Volume MMXVII Issue II February 2017 Rev. Patrick Bush, Clergy Assistant The Rev. Patricia Joy Deacon Emeritus The Revs. Shaw & Julie Mudge Honorary Associates Paula Kern Director of Music Ministry Amanda Lavallee Director of Christian Education Ellen Corriveau Parish Administrator Ed Gaidos, Bookkeeper Kevin Pelletier, Sexton Using Your Pledge Envelopes Automatic Payments Stewardship Drive Results Shrove Tuesday Ash Wednesday Schedule A Valentine Dance Festival Choral Evensong An Open Letter of Thanks Keep in Touch Healing Ministry St. Elizabeth House Ministry Altar Flower Sponsor Dates VBS ~ Maker Fun Factory Sunday School News Youth Group News Vestry Minutes February Prayer Calendar Storm Closings Weekly Event Schedule Worship Style Schedule Meetings & Events Dear Friends in Christ, "You will know as much of God, and only as much of God, as you are willing to put into practice." Eric Liddell, The Disciplines Of The Christian During the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, Eric Liddell made headlines when he opted not to run the 100 metres because of the preliminary heats being held on Sunday. Liddell was considered the heavy favorite in this race and received a lot of criticism for his decision. Yet, Liddell believed that his convictions as a devout Christian to be higher than that of being an Olympic Athlete. His story is memorialized in the Oscar winning movie, Chariots of Fire. Liddell went on to win gold in the 400 metres, which he wasn't a favorite in to win. Being a Christian isn't something we do or believe, it's what we are. Our whole life finds meaning and purpose in the relationship we have with God. But, that relationship only becomes stronger if we devote the time and attention it requires. Our church's mission is to "Know Christ and to make Him Know," and that's only accomplished to the extent that we are willing to put it into practice. What this all boils down to is the cost of discipleship. There is no end to our formation, nor is there a depth to our learning. We all need to be discipled, as well as to disciple others. This Winter/Spring there are many opportunities and groups that can help shape us in being more Christ-like. I want to share just three ways. The Marriage Course — This course focuses on developing a strong and lasting relationship with our spouse. While focusing on various aspect of how we relate to each other, the course is grounded in having a solid relationship with Christ. The Marriage Course runs from Jan. 23rd through Mar. 13th when every couple will be invited to renew their vows. The Lenten Course — This year during Lent we will all be invited to pray the Psalms. Each Sunday the sermon will focus on a particular Psalm that is appoint for that day. While, on Wednesday, we are all invited to gather together and study the Psalm in more detail: why should we pray the Psalms today, and how Christ embodies these prayers through His life, death and resurrection. Starting Mar. 8th through Apr. 5th join us on Wednesday nights as we explore the prayer book of the Psalms. SD Groups — Starting this Winter/Spring I will be encouraging and starting small groups of three to four people. Each group will be known as a Small Discipleship Group (or SD Group), where they will commit to meet regularly, share their lives with each other, read scripture together, commit to practice what they learn and encourage everyone through prayer. These groups are meant to help us live our Christian faith so that we can know Christ more. All three aim to bring us closer to God through practicing what we learn in Scripture and sharing our lives with others. I hope you consider joining one, two or all three opportunities to know Christ and make Him known. Yours in Christ, Fr. Patrick Trinity Times
Transcript
Volume MMXVII Issue II February 2017
Rev. Patrick Bush, Clergy Assistant
The Rev. Patricia Joy Deacon Emeritus
The Revs. Shaw & Julie Mudge Honorary Associates
Paula Kern Director of Music Ministry
Amanda Lavallee Director of Christian Education
Ellen Corriveau Parish Administrator
Ed Gaidos, Bookkeeper
Kevin Pelletier, Sexton
Using Your Pledge Envelopes
Automatic Payments
Stewardship Drive Results
Shrove Tuesday
Ash Wednesday Schedule
A Valentine Dance
Festival Choral Evensong
An Open Letter of Thanks
Keep in Touch
Healing Ministry
St. Elizabeth House Ministry
Altar Flower Sponsor Dates
VBS ~ Maker Fun Factory
Sunday School News
Youth Group News
Vestry Minutes
February Prayer Calendar
Storm Closings
Weekly Event Schedule
Worship Style Schedule
Meetings & Events
Dear Friends in Christ,
"You will know as much of God, and only as much of God, as you are willing to put into practice."
Eric Liddell, The Disciplines Of The Christian During the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, Eric Liddell made headlines when he opted not to run the 100 metres because of the preliminary heats being held on Sunday. Liddell was considered the heavy favorite in this race and received a lot of criticism for his decision. Yet, Liddell believed that his convictions as a devout Christian to be higher than that of being an Olympic Athlete. His story is memorialized in the Oscar winning movie, Chariots of Fire. Liddell went on to win gold in the 400 metres, which he wasn't a favorite in to win. Being a Christian isn't something we do or believe, it's what we are. Our whole life finds meaning and purpose in the relationship we have with God. But, that relationship only becomes stronger if we devote the time and attention it requires. Our church's mission is to "Know Christ and to make Him Know," and that's only accomplished to the extent that we are willing to put it into practice. What this all boils down to is the cost of discipleship. There is no end to our formation, nor is there a depth to our learning. We all need to be discipled, as well as to disciple others. This Winter/Spring there are many opportunities and groups that can help shape us in being more Christ-like. I want to share just three ways.
The Marriage Course — This course focuses on developing a strong and lasting relationship with our spouse. While focusing on various aspect of how we relate to each other, the course is grounded in having a solid relationship with Christ. The Marriage Course runs from Jan. 23rd through Mar. 13th when every couple will be invited to renew their vows.
The Lenten Course — This year during Lent we will all be invited to pray the Psalms. Each Sunday the sermon will focus on a particular Psalm that is appoint for that day. While, on Wednesday, we are all invited to gather together and study the Psalm in more detail: why should we pray the Psalms today, and how Christ embodies these prayers through His life, death and resurrection. Starting Mar. 8th through Apr. 5th join us on Wednesday nights as we explore the prayer book of the Psalms.
SD Groups — Starting this Winter/Spring I will be encouraging and starting small groups of three to four people. Each group will be known as a Small Discipleship Group (or SD Group), where they will commit to meet regularly, share their lives with each other, read scripture together, commit to practice what they learn and encourage everyone through prayer. These groups are meant to help us live our Christian faith so that we can know Christ more.
All three aim to bring us closer to God through practicing what we learn in Scripture and sharing our lives with others. I hope you consider joining one, two or all three opportunities to know Christ and make Him known. Yours in Christ, Fr. Patrick
Trinity Times
Feb-
ruary 11th for all articles for the
March Trinity Times
Thank you !
1 Gene Bascetta
1 Danielle Carlson
2 Paulina Klein-Platt
3 Mike Anderson
3 A.J. Ferreira
3 Jeffrey McDonald
3 Payton Salvaggio
4 Paul Scott
5 Peter Williams
6 Henry Kowal
8 Henry Barlow
8 Matt Williams
9 Geri Lavallee
9 Gardiner Smith
13 Victoria Reardon
14 Tom Cross
14 Kyle Hadsell
14 Gabriel Karadimas
16 Brent Benware
16 Eric Karadimas
16 Ian Melville
16 Sue Thomas
18 Michael Gervasio
18 Alex Hsieh
19 Moe Lavallee
20 Riley Lill
21 Karen Condren
21 Jane Grant
21 Amelie Olewnik
23 Alexander Scott
23 Alyssa Smith
24 Amanda Lavallee
26 Laura McSweeney
26 Brenda Pfeiffer
27 Sarah Kowal
27 Kyle Szestakow
27 Tyler Salisbury
28 Allison O’Neill
14 Tom and Patty Tyburski
We extend our deepest sympathy to
Susan Galici and her family at the loss of her mother
Patricia DeTeresa
who went to be with the Lord on December 27th, 2016
With the retirement of our beloved rector, Tom Furrer, in September, Trinity has begun the process of seeking God’s direction for us and for a new rector. We’re in transition. Basically that simply means that we are ‘between’ rectors. The Episcopal Church of Connecticut has defined a process that lays out general directions for helping us along the way. There are three distinct phases in this transition process: Celebration, Discernment and Recruitment supported by an on-going Prayer Team. This is different from what we generally think of as a “search”. It’s more like matchmaking. Think E-Harmony!
All of the teams are under the authority of and selected by Vestry. The Prayer team is led by Sandy Cross and meets regularly and faithfully to support each step of the process. They are members of this parish who set aside time daily to pray specifically for transition.
The Celebration phase was orchestrated and organized by Bob Chagnon and Louise Boehm. There are no words to capture fully the love and joy that gathered in the ballroom of Riverwalk banquet hall. Approximately 400 people honored Tom and Maryjane's retirement and ministries. It was a fitting and joyful day!
The next step in the journey is Discernment. The discernment team is selected by Trinity’s Vestry. They are: Kathy Sutton-chair, Elaine Chagnon, Carolyn Clement, John Nagy, Ray Williard, and Kathy Zirolli. While we met throughout the summer to review our website and study the steps we would take in the fall, the formal process of discernment began immediately after Tom left. The Cannon for Mission, Rev. LeeAnn Tolzman, visited our Vestry and the full church in October to explain the process. Her role in guiding the process is advisory. She helped to match us with our Transition Consultant, Rev. Rebekah Hatch, who is serving as rector at St. Alban’s. Our team has met with Rebekah twice so far and feel a sense of peace that she is the right person to work with us.
Basically, our goal is to gather information for the purpose of presenting ourselves, Trinity Church, Tariffville, as we are today and hope to be in the future to a potential rector. While we will be looking at the statistics of Trinity, this “information gathering” is not truly about data. It’s about remembering how God has already been manifested within our parish up to the present time and figuring out how God intends to use Trinity to communicate God’s love to our neighbors going forward. We are all in this together. While the Discernment team will organize activities to gather information, we need the whole church to participate. We invite your thoughts, feelings and feedback every step of the way!
Currently there are several opportunities for all parish members to participate.
Share your encounters with God through Trinity Church on the History Gathering Boards in the parish hall. Some folks have brought pictures, others have written their experiences on stickies. The names and richness of experiences over the years is a clear demonstration of God’s protection and provision for Trinity over a long history. Come up and spend some time reading the boards.
Communicate your personal thoughts, questions, feedback directly to any member of Vestry or the discernment team or through our email that goes directly to the Discernment Team: [email protected].
Come to the Parish Discernment Morning Retreat on Saturday, February 4th beginning at 9:00. If you missed the sign up in the narthex, come anyway. Childcare is provided. If you absolutely can't attend on the 4th, stay awhile after the 8:00 or come early before the 9:45 service on the 5th. We will have an abbreviated program at 8:45 in the parish hall.
Pray, pray, pray. Prayer makes us one in Christ and will guide our way. We know God is faithful and he will carry us through this journey. Thank you for your companionship on the walk.
It is really important to use the envelopes that you have been issued. When you have a pledge number and a box of envelopes is issued to you
and you don’t use them, here is what happens: When the team that counts and records your donations receives your check without an envelope, they have to find your number and then make up an envelope for your pledge as a record of that receipt. We keep all the envelopes for a year as back up information of all pledges received, until the tax donation statements have been issued and any questions resolved. So now we have used 2 envelopes for you, the one that you were issued and then one we had to make up.
For those of you who have your payments sent directly from the bank, you cannot use your envelopes so in that case we make one up for you.
Again the most important thing about using the envelopes is accuracy. Your pledge number is printed on them which assures that your account gets credited for your pledge. They also help to set apart your pledge from any other contribution you may make.
Donations for other causes must be made as separate checks made out to Trinity Church with the purpose
written in the memo section and placed in separate plain envelopes with the purpose written on the envelope.
DO NOT USE your white pledge envelopes for these donations. Also, please DO NOT combine dollar amounts
in one check for more than one purpose.
We thank you for your cooperation by using the envelopes. We don’t mean to make this tedious but accuracy is our primary goal. If you have any questions please feel free to call Ellen or Ed in the office at 860-651-0201.
Trinity Episcopal Church Tariffville, Connecticut
Weekly Offering For The Support Of My Parish
Amount $_____ Name _________________
January 1, 2016 01
Results of our 2017 Stewardship Drive
YEAR PLEDGING UNITS TOTAL AVERAGE PLEDGE
2012 166 (Net gain +4) $504,415 (+38,179) $3,039 (+$161)
2013 157 (Net loss –9) $491,055 (-13,360) $3,128 (+$89)
2014 161 (Net gain +4) $546,815 (+55,760) $3,396 (+$268)
2015 162 (Net gain +1) $539,478 (-7,337) $3,330 (-$66)
2016 150 (Net loss –12) $537,775. (-1702.40) $3,585 (+$255)
2017 133 (Net loss –17) $482,705 (-55,070) $3,629) (+$44)
Automatic Pledge Payments
For those of you who have your weekly or monthly donations sent on a regular basis directly from the bank, please be sure that your
PLEDGE # and the purpose are specified on the check. Be sure it says Pledge for your pledge donation or if it is for another purpose, Kateri for instance, please be sure that it is prominently noted on the check. We want to be sure that your contributions are always credited exactly as you intended.
Thank you again!
as of 1-18-17
Trinity’s Annual
Valentine Dance
Saturday, February 4, 2017
in the Parish Hall from 7 - 10pm
The cost of the tickets will be $5.00. they can be purchased beforehand or at the door.
All proceeds will go to support the:
Music Ministries
The Youth Group Ministries
Coffee Hour
Light refreshments will be served There will be music for all generations
Wear your fanciest outfit – bring out any prom dresses or bridesmaid dresses or any ball gowns you may have stashed in the back of your closet, tuxedos or suits. If you don’t have a ball gown or fancy clothes, your best outfit will do.
Sign up in the Narthex so we know how many to plan for and so you can help set up and clean up.
Any questions or if you would like to help, please contact Rebecca Ferreira at [email protected]
Adults $3.00, Children Ages 5-10 $2.00, Max. Per Family $10.00
Ash Wednesday Services March 1
7:00 am. Liturgy of Ashes, Homily & Holy Communion
12:10 pm. Liturgy of Ashes, Homily & Holy Communion
4:30 pm. Simple, short (15 min.) Children’s Service
7:00 pm. Ash Wednesday Liturgy
Lent Begins March 1, 2017
What is Shrove Tuesday/Pancake Day?
Shrove Tuesday (known in some countries as Pancake Tuesday or Pancake day) is a day in February or March preceding Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent), which is celebrated in some countries by consuming pancakes. In others, especially those where it is called Mardi Gras or some translation thereof, this is a “carnival day, and also the last day of "fat eating" or "gorging" before the fasting period of Lent.
This moveable feast is determined by the date of Easter. The expression "Shrove Tuesday" comes from the word shrive, meaning "absolve". Shrove Tuesday is observed by many Christians, including Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists and Roman Catholics, who "make a special point of self-examination, of considering what wrongs they need to repent, and what amendments of life or areas of spiritual growth they especially need to ask God's help in dealing with."
Being the last day of the liturgical season historically known as Shrovetide, before the penitential season of Lent, related popular practices, such as indulging in food that one sacrifices for the upcoming forty days, are associated with Shrove Tuesday celebrations, before commencing the fasting and religious obligations associated with Lent.
So now that you know why it is good to have pancakes for dinner,
The beautiful flowers that are on our Altar on Sundays, are sponsored by you our Parishioners. You choose a date that either commemorates a special occasion or a date in memory of loved ones who have died. Or maybe you would just like to help by sponsoring any date. The arrangements are always
seasonally appropriate or you can request specific colors.
We have two options for sponsoring, either both arrangements (Full Altar) for $110.00 or only one (1/2 Altar) for $55.00.
2 IMPORTANT NOTES: We do treat the payment you make for the flowers as a donation for which you are credited and you may pick up the flowers you have donated after the conclusion of the 9:45 service or after the 5:00 on that day. If you take the flowers home please be sure to return the green holders to the Church.
Listed below are the dates we have open for 2017. If we are not able to fill these openings it will unfortunately be more of a financial burden than the church will be able to assume this year. So anything you can do to help us will be greatly appreciated. As you can see we have quite a selection,
so hopefully there is one (or more) that will be a meaningful date for you:
Karen Condren does a wonderful job for us with the scheduling of the flowers and donors. If you have any questions or would like to choose a date to sponsor an arrangement please
May 7 Half Altar May 21 Half Altar June 11 Half Altar
March 19 Half Altar April 2 Half Altar April 9 Half Altar
Nov. 5 Half Altar
Aug. 6 Half Altar Sept. 24 Half Altar
Jan. 1 Half Altar Jan. 17 Full Altar
Dec. 10 Half Altar Dec. 17 Full Altar Dec. 31 Full Altar
July 2 Full Altar July 16 Half Altar July 30 Half Altar
Our St. Elizabeth House Ministry This is a great opportunity for someone who would like to manage an easy program from home...no cooking required!
We are still in need of someone to take over the St. Elizabeth ministry...the eight teams do the cooking...what is needed is someone to be in charge of the schedule, teams and reimbursements…
I know there is someone out there in the Trinity family who would just love to take this over! I am happy to talk to you if you would like to consider this ministry...Thank you! Evelyn Golden, [email protected] 860-573-7775
A Celebration of Faith through Music
Choral Evensong
Sunday, March 12 at 4:30 pm
Only once a year! This is the year to check it out! Don’t miss it!
Attendance at this service is growing every year! A service that is like no other…uncommon and exquisite.
Let the Trinity Festival Choir wrap you in a mix of traditional and contemporary music woven within the beautiful framework
of ancient Anglican worship.
Stephen Scarlato, from Immanuel Congregational Church, Hartford, joins us again this year as our guest organist and pianist!
English Tea Reception after the service!
Take a break from your hectic schedule. Let us transport you to a safe and soul searching place…
a perfect way to focus on Lent!
Invite a friend. Mark your calendars now!
2017 Evensong Rehearsal Schedule
Plus most Sun-days after church – Optional rehearsals, 11:30-12:30:
Especially if you need to miss a Thursday Especially for anyone who wants a little extra
Rehearsals will be tailored to those who show up!
Thursday January 19, 26
February 2, 9, 16, 23
7 - 8:15 pm
Monday February 27 7 - 9 pm (w/ Organist at 7:30)
Thursday March 2 7 – 8:15 pm
Monday (or Tues) March 6 (or 7) 7 - 9 pm (w/ Organist at 7:30)
Thursday March 9 7 - 8:30 pm logistics, etc.
Saturday March 11 9 am - noon (w/ Organist at 9:30)
Dress Rehearsal
Sunday March 12 Be here 3 pm. Evensong starts 4:30 pm.
Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching. We’ll have our annual Valentine’s Day table set up in the Narthex on Sunday January 22nd & 29th for you to write heart felt messages to the K.I.T. recipients. We will place hearts on each table at the Annual Parish meeting on January 29th. We’ll have lists of the names of our K.I.T. members displayed so you’ll know who we’re sending hearts to this year. Please take a moment to write an encouraging note - let’s fill those envelopes with beautiful hearts!!!
VALENTINE’s PACKAGING EVENT Sunday, February 5th after church (12:00pm)
in the Parish Hall Our next activities include: putting together an Easter package, and planning for the annual summer barbecue at the Lavallee’s house!
If you have any questions, suggestions or would like to join in on the fun, please contact:
Moe or Geri Lavallee at 860-651-4232 email [email protected]; Facebook: Geri Lavallee
K.I.t.
Keep In ouch
Open Letter To Our Trinity Family
On behalf of our entire family, we wanted to express deep and personal gratitude for the support provided us over this very difficult two year journey. As a result of a very serious accident our son was involved in, life changed for us and others one fateful night in March 2015. If it were not for abiding faith in our Savior and the unrelenting backing of our parish family, we find it hard to envision how we would have endured the sorrow, fear, and the waiting required for conclusion of this very tough chapter this past December.
During this time of pain and loss and a lot of reflection, we can tell you with full sincerity that our faith has only been affirmed. Just as you have lifted us up, we hope our sharing will bolster your confidence in these truths: ~ Do not dwell in the past – You can learn from the past, but don’t let it become your focus. Trust that God is doing something new in the present. (Isaiah 43: 18-19)
~ GOD never abandons us, no matter the circumstances. (Deuteronomy 31:8 and Romans 8: 38-39)
~ Listen and look closely for GOD in the dark times – Cling to the promise that he is present and will strengthen you. (Psalm 119:5 and Luke 1:78-79)
~ God is “Mighty to Save” – Regardless of the circumstances you find yourself in, put your full trust in the Lord. (Lamentations 3: 22-26 and Matthew 19:26)
As it turns out, GOD chose to answer our prayers and for that we are indescribably humbled, joyful and blessed. On behalf of our whole family, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being there.
By the time this is read, the service of Hope and Healing will have been held. A service that is gentle, soft and the whisper of the healing presence of our Lord is experienced. A time when Jesus comes down to touch the hearts and minds of those who have experienced a loss in their lives. Changes in our lives offer the opportunity to experience another dimension of the unconditional love that only Jesus can provide. All of us involved in the healing ministry look forward to another year of the privilege of praying for those in need. We pray you will avail yourselves of the opportunity to use the prayer chain, praying at the altar or the back of the church or the prayer box in the bell tower. Blessings, Pat
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
June 26-30, 2017
Sign-ups begin February 6th and end June 4th
The focus of VBS this year is: Created by God: Built for a Purpose! We believe that everyone is built differently so that they can worship God in their own unique way. Let’s bring our friends and help them learn that we are all unique because God built us that way! Volunteer Registration begins February 6th through the Trinity Website. We will also begin taking registration in the narthex once the website goes live. We are so excited for the decorations this year. We are going to be building simple machines and fun interactive decorations to turn Trinity into the Maker’s Fun Factory! If you would like to help with the decorations contact Geri Lavallee. Thank you! Manda Lavallee [email protected] 860-836-6129
Happy February! How did you do with my challenge from last month? Were you able to channel your focus into seeing the day for its possibilities and not its challenges? Let’s continue working on that this month. Remember: as a family we are to guide our children to a full life in Christ. One way to do this is to focus on the positives, focus on the bigger picture; that is Jesus’ work in the world. This is one tangible way to do that.
Calendar:
February 5th- Regular Sunday School
February 12th- DIGG Church
February 19th- Regular Sunday School
February 26th- Regular Sunday School
March 5th- Regular Sunday School
March 12th- DIGG Church
March 19th- Regular Sunday School
March 26th- Regular Sunday School
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
January was a very busy month, as usual. This month the
youth programs are going to settle back into a regular rou-
tine, for the most part. We are going to celebrate the Super
Bowl with an Epic Game Day on February 5th! This is so
Epic we had to push the time to 4:30-6pm to give enough
time for set up. This is a middle and high school event.
We also have the Paint Nite Fundraiser on February 22nd. As of this writing we have 13
people signed up. A portion of the proceeds go straight into the youth fund, which helps
cover the cost of the mission trip and some of the youth events!
Keep an eye out for more information on the boys and girls dinners coming up in
March!
Coming up!!
February 4th- Valentine’s Day Dance
February 5th- SHYG- 9:45 to 11am- Game Day 4:30-6pm
February 12th- SHYG- 9:45 to 11am MSYG 11:30- 1pm
February 19th- No Youth Group
February 26th- SHYG- 9:45 to 11am MSYG 11:30- 1pm
March 5th- SHYG- 9:45 to 11am MSYG 11:30- 1pm
March 12th- SHYG- 9:45 to 11am MSYG 11:30- 1pm
March 19th- No Youth Group- Boys and Girls Dinners
March 26th- SHYG- 9:45 to 11am MSYG 11:30- 1pm
Trinity Church Prayer Calendar ~ February 2017
February is the month of candy, flowers and cards when showing our love to others. The Greek word for God’s love is AGAPE, which includes the idea of being “sacrificial and unconditional in nature.” The Lord unselfishly gives Himself to us in order to bring about good and blessing in our lives. AGAPE not only originates from Him; it is essential to His being. It is His nature…1 John 4:8 tells us, “God is love”. The best way to learn about God’s immeasurable love is to examine how Jesus interacted with various people when He lived on earth.
February 5th – Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (TLB)…..That is what is meant by the Scriptures which say that no mere man has ever seen, heard, or even imagined what wonderful things God has ready for those who love the Lord. But we know about these things because God has sent his Spirit to tell us, and his Spirit searches out and shows us all of God’s deepest secrets.
Whenever God speaks to us, His first goal is that we may comprehend the truth. He desires that we fully understand the meaning. God has given His Holy Spirit to each of us. As believers, we can have a personal relationship with the Father because the Spirit lives within us. He knows the mind of God perfectly, and He communicates to our spirits the truth God wants us to hear. He wants us to grow in three primary areas.
The truth about Himself…..God wants us to fully grasp His majesty, holiness, power, love, grace, and joy. When we begin to comprehend these mighty truths about the person of God, we find our lives enriched, enabled, and energized.
The truth about ourselves….God wants us to realize our part in His eternal plan. But most of all, He wants us to know our position in Christ. Since we are one with Him, all of His divine privileges become ours. Our names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, and this ensures our eternal status as God’s children.
The truth about other people…God wants us to view people as His chosen instruments and His creations.
Heavenly Father, help us to understand the truth of who You are so that we can gain a better understanding of ourselves as well as others. Help us to become thoroughly equipped to be fruitful, productive servants here on earth. In Your Son’s name we pray….
February 12th – Sixth Sunday after Epiphany
Romans 12:9-10 …..“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other” (NLT).
From Rick Warren:
If you want lasting change in your life, you must fill your life with love. Love is the only thing that can change the unchangeable. Love invigorates……Love revitalizes…… Love renews….. Love refreshes. Love is the most powerful force in the universe, because God is love. It doesn’t say He has love; it says He is love. Love heals what cannot otherwise be healed…. Love uplifts….. Love strengthens….Love energizes….. Love empowers.
“Take delight in honoring each other” — I love that! You know what that means? It means when people in your small group have a win in health, finances, or any goal they’ve set, you need to celebrate with them. Celebrate their wins. You lost two more pounds? Congratulations! You got a little bit out of debt? Fantastic! You had a breakthrough in your marriage? Terrific! The Bible says to take delight in honoring each other and to show genuine affection. Here’s the amazing thing: God has wired the universe so that when you help other people, God takes care of your problems. God is looking down on you not to say, “Are you helping yourself?” but “Are you helping others?” Do you want help with your goals? Start helping other people with their goals. Give yourself away. There is healing in giving back.
Remember the story of Job where he lost everything? He lost his health, he lost his family, he lost his wealth. He lost it all. At the end of the book, God gave it all back to Job. Why? Because Job prayed for himself? No. It says, “After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before” (Job 42:10 NIV).
Why do you need to be in a small group? Not just so other people can help you, but so you can help them. So you can pray for those people, and then God can help you. Give yourself away in love, and then watch God work in your life.
February 19th – Seventh Sunday after Epiphany
Psalm 106:1 Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.
From Daily Bread
In June 2015, the city of Paris removed forty-five tons of padlocks from the railings of the Pont des Arts pedestrian bridge. As a romantic gesture, couples would etch their initials onto a lock, attach it to the railing, click in shut, and throw the key into the River Seine.
After this ritual was repeated thousands of times, the bridge could no longer bear the weight of so much “love”. Eventually the city, fearing for the integrity of the bridge, removed the “love locks.”
The locks were meant to symbolize everlasting love, but human love does not always last. The closest of friends may offend each other and never resolve their differences. Family members may argue and refuse to forgive. A husband and wife may drift so far apart that they can’t remember why they once decided to marry. Human love can be fickle.
But there is one constant and enduring love….the love of God. “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever,” proclaims Psalms 106:1. The promises of the unfailing and everlasting nature of God’s love are found throughout Scripture. And the greatest proof of this love is the death of His Son so that those who put their faith in Him can live eternally. And nothing will ever separate us from His love (Rom 8:38-39) Isn’t it amazing that we are locked into God’s love forever?
Heavenly Father, we are so ever grateful for Your unending love. We are locked into Your love by the Holy Spirit who is living in us.
February 26th – Last Sunday after Epiphany
2 Peter 1:20-21….No prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
At one time, Peter thought Christ’s mission was to free Israel from the grasp of the Romans. Yet Jesus’ purpose was far greater than that….He came to free mankind from sin and death. Just as no one could have predicted the way by which God would save the world, so we should not presume to know how He will fulfill His promise to us.
Heavenly Father help us to always remember that You are always in control and that we always get the best from You even though we sometimes don’t understand. We walk by faith and not by sight. In Your Son’s Name we pray….
Schedule of Weekly Events
Sunday: 8:00 am and 9:45 am Worship Services
Sunday School 9:45 am
5:00 pm Worship in the Chapel
Monday: Men’s Bible Study - 7:00 pm in the Library
Tuesday: Tuesday Morning Bible Study – 10:00 am in the Library
Wednesday: Holy Communion - 7 am in the Chapel,
followed by a Fellowship Breakfast
Thursday: St. Gregory Choir Rehearsal - 7-9 pm
Contemporary Choir Rehearsal - at 6 pm
Saturday: St. Elizabeth House Ministry - contact Evelyn Golden at 651-4911
