From the Senior Warden

Fall 2009 at Trinity, “A Bounty of Opportunities”

Well, now that summer’s behind us, a mere glance at Trinity’s calendar will quickly reveal that parish life here offers a bountiful and varied menu of programs and worship for all. The opportunities include those from the annual events in our Episcopal Church calendar, to traditional Trinity events, and new offerings that have been developed and recently have come to fruition. I will not attempt to mention all, as the calendar is included in every edition of The Messenger newsletter for your own perusal. Rather I shall just highlight a few new or most notable of varied activities in our parish that perhaps have changed and/or grown over the past few years.

At the time of this writing the ministry fair “Bounties of Trinity” was to be held on October 25th and is a great experience for new comers and us older comers as well. We view, review and celebrate the many programs and gifts of ministry, which we have been given. Chairperson Cindy Raff presented her plans to the vestry last month during their standing report item, on their regular vestry agenda. The fair is a wonderful forum displaying the quantity and quality of ministries here at Trinity. Many thanks to Cindy Raff and her team for making the Ministry Fair such a meaningful event over the last several years. 

One of the exciting additions to our worship and education offerings is a new program offered to our younger parishioners, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. This is a worship and educational program for 3 year olds thru kindergarten. As of this writing, as director Maura Joyce shared with me at coffee hour this morning, we have 17 children participating in this presentation of religious education curriculum.

Rooms 3 and 5, which previously housed the nursery now located in the TENS room, have been transformed into the Atrium‐ “ beautiful place for children to be”‐ to experience and reflect on the word of God. To experience a feeling of joy and peace just take a look thru the window on your way to the 10:15 service.

Father David’ energy and emphasis on adult education this fall offers a variety of opportunity. With a variety of times and days provided, this schedule is proving to offer something that will fit into all our busy lives. Bible studies and adult workshops will carry through fall and into the three‐advent programs beginning in December. As I am writing to you the first two weeks of Wednesday Bible Study and Thursday Adult classes have occurred with very satisfying participation.

The All Hallow's Eve celebration will have happened by the time the November edition of The Messenger arrives in your mailbox but must be acknowledged. It has been growing in popularity over the past few years and, with the plans that are in place, it promises to really be somthing this year. Youthful fun for all ages, and great food, will certainly have provided an ever-growing parish activity of worship, fellowhip and just a plaiin old good time.

The traditional Advent Lessons and Carols service on December 6th is an important way to embrace the Advent season through beautiful music and scripture. This year, it will be followed by a Trinity youth sponsored event "Bread Of the World Supper."

The events mentioned here are only of few. Watch your bulletins and next month’s Messenger for so many opportunites to come which are still being planned and developed for out bountiful parish life.

In thanksgiving for the parish of Trinity Episcopal Church,

Jeff Apmadoc, Senior Warden