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Notices and Announcements
As you therefore have received
Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and
built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught,
abounding in thanksgiving.
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From My Heart To Yours
Spring is in the air, I believe. I see signs of it in the greening of the meadows around my home, buds appearing on the trees, birds singing louder, daffodils and tulips poking up higher each day now, more sunshine, and longer days…
I’m beginning to see more people worshipping in church on Sundays, perhaps because it’s not as cold, and winter seems to be fading away at last. I’ve seen a few new faces, too. Have you noticed them? Have you welcomed them?
Spring has brought to Trinity a long-term supply Priest who plans to be with us on a consistent basis until we have a new Priest. Fr. Don Morris, who lives in Bristol, VT, has graciously accepted our invitation to be a “priestly presence” two days a week during this time of transition. He will be available for the Thursday morning Eucharist, and throughout the day – to meet with parishioners as needed, and to visit the sick at home or in the hospital. And of course on Sundays he will celebrate the Eucharist at all 3 services. If you have not yet had a chance to meet Fr. Don, you are missing out on a wonderful opportunity, as he is a bright spirit in our midst, and has a great sense of humor, and loves the Lord Jesus passionately.
If you haven’t heard the beautiful new sounds coming from the pipe organ you are missing out as well – it has taken awhile for the improvements to get completed, due to unforeseen obstacles along the way, but the long wait is almost over and our beautiful instrument is sounding wonderful once again. Jim Cassarino, our talented organist, has been so patient during the overhaul, and once again he can now play pieces which come alive when he touches the keys, and pulls out all the stops!
Your Vestry has been hard at work the past few months updating the Parish Profile and working with the Diocese to get all the necessary information to the Bishop so he can proceed in finding a Priest in Partnership for us. Your help with the survey is much appreciated, and the Vestry has your best interests at heart. We have listened to your concerns and desires, and put together this information for the Bishop to review. It takes time and patience to do this job well, and we have done our best to perform our job to the best of our abilities. The rest is up to God to send us the right person for Trinity, and we must remember that God’s timing may differ from ours, but He will not fail us. Trust in Him! He knows our needs and desires!
In closing, I’ll share one of my favorite verses of scripture which helps me in so many ways when I get overwhelmed, anxious, or discouraged. It gives me hope and fills me with joy, just like the season of Spring.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
lean not unto your own understanding,
but in all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He will direct your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6With love in Christ,
Elizabeth Morgan, Sr. Warden
Sunday School will reusme in the fall.
Prayer Book
The Prayer Book tradition is one of the great treasures of Anglicanism. The Episcopal Church’s Book of Common Prayer is a rich and wonderful worship text that, with appropriate direction, is easy to use. Beginning in Advent, we will resume using the actual Prayer Book during Sunday worship. While there are clear advantages in worshiping from a complete service leaflet, that method limits the variety of options that can be offered in our liturgies. Verbal announcement of page numbers and a new service leaflet format containing necessary directions should keep our services flowing smoothly.
One of the goals of the 9:00 a.m. family service is to teach the children how to use the Prayer Book while they are young, so that they are comfortable worshipping in any Episcopal Church they might attend as adults. I would like for all of us to model this practice, not only for our children, but so that we can all experience the fullness of the Anglican tradition of worship.
Prayer Beads
As a means of helping parishioners enrich their prayer lives and as a benefit to support the church, Tom & Joanne Williamson offer Trinity Prayers Beads, wooden or glass, for sale. Prices are $14 and $17 and a "senior price" (for people over 65). The entire "profit", after the cost of materials, goes directly to Trinity Church. Anglican prayer beads make a thoughtful birthday, confirmation or baptismal gift. Please speak with Tom & Joanne or call them at 775-0433.
The goal of this service is to provide families with small children an opportunity to worship together and learn more about their faith in a child-friendly environment. While we follow a traditional eucharistic format, the atmosphere of this service is meant to be informal. Children are allowed to be children here. If a toddler needs to walk around, let them go. Someone will stop them before they head out the door. If a child is just learning how to make sounds, let them sing their praises in their own way. Don’t “shush” them. The celebrant will get louder. Soft toys and picture books are available for the very small children with short attention spans. The idea is that children should be themselves in church, just as they are before God at all other times. The one rule we have is: No Throwing!
The children will be invited to join the celebrant at the altar at various times during the service. Encourage your child to join the group. If they are shy, you may offer to come up with them, but don’t force them. Also, any child who has been baptized is welcome, and should be receiving Communion. Everyone should feel included. A general guide is that once a child is on solid food they should be receiving the bread. If you prefer that your child not receive the eucharistic wine, please instruct them to either cross their arms across their chest after eating the bread, or return to their seat in the pews. If they are to receive the wine, they may dip their wafer in the wine, or drink directly from the chalice.
Music is integral to worship. A parish musician will lead a song after the children receive communion. The best way to encourage your child to sing is to join in the singing yourself. Songs will be repeated for several weeks to allow us an opportunity to learn them.
Also, I want to involve you and your children in assisting with this service. If you would like help by leading the prayers, reading the lesson, or helping at the altar, please let me know. I hope this service will enrich your family’s spiritual life. If it does, please tell a friend. We are eager to welcome new families into the fold.
Special events will be posted as they are announced.
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This page was last modified on
May 26, 2008
From the Sr. Warden