Holly Larocchia Carmel NY. Married with 3 children. Husband is a retired NYC firefighter, currently working part time as a driver in the substance abuse facility. I am an RN currently working in substance abuse facility.
One grown daughter, a NYC school teacher. One son, currently working in corrections, hopeful to become a police officer. Youngest in college, plans to become a teacher.
I like people, was very involved with kids activities such as scouts and sports. Now, working full time activities are more restricted but, I love concerts, comedy, board games and family get togethers.
I began to worship in Trinity shortly after moving here from Queens so likely 1998. I had been a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church Middle Village NY and, the familiarity of the service initially drew me in. (I had attended another church service prior but, was actually a little turned off by the overwhelming welcome, I like to ease into things.) Trinity Brewster was a similar service and, felt more like the church I always knew and loved.
I have had several good experiences at Trinity. Foremost in mind is the friend set I developed in my little area that i usually sit in the church. Sadly, many of those people have passed away or moved on but, it was a warm, loving group that genuinely liked each other. I also have very fond memories of Vacation Bible School. (and running it for a few years with my friend made through Trinity JoAnn Nestor) While it was stressful, it brought a lot of joy. My kids were involved with it both as participants and as leaders. It was awesome to see them grow in this capacity and, I learned that some other faiths do not get into detail regarding bible stories. We gave them something new, it was fun and, some of what they learned will be with them forever. It saddens me that kids can no longer have this experience. The ways of the world, the lack of numbers of children involved in church, etc. But it was great memories and, I am glad to have had those experiences.
I also really enjoyed a ?bible study I did learning about being a Lutheran with a very modern and funny version of the catechism. It really opened my eyes and, increased my faith. I have always lived in a predominantly Roman Catholic society. I have always felt the need to 'justify' and explain the differences of being Lutheran. This class and book supported and gave me background for a lot of my beliefs.
While there are several hymns that come to mind, my favorites are not as famiilar in this church. 'I was there to hear your borning cry' is one of my favorites. It was sung at baptisms at my old church and, it always brings tears to my eyes. It explains how God is with you for your whole life and beyond. As a mother, nothing is more comforting because while you would like to think you can be the one to always be there, that isn't always possible.
I also love 'away in a manger' and onward christian soldiers. As a child, Every year we sang away in a manger at our Christmas pagent (with hand motions) and, every year on anniversary day (also known as Brooklyn Queens day) our sunday school would parade through the town, with sunday school crafts and teachers, all the while singing onward Christian soldiers. It ended with ice cream at our parish house. I was thrilled that my eldest got to do this as well as a child. My childhood memories are likely a strong reason for my faith. As teens we had a great group of friends that played volleyball (just for fun) at our parish house and, I had a blast at confirmation. Many people look at me as if I am crazy but, I checked with my friends, they felt the same way. I think this established base of a church remains with me as an adult.
I believe God pushes me toward things at time. There is no explanation as to why I up and moved from my home town to Carmel. Christ was also with me when my son was sick and in the hospital. Pastors visits and prayers were very much appreciated and, to this day, I believe the only way I made it through that time was because Christ was carrying me.
One word for Trinity would have to be church. A group of people, sharing the same beliefs, caring for one another, where all goals aim to be for a good and loving purpose.
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