Trinity Tidings – November 2022
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
1 Chronicles 16:34
From Pastor Ann
My Beloved Family in Christ:
Winter is coming! As I write this, Buffalo’s first snow is forecast (and apparently falling in the Southtowns/Southern Tier). We get set for the long, hard winter here, which is a source of pleasure for some, and of dismay for others. I guess it’s time to bring my houseplants inside!
The National Church has suggested that we observe the whole month of November as “Gratitude Month.” Of course, they are looking for donations, but I’ve seen the idea used on Facebook, too, and other places. November can be an entire month of using each day to mark at least one thing for which we’re grateful; that’s a good habit to get into.
And this is the month when Trinity Lancaster is looking for donations, too. It’s our pledge drive season, and a good time to look prayerfully at our own stewardship of our time, talent, and treasure: do we give too much? Not enough? Do we give of all our resources in congruence with our loves, our values and the need we see around us? Every church, Trinity included, always needs more of all three: your time, your talent, and especially this month, your treasure (financial contribution). It certainly feels as though our parish is up and running at full speed, with the Snowflake Bazaar, Confirmation and Communion classes, All Saints’ on November 6, and Advent on its heels (1 Advent is November 27). Then the Bishop’s visit, the Christmas Season, and a couple of months to breathe deeply before Lent! So, with the focus on Gratitude this month, I would encourage you to think about Trinity, and the things here for which you are grateful. We have lost several of our most generous givers; please consider increasing your own giving by just a little, to cover the increased costs that we face as our activities here increase.
For myself, I can say that my greatest gratitude is you. The longer I serve as your priest, the more I love you all, and the history and connections that are contained here, both in this building and in you, the parish family. I will be increasing my pledge this year, and every year until age (and the expenses that ensue with advanced age) overtakes me!
Ann+
Please join us
Sundays 9:30 am – Holy Communion Service and Sunday School
Tuesday 10 am – Stitch and Chat
Thursdays 4 pm Healing Eucharist followed by bible study. (no bible study November 3 & 10 – Pastor Ann on vacation)
On Thursdays at 4 pm we begin with a service of Holy Eucharist and Healing that takes about a half hour. This is a small and intimate service, where we pray and receive anointing for those loved ones that are particularly in our hearts that week. After the Eucharist, we continue to study the Gospel of Matthew, which will be our primary Gospel resource in worship for the coming Liturgical year. Bible Study lasts about 45 minutes to an hour, and we are using a printed resource this year: “The Gospel of Matthew: God With Us,” published by Kerygma.
Please know that it’s fine to come just for the Eucharist and not stay for Bible Study, or for the Bible Study and not the Eucharist. Your schedule (or interest) may be in only one of the two, and we’re glad to see you for either or both parts of the afternoon. We stop about 5:15. We’re a small group, which allows for deeper study and discussion, but we’d love for more folks to contribute. This study is much more of a dialogue, and less of a “lecture.” We hope you’ll join us!
Coming Events Save the Date
November 12 – 10-3 Snowflake Bazaar
November 15- Stewardship- request pledge cards returned to plan next years budget.
November 23 – 7pm Thanksgiving eve service
December 18 – The BISHOP is coming! Mark your calendars and save the date.
Sunday School
An instructed Eucharist was held October 30 in church with the children participating. Pastor Ann and Julia Tomaka have been working with the children to give them a better understanding of what Holy Communion means. A coffee hour reception was held afterward to celebrate.
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 October 9th. The boiler system repairs are completed. Pastor Ann reported she is currently holding Confirmation and Eucharist classes. Father Steven Metcalfe will be our supply priest on Nov. 6th. Ongoing business vestry is working on includes LEARN updates, active membership list, music and the by-laws. The annual parish meeting will be held Jan. 15th. After review of July to Sept time schedules, it was agreed to reduce Pastor Ann’s weekly hours from 16 to 12, effective January 1, 2023. The next meeting will be November 13.
Altar Guild
I hope everyone has been enjoying the beautiful altar flowers and fall décor. Remember you can request a memorial or thanksgiving by filling out the form found in back of church or downstairs or on the web. Completed order forms may be placed in collection plate, through slot in office door, or mailed in. Requests must be received the Sunday before your requested date. November’s schedule includes Cathi and Pat. Next Altar guild meeting is November 6.
Women of Trinity
Our SNOWFLAKE BAZAAR is November 12 from 10-3. We need bakers for the bake sale, volunteers to work the event and of course your donations to Granny’s attic. This is our major fundraiser but also a lot of fun, please join us if you can. We will have our famous clam chowder lunch, presale soup quarts, baked goods, crafts, basket raffle and of course Granny’s Attic! Donations for granny’s attic may be brought to the undercroft anytime. Basket and craft donations are also always welcomed. Consider helping, many hands make light work.
Outreach
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. Donations always welcome.
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.
November Birthdays
1 Mark Goerner 16 Dallas Wutz 28 LuAnne Laufer
5 Jason Fehringer 17 Judy Borschel 28 Glen Stoltman
8 Ryan Tomaka 25 Melisse Machnica 30 Norah Heyd
10 Lynn Martin