Trinity Episcopal Church

RECTOR'S MESSAGE

Welcome back! I mean, if you've been away. As is so often the case in the summer, we didn't see everyone every Sunday, but hopefully you spent your time away going to nice places and getting in a little rest and relaxation before the start of another busy season.

I have always been a huge fan of fall. Not only does it surround me with my favorite colour palate and wonderful smells, but it also has always signified for me new beginnings. Even more than spring, fall is the start of so much - the school year, the program year for so many organizations, the return of comfortable weather (and cozy clothing!), the beginning of the (brace yourself) holiday season (which I say begins with Halloween). Shopping for Robbie's school supplies got me all excited, even if he was too uninterested to participate. And over the next couple of weeks, I'll be downstairs, checking on our Sunday School supplies, cleaning up, and getting ready.

Once again, we're going to see a few changes to our Sunday School program. The oldest group will not be having a regular Sunday School class during church. Instead, 7th graders through high school will be in church - they're plenty old enough and mature enough to handle "regular" worship, and if they're worried about being bored, they should definitely volunteer to be acolytes! Donna Reed will continue to be actively involved with them, but we're going to explore some new and different ways to do that, and I feel confident that it's going to bring a new vitality to the faith experience of our young people.

Two Sunday School classes will meet every Sunday, beginning on September 11th. The youngest group will be for ages K-3rd, with the possibility of including pre-K kids. Fourth, fifth and sixth graders will use the middle classroom. We're working on an engaging, Bible-based curriculum that will encourage the knowledge and love of scripture in our kids, and we really hope that everyone takes advantage!

We are also reinstating our Cherub Room. Volunteers from both services will rotate through Sundays, providing nursery care for our youngest members, so that their parents can worship in relative peace. Children will join their parents at the Peace. If we wish to invite, welcome and retain new families, this is one way to do it.

All of this, in addition to our usual fall offerings, means that it will be another busy season at Trinity. Your participation is very important - not only your donations of time, talent, and treasure, but also just showing up for worship and fellowship. Every single member is important to the whole!

Looking forward to a great fall!

•  Not too much unbearably hot weather!
•  Peggy Ofuokwu, Kat Wiley, and a host of young volunteers who helped pull of another terrific Vacation Bible School!
•  Ernie Olson, for installing window AC units just before the aforementioned VBS got going. Sure came in handy!
•  Mike Lottie, a hundred times over, for dealing with a very.unfortunate situation in the downstairs bathroom. AND for cleaning up the outside of the church prior to a recent wedding. Tireless!
•  Irene Bonn, for being a crucial go-to wedding person. You make what I do so much easier!
•  Charlie Morse the younger, for providing music for us all summer long. That really took guts, Charlie, as well as a good deal of your valuable time. I don't have enough words to express my thanks to you!
•  Our young people, for coming out on a summer weeknight to talk about the coming program year and figure out what we're going to do about it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and your time!
•  My wonderful Sunday School teachers, past and future. Hoping that you're looking forward to a new year as much as I am!
•  Joyce Joseph, for taking over the newsletter once again, and a BIG thanks to John and Carol Lutts, who handled it so well for so long!

LAY READERS NEEDED!

Licensed lay readers assist at the worship services on Sunday morning, reading scripture, praying on behalf of the people, and distributing the wine at communion. We could use a few more volunteers for this important and deeply fulfilling job. You don't have to do both services if that presents a hardship! If you are interested in volunteering, please speak to Ann Merriman or Sarah - soon! Remember - everyone in the church needs a job.

LOOKING AHEAD - ST. FRANCIS DAY IS COMING!

The Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi is observed by the church on October 4th, the date of his death. St. Francis is renowned both for his extreme dedication to "Holy Poverty" and to his Lord Jesus Christ as well as for his particular love and affinity for animals. On Sunday afternoon, October 2nd, Trinity Church will celebrate St. Francis with a Blessing of the Animals and mini St. Francis Festival. As we've done in the past, this celebration is very family friendly, and includes crafts, games, and snacks, as well as the blessing of any and all family pets. Mark your calendars now, and don't forget to bring a friend - human or otherwise!

PARISH HAPPENINGS

I want to express my sincere thanks for the many cards and notes of encouragement I received during my recent illness. It was so very comforting to know good thoughts and prayers were around me. "Trinity family" is always so caring and supportive.
Thank you one and all!

PARISH SUPPER

September 24
Ham and Baked Beans
Potato Salad and coleslaw
Boston Cream Pie and Beverage
$9.00
with family rates available

Three MONTHS of Sundays!

Any news contact Joyce at newsletter@trinityrockland.org