DECEMBER 2015 The Commitment - Trinity Rochestertrcroc.org/NL/December2015.pdf · candlelight...
Transcript of DECEMBER 2015 The Commitment - Trinity Rochestertrcroc.org/NL/December2015.pdf · candlelight...
DECEMBER 2015
Volume 23 No. 4
A ministry of the Reformed
Church in America
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Adult Ed. Offering 4
Angel Tree 3
Bible Study date 6
Birthdays & Anniversaries 6
Book Review 5
Calendar 7
Communion Listening Times 6
Communion Offerings 2
Consistory 2&3
Friends in Fellowship 6
Lectionary 4
Pastor’s Message 2
Quiet Christmas 4
TRWM 6
Undecorating Church 6
Deadline for January
issue: December 15
Jana DiPiazza, Secretary:
Email: [email protected]
Carl Warn, Editor
The Commitment Newsletter of TRINITY REFORMED CHURCH Seeking HIS Light… Reflecting HIS Love
Each Sunday evening of Advent at 7:00 pm
(11/30 thru 12/21),join us for a meditative time of
scripture, prayer, song, and communion.
On Christmas Eve (Dec.24 at 7:30 pm) there is a
candlelight service of lessons and carols.
December 12 is the date of
the tenth annual offering of “Cookies
good enough to give as a gift,” plus
floral arrangements for your holiday
table, jams, jellies, pickles, salsa and
candy made into baskets at your
request or sold separately for gifts.
Prices this year are bulk cookies at
$8 per pound and small, medium, and large pre-made trays priced at $6,
$13.50, and $18.50 respectively.
Invite your friends and neighbors to attend. Thanks in advance for your support.
See Jacquie Greene or Margaret DeLeeuw if you have questions or want to
place advance orders for trays.
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He who made the starry skies
Sleeping in a manger lies
Ruler of the centuries
Humbly clad, the King of kings,
Joys of heav'n to earth he brings,
Sweet above all earthly things.
I found those words in a collection of carols on my bookshelf. They are a
translation of a 15th century carol, originally in Latin, written by some nuns
of a British monastery in Chester. I like these words because they so nicely
express the beautiful contrasts that are embedded in the Christmas message:
divinity in humanity, the creator donning creatureliness, the unlimited
bowing to limits.
These contrasts are so deep, so powerful, so joyful. For how great it is, that
the Eternal Word should be spoken through the cries of a newborn boy, first
to a young woman and her fiance, later to poor shepherds, and only much
later to rulers and other powerful people. How great it is, that the Wisdom of
the ages would walk among the people, instructing the foolish and
confounding the wise. How great it is, that the Word present at the birth of
all worlds would himself choose to be born.
On his mother's breast he lies,
She will kiss him if he cries,
Ruler of the earth and skies.
The contrasts are deep and powerful, and they may, if we listen, inspire in us
great joy. They may, if we listen, lead us to lift up our eyes above the
trappings of a too familiar and commercialized Christmas.
Many years ago, I saved something called “A Christmas Creed.” I don’t
know who wrote it, or how I came upon it. It is, I think, worth pondering
and celebrating, for its contrasts and joy.
I believe in Jesus, who brought glory to a little town called Bethlehem,
and who still brings joy in our day to towns both great and small.
I believe in this one for whom the crowded inn could find no room.
I believe in the one persecuted by the powerful, misunderstood by the
proud, yet welcomed by the lowly and those with hungry hearts.
I believe in this one whose power he made known in weakness, whose
cradle was a mother’s arms, and whose modest home had love as its
only treasure.
I believe in him who loved the unlovable, who welcomed wayward
sheep back into the fold, and who lifted up our weakness into the strong
arms of God.
I believe in this one, the God-man, who gives of himself for the
glory of God and for our salvation.
I believe in Jesus, son of the living God, born in Bethlehem for me and
for the world. Amen.
May God bless you richly in these blessed seasons of Advent and Christmas.
Christ’s Peace,
Pastor Dan
Upcoming Communion Offerings:
December – Pastor’s Grace Fund
January – Grace Ministries
.2015 Consistory
Minister of Word & Sacrament:
The Rev. Dr. Dan Griswold
Elders: Janice Cleary
Ted DeSoto
Greg Halsey, Clerk
Sharon Hann, VP
Jean Reeves
Susan Staples
Deacons:
Ben Cooper
Sue DeVuyst
Chuck DiPiazza
Bonnie Harris
Ted Marston
Mary Robinson ~ ~ ~
Treasurer: Marge Magans
Benevolence Secr’y: Steve Letter
Financial Secr’y: Greg Halsey
Consistory Member
for the Week: December 6 – Jean Reeves
December 13 – Greg Halsey
December 20 – Ben Cooper
December 27 – TBD
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At the Annual meeting several members and groups
were recognized for their service:
Steve Letter and his work investigating
Insurance and Government agency issues and
his work maintaining the sound and computer
systems.
TRWM for providing reception assistance for
memorial and funeral services.
Marge Magans for her work as Treasurer.
John Bernard for his help with Missions and
Church maintenance and repair.
Sam Manuele and other volunteers for the
“Come to Dinner” ministry.
Jacquie Greene for her organizing and
leadership with the Strawberry Festival, Harvest
Dinner and Cookie Sale.
Sue DeVuyst and Larry Scheerens for their work
closing the Brighton accounts and finance
duties.
Carl Warn as Editor of the monthly newsletter.
Jana DiPiazza who assists the Pastor in the
ministries of Trinity.
Linda King for her diligent cleaning
maintenance of the Church.
Petra Letter for her love of children and her
service as Nursery attendant
Alexis VanZalen for her work with the music
program.
Norma Koper and Margaret DeLeeuw with the
Cookie Sale.
Eileen Midavaine for the lovely gardens.
Bell Choir’s addition to our worship service.
Leaders of the Bible Studies; Sam and Anita
Manuale, Jana DiPiazza, Herb and Marion
Spencer, Phil and Patti Peters, Christine Perec.
Greg Halsey, Consistory Clerk
Congratulations
To the newly elected members of the 2016 Consistory:
Deacons: Bonnie Magin, Mary Robinson, and Larry Scheerens
Elders: Ed Allatt and Pat Peters
and
Thank you to those completing their
service on the active consistory who will now be joining Trinity’s great consistory:
Deacons: Sue DeVuyst, Bonnie Harris, and Ted Marston
Elders: Janice Cleary, Jean Reeves, and Susan Staples
The tree in the sanctuary has the names of children for
whom we will be providing Christmas gifts. Thanks for
taking one or more angels from the tree. When you take
the angel, please sign the sheet next to the
number/name(s) that you have taken. There is a limit of
$25 per child – please keep in mind as we want to be
fair in families where more than one child will be
receiving one of our presents. If the item specified is too
costly or you aren’t sure on music or electronics, it is
alright to purchase a $25 WalMart or Target Card that
can be wrapped and given to the child. Every gift must
be returned to Trinity by SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13.
Please affix the cardboard tag to the package. Thanks
for being an angel, too.
If you need help shopping, contact Sam Manuele for
assistance.
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New Epiphany and Lent Adult Education
Offering
“Eat This Book” This was the word of God to his prophet Ezekiel (Ezek.
3:1): take this book, consume it. It will nourish you for
your life and ministry.
Christians, especially Protestants, have always believed
that there are three essential practices for our spiritual
nourishment: attending worship, praying daily, and
reading the Bible each day. But we’ve gotten little
instruction in how to read our Bibles in a way that
would nourish us. Some have randomly opened their
Bibles for a “verse for the day” (This is not
recommended). Some others have determined to read
their Bibles from beginning to end but have given up in
the midst of the legal details of Leviticus or the
genealogies in Numbers (Not really recommended
either).
But reading the Bible in these ways is probably not
what God had in mind. This six-week course will
consider how to read the Bible in ways that will nourish
us for our Christian lives. We will consider matters like:
What’s the difference between a historical and a
spiritual reading of the Bible? How to we select
passages for nourishing reading? How do we reflect on
a text spiritually? We will experiment with reading
selected texts spiritually.
This class will overlap the first Sundays in Lent, and
might be useful for preparing us for our Lenten reading
and prayers.
We will meet in the Lounge after worship beginning on
Sunday, January 10th. Join us!
January 10th: “Eat This Book”: Reading the Bible
for Nourishment
January 17th: Suggestions for Reading the Bible
Devotionally
January 24th: Picking a Reading Plan
January 31st: Praying the Psalms
February 7th: Reading the Gospels Devotionally
February 14th: Integrating Scripture into our Prayers
Readings from the Revised Common Lectionary YEAR C
Second Sunday of Advent, December 6:
Malachi 3:1-4; Luke 1:68-79; Philippians 1:3-11;
Luke 3:1-6
Third Sunday of Advent, December 13:
Zephaniah 3:14-20; Isaiah 12:2-6; Philippians 4:4-7;
Luke 3:7-18
Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 20:
Micah 5:2-5a; Luke 1:46b-55 or Psalm 80:1-7;
Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45, (46-55)
First Sunday after Christmas Day, December 27:
1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26; Psalm 148;
Colossians 3:12-17; Luke 2:41-52
The Longest Night,
the Brightest Hope A Time of Healing, Sharing and Remembrance
Quiet Christmas: For over 20 years, the First
Reformed Church in Sodus, 18 Maple Ave. has held
a service for all who have lost a loved one, or may be in
mourning, or simply seeking peace and comfort amidst
the rush in this holiday time. This year it is on Sunday
Dec. 13 at 3:00 P.M. featuring Christmas readings,
quiet songs, time for remembrance and fellowship with
like-minded people. To know more or get directions,
call Pastor John Eichenberger, (315) 483-4026.
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CHRISTIAN BOOK REVIEW
by Marion Crump Spencer
Timothy Keller, whom Newsweek called the C.S. Lewis for the twentieth century, offers a unique
perspective of Jesus’ most renowned parable. The Prodigal God-Recovering the Heart of the
Christian Faith uncovers the meaning behind the message of this parable. Like most of Jesus’
illustrations, the intended audience was much broader than initially surmised. Keller illuminates
cultural nuances and theological insights which expose the deeper meaning than what is typically
revealed.
Keller plumbs the setting, personalities, and the motivations of all the characters in this parable.
Though his treatment is exhaustive, it is never tedious. In the introduction, Keller shares his
target audience which includes seekers and longtime believers. He presents the story found in the book of Luke in the
fifteenth chapter as it is written in the Bible. He offers a little used definition of the word “prodigal”. Then he proceeds
to delve into the meaning of the words. He initially points out that our tendency is to focus on the wayward brother’s
story even though there are clearly two brothers in the Bible. That’s when the fascinating education begins.
Through scriptural references and illustrations the reader is pressed to align oneself with one of the two brothers. Jesus
intends for that to be the basis for our transformation. Seekers and new believers easily align themselves with the
wayward, rebellious son. We all come to Christ with repentant hearts and are amazed at the love and acceptance found in
Him. But if we are already obedient and faithful in all our dealings, how can we accept and forgive the son whom we feel
is spiritually inferior to us? Keller spends the lion’s share of his treatment on this situation.
Even though he has followed all the rules, the elder son is also alienated from the Father. Keller even suggests that Jesus
told the parable for these elder brothers, the scribes and the Pharisees. Their self-righteous, judgmental attitudes and
treatment of their younger brothers grieves God as in the parable. The book’s section entitled “Why People Like Jesus
but Not the Church” addresses this. Keller then explores the types of people who are attracted to churches. “If the
preaching of our ministers and the practice of our parishioners do not have the same effect on people that Jesus had, then
we must not be declaring the same message that Jesus did.” This quote implies that our churches are filled with elder
brothers who will not be able to fulfill the Great Commission as Jesus instructed.
Though such strong proclamations convict us, Keller presents workable solutions and a sense of hope. I strongly
recommend this work for reflection and discussion. It is time we are about our Father’s business of saving souls.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit, …” Matthew 28: 19
Small packages, big things!
Remember that candy commercial declaring, “Big things come in small packages”? The prophet’s
message to tiny Bethlehem is similar: “Though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of
you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel” (Micah 5:2, NIV).
We’ve all felt too small for a certain role: too little to play with the big kids … too skinny to
make the football team … short on the skills needed for a choice assignment. Perhaps we fear
our gift of money is too little to make a difference, or the small amount of time we can
volunteer isn’t even worth it.
But God brings big things out of “small packages.” From a newborn baby — merely six to eight
pounds of helplessness — God brought salvation for the whole world. Rest assured, he’ll do big things through you, too.
6
BBBiiirrrttthhhdddaaayyysss
12/2 Emma Meerdink
12/3 Christopher Griswold
12/5 Jay Meerdink
12/5 Larry Scheerens
12/6 Marge Magans
12/7 Bob Hann
12/7 Carol McCarthy
12/12 Joan Bernhard
12/12 Herb Spencer
12/16 Edith DeBack
12/16 Carl Warn
12/17 Georgianna Becker
12/18 Dan Griswold
12/19 Christine Bricault
12/19 Toby Meerdink
12/19 Christine Perec
12/24 Kristin Shuman
12/25 Jesus, our Savior
12/26 Melody Bricault
12/26 Marion Spencer
12/29 Nathan Bixler
12/30 Diane Rutherford
AAAnnnnnniiivvveeerrrsssaaarrriiieeesss
12/17 Ralph & Elizabeth Dalton –
1960
12/19 Ted & Evelyn DeSoto
12/28 Jack & Annette DeWolf –
1953
If we are missing your birthday
or anniversary, please contact the
church office with that
information.
Just a reminder that we shall be
meeting on Friday, December 4th
for our annual Christmas
Luncheon at Monroe’s on Monroe
Avenue at 12 noon. If anyone
wishes to carpool, please meet in
the church parking lot at 11:30 AM.
Please sign up on the sheet on the
bulletin board next to the office.
ALSO TRWM will be collecting
used medicine bottles which we
shall mail to Indianapolis where
they will be shipped over to the
Third World countries. Please see
the box in the Narthex.
A reminder also we are still
collecting the covers from any
greeting cards you may have.
Please place in separate box in the
Narthex. Thank you.
Liz Dalton
Listening Sessions:
where participants will be able to
speak and listen to others
concerning communion – Tuesday
December 1, 7:00 pm and
Saturday December 5, 10:00 am
FFFrrriiieeennndddsss iiinnn
FFFeeellllllooowwwssshhhiiippp
Sunday, December 6th. Friends & Fellowship will be holding a pot luck luncheon on Sunday, December 6th immediately following worship. Alexis has agreed to lead us in a few Christmas Carols. A sign up list will be posted on the bulleting board asking what you will bring ( casserole, vegetable/salad or dessert) Please bring your plates & silverware. If you should have any questions, please call me (Phil Peters) at 943-1482. Thanks & see you there.
Undecorate Church Saturday, January 2 at 9:30 am
Bible Study at the Manuele's Home
December 4
On the Friday evenings that we
meet at our home, we start at 7
p.m. and conclude at 8:30 p.m.
News of the Trinity Church Family
[Type here]
Trinity Reformed Church 909 Landing Road North ROCHESTER, NEW YORK 14625
The Commitment
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