Entries by Amy

Can you help?  Putnum CAP is looking for help over the next few days; they need to sort through all the gifts they have received and prepare them for the families.  If you can help in any way, just give them a call at 845-278-8021.

Dear all,

In the midst of our own planning and preparing, we are very mindful of those who need to also know of Jesus' love and compassion as they face difficulties in their own lives. I have been in contact with such a family. Below are listed some of their Christmas gift wishes. If any of you would be able to help with these gifts, please let me know directly (revjedyer1@yahoo.com). I will coordinate so that each of the four children are taken care of and not duplicated. If you are able to help, please let me know which child and what you are planning to get. Please get the gifts to me by Dec. 19th.

BOY: is 11 1/2, he wants 500 x-box points, (what he really wants is an Ipod touch, but I told him there was no way I could afford that), he could also use an x-box 360 controller,or he is very into science. He needs some warm clothing.  He is in a size 18 or mens small.  He could really use some warm shirts, jeans, pjs, socks and underwear with undershirts. 

GIRL: is 8 1/2 and she wants Cicciobello doll and american girl doll wheelchair and feel better kit.  She could also use warm clothing, she is in a size 10-12.  She could use some leggings with sweaters, along with possible dresses and tights and socks and undershirts and pjs.

GIRL: she would like baby alive baby all gone and baby alive changing time baby or a chuwawwa puppy toy.  She is in a size 7 and could use leggings and sweaters along with dresses and tights and undershirts and socks and pjs.

GIRL: She would like really like a pink DSi which I do not think is possible, but she would also like pink camera hungry hungry hipps and elefun She could use tights, socks pjs, leggings and sweaters with no hoods or tight necks and pjs with no feet

Anything would really help and hand me down clothing is just fine. The girls also like the lalaloopsie dolls, but I know they are one of this years "hot" items and may be hard to find. They are all also crafty

Was also thinking that we might get some kind of gift certificate for the parent.

if you have any questions, please let me know. Please email me directly at revjedyer1@yahoo.com.

Peace,

Pastor Jen

Special TLC e-note sent out July 1, 2010:

On Sunday, June 27, Pastor Jennifer Boyd, the candidate recommended by our call committee, presided at worship. The previous evening about 80 members of the congregation gathered at a potluck supper to meet Pastor Boyd and her husband, Michael.

At the special congregation meeting following worship on June 27, the congregation voted 103-7 to accept Pastor Jen as our new pastor. We give thanks to God for bringing Trinity and Pastor Boyd together to move forward in ministry.

Pastor Boyd, who currently lives in Treadwell, NY, near Oneonta, will be making plans to relocate to our area in the next couple of months. We are expecting that she may begin to serve at Trinity in September.

Please look in the August Trinitarian for more information about Pastor Boyd and our schedule for welcoming her to Trinity.

Mary Beth Commisso

it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God. Romans 8:16

I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. John 14:13

Our Gospel for Pentecost contains one of Jesus' promises that has caused many of us to teeter on the brink of doubt when we feel that our prayers have not been answered. "I prayed that I wouldn't lose my job", "I prayed that she would get better"....and then those things didn't happen. But didn't Jesus say.....

There are many places where Jesus reminds us that we are children of God, and in talking to his apostles–grown men, rough, tough fishermen–he even addressed them on occasion as one would speak to children. This has often led me to think about how my understanding of God and God's works and ways is really like that of a child trying to understand our world–using my equivalent of knowing my ABCs and counting to 10 as the way to make sense of something that's much bigger. I think of how my nieces and nephews, when they were small children, would explain to me how things in the world worked–their understanding and interpretations were based on the experiences and tools they had developed in their few years. When I come upon something that makes me pause, like Jesus promise in the Gospel, I stop to think that maybe there is a different way to think about it than from my "child" perspective.

Mary Hinkle Shore from Luther Seminary in Minnesota, commented on this Gospel:

Andrew H. Wakefield (a professor at Campbell University Divinity School) suggests that the parent/child relationship offers an analogy for what Jesus is promising here.

         "If we extend the analogy just a little, we may be able to think of these promises as the same  sort of hyperbole that parents use when they tell a child, "I would do anything for you!"  The child may say, "Really? Then I want a tattoo; I want a pet elephant; I want a Ferrari!" The child has missed the point. The hyperbole shows the parent's infinite love for the child, a love that will seek the good of the child even above the parent's own good.... The hyperbole is a way of expressing the intimate relationship between loving parent and child—and that relationship is not simply about giving and receiving."

This promise is neither a blank check nor an invitation to blame one's own ineptitude at prayer in the name of Jesus when such prayers go apparently unanswered. Instead, this promise is part of Jesus' assurance that he will not leave his own orphaned. Through the Spirit, the other Advocate, Jesus will keep working as he has so far, in ways that reveal God's great and abiding love for them.

It's hard for me, as a child, to understand why that job was lost or why the illness wasn't cured, after I prayed. But I trust that God, as my loving parent, will not leave me comfortless. I will still turn to be enfolded in God's arms, knowing that God understands my needs far better than I do.

Mary Beth Commisso

Readings for the Week

Thursday, May 20, 2010

      Psalm 104:24-34, 35b

      Isaiah 32:11-17

      Galatians 5:16-25

Friday, May 21, 2010

      Psalm 104:24-34, 35b

      Isaiah 44:1-4

      Galatians 6:7-10

Saturday, May 22, 2010–Vigil of Pentecost

      Psalm 104:24-34, 35b

      2 Kings 2:1-15a

      Luke 1:5-17

Sunday, May 23, 2010–Day of Pentecost

      Acts 2:1-21 or Genesis 11:1-9

      Psalm 104:24-34, 35b

      Romans 8:14-17 or Acts 2:1-21

      John 14:8-17 [25-27]

Monday, May 24, 2010

      Psalm 48

      Joel 2:18-29

      1 Corinthians 2:1-11

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

      Psalm 48

      Ezekiel 11:14-25

      1 Corinthians 2:12-16

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

      Psalm 48

      Numbers 24:1-14

      Luke 1:26-38

WE REMEMBER IN PRAYER Claudia Smith, mother of Dawn Andren, who passed from this life and entered the Church triumphant on May 12. Visiting hours are at Joseph Smith Funeral Home, 692 Route 6, Mahopac, on Saturday May 15 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM and on Sunday May 16 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 PM. A funeral will be held here at Trinity on Monday, May 17, at 10:30 AM.

Readings for this week

F          Psalm 97

                        Exodus 33:12-17

                        Revelation 22:6-9

            Sa       Psalm 97

                        Exodus 33:18-23

                        John 1:14-18

            Su       Seventh Sunday of Easter

                        Acts 16:16-34

                        Psalm 97

                        Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21

                        John 17:20-26

            M         Psalm 29

                        Exodus 40:16-38

                        Acts 16:35-40

            Tu        Psalm 29

                        2 Chronicles 5:2-14

                        Acts 26:19-29

            W        Psalm 29

                        Ezekiel 3:12-21

                        Luke 9:18-27

            Th        Psalm 104:24-34, 35b

                        Isaiah 32:11-17

                        Galatians 5:16-25

I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. John 13:34

John tell us about Jesus preparing his disciples to carry on their work after he returns to the Father. Jesus tells them that it is his commandment that they love one another–Jesus knows that they will need the support and love of each other in order to spread the Gospel and face the trials that the world has in store. Jesus' commandment to love one another–to be there for each other and hold each other up–is his message to us also.

I received the newsletter from a church I attended years ago this week. It contained this anonymous story. Let's get together on Sunday and glow with God's love!

Peace and blessing,

Mary Beth Commisso

A member of a certain church, who previously had been attending services regularly, stopped going. After a few weeks, the pastor decided to visit him.

It was a chilly evening. The pastor found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire.

Guessing the reason for his pastor's visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a big chair near the fireplace and waited. The pastor made himself comfortable but said nothing. In the grave silence, he contemplated the play of the flames around the burning logs.

After some minutes, the pastor took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone. Then he sat back in his chair, still silent. The host watched all this in quiet fascination.

As the one lone ember's flame diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and "dead as a doornail." Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting.

Just before the pastor was ready to leave, he picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.

As the pastor reached the door to leave, his host Said, "Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the fiery sermon. I shall be back in church next Sunday."

I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?  Isaiah 43:19a

Today is the last day of winter….tomorrow a new Spring will begin for the year, and with it the promise of warmer weather, the return of leaves and flowers, and a fresh start for the earth. God gives our lives and our hearts new “Springs” also. We need to be open to seeing the new things that God presents to us each moment. New opportunities to find joy, to discover relief, to experience hope, to know love.  When I read this line from Isaiah, I can just imagine excitement on the face of God about the new things God is doing at every turn. God enjoys creation and enjoys our participation in it. Take God’s hand and spring forth into the newness that God will show to you if you keep your eyes and heart open!

Don’t forget the Moravian Lovefeast Service on Saturday, March 20, 5:00pm. This is a non-communion service of prayers and special music featuring the Trinity Senior Choir and Trinity Brass.  Please come!

Mary Beth Commisso

PRAYER: NOURISHMENT FOR THE SOUL–CELEBRATING WOMEN 2010, APRIL 17, 2010

This year’s Celebrating Women event will be held at the Wartburg in Mount Vernon on Saturday, April 17, 2010. The program will feature keynote speakers, The Reverend Annemarie Noto, PhD and Deacon Gayle Ruege. Both are dynamic and inspirational forces regarding prayer. Spend the morning exploring ways to improve your prayer-life. Cost for the event is $10 and includes lunch. Send in your registration and nomination forms now! Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Wartburg in Mount Vernon. Registration forms sent ahead of the event help plan for lunch. Please send your form and check (payable to Metro NY Women ELCA) no later than March 31.

All women, as members of Trinity, Brewster are members of MNYS Women of the ELCA and are invited to participate. Plans are in the works to depart the lower parking lot at 7:30 a.m. on April 17 and car-pool to Mt. Vernon. More information may be found in the Spring 2010 Witness at–www.metronywelca.org. If you would like to attend, a registration form may be found on the website–it must be mailed before March 31, along with a check in the amount of $10.00, which includes lunch. If you would like to attend and do not have access to a computer or printer, please contact Marge Westerville *845-855-5593) or Joan Quinn (845-279-7024) for a copy of the form.

LENT EVENT! On Palm Sunday, March 28th, the Sunday School Children will celebrate “Lent Event” in Fellowship Hall during the 9:00 AM service. The Lent Event Committee is asking your child to contribute an item listed below, based on your child’s grade. Items can be home-made or store bought.

Nursery School: Mini muffins or bread (banana, etc.); Kindergarten: Pop-ems, donuts or brownies; 1st Grade: 8 pack of small water bottles; 2nd Grade: Cookies; 3rd Grade: Mini bagels w/butter or cream cheese or a platter of cheese & crackers; 4th Grade: 8 pack juice boxes; 5th Grade: Cut-up vegetables or cut-up fruit; 6th Grade: Pretzels or Goldfish.

Please feel free to contact a Lent Event Committee member if you have any questions:

Lynn Stoecker 225-8079 Lstoecker2@verizon.net

Angela Cuomo 278-0466 acuomo@bdienv.com

Dawn Morello Morello23@optonline.net

Agnes Torlish 225-6904 Lwd3@comcast.net

Veronica Hansen 225-9133 VeronicaHansen@excite.com

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

Thursday, March 18, 2010

      Psalm 126

      Isaiah 43:1-7

      Philippians 2:19-24

Friday, March 19, 2010

      Psalm 126

      Isaiah 43:8-15

      Philippians 2:25-3:1

Saturday, March 20, 2010

      Psalm 126

      Exodus 12:21-27

      John 11:45-57

Sunday, March 21, 2010 - Lent 5

      Isaiah 43:16-21

      Psalm 126

      Philippians 3:4b-14

      John 12:1-8

Monday, March 22, 2010

      Psalm 20

      Exodus 40:1-15

      Hebrews 10:19-25

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

      Psalm 20

      Judges 9:7-15

      1 John 2:18-28

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

      Psalm 20

      Habakkuk 3:2-15

      Luke 18:31-34

Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. Exodus 34: 29b

After Moses speaks with God on the mountaintop and receives the tablets with the Ten Commandments, he returns to his people and the Old Testament gives us this wonderful image of Moses’ face shining because he had been talking to God.

When we talk to God and really “connect,” don’t we feel that way too? You can feel God’s Spirit running through every fiber and can just imagine that you’re glowing with God’s love–your face shining the way it would when a fresh wind on a mountaintop brushes your cheeks.

But we’re not always on the mountaintop, are we? Most of our lives are down here on the plain old flatland, and sometimes we find ourselves in the dark valleys.

This Sunday at worship we’ll have the opportunity to come forward during the Gathering Hymn and have a shining cross drawn on our foreheads with glitter–it will remind us of those mountaintop experiences when we know God’s glory, as the apostles saw it in Jesus’ Transfiguration, and feel God with us. And then again on Wednesday, we’ll have the opportunity to come forward to have a different cross drawn on our foreheads–this time one of sooty ashes–as we begin the season of Lent.

But in either case, whether we’re on the mountaintop or in the valley, we have the cross of Jesus on our forehead, reminding us that he is with us through every experience we have… the same cross that was drawn on our foreheads in oil at our baptisms. The oil, the glitter, the ash, fade away, but the cross, the salvation and the love of Jesus never fade from us.

Peace to you,

Mary Beth Commisso

Readings for the Week

Thursday, February 11, 2010

 Psalm 99

 Deuteronomy 9:1-5

 Acts 3:11-16

Friday, February 12, 2010

 Psalm 99

 Deuteronomy 9:6-14

 Acts 10:1-8

Saturday, February 13, 2010

 Psalm 99

 Deuteronomy 9:15-24

 Luke 10:21-24

Sunday, February 14, 2010 - Transfiguration of Our Lord

 Exodus 34:29-35

 Psalm 99

 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2

 Luke 9:28-36 [37-43]

Monday, February 15, 2010

 Psalm 35:11-28

 Exodus 35:1-29

 Acts 10:9-23a

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

 Psalm 35:11-28

 Ezekiel 1:1-2:1

 Acts 10b-33

Wednesday, February 17, 2010 - Ash Wednesday

 Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 or Isaiah 58:1-12

 Psalm 51:1-17

 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10

 Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

“And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.”    1 Corinthians 13: 13

This passage is probably one that many of us have heard over and over, especially at weddings. And while all these characteristics of love can certainly apply to the romantic love between a couple, that’s not what Paul had in mind when he wrote this letter to the people of the church at Corinth. There was conflict in that church, as it was a diverse group.  Some members were letting their devotion to different leaders in the church outweigh the unity that they should feel through the love of Christ.  Paul in his letter wanted to bring them back together through an understanding of love in Christ–the Greek word agape, meaning love that is selfless, unconditional and voluntary.

It’s a good message to remember–that all things are enhanced by God’s love and that we need to let that love hold us up, unite us and strengthen us as we face life’s challenges. An anonymous poem encourages us to be led by God’s love in all things:

People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered–love them anyway!

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives–do good anyway!

If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies–succeed anyway!

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow–do good anyway!

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable–be honest and frank anyway!

The biggest people with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest people with the smallest minds–think big anyway!

People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs–fight for some underdog anyway!

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight–build anyway!

People really need help by may attack you if you help them–help people anyway!

Give the world the best you’ve got and you’ll get kicked in the teeth–give the world the best you’ve got anyway!

Lenten Labyrinth–as we did last year, we would like to make the labyrinth available during Holy Week (March 28-April 4), for people to walk as a spiritual exercise and experience. We need hosts who can spread it out and be available for short periods of time during the day, evening or Saturday morning to welcome those who wish to walk the labyrinth. Can you help?  Please contact Amy if the church office if you could offer some time.

Mary Beth Commisso

Readings for the week

Thursday, January 28, 2010

      Psalm 71:1-6

      2 Chronicles 34:1-7

      Acts 10:44-48  

Friday, January 29, 2010

      Psalm 71:1-6

      2 Chronicles 35:20-27

      Acts 19:1-10

Saturday, January 30, 2010

      Psalm 71:1-6

      2 Chronicles 36:11-21

      John 1:43-51

Sunday, January 31 - Epiphany 4

      Jeremiah 1:4-10

      Psalm 71:1-6

      1 Corinthians 13:1-13

      Luke 4:21-30

Monday, February 1, 2010

      Psalm 56

      1 Kings 17:8-16

      1 Corinthians 2:6-16

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

      Psalm 56

      2 Kings 5:1-14

      1 Corinthians 14:13-25

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

      Psalm 56

      Jeremiah 1:11-19

      Luke 19:41-44

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it...The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.   John 1:5, 9

Whether it's with fireworks in cities around the world or the illuminated crystal ball that descends in Times Square, the New Year will be greeted this week with light.

As Christians, we are greeted with Light every moment. Let's take some time to give thought and thanks for that True Light that, through God's Love, lets us make every day the start of a new year through God's forgiveness.

As we start 2010 this week, let's pray that God's light will reach into all the dark places and overcome war, illness, want, hate, fear, bitterness, and sorrow. Let's pray that God's light will grow and nurture solutions, resolutions, cooperation, thoughtfulness, joy and laughter. Let's pray that we are empowered to do our parts to help to reflect that True Light in all the ways we can.

All best wishes for a healthy, happy, prosperous and blessed New Year, rich in God's peace and blessings!

Mary Beth Commisso

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BIBLE STUDY is now on Wednesdays! The study group that has been meeting on Thursday evenings is changing to Wednesdays at 7 PM. All are welcome! Please contact Joan Bradley or Dorothy Kafalas for more information.

GOD & CHURCH Program for 6, 7, and 8th graders and GOD & FAMILY FOR 4 & 5th graders and their parents are starting January 24 at 10:30. Nick Stathis is the counselor for God & Church; Dawn Morello is the counselor for God & Family. If you are interested, please return the registration form and a check for $25 per family per program to the church office as soon as possible. Any questions e-mail Irene Germain at Charlieg424@comcast.net

A new January 2010 calendar is attached reflecting these updates. Happy New Year!

Amy & Elsie in the office

Readings for the Week

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

      Psalm 147:12-20

      2 Chronicles 1:7-13

      Mark 13:32-37

Thursday, December 31, 2009

      Psalm 147:12-20

      1 Kings 3:5-14

      John 8:12-19

Friday, January 1, 2010 - Name of Jesus

      Numbers 6:22-27

      Psalm 8

      Galatians 4:4-7

      Luke 2:15-21

Saturday, January 2, 2010

      Psalm 147:12-20

      Proverbs 1:1-7

      James 3:13-18

Sunday, January 3, 2010 - Christmas 2

      Jeremiah 31:7-14

      Psalm 147:12-20

      Ephesians 1:3-14

      John 1:[1-9] 10-18

Monday, January 4, 2010

      Psalm 72

      Isaiah 6:1-5

      Acts 7:44-53

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

      Psalm 72

      Jeremiah 31:7-14

      John 1:[1-9]10-18

Wednesday, January 6, 2010 - Epiphany of Our Lord

      Isaiah 60:1-6

      Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14

      Ephesians 3:1-12

      Matthew 2:1-12

To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.  Luke 2:11

Back in October, when little Robert Joshua Taylor was born, his mom, Suzanne, contacted the church office to arrange for his baptism. She and I exchanged emails about a couple of possible dates. Since we’ve been having supply pastors each week I suggested dates when pastors who had been with use several times were scheduled, thinking they might be most familiar with our worship service and comfortable adding a baptism to the service. Suzanne wrote back that an important factor for her was that her grandmother was making special travel plans to attend the baptism so the date would hinge on her arrangements.

As it turned out, her grandmother would be here on December 13, a Sunday when Pastor Silvia Misinova would be our supply pastor. Pastor Misinova had been here only once before, but I figured that she would not have a problem dealing with a baptism.

So on December 13, we welcomed Robert Joshua Taylor into God’s family with Pastor Misinova presiding.  A few days later I received an email from Suzanne with the subject “Robert’s Baptism.”  “Uh, oh,” I thought, “did we forget something?”

Quite the contrary, it was delightful to read her message:

Just wanted to drop you a note to let you know how special Robert’s baptism really was...

I had picked that particular Sunday because it was when my grandmother could travel up from Florida and it was very important to me that she be in attendance.  I was excited when I saw that Pastor Misinova would be the one performing the ceremony as my grandmother still has family in Slovakia.  It turns out that my grandmother’s cousin is the organist at the church in Slovokia that Pastor Misinova attended, small world.

It may be a small world, but I tend to think it’s more likely the incredible work of God’s Holy Spirit that brought this meeting about!

Have a blessed Christmas!

Mary Beth Commisso

SERVICES

Christmas Eve             4:00 PM Family Worship

                                    8:00 PM Candlelight Service

                                    11:00 PM Candlelight Service

Christmas Day             10:00 AM

Sunday, 12/27             9:00 (GIFT) and 10:45 AM

All services offer Holy Communion

Readings for the Days around Christmas

            Dec 23 Luke 1:46b-55

                        Micah 4:6-8

                        2 Peter 1:16-21

            Dec 24 Nativity of Our Lord I

                        Isaiah 9:2-7

                        Psalm 96

                        Titus 2:11-14

                        Luke 2:1-14 [15-20]

            Dec 25 Nativity of Our Lord II

                        Isaiah 62:6-12

                        Psalm 97

                        Titus 3:4-7

                        Luke 2:[1-7] 8-20

            Dec 25 Nativity of Our Lord III

                        Isaiah 52:7-10

                        Psalm 98

                        Hebrews 1:1-4 [5-12]

                        John 1:1-14

            Dec 26 Psalm 148

                        2 Chronicles 24:17-24

                        Acts 6:1-7; 7:51-60

            Dec 27 Psalm 148

                        Proverbs 8:32-36

                        John 21:19b-24

            Dec 28 Psalm 148

                        Isaiah 54:1-13

                        Revelation 21:1-7

            Dec 29 Psalm 147:12-20

                        1 Chronicles 28:1-10

                        1 Corinthians 3:10-17

            Dec 30 Psalm 147:12-20

                        2 Chronicles 1:7-13

                        Mark 13:32-37

            Dec 31 Psalm 147:12-20

                        1 Kings 3:5-14

                        John 8:12-19

Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem!    Zephaniah 3:14

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice…Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.    Philippians: 4 & 6

The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17

Lots of joy in our readings for this Sunday! In the Old Testament reading, the prophet Zephaniah urges us to rejoice and exult with all our hearts. In the Epistle, Paul exhorts us to rejoice in the Lord always. But it’s not always so easy to feel like rejoicing in a world plagued with troubles, or in our own lives where we may be struggling with needs or sorrows… or even just trying to find the time to be conscious and deliberate about giving our joy to God. Paul recognized that this was our human condition. Did you know that he wrote these words, “Rejoice in the Lord always,” while he was in prison? Although he and Silas had been imprisoned and beaten, his confidence in and joy over his salvation from God still lifted his heart to give praise and song to the Lord.

Paul also tells us that, along with always finding joy in God, we should trust in God’s love and power–do not worry about anything, he reminds us, but put those cares, troubles and needs into God’s hands through prayer. For God, as Zephaniah writes, is a warrior who can overcome anything and, in his way, give us victory.

Zephaniah also gives us a wonderful image that I, at least, never pictured. We hear many times in our scripture about how God loves us and rejoices over us. But Zephaniah tells us that God is so in love with us that he sings… loudly!

So when you’re having a time that you’re struggling, take a moment first to grow quiet and listen… God is singing his love to you and wants you to join in the song.

Peace to you,

Mary Beth Commisso

Don’t forget the Advent Vespers on Saturday, December 12 at 5:00pm–an opportunity for worship and song in this season of anticipation. Please come!

Compassionate Friends World Candlelight Vigil on Sunday, December 13, 6:30 PM in Fellowship Hall unites family and friends as they light candles to honor and remember a child or sibling who has died at any age from any cause.

Readings for the Week

Thursday, December 10, 2009

      Isaiah 12:2-6

      Amos 6:1-8

      2 Corinthians 8:1-15

Friday, December 11, 2009

      Isaiah 12:2-6

      Amos 8:4-12

      2 Corinthians 9:1-15

Saturday, December 12, 2009

      Isaiah 12:2-6

      Amos 9:8-15

      Luke 1:57-66

Sunday, December 13, 2009 - Advent 3

      Zephaniah 3:14-20

      Isaiah 12:2-6

      Philippians 4:4-7

      Luke 3:7-18

Monday, December 14, 2009

      Isaiah 11:1-9

      Numbers 16:1-19

      Hebrews 13:7-17

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

      Isaiah 11:1-9

      Numbers 16:20-35

      Acts 28:23-31

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

      Isaiah 11:1-9

      Micah 4:8-13

      Luke 7:31-35

^"16Rejoice always, ¹⁷pray without ceasing, ¹⁸give thanks in all circumstances"  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

As we approach Thanksgiving Day this week, Paul reminds us that we should be thankful constantly...and in all circumstances. It's easy to be thankful for what we see as the good things in our lives; harder, to remember to be thankful during times of hardship, loss, illness or disappointment. Yet, those things can also end up bringing growth and blessing to us.

Here's a story recounted by Arthur Bietz, a pastor who wrote for an inspirational newsletter in the 1950's.

Martin Rinkart was a pastor in the little city of Eisenberg in Saxony during the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648). This walled city was the goal of refugees during that time. They came and ate all the food, and then there was starvation. With the starvation came pestilence, until practically the whole population of the city died. Martin Rinkart, the only pastor left in the city, had as many as fifty funerals in one day. One evening after having conducted funerals all day, he sank down exhausted, thinking that he could bear it no longer; but then it was he wrote the words of the famous hymn:

Now thank we all our God

With heart and hands and voices,

Who wondrous things hath done,

In whom His world rejoices;

Who, from our mothers' arms

Hath blessed us on our way

With countless gifts of love,

And still is ours today.

Yes, it is the will of God for us that we give thanks. If we were not thankful, we would go insane with the perplexities and irregularities of life's experiences. If there was ever a time when we needed to be thankful, it is in the hour of crisis; because if we are not thankful, we will be overwhelmed by despair.

By Arthur L. Bietz, Signs of the Times, November 28, 1950

May your Thanksgiving Day and all your days be richly blessed by God whose love knows no bounds!

Peace to you!

Mary Beth Commisso

mbjerry@comcast.net

Readings for the Week

            W         Psalm 76        

                        Ezekiel 30:20-26        

                        John 16:25-33

            Th        Psalm 25:1-10

                        Nehemiah 9:6-15

                        1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

            F          Psalm 25:1-10

                        Nehemiah 9:16-25

                        1 Thessalonians 5:12-22

            Sa        Psalm 25:1-10

                        Nehemiah 9:26-31

                        Luke 21:20-24

            Su        First Sunday of Advent

                        Jeremiah 33:14-16

                        Psalm 25:1-10

                        1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

                        Luke 21:25-36

            M         Psalm 90

                        Numbers 17:1-11

                        2 Peter 3:1-18

            Tu        Psalm 90

                        2 Samuel 7:18-29

                        Revelation 22:12-16

            W         Psalm 90

                        Isaiah 1:24-31

                        Luke 11:29-32

For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.  Mark 44:12

Jesus and the apostles sit across from the Temple treasury and watch people deposit their offerings. He doesn’t specifically comment on the rich people who make large donations, but we can’t help but draw a connection to his comment about the scribes who like to call attention to themselves. And then a widow drops in her two coins–as Jesus notes “out of her poverty (she) has put in everything she had.”

I don’t think Jesus is looking to have the poor give away everything they have–but I think he’s asking us to examine what we choose to give. Do we give (our time, our financial support, our attention, etc) only from our “abundance?” Do we sometimes think that what we can offer would be so small that it wouldn’t make a difference so why bother?

A pastor in another church I attended did a wonderful illustration with the children that showed how “lots of littles” can make a big difference. He had a small table, something like the one our ushers have to hold the bulletins by the door. He called up a young person and asked them to imagine that they could only use one finger on one hand–and asked them to lift the table. This ingenious little boy tried to hook his finger around the edge, push up from the center, but nothing succeeded in getting the table off the floor. Then Pastor called up three other children and each put a finger under one side of the table–and it rose off the floor and they could carry it and move it easily.

We should not hesitate to dedicate all that we have or can do, great and small, easily given or produced through hardship, to God.  God’s love can magnify the impact of even our smallest efforts done to his glory.

Peace to you,

Mary Beth Commisso

Readings for the week

Thursday, November 5, 2009

      Psalm 146

      Numbers 36:1-13

      Romans 5:6-11

Friday, November 6, 2009

      Psalm 146

      Deuteronomy 15:1-11

      Hebrews 9:15-24

Saturday, November 7, 2009

      Psalm 146

      Deuteronomy 24:17-22

      Mark 11:12-14, 20-24

Sunday, November 8, 2009

      1 Kings 17:8-16

      Psalm 146

      Hebrews 9:24-28

      Mark 12:38-44

Monday, November 9, 2009

      Psalm 94

      Ruth 1:1-22

      1 Timothy 5:1-8

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

      Psalm 94

      Ruth 3:14-4:6

      1 Timothy 5:9-16

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

      Psalm 94

      Ruth 4:7-22

      Luke 4:16-30

When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" John 11:43

This Sunday is All Saints Day when we will remember all those we love who have died, especially those who have died in the past year, and who now know the joy and restoration of God’s eternal kingdom. We will hear the story of the death of Jesus’ friend Lazarus, and of his resurrection through Jesus’ life-giving power.

Let’s say it–Death is the enemy. We fear it, worry about it, are devastated by it when it comes to those we love. The “little deaths” we face–loss of jobs or of dreams, betrayals, illness, all the struggles that try to knock us out of balance–are soldiers in Death’s army that we battle constantly during our time in this world.

But we’re not in this fight alone. Jesus is at the head, leading us through, giving us our battle strategy. As he says a little later in John’s Gospel, “In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!” And in his crucifixion and resurrection, he conquered Death.

When they led Jesus to Lazarus’ tomb, he called to Lazarus to “come out!” from the death that had bound him. Lazarus was restored to life and to service to Jesus–in the very next chapter, he is hosting a dinner for Jesus.

No matter what deaths we might be facing now–whatever lies heavy on our hearts or what sorrow the world gives us–Jesus is calling to us “Come out!” He offers us his love, his comfort, and his promise of salvation to come out and be restored to life and to service in his name. Pray to hear his voice calling you, and pray that we are there to love and support each other as each of us, at some time or another, heeds that call to come out from the darkness that has bound us.

Peace to you,

Mary Beth Commisso

mbjerry@comcast.net

Let loose your inner Martha–your “Martha Stewart,” that is! Trinity needs a few people who have a creative flair and who would help us to bring beauty to our worship and worship space through decoration and art. If you are interested in helping with our Worship Arts activities, please contact the church office or Mary Beth.

Readings for the Week

Thursday, October 29, 2009

   Psalm 119:1-8

   Exodus 22:1-15

   Hebrews 9:1-12

Friday, October 30, 2009

   Psalm 119:1-8

   Leviticus 19:32-37

   Romans 3:21-31

Saturday, October 31, 2009

   Psalm 119:1-8

   Numbers 9:9-14

   Luke 10:25-37

Sunday, November 1, 2009 - All Saints Day

   Isaiah 25:6-9

   Psalm 24

   Revelation 21:1-6a

   John 11:32-44

Monday, November 2, 2009

   Psalm 51

   Deuteronomy 6:10-25

   Romans 12:17-21; 13:8-10

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

   Psalm 51

   Deuteronomy 28:58-29:1

   Acts 17:17-29

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

   Psalm 51

   Micah 6:1-8

   John 13:31-35