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

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:9

This verse and these pictures bring to mind a project Trinity Stitchers did at the onset of the pandemic last year. At the time as I was contemplating the new reality of life, our son Andy popped in to share a concern. While nonessential businesses were being shut down, the large business he manages was deemed essential and would remain open. He wanted to protect his workforce with facemasks but none were available for purchase. He wondered if I could help.

Immediately I thought of my Stitchers friends and began formulating a plan. Many women (and my husband Larry) sprang into action. The goal was to make 500 masks in two weeks. We proceeded with determination and perseverance. Initially, we used items we had on hand but quickly faced challenges: finding needed items that were in short supply, standing in long lines to purchase fabric, spending long hours sewing and cutting and assembling kits, and driving around town to deliver them and then to pick them up when finished. Miraculously, we reached our goal!

Often, I was reminded of the story of Jesus feeding thousands with a few loaves and fishes. With few resources initially, we were able to multiply our resources to complete the task. With much hard work and God’s help, we did it!

As we await the coming of Jesus this Advent season, let us be mindful of doing good knowing that we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Louise Girvin