december 2015 the commitment - trinity rochestertrcroc.org/nl/december2015.pdf · candlelight...

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DECEMBER 2015 Volume 23 No. 4 A ministry of the Reformed Church in America INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Adult Ed. Offering 4 Angel Tree 3 Bible Study date 6 Birthdays & Anniversaries 6 Book Review 5 Calendar 7 Communion Listening Times 6 Communion Offerings 2 Consistory 2&3 Friends in Fellowship 6 Lectionary 4 Pastor’s Message 2 Quiet Christmas 4 TRWM 6 Undecorating Church 6 Deadline for January issue: December 15 Jana DiPiazza, Secretary: Email: [email protected] Carl Warn, Editor [email protected] The Commitment Newsletter of TRINITY REFORMED CHURCH Seeking HIS LightReflecting HIS Love Each Sunday evening of Advent at 7:00 pm (11/30 thru 12/21),join us for a meditative time of scripture, prayer, song, and communion. On Christmas Eve (Dec.24 at 7:30 pm) there is a candlelight service of lessons and carols. December 12 is the date of the tenth annual offering of “Cookies good enough to give as a gift,” plus floral arrangements for your holiday table, jams, jellies, pickles, salsa and candy made into baskets at your request or sold separately for gifts. Prices this year are bulk cookies at $8 per pound and small, medium, and large pre-made trays priced at $6, $13.50, and $18.50 respectively. Invite your friends and neighbors to attend. Thanks in advance for your support. See Jacquie Greene or Margaret DeLeeuw if you have questions or want to place advance orders for trays.

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Page 1: DECEMBER 2015 The Commitment - Trinity Rochestertrcroc.org/NL/December2015.pdf · candlelight service of lessons and carols. December 12 is the date of the tenth annual offering of

DECEMBER 2015

Volume 23 No. 4

A ministry of the Reformed

Church in America

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Adult Ed. Offering 4

Angel Tree 3

Bible Study date 6

Birthdays & Anniversaries 6

Book Review 5

Calendar 7

Communion Listening Times 6

Communion Offerings 2

Consistory 2&3

Friends in Fellowship 6

Lectionary 4

Pastor’s Message 2

Quiet Christmas 4

TRWM 6

Undecorating Church 6

Deadline for January

issue: December 15

Jana DiPiazza, Secretary:

Email: [email protected]

Carl Warn, Editor

[email protected]

The Commitment Newsletter of TRINITY REFORMED CHURCH Seeking HIS Light… Reflecting HIS Love

Each Sunday evening of Advent at 7:00 pm

(11/30 thru 12/21),join us for a meditative time of

scripture, prayer, song, and communion.

On Christmas Eve (Dec.24 at 7:30 pm) there is a

candlelight service of lessons and carols.

December 12 is the date of

the tenth annual offering of “Cookies

good enough to give as a gift,” plus

floral arrangements for your holiday

table, jams, jellies, pickles, salsa and

candy made into baskets at your

request or sold separately for gifts.

Prices this year are bulk cookies at

$8 per pound and small, medium, and large pre-made trays priced at $6,

$13.50, and $18.50 respectively.

Invite your friends and neighbors to attend. Thanks in advance for your support.

See Jacquie Greene or Margaret DeLeeuw if you have questions or want to

place advance orders for trays.

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He who made the starry skies

Sleeping in a manger lies

Ruler of the centuries

Humbly clad, the King of kings,

Joys of heav'n to earth he brings,

Sweet above all earthly things.

I found those words in a collection of carols on my bookshelf. They are a

translation of a 15th century carol, originally in Latin, written by some nuns

of a British monastery in Chester. I like these words because they so nicely

express the beautiful contrasts that are embedded in the Christmas message:

divinity in humanity, the creator donning creatureliness, the unlimited

bowing to limits.

These contrasts are so deep, so powerful, so joyful. For how great it is, that

the Eternal Word should be spoken through the cries of a newborn boy, first

to a young woman and her fiance, later to poor shepherds, and only much

later to rulers and other powerful people. How great it is, that the Wisdom of

the ages would walk among the people, instructing the foolish and

confounding the wise. How great it is, that the Word present at the birth of

all worlds would himself choose to be born.

On his mother's breast he lies,

She will kiss him if he cries,

Ruler of the earth and skies.

The contrasts are deep and powerful, and they may, if we listen, inspire in us

great joy. They may, if we listen, lead us to lift up our eyes above the

trappings of a too familiar and commercialized Christmas.

Many years ago, I saved something called “A Christmas Creed.” I don’t

know who wrote it, or how I came upon it. It is, I think, worth pondering

and celebrating, for its contrasts and joy.

I believe in Jesus, who brought glory to a little town called Bethlehem,

and who still brings joy in our day to towns both great and small.

I believe in this one for whom the crowded inn could find no room.

I believe in the one persecuted by the powerful, misunderstood by the

proud, yet welcomed by the lowly and those with hungry hearts.

I believe in this one whose power he made known in weakness, whose

cradle was a mother’s arms, and whose modest home had love as its

only treasure.

I believe in him who loved the unlovable, who welcomed wayward

sheep back into the fold, and who lifted up our weakness into the strong

arms of God.

I believe in this one, the God-man, who gives of himself for the

glory of God and for our salvation.

I believe in Jesus, son of the living God, born in Bethlehem for me and

for the world. Amen.

May God bless you richly in these blessed seasons of Advent and Christmas.

Christ’s Peace,

Pastor Dan

[email protected]

Upcoming Communion Offerings:

December – Pastor’s Grace Fund

January – Grace Ministries

.2015 Consistory

Minister of Word & Sacrament:

The Rev. Dr. Dan Griswold

Elders: Janice Cleary

Ted DeSoto

Greg Halsey, Clerk

Sharon Hann, VP

Jean Reeves

Susan Staples

Deacons:

Ben Cooper

Sue DeVuyst

Chuck DiPiazza

Bonnie Harris

Ted Marston

Mary Robinson ~ ~ ~

Treasurer: Marge Magans

Benevolence Secr’y: Steve Letter

Financial Secr’y: Greg Halsey

Consistory Member

for the Week: December 6 – Jean Reeves

December 13 – Greg Halsey

December 20 – Ben Cooper

December 27 – TBD

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At the Annual meeting several members and groups

were recognized for their service:

Steve Letter and his work investigating

Insurance and Government agency issues and

his work maintaining the sound and computer

systems.

TRWM for providing reception assistance for

memorial and funeral services.

Marge Magans for her work as Treasurer.

John Bernard for his help with Missions and

Church maintenance and repair.

Sam Manuele and other volunteers for the

“Come to Dinner” ministry.

Jacquie Greene for her organizing and

leadership with the Strawberry Festival, Harvest

Dinner and Cookie Sale.

Sue DeVuyst and Larry Scheerens for their work

closing the Brighton accounts and finance

duties.

Carl Warn as Editor of the monthly newsletter.

Jana DiPiazza who assists the Pastor in the

ministries of Trinity.

Linda King for her diligent cleaning

maintenance of the Church.

Petra Letter for her love of children and her

service as Nursery attendant

Alexis VanZalen for her work with the music

program.

Norma Koper and Margaret DeLeeuw with the

Cookie Sale.

Eileen Midavaine for the lovely gardens.

Bell Choir’s addition to our worship service.

Leaders of the Bible Studies; Sam and Anita

Manuale, Jana DiPiazza, Herb and Marion

Spencer, Phil and Patti Peters, Christine Perec.

Greg Halsey, Consistory Clerk

Congratulations

To the newly elected members of the 2016 Consistory:

Deacons: Bonnie Magin, Mary Robinson, and Larry Scheerens

Elders: Ed Allatt and Pat Peters

and

Thank you to those completing their

service on the active consistory who will now be joining Trinity’s great consistory:

Deacons: Sue DeVuyst, Bonnie Harris, and Ted Marston

Elders: Janice Cleary, Jean Reeves, and Susan Staples

The tree in the sanctuary has the names of children for

whom we will be providing Christmas gifts. Thanks for

taking one or more angels from the tree. When you take

the angel, please sign the sheet next to the

number/name(s) that you have taken. There is a limit of

$25 per child – please keep in mind as we want to be

fair in families where more than one child will be

receiving one of our presents. If the item specified is too

costly or you aren’t sure on music or electronics, it is

alright to purchase a $25 WalMart or Target Card that

can be wrapped and given to the child. Every gift must

be returned to Trinity by SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13.

Please affix the cardboard tag to the package. Thanks

for being an angel, too.

If you need help shopping, contact Sam Manuele for

assistance.

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New Epiphany and Lent Adult Education

Offering

“Eat This Book” This was the word of God to his prophet Ezekiel (Ezek.

3:1): take this book, consume it. It will nourish you for

your life and ministry.

Christians, especially Protestants, have always believed

that there are three essential practices for our spiritual

nourishment: attending worship, praying daily, and

reading the Bible each day. But we’ve gotten little

instruction in how to read our Bibles in a way that

would nourish us. Some have randomly opened their

Bibles for a “verse for the day” (This is not

recommended). Some others have determined to read

their Bibles from beginning to end but have given up in

the midst of the legal details of Leviticus or the

genealogies in Numbers (Not really recommended

either).

But reading the Bible in these ways is probably not

what God had in mind. This six-week course will

consider how to read the Bible in ways that will nourish

us for our Christian lives. We will consider matters like:

What’s the difference between a historical and a

spiritual reading of the Bible? How to we select

passages for nourishing reading? How do we reflect on

a text spiritually? We will experiment with reading

selected texts spiritually.

This class will overlap the first Sundays in Lent, and

might be useful for preparing us for our Lenten reading

and prayers.

We will meet in the Lounge after worship beginning on

Sunday, January 10th. Join us!

January 10th: “Eat This Book”: Reading the Bible

for Nourishment

January 17th: Suggestions for Reading the Bible

Devotionally

January 24th: Picking a Reading Plan

January 31st: Praying the Psalms

February 7th: Reading the Gospels Devotionally

February 14th: Integrating Scripture into our Prayers

Readings from the Revised Common Lectionary YEAR C

Second Sunday of Advent, December 6:

Malachi 3:1-4; Luke 1:68-79; Philippians 1:3-11;

Luke 3:1-6

Third Sunday of Advent, December 13:

Zephaniah 3:14-20; Isaiah 12:2-6; Philippians 4:4-7;

Luke 3:7-18

Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 20:

Micah 5:2-5a; Luke 1:46b-55 or Psalm 80:1-7;

Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45, (46-55)

First Sunday after Christmas Day, December 27:

1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26; Psalm 148;

Colossians 3:12-17; Luke 2:41-52

The Longest Night,

the Brightest Hope A Time of Healing, Sharing and Remembrance

Quiet Christmas: For over 20 years, the First

Reformed Church in Sodus, 18 Maple Ave. has held

a service for all who have lost a loved one, or may be in

mourning, or simply seeking peace and comfort amidst

the rush in this holiday time. This year it is on Sunday

Dec. 13 at 3:00 P.M. featuring Christmas readings,

quiet songs, time for remembrance and fellowship with

like-minded people. To know more or get directions,

call Pastor John Eichenberger, (315) 483-4026.

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CHRISTIAN BOOK REVIEW

by Marion Crump Spencer

Timothy Keller, whom Newsweek called the C.S. Lewis for the twentieth century, offers a unique

perspective of Jesus’ most renowned parable. The Prodigal God-Recovering the Heart of the

Christian Faith uncovers the meaning behind the message of this parable. Like most of Jesus’

illustrations, the intended audience was much broader than initially surmised. Keller illuminates

cultural nuances and theological insights which expose the deeper meaning than what is typically

revealed.

Keller plumbs the setting, personalities, and the motivations of all the characters in this parable.

Though his treatment is exhaustive, it is never tedious. In the introduction, Keller shares his

target audience which includes seekers and longtime believers. He presents the story found in the book of Luke in the

fifteenth chapter as it is written in the Bible. He offers a little used definition of the word “prodigal”. Then he proceeds

to delve into the meaning of the words. He initially points out that our tendency is to focus on the wayward brother’s

story even though there are clearly two brothers in the Bible. That’s when the fascinating education begins.

Through scriptural references and illustrations the reader is pressed to align oneself with one of the two brothers. Jesus

intends for that to be the basis for our transformation. Seekers and new believers easily align themselves with the

wayward, rebellious son. We all come to Christ with repentant hearts and are amazed at the love and acceptance found in

Him. But if we are already obedient and faithful in all our dealings, how can we accept and forgive the son whom we feel

is spiritually inferior to us? Keller spends the lion’s share of his treatment on this situation.

Even though he has followed all the rules, the elder son is also alienated from the Father. Keller even suggests that Jesus

told the parable for these elder brothers, the scribes and the Pharisees. Their self-righteous, judgmental attitudes and

treatment of their younger brothers grieves God as in the parable. The book’s section entitled “Why People Like Jesus

but Not the Church” addresses this. Keller then explores the types of people who are attracted to churches. “If the

preaching of our ministers and the practice of our parishioners do not have the same effect on people that Jesus had, then

we must not be declaring the same message that Jesus did.” This quote implies that our churches are filled with elder

brothers who will not be able to fulfill the Great Commission as Jesus instructed.

Though such strong proclamations convict us, Keller presents workable solutions and a sense of hope. I strongly

recommend this work for reflection and discussion. It is time we are about our Father’s business of saving souls.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the

Holy Spirit, …” Matthew 28: 19

Small packages, big things!

Remember that candy commercial declaring, “Big things come in small packages”? The prophet’s

message to tiny Bethlehem is similar: “Though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of

you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel” (Micah 5:2, NIV).

We’ve all felt too small for a certain role: too little to play with the big kids … too skinny to

make the football team … short on the skills needed for a choice assignment. Perhaps we fear

our gift of money is too little to make a difference, or the small amount of time we can

volunteer isn’t even worth it.

But God brings big things out of “small packages.” From a newborn baby — merely six to eight

pounds of helplessness — God brought salvation for the whole world. Rest assured, he’ll do big things through you, too.

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BBBiiirrrttthhhdddaaayyysss

12/2 Emma Meerdink

12/3 Christopher Griswold

12/5 Jay Meerdink

12/5 Larry Scheerens

12/6 Marge Magans

12/7 Bob Hann

12/7 Carol McCarthy

12/12 Joan Bernhard

12/12 Herb Spencer

12/16 Edith DeBack

12/16 Carl Warn

12/17 Georgianna Becker

12/18 Dan Griswold

12/19 Christine Bricault

12/19 Toby Meerdink

12/19 Christine Perec

12/24 Kristin Shuman

12/25 Jesus, our Savior

12/26 Melody Bricault

12/26 Marion Spencer

12/29 Nathan Bixler

12/30 Diane Rutherford

AAAnnnnnniiivvveeerrrsssaaarrriiieeesss

12/17 Ralph & Elizabeth Dalton –

1960

12/19 Ted & Evelyn DeSoto

12/28 Jack & Annette DeWolf –

1953

If we are missing your birthday

or anniversary, please contact the

church office with that

information.

Just a reminder that we shall be

meeting on Friday, December 4th

for our annual Christmas

Luncheon at Monroe’s on Monroe

Avenue at 12 noon. If anyone

wishes to carpool, please meet in

the church parking lot at 11:30 AM.

Please sign up on the sheet on the

bulletin board next to the office.

ALSO TRWM will be collecting

used medicine bottles which we

shall mail to Indianapolis where

they will be shipped over to the

Third World countries. Please see

the box in the Narthex.

A reminder also we are still

collecting the covers from any

greeting cards you may have.

Please place in separate box in the

Narthex. Thank you.

Liz Dalton

Listening Sessions:

where participants will be able to

speak and listen to others

concerning communion – Tuesday

December 1, 7:00 pm and

Saturday December 5, 10:00 am

FFFrrriiieeennndddsss iiinnn

FFFeeellllllooowwwssshhhiiippp

Sunday, December 6th. Friends & Fellowship will be holding a pot luck luncheon on Sunday, December 6th immediately following worship. Alexis has agreed to lead us in a few Christmas Carols. A sign up list will be posted on the bulleting board asking what you will bring ( casserole, vegetable/salad or dessert) Please bring your plates & silverware. If you should have any questions, please call me (Phil Peters) at 943-1482. Thanks & see you there.

Undecorate Church Saturday, January 2 at 9:30 am

Bible Study at the Manuele's Home

December 4

On the Friday evenings that we

meet at our home, we start at 7

p.m. and conclude at 8:30 p.m.

News of the Trinity Church Family

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Trinity Reformed Church 909 Landing Road North ROCHESTER, NEW YORK 14625

The Commitment

1st

Class

Postage

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