Do you need a little Advent music? Check out some Advent playlists from Trinity staff on Spotify.
Kara's Advent playlist features contemporary versions of classic Advent hymns, plus some newer songs in the contemporary Christian genre:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4bvxy4vpm1DtXAhw39eqjL?si=cef84698c5e344d1
Meg has put together a playlist of the music from this year's Advent Lessons and Carols:
We hope you enjoy these musical treats for the season.
Dear Good People of Trinity Church,
In his book, To Bless the Space Between Us, John O’Donohue writes:
“In the parched deserts of postmodernity a blessing can be like the discovery of a fresh well. It would be lovely if we could rediscover our power to bless one another. I believe each of us can bless. When a blessing is invoked, it changes the atmosphere. Some of the plenitude flows into our hearts from the invisible neighborhood of loving kindness. In the light and reverence of blessing, a person or situation becomes illuminated in a completely new way. In a dead wall a new window opens, in dense darkness a path starts to glimmer, and into a broken heart healing falls like morning dew. It is ironic that so often we continue to live like paupers though our inheritance of spirit is so vast. The quiet eternal that dwells in our souls is silent and subtle; in the activity of blessing it emerges to embrace and nurture us. Let us begin to learn how to bless one another. Whenever you give a blessing, a blessing returns to enfold you.”
May we, on this Thanksgiving Day, find ourselves filled with gratitude for the many gifts that God has given us, and in doing so rediscover our power to bless one another. Undoubtedly changed, may God’s loving kindness and blessing flow abundantly from our hearts in all that we do and say so that the parched deserts of this world will overflow with the wellspring of God’s love.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Paul
A Litany of Thanksgiving
Let us give thanks to God for all the gifts so freely bestowed upon us.
For the beauty and wonder of your creation, in earth and sky and sea.
We thank you, Lord.
For all that is gracious in our lives, revealing the image of Christ,
We thank you, Lord.
For our daily food and drink, our homes and families, and our friends,
We thank you, Lord.
For minds to think, and hearts to love, and hands to serve,
We thank you, Lord.
For health and strength to work, and leisure to rest and play,
We thank you, Lord.
For the brave and courageous, who are patient in suffering and faithful in adversity,
We thank you, Lord.
For all valiant seekers after truth, liberty, and justice,
We thank you, Lord.
For the communion of saints, in all times and places,
We thank you, Lord.
Above all, we give you thanks for the great mercies and promises given to us in Christ Jesus our Lord;
To God be praise and glory, with you, O Father, and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
Collect for Thanksgiving Day
Almighty and gracious Father, we give you thanks for the fruits of the earth in their season and for the labors of those who harvest them. Make us, we pray, faithful stewards of your great bounty, for the provision of our necessities and the relief of all who are in need, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Join us for a writing workshop led by Dr. Elaine Pagels.
Assisted by Dr. Nithila Peter.
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
December 7th, December 12th,December 21rst,2023
January 11th and January 18th - 2024
(full capacity - around 10 - 12)
Email - nithilapeter@eileads.com or sladek@princetontrinity.org to sign up.
We welcome those willing to explore the process of writing—in the key of memoir, about something you've experienced—recently, or long ago, or whatever! It could be about an experience or moment that has been meaningful, or a turning point, a surprising ending of some episode—whatever you decide. We'd suggest that you consider writing one to five pages a week, and, when you're ready, share what you're writing with the rest of us. We're looking forward to the challenge of just starting in, seeing what happens; often unexpectedly rewarding.
Dr. Elaine Pagels joined the Princeton faculty in 1982, shortly after receiving a MacArthur Fellowship. Perhaps best known as the author of The Gnostic Gospels, The Origin of Satan, and Adam, Eve and the Serpent, she has published widely on Gnosticism and early Christianity, and continues to pursue research interests in late antiquity. She has also written one personal book - Why Religion. This writing workshop is inspired by that experience.
Dr. Nithila Peter works as counsel and coach for emotional intelligence and the leadership journey @ Princeton, NJ. She writes mini-memoirs and EI life-work/work-life stories. She will assist Elaine in the writing workshop.
Join Kara for an Advent book group, Monday evenings on Zoom at 7 PM starting on November 27th. We'll read Heaven and Earth: Advent and the Incarnation by Will Willimon of Duke Divinity School, former Dean of Duke University Chapel and United Methodist Bishop.
Are you vaguely middle-aged, with kids or without? Join us for the launch of Oregon Trailblazers at Trinity at our Liturgical New Year's Eve party! We'll get together on Saturday, December 2, from 6-8 PM at the church to ring in Advent. Bring your kids if you'd like and we will make sure they leave with you - alive. Contact Kara for details (sladek@trinityprinceton.org).
Evensong with choral music by Bernard Rose, Betty Jackson King, and George Dyson, sung by the Trinity Adult Choir.
Bring a donation to help our community prepare for Thanksgiving. Bring food items to donate to Arm In Arm, or make a monetary gift at the offertory. All funds raised at Evensong will be donated to Arm In Arm.
Dear Beloved Vestry and Staff,
What a fantastic day yesterday! Wonderful worship, a positive and energized annual meeting, exciting newcomers gathering at the rectory (see photos attached), a beautiful compline service with over 50 people in attendance, and the youth group had a great night watching the Barbie movie followed by discussion. (There is a lot more going on in the film than you might think!)
Congratulations to Chris, Nicole, Steve, and Amelia! Welcome to the team. Here we go! Thank you for your willingness to serve as the Vestry Class of 2026!
Deep gratitude to Elaine, Clancy, and Spencer for your three years of faithful service. You have each brought wonderful gifts and insights to our team. Thank you!!
I echo my sentiments from yesterday. How incredibly blessed we are to have Kara, Wesley, Emily, Meg, Connor, Lily, Annie, Char, Enrique, and Roberto! Our staff is truly exceptional, and it is a blessing to work with you.
On a personal note, I would also like to extend my profound thanks for your kindness and care. You took me completely by surprise. I had no idea that anything was "in the works." I spoke with Christina yesterday and read her the letter. She was incredibly moved by your words of appreciation and your most kind offer to have a living memorial for her mother on the grounds of Trinity. I can't tell you how much that means to her and our family. November 10 was the fifth anniversary of Abuela's death, and November 11 was Christina's birthday. Thank you! Thank you!
And I truly believe what I said in the sermon. For though -- 190 years old, dear Trinity Church - believe or not…God is just getting started with us, and this is only the beginning. Forward faith and all to the glory of God.
Peace and Blessings,
Paul
Starting this Sunday, November 12, we will be offering a new program called Playful Worship for young children during the 10:30 a.m. service!
Here is a brief summary of the details, followed by a short explanation.
What: Playful Worship
Who: Children ages PreK(4) - 3rd Grade
Where: Thomas Room (next to the Kitchen) - need help finding this space? Ask one of the Ushers for help.
When: 10:20 a.m. until approximately 11 a.m. (or during the announcements).
Alex Englert, a parent in our parish with two young, energetic children, has offered to lead this program each week. This is an opportunity for children from PreK(4) through 3rd grade to engage in worship by practicing a bit of stillness, and plenty of movement.
Alex will lead prayer, activities, and games for the kids during the first half of the 10:30 a.m. service. Then, he will bring the kids to rejoin the main service during the announcements, so that families can partake of the Eucharist together.
In order to help this program succeed, we need parental volunteers! If your child will participate in this program, please sign up to help with supervision at least twice between now and the end of May 2024. Use the following LINK.
Families can bring their children to the Thomas Room between 10:20 and 10:30 for drop-off. Children must be in PreK (4 year old) and be fully independent in the bathroom.
Play clothes and outdoor layers encouraged!