Trinity Tidings – December 2024
True peace comes from within and radiates outward. As we prepare for Christ’s coming during Advent, let us be vessels of peace for others.”
(Henri Nouwen, Life of the Beloved)
Dear siblings in Christ,
Advent invites us to a journey. A journey of uncovering how God’s reign is present in our lives and our world. We practice hope, peace, joy and love. For us to be vessels of peace in a world rushing about with holiday preparations- shopping and baking, concerts, plays and standing in line, we need practices which anchor us in hope, peace, joy and love.
This year at Trinity, we are offering several resources to help you try out practices which work for you. Practicing Peace is the focus of Living Compass’s Advent devotional. It offers brief reflections to help you deepen your understanding and practice of peace. AdventWord is an online Advent calendar presented by Forward Movement. They offer a meditation on a different word for each day of Advent. You can participate by signing up for daily email reminders, or just follow our Facebook page for prompts. I encourage you to find pictures or experiences which connect with each word. This is a great practice for visual learners. We are bringing back the Tree of Hope lighting as one way to help our neighbors practice hope and peace. Join us Saturday December 7th at 5 pm as we light our tree and decorate it with written prayers for hope and peace.
I hope one or more of these practices will support you on your journey of faith this Advent, as together we strive for a world which recognizes and welcomes Jesus in each and every one of our neighbors. And I hope to see you as we gather Christmas Eve at 4:30 pm to once again celebrate the birth of our Savior.
Blessed Advent,
Karen+
For Pastoral Care call 716-683-1111 For Pastoral Emergencies call 716-445-5653
Come Join Us
Sundays 9:30 am – Holy Communion Service and Sunday School
Tuesday’s 10 am – Stitch and Chat, 12/17 Healing Eucharist @11:30am.
Coming Events Save the Date
December 3 12noon Hillview Restaurant WOT Christmas Luncheon
December 21 10am cleaning church
December 22 10:45 am greening of church
December 24 4:30PM Christmas Service
Prayer List
Paul, Linda, Rosie D, Andrew, Valerie, Jack K, Brad M, Douglas B, Melanie H, Richard C, Beverly M, Dave K, Aaron Z, Paula A, Danielle M, Luann L, Johnny, Denel N, Denise B, Robbie W, Klaw Reh, Marie R., Gretchen B., Bill F, Robyn M, Caroline W, Andy T, Jane G and Trinity Church.
Sunday School
All children are welcome Sunday mornings at 9:30 am in the main hall. This is an all-ages group and everyone is welcomed. The second Sunday of the month is Family Sunday and there is no Sunday School, but there is a special sermon for children. Please look for Mary and Joseph each week of Advent, as they make their way to the stable.
Vestry Summary
The vestry met November 10,2024. One 3-hour class will be scheduled in January for adult education for those wishing to be received in the Episcopal Church. The shed needs a new roof and options are being explored. Tree of Hope set for December 7 at 5pm. Welcome bags being made to distribute to new members. Work continues on communication including website and flyers. The Annual meeting will be Sunday January 26 at 10:45am.
Vestry Members
Cathi Crapa 716- 684-7416 Mary Rose Kotlowski 716-380-3641
Len Gacek 716-432-5883 Karen Walczak 716-901-6454
Chris Gregoire 716-684-9347
Altar Guild
Christmas memorial forms are in the bulletins, last day to request memorials will be December 15th. We will be cleaning the church for Christmas on 12/21 at 10am and all are welcome to help. We will be greening (decorating) the church the church on 12/22 after service again extra hands always welcomed. This is a rewarding ministry and new members are always welcome. December altar schedule includes Karen and Maryrose.
Women of Trinity
Our SNOWFLAKE BAZAAR was held November 9. It was a HUGE SUCCESS!! We made over $5000 thanks to everyone pitching in. We made over 100 quarts of clam chowder, and for those who might want seconds we have 9 quarts in the freezer for sale, $10 per quart. We had 94 lucky winners of beautiful baskets and gift cards donated by parishioners and local businesses. Even the Buffalo Bills donated an autographed cleat. We had delicious baked goods, many donated by parishioners and the Girl Scouts. Finally, we had many happy bargain hunters in Granny’s attic and at our craft table. We appreciate all the support we received from parishioners, the community and all our local donors. It truly was a labor of love. It was wonderful to see so many faces we’ve missed. Thank you everyone.
Our Christmas Luncheon will be held 12 noon at Hillview Restaurant, December 3rd, all are welcome. We will come back to the parish hall for dessert and a $10 gift card exchange game. Please plan to join the Christmas fun!
Stitch and Chat
Please join us Tuesdays from 10 am -12 pm. This is a wonderful opportunity for those who find the 9:30 service difficult to attend, all are welcome at our table.
Outreach
Our Giving Tree will be up December 1. We have adopted a family from the Lancaster School district with four children ages 12, 11, 7 and 6 mo. Paper ornaments on the tree will have a child’s wish. Purchase the item and return wrapped item under tree with paper tag attached. Gifts need to be returned to tree by December 15 so they may be distributed to the family. This is a wonderful way to spread the spirit of the season.
Trinity’s food pantry numbers are up. Food and monetary donations are always welcomed, especially this time of year. Please place in basket in the front of church or on table downstairs. Thank you for your generosity.
In November $270.55 was deposited in our account from St. Pauly, great job! Please pass the word, about the St. Pauly’s Shed in the parking lot. It’s a win- win situation, people in need get clothing, blankets etc. and church gets paid by the pound for donations. Thank you!!!
Dash’s Receipts
Please continue to save your Dash market receipts and ask your friends for theirs. We are collecting them as part of a fundraising project. There is box located downstairs in the parish hall or put them on table in the front of the church. Thank you!