✢ E-PISTLE WEEK OF SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11 ✢

WEEK OF SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2026
✢ TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST ✢

Be Still and Know that I am God

Psalm 46:10

There are approximately 9 times in the Gospels where Jesus went off to a quiet place to pray. One of the earliest is at the very beginning of his ministry. It takes place in Mark’s Gospel and after Jesus was baptized and went into the wilderness where he was tempted by Satan. It comes after he started his itinerant preaching and healing in Galilee. After healing many people, Mark writes: In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. (Mk 1:35) Jesus, probably exhausted, needed time alone with his Father and listen to what his Father needed to say to him or to rest in God’s presence within him. Rather than going to a temple or other recognizable place for prayer, Jesus needed time in the quiet to be still and listen.

For the first sixteen centuries, Christian spirituality’s goal was contemplative prayer. The practice of contemplative prayer is based on the writings of the Desert Fathers and Mothers who lived solidary lives or in small communities devoted to prayer during the third and fourth centuries. Saint Anthony the Great of Egypt, circa 251-356, is considered the father of this movement. The movement spread to Palestine, Syria, and Arabia. In Western Europe, the movement led to the establishment of monasteries under the Rule of Saint Benedict which was written between 530 to 540 CE by Benedict of Nursia at the Monte de Cassino Monastery in Italy. Monasticism thrived in Western Europe until the reformation when Henry VIII ransacked and destroyed the monasteries in England as did other countries in Western Europe.

During the 1960s, many young people turned to Eastern religions for meditation. To help people understand the long and rich history of contemplative prayer in Western Christianity, three Trappist monks, Frs. Thomas Keating, William Meninger, and Basil Pennington began writing about the contemplative tradition in Christianity. This became known as Centering Prayer. This form of prayer is based on an anonymous spiritual work of the fourteenth century entitled “The Cloud of Unknowing.” The book was written in Middle English making it accessible to the average English-speaking person.

Centering Prayer is a form of contemplative prayer that helps us to open ourselves to “God’s presence and action within [us].” It is a posture of receiving and listening to our God who is within and around us.

The method of Centering Prayer is simple:

1. Choose a sacred word, such as love, peace, Jesus, Abba, Mother. This expresses our intention to be in God’s presence.

2. Sit comfortably with eyes closed. Introduce the sacred word.

3. When you become aware of thoughts, return gently to your sacred word.

4. At the end of the prayer time, (usually 20 minutes), remain in silence for a few minutes.

I started a Centering Prayer practice about 30 years ago. If you are interested in learning more about Centering Prayer, please reach out to me at connors@trinityprinceton.org. Also, there is a national organization, Contemplative Outreach, which continues to teach and educate about Centering Prayer.

Their website is https://www.contemplativeoutreach.org.

Blessings,

Fr. Steve

The Rev. Stephen J. Connor

THIS SUNDAY

Sermon: The Rev. Paul Jeanes, III
Readings for The Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

First Lesson: Isaiah 25:1-9
Psalm: 23
Second Lesson: Philippians 4:1-9
Gospel: Matthew 22:1-14

10:30 AM BULLETIN

LIVESTREAM

MEET OUR CLERGY AND STAFF

RECTOR SEARCH COMMITTEE

Holy Listening Sessions Continue

The remaining dates and times for the sessions are below.

There are five sessions remaining: three virtual and two in-person.

Please only sign up for (1) session. Each session will be limited to (25) participants. Total time for each session will be 120 minutes, or 2 hours. All feedback will be captured anonymously and will be used to help us write our Parish Profile.

Yes, it is important to participate in a session even if you have completed the survey assessment. Both tools are necessary to help us accurately capture the beauty, brilliance, challenges and opportunities at Trinity Princeton.

In-person sessions will meet in Pierce-Bishop Hall. Please note when signing up if you are registering to attend an in-person session, or a virtual session. Registration is required in order for us to plan appropriately for refreshments and session facilitation.

Holy Listening Session #3 (virtual Session), October 11th, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Holy Listening Session #4, October 17th, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Holy Listening Session #5, (Virtual Session), October 20th, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Holy Listening Session #6, (Virtual Session), October 24, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Holy Listening Session #7, October 25th, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Search Committee Chair Thalia Mingo, thaliawmingo@gmail.com, or 732-266-1116

AROUND TRINITY

2027 Annual Giving Goal

400 pledges to reach $1.35 million

Your financial support directly funds our family ministries and music ministry programs,

clergy and staff, community outreach, and operations.

If everyone who attends Trinity regularly makes a pledge - we will reach our goal.

CORRECTION: Flower Guild Donations

When making a donation for flowers at the altar, please make checks payable to “Trinity Church,” NOT “Trinity Church Flower Guild” as was stated in the letter recently sent out. Instead, please put “flower guild” in the memo line. This ensures we do not run into any issues with our bank. Thank you!

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

OCTOBER 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 conversation on Saturday, October 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.

POSTPONED AGAIN! Mercer Hill Neighborhood Picnic and Youth Acolyte Training

We just can’t catch a break from rainy Sundays, so unfortunately these events have to be postponed again. Keep an eye out for a new date, coming soon!

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 12: Platinum Lunch Club

The Platinum Club meets Monday, October 12 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!

Register for the TURKEY TROT!

Register Here to secure your spot! 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, through October 13.

OCTOBER 18: Oregon Trailblazers Picnic

On Sunday, October 18, the Oregon Trailblazers will meet after the 10:30 service for a picnic in Marquand Park. If you are “vaguely middle-aged,” married or single, parenting or not, this group is for you! For this month’s gathering, bring your kids along for all-ages fun. Contact Mtr. Kara (sladek@trinityprinceton.org) or Alicia McCarther (mccarthera@trinityprinceton.org) with 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!

Donation Drop Off Dates:

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

NOVEMBER 3, 10, AND 17: Princeton Adult School Class with Donn Mitchell

Trinity Church parishioner Donn Mitchell will teach a class on Eleanor Roosevelt’s religious life with the Princeton Adult School. The classes begin at 7:30 PM at Princeton High School. Click here to register for the class!

NOVEMBER 8: Annual Meeting

Save the date to join us for our Annual Parish Meeting after the 10:30 service on Sunday, November 8.

NOVEMBER 13-15: Pre-Advent Retreat at Holy Cross Monastery

Trinity Church will hold a pre-Advent retreat at Holy Cross Monastery in West Park, NY from the afternoon of Friday, November 13 to mid-day on Sunday, November 15. We will worship with the brothers, enjoy plenty of quiet in the monastery or exploring the beautiful grounds on the banks of the Hudson River, and spend some time in discussion as a group with Mtr. Kara. The group is limited to 15 people, so RSVP here to reserve your spot: https://forms.gle/Q96iQmTR4mF2KLTV9.

FAMILY MINISTRIES

Food Drive Update!

We’re making progress on our food drive for Arm In Arm! The youth group counted 262 non-perishable donations and 98 reusable bags on Sunday. We’re getting close to 500! Thrivent will donate an additional $500 once we receive 140 more items. Please continue to bring donations to the red wagon near the south transept entrance. Thank you!

Click here to read our newsletter, and here to read the Youth Brief!

ADULT FORMATION CORNER

St. Lucy’s day is brief and bright with frost,

In round cupped dew ponds shallow waters freeze,

Delicate fronds and rushes are held fast,

The low sun brings a contrast to the trees

Whose naked branches, dark against the skies

And fringed with glory by the light behind,

In patterns too severe for tired eyes,

Burn their bright beauty on the weary mind.

Saint Lucy’s sun still bathes these abbey walls

And in her garden rose stalks stark and bare

Shine in a frosty light that yet recalls

The glory of the summer roses there.

Though winter night will soon surround us here,

Another Advent comes, Dayspring is near.

Malcolm Guite

Launde Abbey on St. Lucy’s Day

The short days before Advent begins are a particularly fruitful time of year for prayer and reflection. It seems as if the whole world is waiting for something, but it knows not what (or Who). This November, I invite you to join me at Holy Cross Monastery in West Park, NY for Trinity’s pre-Advent retreat. Folks who have gone to Holy Cross in the past know what a special place it is, and if you’ve never been, I hope you’ll come and see for yourself. The retreat will take place from the afternoon of November 13 to mid-day November 15, which is a Friday through Sunday. Those of you who work, it’s completely OK if you get there later on Friday. We will spend time in quiet and prayer with the brothers during their regular chapel services: Morning Prayer, Eucharist, Noonday Prayer, Evening Prayer, and Compline. We will also spend some time in discussion as we prepare for the season of preparation that is Advent. The monastery is in a beautiful location on the Hudson River, and the grounds are ideal for walks.

You can RSVP here or by emailing me (sladek@trinityprinceton.org). There are 15 rooms available, and the cost is $260 including all meals. If cost is an issue for you, let us know on the RSVP form, and if you are someone who is able to contribute to reduce the cost for someone else, let us know that too. Finally, if you need a ride, in the past we have been able to arrange carpools.

Formation This Week

Sunday, October 11 at 9:30 AM: Newcomers’ Forum

Monday, October 12 at 7:30 PM: Pub Theology at Yankee Doodle Tap Room

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

FELLOWSHIP GROUPS

SERVING OUR NEIGHBORS

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, Kevin F. Cunningham, Chip Dongara, Daryll Eatmon, Gus Escher, Abigail Evans, Wendy Evans, Sue & Steve Frank, Amy G., Sarah Glazar, Sebastian Godinez, 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, 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, Mike Stebbins, Jim Stepleton, Isaiah Stevens, Gary Sykes, Ward Tomlinson, Marue Walitzer, Aaron Ward, Sue White, Amy Wolfe, Andy, Cooper, Hannah, Joshua, Lucy, Megan, Nancy, and Nicole.

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