Volume 72 - No. 5 | May 2020
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Sunday, May 3
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Worship on Facebook Live with Communion, based on the 23rd Psalm
We cannot plan anything past May 18th at this point. We are assuming we will continue to worship on Facebook live. As soon as anything changes we will inform you.
Worship information will be sent out each Friday.
A step-by-step tutorial on how to access facebook Live, click
HERE
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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We have been living like this for six weeks now. It has almost become the "new normal." Everyone is home, parents and kids are stressed about working from home and doing school work, while many who are retired feel bored and isolated. Everyone misses the face-to-face contact with extended family, friends, neighbors, and church family.
We are re-learning how to "be the church." We are reaching people from other states, even other countries. We are re-connecting with members who have been inactive. We are discovering how to be church for introverts! People who don't feel comfortable in social settings, who would never speak up in front of a worshiping congregation, feel safe enough to share their thoughts and prayers with us in a comment. We had several grieving families at our Easter drive-in service. In the privacy of their own car they could cry and didn't have to put on a brave face, and yet they were part of our community and heard the Easter message.
As a society and a church, we are discovering Zoom as a way to "see" family and friends, classmates and co-workers. It's interesting how differently people respond to this new technology. Some love it, others find it incredibly exhausting. Personally, being part of two denominations which offer webinars and clergy check-ins regularly, I am experiencing a bit of Zoom fatigue.
But, when we get together "at" Trinity for meetings, small group discussions, or our Wednesday afternoon chats, I do feel more connected with those of you who participate. And I feel better knowing we are giving you a way to connect with each other. It can never replace being together in person - but it sure beats not talking to each other at all!
I'm grateful to Donna Miller, Tom Danforth, Jean Lief and Sherry Clark who are offering ways for you to connect with and support each other. I'm also grateful to our extended Pastoral Care Team, who are making regular phone calls to check in with our elderly members: Linda Ferraro, Lynn Garry, Nancy Robbins, Carolyn Squillante, Barbara Sutherland, and Muriel Swenor.
Not everyone can or wants to participate on Zoom or Facebook live. I am fully aware of this, and I struggle with it. Not every church has enough members who are still able to give their tithes and offerings. Not every small business has the resources to apply for a grant through the CARES act. In some ways, we are still practicing "survival of the fittest," and it pains and troubles me deeply.
On the other hand, I am seeing generosity, compassion and kindness every single day.
I have been receiving phone calls and messages from members asking where the need is greatest in our community. Some have received their stimulus checks and wish to donate them. We've also been receiving donations to our Deacons Fund, which is intended to help individuals and families in an emergency situation.
I am incredibly humbled and grateful to be part of such a generous and giving community.
Because we are so blessed, we are in a position to help anyone in a situation of financial need. I know some of you had your hours cut back or were laid off. Maybe you and your family were relying on school lunches. I know many are, or will be affected financially. Please do not hesitate to contact me. We have enough funds available to be able to help you. You are not taking away from others who need it more. There is enough. Please ask. We will not judge. We will be happy to help. I am the only one who will know. I will consult June, the Chair of the Deacons, describing the situation, not giving her your name. Financial strain causes undue stress on top of the stress everyone is already experiencing. This is what we do as the Body of Christ: we support each other.
Please allow us to do this for you. We know you would do the same for others. Or, if you know of someone who is in need of financial support but reluctant to ask, please let me know and I will reach out to them.
If you are in the privileged situation to be able to give more, see the "Support Local Families" section below. Consider the Northborough Food Pantry and Worcester Fellowship. Consider our wider church family: the American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts, and the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ.
One word of advice, which I have been telling myself a lot lately. Take it one day at a time. We cannot plan. None of us know what the next months will bring. Maybe this is a way for us to learn living in the moment. Being present in the present rather than wanting to solve tomorrow's problems today. As Jesus said in Matthew 5:34, "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today."
En-JOY today. It is still Easter season. Where do you see new life, new hope? Where do you see Jesus? Where do you experience God? Be present. Keep your hearts, minds and spirits open for the love of God, and it will find you.
I think of you and pray for you every day.
Warmly,
Pastor Valeria.
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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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In Case You Missed It
Subscribe to our YouTube channel and watch a
selection of Pastor Valeria's sermons and our worship music.
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Watch our new and updated Vision Video
Thank you to everyone who participated!
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“Hope is not a matter of waiting for things outside of us to get better. It is about getting better inside about what is going on outside.”
Joan Chittister
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Saturday Breakfast Fellowship
Every other Saturday @ 9am Starting May 2nd at 9am
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In May, we’ll have three Breakfast Fellowships, one on the 2
nd
, one on the 16
th
, and the final one on the 30
th
.
The Fellowships on May 2 and May 30 will just be fellowship gatherings. These are opportunities to gather on Zoom and stay connected.
For the Saturday Breakfast Fellowship on May 16
th
, I want to change things up. I’m tired of hearing about COVID-19, of worrying about whether there’s TP or not, and when the world will open up again. Let’s take this Breakfast Fellowship to talk about something lighter – does God really have a sense of humor?
This will again be a “Virtual” Breakfast Fellowship. Since we’re supposed to be physically distant, we’ll do this using a Zoom meeting. I’ll post the Zoom link in a couple of weeks.
Meanwhile, I’ve linked 3 articles below in which the authors explain places in the Bible where they’ve seen God’s sense of humor. No, the Bible does not read like a Saturday Night Live skit; however, there is some laughter and humor in some of the situations in Scripture. Read through these and think about times you might’ve seen God’s sense of humor in your life.
For more information or to add yourself to the Saturday Breakfast Fellowship email list, please contact Tom Danforth at
[email protected]
Links:
Does God have a sense of humor?
Does God Have a Sense of Humor?
Laughter in the Bible? Absolutely!
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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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Coffee or Tea with Pastor Valeria on Zoom
Wednesdays @ 1pm
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Chat with Pastor Valeria on Zoom, Wednesdays at 1pm.
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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Trinity Coffee House (Virtual)
Friday, May 8th from 7pm - 9pm
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It’s happening folks, our first Zoom online open mic for the Trinity Coffee House. Come and listen or perform from the comfort of your homes. Performers of all ages and genres welcome.
Can’t wait to see and hear you all!
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 918 1904 7181
Password: trinity
Dial by your location
+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
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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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FROM OUR CHRISTIAN ED DIRECTOR
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Parent Support and Share Group
Sunday Nights Starting, May 3rd at 8pm
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Join Trinity Church's Sherry Clark, Director of Christian Education for Children and Youth on Zoom for a weekly parent support and share group.
This will be an opportunity for parents to socialize, share concerns, and offer support to each other. Although Sherry is not a therapist she has a background in social services and has worked with children of all ages and their parents throughout her entire career. Sherry's intent is to provide a platform for discussion and support and to bring in specialists as the weeks go on.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 870 3308 2889
Password: 492721
One tap mobile
+19294362866,,87033082889# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 929 436 2866 US (New York)
For more information, questions or suggestions please contact Sherry Clark,
[email protected]
or 508-254-2217.
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Faith Foundations
Faith Foundations has been continuing the new normal of Zoom meetings and Youth Group fun and games. The kids are also still in the midst of their 22 day Earth Day challenge and the submissions have been wonderful. If you haven’t had a chance to see them go to the Trinity Facebook page (
CLICK HERE
) to check them out. We are continuing in May with more activities including Friday “lock ins” one of which will be a faux formal dance. The kids can get dressed up in what they may have worn to prom or an 8th grade dance (if they had already purchased it) or just use it as an excuse to get dressed up and show up.
I realize we are all adjusting to a new normal...if any of this does not make sense please email me. Also willing to offer technical help with Zoom (it is a free program).
Know that I am here for your families and if there is something you feel would be helpful for you or your kids I would love to hear about it!
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Please contact Sherry Clark for Zoom IDs and paswords:
Write your senior buddy-
we have seniors in our Trinity community that would love a penpal. Please email me for one of their addresses.
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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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Scholarship Applications
DUE: Sunday May, 3rd
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Application deadline to be returned to the Scholarship Committee by the first Sunday in May - May 3rd. If you have questions, please contact Paul Pazareskis,
[email protected]
.
Scholarships will be awarded in June.
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During the school closure, the Nutrition 68 program was able to provide a large box of food for approximately 30 students in grades K-8. The partnership with the Northborough Rotary Club and the quick mobilization of volunteers helped to make this happen in a very short amount of time.
Because of the amount of food packed, the Nutrition 68 supply is starting to get low. The Nutrition 68 program is accepting monetary donations to purchase further food supplies to support Northborough students. If interested in making a donation, please make the payment and mailing to:
Nutrition 68
Rotary Club of Northborough
Box 651
Northborough, MA 01532
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Northborough Food Pantry
While we are not worshiping in person please consider making a financial donation to the Northborough Food Pantry. You may also want to check if your employer will match your donation.
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If you need help or are willing to offer help with getting groceries, running errands, etc., please contact Donna Miller at
[email protected]
or
774-276-2356.
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Sir Loin Catering at 369 W. Main St in Northborough
is offering free pre-cooked, packaged entrees available for anybody in need. They are available for pickup or delivery in the Northborough area on Tuesday and Thursday each week until donations run out. The local support has been overwhelming and it is so great to do our share to help in the community. Email or call Susan to pre-order meals.
Susan Orchard
508-450-5619
ANNOUNCING THE NORTHBOROUGH COMMUNITY AID HOTLINE AT (508) 425-4725
The Community Aid hotline is staffed by an online support team of local volunteers ready to help community members during the ever-changing landscape of COVID-19 and social distancing.
Our mission is to connect callers to the right resources, conduct wellness check-in calls upon request, and share information on how to access food and other community resources. The hotline is available 7 days a week, between the hours of 8am-6pm.
Please note, volunteers are equipped to answer basic questions about available community resources. They are not qualified to give medical or legal advice. Should your needs exceed the services provided by the Hotline, the volunteers will encourage you to seek the advice of a qualified professional.
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FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP
"Power & Purpose" is a support group for those who suffer from Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Chronic Pain or Illness. These, and other afflictions are sometimes referred to as "Invisible Disabilities", and those suffering often live isolated and marginalized lives.
The Power & Purpose of this group is to bring people together, share personal experiences, edify one another, as we strive to heal ourselves on the inside, and begin to live more confidently, on the outside.
There is a plan to offer weekly, live support groups via video conferencing. One which will be topical in that the meeting will be created around a specific topic, and another that will be for open discussion. The timeline for this plan is still uncertain. But the goal will be to begin these groups within weeks.
This group is meant to remain small to promote camaraderie, trust, personal reflection, growth & healing. Of course "small" in the world of social media takes on whole new meaning. With that in mind, the number to cap this group is yet to be determined, and suggestions are always welcome.
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Watch this interview, hosted by elder law attorney, Arthur Bergeron, and Northborough Free Library director, Chris Lindquist with guests June David-Fors of Youth & Family Services (508-393-5020) and Liz Tretiak of the Northborough Senior Center (508-393-5035).
Senior Citizens who need a regular check in can be added to a list by calling the department's number.
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Be Not Afraid...for Free!
Those of you who have been with Doubting Believer for awhile know that I have written and talked quite a bit about fear. At a time when fears are running high for many different reasons, I've gathered those resources together in a free online class. You can sign up using the button below.
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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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~
Everyone affected physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially by COVID-19.
~ Donna Miller and her family.
~
Coleman house residents and staff. They have multiple residents with COVID-19.
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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CANCELLED:
Pastor Valeria will be at Inhouse Coffee on Wednesday mornings from 8:30am to 10am. Inhouse is located at 17 West Main Street. She's looking forward to seeing you and making more connections to local businesses, and to people who live and work in Northborough. She will talk to anyone, not just members of Trinity. Help us spread the word!
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CANCELLED: Community Meal
CANCELLED: Coleman House Service
CLOSED: Count Your Blessings Thrift Shop
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Deadline Date ~ June
Tidings
Please be sure to have all your info for the June Tidings in to the church office by Sunday, May 24, 2020. 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 & 11:30am - 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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