At this time of the summer in Year B of the Lectionary, we hear Gospel lessons that seem to say the same thing again, and again, and again. This month, we hear different parts of Jesus’ discourse in John 6 where he tells his followers that he is the bread of life. For the preacher this can create something of a dilemma: is there that much to say about bread? It may create the same dilemma in the hearer.

But these saying of Jesus are so important, so central to our faith, that they bear reflecting on over a period of time. Indeed, they bear reflecting on for our entire lives. What a great mystery, what a miracle, that God loves us and wants to be in relationship with us in such a profound way. God is not aloof; God feeds us and sustains us with this bread that leads to eternal life.

Brother Seraphim is an Eastern Orthodox monk at Mount Tabor Monastery in California. On the monastery’s blog, he writes about the traditional clay ovens used to bake flat breads. These ovens, called tandoor in India or tannur in Iran, are used throughout South Asia and the Middle East. They are traditionally buried in the ground, and the bread is baked on the walls of the oven above the fire. The bread is pulled out of the oven with a hook at the end of the baking process. Baking in this way, he writes, is an “inside job,” carried out within the earth and sometimes hidden from view - just as our own transformation in the sacraments is carried out by what we Anglicans call an “inward and spiritual grace.”

Baking bread with a mostly-buried oven: that’s an “inside job.” Eat the body and drink the blood, in Holy Eucharist, in the consecrated Bread and Wine, and He will be doing an inside job on you. The dough has to be heated and baked. We have to endure some sufferings and hardships; Jesus did so, for us. That is how the dough develops into wholesome bread; that is how we develop into purity that can see God…and into closer union with our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ. The bread may be poked by that hook tool; we may be poked by the crosses we carry, to follow Christ. The bread rises. May we rise, too, into everlasting glory with our Savior and all the holy angels and saints.

May the God who has begun such a marvelous “inside job” in all of us continue to draw us ever closer, as we are fed with that wondrous bread from heaven.

In Christ, and in Christ alone,

Join us for canoeing or kayaking on the Delaware and Raritan Canal! We will meet at 1 PM this Sunday, August 11, 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.

Join us at noon on Thursday, August 15 as we observe the feast of St Mary the Virgin, Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ. There will be music at this service. 

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

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

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.