Dear Beloved of Trinity Church,  

The world gasped in horror at the images from the most recent outbreak of violence in Gaza. And gasp, we should. Horror is a correct and appropriate response. But what do we do after we  gasp? How do we fully understand the situation? How do we process? How do we respond?  

Politicians will rally their supporters mostly to secure a victory in the next election. Pundits will  offer their “unbiased” insights to enlighten the “misguided.” Preachers will offer prayers and  sermons to appear both pastoral and prophetic. And whether we are consciously aware of it or  not, each of us inevitably will take a side, and then, everything we hear, see, think, and say will  be filtered through our position, “our side,” which is undoubtedly the right side.  

There is no question that the attack by Hamas against innocent people is evil and wrong. Likewise, this does not give Israel permission in the cause of self-defense to do whatever they deem appropriate to crush and destroy the Palestinians. Defending does not mean annihilation. 

The current violence and carnage are as old as humanity. It is another chapter in the ongoing  story of sinful people acting in sinful ways. Broken people acting in broken ways. Traumatized  people acting in ways that traumatize more people. It’s the story of sin and our inability to be fully human, as God intended. And since we cannot live fully into our own humanity in God,  again and again and again, we dehumanize others because we’re scared, insecure, and broken. 

I must now ask myself and us, “What should we do as the people of Trinity Church, as  Christians, and as human beings?” And let me tell you that whatever we do will not be perfect  and, for many, will fall miserably short of their expectations. 

I would, however, like us to gather for a conversation on Sunday, October 22, in Pierce-Bishop  Hall during our Adult Forum hour. We will discuss not just the current issue in Israel and  Palestine but how we live with the atrocities of our world and the atrocities in our own lives. The things we cannot fully understand, the things we will never be able to solve. What does it  do to our souls and our common humanity? How do we resist the temptation to let these  events eat away at our humanity, leading to further dehumanization of the other?  

I am fully aware that there is no way that one forum conversation will be sufficient. Still, I believe it is necessary to take one step, a first step, to find our way to the next step on our journey to healing, redemption, and the fullness of our humanity when we are truly one in God’s love. 

Peace and blessings, 

Paul

Anglican Archbishop of Jerusalem

O God of all justice and peace we cry out to you in the midst of the pain and trauma of  violence and fear which prevails in the Holy Land. 

Be with those who need you in these days of suffering; we pray for people of all faiths - Jews, Muslims and Christians and for all people of the land. 

While we pray to you, O Lord, for an end to violence and the establishment of peace, we  also call for you to bring justice and equity to the peoples. Guide us into your kingdom  where all people are treated with dignity and honour as your children for, to all of us, you  are our Heavenly Father. 

In Jesus’ name we pray. 

Amen.

The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem, an ecumenical group of Christian  leaders which includes the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem, Archbishop Hosam  Naoum, have issued a statement calling for peace and justice amidst unfolding  violence. 

Their statement in full is produced below: 

The Holy Land, a place sacred to countless millions around the world, is currently mired  in violence and suffering due to the prolonged political conflict and the lamentable  absence of justice and respect for human rights. We, the Patriarchs and Heads of  Churches in Jerusalem, have time and again appealed for the importance of respecting  the historic and legal Status Quo of the holy shrines. In these trying times, we come  together to raise our voices in unity, echoing the divine message of peace and love for  all humanity. 

As custodians of the Christian faith, deeply rooted in the Holy Land, we stand in  solidarity with the people of this region, who are enduring the devastating  consequences of continued strife. Our faith, which is founded on the teachings of Jesus  Christ, compels us to advocate for the cessation of all violent and military activities that  bring harm to both Palestinian and Israeli civilians.

We unequivocally condemn any acts that target civilians, regardless of their nationality,  ethnicity, or faith. Such actions go against the fundamental principles of humanity and  the teachings of Christ, who implored us to "love your neighbour as yourself" {Mark  12:31). 

It is our fervent hope and prayer that all parties involved will heed this call for an  immediate cessation of violence. We implore political leaders and authorities to engage  in sincere dialogue, seeking lasting solutions that promote justice, peace, and  reconciliation for the people of this land, who have endured the burdens of conflict for  far too long. 

In our capacity as spiritual leaders, we extend our hands to all those who suffer, and we  pray that the Almighty may grant comfort to the afflicted, strength to the weary, and  wisdom to those in positions of authority. We call upon the international community to  redouble its efforts to mediate a just and lasting peace in the Holy Land, based on  equal rights for all and on international legitimacy. 

Let us remember the words of the Apostle Paul: "For God is not a God of disorder but  of peace" (1 Corinthians 14:33). In the spirit of this divine message, we implore all to  work tirelessly towards an end to violence and the establishment of a just and lasting  peace that will allow the Holy Land to be a beacon of hope, faith, and love for all. 

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the  Holy Spirit be with us all during these challenging times. 

- The Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem

God of peace, we pray for the people of Palestine and Israel in these perilous and  dangerous times. 

For all who are fearful for the safety of their loved ones and themselves, we pray that  the assurance of unfailing love, even in the midst of danger, settles upon them. Shelter  them from despair and protect them from harm. 

For all who are wounded, we pray they find healing. 

For all who have died, we pray they find rest. 

For all who grieve, we pray they find comfort. 

For leaders on all sides, we pray for a renewed will to lay down arms, for the strength to  put the grievances and wrongs suffered by their people to rest, and for the conviction to  embrace a path of reconciliation and peace that preserves the rights and dignity of all of  your children. 

God of mercy, help us to remember there is no border that can separate us from your  great love and protection, no stone that can sound the well of your deep mercy. 

God of justice, we pray with hopeful hearts that your beloved children of the Holy Land  will be spared a future of sustained violence and unrest and that a recognition of the  humanity of all people will prevail. 

We ask all this in the name of your Son, Jesus. Amen. 

– American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem

Carey Wallace the author of Stories of the Saints, illustrated by Nick Thornborrow.  She will be coming to talk to us about some of the saints in her book, and about being an author. We will have copies of her book on site for purchase (put what you can in the basket). We’ll have some snacks as well. This is a forum for all ages, so caregivers, bring your kids, and tell you friends to come on out! You do not want to miss this! 

There will NOT be Sunday school on October 15.

On October 17, at 1pm, our very own Margaret Harper has an organ recital at Trinity Wall Street in St. Paul’s Chapel as part of their series Pipes at One. She has been hailed by the Diapason magazine for her “elegant performance” and by the Boston Musical Intelligencer for “outstandingly lively, punchy” playing. In response to one of her international performances, Croatian newspaper Glas Slavonije wrote, “The freezing cold of a January evening dominated the cathedral in Djakovo, but it could not diminish the richness and warmth of sound brought out of the cathedral organ by Margaret Harper.” This will be a recital you do not want to miss.

Grief is one of life’s most profound experiences. Many of us are simply not prepared for the level of sadness, isolation and vulnerability that often result after losing someone whom we love deeply. This October, Trinity Episcopal Church will partner with Nassau Presbyterian Church at its Fall Session of GriefEncounters.

This support group is open to all Trinity parishioners and friends who have sustained the recent or not so recent loss of a loved one. The meetings will be held Tuesday, 7-8:30pm, in the conference room at Nassau Presbyterian Church on October 17 & 24; November 7, 14 & 28; and December 5. There will be no meeting on Tuesday, October 31 (Halloween) or on Tuesday, November 21 (Thanksgiving week).

Each meeting will incorporate confidential sharing and guided conversation, with supportive scripture and prayer. If you are interested in finding out more information about the group, please email Deacon Hank Bristol at hbristoldcn@gmail.com.

October 19-21

October 19th. 12:00- 4:00 (admission ticket, $10)

October 20th. 12:00-4:00 (free admission)

October 21st.  9:00- 1:00 (all merchandise ½ off)

UPDATE:

Thank you Trinity Parishioners for all your wonderful Rummage donations!  We are going to have a terrific Rummage Sale because of you. We are No Longer Accepting Donations for the sale - because our sorting rooms are ready to burst with merchandise!!!!  (Please hold onto them for next year!!!!)

Please Volunteer!
We need your help to get us over the finish line. Come by and help for an hour or two, you will be glad you did!

Move- in Day:  Sunday, October 15th. 1:00-3:00.

_____________________________________________________

Please email Rummage@TrinityPrinceton.org to schedule your time to help!!!

See you at the Sale…. Come Shop, chat with your friends and enjoy the fun church event!!!!

Many thanks for all your support for Rummage!!!!

So much is happening at Trinity Church these days!  It's a great time for an experienced Communications professional to join Trinity's staff as our next Communications Director.  This is a part-time position (25 hours per week).  A detailed job description can be found at http://www.trinityprinceton.org/employment.   Please forward it to any people you know who might be interested.  Candidates should send their resume to communicationsearch@trinityprinceton.org.  The search committee for this position, which consists of Tom Scott, Nithila Peter, Annie Bryson, Emily Pruszinski and Phil Unetic, will begin reviewing resumes in several weeks. 

Calling all who love to sing! Trinity Choirs are kicking back off after Labor Day, and we would love to have you join us.  We have opportunities for singers of all ages, and we’re excited to welcome you to join us. If you’re interested, please reach out to Director of Music Meg Harper at harperm@trinityprinceton.org.  

Hello! My name is Zachary Krieger. I have sung in the bass section with Trinity since 2014. I grew up in rural Michigan and moved to New Jersey for graduate school at Westminster Choir College where I finished a degree in vocal pedagogy. Since then I’ve been employed at The Peddie School in Hightstown where I teach private voice lessons, accompany and co-direct the choirs, and lead the chapel music program.