My friends—I wish I could be like St. Paul when he wrote that he was “perplexed, but not driven to despair.” The past week since the Russian invasion of Ukraine has left me astounded at how brave people can be, and also despairing at how cruel some are. I think it’s important for us to be honest about how we feel, but also remember we are people of the Resurrection. Despair may crush our souls as we watch innocent people we cannot directly assist. But we cannot accept despair as the inevitable winner of our hearts and minds.

So I share with you words from The Rt. Rev. Steven Charleston, Native American elder and retired Bishop of Alaska. He posts a beautiful reflection every day on social media. I always find my thoughts, my despair and hope, expressed by his deeply compassionate and insightful mind.

If my heart could be a shield, Ukraine would be safe already. But all our hearts joined together, our voices raised in prayer, will have an impact we may not immediately see, but which will, nonetheless, witness that “love is never absent, even in the deepest conflict.”

Join us for a prayer vigil for the people of Ukraine, and all vulnerable people everywhere.

Episcopal Relief & Development is partnering with Anglican agencies and other ecumenical partners to provide humanitarian aid in response to the refugee crisis caused by the war in Ukraine. Partner with Episcopal Relief & Development by donating to the International Disaster Response Fund. Your support will help meet critical needs for people fleeing the violence including food, cash, blankets and hygiene supplies. Help today | Read more about the response

—Masks are now optional at Trinity. Please read below.

—March birthdays and anniversaries are found below.

RETURN TO DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME!

Sunday, March 13

Spring forward!

You don't want to miss church!

Trinity Episcopal Church is part of Convocation VIII of the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem. Each Convocation is comprised of several churches located close geographically. The other churches in Convocation VIII are Cathedral Church of the Nativity; St. Andrew’s, Allentown; St. George’s, Hellertown; and St. Stephen’s, Whitehall.

Each Convocation has meetings from time to time. They are opportunities to discuss how we may together work towards the Five Priorities of the Diocese:

2) Racial justice and advocacy for the most vulnerable

3) Lay and clergy formation

4) Creating new faith communities

5) Diocesan partnerships

The next meeting of Convocation VIII is Thursday, March 10, at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. We will get a preview of the upcoming Gather 22 event on April 30

Please attend! It would be great to see Trinity equal other parish's attendance at these important Diocesan gatherings.

Click here to register! Remember, we are Convocation VIII!

If the Covid infection rates rise significantly in the weeks ahead, we will return to mandatory masking and no singing. For the time being, let us pray that all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.

March 6, 2022

If you would like to add a name to the church prayer list, please send an email to prayerlist@trinitybeth.org by Wednesday at noon of each week.

We rotate names off the Prayer List on a monthly basis. If you wish for a name to be reinstated on the list, we will happily do that, if you get in touch with us.

To view the coming week's prayer list and announcements, please click here.

This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer)

For Pastoral Care Emergencies, please call the church at (610) 867-4741, x 325. You may leave a message after hours and that message will be sent directly to Pam's personal cell phone. Pam's personal cell phone number is also in the church directory and may be found in Realm. Please be assured that we want to be present to you at times of pastoral need and will offer assistance and support in any way possible.

Any time of year you may purchase gift cards online that grant a percentage of the face value of the card to Trinity. The cards must be purchased with cash or check. A variety of cards that are frequently requested are available for immediate purchase. The extensive list is available at the Great Lakes Scrip website link given below. To purchase or for more information, please contact Pat Sisson by email at rssdbs@aol.com. Click here for: Great Lakes Scrip link

Listen to last Sunday's Sermon! All sermons are now recorded and available on the website. The most recent sermon is on the home page. All others are also available through the Worship tab, under Sunday.

Click here. @TrinityinBethPA

Carolee Garcia, March 5

Sammy Keefer, March 6

Sandra Latshaw, March 7

Bruce Marold, March 7

Cheryl Schramm, March 14

Amedeo DiEdwardo, March 17

Anne Connors, March 18

James Propst, March 20

Tasha Lewis, March 22

Sandy Mesics, March 23

Annie Szmania, March 24

Anna Siftar, March 24

Kendell Milia, March 26

Karen Ernst, March 28

Bill Winterburn, March 30

Owen Lesko, March 31

Evelyn and George Kondash, March 3

Linda Henry and Robert Phillips, March 13

Mary Barnett and Tom Elkins, March 18

Judy and Barry Smith, March 21