+WORSHIP | IN-PERSON or ONLINE | 9:30 AM+
A note of joyful expectation marks today’s worship. Isaiah announces that the desert shall rejoice and blossom, and Jesus points to the unexpected and transforming signs of God’s reign. We wait with patience for the coming of the Lord, even as we rejoice at his presence among us this day: in word and holy supper, in church and in our homes, in silent reflection and in works of justice and love. We pray that God would open our eyes and ears to the wonders of Christ’s advent among us.
This Week’s Online Bulletin: HERE
NEW! December Trinitarian: HERE
Readings for this Sunday
Isaiah 35:1-10
James 5:7-10
Matthew 11:2-11
Psalm 146:5-10
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:
Christmas Pageant During Worship | December 11
Semi Annual Congregational Meeting | Dec 11
Advent Soup Suppers | Dec 8, 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
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
Our semi-annual congregational meeting will be held December 11 | 11 am. The agenda will include approval of the annual budget and the election of the call committee. The meeting will be held both in-person and via Zoom. Join us in person or via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87324614312
We will have a potluck brunch for everyone staying for the meeting. Please bring your favorite dish to share. Childcare will be provided
Nominations for Church Council
The Church Council has two vacancies to fill due to resignations. If you are interested to serve on Council, or would like to know more, please contact one of the members of the nominating committee: Jeanine Balbach, Tom Kern, David Kleiner, Valerie Mayer, Nancy Nielsen.
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 8, 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
+Next Week at Trinity+
Sun, Dec 11, 3 Advent | Food Collection | Interfaith Works Collection, Pageant During Worship
9:30 am Holy Communion Worship Service (Coffee Hour to Follow)
10:45 am Youth Sunday School
11:00 am Semi Annual Congregation Meeting
Mon, Dec 12
7:30 pm Heavenly Handbells-Sanctuary
Wed, Dec 14
1:00 pm Trinity Men’s Group-Zoom
7:30pm Social Ministry Team-Zoom
Thurs, Dec 15
6:00 pm Advent Soup Suppers-Social Hall
6:45pm Holden Evening Prayer
7:30 pm Trinity Singers- Choir Room
Sat, Dec 17
9:00 am Food Drive
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
+CLASSES AND MEETINGS+
Adult Forum | No Adult Forum this Sunday | 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+
Interfaith Works Women’s Center Holiday Wish List
Throughout the year Trinity provides dinner for the women at the Interfaith Works Women’s Center. Let’s help make their holidays special by providing items on their wish list. There will be a collection box in the Social Hall through Sunday, December 11, 2022. If you have questions, please contract Margaret F at gmfitzwm85@gmail.com
Tote bags
Fuzzy Socks
Flip Flops
Reusable Water Bottles
Blankets
Women’s Underwear – any size
Adult Coloring Books
Hairbrushes
Eye Masks for sleeping
Colored Pencils
Hand warmers
Flashlights & Batteries
Stress balls
Whistles
Head phones
$25 Target Gift Cards
$25 Giant or Safeway Gift Cards
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
