Pastor's Message

There is no one who calls on your name, or attempts to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us, and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity. Yet, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 64:7-8

Have you read the memo about holiday festivities this year? The party has been cancelled. And, by the way, don’t expect a year-end bonus either. In a month of layoffs, cutbacks and more government bailouts, it just wouldn’t be right to spend company (or tax-payer) money to celebrate with the remnant of co-workers.

At home, the picture looks just as somber. Even for those of us for whom nothing has really changed – our situation in life, our income remains as it was or as we expected – we have to admit that everything has changed. Our mood this season seems chilled by what is going on in the country and the world around us.

The first lesson we will read together in worship on the first Sunday in Advent this year (read it in Isaiah 64:1-9) is a lament over God’s apparent absence. The prophet laments, “you have hidden your face from us.” Commentator Scott Bader-Saye writes that “God hides in order to deconstruct a distorted set of beliefs and practices, thereby opening Israel to receive again (as gift and event) their calling to be God’s people. Hiding is a form of divine judgment that ultimately serves divine mercy, a “No” that clears the ground for a more profound “Yes.”

Year after year, it seems we suffered through a holiday season we habitually lament as too commercial. This year, the old year-end ritual, based on a distorted set of beliefs and practices, has broken down. A resounding “No,” to the values of consumerism echoes throughout our world. Painful as it may be, I believe God may be clearing the ground to a more profound “Yes.” In this holiday season, God may be opening up our lives to once again hear and receive God’s call to walk as disciples of Jesus Christ.

God’s revelation in the Christ child is a revelation hidden from the world in a stable, tucked away from obvious sight in a manager, an unnoticed baby, a human body and blood. In that way, the Christmas gift and event is God’s “No” to the powers and the status quo, No to domination, money, and violence. Instead of tearing open the heavens and coming in fire and fury, God comes to us as baby Jesus, grows up among us and lives with us in humble service – healing the sick, raising the dead, preaching the good news of freedom. God embraces us as loving Father, grabs hold of us as passionate artist, suffer with us and for us in faithful patience, dies with us, for us in faithful love, and on the third day rises again as God’s promise of new life. Jesus is God’s more profound “Yes.”

What surprise from God awaits us this Advent and Christmas. Perhaps by losing everything – the bonus, the parties, the presents, the broken down values and distorted rituals – by God’s grace we may gain everything – reconciliation, new life, salvation, a renewed sense of meaning and call. Now, that would finally be a holiday bonus to celebrate. If that’s the case, prepare a new memo and gather the family around the table because “The party’s on!” (read Isaiah 65). In Jesus name. Amen.



Here’s a simple prayer for a simple Advent and Christmas: God show us yourself -- your heart, your character, your intention for us -- in the Christ at the center of our holiday. By your grace, claim us again as your children, and with your hands, mold us into your new creation through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

On The Calendar

November 24th – Nutley Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service
Nutley is a special place to live and work. Thank God. Here’s your chance. Get together with people of all faiths at 7:30 p.m. at Holy Family Church to thank God for all the blessings we enjoy as a community, and to remember in prayer those who are in need. The offering supports the Red Cross Food Pantry. Additionally, you are encouraged to bring a gift of non-perishable foods for the pantry.

Bloomfield Chorale to Debut
The newly formed Bloomfield Chorale, under the direction of Ruth Hsu will perform in a Holiday Concert along with the Bloomfield Civic Band on Sunday, December 7 at 3:00 pm. Please join us at the Bloomfield Middle School, 60 Huck Rd., Bloomfield. Guest performers will be students from Miss Roseanna’s School of Dance. Admission is $8 at the door or $5 in advance. Children 12 and under free. (973) 338-8140

The Advent Vigil: Prepare, Watch, Wait, Turn, Open.
Jesus announced the good news like this: “The kingdom of God has come near; turn around; change your mind; believe it.” What an extraordinary thing for Jesus to say (see Mark 1:15). What an extraordinary thing for us to announce as well.

As we start our advent journey, Jesus calls us to follow him, to work, with him, to prepare our hearts, watch for God’s coming with joyful expectation, wait for God’s coming with patient hope, turn to God’s advent in faith, and open our hearts to God’s coming in love. The kingdom of God has come near. It’s time for us to change.

Invite your friends to watch with you for the Advent by asking them to join you here each week at Holy Trinity. Here, gathered by the crucified and risen baby of Bethlehem, we light the candles and experience “hope amid crisis, light in deep darkness, a growing sense of expectation, a growing trust in the promises of God.” God’s promises that are not ours to hold; but ours to share, give, and shout.

‘Family’ volunteers to light advent wreath … and more?
We’re looking for four “families” (Don’t just think Mom, Dad and the kids … get creative and maybe make some phone calls to invite and gather a whole clan … what about sponsors and godchildren) to lead various parts of our Sunday liturgy, particularly the prayer and the lighting of the Advent wreath each week. Fill out the form below, and return it to the office (mail, e-mail, fax, put it in the offering plate on Sunday.)

We (names) ___________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

___ would like to lead the prayer and light the advent wreath.

___ would be interested in leading other parts of the Sunday service.

__ Prayers of the church __ Serving communion __ Benediction

We are available to serve on the following Sundays (check all you can attend)

__ Nov. 30 __ Dec. 7 __ Dec. 14 __ Dec. 21

Notes, Comments _________________________________________


Hanging of the Greens and Luncheon
Sunday December 21st after Worship
Everyone, young and old, is invited to help us prepare the church for our Christmas Services. We will once again gather around the table, this time for some sandwiches and salad. Please plan to join us for a fun time!

HANGING OF THE GREENS SIGN UP SHEET

We will be there (names): ____________________________& we plan on sharing:

Food: Sandwiches _____ Salad _____ Dessert _____

Time & Talents: Set up _____ Clean up _____


Christmas Services at Holy Trinity

CHRISTMAS EVE (Wed., Dec. 24)
4:00 p.m.: A special service for children of every age with a simple spoken eucharist.
7:30pm: Candlelight service with festive music.

CHRISTMAS DAY (Thurs., Dec. 25)
10:00am: Intimate Christmas Day Worship.


To assist at these services, please sign up at worship or call the church office.

Christmas is a great time to invite a friend into the joy of worship and discipleship. The angels announced it, the shepherds told everyone they saw, the magi traveled for years to experience the good news of God’s love in Jesus Christ. The world was changed forever. Now it’s our turn. Share the good news, overcome the barriers and connect one to many in the love of Christ.

A Cure for Holiday Insanity
Join Pastor Jim for a half-hour service of evening prayer Thursday evenings in Advent (Dec. 4; Dec. 11; and Dec. 18) from 7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. While the rest of the nation runs around preparing for the high holy days of consumerism, take some time out and rediscover God at the center of our your life and the life of the world.

Feed on God’s Word
90-minutes a week can change your life and change the world, really. Join the lively discussion and supportive community that spring up from scripture and prayer on Thursday afternoons at 2 p.m. or Monday evenings at 7:30pm Bible Study. Together, we read, share and discuss God’s Word and what it means for our lives today. Bring a friend.

Poinsettia Plants

Order deadline is Sunday, November 30, 2008

The cost of each plant is $8.00. Plants are in a 6 1/2" pot and are foil wrapped.

Please send a check (or drop by the office) for the total amount along with your name and phone number. Please include who the plants are in Honor and/or Memory of. Plants may be taken home following the 7:30pm Christmas Eve Service.