Check Out Pastor Valeria's Weekly Blog:
LINK
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Message from Pastor Valeria
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We have been talking about Trinity Church a lot during the last several months: Changes in worship, our financial deficit, how we can better connect amongst each other and how we can reach the community with our message that God loves them. Some members feel sad about the changes, others feel discouraged, and some don't feel fully accepted for who they are. Others are excited to see us moving forward.
One common theme I hear in all of this is a genuine care for Trinity, for its people and for our community. That is a beautiful thing! We all want to "be the church" for each other, and we want the church to be meaningful and helpful to us in our own lives. We may disagree on how we get there, but this we have in common.
Trinity Church would not exist without its people. Without YOU. Decisions are made here, programs are started and ministries are supported by people like you. Again, you may not agree with every decision. But we are all just people who love God and want to follow Jesus, and we do the best we can. The Deacons and I appreciate when you tell us what you are unhappy with, and what you are happy with. It sounds trite but
we are in this together.
We need to work together. We need to talk and listen to each other. We ask for your prayers and your patience.
None of us have this figured out, certainly not me! I so wish I could come up with a worship format that everyone can relate to: Those who love the formal, traditional worship. Those who prefer a worship at eye level that represents a community of equals. Those who have trouble hearing and seeing. Those who want to remain in their pews and those who want to be active. Those who prefer listening to a sermon and those who need visuals to keep their minds engaged. I so wish there was a way to accomplish that. I know I can't make everybody happy. I also know that's not my job. My job is to preach the word of God in a way that reaches people. I don't want to reach only some and leave others out. I don't want to have to make a choice between different groups of people and their needs. I don't want long time or newer members to feel they are losing their place in the church.
I don't have an answer. Yet. I pray for it every day. And I need your help. Can we be creative and find a way to include everyone? Can you be part of the solution? Offer specific suggestions about what we could do to make worship meaningful to you? While keeping in mind that there are many others around you who need something different. And that the ultimate purpose of worship is to
worship God
. To glorify and honor and praise God. Which, in turn, will lift us up and guide us through our lives.
I trust that God's Spirit will lead us through this. It will take time, patience and humility. We are a
community
of faith, with all the joys and complications that brings! If we each had our own church it would be much easier in some ways. We could do everything the way we wanted to. But we would also be alone.
Let's keep this at the forefront of everything we say and do at Trinity: We are a community, and we are bound together by our love for God. May that love inspire us and enable us to live, worship and grow together.
Faithfully Yours,
Pastor Valeria
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Recently I've heard some comments that we are looked at as the "gay church" because of our rainbow flag. The reason we put up the flag is to let the community know that we will not turn anyone away, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, race, economic status, mental or physical ability, or any other label. The rainbow stands for much more than the LGBTQ community. It is a symbol of God's care for all of God's creatures. After the flood God made a covenant with Noah: "I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh." (Genesis 9:13-15) The rainbow reminds God and us of our bond with each other. It is also a symbol of the global peace movement, expressing that we all live in this world together. So when you hear comments about the flag, I encourage you to explain what it symbolizes to us.
We need to be true to who we are and who we believe God is: Love.
We have decided to
expand our ONA Team
and its mission in order to become more aware of the struggles of all marginalized people. We are deliberately looking for people that are not part of any of those groups! We need you as allies, friends and supporters. If you are interested in being a part of this, please contact Pastor Valeria.
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WORSHIP SERVICES ~ SUNDAYS, 10AM
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Sunday June 3:
Trinity Sunday, celebrating our long time members
Sunday June 10:
"Do Not Be Afraid" Graduation and Scholarship Sunday
Sunday June 17:
"Start Small, Dream Big"
Sunday June 24:
Children and Youth Sunday with out worship band
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UPDATE - TRINITY TASK FORCE
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Task Force Mid-year Update Meeting
Sunday, June 17th at 11:30am
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The Task Force is focused on two aspects of its charge: stabilizing and increasing the giving base and increasing non-pledge income. Among these activities to date are letters to individual members of the congregation, a focus on fellowship, research on sponsorships and capital projects as well as ideas to improve our public relations.
Annual meeting required that the Task Force provide a formal update at the mid-year point of 2018. This informational meeting is scheduled for Sunday, June 17 at 11:30 a.m. Please plan to join us!
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"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and humility."
(Galatians 5:22-23)
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FROM OUR CHRISTIAN ED DIRECTOR
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Youth Group Outing
June 10th 7pm to 9pm
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Grades 6 through 12 are invited to join us for the final Youth Group outing of this school year.
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Faith Foundations - June 24th Worship
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Our kids will be preparing our June 24th worship during Faith Foundations during the month of June. Please contact Sherry Clark for more information;
[email protected]
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Children and Youth Sunday!
Sunday, June 24th at 10am
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Come celebrate the children & youth of Trinity on June 24th at our 10am worship service.
End of School Year Fun Day - June 24th
We'll have a potluck lunch together afterwards, and maybe ice cream.
Please contact Pastor Valeria, or Sherry Clark [email protected]
as soon as possible if you are interested.
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Faith Foundations
Don’t forget we now have a great lending library for youth and teens upstairs!
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Be sure to follow JC’s adventures by following the new Instagram site. He has had fun this month and would love to come visit your family! If you want JC, please email Pastor Valeria. By the way, he loves adults, too, so don't hesitate to sign up even if you don't have any kids in your household!
We need acolytes! Is your child in grade 4 or above? We would love for them to be involved! All that is required is to please be sure to be at Trinity by 9:50 on the Sunday you are volunteering. Use this link to pick a week(s).
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a084dafa92ca31-acolytes
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Applefest request
This year at Applefest I will be doing Blessing Bags with the community. As you travel around this summer please keep me in mind for all those extra unused toiletries that the hotel provides. I am also happy to start accepting donations of small waters, snack bars, crackers and socks. These bags will hopefully serve as a great outreach opportunity for Trinity as well as an example for the community of our involvement in outreach.
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Trinity @ Worcester Fellowship
Sunday, June 17th
9am Make Lunch @ Trinity &
1pm
Worship @ Worcester Common
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We need volunteers & donations! Worcester Fellowship will be making lunches to donate on June 17th before worship at 9am.
Donations of food or small monetary amounts towards lunch supplies are welcome.
Join us on the Worcester common at 1pm for an outdoor service.
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3rd Annual Dismas House Barn Dance!
@ 687 Lincoln Road, Oakham
Saturday, June 9th 6pm - 9pm
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Trinity Church's Outreach Team wants to personally invite you to join in supporting a cause that they work to support throughout the year.
Join Dismas House for their third annual Dismas Family Farm Barn Dance! Dance under the stars and in the hay lofts with local musicians, The Hip Swayers, on June 9th, from 6 – 9 PM, at the Farm! Full BBQ dinner included with admission. $15 per adult–kids 12 and under free! A music-filled, fun-filled night for the entire family!
We hope to see you there!
Trinity Outreach Team
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The Poor Peoples Campaign: A National Call for a Moral Revival
is uniting tens of thousands of people across the country to challenge the evils of systemic racism, poverty, the war economy and ecological devastation. May 14 will be the launch of the campaign’s 40 days of action and advocacy in state capitols and in Washington, DC. The 40 Days of Action will involve public witnesses at more than 30 statehouses and the U.S. Capitol calling for voting rights protections, programs to address poverty, attention to ecological devastation and measures to curb militarism and the war economy. Each week of the 40 days of action will have an issue focus. To find out more about the Poor People's Campaign check the links below.
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Help Support a Cause close to the heart of the Trinity Outreach Team!
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Dismas Family Farm houses men in recovery who have been homeless and/or in prison. The residents take great pride in growing for the 35 acre Farm, and taking care of our farmers markets and our CSA. Our CSA offers participants the opportunity to purchase a "Share" of what's grown at the Farm for 20 weeks, with pick-up locations in Oakham, Worcester, and Westborough.
For more information, you can visit -
http://www.dismasisfamily.org/csa/
. Feedback has been very positive, so why not purchase vegetables locally and help men trying to turn their lives around rather than from a supermarket all summer?!
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Please help by bringing food donations to Trinity.
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Trinity Church has a drop off area for donations going to the Northborough Food Pantry. Check your kitchen or pantry and drop off items at your convenience.
Please make sure to check the dates on food items to make sure they have not expired.
Thank you to Barbara Baker who has volunteered to transport the donated food to the Northborough food pantry.
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Thank you! - Mystery Dinner Theatre
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We would like to thank everyone who participated in some way during the Mystery Dinner Theater that was held on May 5
th
. We know how much of an effort it takes to pull it off, but pull it off we did!! From the acting, to the decorations, PR, ticket sales, make-up, sound, waitstaff, food, clean-up and kitchen help, it was a great success, and we managed to raised quite a bit of $ for Trinity in the process!
Sincerely,
Fran and Linda
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Altar Flowers Needed 2018
JUNE
flowers needed!!
ALTAR FLOWER SIGNUP!
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Trinity now has online sign-ups for altar flowers! We would appreciate your help signing up to take a Sunday. Please click on the link above or below and after you choose a date to bring altar flowers there is a comment section where you can add the blurb you would like written in the Sunday bulletin. Signup Genie will automatically send you an email reminder six days prior to the day you signed up to bring flowers.
The altar flower sign-ups are now linked on the Trinity website too!
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CO- SPONSORED BY TRINITY
Central MA Connections in Faith Presents: Journeys in Faith
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Featuring:
An Introduction to Sikhism by our host community.
Small group conversations with people of all faiths and backgrounds as we explore our journeys and experiences with faith and tradition in our own lives.
A closing reception, with refreshments.
In keeping with Sikh observance, shoes are removed in the shoe room upon entering and heads are covered. Please either bring a head covering/scarf or clean scarves are available at the Gurdwara
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Celebrating our Long Time Members
Sunday, June 3 during Worship
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Trinity Church would not be what it is today without its faithful members.
We will be recognizing our long time members in worship, with a luncheon to follow.
If you'd like to stay for lunch, please RSVP with the church office.
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We celebrate our faithful, long time members, and give thanks to God for them!
A donation to Worcester Fellowship has been made in their honor.
60 Years or more:
Jane Kirally, Charlotte Wilson, Grenville Rogers, Jessie Morin, Jo-Ann Sullivan, Stanley Elbe, Jane Fletcher, Carolyn Squillante, Robert Murphy, Genevieve Earle
50-59 Years:
Barbara Lewis, Mary Kennerly, Diane Mehlman, Pat Cluff, Frank & Judy Bissett, Beverly Shafner, Marilyn Doyle, Paul Brigham Jr., Theresa Elbe, Adora Jeannotte, Barbara Stanton, Paul & Shirley Dwinnell, Bob & Doris Hobbs, Pam Jones, Christine Mosher
40-49 Years:
Pat Bailey, Donna Greska, Jean & Richard Allen, Jane O’Toole, Kathie Nichols, Dusty Sheldon, Don & Bonnie Dodson, John & Dotty Magoun, Martha & Michael Michalewich, Alan Mosher
30-39 Years:
Fran & Larry Hemstreet, Lynne Sheldon, Doug & Judy Scally, Diane Grandin, Carol Sinclair, Marjorie & Robert Yale, David & Sharon Chin, Buzz & June Hamilton, Pam Bissett, Phillip Backholm, David Gauthier, Jennifer MacNeil, Cindy Siska
25-29 Years:
Althea & Russ Berman, Rae & Peter Carlsen, Robin Wittmann, Nancy & Wade Robbins, Jean Leif, Jennifer & John Critchlow, Mary Kemp, Martha & William Nicol, Cynthia & David Stanton, Debra Wallace, Lois Wallace
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Celebrate:
Baccalaureate / Scholarship
Sunday, June 10th at 10am
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We would like to know if there is someone in your family that is graduating so they can be included in this recognition event.
High School Grads ~ we will need the high school you are graduating from, the college you are planning to attend, and your field of interest.
College Grads ~ we will need the name of your college along with your graduate degree.
Please send your info to the church office no later than Sunday, June 3,
t[email protected] or 508-393-8156.
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Open Worship Team Meeting
Sunday, June 10th 11:30am
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We invite you to join us for our meeting on June 10 at 11:30 am. Bring your ideas and suggestions!
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Coffee House - Open Mic
Friday, June 15th at 7pm
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Our last coffee house for the year!
We will meet outside, weather permitting (or in Fellowship Hall). Bring your lawn chairs.
Please join the Coffee House for open mic Friday, June 15th at 7pm.
We invite you to come enjoy talented musicians performing a variety of music. You may even hear some poetry recitation. Coffee and refreshments will be served with a suggested donation.
BYOM (Bring Your Own Mug). A $5 per person donation will be accepted at the door ($10 max family).
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Saturday Breakfast Fellowship
(Topic: TBD)
Saturday, June 16th 8am
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I hope you will join us on the 16th for fellowship and conversation.
As usual, we will start with breakfast and follow with fellowship and discussion.
For more information or to add yourself to the Saturday Breakfast Fellowship email list, please contact Tom Danforth at
[email protected]
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Open Prayer Group Starting
Wednesday, July 18th at 7pm
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Do you need a little spiritual community during your week? Will you be away on most weekends in the summer? Do you have some extra free time in the evenings?
If so, you are invited to join our open prayer group on Wednesday evenings at 7 pm, starting July 18. It will be an informal gathering with a brief Bible reading, open conversation, and time for prayer. Come to one session or all! We will meet in the sanctuary (if it's too hot we'll find a cooler spot).
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Worcester Bravehearts
Sunday, July 29th at 4pm
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Join Trinity Church of Northborough for a Worcester Bravehearts baseball game!
Everyone who attends gets a free Bravehearts hat!
We have a limited number of tickets and may be able to get more if we have enough commitment from people. To confirm your ticket please register through the church office (508) 393-8156 or email [email protected].
We hope to see you there.
No cost for tickets but RSVP through the church office must be done to hold tickets.
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Ongoing Events at Trinity
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Saturday Morning Hiking 9:30am - Our informal Trinity Church Hiking Club has started back up! We meet at the church most Saturdays at 9:30am and walk on one of the many Northborough trails. Everyone is welcome (dogs included). To receive weekly notifications via email please contact Wade Robbins at [email protected]. Please consider joining us for a time of nature appreciation and conversation.
Grief Support Group
- Come support and share with others who experienced loss. A Grief Support group is held the first Tuesday of each month, 7:30pm in Room 105. Next meeting date is June 5th. All ages are welcome. If you have questions, please contact Carey Rublesky, 774-258-1814.
Community Meal
- Join us each Wednesday, 6pm in the Fellowship Hall. The meals are free but donations toward the voucher fund are accepted. Each Wednesday at 6pm there is a new community group hosting the meal. Please join us!
Thrift Shop
- Is now closed for the summer season! See you in the fall in our new location.
Coleman House Service
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Let's bring church to those who can no longer come to us! Help with singing and serving Communion is always needed and appreciated. Tuesday, June 19th from 2:30 - 3:30pm.
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Festive Breads w/Pastor Valeria
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Pastor Valeria is at Festive Breads every Wednesday from 8:30 - 10am and looks forward to your visit! Festive Breads is located at
299 W Main St
in Northborough, near Romaine's.
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Sending a very big thank you to our Trinity family for all the prayers, cards, visits, assistance and well wishes while he’s been recuperating from his broken leg.
So thankful for our Trinity friends!
Fran & Larry Hemstreet
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IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
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~ Those recovering from surgery or other procedures.
~ Aging adults and their caregivers.
~ Everyone grieving the loss of a loved one.
~ Military and families.
~ All students, teachers, staff and their families.
If you know of someone who is hospitalized, ill, suffering from the loss of a loved one, or troubled in some way and in need of a pastoral call, please call Pastor Valeria at the church office, 508-393-8156.
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Are you interested in being added to the online church directory?
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Please use the instructions
HERE
to add yourself and your family to the Trinity Church online database.
If you need any assistance connecting to the online directory please contact Emily in the church office: (508) 393-8156 or [email protected]
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Help us get the word out about Trinity Church!
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Are you on Facebook? If so, we need your help to spread the word about Trinity Church and all the wonderful things we do here.
1) Please consider inviting your friends to "Like" the Trinity Church of Northborough page. @Trinitychurchnorthborough
2) If you see an event posted at Trinity Church please click "Interested". Did you know every time you click "interested" on an event your friends are notified? This will help spread the word about events happening at Trinity Church.
I received a call from Google Maps letting me know that Trinity Church is number two on the Google maps search! The person I spoke to was very impressed that in such a short time we had moved to the top! Thank you to everyone who helped make that happen with reviews and photos! Now let's see if we can increase our following on Facebook with your help!
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Help us get the word out about Trinity Church and its ministries!
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Did you know your shopping can earn Trinity money?
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Trinity Church is set up as a charity on iGive! Please consider downloading the app or shopping through the iGive site and a percentage of your purchase will be sent to Trinity Church! This does not cost you any extra money, the donation comes from the stores you already shop at.
Please consider shopping through iGive to help support Trinity.
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Trinity is on Amazon Smile!
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You shop. Amazon gives.
- Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organization of your choice.
- AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service.
- Support your charitable organization by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com
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Do you know of a community event you would like to have listed here?
Please contact Emily Donovan in the church office to have your event added.
[email protected]
or (508) 393-8156
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Safe Summer Fun Day
Saturday, June 2nd 10am - 2pm
UMass Memorial - Marlborough Hospital (157 Union Street, Marlborough)
20th annual health and safety fair for kids! Join us for this fun free day of music, games, child bike helmets (while supplies last), face painting, activities and giveaways.
Spring Music Series: Adam Miller
Saturday, June 2nd 2pm - 3pm
Legendary Folksinger, Storyteller and Autoharp Virtuoso Adam Miller
One of the premier autoharpists in the world, Oregon native Adam Miller travels over 70,000 miles each year and has performed in concert halls from the Everglades to the Arctic Circle. This 21st century troubadour is a renowned American folksinger and natural-born story- teller. An accomplished folklorist, historian, and song-collector, he has amassed an impressive repertoire of over 5,000 songs. A masterful entertainer who never fails to get his audience singing along, he has distinguished himself as one of the great interpreters of American folktales and folksongs, and as a performer who appeals to audiences of all ages. Fellow folksingers and traditional musicians call him “a National Treasure.” For more info. visit
www.folksinging.org
. We are thrilled to welcome Adam back to the Northborough Free Library on June 2nd for the final concert in our Spring Music Series!
Summer Reading Book Sale @ Northborough Library
June 15th Noon - 5pm & 16th 9:30am - 4pm
INFO
Our Summer Reading Book Sale will feature books, audiobooks, DVDs and CDs for kids, adults and teens. Books for sale will include fiction and non-fiction in both softcover and hardcover. Prices will range from 50¢ - $2. Proceeds from the sale will benefit Northborough Library programs,museum passes, and other items not covered by the standard budget. The book sale is sponsored by the Friends of the Northborough Library. For more information about the Friends of the Library, please visit us at
http://northboroughlibrary.org/friendssupport.asp
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Deadline Date ~ September
Tidings
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Please be sure to have all your info for the September issue of
Tidings in to the church office by Sunday, August 26, 2018. Your help is appreciated!
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TRINITY CHURCH
23 Main Street ~ Northborough, MA 01532
(508) 393-8156
Office Hours:
Monday 9am - Noon & 1pm - 3pm
Tuesday 9am - 1pm
Wedesnday 9am - 10:30am & 11:30am - 3pm
Thursday 9am - Noon & 1pm - 3pm
Friday 9am - 3pm
Rev. Valeria Schmidt, Sr. Pastor
Trinity Church is an Open & Affirming / Welcoming & Affirming Congregation
Trinity Church's mission is to fill its people with the love of God
and share God's love in all the world.
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