On the Calendar

Open the Scripture. Join the Conversation.
Every Monday night at 7:30 p.m. and every Thursday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. we gather to open the scripture and join in conversation with God and each other.What is God doing in the the world? What is God doing in our lives? What is God saying to us as individuals, a community of faith, the world? What is the good news of God's kingdom? How is God sending us into the world? These are just some of the questions we ask as God engages us through God's word and the witness of the Holy Scripture.

Motherhood: A Holy Calling
Sunday, May 9, is Mother's Day. God has called us to various walks of life and to live out the Gospel through a variety of roles we play in relationship with others. To be "mother" is not only a biological event, it is a divine calling. What better way to honor Mom and all the other mother-figures that God has brought into our life than in our worship at 10 a.m. We will include a special blessing for all mothers that Sunday. Mom's invite your children to join you in worship before they take you out for lunch. Children, invite Mom to worship with you as part of the special day you have planned for her.


AIDS WALK N.Y. Sunday, May 16, 2010
This year marks the 25th annual AIDS Walk
AIDS Walk New York (AWNY) is the world’s largest AIDS fundraising event. In 2009, more than 45,000 people participated and raised a record breaking sum of over $5.6 million. Funds raised from the walkathon go to numerous programs and educational services to support people living with HIV/AIDS, and to over 60 other tri-state area AIDS organizations. The 10 kilometer (6.2 mile) walkathon begins and ends in Central Park.

Nancy and Tony Maguire are again raising funds and on Sunday, May 16, 2010 they will participate in AIDS Walk New York. If you would like to walk with them, or sponsor them by donating money, please let them know. Checks should be payable to AWNY and can be given to Nancy or Tony anytime. You can also mail your check to their address at 26 Parsons Ct., Mahwah, NJ 07430. If you would like to raise money at your school or place of business they can provide you with sponsor forms. If you would like more information please call them at (201) 934-9366. You can also visit www.aidswalk.net.

Bloomfield Chorale Concert Saturday, May 22, 7:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity. Ruth Hsu will conduct a program of choral selections on the theme “The Waters of Life”. Scott and Debbie Jones sing with the Chorale, which is part of the Bloomfield Federation of Music. $8.00 at the door, 12 and under are free.

Pentecost, Sunday, May 23rd.
Pentecost Sunday, the day we remember how God poured out the Holy Spirit on Jesus’ disciples and empowered the church for God’s mission. On the first Pentecost the Bible tells us that all the disciples were gathered in one place when the Holy Spirit blew through. Mark your calendar and invite your friends to join you for this festive worship. Let’s see what happens this year. Remember to wear red!

Mark Your Calendars and Plan to Join Us As We Journey to Africa for a Baobob Blast!
Our journey begins Sunday, August 15 and ends with a closing program on Friday, August 20. We will meet in the evening again, from 6:00-8:30 p.m. The Registration fee is $15.00 per person (maximum is $30.00 per family). (Registration forms will be available at church – please pick up after worship or call the office)

Join everyone at God’s Great Get-Together for a week of creating, connecting and coming together. There is a place for you at BAOBOB BLAST! Put on some sunscreen and head to the community gathering at the baobob tree….join in a week of awesome music, wacky skits, Bible stories and cool crafts. Baobob Blast is the place to be this summer!

Pastor's Message

What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are God's co-workers; you are God's field, God's building. I Corinthians 3:5-9

St. Paul had a way of eloquently and concisely refocusing a congregation’s attention on the central thing of life – the Lord Jesus. When Jesus calls us into ministry, he calls us to not gain disciples for ourselves or to gather people into our own circle of influence, but he sends us out to make disciples of Jesus. We all have a calling from our baptism. What’s more, God has lavished us diverse, varied and unique gifts to carry out God’s mission.

I thank God for the many and various gifts, God has poured out on the people of Holy Trinity. It has been a blessing to serve and work among you and to count myself a partner is God’s ministry here. As I reflect on all that God has accomplished among us, I am overwhelmed by the way in which we as community engaged in God’s mission. There was no individual person or personality at the center of our life, except Christ Jesus. Instead, we all joined in the work God gave us to do, each according to his or her gifts.

When we transformed and opened up our building and grounds, we worked together as a community. That unity of purpose and happiness in our work attracted the attention of our neighbors. When we canvassed the neighborhood with door-hanger invitations and gifts, we worked together and each used their God-given gifts to share the Gospel. When we pitched a tent on the front lawn and invited our neighbors to join us in worship and discipleship, we discovered how greatly gifted we truly were. When we offer a Vacation Bible School, each gifted person contributes all they have to create an environment and faith-growing experience that is truly incredible. Musicians, artists, builders, planners, managers, story-tellers, cooks, teachers, administrators, friends, givers, and everything else needed to do God’s work in this place at this time.

But, at the end of the day, we did all of this and so much more so that God might be glorified among us and through us. We work together as a sign and witness to what God is doing in the world through Jesus. God changes lives. God saves people.

Jesus is Lord. That’s our first guiding principle. Through the Holy Spirit, God gives growth in the life of Jesus. That’s why I am so filled with hope and excitement about the future ministry and mission that you will engage. As Holy Trinity prepares to take the next step in following Jesus, we know from our past that no one person is the key to our growth. It takes a variety of people with a variety of gifts working together, but even then, the work is done in faith and confidence in God who gives the growth.

Thank you for welcoming me into your gifted community. Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel. I can’t wait to see what God has planned for this community as you welcome new people and a new pastor with new gifts needed for new ministry in the name of Jesus Christ who, by his resurrection makes all things new.

To God alone be the glory,

Pastor Jim

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

Please call the office at (973) 667-0256 if you would like a copy of the most recent fact sheet from Thrivent Financial. There is a new member-directed charitable grant program where members can participate at different levels based on their involvement with Thrivent Financial.

For questions you can email Thrivent at mail@thrivent.com or go to their website at: www.thrivent.com/thriventchoiceinfo

In Our Community

Altar Flowers
Please note that if anyone would like to honor or remember someone, we currently have many open weeks available for flowers, especially in July, September and November. The cost is $30.00 per week.

Prayer Team“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” (Ephesians 6:18) We are reorganizing our Holy Trinity Prayer Team/Prayer Chain. Each member of this group has a file box of index cards on which are written the names of people, groups or concerns to be remembered in prayer. The names/concerns are prayed for each day by at least one member of the team. If we have eight members, each person prays once in an eight-day rotation.

To join our group, please contact or speak to Scott Jones
(973) 338-0267 or music.htlcnutley@verizon.net. Look for news about ways in which to request prayers and also note cards to be sent to those we have remembered in prayer.

Graduating in May or June?
Please let us know the date and from where you are graduating and we will share that good news. Feel free to share your future plans, as well.

Open House
As many of you know, Betty Gambaro retired as Executive Director of the Community School in Nutley on March 31. The Community School is an early childhood education center in three locations in town sponsored and directed by five churches; Holy Trinity is one of the sponsoring churches. Betty Gambaro has been a part of the school for many years, beginning as a teacher and then becoming the director. She has served the school, the children and the families with dedication, compassion, and wisdom. She has seen her work as a ministry, seeking to both portray and instill her faith in Jesus Christ.

In honor of her years of service, the Community School will be having an Open House in her honor on Saturday, May 15 from 2-4 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church located at 200 Highfield Lane in Nutley. There will be some light refreshments and an opportunity to express appreciation to Betty. All are invited.

Magazine Swap
We here at Holy Trinity would like to organize a magazine swap. Please bring in any magazines that you are done reading and swap them for something else; chances are you will have some material that another individual would be interested in. Maybe when visiting the sick or elderly you can bring along some reading material you think they might enjoy.

We will leave a drop-off box in the Narthex – please remember to REMOVE THE NAME AND ADDRESS label first. Please, NO NEWSPAPERS. Think about all the trees and money you might save, and the joy you might bring to someone that might not be able to afford a subscription!

Remember the Hungry
During these difficult times, organizations that provide food often run short of needed supplies. We will continue to collect food as part of our offering during worship. Please bring your non-perishable food items to worship with you.

Getting Our Information Electronically

Using E-mail to Make, Keep and Invite Friends. Communication is vital to any relationship. That includes your relationship with others groups, teams and ministries going on at Holy Trinity. E-mail puts a powerful communication tool at our fingertips. Not only can we stay informed about news, events and happenings in the Holy Trinity community, but we are able to share that news with our friends as well by passing the information along to them or inviting them to be part of the Holy Trinity mailing list.

Want To Receive This Newsletter Electronically?
We are trying to distribute more and more of our information electronically. If you haven't already shared your e-mail address with the church office, please consider doing so by sending an e-mail with ADD ME TO THE MAILING LIST in the subject line to office.htlcnutley@verizon.net.

Holy Trinity is now on Facebook. You can become a fan of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and stay up-to-date with what's going on in the congregation and among our members. As a fan you can also post your news, your questions, thoughts and experiences of God's love in action to share with others. It’s just another way to share the good news, overcome barriers and connect one to many in Christ. You can access our page directly from our website, at www.htlcnutley.com

Check out the new Community section of our Website as well. You can read blogs, news from ELCA, preview this week’s worship service and so much more. Log on today.

May Birthdays, Anniversaries and Disciples

May Birthdays
2: Al Weber
3: Audrey Stevens
4: Erika Murphy
11: Don Walch
12: Jean Esparolini
14: Ethan Munoz
15: Gail Ceravolo
19: Dorothy Greengrove, Debbie Jones,Terry D’Agnolo
21: Jan Strachan
26: Gerald Mayr

May Anniversaries
29: Joseph & Liz Cicci

May Disciples
Please pray for this person on the date listed: (every day except Sunday)

1:Bernd Mayr
3:Carlos Medina
4:Grace Medina
5:Elaine Miller
6:Lois Milner
7:Nicole Mozeliak
8:Lizzy Mozeliak
10:Holly Mozeliak
11:Martin Mueller
12:Sally Mueller
13:Max Mueller
15:Miles Mueller
17:Daniel Munoz
18:Brenda Munoz
19:Justin Munoz
20:Ethan Munoz
21:Bonnie Munoz
22:Damian Murphy
24:Sharon Murphy
25:Angela Murphy
26:Erika Murphy
27:Alex Murphy
28:Olivia Murphy
29:William Murphy
31:Connor Murphy

Ma

On The Calendar

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER

Sunday, March 28 - Palm/Passion Sunday
8:45 a.m.:Meet for coffee in fellowship hall. Walk to the “Mudhole” for the Blessing of Palms.
9:00 a.m.:Ecumenical Blessing of the Palms service. Process back to Holy Trinity for coffee and bagels.
10:00 a.m.:Festival worship with Palm Procession led by Sunday School children.

Thursday, April 1 - Maundy Thursday
6:15 p.m.:Soup Supper.
7:30 p.m.:Service of Holy Communion.

Friday, April 2 - Good Friday
Noon:Nutley Clergy Fellowship Good Friday service at Grace Church.
7:30 p.m.:Good Friday service and Passion of Our Lord according to John.

Saturday, April 3 - Church Work Day
10:00 a.m. Would you like to help prepare the church for Easter? We will meet in the morning to change the paraments, hang wreaths and place the Easter flowers around the sanctuary. Please call Scott and
Debbie Jones (973-338-0267) or the church office.

Sunday, April 4 - Easter Sunday
10:00 a.m.:Festival worship with Holy Communion.


Bible StudiesOpen the Scripture. Join the Conversation.
Every Monday night at 7:30 p.m. (starting April 19), and every Thursday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. (starting April 15) we gather to open the scripture and join in conversation with God and each other.

What is God doing in the the world? What is God doing in our lives? What is God saying to us as individuals, a community of faith, the world? What is the good news of God's kingdom? How is God sending us into the world? These are just some of the questions we ask as God engages us through God's word and the witness of the Holy Scripture.

Eco Palms

For this Palm Sunday we ordered “Eco-Palms” direct from Lutheran World Relief. Lutheran World Relief is partnering with the University of Minnesota to build support in the U.S. for Eco-Palms by introducing Lutheran parishes to this social and environmental justice project. In addition to environmental and economic sustainability, Eco-Palms promote improvement for entire communities in Guatemala and Mexico. Eco-Palm cooperatives designate five cents from each palm they sell to improve the lives of all community members. Consider the good that can be accomplished through our Palm Sunday celebration.

Altar Flowers

Please note that if anyone would like to honor or remember someone, we currently have many open weeks available for flowers, especially in April, September and November. The cost is $30.00 per week.

Pastor's Message

In John’s Gospel we find the story of a woman named Mary who breaks open a jar of very expensive perfume. She uses the perfume to anoint Jesus’ feet at a dinner party. Overwhelmed with thankfulness, praise and love for her Lord -- Jesus had just raised her brother from the dead -- Mary offered the best she had to welcome Jesus. Judas, one of the twelve, is offended. Water, common water, was what a proper host used to clean guest’s feet, not perfume. Judas would have preferred to see the costly perfume sold and the money given to the poor than poured out on Jesus’ feet in an emotional public display praise and thanksgiving. To Judas, Mary’s worship is an exuberant waste and sign of some misplaced personal priorities.

Jesus disagrees. Jesus instead responds to Mary’s strange, beautiful and sensual act of worship and adoration with vocal appreciation, and in doing so, he reminds Judas that it is he, Jesus – not social causes or personal economic security – who stands at the center of a disciple’s life and motivates a disciple’s behavior. Mary’s got it right.

When this story came up as part of our Sunday readings, it got me questioning myself, wondering, “What’s the point of our Sunday worship? Is it worth my time and effort? Would I rather be spending my time, energy and resources in other ways than publicly worshipping Jesus?” That story got me thinking, so, let me pose that question here, too: On whom, on what and where do you want to lavish your valuable time, resources and energy? What are the most important things to you?

When we get right down to it, worship is about naming something as worthy of our time, our energy, our resources and our devotion. We do that every day and every week by the things we do, the places we go, the people we associate with and the things we spend our money on. The things we do “religiously” are probably central to our lives.

As Americans, we value our freedom to choose what is worthy of our time and devotion. While many activities, causes, ventures and products may compete for your love, loyalty and devotion, we are free to choose what we believe contributes to our happiness. As Christians (God’s baptized people) however, we have been chosen by God, redeemed by Jesus’ death and resurrection and given a new life in the power of the Holy Spirit. In telling the story of God and God’s people, the Bible gets very specific about what God expects of God’s redeemed people -- lives of worship as part of a gathered community of God’s people. God expects us to be together, and together, God expects us to put God’s kingdom and God’s righteous justice first.

At the beginning of this month (April), as a community gathered to worship, we will follow Jesus from the Last Supper out into the garden; from the garden where he is betrayed to the courtyard of his trial and sentencing; from the place where he is crucified to the tomb where they put his lifeless body; from a closed tomb to an empty tomb and proclamation, “He is risen!” In living these events, we learn Jesus’ worth. He is worthy of our blessing and honor, our praise and our glory, our love and our devotion.

Ultimately, I believe that is why we rise early on the first day of the week and gather with our sisters and brothers here at Holy Trinity. God is worth it. Jesus is worth it. Worth our time, our energy, our resources, our lives. If you think that Jesus is worthy of such adoration, please join us in worship this Holy Week and every week.

Seven Steps Into Worship

1.Learn to practice the presence of God daily. Really follow Paul’s words, “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17). Have personal times of inner worship, confession and attentiveness to Christ; have God with you in every corner of your life.

2.Have many different experiences of worship. Worship God when you are alone. Have home groups or little groups of two or three and learn to offer up a sacrifice of praise. Try a small group at Holy Trinity – Monday evening or Thursday afternoon.

3.Find ways to prepare for the gathered experience of worship. Prepare Saturday night by having inward experience and examination and confession. Go over Sunday readings (see Taking Faith Home inserts each week). Gather early and let go of inner distractions by focusing on the presence of God filling the sanctuary.

4.Have a willingness to be gathered in the power of the Lord. As an individual, let go of my agenda, my concerns, my desire to be blessed or even to hear the word of God. The language of gathered worship is not I, but we. There is submission to the ways of Christ and submission to one another in Christian fellowship in the desire for God’s life to rise up and fill the group.

5.Cultivate holy dependency. Learn to become completely dependent upon God for anything significant to happen. Look forward to God acting and moving and teaching and wooing and winning.

6.Absorb distractions with gratitude. Become willing to relax with distractions – they may be a message from the Lord. Receive what happens in a gathered worship experience, rather than feeling distractions somehow deter your worship of God.

7.Learn to offer a sacrifice in worship. Many times you will not feel like worship. But you need to go anyway. You need to be with the people of God and say, “These are my people. As stiff-necked and hard-hearted and sinful as we may be, together we come to God.” So go, even if you don’t feel like it. Go, even if worship has been discouraging and dry before. Go, praying. Go, expecting. Go, looking for God to do a new and living work among us.

From Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth by Richard Foster, pp. 170-173.

In Our Community

SAVE THE DATE! AIDS WALK NEW YORK
This year marks the 25th annual AIDS Walk New York – the world’s largest AIDS Walk.

Sunday, May 16, 2010
Aids Walk New York (AWNY) is the world’s largest AIDS fundraising event. In 2009, more than 45,000 people participated and raised a record breaking sum of over $5.6 million. Funds raised from the walkathon go to numerous programs and educational services to support people living with HIV/AIDS, and to over 60 other tri-state area AIDS organizations. The 10 kilometer (6.2 mile) walkathon begins and ends in Central Park.

Nancy and Tony Maguire are again raising funds and on Sunday, May 16, 2010 they will participate in AIDS Walk New York. If you would like to walk with them, or sponsor them by donating money, please let them know. Checks should be payable to AWNY and can be given to Nancy or Tony anytime. You can also mail your check to their address at 26 Parsons Ct., Mahwah, NJ 07430. If you would like to raise money at your school or place of business they can provide you with sponsor forms. If you would like more information please call them at (201) 934-9366. You can also visit www.aidswalk.net.

BACH VESPERS AT GRACE, TEANECK
Grace Lutheran Church, Teaneck will present Cantata No. 147, “Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben” (Heart and Voice and Deed and Life) by J. S. Bach in Choral Vespers with professional orchestra on Sunday, May 2 at 4:00 P.M. This cantata includes the famous chorus “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.” Scott, Debbie and Emily Jones will be singing and the choir is under the direction of Carol Weber. An offering will be received. 1200 River Rd., Teaneck, NJ 07666 (201) 836-0994 www.GraceLutheranTeaneck.org

PRAYER TEAM
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” (Ephesians 6:18) We are reorganizing our Holy Trinity Prayer Team/Prayer Chain. Each member of this group has a file box of index cards on which are written the names of people, groups or concerns to be remembered in prayer. The names/concerns are prayed for each day by at least one member of the team. If we have eight members, each person prays once in an eight-day rotation.

To join our group, please contact or speak to Scott Jones (973) 338-0267 or music.htlcnutley@verizon.net. Look for news about ways in which to request prayers and also note cards to be sent to those we have remembered in prayer.

GRADUATING IN MAY OR JUNE?
Please let us know the date and from where you are graduating and we will share that good news. Feel free to share your future plans, as well.


REMEMBER THE HUNGRY
During these difficult times, organizations that provide food often run short of needed supplies. We will continue to collect food as part of our offering during worship. Please bring your non-perishable food items to worship with you.

Facebook

Holy Trinity is now on Facebook. You can become a fan of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and stay up-to-date with what's going on in the congregation and among our members. As a fan you can also post your news, your questions, thoughts and experiences of God's love in action to share with others. It’s just another way to share the good news, overcome barriers and connect one to many in Christ. You can access our page directly from our website, at www.htlcnutley.com

Check out the new Community section of our Website as well. You can read blogs, news from ELCA, preview this week’s worship service and so much more. Log on today.

Email...

Using E-mail to Make, Keep and Invite Friends.
Communication is vital to any relationship. That includes your relationship with others groups, teams and ministries going on at Holy Trinity. E-mail puts a powerful communication tool at our fingertips. Not only can we stay informed about news, events and happenings in the Holy Trinity community, but we are able to share that news with our friends as well by passing the information along to them or inviting them to be part of the Holy Trinity mailing list.

Want to receive this Newsletter electronically?
We are trying to distribute more and more of our information electronically. If you haven't already shared your e-mail address with the church office, please consider doing so by sending an e-mail with ADD ME TO THE MAILING LIST in the subject line to office.htlcnutley@verizon.net.

April Birthdays, Anniversaries and Disciples

April Birthdays

4: Ken Duke
5: Justin Munoz, Richard Hudnett
9: Brian Johnson, Alexandra Rubens
10: Elfrieda Fenton, Erica Geiselmann
14: Sarah Jones
18: Christine Esparolini, Jeff Lin
22: Richard Bacik
24: Nancy Guenther
26: Ed Cordes, Miriam Mascola
29: Sharon Murphy

April Anniversaries

7:Greg and Ruth Sekula
21:Otto and Hedy Mayr

April Disciples (please pray for this person on the date listed)

1:Sarah Jones
2:Robert Kozak
3:Marilyn Kozak
5:Robbie Kozak
6:Pastor Krombholz
7:Stefeny Krombholz
8:Jakob Krombholz
9:Luke Krombholz
10:Chao Lin
12:Agee Lin
13:Joyce Lin
14:Jeff Lin
15:Jared Lin
16:Edith Lodge
17:John Lovas
19:Judi Lovas
20:Rebecca Lovas
21:Kay Ludwig
22:Janette Lutz
23:Betty Mack
24:Tony Maguire
26:Nancy Maguire
27:Miriam Mascola
28:Gerald Mayr
29:Otto Mayr
30:Hedy Mayr

Prayer Request

PRAYER REQUEST - Please use this to add a person or to update the status of an existing request.

(Please place request in offering plate, mail to the church, hand to Pastor Jim or call the Church Office with your information.)

Date of request:_________________________

Name of person/people to pray for: __________________________________________________

Details (e.g. surgery dates, illness, life challenge, etc.):

__________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

Request submitted by:

Name:__________________________________________________

Address:__________________________________________________

Phone:__________________________________________________

Email:_________________________________________________

These requests are confidential – first names only are used in the weekly bulletins.

Please contact Pastor Jim in the office or at home (732) 548-1215 or the HTLC office at (973) 667-0256 if special prayers are no longer required and to keep informed of progress, healing etc.

On the Calendar

SCHEDULE FOR LENT 2010

Thursday Soup and Study (February 25 and on):
2:00 p.m.: Book Study: The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives, by Dallas Willard

6:15 p.m.: Soup Supper (Sign up to bring some soup)
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.: Book Study (same as above)
8:00 p.m. – Choir

NJ Synod Annual Conference
The NJ Synod’s Annual Conference on Congregational Ministries will be held on Saturday, March 20, 2010. It will be held at the Steinert High School, Hamilton Township, N.J. from 8:00am – 3:30pm. This years’ speaker is Kristen Glass, Directory for Youth & Young Adult Ministry, Vocation Education Unit, ELCA. Registration is $10.00 plus an additional $5.00 for lunch. Registration forms must be postmarked by Wednesday, March 10. Please let us know if you would like a Registration Form, or you can download one from the Synod website a www.njsynod.org. Put the date on your calendar and plan to attend with a group from Holy Trinity!

LOOKING AHEAD: HOLY WEEK AND EASTER

Sunday, March 28 - Palm/Passion Sunday
8:45 a.m.:
Meet for coffee in fellowship hall. Walk to the “Mudhole” for the Blessing of Palms.

9:00 a.m.:
Ecumenical Blessing of the Palms service. Process back to Holy Trinity for coffee and bagels.

10:00 a.m.:
Festival worship with Palm Procession led by Sunday School children.

Thursday, April 1 - Maundy Thursday
6:15 p.m.:
Soup Supper.
7:30 p.m.:
Service of Holy Communion.

Friday, April 2 - Good Friday
Noon:
Nutley Clergy Fellowship Good Friday service at Grace Church.

7:30 p.m.:
Good Friday service and Passion of Our Lord according to John.

Saturday, April 3 - Church Work Day
10:00 a.m. Would you like to help prepare the church for Easter? We will meet in the morning to change the paraments, hang wreaths and place the Easter flowers around the sanctuary. Please call Scott and
Debbie Jones (973-338-0267) or the church office.

Sunday, April 4 - Easter Sunday
10:00 a.m.:
Festival worship with Holy Communion.

ECO-Palms for Palm Sunday Worship

For this Palm Sunday we ordered “Eco-Palms” direct from Lutheran World Relief. Lutheran World Relief is partnering with the University of Minnesota to build support in the U.S. for Eco-Palms by introducing Lutheran parishes to this social and environmental justice project. In addition to environmental and economic sustainability, Eco-Palms promote improvement for entire communities in Guatemala and Mexico. Eco-Palm cooperatives designate five cents from each palm they sell to improve the lives of all community members. Consider the good that can be accomplished through our Palm Sunday celebration

Pastor’s Message

“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome,....” 1 John 5:1-3

When, as a confirmation class, we get to the end of our study and discussion of the Ten Commandments, we do a little imagining. Try and imagine a world where parents and those in authority are honored and respected and in return they exercise their authority out of love for the common good of all; where no one murders, but strives to preserve and sustain life; where no one steals, but works so that all are able to keep their possessions; where people are faithful to each other in the most intimate of relationships; where no one lies or slanders or wants for themselves, the blessings that God has bestowed on others. Just imagine. It would be heaven, nearly.

I think we can all agree that the vision of a world of social interdependence and responsibility witnessed to by the Ten Commandments is worthy of our best efforts, not just for a little while but for all of our lives. Yet, I think we also have to understand the vital connection between this vision for world and society and our relationship to God. By living the first three commandments -- the ones that show us who God is and tell us about God’s desire to live in communion with us – we are led into deeper, more loving relationships with the people around us.

True and authentic love for the world and for our neighbor begins with love and trust in the God who has called and redeemed us (First Commandment). Our relationship with God grows and deepens through prayer, praise and thanksgiving (Second Commandment) and through hearing and doing God’s word (Third Commandment).

Learning to live out both parts of the Ten Commandments is our Lenten journey and indeed our Christian journey. Now, just imagine the world where all of God’s people live and abiding by faith and trust in God alone and live lives in communion and worship of the God who has saved us. Just imagine. It would be heaven, truly.

In our community

In Memoriam…
John T. Norton, 81, of Egg Harbor Township, N.J., died Feb. 7, 2010, at Shore Memorial Hospital, Somers Point, N.J. The funeral service was officiated by Pastor Jim. Born in Providence, R.I., Mr. Norton lived in Belleville before moving to Egg Harbor Township two years ago. He was an electronic engineer for Loral Electronic Systems, Bronx, N.Y., and was previously employed at ITT Communication, Nutley, for 21 years. Mr. Norton was a World War II and Korean War U.S. Army veteran. He is survived by his beloved wife, Verna (Kirsche) Norton; his son, John T. Norton Jr. and his wife, Mary; his daughters, Leslie Petrillo and her husband, Anthony M. Jr., and Sharon Phillips, and his grandchildren, Anthony M. Petrillo III, Michael V. Petrillo, Joseph J. Petrillo, Ronald J. McManus, John T. Norton III, and Michelle Claire Norton. Our prayers are with Verna and her family.

Congratulations!
To Joelle & Matt Bernhard on the birth of their daughter, Isabella Elizabeth Bernhard. Isabella was born on January 26, 2010, and she joins her sister, Madison. She will be baptized on April 18th here at Holy Trinity. We pray that God bless the Bernhardt Family.


Condolences…
On the death of Sally Mueller’s mom, Arlene Bailey, who passed away on February 9th. She is also survived by three other daughters, eight grandchildren, five sisters and four brothers. Our thoughts are with Sally and her family during this difficult time.

Is it a Church Snow Day?
We try never to have to cancel worship, but in case of inclement weather, please check the phone message at the office: (973) 667-0256. Should we need to cancel, the message will be updated by
8:00 AM.

Winter Shoveling - “S.O.S.”

The Nutley Department of Public Safety offers a “Shovel Out Seniors” program to help senior citizens in the winter months. Nutley students will shovel for either a nominal fee or community service hours. Please call (973) 284-4929 to register and then call after each storm to request service.

Altar Flowers

Please note that if anyone would like to honor or remember someone, we currently have many open weeks available for flowers, especially in March, April, September and November.

Daylight Savings

Please remember to push your clock ahead one hour, to honor daylight savings time on Sunday, March 14th.

Stewardship Strengthens...

Together we fight hunger.
Together, we gave $188 on Sunday,
February 7 as part of the Souper Bowl of Caring. The money has been sent to support the local feeding programs in our community.

In 2010, the 20th anniversary year, 8,971 participating groups collected $8,011,829. Thank you!


Together we give to those in need….
ELCA Gifts to Support Recovery Efforts in Haiti Exceed $4.6 Million Since the earthquake in Haiti one month ago, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has received over 27,000 gifts totaling more than $4.2 million to support humanitarian relief efforts in Haiti. According to ELCA Treasurer Christina Jackson-Skelton, the ELCA received an additional $320,000 in a matching grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, bringing the overall total to more than $4.6 million in gifts to the ELCA.

To date, Holy Trinity has given more than $400 to the Haitian Relief Effort. Thank you!

Prayer Team

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” (Ephesians 6:18) We are reorganizing our Holy Trinity Prayer Team/Prayer Chain. Each member of this group has a file box of index cards on which are written the names of people, groups or concerns to be remembered in prayer. The names/concerns are prayed for each day by at least one member of the team. If we have eight members, each person prays once in an eight-day rotation. To join our group, please contact or speak to Scott Jones (973) 338-0267 or music.htlcnutley@verizon.net. Look for news about ways in which to request prayers and also note cards to be sent to those we have remembered in prayer.

Wittenberg Choir on Tour

The choir from Wittenberg University, an ELCA college in Springfield, Ohio, will present two New Jersey concerts in March. The world-renowned choir is under the direction of Dr. Donald Busarow and always presents a varied and enjoyable program. Busarow will retire this spring, after 28 years as director of the choir.

Sunday, March 7 at 4:00 PM—King of Kings Lutheran Church (LCMS), 145 US Highway 46, Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046. (973) 334-8333 www.kingofkingslutheranchurch.org

Monday, March 8 at 7:30 PM—Grace Lutheran Church (ELCA), 1200 River Rd., Teaneck, NJ 07666. (201) 836-0994 www.GraceLutheranTeaneck.org

March Birthdays, Anniversaries and Disciples

March Birthdays

7:Larry Stevens
8:John Denkinger
15:Catherine Rubens
16:Rebecca Lovas
18:David Van Houten
23:Brianna Davey

March Anniversaries

15:Betty & Martin Futyma

March Disciples

1:John Franchino
2:Martim Futyma
3:Betty Futyma
4:Susan Gage
5:Cathy Palamara
6:Michael Palamara
8:Erica Geiselmann
9:Ken Geiselmann
10:Irene Geiselmann
11:Jim Greengrove
12:Dot Greengrove
13:Nancy Guenther
15:Marcia Hayes
16:Erik Hess
17:Dayna Hess
18:Samantha Hess
19:Sydney Hess
20:Richard Hudnett
22:Barbara Hudnett
23:Alicia Hudnett
24:Ricky Hudnett
25:Lynn Johnson
26:Kevin Johnson
27:Brian Johnson
29:Scott Jones
30:Debbie Jones
31:Emily Jones

Easter Flowers

Please call the office at (973) 667-0256 for an Easter Flower order form. Flowers are $9.00 each ($3.50) for pompoms and orders must be placed by Sunday, March 7th.

On The Calendar

We are on a mission to fight hunger!

Twenty years ago on Super Bowl Sunday, a single youth group was inspired by a simple prayer. They started the Souper Bowl of Caring, a youth-led movement that is now an international event.

Since then, the Souper Bowl of Caring has raised more than $60 million for individual charities across the country. It is also turning our nation’s biggest weekend of football into the largest weekend of giving.
Each year, tens of thousands of our nation’s youth, including ours at Holy Trinity, put God’s love into action through the Souper Bowl of Caring. Please bring your contribution to church on Sunday,February 7, to drop into the soup pot that we will pass during worship. (or mail a donation to church clearly marked “Souper Bowl”.) Your donation will go to fight hunger right here in the community through the work of the Nutley Red Cross.

With your help, more dollars will be raised, more lives will be changed and more young people will experience the joy of serving Christ by serving others. With your help, let’s try to collect $180 this year. Please visit www.souperbowl.org for more information.


Save the Date!
The NJ Synod’s Annual Conference on Congregational Ministries will be held on Saturday, March 20, 2010. We will submit more information as it is available. Put the date on your calendar and plan to attend with a group from Holy Trinity.


Schedule for Lent 2010

Ash Wednesday worship—February 17--with imposition of ashes:
11:30 a.m. (with brown bag lunch) and 7:30 p.m.

Thursday Soup and Study (February 25 – March 25)

2:00 p.m.: Book Study: The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives by Dallas Willard

6:15 p.m.: Soup Supper
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.: Book Study (same as above)
8:00 p.m. – Choir

Thursdays in Lent (February 25 and on):
Our book study with the people of Franklin Reformed this year is designed to help us all learn and grow in the life of the Spirit, following the way of Jesus. Once again we will meet at 6:15 p.m. to share a meal and conversation. Please plan to make and share a pot of soup. Look for a sign-up sheet in worship over the next few weeks. Around 7 p.m. we start our book conversation. We end with prayer around 8 p.m. This year, we will be using the book The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives by Dallas Willard. You can order this book yourself online, use the form below or call the office at (973) 667-0256, and we can order the book for you. We need your order in the office by Feb. 11.

Name(s): _________________________________________________

Will attend (please circle one):

Afternoon: (2:00p.m.) Evening: (7:00pm)

Please order ______ copies of the book at $12.00 each.

(Soup sign-up will be circulated at worship, or call the office to volunteer.)

Pastor's Message

“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained.”
Phil. 3:13-16

On February 17, we will gather for Ash Wednesday worship, and as a community we will turn around, confess our sins and brokenness, our limits and our ends. We confess all this in hope of receiving the good things that God is giving through Jesus Christ – forgiveness and healing and love without limit or end.

From our Ash Wednesday worship, we walk together into the disciplines of Lent. We leave the old things behind and strive to the goal to win the prize, the prize God is calling us to in Jesus Christ. Lent is first about receiving the grace of God that invites us to be the human beings God has created us to be -- instead of the gods we constantly strive to be. But we do not stop there. Lent is mostly a time of learning to live as the graciously redeemed human beings God is making us to become through Jesus Christ. Lent is about striving – not become godlike, but striving to learn and walk in the way of Jesus, participating in suffering and death in hopes of rising with him in his resurrection. So, united to Christ and each other in baptism, we press on together toward the goal.

When we learn new things – a new song, a new language, whatever – it helps to start slowly. That’s what Lent is for. Lent means going slowly. Together as God’s people we slow down to learn the way of Jesus and to let it sink in, change and transform our lives. For centuries, Christians have gone slowly together by practicing certain disciplines: prayer, Bible reading, worship, sacrificial giving, fasting, acts of service that promote justice, peace and the reconciliation of all people. We do this together, as a community made up of individuals striving to live together as Jesus lived in the world.

As we enter Lent together, know that Jesus loves you. By his death and resurrection he has reconciled you to God and joined you to a community. By faith in Jesus we enter into God’s kingdom together, as a gift of God’s grace and love.
I encourage you take advantage of this time to learn to walk and live in God’s love made known in Jesus, who is your salvation.

So, clear the calendar and come out on Thursday nights to join our discussion of the Christian life. Practice hospitality by making and sharing a pot of soup. Practice life in the Spirit by participating in the fellowship we share with the people of Franklin Reformed. Let God’s word grow in you, generating a life of faith, hope and love. Together we will strive and learn to live up to what we have already attained in Jesus Christ. God bless your Lenten journey.

In Our Community

In Memoriam…
Victor Smith of Clifton, passed away on January 14, 2010. A memorial service was held at Holy Trinity on January 30, 2010. Our prayers are
with the family.

Congratulations!
To Cathy and Michael Palamara who were married on January 16, 2010 here at Holy Trinity. Cathy is the daughter of Ken and Irene Geiselmann and Michael is the son of Maryann Palamara and the late Anthony Palamara. Their new address is: 138 Franklin Street, Apt. 4, Bloomfield, N.J. 07003. We pray that God bless Cathy and Michael in their life together.

Chelsea Cicci-Wright has received three Rising Star Awards from Paper Mill Playhouse for her work on the Bloomfield High School productions of Cats and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

Chelsea is again working as choreographer for the 2010 Bloomfield High School production of Oliver! Oliver! is based on Dickens’ Oliver Twist, with book, music and lyrics by Lionel Bart. Opening night is Thursday, February 25 at 7:30 PM. Other performances are Friday and Saturday, Feb. 26 & 27 at 7:30 PM and a 2:00 PM matinee on Sunday, February 28. Bloomfield High School is at 160 Broad St., Bloomfield. Tickets are $10.00 in advance or $12.00 at the door. Please speak to Scott Jones or call the high school at (973) 680-8600 for ticket information.

Helen Blair has a new address and phone number:
Box d10, 739 Daniel Shays Highway,
Athol, MA. 01331
Phone is (978) 780-4284.

Please reach out – she would love to hear from you!

Help Wanted
The Executive Director of the Community School in Nutley, Betty Gambaro, will be retiring this spring. CSN is an early childhood center sponsored by five Nutley churches in three locations. The Board of Directors has set up a Search Committee and is now seeking candidates to fill that position. The following is the ad that is running....

Executive Director for Church sponsored suburban early childhood center. Candidates with a minimum BA/BS and experience in Early Childhood Education, with supervisory and administrative background, should apply by sending resume with cover letter to: CSN Search Committee, 100 Vincent Place, Nutley, NJ 07110

Seniors That Need Help With Winter Shoveling...

The Nutley Department of Public Safety offers a “Shovel Out Seniors” program to help senior citizens in the winter months. Nutley students will shovel for either a nominal fee or community service hours. Please call (973) 284-4929 to register and then call after each storm to request service.

Is it a Church Snow Day?

We try never to have to cancel worship, but in case of inclement weather, please check the phone message at the office: (973) 667-0256. Should we need to cancel, the message will be updated by
8:00 AM.

Stewardship Strengthens...

Stewardship strengthens our relationship with Jesus

Nutley Mayor Cocchiola Announces Participation in Random Acts of Kindness Week:
February 15th through 21st

Nutley, NJ – Mayor Joanne Cocchiola, has announced plans to once again participate in National Random Acts of Kindness Week. Through performing acts of kindness, people have the power to “inspire by example”. Random Acts of Kindness Week will be held February 15 – 21, 2010. During this week all residents of Nutley, young and old, are asked to participate by displaying generous gestures towards others and logging their actions onto the Township Website.

“We want the message this year to be, “Kindness is contagious,” with a record number of residents demonstrating kindness for others and community pride. It is our hope to try to accomplish 10,000 Random Acts of Kindness in one week,” commented Mayor Joanne Cocchiola.

All residents are encouraged to participate in programs being sponsored by the schools, churches and by simply initiating acts on their own. “The spirit of volunteerism in our community is huge,” mentioned the Mayor. “This town has a big heart, and my goal is to show just how big it really is.” To initiate acts of kindness; download a submission form by logging on to www.nutleynj.org. All random acts will be tallied for a township total, with some being featured on the official Township website.

These acts can include, but are not limited to: completing a task or project for local charity or place of worship, visiting someone who is sick or elderly, saying please and thank you, holding the door for someone, helping someone cross the street, and helping a lost pet find its way home.

Mayor Cocchiola and the Board of Commissioners would like to encourage every family to participate in this special initiative. Nutley’s goal is to exceed last year’s total of 10,000 acts – remember to be creative and thoughtful!

If you have any questions about this program, please contact Kathy Rempusheski of the Department of Public Affairs at 973-284-4900, Ext. 2426, or visit the official Township website at www.nutleynj.org.

From Our Office

The Little Lutheran

This colorful and sturdy magazine helps to nurture the faith of children 6 years old and younger. Through Bible stories, prayers, songs and ritual, this newest ELCA publication shows young children how much God loves them and tells them that Jesus is their savior and friend. Individual subscriptions are $24.95 per year. A group rate qualifies congregations or individuals who join together—to order six or more for the low price of $12.95 per subscription. www.thelittlelutheran.org



We Need Your Help…
Please let us know if you would be available to periodically help change the signage on our church lawn sign. Submit this form or call the office at
(973) 667-0256.Thank you.


Yes, I can periodically help with our lawn sign:

Name: ______________________________________

Phone: ______________________________________

From the Office of The Bishop

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

"If one member suffers, all suffer together with it;
if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it."
–1 Corinthians 12:26

Almost two weeks have passed since the devastating earthquake in Haiti. The outpouring of gifts from members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) to ELCA Disaster Response has enabled a swift response on behalf of this church.

Thank you for your generous financial support which now totals more than $1.6 million. Thousands of other gifts are still being counted. Our community-based partners are already providing:

• Two water purification systems to bring clean water to 25,000 people.
• Emergency food and medical supplies to thousands.
• Blankets and tents to shelter 10,000 people who are homeless.

Funding, distributed through three partners, will increase as giving continues.

• $300,000 has been sent to The Lutheran World Federation (LWF), a key responder and member of Action by Churches Together (ACT). The funds support LWF efforts to provide shelter to people left homeless by the quake.
• $150,000 has been sent to Lutheran World Relief (LWR), Baltimore, for material aid.
• $150,000 has been sent to Church World Service (CWS) for construction of temporary water systems and distribution of water purification materials.

In addition, $25,000 has been sent to Lutheran Services of Florida for initial support to refugees and Haitian Americans entering or returning to the United States.

We are pleased that Louis Dorvillier, director for International Development and Disaster Response in the ELCA Global Mission program unit, is part of a delegation to his country of origin with LWF and ACT.

Your generosity makes this life-saving work possible. As we celebrate this outpouring of gifts and prayers, we also know that we have a long road to travel together. There is so much more to be done. This church is committed to walking with our brothers and sisters in Haiti for years to come; your continued support is needed to provide ongoing care.

I encourage you to visit the ELCA Disaster Response (www.elca.org/disaster) Web site for updated information, worship resources, bulletin inserts and details on how to offer financial support. General mission-support dollars and gifts to ELCA Vision for Mission make it possible for 100 percent of your gifts designated for Haiti Earthquake Relief to be used entirely for this response effort.

To give today, go online (www.elca.org/haitiearthquake) or call 800-638-3522.

In God's grace,

The Rev. Mark S. Hanson
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
(www.elca.org/bishopstatement).

February Birthdays, Anniversaries and Disciples

February Birthdays

1:John Franchino
4:Brenda Munoz
15:Olivia Murphy
16:Rebecca Lovas
17:Amanda Davey, Otto Mayr
21:Eric Oberndorf, Christina Hudnett
24:Susan Ulley
24:Teresa Scalcione
26: Emily Jones
28: Sally Mueller

Anniversaries
18: John & Judi Lovas
22: Richard & Barbara Hudnett

Disciples
Each day of the week (except Sunday) has the name of a person in this community. Please, remember that person in your prayers that day. On Sunday, we will pray for all of the people listed in the coming week.

1:Jeff DeBellis
2:Susan DeBellis
3:Chris DeBellis
4:Renee DeBellis
5:John Denkinger
6:Evelyn Denkinger
8:Chris Duhm
9:Nancy Duhm
10:Nicole Duhm
11:Matthew Duhm
12:Ken Duke
13:Dot Dutke
15:Richard Ebeling
16:Barbara Ebeling
17:Stacie Ebeling
18:Elizabeth Ebeling
19:Chelsea Ebeling
20:Jean Esparolini
22:Christine Esparolini
23:Irene Falk
24:John Fenton
25:Elfrieda Fenton
26:Julie Franchino
27:Peter Franchino

Annual Meeting and Potluck

Annual Congregational Meeting and Potluck, January 31

Take part in our potluck lunch and take your place in the assembly, as we look back on God’s mission through Holy Trinity in 2009 and then look forward to what God is calling us to be and do as we share the Gospel, overcome barriers and connect in the love of Christ in 2010.

Share your story of God in action

We need to hear from each other what God is doing in our lives and in our neighborhood. Please share your story with the people of Holy Trinity – in writing, in person or video or audio recording. If you need assistance, please call Pastor Jim.

We are especially looking for people who are willing to share a story of God’s work at this year’s Congregational Meeting on January 31. If you have a story to tell, contact Chris Duhm or Pastor Jim.

Pastor's Message

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16

The dawning of a New Year and a new decade points us to the joy and hope of new beginnings and can serve as a call to a renew our life together in Christ. I pray that each and every one of us can make daily Bible reading an integral part of our life in this year. By adding this simple spiritual practice to our daily routine, we open our hearts, minds and our everyday lives to the transforming power of God’s Word, and we begin to see ourselves within the larger story of God at work in this world.

God is not calling all of us to become Bible professors, but God is inviting each of us into a loving relationship where we find ourselves listening to and speaking with God, where we find ourselves walking in God’s promises, right along with Abraham and Sarah; witnessing God’s liberation with Moses and Miriam; experiencing the power of Jesus’ resurrection with Peter and Mary; sharing the story of God’s new creation with Paul and Lydia. Through our daily encounter with God in the Bible, we become part of the unfolding story of God and God’s creation. Here are some tips to help make Bible reading part of your routine.

Start small. Set aside 15 minutes a day to start. You can read first thing in the morning or before you go to bed at night. You can read the Bible while you wait for the doctor or for the children. Plan your day, plan your reading time, too.

Use one of the daily reading schedules to guide you. You can find readings for each day of the week by using the Taking Faith Home sheets that are in our Sunday bulletin. You can also log on to our Website to find an online link to that daily reading. If you are interested in reading through the entire Bible this year, you can follow the schedule that we are printing in the newsletter this year (see page 4).

Read with a friend or as part of a group. As with any new endeavor and new behavior, we do better when we do it together. Having someone to be accountable to, helps us change our behavior, and God speaks to us using the voice of our sisters and brothers in Christ. At Holy Trinity, we have regularly meeting Bible study groups that are open and encouraging. You can also join the conversation online.

Share your new discoveries. Keep a journal. Tell a friend. Share with the people of Holy Trinity what you are learning and hearing in God’s word.

As always, I am here to help you grow in your discipleship and eager to listen with you as together we discover the riches of God’s Word. May God’s word dwell in you richly in 2010.

Read the Bible in One Year

Week of Jan 3 – Su: Genesis 1-3; M: Genesis 4-7; T: Genesis 8-11; W: Genesis 12-16; Th: Genesis 17-19;F: Genesis 20-23; Sa: Genesis 24-25

Week of Jan 10 – Su: Genesis 26-28; M: Genesis 29-30; T: Genesis 31-33;
W: Genesis 34-36; Th: Genesis 37-39; F: Genesis 40-42;Sa: Genesis 43-45

Week of Jan 17 -- Su; Genesis 46-47; M: Genesis 48-50; T: Exodus 1-4;
W: Exodus 5-7; Th: Exodus 8-10; Fri: Exodus 11-13; Sa: Exodus 14-16

Week of Jan 24 -- Su: Exodus 17-20; M: Exodus 21-23; T: Exodus 24-27;
W; Exodus 28-30; Th: Exodus 31-34; F: Exodus 35-37;Sa: Exodus 38-40

Week of Jan 31 -- Su: Leviticus 1-4; M: Leviticus: 5-7; T: Leviticus 8-11; W: Leviticus 12-14; Th: Leviticus 15-17; F: Leviticus 18-20;Sa: Leviticus 21-23.

Come and worship in January.

This January we will explore the theme New Year; New Life in worship. Invite a friend to worship with you in the new year. Here is a sample of what we will share and live together.
January 3: A fresh start for God’s people. Jer. 31:7-14
January 10: Baptism: A new beginning. Luke 3:21-22
January 17: Sign of God’s kingdom. John 2:1-11
January 24: Inauguration of a new age. Luke 4:14-21
January 31: God’s new people. Luke 4:21-30

Read the

In Our Community

We are on a mission to fight hunger!
More than 15 years ago on Super Bowl Sunday, a single youth group was inspired by a simple prayer. They started the Souper Bowl of Caring, a youth-led movement that is now an international event.

Since 1990, the Souper Bowl of Caring has raised more than $50 million for individual charities across the country. It is also turning our nation’s biggest weekend of football into the largest weekend of giving.

Each year, tens of thousands of our nation’s youth, including ours at Holy Trinity, put God’s love into action through the Souper Bowl of Caring. Bring your contribution to church on Sunday, February 7, to drop into the soup pot that we will pass during worship. (or mail a donation to church clearly marked “Souper Bowl”.) Your donation will go to fight hunger right here in the community.

With your help, more dollars will be raised, more lives will be changed and more young people will experience the joy of serving Christ by serving others. With your help, let’s try to collect $175 this year. Please visit www.souperbowl.org for more information.


Thank You!

Thank you to all who gave in 2009.
Thank you to all who pledged for 2010.
Come to the annual meeting on Jan. 31 to hear some stories of what God is doing in this community and through us to change lives as we continue to share the gospel, overcome barriers and connect in the love of Christ. Thank you.

New Offering Envelopes

The 2010 Offering Envelopes are in. Please pick yours up in the back of the sanctuary. If you haven’t received envelopes in the past and would like to start using them or if you will not be able to pick them up in the next couple of weeks, please call the church office at (973) 667-0256.

Pray For...

Pray for our wedding couples

Cathy Geiselmann and Michael Palamara will marry in a service at Holy Trinity on January 16 at 3:00 p.m. Cathy and Michael ask for your prayers.

Congratulations to Chelsea Cicci and Christopher Wright on their marriage New Year’s Eve. We pray that God bless Chelsea and Christopher in their life together.

Pray for new parents

Christine and Brendon Hoch received an early Christmas gift -- a son whom they have named Nathan. Nathan was born December 8. “Mom, Dad and baby are all doing well.”Congratulations to the Hoch family.

Stewardship Strengthens...

Stewardship strengthens our relationship with Jesus
Living Simply. Living Generously.

The new year gives us chance to turn our financial lives around, to reprioritize and to simplify our lives for the sake of living out the Gospel.

Money and time are two of our most highly valued assets. Nobody seems to have enough, everybody wants more and somebody seems always to be asking us to give us theirs. While the amount of time and money we have may be limited, how we use it is a matter of choice for most of us.

Here is a simple process to help us discover what money we have and how we spend it. Once we know how we spend our money, we can begin to make conscious, faith-based, good news responsive decisions about whether or not we want to continue to spend it that way.

Step 1 – Keep a cash diary. For two or three weeks carry a small notebook with you everywhere you go. Write down every cent of cash that you spend. Be sure to include everything, even money you put in vending machines, give to children and so on.

Step 2 – Analyze your spending. Review checkbook, credit card slips and the cash diary. Break down your spending into these categories. Fixed: mortgages, taxes, insurance, tuition and so on. Variable, but repeating – utilities, car expenses, food, telephones, internet, and other expenses that have costs you can control by the choices you make. Discretionary – Hobbies, snacks, entertainment, meals out, etc.

Step 3 – Prayer. With your worksheet in front of you, lift your budget and the way you spend your money to God in prayer. Ask God to show you the places where you can make changes in how you spend your money and your life so that God might be more glorified and the mission of God in the world might be better served by your actions.

Step 4 – Discover. Look at your budget and expenses again. What is God saying to you? Where are places where you can free up or change your habits?

Step 5 – Make the decision and act. Share what God is doing in your life with friends and family. Ask God for strength, faith and even courage to do what you believe God is leading you to do. Step out in faith, knowing that God is the one who gives us our “daily bread.”

Please, share your experience with your friends in Christ at Holy Trinity. Together, we can change our lives, our church and the world for the sake of Jesus Christ.

January Birthdays and Anniversaries

Birthdays
2:Miles Mueller
7:Phyllis Weber
8:Peter Franchino, Ken Blair, Evelyn Oberndorf
14: Chris Siclari
15: Max Mueller
20: Nancy Catelli
28: Liz Cicci

Anniversaries

Joelle & Matthew Bernhard

On The Calendar

Sunday, Dec. 6, after worship
Take some time after worship to assemble our gifts for soldiers overseas and the materials for the Seafarers.

Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 8 p.m.
Holiday Choral Concert
Holy Trinity is pleased to present a combined choral concert on Tuesday, December 8 at 8:00 PM. Featured in the program will be the Bloomfield High School Madrigal Singers under the direction of Ms. Michelle Digaetano and the Bloomfield Chorale under the direction of Ms. Ruth Hsu. The Chorale is part of the Bloomfield Federation of Music. After the hour-long concert, refreshments will be served in the Fellowship Hall. All are welcome -- please invite your friends and neighbors!

Saturday, Dec. 12, at 10 a.m.
Children’s Christmas Pageant Rehearsal
Children of all ages are invited, but our Sunday School children are especially encouraged to “walk through” our Christmas Pageant that will be part of our Child-Focused Christmas Eve (4 p.m.) worship. Stay for pizza and other snacks in the fellowship hall after the work is done.

A Time for Peace: Thursday Night Advent Dinners
Advent is one of two times in the church year, when God’s people are encouraged to take extra time to gather as God’s people in prayer, meditation, fellowship around God’s Word. Join us on
December 3, 10 and 17 starting at 6:15 p.m. for soup supper and an evening Advent prayer, devotion and Bible reading. Bring a friend.

Sunday, Dec. 20, after worship
Hanging of the Greens and Luncheon

Sunday December 20th 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!
Please call or email the church to have a sign up sheet sent to you. Thank you.

Christmas Services at Holy Trinity

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

CHRISTMAS DAY (Fri., 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.

Annual Reports

Please have your Annual Report information submitted to the church office no later than Sunday, January 3. If possible please e-mail the information to Tina at office.htlcnutley@verizon.net or put on disk. Thank you.

Pastor's Message

O Come, let us adore him, Christ, the Lord.

I love worshiping at our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. On that evening we begin by standing and singing the great hymn, O Come All Ye Faithful. That hymn, that procession of choir, cross, book, people and clergy is an invitation to worship our God – the one thing in our lives worthy of our time, our praise, our service, our love, our trust, our devotion. The event of God’s incarnation – that our God, for our sake and for our salvation becomes a human being, suffers, dies, rises and ascends – is truly cause for joy, thanksgiving, praise and worship.

God’s messengers, the angels, tell the shepherds in the field what God is doing in the little town of Bethlehem, and those shepherds go and worship. The heavens explode in a sustained burning light that tells the eastern sages that God’s salvation is coming near. The wise men come and worship. As God’s people, we too hear the good news story of God’s love and salvation. How can we respond in any other way: O Come, let us adore him, the Christ, our Lord.

God has created us to live in communion with God and in community with one another. God, in Jesus Christ, has restored our communion with God and reconciled us to our neighbor. God, the Holy Spirit, has gathered us into a community of saints where sins are forgiven, resurrection is anticipated and life in the world to come is our hope and inspiration to live lives of love and service. We witness to this good news most strongly when we gather as a community in worship – on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and on every Sunday throughout the year. When the sun rises, early on the first day of the week, how can we as God people respond? O Come, let us adore him, the Christ, our Lord.

When the procession cues us up and the organ begins to play O Come All Ye Faithful, I hope you will be part of our worshiping community of saints that evening. More than that, I pray that each of us at Holy Trinity will be so captured by the greatest of the good news of God’s love in Jesus that we are inspired to make the worship of God as a community of saints the first priority in our life. Who or what else is as worthy of our praise and devotion? Who or what else has loved, blessed and saved us so wonderfully? Who or what else can we do but take time to come and adore the Christ, our Lord. See you in worship.

In Our Community

Christmas Card Tradition
This year we would like to continue our tradition of having a congregational Christmas card. We ask that members bring in or mail one card to the congregation rather than mailing individual cards to other members. The cards will be displayed in the narthex so that the congregation can read them. The amount that would have been used towards cards and postage should be put in the offering plate or mailed to the church office in an envelope marked "Christmas Card." The money will be donated to ELCA Good Gifts. www.elca.org/giving

Thank you!
From the family of John Edward Ryan… We would like to thank all of you for your kind expressions of sympathy on the loss of my Dad. Your cards, visits and words of comfort were greatly appreciated.
My mom could not get over how many people came to visit and said they were from my church. She said, "I thought you said it was a small congregation!" I told her that we may be small in number, but we treat each other like family. Thanks again… Christine & Frank Siclari

From the family of Irene Wahl…This note is to express our appreciation to the members of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church when we were able to celebrate the life of our mother, Irene Wahl, on November 8th. It meant so much to the family to meet people who knew her, worked around her in various church assignments, and prayed with her You have a very special Pastor, and we wanted to acknowledge his fine sermon and help with the arrangements. At a family lunch, all of us commented on how much our mother would have enjoyed the day’s events. The service has helped us to have closure to the good long life that Irene lived. We do not think that the day could have been more perfect; your sermon, meeting members of the church, and the beautiful weather. What a fitting way to remember my mother!....
Allen and Ray Wahl

Church Night at the Devils

Join your friends from Holy Trinity at another NJ Devils hockey game, and save $21! On Friday, January 8, 2010 the NJ Devils face the Tampa Bay Lightning at 7:00 PM. The special group rate for mezzanine/balcony level seats is $35 (normally $56 at full price.) The Devils play at the Prudential Center in Newark and tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis and may not be returned nor exchanged. Tickets at this price are available through Group Sales and are not for sale at the box office. Order deadline (to me) is December 24, 2009. Only pre-paid orders will be accepted. Please let me know the number of tickets needed and include cash or a check payable to “J. Scott Jones.” Invite family and friends—the more the merrier! Questions? Scott Jones (973) 338-0267 or jsjones0601@verizon.net

Stewardship Strengthens...

Stewardship strengthens our relationship with Jesus

Thank you to all our partners in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and a special thanks to all who dedicated a percentage of the gifts God has given them
to the work of this ministry in 2010.

Consider giving a tithe this Advent
Over the past few years, many of us at Holy Trinity have prayerfully increased our level of giving by one or maybe two percent on our way of living into God’s expectation that we dedicate at least a tenth (giving a tithe) of our income to the work of God’s people. If you are giving less than 10 percent of your income and want to test the waters of the tithe-life, consider giving a tenth during the season of Advent (from Nov. 29 – Dec. 20. Since this is approximately one month, figure out the amount of money you will take in during this month – through salary, investments or other sources – and multiply by 0.1. Then write the check and see what happens. Share your story and the experience with all of us by sending a letter or an e-mail to pastor.htlcnutley@verizon.net or by sharing it on our Facebook page.

What to get the person who has everything.
ELCA World Hunger has produced a Good Gifts Catalog. You may have even received one in the November copy of The Lutheran. If not there is one in the church office you are welcome to use. This exciting holiday catalog offers a variety of ways that you can give a gift that will truly make a difference in the world by changing and saving someone’s life. Who needs another tie or sweater, when for the same price you can help bring clean water to a village or help start a small family business?

Live Simply and Share the Wealth
Do you or does someone you love have a car, appliances, furniture or other stuff they are looking to get rid of or donate? There are people in the community who may be praying for just that thing you are looking to give. Call the church office and let us know what you have.

Remember the Hungry
During these difficult times, organizations that provide food often run short of needed supplies. We will continue to collect food as part of our offering during worship. Bring your non-perishable food items to worship with you, and leave them in the designated area in the narthex.

We were notified of the following by the Red Cross:

FOODS NEEDED: Soups, Stews, Beans, Broths, Peanut Butter
THEY HAVE A SURPLUS OF: Pasta, Pasta Sauce, Rice, Tuna

Staying Connected....

As postal rates continue to rise -- we are trying to distribute more and more of our information electronically. If you haven't already shared your e-mail address with the church office, please consider doing so by sending an e-mail with ADD ME TO THE MAILING LIST in the subject line to office.htlcnutley@verizon.net.

Holy Trinity is now on Facebook. You can become a fan of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and stay up-to-date with what's going on in the congregation and among our members. As a fan you can also post your news, your questions, thoughts and experiences of God's love in action to share with others. It’s just another way to share the good news, overcome barriers and connect one to many in Christ. You can access our page directly from our website, at www.htlcnutley.com

Check out the new Community section of our Website as well. You can read blogs, news from ELCA, preview this week’s worship service and so much more. Log on today.

December Birthdays, Anniversaries and Disciples

Birthdays
1: Nancy Maguire
3: Michael Catelli
5: Madison Bernhard
11: Bradford Wilson
14: Bernd Mayr
15: Alex Rubens
19: Louis D’Agnolo
22: Irene Geiselmann
23: Richard Bacik
26: Julie Franchino
29: Evelyn Denkinger
31: Elizabeth Futyma

Anniversaries
27: Chao-Ren & Agee Lin

Disciples
Each day of the week (except Sunday) has the name of a person in this community. Please, remember that person in your prayers that day. On Sunday, we will pray for all of the people listed in the coming week.

3:Holly Wiede
4:Brad Wilson
5:Susan Wilson
7:Angelika Achtiani
8:Ira Achtiani
9:Chris Amlung
10:Anne Erwin
11:Andrea Ahrens
12:Richard Bacik
14:Erika Bacik
15:Richard Bacik, Jr.
16:Ava Bacik
17:Joelle Bernhard
18:Matthew Bernhard
19:Madison Bernhard
21:Helen Blair
22:Ken Blair
23:David Cabral
24:Jennifer Cabral
25:Brandon Cabral
26:Emily Cabral
28:Ryan Cabral
29:Leona Candura
30:John Catelli
31:Nancy Catelli

The ELCA at Work

Lutheran Congregations Bring Christmas Cheer to Hurricane Survivors

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Hurricane Ike survivors lined up early Dec. 13 to receive holiday gifts distributed at First Lutheran Church, Galveston, Texas -- a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Among the items given away: Christmas trees, decorations, bicycles, children's board games, dolls, blankets, winter coats, canned food and gift cards. Church member Sandra Stewart, 63, said one man told her, "If you had not done this, there would not be Christmas for my kids."

Immanuel Lutheran Church of Killeen, Texas, provided the bulk of gifts, aided by $1,300 in support from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Thrivent is a Minneapolis-based not-for-profit financial services organization serving members of the ELCA and other Lutheran church bodies. "Our congregation has been collecting gifts all year long," said Jackie Clark, 53, of the Killeen congregation, 240 miles northwest of Galveston.

The eye of the storm smacked Galveston, a community of 57,000 residents. Winds whipped up to 110 mph; tidal waters surged across the island. Seventy-five percent of the island's buildings suffered structural damage -- a staggering $8.1 billion in insured losses. Most property was either uninsured or underinsured.

"For people who lost everything, this event made their Christmas," said the Rev. Doug Guthier, pastor of the Galveston congregation. "The people from the Killeen church brought an amazing amount of quality stuff -- more than we ever imagined."

First Lutheran opened its doors to Lutherans in need at 10 a.m., then to the entire city at 10:30. Several of the 131 people in line arrived two hours before the event.

Before Ike, Galveston generated $700 million a year in tourism. Today, many businesses remain closed, families are without homes and some neighborhoods are still piled with debris. "We see how God will see us through tough times," the Galveston pastor said. "Christmas is about hope -- a message people desperately need to hear in the aftermath of the storm."

Poinsettia Plant Orders

The deadline to order plants is Friday, December 4, 2009.

The plants are $8.00 each and come in a 6 1/2" foil-wrapped pot. You may take your plant(s) home with you after the 7:30pm Christmas Eve Service.

Please call or email the office if you would like an order form sent to you. Thank you.

Poinsettia Plant Orders

The deadline to order plants is Friday, December 4, 2009.

Plants are $8.00 each and are in a 6 1/2" foil-wrapped pot. You may take your plant home with you after the 7:30pm Christmas Eve Service. Please call or email the office if you would like an order form sent to you. Thank you.

On the Calendar

85 Years in Mission – Share your story.
On November 1st, we celebrated our 85th year in God’s mission here in Nutley with a festive worship service and a famous Holy Trinity potluck dinner after worship. Keep the celebration going by sharing your favorite story about the people of Holy Trinity and the way in which God has used them to love, save and bless your life. Send or e-mail (pastor.htlcnutley@verizon.net) your stories -- written or recorded --to the church office.

Saturday, November 14th – Church Work Day
Come out on Saturday, November 14, and lend a hand in cleaning up and doing some repairs around the church building. There are all types of jobs both big and small, and you can help out for the whole day or just for part of it. Work starts at 9 a.m.

November 22nd – Set up for Advent
After worship on November 22nd, we will get together to decorate the building for Advent. After the work is done, we will sit down to a light lunch and some fellowship. This is a great chance for families to work side-by-side and to start their preparations for the Christmas season. There will be Advent gifts for everyone and a special gift for children. Here is another chance to invite a friend or relative into the life we share in Christ.

November 23rd – Nutley Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service
Worship with thanksgiving together with people of all faiths at 7:30 p.m. at Vincent Methodist Church. In this service, we 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.

November 29th – First Sunday in Advent
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, hear that good news message again not just as good news of great joy for a fearful and weary world, but hear it for what it is, Jesus calling each of us into discipleship and mission. Hear again Jesus’ invitation to turn from our “worldly preoccupations” and to “open our hearts.”

It’s time for us to step up, get to work, prepare, watch, wait, turn, open. It’s time for us to change. The kingdom of God has come near. Here, gathered by the crucified and risen baby of Bethlehem, we experience “hope amid crisis, light in deep darkness, a growing sense of expectation, a growing trust in the promises of God.” Not ours to keep; ours to give.

‘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. 29 __ Dec. 6 __ Dec. 13 __ Dec. 20

Notes, Comments _________________________________________

Pastor's Message

You shall eat plenty and be satisfied,
and praise the name of the LORD your God,
who has dealt wondrously with you. …
You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel,
and that I, the LORD, am your God and there is none else.
Joel 2:26-27

Near the end of this month we will, as is our custom, take time to observe a national day of thanksgiving. A crowded table of culinary delights – meats, vegetables, fruits, nuts, pies, sweets and a rich variety of beverages – has become the central symbol of the day, and a house filled to overflowing with family, friends and loved ones has become the ideal setting for the feast. At the end of the day, we can take satisfaction in having gathered and enjoyed the best and most basic things of life in abundance: food, family, and shelter.

The ancient prophet Joel encouraged his people to look forward to a day of plenty and abundance as a sign and promise of God’s presence and a testimony to God’s goodness, mercy, and reconciling love at work in the creation and in the lives of God’s people. When the soil and vine and livestock produce in abundance, and God’s people eat, drink and enjoy the fruits of God’s creative providence so as to forget times of scarcity and want, the prophet envisions also a time when the people will praise the name of the LORD their God and know that LORD is their God and there is none else.

I wonder what emotions will be in our hearts, what thoughts will be on our minds and what words will be on our lips as we gather to “give thanks” this year? I wonder if any of us has looked around at a house, family and feast and thought, “Surely God is in the midst of God’s people, and the LORD is our God and there is none else?”

There will be a moment on that day, maybe a brief moment but a time nonetheless, when we have the opportunity to praise and thank the God “who has dealt wondrously with us.” I encourage you to seize and savor that moment in prayer, silent or spoken. I encourage you to seize that moment to give testimony and witness to God’s life-giving presence and gracious providence in your life. I encourage you to take the words and witness of the prophet to heart and realize that it is not our money, our technology, our intelligence, our family character, our nation or our wonderfully designed house that are worthy of our thanks and praise, but it is the LORD who is our God, who deserves our thanks and praise.

Of course, you don’t have to wait until the end of the month to come to the table, to fellowship with family or to offer God your thanks and praise. Each Sunday morning at Holy Trinity, we take time for a thanksgiving feast, the eucharist or Lord’s Supper. Bring your friends and your whole family and let’s fill our house each week to give thanks and praise to the Lord our God who has dealt graciously with us in Jesus Christ. In Word and in Sacrament we come to know that God is in the midst of God’s people, that God is God and there is no other.

In Our Community

Thursday Night Advent Dinners
Advent is one of two times in the church year, when God’s people are encouraged to take extra time to gather as God’s people in prayer, meditation, fellowship around God’s Word. Join us on
December 3, 10 and 17 starting at 6:15 p.m. for soup supper and an evening Advent prayer, devotion and Bible reading. Bring a friend.

In Memory…
Edith Schulz (nee Muller), 85, of Nutley, died Sunday,
October 25, 2009 at her home with her loving daughters by her side. Born in Treudorf, Poland on February 16, 1924, she and her late husband Miron Schulz emigrated to Lippstadt, Germany and then to the United States. She lived in Nutley for 30 years. She was an assembler at Torelco in Irvington before retiring. Mrs. Schulz was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Nutley and had been a singer with the Schwaebischer Saengerbund. Beloved wife, mother, and Omi, she is survived by her daughters, Ellen, Doris, & Carmen; her son-in-law Mark Reilly; her brother, Ernst Muller; her grandchildren, Brant, Katie & Kristy Reilly and many loving relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Endowment Fund will be appreciated.



For anyone interested in visiting or writing, the current address for Victor Smith is as follows: N.J. Veterans Memorial Home, Room M124D, One Veterans Drive, Paramus, N.J. 07652. Visiting hours are 8am – 8pm.

Eric Oberndorf has a new address (he is moving to another base) – the only difference is the zip code. Please address as follows:
Oberndorf, Eric
D Co 1-504th PIR
APO AE 09808

Holy Trinity will be accepting donations on behalf of our soldiers. To follow is a list of items needed for Soldier Care Packages. Please bring in your donation(s) to Holy Trinity by Sunday, November 29th and we will arrange to have the items shipped. These are items the soldiers want, but cannot purchase:

PLEASE, NO PACKING PEANUTS

Food, snacks, drinks: energy drinks, drink packets (for water bottles), or anything that can keep well without refrigeration. This includes Lunchables, tuna salad kits, beef jerky, canned pasta, ramen noodles, summer sausage, trail mixes, gum, pop tarts, Tobasco sauce, coffee, sugar cubes, and non-dairy creamer are always in short supply. Mailing: envelopes and postage stamps are a great way to help your soldier keep in touch. Electronics: Most base camps now have electricity, and so many soldiers have portable DVD players, CD/MP3 players (iPods), Game Boys, and the like. So send new DVDs, CDs, games, etc. that a soldier may like, to help break the monotony. AA batteries also help a lot for these small personal devices. Magazines are always good; send general magazines that people their age enjoy. Toiletries: hand sanitizer, baby wipes, Chapstik, sun block, foot/body powder, boot insoles, disposable tooth brushes and Ziploc bags. Thank you.

Facebook

Holy Trinity is now on Facebook. You can become a fan of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and stay up-to-date with what's going on in the congregation and among our members. As a fan you can also post your news, your questions, thoughts and experiences of God's love in action to share with others. It’s just another way to share the good news, overcome barriers and connect one to many in Christ. You can access our page directly from our website, at www.htlcnutley.com

Check out the new Community section of our Website as well. You can read blogs, news from ELCA, preview this week’s worship service and so much more. Log on today.

Christmas Services

December 24th:
4:00pm. Simple spoken Eucharist with carols.
7:30pm: Candlelight services with festive music.

December 25th:
10:00am: Christmas Day Worship.

Now’s the time to invite a friend. Go ahead, share the good news, overcome the barriers and make the connection. To assist at these services, please sign up at worship or call the church office.

Christmas

Stewardship Strengthens...

Stewardship strengthens our relationship with Jesus

Thank You for Your Pledge

Thank you to all who have pledged to share your gifts and assets to carry out the mission and ministry that God is calling this congregation to do. And, thank you to all of you who have committed yourselves to deepening your relationship with Jesus through daily prayer, Bible reading, weekly worship, generosity, service and friendship. Please, continue to pray for God’s wisdom and understanding as we seek God-pleasing ways to spend our time, our talents and our money, and remember the work of our congregation in your prayers.

If you have yet to send in your pledge card or your covenant card, you can still send both to the office. We need all God’s people acting together in faith, hope and love to live out the fullness of the ministry that God is calling us to. Thank you again.

Live Simply and Share the Wealth

Do you or someone you love have a car, appliances, furniture or other stuff they are looking to get rid of or donate? There are people in the community who may be praying for just that thing you are looking to give. Call the church office and let us know what you have.

Remember the Hungry

During these difficult times, organizations that provide food often run short of needed supplies. We will continue to collect food as part of our offering during worship. Bring your non-perishable food items to worship with you, and leave them in the designated area in the narthex.

We were notified of the following by the Red Cross:
FOODS NEEDED: Soups, Stews, Beans, Broths, Peanut Butter
THEY HAVE A SURPLUS OF: Pasta, Pasta Sauce, Rice, Tuna

Seafarers & International House

SEAFARERS & INTERNATIONAL HOUSE is a Lutheran Mission for seafarers and sojourners that started out in 1873 as an Augustana Lutheran mission from Sweden that strives to nurture the human spirit and to foster human dignity.

Christmas-at-Sea – there is some irony in that. The Christmas gifts we will share with family and friends in the warmth of our homes will most likely have arrived from overseas, aboard merchant ships whose seafarers will spend Christmas in the middle of some ocean, far away from their own family and friends. All of us ashore have the opportunity to return the favor to these seafarers and Holy Trinity would like to help. We will be accepting donations here at the church on their behalf. There will be one satchel for each seafarer (please keep in mind that most of them are men) and each satchel will contain:

One Sweatshirt – hooded or unhooded (size L-XL)
One pair of socks – thermal or white gym
One casual pullover T-shirt (size M-L)
One winter cap
One can of nuts or bar of chocolate
A Christmas Card from you.

Note: please do not wrap your items, we will be provided the special satchels for placement.

Please bring your donation(s) to Holy Trinity no later than Sunday, November 29th. Thank you.


To learn more, please go to http://www.sihnyc.org

November Birthdays, Anniversaries & Disciples

November Birthdays

4: Erika Bacik
8: Sara Murphy
10: Jennifer Murphy
11: Chris Amlung
12: John Fenton
13: Irene Falk
14: Barbara Hudnett
15: Victor Smith
18: Cathy Geiselmann
21: Erik Hess
25: Frank Siclari
27: Judi Lovas
28: Joelle Bernhard,
28: Stefeny Krombholz
29: Bonnie Munoz
29: Grace Viola
28: Aida Rubens
30: Nancy Duhm, Nicole Duhm, William Murphy

November Anniversaries

1: Ken & Irene Geiselmann
2: Richard & Susan Ulley
24: Louis & Terry D'Agnolo
24: Jim & Stefeny Krombholz

November Disciples

2: Chao-Lin
3: Agee Lin
4: Joyce Lin
5: Jeff Lin
6: Jared Lin
7: Edith Lodge
9: John Lovas
10: Judi Lovas
11: Rebecca Lovas
12: Kay Ludwig
13: Janette Lutz
14: Betty Mack
16: Tony Maguire
17: Nancy Maguire
18: Miriam Mascola
19: Gerald Mayr
20: Otto Mayr
21: Hedy Mayr
23: Bernd Mayrs
24: Carlos Medina
25: Grace Medina
26: Elaine Miller
27: Lois Milner
28: Nicole Mozeliak
30: Lizzy Wiede