✢ E-PISTLE WEEK OF SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 ✢

WEEK OF SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2026
✢ EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST ✢

A New Season

“For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.”

Wiley is our thirteen-year-old Australian Labradoodle. His once deep red hair is thinning and turning a lighter, almost blond color. He doesn’t hear as well, and he sleeps most the day. His sleep is so deep he doesn’t hear when we come in the door. He doesn’t run with his tail wagging like a crazy helicopter blade to greet us. His hind legs are losing muscle so he can barely jump on the bed. When we go for a walk, he sometimes stops and stands still not moving right or left or forward. He just stands there like he is deciding whether to continue walking or to go home. We used to play a game when we walked where he would put the handle of the leash in his mouth and we would run with me trying to grab the leash. He still tries to play our game, but all he can do is put the leash in his mouth, walk a few steps, and then drop it. I used to think he played the game because it was fun for him. Now I think he played it because it was fun for me.

We have begun a new season of autumn. Though we haven’t changed our clocks to standard time, the light comes later in the morning and fades earlier in the evening. And the light is different. The light, even during the day, is less intense, more diffused.

Autumn is a season when we become more introspective. A time when the crazy pressure of enjoying every summer day outside fades a bit and we huddle in our homes more. It is a time when we are invited to pause and ask questions of ourselves: Where is my life heading? Am I treating myself and those I love with kindness and care? Where is God in my life? Do I make time to pray, to worship, to listen to God’s voice within? Do I believe that I am God’s beloved? And how do I help others feel that same love from our God, both those I share our table with and those I have yet to know?

I would like to think that I am in the autumn of my life. At 71-years-old, perhaps it is more like late autumn. As the trees lose their leaves, my hair is getting thinner and my bald spot grows bigger. Aches and pains have become good friends. But autumn is also when the leaves change from green into the brilliant reds and golds. Autumn is a time for harvesting apples and pumpkins. A time for hayrides, apple picking, and s’mores. Autumn is a season that allows the earth to lie fallow giving time for rest and re-creation until spring calls forth new life. Maybe autumn is a time for us to lie fallow as well and allow the grace, love, and mercy of our God grow deep within us so that we can burst forth like a rested seed with a new and full life.

As Judy Collins sings in “Fallow Way:”

I'll learn to love the fallow way
And gather in the patient fruits
And after autumns blaze and burn
I'll know the full still, deep roots
That nothing seem to know or need

As sure as time, as sure as snow
As sure as moonlight, wind and stars
The fallow time will fall away
The sun will bring an April day
And I will yield to Summer's way

The Rev. Stephen J. Connor

THIS SUNDAY

Sermon: The Rev. Paul Jeanes, III

Readings for The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

First Lesson: Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32
Psalm: 25:1-8
Second Lesson: Philippians 2:1-13
Gospel: Matthew 21:23-32

10:30 AM BULLETIN

LIVESTREAM

MEET OUR CLERGY AND STAFF

LETTER FROM THE SENIOR WARDEN

Dear Trinity Church Family,

I hope you all had an enjoyable and restorative summer. It was a wonderful summer at Trinity. Our family programs brought people together, Vacation Bible School offered a joyful time of learning and connection, and the choir tour was a memorable highlight. Thank you to clergy, staff and volunteers who planned, led, volunteered, participated, and helped these ministries flourish.

Our search process for finding our new rector is now underway. Please join Thalia and me on October 4 during the forum hour for an update, an opportunity to ask questions, and a conversation about the path ahead. Your participation and prayers are important as we move through this process together.

Finally, our stewardship season will begin soon. I invite you to prayerfully consider how you can support Trinity’s worship, ministries, outreach, and shared life in the coming year. Every gift of time, talent, and financial support helps sustain our mission and strengthens our community.

Thank you for all the ways you contribute to the life of Trinity. I look forward to seeing you this fall and to all that we will accomplish together.

With gratitude,

David Schneider
Senior Warden

AROUND TRINITY

Park Gently, Please: Staff and Desk Volunteer Parking is Reserved 24/7

Just a friendly reminder that the reserved staff spaces in the circle drive and behind Ivy Hall are reserved 24/7 for staff use. Please park in the main lot when you are visiting Trinity. Thank you!

Visit the Virtual Ministry Fair!

Mother Kara has created a “virtual ministry fair” on the bulletin board next to Pierce-Bishop Hall! Scan the QR codes for the ministries you’re interested in to learn more about how you can help serve our church community! Check in again for more opportunities, coming soon!

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!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mercer Hill Community Picnic and Youth Acolyte Training Postponed!

Sunday is shaping up to be wet and windy, so we’ll postpone our community picnic with the Nomad Pizza Truck to a later date. Youth Acolyte training is also postponed. Stay tuned for new dates!

SEPTEMBER 27: Stewardship Forum

Please join the Stewardship team at the September 27 Forum for a discussion on the place that Trinity holds in each of our lives. We are looking to share a lively session of Q&A that focuses on the spiritual and fiscal importance of participation in giving of resources to the Trinity community. Between now and the 27th, think about what brings you to Trinity on Sunday - what makes this journey we share A Walk in Love.

SEPTEMBER 28-29: Seminary Conference

On September 28-29, Princeton Seminary will host a conference to mark the retirement of Prof. George Hunsinger, a leading scholar of Karl Barth and a longtime friend of Trinity Church. As part of the conference, there will be a special service of Choral Evensong with sermon on Monday, September 28 at 6:30 PM in the church. The sermon will be given by the Rev. Fleming Rutledge, one of the great preachers in the Episcopal Church. The service is open to everyone, and if you’re interested in attending the conference in person or online, see this link for details and registration

TURKEY TROT: Early Bird Registration ENDS SEPTEMBER 30!

Early bird pricing ends soon! Register Here to secure your spot at the best price! Our partner, Fleet Feet (the running store on Nassau Street), is offering 5K training programs, for both beginners and more experienced runners, beginning October 6! You can get more information and sign up right here!

OCTOBER 3: Baby Shower for Joseph and Stephanie Ferguson

Our beloved Associate Director of Music Joseph Ferguson and his wife Stephanie are about to become parents for the first time! On Saturday, October 3, we will celebrate this joyous occasion with a shower from 3-5 PM in Pierce-Bishop Hall. We are taking up a collection so they can buy the things they need and want, and as always you can send checks to the Finance Office, Trinity Church, 33 Mercer St, Princeton NJ 08540. Put “Ferguson Shower” in the memo line. Or, you can give online at trinityprinceton.org/giving and make a note that it is for the Ferguson Shower.

Please note this collection will be a personal gift to Joseph and Stephanie, and not a tax-deductible gift to Trinity Church.

If you would like to give a gift from their registry, see https://my.babylist.com/sqatmxwyr.

OCTOBER 3 and 10: “Swimming the Tiber to the Thames” with Father Steve

Are you a former Roman Catholic who now attends the Episcopal Church? Join Fr. Steve Connor for a two part conversation on Saturdays, October 3 and 10, from 10-11:30 AM in the Thomas Room.

OCTOBER 11: Newcomers Forum, 9:30-10:15 AM, Pierce-Bishop Hall

The Newcomers Forum is a great way for new parishioners to learn more about Trinity while meeting fellow parishioners, clergy and vestry members. Bagels and coffee will be served. Please contact Melissa Scott at newcomers@trinityprinceton.org with any questions.

OCTOBER 12: 22nd Annual Bishop George E. Councell Memorial Golf Outing

Join Team Trinity for a golf outing! We had three teams last year; let’s try and get four this year! E-mail Father Paul to join a team and learn more.

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

Your exquisite “no longer wanted” items will be welcomed on the drop off dates in the fall.
Volunteers and donations are needed!

Donation Drop Off Dates:

Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 AM-2 PM
Saturday, Oct. 3, 10 AM-2 PM
Sunday, Oct. 11, 12:00 PM (right after the 10:30 worship service)

MUSIC PROGRAM

Do you know a child who loves to sing?

Trinity’s Choirs are back in session! Now's a great time to help spread the word about the amazing music that happens here at Trinity Church Princeton.

ABC Choir - Kindergarten-Grade 2 - Rehearsals resume Thursday, September 17. Please email Annie at brysona@trinityprinceton.org for more information.

Treble Choir - Boys Grade 3-voice change; Girls Grade 3-12

- No prior experience needed, only a love of singing!

- Top tier music education ranging from the basics all the way through college-level music theory and singing skills.

- Sing masterworks ranging from 1600 to newly composed pieces, learn music theory and music history.

- Have extraordinary experiences and make friendships that will last a lifetime!

- Completely tuition free.

Send a note to our director of music Meg Harper at harperm@trinityprinceton.org if you know of a child who would be a good addition to our treble choir!

FAMILY MINISTRIES

Click here to read our newsletter!

ADULT FORMATION CORNER

Michaelmas

Michaelmas gales assail the waning year,

And Michael’s scale is true, his blade is bright.

He strips dead leaves; and leaves the living clear

To flourish in the touch and reach of light.

Archangel bring your balance, help me turn

Upon this turning world with you and dance

In the Great Dance. Draw near, help me discern,

And trace the hidden grace in change and chance.

Angel of fire, Love’s fierce radiance,

Drive through the deep until the steep waves part,

Undo the dragon’s sinuous influence

And pierce the clotted darkness in my heart.

Unchain the child you find there, break the spell

And overthrow the tyrannies of Hell.

- Malcolm Guite

The end of September brings Autumnal weather on in earnest, and with it comes the feast of St. Michael and All Angels, or Michaelmas. St Michael the Archangel is known to all three monotheistic religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Michael is the captain of the heavenly host, and representations of him often include the dragon of Revelation 12, his defeat of the dragon (or Satan) a sign of the triumph of the power of God over evil. As a warrior saint, Michael is the patron of police officers and soldiers, especially paratroopers. The sword in his hand represents the clarity of truth that cuts through tangles of lies.

Michaelmas is the traditional end of the harvest season, and a particularly apt day for feasting. Check out two of my favorite Michaelmas recipes here!

If you’d like to observe Michaelmas liturgically, there will be an Evensong for Michaelmas celebrating the retirement of Prof. George Hunsinger of Princeton Seminary on Monday, September 28, at 6:30 PM at Trinity. I hope to see you there!

In Christ,

Kara

Formation This Week

Sunday, September 27 at 9:30 AM: Forum on Stewardship

Monday, September 28 at 6:30 PM: Michaelmas Evensong at Trinity. No Pub Theology.

Monday through Friday at 7:45 AM and 5:00 PM: Morning and Evening Prayer Rite II. The Zoom Daily Office link is here.

Try Our Sermon Podcast

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.

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, Peggy Crawford, Kevin F. Cunningham, Chip Dongara, Daryll Eatmon, Gus Escher, Abigail Evans, Wendy Evans, Sue & Steve Frank, Amy G., Sebastian Godinez, Pat Grabiec, 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, Makenna Mattesi, Lucy and Megan, 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, Jody Stebbins, Mike Stebbins, Jim Stepleton, Isaiah Stevens, Gary Sykes, Ward Tomlinson, Marue Walitzer, Aaron Ward, Sue White, Amy Wolfe, Dawn Young, Nancy, and Joshua.

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