SEEDS March 22, 2023

While Kelly and Erik rejuvenate and sharpen their birding skills in New Zealand (and even consider becoming Kiwis), we say good-bye to the priest who has so lovingly shepherded us through Pastor Erik's sabbatical. Join us after church on Sunday, March 26th for a special Coffee Hour as we bid a very fond farewell to The Rev. Peter Feltman-Mahan.

Help us find a home

Meet Scherzo and Sonata. These nine-year old cats are fully up-to-date with their vaccinations and are currently in foster care. We need to find them a forever home. Scherzo, a female and Sonata, a male belonged to Ellen Elizabeth. Since her death, they have been cared for by Ellen's friend and neighbor, Clyde and now they are in foster care with a wonderful local family. If you are interested in learning more about their adoption, please call or email us.

Be an Appalachian Trail Angel

Every summer for eight weeks, our Appalachian Trail Magic tent is open to greet and serve hikers.  The tent is staffed by area volunteers and by visiting church groups from near and far.  Many hikers begin at the beginning in late February or March, at Springer Mountain, Georgia with the ambition to hike the full 2,190 miles to Mt. Katahdin in Maine. Along the way, they will pass through 14 states and wear out 4-5 pairs of shoes. On average the trip will take 165 days, roughly 5 ½ months. 

Hikers start passing through Sheffield in June and we are ready for them! Our Appalachian Trail Magic tent serves up a warm welcome along with fresh grilled burgers, chips, cookies (often homemade), water, rides to town, phone charging services, and—a favorite of hikers—seats with a back. Last summer we greeted over 750 hikers.  

Even if you are unable to be a TRAIL ANGEL on site under the tent or schlep food, water & supplies back and forth from the church, we really could use your financial support. Everything is more expensive this year and our budget is currently thin. Even a small donation will help. Thank you for helping to keep our Appalachian Trail Magic alive.

There will be an organizational meeting for the 2023 AT ministry at 11:30 on April 23.

Canon Rich preaches this Sunday

We have been so fortunate to be graced by the preaching of Canon Rich Simpson during the last three months. Come in person on March 26th to meet this C₂O as he preaches for the sixth and final time this season. If you are unable to join us in person, our worship service can be found on YouTube and Facebook. The links are at the bottom of this page.

Help support our neighbor church

Why not purchase Saturday night's dinner from the little United Methodist Church right in the center of Ashley Falls. Uncle Milton was a pillar of this community and his meatloaf recipe is out of this world. Your financial help will go a long way toward helping Trinity United Methodist Church repair their historic steeple.

Giving Easter Flowers

If you would like to have a loved one remembered at our Easter service, please fill out the bright green information sheet found at church or send us an email with Easter Flowers in the subject line, then information regarding who the gift is given by and who it is in memory of.

You may write a check payable to Christ Trinity Church or pay online by clicking the button below. No gift is too small. The information sheets are due by March 29th.

Important date

Resurrect in us a new belief

EfM ‘zoomed’ through the Nor’easter, focusing our discussion on Jesus Christ. The story of the raising of Lazarus in John 11 became the vehicle for our consideration of Jesus’s human and divine qualities. 

God, You are the ultimate healer.

We are broken and in need of your care.

We come to You in awe at the raising of Lazarus,

and pray that You will resurrect in us

a new belief and trust

 in Your plan for us all.

Please join us during Holy Week

Holy Week

We will join with Grace Episcopal and St. Paul’s Episcopal to share this single

service celebrated over three days.

Maundy Thursday Service, April 6^th 7:00pm service with foot washing at St. Paul’s Church in Stockbridge.

Good Friday Liturgy, April 7^th 7:00pm at Grace Church at 67 State Road, GB

The Great Easter Vigil, April 8^th 7:00pm at Christ Trinity Church

Easter Sunday, April 9^th All three of our churches have Easter Festival Services at 10:00am with music, spring flowers & Holy Communion.

Restoration Laos

We learned last weekend about Restoration Laos and many folks have been asking how to get connected. Laos is the most heavily bombed country on earth.  There are still 80 million live cluster bombs, as well as larger bombs, littering the country from U.S. bombing during the Vietnam War. Restoration Laos funds a team of brave Lao explosives clearance experts who are restoring land, safety, and peace of mind, one village at a time. These experts are pictured below.

Restoration Laos was started in 2022 by Michael and Darreby Ambler. The Amblers first visited Laos as tourists a dozen years ago. Since then, they have deepened their understanding and appreciation for the country, and learned of the daily danger posed by U.S. weapons still contaminating the land 50 years after the Vietnam War. Michael is a Canon to the Ordinary in the Episcopal Church and Christ Trinity's retreat leader on March 4 and 5. We learned a little more about this critical effort to save lives and Christ Trinity was able to make a $750 donation to Restoration Laos.

The Pride Celebration on June 9^th takes shape

Free Padre Pollo's Barbecue. Wonderful music. Drag Story Hour. A variety show. Face painting. A raffle. Dancing in the street. Puppets. Photo booth. Farmers Market. Family friendly. All are welcome. We need more help. Please let us know if you would like to get involved.

At St. Paul's in Stockbridge

Meditation begins here Friday

Friday Meditation Group

Insight Meditation Practice & Course in Miracles Study

Will be held at Christ Trinity Church March 24-May 5.

Fridays 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Free of Charge * All Are Welcome * No Experience Needed

* Mask Optional* Fragrance-Free *

Facilitation: Margo Davis, MSW, LICSW

For more information: margobradleydavis@gmail.com or PH: 413-446-1777

Both disciplines support well-being through the awareness to discern love from fear within our thoughts and beliefs.

Crossroads

Swim-A-Thon

Berkshire South's Swim-A-Thon 2023 will raise money for adaptive swim programs. Our own Eric Schumann is one of the Ambassadors. Included below is a WSBS radio interview with the 3 ambassadors and the dynamic director of Berkshire South:

https://theberkshireedge.com/swimming-for-a-good-cause-on-april-2/

Join us on Easter Sunday at 10:00am

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



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