The SPIRE

~ This Week at Trinity ~

March 17, 2024

With the days getting longer and the skies brightening, we sense the coming of Spring at Trinity. This Sunday, we are blessed to welcome back our longtime friend and inspiration, Rev. Diane Peterson who leads the Greater Bridgeport Ministry Network (GBMN) and runs the St. John’s food pantry in Bridgeport. GBMN is a diverse group of fifteen parishes in our area that provides healthy meals to those in need through food pantries and community supper programs as they also work to address other health and spiritual needs. Longtime parish associate, Deacon Diane was with us for three years (2016-2019) during which time she made an enormous impact, helping to focus the congregation on scripture and the needs of our neighbors in Bridgeport. This Sunday, she will share an update on her current work that makes such a difference to so many.

We also received an amazing update from our Outreach chair Thomas Benton. Trinity’s Clothing Drive for St. Luke’s-St. Paul’s in Bridgeport resulted in 38 bags full of clothes being delivered to our sister parish. What joy to behold! We are so grateful for the work of our Outreach Committee, Thomas’ leadership, and most of all, all of you for answering the call. Together, we are making a difference.  

God is good. All the time.  

Harry Schmitz          Chris Rieck

Senior Warden        Junior Warden  

March 17 ~ The Fifth Sunday in Lent - The Rev. Diane Peterson

• 8 a.m. Morning Prayer, Trinity Church
• 10 a.m. Morning Prayer ~ In-person and Virtual (on Facebook & YouTube) Childcare in Classroom 5, Sunday School
• 5:20 p.m. Trinity Meditation Room Online

March 18 ~ Monday

• 4:30 p.m. Cherub Rehearsal
• 5:15 p.m. Chorister Rehearsal
• 6 p.m. Youth Group

March 20 ~ Wednesday

• 6:30 p.m. Trinity Meditation Room - Chapel and online

March 23 ~ Saturday

• 9 a.m. Coffee House Contemplation - The Porch at Christie’s, Westport

On Sunday, April 14^th from 3:00 to 5:30 pm, Christ & Holy Trinity, Westport (in conjunction with St. Paul’s on the Green, Norwalk and Trinity Southport) will host a screening of the film, The Ordination of the Philadelphia Eleven in Branson Hall, followed by a panel discussion led by women clergy. 

On July 29^th, 1974, 11 women candidates were ordained by four Episcopal bishops at the Church of the Advocate in Philadelphia, PA. Come and see how this extraordinary event took place and hear about how women of the Episcopal Church came to take their place as ordained priests, after years of struggle, to be included and respected as people called to serve the Lord as clergy.

Refreshments served following the screening. There is no charge at attend, but donations will be gratefully accepted. RSVP: Gael Ficken.  

Trinity Spiritual Center is pleased to support a new exhibition in the ARTworks Gallery at St. Paul’s on the Green in Norwalk showcasing the work of internationally celebrated Wilton artist Brian Whelan: “Holy Ground: Believers and Dreamers”, February 10 – April 6, 2024.

Whelan was trained at the Royal Academy of Art in London. His paintings have been exhibited and installed at cathedrals and other public and private institutions worldwide. More information. 

Camp Trinity is looking for High School age volunteers to help with our summer program. If you like playing with kids and volunteering in your church and community, we have a great opportunity for you! Camp runs weekly from July 8-August 2 from 9:00-1:00. Please email camp@trinitysouthport.org if you are interested.  

4 Weeks of Summer Camp Fun (July 8 - August 2)

9 a.m. -  1 p.m. Monday through Friday

Our camp experience is for children ages 3-6* and is designed to be an opportunity for fun, friendship, and adventure! Our experienced, energetic, and caring staff will ensure that every child has a great time and is safe. Our philosophy is play-based.

Each week of camp has a special theme. A limited number of spaces are available so sign up early and reserve your child's place today.  

*All campers must be fully potty trained to attend camp. Register.

TRINITY MEDITATION ROOM Schedule



Wednesday: 6:30-7 p.m. in the chapel and online

Sunday: 5:20-6:30pm online only

To receive your Zoom invitation, contact Harry Schmitz.

Coffee House Contemplation - March 23rd

We usually meet two Saturday's a month 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

The Porch at Christies, 161 Cross Highway Westport, CT 

Questions? Contact Harry Schmitz 

Please consider opportunities to help others. Any questions, contact Thomas Benton.

OUTREACH UPDATE: 

Thanks to Trinity families, 38 large drawstring bags of clothes were donated to St. Luke's & St. Paul's Clothing Drive. Well done!! In addition, the Outreach Committee sent a donation to their food pantry to support meals for 471 households. We understand that 2,355 meals were available for those in need. Fr. Martinez commented "We have never seen so many people at our places in Stamford, Danbury and New Haven." Thanks to your generosity we have funds to fight food insecurity right here in Connecticut.

Haitian Educational Initiative reports that their area is still safe. The Outreach Committee has sent a contribution to keep our 211 students fed, clothed and supported in school.   

Toiletry Collection

We are collecting toiletries—soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and feminine hygiene products like tampons and pads—for local shelters. Travel size is best, but regular sizes will be happily accepted. We have a collection box for drop off in the foyer beyond the red doors. 

Trinity is a founding sponsor of Laundry Love Bridgeport (a collaborative interfaith project). Laundry Love pays the cost of washing/drying clothes for individuals of no/little income every 3rd Tuesday. You facilitate the payment of the washing machines but do not wash the clothes.



If you can donate two hours of time, please sign up here to help.  

To find out more about Laundry Love please visit their website.

Want to Volunteer in the food pantries ?

• Saint John’s is looking for Food Pantry volunteers. Open all Saturday mornings except first Saturday each month. Contact: Aly Lake - alyhopelake@gmail.com
• St. Luke’s/ Saint Paul’s Food Pantry is looking for volunteers. Contact: Fr. Martinez curajlm@gmail.com 

Support Trinity's outreach initiatives to address food insecurity

1. St. John's Food Pantry - Park Avenue, Bridgeport They are in need of cereal, oatmeal, granola bars and other breakfast items; paper lunch bags, plastic sandwich bags, water bottles, and bags of chips. Donations can be left inside Trinity's red doors on Center Street weekdays 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
2. Operation Hope - Fairfield If you can help, please send in a check made out to Trinity Church and in the memo line identify: Outreach-Operation Hope.

Hospitality is a key part of Trinity.  Join us for coffee and treats after the 10am service. Contact Michael Banten if you would like to help host in the future.

Join the Trinity Community!  Realm is our application for managing all aspects of our parish. 

• Find People 
• Track Contributions
• Manage Activities
• Communicate with Teams

To access Realm you must register. To register send an email to Barbara Burian.

Clergy Contact: Reverend Cathy Quinn

Ministry of 12 March Captain: Liz Bechtold or 203.400.3212

Church Offices: The office is open 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monday - Thursday and closed Friday.