SEEDS January 29, 2025

The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, Episcopal Bishop of the Diocese of Washington prays for unity in a inspiring and brave sermon at Washington National Cathedral on January 21.

Bishop Budde's sermon

Massachusetts Episcopal Bishops respond

We commend to you the Jan. 21 letter from Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe and House of Deputies President Julia Ayala Harris upholding the biblical call to welcome the stranger. It is available here.

 

These are trying and complex times but St. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 3:20: “Glory to God whose power working in us can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.”

May God bring us all together in unity for the safety of all God’s people.



In Christ,

The Rt. Rev. Julia E. Whitworth

Bishop, Diocese of Massachusetts 

 

The Rt. Rev. Douglas J. Fisher

Bishop, Diocese of Western Massachusetts 


From our parishioner, Nancy King:

Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde made a direct appeal to President Trump for mercy on behalf of immigrants and the L.G.B.T.Q. community at the prayer service she led at the National Cathedral. If you would like to send her a note to thank her for speaking out her address is: 


Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde 

Episcopal Church House, Mount Saint Alban 

Washington, DC 20016-5094

A statement from Lutheran Presiding Bishop, Elizabeth Eaton

ELCA P‍residing Bishop Elizabeth Eaton's statement on Immigration Executive Orders begins with a scripture from The Old Testament.


“When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien. The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the native-born among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God”

(Leviticus 19:33-34). 


I write to you today with grave concern:

ELCA Presiding Bishop Eaton's statement

That's a wrap! All annual reports have now been submitted

Thank you to:

John-Arthur, the choirmaster and clerk to the Vestry Council

Erik, the pastor

Bob, the treasurer

A report on our 2024 Appalachian Trail ministry by Rev. Jill Graham

(here with Bishop Doug and Pastor Erik on the Appalachian Trail in the early years).

This Sunday, February 2, while Pastor Erik is away, we welcome Rev. John Kidd, a retired Lutheran pastor who will lead us in worship.

Why must Jesus die?



We have an amazing small, welcoming group that meets here each month to explore The Bible. These explorations of the New Testament (Bible Study) will next take place on Friday February 7 at 1:00 in the Parish Hall. The theme of the lesson is: 'Why Must Jesus Die?' The lesson is from the Gospel of Luke chapter 9:18-36. All are welcome.


Please let Imelda Muller or the church office know if you plan to be there. Bad weather will postpone until the March 7 session.

Don't miss the Annual Meeting February 9th

Bagels & Coffee

served at

The Annual Meeting

February 9th right after worship

Will we celebrate Mardi Gras on March 4th?

That's entirely up to you!

Please let us know if you are willing to coordinate this festive, well-oiled event.

This annual Pancake Supper has been a fun Christ Trinity tradition for many years.

Without your leadership, it may not happen.

Two bishops here on March 30th, 2025.

Join us for worship on March 30th when our new Lutheran bishop, Nathan Pipho, will preach. This will be our very first opportunity to meet this bishop who serves the New England Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Welcome Bishop Pipho!


Bishop Doug Fisher, of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts, is a very familiar face here in Sheffield. He is retiring next year, so we are glad to have the chance to worship with him at least one more time when he will preside.

An Episcopal/Lutheran congregation


WORSHIP SUNDAYS 10:00


Christ Trinity Church 413-229-8811

180 Main Street

PO Box 127

Sheffield, MA 01257


In-person & Livestreamed services at 10:00 Sundays:

Facebook and our YouTube channel


Our weekly worship bulletin and questions you may have about us will probably be answered at:

ChristTrinityChurch.org


The best way to get a message to the office is via email: christtrinitychurch@gmail.com



Find Pastor Erik's sermons at Rectory Ramblings erikkaras.blogspot.com



If you have a loved one who you would like us to remember in our Sunday prayers, please email us Monday morning.


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Seeds editor: Jean Chapin