STEEPLE NOTES ON THE WEB

Parish News

Trinity Lutheran Church

527 Washington St.

Reading, PA 19601

610-374-4861

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DECEMBER 2009

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Updated: November 30, 2009

HISTORIC TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH

of the City of Reading, PA

BECOME        .

Noonday Worship

and Luncheon

Wednesdays, Dec. 2, 9, 16 and 23 at 12:05 pm

in the Chapel; lunch following in the Hintz Room

Please join us on Wednesdays in December for this half-hour communion service, followed by a delicious lunch in the Hintz Room.  The theme will be “Advent Conspiracy: Can Christmas Still Change the World?”

Congregational Meeting

and Advent Luncheon

Sunday, December 13 after 11:00 worship

A congregational meeting will be held on Sunday, December 13 following the 11:00 service to approve the budget for 2010.  Then we’ll join together for a covered dish turkey casserole feast, welcoming our new members at the beginning of this new church year.  Please look for the blue sign-up sheets if you’d like to contribute a casserole or dessert.

“While We Wait” Advent Conversations

Tuesdays, Dec. 1, 8, 15, and 22, 7:00 pm, Hintz Rm.

Join Deaconess Deborah and Pr. Opalinski for

season-blessing discussion, based on the “Advent

Reflections” devotional book available in the Hintz Room and narthex. 

Christmas Eve Worship Schedule

3:00 pmDeaf Worship (Chapel)

5:00 pm Family Worship (Nave)

Children’s choirs will sing and the message will be shared with kids (and those with short attention spans) in mind.

10:00 pmChoir Concert (Nave)

The Trinity Choir will present seasonal music.

10:30 pmCandlelight Worship (Nave)

Christmas Caroling

Sunday, December 20 from 3:00-5:00 pm

Help share some Christmas Cheer! We invite you to meet at the church and share Christmas carols with some of our shut-ins and those in need of a little Christmas cheer.  Please sign up in the Hintz Room.

Advent Sunday Worship

We’ll include a special “Kids’ Time” before the scripture readings each week, talking about the Chrismons—ornament symbols of Jesus—that will adorn our chancel Christmas tree.  (Children who wish will be taken to the nursery following the kids’ time.)

December 27 Worship Note

On Sunday, December 27, we will have only one worship service, Lessons and Carols with the Holy Eucharist at 11:00 am in the Nave.  On that day the nursery will be open but we will not have an attendant on duty.  Parents are welcome to bring their children to the nursery where the service is broadcast and stay with them.

Opalinksi Open House

Trinity members and friends are invited to celebrate Christmas at the Opalinski home (1506 Eckert Avenue, next to the Central Catholic parking lot), on Sunday, January 3, from 4-7 pm.  There will be plenty of food and fellowship!

Media Update

2009 has been an exciting year for Media at Trinity! We have made several changes to our websites and recently added a Facebook page called "Historic Trinity Lutheran Church.”  We are also pleased to report 2500 unique visitors to our TV site!

 

How does one navigate all of this? It’s easy. Go to www.oldtrinity.org. This is our home page, where you will find information highlights to upcoming events and also links to our Media and Newsletter websites and a link to our Facebook page.

The value of these sites is evident in the following story... Pastor Opalinski recently recounted three examples of folks with ties to Trinity, living in distant places, visiting our site to view worship,

and expressing thanks for the opportunity to do so!  Donna Wolfe, Rändel's mom, living in California;  Tilo Tiegs, a member of our companion synod in Saxony, Germany; and Travis Schick, Trinity member, formerly serving in Iraq.

WORSHIP & MUSIC

Music in the Family

A unique accomplishment for the Music from Trinity series…

This season we are featuring each of the Potteiger children in separate Music from Trinity programs. Kirstin’s recital aired in November.  Erik’s noonday recital appearance with the Exeter Eagleaires will air in January 2010.  Lars’ 2008 performance aired in

September.   Kirstin and Lars’ programs may be viewed on demand at our media website, www.oldtrinitytv.org on the archive page.

MISSION & SERVICE

Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministry is a one-on-one lay care giving program.  Stephen Ministers can provide support during times of crisis or life transitions.  During the holiday season, you may wish to have someone to walk with you.  Please speak to Pastor O. or Ralph Unruh if you or someone you know may benefit from a Stephen Minister. 

MISSION & SERVICE

Poinsettia and World Hunger

Memorial Gifts

Now is the time to offer memorial gifts of poinsettias and/or donations to world hunger.  The order form is printed on page 13.  Red forms are also available in the narthex, chapel hall and Hintz Room.  Memorial gifts are due by Sunday, December 13 and will be listed in the Christmas Eve worship bulletins.

Parking Reminder

When you come to Trinity Monday through Friday for Trinity’s weekday events, please remember not to park in our rented parking spaces.  Instead, you are welcome to use spaces numbered 22 through 44 on the upper right side which are always open for weekday Trinity events. You may also park in the Bard House spaces.

Media Sponsorship

Remember or honor a loved one.  Celebrate a special day!  A gift of $30 enables you to sponsor the broadcast production of one of our weekly worship services.  We’ll include the listing in the bulletin ‘propers’ and on screen with the Sunday evening broadcast.  Please sign up at the narthex counter in the folder next to the flower sign-up.  Thank you!

FINE ARTS

Children’s Chorus Concert

Friday, Dec. 11, 8:00 pm in the Nave

Again this year, the Berks Classical   Children’s Chorus presents “Here We Come A–Caroling” in the Trinity nave, featuring music and readings of the season.  To order tickets, call the BCCC office at (610) 796-9001.

FINE ARTS

Wheatland Chorale Concert

Saturday, December 12, 8:00 pm at Atonement

Wheatland Chorale (including our own Dr. Wolfe and Beth Welz) presents its “Glad Tidings!” holiday concert featuring joyous music of the season.  For ticket information, call (610) 796-1581 or e-mail       wheatland.chorale@gmail.com.  Or visit www.thewheatlandchorale.org.

FINE ARTS

Berkshire Chorale Concert

Saturday, December 19, 7;00 pm at Christ Episcopal

The Berkshire Chorale presents their 2009 Holiday Concert at Christ Episcopal Church in downtown Reading on Saturday evening, December 19th at 7:00 p.m.  The Chorale will be presenting an eclectic mix of madrigals, popular Christmas songs, spirituals, gospel, Christmas carols and original arrangements.  The concert will feature the premiere of a new arrangement by the conductor of the Berkshire Chorale, David Himes.  Singers include Peter Graf, Dan Smith, Amy Stewart-Himes and Pr. Opalinski.  There will be a free will   offering.

ALTER GUILD

December Altar Flower Dedications

December 6: Given by Louise Duggan in loving memory of her husband, James Duggan.

December 13: Given by Marlene Sauder-Raymond in loving

memory of Charolette McIlvain.

December 20 and 27: Christmas Poinsettias

ALTER GUILD

January Altar Flower Dedications

January 3: Given by the Worship & Music Committee in honor of the many volunteers who help make our Sunday liturgies possible.

January 10: Given by Darlyn Unger, in loving memory of her husband, Richard Unger.

January 17: Given by Robert Reimer in loving memory of his wife, Mary Reimer.

January 24: Given by the Jameson Family in memory of Bob Jameson from his loving family.

January 31: Given by Carol in loving memory of her father,

Dr. Grant Eisenberg.

2010 altar flowers

Thank you to all who sponsor altar flowers.  We are planning for 2010 and the sign-up notebook is on the counter in the narthex.  Those of you who sponsor on a permanent basis have received letters about your 2010 dates. The cost is $80 for single sponsors and $40 for co-sponsors. We encourage groups to sponsor the flowers.  Altar Guild does; how about vestry, ushers, or committees?

PARISH NURSING

Blood Pressure Screening Schedule

The Parish Nurses wish you, your family and friends a healthy and blessed holiday season.  There will be no blood pressure screening in December; we hope to see you instead on Sunday, January 24, 2010.

MISSION & SERVICE

Family Promise Update

Hosting: January 24-31

Training session:  Jan. 10

With our Atonement partners we will be hosting guests from Sunday, January 24 to Sunday, January 31. Our schedule will be similar to past experiences, except there will always be a few changes caused by updating and re-organization.  Please remember to read the job descriptions on the kiosk when you sign up.  All changes will be noted in there and can be discussed with Marian.

One new change will be a Sunday morning forum and training session at Trinity on January 10 for all past, present and future volunteers, as well as an information program for congregation members.  Everyone needs a refresher course or an update on the program.  If you have not helped before, but may in the future, you need to attend.  There will be time for questions and answers. Matt Mellen has done a video on Family Promise and some of its

activities that we hope to share with you that day.

Also, if you have volunteered, you need to sign a HIPPA confidentiality form.  Some people have not done this, so see me if you have not signed the form.

Special thanks to all of our faithful supporters.  We hope some of our newer members will sign up, too.  It is a very worthwhile experience and one that will change the way you see your own life.

—Marian Jameson

MISSION & SERVICE

Adopt-A-Family

Donation deadline: Sunday, December 20

We are once again working with The Salvation Army to sponsor a family.  This family consists of a mother, Lisa, and two children.  Lisa is the sole supporter of her family and is raising the children on their father’s death benefits.  The children are José, an eight-year-old boy who is ADHD and ADD, and Isis, a five-year-old girl. 

We have placed paper tags on the Christmas Tree in the Hinz Room labeled with items the family needs.  We ask you to bring your gifts to the Hintz Room by Sunday, December 20, 2009.

Important: all items must be UNWRAPPED with the TAG ATTACHED to the item.

Additional items that the family needs includes, pots, pans, dishes, cups, queen size bed sheets, twin size comforters and bath towels.  Thank you for your support of this worthy cause.

 

Trinity Serves at Opportunity House

We have two open dates for which we are looking for a team to serve: February 2 and April 6.  Please sign up at the kiosk in the Hintz Room or call Anita Dolak to request information or sign up.

MISSION & SERVICE

Christmas Sharing at The Lutheran Home

Tues., December 8, 9:30 am—3:30 pm

Sincere THANKS to all of you who donated gifts to the “Gift Sharing Project” for the Lutheran Home at Topton.  All the wonderful gifts were MUCH appreciated from Trinity as well as other area Lutheran churches.

If you are interested in participating, there is a “Step 2” to that project.  On Dec. 8, the residents from the various buildings at Topton will gather to “shop” for family and friends. Volunteers are needed to assist residents to and from their units and volunteers are needed to wrap the gifts they choose.  The date of this event is Tuesday, December 8, from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm with an hour for lunch.  You can bring your own lunch or enjoy lunch in the cafeteria.  Please join us to share the spirit of Christmas giving with those who truly need our help at this time.  If you are interested in participating in this heartfelt service to others, please call Pat Conlon at (610) 406-9361 or Mae Sunderland at 796-0235.  Transportation will be provided.  

LEARNING MINISTRIES

Adult Forum in December

Join us for Adult Forum on Sunday Mornings at 9:45 a.m. Most sessions are held in the Auditorium.

December 6 & 13: We continue our “Making Sense of Scripture” series.

LEARNING MINISTRIES

Book Discussion Group

January 7, 2010, 7:30 pm

The Book Discussion Group will meet on Thursday, January 7, 2010 at 7:30 pm at the home of Peggy Bobb.  This month the group will discuss The Invisible Wall by Harry Bernstein.

WORSHIP & MUSIC

Harpsichord under Construction

The Reading Musical Foundation with a gift from a very generous sponsor, has commissioned a new harpsichord to be housed here at Trinity.  The harpsichord is being constructed by Willard Martin, a renowned harpsichord builder who lives and works in Bethlehem, PA.  On January 10 and 24 at 6:30 pm look for our “Steeple News” TV program about the harpsichord.

Kids’ Night Out

Friday, December 18, 6:00-9:30 pm

The youth of Trinity offer this night for members and friends who have young children.  We play and do crafts together, while parents can take advantage of the time for gift shopping, wrapping, or simply some time alone.  Any donations will support our youth ministry, and a portion will be given to ELCA World Hunger Appeal.  Please sign up by December 15 to help us plan for a great evening.

MEDIA MINISTRY

Trinity TV broadcast schedule for December

Here is our expanded schedule on Comcast Channel 21

Tune in and invite a friend to watch!

Sundays

Sunday, December 6 and December 20

5:00 pm  Deaf Worship Service

5:30 pm  Mosaic

6:00 pm  Music From Trinity – Advent Special

6:30 pm  First Friday – Global Water Crisis

7:00 pm  Trinity Worship Service

Sunday, December 13 and December 27

5:00 pm  Deaf Worship Service

5:30 pm  Mosaic

6:00 pm  Music From Trinity – Advent Special

6:30 pm  Steeple News – Family Promise

7:00 pm  Trinity Worship Service

Weekday Playback

Mondays and Thursdays

11:30 am  First Friday – Global Water Crisis

12:00 pm  Music From Trinity – Advent Special

12:30 pm  Service of Worship and Music

  1:00 pm  Mosaic

Tuesdays and Fridays

11:30 am  Deaf Worship Service

12:00 pm  Music From Trinity – Advent Special

12:30 pm  Service of Worship and Music

  1:00 pm  Mosaic

Wednesdays

4:00 pm  Trinity Worship Service

5:00 pm  Deaf Worship Service

5:30 pm  Mosaic

Christmas Eve Service Live Broadcast, from 10:00 p.m.

Christmas Day Broadcasts:

11:30 am  Music From Trinity – Advent Special

12:00 pm  Christmas Eve Concert and

                 Candlelight Service