As we enter the Week of Love during Advent, our hearts are drawn to the profound truth that the coming of Jesus was, and is, a demonstration of God’s immeasurable love for humanity. This week, we focus on how Christ’s arrival brings light and salvation not only to Israel but to the whole world. The words of Simeon, spoken in the temple when he saw the infant Jesus, are a reminder that God’s love is meant for everyone.
In this passage, Simeon, a devout and righteous man, had waited his whole life to see the Messiah. When he saw Jesus, he proclaimed, "For my eyes have seen your salvation." In that tiny baby, Simeon recognized God's ultimate act of love: the arrival of the Savior, who would bring salvation to all people.
Jesus, the Baby born in Bethlehem, is the embodiment of God’s love—a love that reaches out to every nation, every person, regardless of their past or their position. As Simeon says, He is "a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel." In Jesus, God is not only fulfilling His promises to Israel, but also extending His love to the Gentiles, to the nations, to you and to me.
This passage from Luke speaks to the universality of God’s love. In a time when the world was divided by ethnicity, culture, and religion, Jesus' coming shattered those barriers. He became the light of hope, the revelation of God’s love, shining into the darkest places of the world. Jesus is not just the Savior for a select group of people, but the Savior for ALL people. Jesus’ love is boundless, reaching out to everyone who is willing to receive it.
In Advent, we not only celebrate the arrival of the Savior, but we are also reminded of our call to share this love. Just as Simeon recognized Jesus as the light for all people, we, too, are called to carry that light into the world. Jesus came as a gift of love for all, and it is our calling to reflect that love to those around us. This season, we are invited to ask ourselves: How can we share the love of Christ with others?
Peace, Pastor Erin
Please note that December 19, will be our last e-news for 2024. We will resume our regular e-news updates the week of January 6, 2025. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Come celebrate Christ’s birth with us this Christmas! Everyone is welcome to join us for all of our Christmas worship celebrations!
Saturday, December 21 - Blue Christmas Service at 4pm
Sunday, December 22 - 4th Sunday of Advent & Children's Christmas Program at 9am
Tuesday, December 24 - Christmas Eve Worship Services Children’s Worship Service at 4pm Candle Light Worship Service at 9pm
Wednesday, December 25 - Christmas Day Service at 10am
As we look ahead to 2025, we are grateful for your generosity. If you haven’t yet returned your giving commitment card, it’s not too late! These commitments are essential for helping the Council prepare a thoughtful and responsible budget for the coming year.
We also invite you to consider Trinity in your year-end giving. Your contributions help sustain our ministries and ensure we continue to grow together as a faith community. Thank you for sharing your blessings with Trinity this season!
Join us for football fun! We'll be watching the Broncos vs. Chargers on Thursday, December 19 and the Seahawks vs. Bears on December 26, both games starting at 5:00pm in the fellowship hall. Bring your favorite snacks and drinks to share! For more information, contact Jim Aguirre or John Crowley.
The church office will have adjusted hours on December 24 (closing at 3:30pm) and will be closed from December 25 to 27 to allow our staff to celebrate the holidays with their families. Should you need a pastor during that time, please call the church office at 805-644-7474 and leave a message. Staff will get back to you as soon as possible.
Calling All Tech Wizards! TLC is excited to announce our upcoming Tech Fair on January 5, 2025 at Noon! This event is designed to help our community navigate the digital world with confidence. Whether you're a seasoned tech user or a curious beginner, we invite you to share your knowledge and skills. If you're passionate about technology and enjoy helping others, please consider volunteering your time to assist attendees with their devices and questions. Your expertise will make a real difference in our community. If you are available to help out, please contact Leo in the church office.
Interested in Becoming a Member of TLC? We’d love to welcome you into our church family! Join us for our New Member Reception to learn more and connect with others. For details, please contact the church office. We can’t wait to get to know you!
January Blood Pressure Check Schedule
January 19 - 10:00am and Noon in the Prayer Room
Blood pressure checks are available the 1st and 3rd Sundays in the prayer room between services. Our faith community nurse, Karen Jensen, RN, PhD, will be on hand.
Project Understanding is in need of of hotel-size shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, disposable razors, toothbrushes and toothpaste for make hygiene kits.
City Center is in need of any type of cleaning supplies and size 6 diapers.
Your support is greatly appreciated. Please place items in the baskets located in the gathering space.
December 19 - Loretta Burton, Nathan Staples December 21 - Kathy Eggert December 24 - Pam Berkel, Dell Muntzel December 26 - Sonora Coats December 27 - Linda Park December 28 - Paul White December 29 - Gregory Lamp December 30 - Sreypin Kloeung, Margaret Schwalm December 31 - Anna Wagner
