Tidings of Holy Trinity-December 2011 1

December 2011

In This Issue Tidings from the Rector……1&2 Deacon’s Corner…...……….….2 Caroling on Hamilton Street.....2

New Project Idea Board....…....2 Moment for Missions.....…........3

Gathering on Hamilton Street..3

Christmas Dinner @ HTC...…...3

Moment with Missions…..…....3

Youth Confirmation Class..…...4

Christmas Services…......….......4 Overlook Holy Eucharist….….4

Taizé Service………..………….4

Christmas Cookie Sale…..…….4

December Birthdays…..…….....4

HTC Financial Figures…….…..4

Christmas Memorials….......…..5

Annual Meeting………….…….5

Annual Reports………………...5 Inquirers’ Class……..………….5

“Meal in a Bag” Ministry……..5

Vestry Nominations…………..6

Message from Suzy Sharp…….6

Rector: The Reverend Mary Gustafson Home: (508) 765-4973 Deacon: The Reverend Mary K. Hicks (Retired) Home: (508) 434-2701 Secretary: Chris Bolte Office: (508) 765-9559 Tuesday 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. E-mail:

holytrinitysouthbridge@gmail.com Web site: holytrinitysouthbridge.org Organist/Choirmaster: Ray Gustafson : Home: (508) 765-4973 Sexton: Kenneth Bisson Senior Warden: Lana Pieczynski Home: (508) 347-7693 Junior Warden: Anthony Khattar Home: (508)873-1633

Holy Trinity is called to recognize, communicate and celebrate God’s presence within, among and around us.

TIDINGS FROM OUR RECTOR And the angel came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much per-

plexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God …” Luke 1:28-30

All of us, to some degree, know what it means to be frightened. Every day brings some kind of fear

into our hearts and minds, whether it is fear of failure or success, fear of people or of death, fear of the past or the future, fear of ghosts or of God. Few of us can claim to have a life free of fear. I know this from personal experience and from relating to people on a daily basis.

Fear is what seizes us and makes us suspicious of one another and especially wary of “the stranger,” the “other” in our midst. Fear is what keeps us from taking risks for the Gospel.

We appear to be living in increasingly fearful times. Fears sabotage our lives. To begin with, they stifle spiritual growth. They can make it difficult to trust God.

The Bible knows what a paralyzing effect fear can have, so much so that the phrase “fear not” ap-pears more than 100 times in its pages. It may well be the most frequently given command. The biblical writers clearly believed that fear is one of our greatest obstacles on the spiritual journey. The challenge facing us is to find a practical way of putting this “fear not” command into practice.

Tidings from the rector continued on page 2...

Tidings of Holy Trinity-December 2011 2

Continued from page 1…… Here are three guidelines that I would like to offer.

1. Quietly turn inward and identify what it is that we fear. Too often we resist this simple starting point. We prefer to fill our time with business.

2. Gather our courage and write down our fears on a piece of paper or in a journal. Name the fears that are threatening to swallow you. Try also to identify the fears that you don’t fully understand. Realize that these fears are not bigger than we can handle. This is the step of faith that we take as Christ-followers. Jesus hinted at this when He told us not to be anxious about tomorrow. Rather, we are to limit ourselves to take care of today. We must face the things that trouble us in the present and know that they will not overcome us.

With God’s help we are stronger than our greatest fear. We are not alone. Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you. ~Pastor Mary

CAROLING ON HAMILTON STREET

Caroling, Caroling… On Tuesday, December

20th, all from Holy Trinity – including children and youth -- are invited to gather at the church for Caroling on Ham-ilton Street (this will be part of the Gathering on Hamil-ton Street – GoHSt Night –

that will be in progress that evening). We will start caroling around 6:00 p.m., and will return to the church for hot chocolate, apple ci-der, and cookies afterward. So, “Strike the harp and join the chorus, fa la la la la…”

NEW PROJECT IDEA BOARD Do you have fantastic idea that for a church project that you'd like to share? Do you think you have a fantastic idea - but want to make

sure the interest is there to support it? Or, maybe you have no ideas at all... but would be happy to help or to coordinate/organize an ex-isting idea for project? Please visit our HTC Ideas Board in Blakely Hall. Feel free to add a new project idea, and/or to put your name down under any existing projects with which you would like to help. This will be a great way for us to see which activities have the most immediate interest from our parishioners. Thanks! - HTC Vestry

DEACON’S CORNER The older I get, the faster time seems to fly. Before I know it, it is time to turn in my

contribution to Tidings. December already! My sister encouraged me to come to

South Carolina for Christmas! “We may not have another year together.” (My brother

is 91, I am 88, and my sister is young by comparison at 80!) So, I will travel south for

the holidays. Always hate being away from “my” church, my parish family, at such a

time, but I will be with you in prayer.

Jesus told his stories 2000 years ago and we are still pondering them! Friends and

I were talking about a recent Gospel, Mt. 25:14-30, the one where the master entrusts

3 slaves with varying amounts of money, “to each according to his ability”, to tend

while he goes away. He returns to check on them later. Two successful and the third,

zero. The author of Forward Day by Day for November queried: “What if a 4th ser-

vant had invested and lost it all? What are your ideas about this story?” One of my

thoughts was: What have I buried or hidden? Conversely, what have I multiplied? I

know I hoped to return to painting, but that has not happened. Maybe in the next life?

Are we continuing to bless the areas damaged by the tornado? Now we can add

blessings for all the areas wrecked by our October Nor’easter. And I send you my…

Love and Blessings,

Mary Hicks, Deacon

P.S. May we live fully each day in Advent so that we may appreciate Jesus’ birthday

more fully.

Tidings of Holy Trinity-December 2011 3

A MOMENT WITH MISSIONS GIVE AN ANIMAL FOR CHRISTMAS!!

Many of our Christmas carols cite the fact that Jesus was born where animals were kept. So what could be more appropriate than to give an animal to the needy on His Birthday through the World Vision mis-sion?! Some animals produce eggs, some give milk and all are a real blessing to their recipients.

During the month of December, all Missions Plate giving will go to this project. If you would like to give one of the following, please specify on your envelope or check what you would like to have sent: $25: Two Chickens $30: Three Ducks $75: One Goat $100: One Goat and Two Chickens Also, if you would like to give any of the above in honor of a family member or friend, please include

their name and address so that we might send them a card informing them of it. Again, thanks for helping others in His Name!

Cordially in Christ, John A. Lindsay, Missions Chair

CHRISTMAS DINNER AT HOLY TRINITY CHURCH

The preparations for the Christmas Day meal that will be served to those in need in our community are going well. A board with items that you can donate will be posted the first Sunday in Advent – November 27th. If you would like to make a

contribution, please take a “post-it” and bring the item to church BEFORE December 18th. The meal will be prepared at the church and served in the undercroft of Holy

Trinity Church on Sunday, December 25th. If you or someone you know would like to join us for that meal, please let Cat or Tamsin know. If you would like to help with preparations on this day

or make a donation, please see the weekly Sunday service bulletins, Tamsin, or Cat, or call Tamsin Lucey at (508)347-1414.

GATHERING ON HAMILTON STREET

“Tuesday evenings at Holy Trinity is just a happening place”, I overheard a parishioner saying on the phone. The first and third Tuesday of every month, Sunday School is offered to all ages –

3 and above - at 5:00 p.m. On December 6th , all who gather will be celebrating St. Nicholas’s Day (the patron Saint of Christmas) AND will have the opportunity to make some cookies for the Christmas cookie sale on December 11th . On Tues-day, December 20th , there is talk of caroling! On both Tuesdays, we will be pre-

paring food for the Christmas meal being offered on Christmas day to those in need in our community. You don’t need a special invite! Just come and join us on

Tuesday, December 6th and 20th anytime after 4:00 p.m. Soup is ready to eat at 5:00 p.m. ~Tamsin Lucey

The Greening of the Church for Christmas will be Sunday, December 18th, after the 10:15 service.

Tidings of Holy Trinity-December 2011 4

Holy Trinity Church Financial Figures

OCTOBER 2011

Total Monthly Receipts: $11,080.06

Total Monthly Income Required for Budget: $12,581.14 Total Monthly Expenditures : $12,993.63

YEAR TO DATE

JANUARY 1 THROUGH NOVEMBER 26, 2011 Total Year-to-date Receipts: $127,375.93

Total Year-to-Date Income Required for Budget: $136,715.05 Total Year-to-Date Expenditures: $149,056.83

DECEMBER

BIRTHDAYS 7 – Jean Lyon

11—Mick Kalber

11—Violet Spooner

17 – Bill Pieczynski

18—Miriam Gustafson

24—Rev. John Lindsay

25—Jesus Christ

25—Carol Hanson

25—Ed Bair

30—Ada Mae Crosbie

HOLY EUCHARIST HOLY EUCHARIST HOLY EUCHARIST HOLY EUCHARIST AT OVERLOOKAT OVERLOOKAT OVERLOOKAT OVERLOOK

Pastor Mary and Ray will be offering the Holy

Eucharist in the chapel at the Overlook Communities on Fri-day, December 16th, at 9:30 a.m. Please plan to join us for

joy-filled worship!

TAIZÉ SERVICETAIZÉ SERVICETAIZÉ SERVICETAIZÉ SERVICE On Sunday, December December December December

18181818thththth,,,, the fourth Sunday of

Advent, we await the

birthday of Jesus Christ.

With Christmas a full

week away, we offer you

the opportunity to recon-

nect with yourself and God

in quiet contemplation.

We invite you to join us for

a candle light service of

Bible readings, prayers,

simple chants, and medi-

tative silences. An Ecu-

menical service in the

style of Taizé starts at

5:15 p.m. in the parish

hall. Nursery care pro-

vided for children 5 &

under.

YOUTH CONFIRMATION CLASS WILL BE HELD ON

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11TH, AT 12:00 NOON.

HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN

TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL

CHRISTMAS COOKIE SALE SUNDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 11, 2011

Could you please bake some of your favorite Christmas cookies

to sell at the cookie sale? Or, come and buy a selection For Advent and Christmas.

Proceeds will go 50/50 to:

Help purchase a new mini fridge for the church Nets For Life

Drop off will be Sunday morning 12/11. Or by other arrange-ment. Questions? Call or email Susan Howland

howlands@charter.net ~ 508-248-6112

CHRISTMAS SERVICESCHRISTMAS SERVICESCHRISTMAS SERVICESCHRISTMAS SERVICES Christmas EveChristmas EveChristmas EveChristmas Eve

Instrumental Prelude Instrumental Prelude Instrumental Prelude Instrumental Prelude ---- 3:45 p.m. and 7:40 p.m. 3:45 p.m. and 7:40 p.m. 3:45 p.m. and 7:40 p.m. 3:45 p.m. and 7:40 p.m.

Service Service Service Service ---- 4:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.4:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.4:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.4:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.

Christmas DayChristmas DayChristmas DayChristmas Day

10:00 a.m.10:00 a.m.10:00 a.m.10:00 a.m.

Tidings of Holy Trinity-December 2011 5

“MEAL-IN-A-BAG” MINISTRY FOR THE ST. MARY’S FOOD PANTRY During November, I had the good fortune to meet the people who help with the food pantry at St. Mary’s. They commented on how well received our “Meals in a Bag” are, and how the recipients of the meals are grateful for a complete meal! At the beginning of November,

we delivered 5 meals to St Mary’s Food Pantry. During these busy months, the need at the food pantry is just as great as any other month! A board will be placed at the back of the church on Sunday, December 11th, with ingredients for a selection of menus. Please take a post-it or two and return the ingredients to church for the 4th Sunday, December 25th - CHRISTMAS DAY! YOUR contributions make this

ministry a reality. ~Pat Bair, Marlene Duke, Anthony Khattar, Josh Spooner and Tamsin Lucey.

CHRISTMAS MEMORIALS During Christmas services this year, you may wish to have a loved one remembered or to express special

thanks to God for His blessings in your life. To do so, please complete this form and return it with your

donation to the Church office by Sunday, December 18th. The money for these memorials is used for

flowers given to God’s glory as we celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord.

Exact wording of memorial will be: Christmas gifts for flowers are given to the Glory of God… If this gift is in memory of one who has died, choose one of the following:

____ in Thanksgiving for the life of __________________________________

(Name of your loved one or ones)

OR

____ in Loving Memory of ________________________________________

(Name of your loved one or ones)

OR

If this gift is in Thanksgiving of a living person, choose the following:

____ in Thanksgiving for the Blessing of _____________________________

(Name of person or blessing)

ALL DEDICATIONS: PLEASE NOTE WHO THE MEMORIAL/THANKSGIVING IS GIVEN BY:

Given by____________________________________

(Your Name/Names -Please use exact wording you would like to have published. You may, for example, “by his family” or “by her husband” followed by your

name or you may simply use your name(s).]

Please return this information sheet, along with your offering (no donation is too small), to the church office or drop it into the

offering plate by Sunday, December 18th. Please make checks payable to Holy Trinity Church with the notation “Christmas

Memorials” on the memo line. **Do you know someone who would appreciate Christmas flowers from the church? Please write

their name and address here so that the Altar Guild can arrange to bring them flowers:

ANNUAL MEETING

Sunday, January 22, 2011

9:00 AM-10:00 AM - Presentation of the 2011 budget

11:30 AM - Brunch and continuation of meeting, including

elections

ANNUAL REPORT

SUBMISSIONS

It is Annual Report time! For some

ministries, it is understandable that

the information for the report is not

available until the end of the year.

However, if you are not writing for

one of those ministries, please make

every effort to submit your report

before Christmas. Thank you.

INQUIRERS’ CLASS

Did you know that there is an on-going Inquirers’ Class that meets monthly after Sunday 10:15 a.m. worship and you are invited? Our next monthly class session will be held Sunday, December 18th, around noon. We are using material from books titled Your Faith Your Life and Glorious Companions. Pastor Mary leads this class.

Tidings of Holy Trinity-December 2011 6

ANNUAL MEETING AND VESTRY NOMINATIONS

The Parish Vestry is the governing body of Holy Trinity Church that meets monthly to make deci-sions and chart the course for our spiritual and temporal life together. Members of the Vestry (including officers) are elected at the Annual Meeting of the Parish each January.

Also, Convention delegates are elected at the Annual Meeting. These delegates are the parishioners who represent us and vote on our behalf at Diocesan conventions.

Right now, the slate of nominees for these positions is being formed by means of a “Prayerful Dis-cernment Process.” The process goes as follows:

1. Submission of names: Any parishioner may submit the name of any “communicant in good standing” (over the age of sixteen, confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church, worships regu-larly, and is a supporter of record). People may also submit their own names, if they are communicants in good standing and sense a desire to explore the ministry of Vestry Member, Convention delegate and Ecumenical Fellowship Community representative. 2. Mailing: Those whose names have been submitted receive a letter advising them of their nomina-tion. They are asked to spend time in prayerful consideration of the opportunity to serve in one of these ministries at this time in their lives. 3. Meeting: If the potential nominees wish to explore the possibilities of these ministries further, they are invited to a discernment meeting, where the expectations of the ministries are explained. A process of reflection is used at the meeting, and attendees are asked to pray at home about these minis-tries. After a week, they contact the wardens or clergy to share why they do or do not feel called to this ministry at this time.

The list of nominees for the Annual Meeting will be submitted as a result of this process. Please feel free to talk with any of the current Vestry members, Convention delegates, EFC rep or clergy about these possibilities.

And please join me in praying that God will use this process to guide us to just the right leaders for the vision God is placing before us.

Dear Pastor Mary, Ray and friends at Holy Trinity Church, On December 1st, my cat, Gracie, and I will fly out to Arizona for five months. My husband, David,

will come with our other cat, Peek-a-Boo, on December 19th. Green Valley, AZ is our winter home - we really are “snowbirds”! We have a small “villa” there in the desert.

I want to keep in touch with HTC, and will be emailing letters about events and issues in the southwest.

I attend the Episcopal and Methodist churches in Green Valley, take beginning Spanish classes, and in-volve myself in various projects related to border issues and community needs.

Please keep us in your prayers. You will be in mine. And look for NEWS FROM ARIZONA in the

January Tidings! Best wishes to all for a joyous Christmas. Feliz Navidad! Love, Suzy Sharp, 276A Paseo Sarta, Green Valley, AZ 85614

Tidings of Holy Trinity-December 2011 7

Holy Trinity Church

PO Box 685 446 Hamilton Street

Southbridge, MA 01550 Office Phone: (508) 765-9559

E-mail: holytrinitysouthbridge@gmail.com Web site: holytrinitysouthbridge.org

Office Hours:

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

*unless otherwise noted*

The Reverend Dr. Mary Gustafson, Rector The Reverend Mary Hicks, Retired Deacon

The Episcopal Diocese of Western

Massachusetts The Rt. Reverend Gordon Scruton

Sunday Services

8:00 a.m. Rite I Holy Eucharist (said) 10:15 a.m. Rite II Choral Holy Eucharist

Save These Dates Weekday Mornings in December—9:15 a.m.—Morning Prayer—HTC

Wednesdays in December—7:30 p.m.—Choir Rehearsal (except 12/28)

Sunday, December 4—12:00 Noon—Vestry Meeting

Monday, December 5—6:30 p.m.—Budget Meeting

Tuesday, December 6—4:00 p.m.—Gathering on Hamilton Street

5:00 p.m.—GoHSt night Sunday School

Saturday, December 10—2:00 p.m.—Healing Prayer Group—Mary

Hicks’ Home Sunday, December 11—21ST ANNUAL COOKIE SALE!

12:00 Noon—Youth Confirmation Class

Monday, December 12—7:15 p.m.—Stewardship Prayer Group

Wednesday, December 14—JANUARY TIDINGS ARTICLES DUE

3:45 p.m.—Daughters of the King—HTC

Friday, December 16—9:30 a.m.—Overlook Holy Eucharist

Sunday, December 18—12:00 Noon—Inquirers’ Class

12:00 Noon—Greening of the Church

5:15 p.m.—Taize Service

Tuesday, December 20—4:00 p.m.—Gathering on Hamilton Street

5:00 p.m.—GoHSt night Sunday School

Saturday, December 24—3:45 p.m.—Instrumental Prelude

4:00 p.m.—Christmas Eve Service

7:40 p.m.—Choral/Instrumental Prelude

8:00 p.m.—Christmas Eve Service

Sunday, December 25—10:00 a.m.—Christmas Day Service

11:30 a.m.—Christmas Dinner at HTC

Holy Trinity Church, Episcopal 446 Hamilton Street PO Box 685 Southbridge, MA 01550