the dragonfly - Trinity United Church, Huntsville, Ontario · striking dragonfly banner made by...

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Our Derek by Julie Brushey In the short weeks since the death of our friend and former pastor Reverend Derek, much has been written in the local media about his involvement in theatre groups, Hospice Huntsville and other community initiatives such as Improv and Spirit Café. Only we at Trinity know, however, what it meant, both collectively and as individuals, to experience Derek’s ministry as parishioners and participants in Sunday morning worship services. Our spiritual development was his focus and he often reminded us of the difference between spirituality and the trappings of “religion”. We knew Derek as an introvert, quiet and unassuming, who kept much of his personal life private, but was always ready to listen to our life challenges. In the pulpit, however, Derek came alive. That was, I guess, all part and parcel of his love of theatre. He was an actor with a clear message. He had a great sense of humour and could laugh at himself and life’s incongruities. The other day I was at my regular Book Club meeting. It is a group of Trinity and non-Trinity women. After we had discussed the book, one person suggested we go around the room and each tell a story about our connection with Derek. When it was my turn, from somewhere in the recesses of my mind, the following story popped out: I did not have a nickname as a child. When I was in university a new friend who grew to be a close friend started calling me “Jules”. My father, upon hearing Cheryl call me that, began to call me “Jules” too. It was, I knew, a term of endearment. Then, upon my father’s death, the name was gone. Until, that is, Derek arrived at Trinity and I was Jules again. I sensed it was said with fondness. I was touched by that and it cemented an easy friendship. I encourage you to continue to share your own stories of Derek with each other. Together we can create a rich tapestry of memories. At the time of Derek’s retirement, the Huntsville Doppler wrote, “It is Shelly’s hope that as he steps down from his duty as minister, the people of Trinity United Church continue their spiritual growth and willingness to accept challenges.” May it be so. Trinity United Church 33 Main St E., Huntsville, ON, P1H 2B8 Rev. Murray Rounding 705-789-5660 [email protected] www.trinityunitedchurchhuntsville.weebly.com Trinity United Church Huntsville - December 2019 1 Fourth Edition | December 2019 The Dragonfly In this Edition… Our Derek Celebrating 150 years Improv Have you heard of the Door? Trinity’s proposed Mission Statement Frosty Fair photos! Remembrance Day findings Coffee House photos A Thank You note! A Sunday morning story From our Minister ….And more! Because of the special content in this issue and the number of photos, it was decided to produce it in colour and we thank the Trinity Choir for underwriting the printing cost. Enjoy! Follow us on Facebook! Wishing each of you A Christmas with many blessings and a New Year full of hope! Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all…

Transcript of the dragonfly - Trinity United Church, Huntsville, Ontario · striking dragonfly banner made by...

Page 1: the dragonfly - Trinity United Church, Huntsville, Ontario · striking dragonfly banner made by Lynda Griffin, with thanks to her for sharing this work both for the dinner and the

Our Derek by Julie Brushey

In the short weeks since the death of our friend and former pastorReverend Derek, much has been written in the local media about hisinvolvement in theatre groups, Hospice Huntsville and other communityinitiatives such as Improv and Spirit Café. Only we at Trinity know,however, what it meant, both collectively and as individuals, toexperience Derek’s ministry as parishioners and participants in Sundaymorning worship services. Our spiritual development was his focus andhe often reminded us of the difference between spirituality and thetrappings of “religion”.

We knew Derek as an introvert, quiet and unassuming, who kept much ofhis personal life private, but was always ready to listen to our lifechallenges. In the pulpit, however, Derek came alive. That was, I guess, allpart and parcel of his love of theatre. He was an actor with a clearmessage. He had a great sense of humour and could laugh at himself andlife’s incongruities.

The other day I was at my regular Book Club meeting. It is a group ofTrinity and non-Trinity women. After we had discussed the book, oneperson suggested we go around the room and each tell a story about ourconnection with Derek. When it was my turn, from somewhere in therecesses of my mind, the following story popped out:

I did not have a nickname as a child. When I was in university a new friendwho grew to be a close friend started calling me “Jules”. My father, uponhearing Cheryl call me that, began to call me “Jules” too. It was, I knew, aterm of endearment. Then, upon my father’s death, the name was gone.Until, that is, Derek arrived at Trinity and I was Jules again. I sensed it wassaid with fondness. I was touched by that and it cemented an easyfriendship.

I encourage you to continue to share your own stories of Derek with eachother. Together we can create a rich tapestry of memories.

At the time of Derek’s retirement, the Huntsville Doppler wrote, “It isShelly’s hope that as he steps down from his duty as minister, the peopleof Trinity United Church continue their spiritual growth and willingness toaccept challenges.” May it be so.

Trinity United Church33 Main St E.,

Huntsville, ON, P1H 2B8

Rev. Murray Rounding705-789-5660

[email protected]

www.trinityunitedchurchhuntsville.weebly.com

Trinity United Church Huntsville - December 2019 1

Fourth Edition | December 2019

The Dragonfly

In this Edition…

❖ Our Derek❖ Celebrating 150 years❖ Improv❖ Have you heard of the Door?❖ Trinity’s proposed Mission

Statement❖ Frosty Fair photos!❖ Remembrance Day findings❖ Coffee House photos❖ A Thank You note!❖ A Sunday morning story❖ From our Minister

….And more!

Because of the special content in this issue and the number of

photos, it was decided to produce it in colour and we thank the Trinity Choir for

underwriting the printing cost.Enjoy!

Follow us on Facebook!

Wishing each of you

A Christmas with many

blessings and a New Year

full of hope!

Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all…

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Missed the sermon last week? Check out our website.

Upcoming events? Check our bulletin boards and the website

Interested in weekly activities? See online under ‘Sermons and Announcements’

In the pews for you: Trinity’s ‘Welcome’ Brochure, PAR information, Guest Offering envelopes

Need to rent some space? See Trinity’s website under ‘About/Rentals’

And everything else: give Trinity’s Church Administrator, Suzy, a call at 705-789-5660

Trinity United Church Huntsville - December 2019 2

Celebrating

150 years of Worship in Huntsville

A celebration evening organized by Trinity’s Transition Team, with a full roast beef dinner catered by the Family Place, was held on Saturday, October 26th, 2019.

An archival display featured historical records and artifacts from Trinity’s early years, highlighting Trinity’s history in the community.

Julie Brushey, Chair of Council, offered opening remarks; the late Reverend Derek Shelly led a toast to Trinity’s long-standing past in Huntsville, and Kim Lambert and Nadya Tarasoff gave a blessing before our meal. Reverend Murray Rounding concluded the evening by introducing the Transition Team and with a benediction.

The table décor was beautiful, donated from the Mitchell’s 50th wedding anniversary held a couple of weeks before. The evening was well attended and, of particular note, was a striking dragonfly banner made by Lynda Griffin, with thanks to her for sharing this work both for the dinner and the Anniversary Service the next day.

The Dragonfly continues to remind us of our journey through our transition time, symbolizing change, transformation, wisdom, light and adaptability in life.

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Communicating with our Trinity Folks Thelma Beaudry

It doesn’t feel like all that long ago I was writing to welcome everyone to a new look and new name for Trinity’s newsletter. The Communications Committee had three goals when they launched the Dragonfly: to keep you up to

date on what the committees were doing, to report back on the activities and fundraisers that were held and to give you, the congregation, space to write about what feels good about Trinity.

As I review the last three editions, I feel that we have been successful in meeting those goals. We can read about how our community came together to worship and share a meal at Trinity’s outdoor service and picnic, how some

of us learned how to line dance together, how we helped feed the community through our work with the Table Soup Kitchen and our Souper Sandwich Lunch program. The Transition Team reports have kept us up to date on the process of transition. Various programs like the Scouts, Therapeutic Touch and Improv have shared with us

what they can accomplish when they have access to our space. We were educated about how important Trinity was in the creation of affordable housing units for Huntsville. These are just representative samples of what was found within the editions of the Dragonfly. To me, it is a sampling of how wonderful our community is. We can safely give ourselves credit for how well we work together to support each other and the community around us.

I’d like to thank our Team: Lynda Arnold, Suzette Nelson, Marion Nichols and Zelda Dwyer, for all that they contribute. Bulletin boards, pew information holders, websites, email information blasts etc. all magically get done courtesy of this group of wonderful women. I’d also like to again thank Heather Hockin for stepping up to help us

during this transition. At the foundation of all we do is Suzy Simson. She is always there to support our work.

This is your newsletter and I hope you have become familiar with our new focus. Please feel free to contribute if you’d like to talk about what makes you feel connected to Trinity.Wishing each and everyone of you a wonderful Christmas and New Year filled with ‘goodwill’!

Trinity United Church Huntsville - December 2019 3

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MITCHELL FUNERAL HOME15 High St, Huntsville, ON P1H 1N9

705-789-5252 www.mitchellfuneralhome.ca

Muskoka’s only family-owned and operated Funeral Home

“Proud members of Trinity”

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Trinity United Church Huntsville - December 2019 4

Check out their website to view all of their current programs! http://www.huntsvilleyfc.ca/

A future built on pro-active approaches…Marcy Hill, the new Director, does things differently. She believes in reaching out and inclusivity. To do this, she has an ambitious and enterprising cache of resources, including a willing group of volunteers and a ton of youth-specialized experience. She has an award-winning attitude and her ability to connect with youth about God is unparalleled. Marcy does not want to wait for a youth to be in crisis before they come to know God. She wants all youth to come to God in a safe, loving way. With Twisted Stitches, they talk while learning how to knit. Atomic Youth experience programming in a variety of means while in a co-ed environment. Free lunches for the high school kids allow for seed planting. Check it out!

FundscripHelp make a difference at Trinity.

Use Fundscrip cards to buy your groceries, gas, office supplies,

repairs and renovations.A wide variety of cards are available!

Order your cardsby the first Sunday of each month.

Order forms are available on the Trinity website’s homepage,

or from Fran Mitchell 705-789-2062. Thanks for your support!

‘We are Trinity… called to be an inspiring, Spirit-filled community, reaching out to all

and welcoming diversity.’

The Transition Team members are Rev Murray Rounding, our Interim Minister, Shane Baker, Thelma Beaudry, Jane Booker, Jim Miller, Lynn Smith, Nancy Waxl, and Lynda Arnold and Will Gibson, Co Chairs. Our Regional Reps are Rev Nina Fulford and Rev Steve Willey.

Over this past year you have given us a lot of information! The sheets posted now on the Trinity Hall walls display some of the work completed during this first year.

This will be ‘old’ news by the time this issue comes out and hopefully our new Mission statement will be in place!

The proposed Mission Statement at the time of writing is:

We appreciated your input and comments!

As we move into this second year of transition, we look forward to working with you on Trinity’s Vision and continuing preparations to call a new minister.

We all wish each of you a Christmas filled with blessings and we look forward to an exciting new year at Trinity.

Trinity’s Transition Team

It’s a beautiful day in the neighbourhood!

A gathering space for youth, the Door is run under the auspices of YFC (Youth For Christ) by two dedicated staff who are responsible for securing the majority of their own salaries through fundraising efforts and ongoing commitment donations from caring benefactors. The Door is busier than ever. The need is greater than ever. What better investment than youth? Even more so, LOCAL youth!

Have you

heard of the

Door?

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Trinity United Church Huntsville - December 2019 5

Our Church Council and Transition Team both identified the need to make the entrances to Trinity more welcoming. Here is that vision in action as the old wooden slats come down and reveal the accessible west entrance.

ImprovOur Trinity United Church provides various programs to our community. IMPROV is one of these. The tools of improvisation help us in our daily relationships: to Trust, Accept, Listen and Let go. Some of these TALL goals are illustrated in the following photos.

There is no limit to the imagination or to the enjoyment and learning we have together.

We meet every Tuesday evening in the Hearth Room from 7:00-8:30 PM. We invite you to come, participate or just watch and be entertained. For further information, please contact our liaison, Kim Lambert, at 705-789-2869 or [email protected].

The group is playing ‘Taxi Driver’. The person who is picked up has a unique trait – speaks gibberish, or carries trained mice, or is looking for their wandering parent, etc. The other passengers must observe this behavior carefully and act in accord with that pattern until the next person is picked up. Then the pattern changes again. Imagination is allowed to run rampant. We’ve even had visitors from alien planets catch a taxi. Of course, it was difficult to understand what they were saying or what they held in their hand. But we managed!

These three people must improvise a changing scene in which one person is seated, one person stands, and one is bent over. They must give a rationale for the position they are in. This group has chosen to

be in a shoe store. At this point the standing person is selling shoes to the seated person while the child looks on. Soon the child will

become the saleslady, the salesman will become the purchaser, the seated person becomes the child. The actors rotate. The scene

continues.

Where ever there are lights

and sound, you’ll find

Alastair Dunlop!

Thanks,

Alastair!

Peace Joy Love Hope

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Trinity United Church Huntsville - December 2019 6

Posted by Derek Pullen on Trinity’s Facebook page:

In June I visited the town of Huntsville, Ontario as it's a lovely town and has a few nice bars and restaurants on the water. As we walked around, we discovered that Trinity United Church Huntsville Ontario Canada had their doors open. Never one to miss the chance that there may be a military memorial that I have missed, we went into the church and looked around. We saw one plaque so we went to the office to ask if they had any Rolls of Honour since we did not see them.

Trinity’s Frosty Fair – Saturday, November 2nd, 2019With special thanks to all who contributed, prepared, worked, served and attended!

We met Reverend Murray Rounding who had recently come to Huntsville. During our discussion, the Reverend said that one of his long term projects was to complete the research into the community members who would have been on the Rolls of Honour that had been destroyed decades ago during a major fire at the church.

This sounded like an interesting challenge and I offered my assistance to help in the research. I've photographed and documented many Rolls of Honour and have a nice collection of my own. I've also done research into hundreds of soldier records so I considered I had a good idea of what I was getting myself into.

Of course the challenge is simple enough. Track down all the names of people from Huntsville who served during both wars. One saving grace for this project was that the local paper, the Huntsville Forester, had been digitized and recently enough to have an effective search engine. From the September 19th, 1919 issue of the Huntsville Forester, the paper asked the community to review the list of names they had of those whom they believed had served during the war.

Our thanks to Derek for this special listing in time for Trinity’s Remembrance Day Service!

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Thank You

to our business supporters for their presence!

Please return the favour by supporting them!

If you have a business and would like to have your ad displayed in our

newsletter, please contact

Lynda Arnold at [email protected]

Trinity United Church Huntsville - December 2019 7

“Do unto others

as you would have them do unto you”…➢ If you lived alone, wouldn't a visit or a phone

call provide a needed connection to community?

➢ If you were sick, wouldn't a friendly visit or phone call lift your spirits?

➢ If you were grieving or dying, having someone walk beside you might be the bright light of the day and perhaps a prayer shawl would comfort you.

➢ If you were physically challenged to connect with others, could a small spiritual group in your home be of benefit?

➢ If you were lonely, would a visit or a phone call help?

➢ If you were in transition from a hospital to home/retirement home/ long term care/ hospice, would having someone follow you in that journey provide comfort?

➢ If you were living in a seniors’ residence with limited mobility, would music or a chapel service on site be nurturing for you?

The Pastoral Care team at Trinity is supporting members of the church in these various ways, out in the community. This is an important aspect of the Christian community at Trinity because as Christians we are called to serve others when they are in need, seeing the face of Christ in each person and offering our spiritual gifts as we are able.

Under the leadership of our Pastoral Care Coordinator, Karen Hamra, 10 Pastoral Care volunteers serve about 50 Trinity members. As well, we are fortunate to have musical performances and chapel services, with music accompaniment, at the seniors’ residences supported by volunteer Trinity musicians and retired clergy.

We are honoured to be given this opportunity and hope we are serving our members well. It is heartwarming to see the smiles on the faces of those we visit and hear expressions of gratitude. If you or someone you know would like some support, please call Suzy at the church office 705 789 5660 and we would be happy to connect with you.

Warm blessings from the Pastoral Care Team

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Trinity United Church Huntsville - December 2019 8

From Trinity’s Outreach Committee

‘Tis the time of year when your Outreach Committeeappreciates the goodwill of our church family in supportingfamilies who need a little extra help at Christmas. The hats,mitts and socks collected, along with afghans for a littleextra warmth during this cold season, will be placed underour Christmas tree on White Gift Sunday, December 15th.These White Gifts can also be gift cards from Freshco orWalmart purchased through our Fundscrip program. Pleaseplace the cards in a white envelope with your name on it.Everyone who donates gift cards will be issued a taxreceipt from the church. On December 15th followingWorship, the Outreach Committee are hosting a lightluncheon to have fellowship and to thank everyone whogenerously gave a precious gift.

Each family who attends the Table Soup Kitchen dinner atour church on December 16th will receive a $25.00 gift cardalong with an item from our table of mitts, hats, etc. Extraitems will be taken to the Salvation Army to help families inneed.

Each month, through our Outreach budget and yourgoodwill donations to the Benevolent Basket at CoffeeHour, we are able to purchase $100.00 of meat for theSalvation Army, donate $100.00 to the Chrysalis Shelter,and provide bus tickets to Linda, Trinity’s office volunteerwho so faithfully comes once a week to fold the churchbulletins.

You can also help by supporting other organizationsthrough purchasing a gift from the Gifts of Vision. This is agiving catalogue from the United Church of Canada. Thesecatalogues are available at the church or visitwww.giftswithvision.ca.

Thank you for all your goodwill offerings and your supportof Trinity’s Outreach Committee. Merry Christmas fromthe members of the Outreach Committee: Doris, Sylvia,Bonnie, Janice, Rick and myself Diane Schamehorn.

Coffee House time!

Friday, November 15, 2019at Trinity – Thanks, Chuck!

The Finance Committee invites you to use the

Christmas Gift envelopes for your Christmas gift to Trinity. With a current projected deficit, it is our hope to reduce

this amount before the end of the year.

We thank you for your support over this 2019 year and appreciate all of

your efforts to maintain our building, the programs and

ministries offered here at Trinity.

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Trinity United Church Huntsville - December 2019 9

A Thank You to Trinity… written by Carole Walsh

The photo that was published in the local and national newspapers of the drowning of little Alan Kurdi onSeptember 2, 2015 prompted offers of immediate assistance for the Syrian refugees. Trinity United Churchwas one of the churches who felt that we must bring a Syrian family to Huntsville. Trinity agreed to acceptfinancial responsibility for a family, and through the generosity of the people of Huntsville, $50,000 in cashwas donated to fund this family’s first year. Since the church manse was vacant, it was rented at a nominal feefor the family.

The family that Trinity was blessed to be able to assist is the Al Rshead family of 6, Jamal and Faeza and theirfour beautiful children: Mohammad, Ali, Atedel, Tabarak, Ahmed and their new Canadian baby sister Jody. Thechildren started school right away at Huntsville Public School. Here were 4 young Syrian children who werebeing given a new and safe life through the goodwill of Trinity and the town of Huntsville. The children tookswimming, soccer and karate lessons, quickly learning English, with Dad and Mom learning this new languageat home. It soon became apparent that the family needed a car. A Trinity member had left money in his will toassist as needed and with this money, a large van was purchased.

After just over a year, the family decided that Ottawa wouldprovide them more opportunities and they moved to a lovelytownhouse near schools and parks. We hear from them regularlyand they are doing well.

In the words of Jamal, the words of goodwill shine through:“One day we lost hope in the future and the world darkened in ourface, but God's destiny was stronger. We were sent to a safecountry and to people who have brought us the joy of life and hopehas returned and the future has become safe in the name of Godand you are thanked.”

Shining Waters Region 10 UCW Nancy Waxl

The UCW 60th Anniversary celebration will take placeJuly 11-15th, 2022 in Sydney, Nova Scotia. The themeis “Continuing to Hope”.

Clustering is the New Presbyterial! Several successful UCW cluster meetings have already been held at the following locations: Ravenshoe, Huntsville, Aurora and Cummer. Churches in other regions have held several meetings, and several joint events, such as Good Friday Service, Easter Sunrise Service, summer picnics and a Christmas Concert.

We belong to Region 10, from Orillia and North, and we hosted a wonderful cluster of UCW units from Hillside, Dwight, Dorset, Emsdale, Port Sydney, Windermere, Forest Home, and McKellar on September 10th. Approximately 48 UCW members enjoyed the potluck lunch with guest speaker Pat Edmonds, our President of Shining Waters Region UCW. It is so important to stay connected and share! Plans are being made for our Annual Meeting next year. More details later.

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Souper Sandwich Lunch Nancy WaxlNights are long, snow blankets the landscape. The sun can only

warm us around the edges. The naked trees groan as they bend in the frozen wind. Winter invites us to reflect upon the food we

purchase and eat. Souper Sandwich soups made of fall vegetables can satisfy one along with a homemade sandwich, or grilled. Meeting your friends at our luncheons is a great reason to attend, or perhaps you will sit with a stranger and welcome

him/her to our monthly luncheons. Whatever your reason, it is very rewarding to see you return for lunch! Our next one is

December 13th. January 10th, February 14th (Valentine’s Day) and March 13th will bring us to our next Newsletter!

“The field of the poor may yield much food, but it is swept away through injustice” (Proverbs 13:23)

Trinity United Church Huntsville - December 2019 10

This story is about a visitor who came to Trinity looking for a new church family. She had grown up in the church as a child.

Recently, when one of our members came into church, she noticed a visitor sitting in the front row and smiled as she walked by. A while later another person came in and the visitor gave up her seat without hesitation and proceeded to walk further into the church.

Our member next noticed this visitor walking past her and out the door she had come in. This was distressing and feeling the need to welcome her, our member got up, followed her and started talking to her. She was visibly upset and said she could not go back into the Sanctuary. Our member asked her to come into the gym and talk. Although the visitor said she did not want to hear her, she was eventually convinced and they sat down at a table near the back door of the gym where she poured out her story of pain and loss. It was palpable. She had lost many family members. She felt alone.

Our member told her she believes that we are never alone. There is part of God in each of us – that perfect place, our soul. Everyone has good in them and we just have to let that grow within us. She replied that she believed that too.

Looking her in the eye, our member told her she was a beautiful person. They both teared up and after asking if she would accept a hug, she agreed and afterwards commented with a smile ‘That was a bear hug!”.

She was then asked if she would like to hear the rest of the service and if she would like to go up to the balcony to which she said yes.

At prayer time, our member asked if she would like her name put forward for special prayers and she agreed. She heard her name spoken in prayer.

As this new friend left, they hugged and she said she would be back. We do hope she comes again.

A Special Invitation

Monday, December 16th

at 7:30 pm in Trinity’s Sanctuary

At this time of year, when many around us are filling up with

excitement and anticipation for the celebration of new birth, new light,

new life, hope, peace, joy, love, there are those amongst us who struggle in

the darkness to find the “merry” in Christmas.

For those grieving the recent or impending death of loved ones,

dealing with recent separation or divorce, struggling to find

employment, or facing depression or family crisis, this can be a very isolated and dreary time. Every

greeting and every song remind the grief-stricken of how unhappy life is at this moment. We recognize that a lot of the Christmas celebrations do not

meet everyone’s needs.

Trinity United Church in Huntsville invites you to a special service

designed for those for whom the holidays might be difficult. If you have experienced a difficult loss, transition, or life change, the church cares about

you and invites you to this special time of music and meditation.

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Trinity United Church Huntsville - December 2019 11

What a busy year in music at Trinity!

The choir has been well attended, soaring in song and with soul. • Sadly we said farewell to our wonderful friend

and tenor, Mansfield Rogers. What a fine example of dedication and heart. We shall miss him.

• November 15th brought us yet another excellent Coffee House, compliments of Chuck and Sally McClelland. What an invigorating team they are.

• November 22nd saw Johnny, Brian Smith and Bob Attfield bring the packed house down with an inspiring keyboard concert. I feel so blessed to play with such formidable talent and skill.

• The Ecumenical Advent Service will be held at Saint Mary's Catholic Church on December 8th at 7pm. Look forward to a tremendous Mass Choir.

• On December 15th, the choir will present the Christmas Cantata: ‘Today Christ is Born’, composed and arranged by Donna Rhodenizer.

A busy season brings many blessings. What a privilege to minister to those at Trinity, as well as those at other churches and nursing homes. Music and its capacity to excite and soothe, is simply wonderful. As always, the people of Trinity never cease to support. I thank you.

In Christ, Johnny the Organist

Therapeutic Touch at Trinity

The last Monday of every month the Hearth Room is an oasis of peace and love.

Therapeutic Touch Practitioners meet and offer Therapeutic Touch®(TT) sessions to members of the community who want to receive them for their own relaxation and healing or just to come and find out more about this holistic, evidence-based therapy. Therapeutic Touch incorporates the intentional and compassionate use of universal energy to promote balance and well-being. We work with the field around your body while you sit on a chair. We do not even need to touch you at all if that is your wish.

We meet at 1:30 pm and give sessions to our guests first before exchanging them with each other. Each session lasts about 30 to 40 minutes – 15 to 20 minutes of active treatment and the same amount of time for resting to allow the changes that have been made to your field to start becoming incorporated into your body. The healing momentum continues and most people sleep very well that night. We start with a short meditation and chat about TT related activities.

Research and clinical experience have shown its effectiveness in:• Promoting a relaxation response• Reducing anxiety and stress• Managing pain• Improving sleep• Facilitating the body’s natural healing process• Fostering a sense of well-being

Anyone with a sense of compassion can learn this modality.

Come and join us and experience it for yourself.Shirley Boon 😊

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Trinity United Church Huntsville - December 2019 12

Trinity’s December

Lineup

Sunday, December 8th

Advent II - Worship at 10 amFollowed by a Congregational

Meeting

Sunday, December 8th

Ecumenical Advent ServiceSt. Mary’s Catholic Church7 pm – Everyone welcome!

Tuesday, December 10th

UCW Christmas Pot Luck12 noon

Friday, December 13th

11:30 am – 12:30 pmSouper Sandwich Lunch

Trinity Hall

Sunday, December 15th

Advent IIIWhite Gift Sunday and

Trinity’s Christmas CantataLuncheon following Worship

Monday, December 16th

Blue Christmas Service7:30 pm

Sunday, December 22nd

Advent IV - Worship at 10 amCoffee time with special treats!

Tuesday, December 24th

Christmas EveFamily Worship - 7 pm

Candlelight Communion - 11 pm

Wednesday, December 25th

Merry Christmas to all!

Sunday, December 29th, 2019Worship at 10 am

Check Trinity’s website for details and more!

From our Minister – Rev Murray Rounding

“And the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for I am bringing you good tidings of great joy

which shall be to all people.”

The Advent Season is a time of year that often gets overlooked because we are all rushing to get to Christmas. In many places, the Hallowe’en decorations are barely gone before the Christmas lights are up and on and the tree is standing all decorated in the window. Almost as quickly, the radio stations are playing the newest and the oldest versions of Christmas songs and carols and Hallmark Christmas movies play one after another, day after day.

Christmas, the celebration of light, love, peace, hope and joy, can be a wonderful time of year and we express that wish in our greetings to one another of “Merry Christmas”. It is wonderful to hear the stories of God’s presence and love in our world and in our lives. Since it is, for those of us in the northern hemisphere, also the darkest time of the year, Christmas gives us the opportunity and excuse to literally light up the world. It is a time to remind us that we live in God’s light.

We must remember too, that there are those around us who, because of the death of a loved one, the loss of employment, health crisis, or challenging life circumstances, find it difficult to see beyond the darkness. Some people are struggling with finding the “Merry” in Merry Christmas.

I wish for you all the gift of Christmas, the gift of peace, the gift of presence, the gift of love.