| The Weekly Grail Electronic Newsletter |
For the Week of:
November 23-30, 2008 |
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| The Mission of Trinity Episcopal Church is to be an open and diverse Christian family dedicated to serving God and all creation by fostering spiritual growth through worship, prayer, education, service, stewardship, and celebration.
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 Greetings!
Below are the weekly announcements about the activities of Trinity Church, Hattiesburg, MS. Information about our parish and Diocesan life together for the forthcoming week, as well as special events and future programs is described. New ministries are highlighted here too.
Please note that a new section has been added containing the readings (lectionary lessons) for Sunday.
Please also note that to save paper costs, we will no, longer print and distribute copies of this Sunday newsletter in Church. You can always find a copy of The Weekly Grail on our web page.
I hope you enjoy receiving this information. Also check out the Monthly Parish Newsletter for further information.
Bill
Rector,
Trinity Episcopal Church
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Rector's Discretionary Fund Needs Replentishment
The Rector's discretionary fund is low. This fund is used to provide assistance and support to those in need in our community. If you can, please consider making a donation to the fund; any amount is welcome. Please make your check out to "Trinity Episcopal Church," write "Rector Discretionary Fund" on the memo line, and put your check in one of the white envelopes in the pew racks. Check "Rector Discretionary Fund" on the face of the envelope. Thank you so much!
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KUDOS TO THE MERRY MARTHAS AND THE LADIES OF THE CHURCH
On Saturday, Nov. 15, the Merry Marthas held their Food Sale. For weeks I have enjoyed the splendid spells emanating from the Parish hall kitchen as the women of the church under the direction of Mary Virginia McKenzie lovingly prepared delicious casseroles, desserts, and other delectables. Their hard work raised over $1800 which they donated to the church operating budget. On behalf of all of us, I say "Thank you!" for your love and generosity.
-Fr. Bill
I want to thank everyone who worked so hard to make the recent Food Sale such a great success. We are in a precarious financial situation in our church and these parishioners stepped up without hesitation and did what they could to help. Not only did they give of their time, talent, and resources, they put their hearts into the project. I know my family is enjoying the results of their labor as we eat each of the delicious casseroles, soup, breads, and desserts we purchased. We are blessed to have such caring people at Trinity.
Jan Moore,
Treasurer
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Sunday
November 23
Fr. Galbraith guest preacher and presider today
- Holy Eucharist, 8:00 a.m.
- Coffee Hour, 9:15 a.m.
- Choir Rehearsal, 9:15 a.m.
- NO Rector's Forum, 9:15 a.m: "Michelangelo's
- Christmas Pageant Practice, 9:15 a.m.
- Children's Choir, 9:45 a.m.
- Godly Play & Catechesis, 10:15 a.m.
- Holy Eucharist, 10:30 a.m.
- EYC, noon
- Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service, 5:00 p.m. at Grace Temple Church on Richburg Road
- Fr. Bill will be out of town today. He can be reached by cell phone at 601-329-3539 if needed.
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Monday
November 24
- EFM, 8:45 a.m.
- Pine Meadows Service, 9:30 a.m.
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Tuesday
November 25
- Centering Prayer, 2:00 p.m.
- Bible Study, 5:15 p.m.
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Wednesday
November 26
- Holy Eucharist & Healing, 9:30 a.m.
- Bible Study, 10:30 a.m.
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Thursday
November 27 (OFFICE CLOSED)
- Holy Eucharist, 10 a.m.
- Thanksgiving Feast (see note below) following the service.
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THANKSGIVING DAY SERVICE AND FEAST
We will celebrate Holy Communion at 10 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday November 27 in the Parish Hall. Like last year, we will have a Thanksgiving Potluck meal afterward. This is a great opportunity for those who do not have family in the area to get together with their church family and share fellowship and traditional foods. Fr. Bill will cook the turkeys, gravy, and stuffing (oyster stuffing and "regular" stuffing), and the church will provide the wine. Everyone is welcome. If you plan to come to the meal and wish to bring something, please call the church office at 601-544-5551 to volunteer to bring a dish in one of the following categories:
Potato, sweet potato, or yam side dish
Hot vegetable side dish
Hot casserole
Green salad
Fruit salad
Cranberry, pickle, olive, or other such side dish
Dessert
Non-wine beverage |
Friday
November 28 (OFFICE CLOSED)
- Mississippi Youth Event - Mission on the Bay for 7th to 12th graders
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Sunday
November 30
- Coffee Hour, 8:30 a.m.
- Choir Rehearsal, 9:15 a.m.
- Rector's Forum, "Michelangelo's Secrets of the Sistine Chapel, Part 3"
- NO Christmas Pageant Practice, 9:15 a.m.
- NO Children's Choir, 9:45 a.m.
- NO Godly Play & Catechesis, 10:15 a.m.
- Holy Eucharist, 10:30 a.m.
- Coffee Hour, 11:30 a.m.
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Lectionary Lessons for November 23
These are the readings for this coming Sunday
Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
Thus says the Lord GOD: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. As shepherds seek out their flocks when they are among their scattered sheep, so I will seek out my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places to which they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the watercourses, and in all the inhabited parts of the land. I will feed them with good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel shall be their pasture; there they shall lie down in good grazing land, and they shall feed on rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will make them lie down, says the Lord GOD. I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them with justice. Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD to them: I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. Because you pushed with flank and shoulder, and butted at all the weak animals with your horns until you scattered them far and wide, I will save my flock, and they shall no longer be ravaged; and I will judge between sheep and sheep. I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd. And I, the LORD, will be their God, and my servant David shall be prince among them; I, the LORD, have spoken.
Psalm 100 Jubilate Deo
1 Be joyful in the LORD, all you lands; *
serve the LORD with gladness
and come before his presence with a song.
2 Know this: The LORD himself is God; *
he himself has made us, and we are his;
we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
3 Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise; *
give thanks to him and call upon his Name.
4 For the LORD is good;
his mercy is everlasting; *
and his faithfulness endures from age to age.
Ephesians 1:15-23
I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Matthew 25:31-46
Jesus said, "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, `Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.' Then the righteous will answer him, `Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?' And the king will answer them, `Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.' Then he will say to those at his left hand, `You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' Then they also will answer, `Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?' Then he will answer them, `Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.' And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
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HYMNS FOR NOVEMBER
November 23
573 Father eternal, Ruler of creation
460 Alleluia! Sing to Jesus
382 King of glory, King of peace
433 We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing
494 Crown him with many crowns
November 30
57 Lo! He comes with clouds descending
68 Rejoice! Rejoice, believers
73 The King shall come when morning dawns
454 Jesus came adored by angels
640 Watchman, tell us of the night
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| EYC, NURSERY, SUNDAY SCHOOL, AND YOUTH NEWS
- Christmas Pageant Update: If any church member can provide us with risers it would be very much appreciated. This year, the "Teach them to Fish" ministry is making a beautiful glass ornament to commemorate the Trinity Children's Pageant. We hope to continue this new tradition in subsequent years. Please call john DeLancey (601-543-7487) or Chris Tardy (601-582-9591) if you would like to order a Christmas Pageant ornament for you, your friends or your family. Lastly, we are hoping to light a Christmas tree in the courtyard after the pageant this year. If you would like to donate a tree, please call Betsy McIntire at 544-3376.
- "Thank you" to all who have volunteered to assist Sarah in the Nursery each Sunday. We need to always have two adults present with our children in their programs. We hope to get enough volunteers that you will only have to serve once every 2 to 3 months. If you are interested in helping, please call the church office (601-544-5551). We are also looking for a paid substitute for Sarah on Sunday morning when she needs to be off.
- EYC COOKS NEEDED. Our EYC group has decided to schedule its weekly gathering on Sunday's right after the second service. Andrew Bird, our new EYC director, has placed sign up sheets in the narthex and in the parish hall for parishioners to volunteer to prepare simple lunches for them. If you are willing to prepare food for about 10 young adults, we will be very grateful. If you have any questions about this, or about the EYC program, please contact Andrew by email at ajrbird@gmail.com
- Trinity Cow Still Missing from the Barn. One of our cow costumes for the Christmas Pageant is missing. If you have any information about the cow costume, please moo the church office (601-544-5551). Thanks.
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NEW CONSTRUCTION FUND
The vestry created a "New Construction Fund" to receive donations that will be used for the construction of new facilities and structures on our Church campus. One project - a porte cochère (covered driveway) over the alley - is presently under consideration. Other projects are likely to be forthcoming as we engage in long-range planning. If you wish to donate funds for new construction projects on our campus, simply write a check to "Trinity Episcopal Church" and put "New Construction Fund" on the memo line.
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FUTURE EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Breadbasket Christmas Food Baskets. Christmas Food Baskets will be delivered to 84 families this year. Trinity will be responsible for collecting green beans for the Christmas baskets, and we need a minimum of 170 cans. The baskets will be packed on December 14 at 2 pm and delivered on December 18 at 2 pm. Many people are needed to help deliver. If you would like to help with either of these, go to Westminster Presbyterian Church. It is an experience you will never forget.
Rector's Discretionary Fund Needs Replentishment. The Rector's discretionary fund is low. This fund is used to provide assistance and support to those in need in our community. If you can, please consider making a donation to the fund; any amount is welcome. Please make your check out to "Trinity Episcopal Church," write "Rector Discretionary Fund" on the memo line, and put your check in one of the white envelopes in the pew racks. Check "Rector Discretionary Fund" on the face of the envelope. Thank you so much!
Altar Guild. We are in the process of setting up the schedule for 2009 Altar Guild. Several new members signed up at Rally Day, but we would like to extend an invitation to all members of Trinity to serve in this important ministry. Please call the church office as soon as possible at 601-544-5551 or Susan Smith at 601-297-9879 if you would be willing to serve in this capacity. Training will be scheduled for new members so that we can continue to ensure that everything is prepared for the celebration of the Eucharist for our church. YOUR HELP IN THIS MINISSTRY WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED AND REWARDING. Sincerely, Susan & Jessica Smith
USHERS AND GREETERS NEEDED. We are in need of ushers and greeters for the 8 am and for the 10:30 am services. Training will be provided. Please contact Gretchen Grimsley at gretchen@mchughfuller.com or 601-325-7671 immediately if you are willing to serve in these important ministries.
Chair needed for the Calling & Caring Commission. If you are interested, please call Fr. Bill at the Church Office (601-544-5551). The Calling & Caring Commission consists of about 12 Trinity members that coordinate ministry to our own membership, particularly the hospitalized, the bereaved, the sick, the elderly, the home-bound, and those in nursing home facilities. They are a very active and important part of Trinity. If you would like to be a part of this special ministry, please email Linda at Trinityhburg-sectary@megagate.com and she will add you on the Calling & Caring email list for updates on our hospitalized, bereaved, sick, elderly, homebound, and nursing home members. "Thank you" to all the members of Calling & Caring for your tireless work.
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TEACH THEM TO FISH MINISTRY
Support the "Teach Them to Fish" Honduran Mission. About two years ago John DeLancy and Chris Tardy started a microindustry mission to Omoa, Honduras. With the blessings of the Bishops of Honduras and Mississippi, they have met weekly to plan teaching stained glass methods to the ladies of Omoa. The main goal of the mission is to teach a skill that can provide an income for families that want to improve themselves and their communities. John has already made two mission trips to Omoa and needs to go back at periodic intervals to continue this ministry. They need your financial support to fund this missionary work. Please make your checks payable to Trinity Church, and appropriately mark the envelopes that are provided in the pews and put them in the collection basket or mail them to the church. Any and all amounts are welcome.
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Trinity Parish Emergency Relief Fund
The Trinity Episcopal Church Parish Emergency Relief Fund has been set up to help parishioners with special needs. If you would like to contribute to this fund, please make checks payable to the Trinity Emergency Relief Fund. Use the envelopes provided in the pews to designate that the contribution is for The Parish relief Fund. Please do not put anyone's name on the memo line of your check because your contribution is not tax deductible if there is a person's name on the check. If you intend the check to go to someone in particular, write that information on the pew envelope instead.
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Jody Burnett's Purse
If you are interested in helping Jody Burnett while he is in seminary, you can write a check to Trinity Church, appropriately mark the envelopes that are provided in the pews and put them the collection basket or mail them to the church. If you give cash, please indicate your name and address on the outside of the envelope. You do not have to put Jody's name on the memo line of your checkbecause contributions designated to a specific individual on your checks are not tax deductible. Jody would like to acknowledge your gifts, so we will provide him with names and addresses but not amounts. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the church office.
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