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Beloved:
Trinity Church in Saugerties will hold its last service on Sunday morning.
The congregation prepared for this moment over the last six months. Their leadership decided that this Sunday would mark the closure of the church.
We want to begin a practice of asking for the prayers of our whole Diocese as congregations close.
I’m especially grateful to warden Linda Adorno and to congregational leaders Dora Stack, Joe Stack, Anthony Gambino, & their devoted organist Robert Moore for their commitment and guidance of the parish.
The Rev. Canon Nora Smith worked with the Rev. Joe Campo to support the congregation through the difficult conversations about closing. The Rev. Susan Copley— serving as missioner for congregational support— will be with the Trinity community in the days ahead.
As in all our congregations, Trinity’s common life has been marked by deep devotion and hard work across generations. Closure recognizes their current ministry is at an end. It’s hard and a time of grief. But it’s not failure. We are Easter people. One chapter in the life of our communities gives way to another. We hold a deep commitment to ministry in Ulster County and the Hudson Valley. We will seek what emerges in the coming season.
Sunday’s service will be the last for the Trinity community. We will join together early in the fall for a diocesan service honoring their ministry. Everyone will be invited.
For this Sunday please join me in thanksgiving for Trinity’s ministry and in prayers for the community— past and present.
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