New beginnings are happening at Trinity!
Getting started in a new ministry is a careful balance of learning about a community, how it moves and worships, and what is important to it, and sharing your own ideas about the future. Let me start by saying I think the Trinity community has a lovely rhythm and worship style. Now, I am discerning what goals to set for the future and my role in helping Trinity achieve them.
I have added new worship services to our worship schedule. Beginning July 14th, we will have an 8 am Holy Eucharist, using Rite I, and a 10:30 am Holy Eucharist, using Rite II, with music. Please find time in your Sunday to join us for one of those. I also hope to see some of you remain after the service for a period of fellowship in our beautiful Parish Hall. Our time in community is meant to be more than worship; we are meant to spend time in fellowship, listening to and loving one another, and learning about the needs of our community members. As Hebrews 10: 24-25 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
In addition to the 8 am Eucharist on Sundays, I have added a mid-week Holy Eucharist with healing on Wednesdays at 12:15 pm. I have come to love a healing service. James 5:14-15 says, “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.” Who amongst us could not use a touch of healing from some hurt, some pain, some sin we want to have washed clean? Please bring whatever you are carrying to this very special service on any given Wednesday.
Finally, on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, I have added Morning Prayer at 9:15 am. If you have limited experience with the Daily Office, I encourage you to join one of these services. Our lives are always busy, always pulling us in a million different directions; starting the day with this short prayer service allows us to center the rest of our day around the One who loves us and walks with us through all our challenges.
We have also added Evening Prayer at 5:00 pm on Tuesdays, followed by a Bible Study of the Sunday Lectionary Readings at 5:30 pm.
Where does your talent lie? We have a few committee opportunities. Can you find a few hours a month to serve on any of these: Hospitality, Buildings and Grounds, Christmas Festival, Eucharistic Home Ministers, Worship, Outreach, Preschool, or Stewardship? I am happy to share what the work entails and the time commitment, but overall, this should be a maximum of a few hours each month. Being a strong and vibrant church community requires the time and talent of a strong laity. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” 1 Peter 4:10.
I am eager for you to get to know me better and for me to get to know you, too. It is hard to lead and serve a group of people you have yet to take the time to meet and get to know. Whether you attend regularly on Sunday or not, I want to meet you. We can talk about the church or not. I want to know who you are and how I can best serve you, whether that serving happens at the altar or not. To make this easier, please check your calendars for days and times that work for you. I will begin making calls this week, but you do not need to wait that long. You will see my calendar and availability using this link: https://calendly.com/kris-epiwla. It is updated constantly, so you always know when I’m available and can schedule a time that fits your schedule. If you cannot find a time that works for you on Calendly, please email me, and we can find a time together.
Thank you again for calling me into this community; I could not be happier to be here! I look forward to building our relationship together and seeing Trinity continue to grow in love for God and one another. I hope to see you all soon!
Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven
and earth, hear our prayers for this parish family. Strengthen
the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent.
Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring
us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. – “For the Parish,” BCP, 817.
Blessings and peace,
Mother Kris+