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✢ FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY ✢ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
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WEEK OF SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8th, 2026
✢ FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY ✢
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Dear Good People of Trinity Church, A few days ago, a joint letter signed by 154 bishops of the Episcopal Church was released in response to the grave concerns and injustices unfolding in Minnesota and in other parts of our country. This faithful proclamation centers on a piercing question: “Whose dignity matters?” The bishops go on to say, “This is a moment for action. We call on people of faith to stand by your values and act as your conscience demands.” I offer this letter to you for your prayerful consideration and reflection as, together, we seek a way forward—a way shaped by justice, peace, unity, and love. In Christ,
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A letter to our fellow Americans. We, the undersigned bishops of The Episcopal Church, write today out of grief, righteous anger, and steadfast hope. What happened a week ago in Minnesota and is happening in communities across the country runs counter to God’s vision of justice and peace. This crisis is about more than one city or state—it’s about who we are as a nation. The question before us is simple and urgent: Whose dignity matters? In the wake of the tragic deaths of two U.S. citizens, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, we join Minnesotans and people across the nation in mourning two precious lives lost to state-sanctioned violence. We grieve with their families, their friends, and everyone harmed by the government’s policies. When fear becomes policy, everyone suffers. We call on Americans to trust their moral compass—and to question rhetoric that trades in fear rather than the truth. As Episcopalians, our moral compass is rooted firmly in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is what we know. Women were shoved to the ground, children torn from their families, and citizens silenced and demeaned for exercising their constitutional rights. These actions sow fear, cast doubt, and wear us down with endless noise. We cannot presume to speak for everyone or prescribe only one way to respond. For our part, we can only do as Jesus’ teaching shows us. A Call for Action This is a moment for action. We call on people of faith to stand by your values and act as your conscience demands. We urge the immediate suspension of ICE and Border Patrol operations in Minnesota and in any community where enforcement has eroded public trust. Because the rule of law is weakened, not strengthened, when power is exercised without restraint. We also call for transparent, independent investigations of the people killed—investigations centered on truth, not politics. Justice cannot wait, and accountability is essential to healing. We call on the elected officials of our nation to remember the values that we share, including the rule of law. Rooted in our Constitution, it ensures that law—not the arbitrary will of individuals—governs us all, protecting individual rights, ensuring fairness, and maintaining stability. A Shared Commitment Every act of courage matters. We must keep showing up for one another. We are bound together because we are all made in the image of God. This begins with small, faithful steps. As bishops in the Episcopal Church, we promise to keep showing up—to pray, to speak, and to stand with every person working to make our communities just, safe, and whole. We are committed to making our communities safer and more compassionate: • So children can walk to school without fear. • So families can shop, work, and worship freely. • So we recognize the dignity of every neighbor—immigrant communities, military families, law enforcement officers, nurses, teachers, and essential workers alike. You may feel powerless, angry, or heartbroken right now. Know that you’re not alone. Each of us has real power: community power, financial power, political power, and knowledge power. We can show up for our neighbors, support small businesses and food banks, contact elected officials and vote, and learn our rights so we can speak up peacefully without fear. Choosing Hope This crisis is about more than one city or state—it’s about who we are as a nation. The question before us is simple and urgent: Whose dignity matters? Our faith gives a clear answer: everyone’s. Safety built on fear is an illusion. True safety comes when we replace fear with compassion, violence with justice, and unchecked power with accountability. That’s the vision our faith calls us to live out—and the promise our country is meant to uphold. In the face of fear, we choose hope. By the grace of God, may this season of grief become a season of renewal. May courage rise from lament, and love take root in every heart. By the grace of God, may this season of grief become a season of renewal. May courage rise from lament, and love take root in every heart. Faithfully, † 150+ Episcopalian Bishops (Letter here) |
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§STEWARDSHIP 2026Strive for 300! Last October, as we launched our 2026 Stewardship Campaign, we built on the momentum of God of Grace and Glory – A Campaign for the Future of Trinity Church, carrying forward our theme, “Engage – The Future Is Now.” We talked about the importance of maximizing participation – if everyone pledged, whether large or not so large, the dollars would take care of themselves. Well, the evidence is in and the hypothesis has been demonstrated as true. We have 28 first time pledges! We have about 60 fewer pledgers than last year and yet we are approaching our pledge target. To get over the proverbial goal line, we need to reach 300 pledges. Today we stand at 240. For all of you whose names appear below as having pledged, THANK YOU! For the rest of you who haven’t yet gotten around to making your pledge, please do so today as we “Strive for 300!” Many small pledges, when added together, make a big impact. It’s about everyone taking part in building Trinity’s future today. Please commit to being one of our 300 members who pledge to this year’s stewardship effort. We continue to believe if the participation is there, the dollars will take care of themselves. Strive for 300! Let’s go Trinity – we’ve got this! Stewardship Co-Chairs Bill Hackett & Cindy Westbrook Total # pledges = 241 Total $ = 949,339 Goal: 1.2m
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This Sunday’s Sermon:The Rev. Paul Jeanes III
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9:30am Adult ForumProf. Elaine Pagels discusses her latest book, “Miracles and Wonder: The Historical Mystery of Jesus”
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§First Lesson:Isaiah 58:1-9a, [9b-12]Second Lesson:1 Corinthians 2:1-12, [13-16]Gospel:Matthew 5:13-20Download BulletinFebruary 8th
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Music for Sunday | 8 February 2026Holy Eucharist | 8 and 10:30 am Prelude: (8:00) Récits (from Suite du premier ton) - Louis-Nicolas Clérembault; (10:30) Adagio (from Toccata, Adagio, and Fugue), BWV 564 - J.S. Bach Hymns: “Thy strong word did cleave the darkness” (tune: Ton-y-Botel), “Be thou my vision” (tune: Slane), “The people who in darkness walked” (tune: Dundee) Service Music: (10:30) Surge, Illuminare - David Sinden; All things come from you, O Lord - Jeffrey Smith; Sanctus and Agnus Dei - William Mathias Offertory Music: (8:00) Duo (from Suite du premier ton) - Louis-Nicolas Clérembault; (10:30) Pater Noster - Jacob Handl Communion Music: Sicut cervus - Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina Postlude: Prélude et Fugue en re mineur - Claude Balbastre Choral Compline | 5 pm Te Lucis - Tomás Luis de Victoria Nunc dimittis: Tertii toni - Tomás Luis de Victoria Motet: Resplenduit facies ejus - Tomás Luis de Victoria Marian Antiphon: Ave Regina coelorum (Plainsong) This week’s service of Choral Compline features the music of Spanish Renaissance composer Tomás Luis de Victoria. One of the most highly regarded and prolifically programmed Renaissance composers, Tomás was born in Ávila in central Spain. His music is characterized by lyrical lines, bold use of dissonance (compared to his contemporaries) and a tendency to clear textures. His setting of “Resplenduit facies ejus,” a text that originally hails from the Gospel of Matthew, is part of the story of the Transfiguration.” We sing this one week early, in a nod to next Sunday’s readings for the last Sunday after the Epiphany. Choir Hosts Needed!On Saturday, March 21, Trinity will host the choir of The College of William & Mary for a concert at 7:00 p.m. We are excited to host the choir, and we are looking for host families to house two or more students overnight from 8:30 p.m. on March 21 through 8:30 a.m. on March 22. Please fill out the form at the following link if you are able to house two or more students! Two students can share a bed as long as it's a double or larger mattress. Reach out to Meg at harperm@trinityprinceton.org if you have questions or for more information. CLICK HERE
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Trinity’s Family MinistriesOur "Souper" Bowl Sunday service event is this Sunday from 9:30-10:15. We’ll spend our time working on a variety of kid-friendly service projects. Students will have the opportunity to assemble PB&J bags for the clients of Trenton Area Soup Kitchen. It might be a messier-than-usual Sunday so please encourage casual dress. This event is for all school-aged children. Younger children are welcome with a caregiver. Parents are also invited to join the fun! Please bring a can of soup or any non-perishable donation for Arm in Arm Valentines for Food. Upcoming Events2/8 “Souper” Bowl Sunday Service Event 9:30-10:15 a.m., Room 206, Children’s Chapel, Youth Group Bring a canned good for Arm In Arm Valentines for Food MORE INFO 2/11 6:30 p.m. 30-minute Appalachia Service Project Information Session on Zoom (Trinity trip July 5-9) 2/13 6 p.m. Father Paul’s Spread Your Love Princeton event, Pierce Hall 2/15 9:30 a.m. Sunday School, Children’s Chapel, Youth Group4 p.m. Middle Grade (4-8) Lenten Small Group begins 2/17 6 p.m. Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper/Mardi Gras Party 2/18 5 p.m. Family Ash Wednesday service, Room 201
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Dear friends, We have a new Archbishop of Canterbury! Last Wednesday, the election of Bishop Sarah Mullally was confirmed in an ancient legal proceeding at St. Paul’s Cathedral. She took up the primatial staff for the first time, and has officially begun her tenure as Archbishop. However, she will not be seated in the Cathedral until a festive service on March 25 – an occasion I hope we can watch together in Pierce-Bishop Hall. The photo above is of artisans carving her name into the list of Archbishops in Canterbury Cathedral. The list begins with St. Augustine of Canterbury in 597 A.D., and today a woman’s name was added for the first time. It’s truly a historic occasion for the Anglican tradition. It’s also an extra joy for me to see a “second career” clergywoman take on the highest office in Anglicanism: Archbishop Mullally was a nurse and an administrator in the National Health Service before she became a priest. I continue to be on medical leave until February 7, but I am looking forward to seeing everyone on Sunday, February 8. As a reminder of our schedule changes, we will re-run the Foundations class after Lent because there won’t be time to finish it after I return but before Lent. There will be an adult confirmation class on Wednesday evenings during Lent that will cover some of the same material, but with a different focus. If you are an adult who is interested in being confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church, please email me at sladek@trinityprinceton.org, or just show up at the first class on Wednesday, February 25 at 6:30 PM (dinner starts at 6). Yours in Christ, and in Christ alone,
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Adult Formation This Week:Sunday, February 8 at 9:30 AM: Prof. Elaine Pagels discusses her latest book, “Miracles and Wonder: The Historical Mystery of Jesus” Monday, February 9 at 7:30 PM at Yankee Doodle Tap Room: Pub Theology with Mtr. Kara – “Doing and Not-Doing for Lent” Sunday, February 15 at 9:30 AM: Emma Stewart on Art and the Bible
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Valentines for Food During February, please help our partner Arm in Arm feed people who are food insecure by bringing in cans of food for their food pantry. Their "Valentines for Food" drive has raised enough food over the past twenty years to feed over 25,000 families. Keep the tradition going by donating these items: canned vegetables, beans, fruits or proteins, peanut butter, rice, cereal, seasonings, honey, vegetable/corn oil, shelf stable milk, or maseca flour. Bring 12 or 16 ounce cans; no glass containers please! You can drop the food off anytime during February at either the red wagon in the hallway by the south transept or in the narthex. If you have any questions, just email Melissa Scott at mebscott@comcast.net. Thank You to All our Volunteers: Arm in ArmOn a cold winter morning Saturday, January 31, twenty parishioners from Trinity volunteered at Arm in Arm's food warehouse in Hamilton. The group put together 130 bags of food, re-stocked shelves and provided other assistance to the Arm in Arm team. Thank you to all our volunteers. You made a real difference! Thank you!
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Platinum ClubThe next meeting is Feb. 16 and will be held in the Rector’s house. Same format Noon…Bring your own. Lunch…and simply enjoy talking with each other and with the Rector. §Trinity's Young Adults MinistryJoin Trinity's Young Adults Ministry for a Mardi Gras lunch where we'll eat Popeyes and discuss Lent and all of the extra spiritual disciplines that come up around this time. Please RSVP here, and bring your friends! All are welcome.
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CHOIR TOUR DEADLINE IS SOON! Our choir will be touring the UK this August, spending the first week at Ely Cathedral and the second at Westminster Abbey. Trinity Church invites YOU to join the choir for the London week of the tour, August 8-17. We will be traveling on British Airways and staying in London about 10 minutes from Westminster Abbey. In addition to supporting our choir at Evensong and Sunday services, we will have time to tour some historic sites in London as well as travel to Oxford and Canterbury for a day. There will also be plenty of free time for shopping or your own activities. Thanks to some good group rates, the cost should be quite reasonable for a week in London. We do need to make a commitment for the group airfare BY THE END OF JANUARY, so please indicate your interest on this Google Form: CLICK HERE
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§Travel to the Holy LandA couple of years back, some members of Trinity Church traveled with our Rector, Paul Jeanes, and The Rev. Keith Marsh and to the Holy Land. It proved to be a marvelous and spiritually uplifting experience for all who made the pilgrimage! After retiring in June of 2023, Keith started Spirited Pilgrimages, a business devoted to planning, promoting and hosting unique, small-group pilgrimages around the world for people of faith. Two pilgrimages have been planned for the fall of next year and you are invited to join: The Footsteps of Paul – September 9-19, 2026 – travel through Turkey and Greece by land and sea - visit sites from the Book of Acts associated with St. Paul on his missionary journeys: Ephesus, Patmos, Corinth, Athens and more, including the islands of Crete and Santorini Celtic Christianity – October 12-24, 2026 – follow the path of Christianity’s early years in the Celtic kingdoms, beginning in Ireland and expanding into Scotland and northern England – trace the spread of Celtic Christianity from its introduction by St. Patrick to its demise at the Council of Whitby.
These pilgrimages will be led by Keith, an experienced pilgrimage planner and host. To learn more about these two all-inclusive pilgrimages – expansive itinerary, roundtrip airfare, lodging and meal details, price and deadlines, as well as how to reserve your spot – visit the Spirited Pilgrimages website at: spiritedpilgrimages.com §PRAYER LIST: Please keep the following individuals in your prayers: Susan Barry, Zoe Beaton, Vanessa Belhomme, John Bertalot, Peter Brown, Jennifer Burke, Brian Burleson, Peter, Kevin F. Cunningham, Karen D, Chip Dongara, Daryll Eatmon, Gus Escher, Amy G., Pat Grabiec, Reverend Dana Hall, Josh Hannan, William Hannan, Ellen Jane, Patricia Killian, Edwin Metcalf, Nancy Metcalf, Billy Mitchell, Dorothy Morin, Louise Mountford, Joan Nester, Bob Pietrucha, Lisa Witt Pinair, Cornelia Jane Reeder, Carol Reynolds, Claire Roberts, Jennifer Sanborn, Kara Slade, Nancy Slade, Clive Muncaster, Dulcie Muncaster, Dianne Senko, Samantha Seto, Randy States, Isaiah Stevens, Gary Sykes, P.A. Tippett, and Joshua. Please pray for the following souls who have recently passed: Gordon BrooksLarry EvansThe Rev. Susan NorrisRichard PittengerAlex WaughIndividuals 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, 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.” PHISHING SCAMSPlease 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 @trinitychurch.org email. We will never solicit or ask you to send money or valuables to an unknown source.
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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.
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