Dear Beloved of Trinity Church,

Monday morning, I went into the church and sat for a little while. I wanted some quiet time to reflect upon what we had experienced the day before. I sat there thinking about the wonderful feeling of life and vitality that we experienced during our Kick-off Celebration. The church was filled as it had not been for several years due to Covid. The glorious anthem, I was glad, that the choir sang so beautifully, echoed lovingly in my mind. The children and young people with joy and excitement beautifully shining on their faces as they gathered for the Blessing of the Backpacks. The image of everyone flexing their muscles and saying, “We are brave enough to show compassion. We are brave enough to love.” The creation of our welcome video, “Come pray with us! Come serve with us! Come sing with us, Come grow with us!”

The line of people coming with outstretched hands and open hearts to receive communion. The children sending us forth into the world proclaiming, “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia!” The Parish Hall filled to capacity for our Kick-off picnic, brought inside due to rain, but the inclement weather did not dampen our spirit and enthusiasm. Longtime members and new members and first-time visitors eating, talking, laughing, and sharing together. I could go on and on with the sights, sounds, and emotions that marked this vibrant and spirit-filled morning. What a day! What a glorious day of celebration, life, and new beginnings. This fall is indeed a time of new beginnings, and it is filled with opportunities for you to live more fully into the community that is Trinity Church. I invite and encourage you to explore how the Holy Spirit may be presenting an opportunity for you to pray, serve, sing, learn, or grow in a new way. God is indeed alive and at work at Trinity and in each one of us. Forward in faith we go!

Peace and blessings to all,

The Rev. Paul Jeanes III, Rector