They love their friends truly who love God in them, either because God is already in them, or in order that God might be in them.
— St. Augustine of Hippo, Sermon 361.1em>
At the heart of [abundant life] is friendship. For it is through friendship that our willful loneliness...is overwhelmed. Friendship is not the desperate attempt, based on our presumption we must manipulate another to recognize us, but rather friendship in the Christian tradition names such an engagement that we call worship. For it is in worship that we discover that we are related to one another in ways that we could not imagine, by being made friends with God through the sharing of the body and blood of Christ. That is why the world should stand and wonder of these people called Christian, because they would say see how they love one another. How wonderful it is to simply be given in this life something to do. We can pray. We can worship. We can be friends, because those are not activities that can be used up.
— Stanley Hauerwas, “Abundant Life,” Lecture at the Trinity Institute
In the past, we've shared with you before the four pillars of spiritual growth: weekly participation in the Eucharist, engagement with Scripture, regular prayer outside of church, and fellowship. Much of our adult formation programming has focused on the first three of those pillars: the sacraments, the teachings of the church, Scripture, and prayer. But now we are coming back together after a time of being apart, of having opportunities for fellowship tragically limited. What’s more, we have heard from many of you about how much you wish we had more opportunities to be together as a community. This year, we’re going to do something about that.
Christian friendship is one of the greatest gifts we can share with each other — an opportunity to know each other and to be known, a place to grow towards God together. This, too, is formation. It’s a way of learning by doing, by loving one another in a Christ-shaped love.
Both in our Adult Forum time between services, and in other gatherings throughout the program year, we will have the opportunity to be with each other. For some, this may mean renewing old friendships. For others, it may mean getting to know the Trinity community for the first time. Here are a few fellowship ‘teasers’ for the coming year:
First Sunday breakfasts will return with no agenda, just good conversation.
Common Grounds Café will return to the other half of Pierce Hall between the services.
Book groups will return for learning and small group discussion.
Fellowship and social opportunities will be expanded for members at various stages of life — from children, youth, and families, to 20s and 30s, to older parishioners.
And, of course, we will celebrate throughout the year with the special events you know and love around the holidays and at other times.
It is our hope and my prayer that in the year ahead, each member of Trinity will find one place where they can grow in Christian friendship with others. And if you have ideas, please give Paul, Joanne, or me a shout. We want to hear from you - and we're excited about everything coming up in the fall.
The Rev. Cn. Dr. Kara N. Slade, Associate Rector
P.S., What’s the deal with the postcards? If your last name starts with "A," you might have already received a postcard from us. Or, you might receive one soon! We have begun the process of slowly praying through the entire parish roster at Morning Prayer. We'll send you a postcard to let you know that your name was lifted up in prayer that day at Trinity Church. Hopefully it will come as a reminder of God's love for you - and of our love for you here at Trinity.