To everything turn, turn, turn
There is a season turn, turn, turn
And a time to every purpose under Heaven

A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep

(Pete Seeger, based on Ecclesiastes 3)

Life is changing again.

Here we go.  Are you ready?

It has been said that August is the Sunday night of summer.  I think that’s especially the case for teachers and students who are starting to count down the remaining weeks of freedom.  Although we still have another month of summer weather, many of us are feeling the season grind to an end.  We’ll transition from the lazy days of summer to a tighter schedule, and earlier wake-up times.

Some of us are preparing to send young adults off to college.  Some of us are about to become empty nesters.  Some are awaiting the birth of a child or grandchild.  Others are watching and waiting as loved ones fade away.  Some are facing the challenge of a worsening health condition or are scheduling intimidating medical procedures.  Still others are hoping for good news regarding employment status or a resolution to financial concerns.

As a nation we face major changes in the next few months.  Some are frightened of the possibilities, while others are encouraged.  On a global level, we are witnessing tragedies and anxiously await resolution.  Things are also changing in our parish, in our families, and communities.  

How do you deal with change?  Do you embrace it, running toward the next phase of life?  Do you stiffen your upper lip and brace yourself?  Are you afraid, seeing change as a bully forcing you into the fight of your life?  

Some of the changes will be joyful, some bittersweet, still others will elicit sorrow and pain.  We prefer having control over our circumstances, but that is generally an illusion.  No matter the outcome, we know that still water becomes stagnant.  Change is a necessary part of life.  But we can take comfort in knowing that our faithful God is unchangingly present, walking with us, providing “strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.”

This Sunday after the 10am service we will have a reception of gratitude for Wesley, showing him our appreciation for all he has offered and meant to this community. Volunteers are needed! Please come to help set up. Email Carol Thomas (carolbrooksthomas@gmail.com) to sign up. Cookies are also needed! Email Carol to sign up to bring cookies. See you Sunday!

Dear Trinity Church,

As we’ve shared with you in an email last week, Trinity Church has embarked upon a planning study to explore a potential campaign to strengthen the church – for today and tomorrow. As a valued member of the Trinity family, your input is important to us. Please take a few minutes to complete the planning study e-survey developed by our fundraising consultant, The Munshine Group. The survey will be open for one more week, until August 7th.

As always, if you have any questions or input please reach out to me at david@trinityprinceton.org or 206.407.8612. Thank you for your participation.

Peace,

David Schneider, Senior Warden

Join us for canoeing or kayaking on the Delaware and Raritan Canal! We will meet at 1 PM on Sunday, August 10 at Princeton Canoe and Kayak Rental at 483 Alexander St. We had a great time last year, and we will have a lot of fun this year too.

Trinity Church is once again soliciting donations for our Homefront school supply drive! Our goal is to fill 100 backpacks with supplies.

We have the backpacks, but it's up to you to fill them! See the Amazon wish list and have your donation delivered to 'Trinity Church 2024 School Supply Drive' on the menu, or you can manually enter the church address: Trinity Church, 33 Mercer Street, Princeton, NJ 08540.

Please save the dates:

•  October 18-19 sale

•  September 8 - October 6 – donations accepted after both morning services

Reservations are needed and information will be included in the E-pistle beginning in late August.

New to this sale:

• Please avoid putting any different items in one box or large bag but use smaller containers that are clearly marked. Clothes are OK on hangers.

• Close to the sale, there will be times set aside for donors to hand carry in valuable and fragile donations.

To make this sale a success, please donate clean, gently worn clothing for men, women and children and also “better” ladies’ and men’s clothing; treasures for the boutique & framed art; housewares; electrical items; linens; jewelry and costume jewelry; books; toys and holiday decorations; shoes and boots; and items for the ”Vintage This & That” room!

We cannot accept: sports equipment, pet supplies, furniture of any kind, garden items and florist’s vases, and items for children including strollers, high chairs and large plastic toys.

Please save the dates and begin putting aside your donations!

With thanks,

From the Rummage Committee

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!

During the coming months, we will offer opportunities to hear updates from our various ministry partners.  UrbanPromise International (UPI) is one of these.  The mission of UPI is to prepare emerging leaders to initiate, develop, and sustain Christian-based youth development organizations and to seed their new ministries as they serve vulnerable children and teens in our world’s most under-resourced communities.  

One of these remarkable leaders is Dalo.  Experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear Dalo's incredible story. Meet an extraordinary young woman who survived the unthinkable and transformed her harrowing experience into a powerful mission to protect other girls in Malawi. Join us on Sunday, August 18th, between services to be inspired by her strength and resilience. Don't miss the chance to be moved by Dalo's story and her unwavering determination. We hope to see you there!

About Dalo (Madalo)

• Born in Malawi and raised in rural areas

• Worked as a camp leader for 8 years

• Studied Hospitality Tourism Management at Malawi Institute of Tourism

• Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Christian Leadership and Business Administration from African Bible College, Lilongwe Malawi

• Worked as assistant administrator at Kapani Company

• Worked as a High school teacher

• Graduated with a Master of Science in Business Administration and Management at Cairn University

• Urban Promise International fellow

• Passionate about girls’ and teen mom’s education

• The 2024 Princeton Community Night Out will be held on August 6 from 5-8 PM at Community Park Pool on 400 Witherspoon St. Free pool admission, food, face painting, inflatables, DJ, and emergency vehicle display. Come on out and meet your neighbors! 

If you're traveling this summer, the Princeton Police Department can conduct vacant house checks on request to make sure everything is secure. Visit https://www.princetonnj.gov/376/Vacant-House-Check-Request?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3YuIlHtmQZjG8WxE5H8eVxo1Ab081xfHhX7i4os2mt0bjJn_JkwDExE3U_aem_GUDegnt_He8BorkzxqD-yA for more information. 

Stay up to date with Paul’s Sabbatical updates here: https://www.trinityprinceton.org/sabbatical-updates.