The mission of Trinity Church is to share Christ's love and grace in a vibrant community whose joyful spirit empowers people to do God's work.
|
|
We have had many moments of joy and thankfulness in the past few weeks and I’d like to highlight some of them for you.
First and foremost, we thank Denise Symonds for her years of dedication and inspiration
as she has both provided and directed music as a part of our worship services. After she read her letter of resignation as Minister of Music to the congregation last week, I heard so many comments about her great service and importance to the parish, as well as a sign of relief that she will still be with us as office manager. We will lose her beautiful music, but we will not lose our wonderful Denise. Thanks for so much, Denise.
The Brotherhood of St. Andrew and the Daughters of the King hosted a Santa breakfast – with, of course, our own personal Santa, John Symonds, a cooperative effort between the two groups will illustrates their service and commitment to our parish. Thanks, Brothers and Sisters, for leading us in exploring cooperative paths.
Have you noticed the bottle-cap art work in its new place of prominence in Barber Hall? Once again we thank Sam Burton and her artist buddies who constructed this unique piece, as well as Butch Burton for safely locating it in its new home. Thanks, Sam and Butch, for brightening Barber Hall.
At Trinity we have a tradition of someone having an idea, figuring out the finances and logistics, and securing Vestry approval to move ahead. We thank Paige Kerby for taking the initiative on our to-be-constructed labyrinth and raising enough money to pay for it. Others saw the need for a refrigerator-freezer and metal cabinets for our Outreach program and anonymously purchased those. Likewise, a group of readers of theology -- Selby McCash, Tom Rotella, Robin Barrett and Beth Schroeder -- have proposed and received approval for establishing a small lending library at Trinity. They are busy figuring out location, affordable but attractive shelving, and plans for highlighting the books and other media they hope to offer there. Thanks, Trinitarians, for having new ideas, getting them approved and then implementing them.
The Brotherhood has hosted at two recent meetings which have included men from St. George’s. There is talk of more cooperative thought in this direction in the future. Thanks, Brotherhood, for initiating this interaction with our neighboring parish.
And I personally thank everyone for all their help in the past few weeks since I’ve been laid low with back and elbow fractures after (stupidly!) tripping over the cat’s bowl in my own kitchen. Trinitarians have provided food, cards, flowers, phone calls, e-mails… so many expressions of kindness and love and prayers. Thanks to the Executive Committee and Vestry members for taking on extra duties. And thanks for the multitude of suggestions on moving the cat’s bowl – which is now out of the walking path.
|
|
Trinity Discernment Prayer
O Everlasting, Omniscient, and Loving God
We confess that our daily worries and concerns often blind us to your voice and guidance in our lives. We thank You for this time of change, may it be an opportunity to grow together more closely as followers of your son Jesus Christ as we work to discern your path forward for our congregation. We pray that You will watch over the Bishop, diocesan transitional ministry team, the parish clergy, members of our vestry, and the other leaders of our church as they lead us on a new path for our parish. We pray for the members of the discernment committee as they endeavor to do Your holy work in calling a new rector for Trinity. We pray for all the members of our parish family during this time of transition that we come closer to You and feel your presence in our hearts. AMEN.
|
|
SEARCHING FOR A NEW RECTOR
Trinity's Discernment Committee will be facilitating several SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS in February as part of our self-study phase toward calling a new rector.
The sessions will be conducted between services on February 2, 9, and 16.
Stay tuned for more information and sign-up sheets for these opportunities to further explore our parish identity and needs.
|
|
CAMPUS MINISTRY MEALS
Campus Ministry students begin classes soon. Along with St. George's and Christ Lutheran churches, Trinity provides a home-cooked meal for about 8-10 students
for their Tuesday evening meetings at The House.
Dates open for Trinity meals are: January 28, March 17, and April 7.
Pending new students this spring, there are no dietary restrictions.
The House has plenty of utensils, plates, napkins, etc.
The ideal time for drop-off is between 430pm and 5pm.
Will you consider supporting this ministry?
A sign-up sheet is on the church door or you may call the office (540) 373-2996.
|
|
Trinity’s MONTHLY DROP-IN GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP meets again on Monday, January 20th in the Health Ministries Room, rm. 14, from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. The long, dark days of winter are often difficult for grieving persons. Come learn how others cope during this period. Come if the recent holidays were especially painful and have left you feeling depressed. For information contact either
Randall Clingenpeel o
r
Ruth Brancolini
.
The HEALTH MINISTRY COMMITTEE will meet on Tuesday, January 21st at 1:30 p.m. in the Lounge {Note the change in location!}. We will be having a presentation on how to make Trinity a more dementia friendly parish. The presentation, by Julie Irving from Mary Washington Healthcare, will be from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. If any parishioners are interested in attending, please contact Brenda Chase at 540-226-2628 for more details.
Trinity families that live in the 22405 ZIP CODE AREA are invited to an Open House at The Richardson's residence (85 Ringgold Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22405) on Sunday, January 26 from 12:30 - 3:00 p.m. Baked ham, rolls, dessert, and drinks will be provided. If you would like, please bring a side dish or finger food to share. We hope you will join your church neighbors in fellowship and friendship as we begin the New Year!
SAVE THE DATE! Seventh Annual Trinity Kiss and Tell Progressive Dinner in downtown Fredericksburg to be held on Sunday the 25th of February. Restaurant information to follow! Limited to 40 people this year. The bus is rarin' to go! Ask Bruce Adkins for details (540.273.0064).
GOOD NEWS! BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK has been serving the weekend food needs of 75 elementary school children at Rocky Run since September 2019. The donations received during the BIB campaign were approximately $9,000., so Trinity can support 10 more children beginning February 5th. The money is used to purchase food packs, in addition to macaroni and cheese or chicken noodle soup. The children really look forward to receiving their weekly bag of food.
As of February 2020, the good news is, Trinity will supply food for 85 Children
. Donations are accepted throughout the year. If additional donations are received the number of children supported will be reevaluated and adjusted accordingly. Just remember to include on the memo line of your check BIB or Blessings in a Backpack. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the BIB Ministry through monetary donations and/or volunteerism. Without your help this Ministry would not be possible. Susan McSpadden - BIB Coordinator 540-899-0696
PROTECT YOURSELF! Many Media Services are advising viewers and readers to WRITE THE FULL YEAR, 2020, ON ALL CHECKS AND LEGAL DOCUMENTS. This precludes the possibility of scammers trying to modify the date to their advantage. Why? This year's abbreviation is easily changeable and could be used against you. The concern is that scammers could easily manipulate a document dated "1/1/20" into "1/1/2000" or even "1/1/2021. Writing out the full date could possibly protect you and prevent legal issues on paperwork. See link
here
from USA Today for more information.
* * * * * *
YOUTH NEWS & EVENTS
CLUB 45 is going to play Laser Tag this Sunday, January 19th! Club 45 will meet at Fun Land in Fredericksburg from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. to play Laser Tag. The cost is $8.00 for one game of Laser Tag plus money for a drink or snack. Trinity will pay for one or two games of Laser Tag, depending on time. If you have any questions, please contact
Sam Burton
. A permission slip may be found
here
.
The JUNIOR AND SENIOR YOUTH GROUPS will visit an “escape room” on Sunday, January 26th. We will meet at Rush Hour Live Escape Games behind Sears at Spotsylvania Towne Centre at 1:30 PM and will be done by 2:45 PM. The cost for each youth is $18.00. If you are planning to come or have any questions, please contact
Sam Burton
. A permission slip may be found
here
.
The EPISCOPAL YOUTH EVENT -
EYE is a triennial event for youth from the entire Episcopal Church (pronounced E-Y-E). Over 1000 people (high school students, their adult mentors, and Bishops from around the church) come together and live on a college campus for a little under a week. Time is spent in worship, large group presentations, small group discussions on the presentations (youth lead), workshops on a variety of topics, and a lot of time hanging out and meeting people from around the world. This year EYE will be held July 7-11 on the campus of the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland.
Click here
for more information on this amazing opportunity for high school students.
* * * * * * *
FROM THE DIOCESE
DIOCESAN VISIONING TOUR
During her Pastoral Address at our Diocesan Convention last month, Bishop Goff articulated her vision for our Diocese for the next few years. She added that, "If the vision belongs to the bishops alone, it will never be ours. So let's continue this address as a conversation. I invite the people of the Diocese to come together in a series of vision gathering during the season of Epiphany." You may call the Diocese to register, (804) 346-2373.
This is your invitation to take part in our Diocesan Visioning Tour with Bishop Goff and Bishop Brooke-Davidson. The questions we'll discuss will be publicized before the sessions so that participants will have a chance to give them some thought, and so that people who can't attend might have a chance to submit their thoughts.
Visioning Tour Dates and Locations
- Wednesday, January 15, 6:30 p.m. - Christ Church, Glen Allen
- Thursday, January 16, 3:30 p.m. - Christchurch School, Christchurch
- Thursday, January 23, 7:00 p.m. - Aquia Church, Stafford
- Thursday, January 30, 6:30 p.m. - St. Paul's, Ivy
- Saturday, February 8, 1:00 p.m. - Calvary, Front Royal
- Saturday, February 15, 1:30 p.m. - Good Shepherd, Burke
- Saturday, February 29, 10:00 a.m. - St. Peter's, Arlington
|
|
Wednesday, January 15
Thursday, January 16
Friday, January 17
Saturday, January 18
3:00 pm Memorial Service & Reception - Brown
Sunday, January 19
Monday, January 20
3:00 pm Drop-In Grief Support Group (Rm 14)
6:00 pm Yoga
Tuesday, January 21
12:00 pm Knaughty Knitters (L)
(The House)
|
|
Wednesday, January 22
Thursday, January 23
7:00 pm Fredericksburg Region Meeting (BH)
Friday, January 24
Saturday, January 25
10:00 am Conversation w/Bishop on Race & Reconciliation (BH)
Sunday, January 26
10:15 am Young People's Communion Class (J)
12:30 pm 22405 Open House (Richardson's)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
