+WORSHIP | IN-PERSON or Online | 9:30 AM+
Our readings during November speak of the end times. Zephaniah proclaims that the coming day of the Lord will be filled with wrath and distress. Paul says it will come like a thief in the night and urges us to be awake and sober. Jesus tells the parable of the talents, calling us to use our gifts, while we still have time, for the greater and common good. In a world filled with violence and despair, we gather around signs of hope—word, water, bread, and wine—eager to welcome the good news of Christ’s coming among us.
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.
This Week’s Bulletin: HERE
View the November 2023 Trinitarian HERE
Readings for this Sunday
Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18
Psalm 90:1-8, 12
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Matthew 25:14-30
Masks are now optional.
+COMMUNITY NEWS+
Welcome Pr. Susan Beck
I serve as the pastor of the Community of St. Dysmas, the Lutheran churches within the walls of the Maryland state prison system. We are vibrant, faith-filled congregations, currently active at MCIW in Jessup, MCTC in Hagerstown, and CMCF in Sykesville. I never expected that ministry would take me “behind bars,” but I’m finding that that’s exactly where the gospel is. Being witness to how the message of God’s grace given freely in Jesus transforms the lives of our incarcerated siblings in Christ inspires me and strengthens my own faith.
Before accepting the call to be CSD pastor, I served two churches, St. John’s Lutheran in Thurmont and Shepherd of the Glen Lutheran in Glenwood. I am active in ecumenical and interfaith work, and serve on the board of Soul to Soul, an interfaith organization that seeks to promote understanding between faiths. I live in Woodbine, Md. with my husband Bill, a retired physicist. We have 3 grown children and seven grandchildren, all of whom are blessedly local.
Care Packages for Our College Students DEADLINE THIS SUNDAY!
Last call for to sign up to bring items for the care packages. ALL items must be at Trinity by the start of worship on Sunday, Nov.19th! Additionally, you are invited to write messages of encouragement on the gift bags that are set out in the Social Hall before worship. Or stop by during the week, the bags are in a basket in the workroom. Thank you. Valerie
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050E4CABA82F4-45500908-college#/
Thanksgiving Abundance and Conversations – Intergenerational Sunday School, Sunday, November 26
Following worship, stay for an extended time of fellowship and conversation. In the spirit of Thanksgiving abundance, bring your leftovers to share. You are invited to fill your plate, pull up a chair, and share stories with one another.
Stewardship Appeal for 2024
Stewardship should be seen as an invitation to renewed generosity. It’s our rejoicing as we, as a community, gathered around the generous, crucified and risen one, share our gifts to support Trinity’s mission in 2024.
All members have received Stewardship packets; please prayerfully consider your monetary commitment to Trinity and bring in your completed 2024 pledge, continuing this Sunday. You may also complete your pledge online using the following link: https://trinityelca.org/give/ or mail in your pledge for 2024 at any time. Extra stewardship packets are available on the Usher table.
Why do I pledge?
There have been a number of ups and downs in my life, but through it all, God has been there leading the way for me. Do I need to repay Him? No that is not what He asks. He asks that I forgive others, help others, offer love and kindness to all and honor Him and His Son Jesus. How can I do that? Serving God and others is one way. Pledging my time, talents and resources are other ways I can at least try to show and share God’s love to all.
—Nancy N
Congregational Luncheon and Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting, Sunday, December 3
Immediately following worship, we will have our luncheon prior to the congregational meeting. This time we are going completely potluck, so bring a favorite dish to share. Drinks will be provided.
The primary agenda item for the meeting is to approve the spending plan for 2024.
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. This fall we will start with six sessions that will take us up through the people of Israel settling in the land of Canaan (approximately Genesis to Judges).
Please join us for Adult Forum each week in Room 10. We will be exploring the whole Bible through the lens of Daniel Erlander’s book, Manna and Mercy. Come experience this wholistic approach to God’s Word. All are welcome! —David K
Faith Formation Bulletin Board
The bulletin board outside of Room 11 has information about our faith formation offerings this academic year. Individual flyers will be posted there about Adult Forum guest speakers. Please check it out.
Sing to the Lord a Jubilant Song!
Now is the perfect time to join our vocal choir. We are starting to prepare our Advent and Christmas music, we are working on a special anthem with the children in November, and we will be helping the musician search committee to evaluate candidates for the Minister of Music position. All voices are welcome, all ability levels, and all ages from 15 and up! Please speak to Mary B about how you can join in the fun and fellowship. Thank you.
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.
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 Chelsea Y at Chelsea.kiehl@valpo.edu with questions.
+HAPPENING AT TRINITY+
Food Drive | November 18
Intergenerational Sunday School – Thanksgiving Abundance and Conversations | Nov. 26
Children’s Koinonia | December 2
Tree Decorating and Advent Wreath Assembly | December 2
Congregational Luncheon and Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting | December 3
Advent Dinner at Trinity | December 7
Advent Soup Supper and Holden Evening Prayer | December 14
Advent Soup Supper and Advent Stations | December 21
+Next Week at Trinity+
Sun, Nov 19 Twenty Fifth Sunday of Pentecost
9:30 am Holy Communion Worship Service
(Coffee Hour to Follow)
10:45 am Sunday School Classes and Adult Forum
Mon, Nov 20
7:30 pm Heavenly Handbells Rehearsal
Tues, Nov 21
10:00 am Stephen Ministry Training
11:00 am Staff Meeting
7:30 pm Congregational Council Meeting
Thurs, Nov 23 THANKSGIVING DAY
OFFICE CLOSED
Sun, Nov 26 Christ the King
9:30 am Holy Communion Worship Service
(Coffee Hour to Follow) 10:45 am
Thanksgiving Abundance and Conversations – Intergenerational Sunday School
+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
+DONATIONS AND AID NEEDED+
Food Collection: Food Drive | Nov 18, 2023 | 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
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.
Community Family Life Services’ Annual Give-a-Gift Program is November 12 – December 3
The holiday season, a time of giving and sharing, is coming upon us!
Community Family Life Services (CFLS) in Washington, DC, provides services for reentry to women, survivors of domestic violence, homeless residents, and their children. Trinity has a wonderful opportunity to help brighten this holiday season for the families served by CFLS.
This year we are again providing holiday gifts to children through CFLS. Trinity is collecting new gifts, games, books, and clothes for children 10 through 18 years old. We have been provided a list of children (age and gender only) and their desired items. Gifts should be new and in their original packaging, but not wrapped. To see our list and instructions go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050E4CABA82F4-45947740-cfls#/
General gifts of art supplies, books, board games, and clothing are welcome as well.
Collection Times
•Sunday Nov. 19, Nov. 26, Dec. 3
•Saturday Nov. 18, 9-12 Noon
Learn more about CFLS and the essential services they provide on their website www.cflsdc.org.
+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:
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
Viola Cleo B, online prayer request
Gene B, friend of Kim and Pam B
Pam C, sister of Mike M
Pastor Sarah F-M, friend of Anita S
Josefa F-V, friend of Len S
Betsy G, friend of Margaret F
David G, friend of Tad and Vi D
Debbie G, friend of Valerie L
Bishop William G, Bishop of the Maryland-Delaware Synod
Lucina I, friend of Sabrina R
Sandy I, friend of Carol B
Joe J, friend of Sarah M and Tom K
Terry K, brother-in-law of David and Leslie C
Anne L, friend of Len S
Randi L, friend of Mike and Valerie M
Juan-Maria M-M, friend of Len S
Kathy M, niece of Margaret and Greg F
Beatriz N, Vera and Ben’s grandmother
Linda P, cousin of Julie N
Martha R (Sterling Care), friend of Trinity
Cristobal R-M, friend of Len S
Cristobal R-S, friend of Len S
Karen and Harold S, friends of Pamela B
Paul S, brother of Steve S
Lola S-G, cousin to Ani and friend of Len S
Alex V, friend of Sunhee P
Victor V and family, friends of Kim and Pam
Cheryl Van A, friend of Cathy Corcoran
Family and friends of Patsy L, friends of Valerie M
Family and friends of Edna N, friends of Valerie M
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 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.
