Dear Friends in Christ,
They shall call him Emmanuel, which means, “God is with us.” These words from this Sunday’s Gospel are ones to take to heart in this time in our community. They form part of the story of the birth of Jesus. The Fourth Sunday in Advent always takes us to the person of Mary and the immediate preparation for the incarnation of God in Christ Jesus. Cleave to the God who is with us. We will be okay.
SUNDAY LATER SERVICE TIME CHANGE FOR 12/18!
8:00 Holy Eucharist: Rite One
10:00 Holy Eucharist: Rite Two
BISHOP GEORGE YOUNG WILL BE WITH US! The bishop was to be in Knoxville for confirmation and his visitation to St. Thomas Church. They graciously moved their worship time to the afternoon so he could come to Trinity. He won’t be here to confirm, but to preside, preach, pray, console, and uplift us. He will be with us for the 10:00 Eucharist and what time he can spare afterwards before going on to Knoxville.
CHRISTMAS EVE
5:00 Lighting of the Creche and Holy Eucharist
10:30 Carol Sing
11:00 Holy Eucharist
CHRISTMAS DAY (SUNDAY)
NO SERVICES
NEW YEAR’S DAY, JANUARY 1 (SUNDAY)
The Feast of the Holy Name
8:00 Holy Eucharist
11:00 Holy Eucharist
Multi-Agency Resource Center Open at Belz Mall, 2655 Teaster Lane, Pigeon Forge
Thanks to our own Muriel Simpson for accepting the charge to bring together this group of agencies to help the community. The center will be operational from Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you need anything service-oriented, the Multi-Agency Resource Center is where you need to go.
Agencies and State Departments who are present:
Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA)
Housing and Urban Development Department
Department of Human Services
Department of Children’s Services
Tennessee Labor and Workforce Development
Tennessee Highway Patrol
Tennessee Veterans Affairs
Tennessee Financial Institute
Tennessee Economic and Community Development
Tennessee Commerce and Insurance
Tennessee Health & Vital Affairs
Sevier County Senior Center
Douglas Cherokee
Volunteer East Tennessee
American Red Cross
Legal Aid of Tennessee
Safe Harbor
Safe Space
Sevier County Economic Development Council (will have a list of job openings available)
HELP? We have received many generous donations to the Trinity Discretionary Fund. If you or someone you know has a need, please contact me.
AIR QUALITY: Servpro pulled their machines out of our facilities this morning. They’ve cleaned the ducts, filtered the air, wiped off surfaces with special sponges, and cleaned the carpets. All should be ready for us Sunday. There’s a tarp on part of the roof and a light fixture to reinstall. As of this writing, only one of the seven parishioners who lost their homes is still searching for temporary housing and that should be okay by week’s end. TIP FROM MIKE LYON who was one of our parishioners who drove out late on Monday of the fire when the flame and smoke were at their worst: He had his car in the shop this week where they found his auto air filters “the worst they’ve ever seen.” You might want to have yours checked! As many know, Mike manages the Smoky Mountain Trout House, which plans to be serving meals Friday. We’re getting back in shape, thank God!
Peace,
Bob Beasley
Interim Rector
DioET - Gatlinburg Fire 