Tidings from Trinity, May 26, 2022

May 26, 2022---

From the Rector

Happy Ascension Day!

In a modern world, where we no longer accept a three-tiered universe, the Ascension of Jesus may seem difficult both to picture and to interpret. Contemporary theologian Bruce Epperly suggests that “what seems to be happening in the Ascension is Jesus turning over of his mission to his followers.” Epperly insists that for Jesus’ followers to grow fully into their mission, he had to give them space to grow. “God encourages freedom, creativity, and loving interdependence,” he says, “balancing our initiative and independence with our responsibilities to one another.” Jesus’ departure was the end of his earthly ministry, but also the “beginning of the Spirit-filled church.”

Epperly’s interpretation is intriguing. You can all of it here, if you are interested. But I am also intrigued by the mystical and cosmic spin that The Rev. Steve Garnaas-Holmes offers in his poem below:

Ascension Day

Thus it is written that the Anointed One is to suffer

and to rise from the dead on the third day,

and that repentance and forgiveness of sins

is to be proclaimed to all nations

in the name of the Anointed One.

You are witnesses of these things.

—Luke24:46-48

It's all one thing, this loop,

in which the Beloved ascends

not into distant heavens

but into the suffering of the world,

and radiates forgiveness

that changes people,

who rise into a wounded world

to proclaim altered lives

and the miracle of ascending

from suffering to forgiveness,

of which we are witnesses,

even this very day,

rising to begin again.

I like the idea that Jesus does not descend into a distant heaven, "somewhere up there." There is no "up" in space, not really. Heaven is the dwelling place of God, but God dwells in and among all creation, as scripture affirms over and over. So Jesus' Ascension was perhaps trans-dimensional, and as the poet says, "into the suffering world," so that we may rise, as Jesus rose, over and over again, "rising to begin again." Amen.

Blessings,

Pam+

To read Bruce Epperly's article on the Ascension, click here .

To read more of Steve Garnaas-Holmes' poems, click here .

The Feast of the Ascension and beyond

Thursday, May 26, is the Feast of the Ascension. Millard Cook offers a novena to pray for the days from May 26 to Pentecost Sunday. To view, click here .

Trinity protocol for public worship

May 13, 2022

Masks are now mandatory until further notice.
We still encourage social distancing of six feet. Family and friends who are within each others' circles may sit together.
Shaking hands and hugging are still discouraged. Bowing and peace signs are encouraged.
Congregational singing is allowed, with masks. The choral scholars will also sing with masks.

After Worship Refreshments

Suspended until

further notice

Events and Remembrances

A Prayer

for

Memorial Day

As we pause to lift our hearts and minds in prayer, let us be mindful of those who have laid sown their lives in the service of their country.

O God we ask your strength, that we might dedicate ourselves to perfecting your kingdom of peace and justice among nations. Let us give thanks for the many blessings of freedom which we possess, purchased at the cost of many lives and sacrifices. Fill us with courage to fulfill our tasks and in no way break faith with the fallen. We commend these fallen to your mercy and ask that you give them eternal rest. This we ask and pray in your name. Amen.

From Refuge and Strength: Prayers for the Military and their Families by Thomas W. Edwards, Jr. (Church Publishing, 2008).

Photo by Millard Cook, at Nisky Hill Cemetery.

Please note: Trinity Episcopal Church office will be closed on Monday, May 30, in observation of Memorial Day.

Do you have questions about your faith? Most people do, and most find it challenging to get answers. Education for Ministry (EfM) was developed by the School of Theology in Sewanee, Tennessee, to provide a mechanism for people to work through those questions. This four-year course of study provides the framework for the group to connect faith to their daily lives through reading and discussion.

Meeting once a week in small groups with people from your neighborhood or in virtual groups, led by mentors trained to facilitate the experience, you will begin to think theologically, reflect faithfully, and speak civilly when confronted by beliefs and principles in opposition to your own. And that’s something we can all appreciate in today’s world.

By being an EfM participant, you will learn how to articulate your faith. You will learn how to shape your faith into action. You will become involved in ministries in your community, and you will make a difference.

Since its inception in 1975, more than 100,000 people have participated in this vital program. EfM groups meet regionally in nearly every diocese of The Episcopal Church, in six provinces of the Anglican Communion, and some in virtual classrooms with participants from across the globe. We would love to have you join us!

Nativity Cathedral has an EfM group that meets on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:30pm from September through May. Additional groups are possible if there is interest.

If you would like more information about EfM you can click here for more information.

For more information, please contact Cathy Bailey, Diocesan EfM coordinator,

at cathybaileynnp@gmail.com.

If you are interested in attending

this important event, click here for more information.

Ukraine

Would you like to help?

Partner with Episcopal Relief & Development by donating to the International Disaster Response Fund. Your support will help meet critical needs for Ukrainians fleeing the violence including food, cash, blankets and hygiene supplies. Help today | Read more about the response

Livestreaming at Trinity

The Sixth Sunday of Easter

May 29, 2022

Click here to attend 10:30 service via livestreaming.

To view the bulletin for the service, click here.

To read the announcement about live-streaming to Facebook (in addition to Vimeo and to the webpage), please use this link.

Pastoral Care

Prayer Requests

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)

Pastoral Care Emergencies

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.

Information and Communication

Gift cards always available through Scrip!

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

Trinity Episcopal Church Website, click here.

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.