Sunday, February 16 :  "God's Commandments."
Sermon based on Deuteronomy 30:11-20
There will be cake for coffee hour!
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Celebrating Our New Kitchen

The Flannels!




JC Dancing!



Thou Shalt Do the Dance!


Subscribe to our YouTube channel and watch a
selection of Pastor Valeria's sermons and our worship music.
THANK YOU!
THIS WEEK @ TRINITY
Puerto Rico Mission Trip
Leaving this Sunday, February 16
May God bless them and the work they will be doing.
As we begin packing our suitcases for the mission trip we are filled with a variety of feelings. A sense of  adventure  and  excitement  as we go forth into the somewhat unknown to help some people in Puerto Rico. A sense of  anticipation  as we get to know others on the team and hopefully some islanders. A little  concern  that all will be fine. A feeling of  gratitude  for all God has given us (roof over our head, food, work, family, our faith).

Along with our work clothes and tools, we will bring our  love  and  hope  to the people we serve!

Your Trinity friends/representatives - Dave, Sharon, Tony and Helen
Third Floor Coffee House - Now held on the first floor!
THIS Friday, February 14, 7pm - 9pm
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 per family).

Also check out the Coffee House Facebook page:  www.facebook.com/ThirdFloorCoffeeHouse

Please contact Pat Faldetta for more information,  thirdfloorcoffeehouse@gmail.com .  
Saturday Breakfast Fellowship - TOPIC: Status and Privilege
Saturday, February 15th at 8am
The next Saturday Breakfast Fellowship will be on Saturday, February 15 th  at 8:00 AM.

This month we’ll talk about status and privilege.

Status is defined at  dictionary.com  as “the position of an individual in relation to another or others, especially in regard to social or professional standing.”  Privilege, as defined in Webster’s dictionary is “a right or immunity granted as a particular benefit, advantage, or favor.”  Other sources define privilege as a right granted to some, but not to all or a special status or advantage conferred on certain groups at the expense of other groups.

These two terms are linked together as we talk about a person or groups status in society and the privileges of those groups or individuals.  Let’s think about the status we as individuals enjoy, such as education, wealth, gender, race, etc.  Are there certain privileges associated with your status?  How do your status and privilege affect your sense of personal dignity?

One current hot button topic is “White Privilege.”  Do those of us with lighter skin have white privilege? 

I’m attaching links to a few articles.  The first one lists a number of statuses, most of which I hadn’t thought I had.  The second talks about 5 kinds of privilege, many of which we wouldn’t think of.  And the final article talks about “White Privilege” and the Bible.

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:
Examples of Socioeconomic Status (“Class”) Privilege

5 Types Of Privilege You Probably Have No Idea You're Benefiting From

What is the biblical view of white privilege?

Adult Small Group Discussion - Book Study STARTS THIS SUNDAY
Priorities : Adult Small Group Discussion

The Adult Ed Team is offering a book study based on Anne Robertson’s book “Exploring Justice: The Ten Commandments.” We’ll be starting with “Volume 1: Priorities,” which covers the first three commandments.

This series is about justice – the Social Justice issues which are around us every day – and how the commandments can guide our thinking about the issues. The following is taken from the introduction to the book.

You might be a bit nervous in beginning a study like this. In our polarized society, issues can hit a friendship like a lightning bolt. That’s not how we want life to be. We want to have a place to ask our honest questions and express our concerns without fear of judgment or ridicule and starting a group to talk about social issues in this climate might seem risky. 

If that’s you, you’ll be in good company with this series. Our concerns are real: What will happen if I say what I think? Suppose someone I care about has a different opinion and feels strongly about it? Suppose my experiences are met with ridicule or judgement?

This series seeks to help all of us, both separately and together, to explore the hot, fiery issues of our day from a safe distance. We’re not going to solve them or erase all differences, and we don’t aim to try. But neither is anyone going to insist that you walk directly into the fire. We often think of social justice in terms of a fight. We talk about justice “warriors” and believe we need to be fierce in arguing for our position. There is a place for that. However, God also calls many people to work for justice in ways that aren’t quite so fraught with tension and conflict.

This series is about education and dialogue and reflection. As the title implies, we are exploring justice.  Our goal is to enable real dialogue and to provide a protected space to ask questions and think things through.

Then, with a fuller understanding of both the issues and our own beliefs, we can listen for God’s call to act in the role that we are uniquely gifted to fill.

We hope you’ll join us as we look at social justice issues in the light of the commandments. 

The study will run for six weeks, from February 16 through March 22. We are offering two groups, one at 11:30am and one at 7pm. Please register by using this link: https://forms.gle/k9sMCx86ACCjHE5W7 or by calling the church office, and indicate your preferred time.  


For more information, contact Jean Leif ( jhleif@gmail.com ) or Tom Danforth ( tomdan4@gmail.com )
UPCOMING EVENTS @ TRINITY
Intergenerational Worship in the Sanctuary
Sunday, February 23rd
All ages will worship together with the theme, "Safe with God." Wear your PJs or favorite comfortable clothing! Bring blankets, pillows, stuffed animals - anything to make you feel cozy and comfy. Enjoy our hot chocolate bar during coffee hour.
Food Pantry Donations
Bag Collection: February 23rd

Thank you to everyone for your generosity!

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

Ash Wednesday Service
Wednesday, February 26th at 7pm
"[Hu]man in the Mirror"

Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent as an opportunity for us to reflect on who we are, who Jesus is, and who Jesus wants us to be.  

We need an old, clean, white sheet and small mirrors of different shapes and sizes. The mirrors can be returned, the sheet will likely not be reusable. Please contact Pastor Valeria if you can help. Thank you!
Chili Cook Off 
February 29th, 6pm - 8pm
Join Trinity Church for our annual Chili Cook Off! Win bragging rights in three categories:
  • Best Taste
  • Under 13 years old
  • Most Creative Display

For more information or to sign-up please contact Linda Corbett, by email  Lcorbett12@hotmail.com .

No entry fee and admission for tasters is free. Cast your vote for $1 each.

Proceeds will go towards the Trinity youth to raise money for their mission trip expenses!
Easter Music - Singers needed!
Sunday, April 12 during worship
YOU are again invited to bring your singing voice to a new project for Easter morning. This project will present "Redeemed", a musical work centered on Christ's resurrection. Only 4-5 rehearsals are necessary, and you will also be provided a CD to practice your part on your own (these make learning much quicker).

Contact Music Director, Mike Westberry, to sign on or if you have any questions!  mfwestbe@gmail.com
LENTEN PRACTICES
Lent begins on Wednesday, February 26. Do you have a Lenten practice that you do every year? Do you want to add something new this year? Have you never done anything like this before but want to give it a try? We encourage you to participate in this meaningful ritual of prayer, fasting, meditation, journaling, letter-writing, Bible study or devotional reading, walking, silence, giving more generously, seeking alone time, seeking time in conversation with a Lenten buddy, or anything that feels right for you. 

If you're willing to briefly share your practice with the congregation on a Sunday during Lent (March 1 - April 5), please contact Pastor Valeria. You may share your practice yourself, or put it in writing and Pastor Valeria will read it.
CO-SPONSORED BY TRINITY
CHILDREN & YOUTH
CE / Youth Group Wish List
  • Packing peanuts
  • DVD player
  • Gaming system to borrow for a youth group night
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.

**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.**
   
COMING UP:

Mission Trip
 
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, Larry Hemstreet and Al Mosher. 

Currently all of our teens that are of age to go on the trip are going!!


HELP NEEDED!!

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.
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

February 21st

For more information please contact:
Melissa at projectgsalink@gmail.com or 508-735-1267
PASTORAL CARE TEAM
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:
MTSTHLNS@AOL.COM  or 508-393-8660.
THRIFT SHOP NEWS
“Count Your Blessings” Thrift Shop
is having a $5* bag sale!

Open Wednesdays, 9am to Noon and Saturdays, 10am - 1pm.

*Excludes jewelry and wedding gowns.

Donations of gently used clothing can be dropped off in the marked bin in the church hallway.
 
Please contact Linda Corbett with questions: lcorbett12@hotmail.com   or 508-688-9392
COFFEE HOUR
Join us for Coffee Hour!
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 guests 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 Michele Wheelock during coffee hour or contact her at  michelewheelock@gmail.com.
ALTAR FLOWERS
Altar Flowers Needed !! ALTAR FLOWER SIGNUP!
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! ALTAR FLOWER SIGNUP!
ONLINE CHURCH DIRECTORY
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:
(508) 393-8156 or trinitychurchnboro@gmail.com
PROPERTY & FINANCE
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. 

If you have any questions about online giving, please contact Pete Carlsen, Treasurer @ trinitynorthborotreas@gmail.com .

Start your online giving here: LINK
ONGOING EVENTS @ TRINITY
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! 
Community Meal - Community Meal will be at Church of the Nativity (45 Howard Street, Northborough) until further notice. 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, February 18th at 2:30pm.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
A donation box can be found in the hallway at Trinity Church until March 15.
Did you know that the Northborough Free Library has an outreach program that connects homebound residents to all the services that the Library has to offer? The program is called Library On The Go .

The objectives of this program are to engage homebound Northborough residents in the community and determine their library and information needs, and deliver library materials, including print and non-print materials so that they can continue to read, listen and view items tailored to meet their recreational interests. We want to provide the full range of our borrowing services and help make local residents who happen to be homebound, either short or long term, feel connected to the community and the Town in which they live. In short we want to bring the Library to their doorstep .

For more information, contact Rick Starzyk, Outreach Coordinator at 508-393-6025 or rstarzyk.library@gmail.com.
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:
Deadline Date ~ March Tidings
Please be sure to have all your info for the March Tidings in to the church office by Sunday, February 23, 2020. 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. 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.