Come, Holy Spirit

Dear friends,

As we approach the feast of Pentecost this Sunday, I’m reminded of one of my favorite vignettes in Anglican history, the 1739 conversations between Bishop Joseph Butler and a young priest named John Wesley. Wesley, with his revivalist outdoor preaching, was accused of spreading “enthusiasm” among the people. Bishop Butler told Wesley, “Sir, the pretending to extraordinary revelations and gifts of the Holy Ghost is a horrid thing, a very horrid thing.” Wesley responded, “I pretend to no extraordinary revelations, or gifts of the Holy Ghost: none but what every Christian may receive, and ought to expect and pray for.”

Having attended a Methodist seminary, I confess that I have a soft spot in my heart for John Wesley. In a time when the predominant strain of Anglicanism was heady and philosophical, Wesley called the church to be attentive to the real, powerful work of the Holy Spirit today, not just in history. He reminds Anglicans, and indeed all Christians, that the Holy Spirit is alive and active, changing hearts and transforming minds.

Edgardo Colon-Emeric, Duke’s current Dean of the Divinity School, writes,

When John Wesley first stepped out of the walls of the church in order to reach people working in fields, mines and markets, he preached from the passage from Jesus’ inaugural sermon: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor” (Luke 4:18). This textual choice was not free from controversy. The 18th century dismissed those who talked about the ongoing work of the Spirit as ignorant and irresponsible. 

Against the theological currents of his day, John Wesley refused to limit the Spirit’s presence and power to the age of the apostles or the institutions of the church. The rise of Methodism was for him proof that the power of Pentecost was still at work in the world. The Spirit was still active in history, particularly among the marginalized.

According to Scripture, the love of God is poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit (cf. Romans 5:5). For Wesley, the social dimension of this love is made visible through works of mercy. Pentecost’s power is at work when we feed the hungry, visit the sick and welcome the stranger. It is also at work when we call sinners to repentance and encourage Christians in the way to holiness.

As we look to Pentecost this Sunday, I invite you to pray with me that perilously life-giving prayer: Come, Holy Spirit. I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to enliven and empower our parish for ministry, and set us on fire with love for the God who has given us this Good News to proclaim. 

Yours in Christ,

Pentecost Panini Party

What’s the first thing you think of when you hear the word “Pentecost”? For some people, it’s the sending of the Holy Spirit to the Church. For others, it’s sandwiches! The 20’s-30’s Fellowship will have a Pentecost Panini Party on Saturday, May 25th at 6 PM in Pierce-Bishop Hall. We’ll provide the ingredients and panini presses, you bring yourself and any beverages you’d like to share. RSVP here: https://forms.gle/fUPoG4gxKdp5zwHz8.

Let it Shine

Two weeks ago I attended The Metropolitan Opera premiere of ‘El Niño,” by the contemporary American composer John Adams. The opera is a retelling of the Nativity story through the eyes of the Virgin Mary. It is a mighty work, and worthy of its own reflection, but today I want to focus on one of the stars of the production, bass-baritone Davóne Tines.

Tines is a Juilliard graduate and is one of the most exciting, singular artists on the classical music scene today. He can interpret a Bach aria and match the mighty work with equal aplomb. Tines and his band Davóne Tines & The Truth just released their first recording, ‘Let it Shine,’ and I have been listening to it nonstop for the past week.

‘Let it Shine’ is a reimagining of the familiar spiritual ‘This Little Light of Mine,’ and the way it builds on a simple motif is powerful and overwhelming. The structure brings to mind Ravel’s ‘Bolero’ and the layering techniques of Phillip Glass. Tines also filters his artistry through his very personal lens of Blackness and queerness, resulting in an output that is quite unique.

I invite you to listen to the recording, several times at full volume (link here), and explore with me — as well as your friends and family and community — the following questions:

Jesus said, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:1). What does it mean for Christians to let our lives shine before others? In which ways are we doing or not doing this in our daily lives? And how can we apply it more fully in our lives?

Davóne Tines’s rendition almost bursts at the seams with exuberance, but the musical structure is scrupulously maintained. How do we exist within God’s structure (protection might be a better word here) and still “let it shine?”

Albert Camus wrote, “The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion,” and the Apostle Paul declares,“For freedom Christ has set us free!” (Galatians 5:1). How is letting your light at its fullest and brightest revolutionary? What are the things of this world that try to limit the brightness and freedom of children of God living into their most authentic selves? How do we as Christians lift others to freedom?

Parish Picnic

On Sunday, June 2, after the 10am service, we invite you join us for a joyous communal picnic on the lawn.

Volunteers are needed for set up, clean up, and to bring individual desserts. Please email Carol Brooks-Thomas at carolbrooksthomas@gmail.com to sign up.

In Gratitude for Connor and Emily

Dear Friends of Trinity Church,

Trinity is blessed with an amazing, gifted staff. They make the administrative life of the church happen, they care for our building, and they develop and implement programming for our parish. On Sunday, June 2, we will say farewell to two staff members who have been faithful and stalwart members of our staff through challenging times. 

Emily Pruszinski led our family ministries through the challenges of COVID, caring for our families through online activities and re-invigoring our youth group even as they met on Zoom in the height of the pandemic. She also has been a key part of our Vacation Bible School program that we share with other churches. Connor Fluharty led Trinity’s music program through one of the most difficult situations possible. He stepped in to provide steady leadership when it was needed the most, and for that we will always be grateful. 

We would like to acknowledge their faithful service with a special monetary gift. If you would like to contribute, you may send a check marked “Connor and Emily” to Lily at the parish office, or donate online at trinityprinceton.org/giving. If you give online, make sure to include the purpose of your gift in the appropriate box on the form. Please send in your gifts by Wednesday, May 29. 

We hope you will join us at church to thank them in person on June 2, which will also be Choir Sunday and our Parish Picnic. See you then! 

Yours faithfully in Christ,

Kara Slade                                             David Schneider
Associate Rector                                     Senior Warden

In Gratitude: Remember

Happy Derby Day from Fr. Paul!

Sabbatical

IN GRATITUDE: REMEMBER, REFLECT, AND RENEW

Journeying Through the Seasons of Life with Christ and One Another

Sustain us, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit.
Give us inquiring and discerning hearts,

 the courage to will and to persevere,

 a spirit to know and to love you,

and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works. 

Amen.

Dear Good People of Trinity,

Tomorrow, I will drive to Kentucky and spend a few days with my mother before heading to the Abbey of Gethsemane for a week-long silent retreat.  Upon my return, there will be a couple of days to prepare before my family and I embark on our exciting adventure to Kenya.  

I am deeply grateful for the gift of this time away. I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who worked so hard to prepare the grant proposal and the subsequent planning and preparation that made this opportunity possible. 

I was profoundly moved on Sunday by your kind words and gestures, sending forth me and my family with great love and support. What a blessing it is to serve as your rector! 

With gratitude and love,

Rogation Procession

Join us for the annual Rogation Procession this Sunday after the 10:30 service. We will gather at the front doors outside the narthex and process around the block to offer prayers for our neighbors and to celebrate the goodness of God’s creation.