I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God's holy Word. – BCP p. 265
Dear friends,
This season of Lent is an opportunity for each of us to turn and return to God. It’s a time to slow down and re-focus our lives on the things that really matter. Most importantly, it’s a time for deepening our relationship with God in Christ through worship, learning, and fellowship. I invite you to join us at Trinity Church as we walk these holy days of Lent together.
Here’s a schedule of what’s going on at Trinity during this season:
Sundays at 9:30 AM: God of Grace and God of Glory
The hymn “God of Grace and God of Glory” was written in 1930 by Harry Emerson Fosdick for the occasion of the opening service and dedication of the Riverside Church in New York City. It is a prayer that God will grant to the Church wisdom, strength, and courage to be witnesses to God’s grace in challenging times – and all times are challenging in their own ways. Join Paul and Kara for the Adult Forum during Lent, as we discuss the verses of this hymn and what they may say to us today.
Sunday afternoons: Confirmation Classes
There will be programs for both youth and adults to prepare for confirmation at the Easter Vigil, but you don’t have to be planning to be confirmed in order to participate.
Youth: Confirmation class with Donte at 6 PM on Sundays
Adults: Episcopal 101 with Kara at 2 PM on Sundays in the Thomas Room. Adults interested in confirmation, reception, reaffirmation of faith, or just interested in a refresher on the Episcopal Church are warmly invited to attend.
Mondays at 5:30 PM: Book Discussion on Passions of the Soul by Rowan Williams
Join Madeline Polhill for a discussion of the short book Passions of the Soul by Rowan Williams. In this book, former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams explores how the writing of Eastern Orthodox Christians can help us understand our lives today. The publisher’s description explains, “With compelling and illuminating insight, [Williams] shows the cost of living in a culture that is theologically and philosophically undernourished, working with a diminished and trivialized picture of the human self. The Eastern tradition teaches us how to develop our self-knowledge and awareness, so that we can relate to the world without selfish illusions. Only then can we be ready for our eyes to be opened to God, and avoid destructive patterns of behaviour.” For more information, contact Madeline at madeline.polhill@ptsem.edu.
Wednesdays at 5:30 PM: Eucharist, Dinner, and Lent program: Tbe ‘I am’ statements of Jesus
Our Wednesday evening program begins with Eucharist at 5:30, followed by dinner at 6 and program at 6:30. Each week, we will focus on one of the “I am” statements of Jesus.
March 12: “I am the bread of life” with Paul
March 19: “I am the light of the world” with Noa
March 26: “I am the resurrection and the life” with Richard
April 2: “I am the way, the truth, and the life” and “I am the true vine” with Paul
April 9: “I am the Good Shepherd” and “I am the door” with Kara
Fridays at 12:15 PM: Friday Concert and Eucharist
Joseph Ferguson, Trinity’s Associate Director of Music, is curating a series of brief lunchtime concerts for Lent. Each concert will be followed by a simple service of the Holy Eucharist. It’s a wonderful way to end the week in the presence of God and in celebration of the beauty of holiness.
Weekdays at 7:45 AM and 5:00 PM: The Daily Office
If you’ve never experienced the Daily Office, and if you’re curious about a regular prayer practice in community, join us at 7:45 AM or 5 PM for Morning and Evening Prayer, either in the Michael Chapel or on Zoom. It’s a wonderful way to start or end your day.
I encourage each one of you to choose at least one of these programs and make a commitment to attend weekly. On behalf of the entire staff, Wardens, and Vestry, I wish you every blessing in this most holy season.
Yours in Christ,
Kara+