Trinity Trumpet January  2020
In this issue: New Worship Series, Bible study resumes, Annual Meeting info, Too Hot to Handal group outing, UCC Disaster Ministries, Thank you's, 
EPIPHANY WORSHIP SERIES

CHOOSING OUR LIFE
A New Year. New Beginnings. New Goals. New Intentions. A New Resolve.

Our Epiphany Worship Series is about newness, and the importance of the light that WE can bring into this world. We will reflect on our biblical texts in dialogue with a book by Margaret J. Wheatley, Who Do We Choose To Be? Facing Reality, Claiming Leadership, Restoring Sanity
 
January 5, 2020   Epiphany
Choosing to Live as We Should
We don't have to wait for some grand utopian future. The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory.
- Margaret J. Wheatley, Who Do We Choose To Be?
 
January 12, 2020   Baptism of Jesus
Choosing to Be an Island of Sanity        
It is possible to use our influence and power to create islands of sanity in the midst of a raging destructive sea.
- Margaret J. Wheatley, Who Do We Choose To Be?
 
January 19, 2020 Martin Luther King Weekend
Choosing to Face A Changing Reality
I consolidated all these experiences to the Colonel in one statement: "The Army is the first and only true learning organization I've ever seen." (Twenty-five years later, I've only encountered a few others and none come close.) He smiled, apparently delighted with the comparison. Then he replied quietly, "Well, Meg, we figured that one out a long time ago. It's better to learn than be dead." 
- Margaret J. Wheatley, Who Do We Choose To Be?
 
January 26, 2020
Choosing to Live Together
Nothing living lives alone...
- Margaret J. Wheatley, Who Do We Choose To Be?

A Message from Scott Peterson

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had an enjoyable and meaningful Holiday season.

January is an important month in the life of Trinity, marking the beginning of a new year for our organization. Please mark your calendars and plan to be present for our annual congregational meeting, which will be held after worship on January 26. At that meeting, we will review the highlights of 2019 and look ahead to 2020. In addition to hearing reports from the Council, Pastor Dale, and each of the church's Core Committees, we will review financial results from 2019 and present a 2020 budget for approval by the congregation. We will also elect members of the church Committees and Council.

Trinity continues to thrive; this meeting represents an important opportunity to reflect on the past, look to the future, and participate in the organizational life of our church. I hope you will be there!

(As a side note and reminder to those affected, the schedule for the regular monthly meetings of Council as well as the Worship and Program and Operations Committees has changed in order to allow us to finalize plans for the Annual Meeting. Those meetings, which are normally held on the third Monday of the month, will be held on January 13th this year.)

Scott Peterson
Annual Congregational Meeting - January 26

Please join us after worship on Sunday, January 26th at 11 AM
for the annual meeting.


Adult Bible Study
 
Thursday morning Bible Study will reconvene on January 9th at a new start time, 10:15 AM, in the Gathering Hall, studying the curriculum that our Confirmands will be using. The goal is to rediscover Our Faith, Our Questions, and Our Calling for today.


Evening Adult Study
 
An Invitation to the Nobility of Leadership
Wednesdays - Jan 29, February 5, 12, 19 - 7 PM

This is an opportunity for us each to examine our calling in the world. Not only our gifts, but what the world needs from us now.

Margaret J. Wheatley, Who Do We Choose To Be? Berrett-Koehler Publishers.


holly-berry-wreath2.jpg
De-Greening - January 5

Join us after worship at 11:00 AM to help take down the Christmas tree and the wreaths to store for next year.


Too Hot to Handal - January 19, 3PM

A Jazz-Gospel version of Handel's Messiah will be performed on Sunday January 19 at 2:00 PM at the Auditorium Theater in Chicago.

This "exuberant, jazz-gospel makeover" (Chicago Tribune) of Handel's classic Messiah celebrates 15 years in Chicago! Join us on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day weekend to witness the transformational powers of the performing arts and uplift King's vision of a "beloved community." With fiery soloists Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke, and Karen Marie Richardson; an orchestra, jazz combo, and 100-person choir under the baton of Suzanne Mallare Acton; and spirited Detroit pianist Alvin Waddles, famous for his jaw-dropping cadenzas, Too Hot is an annual Chicago tradition that fills your soul and spirit.  Enjoyable for all ages that love music. 

Pastor Dale has reserved a block of 20 tickets for $40 each.  Please call the church office at 847-945-5050 if you would like to attend. We need your confirmation by Thursday, January 2, because she needs to release unused tickets by Friday, January 3.

We can arrange carpools as needed to save parking costs.



CONFIRMATION CLASS HAS BEGUN!

We have two confirmands who are studying the Christian Faith in order to clarify their own beliefs and make decisions about the "spiritual tools" that will guide their lives. Fisher Houston and Will Holtz are working with Pastor Dale and a variety of "mentors" in the church who will assist them on this journey. You will see them involved in worship leadership and other roles around the church. Feel free to give them a word of encouragement!


Thank you to all who participated in the Casa Central Holiday gift program.  Your gifts will make all the difference in the lives of the women and children in their violence prevention program.

thank you
 
Thanks to all who gave so generously to the Food Drive, the Rotary Club Coat and Clothing Drive, Soles for Souls, and the Christmas Fund, and to all of those who helped with the PADS dinner.




Read about the UCC Disaster Ministries and the work they are doing to help those recovering from natural disasters in their communities.  The December newsletter also includes information and resources regarding disaster preparedness for both individuals and churches.
mark you calendar
Please note the date change for our regular monthly meetings:

January 13, 7 PM - Worship and Programming Meeting
January 13, 8 PM - Council
Trinity UCC | 847-945-5050 | [email protected]  | trinitydeerfield.com
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