Volume 71 - No. 11 | November 2019
|
|
Message from Pastor Valeria
|
|
In the U.S., November is the month of Thanksgiving. And of Christmas preparations!
An ancient Christian tradition that precedes the holiday of Thanksgiving observes November as the month to remember those who have passed on, and to be reminded of our own mortality. Just before Advent, before the light comes into our lives and we begin a new year in the church calendar, we face the truth that our time in this world is limited. November 1 is All Saints Day, a day to lift up the names of those who have died. (As a side note, this is the origin of Halloween: All Hallows' Eve, the evening before All Hallows, old English for All Saints.)
During her installation service, Rev. Julie Cedrone reminded us how much deeper our lives are when we realize how precious time is, because it is finite. And Erica shared in a God moment that thinking about death gives us a new appreciation for life.
Being from northern Europe, I remember many short, dark, somewhat depressing November days. The trees are bare, reminding us that life is a circle of decay and new birth.
Let us give thanks for LIFE: the life we have in this world, with the people we love, and the life we can expect for those who have gone before us, and for ourselves when our time comes.
Let us also give thanks for the opportunity to improve the lives of others through our shared ministry as Christians: by giving of our time, our energy, our passion, and our financial support to and through Trinity Church. Giving to the church is one very powerful way of giving thanks and glory to God.
I find great comfort and hope in our Creator, the giver of life.
Wishing you the same!
Blessings,
Pastor Valeria
|
|
WORSHIP SERVICES ~ SUNDAYS, 10AM
|
|
November 3
:
with guest preacher Rev. Christine Keddy (Director of Missions and Elder Ministry Coordinator with The American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts), Communion, and the bell choir
November 10
:
with guest preacher Rev. Dr. John Page, Minister of Finance and Stewardship with The American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts
November 17
:
with Pastor Valeria and a speaker from LIFT: Living in Freedom Together, a survivor-led organization dedicated to ending prostitution and providing resources, advocacy and support
November 24
:
in Fellowship Hall with brunch and our worship band
|
|
"
I think happiness is the wrong goal for the human life. In my experience, happiness is really just the byproduct of a life well lived."
Michael Piazza
|
|
Pastor Valeria will be on vacation through Monday, November 11 (Veterans Day).
In case of a pastoral emergency please contact Rev. Lee Atherton at 508-308-7116.
|
|
COFFEE WITH THE PASTOR - NEW LOCATION
|
|
Starting November 13, 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!
|
|
Are you interested in becoming a member of Trinity Church?
|
Pastor Valeria will be offering a new members class in the near future. Please contact her for more information.
Pastor Valeria: trinitypastorvaleria@gmail.com
|
|
|
FROM THE STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
|
|
|
|
Your Pledge to God through Trinity Church
Thank you to everyone who brought or mailed in their pledge cards! We look forward to an exciting year of ministry here at Trinity. If you have not yet returned your pledge cards, please do so at your earliest convenience.
If you have questions, please contact:
|
|
FROM OUR CHRISTIAN ED DIRECTOR
|
|
Faith Foundation classes have been focusing on getting to know the people of the bible and identifying their character traits while tying it to events and people today.
We had a great hike on the Edmunds Woods Trail led by Forest this month. We have decided to make this a yearly event and next year to make it a family hike.
|
|
Please be sure that you have filled out forms for your kid(s) if you have not done so yet before Sunday’s classes.
Be sure to fill out all forms for your child's age group.
YOUTH DATES
**We are hoping to involve the kids in communion this year and I have created a sign up for kids interested in helping set up, serve and clean up after communion.**
Youth Group dates for this fall:
- Sunday, November 3rd, 7pm - 9pm: Giant Board Game and joint Youth Group with the Unitarian Universalist Society of Grafton and Upton
- Sunday December 8th, 7pm - 9pm: Trinity game night and Christmas cookie swap
Mission Trip and Worcester Outreach
We have dates!!
Our teens ages 13+ will have the opportunity to go on a Mission Trip to Camden, NY from April 20-April 23 for a group called Cluster 13. This is a group that adult members of Trinity have worked with in the past. Chaperones for this trip will be Sherry Clark, Dave Gauthier, Amy and Glen Kwasny. More information about costs, lodging etc will be forth coming. We are estimating $200-250 per kid. Please let Sherry know if your teen will be participating so that travel plans can be formed.
trinitycenorthboro@gmail.com
ReachOut Worcester 2020 Feb. 7 (7 p.m. arrival/ 7:30 p.m. start) to Feb. 8 (2:30 p.m. end)
ReachOut Worcester offers Greater Worcester-area youth (age 13 and up) and their leaders the opportunity to increase their awareness of the social issues and assets of urban communities like Worcester, while engaging in hands-on service with fellow community members. During the 20 hour period, participants join ReachOut Worcester staff and Guides to offer lunch and basic necessities but most importantly, a kind word and a listening ear to people in need. These activities are preceded and followed by times of sharing and reflection. After talking about next steps for them personally and/or as a group, participants also prepare to present their experiences in their home setting (worship service or other forum). ReachOut Worcester is co-sponsored by the Worcester Area Mission Society (WAMS) and Worcester Fellowship, a member of the Central Association of the Massachusetts Conference of the UCC that is dedicated to ending isolation through pastoral care and nurturing community, and All Saints Church Worcester. Please let Sherry know if your teen is interested
trinitycenorthboro@gmail.com
I am looking for some ADULTS to help with the following things:
I will be doing the
career fair
again and will need adults who are willing to come and share their job.
I am going to set up an
adulting day at Trinity
and will needs adults to run different "classes". Do you feel particularly adept at budgeting, taxes, interviews, applications? Maybe you would like to show your skills of how to change oil or a tire.
WANTED
TEACHERS
: CE in K-4, 5-8 or 9-12
WANTED ADULT: Youth Group helpers
I need at least one adult once a month
WANTED ADULT: Builder / Handy Person
an adult who is good with building and can help us build a neighbor chair.
|
|
Coming to Trinity:
Teen Mental Health First Aid. The class is free and will be held on 11/3 and 11/10 from 3-7. You need to be able to attend both evenings and pre-register by emailing Sherry at
trinitycenorthboro@gmail.com
The class will cap out at 25 participants.
|
|
OWL Comprehensive Relationship and Sexual Health Class
This is the class you always wished your children could have! Sign ups required by 11/1.
|
|
NEW THIS YEAR:
GSA Link now has a group for middle school students. Same dates as the high school group but the meeting time is 4pm to 5:30pm.
|
|
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.
Trinity Church of Northborough
23 Main Street Northborough MA, 01532
Middle School: 4pm - 5:30pm
High School: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
November 8th & 22nd
For more information please contact:
Melissa at projectgsalink@gmail.com or 508-735-1267
|
|
Teen Halloween Dance
Friday, November 1st from 7pm to 10pm
|
This dance is hosted by the Gay Straight Youth Alliance at Trinity Church.
It’s open to LGBT middle and high school students and allied high school students.
We are asking the middle and high school kids in the surrounding towns to come enjoy music, dancing, snacks, and more in a SAFE space.
If there are any questions they can contact Melissa:
|
|
|
Third Floor Coffee House - Now held on the first floor!
Friday, November 8, 7pm - 9pm
|
Please mark your calendars for Coffee House the second Friday of the month.
Purchase a VIP pass! $50 for an individual, $100 for a family, passes can be purchased at the door.
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).
|
|
Fall Clean up at the Parsonage
Saturday, November 9th, 9am - 1pm
|
We will be having a yard cleanup day at the Parsonage at 20 Dennis Circle on Sat. November 9th, starting at 9:00 am. The goal here is to cleanup the whole yard.. Folks will need work gloves, cutting tools and rakes. The goal is to be done by 1:00.
|
|
|
Saturday Breakfast Fellowship - TOPIC: Fear of God
Saturday, November 16 at 8am
|
Saturday Breakfast Fellowship will be on Saturday, November 16
th
at 8:00 AM.
Our topic this month will be the “Fear of God.” There are many references in the Bible (over 300) to a fear of God. What does this mean? Is it “A distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc,” as in one definition of fear? Is it a reverence for God? Is it the fear of judgement? Is the fear of God something which can be incapacitating or a phobia?
Let’s see what we can glean from the articles below and get together for breakfast and discussion on the 16
th
. There is also a link which has 100 Bible passages which refer to the “Fear of God.”
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
tomdan4@gmail.com
Links:
Fear of God – Explanation in Wikipedia
What does it mean to have the fear of God?
What Does the Fear of the Lord Mean?
Fear of The Lord or God Phobia – Theophobia
100 Bible verses about “Fear of the Lord”
|
|
Worship in Fellowship Hall w/ Brunch
Sunday, November 24th at 10am
|
Let's give thanks for our community of faith here at Trinity Church by sharing food, prayers and conversations. You are invited but not required to bring a dish to share.
|
|
|
|
|
Handbell Concert at 4pm &
Potluck at 6pm
Saturday, December 7
|
Join Trinity Church's Bell Choir for our Christmas Concert at 4pm on Saturday, December 7th. We will walk over to the tree lighting on Blake Street around 5pm and return to Trinity for a potluck at 6pm. Join us for all or part of the festivities.
|
|
|
|
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
Wednesday, November 26th at 7pm
|
The Northborough Interfaith Clergy Association (NICA) invites you to a Community Thanksgiving Service on Tuesday, November 26th, at 7 pm at the Church of the Nativity (54 Howard St, Northborough). Father James Houston from St. Rose of Lima will be the preacher. We will come together to give thanks for our blessings, share our gifts, and pray for our community. Refreshments will be served.
Please bring non-perishable food items for the Northborough Food Pantry.
|
|
ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
|
|
Death and Dying Workshops
|
Trinity Church will be hosting a series of workshops with VNA Hospice staff on the journey of death and dying. These workshops are open to the entire community and will feature the following topics:
Wednesday, November 6, 7:30pm: Dying Wishes – Using “The Five Wishes” as a guide, we will begin conversations about what it truly means for us to have a quality end of life experience, embracing dignity and our own unique values.
Wednesday, November 13, 7:30pm: The Nitty Gritty Practical Questions – With experienced social workers leading the conversation, this session covers the ins and outs of funeral homes, cremation versus burial, end of life care at home compared to a facility….and how to pay for it all
|
|
We continue to make progress toward decreasing the deficit in our operating budget. At the end of the third quarter, our year-to-date deficit was $13,000, compared to an expected deficit of $30,000. Income was 102% of projected, and expenses were running 92% of projected.
We realize it has been a financially challenging but exciting year for our church. Please note that the money raised for the kitchen renovation project is separate from our operating budget, and is above and beyond the numbers reflected here.
The Deacons would like to thank the congregation for their support as we continue to look for ways to fund-raise and reduce expenses.
Jean Leif, Deacon, Fundraising Oversight Team
|
|
Applefest “Fun Day’s at Trinity was amazing!
The weather was beautiful and we had a great turn-out from the community. It would not have been successful without the over-whelming number of volunteers we had to help out with the various activities. You know who you are and we can’t thank you enough.
The event raised $4,000, with the basket raffle as the #1 money-maker.
|
|
KITCHEN RENOVATION
PROJECT UPDATE
|
|
October has been a busy month in the kitchen. I hope you’ve seen some of the photos on Facebook or walked by the kitchen on Sunday morning.
We’ve accomplished a number of things:
- We insulated the outside wall of the kitchen
- The contractor finished framing and insulating the floor and put down the sub-floor
- We hung and taped the sheetrock
- We painted the kitchen
- Bruce Bissett installed the finished floor
Many thanks to Larry Hemstreet, Al Mosher, Chris Mosher, Don Dodson, Forest Lyford, Dale Williams,
Lynn Garry and Tom Danforth for the work they’ve done to keep us moving along.
On another positive note, the kitchen has received a number of donations over the past few weeks. We’ve received enough so our deficit has been resolved.
At this point, we’re making great progress. There is still a lot to do with installing the cabinets, the counter tops, the appliances, and then finishing the plumbing and electrical work. Everything is going in a positive direction.
Once again, we thank you for your support.
From all of us on the kitchen team,
Tom Danforth
Mary Kemp
Martha Michalewich
Nancy Robbins
|
|
Sunday, November 17 during worship
|
The ONA Team is happy to announce that Nicole Bell (Nikki), who is the CEO of the Worcester nonprofit Living in Freedom Together, will be our guest speaker for Sunday, November 17. She will give a brief talk during worship and will be available during coffee hour to meet and talk about LIFT and the services they provide.
Living In Freedom Together (LIFT) is a survivor-led organization working to end prostitution and empower individuals to exit and recover from the impacts of commercial sexual exploitation (CSE).
Trinity's Outreach Team has decided to make a donation to LIFT. Nikki will gratefully accept donations from individuals as well.
|
|
Worcester Fellowship
Sunday, November 17th
1pm Worship @ Worcester Common
|
We need donations!
We will be making lunches to donate on November 17th after worship. Donations of food or small monetary amounts towards lunch supplies are welcome.
Join us on the Worcester common at 1pm for an outdoor service.
|
|
|
Food Pantry Donations
Bag Distribution: November 10th
Bag Collection: November 24th
Thank you to everyone for your generosity!
We will pass out the bags on the second Sunday of the month with a list inside indicating the most needed items as well as a special item for the month, but we will have the bags available every week on the bench in the back of the Sanctuary (in case you do not come to church on the second Sunday and you still want to participate).
We will continue to collect the bags the fourth Sunday and deliver them to the Food Pantry, but if you are unable to be in church that Sunday, there is a bin in the hallway marked, “Food Pantry” and you can drop off your bags there any time.
The Food Pantry right now has many more canned vegetables than they can use, so please think about other items to donate. Meals in a can are always welcome.
Thank you,
Martha Michalewich, Mary Kemp and John Posluszny
|
|
Dove Tree
Starts - Mid-November
|
The dove tree will arrive in mid-November.
The dove tree
is a program run by Helping Hands that supports local families in need by buying Christmas gifts and grocery cards for them.
|
|
|
Thanksgiving Special Offering
|
This year our special Thanksgiving Offering will go towards Northborough Helping Hand
s.
The mission of Northborough Helping Hands Association (NHHA) is to coordinate programs to assist those in need in the form of Thanksgiving food baskets, Christmas gifts, clothing, medical equipment, and emergency aid for special services. Please keep an eye out for the pledge envelopes entitled, "Thanksgiving Offering" to help support this cause.
|
|
Invitation to Grotonwood
Saturday, December 7 from 2pm - 4pm
|
Our church recently received an appreciation certificate showing our support of Grotonwood and Oceanwood over the last five years. Along with the certificate is an
invitation to Grotonwood on December 7, 2019 for a donor appreciation event and ice cream social (2pm to 4pm with the option to come at 1:30pm for a tour of the new Prescott Lodge.) At 4pm that same day, Grotonwood is presenting
CHRISTMAS AT GROTONWOOD, a time of food, music, and entertainment that you will really enjoy.
Call Ed (617) 721-5738 at Grotonwood for more information.
|
|
|
|
|
Drivers Needed
Occasionally we have requests for a ride to church by folks who have no transportation. The Pastoral Committee is compiling a list of Trinity folks willing to give rides to those wishing to come to church.
If you would like to be included on the "Driver" list please contact Carolyn Squillante:
|
|
The “Count Your Blessings” Thrift Shop is now open for the season!
Now open Wednesdays, 9am to Noon and Saturdays, 10am - 1pm.
Donations of gently used clothing can be dropped off in the marked bin in the church hallway.
|
|
Coffee Hour is an important part of our Sunday morning and it is a great way for people to connect and for us to welcome visitors to our church. Please join us after worship for coffee and a snack, and the opportunity to connect with old friends and meet new friends.
If you are interested in helping to host coffee hour, please see John Posluszny during coffee hour or contact him at
johnposluszny@gmail.com
.
|
|
Orders must be in by 12/8/2019
|
Order forms are also hanging outside the church office (on the purple bulletin board), on the counter in the hallway where the donations bins are and in the church office.
Please return your forms with payment via mail or drop them in the mail slot on the church office door.
If you have any questions please contact the church office for more information:
|
|
|
2020 dates have been added!
|
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.
|
|
Did you know your shopping can earn Trinity money?
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.
|
|
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
|
|
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:
|
|
Online giving is now available through Trinity's website!
Start your online giving here:
LINK
|
For those situations where a person feels inspired to make a donation in support of Trinity’s mission, online giving is now available on Trinity’s website to make giving easier.
- After a person clicks the DONATE NOW link on Trinity’s home page, online giving provides them with multiple options of which fund or ministry they can direct their gift.
- Payment methods include an electronic funds transfer from a checking or saving account, a debit card payment or a credit card payment.
- The first time that a person uses online giving, they can set-up their profile so that they will not have to re-enter the information, and they will be able to access their online giving history.
- IMPORTANT: Current members and regular donors do not need to change how they currently give to Trinity (collection plate, e-checks, etc.), if it works for them. Online giving is being made available primarily as a convenient payment method for spontaneous givers. Unlike other payment methods, Trinity is charged processing fees for each transaction by VANCO, our electronic payments vendor.
Start your online giving here:
LINK
|
|
IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
|
|
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.
|
|
Saturday Morning Hiking
-
Our informal Trinity Church Hiking Club is walking most Saturday mornings. We meet at the church and hike on one of the many Northborough trails. Everyone is welcome (including dogs).
Contact Wade Robbins at 508-393-2512 or
robbinsfam105@gmail.com
to receive weekly notifications via email. Each week, the email will state which trail we will be walking and the approximate length. Please consider joining us for a time of nature appreciation and friendly conversation.
Community Meal
-
Community Meal will be at Church of the Nativity (45 Howard Street, Northborough) until the Trinity kitchen renovation is complete.
Join us each Wednesday, 6pm. 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!
Coleman House Service
-
Tuesday, November 19th at 2:30pm.
|
|
Did you know you can donate your gently used appliances, furniture and building supplies? And also purchase all these items at a low price while benefiting Habitat for Humanity?
More info here:
What and how to donate:
|
|
Northborough Library
Open Community Forum: Outreach Delivery Services
Tuesday, November 5th from 7:30pm to 8:30pm
MORE INFO
|
Are you aware that you or a loved one can receive free outreach delivery services from the Library? Called LIBRARY ON THE GO, this service is available to all residents of Northborough who are either permanently or temporarily confined to their home, regardless of age or disability.
For more information please contact the library's Outreach Services Coordinator, Rick Starrzyk by phone (508) 393-5025 or email at
rstarzyk.library@gmail.com.
No registration is required. Mr. Starzyk will be available for one-on-one consultations and application forms and related information will be distributed.
|
|
Deadline Date ~ December
Tidings
Please be sure to have all your info for the December Tidings in to the church office by Sunday, November 24, 2019. Your help is appreciated!
|
|
TRINITY CHURCH
23 Main Street ~ Northborough, MA 01532
(508) 393-8156
Office Hours
:
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. 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
