Holy Trinity eNews January 2021

Holy Trinity

Parish eNews

January 2021

A New Year

Last Sunday I shared about my aversion to making resolutions on New Years.

As I mentioned, this comes from a belief that setting them can impede the need to be present during my journey of faith. I do realize that goals are something that many use to keep on track, I am just not a fan.

As followers of Jesus, instead of setting goals yearly, it might be better to look to the words in Paul's letter to the Ephesians from last Sunday's readings to see the life goals set for us by God:

“I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe.”

Paul's prayer for the Ephesians (and my prayer for us) is that we might live through God's wisdom revealed to us. As I mentioned Sunday, the Greek word has the idea of a knowledge that moves from head to heart; a "through mind" perspective that allows us to live with a hope that is unshakable.

It is a hope that is rooted in the belief that God is aware of our circumstances and cares for us.
It is a hope that opens our eyes to the reality of God's many blessings in this life in spite of what is going on around us.
It is a hope that compels us to love "the others" around us (who, by the way, may be people we disagree with).

As we look to this next year together,

I pray that we may seek to have a "through mind" perspective.

I pray that we might be the peacemakers in a world that so desperately needs us to be.

I pray for a desire to seek out the best for those around us even if it requires a risk on our part.

May we be the hands and feet of Jesus to those that God loves and wishes to redeem.

Blessings,

brad+

Parish News and Events

2021 VESTRY NOMINATIONS:

Randy Chilton:

Katie and I moved to Nevada City four years ago from Joliet, Illinois, where we had lived since 1980. I taught English at a (very) small college there for 32 years, yearning for many of them to get back to California, where both of us grew up. It was a Catholic college in an area of the country where Catholic culture and education are very strong and so, not being Catholic while I was teaching there, I had a lot to learn. I welcomed it. After retiring in 2012, Katie convinced me to walk part of the Camino de Santiago with her—about 200 miles over two weeks. If we are talking about a faith journey, I think that is what brought a lot of things together for me. I have read a little in religion and theology, but my journey has been much more experiential—much more about the church in the world, if that makes sense. Holy Trinity has given us a place to explore that mission in the company of people willing to welcome us into the work it takes. I’d be honored to serve.

Barry Shirtz:

I was born in June of 1960 and raised in Marin County, CA with two older brothers and one younger sister. After graduating High School in 1978 I worked as a car detailer in Petaluma where I met my future wife, Trish (Thomas). Trish would soon be leaving to go to college in Chico–it was then that my heart decided it was time to get serious about life. I sold my car and hitched a ride to Chico with Trish and attended Butte College to pick up where I left off in high school. Four and a half years later I graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Business and Information Computing Systems.

After marrying Trish in 1984 and completing college, I spent 25+ years bouncing around Silicon Valley, first as a Technical Support Engineer for Sun Microsystems, then as a Systems Engineer and ultimately ending up as a Vice President of Marketing for an email security company before retiring in 2012 and moving from Novato to Nevada City. In between all of that we were blessed to have a son, Neil, who is an Eagle Scout and runs his own marketing and technical writing business from Coeur d’Alene, ID.

My father’s family were Mormon and my mother’s Protestant. I remember being baptized as a Mormon around 10 years old. Years later my mother told me she had all of us kids baptized in the Presbyterian Church too—so I think I’m covered on the baptism front (this is a long story, very short). I look forward to being confirmed in the Episcopal Church this upcoming year.

I only tangentially paid attention to religion most of my early adult life (Christmas, Easter, etc.) until our son Neil was nearing completion of his Eagle Scout requirements. One of the Eagle requirements is to have a letter of recommendation from a “religious leader.” Instead of taking the easy road Neil immersed himself in studying different Christian denominations before deciding to join the Church of the Nativity in San Rafael. Working through Neil, God brought me back to Him and we’ve been Episcopalians ever since and became members of Holy Trinity upon moving to Nevada City in 2012.

Both Fr. Christopher and Fr. Brad have helped me to live a God-centered life and to be in constant communion with Him. I’m currently halfway through “reading the Bible in one Year.” (it will end up being more like 1.5 years–some of the Old Testament that I hadn't read in the past is proving to be more time consuming than I thought it would be).

After Fr. Christopher’s “graduation” to retirement, Fr. Brad asked Trish and I if we would like to be members of the new “communications committee.” We both accepted with open hearts and looked forward to working with everyone and getting to know more people at Holy Trinity (being the introverts that we are, we had maintained a pretty low profile). One of the projects that came out of the communications committee was the need for a new website, which both Trish and I have experience doing. This past year, we moved our website infrastructure to a new service and with Fr. Brad’s input we built a new website that we now work to keep fresh and up-to-date. I’ve also enjoyed volunteering to help with other miscellaneous events and projects around the church.

God has plans for me. I’m honestly not exactly sure what those plans are, but I believe they include imparting some of the skills I have acquired over my life journey to help the ministry of Holy Trinity in whatever little way that I can. If that includes becoming a member of the Holy Trinity Vestry, then I would be honored. Thank you for your consideration.

My hobbies include Fly Fishing, Hunting, Hiking, Camping, Jeeping, RVing and Travel (we went on the Holy Land trip last year–a life changing experience!)

Confirmation Exploration

Have you been wondering about being confirmed in the church? Do you have questions about what it means to be an Episcopalian? Have you wondered about traditions behind the liturgy, Eucharist or other church practices?

Are you ready to explore confirmation

in the Episcopal Church?

Confirmation classes will start on Wednesday January 27th, and meet every Wednesday through the 24th of February. We will meet from 6-7:30 via Zoom and materials will be provided to you.

If you haven't already replied and you are interested in attending confirmation classes, please contact the church office at (530) 265-8836, or email us at office@holytrinitynevadacity.org.

Getting Together Virtually

God speaks to us through our relationships with other people.

Take this opportunity to build & maintain connections

within our church family.

No matter which service you would normally attend, if you are brand new to Holy Trinity, or a lifetime church member, whether you prefer coffee, tea or no beverage at all, we hope you will be able to tune in online.

JOIN OUR VIRTUAL

"Coffee Hour" !

We will start at 9: 30

and end promptly at 10:15

Anyone who wants to join in can follow the Coffee Hour link on your Sunday Service email invitation.

Each week one person volunteers to "host" the coffee hour on Zoom. If you are interested in hosting a future virtual coffee hour, please contact the church office at office@holytrinitynevadacity.org

Morning Prayer

Live Services Online

Take time to start your day in prayer

Please join us via Zoom at 8:00 AM

on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

A beautiful way to invite Jesus to live

in and through you, throughout your day

NOTE: If you are receiving this email you should also be receiving regular invitations for all online services, including morning prayer. If you are not receiving them and wish to, please contact the church office and ask to be placed on the email distribution list for church members.

What Else is Going On

at Holy Trinity in January ?

A NEW COMPLINE RECORDING

January 4th Illuiminare, the Trinity Compline Choirs' family quartet, chanted and recorded the first Compline since mid March.

The program is specific to this day with a wide ranging chanted prayer service spanning Advent, Christmas, and the start of Epiphany.

To get the full effect, download the recording from the link below, place yourself in a semi darkened environment and push the "play" button on your device.

Here is a link to the recording Matt made:

LISTEN TO COMPLINE NOW

Program info:

Orison: Verbum caro factum est, sung in Latin Loyset Compere (c. 1445-1518)

Coventry Carol 15th century

Psalm 84 complete Peter Hallock (1924-2014)

Lesson: Isaiah 60:1-6 sung antiphonally

Nunc dimittis J. Barnby Tone V.3

Infant Holy, Infant Lowly traditional Polish

Jean Reynolds, Soprano and Chantress

Jim Reynolds, Alto and Bass

Jeff Reynolds, Tenor and Cantor

Matt Reynolds, Bass and Speaker

Rock Solid Blessings

A few dedicated parishioners were busy getting creative in November, painting lovely images, blessings, scripture and words of inspiration on river rocks to share.

These beautifully embellished stones around the church yard for folks to find and enjoy.

Please feel free to come by anytime to hunt around and see if you can find a painted rock blessing to enjoy or to take home. Or maybe find a blessing to share with anyone you know who could use a little spiritual love and encouragement right now.

Note: If you are interested in making painted rock blessings you may contact Paula at (530) 274-9839 to request a free rock-painting kit that includes paint, brushes, rocks and instructions.

Just add imagination. and love.

The Episcopal 2021 Calendar & Church Year Guide

is are now available

This lovely calendar has everything you need to know about the church year. The front shows celebration days, and the back of each page shows the scripture readings and collect for each special day.

If you would like to have one of these calendars of your very own, please contact the church office at (530) 265-8836 and leave a message with your request and contact information. Or email your request here:

Click to email your Calendar request

FORWARD

DAY by DAY

DAILY DEVOTIONS FOR DECIPLES

Forward Day by Day is a booklet of daily inspirational meditations reflecting on a specific Bible passage, chosen from the daily lectionary readings. The meditations are rich in substance and offer a wide range of witness and experiences.

Holy Trinity has both the pocket-size and large print editions, which cover the upcoming 3 months, November through January.

If you would like to have one of these lovely prayer and meditation guides, they are currently available in the church office.

Please call or email Holy Trinity

to reserve your free copy, while they last. Supplies are limited.

Regular office hours are

Mondays and Fridays only,

from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Call: (530) 265-8836

Click here to email the Church office and request your copy

Serve + Love Circle

Holy Trinity

T-Shirts

We have some LOVELY Holy Trinity Church tee shirts available for purchase in Large and Medium sizes, but they are going fast!

The front has the Episcopal shield on the upper right. The back says Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Nevada City, with a word circle representing our mission; to Love and Serve the Lord.

These Shirts are soft solid black cotton and great quality. They are available in M, L, XL and the cost is $15 each. If you'd like one, call or email the church office to order your Holy Trinity LOVE+SERVE circle T today!

Get one while you still can!

Holy Trinity Outreach Ministries

Dinners for Our Neighbors

Warm Hands, Warm Hearts, Necks & Heads

We would be grateful to have some fairly dark-colored hats, gloves and scarves, to share with our neighbors, mostly for men, please.

Next Dinner Dates

We'd love to have you join us as a server, or to donate a hot dish for our meal. Please contact me and I'll happily put you on our email list.

Tuesday night dinners at Holy Trinity:

January 19th

If you have any questions, or would like to be placed on an email list, my contact information is below. New volunteers are always most welcome.

Thank you so much for your continuing care for those less fortunate!

Gratefully,

Carol Fegté

432-0659

cfegte@yahoo.com

Milestones & Prayers

Requests for Prayers:

Members:

Linda Mulay & family, Hal DeGraw, Roland Teuber, Denise Halvorson, Sharon Fairclough, David Denkers, Jean Hoy, Greg Fultz, Polly Tuggle, Alberta Seymour, Pam Bergthold, John Azevedo, Karolyn McElwain, Scott Gillette, Rainey & Ron Spiller, Hank Acker

Friends & Family:

Vann Dart, Mark Hendrickson, Camille Muir, Richard Peterson, Michael Pocock & family, Peggy Vielbig, Ben Perry-Thistle & family, Baby Levi, Lani MacRae, Lisa Raupp, Tanya Markis-Meyer, Leda Chavarria, Ron Tapp, Susan Silburn, Afton Wasley, Peter Phelps, Dave Schafferzick, Louis Ceci, Lucie Thomas, John Price.

Prayers for the Departed:

Gordon Mulay, Allan Rogers, Peggy Dart, Doris Schaffarzick, Melinda Day, Mary Booth, Bill Klemens, Wanda Perez, Carolyn Newton-Power, Rev. J. Barrett Miller, Chester Ennis, Linda Bolelli, Elta Barber, Mervin Baker, Roy Brooks, Maxine Davidson and all of those whom we love but see no longer

Birthdays & Anniversaries

January Anniversaries:

1/5 Tom & Cris Ewart

1/6 Guy Kerr & Donna Johnson

1/17 Ron & Rainey Spiller

1/22 Peter & Kate Lance

1/23 Tom & Lynne Rosenau

1/30 Bruce & Alexandria McDowell

January Birthdays:

1/1 Meian Douros

1/3 Tasha Louden

1/6 Nancy Paulson

1/10 Stan Thomas-Rose

1/14 Jim Butler

1/16 Emerson Helmuth

1/19 Hank Acker

1/20 Pepsi Helmuth, William McElwain Sr.

1/21 Julia Lance

1/22 Owen Helmuth, Jean Reynolds

1/23 Donna Johnson, Floyd Perry-Thistle

1/26 Pam Griffin

1/29 Tom Rosenau

Additional Information:

OFFICE HOURS: Mondays and Fridays from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

THE eNEWSLETTER is generally published monthly, the first Friday of the month. All are invited to send announcements, articles, & suggestions to the church office: trinitynevadacity@gmail.com. Articles need to be approved and received no later than the 15th of each month for the upcoming publication.

HOLY TRINITY GROUP FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/groups/125511530146/

Visit us on FaceBoook!

TUESDAY NIGHT DINNER: Our upcoming dinners for the homeless will be Tuesdays, January 5th, and January 19th, at 5:00PM at Holy Trinity. Sign up by contacting Carol Fegté (432-0659 or cfegte@yahoo.com) to bring food and/or serve. You can bring food to the church between 4-4:30pm on Tuesdays.

We will not be serving at Utah's place in January again (no outside volunteers allowed) - However Holy Trinity has made a special contribution from our Outreach Fund to cover the cost and the meal will be prepared by folks already working at Hospitality House.

You may also contribute by writing a check to "Holy Trinity Church" and in the lower left-hand corner write, "Outreach Ministries."