SEEDS  January 27, 2023

An imposition of ashes

Ash Wednesday service February 22^nd at noon

with Rev. Peter Feltman-Mahan presiding

and Donald Sosin providing beautiful contemplative music. 

Hybrid Annual Meeting, February 5 following worship

We need you at our Annual Meeting on Sunday, February 5th following worship.

It will be held both In-person and via Zoom. We are figuring that it will probably begin at about 11:15, but please be flexible. We would love to see you in person, but if that is not possible, please join us virtually via the link below.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81808011243

Meeting ID: 818 0801 1243

Passcode: CTC

A Musical Birthday Party on Sunday!

Christ Trinity Church presents the first concert of

the 2023 Lich Gate Concerts Series, this 

Sunday, January 29 at 2pm,

celebrating the 226th birthday of Franz Schubert,

and YOU ARE INVITED!

Franz Schubert was an endearing companion, well-loved by his family and friends. A composer and free-lance musician in early 19th-century Vienna, he was a bohemian at heart. His intimate circle of friends included painters, musicians, writers, and talented artistic dilettantes. Gathering in middle-class homes on evenings, they would carouse, play charades, and dance with Schubert at the piano, often for hours. They would read poetry and plays aloud, and listen to and appreciate what Schubert had recently composed. These Schubert evenings were called “Schubertiades,” and his friends, “Schubertians.” [How to pronounce “Schubertiade” - shoo-BEAR-tee-ah-duh]

A Sheffield Schubertiade, an afternoon of fine music-making in the acoustically superb Old Parish Church. Experience first-hand what an afternoon Hausmusik Konzert, or House music concert, was like in Schubert's Vienna. You, too, can be a “Schubertian!”

Hear the late, great German baritone Hermann Prey sing Schubert's "Ständchen," which will be performed at our concert, as sung by our guest artist, Enrico Lagasca:

Artistic Director and Violinist Jorge Ávila, also a Sheffield resident, has programmed an assortment of delightful works by Schubert, including a Sonatas, Lieder (songs); and the magnificent Piano Trio No.1 in B-flat major. Our New York-based artists also include Sarah Hewitt-Roth, cello, Adrienne Kim, piano, Jean Schneider, piano, and Enrico Lagasca, bass-baritone.

Lich Gate Concerts strives to bring live chamber music in interesting formats to the Southern Berkshires. As experienced concert-goers, you are aware that ticket sales cover only a small part of the expense of presenting concerts. We need your help to support this endeavor and invite you to become a Sponsor of the concert series, by adding a tax-deductible donation to your purchase. As a Sponsor, you will receive advance information, priority seating, an introduction to our artists, and our everlasting gratitude.

Jorge is here at church practicing some of the Schubert pieces as I finish up this newsletter. What an incredible privilege it is to hear the concert unfolding. You are not going to want to miss this performance. JC

Pastoral Caregiver/Preacher

While Pastor Erik is on sabbatical, your pastoral care is in the capable hands and compassionate heart of Jack McKelvey. If you find that you need emotional, social or spiritual support, please contact Jack. He has decades of experience guiding people through troubled waters and we are extremely fortunate to have him as part of our church family. Also, he will be preaching for us this coming Sunday and March 12.

A Sad Face

Out of an abundance of caution, we will not be celebrating Mardi Gras this year—otherwise known as our Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper. 

We feel that it is better to be safe than risk compromising your health.

 But, we are already getting geared up for 2024!

The Road Behind, the Road Ahead?

Christ Trinity Retreat on March 4^th and 5^th

Come join us for creative thinking, vibrant discussions and food!

Taking place in our parish hall, where we will explore the answers to important questions:

Where has Christ Trinity been? What has the road been like, what were the important landmarks and events along the way? What gifts and skills and limitations made the journey what it was?

Where is it now? What’s exciting, what’s challenging? 

Where does the road seem to head from here? Where does the main highway look like it’s going? Are there any side roads worth the risk and energy to explore?

EfM

EfM started up again on Tuesday January 17 for 2023, a year in which we will mostly be reading some texts about theology, beginning with David Ford’s book “Theology: A Very Short Introduction.” Our theological reflection was about what it means to be a Friend in Jesus and at the end of our discussion we wrote the following collect:

God, we affirm you are closer to us than our own breath. 

We know that when we wonder where you are, you are right at our shoulder.

And we doubt the sufficiency of our friendship.

Our longing is to return the favor and

We pray to keep you always in our center.

AMEN

Our theological reflection on January 24 started with consideration of the story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1-9 and continued with the story of Pentecost in Acts 2:1-4

Betwixt Babel and Pentecost there is Google Translate.

God, you are the supreme communicator.

We are digital immigrants, illiterate by comparison.

We come together in awe and wonder at the immense diversity of spoken experience.

We pray to be spared from demonic inputs and firehose feeds. 

TMI!

May we rest in your timeless Word.  

AMEN

Important Local News

This office has just learned that our wonderful friends at The Marketplace, on Elm Court, will now be open Wednesday evenings until 7:00 - serving delicious Fried Buttermilk Chicken and Cornbread!

PRIDE

Ed Valentine and Molly Welch invite you to a planning meeting for our Pride Celebration on Saturday, February 4th at 11:30 in the parish hall. All are welcome to attend.

Christ Trinity Church 413-229-8811

180 Main Street

PO Box 127

Sheffield, MA 01257

In-person & Livestreamed services at 10:00 Sundays:

Facebook and our YouTube channel

Questions you may have about us will probably be answered at:

ChristTrinityChurch.org

The best way to get a message to the office is via email: christtrinitychurch@gmail.com



If you have a loved one who you would like us to remember in our Sunday prayers, please email us Monday morning before 10:00.

Seeds editor: Jean Chapin