Trinity Topics January 31, 2025

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DEAR FRIENDS

Speaking truth and standing for justice in a world that does not want to hear it is tough. It’s one thing, I think, most of us can agree on. And this reality is not a new one. Luke Chapter 4 concludes with people who were so upset with Jesus, that they tried to throw him off a cliff after listening to him talk about the prophet Isaiah’s words. I have given some sermons in my time, but none have been received like that. To pray into a kin-dom we seek as followers of The Way takes bravery and a deeply rooted faith; much more than we like to admit.

Sherre Owens Smith, a dearly departed friend and former Trinity member, invited me to her home for lunch one afternoon. I had mentioned that I was prepping for that week’s prayer service and needed a setting of the Prayers of the People. She introduced me to the Litany for Social Justice, from the Office of Young Adult and Campus Ministries of the Episcopal Church. To say I was moved was an understatement; it was exactly what I needed and has become a staple during our chapel services ever since.

I share these with you all today, so our lips, hearts, and minds continue to bend towards a world of justice. May we continue to seek it in the streets.

Prayers of the People: A Litany for Social Justice, Office of Young Adult and Campus Ministries of the Episcopal Church

Intercessor: Creator of All, you have promised to hear when we pray in the name of your Son. Therefore, in confidence and trust we pray for the Church. God, enliven the Church for its mission:
People: That we may be salt of the earth and light to the world.

Intercessor: Breathe fresh life into your people.
People: Give us power to reveal Christ in word and action.

Intercessor: Creator of all, lead us and every people into ways of justice and peace.
People: That we may respect one another in freedom and truth.

Intercessor: Awaken in us a sense of wonder for the earth and all that is in it.
People: Teach us to care creatively for its resources.

Intercessor: God of truth, inspire with your wisdom those whose decisions affect the lives of others,
People: That all may act with integrity and courage.

Intercessor: Give grace to all whose lives are linked with ours.
People: May we serve Christ in one another, and love as he loves us.

Intercessor: We pray for those on our Trinity Prayer List, and those we now name silently or aloud. (All are invited to offer their prayers silently or aloud at this time.) God of hope, comfort and restore all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit.
People: May they know the power of your healing love.

Intercessor: Make us willing agents of your compassion.
People: Strengthen us as we share in making people whole.

Intercessor: Give comfort to those who mourn.
People: Bring them peace in their time of loss.

Intercessor: We praise you for all your saints who have entered your eternal glory.
People: May their example inspire and encourage us.

Intercessor: Lord, you have called us to serve you.
People: Grant that we may walk in your presence: your love in our hearts, your truth in our minds, your strength in our wills; until, at the end of our journey, we know the joy of our homecoming and the welcome of your embrace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Come, Lord Jesus, do not delay; give new courage to your people, who trust in your love. By your coming, raise us to share in the joy of your kingdom on earth as in heaven, where you live and reign, one God for ever and ever.

Amen.

Grace and peace,
George Benson (he/him)

OFFERINGS OF SUPPORT AND PRAYERS IN THE MAIL

On Sunday, January 26, we had an opportunity to send our prayers and expressions of support to Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. On Monday morning, 40 cards were dropped in the mail! Thanks to all who took the time to fill out a card between the service and annual meeting! It's not too late to send your support. Cards and letters can be sent to Bishop Budde at:

The Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde

Episcopal Church House

Mount St. Alban

Washington, DC 20016

There is no deadline for sending cards. It's likely that she and her staff will appreciate receiving them for some time.

FEBRUARY-AT-A-GLANCE

Save these dates to help with the Plaza!

Saturday, February 22 9:30-11:00 a.m. in My Brother's Place Purpose: Planning the plaza project for 2025

Saturday, April 5 9:30-11:00 a.m. in My Brother's Place Purpose: We will design all of the beds on the plaza, and decide how to phase in the scope of work during 2025 and 2026.

Saturday, May 3 9:30 a.m.-12:00 noon on the Plaza Purpose: Plaza work day to 1) do spring clean up of 3 planted beds, and 2) spread soil and compost in all of the beds. We will have the bags of soil and compost delivered up to the plaza level by an outside vendor before that.

Saturday, May 10 1:00-4:00 p.m. on the Plaza Purpose: Afternoon plaza work day to plant the plants we buy at the Wild Ones plant sale on the morning of May 10.

NEW WORSHIP TEAM MEMBER

Welcome to parishioner, Josh Buckner, who will be dedicated to overseeing the livestream service each Sunday for those unable to attend in person. We are so happy to have him on board! Be sure to give him a wave up in the balcony on Sunday morning.

TRINITY RESPONSE TEAM MEETING

February 9: In our 2030 Vision we write about the Trinity Response Team, a group that connects our faith community with opportunities to mobilize for community issues. This could include events requiring education, conversation, advice, and witness. On February 9th after service, we will be hosting our first TRT meeting where we will be learning how to contact our representatives about what has been going on with the administration change. Please if you’re interested in attending or learning more information, contact George Benson at george@trinitytoledo.org

DIOCESAN BUILDING AND FACILITIES MANAGEMENT TASK FORCE

Our own Director of Operations, Heather Meyer, has been tapped to join several others in our Diocese for this newly formed Task Force. This team will work across the Diocese to develop, implement, and assess 1-2 pilot projects to assist parishes with building and facilities needs. With a 12 month target completion date, reporting will be shared at the 2025 Convention.

REV. WILLIAM JONES

Rev. William “Bill” Jones passed away January 27, 2025 in Toledo. Bill was 95 years old. Ordained to the priesthood on June 1, 1957, he served in a variety of positions in the Diocese of Virginia before coming to the Diocese of Ohio in 1964. A resident of Toledo for more than 60 years, he served in both the Diocese of Ohio and as a private counselor. He was a long-time friend of St. Mark's and Trinity parishes, spending time in the congregation and the pulpit. A memorial service will be held Friday, January 31st at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s in the Hills, 4718 Brittany Rd. in Ottawa Hills. The Rt. Rev. Anne B. Jolly will preside. Clergy are encouraged to vest and process (white stoles).

TRINITY TOURS

Sunday, February 2 (following worship)

Why is this church building so big? What’s behind that door? What lies beyond those steps? For a church dedicated in 1866, Trinity Episcopal Church remains a landmark in downtown Toledo. For many of us, though, we take a short walk down a hallway connecting the parking garage to the sanctuary, and enter and stay in the sanctuary. But there’s much more to see….

Announcing the first ever Trinity Church tour. It’s so grand it will take a handful of Sundays to accomplish. Beginning Sunday, February 2, grab a cup of coffee and a goodie after the service and head upstairs to My Brother’s Place (why is this room called My Brother’s Place?) and enjoy a discussion of the space hosted by Ted Ligibel, Toledo’s eminent living historian of our city, as well as an historic preservationist.

Stay tuned for subsequent after church Sunday tour dates where our own Heather Meyer will lead us on a tour of all the spaces you never knew about. You’ll discover the hidden nooks and crannies of our beautiful building and learn the history of the space.

POP UP DINNER HOSTS

Calling Hosts! Parish Life is excited to be coordinating another round of Pop-Up Dinners in March and April. If you're a host who would like to participate, please sign up using this link! https://forms.office.com/r/00t8YMuP07

LET'S GO SEE GRACE!

Have you ever wanted to go on a bus trip with your friends? Well, do we have the opportunity for YOU! PARISH LIFE is organizing a bus trip to go see Grace on the North American Tour of Dirty Dancing on MARCH 15th 2025. Cost is $100 per person, which will include your seat on the bus, a packed dinner, and your ticket to the show! Sign up in this link to reserve your seat by February 14th, 2025. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/letsgoseegrace

WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY

Join us for women's Bible study on February 15th from 9:00-10:30 am. We will explore and pray with the gospel selection appointed for the following day at church. Bring a Bible (print or online) and an open heart. The great news is that it doesn’t matter how much experience you have (or don’t have) with scripture. We'll learn together.
When you sign up, you'll include your email address. The week of Bible study, Jolene will email you directions to the house and a copy of the passage under discussion, so you can read it in advance. If you have any questions, please email jolene278@gmail.com.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B084AADAC23A0FD0-54105807-womens

WEDNESDAY NOON SERVICE

BOOK CLUB

Join the book worms on Sunday, March 16 at 6:30pm via Zoom to discuss James, a book by Percival Everett. A brilliant reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn—both harrowing and ferociously funny—told from the enslaved Jim's point of view.

TRINITY@HOME LIVE-STREAM

Trinity@Home is now a live-stream of Trinity’s 10:00 am in-person service with an interactive chat.

www.trinitytoledo.org/live

EPISCOPAL NEWS SERVICE

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