Two weeks ago I attended The Metropolitan Opera premiere of ‘El Niño,” by the contemporary American composer John Adams. The opera is a retelling of the Nativity story through the eyes of the Virgin Mary. It is a mighty work, and worthy of its own reflection, but today I want to focus on one of the stars of the production, bass-baritone Davóne Tines.

Tines is a Juilliard graduate and is one of the most exciting, singular artists on the classical music scene today. He can interpret a Bach aria and match the mighty work with equal aplomb. Tines and his band Davóne Tines & The Truth just released their first recording, ‘Let it Shine,’ and I have been listening to it nonstop for the past week.

‘Let it Shine’ is a reimagining of the familiar spiritual ‘This Little Light of Mine,’ and the way it builds on a simple motif is powerful and overwhelming. The structure brings to mind Ravel’s ‘Bolero’ and the layering techniques of Phillip Glass. Tines also filters his artistry through his very personal lens of Blackness and queerness, resulting in an output that is quite unique.

I invite you to listen to the recording, several times at full volume (link here), and explore with me — as well as your friends and family and community — the following questions:

Jesus said, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:1). What does it mean for Christians to let our lives shine before others? In which ways are we doing or not doing this in our daily lives? And how can we apply it more fully in our lives?

Davóne Tines’s rendition almost bursts at the seams with exuberance, but the musical structure is scrupulously maintained. How do we exist within God’s structure (protection might be a better word here) and still “let it shine?”

Albert Camus wrote, “The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion,” and the Apostle Paul declares,“For freedom Christ has set us free!” (Galatians 5:1). How is letting your light at its fullest and brightest revolutionary? What are the things of this world that try to limit the brightness and freedom of children of God living into their most authentic selves? How do we as Christians lift others to freedom?

On behalf of the Memorial Garden Committee, it is our honor to invite you to attend our annual Day of Remembrance at Trinity Church in the Memorial Garden following the 10:30am service on Sunday, May 12 for a time of prayer, remembering, and thanksgiving.

Sunday, May 19,  9:30 – 10:15 am

Pierce-Bishop Hall

Calling all newcomers! Join us Sunday, May 19 for a Newcomers’ Forum. The Newcomers Forum is a great way to meet vestry members, clergy and fellow newcomers while enjoying bagels and coffee.  There will be a couple of welcoming speeches but mostly this is a time to talk to new and longtime members of the parish and to meet your clergy. Pierce Hall is the main meeting room in the parish building, which is attached to the church. There is no need to register for this event. Come on out and learn more about getting involved at Trinity Church!

What’s the first thing you think of when you hear the word “Pentecost”? For some people, it’s the sending of the Holy Spirit to the Church. For others, it’s sandwiches! The 20’s-30’s Fellowship will have a Pentecost Panini Party on Saturday, May 25th at 6 PM in Pierce-Bishop Hall. We’ll provide the ingredients and panini presses, you bring yourself and any beverages you’d like to share. RSVP here: https://forms.gle/fUPoG4gxKdp5zwHz8.

On Sunday, June 2, after the 10am service, we invite you join us for a joyous communal picnic on the lawn.

Volunteers are needed for set up, clean up, and to bring individual desserts. Please email Carol Brooks-Thomas at carolbrooksthomas@gmail.com to sign up.

July 13 - 19, 2024

Deadline to register: June 13, 2024

The Prosopon School of Iconology returns to Trinity Church for the (24th!) icon workshop. Beginning students will complete an icon of Christ Emmanuel during the workshop. Never held a paint brush? No worries! You will be given a drawing to trace onto the board, step-by-step instructions, daily demonstrations, and all materials. See the announcement for more information. Still have questions? Contact workshop coordinator and Trinity’s iconographer in residence, Maureen McCormick, at maureen@iconodulestudio.com.

• Dates: June 24-27 (Monday-Thursday)

• Time: 5-7:30 p.m. 

• Cost: FREE!!! 

• Location: Trinity Church (33 Mercer St, Princeton | Next to Princeton Seminary's Wright Library)

• Ages: PreK-Adult Programing

  Just Like Me! is an adaptable Vacation Bible School program that centers the deep and active faith lives of children and the real-world context our kids live in. In the parallel adult sessions, parents and caregivers will have the opportunity to dig into the theological underpinnings of the Just Like Me curriculum.

  This is a multi-church, ecumenical program sponsored by Princeton UMC, Mt. Pisgah AME Church, and Trinity Church. 

  We are so excited to bring you this program, and we look forward to seeing you in June! 

  If you have any questions, please email one of our program coordinators: Pastor Tayler Necoechea (tayler@princetonumc.org) or Carolyn Liverman (carolynliverman43@gmail.com). 

  Register here for Just Like Me!: Community Vacation Bible School 2024!!

  This form is for kids PreK-8th Grade only! 

  If you are an adult and would like to volunteer, please use this volunteer form. High school teens can also sign up as volunteers here.

  If you are an adult and would like to participate in our parallel adult program, you can register here.

Calling all instrumentalists!  During the summer, we will have opportunities for those in our congregation who play musical instruments to offer preludes and/or offertories for services.  If you play an instrument and would like to share your talents, please sign up on the digital form at this link:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NVTEWapN2oon5_D87IlAvv_wJuyNyf48_eloRrPT1XQ/edit?usp=sharing or on the paper sign-up in the narthex or at the front desk. Thank you!