You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness. Psalm 30:11 ESV
As we discussed last week, for obvious reasons most of us would label 2020 as a “Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Year” experience. 2020 is one for the history books, and one that is ripe for redemption.
This weekend at Trinity Downtown, we’ll be soaking in some of the sweetest promises contained in the Bible that are found in Isaiah 61. In preparation for our time together, hear what Jesus has to say for the circumstances that may have touched your life in 2020:
- Perhaps you or a family member have contracted COVID: The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me … he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; Isaiah 61:1b
- Maybe your income has been reduced this year, or you’ve lost your job: Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy. Isaiah 61:7
- Are you grieving the loss of a loved one, and the grief is intensified by COVID restrictions? The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me…to grant comfort to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning; Isaiah 61:1,3a
- Perhaps you’re just tired—bone tired, of all the changes: The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me…to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them…the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit Isaiah 61:1,3c
Come join us this weekend at Trinity Downtown as we rejoice with these beautiful promises. We offer in-person worship at our contemporary service on Saturday at 5:00 pm or our traditional worship service on Sunday at 9:00 am. Reservations are required to attend either in-person worship service; you can see the details atwww.trinitydt.org. You may also make a reservation by calling Stefanie at 713.224.0684 from 8:30-2:30 each weekday. If you are not comfortable attending an in-person service, you can watch the “live stream” of our Satellite Service at 5:00 pm on Saturday, or our traditional service on Sunday at 9:00 am by clicking here. And, of course, you may also participate by watching either of these services “on demand” by clicking here.
You can deepen your understanding of God’s Word by participating in an array of virtual adult Bible studies at various times during the week. You can find the details by clicking here.
As we await the birth of our Savior, we have two opportunities for you to share God’s blessings with our neighbors.
- the homeless sack lunch ministry’s distribution of gift cards to those experiencing homelessness in our community; and
- Our Spanish-language partner’s program providing Christmas gift cards to under-resourced children in our area.
Your support of either or both opportunities with whatever amount you choose will help Trinity provide a meaningful Christmas gift while sharing the love of Jesus with a neighbor in need. You can give online, drop a check into the donation box in the Narthex, or by mailing your check to Trinity Downtown.
Christmas Worship Opportunities
- This year we are offering three Christmas Eve worship services at 3:00, 5:00 and 7:00 pm, and are conducting one Christmas Day worship service at 9:00 am. We will also be live-streaming each service;
- Reservations are required for you to attend these services and you may do so by clicking on the service you wish to attend:
- In lieu of conducting midweek in-person Advent worship services this year, we’ve created 24 short Advent video devotions. We launch a new video each day, and all of them will be accessible on our YouTube channel or on Trinity’s web site. You can use each day’s video as a personal devotional or watch it with your family or friends to deepen your understanding of this time of waiting. Feel free to share them widely!
- We have ordered poinsettias ($8.50) to adorn our worship areas on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. If you are interested in donating a plant(s) which may be taken home with you after the Christmas Day service, please complete the form online and submit your payment by mailing a check earmarked for poinsettias to the church office. There is no limit on the number of poinsettias you can order. Deadline to order poinsettias is December 16th.
- Due to COVID-related restrictions, we are not planning on having our Christmas Card exchange boxes available in the foyer this year.
Many thanks to those that have already submitted their 2021 Home Treasury Commitment Cards. If you’ve not had a chance to do so, you can bring the Commitment Card to church with you over the next few weeks or submit this online pledge card.
Come rejoice with us this weekend at Trinity Downtown; it will make a tremendous difference in your life.