Friday January 20, 2017

An eNote from Rodney,

“For dominion belongs to the Lord, and He rules over the nations.” Psalm 22:28

Dear Trinity Congregation,

The bells are in. The new third octave of bells arrived yesterday. It’s actually notes above and below the bells we own so they extend the range of our current bells in each direction. We now have three octaves. You do not need musical knowledge to learn to play a bell. If you have been wanting to try the bell choir, give Debra Anthony a…..ah….ring? Or call Lee at the office, 253-5471 ext. 101.

The lectionary gospel lesson for Sunday comes from Matthew 4:12-23. It concerns a young man who is driven from his home and so he goes to the big city to see what he can get going. He gathers a few folks together and starts a band. It’s a lovely bunch. We will think about themes like gathering and beginning.

Speaking of lovely and gathering, one of the themes in the sermon last Sunday concerned the personal reflection we go through the first of the year when we think about making resolutions. I want to ask you to consider making a resolution about worship attendance this year. The resolution is: “If I am in town on Sunday morning, I will be in worship with my friends, family members and church community.” There are a number of reasons to be in church but I want you to consider this one. Being in worship is hospitable and an invitation to grace.

You are a gorgeous congregation. We have everything from beautiful heads of white hair to years of wisdom and experience to kids running up the aisle. You are a genuinely welcoming bunch. The only thing we are missing is Mella Litteral’s hats, which she now wears with the saints in Glory. When we have guests and they see you in all your raiment, they see a lovely congregation. And then you welcome then and offer them the hand of greeting and grace and we are blessed by their presence. That’s a good resolution and you can still eat what you want to. Would you consider making that resolution?

Go Steelers.

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday morning.

Sincerely,

Rodney