The Christmas Holidays Can Be Painful

The joy of Christmas can turn into a time of painful loneliness and emptiness for those who have suffered a loss or who are going through a difficult time. But help is available. Our Stephen Ministers are ready to provide confidential, one-on-one care. They will listen, encourage, pray with and for you, and support you through the holidays and as long as your need persists. If you or someone you know is hurting, find out more about Stephen Ministry by talking with one of our Stephen Minister Leaders: Rev. Canon Lynell Walker, Cherie Chamness, Dana Chamness, Carolyn Konrad, Lucia Hicks, Carolyn Meyer, Doss Miller, Walt Wiley and Susan Wilson.

Our Stephen Ministers are there to care!

Thursday Night at the Cathedral

 on December 11

6:00pm - Compline

6:15pm - Dinner ($7)

7:00pm - Classes

Bible and Book of Common Prayer Challenge 

Facilitators: Rhonda Canby and the Rev. Randy Knutson

The goal is to read one chapter in the New Testament, one Psalm, and one of the prayers in the Book of Common Prayer each day for one year to anchor each day in scripture, and to become familiar with the beauty of the prayers in the Prayer Book. 

A Christmas Carol

Facilitator: Susan Hotchkiss

"A Christmas Carol" has been a holiday favorite for over 150 years. Written as a novella by English author Charles Dickens in 1843, it has been produced for stage and screen a multitude of times. During Advent here at Trinity, we will have the opportunity to view the movie, hear about the work's historical significance and discuss how the themes are still important in our spiritual lives today.   

Beginning TONIGHT

Experiment in Thought and Prayer

Facilitator: Vaughn Wolff

We will meet for the two remaining weeks of TNAC in December. From 7PM to 8:30PM we will meet and be using the books E2 (Energy Squared) by Pam Grout and The Dynamic Laws of Healing by Catherine Ponder."

ECS Sunday

This Sunday, December 14

Bishop Beisner has designated the third Sunday in Advent as Episcopal Community Services (ECS) Sunday. ECS has supported the work of ministering the sick, the homeless, the hungry and the needy in the Diocese of Northern California for over 30 years. Please open your hearts and share the coming joy of Christmas by giving generously to the ECS Ministry Development Fund on December 14, 2014. All funds raised will be used to support congregations in their ministry to the least, the lost and the needy in their communities. Please place your offering in the offering plate in the envelope provided or mail it directly to Episcopal Community Services, 350 University Ave. Suite 280, Sacramento, CA 95825-6517. You may also donate online at www.norcalecs.org.

Trinity Cathedral's 

Christmas Fair is coming!

Mark your calendars for Sunday, December 14th, when TREE will be putting on its annual Christmas Fair in the Great Hall from 8.30 am to 1.30 pm.

Find gifts local and global which support artists, craftspeople, and non-profit groups. As a teaser, think about musical crafts, jewelry, and scarves from Africa, jewelry from various artisans, pottery from a famous local potter, and pottery from Nicaragua and Guatemala, quilt items, reusable product bags, beautiful notecards and much more. Never mind all those other craft fairs-ours is the best. Reject shopping mall madness!   Bring your friends and family.

Christmas Greens

The wreaths and greens you pre-ordered are here!  Please pick them up in the Great Hall this Sunday.

Newcomers' Group

Meets in ASSEMBLY AREA at 10:15am

The group will discuss Worship and Stewardship. All are invited to be with us especially Newcomers and visitors. If you have questions contact Randie Strike at email randie.trinity@gmail.com or 916-446-2513.

30/40s and Beyond

Meets in the Conference Room at 10:15am

We will continue our discussion on Living Well through Advent devotional booklet by Living Compass. Join us!

Growing in Faith:

Small Groups to Explore our Faith Journeys

Sunday, December 14

3 - 5 PM in the Church

These meetings are for those who want to take part in small group faith sharing. If you are interested or even a bit curious, come and check it out. Contact Jerry Paré (930-8032 or jpare111452@gmail.com) for more information.

Dr. Olando Tognozzi

Trinity is saddened to learn of the death of Olando Tognozzi.  A memorial service will be held at Trinity this afternoon, December 14 at 5:30pm.

A Memorial Interfaith Service

For our Homeless Brothers and Sisters

Friday, December 19 at 7pm

Trinity Episcopal Cathedral

An evening of prayer, song and remembrances of our homeless brothers and sisters who have died on the streets across this nation. Featuring the reading of names, lighting of candles, and Native American dance.

Rev. Kevin Brown            Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church

Bob Erlenbusch               Executive Director, Sacramento

Regional Coalition to End Homelessness

Leo McFarland                 CEO, Volunteers of America 

Jay Schenirer                  Sacramento City Councilmember

Rev. Steve Skiffington     Trinity Episcopal Cathedral

Loren Weatherly             Trinity Episcopal Cathedral

                 Reception to follow in Great Hall.

Cozy Compline

Potluck Church invites you to a Cozy Compline on Friday December 19th at 7:00 pm.  The service will happen in the Assembly Area of Trinity followed by a dessert potluck (bring your favorite goodies to share). You are also encouraged to bring pillows, blankets, stuffed animals - anything that will make you comfortable while we enjoy music and the lovely liturgy of compline.

TREE Tip

Good Rain....but

by Ann Rothschild

Thank you, God, for replenishing rain and that beautiful rainbow, but we realize our water stores are still at half-full so we hope you will send more. And no, we will not return to our water-guzzling ways. Our sprinklers are turned off for the whole winter, and we will continue to conserve in the following ways:   low-flow shower heads, short showers, use of grey water for the big trees, a bowl of water for washing up-never running water.

Floyd School

The Academic Showcase has been changed to Tuesday, December 16 at 2:00 pm. All adults are invited to come and listen to the children present the information they have learned in their studies.  The program will be one hour.

The Polynesian Dance program is also on December 16 at 6:00 pm.  Trinity is serving dinner to the students and parents after the show. We need some helpers to cover the tables about 5:00 pm and some people to help serve at 6:30.  If you can help please let me know:  nntennyson@gmail.com or 916-481-3546.
 
Advent Blessings, 

Canon Nancy Tennyson