"Something wonderful happened this week. The Ntibarikure family arrived and began the next chapter of their lives in the United States. We have three pictures taken on a cell phone that we cannot publish, but their faces clearly radiate happiness, exhaustion and excitement. I kept wondering through the day what they were discovering about their apartment, neighbors, community and culture.

"My prayers for the Ntibarikures changed once they were officially in their home. In addition to prayers for good health, transitions, work, school and friends, I also began praying for their safety and protection from ill will. I pray they are surrounded by God's own special covering of peace and blessings. My prayers will continue and I hope you will join me in them..."

Editor's Note: Trinity's own Kimberly Cooper--who has many years of experience in refugee resettlement--offers up seven facts to help you talk about the refugee crisis.

"This country is extraordinarily polarized right now over the issue of refugee resettlement. There are people of many different faiths, political views, and races/ethnicities voicing opinions about those seeking resettlement. Some of these stances are grounded in fact. Others are not. Many people in our community simply don't understand the United States Refugee Program (USRP). If you acquaint yourself with the seven facts below, you'll be equipped to respond to fear with calm, reasoned assurance. You can change the conversation. You can #BePeace."

Advent is upon us! This season of peace and quiet reflection begins Sunday, Nov. 29. Celebrate the First Sunday in Advent with a Trinity tradition--making Advent wreaths! Join us in the Parish Hall at 10:40 a.m. to create your very own. All are welcome! On Dec. 6 we will have a special service of Advent Lessons & Carols at 4 p.m. in the church.

Remember to share the peace of this season with family, friends and colleagues. Head to the Parish Hall this Sunday (Nov. 22) at 10:40 a.m. to pick up a set of Advent welcome cards during coffee hour. You will find them on the Welcome table. We encourage you to hand out all eight cards to folks you encounter next week, and invite them to experience Advent at Trinity. 

A new Christian education course has been added to our online learning portal: Advent: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year with Susan Goff. Learn how the Advent message of the Christ who came, the Christ who comes, and the Christ who will come again, can have a significant impact on your spiritual life. Episcopal bishop and teacher Susan Goff leads us through an engaging and transformative journey to the manger.

Also online: Introduction to Advent with Tim Schenck. Advent is a season of preparation and anticipation that readies Christians for the birth of the baby Jesus at Christmas and also for Christ's second coming. In this course we will learn not just more about what advent is, but how it can change our lives.

These online learning opportunities are FREE for Trinity parishioners. To register, email [email protected].

Our annual Thanksgiving Basket project for South Central Alliance of Churches wraps us this Sunday! Shopping lists are in the Parish Hall and available for download here. Each "basket" contains ingredients for a traditional Thanksgiving meal. We will also accept cash donations to purchase turkeys. Deadline for contributions is Sunday, Nov. 22. We'll be delivering the groceries to SCAC on Monday, Nov. 23. (Remember---students can earn community service hours for school by helping with delivery!) Contact Susann Eller with Trinity Reaching Out for more information: [email protected]; 817-929-8817.

This year the Giving Tree arrives early so you can get your shopping done before Advent begins! The tree will be up in the Parish Hall on Sunday, Nov. 15. Our goal is to have all the tags "adopted" and gifts returned to the church by Sunday, Dec. 13. Your gifts support our neighbors at McLean Sixth Grade Center, Opening Doors for Women in Need, Presbyterian Night Shelter and South Central Alliance of Churches. Place your contributions under the tree. Thank you!

Mark your calendars for a very special Thanksgiving Eve service: Wednesday, Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. We will worship here at Trinity along with members of five area Lutheran churches--Faith, Grace, St. Matthew's, San Gabriel and Trinity Lutheran. After the service we will gather in the Parish Hall for a pie potluck. Please join us! A sign-up sheet for pie contributions is in the Parish Hall.

If you've visited the church office during the week, you've likely had a friendly chat with our dedicated group of front-desk volunteers---affectionately known as the Office Angels. Susan Duncan (top left), our Monday volunteer, helps prepare the rough drafts of all worship bulletins and is learning the ins and outs of database queries. Susan attends the 9:15 a.m. service and is also a member of the choir. Judy Cariker (top right) is here on Tuesdays and Thursdays. In addition to front desk work, Judy is the go-to person for Trinity On The City. She also lends a hand with many communication projects---particularly those that call for her photographer's eye! Judy goes to the 9:15 a.m. service, is a member of the choir, and serves on the Building & Grounds Ministry Group. Jane Gillett (bottom left) comes in on Wednesdays to update our weekly calendar of events, fold and collate bulletins and organize the always-hectic office workroom. Jane attends the 11:30 a.m. service, where she serves as a reader, and actively supports Trinity's Youth Group. Cecilia Speer (bottom right) rounds out the week as our Friday volunteer. She assists with any unfinished bulletin tasks along with ensuring the Welcome Table and the church itself are ready for Sunday visitors. You may see Cecilia at either the 5 p.m. or 9:15 a.m. service. Please say "Hi!" and "Thank you!" to our Office Angels next time you come by during the week!

New members of the vestry are elected each year at the annual meeting, scheduled for Jan. 24, 2016, to replace the members who rotate off the vestry after serving their three-year terms. The deadline for submitting names is Sunday, Dec. 13. Requirements for serving on the vestry are:

• A nominee must have agreed to have his/her name placed in nomination.
• A nominee must be at least 18 years old and an active participant in the life of the parish.
• A nominee must be confirmed or received by a Bishop of the Episcopal Church.
• A nominee must have been a canonically resident member of Trinity for at least 1 year.
• A nominee must be a financial contributor to the parish in the preceding year as shown by the records of the Treasurer.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the vestry please complete this online form. If you are nominating someone else, please contact that person first to determine his/her willingness to serve, then fill out the form below. All names submitted to the Nominating Committee will be kept confidential.

• Click here to learn more about sharing your love through a pledge to Trinity. 
• Click here to fill out an online pledge form.