+WORSHIP | IN-PERSON or ONLINE | 9:30 AM+
The new church year begins with a wake-up call: Christ is coming soon! In today’s readings both Paul and Jesus challenge us to wake from sleep, for we know neither the day nor hour of the Lord’s coming. Isaiah proclaims the day when God will gather all people on the holy mountain and there will be no more war or suffering. Though we vigilantly watch for the promised day of salvation, we wait for what we already have: Christ comes among us this day as the word and meal that strengthens our faith in the promises of God.
This Week’s Online Bulletin: HERE
Readings for this Sunday
Isaiah 2:1-5
PSALM 122
Romans 13:11-14
Matthew 24:36-44
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.
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO DEC 1!! We are updating our member directory, which will include a paper and an online version! Please provide your most recent contact information and indicate whether you would like your information in the online version https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC85r2Nls5g5AyOA120757gIgiHXGxjBLhd06B0EVakpf2dA/viewform?usp=sf_link
Welcome to Our Guest Preacher
The Rev. Cynthia O. Baskin, who usually goes by “Cindy,” came to the Episcopal Diocese of Washington in 1999 to serve as the rector of St. James’ Episcopal Church in Potomac, Maryland. Upon retiring from that ministry after 16 years, she began interim work for the MetroDC Synod of the ELCA (Lutheran church). She has also served as a supply priest/pastor in both Episcopal and Lutheran congregations. She and her husband live in North Potomac and enjoy traveling now that COVID restrictions have loosened.
+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__________________________________________
Road Work
Please be mindful of the roadwork occurring on Old Georgetown Road in the next few months. It is suggested to leave a little earlier than usual to make up for any inconvenience.
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. Please consider selecting a Sunday (or a few) and volunteer to host. Nothing elaborate is needed… light snacks; if baking isn’t your “thing”, store bought is perfect. On Sundays before our monthly food drive we will have “Hunger Sunday” as a simple reminder of food insecurity in the world. Hunger Sunday coffee hour will be limited to coffee, juice and water – no snacks. Hosting involves simple set up and tidying up afterwards. If this is your first occasion there are plenty of veterans to help show you the ropes (complete written instructions are stashed in the cabinet too). If you prefer to share the responsibility, we can help find you a partner. 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
To Accommodate Those who Wish to Donate to our AV Efforts, we have established a livestream/technology special fund. This fund will be used to purchase additional microphones, cameras, and AV equipment that may be needed to support our efforts to improve sound quality (both online and in-person) and our online worship experience. Any donations should be notated “Livestream Technology Special Fund” in the memo
+HAPPENING AT TRINITY+
Save the Dates:
Advent Decorating | Nov 26
Semi Annual Congregational Meeting | Dec 11
Advent Soup Suppers | Dec 1, 8, 15, and 22
Food Drive | December 17
Christmas Decorating | Dec 18 | 7:00 pm
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.
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.
Advent Soup Suppers | Thursdays in Dec
Advent Soup Suppers are being hosted by Valerie and Mike on Thursdays, December 1, 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
Advent Wreath and Chrismon Tree Assembly | November 26
Join us as we prepare the sanctuary for the new church year on Saturday November 26 at 10am. We will put together the Christmas tree, and hang Chrismons on its branches. We will also assemble the Advent wreath, our countdown calendar for Christmas! Please see Carol B with questions, and to let her know you plan to come.
+Next Week at Trinity+
Sun, Nov 27, 1 Advent | Food Collection | Give a Gift Drive
9:30 am Holy Communion Worship Service (Coffee Hour to Follow)
10:45 am Intergenerational Sunday School
Mon, Nov 28
7:30 pm Heavenly Handbells-Sanctuary
Thurs, Dec 1
6:00 pm Advent Soup Suppers-Social Hall
6:45 pm Holden Evening Prayer
7:30 pm Trinity Singers- Choir Room
Sat, Dec 3
9:30 am Kid’s Morning Out
Sun, Dec 4, 2 Advent | Food Collection | Give a Gift Drive
9:30 am Holy Communion Worship Service (Coffee Hour to Follow)
10:45 am Adult Forum
10:45 am Youth Sunday School
+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+
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.
Community Family Life Services’ Annual Give-a-Gift Program | Sundays, November 13– December 4 and Saturday, November 19
The holiday season, a time of giving and sharing, is coming upon us! Community Family Life Services (CFLS) in Washington, DC, provides services to reentry 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.
Trinity is collecting new gifts, toys, games, books, and clothes for children infant through 18 years old. Some gift suggestions: Visa, Walmart, Target, and Gas gift cards, board games, coloring/art supplies, jigsaw puzzles, sports equipment, Hot Wheels cars, Legos, dinosaur toys, dolls, action figures, socks, sleepwear for boys and girls, and joggers and hoodies for teens. Gifts should be new and in their original packaging, but not wrapped.
Collection Times: Sunday Services Nov. 13, Nov. 20, Nov. 27, Dec. 4 Saturday Nov. 19, 9-12 Noon
Learn more about CFLS and the essential services they provide on their website: www.cflsdc.org.
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://lssncs.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
Taesung P, father of Sunhee P
Christine V-M, family of Robyn K-V
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
