Third Sunday after Epiphany
Bible Readings
OLD TESTAMENT READING: Jonah 3:1–5, 10
(Jonah goes to Nineveh)
PSALMS: Psalm 62
(My Soul Waits for God Alone)
EPISTLE READING: 1 Cor. 7:29–35
(The Unmarried and the Widowed)
HOLY GOSPEL READING: Mark 1:14–20
(Jesus Begins His Ministry and Calls the First Disciples)
Links to passages are to the Bible Gateway website
We are continuing with our SEW and SEWS group here at Trinity in 2024 and beginning work on more hygiene kits.
Come and join us for sewing and fellowship, bringing your sewing machines as able, or just yourself to help us sew these kits for girls 12-14 yrs old . They are urgently needed in many countries
First meeting JANUARY 24, 10-12, coffee/tea and snack provided.
So come and join us!
Darlene and Lucille
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
December 24, 2023 – 7:00 pm
AS WE GATHER
On Christmas, the grace of God appeared bringing salvation for all people in the person of Jesus. The angelic proclamation to the shepherds of Bethlehem was “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10–11). This Jesus is the Child on whose shoulders the government rests. He is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. For this gift of grace called Jesus, let all people rejoice and sing, “Glory to God, now and forever!”
Isaiah 9:2-7 (NIV)
Titus 2:11-14 (NIV)
Luke 2:1-20 (NIV)
FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT
December 24, 2023
AS WE GATHER
The final Sunday of Advent is the last “little Easter” before the Church celebrates the birth of the Savior at Christmas. As an angel shared the good news of Jesus’ resurrection, so the angel Gabriel shares with Mary the good news of the Savior’s coming birth. God has promised to be present with His people, and now that presence is fully “in person” in the person of Jesus. The presence of God among and for His people is certain and everlasting. His kingdom endures forever and ever!
OLD TESTAMENT READING: 2 Samuel 7:1–11, 16
(A house that lasts forever is promised.)
EPISTLE READING: Romans 16:25–27
(Glory is ascribed to God forever.)
HOLY GOSPEL READING: Luke 1:26-38
(John the Baptist announces the coming of Jesus)
THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
December 17, 2023
AS WE GATHER ~ The unknown always leads to fear and anxiety. We spend so much of our lives waiting in fear of the unknown, painting dark pictures of an imposing future. St. Paul reminds God’s Advent people that we know the future—the future is Jesus Christ. The same Jesus who was born of the virgin in human flesh and blood to secure forgiveness and salvation for us will return in glory to complete His new creation. The divine blessings from the Word and Table of the Lord unite us and call us to fervent joy; the gifts of God initiate, nourish, and sustain that joy, refreshing our weary hearts with forgiveness, life, and hope. As God’s Advent people, we lay down our fears in order to retain the holy joy of Christ—both now as He comes in the means of grace and in expectation of His coming again that we might dwell with Him for all eternity.
OLD TESTAMENT READING: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
(The prophet proclaims the day of God’s favor and the promise of joy in the marriage supper of the Lamb which is to come.)
EPISTLE READING: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
(Rejoice, pray, and give thanks in all things for this is God’s will.)
HOLY GOSPEL: John 1:6-8, 19-28
(John the Baptist points to the One who is to come, of whom he is not worthy to untie His sandals.)
This is the First Sunday in Advent and the beginning of a new Church Year of grace. Our Church Year counts time differently than the secular calendar. We are tied to the fullness of time in which God sent His one and only Son into the womb of the virgin, born to save us. The First Sunday in Advent is the Sunday on or closest to November 30 (St. Andrew’s Day).
Today, we begin a journey not simply to the manger but the familiar journey that takes us to the manger, the cross, and the empty tomb. It is not merely a remembrance of what took place so long ago but also preparation for what is to come—our Lord’s return in glory to lay claim to His Church for all eternity. Encouraged by the Spirit, we devote ourselves to faithfully keeping what God has made known to us and showing forth our living faith in words and acts of repentance and holy living. But each Advent is a reminder that we are one step further from Bethlehem and one year closer to our Lord’s coming again.
Isaiah 64:1–9
Oh, that You would rend
the heavens and come down
1 Corinthians 1:3–9
He will sustain you to the end
Mark 13:24-37
Stay awake and keep
prepared for Christ’s coming
O come, Emmanuel, Jesus, our Lord. Be our constant source of hope. As this Advent marks a new Church Year, we humbly pray for those around the globe who are hostile to Christianity, who do not know You yet as Savior and Lord, or who have erred from faith in You. Shine the light of Your love into their hearts, as well as ours. By Your Word, grace us all with Your presence. Amen.
©Portals of Prayer October – December 2018
Dear TLC Congregation;
Thank you so much for your patience and support during my role as your church secretary. I have enjoyed our many conversations and loved that we could laugh together and share life stories.
I am so appreciative of all the notes, calls, emails and well wishes I have received and hope that in some way I was able to relay how important you are to me, so THANK YOU!
This next phase in my life is going to be exciting and may require wearing sweatpants everyday? I will keep you posted!
See you – Kim
Visit our website at TrinityLCC.ca
Our Christmas program and banquet are on Saturday, December 16th!
Tickets will be on sale in the Narthex after Sunday Service December 3 & 10
There is no regular meeting in December.
With Kim’s recent retirement, the Elders would like to hear from any of the members who might be interested in providing some assistance in the Church office starting December 1.
Please contact Eric, Lorne or John.
… for Christian Unity 2024 will run January 18-25.
The theme this year is from the Gospel of Luke 10-27
You shall love your
neighbour as yourself.”
More details coming soon…
There are 3 large baskets located in the back of the church Narthex for all who wish to contribute. When these baskets are full, the AFB picks up your donations for distribution.
Thank you for your generosity.
You make a world of difference
Sunday School at Trinity is in full swing. It takes place every Sunday morning, starting right after the children’s message,
All children from K to grade 7/8 are welcome. Teens are invited to come and help out.
Please contact Hella Beckmann if you have any questions or would like to volunteer.
All ladies are welcome to attend the Prayer Pal Party next Sunday, December 10th following the church service.
Our program will start at 11:40 am in the sanctuary with a skit and devotion, and move to the gym for lunch and gift exchange, ending about 1:30 pm.
Invitations have been put in Prayer Pal’s mailboxes with the details. If you’re not a Prayer Pal, or want to become one, please contact Marj Temple. You may sign up for next year at the close of the party.
Please bring a small gift for your Prayer Pal, or to exchange. Please bring a small plate of Christmas baking to share. A light lunch will be provided, and an offering will be taken for the Abbotsford Food Bank.
… will be available in your church mailbox, Sunday, December 10th.
However, please consider asking Susan about the pre-authorized debit program (PAD). This method of donating makes it easier for you, and helps your council better manage our programs and church maintenance.
December 10, 2023
AS WE GATHER
Throughout the ages, God has sent messengers with special messages for His people. Many centuries before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Isaiah told of how God would comfort His people. The ministry of Jesus was announced by the strong spoken messages of John the Baptizer in the wilderness. After the ascension of Jesus, written messages such as those of Peter, John, Paul, and James encouraged the first Christians into ongoing lives of faith and witness. Through His Word, the timeless messages of God come to us anew each week and in each changing season of the Church Year.
OLD TESTAMENT READING: Isaiah 40:1-11
(Comfort God’s people is proclaimed)
EPISTLE READING: 2 Peter 3:8-14
(The Day of the Lord will be coming)
HOLY GOSPEL: Mark 1:1-8
(John the Baptist announces the coming of Jesus)
December 3, 2023
AS WE GATHER
This is the First Sunday in Advent and the beginning of a new Church Year of grace. Our Church Year counts time differently than the secular calendar. We are tied to the fullness of time in which God sent His one and only Son into the womb of the virgin, born to save us. The First Sunday in Advent is the Sunday on or closest to November 30 (St. Andrew’s Day). Today, we begin a journey not simply to the manger but the familiar journey that takes us to the manger, the cross, and the empty tomb. It is not merely a remembrance of what took place so long ago but also preparation for what is to come—our Lord’s return in glory to lay claim to His Church for all eternity. Encouraged by the Spirit, we devote ourselves to faithfully keeping what God has made known to us and showing forth our living faith in words and acts of repentance and holy living. But each Advent is a reminder that we are one step further from Bethlehem and one year closer to our Lord’s coming again.
OLD TESTAMENT READING: Isaiah 64:1–9
(“Oh, that You would rend the heavens and come down.”)
EPISTLE READING: 1 Corinthians 1:3–9
(He will sustain you to the end.)
HOLY GOSPEL READING: Mark 13:24-37
(Stay awake and keep prepared for Christ’s coming.)
LAST SUNDAY OF THE CHURCH YEAR
November 26, 2023
AS WE GATHER ~ “O God, O Lord of heav’n and earth, Thy living finger never wrote That life should be an aimless mote, A death-ward drift from futile birth. Thy word meant life triumphant hurled In splendor through Thy broken world. Since light awoke and life began, Thou hast desired Thy life for man.” Martin Franzmann, 1907-76
God is the giver of life, health, and salvation. His vision of life is one of divine service—the total emptying of Himself up for us in time and eternity. In our daily living and worship we receive God’s divine gifts, and respond in gratitude and praise. Today we hear and receive God’s Word first, only then responding in prayer and praise.
OLD TESTAMENT READING: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
(God promises to shepherd His people directly.)
EPISTLE READING: 1 Corinthians 15:20-28
(Christ’s resurrection assures our own.)
HOLY GOSPEL: Matthew 25:31-46
(Jesus teaches His vision of daily life for His followers.)
TLC REGULAR OFFICE HOURS 2023:
Mon – Thurs: 9:00am – 1:30pm ~ Friday & Holidays-Closed
Please make arrangements in advance should you require access to the church
outside of posted hours. Thank you
TLC’S UPCOMING SCHEDULE & EVENTS November – December 31, 2023
Nov 21st 11:00 am Bible Study
Nov 22nd 10:00 am Women’s Sewing for Missions
Nov 26th 10:30 am Worship Service / Memory Tree Ornament Workshop (1 Hr)
Nov 28th 11:00 am Bible Study
Nov 29th 10:00 am Sewing for Missions
Dec 3rd 10:30 am Communion Service / 1st Sunday in Advent
Dec 5th 9:30 am WINKEL
Dec 5th 11:00 am Bible Study
Dec 6th 10:00 am Sewing for Missions
Dec 10th 10:30 am Worship Service / 2nd Sunday in Advent / Prayer Pal Party
Dec 15th 5:30 pm Young Life Meeting
Dec 16th 4:30 pm Christmas Program / 6:00 pm Christmas Banquet
Dec 17th 10:30 am Communion Service / 3rd Sunday in Advent
Dec 24th 10:30 am Worship Service / 4th Sunday in Advent / Christmas Eve
Dec 24th 7:00 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Dec 25th 10:30 am Christmas Day Communion Service
Dec 31st 10:30 am Worship Service / New Year’s Eve
OFFICE ASSISTANCE
The Elders would like to hear from any of the members who might be interested in providing some assistance in the Church office starting December 1. Please contact Eric, Lorne or John.
Volunteers are needed:
It would be wonderful to have a list of volunteer readers to assist Pastor Henock Sunday mornings! They would read the Old Testament, Psalm & the Epistle Readings. If you can help, please speak to Pastor Henock or phone/email the church office.
Tuesday Adult Bible Study!
Pastor Henock invites you to join him for his weekly Tuesday bible study, from 11:00 – 12:00pm.
All are welcome to attend!
SEWING FOR MISSIONS
We have completed 100 shoebox/hygiene kits from Trinity church this year and have now delivered them to the drop-off church and soon they will be on their way to Calgary and then round the world.
THANKS to the 14 gals who came faithfully and sewed, and stuffed and assembled on Wed. and then took some more home to sew as well. Thank you Sew and Sews for helping fill these kits and boxes and get them ready for children. THANK you, members, for your donations to help with shipping charges for all these boxes and making this mission happen for Trinity, Abbotsford.
This year the shoeboxes are going to ten countries: West Africa (Gambiz, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Guinea), Costa Rica, El Salvador, Philippines, Nicaragua, and Ukraine.
We plan on continuing with our Sew and Sews in 2024 and beginning work on more hygiene kits. So come and join us! Darlene and Lucille
PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS! TLC’s Annual Christmas Banquet will take place on Saturday, December 16th! Tickets will be on sale in the Narthex after Sunday Service November 26, December 3 & 10
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sunday School at Trinity Lutheran Church is in full swing. It takes place every Sunday morning, starting right after the children’s message (about 15 minutes into the Divine Service).
All children from K to grade 7/8 are welcome. Teens are invited to come and help out. Please contact Hella if you have any questions or would like to volunteer.
Mite Envelopes
Mite envelopes are available in the Narthex. These donations, to help cover LWMLC Mission Projects, go to the national office, and they issue a tax receipt. You can hand your envelope in to Rosalind who remits the Mite donations once a month or as needed. Thank you.
Prayer Pal Party ~ Plans are underway for the annual Prayer Pal Party. Please mark your calendar for Sunday, December 10th. This will follow the regular Sunday service.
| Learn to know Christ and Him crucified. Learn to sing to Him, and say, “Lord Jesus, You are my righteousness, I am Your sin. You have taken upon Yourself what is mine and given me what is Yours. You have become what You were not so that I might become what I was not.” ― Martin Luther Quotes by Martin Luther (gracequotes.org) |
UKRAINE AID FUND UPDATE: As of November 10, the people of LCC have raised a total of $778,242.89 for the LCC Ukraine Relief Aid Fund. @ Lutheran Church-Canada Donate
REMINDER: Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC)’s Ukraine Aid Fund directly supports our partner church, the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) during this current crisis. The Ukraine Aid Fund established by Concordia Lutheran Mission Society (CLMS) will contribute to rebuilding efforts and other expenses, anticipating the significant financial need that will arise in the aftermath of this current conflict. As auxiliaries of LCC, the funds raised through CLMS, and Lutheran Women’s Missionary League of Canada (LWMLC) to name another example, will be directed to our partner Church in Ukraine through LCC. This is just one of the ways that the various auxiliaries, listed service organizations, and people of our Synod are working together, as one Body under Christ in support of humanitarian works of mercy. Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) is also working to provide general humanitarian relief in Ukraine through the help of their partner organizations.
