Extended Worship - December 20, 2020 - The Fourth Sunday of Advent
Today we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent; the season of preparation for the coming of Christ. During worship this week we are blessed with wonderful music from Jeff Groves and a group of Trinity bell-ringers, plus the Crites family lighting the Advent Wreath. If you have Advent candles, have them handy so you can light yours during the service. I'm also delighted to let you know that today we are celebrating the baptism and profession of faith of our newest member: James Martin. You can hear more from James in this coming week's episode of The Common Table; our new podcast. His interview will post on Wednesday morning.
I also want to give you a reminder about our Christmas Eve service. Traditionally, we gather on Christmas Eve for an evening of festive celebration, candle light, and communion. While our evening will be different this year, I trust that we can still experience a glimpse of the Christmas Joy that makes the season so special.
Our Christmas Eve service will premiere this Thursday, December 24 at 6:00pm on our website and YouTube channel. This means we can all participate together in the service at the same time, each in our own places. We may not be physically together, but we are united by the Spirit. After the service concludes it will remain available for as-desired viewing on your schedule. You can find our Christmas Eve Service, along with all our worship services, on our worship page: https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/worship. We will send an email on Christmas Eve with a direct link to the service as well.
Thank you for being part of the Trinity family. If there are ways I can be a support to you this week, please reach out.
Worship Video
Each week we are sharing our worship via YouTube; simply click the link to participate in worship. No login or special software is required and you may view the worship video at any time.
Click Here to view our weekly worship service from Trinity.
Join our Weekly Adult Sunday School via Zoom
9:30am - Lectionary Class (1st, 3rd, & 5th Sundays)
10:00am - All Class Check-In & Prayer Time w/ Pastor Chris
10:10am - Topical Discussion & SALT Classes
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86034355825
Meeting ID: 860 3435 5825
Passcode: [Check Email]
Phone Audio Only, Dial: +1 312 626 6799, then enter when prompted:
Meeting ID: 860 3435 5825
Passcode: [Check Email]
Music for Social Distancing
Each week our staff will be sharing some music that is bringing them joy. Some may relate to the sermon, others are just music for the times. You can click herefor the full playlist. Here are this week's picks:
This week's songs from Chris:
Over the next few weeks I'll be recommending music of the season - likely at least a whole Christmas album each week.
Canticle of the Turning by Emmaus Way - A fantastic version of our final hymn this week, a version of the Magnificat set to to rollicking Irish tune "Star of the County Down."
Beyond The Lamb of God by Andrew Peterson - A mixture of traditional carols and original compositions, this Advent and Christmas album carries us from the waiting of Advent to the joy of Christmas. If you listen to one song, make it Matthew's Begats - which proves the genealogy at the start of Matthew's Gospel doesn't have to be boring!
I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas by Rend Co Kids - About a week ago our kids discovered this song, now at least three times a day we get the request, "Hippo Song!" If you think you know the Hippo Song, you might want to give this version a listen. I dare you to make it through without a smile taking over your face.... and it being stuck in your head the rest of the day!
Go Tell It on the Mountain by Zach Williams - I love just about everything in this new rendition of the gospel classic - from the grooving bass line to the gospel backing-vocals to the amazing horn section - it has been brightening up my days. I hope it will do the same for you!
Resources for Home Worship, Devotion, and Study
Click Here for our weekly Family Faith Formation activity. This week: Joy to the World.
Click Here for our weekly discussion of Christian Education at Home. This week: Yes, and....
Click Here for an article from Presbyterians Today on creating sacred space at home, featuring an interview with Pastor Chris.
To participate in the financial life of Trinity:
Your participation in our financial life is what allows Trinity to keep doing mission and ministry, even in the midst of hard times. You may give securely online or send a check by mail; details for both options are available here:https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/give
Thank you for being part of the Trinity family! If there are ways I can be a good support please don't hesitate to reach out.
Peace,
Pastor Chris
