+WORSHIP | IN-PERSON or Online | 9:30 AM+
Today the prophet Amos calls for justice to roll down like waters. Paul urges us to encourage one another with the promised coming of the Lord. Jesus tells the parable of the wise and foolish bridesmaids. Surrounded by the faithful of every time and place, we celebrate Christ’s coming in our midst in the word of life and the feast of victory—the marriage feast of the lamb.
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
Amos 5:18-24
Psalm 70
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Matthew 25:1-13
Masks are now optional.
+COMMUNITY NEWS+
Welcome Back Pr. Cindy Baskin
Pr. Cindy, now retired from active ministry, has served as a supply priest/pastor in both Episcopal and Lutheran congregations. She and her husband live in North Potomac and enjoy traveling.
Stewardship Appeal — Stewardship Sunday is November 12
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 beginning 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?
Pledging may be an annual ritual but it is connected throughout the year to my relationship with God, my church, and my faith. To start with, we are called to serve God in a variety of ways. How and when might I remember this call? Well, I learned that Eucharist means “thanksgiving.” This reminds me to give thanks at each communion, even though I make offerings online now instead of passing a plate. Second, I see how precious the church is to people. I can’t imagine a world without the church in it. Finally, pledging is different from making a one-time contribution to a good cause. It means a regular practice of giving, staying true to that, and for me that is one expression of my faith. —Kim B
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.
Sunday, November 12, Jillian Copeland, Founder and Interim Director of Main Street, will be our guest speaker for Adult Forum. Main Street, located in Rockville, is a nonprofit that models inclusive practices, bringing together people with and without disabilities. They offer affordable housing, a membership-based community, and a movement of inclusion. Please join us in person or via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87958126916
Meeting ID: 879 5812 6916
Washington, DC Area Telephone Number: 301.715.8592
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.
Minister of Music Search
In preparation for welcoming a new pastor, Trinity has re-opened our search for a new Minister of Music. A search committee has been formed, consisting of Mary B, Kim B, Jerry B, Carol B, Marilyn C, and Julie N. The committee will be interviewing candidates and inviting them to play for upcoming Sunday morning services. You will notice someone new at the organ from time to time in the next several weeks as the search proceeds. Please direct your comments about the search process or the candidates to any member of the search committee.
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.
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.
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+
Stewardship Sunday | November 12
Give a Gift Begins | Nov 12
Food Drive | November 18
Intergenerational Sunday School – Leftovers and Conversation | November 26
Children’s Koinonia | December 2
Tree Decorating and Advent Wreath Assembly | December 2
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 12 Twenty Fourth Sunday of Pentecost
9:30 am Holy Communion Worship Service
(Coffee Hour to Follow)
10:45 am Sunday School Classes and Adult Forum
Stewardship Sunday
Mon, Nov 13
7:30 pm Heavenly Handbells Rehearsal
Tues, Nov 14
11:00 am Staff Meeting
Wed, Nov 15
1:00 pm Men’s Group
7:30 pm Worship Ministry Meeting
Thurs, Nov 16
10:00 am Stephen Ministry Training
5:30 pm Music Search Committee
7:30 pm Trinity Singers rehearsal
Sat, Nov 18
9:00 am Food Drive
9:00 am Stephen Ministry Training
2:00 pm Stephen Ministry Training
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
+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
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. 12, 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.
Care Packages for Our College Students
We are continuing our care packages for our college students with some changes. I am asking the congregation to contribute the snack items that will go into the bags. The list of items, which includes some of the students’ favorites, and additional information is in the link below. All items are needed by start of worship on Sunday, November 19th. Additionally, I will have white gift bags and pens out on Sunday mornings for you to write a message of encouragement to our students. If you have any questions, please contact Valerie @ valerie@vmwishes.com.
Thank you! Valerie
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050E4CABA82F4-45500908-college#/
+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
Bishop William G, Bishop of the Maryland-Delaware Synod
Luke H, friend of Trinity
Lucina I, friend of Sabrina R
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 S-A and friend of Len S
Alex V, friend of Sunhee P
Victor V and family, friends of Kim and Pam B
deaths
Eleanor Sifford, + November 2, 2023 +, cousin to Sabrina R
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.
