Worship on Sunday, February 28 @ 10am:
Second Sunday in Lent. “Love Your Neighbor” based on Deuteronomy 30:11-15, 19-20 and Luke 10:25-37
Don't have Facebook? Don't worry, you can still view the live service from any device by following this link: https://www.facebook.com/Trinitychurchnorthborough/      

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.

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.
Every Sunday
Coffee Hour before worship
on Zoom @ 9:30am
Meeting ID: 861 4930 6259
Password: 201552
Meeting Link:
A Prayer for Lent by Henri Nouwen
The Lenten season begins. It is a time to be with you, Lord, in a special way, a time to pray, to fast, and thus to follow you on your way to Jerusalem, to Golgotha, and to the final victory over death.

I am still so divided. I truly want to follow you, but I also want to follow my own desires and lend an ear to the voices that speak about prestige, success, pleasure, power, and influence. Help me to become deaf to these voices and more attentive to your voice, which calls me to choose the narrow road to life.

I know that Lent is going to be a very hard time for me. The choice for your way has to be made every moment of my life. I have to choose thoughts that are your thoughts, words that are your words, and actions that are your actions. There are not times or places without choices. And I know how deeply I resist choosing you.

Please, Lord, be with me at every moment and in every place. Give me the strength and the courage to live this season faithfully, so that, when Easter comes, I will be able to taste with joy the new life that you have prepared for me. Amen. 
JOURNEY THROUGH LENT WITH THE COALITION OF OPEN AND AFFIRMING CHURCHES OF THE UCC
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
LENTEN DEVOTIONALS
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.
UPCOMING @ TRINITY
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.
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.
FROM OUR CHRISTIAN ED DIRECTOR
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.
ONGOING EVENTS @ TRINITY
Zoom Bible Study
Mondays @ 1pm
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.
Grief Support Group
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]
Coffee or Tea with Pastor Valeria on Zoom
Wednesdays @ 9am
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.
OUTREACH TEAM
Worcester Fellowship Needs You!
Hello! My name is Savannah from our Trinity Church Outreach team. I have written this article to inform you about this wonderful opportunity that some of you may want to participate in. “Worcester Fellowship imagines a church where people with housing and people without housing gather together to share worship, to build community, to know God’s infinite love and find ‘home’ as part of the Body of Christ, the Church.” Worcester fellowship is a way to give back to the community. One of the ways that we support Worcester Fellowship is by providing lunches which are handed out at Sunday outdoor worship services. These lunches then are given to people in need in Worcester. We do not have any upcoming dates established for providing lunches yet but when we do, we welcome everyone’s support. The lunches include sandwiches, fruit, granola bars, juice boxes, water bottles and pudding. If you would like to participate with financial gifts, to help make lunches, and/or deliver lunches and attend the worship please contact me ([email protected]) (or John ([email protected]). Thank you!
For the month of February 2021, Our Father's Table will receive a $1 donation from each purchase of the $2.50 reusable Fight Hunger Bag at the Hannaford store located at 193 Boston Post Road West, Route 20, Marlborough MA.
SUPPORT TRINITY
Give to Trinity Church
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.
 
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.

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 Trinity Church by choosing it as your charitable organization at smile.amazon.com 
NEED HELP?
Northborough Family & Youth Services and William James College are pleased to announce INTERFACE, a new mental health and wellness resource for Northborough residents of all ages.

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.

The Northborough Special Benevolent Fund Trustees have helped to support and fund this effort initiated by Northborough Family Youth Services Department.

Family Youth Services can be reached at 508-393-5020 for information on this program and all other programs it offers.
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.
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). 
Mental Health:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

NAMI Central MA (Worcester): Phone: 508-368-3562 Email: [email protected]

NAMI Metrowest (Marlborough-Framingham): 
Help Line: 508 251 9595 Email: [email protected] Website: www.namimetrowest.org

Addiction/Substance Abuse Disorders:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline 1-800-662 HELP (4357)  www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

The Mass Substance Use Helpline
Phone: 800-327-5050 Website: www.helplinema.org

Worcester Area Intergroup (Alcoholics Anonymous)
Phone: 508-752-9000 (24/7) Email: [email protected] Website: www.aaworcester.org

Domestic Violence:
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is offering assistance and safety planning 24/7
  • 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
  • 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.
Phone: 508-393-6897 Email: [email protected] Website: www.nfpantry.org/nfp  
CHILDREN & YOUTH
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.

Little Links K-5th Grade Virtual Link Up! www.facebook.com/events/1663328133841922

Middle School Virtual Link Up! www.facebook.com/events/1278622175669344

High School Virtual Link Up! www.facebook.com/events/930364390725387

For more information please contact:
Melissa at [email protected] or 508-735-1267
Grotonwood and Oceanwood Camperships
Since overnight camps had to be canceled this summer, Central Association will offer a campership of $100 for each camper who registers for any of the fall or winter camps.

For more information please contact Susanne Fleming [email protected]
WORSHIP VIDEOS
Watch Sunday's worship using the link below. You do not need to have a Facebook account to view this video!
Subscribe to our YouTube channel and watch a
selection of Pastor Valeria's sermons and our worship music.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
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.  
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.)
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 [email protected]
IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
~ The family of Kenneth Morse who passed away on January 25.
~ 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.
Deadline for March Tidings
Please be sure to have all your info for the March Tidings in to the church office by Sunday, February 21. Your help is appreciated!
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.