✢ E-PISTLE WEEK OF SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 ✢

WEEK OF SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2026
✢ SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST ✢

And…we’re off!!!

Dear Beloved of Trinity Church,

Every year, on the first Saturday in May, the horses gather at Churchill Downs for the running of the Kentucky Derby. The iconic voice of the announcer calls out, “They’re at the post”—and then, “They’re off!” With that, what has been called “the most exciting two minutes in sports” begins.

Last Sunday, we gathered for Homecoming Sunday and took our places in the starting gate, if you will, for the beginning of a new program year. We joyfully filled the church, and with the familiar words, “Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and forever,” we were off—beginning the wonderful adventure of another year of worship, fellowship, formation, and ministry.

I hope we will embrace this new year with the same excitement and enthusiasm as the more than 100,000 people who gather at Churchill Downs each spring. But we are not running for a garland of roses and a trophy. We are running the race of the Gospel: receiving God’s grace and love, proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ, caring for God’s people, and serving those in need.

There is much work to be done in the coming year. I invite us all to support one another with prayer, affection, encouragement, and love as we work together for the glory of God and run with perseverance the race that is set before us.

As we begin, I am reminded of some of my favorite words from the Letter to the Hebrews:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”

And so, dear ones, our wonderful race has begun. Let us run it with faithfulness, humility, courage, and love, so that all people might come within the reach of our Lord’s saving embrace.

Forward in faith!

Peace and Blessings,

Paul

The Rev. Paul Jeanes, III

THIS SUNDAY

Sermon: The Rev. Dr. Jonathan Lee Walton
President, Princeton Theological Seminary

Readings for The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

First Lesson: Jonah 3:10-4:11
Psalm: 145:1-8
Second Lesson: Philippians 1:21-30
Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16

10:30 AM BULLETIN

LIVESTREAM

MEET OUR CLERGY AND STAFF

AROUND TRINITY

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

TOMORROW! SEPTEMBER 19: Trail Church

The next Trail Church gathering will be Saturday, September 19, at Mercer Meadows Trail. The trail is off Blackwell Rd. in Hopewell Township. See this map link for precise directions. The parking lot looks like this:

SEPTEMBER 20: Acolyte Training!

Are you an adult who would like to serve as an acolyte? Join Mother Kara right after the 10:30 service on Sunday, September 20 for Acolyte Training! You can e-mail Kara for more information.

SEPTEMBER 21: Platinum Lunch Club

The Platinum Club meets Monday, September 21st in the Thomas Room at Noon! Come a few minutes before to help set up! As always, bring your own lunch, and dessert will be available.

Remember: Platinum Club is for all “older” Trinity people. No proof of age required!

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 27: Mercer Hill Picnic

Join us for our annual neighborhood picnic! From 4-7 PM, enjoy fellowship with friends from Trinity and from our surrounding neighborhood. The Nomad Pizza Truck will be back again this year!

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 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! More info on drop off and work dates will be available soon.

OCTOBER 25: HomeFront Halloween 5K

A fun way to help HomeFront support enrichment programs for local children impacted by poverty, housing instability and homelessness.

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

Formation This Week

Saturday, September 19 at 9:00 AM: Trail Church at Mercer Meadows Trail. See the map link here.

Sunday, September 20 at 9:30 AM: The Rev. Dr. Jonathan Walton, President of Princeton Theological Seminary

Pub Theology is CANCELED on Monday, September 21. See you next week!

Monday through Friday at 7:45 AM: Morning Prayer Rite II, the Zoom Daily Office link is here

Monday through Friday at 5:00 PM: 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, Susan Barry, Zoe Beaton, Vanessa Belhomme, Gloria Bellamy, Cynthia Bellamy, Pamela Brecknell, Wesley Brown, Helen Burke, Jennifer Burke, Judy Burke, Brian Burleson, Bill Causey, 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, Dawn Young, Nancy, and Joshua.

Please pray for the souls of the recently deceased:
Robert Crafford, George Webb

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