Upcoming Events
Youth Progressive Dinner6 p.m. Sat., Dec. 29 meet in HTP parking lot
Christmas Lessons & Carols with Eucharist
8 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Sun, Dec. 30
Chapel (8:00), Nave (10:30)
Watch Night Holy Eucharist
11 p.m. Mon., Dec. 31
Chapel
DEAM Re-Opens
Wed., Jan. 2
Bible Study Resumes
Wed., Jan. 2 Gaylord Room Staff Meeting10 a.m. Thurs., Jan. 3 Comer CenterYouth Lock-InFri., Jan. 4 - Sat., Jan. 5 Comer CenterDaughters of the King9:30 a.m. Sat., Jan. 5 Gaylord RoomEpiphany Eve Dinner & Service of Lights6 p.m. Sat., Jan. 5 Tisdale Hall & Chapel
VIew more events on the online parish calendar.
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Worship - Dec. 30
First Sunday After Christmas
Readings
Isaiah 7:10-15
Hebrews 1:1-12
Luke 2:15-21
John 1:1-18
Eucharistic Ministers
8:00 a.m.
Acolytes
Alex Dunn
Leah Lowndes
Lectors
Virginia Evans
Davis King
ShirleyGrace Madajewski
John Madajewski
Chalice Bearer
Davis King
Ushers
Tom Boyette
Neil Purves
Altar Guild Leaders
Loyd and Susan Deaver
Flower Guild Leader
Betty Thompson
10:30 a.m.
Verger
Albert Nim-Dixon
Acolytes
Christian Ashmore
Kate Hardin
Laura Lowndes
Heidi Merk
Allan Myers
Leah Myers
Lectors
Karen Werner
Ed Watkins
Belinda Watkins
Tonza Collins
Chalice Bearers
Karen Werner
Albert Nim-Dixon
Pat Lowndes
Julia Gable
Guest Organist and Choir Director
Carolyn Scott
Eucharistic Visitor
Albert Nim-Dixon
Interpreter
Susan Lascek
Greeters
Paul Salter
Joanna Goldman
Ushers
Ernie Holditch
Dick Kephart
Dan Pennywell
Russ Wallace
Altar Guild Leader
Loyd & Susan Deaver
Flower Guild Leader
Betty Thompson
Dec. 31
Watch Night
Readings
Numbers 6:22-27
Galatians 4:4-7
Luke 2:15-21
Eucharistic Ministers
Lector
Clevelyn Aderson
Epistoler
Albert Nim-Dixon
Chalice Bearers
Albert Nim-Dixon
Altar Guild Leader
Anthea Purves
Flower Guild Leader
Betty Thompson
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Weekly Events
WORSHIP
Holy Eucharist, Rite I
8 a.m. Sundays
10 a.m. Wednesdays
Chapel
Holy Eucharist, Rite I
10:30 a.m. Sundays
Nave
Altar & Flower Guild Set-Up for Worship
9 a.m. Saturdays
ADULT FORMATION
Christian Formation
9:15 a.m. Sundays
Bible Study
11 a.m. Wednesdays
Gaylord Room
YOUTH FORMATION
Sunday School
9:15 a.m. Sundays
Comer Center
Faith Factory Rehearsal
6 p.m. Wednesdays
Comer Center
Preschool
9 a.m.-12 p.m. Mon.-Fri.
MUSIC
Handbell Choir
5 p.m. Wednesdays
Sue Hall Choir Room
Adult Choir
7 p.m. Wednesdays
Sue Hall Choir Room
Pipe Band Rehearsal
7:00 p.m. Thursdays
Tisdale Hall
SUPPORT GROUPS
Al-Anon
7:30 p.m. Wednesdays
Conference Room
Al-Anon for Men
7:30 p.m. Thursdays
Conference Room
Nicotine Anonymous
12 p.m. Saturdays
Conference Room
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Welcome Newly-Confirmed Members!
To our Holy Trinity parishioners who were received into the Episcopal Church at the diocesan confirmation service on Dec. 9, we say -- we're glad to have you as official Episcopalians! :O)
Confirmations:
Leo Bourque
Keisha Brown Carter
Roger Carter II
Caroline Herring
Amanda Lucille Hood
And one reaffirmation:
Anne Taylor Franzen
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THIS WEEK - Christmas Lessons & Carols, Watch Night and Epiphany Eve
Christmas Lessons & Carols
This Sunday we will have Christmas Lessons & Carols with Eucharist at both services.
Watch Night Service on New Year's Eve
Join
us at 11 p.m. on Dec. 31 in the chapel for a worship service including
silent reflection, hymns, scripture, a homily and the Holy Eucharist as
we celebrate the dawning of the new year with hope. (See the "By the Way" section at the bottom of the e-news for more information on the history of "Watch Night" services.)
Epiphany Eve Dinner & Service
Twelfth
Night is defined in the Oxford English Dictionary as "the evening of
the fifth of January, preceding Twelfth Day (of Christmas), the eve of
the Epiphany... observed as a time of merrymaking." Come make merry
with your friends and family at Holy Trinity on Saturday, Jan. 5,
beginning at 6 p.m. with a pot-luck supper. At 6:30, we will move to
the chapel for a service of lights. Expect to be welcomed with the
music of strings and the light of many candles. Come and celebrate the
dawning of the Epiphany.
Holiday Parish Office Hours
Friday, Dec. 28 - open 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 31 (New Year's Eve) - open 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 1 (New Year's Day) - CLOSED
For pastoral emergencies on Dec. 26-28, call 404.687.0698;
on Dec. 29-30, call 404.929.1384.
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WORSHIP & THE ARTS
Holy Trinity to Join in Interfaith Service With Jewish Congretation in January
 Holy Trinity has been invited by the rabbi, cantor, and congregation of Temple Kehillat Chaim, a Reform Jewish congregation in Roswell (1145 Green Street), to join with them in an interfaith Shabbat service on Friday, Jan. 11, 2008, at 7:30 pm. (Shabbat, the Hebrew word for "sabbath," is the Jewish day of rest, observed from Friday at sundown through Saturday at sundown.) Fr. Deneke will address the congregation on the tenets of our Episcopal faith, and both adult choirs will combine to sing several anthems and lead the singing during the evening liturgy.
Holy Trinity has had a long association with Temple Kehillat Chaim - our Director of Music & Organist Keith Nash has served as their accompanist since 1986. There will be a reception following the service in the social hall. A map with nearby restaurants will be available at the front reception desk.
Upcoming Baptism Dates
The first available date in 2008 for Holy Baptism will be Jan. 13. If you are interested in participating, contact Fr. Allan Sandlin, sandlin@htparish.com.
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PARISH LIFE
Offering Envelopes for 2008 Are Ready
Offering envelopes are available for you to pick up in the narthex. If you would like envelopes and don't find yours there, please contact Sarah Christian at 404-377-2622 or christian@htparish.com.
New Parish Directories Are Here!
If
you had your photo taken for the directory, there is a copy waiting for
you in the library. Make sure to take the directory with your name on
it.
Year-End Checks
This is an excellent time to get caught up on your 2007 pledges. All checks that are dated or postmarked Dec. 31, 2007 will be posted to your 2007 statements. All checks that are dated or postmarked January 2008 will be posted to your 2008 statements. Please contact Ellen Hopkins, financial secretary, at hopkins@htparish.com or 404-377-2622.
Next DOK Meeting Jan. 5
 The next meeting of the Daughters of the King will be held on Saturday, Jan. 5, at 9:30 a.m. in the Gaylord Room, with coffee time and light refreshments; the meeting will follow at 10 a.m. We will include prayer time, sharing time, and our monthly program: discussion of the book by Barbara Brown Taylor, Home by Another Way. Sarah Yurman will lead us in study/book discussion for this month's program. All women of the parish are invited and encouraged to attend our meetings and activities and see what Daughters of the King is about! Contact: Joan Kidd, DOK President, 404-294-7384, jjkidd@msn.com, or ShirleyGrace Madajewski, 404-378-4277, shirleygrace2@bellsouth.net.
Ministry Reports for Annual Report Due Jan. 7
If you head a committee or ministry, you need to turn in your reports for the annual report by Monday, Jan. 7. Send them via email to Hildreth Stafford at stafford@htparish.com, or you can drop off a hard copy in the communications mailbox. If you need to see your report from last year, or have any questions, please contact Hildreth at 404.370.0222.
Seniors in Action to Honor Those 84 and Older at Luncheon Jan. 12
Invitations have been mailed to a special group of Holy Trinity parishioners, those 84 (or about to be) and older. The Seniors in Action will host a luncheon on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008 honoring these folks, their spouses or guests. The luncheon will be held in Tisdale Hall at 12:30 p.m. We request an RSVP to the church office by Jan. 7 and whether transportation is needed. If you fit the category and do not receive an invitation (because your birthdate is unknown), call the church office at 404.377.2622.
Feminist Theological Reflection Group Meets Jan. 14
FTRG will meet Monday, Jan. 14, at 6:30 p.m. in Tisdale Hall. Please bring a dish. We will discuss Chapters 5 and 6 of God's Troublemakers: How Women of Faith Are Changing the World by Katherine R. Henderson. Contact Mayo Moses 404.633.0012 if you have any questions. All women of the parish are welcomed.
HTP's First Mardi Gras Ball - Jan. 19!
 HTP's first parish-wide Mardi Gras Ball will be a time for parishioners of ALL ages to have fun together! Proceeds will support the J2A pilgrimage to Ireland. Dance music provided by DJ "Virtuous" from Blazin 98.9. Join the planning committee by contacting Scott Miller: scott@kirkmillerandassoc.com or 404-294-6463.
Travel to Norway With Trinity Travelers!
On
the road again - to Norway, June 19-29, 2008 (ten-day trip). See the
sights - Oslo, Bergen, mountains, fjords and more. There are 20 spaces
reserved for us with Collette Tours. Brochures with the itinerary and
other information are on display in the library. Contact: Van,
770.387.9533.
Please Get Donations for Children's Window in Soon!
We
would like to have the permanent gift plaque for the children's window
in Tisdale Hall in place by the first of the year. If you have been
intending to make a thanksgiving or memorial gift for a child or
children, please do so very soon. Forms for this purpose are in the
library. Thank you. Contact: Van, 770.387.9533
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ADULT CHRISTIAN FORMATION
Wed. Morning Bible Class Studying Samuel
The Wednesday morning Bible class will begin a study of the Books of Samuel during Advent. Originally in the Hebrew Bible there was only one Book of Samuel. Two books were created with its translation into Greek. The books begin with the conception of Samuel and continue through the reign of David. The class meets each Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the Gaylord room. All are welcome. The class will not meet this week (Dec. 26). Class will resume Jan. 2.
Sunday Classes Resume Jan. 6
There will be no Adult Christian Formation classes today or next Sunday (Dec. 30). The Bible: Echoes and Mirrors and Life in Christ will resume Sunday, Jan. 6. A new newcomer's class will begin Jan. 27. Information on classes is posted on the bulletin board on the second floor as well as in the Adult Christian Formation section of the HTP website.
The Rev. Claiborne Jones to Visit HTP for Winter Rector's Forum.
 The Rev. Claiborne Jones, director and vicar of Emmaus House, will be our guest for the winter rector's forum. On Sunday, Jan. 20, all adult formation classes will meet in the chapel at 9:15 a.m. for a lecture and discussion with Claiborne. She will also preach at both services. Emmaus House (www.emmaushouse.org) is an Episcopal community center that serves primarily the Peoplestown and Summerhill neighborhoods of Atlanta.
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YOUTH & CHILDREN'S FORMATION
Youth Progressive Dinner TOMORROW
 All youth in grades 6-12 are invited to the annual holiday Progressive Dinner and "White Elephant" Gift Exchange tomorrow - Saturday, Dec. 29 at 6:00 p.m. This year's tour will stop at the homes of four families inside the perimeter. Come and enjoy each course of the meal at a different house! Look for more details soon, and then join the fun! Contact Chris Bray at bray@htparish.com to sign up.
Youth Lock-In Jan. 4-5
 All youth in grades 6-12 are invited to our annual lock-in Fri. Jan 4 - Sat. Jan 5. Our group will stay in the Comer Center; please arrive by 7:30pm on Friday evening. Bring your sleeping bag and a snack or drink to share. Please eat dinner before you arrive as we will serve only snacks that evening. Come and enjoy games and a scavenger hunt in Decatur followed by a movie back at the church! The lock-in will end with breakfast on Saturday morning. Each participant should bring $5 to offset breakfast costs. Pick up time is 9:00am. Contact Chris Bray to sign up: bray@htparish.com. Next Thank God it's Sunday! Event Jan. 6
The next TGIS youth event will take place on Jan. 6 from 4:30 - 6 p.m. in the Comer Center. Come and enjoy games, good food, and a short program. No RSVP necessary - just come and bring a friend. Please bring $3 per person for dinner. Contact Chris Bray with questions. Senior Diocesan Youth Council at Camp Mikell Jan. 11-13
The Senior DYC (Diocesan Youth Council) retreat is a weekend event at Camp Mikell for youth in grades 10-12 and their youth leader/adult chaperone. This year's retreat will be held Jan. 11-13 and the theme is "Led to Lead." Weekend activities consist of small group discussions, singing, worshipping, and playing together. The cost is $100 per person. Make checks payable to Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta. Contact Chris Bray at the parish office or visit www.episcopalatlantayouth.org for registration forms and more information - or click here to download the application directly.
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OUTREACH
New Orleans Volunteer Opportunities
The next HTP mission trip to New Orleans will take place Feb. 14-17, 2008. All those interested in participating should contact Dot Moye by the first of the year: davismoye@bellsouth.net. To facilitate our planning, please be prepared to make a commitment by Jan. 25 if you wish to go.
In addition, our HTP chapter of the "St. Anna's Remote Krewe" will host a dinner in January for all who are interested in helping St. Anna's and New Orleans. Look for details soon. For more information about ongoing Katrina relief opportunities in New Orleans, please visit the web site of the Diocese of Louisiana, www.edola.org.
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By the Way...
Some background on "Watch Night" services.
Holy Trinity will be offering a "Watch Night" service on New Year's Eve. Wondering about what a Watch NIght service is and what its origins are? Check out this article from snopes.com:
"Watch Night," according to bartleby.com, can properly refer either to New Year's Eve or to a religious service held on New Year's Eve. Under either usage, it is likely a term unfamiliar to most, in that the observance of "watch nights" among Christians has devolved into primarily an African-American practice.
Watch Night is celebrated among that community by congregants' gathering at their churches on the last evening of the year to attend special services that typically commence between 7 and 10 p.m. and continue through midnight and into the New Year. These services are regarded by participants as a time to reflect upon and give thanks for the departing year and pray for the future, a spiritual way of celebrating a largely secular holiday. Many churches embrace them as an alternative to the rowdy partying and drinking often associated with New Year's
Eve.
Yet as strongly as Watch Night is now linked to the black community, its observance did not originate with that group, nor did it begin on 31 December 1862, the night before the Emancipation Proclamation came into effect.
Watch Night began with the Moravians, a small Christian denomination whose roots lie in what is the present-day Czech Republic. The first such service is believed to have been held in 1733 on the estates of Count Nicholas von Zinzendorf in Hernhut, Germany.
John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, picked it up from the Moravians, incorporating a Watch Night vigil into the practices of his denomination. Methodist Watch Nights were held once a month and on full moons, with the first such service in the United States taking place in 1770 at Old St. George's Church in Philadelphia. These services survive to the present day in that denomination's worship manuals as "Covenant Renewal Services."
As to what was being "watched over" in those earlier services, it was one's covenant with God. These gatherings were a time for congregants to meditate on their state of grace - were they spiritually ready to meet their maker if the call were suddenly to come? As the 13th chapter of Mark instructs, the faithful need to be ever vigilant, because the hour of the Lord's coming is not known. (Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh.)
Read the rest of the article at: http://www.snopes.com/holidays/newyears/watchnight.asp
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