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Every year I am surprised by the darkness in December. By late afternoon it might as well be midnight.
Amidst the dark, hard things are happening around us. Last weekend, Trinity Boston Foundation staff went to the funerals of two young men who were murdered, one current and one former McCormack Middle School student. A week ago, another of my colleagues watched a mother evict her son from her apartment. The young man has a room in a boarding house, but isn't sure he can make it on his own. On Friday, yet another colleague was present when a community learned about a shooting.
At church last Sunday we lit the first Advent candle and in our collect prayed for the grace to "put on the armor of light." What a perfect December prayer. We need that armor of light - armor made up of hope, faith, love, and joy - to face the hard things in our lives and to stand with others who are facing hard things.
For Sole Train, putting on the armor of light meant the first annual "Hot Chocolate Fun Run" last Saturday. Over 150 Young and Old Soles gathered at the McKinley School to run, receive donated Brooks sneakers and Boston Athletic Association running shirts and yes, drink hot chocolate. An Old Sole facing devastating personal loss said, "This is exactly where I want and need to be, surrounded by light and love."
On the same day, participants in TEEP's Leadership Development Program convened in the Trinity Forum. After reviewing progress on semester goals, the high school students heard the Class of 2018 share their triumphs and challenges in the college admissions process. The seniors described their anxiety, but ultimately focused on aspirations for this next chapter of their lives. By sharing their experiences and vision of the future, they help light the way for their younger peers.
Last week
WBUR ran a story about Trinity Boston Counseling Center's Blanca Valentin, a clinical social worker embedded within another non-profit, College Bound Dorchester. Blanca's job is to provide support to the staff at College Bound who mentor gang members and former gang members. Rebecca Jackson, Trinity Boston Foundation's Director of Community Learning and Racial Equity, is quoted in the piece saying that what matters to the staff is to know that Blanca "really cares about them [and] . . . sees their beauty."
How will I put on the armor of light this December? I will gather in community, tell my story, be present and listen carefully. I will take the time to make sure others know I see their light and beauty.
And yes, I will give. To Trinity Church, to Trinity Boston Foundation, to non-profits working to help all of us put on the armor of light amidst December darkness. We need each other. Now, more than ever.
Yours in Christ's light,
Louise Packard
Executive Director, Trinity Boston Foundation
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Holy Eucharist
7:45 a.m., 9 a.m., 6 p.m.
Morning Prayer
11:15 a.m.
Sacred Silence & Choral Compline
Resumes January 7.
TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, & FRIDAY
Noonday Prayer
12:10 p.m.
THURSDAY
Holy Eucharist with Prayers for Healing
12:10 p.m.
Preview this week's bulletin. |
Book Launch Reading & Discussion
Sun., December 10
12:30 p.m.
Ferris Library
Celebrate the publication of Janis A. Pryor's new book,
White Roses, a memoir, holding the impossible, a love story before and after death
.
Published by Black Pawn Press, Janis's book
can be purchased via
Amazon
.
Excerpts can be read
here
.
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Handel: Messiah & Bach: Cantata 130, Wachet auf
Sun., December 10
3 p.m.
Church
Tickets will be available at the door for this annual tradition, Boston's only performance of Handel's
masterpiece in a sacred setting.
More...
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Last Chance to Donate to the Christmas Flower Fund
Send in your names by Tues., December 12
Help the church bloom for Christmas with a donation to the Christmas Flower Fund. The suggested donation is $30, and $10 for each additional name, although any amount is appreciated. Donate here...
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Candlelight Carols
Sat., December 16, 4 p.m. & 7 p.m. (freewill offering)
Sun., December 17, 4 p.m. (ticketed benefit: SOLD OUT)
Church
Join us for this glowing service of song, scripture, and candlelight. Early arrival recommended for the Saturday services!
More...
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Support Trinity's Ministries:
Christmas Gifts at the Welcome Center
The Welcome Center has a selection of beautiful small gifts, including this new CD of Christmas and Easter hymn arrangements, written by our own Director of Music Richard Webster. All sales support Trinity's mission and ministries. Stop by during the Alternative Gift Fair on Sunday, or on a weekday afternoon!
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Forums |
Alternative Giving Market
Sun., December 10 10:15 a.m.
Undercroft
Find something for that person on your list who has everything, while supporting a worthy cause.
More...
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Give a Gift to Boston's Youth
in Honor of a Friend!
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Sun., December 10 10:15 a.m.
Undercroft
Please stop by the
Trinity Boston Foundation table at Sunday's Alternative Gift Fair for honor donation cards--and thank you! You can also
make a year-end donation.
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Miss last Sunday, or just want to experience the sermon or Forum again? We invite you to listen or watch on our website:
Last Sunday's sermon:
by the Rev. Rita Powell, Associate Rector
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Be Heard: Take the Parish Profile Survey!
Deadline: December 15
Please share your thoughts and hopes for our congregation and our next rector.
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Deck the Church
for Candlelight Carols
& Christmas
Help make the church sparkle with greenery & flowers, as we welcome the thousands of guests through the doors for our Candlelight Carols & Christmas services. Many hands make light work! Contact Jim Carter to sign up.
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Donate to the Silent Auction
Donate by January 7
Silent Auction & Cabaret Friday, January 26, 6-9 pm
The Trinity Choirs are seeking items for the winter Silent Auction. Donate your theater or sports game tickets, time in a vacation home, your professional skill or product of your hidden talent. Then join the fun January 26 bidding for treasures & treats!
Contact the Choir Auction organizers to donate.
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Celebrate Christmas at Trinity
Sun., December 24
10 a.m., 4:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 11 p.m.
Mon., December 25
10 a.m.
With Advent 4 falling on Christmas Eve this year, Trinity will hold a single morning service at 10 a.m., followed by our Christmas pageant at 4:30 p.m., and Festival Christmas Eve Eucharist at 7:30 & 11 p.m. On Christmas Day, join us for a joyous Festival Eucharist at 10 a.m. More...
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New Year's Eve Worship
Sun., December 31
10 a.m.
On New Year's Eve there will be a single service at 10 a.m. Classes, etc. will not meet this day.
More...
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Handel & Haydn Jubilee Concert
Sun., December 31
2 p.m.
Church
Join H+H in a free and festive celebration of Jubilee Day, the anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
More...
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