the 20 million Americans covered by the
Affordable Care Act, health care professionals and hospital
administrators who struggle to provide quality care for all, and
all who suffer anxiety over inadequate health coverage; that God’s
presence may be a stronghold and refuge for them, as it has been
for the faithful throughout all ag- es. Amen.
16
November Highlights Sunday, November 19, 12:00 pm—Celebration
Sunday with Potluck Luncheon On this Christ the King Sunday, we
experience a special arrangement of lessons and your favorite hymns
and carols from the different seasons of the church year at 10:30.
We also thank God for and celebrate 2018 pledges. Join us for a
healthy eating brunch, and bring your favorite healthy brunch item
to share. Sundays November 26, December 3, December 10, December
17: Advent Adult Forum Study: The Redemption of Scrooge Parish
Hall, 9:30-10:15 am
December Highlights
Sunday, December 3—Advent 1—We launch Advent with worship rooted in
our remembrance of God’s faithfulness to bring salvation to the
world as we anticipate the fulfillment of all things in the return
of Christ. The Angel Tree will be set up for worshippers who want
to purchase a Christmas gift for a human trafficking survivor and
The Mitten Tree will be in place to collect our donations of winter
gear for those in need in our community.
Sunday, December 10—Advent 2 Community Carol Sing with Live
Nativity,
5:00-6:30 pm, Front Lawn: We’ll roast marshmallows, sing Christmas
music and car-
ols, and participate in a Live Nativity as the Christmas story is
being read intermittently
throughout the evening. Come early to see and visit with the
animals! Last Sunday for
Mitten Tree Donations.
Sunday, December 17—Advent 3: Last Sunday to return Angel Tree
gifts and
to make a donation to the Staff Christmas Purse.
Sunday, December 24—Advent 4: 10:00 am One service only of Morning
Pray-
er at 10:00 am to celebrate Advent 4 followed by “all hands on
deck” decorating of
the church for the early evening Christmas Eve service
afterwards.
Sunday, December 24—Christmas Eve, 5:00 pm—Festival Worship with
Bless-
ing of Crèche, Children & Adult Sermon, Holy Communion and
Candle Light
Silent Night
The ideal service for squiggly, impatient and excited kids, as well
as adults who enjoy fa-
vorite carols, smiles and laughter. Bring all the kids you
know!
Nativity of our Lord, Christmas Day, Monday, December 25—We
encourage
you to worship God by loving friends and family, praying for
others, and thanking