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Trinity Episcopal ChurchRockland, Massachusetts |
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January, 2010 |
I've spent the morning packing away my nativities and collecting Christmas decorations from around the house. The twelve days of Christmas are nearly done, and we're entering that long, cold stretch of months that make up a New England winter. And I say, bring it! (Just, you know, not on Sunday morning when I have to make it up that very steep road...)
Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean that there's nothing going on. January is going to be a very busy month at Trinity, most especially with our Annual Meeting coming up on January 24th. I really do hope that everyone will make a point to be there for this important gathering. We will consider next year's budget, talk about our church's programs, and plan for the year ahead. Remember, you ARE a part of the team, and this is our team huddle. Don't miss it!
On the second Sunday of Christmas, I preached about how our enthusiasm for sports is usually greater than our enthusiasm for God and church. Okay, I know that there are no balls involved in worship, and that we haven't yet attempted a "wave" during church, and we've all agreed that body checking in the aisle is right out, but still, there can be plenty of excitement at church when you bring it. As we move into this new year, there's no reason in the world why each of us shouldn't be looking forward to God's grace and challenges with at least a portion of the excitement and energy that we bring to a good game. God has done great things for Trinity, and God is going to keep doing great things. We've just got to get out there and play! Game on, people!
The Rector's Thanksgiving list for January:Happy New Year! After our Advent preparations and joyous Christmas celebrations it is time to welcome 2010, with all of its possibility.
First Up, our Annual Meeting will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, January 24, 2010. Lunch will be served. This is an important meeting to elect our new officers, vestry members and delegates as well as approve the 2010 budget and 2009 reports. Please make every effort to attend, as your voice and your vote are critical to the ongoing vitality and viability of this parish. If we are snowed out on the 24th, the meeting will take place on January 31.
The Nominating Committee of Rev. Sarah, Karen Bonn, Rich Boyle, Don Westberg and Debbie Smith-Taylor will be preparing a ballot of worthy candidates for your consideration. Please consider how you may serve and feel free to approach a committee member for more information.
The Budget Committee is now in the process of preparing the 2010 budget for your approval at the annual meeting. They are extremely grateful to all of you who have made your financial commitment by returning your pledge cards. We know this is a time of financial uncertainty and your faith and commitment to Trinity is greatly appreciated. As of January 3, thirty-nine individuals had pledged a total of $56,754.00. Last year we had 45 individuals who pledged a total of $58,200.00. The Vestry would like to see last year's total matched or even exceeded. We are very close to our goal! If the 39 people who have already pledged would consider an increase of only 72 cents per week we could make up the difference of $1,446.00. The Vestry has already taken up the challenge, with many members increasing their pledges by $1.00 or more per week. Please consider doing the same and we can potentially increase our operating budget from 2009. If you are able to do so, please let Emmanuel know so the pledge count can be adjusted.
I am very excited to announce that ASL classes are back. Glenn Parker will be teaching a 10-week session beginning on Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. In the event that we have enough students for both a beginner and an intermediate class, we will have two different classes. Linda Carrus will teach the beginner's class. These classes are made possible by the grant that we recently received from the diocesan Congregational Development Committee. The goal is to develop the signing skills of our own congregation. The grant has helped us make these classes free of charge for our parish members. Adults and children are welcome.
Finally, we will resume our monthly suppers on Saturday, January 23, 2010 with an Italian supper of lasagna, meatballs and other fantastic delicacies. Please see Debbie Morse for tickets. As always, volunteers are needed for preparation, serving and clean up. See Irene Bonn to let her know how you can help.
Here's to a joyous and spirit-filled 2010.
The Women's Group will meet Monday, January 11th at 7 p.m. in the Conference Room. We will be planning the January Supper for 1/23/2010. We will also enjoy another installment of 'Around the World with the O'Neils'. All women are invited to attend.
Trinity will host an Italian Night Supper on Saturday, January 23rd at 6 p.m. The supper will include lasagna, ziti with sauce, meatballs, salad, garlic bread, beverage and dessert. Tickets are $9 per person. Please see Debbie Morse or Irene Bonn for tickets. We are always looking for help to serve and clean up. Thank you for your continued support.
The younger Sunday school class had a wonderful time being in the Christmas pageant on Christmas Eve. They all met earlier in the day and had fun practicing. They also enjoyed a wonderful party. They are a wonderful group of children and Cheri and I enjoy being with them on Sunday mornings. The children love to have a snack during Sunday school. Please remember to bring in snacks for the class to enjoy!! They love gold fish, crackers, cookies, etc. Looking forward to a blessed 2010!!
It's been an...interesting winter so far! Many of you know that I'm living in a place where, if the weather's bad, it's going to be difficult to get out. I'm going to try to anticipate problems as much as I can, but if the weather's really bad, please check the answering machine to make sure that we're having worship services - especially for the 8 o'clock crowd. I will know by 7:30AM on Sunday if there will be a problem. And please, use your own discretion - if you don't think you should go out in the winter weather, by all means stay at home! If you wish, you may call the church to arrange for me to bring the Eucharist to you later in the week. Really!
During the season of Lent, Trinity will offer an unusual and fun study group on Thursday nights, beginning at 6:30PM. We will begin with a brief study of a Bible passage, then we will share a simple soup and bread supper while we watch a pertinent episode of "Northern Exposure". Some time for discussion will follow, and each meeting will conclude with Sung Compline in the church (with just a little incense). In order to plan for dinner, a sign-up sheet will be posted shortly. Watch for more information next month!
Please remember that the wee blue bin in the parish hall is for recyclable cans and bottles only - not for regular trash! There is also a small plastic receptacle for recycling your Sunday service leaflet in the narthex. Trinity means to be green!
Wednesday afternoons at the parish have become community service days for many of the students at the high school. Together, we've painted most of what will soon be the church parlor, as well as much of the Mural Project. More painting and other projects are coming up this month. Young people in our parish are most welcome to join the project for volunteer hours, or just for fun. We meet on Wednesday afternoons from about 2:15 until 4:00PM. Snacks provided! Please see Sarah Brockmann if you can help, or if you have ideas for additional service projects here at the church.
The South Shore Deanery confirmation service will be held on Saturday, April 10th at St. John's in Duxbury. Anyone who wishes to be confirmed ought to speak to Sarah as soon as possible, so that we can set up Confirmation classes, quite possibly for Sunday afternoons beginning in February. Please see Sarah if you have any questions about confirmation.
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