+WORSHIP | IN-PERSON or ONLINE | 9:30 AM+
Today Isaiah prophesies that a young woman will bear a son and name him Emmanuel. The gospel is Matthew’s account of the annunciation and birth of the one named Emmanuel, God-with-us. During these final days of Advent we pray, “O come, O come, Emmanuel,” a beloved hymn based on the O Antiphons, ancient prayers appointed for the seven days preceding Christmas. On this final Sunday of Advent we prepare to celebrate the birth of the one born to save us from the power of sin and death.
This Week’s Online Bulletin: HERE
December Trinitarian: HERE
Readings for this Sunday
Isaiah 7:10-16
PSALM 80:1-7, 17-19
Romans 1:1-7
Matthew 1:18-25
Masks are now optional. Please read more here.
We continue to worship in a hybrid fashion. Please worship in the manner which is best for your household. Although we no longer require advance signup for in-person worship, please check in with a greeter as you arrive (for contact tracing purposes if needed). If a change needs to be made to this plan, we will notify you via email.
Welcome to Our Guest Preacher
Pastor Franklin Morales was born in Venezuela and is a former Catholic priest. He did his philosophical studies in Venezuela, his theological studies in Rome, and a one-year internship in Central America, where he had first-hand contact with the realities of poverty, criminal gangs, inequality, and hunger that force many of our Central American brothers and sisters to emigrate from their countries of origin looking for a better future for themselves and their families. Pastor Franklin discovered in Lutheran theology a gospel that seeks liberation and equality for all people without distinction through ways of justice and peace, where the relationship with God through prayer is manifested in service to the neediest and with creation. He has a fascinating story culminating in marriage, moving to the United States, and becoming an ELCA Pastor in the Metro DC Synod. Join us to hear his wonderful story.
+COMMUNITY NEWS+
Christmas Flowers
Please place your order no later than December 15. You may place the information in the offering plate, or contact the office (office@trinityelca.org) indicating your order specifications.
___Red 6-inch poinsettias: $15 each
___White 6-inch poinsettias: $15 each
___Door wreaths: $30 each
Given in honor of __________________________________
Given in memory of ___________________________________
Donated by__________________________________________
Children’s Library
A children’s library is now available! Pastor Christine left some of her children’s books behind and another pastor wanted to thin out his library, so we have a number of gifted books to share and enjoy. Look for the blue cart in the Social Hall, with books for our children to borrow. There will be seasonal books, as well as year round options, which will span pre-K to 5th grade. You may read the books during church, coffee hour, or take a book home. There will be a sign-out sheet for you to use.
Special Coffee Hour and Coffee Hour Reminder
We have all enjoyed the return of coffee hour, more for the fellowship as the food. Since ‘tis the season for sharing – on Sunday December 18, 2022 please bring holiday cookies or some other favorite holiday sampling to share during coffee hour.
As a reminder, a Sign Up Genius is set up for sign up through January. If you have questions or need help signing up, please reach out to Margaret F at gmfitzwm85@gmail.com or Chelsea Y at Chelsea.kiehl@valpo.org. See you at coffee hour!
Please use this link to sign up https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050e4caba82f4-coffee
2023 Offering Envelopes are now available! Please look for your envelopes on the table in the Social Hall, or you may pick them up during office hours Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays. Please contact the financial secretary Carol B at finsecy@trinityelca.org if you don’t see your envelopes or would like them mailed to you.
+HAPPENING AT TRINITY+
Save the Dates:
Advent Soup Suppers | Dec 15, and 22
Food Drive | December 17
Christmas Decorating | Dec 18 | 7:00 pm
Blue Christmas Service | Dec 20 | 7:00 pm
Christmas Eve Family Service | Dec 24 | 4:00 pm
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service | Dec 24 | 7:30 pm | ASL interpretation services will be provided.
Christmas Day Service | Dec 25 | 9:30 am
Christmas Opera | Dec 30 | 7:30 pm | See more about the event here
Amahl & the Night Visitors, presented by Bel Cantanti Opera
Blue Christmas Service | Tues evening, Dec. 20 | 7:00 pm
Please join us at the in person and live-streamed Blue Christmas Service, on Dec. 20. Our Stephen Ministry program sponsors this yearly service that is especially designed for those who are walking with grief. It honors the truth that this season isn’t full of cheer for everyone and seeks to provide healing.
Advent Soup Suppers | Thursdays in Dec
Advent Soup Suppers are being hosted by Valerie and Mike on Thursdays, December 15, and 22, in the Social Hall at 6:00 p.m. Supper will be followed by Holden Evening Prayer at 6:45 p.m. Please RSVP using the sign-up link provided below. Come and join us for supper, conversation, and prayer this Advent season: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050e4caba82f4-advent
Church Decorating: Please return to church this Sunday December 18 at 7:00 pm to prepare the sanctuary and Social Hall for Christmas. Tasks include assembling the Nativity Scene and Social Hall Christmas Tree, attaching pew candles and bows, arranging poinsettias, and assembling handheld candles. Many hands make light work! See Carol B with questions or to let her know you are coming.
+Next Week at Trinity+
Sun, Dec 18, 4 Advent | Food Collection
9:30 am Holy Communion Worship Service (Coffee Hour to Follow)
10:45 am Adult Forum
10:45 am Youth Sunday School
10:45 am Blue Christmas Rehearsal
7:00 pm Christmas Decorating
Mon, Dec 19
7:30 pm Heavenly Handbells-Sanctuary
Tues, Dec 20
7:00 pm Blue Christmas Service
7:30 pm Congregation Council-Hybrid
Thurs, Dec 22
6:00 pm Advent Soup Suppers-Social Hall
6:45pm Holden Evening Prayer
7:30 pm Trinity Singers- Sanctuary
Sat, Dec 24 | Christmas Eve
4:00 pm Family Christmas Eve Service
7:30 pm Candlelight Christmas Eve Service | ASL interpretation services will be provided.
Sun, Dec 25, Christmas Day | Food Collection
9:30 am Christmas Day Service (Coffee Hour to Follow)
+CLASSES AND MEETINGS+
Adult Forum | Sundays | 10:45 am | Room 10
Trinity Singers | Thursdays | 7:30 pm | See the Calendar for Future rehearsal dates
Sunday School for Youth | Sundays | 10:45 am
Trinity Men’s Group | Every Second Wednesday (Starts in November) | 1:00 pm | Zoom
Contact the church office for zoom info
Heavenly Handbells | Mondays | 7:30 pm | Sanctuary
Stephen Ministry | See the Calendar for meeting dates
Mission Endowment Committee | See the Calendar for Future meeting dates
+DONATIONS AND AID NEEDED+
2022 Gifts of Hope
Jesus’ birth changed the world forever. This holiday season, we too can transform the lives of others through more meaningful giving. Donate through our Synod’s Gifts of Hope program and you will support local and global organizations with proven track records of helping those who need it most. Visit GiftsOfHopeDC.org to learn more.
Many of us feel helpless in the wake of the Russian invasion into Ukraine and want to help. These are three sources that are providing immediate and direct support to the Ukrainian people:
Lutheran Disaster Response
Provides refugees with immediate support and supplies such as food, blankets, water and hygiene kits.
Lutheran World Relief :
Provides families facing crisis with emergency food, clean water, safe shelter, medical supplies and more.
World Central Kitchen:
Provides meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises, building resilient food systems with locally led solutions.
Please mark ‘Ukrainian relief’ with your choice of beneficiary in the memo of checks.
Food Collection: Food Drive | December 17, 2022 | 9-noon | See the list of critical food needs here
Our monthly food drive collection will be given to Bethesda Help (bethesdahelp.org). Thanks to all for their ongoing support of the food drives – the need in the community continues to grow. Trinity’s food drives will continue the third Saturday of the month from 9-12. The list of food donation requests is on Trinity’s website. If you have any questions please contact Margaret F at gmfitzwm85@gmail.com
Afghan Refugees (LSS): Lutheran Social Services (LSS) is reaching out with immediate needs due to the influx of Afghan refugees arriving in this area. They are in need of drivers, storage space, rooms on a temporary basis, and housing settlement. Contact: https://lssnca.org/help/donate-goods.html
+REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS+
We are grateful that people have been lifting up our members and friends in prayer during Zoom gatherings. Please also call the office at 301-881-7275 or email office@trinityelca.org to add them to the list below.
nursing/rehabilitation center:
Martha R (Bethesda H&R)
Philip T (Manor Care Potomac)
Yulie N (Village at Rockville)
home
Tigist G, Margo W, Lineth M, Isabel F, Gio S, Vimala P, Anya N
family and friends
Lonnie B, friend of Carol B
Donald B, brother of Marilyn C
Christine V-M, family of Robyn K-V
Mike M, brother-in-law of Sabrina R and Mark L
Vern W, brother-in-law of Sabrina R and Mark L
Peter M, brother of Sarah M
Lamar K, friend of Tom K and Sarah M
Debbie P, sister of Tom K
Liliana M-P, friend of Len S
Juan S-G, brother of Ana S-G
first responders
Lisbeth N-D
Greta S & Linda A, sister & sister-in-law of Anita S
Vanessa B, friend of Elizabeth & Ben R
*For family and friends, prayer requests will be kept on the list for four weeks. After four weeks, please complete another card/call the office.
+RESOURCES+
Our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TrinityELCA/streams
+OFFICE HOURS+
MONDAY: 9:30-3:30 PM
TUESDAY: 9:30-3:30 PM
THURSDAY: 9:30-3:30 PM
