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Priestly Ponderings for November
Be present, O merciful God, and protect us through the hours of this night, so that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this life may rest in your eternal changelessness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
This prayer from Compline struck me as I was thinking about this month's reflection. You see, I am writing it on my mobile communications device, since that is the only convenient way to communicate this week. Oh, I have electricity, since I am staying with the Camaldolese monks south of Big Sur and they are off the grid with their own generator. However, they have limited bandwidth for internet via satellite and guests don't usually get to connect. Having a long-time relationship, and pleading a need to stay in touch for emergencies, allowed me limited access via my mobile phone.
All of us are facing new challenges, or relearning old ways of being, by these power outages. I had over a year in the Sudan and Tanzania with limited power. About four years ago, I was off the grid in Sheep Ranch. It works. Life is different; our routines are different; our expectations are different; but it works. Part of the transformation in my mind is an aspect of acceptance of the way things are, and not being wearied by the chances and chances of the day.
Resting in God is not just letting go of worries in order to sleep. Part of it is prayer disciplines and disciplines of life to deliberately place ourselves in God's presence. Even with those disciplines and rhythms of life regularly, I still need to get away for retreat. I have been coming to visit the Camaldolese here at Big Sur for about 30 years, since I was in a joint priory with them in Berkeley. The setting is conducive to prayer and wonder (I chased a bobcat up the road on my way in yesterday!). The monastic rhythm of life is also conducive to prayer, along with the rhythm between work, study, and prayer. These are all ways to rest in God's eternal changelessness.
Meanwhile! Meanwhile, we hear the news of friends and loved ones struggling with all the dailyness of life. Meanwhile, we hear the news of of friends and loved one struggling to cope with fires and evacuations and trauma. Meanwhile, we hear of wars and rumours of wars. Let us slow down, take a few deep breaths as a reminder of the Spirit's presence and remember that God's presence is already with them. Let us pray that they remain aware of that presence. And then let us take action to help them, or to help others with similar challenges.
And let us continue to rest in God's eternal changelessness.
Pax et Bonum,
Paul +
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Did You Know?
-Nov. 2nd, 4pm: Mindfulness and Wisdom class continues in Jane's Hall. This group meets every Saturday. (11/9, 11/16, 11/23, 11/30)
-Nov. 3rd, 9:30am: Introduction to The Book of Common Prayer, in the undercroft.
-Nov. 7th, 5:30pm: Book Study continues in Jane's Hall. The group meets every Thursday. (11/14, 11/21, off for Thanksgiving)
-Nov. 10th: Tuna Sunday. Bring canned tuna to church in support of the food bank.
-Nov. 10th, 9:30am: Beginning to pray, in the undercroft.
-Nov. 17th, 9:30am: Lectionary based Bible study, in the undercroft.
-Nov. 24th, 12pm: Vestry meeting in Jane's Hall.
-The Centering Prayer group meets each Wednesday at 9:30-10:30am in Jane's Hall. Everyone is welcome to join this meditative practice. If you have questions about Centering Prayer, contact Martha Robbins, 296-7842.
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Las Posadas 2019
It is early November, and we know how fast the year draws to a close from here! On Saturday, December 7, the 14th annual Las Posadas Candlelight Walk will take place in Sutter Creek. Trinity, Creekside Methodist, and St. Katherine Drexel churches co-sponsor this meaningful event. We gather on Spanish Street near the Immaculate Conception church, receive candles and programs, and process behind "Mary and Joseph" who seek shelter but are rejected along the way. We hear a narration of the Christmas story (our Steve Christensen will be one of the 2 narrators) and sing carols as we follow. Mary and Joseph finally find shelter in a manger in front of Creekside Methodist. We then all pour into the welcoming church hall and enjoy warm cider and homemade cookies as we visit with others.
Each year, duties for each sponsoring church rotate. This year, Trinity is responsible for:
- A cookie co-ordinator, who calls bakers and solicits a total of 15 dozen cookies. The Co-ordinator then sees that the cookies are delivered to Creekside Methodist.
- At least 4 shepherds, preferably MORE! Shepherds walk alongside Mary on her mule, and Joseph, seeing that bystanders stay a safe distance away. Costumes are provided!
- A Mother Shepherdess who walks along with any children in the procession OR welcomes children at Creekside and invites them to be seated on the bleachers or the ground near the stable. This person can be at the church to greet children and not process. Costume provided.
- At least 4 people to man the candlestands. This involves a quick setup, then handing out candles to people. It's a joyous job at a joyous time!
If you can assist in any of these jobs, please call me at 267-5182, 770-1382, or email me at
nancymoore41@gmail.com
. Thank you!
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Trinity Host Coordinator
With the changes of Fall upon us, we are also announcing changes in the Host Coordination for Trinity Sunday Services. Rosalie Escamilla has faithfully supported this critical role for many years. On November 1, Rosalie will step down from her role as Host Coordinator. We are thankful for her many years of service in this important Ministry at Trinity Church. Nancy Moore has graciously accepted the Host Coordinator position beginning November 1, 2019. Information on Host scheduling and training will be available later this month.
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Trinity Outreach
I have wondered where are going as a community of faith and what our priorities are for outreach. As Vestry members, Carol Holt, Martin Hopper and I are charged with overseeing Outreach for Trinity and we would like to hear from you. What excites you? What are you passionate about? What do you want to contribute in this area? If you have an idea, or would like to lead an outreach program, let us know. In the past, we made homeless bags and sponsored food drives, but they no longer have the support of parishioners or the passion needed to sustain them. No matter what we do, it has to be an extension of our ministry and have the support of the parishioners, as well as someone to organize and lead it. We are called to be Jesus' hands and feet in this world, and our outreach is a visible and tangible way to show God's love and service to others. Please pray about this and let us hear from you.
Our main focus for outreach this year is Project Thanks. For those parishioners who are not familiar with this program, we sponsor making Thanksgiving boxes for the Interfaith Food Bank and distribute them on the Sunday prior to Thanksgiving to the families whose names we have been given by the Food Bank. These individuals have to meet certain criteria to be able to participate in this program. Your Vestry felt we could comfortably commit to thirty-five thanksgiving boxes this year; as some parishioners have left our community, we may not have the resources to do more. If we end up with extra turkeys or other items they will be given to the Interfaith Food Bank for distribution.
I am pleased to announce that Amanda Parker has graciously agreed to be co-chairperson of Project Thanks this year and I am delighted to have an extra hand and brain to insure the success of this outreach ministry.
Distribution will be Sunday, November 24th, from 1 to 4 pm. Bring your turkey to church that day, and we will box the nonperishable items between services. As in past years, we ask your support by donating turkeys or nonperishable items toward a turkey dinner. The produce, dairy, eggs, rolls and pies will be purchased through Costless, as in past years this seems to be the easiest and most cost-effective source for these items. Once we know how much of each nonperishable item we need a list will be provided so you may sign up to purchase them and bring them to church no later than the Wednesday prior to distribution. We will also accept monetary donations to cover the cost of our purchases from Costless and any extra shopping needed for nonperishable items. More information will be forthcoming with dates and times for packaging and shopping.
As always, we need folks to box the items in as well as to stay and help with distribution. This is a heart-warming and fun activity for those who participate and all are welcome. Thank you for your continued support of this ministry.
Noreen Lafferty, Senior Warden and Co-chair Project Thanks
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Project Thanks schedule
Trinity committed to 35 Thanksgiving boxes this year so please sign-up to donate a turkey. If buying non-perishable items please mark how many you are purchasing on the donation sheet so that we can know what we still need to purchase.
Non-perishable items must be at the church by Wednesday, 11/20/19. You can donate money if you would rather and we will do the shopping. Thank you for your support of our outreach to feed the needy and homeless in Amador County.
11-20-19 10am Deadline for bringing non-perishable items to Jane's Hall
11-21-19 10am Package produce
11-22-19 9:30am Organize canned goods and go shopping
11-24-19 Bring your turkey to church
11-24-19 Between services fill boxes for distribution
11-24-19 1:00 - 4:00 pm Distribution of Thanksgiving boxes
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Community Events
-Nov. 2nd, 10am-12pm: A seminar for people grieving a loved one's death and "Surviving the Holidays"; how to deal with emotions, traditions, social events. Held at the Church of the Nazarene, 14060 Ridge Rd., Sutter Creek. $5 booklet fee. For info call 209-267-1307.
-Nov. 6th, 10-11:30am: The Alzheimer's Association is hosting a workshop at Sutter Amador Hospital on "Understanding & Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior". It will be held in the outpatient building in the Mountain/Meadow conference room. Registration is requested. Call 800-272-3900 or email ivilleda@alz.org to register.
-Nov. 7th, 4-8pm: Free Financial Literacy class. ATCAA is offering this free class for anyone who would like to learn more about budget and debt management, credit scores, reducing housing expenses, etc. Location: Kennedy Meadows Apts., rental office conference room, 701 New York Ranch Rd., Jackson. Call 223-1485, ext. 243 to register.
-Nov. 13th, 2pm: Workshop on strategies to improve transportation in and among local counties for older adults, the disabled, veterans and the general public. ACTC 117 Valley View Way, Sutter Creek.
-Dec. 12th, 9:30-11:30am: A community focus group on Housing and Homelessness in Amador County which will lead to the county's plan to end homelessness. A first step in accessing funding to build permanent housing. Come lend your input about priorities and solutions. Amador Health & Human Services, 10877 Conductor Blvd. Jackson.
-Now thru Dec. 25th, M-F 2-6pm: Safe Space art show. An art show celebrating the courage and beauty of rural queer communities. By highlighting the experiences of the marginalized and disenfranchised, "Safe Space" serves to bring new opportunities for understanding the value of diversity in our rural community. AMADOR COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL 617 South CA-Hwy 49 Jackson, CA (In the Mother Lode Plaza) (209) 256-8166
-Story Time at the Amador County Library is Thursdays at 10:30am. Contact the library for more details. 209-223-6400
-Upcountry Veterans free monthly lunch is the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 11:30am-1:30pm at Pioneer Veterans' Hall, 25100 Buckhorn Ridge Rd. Contact Lori (209-418-9695) for more details.
-Dementia/Alzheimer's Support Group meets the second Monday of each month (5:30-7pm) at Gold Quartz Inn in Sutter Creek- for information contact Susan at 257-1377. They also meet the third Wednesday of each month (2-3:30pm) at Amador Residential Care in Jackson- for information contact Sheri at 223-4444.
-Dad & me: for dads, uncles, grandpas, etc. and children 0-5 years old. This is a chance for a free, fun outing together (like visiting a fire station or garden center). "Dad & me" events are held the 4th Saturday every month. Call 257-1092 to reserve a spot in the next event. Space is limited.
-Amador SPEAKS (suicide prevention/education) is putting together a Suicide Prevention Coalition and is seeking members of the community to participate. Meetings will be held the 3rd Thursday of each month at 3:30pm in Conference Room E at the Health and Human Services Building (10877 Conductor Blvd., Sutter Creek). Contact Vanessa Compton at 223-6315 for more information.
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Choir Practice
 All are invited to join the Trinity Singers! Choir practice happens each Tuesday at 5pm in the church. Bring your voices, your instruments and a heart for worship and praise! For more information please contact Mary Yount at 209-267-5461.
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Food Bank Donations
Food gifts for September totaled 87 pounds.
The total for 2019 is 919 pounds of food collected in the food cart.
Thank you for your generous support of this ministry.
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November Birthdays
T
he following members of our church family are celebrating birthdays in November!
4th- Deb Walker
6th- Roberta Ross
14th- Sandi Pietronave
18th- Bob Miller
24th- Jean Suggs
27th- Meredith Miller
I
f you are celebrating a birthday in November, but you don't see your name listed here, please contact our Parish Administrative Asst.
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Would You Like to Contribute to the Newsletter?
If you have an article of interest to the congregation that you would like included in the newsletter, please email it to the office,
office@trinitysuttercreek.org by the
20th of the month. It will be included in the next month's newsletter.
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