The Armor of Light
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



Weekly Services and Readings
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.
This Week at Trinity
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 .  
Messiah
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...
Next Week at Trinity
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...
Candlelight
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...
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!
Top Stories
Profile Survey - Last Week
 Candlelight Carols
ForumsAlternative
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...


Give a Gift to Boston's Youth 
in Honor of a Friend!

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.
Last Week's Sermon
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
Rector Search
Survey
Be Heard: Take the Parish Profile Survey!

Deadline: December 15

Please share your thoughts and hopes for our congregation and our next rector.

Take Action
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.
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.
Looking Ahead
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...
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...
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...