+WORSHIP | IN-PERSON or Online | 9:30 AM+
As we get into the winter months, we are aware that inclement weather can happen on any day of the week. In the event of storms on the weekend, we will try to make decisions on Saturday evenings about changes to our Sunday morning schedule.
PLEASE CHECK TRINITY WEBSITE FOR CHURCH CANCELLATIONS DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER.
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.
In Isaiah the one God who sits above the earth and numbers the stars also strengthens the powerless. So in Jesus’ healing work we see the hand of the creator God, lifting up the sick woman to health and service (diakonia). Like Simon’s mother-in-law, we are lifted up and healed to serve. Following Jesus, we strengthen the powerless; like Jesus, we seek to renew our own strength in quiet times of prayer.
This Week’s Bulletin: HERE
View the FEBRUARY 2024 Trinitarian HERE
Readings for this Sunday
Isaiah 40:21-31
Psalm 147:1-11, 20c
1 Corinthians 9:16-23
Mark 1:29-39
Drop off your Sunday Offering Here!
Prayer of Thanksgiving
By Rev. Pauline Farrington
The focal point of Holy Communion, is when we all hear, again, the words of Christ’s blessing and covenant, “…this is my body, given for you…this cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and all people for the forgiveness of sin.” Surrounding those Words if Institution is the Eucharistic Prayer (or Prayer of Thanksgiving) during which your pastor will say words that tell of salvation history and will invoke the Holy Spirit’s presence in the bread and cup and in all the people who share the gifts of bread and wine — that we may be the Body of Christ for the sake of the world. In this way we are certain to hear the gospel, the good news of Christ, (which is especially great when the sermon falls flat!) and we claim its promises as our own.
Often, a Eucharistic Prayer is written with a church season in mind. For instance, during the Lent and Easter seasons we will hear a prayer that is created especially for those times. Thus we will become familiar, through its repetition, with the stories it tells of God’s saving acts. Other times, the pastor might choose to use a prayer written for a specific Sunday with words that reflect that day’s texts, as is the case for this Sunday.
I invite you to find a quiet place and intentionally still your mind and spirit and ponder the words of this Eucharistic Prayer. Pray this prayer in these next few days that lead up to Sunday and see how the words of scripture, the other elements of the service, and Holy Communion resonate for you in a new and transformative way. In this way you can prepare yourself to be blessed.
Here is our Eucharistic Prayer for Sunday, February 4, 2024:
Blessed are all who come in your name,
and blessed is Jesus, your Christ.
He taught and healed, and made his grace available to all.
He healed people’s bodies and souls, offering wholeness.
He healed relationships and communities.
He healed injustice;
and in retaliation, the powers of evil crucified him.
But in love you raised him from the dead, healing life itself,
faithful to your covenant that we may have life,
and have it abundantly.
…words of blessing and covenant…
As often as we break this bread and share this cup
we remember his death and resurrection until he comes again.
Dying, Christ destroyed our death.
Rising, Christ restores our life.
Christ will come again in glory.
Pour out your Holy Spirit on these gifts of bread and cup,
that they may be for us the body and blood of Christ.
Pour out your Holy Spirit on us,
that we may be for the world the Body of Christ,
healed and restored to life,
and radiant with your grace,
sent out to the towns and villages of our lives
for the sake of others who reach out for mercy and healing.
In our compassion may your glory shine,
Amen.[1]
Be blessed holy Church; you are loved,
Pastor Pauline
[1] Steve Garnaas-Holmes, https://unfoldinglight.net/2023/05/01/5th-sunday-after-epiphany/
New Beginnings
On January 13, Eric and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary — the very day that our friends came to help us load a truck for our move to North Bethesda. Six years ago, we adopted a French phrase that encapsulates how we each feel about our relationship and our life together: c’est la nouvelle vie (this is the new life)! Lately we’ve been talking in terms of starting a new adventure, a new beginning.
It’s a hopeful thing. To recognize and realize a new beginning. And it’s with great hope, excitement, gratitude, and anticipation that we embark on this new adventure with you.
Many of you filled in cards with information about yourselves and the DC-Maryland-Virginia area. Here is my “card” with info about our family and the things we look forward to in “DMV.”
Pastor Pauline and Eric: both are from Georgia (Atlanta area mostly).
What we miss about Atlanta: some dear friends and Pauline’s family; we still feel a sense of belonging there.
Some of the best things (so far) about DMV: parks and green space, cultural diversity, there are no billboards (!), the welcome we’ve received from Trinity
Gems we look forward to: exploring everything from the bay to the mountains; parks and museums and historical sites; hiking
Another tidbit about our family: Amanda Cat, born in Knoxville. She and Eric were family before I joined them. She is quite small, less than 5 pounds, with short, scruffy hair and calico markings. She’s also quite old, approximately 18 years! We think she likes our new, temporary apartment home.
And another tidbit: Eric and I are committed to keeping our bodies healthy, active, and vital. Thus we have a morning exercise routine and will be checking out exercise-recreation facilities to support that commitment. We also strive for a healthy, real-food, farm-to-table eating lifestyle — that includes a lot of spice!
In these next few weeks, we will continue to get acclimated to our new city and me to this new Call as your pastor. Here are some things that might help answer some basic questions you have as I take on this new role.
Contact information: pastorpauline@trinityelca.org; 770-265-2241. Please save my phone number in your contacts. If you have an emergency, you’ll have the number handy, and my phone is the best way to contact me quickly. And if I call you, you’ll know who’s calling. Email is not always reliable for quick responses as things can get buried, so if you have an urgent communication, please text or call.
Contact/Office hours: My work day/week will be more about contact hours than office hours as my schedule will fluctuate with evening appointments, odd-time activities, and off-site visits and meetings. Generally 9am is my preferred time to arrive at church, but that can change based on the variables noted above. Whether I’m in the building or out and about, I am available by contact — my phone is the best way.
Sabbath (pastor’s day off): is Friday. My normal workweek is Sunday through Thursday, with various, odd Saturday activities (and sermon finalization!).
This is an exciting time for all of us as we embark together on this new beginning. I hope that we can all be patient and be gracious with each other as we become acquainted and develop new relationships — and as I navigate the learning curves ahead. I can hardly wait to see what’s ahead!
Meanwhile, I’ll see you on Sunday! I look forward to sharing the Christ’s holy meal of great thanksgiving with you!
Peace and every good,
Pastor Pauline
This Week’s Bulletin: HERE
View the FEBRUARY 2024 Trinitarian HERE
Masks are now optional.
+COMMUNITY NEWS+
A Thank You from Just Stalking: Maryland Resources
“Just Stalking: Maryland Resources wishes to express our profound gratitude to Trinity Church for their support of our Launch Party, last Saturday the 27th. We are so grateful for being allowed to use the social hall and for all the Trinity members who came out to support us, and for the generous donations we received. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, Margo and Turquoise Williams and the Board of Directors of Just Stalking: Maryland Resources.”
Trinity Music Team Seeking Timpanist!
The Music Ministry team is looking for someone interested in learning how to play timpani for Sunday services. We can teach music reading and how to play the instrument itself. The time commitment is occasional rehearsals in the week and performances on selected Sundays. If interested, please contact Marcello Silva.
Adult Forum
How much of the Bible have you read? Maybe you’ve started with good intentions and gotten bogged down in Leviticus. Maybe you’ve just read the gospels or the Old Testament histories and stories. Maybe you’ve read the whole thing, cover to cover. Maybe you’ve just picked out some of your favorite stories or Psalms. No matter how much you’ve read, whether you’ve read it all or only a little, the Adult Forum class now is for you. We will be using Daniel Erlander’s Manna and Mercy to try to understand the Bible as a whole—its major themes and messages, ultimately covering both the Old and New Testaments. Last fall we started with six sessions that took us through the people of Israel settling in the land of Canaan (Genesis to Judges). We will continue our exploration this winter starting with the the people of Israel wanting a king and ending with the birth of Jesus.
Please join us for Adult Forum each week in Room 10.
Bring your Palms
We will be burning palms from last year during the Pancake Supper to use as ashes on Ash Wednesday, February 14. Please bring your leftover palms this Sunday February 4, or on Saturday the 10th to add to the fire!
Then in the pancake supper article, delete the reference to palms.
Mardi Gras Pancakes and Games Carnival, Saturday, February 10th, 5:00 p.m.
Come for pancakes and sausages, stay for games and Mardi Gras festivities! We will start with pancakes and transition to a game night with board games and silly challenges. There will be something for all ages. If you would like to help out, please reach out to Nancy J. or Valerie M. Come, see, and laissez les bons temps roulez!
Bring a can of soup for Souper Bowl of Caring. All cans of soup will be donated to the Manna Food Center.
Bring palms for burning.
See the February Trinitarian for more details.
Connect to Trinity’s Hearing Assistance System
Follow these easy steps to get connected:
1. Download the AudioFetch app to your smartphone or tablet.
2. Connect your phone/tablet to the AudioFetch WiFi network.
(No password should be required.at this time.)
3. Connect your phone/tablet to your listening device. This will be unique to your situation:
●Bluetooth hearing aid
●Bluetooth earbuds
●Wired headphones
Please come to the A/V table if you need assistance.
Live streaming team needs YOU!
We’d like to express our deepest thanks to our live streaming team at this busy time of the year: Mike M, Jeanine B, John B, and Greg F. If not for these people, we would not be able to share in weekly worship from home. If you have been sick, out of town, snowbound, or otherwise unable to come to church in person, you know how wonderful it is to be able to worship with us live or at your convenience on YouTube. This service is provided entirely by volunteers. We need a few more people to join the team. Please speak with Mike M about how you can help. Schedules are flexible and training will be provided.
+HAPPENING AT TRINITY+
Mardi Gras Pancakes and Games | February 10
(Bring palms for burning)
Ash Wednesday | February 14
Food Drive | February 17
Breakfast Casserole Cook-Off | February 25
Women’s Center Dinner | February 26
+Next Week at Trinity+
Sun, Feb 4 Fifth Sunday After Epiphany
9:30 am Holy Communion Worship Service
Coffee Hour (Following Worship)
10:45 am Sunday School Classes and Adult Forum
Mon, Feb 5
7:30 pm Heavenly Handbells
Tues, Feb 6
11:00 am Staff Meeting
7:00 pm Stephen Ministry Supervision
Thurs, February 8
7:30 pm Trinity Singers
Sun, Feb 11 Transfiguration of Our Lord
9:30 am Holy Communion Worship Service
Coffee Hour (Following Worship)
10:45 am Sunday School Classes and Adult Forum
+CLASSES AND MEETINGS+
Trinity Singers | Thursdays | 7:30 pm | Room 9
Sunday School and Adult Forum Classes | Sundays | 10:45 am
Trinity Men’s Group | Every Second Wednesday | 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
COFFEE HOUR HOSTS NEEDED
There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer for Coffee Hour! Please call the church office to sign up, or click here or contact Margaret M at gmfitzwm85@gmail.com with questions.
+DONATIONS AND AID NEEDED+
Meals for Elizabeth and Ben R
As you may know, Elizabeth and Ben have just welcomed their first child, Nicholas. We will be providing meals for them. There are dietary restrictions, so please read the details included in the sign-up. Thank you for your generosity and caring. Valerie
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050E4CABA82F4-47606017-meals
Food Collection: Food Drive | February 17, 2024| 9-noon | See the list of critical food needs here.
Thanks to the many congregation members who continue to support our monthly food drives to support Bethesda Help. We are also pleased that each month we welcome donations from members of the neighborhood. Each month we drop off between 300-500 pounds of food and 10-20 gift cards. Bethesda Help is very appreciative and recognizes Trinity each month in the BH newsletter. 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.
2024 Quarterly Dinners at Interfaith Works Women’s Center
Trinity’s Social Ministry Team will again be providing dinners for 35 women at the Interfaith Works Women’s Center on Crabbs Branch Way in Derwood. As in the past, there are opportunities for the congregation to provide food, coordinate the meal and/or serve at the shelter. Since all the dinners are on Mondays, items can be dropped off on Sunday. Please watch the Social Ministry Bulletin Board, the Sunday Bulletin, the weekly Tidings and the monthly Trinitarian for sign up information.
The dates of dinners are:
Monday, February 26
Monday, May 6
Monday, August 19
Monday, November 18
February is “Fajita February”. Items needed include: boneless chicken breasts, bell peppers, onions, black beans, garden salad, tortillas, ranch dressing, drinks, and cookies.
Here is the link for the women’s center dinner.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050E4CABA82F4-interfaith1#/
Valerie M
Little Free Library and Little Free Pantry
We are excited to have our Little Free Library (LFL) and Little Free Pantry (LFP) open for business. Both are located near the entrance of the southside parking lot (the big lot), facing Old Georgetown Rd.
The LFL has 2 shelves and is accepting children’s and young adult books (lower shelf) and adult books (upper shelf). The books may be new or gently used books in good condition.
The LFP is accepting food items (no produce or perishables), as well as non-food items. A detailed list of what is needed can be found here: https://trinityelca.org/little-free-library-lfl-and-little-free-pantry/.
Questions can be directed to Stella, Jerry, and Social Ministry members.
+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.
The church
our synod & bishops: Bishops Elizabeth E, Michael B, and Leila O
our missionaries: Stephen D/Marta G, Cent. Amer
our congregation: Trinity Church
the nations: Afghanistan, El Salvador, Gaza, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Libya, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Namibia, North Korea, Palestine, Somalia, Spain/Cataluña, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, United States, Venezuela
the sick and suffering
nursing/rehabilitation center/hospital
Yulie N (Village at Rockville)
home
Isabel F, Tigist G, Lineth M, Anya N, Vimala P, Elizabeth R, Gio S, Margo W
family and friends*
Donald B, brother of Marilyn C
Gene B,friend of Kim and Pam B
James and Carlene B, uncle and aunt of Carmen D
Pam C, sister of Mike M
Sylvia DeV, sister-in-law of Tad and Vi DeV
Ruth F, aunt of Donna S
Josefa F-V, friend of Len S
Betsy G, friend of Margaret F
David G, friend of Tad and Vi DeV
Debbie G,friend of Valerie M
Lyla G, friend of Carmen D
Terry K, brother-in-law of David and Leslie C
Carol K, mother of Jim K
Susan K, niece of Nancy and Thor N
Anne L, friend of Len S
Randi L, friend of Mike and Valerie M
Jacob M, son of James M and Leslie S
Juan-Maria M-M, friend of Len S
Kathy M, niece of Margaret and Greg F
Ditte R, sister of Thor N
Ursula R, friend of Trinity
Karen and Harold S, friends of Pamela B
Paul S, brother of Steve S
Victor V and family, friends of Kim and Pam
Cheryl Van A, friend of Cathy C
Andrew Z, friend of Carol B
first responders
Lisbeth N-D
Greta S & Linda A, sister & sister-in-law of Anita S
*For family and friends, prayer requests will be kept on the list for 4 weeks. To renew, please complete another card/call the office.
+RESOURCES+
Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TrinityELCA/streams
+OFFICE HOURS+
Carmen will be in the office from 9-5 on Monday-Friday. Please contact the office or a council member if you have a request for pastoral care.