Dear Good People of Trinity,  

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, we will most assuredly reflect upon all that was and all that was not in this past year. Each year changes us, shapes us, and forms us. Sometimes, in dramatic and visible ways, and other times, the changes are quite subtle and go seemingly unnoticed. As time passes, we are becoming a new creation. The realities of life wash over us like the flowing of a river cutting its way through the land and, over time, shaping and changing the contours of the terrain as it finds its way to its destination.  

As we ready ourselves to begin this new year, I share with you one of my favorite prayers from Thomas Merton. This prayer brings me great comfort as we live with the uncertainties of life. For as much as we may like to think we have some kind of control, the truth is we have very little. How we live amid all that life brings to us defines who we are, and knowing that God is with us every step of the way changes everything.

“My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always, though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.” -Thomas Merton, Thoughts in Solitude  

For all that was, for all that is, and for all that is yet to be – Thanks be to God!   Peace and Blessings,

Monday, January 1, 12 PM in the Lady Chapel - Holy Eucharist for the Feast of the Holy Name.

Saturday, January 6, 5 PM - Holy Eucharist for the Feast of the Epiphany.

Christmas won't be over until Epiphany, and the 20's-30's fellowship will close out the season in style with a Twelfth Night party, on Friday, January 5, from 6-9 PM. The party is co-sponsored by the Episcopal/Anglican Student Fellowship at Princeton Theological Seminary and PTS Lutherans. Come close out the season in style!

On Saturday, January 13, the Church of St. Mary the Virgin in New York City (“Smoky Mary’s” in Times Square) will host a seminar with Dr. Derek Olsen entitled “Life, the Universe, and Everything: Finding Holiness in Anglican Prayer.” The seminar will last from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM and will include Morning and Evening Prayer as well as the Eucharist. For more information, see this link:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/life-the-universe-everything-finding-holiness-through-anglican-prayer-tickets-779606974447

If you’re interested in attending, contact Kara at sladek@trinityprinceton.org. We have some train tickets to Penn Station leftover from a choir event and can go as a group if you’d like.

Arm in Arm is a long-time partner of Trinity Church, helping Mercer County residents in need with food and housing assistance.    Join fellow parishioners on Saturday, January 20, 2024 from 10 am to Noon as we prepare food packages for their pantry.  We'll be doing this at Arm in Arm's facility at 1 N. Johnston Ave, Suite A230 in Hamilton NJ.  Families are welcome but this activity is not recommended for young children. Please sign up using this link: https://signup.com/go/gWSSRLe.