Trinity Tidings – December 2025
May you always remember that good news is louder than fear.
– from the blessing for our Advent series.
Every Advent, we light candles, sing carols, and pray for Christ’s coming because we believe God entered a frightened world to bring good news. We hold onto hope because we believe that Christ did come—that’s the promise of the season. Our hope is not a flimsy thing. It’s gritty, resilient and can handle whatever we face or fear. Our Advent resources this year invite us to insist on hope, and to trust that God’s good news is louder than any fear.
We celebrate Advent, this season of stillness and waiting, of lights flickering against the darkness, even as we are surrounded by the relentless noise of a commercialized Christmas. It takes some effort to step out of the rush of baking, shopping, gathering and wrapping to make space to name our fears and our hopes, to let the truth that good news is louder than fear sink into our bones, to see God at work in our lives. So, the church offers us practices to help us find some stillness, to make a little space for reflection. Many of us grew up with Advent calendars, ways to count down the days until Christmas. We’re offering one calendar for children, and one for youth and adults. For those of you who prefer more digital resources, there will be daily reflections on our Facebook page including art, poetry, music and a word for each day. There are Advent devotionals available for your use in both printed and digital formats. You’ll find the link in this week’s e-news. Our Advent reflection group will meet each Tuesday at noon in the library beginning Dec. 2nd. You’re welcome to bring your lunch. You can come to our Tree of Hope lighting on Dec. 6th, sing carols and share your hopes for the future. You can join our intergenerational art project making luminarias during coffee hour on Dec. 7th. We’ll use them to adorn the church steps Christmas Eve.
Whatever practice you choose, I pray this Advent may help you name your fears, strengthen your hope and deepen your conviction that God’s good news is louder than anything we fear. Thanks be to God.
Peace and all good,
Karen+
For Pastoral Care call 716-683-1111 For Pastoral Emergencies call 716-445-5653
Prayer List
Paul, Rosie D., Valerie, Brad M., Douglas B., Danielle M., Luann L., Andy D., Shirley M., Zach C., Lincoln C., Sandy D., Chris B., Duane Z., Joyce K., Michael D., Karen J., David K., Steve P., Larry K., Ed D., Andy T., Marie R., Charris K., Dennis N., Fred M., Mark B., Frank N., Cindy A., Nicole P., Jodi Y., Chloe F., and Trinity Church.
Please join us
Sundays 9:30 am – Holy Communion Service and Sunday School
Tuesday’s 10 am – 12 Stitch and Chat. Healing Eucharist @11:30 on 12/30
Sunday School
Our Sunday School is an all-ages group that meets at 9:30 Sunday mornings in the parish hall under the direction of Julia Tomaka. All children are welcome to join.
The next YUM meeting will be Dec. 27 from 11am-3pm-Service Project at St Paul’s Cathedral, Buffalo.
Vestry Summary
Vestry met November 9th. The new sign in front of church has been completed and installed. The new dwarf conifer has been purchased and planted. A custodial schedule needs to be established. The annual meeting has been scheduled for January 25th.
Altar Guild
Altar Guild met November 23. Christmas memorials are due by December 14th, forms available in bulletins and on the web-page. Monies received are used to purchase poinsettias, wreaths and communion supplies. We will be using our new, recently purchased censer stand and candle holders on Christmas Eve.
Are you called to serve? We would like to fill our open vestry spot and add a few counters. Please prayerfully consider if God may be calling you to serve in one of these ways.
Women of Trinity
Tuesday’s 10 am – 12 Stitch and Chat, Healing Eucharist @11:30 12/30
Our SNOWFLAKE BAZAAR was held November 8.It was a HUGE SUCCESS!! We made over $6000 thanks to everyone pitching in. We made 96 quarts of clam chowder, and for those who might want seconds we have 2 quarts in the freezer for sale, $10 per quart. We had 117 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!
Help Wanted!!
Dennis is out recovering from surgery; in his absence we are looking for volunteers to donate 30 minutes, one day a week to move items back in the St. Pauly shed. Please let Pat or Don know any day you are available to do it. You can do it at any time that works for you.
Outreach Opportunities
$308.02 was deposited in our account from St. Pauly in November, 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. Thanks.
Food Pantry always appreciates any donation you can share. There is a basket upstairs in the church and a drop off bin located outside the kitchen door.
Thank you to everyone who donated warm winter clothes to the Just One Deacon Challenge. Your response to this call was wonderful and much appreciated.
Advent Giving Tree
We’re again supporting a family from John A Sciole. Please take an ornament and return your wrapped gift with ornament attached by Dec 14th. Thanks for your support!
Dash’s Receipts
Please continue to save your Dash market receipts and ask your friends for theirs. There is box located downstairs in the parish hall or put them on table in the front of the church. This is a great program; we receive cash for your receipts! Thank you
December Birthdays
1 Theresia Mather 5 Rosie Dombrowski 11 Lydia Heyd 13 Valerie Wesolek
13 Seamus Furlong 28 Karen Walczek 29 Sara Stoltman
Coming Events Save the Date
Dec 2 –12 noon Advent reflection group
Dec 3- 7 -12 noon WOT Christmas lunch at Hillview, returning to parish hall for dessert and gift card exchange.
Dec 6 -5pm Tree of Hope Lighting
Dec 7 – 12:30 pm coffee hour and luminaria making
Dec 14- Advent giving tree gifts due
Dec 20 – 10 am cleaning the church
Dec 21- 10:30 am greening the church after service
Dec 24 – 4:30 pm Christmas Eve Service