Announcements for December 10, 2023
Today at Trinity!
9 a.m. Contemporary
10:10 a.m. Education Hour
11:15 a.m. Traditional
6 p.m. Youth Group (note the time!)
New Member Class Starting January 7th
Trinity’s Membership Class provides an opportunity for interested individuals to become acquainted with our church and for prospective members to learn about membership. The class is led by Pastor Judith and elder Jim Dykstra, who are both available to answer any questions you may have and help you get connected at Trinity. The class will start January 7th and be held over a six-week period in January and February and will repeat again in April and May for sessions you might miss. To learn more about the content and dates, please click here or see the flier in the Narthex.
Welcome to our new Facilities Manager
We are delighted to welcome Marcos Vargas as our new Facilities Manager today! Marcos brings lots of experience in facility issues. He currently lives in Alexandria but grew up in Arlington. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his 6 year old daughter and playing soccer. Marcos will be in the office M-F usually in the mornings and can be reached via email facilities@trinityarlington.org. Stop by and say hello!
Last day: Angel Tree Program: we are at $3700 of our goal of $6750.
Trinity is sponsoring our annual Angel Tree mission program to benefit children who attend Abingdon and Cardinal Elementary Schools in Arlington and are identified by their school counselors as needing special support this holiday. Over the pandemic, we switched from tangible Angel Stars on the bulletin boards to online giving to purchase gift cards in bulk and found great success. Our goal is to provide each of the 90 children with at least a $75 gift card. In the past two years, we have raised enough to increase the cards to $100 and provide Safeway cards to the families. You can make a contribution in any amount through Trinity’s web site with the “Angel Tree” option: You may also send a check to the church with “Angel Tree” in the memo line. Please donate by December 10th.
70 people, new staff, free money!
What do these things have in common? You can find out by reading the updated Session highlights here (or you can read it in the Narthex at the Session bulletin board.)
Advent Adult classes
- A Time of Meditation
If you need or want a few moments to gather your thoughts, feed your soul and steady your faith during the busy advent season the meditation room is open on a Sunday morning. Some Sunday’s there will be a leader to guide your thoughts on other Sunday’s there will be self-guided meditations. The Meditation Room is on the upper level of the Narthex.
- Adult Education: Hope, Joy, Peace and Love
Using the popular Bible Project videos we will talk about what the Bible says about these words, what they have to do with the birth of Jesus, and what do they mean to us? This class will be led by Ben Stewart in the Lewis Room (corner room in the upper level of the Narthex).
Can’t make it to the Advent class?
If you can’t make it to the Advent class, you can watch the videos here: https://bibleproject.com/explore/category/advent-series/
Sundays Gift Wrapping Dec. 3-17 to benefit schools in the Philippines
You can help children in the Philippines in Nene’s hometown by having your gifts wrapped this December and donating money or donating school supplies. Nene and her team will offer gift wrapping each Sunday in Dec (3rd, 10th and 17th) 8am -1pm. You can drop your gifts and pick up the next Sunday or at the chili dinner on December 17th. The donations collected will make a significant difference in the lives of children at Baclayan Elementary School in Nene’s hometown. The gift wrapping is donation based. We kindly request your assistance in monetary donations as well as items like paper, pencils, pens, crayons, watercolor paints, and books. See the table at the Gift market on Dec. 3rd or in the preschool hallway by Room 11 on the other Sundays.
Weekday Advent Worship Wednesday: Alan MacEwen leading this Wednesday
One of the nicest seasonal traditions at Trinity is Wednesday worship during Advent. Each of this year’s three services is designed to help you find the peace and joy of the season. These casual services begin at 7:30 p.m. in the church sanctuary. Dec 6th will be led by Carol Feather Martin, Dec 13th is led by Alan MacEwen and December 20th is led by Pastor Judith. Stop in, breathe deeply, and step away from all the craziness of commercial Christmas.
We need your light and voice! Advent Candle Lighter/Reader (and ushers)
Please be a part of worship this Advent and Christmas. This is a wonderful way to give back and be part of the service in a hands on way! We invite you, a group, or a family to light the Advent candles and do a short reading each Sunday at worship and on Christmas Eve. Please sign up here. We also invite you to be an usher or slide runner during these services. Sign up here.
Advent Fellowship Evening: Caroling, Chili, Living Nativit Dec. 17th
This popular evening begins with all carolers meeting in the Narthex at 5 pm to head out in the neighborhood to sing. Lyric sheets are provided, so come sing even if you only know the chorus to “Jingle Bells.” A delicious chili supper will follow in Fellowship Hall at 6 p.m. Please sign up here to bring chili or sides (or use the QR code)! The youth production of the Not Your Typical Nativity, a unique interpretation of the Christmas story, is in the Sanctuary at 7 p.m. Thank you to the Abigail Circle for hosting the chili dinner.
Cookie Exchange and Caroling: Mon. Dec. 18th
The Annual Cookie Exchange will take place on Monday, December 18th at 7:00 p.m. beginning with Christmas carols in the sanctuary. Please join us for carols and then those interested will exchange cookies at 7:30 p.m.! All bakers and singers are welcome. If you want to just come and sing carols, snacks will be provided afterward. For those interested in exchanging cookies, please bring 4 dozen cookies (48!) and package them in 16 sealed bags with three cookies per bag. You will go home with 16 bags of three cookies and enjoy a variety while only having to bake one batch!
Thank you to the Hannah Circle and Jocelyn Hunn for hosting. Questions? Please contact Jocelyn Hunn at jocelyn.hunn@verizon.net.
Last Week to submit: Christmas Memorial Flowers 2023
We will collect contributions for memorial poinsettias and recognize each memorial gift in the December 17th and Christmas Eve worship bulletins. We are asking for a minimum donation of $20.00 per dedication. You may choose to take your plant home after the Christmas Eve service or help deliver to either VHC or the homebound. Please complete the form online or on the last page of the bulletin. Deadline is Wednesday.
Just Coffee on a break
Just Coffee is on a break until the new year while our awesome host, Lynn, recovers from knee surgery. If you would like to help in 2024 to make Just Coffee happen and share the duties, please let the office know or talk with Lynn on email.
VOICE Gala: December 14th
The tickets for the VOICE gala have sold out! That is great news!
