Scripture contains just one story from Jesus’ childhood, and it’s a decidedly relatable story of a lost child and frantic parents. But even in Jesus’ childhood choices we catch glimpses of a young man choosing to step away from others’ expectations and into God’s calling. We’ll wonder together what the Spirit might be calling us to step away from and what God might be calling us to a new home.

ITEMS TO NOTE

Staff Gift | Amidst pandemic weariness and seasonal busyness, the deacons decided to simplify the end-of-year staff gift process. To forgo the need for an additional offering, while still expressing gratitude to our staff, the deacons gave bonuses from the operating budget to Rachel, Keith, and Amanda. Sarah and Ben declined a gift this year, still feeling very appreciated on account of their sabbatical grant.

House Meeting Facilitator Training | We have reached the next step of building a broad-based organization—house meetings! House meetings are guided, small group gatherings that build relationships, identify leaders, and engage people about the things they value. At a house meeting, you can learn something new about a person you’ve worshipped next to for twenty years.

At Trinity, we value hearing everyone’s voice; so, we want to have a number of Trinity folks trained as house meeting facilitators. Facilitators guide a house meeting while someone else handles the work of hosting (we will be asking for hosts early next year).

To find out more about being a house meeting facilitator register for a training session on Thursday, January 6 at 7 pm (Catholic Information Center, 360 Division Ave S) or Wednesday, January 12 at 7 pm (Trinity Reformed Church). The registration link is http://bit.ly/hmtrain

You may also ask for more information from any of Trinity’s Core Team members: Jan Koopman, Glenn Swier, Paul Haan, Kate Strater, Susan Aalsburg, Pete Tabberer, or Benjamin Bruins.

VITA Volunteers Needed | At our congregational meeting Sunday, we talked about seeking new opportunities for connecting with our neighbors. Ask and we will receive!

Trinity’s new partner, New Development Corporation, is gearing up to begin their low and moderate income tax preparation program (VITA: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance). Trinity will be a destination for folks seeking help preparing their taxes. Tax returns give access to government resources that can make a huge difference for households.

Volunteers are needed to make the program work! Volunteers may serve as site coordinators, tax preparers, intake volunteers, or greeters. Training is provided for all; it is online and can be done on your own time. Volunteer as often as it works for you during the 11-week tax season that runs from the last week of January through the first week of April.

Tax help at Trinity will be offered Wednesdays from 3:00pm to 8:00pm and Saturdays from 9:00am to 12:00pm. Fill out the Volunteer Application form and email it to sandy@newdevlopmentcorp.org before Christmas.Please email Pastor Benjamin if you have any questions at benjamin@trinityreformedchurch.org.dream.website.

PRAYERS

Please send prayer updates and requests for prayer to benjaminbruins@gmail.com, sarah@trinityreformedchurch.org.dream.website, or trcoffice@trinityreformedchurch.org.dream.website.
Jim Freel has had cataracts surgery. Please pray for calm and rest as he recovers.

Continue to remember: Todd Billings (David Billings’ brother), Hunter Fox (Katie’s father), Robert Padilla, Ashley Bruins (Ben’s sister-in-law), Paul Bruins (Ben’s father), Kerri Vryhof.

GIVING

Don’t forget, you can send your offerings to Trinity via the “Give” link below or you can sign up for a regular automatic contribution by using the ACH Draft button.