On Thursday, October 6 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., the women of the church will be heading to The Greek, 102 E. Clinton Ave., for their annual “Women’s Night Out.” The Women’s Ministry will need to give the restaurant a head count on Wednesday evening so RSVPs are required. To RSVP, call Susan Pettengill at 231-1252 or email women@holytrinity-oca.org no later than Wednesday afternoon, October 5. Ladies, we will see you at The Greek!
Women’s Book Study Begins This Week
The Women’s Ministry is conducting a book study beginning this Tuesday and continuing on alternating Tuesdays through November 22. This year the group will read Royal Monastic Princess Ilenea: The Story of Mother Alexandra.
The study will be held in the Conference Room at Trinity House from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The first class will examine the book’s first section (through page 33). Books can be picked up today or tomorrow at Trinity House for $12.
For more information, contact women@holytrinity-oca.org.
VBS 2016 Daily News: Friday
VBS Kids Now Fully Staffed
“I Just Wanna be a Sheep” Now Latest Craze
STATE COLLEGE, PA — It was pizza day and as the VBS kids met for the last time this year, they gathered with our Archbishop Melchisedek to hear his words on being the shepherd of a flock. It was stated that his flock is different from flocks of sheep that the kids had the chance watch yesterday (see article below).
As part of their discussion, the students learned that just as a shepherd carries a staff to direct his flock for protection of his herd in case of danger a bishop carries a staff as a symbol of being our shepherd. Additionally, the students found that the top of a bishop’s staff (crozier) is made to resemble two serpents’ heads, recalling the Saviors’ words: “Be ye wise as serpents”. As a serpent each year forces its way through thorny plants to shed its old skin, so also must the bishop lead others and follow himself along the thorny path which leads of the renewal of our souls. (Ed. Note: Students made staffs this to help them remember Psalm 23.)
As the week began with the students uttering the first words of Psalm 23, “The Lord is my Shepherd” today the VBS concluded with the affirmation, “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” The sheep are content and “at home” with the shepherd—and want to stay with Him forever.
Sheep Farm Tour Shows VBS Kids Life as a Sheep
On Thursday, the Holy Trinity VBS took it first ever field trip to a sheep farm in Sunbury, PA. After a 1.5 hour bus trip, the students were greeted by an array of farm animals but mostly by a whole lot of sheep.
During the tour the students were able to pet the sheep, walk through the pastures, and learn about a sheep’s necessities (water & salt) and some of the dangers (copper, falling over). It was particularly fun to see the shepherd Caroline and her dog gather the sheep and run them back and forth – and how well the sheep followed the shepherds commands.
At the end of the tour each student was given a piece of wool from one of the sheep as a keepsake. All the “sheep” returned home safely and happily.
FPO — For Parents Only
It was once again a great joy and pleasure to be with your children this week. It was a bit hectic but it was fun and they are going to be amazing sheep. As much as possible include Psalm 23 in your daily prayers and with your children. Knowing the meaning behind the words will give them great comfort and peace. Thanks!
Learn More
For more recaps, pictures, and information, visit the 2016 Vacation Bible School homepage.
VBS 2016 Daily News: Thursday
Students Take a Trip to a Sheep Farm
VBS Kids See First-hand What Sheep Are Like!
STATE COLLEGE, PA — Today there was no issue of the VBS Daily News because our reporters were in the field—literally. Here are some pictures from the remote location.
FPO — For Parents Only
- On Friday, there will be Vespers at 5:00 p.m. Please try to bring your children early so that we can pray together. Dinner and VBS will follow immediately. Additionally, our bishop will be visiting and will share some “shepherding” stories with the kids.
Learn More
For more recaps, pictures, and information, visit the 2016 Vacation Bible School homepage.
VBS 2016 Daily News: Wednesday
Students Take a Walk Through a Dark …
VBS Kids say they had no fear of evil!
STATE COLLEGE, PA — Today the VBS students reached the midway point of their week long study adventure of Psalm 23. To start the day the “sheep” attended vespers which was followed by another great day of learning, singing, games, and fun.
Today the students discussed how shepherds lead their sheep to different pastures depending on the time of year. To get to the mountaintops in the summer takes the sheep through the valleys. The valleys can be a dangerous and dark place for sheep.
The students also spent class time learning about how God prepares and takes care of us. Before sheep head to the high country, the shepherd goes ahead—checking out the pastures, pulling out the poisonous weeds, removing any dangerous objects. He brings salt and minerals to set out in the pasture. Only after the table is prepared are the sheep brought in.
Just like the shepherd, we know that Christ goes before us in every situation. Because of all Christ has done—he was tempted as we are, he suffered, he grieved, we are confident that he understands us through and through. Christ has gone before and prepared a table for us—in plain view of our enemies.
What’s the Big Idea?
Today’s verses teach us that no matter what God is always with us, He has all the right tools to help us, and He is a just God.
Can You Repeat That Please?
Here are the verses studied today and the children are expected to memorize:
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies”
FPO — For Parents Only
On Thursday we will visit a sheep farm. Please arrive at the church by 4:15 so that we may leave promptly @ 4:30.
- Please pack a dinner for your child.
- The farm team is expecting a drizzle so you may want to pack a jacket.
- Students are to wear shoes or boots (NO flip flops/open toes) as we will be in the fields and barns.
- We should arrive back at the church ~9:30 p.m.
- On Friday, there will be Vespers at 5:00 p.m.. Please try to bring your children early so that we can pray together. Dinner and VBS will follow immediately. Additionally, our bishop will be visiting and will share some “shepherding” stories with the kids.
Learn More
For more recaps, pictures, and information, visit the 2016 Vacation Bible School homepage.
VBS 2016 Daily News: Tuesday
Students Step it Up!
The Path of Righteousness is Now to be Followed
STATE COLLEGE, PA — Today the VBS kids found that being a sheep can be a hard life. Each day a sheep is faced with danger, hunger, and fear of the unknown. The students learned that it a sheep’s life is not different from their own life in that respect.
Sheep are mentioned over 500 times in the Bible. A shepherd cares for the sheep, providing safety, nourishment and love to his flock. In Psalm 23 David describes God as the shepherd and we humans as His sheep. The prophets and New Testament writers continued with this imagery. Jesus referred to Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. To be called sheep was affirming our worth and importance to God.
The students also learned how sheep are creatures of habit. Left alone, they would happily follow the same trails, quickly turning paths into deep ruts and ravines. A wise shepherd keeps his sheep on the move, shifting from pasture to pasture and working out a pattern of grazing that allows the pastures to thrive.
We as humans also prefer to do our “own thing.” We are creatures of habit as well, even self-destructive ones. We don’t want to be led, we don’t want to follow – we want to do it our way! But Christ calls us to follow Him, to be willing to deny ourselves and to put others first.
He calls us to be willing to go against the flow and to set aside our desire to be the boss. He calls us to always have an attitude of gratitude and to be obedient to the Shepherd’s will for us.
Can You Repeat that Please?
Below are the verses we studied today and the children are to memorize: “He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake.”
FPO — For Parents Only
- Question for you to discuss with your child before VBS tomorrow: What is the difference between justice and revenge?
- On Wednesday, there will be Vespers at 5:00 p.m. Please try to bring your children early so that we can pray together. Dinner and VBS will follow immediately.
On Thursday we will visit a sheep farm. Please arrive at the church by 4:15 p.m. so that we may leave promptly.
- Please pack a dinner for your child.
- The farm team is expecting a drizzle so you may want to pack a jacket.
- Students are to wear shoes or boots (NO flip flops/open toes) as we will be in the fields and barns.
- We should arrive back at the church ~9:30 p.m.
Learn More
For more recaps, pictures, and information, visit the 2016 Vacation Bible School homepage.
VBS 2016 Daily News: Monday
New Sheep Herd arrives at Holy Trinity:
The Good Shepherd is leading us forever
STATE COLLEGE, PA — School’s out so what’s a kid supposed to do? For the children of Holy Trinity Church in State College it could only mean that it’s time to go to Vacation Bible School (VBS)! This year’s VBS theme is “I Wanna be a Sheep” and will be based on Psalm 23.
Sources close to the VBS have stated that the theme this year was selected because although the scriptures were written so that that they made sense to the peoples of the times we no longer live in an agrarian society. However, we know that the Scriptures are timeless and we need apply them for today’s world.
Parents, teachers, and leaders need to convey to children that in Our Savior and in His scriptures we can find calm and peace and hope for the world which awaits us. The students need to learn that the words of scripture were written for them.
Say What?
The Shepherds ultimate concern for the sheep: He is the Way, because He leads us through Himself. He is the Door who lets us in, the Shepherd who makes us dwell in green pastures, bringing us up by waters of rest and leading us there. He protects us from wild beasts, converts the erring, brings back what was lost and binds up what was. broken. He guards the strong and brings them together into the fold beyond with words of pastoral knowledge.
— Gregory of Nazianzus, On the Son
Can You Repeat that Please?
Below are the verses we studied today and the children are to memorize: “He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake.”
Family Time
To make the most of this week for you and your child you will need to also be prepared to discuss Psalm 23 and the many instructional points which can be found in it.
FPO — For Parents Only
Question for you to discuss with your child before VBS tomorrow: What has God done to restore your soul?- On Wednesday, there will be Vespers at 5 p.m. Please try to bring your children early so that we can pray together. Dinner and VBS will follow immediately.
- On Thursday we will visit a sheep farm. We will leave @ 4:15. Pack a dinner for your child.
Learn More
For more recaps, pictures, and information, visit the 2016 Vacation Bible School homepage.
First Children’s Choir Practice to take place Sunday
Children’s Choir (grades 3-8) will practice on Sunday, January 16 at 9:30 a.m. in Trinity House. Students will be accompanied to the rehearsal and then to the church. All students in these grades are invited to be a part of this ministry.
Parents are encouraged to spend some time with your child(ren) discussing the importance of music in the Church music is not an ornamentation to the liturgical services but is an essential element of the services, the medium by which the Church instructs the faithful. Prayerfully consider taking advantage of this readily available means for your child(ren)’s spiritual growth and education.
It is understood that not all children may want to be part of the choir, but perhaps they can attend a few practices first to get a “feel” for it (students not rehearsing this Sunday will be dismissed to you).
Take the Parish Library Survey
The Holy Trinity Library is expanding and preparing to move to its own dedicated space in Trinity House. In order to serve you better, librarian Anna Stickles has created a survey to get your input as to what types of books you would like made available, and what you have found helpful in your own journey of faith.
Click here to access it online; a printed version of the survey will be available in the Parish Hall.
Annual Meeting to be held Sunday, November 8
Holy Trinity will hold its Annual Meeting on Sunday, November 8 following the Divine Liturgy. Nominations are open for Council positions of Secretary, Treasurer, and Facilities Chair. All agenda items must be submitted in writing to the Parish Council for review. Nothing will be considered from the floor.
Parishioners in good standing who were registered with the parish as members at the end of the previous calendar year and who have fulfilled their Lenten obligations of Confession and Communion may and should attend.
Agenda
- Opening Prayer: “O Heavenly King…”
- Establishment of Quorum
- Minutes of the 2014 Meeting
- Priest’s Report
- Treasurer’s Report
- Review and Approval of the 2016 Budget
- Election of Officers
- Closing Prayer: “It is truly meet…”
