Trinity Trumpet November , 2018
In this issue: A Message from the PastorS desk, a Thanksgiving message, important upcoming events in November and December, and Holiday giving opportunities.
A Message From The PastorS Desk

Unchanging
Let nothing upset you.
Let nothing frighten you
Everything is changing.
God alone is changeless.
Patience attains the goal.
Who has God lacks nothing.
God alone fills every need.
- St. Theresa of Avila

Are you having one of those "who's on first" moments when you come to church these days? Trinity has experienced, grown through and recommitted through change and challenge. While Kent is confronting his own health challenges, you will see three familiar faces rotating through the pulpit, in the office, attending meeting and making visits as needed. Roger Dart, Harriet Dart and Susan Martersteck have created a schedule and will be your "go to" team. We will add to the change and present three varied approaches in worship. The hope is that we will continue to prepare the congregation for calling a pastor. As a team, we appreciate your feedback and any updates for those who might like a visit or support. Our phone numbers are printed in the Sunday bulletin but it is guaranteed that you won't be able to find the bulletin and the office will be closed in an emergency. Please put the numbers in your phones or on your refrigerators. It is the best way to make sure you won't need it. Kind of like buying a lottery ticket.
God alone is changeless. When it feels like nothing is certain and the earth below your feet is shifting, be still. In the silence know that "God alone fills every need". Together we are learning to be the church. It is a life long learning opportunity. It is humbling and an honor to learn alongside each of you.
                                                       Susan, Roger and Harriet
Rev. Roger Dart: 847-274-2626; [email protected]
Rev. Harriet Dart: 847-370-2088; [email protected]
Rev. Susan Martersteck: 847-977-2765; [email protected]
Gratitude and Thanksgiving
 
I recently had the opportunity to watch the Mr. Rogers movie, Won't You be My Neighbor. It is infused with the concepts of love, gratitude, respect of self and neighbor. Karen Armstrong wrote several books about the history of Christianity and then of the World Religions. Her bottom line after years of study, research and writing was the Golden Rule. There are slight variations in wording but it exists in every language and religion around the globe.

I found myself taking notes while I watched the movie, Mr. Rogers had so many quotable comments. "Love is the root of everything, love or the lack of it." You witness the lack of love when King Friday the 13th gets angry with his neighbors and decides to build a wall! Love was reinforced for each child when he sang "I like you just as you are." Love was expressed as inclusion, diversity, acceptance. He used silence as a tool, as a gift. Silence was watched on a timer, in the slow mechanical use of an apple peeler, in the leisurely changing of shoes or jacket. Slow down, breathe, appreciate the small daily routines and how they ground you to each day. Find the sacred in silence.

Times have changed and we were made acutely aware of that with the recent shooting in a synagogue Pittsburgh. Before that a Christian church in Texas was attacked and before that members of a southern Black church attending Bible study were murdered. A mosque in Milwaukee was bombed.It brings deep sadness, anger and helplessness to heart. We can't return to the 60's and 70"s, crawl into the comfort and peace of The Neighborhood. We can be open with our feelings, creative with solutions and fearless in worshiping together.

Another of Rogers' quotes made me think of our church family. "Love is what keeps us together and afloat." We can have a beautiful building and great programming but it would all be hollow without the intention of love, love of self and neighbor. Love of our community and our country, love of the stranger and the limitless love of God. It puts a smile on my face and creates gratitude in my heart. Let's share it!

Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Stewardship Sunday, November 11

As Trinity searches for its new settled pastor, your financial commitment will provide a solid foundation for the church leadership to plan the year ahead.  Additionally, gifts of your time and your talents generate the energy to BE THE CHURCH.  The Commitment Sheets will be in the mail soon, and they will be gathered and celebrated on Sunday, November 11.  Rev. Harriet Dart will be leading worship and preaching.

Memorial Gifts
Please join us Sunday, November 4th for the annual All Saints Service where we will honor church members, friends and family who have passed away during the last year.  

Sunday, November 4th is our annual Fall Clean-up.  After worship we will be gathering outside to rake leaves.  If you are able to help, wear your outdoor work clothes and bring a rake.  The rain date is Sunday, November 11th.


ART DEDICATION AND PERFORMANCE
 
Please join us for the dedication on November 10 at 12:30 p.m. of the painting  Let It Go by artist Gerald Griffin to the youth of Chicago Lights by Fourth Presbyterian Church Associate Pastor Victoria Curtiss in honor of her husband, the Reverend Kent M. Organ, for his work for racial justice and inclusion.
 
The dedication will be held in Buchanan Chapel at Fourth Presbyterian Church and will include remarks by Vicky Curtiss, Kent Organ, and the artist - Gerald Griffin. A performance by Chicago Lights Dance Academy students and light refreshments will conclude the event. 
All are invited to attend and celebrate this good work.

Additionally, on Thanksgiving morning Kent and Vicky are still hoping/planning to preach at the Fourth Presbyterian Church 11:00 a.m. service. Sermon title: "Awakening to the 'Ah!' of Things." It will touch on their recent Yescarta adventure.
 "Discovering Islam"

Trinity's Adult  Education Program will continues through November 15th with an exploration of Islam.  The UCC and several other denominations are partnering with Discover Islam, and interfaith media project founded in 1991 at a Canadian University to share these 6 award winning documentaries.
Islam: Faith & History
Islam: An American Faith
African Americans and Islam
Women & Islam
Islam: A Faith Hijacked
Christians and Islam
Please join us to view the films and participate in conversation.
Lucy Dorenfeld, Jen Holtz, Harriet Dart, Facilitators
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Diaper Drive for "Mary Lou's Place" and "Bridges"

The mothers of young children at the YWCA Evanston/North Shore domestic violence shelters are asking for our help. We will be running a Diaper Drive in November.  Sizes and types most requested: Diapers size 4, 5, 6; Pull ups size 2T, 3T, 4T, 5T; and Baby wipes. Any brand is appreciated. A box will be placed in the Gathering Hall to collect them. Please show your love for our neighbors and their children by donating during the month of November. If you have questions, contact Judy Desenis.

winter coats
"Coat Off Your Back"

Once again, Trinity Church joins the Rotary Club in collecting coats and other garments now through Christmas.  Drop off warm coats, suits and clean usable clothing for men, women and children in the red barrel in the Gathering Hall.

Casa Central's Holiday Magic Program

Trinity will be participating in Casa Central's Holiday magic Program to distribute gifts to children or entire families. A personalized wish list of gifts will arrive this month.  Please consider purchasing one of these gifts - they should be new, and valued at $30.00.  Pick-up will be Friday, December 7, 2018 to ensure delivery to each participant before the holidays.  More specific information will be available soon.

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Advent is coming... And so are International Coffee Hours

Celebrate the Holiday Season with a cup of coffee and a delicious variety of international treats! Please sign up in the Gathering Hall and indicate which country you will be representing - your own favorite, or any other country you would like us to explore through their food/sweets.

Advent Wreath Workshop, December 2

Trinity invites you to make an Advent Wreath for your own home. Celebrate the blessed Christmas season as you light the candles of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love each week, and the Christ candle on Christmas. We will provide all the materials. Please sign-up in the Gathering Hall.

Feed My Starving Children, December 8

Saturday, December 8th, 9-11am, we will be heading to Feed My Starving Children in Libertyville. Sign-up in the Gathering Hall.

Mark your calendars for these upcoming December events:
December 2 - Greening of the Church
December 16 - Children's Christmas Performance
December 24 - Christmas Eve Service
December 30 - P.A.D.S.
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