Volume 73 - No. 3 | March 2021 |
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Worship on Sunday, March 7 @ 10am:
Third Sunday in Lent with Communion “Forgive Your Enemies,” based on Psalm 3 and Matthew 26:17-29
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A step-by-step tutorial on how to access Facebook Live, click HERE
Have your Bible, a candle and lighter ready and create a worshipful space. Maybe with a cross, a nice tablecloth, or other devotional items that are meaningful to you.
Please have a piece of bread (or crackers, chips or cookie) and cup of juice (or water, tea or coffee) ready for Communion.
Replay on Verizon channel 31 and Charter channel 191
Sundays (previous week's) at 6pm and Thursdays at 8:30am.
Emily is here to help you. If you need technical assistance please email her at [email protected] or call her (508) 614-8989 during virtual office hours and she will walk you through each step.
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MESSAGE FROM PASTOR VALERIA |
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As you read this, we will have entered the second full week of Lent. How has it been going for you? Have you found some time to do an additional spiritual practice? Is there anything you were willing to give up? (If not, it's never too late to get started.)
As I mentioned before, I gave up sugar and meat. Giving up sugar is my personal tradition but this year, I wanted to challenge myself a little more. And after reading how much carbon emissions are produced by factory farming, giving up meat seemed like the perfect choice. It reminds me how fortunate I am that I could eat meat every single day, but that I really don't need to, and it allows me to make a positive impact on our climate. And give a little extra money to support organizations that combat hunger and poverty.
I've also been doing the daily activities on our one-page Lenten calendar, and reading the Psalm devotional each week (see links for both below.) And I've been attending some of the Taize services offered by the UCC's Open and Affirming Coalition on Zoom and Facebook live (info on this can also be found below.) I appreciate the rituals, the songs and prayers, and the Biblical passages. I am thankful to receive them and be inspired by them, without having to be 'productive' and lead worship for others.
It's so important to feed our own souls. Only then will we have anything to give to others.
So I encourage you to take some time this Lent and find a format that works for your spiritual practice. Whether it's silence or dancing to loud music. Whether it's praying alone or having a conversation about your faith with a friend. Whether it's journaling, art, or other creative ways of expressing yourself. Give your soul the TLC it needs and deserves.
The theme I chose for Lent this year is "Love your enemies and pray for them." We will continue to focus on that in worship. Who are my enemies? And what might it look like to 'love' them? How can I pray for them - if not that God might strike them dead?
I look forward to digging into these questions with you.
On March 14 we will spring ahead with Daylight Savings Time. Yes, spring is ahead! No matter how long and cold the winter was, no matter how long and how deeply COVID has been impacting our lives: Lent always means that spring is coming. Easter is coming. New life is possible in Jesus.
New life, new hope, and new love.
May Jesus help us to love the way he loved, even our enemies.
Our prayers and our virtual worship services and small groups will keep us connected during these uncertain times. For that, I am grateful.
And God willing, we will be together in the parking lot on April 4th to celebrate Easter!
Until then, may God bless and strengthen you all.
Pastor Valeria.
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WORSHIP SERVICES ~ SUNDAYS, 10AM |
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Sunday, March 7: Third Sunday in Lent with Communion “Forgive Your Enemies,” based on Psalm 3 and Matthew 26:17-29
Sunday, March 14: Fourth Sunday in Lent “Do Good and Expect Nothing in Return,” based on Proverbs 16:7, 25:21 and Luke 6:27-36
Sunday, March 21: Fifth Sunday in Lent "Pray for Your Enemies,” based on 2 Samuel 12:1-15 and Luke 23:32-43
Sunday, March 28: Palm Sunday based on Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 and Luke 19:28-44
Palm leaves may be picked up at Trinity on Wednesday, March 24, from 10:30 - 3:00 and Saturday, March 27, from 10:00 - 5:00.
Sunday, April 4: Easter Sunday in the parking lot
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Coffee Hour before worship
on Zoom @ 9:30am
Meeting ID: 861 4930 6259
Password: 201552
Meeting Link:
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"When the world is bitter, we must be better. When the world is in hate, we must be in love. When the world is unforgiving, we must forgive. When the world is angry, we must be patient. When the world is blaming others, we must bless others. When the world is in darkness, we must be the light. When the world is divided, we must be united."
Mike Smith, Redeeming Love Church
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The Worship Team has ordered two Lenten devotionals for you to choose from (or use both!). One is a simple, one-page calendar with an inspirational thought or suggested action for each day. Download it here.
The other is a devotional guide based on the Psalms. Each day includes a Psalm reading, a reflection for adults, one for children, questions for going deeper, and a coloring page. Download it here.
We hope that one or the other will be meaningful to you as we embark on the journey of Lent together.
In order to save paper and resources we encourage you to read your devotional on your computer or device.
If you prefer a printed copy but do not have access to a printer please contact Emily and she will print a copy for you.
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JOURNEY THROUGH LENT WITH THE COALITION OF OPEN AND AFFIRMING CHURCHES OF THE UCC |
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Many of us are wondering how we can observe Lent this year: many feel that Lent 2020 never ended, and after a year of restrictions and sacrifice we've had enough of "giving up." But Lent is also about giving to: works of love are an ancient spiritual practice during Lent. And so is prayer. Every weekday morning during Lent and Easter the ONA family will continue to offer a contemplative service of Taizé Morning Prayer at 9 and 11 am (EST) in the Coalition's Zoom Chapel—Monday through Friday. We'll also gather at 10 pm (EST) Sunday for Compline—an ancient experience of prayer, silence and song at the close of day. Each service is about 20 minutes and draws from ancient Christian practices of daily prayer, although in inclusive, non-binary language. Morning Prayer and Compline are sometimes posted on Facebook, but you can always join us on Zoom at zoom.us/j/5556624822.
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UPCOMING EVENTS @ TRINITY |
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Worship Grant Workshop
Saturday, March 13 from 10am - 3pm
“COVID19 – An Invitation for Reinvention”
As part of our worship grant project, we will be offering this workshop with Rev. Dr. Michael Piazza on Saturday, March 13.
According to the New York Times an estimated 48% of restaurants have permanently closed. What percentage of churches will close as a result of 18 months of pandemic? Institutions like churches don’t die as quickly as small businesses, but the impact of COVID19 may ultimately be the same. The churches that not only survive but thrive will embrace this as an opportunity to reinvent themselves. Honestly, much of what the church has been doing for years wasn’t working. The question is, will we simply resume doing those things that contributed to the decline of the mainline church, or will we have the courage to experiment, change, transform. Valarie Kaur asks, “What if this darkness is not the darkness of the tomb, but the darkness of the womb?” Ultimately each church must decide that, but simply repeating patterns that were not working is probably not the most effective choice.
Bio: Rev. Dr. Michael Piazza
Dr. Piazza was licensed to preach in the United Methodist Church when he was only 19 years old. In the decades since he has pastored nearly a dozen churches in four denominations. Even as a student pastor, he exhibited a gift for helping churches thrive. For two decades he was the Sr. Pastor and then Dean of the Cathedral of Hope in Dallas, TX. During that time the church grew from about 180 members to become the largest progressive church in the South. With over 2,500 people worshiping in person and 65,000 online and TV, the church was one of the only inclusive mega-churches in America. From Dallas he moved to Atlanta where he resurrected the Virginia-Highland Church. While there he founded Agile Church Consulting to help other churches discover the key to their own vitality. The author of thirteen books, his last two share revitalizing principles that he hopes are transferable: The Vital Vintage Church and Fishing in a Shallow Sea. Piazza teaches congregational renewal at Hartford Seminary, and to ensure that the principles he teaches are still relevant, he is also currently the pastor of the historic Broadway United Church of Christ in New York City.
We will meet on Zoom from 10 - 3, with breaks.
Meeting ID: 847 7009 2575
Passcode: 672873
Dial In: +1 929 436 2866
This program is made possible through a Vital Worship Grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Grand Rapids, Michigan, with funds provided by Lilly Endowment Inc.
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SAVE THE DATE!
Zoom Book Study
As part of the Vital Worship grant, we will be discussing the book
Missional Worship, Worshipful Mission
By Ruth Meyers
In our discussion, we will explore the relationship between worship and mission — that gathering as God's people includes at its heart our being sent out into the world in God's name. We will look at various elements of worship (gathering, proclaiming the Word, praying for the world, celebrating the Eucharist, and going forth to continue participating in God's mission in the world), and how what we do during each of those elements of worship relates to mission.
The book discussion will begin the 4th week in March and will continue for 6-8weeks. We will offer an evening and a day-time group, both on Zoom.
If you would like to join the book group, please use the link below or let Emily know by March 7 so we can order a book for you. The cost of the books will be covered by our grant funds.
This program is made possible through a Vital Worship Grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Grand Rapids, Michigan, with funds provided by Lilly Endowment Inc.
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PASTOR PARISH RELATIONS COMMITTEE |
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Continuing with sharing our Community Covenant:
As promised, we share the last 5 bullets of the Trinity Church Community Covenant.
- We will accept the final outcome of the decision making process, trusting in the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and respecting a thoughtful conversation.
- We are committed to the process even if it is uncomfortable, and we trust God to guide us.
- With God’s help, we seek to discover what is best for the mission of Trinity Church.
- As forgiven people, we choose to forgive one another.
- With grace, humility and hope, we will help each other to uphold this covenant.
The PPRC spent many thoughtful hours, much conversation and careful consideration on each bullet of this Covenant, relying on God’s guidance. We deeply feel that this is a path we can each follow.
Please contact any member of the PPRC with any comments or questions that you may have.
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FROM OUR CHRISTIAN ED DIRECTOR |
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During the month of February we continued our studies of poverty and the bible. We will be focused on this for the next couple of months as we examine the many different aspects that play into poverty in this country. Part of that will be to examine the way social injustice and race come into play. In order to be part of the solution we will be fundraising for uniforms for an elementary school in Worcester. The school community has been particularly hard hit by the economy and Covid, and Worcester currently has over 1300 homeless students. Please be on the look-out for more information about how you can help.
As the weather gets nicer Faith Foundations hopes to be able to meet outside again. Once we start having temperatures reaching 50 we will begin to gather together for classes and Youth Group with masks and social distancing in place.
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We are in need of teachers and assistant teachers. Sherry preps all the material and sends it to teachers to preview before Sunday. If you can help please email her at [email protected]. It is a wonderful way to spend some time with our youth and cultivate intergenerational relationships.
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Youth Group
Our teens have been meeting up on Friday night Zooms for some virtual game playing. The hope is that if we get enough snow we can meet up in person for some snowshoeing.
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Upcoming Dates
We will now be meeting via zoom due to the cooler weather. This link will also be the one to use.
The Zoom will begin at 11:15
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 872 7270 9342
Passcode: 780687
Youth Group Dates
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 893 1102 0507
Passcode: 572551
Youth Group will occur via Zoom on 3/12, 3/26
There will be a variety of games to play together as well as planning for our fundraiser for Worcester public school uniforms.
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Zoom Bible Study
Mondays @ 1pm
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Want to connect with other Trinity people while we are self-isolating? Join us for an informal Bible study on Mondays at 1pm via Zoom. Each week we will select a chapter or passage of the Bible, and discuss what it means to us.
Jean Leif will be facilitating. Email her at [email protected] (include your name) for log-on information.
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If you or someone you know recently lost a loved one and is looking for a safe space to share your experiences with others, you are welcome to join our grief support group. The group now meets weekly on Zoom, every Thursday at 7 pm. For more information please contact Pastor Valeria at [email protected]
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Coffee or Tea with Pastor Valeria on Zoom
Wednesdays @ 9am
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Chat with Pastor Valeria on Zoom, Wednesdays at 9am.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 954 033 518
Password: 569713
Dial by your location
+1 929 436 2866 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 954 033 518
Emily is here to help you. If you need technical assistance please email her at [email protected] or call her (508) 614-8989 during virtual office hours.
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Saturday Breakfast Fellowship
The first and third Saturday @ 9am (Saturday, March 6th & 20th)
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In March, we’ll have two Breakfast Fellowships, one on the 6th and one on the 20th.
For more information or to add yourself to the Saturday Breakfast Fellowship email list, please contact Tom Danforth at [email protected]
Tom
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Special Offering
Sunday, March 14th
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One Great Hour of Sharing is an offering that makes the love of Christ real for individuals and communities around the world who suffer the effects of disaster, conflict, or severe economic hardship, and for those who serve them through gifts of money and time. Today, projects are underway in more than 100 countries, including the United States and Canada.
More information:
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These are challenging times for many. If you are not financially impacted by the current situation we ask you to prayerfully consider increasing your support to Trinity Church, to make up for those who cannot meet their pledge, so we may continue to do God's work through Trinity Church. Thank you for your faithful, generous giving!
Please make your checks payable and mail them to Trinity Church:
23 Main St
Northborough, MA 01532
You can also use “bill pay” and have your bank mail a check to us on a regular schedule set up by you, at no cost.
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Did you know your shopping can earn Trinity money?
Shop at your convenience all year!
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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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.
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Support Trinity Church by choosing it as your charitable organization at smile.amazon.com
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INTERFACE is a program of William James College designed to increase awareness of mental health issues impacting children, families, and adults and to facilitate access to appropriate outpatient services. Resource information and or provider referrals from trained resource and referral counselors can be obtained by calling the INTERFACE Helpline at 888-244-6843 Ext. 1411. The Helpline is available Mon. – Fri. from 9 am – 5 pm. The website has additional information and guides to assist with the process of seeking outpatient mental health services.
Family Youth Services can be reached at 508-393-5020 for information on this program and all other programs it offers.
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United Way of North Central MA (UWNCM) is partnering with FamilyWize to provide North Central community members access to affordable prescription medications. Through this program UWNCM hopes to help ensure greater health and financial stability to community members. The FamilyWize card is Is free – it’s like a coupon that you can use as often as you want. For more information please see the UWNCM website.
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Call2Talk is the Mental health helpline of Mass2-1-1, the statewide human service information and referral platform powered by your local United Way. Call2Talk answers calls through Mass2-1-1, its direct telephone line and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. It also answers texts in partnership with Crisis Text Line.
Besides its primary function as a helpline, Call2Talk also provides the following:
- TeleCheck – A phone check-in service for elder adults operated in partnership with BayPath Elder Services and Advocates, Inc. Trained call-takers contact seniors weekly to provide support and friendly conversation following sudden life changes.
- MetroWest LOSSteam – The MetroWest LOSSteam works with area police departments to offer immediate on-site peer emotional support to suicide loss survivors. (in Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hudson, Sherborn, and Sudbury)
- Community Education – Call2Talk offers best practice awareness trainings for community members and agencies including: Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Training, Mental Health First Aid, safeTalk and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST).
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Mental Health:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
NAMI Metrowest (Marlborough-Framingham):
Addiction/Substance Abuse Disorders:
The Mass Substance Use Helpline
Worcester Area Intergroup (Alcoholics Anonymous)
Domestic Violence:
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is offering assistance and safety planning 24/7
- 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
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TTY 1-800-787-3224 o If you’re unable to speak safely, you can chat online, or text LOVEIS to 22522
MA SafeLink MA Statewide Toll-Free Domestic Violence Hotline 1-877-785-2020
Food Assistance:
Northborough Food Pantry
Wednesdays 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Thursdays 6:30 - 8 p.m.
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GSA Link
The Link that Connects
The GSA Link is a project connecting local GSA high school and middle students to collaborate, share ideas, and socialize in a SAFE space. LGBT and allied high school students are welcome.
For more information please contact:
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Watch Sunday's worship using the link below. You do not need to have a Facebook account to view this video!
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Subscribe to our YouTube channel and watch a
selection of Pastor Valeria's sermons and our worship music.
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Community Meal Take-Out
We have resurrected Community Meals but in a to-go manner and we need your help.
We will be ordering $5 meals from local food establishments and distributing them to our community meals guests to-go, every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Trinity Church. Various organizations have committed to monetary donations for these entrees. But, you can't have a meal without servers, water and dessert. We are looking for volunteers to sign up to donate a case of water or 2 dozen individually wrapped desserts and/or stand in the parking lot and deliver the meals to guests in their parked cars. All guidelines of social distancing will be observed.
If you are interested in helping, please see the available opportunities and sign up here:
To donate towards the purchase of meals, please make your checks out to "Helping Hands Association" with "Community Meal" on the memo line, and mail them to Northborough Helping Hands, P.O. Box 383, Northborough, 01532.
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NATICK COMMUNITY-SENIOR CENTER’S ONLINE PROGRAMS
Mindfulness Meditation with Sharon Meets every Thursday, 1-1:40 pm, free. This meditation is audio only and participants are muted during the meditation portion. Everyone is welcome to join for some guided, some quiet and some reflection with Q & A and sharing. Email [email protected] to receive the Zoom link (different each week.)
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Are you interested in being added to the online church directory?
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 the church office:
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IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS |
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~ Faith, Justin and Micah DeMarinis.
~ Donna, Willie and Ben Miller.
~ Everyone who is currently in cancer treatment.
~ Everyone affected physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially by COVID-19.
~ Nursing home residents, their families, and staff.
~ All first responders, health care workers, grocery workers and anyone who is working on the front lines.
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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Deadline for April Tidings |
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Please be sure to have all your info for the April Tidings in to the church office by Sunday, March 21. Your help is appreciated! |
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TRINITY CHURCH
23 Main Street
Northborough, MA 01532
(508) 393-8156
Virtual Office Hours :
Emily is working from home. Please email her or leave a message on Pastor Valeria's voicemail on the church phone. (Please note Fridays are Pastor Valeria's day off and she will not check her voicemail. In case of an emergency please listen to her voicemail message for her cell phone number.)
Monday: 9am - Noon & 1pm - 2:30pm
Tuesday: 9am - Noon & 1pm - 2:30pm
Wednesday: 9am - 10:30am & 12:30pm - 2:30pm
Thursday: 9am - Noon & 1pm - 2:30pm
Friday: 9am - Noon & 1pm - 2:30pm
Rev. Valeria Schmidt, Sr. Minister
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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