✢ E-PISTLE WEEK OF SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18 ✢

WEEK OF SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2026
✢ TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST ✢

“Yes, Me Too”

In church growth and vitality circles, you can often hear the adage that the AA meetings that happen in our church buildings do church better than many churches do. Oftentimes, I’ve heard that framed in terms of welcome. It’s true that everyone who walks through the doors of a 12-step meeting is welcomed, quickly connected to the group, and given a role from setting out chairs to making coffee.

But there’s more than welcome going on here. 12-step groups aren’t filled with people whose lives are going pretty well, people who want to reach a hand out (and perhaps also down) to include people out of a sense of magnanimity. Instead, it’s about people gathering around the shared recognition that their lives are completely unmanageable without God, and that people who have turned their lives and their wills over to the care of God are always in the process of repeating the steps of surrender, self-examination, repentance, and making amends. It’s about people gathering around a shared honesty about our human weakness – and yes, about our capacity for sin – and saying to each other “yes, me too. You aren’t alone in your struggles.” In doing so, there is always a return to the beginning. Self-offering to God isn’t a one-and-done act, it’s a continuous process. When we say the confession each week before communion, we say to each other as well as to God, “yes, me too.”

In a little essay called The Return to Baptism, Robert Jenson reminds us that “What we do between baptism and the kingdom…is not to march forward from baptism into something else but rather again and again to return to baptism – indeed, to creep back into it. Once it has been said, it is clear that this is the only answer that Christianity can give” about the character of the Christian life.

At Trinity, we’re blessed to have far more baptisms than the average Episcopal parish. Every time we do, we all are given the opportunity to return to our own baptism, to give ourselves to God all over again. One of the questions asked at baptism, and which we all answer as we reaffirm our baptismal covenant, is:

“Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?”

When we say as a congregation, “I will with God’s help,” that’s another way of saying “yes, me too.” And when we do so, I pray that we are all reminded that we aren’t alone in our struggles.

Yours in Christ,

Kara+

The Rev. Cn. Dr. Kara Slade CGS

THIS SUNDAY

Sermon: The Rev. Cn. Dr. Kara Slade CGS
Readings for The Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost

First Lesson: Isaiah 45:1-7
Psalm: 96:1-9
Second Lesson: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Gospel: Matthew 22:15-22

10:30 AM BULLETIN

LIVESTREAM

MEET OUR CLERGY AND STAFF

RECTOR SEARCH COMMITTEE

Holy Listening Sessions Continue

The remaining dates and times for the sessions are below.

There are four sessions remaining: two virtual and two in-person.

Please only sign up for (1) session. Each session will be limited to (25) participants. Total time for each session will be 120 minutes, or 2 hours. All feedback will be captured anonymously and will be used to help us write our Parish Profile.

Yes, it is important to participate in a session even if you have completed the survey assessment. Both tools are necessary to help us accurately capture the beauty, brilliance, challenges and opportunities at Trinity Princeton.

In-person sessions will meet in Pierce-Bishop Hall. Please note when signing up if you are registering to attend an in-person session, or a virtual session. Registration is required in order for us to plan appropriately for refreshments and session facilitation.

Holy Listening Session #4, October 17th, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Holy Listening Session #5, (Virtual Session), October 20th, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Holy Listening Session #6, (Virtual Session), October 24, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Holy Listening Session #7, October 25th, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Search Committee Chair Thalia Mingo, thaliawmingo@gmail.com, or 732-266-1116

AROUND TRINITY

2027 Annual Giving Goal

Walking with Gratitude & thanking God for our blessings.

Walking with Our Neighbors through outreach, meaningful ministries, and community impact.

Walking Together, welcoming All by our hospitality and congregational life.

Walking into a new budget/program year with an invitation to pledge.

Will yours be one of the 400 households we need to reach our $1.35 million goal?

Caution: Phishing Scams

Please be aware that there has been a prevalence of phishing scams pretending to be clergy or staff. Please make sure to confirm that the email address is coming from the correct @trinityprinceton.org email. We will never solicit or ask you to send money, valuables, or your personal information to an unknown source. If you’re not sure, you can always e-mail us to verify!

Updating Our Member Directory!

Have you updated your directory information yet? Just go to members.instantchurchdirectory.com and log in with the e-mail address on file with Trinity. If you have any technical difficulties, please e-mail Alicia and she will be happy to assist you!

ALL SOULS’ DAY REQUIEM

UPCOMING EVENTS

Register for the TURKEY TROT!

OCTOBER 18: Oregon Trailblazers Picnic

This Sunday (October 18), the Oregon Trailblazers will meet after the 10:30 service for a picnic in Marquand Park. If you are “vaguely middle-aged,” married or single, parenting or not, this group is for you! For this month’s gathering, bring your kids along for all-ages fun. We’ll provide the chicken if you bring a drink and/or side, and you can leave things in the church refrigerator during the service. RSVP here so we know who’s coming. Contact Alicia McCarther (mccarthera@trinityprinceton.org) with questions.

OCTOBER 22, 23, 24: 51st Annual Rummage Sale!

It’s happening soon! Come thrifting at Trinity and bring your family and friends! You might find a treasure, and the proceeds benefit our ministry partners.

OCTOBER 25: Visit from The Trenton Children’s Chorus of Capital Harmony Works!

The Concert Choir of Trenton Children's Chorus of Capital Harmony Works will perform the Introit on Sunday, October 25 at the beginning of the 10:30 AM service, and will join our Trinity choir in one hymn.

Trenton Children's Chorus of Capital Harmony Works, is a long-time Outreach partner of Trinity Church. Capital Harmony Works offers tuition-free after-school programs focusing on youth development in a supportive environment through music and the arts. After-school programs provide music instruction, academic tutoring, college prep, mentoring and meals.

For questions email mebscott@comcast.net.

OCTOBER 31: Trail Church

Join us on October 31st at 9 AM for Trail Church as we enjoy the beauty of fall in Princeton. Start your Halloween festivities off right with Eucharist and fellowship for all ages. The location is TBD, so stay tuned for further announcements.

NOVEMBER 3, 10, AND 17: Princeton Adult School Class with Donn Mitchell

Trinity Church parishioner Donn Mitchell will teach a class on Eleanor Roosevelt’s religious life with the Princeton Adult School. The classes begin at 7:30 PM at Princeton High School. Click here to register for the class!

NOVEMBER 8: Annual Meeting

Save the date to join us for our Annual Parish Meeting after the 10:30 service on Sunday, November 8.

NOVEMBER 13-15: Pre-Advent Retreat at Holy Cross Monastery

Trinity Church will hold a pre-Advent retreat at Holy Cross Monastery in West Park, NY from the afternoon of Friday, November 13 to mid-day on Sunday, November 15. We will worship with the brothers, enjoy plenty of quiet in the monastery or exploring the beautiful grounds on the banks of the Hudson River, and spend some time in discussion as a group with Mtr. Kara. The group is limited to 15 people, so RSVP here to reserve your spot: https://forms.gle/Q96iQmTR4mF2KLTV9.

FAMILY MINISTRIES

Food Drive: We Did It!

Thanks to your generous contributions, we have completed our food drive for Arm In Arm! We received 521 non-perishable food donations, surpassing our goal of 500! Thrivent will donate an additional $500 to Arm in Arm to aid those experiencing food insecurity in our area. Thank you for your care for our ministry partners!

Click here to read our newsletter, and here to read the Youth Brief!

ADULT FORMATION CORNER

Holy Cross Retreat Update

Space is filling up fast for Trinity’s pre-Advent retreat! We have four rooms left, so jump on it if you haven’t done so already. We will be at Holy Cross Monastery from the afternoon of November 13 to mid-day November 15, which is a Friday through Sunday. Those of you who work, it’s completely OK if you get there later on Friday. We will spend time in quiet and prayer with the brothers during their regular chapel services: Morning Prayer, Eucharist, Noonday Prayer, Evening Prayer, and Compline. We will also spend some time in discussion as we prepare for the season of preparation that is Advent. The monastery is in a beautiful location on the Hudson River, and the grounds are ideal for walks.

You can RSVP here or by emailing me (sladek@trinityprinceton.org). There are four rooms still available, and the cost is $260 including all meals. If cost is an issue for you, let us know on the RSVP form, and if you are someone who is able to contribute to reduce the cost for someone else, let us know that too. Finally, if you need a ride, in the past we have been able to arrange carpools.

Formation This Week

Sunday, October 18 at 9:30 AM: Celtic Christianity with Fr. Paul

Monday, October 12 at 7:30 PM: Pub Theology at Yankee Doodle Tap Room

Monday through Friday at 7:45 AM and 5:00 PM: Morning Prayer Rite II in the Michael Chapel and online, the Zoom Daily Office link is here

Sunday, October 25 at 9:30 AM: Forum with Bishop French

Trinity Church has a sermon podcast! We tried this briefly just after COVID, but the technology wasn’t quite there yet. We’re now able to provide a podcast feed of our sermons on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify, with both video and audio available on YouTube. Click, like, and subscribe!

Education for Ministry (EfM)

Do you have questions about your faith?

Do you wish for a community of like-minded seekers?

Do you want to integrate what you read in the Bible with your daily life?

Then EfM is for you!

Want to know more?

Call Julia Garry at 609-902-1388 or email her at jspenick@aol.com.

FELLOWSHIP GROUPS

SERVING OUR NEIGHBORS

PARISH PRAYER LIST

Please keep the following individuals in your prayers:

Caleb A., Joshua Alexander, Dan Van Abs, Alexey Aulov, Barbara, Christina Baker, Susan Barry, Vanessa Belhomme, Gloria Bellamy, Cynthia Bellamy, Pamela Brecknell, Wesley Brown, Helen Burke, Jennifer Burke, Judy Burke, Brian Burleson, Bill Causey, Linda Clarke, Jessica Connor, Kevin F. Cunningham, Chip Dongara, Daryll Eatmon, Gus Escher, Abigail Evans, Wendy Evans, Sue & Steve Frank, Amy G., Sarah Glazar, Sebastian Godinez, Jackie Greggs, John Hannan, William Hannan, John Havener, Ellen Jane, Anne Jarmon, Deborah Jordan, Joyce Kelleher, Patricia Killian, Kristen Lees and Family, Alexandre Lewkowicz, Noelle Lewkowicz, Philippe Lewkowicz, Cecil Marshall, Edwin Metcalf, Nancy Metcalf, Clive Muncaster, Dulcie Muncaster, Joan Nester, Ross Parker, Bob Pietrucha, Lisa Witt Pinair, Vinnie R., Elizabeth Read, Carol Reynolds, Samantha Seto, Randy States, Mike Stebbins, Jim Stepleton, Isaiah Stevens, Gary Sykes, Ward Tomlinson, Kathy Velasco, Marue Walitzer, Aaron Ward, Sue White, Amy Wolfe, Andy, Cooper, Hannah, Joshua, Lucy, Megan, Nancy, and Nicole.

Individuals will remain on the prayer list for one month, unless we are otherwise notified.

➨ If you want to add someone to the list, please email Annie Bryson at brysona@trinityprinceton.org.

RECOVERY MEETINGS: Looking for recovery meetings? See our list of recurring meetings here.

ZOOM EVENTS: Join all Zoom meetings, unless otherwise advertised, at ZOOM.US/J/2859819016 [By phone: 1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 285 981 9016 Password: 1979].

ABOUT US: Trinity Church ➨ Est’d 1833 ➨ An Episcopal Church in the Diocese of New Jersey ➨ 33 Mercer Street, Princeton, New Jersey 08540 ➨ (609) 924-2277 ➨ The Rev. Paul Jeanes III, Rector; The Rev. Cn. Dr. Kara N. Slade, CGS Associate Rector; The Rev. Stephen Connor, Associate Rector ➨ Website: trinityprinceton.org

“We believe God’s love is expansive and unconditional and that through Christ, God has called us to love one another as God loves us. We welcome all people of every gender, race, age, culture, ethnic background, sexual orientation, economic circumstance, family configuration, or difference of ability. We celebrate the worth, dignity, and gifts of every person as a child of God.”

Please know that we are here for you, to support you and pray for you however best we can. Feel free to reach out to the clergy individually, or you can click the button below to reach them all for any pastoral care needs.

PASTORAL CARE