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I was glad when they said unto me: We will go into the house of the Lord.
Our feet shall stand in thy gates: O Jerusalem,
Jerusalem is built as a city: That is at unity in itself.
O, pray for the peace of Jerusalem: They shall prosper that love thee.
Peace be within thy walls: And plenteousness within thy palaces. (Psalm 122)

The words of Psalm 122 used for “I Was Glad” by Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry were sung in the closing musical selection of the latest program in Holy Trinity’s concert series.  The choirs of Holy Trinity were very happy to present their premiere concert showcasing some favorite pieces this past Sunday.  The selections represented the diverse repertoire of the choirs and also featured soloists within the choirs.

The children’s choir is starting work on the Christmas Pageant this week.  Rehearsals are Thursday evenings at 6:00 pm.  If you know of a young one that would be interested, please let me know!

Everyone is invited to join one of the choirs, with or without previous musical experience.  We have and welcome all different skill levels.  Everyone can make a joyful noise to the Lord.

Joshua Brodbeck

The Joy of Stewardship

The season of Thanksgiving provides a meaningful context to consider our ministries of giving as all true charity springs from the gratitude for that which has first been given to us.  So for the next 4 weeks, the Adult Forum Sunday School class will revel together in the abundance of God’s blessings to all of us and reflect on the meaningful ways we steward those gifts for the well-being of our families, our communities and the church.

Drawing on the innovative thinking from the Center for Stewardship Leaders at Luther Seminary in Minnesota, these are the topics we will be discussing.  You can find copies of this material at the Information Center for your review and preparation at home.

November 17 – Abundance by Grace Duddy Pomroy
November 24 – The Ancient Art of Thanking by Robert Hay Jr.
December 1 – Generous Space by David Loleng
December 8 – National Study on Congregational Giving by Lake Institute of Faith & Giving

For the past several months, the Holy Trinity Staff has been prayerfully deliberating a helpful response to the distress that we observe and sense throughout the community these days:

• Physical and Emotional Distress
• Strained Relationships
• Social Justice Concerns
• Local, National and Global Affairs
• Ecological Apathy and Abuse
• Faith and Spiritual Struggles

After this period of prayer and discernment among ourselves, the Worship Advisory Team, and Church Council, we are ready to announce a new Service of Lament and Healing that will be conducted at these points of transition in the life of the church and community:

• 4pm, Sunday, November 24, leading into the holiday season
• 4pm, Sunday, January 5, following the holiday season at the start of a new year
• 4pm, Transfiguration Sunday, February 23, before Lent in the midst of winter darkness
• 4pm, Saturday, April 11, vigil emerging from darkness toward Easter
• 4pm, Sunday, July 5, at the time of national celebrations
• 4pm Sunday, September 13, after Labor Day at school year transition

The vision for these services is to provide a safe and holy space for persons to express their deepest concerns, silently or aloud, in the presence of the baptismal community that is committed to sharing such concerns with God and each other, even when they are difficult to hear and possibly even conflicting with our own points of view.  The goal is to promote healing and strengthen the witness of our faith community as it is centered on our trust in God’s promise of life and love for all the world through Christ Jesus our Lord, even amid the various and perhaps conflicting perspectives we may bring to that community.  We are gathering to lay all our concerns explicitly before the Lord, trusting that the Lord will be at work through us to address those concerns for the well-being of all.

This will be the shape of the service:

• Prelude of contemplative music
• Thanksgiving for Baptism by which God unites us
• Song
• Psalm of Lament
• Petitions of Lamentation
  • Persons will be invited to light a candle for their lament across each subject above.
  • The candle may be placed while expressing the lament out loud or silently.
  • Each subject of lamentation will be concluded with pastoral prayer.
• Prayer of Healing and Reconciliation
• Lord’s Prayer
• Song
• Benediction and Dismissal
• Opportunity for private, individual prayer and laying on of hands

We look forward to sharing this worship experience with all who are interested.  Please invite any other friends and neighbors who might like to join us for the experience.  See Pastor Steve, Vicar Sara, or Josh with any questions.

The next installment of Holy Trinity’s 2019-2020 concert series will feature the Brass Band of Columbus on Sunday, December 1 at 4:00 pm.  Please join the BBC for a joyous musical celebration at their annual holiday concert with a reception following. Invite a friend or family member to join you for a lovely afternoon of music!

The holiday ads are in full swing, and the weather is starting to let us know Christmas is just around the corner.  Holy Trinity’s partnership with Boulevard Presbyterian has made the holidays brighter for so many families around Columbus and we have the opportunity to serve again this year.  With one less week between Thanksgiving and Christmas, we’re collecting toys now so each child will have a present to unwrap on Christmas morning.  Please consider picking up Lego sets, craft kits, soccer balls, footballs, basketballs, etc. and drop them off in the red bin in the Gathering Place.  We’ll also be available after worship services to collect any monetary contributions and we’ll shop the sales to stretch every dollar!  Your support in the past has been invaluable, and we’re hoping you can join again to support 385 families this year with our Christmas Basket program! For any questions, please reach out to Denise Meyer and Karen Eicher.

Save the dates: Wednesday, 12/11 – Cookie Decorating at Holy Trinity starting at 4:00 pm; Saturday, 12/14 – Basket Assembly at Boulevard Presbyterian at 9:30 am; and Sunday, 12/15 – Basket Delivery at 12:30 pm.

Holy Trinity is hosting the CWU Christmas Tea on Friday, December 6 at 1:00 pm.  Clair Dent will perform on her violin and accompany the singing of a few Christmas carols. All women are invited to attend.  You can mail your reservation/check (payable to Church Women United for $10.00 per person with “Christmas Tea” in the memo line) to Beatrice Cunningham, 350 Chase Rd., Columbus, OH 43214. Deadline for reservations is November 29. The Church Women United Layette Project donates at least 20 layettes each month to women and babies in need. CWU would be grateful for donated items such as disposable diapers for babies 8 lbs. and larger, wipes, bottles, burping cloths, receiving blankets, socks, onesies, washcloths, towels, lotion, baby wash, shampoo, or sleepers. Please contact Shirley Boyd or Beth Myser if you have questions.

Tuesday, November 26 at 10:00 am will be the final session in the three-part study on the stewardship of emotions: Stewarding the Gift of Joy.  We will explore the meaning of joy – what it is, where it comes from, and what the poetry of the Bible has to teach us about the gift.  All are invited to join us in the church library.

Holy Trinity’s next opportunity to serve breakfast at First English Lutheran Church is Sunday, November 24.  We love new faces!  Join us at First English, 1015 E. Main Street at 7:30 am to cook and serve breakfast to our neighbors and friends.  No previous experience is necessary!  As always, donations of fresh fruit and baked goods are welcome.  Please contact Becky Warnement for more information.

Sunday Scripture Discussion meets Sunday mornings at 9:30 am in the church library. Join us for a lively discussion on the scriptures of the day led by a different person each week. This week’s leader is Carl Peterson. For more information, please contact Carl Peterson.