Faith @ Fifth and Juliana

There was a gift for each of us
left under the tree of life
2000 years ago by Him
whose birthday we celebrate
in just a few days.

The gift is withheld from no one.
Some have left the packages
unclaimed. Some have accepted
the gift and carry it around, but have
failed to remove the wrappings
and look inside to discover the
hidden splendor . The packages are
all alike: in each is a scroll on
which is written,

“Take my yoke upon you,…..
for my yoke is easy and my burden light.”

Matt. 11: 29
Jack+

 

More Thoughts on Giving

Henri Nouwen, in his writings, could cut right to the quick of things. To me, he always said what needed to be said in a way that compelled his readers to new understandings.

In 1962, he wrote in Writings this…………..

“The call to gratitude asks us to say everything is grace. When our gratitude for the past is only partial, our hope for a new future can never be full…..If we are to be truly ready for a new task in the service of God, truly joyful at the prospect of a new vocation, truly free to be set into a new mission, our entire past, gathered in the seriousness of a converted heart, must become the source of energy that moves us toward the future.”

We are clearly moving into a new range of responsibilities as we look at the rich past of Trinity. We all know the history of this church goes far back into the beginning of the nineteenth century….. the building itself is 125 years old and it has served this community well, as a landmark of a stately gothic structure, all that time.

Like all of us, our church always needs constant, and costly care, as it ages. This, to keep it safe from the wear and tear of time. We know that weather has never been a close friend all these years. Neither has the constant chatter of road noise on Juliana Street.

Nouwen said our future is “to be sent into a new mission…….a new vocation”. How true, how true!

To me our mission is very clear. That being to make every effort to provide a house of worship that will be safe and secure for years to come.

Carol Olson has forwarded some very interesting information about a Diocesan fund called “The Book of Remembrance”. The following was sent to Carol from Louisa Sowers, chairman of the fund.

“The Book of Remembrance was established by Mrs. Francis Earwood, an early ECW president. Its purpose is to provide low interest loans to young women in the Diocese who need financial help completing their college education. The applicant must be approved by the Bishop on the recommendation of the Vicar or Rector of her church. She is expected to repay the loan after completion of her education and/or securing employment.

The Fund is funded by the repayment of loans from those who have completed their education and by donations and memorial gifts from churches, ECW's, and individuals throughout the Diocese. Memorial gifts are recorded in the Book of Remembrance at All Souls’ Chapel at Diocesan House in Charleston and are remembered in the prayers during the services held there.

This fall, there will be two Book Grants in the amount of $300.00 each granted in addition to at least one $1000.00 loan. These are grants and will not have to be paid back.

At this time, we have students at Ohio State University and Fairmont State College. There are 6 young women who are making payments on their loans.

There is a great demand for this loan money. This is an excellent way to remember those in your parish with a memorial gift enabling young women to receive financial help with their education. Donations may be sent to:

Louisa Sowers
615 Fairway Street
Bluefield, VA  24605

Remember the Book of Remembrance in your prayers and with your donations.”

Carol, who is the ECW treasurer, reports that $200.00 from the 2000 Book Sale was donated to this fund. Donations to this fund would certainly be appropriate and very much appreciated from anyone!

Supper Club will be Friday, Jan. 18th at 6:30 p.m.

Thank you so much! What a wonderful response to the children’s cookie sale! Their profit is over $230.00, a fantastic beginning to their Restoration Fund. Most importantly, however, is that you provided the children of this church with noticeable support. We hope that you enjoy the marvelous treats that were sold. The youth are excited about their earnings and the possibilities of future fund raisers. (If you left a container that was used for the cookies, you will find it in the kitchen.)

This year, Trinity Episcopal Church is the starting point for the “Walk a Christmas Mile”. Other churches that are participating are St. Francis Xavier, First United Methodist, St. Paul’s United Methodist, and First Baptist Church. Ray Swick, state historian, will offer brief presentations at each site. Hymns and Christmas carols will be presented at the discretion of the individual churches. The walk begins at 2 p.m., Dec. 30 and will end at approximately 4:15 p.m. with a reception in the First Baptist Church’s social hall. Whether you decide to walk, drive, or ride on the Marietta trolley, please come and enjoy!

Congratulations to Paula and Roger Sellers on becoming grandparents to Jonathan Andrew Elliott! Grandparent-ing is so much fun!

Based on the following legend, an artificial spider and web are often included in the decorations on Ukrainian Christmas trees. It was said that the Holy Family, as they fled Herod’s troops that were sent to kill the innocents, took shelter in a cave one night. A spider saw the Infant Jesus, and wanting to give Him a gift, spun a web that covered the mouth of the cave. Hoarfrost soon covered the web, concealing the occupants inside. When the troops stopped to look inside, they determined that no one could be hiding there because the web was untouched and covered with frost. So they went on their way, leaving behind the One they sought. A spider web found on Christmas morning is considered good luck!

Children were wrapped in swaddling clothes until they were six months old. Mothers believed this would cause their children’s limbs to grow straight and strong. Swaddling clothes were long five-inch-wide linen strips which a mother tightly wrapped around a baby’s body. A newborn may have had two or three yards of swaddling bands wrapped around him! Each day, new mothers gently unwound the swaddling clothes from their infants and massaged their babies’ limbs with olive oil. Mothers often rubbed the newborns with salt and oil to prevent infection.

The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh were symbolic. Gold was a sign of substance and purity. Frankincense symbolized something, but the author didn't include the text from this point on, so we may never know...

    Our Parish Prayers

Please hold these people, events and circumstances in your daily prayers. Also, we encourage you to always say a prayer for those unknown persons who have no one to pray for them. By-the-way, please remember to renew prayer requests monthly

Gene Smith, Julia Davis, Walter Kafka, Justine Eby, Woody and Gloria Thacker, David and Jane Couch, Bob Lawrence-Berrey, Jennie Miracle, Tiffany, Gabe and Mason Bennett, Roy Uppwall, Tom O’Shea, Celia Smith, Philip Roper, Jim Snider, Jane Wood, Ron Taylor, Mary Glen Rice, Delores Sayres and family, Wayne and Virginia Wiles, Nellie Johnston, Danny, and little Joey Bowersock.