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HELLO CHURCH...
With Pastor Danny on vacation this week, on Sunday, February 26, we welcome Pastor Dennis TeBeest as guest preacher, presiding over worship services on this first Sunday in Lent. We often see Pastor TeBeest and his wife Betty in the pews on Sundays and are happy to have him in the pulpit this week. There will be worship services at 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM with Sunday School at 9:00 AM.
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A Devotional from Pastor Danny
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. (Matt 5:8)
What does Jesus mean by being pure in heart?
Being pure is to be clean, blameless and unstained from guilt. However, the word used in the Greek text refers to that which is purified by fire or by pruning. John the Baptist told his disciples that the Messiah would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire (Matt 3:11). The prophet Malachi said that the Messiah would be like a refiner’s fire (Malachi 3:2). Jesus told his disciples that he was the vine and we are the branches (John 15:1-17). For a vine to produce fruit, it must be pruned.
David cried out to God, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10) It is God who makes our hearts pure, not something we do. A pure heart is more than an external purity of behavior; it is an internal purity of soul. To be pure in heart then is to have been declared innocent by God’s grace through the work of the Messiah, Jesus. We have been purified through Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Peace and blessings,
Pastor Danny
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Mark your calendars for these special
Lenten Worship Opportunities:
- March 8 and March 29 (Wednesdays): Lenten Soup Suppers at 6:00 PM. Enjoy soup, bread and fellowship followed by brief devotions led by Pastor Danny
- April 2 Palm Sunday: Breakfast followed by 10:00 AM worship
- April 6 Maundy Thursday: worship service at 7:00 PM
- April 7 Good Friday: worship service at 7:00 PM
- April 9 Easter: worship services at 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM
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Devotional booklets for Lent are now available in the narthex. We hope you'll find these meaningful during your Lenten journey!
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ANNUAL MEETING RECAP
This past Sunday, February 19, Trinity held its Annual Meeting. Well attended, it was a very productive meeting -- in addition to approving the proposed 2023 Operating Budget, the new Constitution and Bylaws were ratified and now can be forwarded to the Synod for approval. A slate of three first term Council members was approved and Pastor Danny formally installed the Council for 2023. The resulting Council roster is:
Jay Campbell
Liz Drouin
Mark de Jongh
Stacia Libby
John Lundeen
Diane Macris
Jessica Marroney
Justin Pillion
Karen Roche
Non-voting members include Treasurer Steve Kilby, Secretary Gael Lundeen and Financial Secretary Linda Rice.
Thank you for your participation and attendance at this important annual gathering! 2023 is off to an exciting start!
(There are still plenty of copies of the Annual Report, Constitution and Bylaws in the narthex.)
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God's Work Our Hands
We have another great opportunity to support the community and the needs of those around us. Our next "God's Work Our Hands" project with Habitat for Humanity will be on Saturday, March 11 for a project located at 240 Lake Drive in East Hampton, CT.
Whatever your gifts and experience level may be, there are always jobs that need doing and ways to support the project. Sign up in the narthex to be a part of Trinity's team supporting this important Habitat project! And if you have any questions, please reach out to Don Roche at 860-539-6596 or abvbnd@outlook.com.
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The hymnals in Trinity's pews now have colorful ribbon bookmarks. Many folks find it helpful to mark the day's hymns in preparation for worship. Thank you to Ken and Paula Munson for this thoughtful gift!
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Serving at Trinity...
The Christian Education Committee will meet on Sunday, March 5, at 11:00 AM, following 10:00 AM worship. The Christian Education Committee is responsible for Sunday School, Confirmation, Bible study and book discussion and hopes to facilitate other Christian Education opportunities in the year ahead. Anyone interested in being part of the committee and brainstorming ideas for the future is welcome and encouraged to attend. Please join us on March 5 at 11:00! For more information, contact Diane Macris.
The Stewardship Committee will meet on Sunday, March 19, at 9:00 AM. Stewardship is a year-round ministry and not limited to the annual pledge campaign. In the past, Trinity has encouraged year-round ministry with intergenerational events based on themes such as stewardship of God’s earth and stewardship of God’s Word. In this year of new beginnings, we are planning to return to year-round stewardship. Anyone interested in participating and helping to plan this year’s events is encouraged to come to the meeting. For more information, contact Mike Macris.
Seeking a volunteer for Synod Assembly: The New England Synod of the ELCA will hold this year’s Synod Assembly in Worcester, MA, on June 9 and 10. Trinity can send 2 delegates as voting members along with the Pastor. We have one volunteer already and are looking for one more. If you’re interested in being a delegate or would like more information, contact Diane Macris or Pastor Danny. Early bird registration continues through March 31.
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FOR YOUR CALENDARS AND OTHER IMPORTANT INFO:
COUNCIL: The Church Council meets this coming Tuesday, February 28 at 7:00 PM.
BIBLE STUDY: There will be Bible Study on Wednesday, March 1 at 7:00 pm via Zoom HERE.
EVANGELISM COMMITTEE: The committee will meet Thursday, March 2 at 7:00 PM.
BOOK DISCUSSION: The next Book Discussion will be held at 6:30 pm (discussion starts at 7:00 pm) on Friday, March 3, at the home of Robin and Warren Kleeman, 79 Witch Hazel Drive, Deep River. You may also join the discussion via Zoom HERE. This month's book is A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. This New York Times bestseller is a beautifully written novel about an aristocrat who is sentenced to spend the rest of his life in a hotel room following the Russian Revolution. It is an insightful examination of how one can find ways to be happy, make connections and make a difference in the lives of others even in the strangest, saddest and most restrictive circumstances.
OFFERING ENVELOPES: Until they get here, please just put your check (with envelope number noted) in the offering plate or use a regular envelope. Thanks for your patience!
Pastor Danny can be reached either by email at drhammo@gmail.com or by phone at 860-333-7063 (cell), 860-443-0678 (home) or 860-767-0228 (Trinity).
Peace!
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