Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

There are three names engraved on a bronze plaque near the flag pole on Forest Avenue next to the church parking area. The names are in memory of three soldiers who were killed in Vietnam between 1969 and 1970. These men gave their lives for their country; may they always be remembered.

In 1971, I was serving in the U.S. Air Force as a nurse in Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam. It was a lonely place to be at Christmas. One of the men, Sgt. Ken Hollis, wrote a comparison between Christmas in the United States and Christmas in Vietnam for the base newspaper. I kept that article and here is a quote from it 50 years later: “An anxiously awaited extra card or two from faraway loved ones and the waiting lines at the post office for packages marked ‘Don’t open until Christmas’ – Christmas in Vietnam is. Worshipping at the base chapel and celebrating the birth of Christ – Christmas in Vietnam is.”

It starts with the birth of Christ as an infant who brought peace, love, and hope into a shattered world. God had sent us his Son to follow in his footsteps and learn the path of salvation through His death and resurrection.

In our lonesome and troubled times, may we always live by John 14:27.

Cheryl Walsh

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

 2 Corinthians 9:8

During this season of Advent, we are preparing for the coming of Christ. One way we celebrate Advent is by gathering with family, friends, church members, and even strangers to enjoy food. Many of us have been blessed abundantly and are able to have a variety of healthy produce at these gatherings and throughout the year. Unfortunately, there are members in our community who do not have the same access to fresh produce.

This is why God has blessed our community with places such as Shalom Farms. I have volunteered at Shalom Farms for many years, most recently attending with Trinity’s Youth as shown in this picture. As a volunteer harvester, I have grown to appreciate my blessings. I have also made a connection between the work of harvest and the healthy produce that is accessible to me. Throughout my lifetime, Shalom Farms has grown and even moved locations so that it could sow a larger bounty of produce to share.

Let us grow like Shalom Farms and be generous this season by sharing what God has given us knowing that those who give abundantly will receive much more in return. 2 Corinthians 9:8 reminds us to have faith that if we give freely and generously, God will always provide what we need.

Natalie Dike

Second Week of Advent

….“A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all people will see God’s salvation.’”

 

Luke 3:4-6 

As we look at the Advent bags that were distributed by our church last year, we are reminded that Advent is a season. 

It is a season of joy. A season of anticipation. A season of excitement. Each day the Advent candle burns brightly, providing us light as we prepare for the way of the Lord.

These bags also remind us that we are a part of a community of faith. As we enter every day, and face the challenges and the joys that life brings, we are surrounded and supported by the love provided by the members of this faith community. We are reminded that throughout our journey in life, we are never alone.

What a blessing!

In the scripture for today, Luke tells us to prepare for the way of the Lord and to make paths straight for him. This preparation is a journey, a lifelong journey. As I look at the nativity scene that is on our fireplace mantel throughout the year, I am reminded that this journey does not start or stop with the Advent season, but the joy and excitement of Advent needs to be experienced and shared daily as we seek for all people to see God’s salvation.

Let us share our joy, anticipation, and excitement!

Ken Beck

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Matthew 19:14

This is a photo of my wife, Anne, and son, Tate, at one of our parking lot parties in the spring. This chalk art was one of many activities where the children were asked a question and had to come up with their own answers and interpretations. They were free to answer in their own way.

When I think about how this picture relates to the verse, I focus on the phrase “do not hinder them”. Children are naturally creative and inquisitive beings, and their ability to relate and understand the Bible and Christianity will all be different for each child. They will all come to it from a different place, and a different perspective. The ways that they can connect to the church or God is different and it is natural to let them learn and explore on their own in a way that is meaningful to them. We should encourage any way that can help connect children to God.

As we begin this season of Advent, it is a great opportunity to bring the children of the church together and to let them learn and ask questions and find their place as they grow and discover in their faith and celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Andrew Price

“It’s Christmas every time you let God love others through you… every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand.”

Quote from Mother Teresa

As Christmas approaches we look forward to the sights and sounds of the season – the beautiful tree in the Church sanctuary, the special music and the Christmas Eve Candlelight services. It also brings back memories of gatherings with family and friends and the possibility of sharing special time with them again.

We have some Christmas traditions as many families do. One is putting the candles in each window in anticipation of the coming of the Christ child. The candles give off a special glow that speaks of peace and love during the Christmas season. Several years ago, we started a new tradition. We replaced gifts to some family members with donations to their chosen charities and they donated to some of ours. Our extended family has been blessed, and we want to share that with others less fortunate.

We also have a Christmas food tradition – my mother’s potato salad. She taught Jerry how to make it and no Christmas meal is complete without it. Having enough food each week is a challenge for some families. The food pantries that Trinity supports, Sherbourne and Welborne, have experienced an increased number of clients due to the impact of COVID. Trinity’s weekly donations make a significant impact on the ability to fill the increased need. Since Trinity began weekly collections, we have been supporting this effort as have others in the church family. It is something we can do to share our blessings and give a helping hand to those in need.

Jerry and Karen Williams

“Now to the Lord sing praises, all you within this place, and with true love and brotherhood each other now embrace.”

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

When I see this photo, I have an image of a community of believers who love and support one another and the church. This community, the Wednesday night study group known as the 3Ms, comes together each week to seek and learn about God’s direction to us and for us. Together as believers this group is a mighty testament to God’s work in the world and the authority of Jesus in our lives.

How happy I am to be part of this loving community of sisters and brothers and of other groups at Trinity such as the morning prayer group. My faith is enriched and strengthened within these communities of believers. After living in Pittsburgh for five years the technological miracle of ZOOM brought me back to participate in these communities of faith at Trinity.

The familiar carol “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” quoted here recounts the story of Jesus birth as told in the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 2. The first and last verses act as bookends, the first encouraging us to “rest” in the shelter of God’s love and the joy of His glad tidings for the world. The last verse, quoted here, implores us to sing praises to our Lord, all the while embracing each other in loving brotherhood as done in the many small groups at Trinity. My hope for all during this busy time of year is that we find our own rest in the fellowship of believers, embracing one another and praising God for the glad tidings of Jesus birth.

Marsha Shuler Goodfriend