Trinity Tidings – December 2022
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace,
good will toward men.
Luke 2:14
From Pastor Ann
Season’s Greetings, My Beloved Family in Christ!
Advent is upon us, Indian Summer has breathed its last, the time has changed so it’s dark by 5:00. Our long winter is about to begin, and we’re probably all starting to gear up for the holiday season. As I write this, Thanksgiving is next week! Wait! Where did October and half of November go?
Advent is the time when we truly begin to anticipate the coming of Christ, both the Christ child in Bethlehem, and the risen, ascended Lord who will come to judge the earth, and to bring the fullness of the kingdom among us. And so, we prepare, not just with Christmas trees, lights, and gifts, but we prepare our hearts as a fitting dwelling place for Christ. I do hope you can make a practice of taking just a few minutes a day for quiet prayer and reflection, for thoughts about how to make this holiday season even more a reflection of the great gift we were given by God, with the birth of Jesus. I hope you can reflect on the gathering darkness, where mystery and wisdom are hidden for us to seek and find. I hope you have an Advent wreath with candles that you can light, to remind you of the warmth of God’s love, and Christ as the light of the world.
As for our parish family doings, we have the Sunday School program to look forward to, and the bishop’s visit, four young people who will be confirmed, and a festive reception to follow the regular Sunday service. That visit will take place on the Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 18. The Women of Trinity will have a Christmas luncheon at the Olive Tree December 7th at noon. We are truly up and running now.
November is frequently called “Gratitude Month,” when we focus on everything we’re grateful for. For myself, I intend to make my whole holiday season a time of gratitude. I have so many blessings in my life, and I want you to know that Trinity, this parish family, YOU, are one of the greatest blessings that I am lucky enough to enjoy. I hope your holiday season will be a joyful and meaningful one.
Ann+
Please Join Us
Sundays 9:30 am – Holy Communion Service and Sunday School
Tuesday 10:00 am – Stitch and Chat
Thursdays 4:00 pm Healing Eucharist followed by bible study.
During Advent we will continue our study of Matthew’s Gospel. We’re close to halfway through our study of this gospel, which will be the primary gospel text for the new church year (Year A, which begins on Advent Sunday, November 27)). We’re learning a lot, and having lively discussions.
Please remember that our service of Holy Eucharist and Healing begins at 4:00 pm each Thursday, and you may wish to join us just for the service, just for the bible study, or both. Everyone is welcome; we meet in the church library/conference room.
Coming Events Save the Date
December 11 – 9:30am Christmas carols by/with the children
December 18 – 9:30am Confirmation and reception
December 24 – 4:30 PM Christmas Eve Eucharist Service
December 25 – 9:30 AM Christmas Day Eucharist Service
Sunday School
Meets Sunday mornings at 9:30 am. During Advent watch for Mary and Joseph. The children will help them make their way from the back of church to the manger. Christmas carols by/with the kids is planned for Dec 11th at 9:30.
Confirmation class
Will meet December 4 & 11. Bishop Sean Rowe will be here December 18 for Confirmation at 9:30am. Please join us to give Bishop Sean a warm welcome and to celebrate our confirmation class! Congratulations to the class!
2023 Pledge Update
As of 11/15/22 the received pledges total $30,928 out of our goal of $60,000. If you have returned your pledge card thank you! If you have not returned one, please do, so the 2023 Budget can be put together for our annual meeting.
Prayer List
Al P, Dennis & Zoe, Nancy D, Paul, Linda, Rosie D, James, Mike, Andrew, Martha, Drew, Dan, Carol, Ruth Ellen, Christopher, Seamus, Rose P, Lynell, Ashley, Art, Jill & Tom, Allen, Valerie, Bob M, Joe K, Peggy & Mike, Ron, Cheryl, Linda and Scott, Diane S, Mitchel F, Mary B, Alana T, Kathy, Gretchen B, Johnny, Dallas, Nancy, Jackie M, Mitch F, Don M, Lynn M, Danielle M, Rose W, Vicky, and Trinity Church.
Vestry Summary
The vestry met November 13th. A snowplow contract has been signed. The front sign and back gutter have been repaired. Pastor Ann reported she is currently working on music for
Christmas Eve. Ongoing business vestry is working on includes LEARN updates, active membership list, music and the by-laws. New business includes communications options. Vestry presented Pastor Ann with her evaluation. The annual parish meeting will be held Jan. 15th. The next vestry meeting will be December 11th.
Vestry Members
Cathi Crapa 716- 684-7416 Craig Kornacki 716-604-5814
Len Gacek 716-432-5883 Theresia Mather 716-684-3770
Dennis Noonan 716-984-4024 Chris Gregoire 716-684-934
Karen Walczak 716-901-6454
Altar Guild
Altar Guild met November 6. December schedule includes Maryrose Kotlowski and Karen Walczak. We plan to clean the church in preparation of the bishops visit and Christmas on December 10 at 10am, all are welcome. Next altar guild meeting is February 19,2022.
Christmas memorial forms are in the bulletin and online. If you wish to make a memorial please submit by December 11, so we may publish them in the Christmas bulletin. Thank you.
Women of Trinity
Our SNOWFLAKE BAZAAR was a huge success! We made $3,300.00! Thank you to everyone who helped and supported this event. We will be holding our Christmas luncheon Dec. 7 at noon, at the Olive Tree Restaurant and returning to the parish hall following lunch for dessert and a $10 gift card exchange. All are welcome to join us. If anyone is missing a white canvas bag please let us know.
Stitch and Chat
Please join us Tuesdays from 10 am -12 pm. The last Tuesday of each month Pastor Ann will join us for Holy Communion at 11:30. This is a wonderful opportunity for those who find the 9:30 service difficult to attend, all are welcome at our table.
Outreach
We have adopted a local family for Christmas, from Lancaster Schools, with the help of Melisse Machnica. Please take an ornament off the tree, purchase the item and returned wrapped gift with the ornament attached (so we know who it’s for) by December 18, for distribution. We hope to make a Merry Christmas for this family. Thanks for supporting this worthwhile cause, as we spread the joy of the season in our community!
Trinity’s food pantry will resume delivery to shut-ins. If you know of someone in need of this service, please have them call church at 716-683-1111 and a food pantry volunteer will call them back and set it up. Trinity Food Pantry ‘s mailing address is PO Box 467, Lancaster, NY 14086. As always donations are always welcome, especially cereal and personal hygiene.
If you’re cleaning out your closets don’t forget the St. Pauly’s Shed in the parking lot for your used clothing donations. Thank you!!!
December Birthdays
1 Theresia Mather 13 Valarie Wesolek 22 Ben Geblein
5 Ellen Beltz 14 Seamus Furlong 28 Karen Walczak
5 Rosie Dombrowski 16 Bill Trzcinski 29 Sara Stoltman
11 Lydia Heyd