Good to Know

2012 Calendars
Please help yourself to a 2012 calendar, found in the back of the sanctuary. Calendars are a gift from Brown Funeral Home.

Is it a Snow Day?
We hate cancelling worship!, but in the case of inclement weather, please check the phone message at the office 973) 667-0256. The message will be updated by 8:00 AM with worship news.

Like Us?
Then Like Holy Trinity’s Facebook page. You’ll get updates on the goings on at Holy Trinity; see pictures from events, read previous sermons, and more!

Save Money. Save Trees.
We would prefer to send the newsletter and ministry updates electronically. If you haven't shared your e-mail address with the church office, please consider doing so. Send an e-mail with ADD ME TO THE MAILING LIST in the subject line to office.htlcnutley@verizon.net. We can send this newsletter to anyone with Microsoft Wordtm version 1993 or later.


January Birthdays and Anniversaries

January Birthdays

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

January Anniversaries

14: Joelle & Matthew Bernhard
16: Cathy & Mike Palamara


Annual Congregational Meeting and Potluck
January 29, 2012 after Worship

Please call the office to sign up for any of the following:

Food to share: Main dish, salad, vegetable, dessert

Time & Talents: Set up and/or Clean up

Thank you!

From Pastor Kristin

When I was growing up, my brother and I would always fight over who got to light and blow out the candles on our family advent wreath.

It was an advent tradition in our household to have an advent areath on the dinner table, which would get lit every time my family gathered for a meal. Some years my mom would get fancy and put evergreen branches with the four candles. Other years, it was enough that the candles didn’t tip over while lit and light the whole table on fire.

I still don’t know what it is about an advent wreath – about the 1,2,3, and then 4 small lights on the table – that speaks to me. Even what it is about the season of advent that I so enjoy. Perhaps it is the light shining on these dark nights. Perhaps it is the season’s contrariness that stands stubbornly in resistance to an invading Christmas. Perhaps it’s just a reason I can use not to join the mobs at the mall. Or perhaps, it is the ritual of meeting God in a simple tradition and season that still seems so mysterious.

When we enter into the mysterious, otherworldly, unexpectedness of advent, we are in good company – even if we don’t completely understand what is going on or what God is up to in this advent season. For we join our voices with a weird, bellowing man named John who made his home in the dried-up desert. We become perplexed with a teenage girl who wonders what God is doing with her life. And we believe in the midst of our doubts with a dangerously pregnant Elizabeth. People whose lives have been turned upside down by God

I hope that in the mystery of this advent season, God will enter into your life, and turn you a bit upside down as well, as we wait for the coming of Jesus the Christ.

Pastor Kristin

Worship + Music

Sunday, December 18th, After Worship
Hanging of the Greens and Luncheon
Everyone, young and old, is needed to join in the fun of helping prepare the church for Christmas! After the greens are hung, we’ll gather around the table to share a simple meal. Just bring sandwiches, salad, or dessert to share. (Please call the office if you would like to attend and what you will be sharing.)

Gather some Greens for the Windows at Christmas
This year, when you cut or purchase your Christmas tree, please ask for any spare evergreen branches or hanging greens. Keep the evergreen branches in a cool place, and then bring them for the Hanging of the Greens on Sunday, December 18th.

Christmas Services at Holy Trinity
Now’s the time to invite a friend. Go ahead, share the good news, overcome the barriers and make the connection.

December 24th at 7:30pm
Candlelight service with carols, for all ages.

December 25th at 10:00am
Christmas Day Worship with St. Paul’s UCC
and Franklin Reformed, at Holy Trinity.

Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 11:00am
Worship with St. Paul’s UCC and Franklin Reformed, at Franklin Reformed (45 Hillside Crescent) .

Holiday Concert by Civic Band & Bloomfield Chorale
The Bloomfield Civic Band and Chorale will present their holiday program Sunday, Dec. 4 at 3:00 PM at Bloomfield Middle School (60 Huck Rd.) Emily Jones plays flute in the band and Ruth Hsu directs the Chorale in which Debbie and Scott Jones sing. Tickets are $15 or $10 with a discount coupon at bloomfieldfm.org

Walker Middle School Concerts
Catherine Rubens will be sharing her talents in two concerts this month at John Walker Middle School: a choral concert on Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 PM and an instrumental concert on Wed., Dec 7 at 7:30 PM.

Nutley High School Concert
Jared Lin will be playing in the orchestra and band at the Nutley High School “Yuletide” concert on Thursday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 PM.

Bloomfield High School Winter Concert
On Wed., Dec. 14 at 7:30 PM, Bloomfield High School will present its annual Winter Concert. (160 Broad St., Bloomfield) The concert features the symphonic orchestra, brass ensemble and three choirs totaling over 200 singers. Scott Jones serves as the choir rehearsal and concert accompanist. Free.

BHS Madrigals and Bloomfield Chorale at Holy Trinity
It’s become a tradition to bring the Bloomfield High Madrigal Singers together with the Bloomfield Chorale for a concert. This year’s concert will be on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 8:00 PM. Free. Invite your friends and neighbors—get in the holiday spirit! Refreshments will be served.
Worship + Music

New Voice in the Choir
We have welcomed Catherine Rubens into our choir and we are very glad to have her! Catherine participates in the music program at John Walker Middle School, where she made the top choir. If we have other singers out there, please consider singing with the choir. Speak to Scott Jones, Minister of Music.

GOT MUGS?
We would like to use re-usable mugs during Coffee & Tea Time so that we are better stewards of God’s creation. If you have any mugs at home that aren’t being used or aren’t needed – please bring them to the church office.

2012 Flower Chart
The new flower chart is posted outside the office. Please sign up or call the office to donate altar flowers in recognition of a special day. The cost is $30.00.

Is it a 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.

Caring Community

Baby Shower for Cathy and Michael Palamara
Sunday, December 11 after worship in the Fellowship Hall. Everyone is invited—not just women—and this is not a surprise!
Twin boys are due in February. Those planning to attend, please RSVP to Agee Lin at (973) 284-1835. Agee is also looking for additional help with planning and set-up.
Cathy and Mike are registered at Babies R Us (Search “Palamara” and then Cedar Grove). www.babiesrus.com/registry

"Your Grandmother’s Cupboard"
On Saturday, December 10 from 10am – 2pm, the WELCA group of Holy Trinity will be collecting items for Your Grandmother’s Cupboard, which provides food, clothing and other necessities for the homeless, hungry and the other “invisible” children and adults in our community.

Items of dire need are:

Toiletries:
Combs and brushes, Bars of Soap, Deodorant
Disposable Razors, Feminine Hygiene products,Shampoo
Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Toilet paper

Clothing: for men, women, and children
Especially need: Shoes and socks; Coats, hats, and gloves, and boots
Men’s work clothes (folded and sorted, if possible)

Other: Sheets (all sizes), blankets, comforters, sleeping bags

There is also a trailer that accepts donations at St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church, Wayne, N.J. (973) 694-8316 or www.sttimothynj.org

Remember the Hungry
Donations of non-perishable food items help stock the Nutley Food Pantry, as well as provide emergency food aid to our neighbors. Please place donations in the basket in the narthex to help those of us who are hungry!

A Food Pantry Shopping List:

canned fruit, canned vegetables, tuna fish
box of pasta, pasta sauce, 1-can meals
tomato paste, bar soap, toilet paper

Christmas Card Tradition
This year we would like to continue our tradition of having a congregational Christmas card. Instead of mailing individual cards to everyone, please bring in or mail one card to the entire congregation. 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 can then 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

A Note from Chris and Nancy Duhm:
To our Dear Friends at HTLC,
We are so blessed to have you in our lives and consider you more family than friend!

We know that Hurricane Irene prevented the first ‘Sending’ and the ice storm almost prevented it a 2nd time. We also know that many of you could not make that service and we are truly sorry to have missed you. Please know that we think of you all often. We want to thank everyone who contributed to the gathering ‘feast’ afterwards. A special thank you to Sally who organized the narthex and all the goodies.

If you were at the service, you heard the kind words spoken about and to us. We were humbled. To look back at the work GOD guided us to do while in your care seems like a lifetime ago, but yet again only like yesterday.

The donation gift to Community Schools in our name was perfect! This school has been a mission of Holy Trinity’s ever since joining under Pastor Rickel’s reign, and Nancy has served on their Board of Directors for over 20 years. We also appreciate the cards we received with all your well-wishes.

Please accept our heartfelt thanks for making this donation, but most of all thank you for loving us and our children.

Delaware is about only two hours away, and while you will not see us weekly, we will attend church service when we can. Until then, wishing you all Health and Happiness

Your Brother and Sister in Christ,

Christopher and Nancy Duhm

Good to Know

Annual Reports
Please have your Annual Report information submitted to the church office no later than Friday, January 6th. If possible please e-mail the information to the office at office.htlcnutley@verizon.net or put on disk. Thank you.
Mark your calendar! The Annual Meeting will be on Sunday, January 29th after worship.

From the Financial Secretary
Please note that to be counted in 2011, all church offerings and contributions must be received by Sunday, December 25th. Thank you!

Like Us?
Then Like Holy Trinity’s Facebook page. You’ll get updates on the goings on at Holy Trinity; see pictures from events, read previous sermons, and more!

Save Money. Save Trees.
We would prefer to send the newsletter and ministry updates electronically. If you haven't shared your e-mail address with the church office, please consider doing so. Send an e-mail with ADD ME TO THE MAILING LIST in the subject line to office.htlcnutley@verizon.net. We can send this newsletter to anyone with Microsoft Wordtm version 1993 or later.

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

December Anniversaries 27: Chao-Ren & Agee Lin

Plants & Animals for Christmas
Beautify the Sanctuary with a Poinsettia Plant Each poinsettia plant costs $8.00 and is in a foil wrapped 6 ½” pot. To order a poinsettia, use the order form below and place it in the offering plate or return it to the church office by Sunday, December 4, 2011 with your donation. Plants may be taken home after Christmas Eve Worship.

Animals that Make a Difference
This Christmas, give a gift that will change a life. Each gift of an animal listed below will be utilized by ELCA ministers to connect people with the resources they need to sustainably lift themselves from hunger and poverty. For every animal given, that animal will be added to the crèche on Christmas Eve. Gift cards are available in the narthex to tell loved ones you have given a gift in their honor. More info at elca.org/goodgifts. Could we give a whole barnyard this Christmas?

Plants and Animals for Christmas Order Form (or call the office to place your order).
Name:______________________________ Phone:_________________
I wish to give the gift of:
_____ Poinsettia(s) at $8.00 each (order due TODAY. Dec 4th)
_____ Peep of chicks at $10each _____ Sheep at $125 each
_____ Duck(s) for $20 each _____ Fish Farm at $250 each
_____ Pig(s) at $30 each _____ Cow at $500 each
_____ Goat(s) at $50 each _____ Family Farm at $715 each

Total $:________ Paid via (circle one): check / cash Envelope#:_____

In Memory / Honor Of: _______________________________________

From Pastor Kristin

Jesus took a loaf of bread and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” –Matthew 26:26

It’s time to get out the stretchy pants again! You know the ones – the pants we wear on Thanksgiving Day. Or more likely, the ones we put on after we’ve indulged in stuffing and potatoes and turkey and pumpkin pie and cranberries and more dessert. When our stomachs are so full that we have to open our belt buckles, or put on our stretchy pants.

I have to admit that I am unusually excited about Thanksgiving this year, because I am looking forward to actually being thankful. To intentionally rejoice with others over all that God has entrusted into our care. I need to rejoice this year. I need to give thanks and appreciate all that we do have, because everyone else – from news anchors to politicians – keep telling me to be depressed and anxious during these lean economic times. And it’s starting to work.

Which is why I am actually excited about Thanksgiving. Which is why this year, for once, I might actually appreciate Thanksgiving. Because I’m hoping that Thanksgiving just might pull me out of focusing on what I don’t have and remind me of all that God has already given to me, and to the world. To remember that God has given us enough, when we share with one another and use only what we need.

Maybe we don’t have all that we want, but we do have enough to gather around a table on Thanksgiving and share and eat with one another. God has given us enough to gather every week around the Lord’s Table to share and eat a bit of bread and bit of wine. Little bits that hold a whole lot: abundant and eternal life. The body of Christ, in your hands, in your body, and in your life, each and every day. And for that, I give God thanks.

Pastor Kristin

Worship + Music

November 20th. – Prepare for Advent
Please join us after worship on November 20th as we get together to prepare the building for Advent.

Lighting the Advent Wreath
As part of our advent preparations, we light the candles of the advent wreath in worship and in our homes. Each week, we need a couple people to say a prayer and light the advent wreath at the beginning of worship. This is a great way for people of all ages to become involved in worship leadership! So, sign up and grab a friend, a godchild, a neighbor, or an enemy to help you light the advent candles in worship.

I/We (name/s) ______________________________________________
_____ would like to light the advent wreath in worship.
_____ would be interested in leading other parts of worship
___ Prayers of the Church ___ Serving communion
___ Benediction
I/We are available to serve on the following Sundays of advent:
___ Nov. 27 ____ Dec. 4 ____ Dec. 11 ____ Dec. 18

Return this form to the office (via mail, e-mail, fax, feet, or the offering plate).


Nutley Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service
Monday, November 21st at 7:30pm
Vincent United Methodist Church
Worship with people of all faiths, thanking God for all of the blessings we enjoy as a community, and to remember in prayer those who are in need. The offering will go towards the Caring Kitchen Meal Ministry hosted by Vincent United Methodist Church.


Gather some Greens for the Windows at Christmas
This year, when you cut or purchase your Christmas tree, please ask for any spare evergreen branches or hanging greens. Keep the evergreen branches in a cool place, and then bring them to Holy Trinity on Sunday, December 18th, when we “Hang the Greens” and ready the sanctuary for Christmas.

Christmas Services at Holy Trinity
Now’s the time to invite a friend. Go ahead, share the good news, overcome the barriers and make the connection.

December 24th at 7:30pm
Candlelight service with carols, for all ages.

December 25th at 10:00am
Christmas Day Worship with St. Paul’s UCC and Franklin Reformed, hosted by Holy Trinity.

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

Caring Community

Stick Around After Worship
We’ve started something new…COFFEE AND TEA TIME after worship. Stay and talk with your sisters and brothers as you share your lives together over a cup of tea or coffee every first, third, and fifth Sunday of the month. November Coffee & Tea Times on the 6th and 20th. Sign-up sheet to host Coffee & Tea in the Narthex.

Do you have any coffee mugs that are not being used or not needed? Please bring them in (or donate them) to church for use during “Coffee and Tea Time.” Thank you!


Baby Shower for Cathy and Michael Palamara
Sunday, December 11 after worship, Holy Trinity Fellowship Hall. Everyone is invited—not just women—and this is not a surprise!

Twin boys are due in February. Those planning to attend, please RSVP to Agee Lin at (973) 284-1835. Agee is also looking for additional help with planning and set-up.

Cathy and Mike are registered at Babies R Us (Search “Palamara” and then Cedar Grove). www.babiesrus.com/registry

"Your Grandmother’s Cupboard"
On Saturday, December 10 from 10am – 2pm, the WELCA group of Holy Trinity will be collecting items for Your Grandmother’s Cupboard, an organization that provides food, clothing and other necessities for the homeless, hungry and the other “invisible” children and adults in our community.

As you make the change to fall and winter clothing, why not put aside the items you no longer need or want?

Items of dire need are:

Toiletries:
Combs and brushes Bars of Soap Deodorant
Disposable Razors Feminine Hygiene products Shampoo
Toothbrushes Toothpaste Toilet paper

Clothing: for men, women, and children
Especially need: Shoes and socks; Coats, hats, and gloves, and boots
Men’s work clothes (folded and sorted, if possible)
Other: Sheets (all sizes), blankets, comforters, sleeping bags

There is also a trailer that accepts donations at St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church, Wayne, N.J. (973) 694-8316 or www.sttimothynj.org

Remember the Hungry
Donations of non-perishable food items help stock the Nutley Food Pantry, as well as provide emergency food aid to our neighbors. Please place donations in the basket in the narthex to help those of us who are hungry!

A Food Pantry Shopping List:

canned fruit, canned vegetables, tuna fish, box of pasta, pasta sauce
1-can meals, tomato paste, bar soap, toilet paper,

ELCA/HUNGER
U.S. – Alabama
On April 27, 2011, severe storms and tornadoes ravaged the small town of Phil Campbell, Alabama. The home of Nickey, Kathy, and their three grandchildren was obliterated; reduced to a heap of splinters and rubble. They received the maximum $30,000 in aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, but it wasn’t enough to purchase a new home. The family of five temporarily moved into a friend’s RV. They were homeless.

Gifts to ELCA Disaster Response, directed through Lutheran Disaster Response, helped coordinate and support the rebuilding effort. With the help of volunteers, their house was rebuilt in three weeks. And just two months after the tornado leveled their home, they received the keys to their new three-bedroom home. The family was the first family in Phil Campbell to move into a new home after the disaster.

During the blessing of their home on June 30, 2010, members of the community gathered to pray for the family and the recovery of all other affected by the destructive storms. Nickey and Kathy were speechless; Kathy silently wiped away tears. In addition, local ELCA congregations provided two homemade quilts and a $500 gift card to help them furnish their new home. "I'm very grateful," Nickey said. "You can’t put it into words."

Your gifts to ELCA Disaster Response ensure that this church is ready to bring help and hope to disaster survivors.

www.elca.org/hunger

Faith Formation

Open the Scripture.
Join the Conversation.

Everyone is welcome to join the conversation at either weekly Bible Study. Looking at the scriptures to discern what in the world God is up to in the Word, in the world, and in us? Come! You are always welcome!

Monday Evenings at 7:30pm.
Fall study: Making Sense of Scripture

Thursday afternoons at 2:00pm.
Focus on the gospel text for next Sunday.

WELCA
(A brief background)
Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America is the national women’s organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America; all women of the local congregations are members. There are national and state conventions.

WELCA’s purpose is: as a community of women in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action and promote healing and wholeness in the church, society and the world.

In the congregation, women gather in circle meetings to carry out this purpose. At Holy Trinity, we have a circle which meets 6 to 8 times a year on the third Wednesday of the month for Bible Study, fellowship and occasionally go out to dinner. The next meeting will take place on Wednesday, November 16th, 7:30pm, at Marcia Hayes' home (142 Conover Avenue, Nutley). Over the years we have donated and helped with our own church projects, ministries in the community and church wide missions. All women are always invited to come to the circle meetings.

Good to Know (birthdays, notices, misc.)

Church Ticket Offer New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center, Newark, N.J.
New Jersey Devils vs. New York Islanders
Saturday, November 26, 2011 – 1:00PM.
Special Ticket Price of $40.00.

Please let our office know if you would like to be the Group Leader for this event and we will provide you with all of the pertinent information. All orders must be received by 11/20/11.

Church Directory
Please check one of the draft copies of the directory to make sure your information is up-to-date and complete. Please make sure to provide an email address if you have not done so. It is very important that you ALL take the time to review and update the information that we have listed for you. Once you have reviewed your information, please make a check mark next to your name (please only mark 1 copy). Updates are need by November 24th so that new directories can be distributed in in December.

If you cannot get to church to make corrections to your information, please call or email the office at (973) 667-0256 or office.htlcnutley@verizon.net. Thank you!


We’ve Moved!

Chris and Nancy Duhm
3 Dumphries Court
Townsend, DE 19734-2866
H: (302) 376-5643
C: (201) 965-4660

Emily Jones
2350 Route 10, Unit E2
Morris Plains, NJ 07950-1233

Elaine Miller and Terry Scalcione
4305 Harcourt Rd.
Clifton, NJ 07013

Congratulations and best wishes to all!


The Lutheran
In your offering envelope box, you should find an envelope in the fall section for a special offering to help defray the cost of our The Lutheran subscription. At a group rate, Holy Trinity pays about $8.00 per subscription. Gifts toward this expense are greatly appreciated. If you are not receiving The Lutheran and would like to, or if you do not wish to receive it, please contact the church office by phone or email. Thank you.

Like Us?
Then Like Holy Trinity’s Facebook page. You’ll get updates on the goings on at Holy Trinity, see pictures from events, read previous sermons, and even participate in sermon feedback.

Save Money. Save Trees.
We would prefer to send the newsletter and ministry updates electronically. If you haven't shared your e-mail address with the church office, please consider doing so. Send an e-mail with ADD ME TO THE MAILING LIST in the subject line to office.htlcnutley@verizon.net. We can send this newsletter to anyone with Microsoft Wordtm version 1993 or later.

November Birthdays and Anniversaries

November Birthdays
4: Erika Bacik
8: Sara Murphy
10: Jennifer Murphy
11: Chris Amlung
12: John Fenton
13: Irene Falk
18: Cathy Palamara
21: Erik Hess
27: Judi Lovas
28: Joelle Bernhard, Aida Rubens
29: Grace Viola, Bonnie Munoz
30: Nancy Duhm, Nicole Duhm, William Murphy

November Anniversaries
1: Ken & Irene Geiselmann
2: Richard & Susan Ulley
24: Louis & Terry D’Agnolo


Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Lutheran Peace Activist
Leymah Roberta Gbowee, a Lutheran Liberian peace activist, has been awarded the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize. Gbowee, a member of the Lutheran Church in Liberia, is responsible for organizing a non-violent women's movement that brought an end to a 14-year civil war in Liberia.

The Liberian women's movement led to the ousting of ex-President Charles Taylor and to the election of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as president of Liberia -- the first African nation with a female president. President Sirleaf also has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

The war in Liberia began in 1989, but "the women's movement, our protest, didn't begin until 2003," said Gbowee. As a mother of six children, she grew tired of watching children die from hunger and "waking up every morning and not knowing whether a tomorrow was possible."

She decided it was time to stop the war and called together women of all faiths -- Christian, Muslim, indigenous and others -- from across Liberia to "step out," recognizing that Liberian women can play a critical role in peace building.

"You always see your savior in someone else other than yourself," Gbowee said. "So for us women, having never been socialized to believe that we have powers to interfere in the politics of our country, we were waiting for the bold men. (But) every time the bold men rose up, they rose up with guns and other things," she said, realizing that women needed to bring the much-desired peace "for ourselves."

Using the experiences of the women before them, Gbowee used prayer, picketing and silence to further their mission. Despite insults and other behaviors that came their way, Gbowee said, "We kept quiet because we had a sense of purpose and sense of direction." The women also put together statements of peace for African governments, engaged the media and initiated personal, one-to-one conversations with power brokers "to see how we could get the peace that Liberia was searching for," she said.

Gbowee's story is chronicled in the documentary "Pray the Devil Back to Hell," which is currently playing on PBS television channels and at pbs.org. She has just completed her memoir, "Mighty Be Our Powers: How Sisterhood, Prayer, and Sex Changed a Nation at War" -- a book that examines "the power of women and the power of faith in getting you (out) from the darkest place in your life," she said.

"Leymah Gbowee embodies a Christian faith that will not keep silent in the face of poverty and oppression," said ELCA Presiding Bishop, Mark Hanson. "She sees the strength that comes when both women and men of different faiths join together in building a more just and peaceful world. When others may say there is no hope in the face of forces that divide and exploit, Leymah Gbowee gives a resounding 'yes' to the way of nonviolence and justice for all,"

Gbowee was awarded a scholarship from the International Leadership Development Program of the ELCA in 2006-2007 to support her study in peace building at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Va.

Plants & Animals For Christmas

Beautify the Sanctuary with a Poinsettia Plant
Each poinsettia plant costs $8.00 and is in a foil wrapped 6 ½” pot. To order a poinsettia, use the order form below and place it in the offering plate or return it to the church office by Sunday, December 4, 2011 with your donation. Plants may be taken home after Christmas Eve Worship.

Animals that Make a Difference
This Christmas, give a gift that will change a life. Each gift of an animal listed below will be utilized by ELCA ministers to connect people with the resources they need to sustainably lift themselves from hunger and poverty. For every animal given, that animal will be added to the crèche in the sanctuary. For more info as well as gift cards to tell loved ones you have given a gift in their honor are available at www.elca.org/goodgifts. Could we give a whole barnyard this Christmas?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plants and Animals for Christmas Order Form

Name:______________________________ Phone:_________________
I wish to give the gift of:
_____ Poinsettia(s) at $8.00 each (order due Sunday. Dec 4th)
_____ Peep of chicks at $10each _____ Sheep at $125 each
_____ Duck(s) for $20 each _____ Fish Farm at $250 each
_____ Pig(s) at $30 each _____ Cow at $500 each
_____ Goat(s) at $50 each _____ Family Farm at $715 each

Total $:________ Paid via (circle one): check / cash Envelope#:_____

In Memory / Honor Of: _______________________________________

From Pastor Kristin...

When I was born, the doctor took one look at my hands and told my mom that since I had such long fingers, I would be a great piano player. I often hear and wonder about those words when I look at my hands, because even though my fingers are still long, I am not all that great of a piano player. I am fascinated that at my birth, the doctor thought he saw the unfolding of my life just by looking at my hands.

Our hands identify us as unique individuals through our uniquely formed fingerprints. Our hands comfort children. Write words. Seal a business deal. Say hello. Bestow love. And create pain. They are our most basic connection to the world, yet no two pairs of hands are the same. And each set has its own experience in the world, since no to lives are the same either.

On September 18th, those gathered for worship participated in an Affirmation of Christian Vocation, in which we remembered and affirmed God’s particular call in each of our lives. On that day, we also kicked off our fall theme of “God’s work. Our hands.” No matter your vocation, no matter how you spend your days, God’s call in our lives is most often revealed through the work of our hands – in conjunction with our brains and mouths and other body parts, of course. But, our hands are nearly always involved in anything we do or say.

In October, we will continue to explore the theme “God’s work. Our hands.” in our congregational life at Holy Trinity. Monday evening Bible Study is beginning a study titled “Making Sense of Scripture,” in which we will study and discuss the work of God and God’s people throughout history, as it has been told in the Bible. The new Faith Formation team will continue to discuss how the people of Holy Trinity can seek to grow in our faith and in passing on the Christian faith through faith practices like worship, hospitality, creativity, caring for creation, and others. Children’s Sunday School will be exploring God’s creative handiwork in creation. And on October 30th, Reformation Sunday, we will celebrate God’s word alive, in our hands, in the form of scripture. It is my hope that on Sunday, October 30th, everyone will gather in worship with a Bible in your hands. We will even be giving Bibles to anyone who needs one in their hands.

God is revealed in our world through flesh and bone. Through Jesus’ crucified flesh and bone hands. Through your flesh and bone hands enlivened by the Spirit of God. The God’s work, done in your hands. Our hands really can tell the story of our lives, but each story is different. This month, pay attention to your hands. Take care of your hands. Thank God for your hands. And listen to the unique story God is telling to the world, through the work of your hands. From Luke 24:36-40: While the disciples were talking amongst each other, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost.

Jesus said to them, “Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” And when he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.
~Pastor Kristin

Bring Your Bible to Church!

Bring your Bible to Church on Reformation Sunday, October 30th!One of the central ideas of the Protestant Reformation of the Christian Church 500 years ago was “allowing” everyone (not just priests) to read the Bible, and read it in our own language. To celebrate our ability to read, bring your Bible to church on Sunday, October 30th. If you don’t have a Bible you can read easily, let the office know, and we’ll present you with one on Reformation Sunday.

On the Calendar

Open the Scripture. Join the Conversation.
Everyone is welcome to join the conversation at either weekly Bible Study. Looking at the scriptures to discern what in the world God is up to in the Word, in the world, and in us? Come! You are always welcome!

Monday Evenings at 7:30pm.
New study: Making Sense of Scripture

Thursday afternoons at 2:00pm.
Focus on the gospel text for next Sunday.

Choir Rehearsals began again on Thursday, September 15th, at 8pm. If you would like to join the choir or would like more information, please call, email or speak to Scott Jones.

Sunday School Has Started
Sunday School is in full swing. Everyone, young and old gather for worship at 10 a.m. Then, children and teachers move to their classroom after a children’s message and prayer. The whole assembly reunites during the Sharing of the Peace so that we can celebrate the Lord’s Supper together.

Our children NEED You!
Adults are still needed to help to plan, assist, and/or teach our children the Christian faith. If you would like to be involved in the Sunday School ministry, please call the church office at (973) 667-0256 or talk with Pastor Kristin.

Remember to “fall back” on November 6th!
Please note that daylight savings time ends on November 6, 2011 – make sure to set your clocks back one hour.

Congregational Cottage Meetings
Get ready! Stay by your phone! During the next 6 months, the church council will be inviting everyone in the congregation to participate in a local cottage meeting. The intention of these gatherings is to provide Pastor Kristin with an opportunity to get to know you (yes, you!) in a more informal setting.

But you don’t have to wait for your cottage meeting to get to know Pastor Kristin; you can always invite her for lunch, dinner, coffee, or ice cream (she loves ice cream!).

Let’s Meet The Neighbors!
As part of getting to know our neighbors and the Nutley community, Pastor Kristin will soon begin intentionally meeting our neighbors, simply by ringing their doorbell and introducing herself as the new pastor at Holy Trinity. BUT, so that our neighbors can meet the people of the congregation and because Jesus sent out the disciples 2x2, she needs your help! Pastor Kristin asks that everyone sign up for at least one time slot to partner with her in meeting our neighbors. Depending on your mobility, we will either walk or drive to our neighbors’ homes. Sign-up sheets are in the office and will be passed around during worship.

Worship Leader Training
Sunday, October 2nd & 9th, after worship.
Are you currently serving as lector, assisting minister, communion assistant, or usher? Would you like to begin serving in one of these roles in worship? If you answered yes (or maybe) to either of these questions, please plan on participating in worship leader training on either Sunday October 2nd or 9th following worship.
We’ll be discussing the responsibilities of each role and train you as to how to best carry out your responsibilities as a worship leader. P.S. Even if you have served in worship for 20+ years, please participate in these trainings, as Pastor Kristin may have some new instructions for you!

Let’s Stick Around After Worship
Starting October 2nd, we’re going to try something new after worship…COFFEE AND TEA TIME after worship, in the narthex. Stay and talk with your sisters and brothers, sharing your lives together over a cup of tea or coffee each week.

Facebook

Like Us?
Then Like Holy Trinity’s Facebook page. You’ll get updates on the goings on at Holy Trinity, see pictures from events, read previous sermons, and even participate in sermon feedback.

In Our Community

Let’s Take a Walk! The 2011 CROP Walk is SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16th AT 2PM. and will begin and end at First Congregational Church, 40 South Fullerton Ave, Montclair. We will walk 3 miles together.

Join neighbors from different faiths, cultures, and ages, to walk together to take a stand against hunger in our world. Together we raise awareness and funds for international relief and development, as well as local hunger-fighting agencies. Some 2,000 communities across the country take part each year. CROP = Communities – Responding to – Overcome-Poverty!

This year’s CROP Walk theme is “we walk because they walk.” T-shirts and baseball-style caps will be available at a cost of $10.00 for adults.

WALKS help fight hunger and poverty around the world including the U.S. Up to 25% of what a CROP Walk raises can assist food banks, pantries, community gardens, and other local hunger-fighting initiatives. The total raised for the 2010 Essex Walk in Montclair was over $18,500 with $4,600.00 being returned for our 11 local food pantries in Montclair, Bloomfield, Kearny and Nutley.

Call (973) 744-6043 with any questions.

Congratulations!
It is with great joy that we announce the arrival of John Corbett Brady, son of Matthew and Erica (Geiselmann) Brady, and the grandson of Ken and Irene Geiselmann. John arrived on August 24, 2011 and was 9 lbs. 5 oz. Erica and Matt have relocated to Madison, N.J. from Michigan.

A “Thank You” from the Futyma Family
"To everyone at Holy Trinity: Thank yo so much for all of your cards, prayers for the past six years-plus and telephone calls. We were truly blessed by God to have her with us as long as we did. She worked with her father for 21 years almost every day! We all know she is in a better place now. Thanks again for everything."
Marty & Betty Futyma and Familes

A “Thank You” from the Siclari Family
“To say thank you is just not adequate enough for all of the love and support you have all shown me and my family during this most difficult time. Our church family may be small in number, but we are vast in our love for one another. We feel truly blessed to be a part of this church.

It was a great comfort to us knowing all of you were praying for us.”
Thanks again. Love, Chris, Michele & Jennifer

Altar Flowers
Please note that if you would like to honor or memorialize someone with altar flowers, we have the following dates available:

November 13, November 20 & December 11
Cost is $30 per date. The sign-up sheet is outside of the church office. If you cannot make it to church but would like to sign up for a date, please call the church office, and then please mail your check to Holy Trinity with a notation of “Altar Flowers”. Thank you!

Remember the Hungry
Donations of non-perishable food items help stock the Nutley Food Pantry, as well as provide emergency food aid to our neighbors. Place non-perishable food in the basket in the narthex. All donations go to help those of us who are hungry!
An easy shopping list of food pantry needs:

box of pasta, canned fruit, canned vegetables, tomato paste, pasta sauce, 1-can meals
tuna fish, bar soap, toilet paper

We Need Your Help
We need a volunteer to deliver food pantry donations to the Nutley Red Cross (Chestnut Street). Donations are accepted Monday – Friday, from 9am – 5pm. If you can help, please call the office at (973) 667-0256 or email Tina at office.htlcnutley@verizon.net Thank you!

October Birthdays, Anniversaries and Disciples

October Birthdays
1: Agee Lin
12: Tony Maguire
14: Evelyn Cordes
16: Angela Murphy
17: Ruth Sekula
18: Joseph Cicci
22: Martin Futyma
23: Jennifer Riccio
26: Lynn Johnson
29: Matthew Duhm
30: Kevin Johnson, Monica Rubens

October Anniversaries
3: Brenda & Dan Munoz
16: Nancy & Tony Maguire

October Disciples (please pray for the person listed on the following dates - on Sunday we pray for all of the people listed in the coming week)

1:Diane Petschel
3:Paige Petschel
4:Anthony Pisciotta
5:Kathy Pisciotta
6:David Pisciotta
7:Kristen Pisciotta
8:Dave Reed
10:Sharod Reed
11:Chuck Rhodes
12:George Ritacco
13:Diane Ritacco
14:Davia Ritaqcco
15:Alex Rubens
17:Aida Rubens
18:Catherine Rubens
19:Alexandra Rubens
20:Monica Rubens
21:Gloria Ryden
22:Teresa Scalcione
24:Doris Schulz
25:Greg Sekula
26:Ruth Sekula
27:Chris Siclari
28:Audrey Stevens
29:Larry Stevens
31:Tom Stevens

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Lutheran World Relief

Help pave the path to recovery for East African farmers affected by drought by joining Lutheran World Relief in raising $3 million this year for a long-term response. Your support will provide tools, seeds, training and criticial improvements to things like irrigation systems that will help farmers recover their livelihoods and become more resilient to future droughts.

lutheranworldrelief.org

From Pastor Kristin

From Pastor Kristin…
God’s Work. Our Hands.
A couple weeks ago, I was told some amazing news about the ministry of Holy Trinity that I had not discovered during the conversations that were part of my pastoral call process. I was told that Holy Trinity will soon be 90 years old! Wow! The people of Holy Trinity have been doing God’s work here in this place for almost 90 years! That’s quite a testimony to God’s commitment to this ministry.

Some of you may have experienced many of these almost 90 years of ministry. You may remember what ministry was like 80, 45, 15, or 5 years ago. While others of you may have only experienced one or two years of God’s ministry through Holy Trinity. Yet, I’m sure you can all tell great stories of God’s faithfulness to this congregation, both in the past and in the present.

The ministry of HTLC may not look or even be the same as it was 90 years ago, or even two years ago. But, one think I know is true: God is still at work in this place, through you – the people of Holy Trinity. For, “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)

When Scott Jones and I sat down to look at the scripture readings to be read in worship this fall, we decided that a good theme for ministry this fall would be God’s work. Our hands. It is my hope that this theme will flow throughout all we are and do as the people of Holy Trinity. I will be asking many of you to share with the congregation your faith story of how God has worked in your life. (If you would like to share your faith story, please let me know!) We will be celebrating the work of the various ministries of Holy Trinity. Above all, I hope that we will work towards intentionally claiming who we, as people of God called to do God’s work, are ToDaY, after almost 90 years of ministry. “For it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for God’s good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13)

We will begin our celebration of God’s work. Our hands. on Sunday, September 18th with a Fall Ministry Extravaganza. In worship, we will bless students, teachers, and those who care for students as a new school year begins. In addition, we are asking everyone to bring to worship a symbol of your vocation for an Affirmation of Christian Vocation. This might be a textbook or calculator if you’re a student or a teacher. It might be a smartphone or a computer. It might be a hammer or a set of keys. Whatever symbolizes the work God has called you to do with your life – bring it to worship. After worship, we will continue our celebration with abundant food and fun.

Come and bring your friends to worship on the 18th for a morning of Food! Faith! and Fun! as we begin to celebrate God’s work through Our hands.

Pastor Kristin

From the Church Council

Notes from Council
Church Council welcomed Pastor Kristin to our meeting on August 16. She reported that she’s had a busy first few weeks, what with the continuing issues with our neighbors and our AA ministry, and 2 deaths in the families of Holy Trinity members that week.

We are excited to announce the Installation Service for Pastor Kristin Engstrom will be held on Sunday, September 25, 2011 at 3:00 PM at Holy Trinity. After the service we will treat Pastor Kristin, her clergy colleagues and the congregation to one of our famous pot-luck dinners. We would like to have an idea of attendance at this dinner, so we are asking you to sign up on the sheet passed around during the August 28, September 4, and September 11 services, or to call the church office. The signup sheet will ask you if you’d bring a salad, main dish, or dessert. We will need this information by Monday, September 12 so that Council can finish the planning at the September 13 meeting.

During the next few months, Council Members will be contacting members of the congregation to arrange get-to-know-Pastor-Kristin events. We hope that you will join the event to which you are invited so that you can chat with Pastor and she can get to know the congregation better. ~Holy Trinity Church Council