Join us this Sunday for the premiere event of the Trinity Music year, the Christmas Cantata.
Tawny Rybowicz leads the Chancel Choir, Youth Bells, Children and a full orchestra in Joseph M Martin’s “Appalachian Winter“
Come share this musical journey to the Manger with us, as we all prepare for the coming of the Christ Child.
As you prepare your hearts and minds for our Thanksgiving worship this coming Sunday, November 24th, please read and reflect upon Luke 23:33-43.
It may seem a bit odd to preach on the meaning and the power of Jesus’ crucifixion the Sunday before all of the Thanksgiving festivities. Upon further reflection, though, what could we be more thankful for than God’s gracious act of self-giving love in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ?
I’ve been hearing the term “crisis” with greater frequency these days.
–Our world is in crisis.
–Nations are in crisis.
–Churches and schools are in crisis,
–Individuals, marriages, and families are in crisis.
How is a crisis defined? What constitutes a crisis?
Consider this definition:
The noun crisis comes from the Latinized form of the Greek word krisis, meaning “turning point in a disease.” At such a moment, the person with the disease could get better or worse: it’s a critical moment. The etymology of the term “crisis” shares a relationship with the term “Christ.”
Life is about choices. If we find ourselves in a crisis, we can choose to embrace the power of the crisis or the power of Christ. I choose to embrace Christ and hold on to his everlasting promises.
The only crisis which has ever existed is the corruption of the human heart. On the cross, Jesus took our disease of sin upon himself, thus offering us the opportunity to be forgiven, loved, and free.
If you ever visit England, be sure to spend time in the city of Coventry, northwest of London.
During WWII, The Coventry Blitz (blitz: from the German word Blitzkrieg meaning “lightning war” struck the beautiful city with relentless force. The city was bombed many times by the German Air Force (Luftwaffe). The most devastating of these attacks occurred on the evening of 14 November 1940 and continued into the morning of 15 November.
Christians of Coventry took two charred embers and made the form of a cross with the inscription “Father Forgive.”
While serving a previous church, I would join in a duet with one of our choristers who has a lovely soprano voice. We sang “Give Thanks” every Thanksgiving Sunday. The hymn, written by Henry Smith in 1978 is based on Luke 1:49–53.
Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son
And now let the weak say, “I am strong”
Let the poor say, “I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us”
Give thanks
We give thanks to You
This Thanksgiving as you feast with family and friends at your table, give thanks to the Holy One for giving us Jesus Christ.
Rev. Jim
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
When it’s in your best interest, practice obedience.
Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory.
Take naps and stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you’re not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone you love is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you (advisedly/carefully).
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
No matter how often you’re scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout — run right back and make friends.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
One of my deepest beliefs is that God gives us dogs (and other domestic pets) to teach us things that God wants for us to know and practice.
The Holidays are quickly approaching. While they can be joyful occasions, they can also be stressful. Love one another as Christ (and your pet) loves you.
Daily prayer: “Dear God, please help me to be just half the person my dog thinks I am.”
In Christian Love,
Rev. Jim
How cute are these kids! Our Cherubs’ Choir was adorable this past Sunday singing “This Little Light of Mine”. A big thank you to Amanda Bova for volunteering her time to direct these little ones.
