News

God’s Sweet Gift of Grace

Saturday, May 4 2024

Two verses, one poem:
GRACE
God's sweet gift of grace
Covers my sin, offers me
A second, third chance.

But now I hear him,
"That one who offends you so -
Can you offer grace?"
-Fran 

Dear friends, 

There’s a lot of news in this update, so let the headings be your guide!

THIS SUNDAY-CONTEMPLATION IN PSALM 23 
This Sunday, May 5 after morning worship in the chapel.
Understanding the shepherding practices that were used when King David wrote Psalm 23 will greatly enhance our interaction with this Psalm. Jennifer Mahnke has put together a contemplative teaching and prayer time designed to help us encounter our Shepherd in a new way. 

HAVEN PROJECT: HELP THEM MOVE STUFF
Wednesday, May 8th, 3-6 pm. 
The Haven Project is moving clothes and kitchen utensils, etc., that they store to give to clients transitioning out of homelessness. It’s exciting, because they are clearing out the top two floors of their building so that construction can begin there on new low-income apartments. Let Ramey know if you can help. Good burrito place down the street for a dinner possibility after.
57 Munroe St., Lynn, MA

OUTDOORS SOON
May 19 is our target date for shifting to outdoors worship.
If you can help carry some things down to the Retreat House next Sunday May 12 after service, see Michael, Ian, or Tim, thank you!

Also, a gentle pastoral word about our four-legged, furry members: dogs are welcome (and loved) but also please keep dogs on leash and in your control. 

YOUNG ADULTS-AN INVITATION
Jen Mahnke and Ian Clayton would love to chat with Trinity 18-30ish year olds about their church experiences & needs. If this is you, reach out over email at jennifer.mahnke@gmail.com or ianthomasclayton@gmail.com

They say: “We would love to invite Trinity folk in this age range to an informal event Sunday, May 19th at 6pm. We’d love to get to know you and chat about what young adults at Trinity need. Email us or say hi after church to find out more!”

TAKE THEM A MEAL
From time to time we have wonderful opportunities to help our families at Trinity. 🌠
Thank you for helping the Youndt family and toddler at this time, they are very thankful to have this community support.
Details here:
Thanks again for helping out!

GUYS GATHERING - May 25, 9 am
We'd love to get the men across the church together again over Memorial Day Weekend. We'll meet at the Clayton's at 9am and head over to Beverly Commons for a woods walk/hike then head back to the Clayton's for some coffee and doughnuts and break into groups to check in and pray for one another. We'll also have a brief time to talk about a potential new group we'll be starting this summer. Men (and boys) of all ages are invited to attend. RSVP/email tim@trinitynorthshore.org if you are coming and would hope for a coffee and doughnut.

Deacon Jen to be ordained priest this summer, June 30!
Mark the date — Deacon Jen is scheduled to be ordained priest at our worship on Sunday, June 30, Deo volente. More to come, but mark the date!

MOVIE NIGHT AT ANCHOR POINT COMMUNItY: a second chance…
Our movie night at Anchor Point had to be postponed due to illness. So, sad as we were about that, it does mean that there is another opportunity coming up for you to be involved. 

EASTER HAIKUs
here’s still time for showing your brilliance with a resurrection-themed Easter Haiku!

RULE OF LIFE or Just Chat About Anything (New appointment times available.)
Our personal rules of life are going to be deeply important in this coming year, given the way things are shaping up, in helping us keep the plot. 

I’d love to check in with you (not check up on you) about anything important to you, really, but especially regarding a Rule of Life. Even if that means you aren’t inclined to make one, but are willing to explore it. 

You can sign up here for some appts with me and, if none of these work, email me, and we will find something that does. 

Peace be with you,
Tim+

Birds Ringing in the Dawn

Saturday April 27, 2024

Birds ringing in the dawn
Loud as any church bells could be
What joy from tiny lungs.
-Jennifer Drummond

The Lord my shepherd;
Green meadows and calm waters.
Never-ending whole. 
-Fr Tim

Dear friends,
Happy Easter! He is risen!
Here’s some of what’s going on…

YOUNG ADULTS-AN INVITATION
Jen Mahnke and Ian Clayton would love to chat with Trinity 18-30ish year olds about their church experiences & needs. If this is you, reach out over email at jennifer.mahnke@gmail.com or ianthomasclayton@gmail.com

They say: “We would love to invite Trinity folk in this age range to an informal event Sunday, May 19th at 6pm. We’d love to get to know you and chat about what young adults at Trinity need. Email us or say hi after church to find out more!”

Deacon Jen to be ordained priest this summer, June 30!
Mark the date — Deacon Jen is scheduled to be ordained priest at our worship on Sunday, June 30, Deo volente. More to come, but mark the date!

MOVIE NIGHT AT ANCHOR POINT COMMUNItY: a second chance…
Our movie night at Anchor Point had to be postponed due to illness. So, sad as we were about that, it does mean that there is another opportunity coming up for you to be involved. 

EASTER HAIKUs
here’s still time for showing your brilliance with a resurrection-themed Easter Haiku!
Send in your Haikus to tim@trinitynorthshore.org
Just for fun, we’re having an Easter haiku competition. You know haiku — a Japanese poetic form of three lines, going 5-7-5 syllables per line. As best I understand it, haiku traditionally have been about nature and transformations. The best haiku notice something small, seemingly inconsequential perhaps, but then there is a surprise, or at least an irony, a paradox, something like this…
So, we are not expecting perfection here, but joining in as a way to get ourselves contemplating and noodling on things like:

• Resurrection

• Ongoing life

• Eternity in complete joy

• The present as the first moment of forever

Or, maybe our participation in Connecting with God, Community, and Creation.
We are freed-up by the promise of life in wholeness forever, to be daring and creative in connecting… 

Each week we’ll read one of your haiku in the announcements (so we’ve got to have them to avoid a collective weekly awkward moment!). In the end a winning haiku will be chosen by a brilliant team, and the winner will get the baked or frozen treat locally available and of their own choosing.

GIVING AT TRINITY
I’m excited that, as a part of our embodied expressions of worship, soon we will begin passing the offering plate. Many of us give online, which is great, and there will be cards you can pick up on the way in to the service that say basically, “I gave online…” and which you can put in the plate as symbolic of your offering. The opportunity to worship through giving is in the online bulletin each week under “Offering”, or under the Give link on our website. As a church of many college students, young people, and young families, we appreciate any additional support you may be able to give.

Also, we will begin to send periodic updates regarding our giving and our needs (sometimes via snail mail). If you would kindly update your mailing address and contact info on our Church Center App it would be a big help. Thank you! 

And especially with Easter approaching we will be needing greeters/ushers/usherettes. This is a meaningful and fun way to serve. Let me or Dennis know if you would be willing to help serve this way.

NIGHT PRAYER FOR SOUL CARE 🎇
Thursday Nights, at 8 pm in the Retreat House Chapel
Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in Hamilton, MA
Deacon Jen is offering Compline to the seminary campus as a beautiful and holy space for people to enter silence, let go, and to breathe in the presence of God. While this is a part of the seminary’s soul-care offerings, everyone is most welcome. 

EASTER WITH JOHN DONNE
Just a humble reminder that Easter with John Donne books are available on Amazon, and contribute to Trinity, ARDF, and ARocha Int’l. If you know someone looking for a good book for Easter-tide.
More info on our Trinity Books page.

RULE OF LIFE or Just Chat About Anything (New appointment times available.)
Our personal rules of life are going to be deeply important in this coming year, given the way things are shaping up, in helping us keep the plot. 

I’d love to check in with you (not check up on you) about anything important to you, really, but especially regarding a Rule of Life. Even if that means you aren’t inclined to make one, but are willing to explore it. 

You can sign up here for some appts with me and, if none of these work, email me, and we will find something that does. 

Peace be with you,
Tim+

You Died for Love,
and Yet You Were Not Finished

Saturday April 20, 2024

How is the fishing?
Having a hard time today?
I cooked you breakfast!
-Anonymous

You have always lived
Though you died for love, and yet 
You were not finished.
-(A different) anonymous poet

Dear friends,
Happy Easter! It was a joy this past Sunday to celebrate 3 years of Trinity. There are so many things God has done that we are truly grateful for and we are very much looking forward to what lies ahead together. Here’s some of what’s going on…

Earth Day event at Beverly Library, THIS MONDAY, April 22 at 7 PM
I’m going to try something this year that I have wanted to try for a while… an Earth Day event in a non-church location, a discussion about A Spirituality for Care for the Earth. We’ve got a room booked at the Beverly Library (downtown Beverly) at 7 pm, on Monday, April, 22nd, Earth Day. Share the word! If you have ideas how we can get the word out, let me know… 

Deacon Jen to be ordained priest this summer, June 30!
Mark the date — Deacon Jen is scheduled to be ordained priest at our worship on Sunday, June 30, Deo volente. More to come, but mark the date!

MOVIE NIGHT AT ANCHOR POINT COMMUNItY: a second chance…
Our movie night at Anchor Point had to be postponed due to illness. So, sad as we were about that, it does mean that there is another opportunity coming up for you to be involved. 

EASTER HAIKUs
here’s still time for showing your brilliance with a resurrection-themed Easter Haiku!
Send in your Haikus to tim@trinitynorthshore.org
Just for fun, we’re having an Easter haiku competition. You know haiku — a Japanese poetic form of three lines, going 5-7-5 syllables per line. As best I understand it, haiku traditionally have been about nature and transformations. The best haiku notice something small, seemingly inconsequential perhaps, but then there is a surprise, or at least an irony, a paradox, something like this…
So, we are not expecting perfection here, but joining in as a way to get ourselves contemplating and noodling on things like:

• Resurrection

• Ongoing life

• Eternity in complete joy

• The present as the first moment of forever

Or, maybe our participation in Connecting with God, Community, and Creation.
We are freed-up by the promise of life in wholeness forever, to be daring and creative in connecting… 

Each week we’ll read one of your haiku in the announcements (so we’ve got to have them to avoid a collective weekly awkward moment!). In the end a winning haiku will be chosen by a brilliant team, and the winner will get the baked or frozen treat locally available and of their own choosing.

GIVING AT TRINITY
I’m excited that, as a part of our embodied expressions of worship, soon we will begin passing the offering plate. Many of us give online, which is great, and there will be cards you can pick up on the way in to the service that say basically, “I gave online…” and which you can put in the plate as symbolic of your offering. The opportunity to worship through giving is in the online bulletin each week under “Offering”, or under the Give link on our website. As a church of many college students, young people, and young families, we appreciate any additional support you may be able to give.

Also, we will begin to send periodic updates regarding our giving and our needs (sometimes via snail mail). If you would kindly update your mailing address and contact info on our Church Center App it would be a big help. Thank you! 

And especially with Easter approaching we will be needing greeters/ushers/usherettes. This is a meaningful and fun way to serve. Let me or Dennis know if you would be willing to help serve this way.

NIGHT PRAYER FOR SOUL CARE 🎇
Thursday Nights, at 8 pm in the Retreat House Chapel
Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in Hamilton, MA
Deacon Jen is offering Compline to the seminary campus as a beautiful and holy space for people to enter silence, let go, and to breathe in the presence of God. While this is a part of the seminary’s soul-care offerings, everyone is most welcome. 

EASTER WITH JOHN DONNE
Just a humble reminder that Easter with John Donne books are available on Amazon, and contribute to Trinity, ARDF, and ARocha Int’l. If you know someone looking for a good book for Easter-tide.
More info on our Trinity Books page.

RULE OF LIFE or Just Chat About Anything (New appointment times available.)
Our personal rules of life are going to be deeply important in this coming year, given the way things are shaping up, in helping us keep the plot. 

I’d love to check in with you (not check up on you) about anything important to you, really, but especially regarding a Rule of Life. Even if that means you aren’t inclined to make one, but are willing to explore it. 

You can sign up here for some appts with me and, if none of these work, email me, and we will find something that does. 

Peace be with you,
Tim+

Life Unfurls its Tethered Wings, Resurrection Wins

Saturday April 13, 2024

Peach buds swell overnight
And in the morning light grow
To become blossoms
-Jennifer Drummond

Hidden in the earth
Life unfurls its tethered wings
Resurrection wins
-Jennifer Mahnke

Dear friends,
Happy Easter! Here’s some of what’s going on…

MOVIE NIGHT AT ANCHOR POINT COMMUNITY this Wednesday April 17!
Please be praying for our second movie night at Anchor, this coming Wednesday evening. Pray for children and teens who show up, for their families, for our team, and overall for trust and good relationships to begin and grow.

Earth Day event at Beverly Library, 7 PM April 22
I’m going to try something this year that I have wanted to try for a while… an Earth Day event in a non-church location, a discussion about A Spirituality for Care for the Earth. We’ve got a room booked at the Beverly Library (downtown Beverly) at 7 pm, on Monday, April, 22nd, Earth Day. Share the word! If you have ideas how we can get the word out, let me know… 

EASTER HAIKUs
Send in your Haikus to tim@trinitynorthshore.org
Just for fun, we’re having an Easter haiku competition. You know haiku — a Japanese poetic form of three lines, going 5-7-5 syllables per line. As best I understand it, haiku traditionally have been about nature and transformations. The best haiku notice something small, seemingly inconsequential perhaps, but then there is a surprise, or at least an irony, a paradox, something like this…
So, we are not expecting perfection here, but joining in as a way to get ourselves contemplating and noodling on things like:

• Resurrection

• Ongoing life

• Eternity in complete joy

• The present as the first moment of forever

Or, maybe our participation in Connecting with God, Community, and Creation.
We are freed-up by the promise of life in wholeness forever, to be daring and creative in connecting… 

Each week we’ll read one of your haiku in the announcements (so we’ve got to have them to avoid a collective weekly awkward moment!). In the end a winning haiku will be chosen by a brilliant team, and the winner will get the baked or frozen treat locally available and of their own choosing.

GIVING AT TRINITY
I’m excited that, as a part of our embodied expressions of worship, soon we will begin passing the offering plate. Many of us give online, which is great, and there will be cards you can pick up on the way in to the service that say basically, “I gave online…” and which you can put in the plate as symbolic of your offering. The opportunity to worship through giving is in the online bulletin each week under “Offering”, or under the Give link on our website. As a church of many college students, young people, and young families, we appreciate any additional support you may be able to give.

Also, we will begin to send periodic updates regarding our giving and our needs (sometimes via snail mail). If you would kindly update your mailing address and contact info on our Church Center App it would be a big help. Thank you! 

And especially with Easter approaching we will be needing greeters/ushers/usherettes. This is a meaningful and fun way to serve. Let me or Dennis know if you would be willing to help serve this way.

NIGHT PRAYER FOR SOUL CARE 🎇
Thursday Nights, at 8 pm in the Retreat House Chapel
Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in Hamilton, MA
Deacon Jen is offering Compline to the seminary campus as a beautiful and holy space for people to enter silence, let go, and to breathe in the presence of God. While this is a part of the seminary’s soul-care offerings, everyone is most welcome. 

EASTER WITH JOHN DONNE
Just a humble reminder that Easter with John Donne books are available on Amazon, and contribute to Trinity, ARDF, and ARocha Int’l. If you know someone looking for a good book for Easter-tide.
More info on our Trinity Books page.

RULE OF LIFE or Just Chat About Anything (New appointment times available.)
Our personal rules of life are going to be deeply important in this coming year, given the way things are shaping up, in helping us keep the plot. 

I’d love to check in with you (not check up on you) about anything important to you, really, but especially regarding a Rule of Life. Even if that means you aren’t inclined to make one, but are willing to explore it. 

You can sign up here for some appts with me and, if none of these work, email me, and we will find something that does. 

Peace be with you,
Tim+

O Great King of all Flowers,
How Perfect is the Beauty of Your Crown

Saturday April 6, 2024

Dear friends,
A few of you shared on Sunday how much our tradition of everyone participating in the flowering of the Cross means to you; I love it! I gently, joyfully weep each year watching you all go up to place your flowers on the cross. And a special thanks to the tall among us, who handle that upper reach of the Cross!

This year Toby Westberry wrote me to share how God met him as this wonderful time was happening: “I have recently been collecting together an array of quotes from early Christian Syriac authors as I prepare for an upcoming presentation on them, and Saturday evening I came across one from Ephrem's hymns on the resurrection (2.9 & 11). As I sat there Sunday morning, the irises of the cross stared back at me and I couldn't stop thinking about it, especially the last few lines. So I figured I'd share with you.

Let the chief pastor weave together
his homilies like flowers, 
let the priests make a garland of their ministry,
the deacons of their reading,
strong young men of their jubilant shouts, 
children of their psalms,
virgins of their songs,
chief citizens of their benefactions,
ordinary folk of their manner of life.
Blessed is He who gave us so many opportunities for good!
…
Royal crowns appear poor
compared with the wealth of Your crown
into which purity is intertwined,
in which faith shines out,
humility shines forth,
and holiness is commingled
and great love is resplendent.
O great King of all flowers,
how perfect is the beauty of Your crown.
Blessed is He who gave it to us to weave!"

Toby says this about St Ephrem: 
It was not Ephrem’s commentaries but his poetry/hymns and metrical homilies that earned him the moniker “the Harp of the Spirit.” Ephrem (c.306 -373) lived in between worlds: a deacon and catechist from the Persian town of Nisibis, Ephrem had to relocate over the border into the Roman Empire during the last decade of his life. It is likely there that he composed the majority of his writings penning them in his native tongue Syriac, a dialect of Aramaic. Ephrem is thus the prime exemplar of a Nicene faith (someone who believed and kept the faith expressed in the Creed) lived out and expressed in a thoroughly Semitic milieu. Spending time with him, we hear ancient choirs meditating on the mysteries of the Trinity, the Incarnation, and the treasures in Scripture.

Earth Day event at Beverly Library, 7 PM April 22
I’m going to try something this year that I have wanted to try for a while… an Earth Day event in a non-church location, a discussion about A Spirituality for Care for the Earth. We’ve got a room booked at the Beverly Library (downtown Beverly) at 7 pm, on Monday, April, 22nd, Earth Day. Share the word! If you have ideas how we can get the word out, let me know… 

EASTER HAIKUs
Send in your Haikus to tim@trinitynorthshore.org
Just for fun, we’re having an Easter haiku competition. You know haiku — a Japanese poetic form of three lines, going 5-7-5 syllables per line. As best I understand it, haiku traditionally have been about nature and transformations. The best haiku notice something small, seemingly inconsequential perhaps, but then there is a surprise, or at least an irony, a paradox, something like this…

So, we are not expecting perfection here, but joining in as a way to get ourselves contemplating and noodling on things like:

• Resurrection

• Ongoing life

• Eternity in complete joy

• The present as the first moment of forever

Or, maybe our participation in Connecting with God, Community, and Creation.
We are freed-up by the promise of life in wholeness forever, to be daring and creative in connecting… 

Each week we’ll read one of your haiku in the announcements (so we’ve got to have them to avoid a collective weekly awkward moment!). In the end a winning haiku will be chosen by a brilliant team, and the winner will get the baked or frozen treat locally available and of their own choosing.

GIVING AT TRINITY
I’m excited that, as a part of our embodied expressions of worship, soon we will begin passing the offering plate. Many of us give online, which is great, and there will be cards you can pick up on the way in to the service that say basically, “I gave online…” and which you can put in the plate as symbolic of your offering. The opportunity to worship through giving is in the online bulletin each week under “Offering”, or under the Give link on our website. As a church of many college students, young people, and young families, we appreciate any additional support you may be able to give.

Also, we will begin to send periodic updates regarding our giving and our needs (sometimes via snail mail). If you would kindly update your mailing address and contact info on our Church Center App it would be a big help. Thank you! 

And especially with Easter approaching we will be needing greeters/ushers/usherettes. This is a meaningful and fun way to serve. Let me or Dennis know if you would be willing to help serve this way.

WORKING ON A 2ND MOVIE NIGHT AT ANCHOR BAY
Our initial event at Anchor Bay Community was good — a great start, and building trust. We are working on another movie night, probably April 17. Hold the date, and let us know if you would like to participate. Also, we’ll be building a prayer team. So let us know how you’d like to be involved!

NIGHT PRAYER FOR SOUL CARE 🎇
Thursday Nights, at 8 pm in the Retreat House Chapel
Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in Hamilton, MA
Deacon Jen is offering Compline to the seminary campus as a beautiful and holy space for people to enter silence, let go, and to breathe in the presence of God. While this is a part of the seminary’s soul-care offerings, everyone is most welcome. 

EASTER WITH JOHN DONNE
Just a humble reminder that Easter with John Donne books are available on Amazon, and contribute to Trinity, ARDF, and ARocha Int’l. If you know someone looking for a good book for Easter-tide.
More info on our Trinity Books page.

RULE OF LIFE (New appointment times available.)
Our personal rules of life are going to be deeply important in this coming year, given the way things are shaping up, in helping us keep the plot. 

I’d love to check in with you (not check up on you) about anything important to you, really, but especially regarding a Rule of Life. Even if that means you aren’t inclined to make one, but are willing to explore it. 

You can sign up here for some appts with me and, if none of these work, email me, and we will find something that does. 

Peace be with you,
Tim+

Holy Week and Easter

Saturday March 23, 2024

And it came to pass, when the time had come that He should be received up, He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem,

Now when the time was approaching for Him to be taken up [to heaven], He was determined to go to Jerusalem [to fulfill His purpose].

Now when the time was almost come for Jesus to be received up [to heaven], He steadfastly and determinedly set His face to go to Jerusalem.

As the time came nearer for Jesus to be taken up, he settled it in his mind to go to Jerusalem.

When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.

• Five different English translations of Luke 9: 51.
  The first and last have the poignant language (which is in the Greek) that “he set his face…”. Sunday is Palm Sunday. Their (and our) proclamation of ‘Hosannah, he is King!’ is true and good, but also he himself knew what the path involved, and how challenging it would be for them (and us). 

Hello friends,
Much of what is below you may have seen, but there’s some new twists worth catching, and ways to get involved:

• we need greeters/ushers/usherettes, a fun way to serve

• we’re now looking ahead to Easter with John Donne

• get involved with creative Easter Haikus

• and few other tweaks and twists…

I am looking forward to walking with you all through our Lord’s Passion and into the joy of his Resurrection.

Earth Day event at Beverly Library, 7 PM April 22
I’m going to try something this year that I have wanted to try for a while… an Earth Day event in a non-church location, a discussion about A Spirituality for Care for the Earth. We’ve got a room booked at the Beverly Library (downtown Beverly) at 7 pm, on Monday, April, 22nd, Earth Day. Share the word! If you have ideas how we can get the word out, let me know… 

EASTER HAIKUs
Just for fun, we’re having an Easter haiku competition. You know haiku — a Japanese poetic form of three lines, going 5-7-5 syllables per line. As best I understand it, haiku traditionally have been about nature and transformations. The best haiku notice something small, seemingly inconsequential perhaps, but then there is a surprise, or at least an irony, a paradox, something like this…

So, we are not expecting perfection here, but joining in as a way to get ourselves contemplating and noodling on things like:

• Resurrection

• Ongoing life

• Eternity in complete joy

• The present as the first moment of forever

Or, maybe our participation in Connecting with God, Community, and Creation.
We are freed-up by the promise of life in wholeness forever, to be daring and creative in connecting… 

Each week we’ll read one of your haiku in the announcements (so we’ve got to have them to avoid a collective weekly awkward moment!). In the end a winning haiku will be chosen by a brilliant team, and the winner will get the baked or frozen treat locally available and of their own choosing.

GIVING AT TRINITY
I’m excited that, as a part of our embodied expressions of worship, soon we will begin passing the offering plate. Many of us give online, which is great, and there will be cards you can pick up on the way in to the service that say basically, “I gave online…” and which you can put in the plate as symbolic of your offering. The opportunity to worship through giving is in the online bulletin each week under “Offering”, or under the Give link on our website. As a church of many college students, young people, and young families, we appreciate any additional support you may be able to give.

Also, we will begin to send periodic updates regarding our giving and our needs (sometimes via snail mail). If you would kindly update your mailing address and contact info on our Church Center App it would be a big help. Thank you! 

And especially with Easter approaching we will be needing greeters/ushers/usherettes. This is a meaningful and fun way to serve. Let me or Dennis know if you would be willing to help serve this way.

VOTE FOR OUR PARTNERS AT LAND OF A THOUSAND HILLS & THE HAVEN PROJECT
With apologies to our friends at close local cafes, I invite you to vote for our mission partners at the Haven Project and their affiliated Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee cafe for the North Shore’s best coffee shop (LoTH is legit, and a great cafe on its own rights; I hop the train down and pop over to work sometimes). Vote here under “Drink then select Coffee Shops”

NIGHT PRAYER FOR SOUL CARE 🎇
Thursday Nights, at 8 pm in the Retreat House Chapel
Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in Hamilton, MA
Deacon Jen is offering Compline to the seminary campus as a beautiful and holy space for people to enter silence, let go, and to breathe in the presence of God. While this is a part of the seminary’s soul-care offerings, everyone is most welcome. 

EASTER WITH JOHN DONNE
Just a humble reminder that Easter with John Donne books are available on Amazon, and contribute to Trinity, ARDF, and ARocha Int’l. If you know someone looking for a good book for Easter-tide.
More info on our Trinity Books page.

RULE OF LIFE (New appointment times available.)
Our personal rules of life are going to be deeply important in this coming year, given the way things are shaping up, in helping us keep the plot. 

I’d love to check in with you (not check up on you) about anything important to you, really, but especially regarding a Rule of Life. Even if that means you aren’t inclined to make one, but are willing to explore it. 

You can sign up here for some appts with me and, if none of these work, email me, and we will find something that does. 

Peace be with you,
Tim+

Saint Patrick’s Evening Hymn

Saturday March 16, 2024

O Christ, Son of the living God,
May your holy angels guard our sleep.
May they watch over us as we rest
And hover around our beds.

Let them reveal to us in our dreams
Visions of your glorious truth,
O High Prince of the universe,
O High Priest of the mysteries.

May no dreams disturb our rest
And no nightmares darken our dreams.
May no fears or worries delay
Our willing, prompt repose.

May the virtue of our daily work
Hallow our nightly prayers.
May our sleep be deep and soft,
So our work be fresh and hard. 

-St Patrick’s Evening Hymn; this Sunday, along with being the fifth Sunday of Lent, is St Patrick’s Day. We’ll talk about his amazing story (the true bits) and his life in God. This prayer — his Evening Hymn — is a good one, though lesser-known than his Breastplate prayer for protection.

Hello friends,
We’re heading into deep Lent now, and Holy Week is not far away. Here’s the schedule of services for Holy Week, and other things coming up and going on as well…

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER
Palm Sunday, March 24th at 10 a.m., gathering in the hall outside the Kaiser Chapel and moving into the chapel. 

• Holy Wednesday Tenebrae Candlelight Service (a service of prayer in the gathering darkness),
  Wednesday March 27th at 7pm, in the chapel at Mother Wendy’s house:
  295 Summer St., Manchester.

• Maundy Thursday, March 28th at 7 p.m. the Last Supper and Foot Washing

• Good Friday, March 29th - Two services

• Family and Special Kids Service at 5:30 p.m. Starting outside the Kaiser Chapel. 

• Main Service for everyone at 7 p.m. Starting outside the Kaiser Chapel.

• Easter Sunday celebration, March 31st, at 10 a.m.

VOTE FOR OUR PARTNERS AT LAND OF A THOUSAND HILLS & THE HAVEN PROJECT
With apologies to our friends at close local cafes, I invite you to vote for our mission partners at the Haven Project and their affiliated Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee cafe for the North Shore’s best coffee shop (LoTH is legit, and a great cafe on its own rights; I hop the train down and pop over to work sometimes). Vote here under “Drink then select Coffee Shops”

GIVING AT TRINITY
I’m excited that, as a part of our embodied expressions of worship, soon we will begin passing the offering plate. Many of us give online, which is great, and there will be cards you can pick up on the way in to the service that say basically, “I gave online…” and which you can put in the plate as symbolic of your offering. The opportunity to worship through giving is in the online bulletin each week under “Offering”, or under the Give link on our website. As a church of many college students, young people, and young families, we appreciate any additional support you may be able to give.

Also, we will begin to send periodic updates regarding our giving and our needs (sometimes via snail mail). If you would kindly update your mailing address and contact info on our Church Center App it would be a big help. Thank you! 

NIGHT PRAYER FOR SOUL CARE 🎇
Thursday Nights, at 8 pm in the Retreat House Chapel
Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in Hamilton, MA
Deacon Jen is offering Compline to the seminary campus as a beautiful and holy space for people to enter silence, let go, and to breathe in the presence of God. While this is a part of the seminary’s soul-care offerings, everyone is most welcome. 

LENT WITH JOHN DONNE
Just a humble reminder that Lent with John Donne books are available on Amazon, and contribute to Trinity, ARDF, and ARocha Int’l. If you know someone looking for a Lenten read…
More info on our Trinity Books page.

RULE OF LIFE (New appointment times available.)
Our personal rules of life are going to be deeply important in this coming year, given the way things are shaping up, in helping us keep the plot. 

I’d love to check in with you (not check up on you) about anything important to you, really, but especially regarding a Rule of Life. Even if that means you aren’t inclined to make one, but are willing to explore it. 

You can sign up here for some appts with me and, if none of these work, email me, and we will find something that does. 

Peace be with you,
Tim+

A Disposition of Heart

Friday March 8, 2024

“Sanctity does not consist in this or that practice, it consists in a disposition of heart which makes us humble and little in the eyes of God, conscious of our weakness but boldly confident in His goodness as Father.”
-St. Therese

Dear friends, 
I was rejoicing from a distance this past Sunday morning (I was in the upstairs balcony seating for most of the service) as some of our dear fellow Trinitarians were confirmed and received. A lovely Sunday!

And I’m feeling better and looking forward to being with you all on Sunday, as we continue walking with our Lord Jesus, towards his Passion. In the meantime, here’s some of what’s on…

GIVING AT TRINITY
I’m excited that, as a part of our embodied expressions of worship, soon we will begin passing the offering plate. Many of us give online, which is great, and there will be cards you can pick up on the way in to the service that say basically, “I gave online…” and which you can put in the plate as symbolic of your offering. The opportunity to worship through giving is in the online bulletin each week under “Offering”, or under the Give link on our website. As a church of many college students, young people, and young families, we appreciate any additional support you may be able to give.

Also, we will begin to send periodic updates regarding our giving and our needs (sometimes via snail mail). If you would kindly update your mailing address and contact info on our Church Center App it would be a big help. Thank you! 

NIGHT PRAYER FOR SOUL CARE 🎇
Thursday Nights, at 8 pm in the Retreat House Chapel
Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in Hamilton, MA
Deacon Jen is offering Compline to the seminary campus as a beautiful and holy space for people to enter silence, let go, and to breathe in the presence of God. While this is a part of the seminary’s soul-care offerings, everyone is most welcome. 

LENT WITH JOHN DONNE
Just a humble reminder that Lent with John Donne books are available on Amazon, and contribute to Trinity, ARDF, and ARocha Int’l. If you know someone looking for a Lenten read…
More info on our Trinity Books page.

RULE OF LIFE (New appointment times available.)
Our personal rules of life are going to be deeply important in this coming year, given the way things are shaping up, in helping us keep the plot. 

I’d love to check in with you (not check up on you) about anything important to you, really, but especially regarding a Rule of Life. Even if that means you aren’t inclined to make one, but are willing to explore it. 

You can sign up here for some appts with me and, if none of these work, email me, and we will find something that does. 

Peace be with you,
Tim+

A Very Special Sunday

Saturday March 2, 2024

BISHOP ANDREW, CONFIRMATIONS and RECEPTIONS
This Sunday, March 3!
Bishop Andrew will be with us for Confirmations and Receptions , leading and teaching.
A very special day as 7 of our community are being confirmed or received this week!
Join us for refreshments following the service in the hall.

NIGHT PRAYER FOR SOUL CARE 🎇
Thursday Nights, at 8 pm in the Retreat House Chapel
Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in Hamilton, MA
Deacon Jen is offering Compline to the seminary campus as a beautiful and holy space for people to enter silence, let go, and to breathe in the presence of God. While this is a part of the seminary’s soul-care offerings, everyone is most welcome. 

LENT WITH JOHN DONNE
Just a humble reminder that Lent with John Donne books are available on Amazon, and contribute to Trinity, ARDF, and ARocha Int’l. If you know someone looking for a Lenten read…
More info on our Trinity Books page.

RULE OF LIFE (New appointment times available.)
Our personal rules of life are going to be deeply important in this coming year, given the way things are shaping up, in helping us keep the plot. 

I’d love to check in with you (not check up on you) about anything important to you, really, but especially regarding a Rule of Life. Even if that means you aren’t inclined to make one, but are willing to explore it. 

You can sign up here for some appts with me and, if none of these work, email me, and we will find something that does. 

TAKE THEM A MEAL
We have wonderful opportunities to help our friends and family in the Trinity North Shore Community.
Learn how you can help on our Take Them a Meal Page.

CURRENT SERMON SERIES
Join us each week for our Current Sermon Series: Lent
Be sure to check it out on our podcast channel

Who Dared to Stand Up

Saturday February 24, 2024

Sir, when the history of the emancipation movement shall have been fairly written, it will be found that the abolitionists of the nineteenth century were the only [ones] who dared to defend the Bible from the blasphemous charge of sanctioning and sanctifying negro slavery. (Loud cheers.) 

It will be found that they were the only [ones] who dared to stand up and demand, that the churches calling themselves by the name of Christ, should entirely, and for ever, purify themselves from all contact, connection, and fellowship with men who gain their fortunes by the blood of souls. It will be found that they were the [ones] who “cried aloud and spared not;” who “lifted their voices like trumpets,” against the giant iniquity by which they were surrounded. 

It will then be seen that they were the [ones] who planted themselves on the immutable, eternal, and all-comprehensive principle of the sacred New Testament—”All things whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so unto them”—that, acting on this principle, and feeling that if the fetters were on their own limbs, the chain upon their own persons, the lash falling quick and hard upon their own quivering bodies, they would desire their fellow [ones] about them to be faithful to their cause; and, therefore, carrying out this principle, they have dared to risk their lives, fortunes, nay, their all, for the purpose of rescuing from the tyrannous grasp of the slaveholder these 3,000,000 of trampled-down children of [humanity]. (Loud cheers.)

-Frederick Douglass, “Farewell to the British People”: An Address Delivered in London, England, March 30, 1847.

Dear friends, 
We’re rejoicing from the movie night at Anchor Point Community; our small team did a great job, and had a lovely opportunity to meet some folks and begin a relationship. Here’s Dianne’s awesome flier for the event.

Here’s some good stuff happening at Trinity:

BISHOP ANDREW AND CONFIRMATIONS
Sunday, March 3
Bp Andrew will be with us for Confirmations and just to be with us, leading and preaching. Mark the Sunday on your calendar; it should be grand!

NIGHT PRAYER FOR SOUL CARE 🎇
Thursday Nights, at 8 pm in the Retreat House Chapel
Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in Hamilton, MA
Deacon Jen is offering Compline to the seminary campus as a beautiful and holy space for people to enter silence, let go, and to breathe in the presence of God. While this is a part of the seminary’s soul-care offerings, everyone is most welcome. 

LENT WITH JOHN DONNE
Just a humble reminder that Lent with John Donne books are available on Amazon, and contribute to Trinity, ARDF, and ARocha Int’l. If you know someone looking for a Lenten read…
More info on our Trinity Books page.

RULE OF LIFE (New appointment times available.)
Our personal rules of life are going to be deeply important in this coming year, given the way things are shaping up, in helping us keep the plot. 

I’d love to check in with you (not check up on you) about anything important to you, really, but especially regarding a Rule of Life. Even if that means you aren’t inclined to make one, but are willing to explore it. 

You can sign up here for some appts with me and, if none of these work, email me, and we will find something that does. 

TAKE THEM A MEAL
We have wonderful opportunities to help our friends and family in the Trinity North Shore Community.
Learn how you can help on our Take Them a Meal Page.

CURRENT SERMON SERIES
Join us each week for our Current Sermon Series: Lent
Be sure to check it out on our podcast channel

Echoes of Divine Love

Saturday February 17, 2024

Ash Wednesday does not simply tell us that we might die. It suggests that through the power of God, death might not have the final word. It is bold enough to maintain that all our temporal affections are echoes and hints of a divine love that can bear the weight romantic love cannot.
-The Rev’d Dr Esau McCaulley, with an apt reflection for these few days between Ash Wednesday and the first Sunday of Lent

Dear friends, 
Next week we will host our first event at the Anchor Point Community, a movie night for children, on Wednesday. Pray for this and those who have put this together (thank you!)! This is exciting as a first step; we’re grateful for it. 

Here’s some good stuff happening at Trinity:

TEENS GATHERING THIS SUNDAY FEBRUARY 18
email Cn Tim for details

BISHOP ANDREW AND CONFIRMATIONS
Sunday, March 3
Bp Andrew will be with us for Confirmations and just to be with us, leading and preaching. Mark the Sunday on your calendar; it should be grand!

NIGHT PRAYER FOR SOUL CARE 🎇
Thursday Nights, at 8 pm in the Retreat House Chapel
Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in Hamilton, MA
Deacon Jen is offering Compline to the seminary campus as a beautiful and holy space for people to enter silence, let go, and to breathe in the presence of God. While this is a part of the seminary’s soul-care offerings, everyone is most welcome. 

LENT WITH JOHN DONNE
Just a humble reminder that Lent with John Donne books are available on Amazon, and contribute to Trinity, ARDF, and ARocha Int’l. If you know someone looking for a Lenten read…
More info on our Trinity Books page.

RULE OF LIFE (New appointment times available.)
Our personal rules of life are going to be deeply important in this coming year, given the way things are shaping up, in helping us keep the plot. 

I’d love to check in with you (not check up on you) about anything important to you, really, but especially regarding a Rule of Life. Even if that means you aren’t inclined to make one, but are willing to explore it. 

You can sign up here for some appts with me and, if none of these work, email me, and we will find something that does. 

TAKE THEM A MEAL
We have wonderful opportunities to help our friends and family in the Trinity North Shore Community.
Learn how you can help on our Take Them a Meal Page.

CURRENT SERMON SERIES
Join us each week for our Current Sermon Series: Lent
Be sure to check it out on our podcast channel

A Very Personal Faith

Saturday February 10, 2024

A bit about how a very personal Christian faith gave Harriet Tubman courage:
A number of black female preachers preached the message of revival and sanctification on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Jarena Lee was the first authorized female preacher (and Tubman) was inspired by the evangelist. 

Her belief that there was no separation between the physical and spiritual worlds was a direct result of African religious practices. Tubman literally believed that she moved between a physical existence and a spiritual experience where she sometimes flew over the land.

…A horrific accident is believed to have brought Tubman closer to God… When she was a teenager, Tubman happened to be at a dry goods store when an overseer was trying to capture an enslaved person who had left his slave labor camp without permission. The angry man threw a two-pound weight at the runaway but hit Tubman instead, crushing part of her skull. For two days she lingered between life and death.

The injury almost certainly gave her temporal lobe epilepsy. As a result, she would have splitting headaches, fall asleep without notice, even during conversations, and have dreamlike trances.  …Tubman believed that her trances and visions were God’s revelation and evidence of his direct involvement in her life. 

One abolitionist reported that Tubman “talked with God, and he talked with her every day of her life.” …this confidence in providential guidance and protection helped make Tubman fearless. Standing only five feet tall, she had an air of authority that demanded respect.

Harriet Tubman once said that slavery was “the next thing to hell.” She helped many transcend that hell.
Excerpt from the article: Faith made Harriet Tubman Fearless as She Rescued Slaves

Dear friends, 
Please continue praying for our Anglican (and Catholic and other) brothers and sisters in South Sudan. The situation is difficult. 

On a happier note, I was able to pray Compline this week —what Deacon Jennifer is leading in the Retreat House Chapel on Thursday evenings — and  I found myself breathing deeply, slowly, and sighing as I relaxed as we prayed. It’s getting a little traction now, and a wonderful way to rest the soul. 

Here’s some good stuff happening at Trinity:
TEENS GATHERING FEB 18
Details coming…

NIGHT PRAYER FOR SOUL CARE 🎇
Thursday Nights, at 8 pm in the Retreat House Chapel
Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in Hamilton, MA
Deacon Jen is offering Compline to the seminary campus as a beautiful and holy space for people to enter silence, let go, and to breathe in the presence of God. While this is a part of the seminary’s soul-care offerings, everyone is most welcome. 

Confirmation Class Continues (open to anyone)
Topics and Schedule
For those wanting to be confirmed and for anyone who wants a deeper look at the core of our faith.
Sundays, January 21, 28, and February 4, 11 (February 18 and 25 as snow dates), after the service. 

• January 21: Creeds: What are they? Why are they? How do they work?

• January 28: Scripture: What is it? What is it trying to do? How does one understand it?

• February 4: Sacraments: What are they? Why are they? What do they do?

• February 11: Living with God: Prayer and similars. 

RULE OF LIFE (New appointment times available.)
Our personal rules of life are going to be deeply important in this coming year, given the way things are shaping up, in helping us keep the plot. 

I’d love to check in with you (not check up on you) about anything important to you, really, but especially regarding a Rule of Life. Even if that means you aren’t inclined to make one, but are willing to explore it. 

You can sign up here for some appts with me and, if none of these work, email me, and we will find something that does. 

TAKE THEM A MEAL
We have wonderful opportunities to help our friends and family in the Trinity North Shore Community.
Learn how you can help on our Take Them a Meal Page.

CURRENT SERMON SERIES
Join us each week for our Current Sermon Series: Epiphany
Be sure to check it out on our podcast channel

Peace be with you,
Tim+

The Song of Simeon

Saturday February 3, 2024

Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.
NUNC DIMITTIS
The Song of Simeon
Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, * 
    according to your word.
For my eyes have seen your salvation, *
    Which you have prepared before the face of all people; 
To be a light to lighten the Gentiles, *
    and to be the glory of your people Israel.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; * as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. LUKE 2:29-32

 Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.

-The Song of Simeon when he saw and held the infant Jesus after long years of waiting. Simeon’s song, in the church in the West, is set as the final canticle of Compline, the brief monastic office that marks the “completion” of the day. Today (Feb 2) is the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus in the Temple, being forty days after his birth, and marks the end of the Incarnation Cycle in the church’s calendar (the seasons of Advent-Christmas-Epiphany). We will celebrate The Presentation on Sunday. 

Dear friends, 
Last week we shared the happy news of a partnership between ARDF and the organization our own Peter Vanacore has led so well over these years. In addition to their new partnership in Rwanda, they hoped to begin work in South Sudan, but the situation there is not stable for visitors, and this past week Peter received news that the bishop they had hoped to visit has been wounded in an attack by militia groups on his town, killing more than fifty people. Please join Peter and me in praying for our brothers and sisters in South Sudan, many of whom are fellow Anglicans.

Here’s some good stuff happening at Trinity:

NIGHT PRAYER FOR SOUL CARE 🎇
Thursday Nights, at 8 pm in the Retreat House Chapel
Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in Hamilton, MA
Deacon Jen is offering Compline to the seminary campus as a beautiful and holy space for people to enter silence, let go, and to breathe in the presence of God. While this is a part of the seminary’s soul-care offerings, everyone is most welcome. 

Confirmation Class Continues (open to anyone)
Topics and Schedule
For those wanting to be confirmed and for anyone who wants a deeper look at the core of our faith.
Sundays, January 21, 28, and February 4, 11 (February 18 and 25 as snow dates), after the service. 

• January 21: Creeds: What are they? Why are they? How do they work?

• January 28: Scripture: What is it? What is it trying to do? How does one understand it?

• February 4: Sacraments: What are they? Why are they? What do they do?

• February 11: Living with God: Prayer and similars. 

RULE OF LIFE (New appointment times available.)
Our personal rules of life are going to be deeply important in this coming year, given the way things are shaping up, in helping us keep the plot. 

I’d love to check in with you (not check up on you) about anything important to you, really, but especially regarding a Rule of Life. Even if that means you aren’t inclined to make one, but are willing to explore it. 

You can sign up here for some appts with me and, if none of these work, email me, and we will find something that does. 

CURRENT SERMON SERIES
Join us each week for our Current Sermon Series: Epiphany
Be sure to check it out on our podcast channel

Peace be with you,
Tim+

The Friday Night Light - Restore

Friday January 26, 2024

To restore the human, who had been laid low by sin, to the heights of divine glory, the Word of the eternal Father, though containing all things within His immensity, willed to become small. This He did not by putting aside His greatness but by taking to Himself our littleness.
-an Epiphanytide reflection from St Thomas Aquinas, whose commemoration is January 28 (This Sunday)

ARDF-RWANDA PARTNERSHIP
Dear friends, 
Our partnership with ARDF has blossomed something lovely in Rwanda, thanks to Peter Vanacore and Jake Stum. 

In less than a year the Anglican Church in the Diocese of Gahini has paired over 390 young adults with mentors, including 67 in refugee camps for internally displaced people in Rwanda. It’s a partnership between The Youth for Development and Human Rights Advancement and the Christian Association of Youth Mentoring, facilitated by ARDF and our own Peter Vanacore. Check it out here:

And here’s some good stuff happening at Trinity:

NIGHT PRAYER FOR SOUL CARE 🎇
Thursday Nights, at 8 pm in the Retreat House Chapel
Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in Hamilton, MA
Deacon Jen is offering Compline to the seminary campus as a beautiful and holy space for people to enter silence, let go, and to breathe in the presence of God. While this is a part of the seminary’s soul-care offerings, everyone is most welcome. 

Confirmation Class Continues (open to anyone)
Topics and Schedule
For those wanting to be confirmed and for anyone who wants a deeper look at the core of our faith.
Sundays, January 21, 28, and February 4, 11 (February 18 and 25 as snow dates), after the service. 

• January 21: Creeds: What are they? Why are they? How do they work?

• January 28: Scripture: What is it? What is it trying to do? How does one understand it?

• February 4: Sacraments: What are they? Why are they? What do they do?

• February 11: Living with God: Prayer and similars. 

RULE OF LIFE (New appointment times available.)
Our personal rules of life are going to be deeply important in this coming year, given the way things are shaping up, in helping us keep the plot. 

I’d love to check in with you (not check up on you) about anything important to you, really, but especially regarding a Rule of Life. Even if that means you aren’t inclined to make one, but are willing to explore it. 

You can sign up here for some appts with me and, if none of these work, email me, and we will find something that does. 

CURRENT SERMON SERIES
Join us each week for our Current Sermon Series: Epiphany
Be sure to check it out on our podcast channel

Peace be with you,
Tim+

Reflecting on the Wonder of Jesus

Friday January 19, 2023

From the religious point of view, humanity can be divided into two great hemispheres. There is the first… in which everything is one, where in the end everything is submerged into unity… like “salt in the sea”… And then there is the more “Semitic” hemisphere, represented by Judaism and Islam: God is in heaven and humankind is on the earth; they cannot enter into communion, but God gives his law, and humankind must follow this law…

It seems to me then that Christianity is altogether astonishing, because it says that the human and the divine are united both “without separation” and “without confusion” [in the person of Christ, per the Council of Chalcedon]… “Without separation” — this is the aspect emphasized by the spiritual heritage coming from India; and “without confusion” — the aspect affirmed by the hemisphere I have called “Semitic.”

There is an extraordinary synthesis here. The mystery is that the God revealed by Christ… is neither an ocean into which everything melts nor a solitary being in heaven, but he is the mystery of communion, that is, the mystery of love. He is the reality at the same time of the most complete unity and of the most complete distinction…
-Orthodox theologian-priest Olivier Clément, reflecting on the wonder of Jesus

Dear friends, 
A humble reminder to pray for the Parish Council on half-day retreat Saturday. I’m looking forward to our time together. 
Here’s some good stuff happening at Trinity:

THURSDAY NIGHT PRAYER FOR SOUL CARE 🎇
Thursday Nights, at 8 pm in the Retreat House Chapel
Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in Hamilton, MA
Beginning Thursday January 25th, Deacon Jen is offering Compline to the seminary campus as a beautiful and holy space for people to enter silence, let go, and to breathe in the presence of God. While this is a part of the seminary’s soul-care offerings, everyone is most welcome. 

Confirmation Class (open to anyone) Topics and Schedule
Starting soon! For those wanting to be confirmed and for anyone who wants a deeper look at the core of our faith.
Sundays, January 21, 28, and February 4, 11 (February 18 and 25 as snow dates), after the service. 

• January 21: Creeds: What are they? Why are they? How do they work?

• January 28: Scripture: What is it? What is it trying to do? How does one understand it?

• February 4: Sacraments: What are they? Why are they? What do they do?

• February 11: Living with God: Prayer and similars. 

RULE OF LIFE (New appointment times available.)
Our personal rules of life are going to be deeply important in this coming year, given the way things are shaping up, in helping us keep the plot. 

I’d love to check in with you (not check up on you) about anything important to you, really, but especially regarding a Rule of Life. Even if that means you aren’t inclined to make one, but are willing to explore it. 

You can sign up here for some appts with me and, if none of these work, email me, and we will find something that does. 

CURRENT SERMON SERIES
Join us each week for our Current Sermon Series: Epiphany
Be sure to check it out on our podcast channel

Peace be with you,

Tim+

A Personal God - A Living Reality

Friday January 12, 2024

In recent months I have also become more and more convinced of the reality of a personal God. True, I have always believed in the personality of God. But in past years the idea of a personal God was little more than a metaphysical category which I found theologically and philosophically satisfying. Now it is a living reality that has been validated in the experiences of everyday life. Perhaps the suffering, frustration and agonizing moments which I have had to undergo occasionally as a result of my involvement in a difficult struggle have drawn me closer to God. Whatever the cause, God has been profoundly real to me in recent months. In the midst of outer dangers I have felt an inner calm and known resources of strength that only God could give. In many instances I have felt the power of God transforming the fatigue of despair into the buoyancy of hope. I am convinced that the universe is under the control of a loving purpose and that in the struggle for righteousness man has cosmic companionship. Behind the harsh appearances of the world there is a benign power. 
-The Rev’d Dr Martin Luther King, Jr., in an essay "Pilgrimage to Nonviolence”

Dear friends, 
I hope the wild weather start to this new year has been okay for you. 
I’m looking forward to the Parish Council’s half-day retreat coming up January 20. Pray for us, that we will have a relaxed time together and a learning time. Canon Susie Skillen will be helping us think about discerning together. 

Here’s some good stuff happening at Trinity. 

Confirmation Class (open to anyone) Topics and Schedule
Starting soon! For those wanting to be confirmed and for anyone who wants a deeper look at the core of our faith.
Sundays, January 21, 28, and February 4, 11 (February 18 and 25 as snow dates), after the service. 

• January 21: Creeds: What are they? Why are they? How do they work?

• January 28: Scripture: What is it? What is it trying to do? How does one understand it?

• February 4: Sacraments: What are they? Why are they? What do they do?

• February 11: Living with God: Prayer and similars. 

RULE OF LIFE (New appointment times available.)
Our personal rules of life are going to be deeply important in this coming year, given the way things are shaping up, in helping us keep the plot. 

I’d love to check in with you (not check up on you) about anything important to you, really, but especially regarding a Rule of Life. Even if that means you aren’t inclined to make one, but are willing to explore it. 

You can sign up here for some appts with me and, if none of these work, email me, and we will find something that does. 

CURRENT SERMON SERIES
Join us each week for our Current Sermon Series: Epiphany
Be sure to check it out on our podcast channel

Peace be with you,

Tim+

Thursday Night Light

Thursday January 4, 2024

O God, we praise you for the glory of your salvation that has risen and shines in the world through your Son Jesus Christ.
May we, like the Magi, ever rejoice with exceeding great joy.
Amen.
-prayer from Brian Zahnd’s book, The Anticipated Christ.

Dear friends,
There is a snow storm approaching and hitting New England on Sunday.
With that in mind we are moving our Sunday morning service to Saturday Afternoon at 4 pm in the Kaiser Chapel.
The Gordon Conwell staff has the heat working and we are grateful to them for their help during this holiday season.
-Trinity Kids Children’s ministry will be happening with Miss Jane
- Wee ones will not be happening this week.

EPIPHANY WORSHIP SCHEDULE
-Saturday, January 6th, 4 pm: Eucharist celebrating the Feast of the Epiphany

CURRENT SERMON SERIES
Join us each week for our Current Sermon Series: Advent, Christmas, Epiphany
Be sure to check it out on our podcast channel

Confirmation Class (open to anyone) Topics and Schedule
Confirmations with Bp Andrew March 3, 2024
We have a date with Bp Andrew! And given our proximity to the Christmas holidays I punted the class into the winter, but we are very much looking forward to it!

It’s a few months away, but just to close the loop and get this set: Sundays, January 21, 28, and February 4, 11 (February 18 and 25 as snow dates):

• after the 10 am service

• Topics:

• Creeds: What are they? Why are they? How do they work?

• Scripture: What is it? What is it trying to do? How does one understand it?

• Sacraments: What are they? Why are they? What do they do?

• Living with God: Prayer and similars. 

RULE OF LIFE
I’d love to check in with you (not check up on you) about anything important to you, really, but especially regarding a Rule of Life. Even if that means you aren’t inclined to make one, but are willing to explore it. 
You can sign up here for some appts with me and, if none of these work, email me, and we will find something that does. 

SHOWING MERCY IN A HURTING WORLD
There’s been a lot of hurt in the world these past months: The war in Israel, the continuing war against Ukraine, the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, and other situations as well. ARDF (ardf.org) is our partner for responding to these large emergencies.

The Relief Fund - ARDF Relief Support for Israel-Gaza, the People of Ukraine, Flooding in Libya, Mozambique, Turkey, Syria and many other relief efforts.

The Safety of the World

Saturday December 30, 2023

I saw a stable, low and very bare
I saw a stable, low and very bare,
A little child in a manger.
The oxen knew Him, had Him in their care,
To men He was a stranger.
The safety of the world was lying there,
And the world's danger.
- Mary Elizabeth Coleridge

CHRISTMAS-EPIPHANY WORSHIP SCHEDULE
-Sunday, December 31st, 10 am: Eucharist celebrating the Festival of Christ’s Holy Name
-Saturday, January 6th, 4pm: Eucharist celebrating the Feast of the Epiphany

CURRENT SERMON SERIES
Join us each week for our Current Sermon Series: Advent
Be sure to check it out on our podcast channel

Confirmation Class (open to anyone) Topics and Schedule
Confirmations with Bp Andrew March 3, 2024
We have a date with Bp Andrew! And given our proximity to the Christmas holidays I punted the class into the winter, but we are very much looking forward to it!

It’s a few months away, but just to close the loop and get this set: Sundays, January 21, 28, and February 4, 11 (February 18 and 25 as snow dates):

• after the 10 am service

• Topics:

• Creeds: What are they? Why are they? How do they work?

• Scripture: What is it? What is it trying to do? How does one understand it?

• Sacraments: What are they? Why are they? What do they do?

• Living with God: Prayer and similars. 

RULE OF LIFE
I’d love to check in with you (not check up on you) about anything important to you, really, but especially regarding a Rule of Life. Even if that means you aren’t inclined to make one, but are willing to explore it. 
You can sign up here for some appts with me and, if none of these work, email me, and we will find something that does. 

THE WAY OF LOVE 2023-2024
We’re going to experiment with doing these a little differently this season. We’d like to be able to have discussions in person, so here’s the current schedule:

January
Mother Earth, Sister Moon? How should we relate to the other-than-human natural world?

SHOWING MERCY IN A HURTING WORLD
There’s been a lot of hurt in the world these past months: The war in Israel, the continuing war against Ukraine, the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, and other situations as well. ARDF (ardf.org) is our partner for responding to these large emergencies.

The Relief Fund - ARDF Relief Support for Israel-Gaza, the People of Ukraine, Flooding in Libya, Mozambique, Turkey, Syria and many other relief efforts.

The Measure of Every Kind of Love

Saturday December 9, 2023

Christ “loved us more than he loved himself,” since he chose the darkness of the Incarnation in preference to his life in the primordial life of God. Thus the Incarnation became the measure and the law for every kind of love in this world, and our love must form itself after that model.
And
…This place of God’s self-emptying is precisely the place of his holiest divinity, of love’s highest freedom.

-Hans Urs von Balthasar, talking about and quoting Maximus the Confessor. These are well worth chewing on in your soul during these days of Advent, as we wait in expectation for our Lord Jesus to draw near. 

Greetings friends, 
Advent is a little different this year. Given that Sunday, December 24th is both the Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve, we have as brief an Advent as it is possible to have. As much as you are able, grab these precious few days for some time sitting in silence with our God, waiting and listening and sharing your heart; even a brief time can allow the soul to breathe and find peace. 

ADVENT-CHRISTMAS-EPIPHANY WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Sunday, December 10th, 10 am: Eucharist on the Second Sunday of Advent

Sunday, December 17th, 10 am: Eucharist on the Third Sunday of Advent

Sunday, December 24th: 
10 a.m. a simple Eucharist Service with the Blessing of Pregnant Women to mark and keep the Fourth Sunday of Advent. The focus of this day is on Mary and the coming birth. 

4 p.m. Christmas Eve Service (with Eucharist)

Sunday, December 31st, 10 am: Eucharist celebrating the Festival of Christ’s Holy Name

Sunday, January 7th, 10 am: Eucharist celebrating the Feast of the Epiphany

CURRENT SERMON SERIES
Join us each week for our Current Sermon Series: Advent
Be sure to check it out on our podcast channel

Confirmation Class (open to anyone) Topics and Schedule
Confirmations with Bp Andrew March 3, 2024
We have a date with Bp Andrew! And given our proximity to the Christmas holidays I punted the class into the winter, but we are very much looking forward to it!

It’s a few months away, but just to close the loop and get this set: Sundays, January 21, 28, and February 4, 11 (February 18 and 25 as snow dates):

• after the 10 am service

• Topics:

• Creeds: What are they? Why are they? How do they work?

• Scripture: What is it? What is it trying to do? How does one understand it?

• Sacraments: What are they? Why are they? What do they do?

• Living with God: Prayer and similars. 

RULE OF LIFE
I’d love to check in with you (not check up on you) about anything important to you, really, but especially regarding a Rule of Life. Even if that means you aren’t inclined to make one, but are willing to explore it. 
You can sign up here for some appts with me and, if none of these work, email me, and we will find something that does. 

THE WAY OF LOVE 2023-2024
We’re going to experiment with doing these a little differently this season. We’d like to be able to have discussions in person, so here’s the current schedule:

January
Mother Earth, Sister Moon? How should we relate to the other-than-human natural world?

SHOWING MERCY IN A HURTING WORLD
There’s been a lot of hurt in the world these past months: The war in Israel, the continuing war against Ukraine, the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, and other situations as well. ARDF (ardf.org) is our partner for responding to these large emergencies.

The Relief Fund - ARDF Relief Support for Israel-Gaza, the People of Ukraine, Flooding in Libya, Mozambique, Turkey, Syria and many other relief efforts.

Advent + Winter Worship Space - Kaiser Chapel

Friday December 1, 2023

…we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, we also, in ourselves, groan as we await our adoption as children, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we are saved. But hope that is seen is not hope; who hopes for what one has seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with perseverance… 
- Romans 8.23-25

Dear friends, 
This Sunday we renew our annual acknowledgement that we are a people who are not left alone, yet also a people who are waiting. This Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent: we wait a few weeks until we celebrate God’s coming among us in his Incarnation; we are waiting for God to bring all things to fulfillment, the time when his glory shall cover the earth as the waters cover the sea; we wait for God’s presence by the Spirit of Jesus each and every day, in the midst of the joys and the sorrows of our lives. 

OUR WINTER WORSHIP SPACE – KAISER CHAPEL
Thank you to everyone who responded to our survey about where we should gather this winter for worship. My deepest take away from it all is simply gratitude: thank you that you care so deeply about Trinity; thank you for your gracious spirit. After I read the results, I simply sat in quiet and prayer for a spell, thanking God and rejoicing. 

Staff and clergy discussed the survey at our weekly meeting on Tuesday morning (we did not yet have the results), and Parish Council discussed and discerned with the results Tuesday evening (when they were hot off the press, breaking news!). 

As one of your astute Parish Council members put it:
“I notice that half of the responders prefer the Retreat House as a space, while more than half want to meet in a single service. Another significant theme is that most of the people who responded in writing prefer the Retreat House. Yet another is that many of those who did so also wish for us to stay unified.”

People responded to the simple beauty of the Retreat House Chapel and the intimacy of our worship there (especially the singing), but also that they love each other and want to worship together as one body. When we consider the practical issues such as the single bathroom in the Retreat House and the likelihood of winter virus flare-ups, this means we will be in the Kaiser Chapel. 

Two additional thoughts that have been in the front of my mind during this process of discernment:
-Spiritual discernment in community is something like an art that includes some science, along with spirit that includes reason. The art and spirit must be good or the whole thing spoils. Likewise, if the art and spirit are good, the discerning community grows together in trust and spirit. Thank you, again, for your kind spirit and thoughtful content. 

-As both chapels have good aspects, we are noting those of the space we did not choose, marking them, and carrying them with us, to be remembered for later. 

And, the last thing, in that spirit, we’re hoping to get everyone to sit in the middle section of Kaiser, toward the front, unless maybe you need to be in the balcony for whatever reason (in which case, no judgement, go for it and be there in peace).
Bless you all, friends,
Tim+ 

Great Expectations!

Advent Retreat December 9th!

Advent is a season of expectation. In the Anglican tradition, during the four weeks leading up to Christmas, we await with eager expectation Jesus's birth, and we also consider the state of our soul in light of the Second Coming of Jesus at the end of days. To help us reflect on the expectations and hopes that God has placed within our own hearts, and to help us find ways to better connect with Jesus,Trinity North Shore has created a day set apart from the busyness of the season: 

Saturday, December 9 from 9:30am to 2pm.  

We'll gather at Trinity's off-site chapel at Dennis and Wendy Dixon's house, 
295 Summer Street, Manchester by the Sea, MA. 
RSVP at wendy@trinitynorthshore.org

If you know someone whom you think might like to come, you could send them this link:
https://www.trinitynorthshore.org/events

CURRENT SERMON SERIES
Join us each week for our Current Sermon Series: Giving Thanks - Eucharist
Be sure to check out parts 1 and 2 on our podcast channel
The word “Eucharist” is a transliteration of the Greek word eucharistia, which is itself a translation of the Hebrew word berekah. All three words have the meaning of thanksgiving, or praise for the wonderful works of God. For the Eastern Orthodox, Eucharist is "living in thanksgiving".

Confirmation Class (open to anyone) Topics and Schedule
Confirmations with Bp Andrew March 3, 2024
We have a date with Bp Andrew! And given our proximity to the Christmas holidays I punted the class into the winter, but we are very much looking forward to it!

It’s a few months away, but just to close the loop and get this set: Sundays, January 21, 28, and February 4, 11 (February 18 and 25 as snow dates):

• if we are doing one service, then after the service

• If we are doing two, then in the 9 am window in-between services

• Topics:

• Creeds: What are they? Why are they? How do they work?

• Scripture: What is it? What is it trying to do? How does one understand it?

• Sacraments: What are they? Why are they? What do they do?

• Living with God: Prayer and similars. 

RULE OF LIFE
I’d love to check in with you (not check up on you) about anything important to you, really, but especially regarding a Rule of Life. Even if that means you aren’t inclined to make one, but are willing to explore it. 
You can sign up here for some appts with me and, if none of these work, email me, and we will find something that does. 

THE WAY OF LOVE 2023-2024
We’re going to experiment with doing these a little differently this autumn. We’d like to be able to have discussions in person, so here’s the current schedule:

Sunday, December 10
Doing All Things Out of Love? Working towards a Trinity Community Rule.

January
Mother Earth, Sister Moon? How should we relate to the other-than-human natural world?

SHOWING MERCY IN A HURTING WORLD
There’s been a lot of hurt in the world these past months: The war in Israel, the continuing war against Ukraine, the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, and other situations as well. ARDF (ardf.org) is our partner for responding to these large emergencies.

The Relief Fund - ARDF Relief Support for Israel-Gaza, the People of Ukraine, Flooding in Libya, Mozambique, Turkey, Syria and many other relief efforts.

Depending on Love

Wednesday November 22, 2023

One day as Napoleon came toward the end of his career and looked back across the years, the great Napoleon that at a very early age had all but conquered the world. He was not stopped until he became, till he moved out to the battle of Leipzig and then to Waterloo. But that same Napoleon one day stood back and looked across the years, and said: “Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have built great empires. But upon what did they depend? They depended upon force. But long ago Jesus started an empire that depended on love, and even to this day millions will die for him.”
-The Rev’d Dr Martin Luther King, Jr., in a sermon entitled Loving Your Enemies

THIS WEEK (November 26) In the RETREAT HOUSE CHAPEL
Services at 8 and 10 a.m.
Weekly Discussions 9-9:45 am

Dear friends, thank you for joining us in this experiment with two services for ONE more week. If you can join us for a beautiful Eucharist service at 8 am with mostly instrumental music and a short sermon, we would love to have you with us.

For 10 am there is plenty of room INSIDE the chapel if you can make your way forward and fit into the pews, we believe we can fit at least 5 of us per row.

BRING A COFFEE AND CATCH UP, this SUNDAY, 9 a.m.
Bring a coffee and join us between services Sunday, at 9 a.m. No agenda, just a good chance to catch up with others. 
For now, here’s the schedule for Nov 26:

• 8 a.m. simple Eucharist

• 9 a.m. Way of Love + Various Discussions

• 10 a.m. main Eucharist (with nursery and children’s ministry)

FEEDBACK ON OUR EXPERIMENT OF TRYING OUT A NEW WINTER WORSHIP SPACE
Following our services this Sunday morning a link to our survey will be emailed and available online. We welcome your feedback about meeting in the Retreat House Chapel and/or meeting in the Kaiser Chapel to help us discern where we should worship this winter. Please respond by Tuesday, 5 pm. Thank you!

Great Expectations!

Advent Retreat December 9th!

Advent is a season of expectation. In the Anglican tradition, during the four weeks leading up to Christmas, we await with eager expectation Jesus's birth, and we also consider the state of our soul in light of the Second Coming of Jesus at the end of days. To help us reflect on the expectations and hopes that God has placed within our own hearts, and to help us find ways to better connect with Jesus,Trinity North Shore has created a day set apart from the busyness of the season: 

Saturday, December 9 from 9:30am to 2pm.  

We'll gather at Trinity's off-site chapel at Dennis and Wendy Dixon's house, 
295 Summer Street, Manchester by the Sea, MA. 
RSVP at wendy@trinitynorthshore.org

If you know someone whom you think might like to come, you could send them this link:
https://www.trinitynorthshore.org/events

CURRENT SERMON SERIES
Join us each week for our Current Sermon Series: Giving Thanks - Eucharist
Be sure to check out parts 1 and 2 on our podcast channel
The word “Eucharist” is a transliteration of the Greek word eucharistia, which is itself a translation of the Hebrew word berekah. All three words have the meaning of thanksgiving, or praise for the wonderful works of God. For the Eastern Orthodox, Eucharist is "living in thanksgiving".

Confirmation Class (open to anyone) Topics and Schedule
Confirmations with Bp Andrew March 3, 2024
We have a date with Bp Andrew! And given our proximity to the Christmas holidays I punted the class into the winter, but we are very much looking forward to it!

It’s a few months away, but just to close the loop and get this set: Sundays, January 21, 28, and February 4, 11 (February 18 and 25 as snow dates):

• if we are doing one service, then after the service

• If we are doing two, then in the 9 am window in-between services

• Topics:

• Creeds: What are they? Why are they? How do they work?

• Scripture: What is it? What is it trying to do? How does one understand it?

• Sacraments: What are they? Why are they? What do they do?

• Living with God: Prayer and similars. 

RULE OF LIFE
I’d love to check in with you (not check up on you) about anything important to you, really, but especially regarding a Rule of Life. Even if that means you aren’t inclined to make one, but are willing to explore it. 
You can sign up here for some appts with me and, if none of these work, email me, and we will find something that does. 

THE WAY OF LOVE 2023-2024
We’re going to experiment with doing these a little differently this autumn. We’d like to be able to have discussions in person, so here’s the current schedule:

Sunday, December 10, after our worship gathering. 
Doing All Things Out of Love? Working towards a Trinity Community Rule.

January
Mother Earth, Sister Moon? How should we relate to the other-than-human natural world?

SHOWING MERCY IN A HURTING WORLD
There’s been a lot of hurt in the world these past months: The war in Israel, the continuing war against Ukraine, the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, and other situations as well. ARDF (ardf.org) is our partner for responding to these large emergencies.

The Relief Fund - ARDF Relief Support for Israel-Gaza, the People of Ukraine, Flooding in Libya, Mozambique, Turkey, Syria and many other relief efforts.

Water into Wine

Friday November 17, 2023

He once in Cana of Galilee turned the water into wine, akin to blood. Is it incredible that he should have turned wine into blood?
- St Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop of Jerusalem in the 4th Century
*Don’t miss this week’s services as we continue our look at Giving Thanks - Eucharist

Greetings friends, 
UPCOMING TWO WEEKS (November 19, 26) In the RETREAT HOUSE CHAPEL
Services at 8 and 10 a.m.
Weekly Discussions 9-9:45 am

Dear friends, thank you for joining us in this experiment with two services for a couple more weeks. If you can join us for a beautiful Eucharist service at 8 am with mostly instrumental music and a short sermon, we would love to have you with us.

For 10 am there is plenty of room INSIDE the chapel if you can make your way forward and squeeze into the pews, we believe we can fit at least 5 of us per row.

BRING A COFFEE AND CATCH UP, this SUNDAY, 9 a.m.
Bring a coffee and join us between services Sunday, at 9 a.m. No agenda, just a good chance to catch up with others. 
For now, here’s the schedule for Nov 19 + 26:

• 8 a.m. simple Eucharist

• 9 a.m. Way of Love + Various Discussions

• 10 a.m. main Eucharist (with nursery and children’s ministry)

CURRENT SERMON SERIES
Join us each week for our Current Sermon Series: Giving Thanks - Eucharist
If you weren’t with us last week, be sure to check out Canon Tim’s sermon Giving Thanks- Eucharist part 1: Bread
on our podcast channel
The word “Eucharist” is a transliteration of the Greek word eucharistia, which is itself a translation of the Hebrew word berekah. All three words have the meaning of thanksgiving, or praise for the wonderful works of God. For the Eastern Orthodox, Eucharist is "living in thanksgiving".

Great Expectations!

Advent Retreat December 9th!

Advent is a season of expectation. In the Anglican tradition, during the four weeks leading up to Christmas, we await with eager expectation Jesus's birth, and we also consider the state of our soul in light of the Second Coming of Jesus at the end of days. To help us reflect on the expectations and hopes that God has placed within our own hearts, and to help us find ways to better connect with Jesus,Trinity North Shore has created a day set apart from the busyness of the season: 

Saturday, December 9 from 9:30am to 2pm.  

We'll gather at Trinity's off-site chapel at Dennis and Wendy Dixon's house, 
295 Summer Street, Manchester by the Sea, MA. 
RSVP at wendy@trinitynorthshore.org

If you know someone whom you think might like to come, you could send them this link:
https://www.trinitynorthshore.org/events

THIS YEAR’S CHRISTMAS BOOK
Christmas with Ireneaus:
How Jesus’ Incarnation Honors Creation, the Human Body, and the Human Story
by Mako Nagasawa

Friends, I have just read the draft, and wow, it’s good! If you have sensed that there is something more “natural,” while still being spiritual — what we at Trinity call “organic-and-spiritual” — about how ancient Christians understood their faith in Jesus, this will be a great resource and introduction to that lovely (and biblical) perspective. 
Wait on this and get all your Christmas shopping done in one easy and worthwhile swoop! 

Confirmation Class (open to anyone) Topics and Schedule
Confirmations with Bp Andrew March 3, 2024
We have a date with Bp Andrew! And given our proximity to the Christmas holidays I punted the class into the winter, but we are very much looking forward to it!

It’s a few months away, but just to close the loop and get this set: Sundays, January 21, 28, and February 4, 11 (February 18 and 25 as snow dates):

• if we are doing one service, then after the service

• If we are doing two, then in the 9 am window in-between services

• Topics:

• Creeds: What are they? Why are they? How do they work?

• Scripture: What is it? What is it trying to do? How does one understand it?

• Sacraments: What are they? Why are they? What do they do?

• Living with God: Prayer and similars. 

RULE OF LIFE
I’d love to check in with you (not check up on you) about anything important to you, really, but especially regarding a Rule of Life. Even if that means you aren’t inclined to make one, but are willing to explore it. 
You can sign up here for some appts with me and, if none of these work, email me, and we will find something that does. 

THE WAY OF LOVE 2023-2024
We’re going to experiment with doing these a little differently this autumn. We’d like to be able to have discussions in person, so here’s the current schedule:

Sunday, December 10, after our worship gathering. 
Doing All Things Out of Love? Working towards a Trinity Community Rule.

January
Mother Earth, Sister Moon? How should we relate to the other-than-human natural world?

SHOWING MERCY IN A HURTING WORLD
There’s been a lot of hurt in the world these past months: The war in Israel, the continuing war against Ukraine, the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, and other situations as well. ARDF (ardf.org) is our partner for responding to these large emergencies.

The Relief Fund - ARDF Relief Support for Israel-Gaza, the People of Ukraine, Flooding in Libya, Mozambique, Turkey, Syria and many other relief efforts.

The Friday Night Light

Friday November 10, 2023

"Man is what he eats." With this statement the German materialistic [atheist] philosopher Feuerbach thought he had put an end to all "idealistic" speculations about human nature. In fact, however, he was expressing, without knowing it, the most religious idea of man. 

…according to the author of the first chapter of Genesis, is God's instruction to men to eat of the earth: "Behold I have given you every herb bearing seed ... and every tree, which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat...." Man must eat in order to live; he must take the world into his body and transform it into himself, into flesh and blood. He is indeed that which he eats… And this image of the banquet remains, throughout the whole Bible, the central image of life. It is the image of life at its creation and also the image of life at its end and fulfillment: "..that you eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom.”

- the beginning of Fr Alexander Schmemann’s book on the Holy Eucharist, For the Life of the World; we’ll be taking these next three Sundays to think about — and maybe, even better!, to wonder and delight — in the Eucharist.

UPCOMING THREE WEEKS (November 12, 19, 26) In the RETREAT HOUSE CHAPEL
Services at 8 and 10 a.m.
Way of Love + Various Weekly Discussions 9-9:45 am

Dear friends, call it our first real Exodus moment — there were struggles on the way to the Promised Land, and our search for the right place for long-term home has not yet given us a clear answer. 

But we did have some good vibes and some real challenges this summer on rainy mornings meeting in the Eucharistic Chapel of the Retreat House. So we do not yet know where we will be this winter, but we are going to give having two celebrations of Holy Eucharist in the Retreat House Chapel a try. 

A pastoral word about this: giving something a try in church life is challenging. Inevitably whatever decision is reached via this experiment will not please all of us,  if no other reason simply because each option (Retreat House Chapel or Kaiser Chapel) will have its benefits and its challenges. Whatever the outcome come December (Advent!), we can mark and note and carry with us the benefits of the place we did not end up in, in the hopes of incorporating them later, in a later place… 
For now, here’s the schedule for Nov 12, 19, 26:

• 8 a.m. simple Eucharist

• 9 a.m. Way of Love + Various Discussions

• 10 a.m. main Eucharist (with nursery and children’s ministry)

WAY OF LOVE DISCUSSION THIS WEEK
Sunday, November 12, 9-930 am between services
‘Whiteness’ can be a Cancer: Why white people do not need to fear facing the problem of whiteness in Western history and society. If you missed the sermon last Sunday, be sure to Check out Mako Nagasawa’s Sermon:
The Way of Love, God’s Vision of Love for All Nations.
Journal Questions:
At one point Mako mentioned how “whiteness” [and we might add “blackness”] are social realities invented to justify the Atlantic slave trade, displacing the natural and not-inherently-unhealthy recognition of different ethnicities. How might this realization help “white folks” realize the depths of the social ill here overall, without taking naming “whiteness” as a problem as a personal criticism?

Mako asserted that historical entanglements (intractable or massive injustices) are:
1. Important to face and deal with,
2. Best faced in the context of working towards the future Jesus has accomplished and will bring.
How do you feel about this?

One thing I reflected on during Mako’s sermon was that there is much of the history of our nation which we are not taught (at least I know I wasn’t, and this seems to be generally the case). This is not a happy thought, but there it is. This realization made me grateful for God’s love and patience and perseverance. Is this reality difficult to balance with your faith?

THIS YEAR’S CHRISTMAS BOOK
Christmas with Ireneaus:
How Jesus’ Incarnation Honors Creation, the Human Body, and the Human Story
by Mako Nagasawa

Friends, I have just read the draft, and wow, it’s good! If you have sensed that there is something more “natural,” while still being spiritual — what we at Trinity call “organic-and-spiritual” — about how ancient Christians understood their faith in Jesus, this will be a great resource and introduction to that lovely (and biblical) perspective. 
Wait on this and get all your Christmas shopping done in one easy and worthwhile swoop! 

Confirmation Class (open to anyone) Topics and Schedule
Confirmations with Bp Andrew March 3, 2024
We have a date with Bp Andrew! And given our proximity to the Christmas holidays I punted the class into the winter, but we are very much looking forward to it!

It’s a few months away, but just to close the loop and get this set: Sundays, January 21, 28, and February 4, 11 (February 18 and 25 as snow dates):

• if we are doing one service, then after the service

• If we are doing two, then in the 9 am window in-between services

• Topics:

• Creeds: What are they? Why are they? How do they work?

• Scripture: What is it? What is it trying to do? How does one understand it?

• Sacraments: What are they? Why are they? What do they do?

• Living with God: Prayer and similars. 

RULE OF LIFE
I’d love to check in with you (not check up on you) about anything important to you, really, but especially regarding a Rule of Life. Even if that means you aren’t inclined to make one, but are willing to explore it. 
You can sign up here for some appts with me and, if none of these work, email me, and we will find something that does. 

TRINITY CORE LANGUAGE
Connecting to God, Community, and Creation
Trinity North Shore is a community growing into wholeness by living our inner lives in connection to God’s love, letting that love connect us to others, and honoring our connection to all things. This Sunday we’ll be thinking together about Connecting to God.

THE WAY OF LOVE 2023-2024
We’re going to experiment with doing these a little differently this autumn. We’d like to be able to have discussions in person, so here’s the current schedule:

Sunday, November 12, 9-930 am between services
‘Whiteness’ Can be a Cancer:
Why caucasians do not need to fear facing the problem of whiteness in Western history and society. 
Anglo Christians have worked hard over the centuries to make a difference. How can we?

Sunday, December 10, after our worship gathering. 
Doing All Things Out of Love? Working towards a Trinity Community Rule.

January
Mother Earth, Sister Moon? How should we relate to the other-than-human natural world?

SHOWING MERCY IN A HURTING WORLD
There’s been a lot of hurt in the world these past months: The war in Israel, the continuing war against Ukraine, the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, and other situations as well. ARDF (ardf.org) is our partner for responding to these large emergencies.

The Relief Fund - ARDF Relief Support for Israel-Gaza, the People of Ukraine, Flooding in Libya, Mozambique, Turkey, Syria and many other relief efforts.

Be well and in the Lord’s peace,
Tim+

All Saints + News for the Weeks Ahead

Friday November 3, 2023

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 
And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” 
-The Apocalypse according to St John, 7.9-12

Greetings friends, and Happy All Saints (November 1)

CELEBRATION OF ALL SAINTS INDOORS THIS SUNDAY
10 a.m. Kaiser Chapel 
This Sunday we will celebrate All Saints! 
There will be lots of great stuff going on — a baptism, a fantastic guest preacher (Mako Nagasawa), and also the solemnity of remembering before our Lord Jesus those loved ones who have died in the past year.

All Saints Day: the day in the church’s calendar when we commemorate not only the famous saints, but all the great mystical-and-real communion of saints who are alive now and, especially, those who have gone before us. 

An important part of this commemoration is when the celebrant says the names of the beloved who we have lost in the past year. Before this Friday evening (tonight!), please send Michael the names of anyone beloved of you who has died this past year, who you would like to have lifted up before the Lord during Holy Eucharist this Sunday.

STARTING NEXT WEEK- UPCOMING THREE WEEKS (November 12, 19, 26) In the RETREAT HOUSE CHAPEL
Services at 8 and 10 a.m.
Way of Love + Various Weekly Discussions 9-9:45 am

Dear friends, call it our first real Exodus moment — there were struggles on the way to the Promised Land, and our search for the right place for long-term home has not yet given us a clear answer. 

But we did have some good vibes and some real challenges this summer on rainy mornings meeting in the Eucharistic Chapel of the Retreat House. So we do not yet know where we will be this winter, but we are going to give having two celebrations of Holy Eucharist in the Retreat House Chapel a try. 

A pastoral word about this: giving something a try in church life is challenging. Inevitably whatever decision is reached via this experiment will not please all of us,  if no other reason simply because each option (Retreat House Chapel or Kaiser Chapel) will have its benefits and its challenges. Whatever the outcome come December (Advent!), we can mark and note and carry with us the benefits of the place we did not end up in, in the hopes of incorporating them later, in a later place… 
For now, here’s the schedule for Nov 12, 19, 26:

• 8 a.m. simple Eucharist

• 9 a.m. Way of Love + Various Discussions

• 10 a.m. main Eucharist (with nursery and children’s ministry)

THIS YEAR’S CHRISTMAS BOOK
Christmas with Ireneaus:
How Jesus’ Incarnation Honors Creation, the Human Body, and the Human Story
by Mako Nagasawa

Friends, I have just read the draft, and wow, it’s good! If you have sensed that there is something more “natural,” while still being spiritual — what we at Trinity call “organic-and-spiritual” — about how ancient Christians understood their faith in Jesus, this will be a great resource and introduction to that lovely (and biblical) perspective. 
Wait on this and get all your Christmas shopping done in one easy and worthwhile swoop! 

Confirmation Class (open to anyone) Topics and Schedule
Confirmations with Bp Andrew March 3, 2024
We have a date with Bp Andrew! And given our proximity to the Christmas holidays I punted the class into the winter, but we are very much looking forward to it!

It’s a few months away, but just to close the loop and get this set: Sundays, January 21, 28, and February 4, 11 (February 18 and 25 as snow dates):

• if we are doing one service, then after the service

• If we are doing two, then in the 9 am window in-between services

• Topics:

• Creeds: What are they? Why are they? How do they work?

• Scripture: What is it? What is it trying to do? How does one understand it?

• Sacraments: What are they? Why are they? What do they do?

• Living with God: Prayer and similars. 

RULE OF LIFE
I’d love to check in with you (not check up on you) about anything important to you, really, but especially regarding a Rule of Life. Even if that means you aren’t inclined to make one, but are willing to explore it. 
You can sign up here for some appts with me and, if none of these work, email me, and we will find something that does. 

TRINITY CORE LANGUAGE
Connecting to God, Community, and Creation
Trinity North Shore is a community growing into wholeness by living our inner lives in connection to God’s love, letting that love connect us to others, and honoring our connection to all things. This Sunday we’ll be thinking together about Connecting to God.

THE WAY OF LOVE 2023-2024
We’re going to experiment with doing these a little differently this autumn. I’d like to be able to have discussions in person, so here’s the DRAFT schedule:

Sunday, November 12, 9-930 am between services
‘Whiteness’ is a Cancer: Why white people do not need to fear facing the problem of whiteness in Western history and society. 

Sunday, December 10, after our worship gathering. 
Doing All Things Out of Love? Working towards a Trinity Community Rule.

January
Mother Earth, Sister Moon? How should we relate to the other-than-human natural world?

SHOWING MERCY IN A HURTING WORLD
There’s been a lot of hurt in the world these past months: The war in Israel, the continuing war against Ukraine, the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, and other situations as well. ARDF (ardf.org) is our partner for responding to these large emergencies.

The Relief Fund - ARDF Relief Support for Israel-Gaza, the People of Ukraine, Flooding in Libya, Mozambique, Turkey, Syria and many other relief efforts.

Be well and in the Lord’s peace,
Tim+

Commemorations +
All Saints This Sunday

Tuesday October 31, 2023

Dear friends,
November 1st is All Saints Day: the day in the church’s calendar when we commemorate not only the famous saints, but all the great mystical-and-real communion of saints who are alive now and, especially, those who have gone before us. 

We will celebrate All Saints this Sunday, November 5. An important part of this commemoration is when the celebrant says the names of the beloved who we have lost in the past year. Before this Friday evening, please send Michael the names of anyone beloved of you who has died this past year, who you would like to have lifted up before the Lord during Holy Eucharist this Sunday. 

Peace,
Tim+

The Litany of Saints
Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison.  [Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy.]
Kyrie eleison.
O Christ, hear us. O Christ, graciously hear us.

O God, the Father of heaven, have mercy upon us.
O God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy upon us.
O God, the Holy Ghost, have mercy upon us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy upon us.

Holy Mary, pray for us.
Holy Michael, pray for us.
Holy Gabriel, pray for us.
Holy Raphael, pray for us.
All ye holy Angels and Archangels, pray for us.

Holy John the Baptist, pray for us.
Holy Joseph, pray for us.
All ye holy Patriarchs and Prophets, pray for us.

Holy Peter, pray for us.
Holy Paul, pray for us.
Holy Andrew, pray for us.
Holy John, pray for us.
Holy Mary Magdalene, pray for us.
All ye holy Apostles and Evangelists, pray for us.

Holy Stephen, pray for us.
Holy James, pray for us.
All ye holy Martyrs, pray for us.

Holy Gregory, pray for us.
Holy Augustine, pray for us.
All ye holy Bishops and Confessors, pray for us.

Holy Dominic, pray for us.
Holy Benedict, pray for us.
Holy Francis, pray for us.
Holy Clare, pray for us.
Holy Alphonsus, pray for us.
Julian of Norwich, pray for us.
All ye holy Priests and Levites, pray for us.
All ye holy Monks and Sisters, pray for us.

Margaret of Scotland, pray for us.
Thomas Cranmer, pray for us.
John and Charles Wesley, pray for us.
George Whitefield, pray for us.
William Wilberforce, pray for us.
Bernard Mizeki, pray for us.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, pray for us.
Jim Elliot, pray for us.
Martin Luther King, pray for us.
Mother Teresa, pray for us.

All ye holy saints of God, intercede for us.

All Creatures This Sunday!!!

Saturday October 14, 2023

PSALM 148
Laudate Dominum (Praise the Lord, all you nations, extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us…)

1      Praise the Lord. O praise the Lord of heaven; * 
         praise him in the heights.
2      Praise him, all you angels of his; *
         praise him, all his host.
3      Praise him, sun and moon; * 
         praise him, all you stars of light.
4      Praise him, all you highest heavens, *
         and you waters that are above the heavens.
5      Let them praise the Name of the Lord, *
for he spoke the word, and they were made; he commanded, and they were created.
6      He has made them stand fast for ever and ever; *
         he has given them a law which shall not be broken.
7      Praise the Lord upon earth, * 
         you sea monsters and all deeps;
8      Fire and hail, snow and fog, *
         wind and storm, fulfilling his word;
9      Mountains and all hills, * 
         fruitful trees and all cedars;
10    Beasts and all cattle, *
         creeping things and birds of the air;
11    Kings of the earth and all peoples, * 
         princes and all rulers of the world;
12    Young men and maidens, *
         old men and children together.
13    Let them praise the Name of the Lord, *
         for his Name only is excellent, and his praise above heaven and earth.
14    He shall exalt the horn of his people; all his faithful shall praise him, *
         the children of Israel, the people who are near him. Praise the Lord.
Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end, Amen. 

Hello dear friends,
I know you join me in watching and praying regarding events in Israel, where the seemingly unresolvable tensions continue to cycle and seem to be cycling into an ever more torrid spiral. I find myself praying especially for children, for older people, for those held captive, for the grieving, and for our fellow brothers and sisters who confess the Name of the Lord Jesus and are anywhere in the mix of things, as they are a minority on either side and can sometimes be forgotten. 
Here this month there’s a lot going on at Trinity — check the headers throughout to see what’s best for you.
Peace,
Tim+

RULE OF LIFE
I’d love to check in with you (not check up on you) about anything important to you, really, but especially regarding a Rule of Life. Even if that means you aren’t inclined to make one, but are willing to explore it. 
You can sign up here for some appts with me and, if none of these work, email me, and we will find something that does. 

TRINITY CORE LANGUAGE
Connecting to God, Community, and Creation
Trinity North Shore is a community growing into wholeness by living our inner lives in connection to God’s love, letting that love connect us to others, and honoring our connection to all things. This Sunday we’ll be thinking together about Connecting to God.

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS, THIS SUNDAY OCTOBER 15
We will celebrate St Francis Day, including the Blessing of the Animals on the 15th — a favorite Sunday of year! 
All creatures are welcome, so bring your animals/pets for a special blessing.

GUYS’ HIKE, OCTOBER 21
We’ll be hiking locally at Crane’s Beach, and then retiring to Little Dog coffee shop in Ipswich for good conversation. Feel free to be in touch with Matt Vaselkiv or Mark Schmalz.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28 & SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29:
ORDINATION OF (our very own) JENNIFER KEIFER, OCTOBER 28 (Deo Volente)
Our primary Eucharist that weekend will be the ordination service of Jennifer Keifer into the diaconate, Saturday, October 28, 10 a.m. at All Saints in Amesbury (67 Friend St, Amesbury, MA, 01913), followed by a celebration chez Keifer (you can find the invite with this update)

EUCHARIST FOLLOWED BY ON-SITE VISIT TO LIGHTHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTER, OCTOBER 29
(as the OCTOBER WAY OF LOVE)
On Sunday, October 29, our time together will be unique: 
At 10 a.m. we will have a brief Eucharist Service, including the opportunity for anyone to share regarding our core language — really, regarding our core commitments to which our core language give expression: not about the language itself but about what it means for us to live into these commitments. You may find it helpful to ponder questions such as: 

1. Which one of the three main ideas is most attractive or exciting for you to engage? In what ways do you see yourself living into it?

2. Which one of the three main ideas is most challenging or intimidating for you to engage? In what ways might we, as Trinity, help you in this?

3. What do you see in our core language-commitments that you feel may be most challenging for us, and why? What attitude or practice can help us to move into that with humility and courage?

At 10.45 a.m. everyone is invited to come with us to be ON-SITE @ LIGHTHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTER, (https://hcplighthouse.org/, at the corner of Sohier Rd and Tozer Rd, near Beverly High School). From 11-11.30 a.m. we plan to be with the director of the project, to learn and see ways Trinity can partner on mission here (full disclosure: we’re waiting for confirmation of this date with the director but believe it should be good to go). 

CONFIRMATION CLASS
Coming soon. If you wonder what the whole Anglican thing is at its heart and core (something more real than people who like tea and wear tweed and all that sort of thing), or why we do this or that, or how we understand the big questions, or etc., Confirmation Class is a great way to ask your question(s) and explore the whole thing. I’m looking forward to teaching and interacting around this, so let me know if you’d like to be a part of it!

BEVERLY BOOTSTRAPS THANK YOU!
Thank you for your support for Beverly Bootstraps Food Pantry. 
We greatly appreciate your thoughtfulness.  The Trinity North Shore community provided  Beverly Bootstraps  with much needed food and personal care items to those visiting the Food Pantry. 
To donate directly or learn more about Beverly Bootstraps, visit their website here

Peace to you dear friends,
Tim+

A Prayer for Loving Others

Saturday October 7, 2023

…the universe is the fundamental sacrament, and taken in its entirety (When of course it includes the Incarnation and Atonement) is the perfect sacrament extensively; but it only becomes this, so far as our world and human history are concerned, because within it and determining its course is the Incarnation, which is the perfect sacrament intensively—the perfect expression in a moment of what is also perfectly expressed in everlasting Time, the Will of God; resulting from the Incarnation we find the ‘Spirit-bearing Body,’ which is not actually a perfect sacrament, because its members are not utterly surrendered to the spirit within it, but none the less lives by the Life which came fully into the world in Christ…
-William Temple, Archbishop of Canterbury during WWII, exploring how Jesus’ Incarnation brings dignity, life, communion to the whole of the cosmos.

And a prayer he wrote, on loving others:
O God of love, we pray thee to give us love:
Love in our thinking, love in our speaking,
Love in our doing, and love in the hidden places of our souls;
Love of our neighbours near and far;
Love of our friends, old and new;
Love of those with whom we find it hard to bear,
And love of those who find it hard to bear with us;
Love of those with whom we work,
And love of those with whom we take our ease;
Love in Joy, love in sorrow;
Love in life and love in death;
That so at length we may be worthy to dwell with thee,
Who art eternal love. 

Hello dear friends,
Happy October! Here’s hoping and trusting for a lovely autumnal month. 
Lots going on — check the headers throughout to see what’s best for you.

RULE OF LIFE
I’d love to check in with you (not check up on you) about anything important to you, really, but especially regarding a Rule of Life. Even if that means you aren’t inclined to make one, but are willing to explore it. 
You can sign up here for some appts with me and, if none of these work, email me, and we will find something that does. 

TRINITY CORE LANGUAGE
Connecting to God, Community, and Creation
Trinity North Shore is a community growing into wholeness by living our inner lives in connection to God’s love, letting that love connect us to others, and honoring our connection to all things. This Sunday we’ll be thinking together about Connecting to God.

REAWAKENING CONFERENCE, OCTOBER 13-14
This year’s theme is Re-Create, and Bp Andrew is the lead speaker.
There’s lots of good stuff in these conferences, you can check it out here:

I’ll be leading one of the workshop sessions on seeing God’s care for nature, his other-than-human creation, and especially as something Jesus cares about. 

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS, OCTOBER 15
We will celebrate St Francis Day, including the Blessing of the Animals on the 15th — a favorite Sunday of year! 
All creatures are welcome, so bring your animals/pets for a special blessing.

GUYS’ HIKE, OCTOBER 21
We’ll be hiking locally at Crane’s Beach, and then retiring to Little Dog coffee shop in Ipswich for good conversation. Feel free to be in touch with Matt Vaselkiv or Mark Schmalz.

ON-SITE @ LIGHTHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTER, OCTOBER 29 and OCTOBER WAY OF LOVE
More to come on this, but look forward to joining us after service on Sunday, Oct 29, with Andrew DeFranza, the director of the Lighthouse Community Center project, to see the opportunities we have now and hope to have in future for a mission partner here. 
Be sure to check our Way of Love page for the upcoming schedule and topics!

CONFIRMATION CLASS
Coming soon. If you wonder what the whole Anglican thing is at its heart and core (something more real than people who like tea and wear tweed and all that sort of thing), or why we do this or that, or how we understand the big questions, or etc., Confirmation Class is a great way to ask your question(s) and explore the whole thing. I’m looking forward to teaching and interacting around this, so let me know if you’d like to be a part of it!

ORDINATION OF (our very own) JENNIFER KEIFER, OCTOBER 28, DEO VOLENTE
Deo volente means “God willing”, and traditionally is attached to any announcement of plans for an ordination: it’s not a small thing, and even to the last minute we hold it before God. 
That said, I (and we) are super excited for this! In our Anglican way the office of deacon is an ordained office of service and of connecting the church and the needs of the world (and a priest remains also a deacon, and a bishop also a priest and a deacon). Jennifer is to be ordained a transitional deacon, meaning she will be primarily in that ordained office for about a year and then, Deo volente, ordained priest. 

Peace,
Tim+

The Saturday Night Light

To one who said that myths were lies and therefore worthless…

Saturday September 30, 2023

Mythopoeia

To one who said that myths were lies and therefore worthless,
even though "breathed through silver”

PHILOMYTHUS TO MISOMYTHUS
You look at trees and label them just so,
(for trees are `trees', and growing is `to grow');
you walk the earth and tread with solemn pace
one of the many minor globes of Space:
a star's a star, some matter in a ball
compelled to courses mathematical
amid the regimented, cold, Inane,
where destined atoms are each moment slain. 

At bidding of a Will, to which we bend
(and must), but only dimly apprehend,
great processes march on, as Time unrolls
from dark beginnings to uncertain goals;
and as on page o'erwitten without clue,
with script and limning packed of various hue,
and endless multitude of forms appear,
some grim, some frail, some beautiful, some queer,
each alien, except as kin from one
remote Origo, gnat, man, stone, and sun.

God made the petreous rocks, the arboreal trees,
tellurian earth, and stellar stars, and these
homuncular men, who walk upon the ground
with nerves that tingle touched by light and sound.

The movements of the sea, the wind in boughs,
green grass, the large slow oddity of cows,
thunder and lightning, birds that wheel and cry,
slime crawling up from mud to live and die,
these each are duly registered and print
the brain's contortions with a separate dint.

• JRR Tolkien, in a poem dedicated to CS Lewis, in whose conversion to following Jesus Tolkien played a crucial role, and who, prior to that conversion, had loved poetry, which he had called “lies breathed through silver”.

Hello dear friends,
This autumn Trinity is two-and-a-half years old. We, as a community, are something like the wonderful little ones in our midst, some of whom are toddlers, beginning to move, getting their feet, living in the joy of being loved, learning to give voice, and exploring the world around them. 

I hope you will join us this Sunday after our service for our Annual Meeting. We will be giving more content to the little analogy above — noting some of what’s happened over this past year, and also handling some important aspects of our life together. 

We’ll also renew our focus on a personal Rule of Life, and invite you to schedule with Mthr Wendy or I over the next month or so. It’s not as a check-up on you; it is a check-in and opportunity for you to share how you are doing or ask any questions regarding rule of life, or (as ever) just anything going on with you. You can sign up here for some appts with me and, if none of these work, email me, and we will find something that does. 

In the meantime, here’s what else is happening…

TRINITY CORE LANGUAGE
Connecting to God, Community, and Creation
Trinity North Shore is a community growing into wholeness by living our inner lives in connection to God’s love, letting that love connect us to others, and honoring our connection to all things. This Sunday we’ll be thinking together about Connecting to God.

ANNUAL MEETING, OCTOBER 1
This should be very brief — we covered a lot of things last Sunday — but do join us as we check in on our budget, Parish Council transitions, and and some key aspects of our life together.

REAWAKENING CONFERENCE, OCTOBER 13-14
This year’s theme is Re-Create, and Bp Andrew is the lead speaker.
There’s lots of good stuff in these conferences, you can check it out here:

I’ll be leading one of the workshop sessions on seeing God’s care for nature, his other-than-human creation, and especially as something Jesus cares about. 

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS, OCTOBER 15
We will celebrate St Francis Day, including the Blessing of the Animals on the 15th — a favorite Sunday of year! 
All creatures are welcome, so bring your animals/pets for a special blessing.

GUYS’ HIKE, OCTOBER 21
Details coming soon. In the meantime feel free to be in touch with Matt Vaselkiv or Mark Schmalz.

ON-SITE @ LIGHTHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTER, OCTOBER 29 and OCTOBER WAY OF LOVE
More to come on this, but look forward to joining us after service on Sunday, Oct 29, with Andrew DeFranza, the director of the Lighthouse Community Center project, to see the opportunities we have now and hope to have in future for a mission partner here. 
Be sure to check our Way of Love page for the upcoming schedule and topics!

CONFIRMATION CLASS
Coming soon. If you wonder what the whole Anglican thing is at its heart and core (something more real than people who like tea and wear tweed and all that sort of thing), or why we do this or that, or how we understand the big questions, or etc., Confirmation Class is a great way to ask your question(s) and explore the whole thing. I’m looking forward to teaching and interacting around this, so let me know if you’d like to be a part of it!

ORDINATION OF (our very own) JENNIFER KEIFER, OCTOBER 28, DEO VOLENTE
Deo volente means “God willing”, and traditionally is attached to any announcement of plans for an ordination: it’s not a small thing, and even to the last minute we hold it before God. 

That said, I (and we) are super excited for this! In our Anglican way the office of deacon is an ordained office of service and of connecting the church and the needs of the world (and a priest remains also a deacon, and a bishop also a priest and a deacon). Jennifer is to be ordained a transitional deacon, meaning she will be primarily in that ordained office for about a year and then, Deo volente, ordained priest. 
Details to come, but save the date!

Peace to you, dear friends,
Tim+

In the Sun and the Moon and the Stars

*10 am This Sunday September 24!

Saturday September 23, 2023

I am that living and fiery essence of the divine substance that flows in the beauty of the fields. I shine in the water; I burn in the sun and the moon and the stars. The mysterious force of the invisible world is mine. I sustain the breath of all living beings. I breathe in the grass and in the flowers; and when the waters flow like living things, it is I... 

I am the force that lies hidden in the winds; they take their source from me, as a person may move because she breathes; fire burns by my blast. All these live because I am in them and am their life. 

I am Wisdom. The blaring thunder of the Word by which all things were made is mine. I permeate all things that they may not die, I am life.
-Hildegard of Bingen, a twelfth-century mystic, speaking of God’s Spirit animating all of God’s creation. 

Dear friends,
Happy Official First Day of Fall!
Lots happening now and into October! Here’s what’s up…

THIS SUNDAY 10 AM SEPTEMBER 24
As we move into Fall officially, with the lovely weather, we will move our Sunday morning services to 10 am beginning this Sunday. Looking forward to celebrating Holy Eucharist with you all!

TRINITY CORE LANGUAGE
Connecting to God, Community, and Creation
Trinity North Shore is a community growing into wholeness by living our inner lives in connection to God’s love, letting that love connect us to others, and honoring our connection to all things.

THIS SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 24, THE REV’D JAKE STUM, DIRECTOR OF ARDF + WAY OF LOVE AFTER SERVICE DISCUSSION
This Sunday the Rev’d Jake Stum, the director of the Anglican Relief and Development Fund, will be our guest. He won’t be preaching on our core language, but he won’t be far off from it: he will be preaching on Connecting to the World’s Poor. 
I’ve chatted with Jake this week, and he is looking forward to being with us! He says that, for him, the topic of connecting with the world’s poor brings to mind his doubts and struggles, but maybe not in the way one might expect:

To me, the stories of the global church working in impoverished areas is what heals my doubting Thomas heart. I will talk about some of these international leaders in very poor/difficult circumstances and the lessons we can learn from them. Sure, they have been wounded, but out of that woundedness, they are providing healing. 

In America we tend to get stuck in our doubt and negativity — but the global church can be an exemplar for us to move past our doubts into action.

Following the service we’ll begin this season’s Way of Love be discussing Enough is Enough:
Embracing simplicity as a powerful (and necessary) aspect of the spiritual life.

ANNUAL MEETING, OCTOBER 1
This should be very brief — we covered a lot of things last Sunday — but do join us as we check in on our budget, Parish Council transitions, and a few other things.

REAWAKENING CONFERENCE, OCTOBER 13-14
This year’s theme is Re-Create, and Bp Andrew is the lead speaker.
There’s lots of good stuff in these conferences, you can check it out here:

I’ll be leading one of the workshop sessions on seeing God’s care for nature, his other-than-human creation, and especially as something Jesus cares about. 

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS, OCTOBER 15
We will celebrate St Francis Day, including the Blessing of the Animals on the 15th — a favorite Sunday of year! 
All creatures are welcome, so bring your animals/pets for a special blessing.

GUYS’ HIKE, OCTOBER 21
Details coming soon. In the meantime feel free to be in touch with Matt Vaselkiv or Mark Schmalz.

ON-SITE @ LIGHTHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTER, OCTOBER 22 and OCTOBER WAY OF LOVE
More to come on this, but look forward to joining us after service on Sunday, Oct 22, with Andrew DeFranza, the director of the Lighthouse Community Center project, to see the opportunities we have now and hope to have in future for a mission partner here. 
Be sure to check our Way of Love page for the upcoming schedule and topics!

CONFIRMATION CLASS
Coming soon. If you wonder what the whole Anglican thing is at its heart and core (something more real than people who like tea and wear tweed and all that sort of thing), or why we do this or that, or how we understand the big questions, or etc., Confirmation Class is a great way to ask your question(s) and explore the whole thing. I’m looking forward to teaching and interacting around this, so let me know if you’d like to be a part of it!

ORDINATION OF (our very own) JENNIFER KEIFER, OCTOBER 28, DEO VOLENTE
Deo volente means “God willing”, and traditionally is attached to any announcement of plans for an ordination: it’s not a small thing, and even to the last minute we hold it before God. 

That said, I (and we) are super excited for this! In our Anglican way the office of deacon is an ordained office of service and of connecting the church and the needs of the world (and a priest remains also a deacon, and a bishop also a priest and a deacon). Jennifer is to be ordained a transitional deacon, meaning she will be primarily in that ordained office for about a year and then, Deo volente, ordained priest. 
Details to come, but save the date!

Look Above and Below

Saturday September 16, 2023

There is a great book: the appearance of created things. Look above and below, note, read. God whom you want to discover did make the letters with ink; He put in front of your eyes the very things that He made. Can you ask for a louder voice than that?
-St Augustine, Bishop of Hippo (in North Africa) in the turn to the fifth century. 

Dear friends,
Thank you, all, for a good meeting at our Autumn Kickoff last Sunday, following our celebration of Holy Eucharist.
We also had a wonderful time together at our Newcomer’s Gathering last Saturday evening. 
Here’s what’s on and coming up:

This Sunday September 17, we continue our journey together looking at our
TRINITY CORE LANGUAGE
Connecting to God, Community, and Creation
Trinity North Shore is a community growing into wholeness by living our inner lives in connection to God’s love, letting that love connect us to others, and honoring our connection to all things.

This Sunday we’ll be thinking together about Connecting to God.
In case you missed it, be sure to catch our latest series about connecting on our Podcast channel

SEPTEMBER 24, THE REV’D JAKE STUM, DIRECTOR OF ARDF and WAY OF LOVE AFTER SERVICE DISCUSSION
You may recall Rev’d Jake’s visit with us last year. I’m very much looking forward to having him with us again, to help us think about Connecting with the World’s Poor, and update us about the work of ARDF (the Anglican Relief and Development Fund).
Following the service we’ll begin this year’s Way of Love discussing Enough is Enough: Embracing simplicity as a powerful (and necessary) aspect of the spiritual life. Be sure to join us!

ANNUAL MEETING, OCTOBER 1
This should be very brief — we covered a lot of things last Sunday — but do join us as we check in on our budget, Parish Council transitions, and a few other things.

REAWAKENING CONFERENCE, OCTOBER 13-14
This year’s theme is Re-Create, and Bp Andrew is the lead speaker.
There’s lots of good stuff in these conferences, you can check it out here:

I’ll be leading one of the workshop sessions on seeing God’s care for nature, his other-than-human creation, and especially as something Jesus cares about. 

WAY OF LOVE AUTUMN 2023

We’re going to experiment with doing these a little differently this autumn. I’d like to be able to have discussions in person, so here’s the DRAFT schedule I’m working on:

Sunday, September 24, after our worship gathering. 
Enough is Enough: Embracing simplicity as a powerful (and necessary) aspect of the spiritual life.

Sunday, October 15, after our worship gathering. 
Mother Earth, Sister Moon? How should we relate to the other-than-human natural world?

Sunday, November 12, after our worship gathering. 
‘Whiteness’ is a Cancer: Why white people do not need to fear facing the problem of whiteness in Western history and society. 

Sunday, December 10, after our worship gathering. 
Doing All Things Out of Love? Working towards a Trinity Community Rule.

BEVERLY BOOTSTRAPS NEEDS OUR SUPPORT
During one week in July, the Food Pantry experienced an unprecedented surge in demand, with a staggering 940 individuals from 400 households seeking assistance*. This record-breaking number of visits highlights the pressing need for accessible food resources in our community.

We are looking for your help to replenish Beverly Bootstraps Food Pantry shelves with the following items
Low Sugar Cereal, Oatmeal, Shelf- Stable Dairy and Non- Dairy Milk, Diapers sizes 3+ and Wipes, Full Sized Toiletries (Shampoo/Conditioner, Body Soap, Toothbrush/Toothpaste)

Donations can be dropped off on Sunday at the Welcome table. We will be collecting through the month of September.
*The food pantry serves residents from Beverly, Manchester, Wenham and Essex.
To donate directly or learn more about Beverly Boot Straps, visit their website here.

CONFIRMATION CLASS
Coming soon. If you wonder what the whole Anglican thing is at its heart and core (something more real than people who like tea and wear tweed and all that sort of thing), or why we do this or that, or how we understand the big questions, or etc., Confirmation Class is a great way to ask your question(s) and explore the whole thing. I’m looking forward to teaching and interacting around this, so let me know if you’d like to be a part of it!

FATU KANU and INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Our friend Fatu is now the Director of the International Student Office at Gordon College, and is coordinating people to partner with international students — welcome them, host them on Thanksgiving, etc. If you are interested please let me know, and I will connect you with Fatu. 

ORDINATION OF (our very own) JENNIFER KEIFER, OCTOBER 28, DEO VOLENTE
Deo volente means “God willing”, and traditionally is attached to any announcement of plans for an ordination: it’s not a small thing, and even to the last minute we hold it before God. 

That said, I (and we) are super excited for this! In our Anglican way the office of deacon is an ordained office of service and of connecting the church and the needs of the world (and a priest remains also a deacon, and a bishop also a priest and a deacon). Jennifer is to be ordained a transitional deacon, meaning she will be primarily in that ordained office for about a year and then, Deo volente, ordained priest. 
Details to come, but save the date!

NEW SERIES FROM OUR FRIEND MAKO NAGASAWA
Mako Nagasawa, the founder of the Anástasis Center in Dorchester, has a unique gift for seeing prophetically into social issues and how the Kingdom of God is a beautiful and healing response to them. I find Mako’s teaching to be irenic and insightful. 

His latest video course is Plantation Capitalism vs. Jesus’ Jubilee Economy. You can find them here (if that title scares you, give the first one a watch; I think you might be surprised).

Peace to you, dear friends,
Tim+

In and Through All Creatures

Thursday September 7, 2023

God is substantially present, everywhere, in and through all creatures, in all their parts and places, so that the world is full of God and he fills all, but without being encompassed and surrounded by it. He is at the same time outside and above all creatures. These are exceedingly incomprehensible matters; yet they are articles of faith and are attested clearly and mightily in Holy Writ. . . . 

For how can reason tolerate it that the Divine majesty is so small that it can be substantially present in a grain [of wheat], on a grain, over a grain, through a grain; within and without, and that, although it is a single majesty, it nevertheless is entirely in each grain separately, no matter how immeasurably numer­ous these grains may be?. . . 

His own divine essence can be in all creatures collectively and in each one individually more profoundly, more intimately, more present than the creature is in itself.” 
-Martin Luther, writing on sacraments. Perhaps this quote is also a humble call to us to notice how much we tend to have distanced God from his creation. 

Dear friends,
It’s going to be a great week at Trinity, and some updates for the weeks/months ahead.

NEWCOMERS GATHERING THIS SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 9 at 7 pm
If you are new (or newish) to Trinity in these past several months, Cheryl and I would love to host you for a relaxed evening in our barn, Saturday, September 9, 7-9 pm. There’s no big agenda, just a time to chat and hear a little more about Trinity, ask about anything you’re wondering about, etc… RSVP to tim@trinitynorthshore.org.

AUTUMN KICKOFF GATHERING SEPTEMBER 10
Do plan to stick around and be with us this Sunday, September 10, following our service of Holy Eucharist. We’ll gather for about 45 minutes, have snacks and share updates on these things:

• A look at our third year and an invitation-call for each of us to serve 

• Mission partners update (Three Sisters and More)

• Place (for our worship gatherings) update

• A new way we’re doing the Way of Love this Autumn

These times when we gather are always encouraging and worthwhile — I am looking forward to it, and hope you will join us!

TRINITY CORE LANGUAGE
Connecting to God, Community, and Creation

Trinity North Shore is a community growing into wholeness by living our inner lives in connection to God’s love, letting that love connect us to others, and honoring our connection to all things.

BEVERLY BOOTSTRAPS NEEDS OUR SUPPORT
During one week in July, the Food Pantry experienced an unprecedented surge in demand, with a staggering 940 individuals from 400 households seeking assistance*. This record-breaking number of visits highlights the pressing need for accessible food resources in our community.

We are looking for your help to replenish Beverly Bootstraps Food Pantry shelves with the following items
Low Sugar Cereal, Oatmeal, Shelf- Stable Dairy and Non- Dairy Milk, Diapers sizes 3+ and Wipes, Full Sized Toiletries (Shampoo/Conditioner, Body Soap, Toothbrush/Toothpaste)

Donations can be dropped off on Sunday at the Welcome table. We will be collecting through the month of September.
*The food pantry serves residents from Beverly, Manchester, Wenham and Essex.
To donate directly or learn more about Beverly Boot Straps, visit their website here.

CONFIRMATION CLASS
Coming soon. If you wonder what the whole Anglican thing is at its heart and core (something more real than people who like tea and wear tweed and all that sort of thing), or why we do this or that, or how we understand the big questions, or etc., Confirmation Class is a great way to ask your question(s) and explore the whole thing. I’m looking forward to teaching and interacting around this, so let me know if you’d like to be a part of it!

FATU KANU and INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Our friend Fatu is now the Director of the International Student Office at Gordon College, and is coordinating people to partner with international students — welcome them, host them on Thanksgiving, etc. If you are interested please let me know, and I will connect you with Fatu. 

THE REV’D JAKE STUM, DIRECTOR OF ARDF, SEPTEMBER 24
You may recall Rev’d Jake’s visit with us last year. I’m very much looking forward to having him with us again, to help us think about Connecting with the World’s Poor, and update us about the work of ARDF (the Anglican Relief and Development Fund).

THREE SISTERS GARDEN PROJECT IN IPSWICH
Is one of our burgeoning mission partners, Jen will have something to share with us on September 10th!
Questions? Reach out to jen@trinitynorthshore.org

ORDINATION OF (our very own) JENNIFER KEIFER, OCTOBER 28, DEO VOLENTE
Deo volente means “God willing”, and traditionally is attached to any announcement of plans for an ordination: it’s not a small thing, and even to the last minute we hold it before God. 

That said, I (and we) are super excited for this! In our Anglican way the office of deacon is an ordained office of service and of connecting the church and the needs of the world (and a priest remains also a deacon, and a bishop also a priest and a deacon). Jennifer is to be ordained a transitional deacon, meaning she will be primarily in that ordained office for about a year and then, Deo volente, ordained priest. 
Details to come, but save the date!

NEW SERIES FROM OUR FRIEND MAKO NAGASAWA
Mako Nagasawa, the founder of the Anástasis Center in Dorchester, has a unique gift for seeing prophetically into social issues and how the Kingdom of God is a beautiful and healing response to them. I find Mako’s teaching to be irenic and insightful. 

His latest video course is Plantation Capitalism vs. Jesus’ Jubilee Economy. You can find them here (if that title scares you, give the first one a watch; I think you might be surprised).

Peace to you, dear friends,
Tim+

A Beginner Every Single Morning

Friday September 1, 2023

“Be willing to be a beginner every single morning.”
-Meister Eckhart, a German Catholic theologian, philosopher, and mystic from around 1300. A simple thought (best coupled with gratitude!) as we begin a ‘functional’ new year. 

Dear friends,
Here’s hoping you enjoy the long weekend, and are looking forward to this new school year, etc. As ever, lots in this update, and especially you’ll not want to miss the part about how we are doing the Way of Love this autumn, news from Fatu Kanu, and Confirmation Class. 

CREATIONTIDE
A little over thirty years ago the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew (Eastern Orthodox) proposed that September 1st (the first day of the Orthodox Church year) should be observed as a day “of protection of the natural environment”. In 2016, Pope Francis declared 1 September an annual World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. This was expanded in Europe to be a season — Creationtide — going from September 1st until October 4th (the Feast of St Francis), and has been adopted in many churches around the world, including some in the Anglican Communion, join us as we celebrate the season of Creationtide for the next six Sunday mornings at Trinity.

TRINITY CORE LANGUAGE
Connecting to God, Community, and Creation

Trinity North Shore is a community growing into wholeness by living our inner lives in connection to God’s love, letting that love connect us to others, and honoring our connection to all things.

BEVERLY BOOTSTRAPS NEEDS OUR SUPPORT
During one week in July, the Food Pantry experienced an unprecedented surge in demand, with a staggering 940 individuals from 400 households seeking assistance*. This record-breaking number of visits highlights the pressing need for accessible food resources in our community.

We are looking for your help to replenish Beverly Bootstraps Food Pantry shelves with the following items
Low Sugar Cereal, Oatmeal, Shelf- Stable Dairy and Non- Dairy Milk, Diapers sizes 3+ and Wipes, Full Sized Toiletries (Shampoo/Conditioner, Body Soap, Toothbrush/Toothpaste)

Donations can be dropped off on Sunday at the Welcome table. We will be collecting through the month of September.
*The food pantry serves residents from Beverly, Manchester, Wenham and Essex.
To donate directly or learn more about Beverly Boot Straps, visit their website here.

NEWCOMERS GATHERING SEPTEMBER 9 at 7 pm
If you are new (or newish) to Trinity in these past several months, Cheryl and I would love to host you for a relaxed evening in our barn, Saturday, September 9, 7-9 pm. There’s no big agenda, just a time to chat and hear a little more about Trinity, ask about anything you’re wondering about, etc… RSVP to tim@trinitynorthshore.org.

AUTUMN KICKOFF GATHERING SEPTEMBER 10 - (Update on Annual Meeting this FALL)
No cause for alarm, but we need to move the annual meeting a little later into the autumn. We are excited about a few members of our parish who we’re talking with about taking roles on the Parish Council and we would like to wait and see how some of their life circumstances sort out. So keep an eye out; the Annual Meeting is coming. DO PLAN TO BE WITH US for an autumn kick-off gathering on September 10, following our celebration of Holy Eucharist. We’ll have some snacks, share updates about place, mission partners, and call each and every one into service in some way. 

WAY OF LOVE AUTUMN 2023
We’re going to experiment with doing these a little differently this autumn. I’d like to be able to have discussions in person, so here’s the DRAFT schedule I’m working on:

• Sunday, September 17, after our worship gathering. Thinking about mission and discussing Paul’s address in Athens (Acts 17.16-34), where he begins on common ground in order to connect with others. Paul understands himself to be following Jesus’ way of incarnation.

• Sunday, October 15, after our worship gathering. Thinking about connecting with creation, and discussing the Introduction in Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si: On Care for Our Common Home. The introduction is an excellent summary of the Christian thinking and tradition that undergirds the whole of his argument.

• Sunday, November 12, after our worship gathering. Thinking about connecting with community and discussing Mako Nagasawa’s sermon from the preceding Sunday, about the urgency of the call that the Body of Christ heal from racial wounds in our society. I want to say this discussion is those of us who are white folks, to say do not fear facing the historical-social reality of what whiteness has meant in our society. 

• Sunday, December 10, after our worship gathering. Thinking about connecting with community and discussing how there is so much in the NT about how the members of the Body of Christ should treat each other and yet how refreshing (and rare, alas) it is when we do encounter that beauty deeply enculturated in a church. Why is that, and what to do about it?

CONFIRMATION CLASS
Coming soon. If you wonder what the whole Anglican thing is at its heart and core (something more real than people who like tea and wear tweed and all that sort of thing), or why we do this or that, or how we understand the big questions, or etc., Confirmation Class is a great way to ask your question(s) and explore the whole thing. I’m looking forward to teaching and interacting around this, so let me know if you’d like to be a part of it!

FATU KANU and INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Our friend Fatu is now the Director of the International Student Office at Gordon College, and is coordinating people to partner with international students — welcome them, host them on Thanksgiving, etc. If you are interested please let me know, and I will connect you with Fatu. 

THE REV’D JAKE STUM, DIRECTOR OF ARDF, SEPTEMBER 24
You may recall Rev’d Jake’s visit with us last year. I’m very much looking forward to having him with us again, to help us think about Connecting with the World’s Poor, and update us about the work of ARDF (the Anglican Relief and Development Fund).

THREE SISTERS GARDEN PROJECT IN IPSWICH UPDATE
Jen will have something to share with us on September 10th!
We’re planning a gardening work half-day at Three Sisters Garden Project in Ipswich! Details coming — we’re still working on these — but they should be widely age-appropriate and very much worthwhile. Three Sisters’ mission is: We are a nonprofit farm in Ipswich working to care for the land and feed our community.

They say, “We are stewarding our farmland and growing fresh produce for neighbors facing food insecurity. We value quality, dignity, and choice: the same produce from our fields feeds everyone, regardless of ability to pay. We don't offer ‘seconds’ for food access, but our first and freshest harvest to all.” 

 In the Incarnation, Jesus didn’t ask us to come to Him, but chose to come to us and meet us where we are. At Trinity, we too long to be incarnational: to meet others where they are. Partnering with Three Sisters gives us the opportunity to meet them in the good work they’re already doing where they are. All of us can participate, regardless of age or mobility. We are still finalizing the details, Join us on September 10th!
Questions? Reach out to jen@trinitynorthshore.org

ORDINATION OF (our very own) JENNIFER KEIFER, OCTOBER 28, DEO VOLENTE
Deo volente means “God willing”, and traditionally is attached to any announcement of plans for an ordination: it’s not a small thing, and even to the last minute we hold it before God. 

That said, I (and we) are super excited for this! In our Anglican way the office of deacon is an ordained office of service and of connecting the church and the needs of the world (and a priest remains also a deacon, and a bishop also a priest and a deacon). Jennifer is to be ordained a transitional deacon, meaning she will be primarily in that ordained office for about a year and then, Deo volente, ordained priest. 
Details to come, but save the date!

Peace,
Tim+

Every Creatures Prays

Thursday August 24, 2023

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
-the closing line of the book of the Psalms 

…every creature prays; cattle and wild beasts pray and bend their knees; and when they issue from their layers and lairs, they look up heavenward with no idle mouth, making their breath vibrate after their own manner. Nay, the birds too, rising out of the nest, upraise themselves heavenward, and, instead of hands, expand the cross of their wings, and say something seeming like prayer.
-Tertullian, early Christian theologian (c. 155 AD - 220 AD) in North Africa, and the first theologian known to have used the term trinity in Latin (trinitas).

Dear friends,
I hope our summer series in the Psalms has spoken to you as much as it has to me (when preachers other than I have been preaching, or as I’ve prayed and sat in Psalms preparing to preach). It occurred to me this past Sunday that I’m ending it a week too soon, so this week we will let the Psalms themselves have their own last word. We’ll be in Psalm 150. The God who fills all and is everywhere is also near and loves you and is involved: praising him is right, reasonable, and aligns with reality!

There’s lots of news here, in this week’s update, including a few tweaks to the upcoming schedules, in chronological order where applicable — news on the Annual Meeting, Parish Council, Autumn Kickoff Gathering and more!

Connecting to God, Community, and Creation
Trinity North Shore is a community growing into wholeness by living our inner lives in connection to God’s love, letting that love connect us to others, and honoring our connection to all creation.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our parish forums regarding our core language. Starting Sunday, August 27, we’ll begin looking at the why of this core language in our sermons. The idea of core language is not that we all memorize it so much as that conceptually we absorb and understand the gist of it, to have common language for talking about what we’re all on about at TNS. Making it your own, in a sense, is a great exercise for understanding. 

BEVERLY BOOTSTRAPS NEEDS OUR SUPPORT
During one week in July, the Food Pantry experienced an unprecedented surge in demand, with a staggering 940 individuals from 400 households seeking assistance*. This record-breaking number of visits highlights the pressing need for accessible food resources in our community.
We are looking for your help to replenish Beverly Bootstraps Food Pantry shelves with the following items
Low Sugar Cereal, Oatmeal, Shelf- Stable Dairy and Non- Dairy Milk, Diapers sizes 3+ and Wipes, Full Sized Toiletries (Shampoo/Conditioner, Body Soap, Toothbrush/Toothpaste)

Donations can be dropped off on Sunday at the Welcome table. We will be collecting through the month of September.
*The food pantry serves residents from Beverly, Manchester, Wenham and Essex.
To donate directly or learn more about Beverly Boot Straps, visit their website here.

NEWCOMERS GATHERING SEPTEMBER 9 at 7 pm
If you are new (or newish) to Trinity in these past several months, Cheryl and I would love to host you for a relaxed evening in our barn, Saturday, September 9, 7-9 pm. There’s no big agenda, just a time to chat and hear a little more about Trinity, ask about anything you’re wondering about, etc… RSVP to tim@trinitynorthshore.org.

AUTUMN KICKOFF GATHERING SEPTEMBER 10 - (Update on Annual Meeting this FALL)
No cause for alarm, but we need to move the annual meeting a little later into the autumn. We are excited about a few members of our parish who we’re talking with about taking roles on the Parish Council and we would like to wait and see how some of their life circumstances sort out. So keep an eye out; the Annual Meeting is coming. DO PLAN TO BE WITH US for an autumn kick-off gathering on September 10, following our celebration of Holy Eucharist. We’ll have some snacks, share updates about place, mission partners, and call each and every one into service in some way. 

THE REV’D JAKE STUM, DIRECTOR OF ARDF, SEPTEMBER 24
You may recall Rev’d Jake’s visit with us last year. I’m very much looking forward to having him with us again, to help us think about Connecting with the World’s Poor, and update us about the work of ARDF (the Anglican Relief and Development Fund).

THREE SISTERS GARDEN PROJECT IN IPSWICH UPDATE
We’re planning a gardening work half-day for the last Saturday in September, and October (or probably October 22), at Three Sisters Garden Project in Ipswich! Details coming — we’re still working on these — but they should be widely age-appropriate and very much worthwhile. Three Sisters’ mission is: We are a nonprofit farm in Ipswich working to care for the land and feed our community.

They say, “We are stewarding our farmland and growing fresh produce for neighbors facing food insecurity. We value quality, dignity, and choice: the same produce from our fields feeds everyone, regardless of ability to pay. We don't offer ‘seconds’ for food access, but our first and freshest harvest to all.” 

 In the Incarnation, Jesus didn’t ask us to come to Him, but chose to come to us and meet us where we are. At Trinity, we too long to be incarnational: to meet others where they are. Partnering with Three Sisters gives us the opportunity to meet them in the good work they’re already doing where they are. All of us can participate, regardless of age or mobility. We are still finalizing the details, Jen will have something to share with us on September 10th!
Questions? Reach out to jen@trinitynorthshore.org

ORDINATION OF (our very own) JENNIFER KEIFER, OCTOBER 28, DEO VOLENTE
Deo volente means “God willing”, and traditionally is attached to any announcement of plans for an ordination: it’s not a small thing, and even to the last minute we hold it before God. 

That said, I (and we) are super excited for this! In our Anglican way the office of deacon is an ordained office of service and of connecting the church and the needs of the world (and a priest remains also a deacon, and a bishop also a priest and a deacon). Jennifer is to be ordained a transitional deacon, meaning she will be primarily in that ordained office for about a year and then, Deo volente, ordained priest. 
Details to come, but save the date!

INVITATION TO A KIND OF A SPIRITUAL PILGRIMAGE
With apologies for the self-promotion feel of this, if you are on Instagram please consider following me on a new account on instagram: @canontimclayton. 

I’ll be doing my best to share as I begin a new pilgrimage myself — I’ll be part-time at the Yale Divinity School working on a Masters of Sacred Theology and focusing on how Jesus understood himself (his Incarnation, life, love, Passion, Resurrection…) to be unlocking the amazing promise in Romans 8, that the creation itself yearns for freedom… and the creation itself has been groaning in waiting…

We’ll be coming to see Jesus through new lenses — lenses that have always been there, but that our modern lives have clouded over. It’s a pilgrimage of hope, life, wonder, and more glory for Jesus.

NEW SERIES FROM OUR FRIEND MAKO NAGASAWA
Mako Nagasawa, the founder of the Anástasis Center in Dorchester, has a unique gift for seeing prophetically into social issues and how the Kingdom of God is a beautiful and healing response to them. I find Mako’s teaching to be irenic and insightful. 

His latest video course is Plantation Capitalism vs. Jesus’ Jubilee Economy. You can find them here (if that title scares you, give the first one a watch; I think you might be surprised).

Peace to you, dear friends
Tim+

The Thursday Night Light

Thursday August 17, 2023

Connecting to God, Community, and Creation
Trinity North Shore is a community growing into wholeness by living our inner lives in connection to God’s love, letting that love connect us to others, and honoring our connection to all creation.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our parish forums regarding our core language. Starting Sunday, August 27, we’ll begin looking at the why of this core language in our sermons. The idea of core language is not that we all memorize it so much as that conceptually we absorb and understand the gist of it, to have common language for talking about what we’re all on about at TNS. Making it your own, in a sense, is a great exercise for understanding. 

A few exciting opportunities and upcoming events.

GUYS GATHERING THIS SATURDAY AUGUST 19 at 6 pm
We are excited to get men of all ages from Trinity together for a summer evening at the Jukanovich's on Saturday, August 19th. We'll gather to enjoy a meal, a fire, and time of fellowship with one another. Plan to bring something you could throw on the grill and something to drink to share with the group. This would also be a great invite to invite a friend who is interested in Trinity but who might not be ready to attend on Sunday morning. Looking forward to gathering together - Mark, Tim, Dano, and Matt. Email tim@trinitynorthshore.org for directions.

BEVERLY BOOTSTRAPS NEEDS OUR SUPPORT
During one week in July, the Food Pantry experienced an unprecedented surge in demand, with a staggering 940 individuals from 400 households seeking assistance*. This record-breaking number of visits highlights the pressing need for accessible food resources in our community.
We are looking for your help to replenish Beverly Bootstraps Food Pantry shelves with the following items
Low Sugar Cereal, Oatmeal, Shelf- Stable Dairy and Non- Dairy Milk, Diapers sizes 3+ and Wipes, Full Sized Toiletries (Shampoo/Conditioner, Body Soap, Toothbrush/Toothpaste)

Donations can be dropped off on Sunday at the Welcome table. We will be collecting through the month of September.
*The food pantry serves residents from Beverly, Manchester, Wenham and Essex.
To donate directly or learn more about Beverly Boot Straps, visit their website here.

NEWCOMERS GATHERING SEPTEMBER 9 at 7 pm
If you are new (or newish) to Trinity in these past several months, Cheryl and I would love to host you for a relaxed evening in our barn, Saturday, September 9, 7-9 pm. There’s no big agenda, just a time to chat and hear a little more about Trinity, ask about anything you’re wondering about, etc… RSVP to tim@trinitynorthshore.org.

ANNUAL MEETING SEPTEMBER 10
Plan to be with us at our Annual Meeting on September 10, following our celebration of Holy Eucharist. As ever, lots of good stuff to talk about, and an important time for Trinity North Shore!

THREE SISTERS GARDEN PROJECT IN IPSWICH
We’re planning a gardening work half-day for the last Saturday of August, September, and October (or probably October 22), at Three Sisters Garden Project in Ipswich! Details coming — we’re still working on these — but they should be widely age-appropriate and very much worthwhile. Three Sisters’ mission is: We are a nonprofit farm in Ipswich working to care for the land and feed our community.
They say, “We are stewarding our farmland and growing

fresh produce for neighbors facing food insecurity. We value quality, dignity, and choice: the same produce from our fields feeds everyone, regardless of ability to pay. We don't offer ‘seconds’ for food access, but our first and freshest harvest to all.” 

 In the Incarnation, Jesus didn’t ask us to come to Him, but chose to come to us and meet us where we are. At Trinity, we too long to be incarnational: to meet others where they are. Partnering with Three Sisters gives us the opportunity to meet them in the good work they’re already doing where they are. All of us can participate, regardless of age or mobility. We are still finalizing the details, but for now, please hold Saturday, August 26, from 10am till noon for Trinity at Three Sisters.
Questions? Reach out to jen@trinitynorthshore.org

ORDINATION OF (our very own) JENNIFER KEIFER, OCTOBER 28, DEO VOLENTE
Deo volente means “God willing”, and traditionally is attached to any announcement of plans for an ordination: it’s not a small thing, and even to the last minute we hold it before God. 

That said, I (and we) are super excited for this! In our Anglican way the office of deacon is an ordained office of service and of connecting the church and the needs of the world (and a priest remains also a deacon, and a bishop also a priest and a deacon). Jennifer is to be ordained a transitional deacon, meaning she will be primarily in that ordained office for about a year and then, Deo volente, ordained priest. 
Details to come, but save the date!

INVITATION TO A KIND OF A SPIRITUAL PILGRIMAGE
With apologies for the self-promotion feel of this, if you are on Instagram please consider following me on a new account on instagram: @canontimclayton. 

I’ll be doing my best to share as I begin a new pilgrimage myself — I’ll be part-time at the Yale Divinity School working on a Masters of Sacred Theology and focusing on how Jesus understood himself (his Incarnation, life, love, Passion, Resurrection…) to be unlocking the amazing promise in Romans 8, that the creation itself yearns for freedom… and the creation itself has been groaning in waiting…

We’ll be coming to see Jesus through new lenses — lenses that have always been there, but that our modern lives have clouded over. It’s a pilgrimage of hope, life, wonder, and more glory for Jesus.

NEW SERIES FROM OUR FRIEND MAKO NAGASAWA
Mako Nagasawa, the founder of the Anástasis Center in Dorchester, has a unique gift for seeing prophetically into social issues and how the Kingdom of God is a beautiful and healing response to them. I find Mako’s teaching to be irenic and insightful. 

His latest video course is Plantation Capitalism vs. Jesus’ Jubilee Economy. You can find them here (if that title scares you, give the first one a watch; I think you might be surprised).

Peace to you, dear friends,
Tim+

Body and Soul, Head and Heart

Thursday August 10, 2023

Making the sign of the cross comes to us from the same churches that gave us the New Testament, a practice so common that Tertullian (160–240) said the first Christians wore out their foreheads signing themselves. Gregory of Nyssa lists it first among their common practices including prayer, confession, and baptism.

The gestures that make up the sign of the cross belong to the whole church, as does of course the cross. They are not a just a Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, or Lutheran practice; they are a Christian practice that belongs to all the baptized, and involves our hand and arm in placing our whole selves — body and soul, head and heart — under the reality of the cross.
-Kenneth Tanner (a priest worth following on social media).

I stumbled upon this while looking for something he wrote about how God has known us and loved us and journeyed with us all our days of our lives, even when we did not choose to notice. He says, “God is your stowaway,” which is germane to our time in Psalm 139 this Sunday. 

Dear friends,
In view of the note above, about Psalm 139: I encourage you to give Psalm 139 — a few slow reads to get ready for Sunday! Here’s a hint: it works in four sections of six verses, and the last verse of each section is a liminal moment. Verses 6, 12, 18, 23-24 represent the reflection on the main idea of the section they close and set up the next section, which reflect back on them as well (verse 23-24 take us back to the top, completing the circle)… it’s brilliant and beautiful. 

Here’s some of what’s going on, in chronological order (so skim the titles lest you miss the best thing for you!).

PARISH FORUM AND NEW CORE LANGUAGE THIS SUNDAY!
The Parish Council has been continuing their work on our core language, and is excited to share this! We shared a bit of this at our last Parish Forum, after service in the spring. Two weeks ago we had our first Parish Forum of the summer, and shared and discussed this. We’re looking forward to a second forum on August 13 (sharing the same content but, knowing that many are traveling this summer, we’re having two forums to present it). Also, we’ll be looking at this in our late-summer preaching, starting August 27th. 

GUYS GATHERING AUGUST 19 at 6 pm
We are excited to get men of all ages from Trinity together for a summer evening at the Jukanovich's on Saturday, August 19th. We'll gather to enjoy a meal, a fire, and time of fellowship with one another. Plan to bring something you could throw on the grill and something to drink to share with the group. This would also be a great invite to invite a friend who is interested in Trinity but who might not be ready to attend on Sunday morning. Looking forward to gathering together - Mark, Tim, Dano, and Matt. Email tim@trinitynorthshore.org for directions.

NEWCOMERS GATHERING SEPTEMBER 9 at 7 pm
If you are new (or newish) to Trinity in these past several months, Cheryl and I would love to host you for a relaxed evening in our barn, Saturday, September 9, 7-9 pm. There’s no big agenda, just a time to chat and hear a little more about Trinity, ask about anything you’re wondering about, etc… RSVP to tim@trinitynorthshore.org.

ANNUAL MEETING SEPTEMBER 10
Plan to be with us at our Annual Meeting on September 10, following our celebration of Holy Eucharist. As ever, lots of good stuff to talk about, and an important time for Trinity North Shore!

THREE SISTERS GARDEN PROJECT IN IPSWICH
We’re planning a gardening work half-day for the last Saturday of August, September, and October (or probably October 22), at Three Sisters Garden Project in Ipswich! Details coming — we’re still working on these — but they should be widely age-appropriate and very much worthwhile. Three Sisters’ mission is: We are a nonprofit farm in Ipswich working to care for the land and feed our community.
They say, “We are stewarding our farmland and growing

fresh produce for neighbors facing food insecurity. We value quality, dignity, and choice: the same produce from our fields feeds everyone, regardless of ability to pay. We don't offer ‘seconds’ for food access, but our first and freshest harvest to all.” 

 In the Incarnation, Jesus didn’t ask us to come to Him, but chose to come to us and meet us where we are. At Trinity, we too long to be incarnational: to meet others where they are. Partnering with Three Sisters gives us the opportunity to meet them in the good work they’re already doing where they are. All of us can participate, regardless of age or mobility. We are still finalizing the details, but for now, please hold Saturday, August 26, from 10am till noon for Trinity at Three Sisters.
Questions? Reach out to jen@trinitynorthshore.org

ORDINATION OF (our very own) JENNIFER KEIFER, OCTOBER 28, DEO VOLENTE
Deo volente means “God willing”, and traditionally is attached to any announcement of plans for an ordination: it’s not a small thing, and even to the last minute we hold it before God. 

That said, I (and we) are super excited for this! In our Anglican way the office of deacon is an ordained office of service and of connecting the church and the needs of the world (and a priest remains also a deacon, and a bishop also a priest and a deacon). Jennifer is to be ordained a transitional deacon, meaning she will be primarily in that ordained office for about a year and then, Deo volente, ordained priest. 
Details to come, but save the date!

INVITATION TO A KIND OF A SPIRITUAL PILGRIMAGE
With apologies for the self-promotion feel of this, if you are on Instagram please consider following me on a new account on instagram: @canontimclayton. 

I’ll be doing my best to share as I begin a new pilgrimage myself — I’ll be part-time at the Yale Divinity School working on a Masters of Sacred Theology and focusing on how Jesus understood himself (his Incarnation, life, love, Passion, Resurrection…) to be unlocking the amazing promise in Romans 8, that the creation itself yearns for freedom… and the creation itself has been groaning in waiting…

We’ll be coming to see Jesus through new lenses — lenses that have always been there, but that our modern lives have clouded over. It’s a pilgrimage of hope, life, wonder, and more glory for Jesus.

Peace to you, dear friends,
Tim+

The Source of All Our Comfort

Friday August 4, 2023

Radical servanthood does not make sense unless we introduce a new level of understanding and see it as the way to encounter God. To be humble and persecuted cannot be desired unless we can find God in humility and persecution. When we begin to see God, the source of all our comfort and consolation, in the center of servanthood, compassion becomes much more than doing good for unfortunate people. Radical servanthood, as the encounter with the compassionate God, takes us beyond the distinctions between wealth and poverty, success and failure, fortune and bad luck. Radical servanthood is not an enterprise in which we try to surround ourselves with as much misery as possible, but a joyful way of life in which our eyes are opened to the vision of the true God who chose to be revealed in servanthood. The poor are called blessed not because poverty is good, but because theirs is the kingdom of heaven; the mourners are called blessed not because mourning is good, but because they shall be comforted.

- Henri Nouwen, reflecting on Matthew 25.

Dear friends,
Lots of great stuff coming up! And this Sunday as we continue sitting in the Psalms we’ll be in Psalm 40, waiting for the Lord who hears our cry and lifts us up…

PARISH FORUM AND NEW CORE LANGUAGE
The Parish Council has been continuing their work on our core language, and is excited to share this! We shared a bit of this at our last Parish Forum, after service in the spring. Last Sunday we had our first Parish Forum of the summer, and shared and discussed this. We’re looking forward to a second forum on August 13 (sharing the same content but, knowing that many are traveling this summer, we’re having two forums to present it). Also, we’ll be looking at this in our late-summer preaching, starting August 27th. 

GUYS GATHERING AUGUST 19
Gents, join Matt, Mark, and Tim on August 19th to kick off a quarterly men’s gathering-event (teen through however old you are). More details to come, but pencil the day in on your calendar and keep and eye on this space. And if you have less-than-happy memories of ‘men’s ministry’ from wherever, don’t fret: this will be with a Trinity ethos. 

THREE SISTERS GARDEN PROJECT IN IPSWICH
We’re planning a gardening work half-day for the last Saturday of August, September, and October (or probably October 22), at Three Sisters Garden Project in Ipswich! Details coming — we’re still working on these — but they should be widely age-appropriate and very much worthwhile. Three Sisters’ mission is: We are a nonprofit farm in Ipswich working to care for the land and feed our community.
They say, “We are stewarding our farmland and growing

fresh produce for neighbors facing food insecurity. We value quality, dignity, and choice: the same produce from our fields feeds everyone, regardless of ability to pay. We don't offer ‘seconds’ for food access, but our first and freshest harvest to all.” 

 In the Incarnation, Jesus didn’t ask us to come to Him, but chose to come to us and meet us where we are. At Trinity, we too long to be incarnational: to meet others where they are. Partnering with Three Sisters gives us the opportunity to meet them in the good work they’re already doing where they are. All of us can participate, regardless of age or mobility. We are still finalizing the details, but for now, please hold Saturday, August 26, from 10am till noon for Trinity at Three Sisters.
Questions? Reach out to jen@trinitynorthshore.org

ANNUAL MEETING SEPTEMBER 10
Plan to be with us at our Annual Meeting on September 10, following our celebration of Holy Eucharist. As ever, lots of good stuff to talk about, and you’ll want to be in the loop!

Waiting Patiently

Saturday July 29, 2023

“Waiting patiently in expectation is the foundation of the spiritual life,” was Simone Weil’s experience. This Sunday we will be in Psalm 130, a cry to God from the depths, when we long for the daylight to break and try to wait with God, for God. 

Dear friends,
I hope you’re managing these hot summer days. Here’s hoping for the cooling they’re predicting for the North Shore next week. In the meantime, here’s what’s top and upcoming at Trinity.

PARISH FORUM AND NEW CORE LANGUAGE
The Parish Council has been continuing their work on our core language, and is excited to share this! We shared a bit of this at our last Parish Forum, after service in the spring. Last Sunday we had our first Parish Forum of the summer, and shared and discussed this. We’re looking forward to a second forum on August 13 (sharing the same content but, knowing that many are traveling this summer, we’re having two forums to present it). Also, we’ll be looking at this in our late-summer preaching, starting August 27th. 

GUYS GATHERING AUGUST 19
Gents, join Matt, Mark, and Tim on August 19th to kick off a quarterly men’s gathering-event (teen through however old you are). More details to come, but pencil the day in on your calendar and keep and eye on this space. And if you have less-than-happy memories of ‘men’s ministry’ from wherever, don’t fret: this will be with a Trinity ethos. 

THREE SISTERS GARDEN PROJECT IN IPSWICH
We’re planning a gardening work half-day for the last Saturday of August, September, and October (or probably October 22), at Three Sisters Garden Project in Ipswich! Details coming — we’re still working on these — but they should be widely age-appropriate and very much worthwhile. Three Sisters’ mission is: We are a nonprofit farm in Ipswich working to care for the land and feed our community.

ANNUAL MEETING SEPTEMBER 10
Plan to be with us at our Annual Meeting on September 10, following our celebration of Holy Eucharist. As ever, lots of good stuff to talk about, and you’ll want to be in the loop!

Peace to you, dear friends,
Tim+

There’s Something Afoot in the Universe

Thursday July 20, 2023

“There are really only two ways, it seems to me, in which we can think about our existence here on Earth. We either agree with Macbeth that life is nothing more than a ‘tale told by an idiot,’ a purposeless emergence of life-forms including the clever, greedy, selfish, and unfortunate species that we call homo sapiens – the ‘evolutionary goof.’ Or we believe that, as Pierre Teilhard de Chardin put it, ‘There is something afoot in the universe, something that looks like gestation and birth.’ In other words, a plan, a purpose to it all.”
- Jane Goodall, Reason for Hope: A Spiritual Journey

JULY 22 HELP THE HAVEN PROJECT & LAND OF A THOUSAND HILLS COFFEE SHOP
Saturday, July 22, from 11-12.30 come lend a hand and a few muscles to help Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee Shop in Lynn. 
LOTH Coffee Shop is a formal vocational training division of the Haven Project, employing young people from the Project. Trinitys’ own Ian is the new manager of LOTH, and is putting out the call that they could use help rearranging some stock and equipment to prepare for the Haven Project’s upcoming construction of more apartments in the building. 
Join us Saturday, the 22nd, 11 a.m. at 61 Munroe Street, Lynn, 01901. 

PARISH FORUMS AND NEW CORE LANGUAGE JULY 23 + AUGUST 12
The Parish Council has been continuing their work on our core language, and is excited to share this with everyone! We shared a bit of this at our last Parish Forum, after service in the spring. 

We don’t want to wait until summer is past to share this, so we’re going to have two simple after-service gatherings to share these, one in July and one in August, both sharing the same information, in the hopes that everyone will be able to attend one or the other. So mark down July 23 and August 13 for these, and do you best to make it one of them!

GUYS GATHERING AUGUST 19
Join Matt, Mark, and Tim on August 19th to kick off a quarterly men’s gathering-event (teens through however old you are). More details to come, but pencil the day in on your calendar and keep and eye on this space. And if you have less-than-happy memories of ‘men’s ministry’ from wherever, don’t fret: this will be with a Trinity ethos. 

Take Them a Meal
We have a wonderful opportunity to help the Boehm Family with meals at this time.
Jena and Ryan are so grateful to have this community support.
One meal per week. Sign up here to help out!

A CHANGE IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF HOLY EUCHARIST
This Sunday we will have our customary two lines at the distribution of the Eucharist, but there will be a significant difference. 

The right side line will follow the same practice we have been following, of people bringing up little cups and receiving the wine in their cup.

The left side line will be the more normal practice of the church, of what is known as the common cup, where people sip from the cup and the chalice bearer then wipes the cup after each person.

Also on the left side line, for those who are intinctors (dipping the wafer into the cup), we are going to try having the chalice from the altar (the celebrant’s chalice) in the left side line, beside the common cup, and filled with just enough wine to allow a dip, but not enough for the fingers to accidentally get into the wine. 

We will explain all this Sunday again, in the service. 

The main thing on my mind here is that we not pay attention to who or how many when where and did what. Let’s just let everyone do as is comfortable for their conscience (in a kind of a Paul’s letters to the Corinthians way) and go forward. 

PARISH COUNCIL NEW MEMBER NOMINATIONS 
Over the next few weeks nominations for Parish Council members are invited.
Parish council members usually serve for 3 years, and we are coming up on some annual rotation of members. Over the next few weeks nominations for Parish Council members are invited — email nominations to Fr Tim. We will be rotating in 2 or 3 new members.

We try to have a balance of many variables on the council: sex, life stage, gifts and personality types, range of experience, etc. The main thing is people who are wise, who love Trinity, and are prayerful and able to listen to God. So if someone seems right to you, do pass that name along (and while Parish Council members must be confirmed Anglicans, pass names along either way, and we can chat with them about that as well).


Peace to you, dear friends,
Tim+

The Hope of All the Earth

Thursday July 13, 2023

Silence is praise to you, Zion-dwelling God,
And also obedience. You hear the prayer in it all.
We all arrive at your doorstep sooner or later, loaded with guilt,
Our sins too much for us—but you get rid of them once and for all.

Blessed are the chosen! Blessed the guest at home in your place!
We expect our fill of good things in your house, your heavenly manse.
All your salvation wonders are on display in your trophy room.
Earth-Tamer, Ocean-Pourer, Mountain-Maker, Hill-Dresser,
Muzzler of sea storm and wave crash, of mobs in noisy riot—
Far and wide they’ll come to a stop, they’ll stare in awe, in wonder.
Dawn and dusk take turns calling, “Come and worship.”

Oh, visit the earth, ask her to join the dance!
Deck her out in spring showers, fill the God-River with living water.
Paint the wheat fields golden. Creation was made for this!
Drench the plowed fields, soak the dirt clods
With rainfall as harrow and rake bring her to blossom and fruit.
Snow-crown the peaks with splendor, scatter rose petals down your paths,
All through the wild meadows, rose petals. Set the hills to dancing,
Dress the canyon walls with live sheep, a drape of flax across the valleys.
Let them shout, and shout, and shout! Oh, oh, let them sing!
-Psalm 65

STARTING AT 9.30 A.M. SUNDAY MORNINGS
We’ve moved into full summer mode, and we are excited to start our outdoor services at 9:30 am in the cooler part of the morning this summer. Be sure to join us outside the Retreat House on the campus of Gordon Conwell in Hamilton, MA.
21 Billy Graham Way
South Hamilton, MA 01982

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY TAKING SUMMER REST
Our children’s ministry team will be taking a summer rest. Feel free to keep children with us for the service, noise or no noise, it’s all part of the joy of life and summer. 

JULY 22 HELP THE HAVEN PROJECT & LAND OF A THOUSAND HILLS COFFEE SHOP
Saturday, July 22, from 11-12.30 come lend a hand and a few muscles to help Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee Shop in Lynn. 

LOTH Coffee Shop is a formal vocational training arm of the Haven Project, employing young people from the Project. Trinitys’ own Ian is the new manager of LOTH, and is putting out the call that they could use help rearranging some stock and equipment to prepare for the Haven Project’s upcoming construction of more apartments in the building. 
Join us Saturday, the 22nd, 11 a.m. at 61 Munroe Street, Lynn, 01901. 

GUYS GATHERING AUGUST 19
Join Matt, Mark, and Tim on August 19th to kick off a quarterly men’s gathering-event (teens through however old you are). More details to come, but pencil the day in on your calendar and keep and eye on this space. And if you have less-than-happy memories of ‘men’s ministry’ from wherever, don’t fret: this will be with a Trinity ethos. 

A CHANGE IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF HOLY EUCHARIST
This Sunday we will have our customary two lines at the distribution of the Eucharist, but there will be a significant difference. 

The right side line will follow the same practice we have been following, of people bringing up little cups and receiving the wine in their cup.

The left side line will be the more normal practice of the church, of what is known as the common cup, where people sip from the cup and the chalice bearer then wipes the cup after each person.

Also on the left side line, for those who are intinctors (dipping the wafer into the cup), we are going to try having the chalice from the altar (the celebrant’s chalice) in the left side line, beside the common cup, and filled with just enough wine to allow a dip, but not enough for the fingers to accidentally get into the wine. 

We will explain all this Sunday again, in the service. 

The main thing on my mind here is that we not pay attention to who or how many when where and did what. Let’s just let everyone do as is comfortable for their conscience (in a kind of a Paul’s letters to the Corinthians way) and go forward. 

PARISH FORUMS AND NEW CORE LANGUAGE JULY 23 + AUGUST 12
The Parish Council has been continuing their work on our core language, and is excited to share this with everyone! We shared a bit of this at our last Parish Forum, after service in the spring. 

We don’t want to wait until summer is past to share this, so we’re going to have two simple after-service gatherings to share these, one in July and one in August, both sharing the same information, in the hopes that everyone will be able to attend one or the other. So mark down July 23 and August 13 for these, and do you best to make it one of them!

PARISH COUNCIL NEW MEMBER NOMINATIONS 
Over the next few weeks nominations for Parish Council members are invited.
Parish council members usually serve for 3 years, and we are coming up on some annual rotation of members. Over the next few weeks nominations for Parish Council members are invited — email nominations to Fr Tim. We will be rotating in 2 or 3 new members.

We try to have a balance of many variables on the council: sex, life stage, gifts and personality types, range of experience, etc. The main thing is people who are wise, who love Trinity, and are prayerful and able to listen to God. So if someone seems right to you, do pass that name along (and while Parish Council members must be confirmed Anglicans, pass names along either way, and we can chat with them about that as well).

Summer Psalms: refashioned by faith, hope, and love

Thursday July 6, 2023

Accepting our powerlessness and our extreme poverty is an invitation, an urgent appeal to create with others relationships not based on power. Recognizing my weaknesses, I accept those of others. I can bear them, make them mine, in imitation of Christ. Such an attitude transforms our mission. Weakness in itself is not a virtue but the expression of a fundamental reality which must constantly be refashioned by faith, hope, and love. The apostle’s weakness is like Christ’s: rooted in the mystery of Easter and the strength of the Spirit. It is neither passivity nor resignation. It requires great courage and incites one to defend justice and truth and to denounce the temptation of force and power. 
-from the film Of Gods and Men, the true story of French Cistercian Trappist monks in the hills of Algeria who loved the land and the people yet were caught up in the difficulties of the Algerian civil war and eventually captured and martyred. This quote is from a book the abbot is reading, and the author is not revealed. My spiritual director at the time that the film came out was himself a Trappist, and he thought it’s a good bet it is Carlo Carretto, an Italian Catholic writer and activist of the 20th C. Whoever it was, it’s good. 

Dear friends,
Here’s a bit of what’s happening, and what’s upcoming with us all at Trinity.

STARTING AT 9.30 A.M. SUNDAY MORNINGS
We’ve moved into full summer mode, and we are excited to start our outdoor services at 9:30 am in the cooler part of the morning this summer. Be sure to join us outside the Retreat House on the campus of Gordon Conwell in Hamilton, MA.
21 Billy Graham Way
South Hamilton, MA 01982

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY TAKING SUMMER REST
Our children’s ministry team will be taking a summer rest. Feel free to keep children with us for the service, noise or no noise, it’s all part of the joy of life and summer. 

A CHANGE IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF HOLY EUCHARIST
This Sunday we will have our customary two lines at the distribution of the Eucharist, but there will be a significant difference. 

The right side line will follow the same practice we have been following, of people bringing up little cups and receiving the wine in their cup.

The left side line will be the more normal practice of the church, of what is known as the common cup, where people sip from the cup and the chalice bearer then wipes the cup after each person.

Also on the left side line, for those who are intinctors (dipping the wafer into the cup), we are going to try having the chalice from the altar (the celebrant’s chalice) in the left side line, beside the common cup, and filled with just enough wine to allow a dip, but not enough for the fingers to accidentally get into the wine. 

We will explain all this Sunday again, in the service. 

The main thing on my mind here is that we not pay attention to who or how many when where and did what. Let’s just let everyone do as is comfortable for their conscience (in a kind of a Paul’s letters to the Corinthians way) and go forward. 

PARISH FORUMS AND NEW CORE LANGUAGE JULY 23 + AUGUST 12
The Parish Council has been continuing their work on our core language, and is excited to share this with everyone! We shared a bit of this at our last Parish Forum, after service in the spring. 

We don’t want to wait until summer is past to share this, so we’re going to have two simple after-service gatherings to share these, one in July and one in August, both sharing the same information, in the hopes that everyone will be able to attend one or the other. So mark down July 23 and August 13 for these, and do you best to make it one of them!

PARISH COUNCIL NEW MEMBER NOMINATIONS 
Over the next few weeks nominations for Parish Council members are invited.
Parish council members usually serve for 3 years, and we are coming up on some annual rotation of members. Over the next few weeks nominations for Parish Council members are invited — email nominations to Fr Tim. We will be rotating in 2 or 3 new members.

We try to have a balance of many variables on the council: sex, life stage, gifts and personality types, range of experience, etc. The main thing is people who are wise, who love Trinity, and are prayerful and able to listen to God. So if someone seems right to you, do pass that name along (and while Parish Council members must be confirmed Anglicans, pass names along either way, and we can chat with them about that as well).

Peace to you, dear friends,
Tim+

Sunday Mornings at 9:30 starting this week

Tuesday June 27, 2023

All scripture is inspired by God and is useful, composed by the Spirit for this reason, namely, that we, each and all of us, as if in a general hospital for souls, may select the remedy for our own condition… Now, the prophets teach one thing, historians another, the law something else, and the form of advice found in the proverbs something different still. 
But the Book of Psalms has taken over what is profitable from all.  
…The old wounds of souls it cures completely, and to the recently wounded it brings speedy improvement. The diseased it treats, and the unharmed it preserves. On the whole, it removes, as far as is possible, the passions, which subtly exercise dominion over souls during the lifetime of man, and it does this with a certain orderly persuasion and sweetness which produces sound thoughts.
- St Basil the Great 

Dear friends,
Here’s a bit of what’s happening, and what’s upcoming with us all at Trinity. I’m looking forward to walking through Psalm 121 this Sunday, a great Psalm of encouragement about God’s commitment to be with and care for us. 

STARTING AT 9.30 A.M. SUNDAY MORNINGS BEGINS THIS WEEK
This Sunday we’ll move into full summer mode, and we are excited to start our outdoor services at 9:30 am in the cooler part of the morning this summer. Be sure to join us outside the Retreat House on the campus of Gordon Conwell in Hamilton, MA.
21 Billy Graham Way
South Hamilton, MA 01982

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY TAKING SUMMER REST
Our children’s ministry team will be taking a summer rest. Feel free to keep children with us for the service, noise or no noise, it’s all part of the joy of life and summer. 

A CHANGE IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF HOLY EUCHARIST
This Sunday we will have our customary two lines at the distribution of the Eucharist, but there will be a significant difference. 

The right side line will follow the same practice we have been following, of people bringing up little cups and receiving the wine in their cup.

The left side line will be the more normal practice of the church, of what is known as the common cup, where people sip from the cup and the chalice bearer then wipes the cup after each person.

Also on the left side line, for those who are intinctors (dipping the wafer into the cup), we are going to try having the chalice from the altar (the celebrant’s chalice) in the left side line, beside the common cup, and filled with just enough wine to allow a dip, but not enough for the fingers to accidentally get into the wine. 

We will explain all this Sunday again, in the service. 

The main thing on my mind here is that we not pay attention to who or how many when where and did what. Let’s just let everyone do as is comfortable for their conscience (in a kind of a Paul’s letters to the Corinthians way) and go forward. 

PARISH FORUMS AND NEW CORE LANGUAGE JULY 23 + AUGUST 12
The Parish Council has been continuing their work on our core language, and is excited to share this with everyone! We shared a bit of this at our last Parish Forum, after service in the spring. 

We don’t want to wait until summer is past to share this, so we’re going to have two simple after-service gatherings to share these, one in July and one in August, both sharing the same information, in the hopes that everyone will be able to attend one or the other. So mark down July 23 and August 13 for these, and do you best to make it one of them!

PARISH COUNCIL NEW MEMBER NOMINATIONS 
Over the next few weeks nominations for Parish Council members are invited.
Parish council members usually serve for 3 years, and we are coming up on some annual rotation of members. Over the next few weeks nominations for Parish Council members are invited — email nominations to Fr Tim. We will be rotating in 2 or 3 new members.

We try to have a balance of many variables on the council: sex, life stage, gifts and personality types, range of experience, etc. The main thing is people who are wise, who love Trinity, and are prayerful and able to listen to God. So if someone seems right to you, do pass that name along (and while Parish Council members must be confirmed Anglicans, pass names along either way, and we can chat with them about that as well).

Peace to you, dear friends,
Tim+

Justly, Kindly, Humbly

Saturday June 10, 2023

He has shown you, O mankind, what is good— and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God,
-the prophet Micah 6: 8

Hello dear friends,
We’re looking forward to a lovely time together tomorrow around our Lord’s Table. We’ll be beginning our summer series in the Psalms – calling out to our God from the depths of our hearts. 

You’ll find news regarding what’s going on at Trinity below. But first, a few things: 

I’ll be away from Sunday evening June 11 until Wednesday, the 21st. Mother Wendy will kindly be in charge while I am away, if you have any pastoral needs please reach out to her. 

Also, there’s quite a bit happening in the world right now – from wildfires to war and disaster brought through aggression to potential social unrest in our nation as the wheels of justice turn. Our Prayer Book has collects (prayers to gather our hearts around, to “collect ourselves” around) that are for the various changes and turns of life. Here’s a few that seem poignant for this moment:

26. IN TIMES OF NATURAL DISASTER
Almighty God, by your Word you laid the foundations of the earth, set the bounds of the sea, and still the wind and waves. Surround us with your grace and peace, and preserve us through this time. By your Spirit, lift up those who have fallen, strengthen those who work to rescue or rebuild, and fill us with the hope of your new creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen. 

28. FOR THE PEACE OF THE WORLD 
Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed: Kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all people the true love of peace, and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquility your kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen. 

43. FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE 
Almighty God, you created us in your own image: Grant us grace to contend fearlessly against evil and to make no peace with oppression; and help us to use our freedom rightly in the establishment of justice in our communities and among the nations, to the glory of your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen. 

44. IN TIMES OF SOCIAL CONFLICT OR DISTRESS 
Increase, O God, the spirit of neighborliness among us, that in peril we may uphold one another, in suffering tend to one another, and in homelessness, loneliness, or exile befriend one another. Grant us brave and enduring hearts that we may strengthen one another, until the disciplines and testing of these days are ended, and you again give peace in our time; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen. 

SERVING EACH OTHER
Here’s a couple of lovely ways to serve a couple of families at Trinity:

Take them a meal — sign up to bring a meal to Trevor and Amaris and baby Elliana:
https://www.trinitynorthshore.org/take-them-a-meal 

And helping the Boehms temporarily re-locate: 
On May 15th, our friends the Boehm family (Jena, Ryan, and Levi) was away from their Danvers home when a suspected electrical fire in the kitchen left their home unlivable and their belongings damaged or destroyed. Thankfully, they are all safe and the fire rescue was able to save their dog, Tessa. However, they will need to rebuild their home while they are put into temporary housing for the next estimated 6-8 months. They are temporarily at the Homewood Suites in Peabody.

Prayers are appreciated. A meal train will be established once displacement housing is found. In that vein, if anyone has a connection to a rental property, condo, or in-law suite that could be available long-term, has two bedrooms, and is dog friendly that would be funded by insurance, please reach out to ryanandjena@gmail.com. If you would like to help/donate, a GoFundMe was set up by Ryan's employer: https://gofund.me/1bd3916d.

PARISH COUNCIL NEW MEMBERS 
Parish council members usually serve for 3 years, and we are coming up on some annual rotation. Over the next few weeks nominations for Parish Council members are invited — email nominations to Fr Tim. We will be rotating in 2 or 3 new members.

We try to have a balance of many variables on the council: sex, life stage, gifts and personality types, range of experience, etc. The main thing is people who are wise, love Trinity, and are prayerful and able to listen to God. So if someone seems right to you do pass that name along (and while Parish Council members must be confirmed Anglicans, pass names along either way, and we can chat with them about that as well).

A COMMON CUP AT EUCHARIST
We are considering having one of our serving stations for Holy Eucharist remain as our practice has been, people bringing up their own cups, and having the other line go back to having a common cup (the chalice). 

It has been a good long while since we used a common cup, and plenty of germ scares along that way, but what research I have been able to find suggests now that a properly-handled chalice is a safe option. What may be a little surprising — it is to me — is that intinction (dipping the wafer into the chalice) is apparently the least safe option, because inevitably someone’s dip goes deeper than they expected and their fingers touch the wine, and voilà! (I know I’ve done it; I imagine most of us have.) So intinction would not be encouraged (and yes, before anyone says so, the worship team and Eucharistic servers and prayer team have been intincting for lo, these past months already, but they are a small number who have been asked to be careful about this, and they also share in the priest’s cup which remains on the altar and is not used to serve the congregation). Also, lest anyone worry over this: while I cannot say we would never go back to only having a common cup, I do not consider this to be a step towards that. I simply see this as opening up the traditional option for those who appreciate the symbolic value of it and are okay with it. 

If we do this, it will be in late June or early July. 

Peace to you, dear friends,
Tim+

Trinity Sunday - God is Love

Indoors- Kaiser Chapel This Sunday June 4 - Due to Weather! ☔️

Saturday June 3, 2023

If God is not a Trinity, God is not love. For love requires three things: a lover, a beloved, and a relationship between them. If God were only one person, he could be a lover, but not love itself. The Father loves the Son and the Son loves the Father, and the Spirit is the love proceeding from both, from all eternity. If that were not so, then God would need us, would be incomplete without us, without someone to love. Then his creating us would not be wholly unselfish, but selfish, from his own need.

- Peter Kreeft (Catholic philosopher and author)

Dear friends,
As we sit on the cusp of summer, here’s hoping you are looking forward to a refreshing season. And here’s some of what’s up at Trinity.

CONNECT RETREATS | June 10

Ah, summer - - a time to ease our pace, breathe the air, and connect with God at a C O N N E C T retreat in Manchester by the Sea. Sign up for June 10 or one forthcoming, in July. We will connect with God, and with each other in small sacred sharing groups, and then with the whole community present. Held at the Dixon's house at 295 Summer St. in Manchester from 9am to 3pm, we'll also connect with creation: outdoors at our house or walking to the ocean. Each retreat is limited to 12 people. Sign up by emailing wendy@trinitynorthshore.org

DETAILS
Bring whatever you like for lunch and snacks and drinks, and towels and bathing suits if you think you might want to swim at the beach or in the heated pool on our property. You might find it quite helpful to bring a journal or drawing pad and a bible. We have lots of markers/pens/crayons available on site as well.

We'll begin with a brief devotion at 9:10AM, then you'll go off on your own in the house or on the property or you can walk to the beach (10 minutes away). We'll gather at 11:30 to share in a small group what you experienced, followed by lunch, another devotion, more private quiet time, a final sharing time with the group, and a closing eucharist. 

God bless us all as we take this treasured time "away from it all" to be with the Lord for extended times of presence and prayer.
If you know someone whom you think might like to come, you could send them this link:
https://www.trinitynorthshore.org/events

SERVING EACH OTHER
Here’s a couple of lovely ways to serve a couple of families at Trinity:

Take them a meal — sign up to bring a meal to Trevor and Amaris and baby Elliana:
https://www.trinitynorthshore.org/take-them-a-meal 

And helping the Boehms temporarily re-locate: 
On May 15th, our friends the Boehm family (Jena, Ryan, and Levi) was away from their Danvers home when a suspected electrical fire in the kitchen left their home unlivable and their belongings damaged or destroyed. Thankfully, they are all safe and the fire rescue was able to save their dog, Tessa. However, they will need to rebuild their home while they are put into temporary housing for the next estimated 6-8 months. They are temporarily at the Homewood Suites in Peabody.

Prayers are appreciated. A meal train will be established once displacement housing is found. In that vein, if anyone has a connection to a rental property, condo, or in-law suite that could be available long-term, has two bedrooms, and is dog friendly that would be funded by insurance, please reach out to ryanandjena@gmail.com. If you would like to help/donate, a GoFundMe was set up by Ryan's employer: https://gofund.me/1bd3916d.

PARISH COUNCIL NEW MEMBERS 
Parish council members usually serve for 3 years, and we are coming up on some annual rotation. Over the next few weeks nominations for Parish Council members are invited — email nominations to Fr Tim. We will be rotating in 2 or 3 new members.

We try to have a balance of many variables on the council: sex, life stage, gifts and personality types, range of experience, etc. The main thing is people who are wise, love Trinity, and are prayerful and able to listen to God. So if someone seems right to you do pass that name along (and while Parish Council members must be confirmed Anglicans, pass names along either way, and we can chat with them about that as well).

A COMMON CUP AT EUCHARIST
We are considering having one of our serving stations for Holy Eucharist remain as our practice has been, people bringing up their own cups, and having the other line go back to having a common cup (the chalice). 

It has been a good long while since we used a common cup, and plenty of germ scares along that way, but what research I have been able to find suggests now that a properly-handled chalice is a safe option. What may be a little surprising — it is to me — is that intinction (dipping the wafer into the chalice) is apparently the least safe option, because inevitably someone’s dip goes deeper than they expected and their fingers touch the wine, and voilà! (I know I’ve done it; I imagine most of us have.) So intinction would not be encouraged (and yes, before anyone says so, the worship team and Eucharistic servers and prayer team have been intincting for lo, these past months already, but they are a small number who have been asked to be careful about this, and they also share in the priest’s cup which remains on the altar and is not used to serve the congregation). Also, lest anyone worry over this: while I cannot say we would never go back to only having a common cup, I do not consider this to be a step towards that. I simply see this as opening up the traditional option for those who appreciate the symbolic value of it and are okay with it. 

If we do this, it will be in late June or early July. 

Peace to you, dear friends,
Tim+

Connect - Retreats | June 10 or July 8

Ah, summer - - a time to ease our pace, breathe the air, and connect with God at a C O N N E C T retreat in Manchester by the Sea. Sign up for one, either June 10 or July 8. We will connect with God, and with each other in small sacred sharing groups, and then with the whole community present. Held at the Dixon's house at 295 Summer St. in Manchester from 9am to 3pm, we'll also connect with creation: outdoors at our house or walking to the ocean. Each retreat is limited to 12 people. Sign up by emailing wendy@trinitynorthshore.org

DETAILS

Bring whatever you like for lunch and snacks and drinks, and towels and bathing suits if you think you might want to swim at the beach or in the heated pool on our property. You might find it quite helpful to bring a journal or drawing pad and a bible. We have lots of markers/pens/crayons available on site as well.

We'll begin with a brief devotion at 9:10AM, then you'll go off on your own in the house or on the property or you can walk to the beach (10 minutes away). We'll gather at 11:30 to share in a small group what you experienced, followed by lunch, another devotion, more private quiet time, a final sharing time with the group, and a closing eucharist. 

God bless us all as we take this treasured time "away from it all" to be with the Lord for extended times of presence and prayer.

If you know someone whom you think might like to come, you could send them this link:

https://www.trinitynorthshore.org/events

Boehm Family Important Update!

On May 15th, our friends the Boehm family (Jena, Ryan, and Levi) was away from their Danvers home when a suspected electrical fire in the kitchen left their home unlivable and their belongings damaged or destroyed. Thankfully, they are all safe and the fire rescue was able to save their dog, Tessa. However, they will need to rebuild their home while they are put into temporary housing for the next estimated 6-8 months. They are temporarily at the Homewood Suites in Peabody.

Prayers are appreciated. A meal train will be established once displacement housing is found. In that vein, if anyone has a connection to a rental property, condo, or in-law suite that could be available long-term, has two bedrooms, and is dog friendly that would be funded by insurance, please reach out to ryanandjena@gmail.com. If you would like to help/donate, a GoFundMe was set up by Ryan's employer: https://gofund.me/1bd3916d.

Now Nothing Shelters Us From God’s Desire

Saturday May 13, 2023

Opening 
Now is the shining fabric of our day
Torn open, flung apart,
Rent wide by Love.
Never again
The tight, enclosing sky,
The blue bowl,
Or the star-illumined tent.
We are laid open to infinity,
For Easter Love
Has burst His tomb and ours.
Now nothing shelters us
From God’s desire—
Not flesh, not sky,
Not stars, not even sin.
Now Glory waits
So He can enter in.
Now does the dance begin.
by Elizabeth B. Rooney

Hello dear friends, 
Happy Spring! Lots of good stuff below…

WE ARE BACK OUTDOORS 
We’ll be gathering outdoors on the lawn behind the Retreat House for Eucharist on Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. and probably shifting to 9.30 a.m. in July as it gets warmer in the summer. Important: This week will be Breezy! Be sure to set your chairs and blankets up close to the patio area, snugged in between the corners of the Retreat House, which we hope will help as a wind block! 🌬

THIS WEDNESDAY! A SPECIAL WAY OF LOVE: GARDENING AS A SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
Next week I will be in North Carolina visiting my folks. Join me and a very special guest, my dad, as he talks with us about Gardening as a Spiritual Practice. He’s been doing it all his life, and connecting the dots to love, prayer, and mission. We will discuss things like:

- Gardening as partnering with God

- How gardening teaches us to trust God

- How gardening teaches us of God’s abundance 

- How gardening teaches us delight

- How gardening restores the soul in times of grief or trauma

Our next meeting will be online on May 17 at 7 pm
Joining info:
Wednesday, May 17 · 7:00 – 7:00pm
Google Meet joining info Video call link:
Or on your phone dial: ‪(US) +1 650-781-0855‬ and enter the PIN: ‪968 436 466‬#

ASCENSION DAY PICNIC @ TUCK’S POINT 
Thursday, May 18th, is Ascension Day: the fortieth day after Jesus’ resurrection, on which he ascended up to heaven to be seated on the throne, and from which he prays for us and sustains all life. 

Join us to celebrate at a picnic — bring your lawn chair or blanket, food, drink (the whole picnic kit) 5-7 pm at Tucks’ Point Manchester by the Sea (weather permitting). Mthr Wendy says, “Put this address in your map app to find the location: 10 Tucks Point Road, Manchester by the Sea, MA. It's a brief walk from there to the picnic tables and swings and water.” 

It’s one of the loveliest little spots on the NS; hope you will be able to join us. For those who are able to stay, we will close the evening with a very brief liturgy in celebration of Jesus’ Ascension. 

From the PARISH FORUM on APRIL 30
If you were not able to be with us Sunday for the parish forum, the main news to report is that we are adopting new core language for who we are and what we are about:
Connecting to God, Community, and Creation 
Trinity North Shore is a community growing into wholeness by living our inner lives in connection to God’s love, letting that love connect us to others, and honoring our connection to all things. The next step is a paragraph for each connection, that opens it up a little and gives more about what that means to us as followers of Jesus. We’re working on those. 

BISHOP VINCENT AND THE TYPHOONS
You may recall Bishop Vincent from Mozambique, who was with us in January. This past winter his people have experienced two significant typhoons and much damage. We are partnering with ARDF to help them rebuild. If you would like to make a special donation to help you can make it via check (made out to Trinity and Rector’s Fund in the memo line). We have a matching grant up to $500, so our efforts will be doubled!

Peace,
Tim+

Held in the Love of God

Saturday May 6, 2023

What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, freely give us all things? Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is the one who will condemn? Christ is the one who died (and more than that, he was raised), who is at the right hand of God, and who also is interceding for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will trouble, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 
As it is written, “For your sake we encounter death all day long; we were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 

No, in all these things we have complete victory through him who loved us! For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor heavenly rulers, nor things that are present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
St. Paul to the Church at Rome (8.30-39, New English Translation)

Hello dear friends, 
What with Sophie and Toby being in Romania, I’m used to checking in on the news from Europe in the mornings, which is the afternoons already for them. This morning when I checked that news I was profoundly grieved on two counts. First, simply to see the news of a school shooting in Serbia; in and of itself a grievous thing, but what gutted me was the idea of this sickness that we have in our nation spreading to other societies. Second, and correspondingly, I was reading live reporting and the reporter was saying that all around the city people were silent, in shock. The reports of the government officials giving press conferences conveyed that same, appropriate shock. I wish it were not so, but I could not help but reflect that when these things happen in our society the overall comings and going and cares of life are no longer paused in shock. 

This Sunday as we continue to celebrate our Lord Jesus’ resurrection, we will look at how because his vindication has deflated and de-toothed the powers, we are confident that no matter how bad the news, we are held in the love of God in Christ and will overcome. 

ASCENSION DAY PICNIC 
More details to come, but (weather not inhibiting) we’re looking forward to an informal picnic gathering on May 18, which is Ascension Day. Mark your calendar and watch this space… 

From the PARISH FORUM APRIL 30
If you were not able to be with us Sunday for the parish forum, the main news to report is that we are adopting new core language for who we are and what we are about:
Connecting to God, Community, and Creation 
Trinity North Shore is a community growing into wholeness by living our inner lives in connection to God’s love, letting that love connect us to others, and honoring our connection to all things. The next step is a paragraph for each connection, that opens it up a little and gives more about what that means to us as followers of Jesus. We’re working on those. 

BISHOP VINCENT AND THE TYPHOONS
You may recall Bishop Vincent from Mozambique, who was with us in January. This past winter his people have experienced two significant typhoons and much damage. We are partnering with ARDF to help them rebuild. If you would like to make a special donation to help you can make it via check (made out to Trinity and Rector’s Fund in the memo line). We have a matching grant up to $500, so our efforts will be doubled!

TAKE THEM A MEAL!
We have more wonderful opportunities to help our families at Trinity.
Leah and Toby Westberry need help through May 14, be sure to Sign up to bring the Westberry family a meal or to have one delivered.

Meals for Amaris and Trevor Jones would be helpful as they have a new baby.
Sign up to bring the Jones family a meal or to have one delivered.

The Kiefer family and caregiver need meals on 5 nights from May 17-26. Sign up here

Thank you for helping out!

HEADING BACK OUTDOORS 
Generally speaking, our rule of thumb is to head back outdoors when it is reasonable that Sunday mornings can be expected to be 50° or higher. So there is no fixed date, but probably soon (not this Sunday because it is GCTS graduation, and they need the RH). 

A TRIFECTA: EASTER WITH JOHN DONNE
We’ve had a lot of fun with the Christmas and the Lent books. They have done pretty well — great, if you figure in that they are our first books! People buy stocking stuffers at Christmas, and many people buy a Lenten book to help them focus during Lent. 

But an Easter book? The way I figure it, yes: here’s a brilliant poet and preacher to fire our hearts for everlasting life... Here’s a teaser: Donne, preaching about how natural it is that we will have resurrection bodies, “All that the soul does, it does in, and with, and by the body.”  (And you just have to love that mango cover!)

These will be available at Trinity on Easter Sunday. Available on Amazon now — tell your friends! 
Peace, 
Tim+

Christ is Everything
Two Year Anniversary - Parish Forum!

Friday April 28, 2023

Christ is Everything
He is joy,
He is life,
He is light.
He is the 
True light
Who makes
Man joyful,
Makes him soar
With happiness;
Makes him see
Everything,
Everybody;
Makes him feel
For everyone,
To want
Everyone
With him,
Everyone
With Christ.
- St. Porphyrios

PARISH FORUM APRIL 30 - This Sunday!!!
Sunday, April 30th, following our service please join us. It’ll be worth it! We’ll be:
- Celebrating Trinity’s 2nd Birthday!
- The Parish Council will be unveiling and inviting your insights on revised language for Trinity re: our core identity, who we are. 
- We’ll have a quick update re place discernment. 
- And a few other things too… 

TAKE THEM A MEAL!
We have more wonderful opportunities to help our families at Trinity.
Leah and Toby Westberry need help in April. Sign up to bring the Westberry family a meal or to have one delivered.

Meals for Amaris and Trevor Jones would be helpful as they have a new baby.
Sign up to bring the Jones family a meal or to have one delivered.

Thank you for helping out!

BAPTISMS on MAY 21
If you are interested in being baptized, please contact Fr Tim or Mthr Wendy. Our next baptisms are planned for May 21. 

The Thursday Night Light

Thursday April 20, 2023

Guarding Irony 
Sixteen strong. You all guard this tomb as if alive its prisoner might escape. Or
is this just politics? (One can never
be sure.) But, back to irony: A king
some called him. You scoffed. You posted a sign. Your centurion believed it. You scoffed.
Little did you know verbal irony
would escalate into dramatic. Did
the high noon pitch black sky not mean what it said? The earthquakes? You still haven’t answered my question. The one about politics.
I hate to nag, but time is running out.
His royal blood still rims your fingernails.
Don’t stand with your back to this stone. It rolls.  
- Luke Redington, Easter 2023 

Hello dear friends, 
Lots of great stuff happening. You’ll want to skim the HEADERS to make sure you don’t miss anything… 

First off, well done Luke, with the Easter poem!

WELCOME BABY ELLIANA!
Welcome to Elliana Rae Jones! Trevor and Amaris note that Elliana means “my God answers.” She was born Saturday, April 1st (no kidding! Haha). We’re a little late getting the news out because of Holy Week and Easter… She is adorable (see below)

A BIT OF NEWS…
Saturday being Earth Day, I thought this would be a fitting moment to share a little happy news: early this year I had an appointment with a professor at the Yale Divinity School. They have perhaps the best-developed tradition and resources of any theological school in our country regarding the nexus of faith and ecology. I have had a book or two on slow burn in the back of my mind for nearly twenty years now, and I have been looking for an academic community what will both challenge and support me as I continue to explore these things. 

Specifically, what I want to work on is seeing more clearly Jesus’ relationship to  the other-than-human material creation (nature), and how that relationship informed his life, mission, and his work. How his relationship was based on what we see in the Hebrew Bible in terms of what we today would call a sustainability ethic, and also more than “just sustainable” - a mystical or sacramental relationship between God and nature. How his title for himself, the “Son of Man” (The Human Being), plays into all of this. How his relationship to nature culminates in his cross and resurrection, and how that leads Paul to be able to make the amazing claim in his letter to the church in Rome, that the whole creation is yearning, groaning, suffering together as it awaits liberation. 

I like to call it, “Jesus, Liberator of the Earth”.

So the long and short if it is that the Yale Div School has graciously accepted and funded me as a part-time student, working on a Masters in Sacred Theology, focusing on this project. 

I want to be very clear about something that this does NOT mean: we are not moving, and I am as excited and committed to Trinity as ever. Someone asked if I will be staying at Trinity: I want to say I will be doing much more than “staying,” if staying is taken in the sense of simply remaining. No; instead, for the first time in over a dozen years I am blessed to be leading a community where engaging these things is real, of interest, with dots connecting… In fact, part of their interest in me studying there is because there is a church community of committed and thoughtful people who want to learn to walk into these realities together. I shared the story of Trinity with them, and that was a happy conversation. 

The last thing: one of the reasons I’m excited is because they understand that the nexus of faith and ecology is not just in the head, nor just in actions, but in liturgy and worship, inherent in the sacramental traditions. 

So, thank you for your encouragement and helpful interactions and honest voice. This is a beginning. I am so grateful for Trinity North Shore.

TEENS
This Sunday at Chez Clayton from 3-4:30!

NORTH SHORE GOSPEL PARTNERSHIP EVENT THIS SATURDAY APRIL 22:
COLOR-COURAGEOUS DISCIPLESHIP:
Is there a connection between race and discipleship? What does it mean to move from being color-blind to color-courageous? How do these ideas relate to our Christian faith? Join the NSGP churches as we explore these important questions!

5-6:15pm - Book Talk & Reception: Hear from author and ministry leader, Michelle Sanchez, as she shares about her work around discipleship and race. We’ll host an interview and Q&A session, followed by a reception. Books will be available for purchase and may be signed by the author. 

5-6:15pm - Color-Courageous Kids: While the grown-ups are upstairs in the book talk & reception, we’ll be offering children’s discipleship programming downstairs for ages Pre-K to 5th grade. Kids will engage in activities and crafts centered around Michelle’s picture book, God’s Beloved Community. A simple dinner will be provided. Our nursery will also be available throughout the evening with volunteers. All children’s volunteers will be CORI-checked. 

6:30-8pm - BIPOC-Only Dinner: If you are Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color, we invite you to stick around after the reception to share dinner with other BIPOC members of the NSGP churches and an open conversation with Michelle Sanchez and local ministry leaders. Come hungry and ready for conversation! Dinner is free and will be catered by a BIPOC-owned restaurant. Childcare is provided. Please register so we can plan for food and childcare volunteers!
More info here

PARISH FORUM APRIL 30
Sunday, April 30th, following our service please join us. It’ll be worth it! We’ll be:
- Celebrating Trinity’s 2nd Birthday!
- The Parish Council will be unveiling and inviting your insights on revised language for Trinity re: our core identity, who we are. 
- We’ll have a quick update re place discernment. 
- And a few other things too… 

BAPTISMS on MAY 21
If you are interested in being baptized, please contact Fr Tim or Mthr Wendy. Our next baptisms are planned for May 21. 

HEADING BACK OUTDOORS 
Generally speaking, our rule of thumb is to head back outdoors when it is reasonable that Sunday mornings can be expected to be 50° or higher. So there is not fixed date, but probably that means sometime in May. 

A TRIFECTA: EASTER WITH JOHN DONNE
We’ve had a lot of fun with the Christmas and the Lent books. They have done pretty well — great, if you figure in that they are our first books! People buy stocking stuffers at Christmas, and many people buy a Lenten book to help them focus during Lent. 

But an Easter book? The way I figure it, yes: here’s a brilliant poet and preacher to fire our hearts for everlasting life... Here’s a teaser: Donne, preaching about how natural it is that we will have resurrection bodies, “All that the soul does, it does in, and with, and by the body.”  (And you just have to love that mango cover!)

These are available at our welcome table after service. Available on Amazon now — tell your friends! 
Peace, 
Tim+

Lord of the Resurrection

Friday April 14, 2023

Ah, the fragrance of new grass, I hear his footsteps coming — 
the Lord of the Resurrection! 
Jiro Sasaki, Anglican Bishop of Kyoto following WWII
(in Prayers for Children, compiled by Christopher Herbert)

Hello dear friends, 
Happy Easter! The church traditionally celebrates especially the Octave of Easter (the eight days including Easter Sunday and the following seven), and Eastertide lasts seven weeks. Seven weeks of celebrating and feasting!

I’ve been in a kind of a happy afterglow this week: the many touching and deeply-meaningful moments from last week’s liturgies and acts of devotion dancing in my mind. Two of my favorite moments of the entire year are flip sides of the same coin: when you, the people, come up to make your acts of veneration and saying thank you at the Cross on Good Friday, and then when you come up again on Easter Sunday, making an act of celebration and praise in flowering the Cross. 

The other great moment this year was on Maundy Thursday, at the foot-washing, when Mthr Wendy needed one more person to have their feet washed. She spontaneously asked a school-aged girl, who came up with her dad. Her mom told me later that the girl had asked her mom earlier in the day about the service, and, when her mom told her about the foot-washing, she had said something to the effect of she wished it would be her, because she had painted her toenails that morning! That’s two years in a row now that Mthr Wendy has had an amazing, unpredictable moment in that service (which also happens to mean Mthr Wendy is batting 100% on that!). 

WORK AND LIFE WITH GOD - A Survey

Final Kind Reminder:
Thank you to all who have filled out this survey and given us good insight into an aspect of your lives. There’s still time, but just a little, so if you haven’t had a chance to get your voice on this survey, please take a moment to fill it out now!

GATHERING THIS SUNDAY AFTER SERVICE IN THE CHAPEL
Join Haechan after service this Sunday to discuss together the most common challenge in this area that came up on the survey responses. I hope you will join him; he has good insights to share.

Haechan Park, one of our seminary interns, is too humble to tell you this but is also a lawyer with a long, successful career in the Washington, D.C., area, working with international intellectual rights in technologies. He is working on a project now, in his final semester at GCTS, about life at work and life in God. 

We would love your help! Haechan has created this confidential survey.
Would you please take a few moments and share some information with him by filling out this survey?

WAY OF LOVE DISCUSSION NEXT WEDNESDAY APRIL 19
Way of Love Wednesday Discussion
The Third Wednesday of each month we will have a discussion online together about the current topic.
The Way of Love- April: Jesus, Out of the Grave: Resetting Our Lives
How do we reset and learn new ways to see ourselves in light of what Jesus has done.
You can find a link to the sermon we will reference here on our podcast page:

Our next meeting will be online on April 19 at 7 pm. More info on our Events Page

NORTH SHORE GOSPEL PARTNERSHIP EVENT APRIL 22:
COLOR-COURAGEOUS DISCIPLESHIP:
Is there a connection between race and discipleship? What does it mean to move from being color-blind to color-courageous? How do these ideas relate to our Christian faith? Join the NSGP churches as we explore these important questions!

5-6:15pm - Book Talk & Reception: Hear from author and ministry leader, Michelle Sanchez, as she shares about her work around discipleship and race. We’ll host an interview and Q&A session, followed by a reception. Books will be available for purchase and may be signed by the author. 

5-6:15pm - Color-Courageous Kids: While the grown-ups are upstairs in the book talk & reception, we’ll be offering children’s discipleship programming downstairs for ages Pre-K to 5th grade. Kids will engage in activities and crafts centered around Michelle’s picture book, God’s Beloved Community. A simple dinner will be provided. Our nursery will also be available throughout the evening with volunteers. All children’s volunteers will be CORI-checked. 

6:30-8pm - BIPOC-Only Dinner: If you are Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color, we invite you to stick around after the reception to share dinner with other BIPOC members of the NSGP churches and an open conversation with Michelle Sanchez and local ministry leaders. Come hungry and ready for conversation! Dinner is free and will be catered by a BIPOC-owned restaurant. Childcare is provided. Please register so we can plan for food and childcare volunteers!
More info here

PARISH FORUM APRIL 30
The Parish Council and I invite you to stay with us after our celebration of Holy Eucharist on April 30, for an overall update and discussion re looking our next place. 

BAPTISMS on MAY 21
If you are interested in being baptized, please contact Fr Tim or Mthr Wendy. Our next baptisms are planned for May 21. 

HEADING BACK OUTDOORS 
Generally speaking, our rule of thumb is to head back outdoors when it is reasonable that Sunday mornings can be expected to be 50° or higher. So there is not fixed date, but probably that means sometime in May. 

TEENS MEET AGAIN ON SUNDAY, APRIL 23

A TRIFECTA: EASTER WITH JOHN DONNE
We’ve had a lot of fun with the Christmas and the Lent books. They have done pretty well — great, if you figure in that they are our first books! People buy stocking stuffers at Christmas, and many people buy a Lenten book to help them focus during Lent. 

But an Easter book? The way I figure it, yes: here’s a brilliant poet and preacher to fire our hearts for everlasting life... Here’s a teaser: Donne, preaching about how natural it is that we will have resurrection bodies, “All that the soul does, it does in, and with, and by the body.”  (And you just have to love that mango cover!)

These will be available at Trinity on Easter Sunday. Available on Amazon now — tell your friends! 
Peace, 
Tim+

The Beauty of Holy Week

And Death Shall Be No More, Death Thou Shalt Die

Tuesday April 4, 2023

Holy Sonnet X
Death be not proud, though some have called thee
Might and dreadful, for, thou art not so,
For, those, whom thou think’st thou dost overthrow,
Die not, poor death, nor yet canst thou kill me;
From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be,
Much pleasure, then from thee, much more must flow,
And soonest our best men with thee do go,
Rest of their bones, and souls delivery.
Thou art slave to Fate, chance, kings, and desperate men,
And dost with poison, war, and sickness dwell,
And poppy, or charms can make us sleep as well,
And better than thy stroke; why swell’st thou then?
One short sleep past, we wake eternally,
And death shall be no more, death, thou shalt die.
-John Donne

Hello dear friends, 
Blessed Holy Week and Easter to you. 
The services of Holy Week are my favorites of the entire year, each one giving us the opportunity to identify deeply with our Lord Jesus as he walked to way to the Cross for us. These are deep and profound, and walk us through our Lord’s Passion. 

HOLY WEEK
More info about each service on our Events Page
Tenebrae, Wednesday, April 5, 7 p.m., in the chapel chez Mthr Wendy (295 Summer St, MbtS). Tenebrae is a service of lament: Jesus faces the gathering darkness and will be left alone — he identifies with us in our loneliness, depression, sense of desperation. 

Maundy Thursday, April 7, 7 p.m., in the Kaiser Chapel. Jesus gives us the new command, that we love one another. The foot washing in the liturgy enacts Jesus’ own act of humble service. 

Good Friday, April 6, at the Kaiser Chapel. We walk with Jesus through the events that happened to him once the mob took him and leading up to his crucifixion. 
-5.30 p.m. - service suitable for children, beginning outside 
- 7 p.m. - Good Friday Main service beginning outside

Easter Sunday, April 9, 10 a.m., at the Kaiser Chapel. We celebrate Jesus’ triumph over death.
Blessings and peace,
Tim+

Holy Week Schedule -
Work and Life with God Survey!

Wednesday March 29, 2023

WORK AND LIFE WITH GOD - A Survey

Haechan Park, one of our seminary interns, is too humble to tell you this but is also a lawyer with a long, successful career in the Washington, D.C., area, working with international intellectual rights in technologies. He is working on a project now, in his final semester at GCTS, about life at work and life in God. 

We would love your help! Haechan has created this confidential survey.
Would you please take a few moments and share some information with him by filling out this survey?

A Better Resurrection
I have no wit, no words, no tears; 
My heart within me like a stone 
Is numb'd too much for hopes or fears; 
Look right, look left, I dwell alone; 
I lift mine eyes, but dimm'd with grief 
No everlasting hills I see; 
My life is in the falling leaf: 
O Jesus, quicken me. 

My life is like a faded leaf, 
My harvest dwindled to a husk: 
Truly my life is void and brief 
And tedious in the barren dusk; 
My life is like a frozen thing, 
No bud nor greenness can I see: 
Yet rise it shall—the sap of Spring; 
O Jesus, rise in me. 

My life is like a broken bowl, 
A broken bowl that cannot hold 
One drop of water for my soul 
Or cordial in the searching cold; 
Cast in the fire the perish'd thing; 
Melt and remold it, till it be 
A royal cup for Him, my King: 
O Jesus, drink of me. 

Christina Rossetti, considered one of the greatest Victorian poets. She struggled when her father’s illness led the family into poverty, and she was isolated at home. At age 14 she suffered a nervous breakdown, followed by bouts of depression. Her mother, sister, and she found solace in the faith, particularly in the Anglo-Catholic movement in the Church of England in her day. 

Hello dear friends, 
Soon we come to Holy Week, where we walk with our Lord Jesus as he walked with us, in our pain and despair, to open a future and a hope. 

Holy Week Services!

More info about each service on our Events Page
Weeknight services at 7pm in Kaiser Chapel except where noted*:

Palm Sunday April 2: 10 am gathering outside the Kaiser Chapel and moving indoors.
*Holy Wednesday April 5: *Tenebrae Candlelight Service in Manchester 7 pm. (see Events Page)
Maundy Thursday April 6: 7 pm Last Supper and Foot washing
Good Friday April 7: 5:30 pm special kids service, 7 pm main service for everyone both starting outside.
Easter Sunday April 9: 10 am Easter Celebration!

TEENS THIS SUNDAY FOLLOWING SERVICE!
Teens are invited to join me after the service to help create some artwork together painting a wooden fire-sculpture for our Good Friday service. 

SHOWING MERCY IN A HURTING WORLD
There’s been a lot of hurt in the world these past months: the continuing war against Ukraine, the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, and other situations as well. Almsgiving is traditionally a part of Lent, and ARDF (ardf.org) is our partner for responding to these large emergencies. Also, just a happy reminder that 10% of the profits from our two books (Christmas with John Donne and Lent with John Donne go to support ARDF’s work). 

A TRIFECTA: EASTER WITH JOHN DONNE
We’ve had a lot of fun with the Christmas and the Lent books. They have done pretty well — great, if you figure in that they are our first books! People buy stocking stuffers at Christmas, and many people buy a Lenten book to help them focus during Lent. 

But an Easter book? The way I figure it, yes: here’s a brilliant poet and preacher to fire our hearts for everlasting life... Here’s a teaser: Donne, preaching about how natural it is that we will have resurrection bodies, “All that the soul does, it does in, and with, and by the body.”  (And you just have to love that mango cover!)

These will be available at Trinity on Easter Sunday. Available on Amazon now — tell your friends! 
Peace, 
Tim+

Stand Fast in the Faith - Holy Week Services!

Thursday March 23, 2023

Stand fast in the faith, and love one another, all of you, and be not offended at my sufferings. 
- the last words of Saint Perpetua, as testified to by the eyewitness to her martyrdom, as preserved by Tertullian in The Passion of Saints Perpetua and Felicity. Perpetual was a martyr to the faith in North Africa, in Carthage (d. 203 AD). Her journal, from her time of imprisonment, are the first extant writings of a Christian woman. 

Hello dear friends, 
A blessed pilgrimage through Lent to you all as we draw ever nearer to the Cross. 

Holy Week Services!

More info about each service on our Events Page
Weeknight services at 7pm in Kaiser Chapel except where noted*:

Palm Sunday April 2: 10 am gathering outside the Kaiser Chapel and moving indoors.
*Holy Wednesday April 5: *Tenebrae Candlelight Service in Manchester 7 pm. (see Events Page)
Maundy Thursday April 6: 7 pm Last Supper and Foot washing
Good Friday April 7: 5:30 pm special kids service, 7 pm main service for everyone both starting outside.
Easter Sunday April 9: 10 am Easter Celebration!

TEENS THIS SUNDAY MARCH 26
3 - 5 PM at American Flatbread in Salem
311 Derby St. Salem, MA
We’ll be pin bowling and having pizza… let me know if you’ve got one who is interested, and you’ve not gotten on our email list. 

SHOWING MERCY IN A HURTING WORLD
There’s been a lot of hurt in the world these past months: the continuing war against Ukraine, the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, and other situations as well. Almsgiving is traditionally a part of Lent, and ARDF (ardf.org) is our partner for responding to these large emergencies. Also, just a happy reminder that 10% of the profits from our two books (Christmas with John Donne and Lent with John Donne go to support ARDF’s work). 

A TRIFECTA: EASTER WITH JOHN DONNE
We’ve had a lot of fun with the Christmas and the Lent books. They have done pretty well — great, if you figure in that they are our first books! People buy stocking stuffers at Christmas, and many people buy a Lenten book to help them focus during Lent. 

But an Easter book? The way I figure it, yes: here’s a brilliant poet and preacher to fire our hearts for everlasting life... Here’s a teaser: Donne, preaching about how natural it is that we will have resurrection bodies, “All that the soul does, it does in, and with, and by the body.”  (And you just have to love that mango cover!)

These will be available at Trinity on Easter Sunday. Available on Amazon now — tell your friends! 
Peace, 
Tim+

A Letter from Canon Ross

Christ Within Me, Christ Before Me, Christ Beside Me

Friday March 17, 2023

Christ within me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ beside me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of friend and stranger,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
-St. Patrick 433 AD

THIS SUNDAY!
Dear friends, 
I hope you will be able to join us this Sunday as we thank, bless, and send off Canon Ross to head up pastoral care at All Saints Anglican. 

Every new adventure has its surprises — one of the best in starting Trinity has been having Ross come to join us and serve alongside us. In his humility, his sharp (lawyer-honed!) intellect, his love for our Lord Jesus, his way of asking good questions, and his commitment to the way of love and to assuming the best of each and of all, Ross has added so much wonderful texture and depth to our nascent life at Trinity. I have mixed emotions: I am sad to think of Ross’ leaving us, but I’m glad when I think of him returning to a church and people that he has known for so many years, and a church very near to his home. I am confident he will be a blessing to them and to the many families in that area.

This Sunday we will thank Ross in a celebration in the foyer following our worship and Eucharist together. The two “Thank You” cards for Ross will be on the table in the back of the chapel, in case you missed the opportunity to write a note to him this past Sunday. 

Below please find a letter from Ross to our Trinity family. 
Peace,
Tim+

THANK YOU, TRINITY
A letter from Cn. Ross
The Lord himself is the portion of my inheritance and of my cup; you shall maintain my lot.  The boundaries have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a goodly heritage. Ps. 16:6.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
I have been in many churches over the past 40+ years, as a lay person and as a clergyman.  Each church has been unique, and a few hold a very special place in my heart. 
Trinity is one of those few.

It has been a delightful privilege to serve with Canon Tim and to see his heart for the Lord’s people gathered at Trinity.  I am inspired by his clear commitment to point us to a life that is centered in “the story” – the ongoing presence and work of God in our midst.  As we are faced with many complicated questions in a post-Christian culture, Tim always brings us back to seek the answers through a Kingdom lens first.  There was an old Nike commercial starring one of Tim’s famous fellow college alumni, Michael Jordan, and the tag line was, “I want to be like Mike!”  Well, I want to be like Cn. Tim!

And what a gift to be reunited with my good friend Mother Wendy, to serve alongside her, to spend time with her in meetings, and sit under her preaching.  AND to witness her commitment to always seeking a deeper relationship with Our Lord, not willing (much less able) to settle for less.  What can I say about Michael, who so carefully plans our music each week, with an eye only to leading us evermore into the presence of God.  When I watch him lead our sung worship, I am moved by his vulnerable offering of worship from his own heart. I can’t name all the others who participate in our worship but thank you all! 

It has been an equal pleasure and joy to get to know most of you, and to learn some of your stories.  As I look out at you all each Sunday, I am blessed, inspired, and enriched to see your hunger to find the Kingdom way in your respective spheres.  Keep seeking!  I am humbled and grateful for the kindness you have shown me.  And please let me tell you what an unparalleled honor and blessing it is for me to put into your hands the Body of Christ, the bread of life.  I meet the Lord every time I meet you there. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

My time at Trinity has been a time of great refreshment for me. I have been brought back to the time in 1976 when God first captured my heart, mind, and imagination, when I first saw His majesty and grandeur and wanted to live through a Kingdom lens.  The Lord has truly been my portion and my cup, and the boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places. I am moving to another place now, but I will take Trinity with me in a very real and substantial way. I will be praying for you all.  Please pray for me, a sinner, as I will also continue to pray for you.

With the love of Christ In my heart,
Canon Ross

WHAT IS LENT?
Explore what Lent is all about through a podcast series of our sister diocese, C4SO (Churches for the Sake of Others). The first one features Canon Theologian the Rev’d Dr Esau McCaulley, and is here:

TAKE THEM A MEAL!
Don't miss the opportunity to help out two of our young families.
Find the details on our Take Them a Meal Page

SHOWING MERCY IN A HURTING WORLD
There’s been a lot of hurt in the world these past months: the continuing war against Ukraine, the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, and other situations as well. Almsgiving is traditionally a part of Lent, and ARDF (ardf.org) is our partner for responding to these large emergencies. Also, just a happy reminder that 10% of the profits from our two books (Christmas with John Donne and Lent with John Donne go to support ARDF’s work). 
A TRIFECTA: EASTER WITH JOHN DONNE
Coming soon! Here’s a teaser: Donne, preaching about how natural it is that we will have resurrection bodies, “All that the soul does, it does in, and with, and by the body.”

For more history on St. Patrick here’s a good article on Anglican Compass

Belonging to God - The Way of Love This Week!

Saturday March 11, 2023

Some thoughts for this week’s Way of Love discussion:
[For ages, in Italian architecture,] at the center of the inner, private space was the rectangular cortile, or courtyard, onto which the windows and the doors of the house opened. The cortile itself most often had a gushing fountain that gave the sense even in the hottest weather of refreshing coolness and watery abundance. Lush trees, flowers, and plantings created an oasis of calm and peace in the midst of a bustling, noisy, densely settled urban environment. The cortile of Roman architecture illustrates the function of a personal rule of life…
- Monsignor Charles Murphy, in Belonging to God

Hello dear friends, 
A blessed pilgrimage through Lent to you all

SPRING FORWARD
It seems early this year — clocks go forward an hour at 2 AM Sunday morning.
If you’re an old school alarm clock fan, set them forward an hour before you go to bed Saturday night!

THE WAY OF LOVE ONLINE DISCUSSION THIS WEDNESDAY
Wednesday, the 15th, join us online for the Way of Love. We’ll be talking about a Rule of Life as a tool for keeping us steady in a dis-jointed, hurried, pressing world. 

The quote above is from one of the books of one of my mentors, Msgr Charles Murphy a retired monsignor who is a native Mainer and lives in Kennebunkport. Cheryl and I visited Msgr Murphy last week and, among other things, he shared with us about the power of a Rule of Life as a help against depression and anxiety. 
This Month’s Way of Love Topic:
RULE OF LIFE
You can find a link to the sermon we will be referencing here on our podcast page:
”Jesus the Second Adam, Resets Humanity”
Join us online March 15 at 7 pm
Joining info:
Wednesday, March 15 · 7:00 – 8:00pm
Google Meet joining info Video call link:
Or on your phone dial: ‪(US) +1 650-781-0855‬ and enter the PIN: ‪968 436 466‬#

WHAT IS LENT?
Explore what Lent is all about through a podcast series of our sister diocese, C4SO (Churches for the Sake of Others). The first one features Canon Theologian the Rev’d Dr Esau McCaulley, and is here:

TAKE THEM A MEAL!
Don't miss the opportunity to help out two of our young families.
Find the details on our Take Them a Meal Page

SHOWING MERCY IN A HURTING WORLD
There’s been a lot of hurt in the world these past months: the continuing war against Ukraine, the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, and other situations as well. Almsgiving is traditionally a part of Lent, and ARDF (ardf.org) is our partner for responding to these large emergencies. Also, just a happy reminder that 10% of the profits from our two books (Christmas with John Donne and Lent with John Donne go to support ARDF’s work). 

A TRIFECTA: EASTER WITH JOHN DONNE
Coming soon! Here’s a teaser: Donne, preaching about how natural it is that we will have resurrection bodies, “All that the soul does, it does in, and with, and by the body.”
Peace, 
Tim+

The High Value of People and Mission and Healing

Saturday March 4, 2023

WHY TRINITY?
Trevor and I came to Trinity about a year and a half ago with heavy hearts in need of social and spiritual support. After moving into the area, I fairly quickly felt the Holy Spirit gently, but persistently, letting me know that it was time to be open to healing some scar tissue from a falling out or distancing of sorts between myself and the Anglican church from years ago. I have been humbled by the healing work facilitated by both the Holy Spirit and the people at Trinity. The grace, acceptance, and delight present in this community has meant more to me than I could have imagined or can well express. So I suppose I came for healing and have stayed for formation and community. 

Trinity has also provided me with opportunities to preach and participate in Parish Council, avenues of ministry that I believed would remain walled off to me by that scar tissue. My dream for Trinity is that it will be able to pursue growth without sacrificing the high value it places on people and mission. I feel safe to trust Trinity because the leadership and community have demonstrated a powerful commitment to living out and teaching the power of God’s love. 
With great thanks and a full heart, 
Amaris

Hello dear friends, 
A blessed pilgrimage through Lent to you all.
Here’s a few things coming up:

WHAT IS LENT?
Explore what Lent is all about through a podcast series of our sister diocese, C4SO (Churches for the Sake of Others). The first one features Canon Theologian the Rev’d Dr Esau McCaulley, and is here:

WEATHER THIS WEEKEND
Winter has come late this year. It looks like we should be okay, but living near the ocean sometimes means the wintry mix is difficult to predict. We’ll send out a note if anything changes. 

TAKE THEM A MEAL!
Don't miss the opportunity to help out two of our young families.
Find the details on our Take Them a Meal Page

SHOWING MERCY IN A HURTING WORLD
There’s been a lot of hurt in the world these past months: the continuing war against Ukraine, the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, and other situations as well. Almsgiving is traditionally a part of Lent, and ARDF (ardf.org) is our partner for responding to these large emergencies. Also, just a happy reminder that 10% of the profits from our two books (Christmas with John Donne and Lent with John Donne go to support ARDF’s work). 

A TRIFECTA: EASTER WITH JOHN DONNE
Coming soon! Here’s a teaser: Donne, preaching about how natural it is that we will have resurrection bodies, “All that the soul does, it does in, and with, and by the body.”
Peace, 
Tim+

Ash Wednesday - 7 PM

Join us for a beautiful and contemplative Ash Wednesday Service this Wednesday February 22nd at 7 pm.
In the Kaiser Chapel on the campus of Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in Hamilton, MA
directions here

Together - this week’s events and more

Wednesday February 15, 2023

Why Trinity?
In the early, isolating days of the pandemic, Meridien and I reflected a lot on the church and our relationship to it, coming to a resolution that we cannot accept living a nominal Christian life. A relationship with Jesus is the only way we see a path to live for anything beyond ourselves. Otherwise it’s my life for me and that reality is small and sad. 

Trinity came onto the radar with a mission to give people a fresh encounter with the living Jesus. Not a new take on Jesus, not a themed-Jesus, or a new more-relevant Jesus, but a fresh encounter with the living Jesus. And that was really invigorating to hear. We want(ed) to learn to follow Jesus in every present moment and be able to engage all of the difficult cultural conversations without fear. 

The most frequent command throughout the Bible is some iteration of “Fear not”, “don’t be afraid”, or “have no fear.” We felt a real freedom in forgoing fear in favor of both a connectedness to our humanity, and a confidence in God’s love, mercy, justice, and forgiveness that enables us to love, show mercy, seek justice, and forgive. 

What encourages me is seeing Trinity’s parishioners challenge themselves to commit to a Way of Life so that we can be a community that welcomes all but demonstrates an “other” way of living within that welcome. And we have felt free not to have this perfectly worked out already, working through this commitment together in community. 
-Nathaniel

WAY OF LOVE TONIGHT FEBRUARY 15-
Join us tonight for an important discussion on the Way of Love.
CONVERSATIONS MOVING TO 3RD WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH
Due to the new year calendar and approaching church seasons, we are shifting the first few Way of Love monthly discussions.
The Third Wednesday of each month we will have a discussion online together about the current topic.
CONNECTING WITH GOD
You can find a link to the sermon topic here on our podcast page titled Way of Love:
You can find the info for joining the live discussions here on our Way of Love page.

ASH WEDNESDAY NEXT WEEK FEBRUARY 22 AT 7 PM
We are looking forward to our 2nd Ash Wednesday together, continuing our journey on the Way of Love together.
Join us Feb 22 at 7 pm in the Chapel as Lent begins, for a deep and meaningful service of reflection on our dependence on God now and ultimately.

THIS THURSDAY NIGHT February 16th
CARE FOR THE EARTH Final Workshop:
7-8 PM AT ANCHOR BAY CHURCH, 10 Dane Street in Beverly, MA
And we had a great start with the first two of four sessions on Caring for the Earth.
Michael says, “ Last Thursday, Cn Tim began the series with a fascinating background of God’s call to each of us to care for the earth, Tim was sharing stories from the scripture, J.R.R. Tolkien, and C.S. Lewis. I loved it. It should be Cn Tim’s next book!”

Over the past 3 weeks we’ve looked at scriptures, history, and practical ways we can care for the earth and the environment.

This Thursday night will be our final discussion on this important topic.
Feel free to bring your friends, your dinner and all your interesting questions about the theology of and practical living out of caring for the earth and all of creation. Parking lot is behind the church.
7-8 pm at Anchor Bay Church, 10 Dane Street in downtown Beverly, MA

What was Jesus’ relationship to the non-human rest of it all? To the earth, to wildness, to the cosmos? Did he care about this? Was it on his mind, in his awareness of his work and mission? Does his CROSS have anything to do with eco-care? 

What if one appropriate angle for our faith is that it is A Liberation Theology for the Earth, with Jesus as the Liberator! (I’ve put a few teaser videos for this on my own instagram. instagram.com/timotheo.clayton)

ARDF and UKRAINE
ARDF says: 
Over the past year, ARDF has supported 15 partners working to address immediate needs as a result of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. With the support of faithful and generous donors like you, we provided nearly $1 million toward efforts supporting churches, refugees, orphans, and displaced Ukrainians with shelter, generators, warm sleeping bags, food, medical supplies, and much much more.

We are so grateful for your partnership, and we’d like to invite you to hear firsthand from two of our partners about the positive impact you have made. Please join us for one (or both) of these Zoom calls!
Register here:

ARDF AND TURKEY EARTHQUAKE-
To help support this work and learn how ARDF is currently working please connect with them on this page

TRINITARIANS MOVING THEIR BODIES FOR GOOD
Matt and Bailey are running the Boston Marathon together. Matt says: 
Dana Farber Funds the Lab Bailey works for and Bailey has always been passionate about cancer research. We also have a lot of close family and friends who have died from cancer and we have a friend who worked on a kids cancer/ICU floor. Felt like an easy win for us! Everything is tax deductible. Here is their fundraising page. 

Bob Ebersole is doing the Run to Home Base. Bob says: 
I have received so much from Home Base in the past years. I want to continue to give back to Home Base, other veterans, and their families by walking in this fundraiser.  I, also, give back as one of the clinicians that Home Base has trained to provide psychotherapy in Massachusetts and New Hampshire for veterans impacted by PTSD. 
Here is Bob’s fundraising link: https://runtohomebase.org/support/#BobEbersole

Peace, 
Tim+

The Way of Love Update +This Week’s Events
+Lent With John Donne

Tuesday February 7, 2023

“I accepted the teaching of Jesus, the way of love, the way of nonviolence, the spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation. The idea that hate is too heavy a burden to bear. I don’t want to go down that road. I’ve seen too much hate, seen too much violence. And I know love is a better way.” – John Lewis
Congressman John Lewis was one of the major leaders involved in the 1963 March on Washington and was active throughout the Civil Rights Movement. Lewis helped lead the Selma to Montgomery March and suffered a fractured skull from a police officer on the Edmund Pettis Bridge. President Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011.

WAY OF LOVE CONVERSATIONS MOVING TO 3RD WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH
Due to the new year calendar and approaching church seasons, we are shifting the first few Way of Love monthly discussions.
The Third Wednesday of each month we will have a discussion online together about the current topic.
You can find a link to the sermon topic here on our podcast page titled Way of Love:
You can find the info for joining the live discussions here on our Way of Love page.


THURSDAY NIGHTS - February 9th and 16th
CARE FOR THE EARTH Workshops:
7-8 PM AT ANCHOR BAY CHURCH, 10 Dane Street in Beverly, MA
And we had a great start with the first two of four sessions on Caring for the Earth.
Michael says, “ Last Thursday, Cn Tim began the series with a fascinating background of God’s call to each of us to care for the earth, Tim was sharing stories from the scripture, J.R.R. Tolkien, and C.S. Lewis. I loved it. It should be Cn Tim’s next book!”

Last week’s session turned to a more practical bent: how do we live this in our busy everyday lives?

This Thursday night Cn Tim will continue our look at God’s call for each of us to care for the earth.

What was Jesus’ relationship to the non-human rest of it all? To the earth, to wildness, to the cosmos? Did he care about this? Was it on his mind, in his awareness of his work and mission? Does his CROSS have anything to do with eco-care? 

What if one appropriate angle for our faith is that it is A Liberation Theology for the Earth, with Jesus as the Liberator! (I’ve put a few teaser videos for this on my own instagram. instagram.com/timotheo.clayton)

Feel free to bring your friends, your dinner and all your interesting questions about the theology of and practical living out of caring for the earth and all of creation. Parking lot is behind the church.
7-8 pm at Anchor Bay Church, 10 Dane Street in downtown Beverly, MA

ARDF and UKRAINE
ARDF says: 
Over the past year, ARDF has supported 15 partners working to address immediate needs as a result of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. With the support of faithful and generous donors like you, we provided nearly $1 million toward efforts supporting churches, refugees, orphans, and displaced Ukrainians with shelter, generators, warm sleeping bags, food, medical supplies, and much much more.

We are so grateful for your partnership, and we’d like to invite you to hear firsthand from two of our partners about the positive impact you have made. Please join us for one (or both) of these Zoom calls!
Register here:

Peace,
Tim+

Thursday Morning Light

Thursday, February 2, 2023

Fixing What's Broken
is patching shattered glass.
Molding infinity's shards
with strings of bronze and brass.
Crushing stones from every land,
mountains, sea, and sky,
and putting all the pieces,
in jars way up high.
Sealing all the cracks
in an old forgotten wall,
a mosaic of color
as wide as the sky is tall.
When pasting all the torn
pages in the world.
bits and pieces,
words are swirled.

Shards and pieces.
Broken and cracked.
Lost and shattered.
White and Black.

Fixing what's broken
is making a cloth
to cover the world
like the wings of a moth.
Cleaning all the dirty feet
with the purest soap,
or braiding every thread
into a single rope.
Carving a tower
with a whittler's hand.
And making a sculpture
on your demand.
Melting all the metal
into a single penny,
able to buy not a thing:
one is too many.

Creating and destroying.
Colors and lines.
Smooth and rigid.
Yours and mine.

Fixing what's broken
is running around the world.
Throwing stones farther
than they ought to be hurled.
Or counting all the stars
through Abram's telescope.
Escaping Death's grip,
its strangle, its choke.
Making a meal
all the world can eat
with bags of extra fruits
and chunks of roasted meat.
Telling all the tales
of every person on Earth,
tales of truth and lies,
of malice and mirth.
Saving all the lost,
giving them a home;
as before they hadn't found,
and were left on Earth to roam

Healed and broken.
Lost and found.
Taken and given.
Silence and sound.

As impossible as finding
all the fish in the sea,
fixing your broken soul
is fixing a part of me.
- Juniper Mahnke

 Hello dear friends, 
Let’s all celebrate another good afternoon with the Haven Project on Saturday last weekend! Well done everyone, and special thanks to those able to get out and post fliers. These flyers help make the homeless aware that there is a place they can go for shelter and care.

BAPTISM AND THE PRESENTATION OF CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE 
February 2, being forty days after Christmas Day, we celebrate the Presentation of the baby Jesus in the Temple. It is the end of the Incarnation Cycle of three seasons  (Advent, Christmas, Epiphany) that began on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day. Join us Sunday as we celebrate the Presentation and also baptize baby Abe. 

THURSDAY NIGHTS! (TONIGHT!)
CARE FOR THE EARTH Workshops:
Thursdays Weekly continuing February 2 through February 16
7-8 PM AT ANCHOR BAY CHURCH, 10 Dane Street in Beverly, MA
And we had a great start with the first of four sessions on Caring for the Earth.
Michael says, “ Last Thursday, Cn Tim began the series with a fascinating background of God’s call to each of us to care for the earth, Tim was sharing stories from the scripture, J.R.R. Tolkien, and C.S. Lewis. I loved it. It should be Cn Tim’s next book!”

Tonight’s (Thursday evening) session will turn to a more practical bent: how do we live this in our busy everyday lives?

What was Jesus’ relationship to the non-human rest of it all? To the earth, to wildness, to the cosmos? Did he care about this? Was it on his mind, in his awareness of his work and mission? Does his CROSS have anything to do with eco-care? 

What if one appropriate angle for our faith is that it is A Liberation Theology for the Earth, with Jesus as the Liberator! (I’ve put a few teaser videos for this on my own instagram. instagram.com/timotheo.clayton)

Feel free to bring your friends, your dinner and all your interesting questions about the theology of and practical living out of caring for the earth and all of creation. Parking lot is behind the church.
7-8 pm at Anchor Bay Church, 10 Dane Street in downtown Beverly, MA

ARDF and UKRAINE
ARDF says: 
Over the past year, ARDF has supported 15 partners working to address immediate needs as a result of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. With the support of faithful and generous donors like you, we provided nearly $1 million toward efforts supporting churches, refugees, orphans, and displaced Ukrainians with shelter, generators, warm sleeping bags, food, medical supplies, and much much more.

We are so grateful for your partnership, and we’d like to invite you to hear firsthand from two of our partners about the positive impact you have made. Please join us for one (or both) of these Zoom calls!
Register here:

Peace,
Tim+

Why I’m at Trinity - A Dream for Church

plus this week’s special events - don’t miss it!

Thursday January 26, 2023

Why am I at Trinity?

• Because I know God is here, in this group of people seeking to love and serve others in all the many different ways that happens for each of us.

• Because I know the leaders are humble and not self-serving, but seeking to convey and share Christ’s love and mercy.

• Because the lessons from the front deepen my knowledge of how that over-arching love and always-bountiful mercy is demonstrated in Scripture and history, and because those reminders prod me into my own thinking about how that is (and sometimes isn’t) being enacted in my own life, but how it should and could be.

• Because I love liturgy for its meaning and meditative guidance, but I hate habit & tradition for their own sake.

• Because I love being challenged by truth and critical thinking, but I hate pretense and subtle agenda-enforcing BS.

• Because I am a questioner and a very restless soul … but because I understand the value of regularly being reminded of what I know and believe to be true about God’s love, amongst a community of life-seeking people who may be sharing Christ in their lives in all sorts of different ways that can teach and inform and encourage me … and with whom I can perhaps share my own struggles or learnings or even realizations!

• Because it has been a source of nourishment in our lives that I have been increasingly able to drop into conversations with our non-believing friends (who, to be honest, make up the majority of our close relationships), either through work connections or by way of what I have learned from Father Tim’s sermons.

• Because I understand that it takes a village and am 1,000% grateful for any love and support that is pumped into my three daughters.

  But really, I’m here because I can bring my beloved Jasper (and sometimes the rascally Fergus) and have Isobel and Liffey love on them more than any unkempt canine deserves. 🙂

What is my dream for church? 
Just that it be a place of incredibly obvious Christ-infused love … where I am not afraid to come exactly as I am, at that moment in time, and not feel any need to demonstrate or prove who I might once have been or who I feel I should be by this point in my life.  And that it be exactly that for every single other person there (and that I not hold them to expectations of who they should be or who I think they present themselves to be).  AND that it be that for anyone I might (probably rarely – see point above – those friends are all pretty anti-establishment-church!) be able to entice to accompany me here!
 - Susannah

This Week’s Events!

Dear friends,
Two big things coming up this week, please join us and bring your friends!

STARTING THIS THURSDAY, JANUARY 26 IN BEVERLY
JESUS AND CARE FOR THE EARTH AND COSMOS WORKSHOPS
7-8 PM AT ANCHOR BAY CHURCH, 10 Dane Street in Beverly, MA
What was Jesus’ relationship to the non-human rest of it all? To the earth, to wildness, to the cosmos? Did he care about this? Was it on his mind, in his awareness of his work and mission? Does his CROSS have anything to do with eco-care? 

What if one appropriate angle for our faith is that it is A Liberation Theology for the Earth, with Jesus as the Liberator! (I’ve put a few teaser videos for this on my own instagram. instagram.com/timotheo.clayton)

We’re partnering with Anchor Bay Church doing four workshops on Thursday evenings this winter: January 26, February 2, 9, and 16, to wrestle with a big theological- conceptual aspect of eco-care, and big practical aspects of eco-care.

Feel free to bring your friends, your dinner and all your interesting questions about the theology of and practical living out of caring for the earth and all of creation. Parking lot is behind the church.

Free- Register here so we know you’re coming!

And get the word out! This is a great place to invite folks who wish these dots  were connected. Or who wonder why Christians can be so very slow or even hostile to the whole topic…

THIS SATURDAY, JANUARY 28
TRINITY ON MISSION @ THE HAVEN PROJECT IN LYNN
Join us Saturday, January 28, 1-3 pm to post fliers for the Haven Project (resource for homeless young people in Lynn). Yes, it may be cold this Saturday: when else do homeless folks need resources the most? This is a great chance to help make the homeless aware that there is a place they can go for shelter and care. We will gather in Danvers for prayer and planning, and then make our way down to Lynn to put up flyers.
Please contact Jen Keifer for the details (or me and I’ll forward it).

Peace,
Tim+

A Creative Path Towards Wholeness

Saturday January 21, 2023

“I don’t want to just name the problems. Instead, I want to offer a creative path toward interior, interpersonal, and institutional wholeness. I’m finding that this reimagination of spiritual formation is needed if we are going to reach people in a world where Christianity is losing credibility.” Rich Villodas, author and pastor of New Life Fellowship Church in Queens, NY

Hello dear friends, 
Three big things for this week:

BISHOP ANDREW will be with us Sunday
We’re looking forward to Bishop Andrew’s visit on Sunday, the 22nd. Join us after service in the hall for a little time informally with Bp Andrew, and to hear an update from him.

I hope you’ll also enjoy hearing from a few ‘Trinitarians’ who I’ve asked to share about two things: why they are at Trinity, and what they dream of for church. I think the questions underneath those are:
-Why has Trinity kept them in church?
-What would be needed to get them to trust church, really?
*We’ll have Crave GF cupcakes and Kid Dream coffee.

TRINITY ON MISSION @ THE HAVEN PROJECT IN LYNN
NEXT SATURDAY, JANUARY 28
Join us Saturday, January 28, 1-3 pm to post fliers for the Haven Project (resource for homeless young people in Lynn). Yes, it may be cold: when else do homeless folks need resources the most? Any questions, contact Jen Keifer (or me and I’ll forward it).

JESUS AND CARE FOR THE EARTH AND COSMOS WORKSHOPS
STARTING THIS THURSDAY, JANUARY 26
7-8 PM AT ANCHOR BAY CHURCH, 10 Dane Street in Beverly, MA
What was Jesus’ relationship to the non-human rest of it all? To the earth, to wildness, to the cosmos? Did he care about this? Was it on his mind, in his awareness of his work and mission? Does his CROSS have anything to do with eco-care? 

What if one appropriate angle for our faith is that it is A Liberation Theology for the Earth, with Jesus as the Liberator! (I’ve put a few teaser videos for this on my own instagram. instagram.com/timotheo.clayton)

We’re partnering with Anchor Bay Church doing four workshops on Thursday evenings this winter: January 26, February 2, 9, and 16, to wrestle with a big theological- conceptual aspect of eco-care, and big practical aspects of eco-care.

Feel free to bring your friends, your dinner and all your interesting questions about the theology of and practical living out of caring for the earth and all of creation. Parking lot is behind the church.

Free- Register here so we know you’re coming!

And get the word out! This is a great place to invite folks who wish these dots  were connected. Or who wonder why Christians can be so very slow or even hostile to the whole topic…

Peace,
Tim+

Important Way of Love Updates!

Tuesday January 17, 2023

A kind reminder regarding the updated changes we've shared about the Way of Love. Check them out and be sure to join us Wednesday Night!

The Second Wednesday of each month we will have a discussion online together about the current topic.
You can find a link to this week's sermon topic here on our podcast page:

Our next meeting will be online on Tomorrow Night- January 18 at 7 pm
Joining information is available on our Way of Love page.

We also currently have 3 Way of Love discussion groups that connect during the Fourth week of each month, depending on your group.
If you would like to join a group at any time, simply sign up here:

Tomorrow night: Wednesday, January 18th, at 7 pm, Mother Wendy will join me and lead a discussion about teaching ourselves to live in the way of Jesus always — when times are good, bad, stressful, a party, whatever. It’s a discussion from the sermon two Sundays ago, about getting that core commitment we have to him to displace our old habits and become our full-time, regular self. We are also hoping to move these discussions to being in-person.

THE MAIN CHANGES:
We are very excited to start our second cycle through the Way of Love. The topics will be basically the same as they are the core topics in which we will all be learning and growing our whole lives. 

We will also tweak things for this cycle: we’ll add a few new voices, and we’ll introduce the topic in a sermon on the relevant Sunday. The sermon will be available on our podcast/YouTube channels in case you’re out of town on a Sunday morning and then we will have an open online discussion of the topic following, on a Wednesday evening.

We are looking forward to continuing this journey together.

Paths of Joy and New Light

Saturday January 14, 2023

“Let us notice finally that God is able to give us interior resources to confront the trials and difficulties of life. Each of us faces circumstances in life which compel us to carry heavy burdens or sorrow. Adversity assails us with hurricane force. Glowing sunrises are transformed into darkest night. Our highest hopes are blasted and our noblest dreams are shattered.

Christianity has never overlooked these experiences. They come inevitably. Like the rhythmic alternation in the natural order, life has the glittering sunlight of its summers and the piercing chill of winters. Days of unutterable joy are followed by days of overwhelming sorrow. Life brings periods of flooding and periods of drought. 

…Only God is able. It is faith in God that we must rediscover. With this faith we can transform bleak and desolate valleys into sunlit paths of joy and bring new light into the dark caverns of pessimism…
- from “Our God is Able”, a sermon by the Rev’d Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement and published in Strength to Love

THE WAY OF LOVE
This coming Wednesday, the 18th, 7 pm, Mother Wendy will join me and lead a discussion about teaching ourselves to live in the way of Jesus always — when times are good, bad, stressful, a party, whatever. It’s a discussion from the sermon this past Sunday, about getting that core commitment we have to him to displace our old habits and become our full-time, regular self.
You can find a link to the sermon here on our podcast page:

Wendy’s sermon from January 1st was really helpful with this, and she will pick up on some of that. 

Wednesday, we’ll be on Google Meet, you can find the joining info on our Way of Love page.

This past Sunday we also briefly addressed Christian Nationalism. If this is a topic you would like to discuss, please let me know.

A note: I’m hoping to move these discussions to being in-person. Please just shoot me an email if you would like to come when you are able — just one line saying, “I’m in!”: it will help us to move them if we have an idea how many people we get to plan for. We are very excited to start our second cycle through the Way of Love tomorrow (Sunday). The topics will be basically the same as they are the core topics in which we will all be learning and growing our whole lives. 

TEENS THIS MONTH
Teens meet Sunday, 3-4.30, chez Clayton. We’re looking forward to catching up!
And look for news about January 29th and dinner chez Jukanovich around 5 or so. 

TAKE THEM A MEAL
We celebrate with Ramey and Johanna Ferrell. Ramey says, “Welcome Violet Ann Ferrell. Born at 4:47am, January 6. 20 inches, 6 pounds and 12 ounces. Mother and child are doing great. We can’t wait to introduce her to you!”
A great opportunity to help them out on our Take Them a Meal Page

BISHOP ANDREW JANUARY 22nd  
We’re looking forward to Bishop Andrew’s visit on Sunday, the 22nd. Mark that down as a day when we’ll be gathering after our celebration of Holy Eucharist. I think we’ll sharing with him about where we are and what’s up for us, and talk a little together about next steps in finding a spot to be. 

TRINITY NORTH SHORE ON MISSION
THE HAVEN PROJECT IN LYNN, SATURDAY, JANUARY 28
Join us Saturday, January 28, 1-3 pm to post fliers for the Haven Project (resource for homeless young people in Lynn). Yes, it may be cold: when else do homeless folks need resources the most? Any questions, contact Jen Keifer (or me and I’ll forward it).

ARDF and UKRAINE
We are working on a fundraiser for the people of Kherson, where Alina’s extended family are. ARDF has a partner now working specifically in Kherson, and funds we raise will go to them. Contact me and I’ll connect you if you can help with this!

ARDF says: 
Over the past year, ARDF has supported 15 partners working to address immediate needs as a result of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. With the support of faithful and generous donors like you, we provided nearly $1 million toward efforts supporting churches, refugees, orphans, and displaced Ukrainians with shelter, generators, warm sleeping bags, food, medical supplies, and much much more. We are so grateful for your partnership, and we’d like to invite you to hear firsthand from two of our partners about the positive impact you have made. Please join us for one (or both) of these Zoom calls!

Register here:

CREATION CARE: DID JESUS HAVE THIS IN MIND? (There was no eco crisis back then, after all.) and HOW TO MANAGE THIS? (I’m too busy already!)
We’re partnering with Anchor Bay Church four Thursday evenings this winter: January 26, February 2, 9, and 16, to wrestle with a big theological- conceptual aspect of eco-care, and big practical aspects of eco-care.

I’ll be talking about whether Jesus cared about this. Was it on his mind, in his awareness of his work and mission? Does his CROSS have anything to do with eco-care? Another way to put this is that it is A Liberation Theology for the Earth, with Jesus as the Liberator. 🙂

Kathryn Entner from Anchor Bay will take the other half of our time together and share her story of coming to care deeply about these things, and her wrestling with having a job, being married and social here on the high speed NS, and how she is wrestling through and finding ways to live into her convictions. 

Sign up here:

And get the word out! This is a great place to invite folks who wish these dots  were connected. Or who wonder why Christians can be so very slow or even hostile to the whole topic…

JOIN US SUNDAY MORNINGS for PRAYER and CONTINUING OUR DISCERNMENT
Sunday mornings at 9.30, meet us at the Welcome Table. Jennifer Mahnke and/or I will be there to lead prayer. It’s good!

A SEMINAR ON HEALTHY CHURCH LIFE 
It’s a ways out on the calendar, but plan to join me for this online event (January 31) with our sister diocese (Churches for the Sake of Others, C4SO, whose Bishop, Todd Hunter, was the guest speaker at our diocese’s conference last year). 

C4SO Canon Theologian Esau McCaulley and our consultant Rachel Denhollander are hosting a free Zoom seminar on abuse, prevention, response, and pastoral care on Jan. 31, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. CST. All clergy and laity in the ACNA are invited! Let's learn together. Reserve a spot here

LENT WITH JOHN DONNE
Christmas with John Donne was a lot of fun. Our team did a great job. I’ve had some really happy feedback from folks, including a few of my rector friends around the country who shared that they found nuggets for their Christmas preaching. When we know the final numbers we’ll share them. So, we’ve decided to do Lent with John Donne! Our team is fantastic, and they’ve buckled down. Coming soon….

Peace,
Tim+

Journey of the Magi - Epiphany

Saturday January 7, 2023

The Journey of the Magi
A cold coming we had of it,
Just the worst time of the year
For a journey, and such a long journey:
The ways deep and the weather sharp,
The very dead of winter.'
And the camels galled, sorefooted, refractory,
Lying down in the melting snow.
There were times we regretted
The summer palaces on slopes, the terraces,
And the silken girls bringing sherbet.
Then the camel men cursing and grumbling
and running away, and wanting their liquor and women,
And the night-fires going out, and the lack of shelters,
And the cities hostile and the towns unfriendly
And the villages dirty and charging high prices:
A hard time we had of it.
At the end we preferred to travel all night,
Sleeping in snatches,
With the voices singing in our ears, saying
That this was all folly.

Then at dawn we came down to a temperate valley,
Wet, below the snow line, smelling of vegetation;
With a running stream and a water-mill beating the darkness,
And three trees on the low sky,
And an old white horse galloped away in the meadow.
Then we came to a tavern with vine-leaves over the lintel,
Six hands at an open door dicing for pieces of silver,
And feet kicking the empty wine-skins.
But there was no information, and so we continued|
And arriving at evening, not a moment too soon
Finding the place; it was (you might say) satisfactory.

All this was a long time ago, I remember,
And I would do it again, but set down
This set down
This: were we led all that way for
Birth or Death? There was a Birth, certainly
We had evidence and no doubt. I had seen birth and death,
But had thought they were different; this Birth was
Hard and bitter agony for us, like Death, our death.|
We returned to our places, these Kingdoms,
But no longer at ease here, in the old dispensation,
With an alien people clutching their gods.
I should be glad of another death.

-Perhaps TS Eliot’s most-loved poem, The Journey of the Magi takes us along for the struggles of the pilgrimage that pagan astrologers took to honor the Christ child, and which we will celebrate Sunday as the Feast of the Epiphany. (Epiphany means light-glory shining forth). You can hear Eliot read it himself (and he’s a lot less stuffy about it than you might expect!) here:

Happy New Year and Glorious Epiphany, dear friends,
Join us this Sunday for a special Epiphany service in the Kaiser Chapel at 10 am.

Lots of good things to share and upcoming.
Let the big BOLD ALL CAPS be your guide below, but you will want to look through the whole email. I generally put things in chronological order, so don’t miss something towards the end, for which I am super excited, regarding good thinking about and acting on caring for the earth and environment.

YEAR-END THANK YOU
The Parish Council and I thank you for responding in year-end giving. Details coming soon but for now we just want to say Thank you, and it is a huge help!

THE WAY OF LOVE
We are very excited to start our second cycle through the Way of Love tomorrow (Sunday). The topics will be basically the same as they are the core topics in which we will all be learning and growing our whole lives. 

We will also tweak things for this cycle: we’ll add a few new voices, and we’ll introduce the topic in a sermon on the relevant Sunday. The sermon will be available on our podcast/YouTube channels in case you’re out of town on a Sunday morning and then we will have an open online discussion of the topic following, on a Wednesday evening. You can find the joining info on our Way of Love page.

Groups will meet in their regular way later in the month for talking more personally about how we’re doing living into the given topic. 

This Sunday we’ll talk about having a deep encounter with God, that resets who we are. The sermon will be available online Thursday January 12, and then on Wednesday January 18 at 7 pm. I’ll host an online discussion where we’ll pick up a couple of the threads more in depth… 

TEENS THIS MONTH
North Shore Baptist is trying to pull together a multi-church youth worship night for the 13th. I’ve told them we’re interested. I’ll keep you posted.

BISHOP ANDREW JANUARY 22nd  
We’re looking forward to Bishop Andrew’s visit on Sunday, the 22nd. Mark that down as a day when we’ll be gathering after our celebration of Holy Eucharist. I think we’ll sharing with him about where we are and what’s up for us, and talk a little together about next steps in finding a spot to be. 

CREATION CARE: DID JESUS HAVE THIS IN MIND? (There was no eco crisis back then, after all.) and HOW TO MANAGE THIS? (I’m too busy already!)
We’re partnering with Anchor Bay Church four Thursday evenings this winter: January 26, February 2, 9, and 16, to wrestle with a big theological- conceptual aspect of eco-care, and big practical aspects of eco-care.

I’ll be talking about whether Jesus cared about this. Was it on his mind, in his awareness of his work and mission? Does his CROSS have anything to do with eco-care? Another way to put this is that it is A Liberation Theology for the Earth, with Jesus as the Liberator. 🙂

Kathryn Entner from Anchor Bay will take the other half of our time together and share her story of coming to care deeply about these things, and her wrestling with having a job, being married and social here on the high speed NS, and how she is wrestling through and finding ways to live into her convictions. 

Sign up here:

And get the word out! This is a great place to invite folks who wish these dots  were connected. Or who wonder why Christians can be so very slow or even hostile to the whole topic…

JOIN US SUNDAY MORNINGS for PRAYER and CONTINUING OUR DISCERNMENT
Sunday mornings at 9.30, meet us at the Welcome Table. Jennifer Mahnke and/or I will be there to lead prayer. It’s good!

A SEMINAR ON HEALTHY CHURCH LIFE 
It’s a ways out on the calendar, but plan to join me for this online event (January 31) with our sister diocese (Churches for the Sake of Others, C4SO, whose Bishop, Todd Hunter, was the guest speaker at our diocese’s conference last year). 

C4SO Canon Theologian Esau McCaulley and our consultant Rachel Denhollander are hosting a free Zoom seminar on abuse, prevention, response, and pastoral care on Jan. 31, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. CST. All clergy and laity in the ACNA are invited! Let's learn together. Reserve a spot here

LENT WITH JOHN DONNE
Christmas with John Donne was a lot of fun. Our team did a great job. I’ve had some really happy feedback from folks, including a few of my rector friends around the country who shared that they found nuggets for their Christmas preaching. When we know the final numbers we’ll share them. So, we’ve decided to do Lent with John Donne! Our team is fantastic, and they’ve buckled down. Coming soon….

Peace,
Tim+

Christmas Day 11 am Indoors

Hamilton Wright Mabie wrote, "Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love… After all, that little baby represents the hope of all peoples.”

Thank you all for joining us for a beautiful Christmas Eve service.
For those of you who would also like a simple Christmas morning time of songs, prayers and liturgy,
join us for a simple celebration of Holy Eucharist.
11 am at 3 Broadway, third floor, 301.
Beverly, MA
(enter through the side handicap ramp door. Elevator is inside to the left, or take the stairs up!)

Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.

Royalty in the Place of Vulnerability

Saturday December 17, 2022

With the advent of Christianity, the awaited king/messiah in all his splendor is replaced by a child born in poverty and exile. Placing spiritual royalty in the place of the greatest vulnerability was a coup de force unprecedented in History. All the values of merit, of power,… of prowess found themselves disrupted.
- Anne Dufourmantelle, Power of Gentleness: Meditations on the Risk of Living

Hello dear friends,
Blessed Advent as we continue to wait and renew hope in the presence of our God.  Sunday is the fourth, and final Sunday of Advent! The Day draws nigh… 
Here’s what’s on and upcoming. 

YEAR-END LETTER
Writing our year-end letter was a delight: it gave the me opportunity to reflect on this past year, and to give thanks for you and for so much that God is doing. You can find it HERE. Please remember Trinity in your year-end giving. 

TEENS
We’re looking forward to teens gathering 3-4.30 pm this Sunday, chez Clayton. 

THE WAY OF LOVE
From this past Wednesday: look for it on our sermons/podcast page. It’s about 30 minutes of thoughts about being ourselves and being a missional presence in our society these days.

A WITTY CHRISTMAS | CHRISTMAS WITH JOHN DONNE TUESDAY DECEMBER 20.
Bring a friend to the Beverly Farms Library for a fun event talking about Christmas with John Donne on Tuesday, December 20, at 7 pm. That’ll be a great evening to bring a friend Join me after for a drink or a snack at the Hale St Tavern. 
Christmas with John Donne is going well. Here’s three things to know:
-Please take a moment to share a review Amazon.
-If you’re just catching up on this, be sure to check it out the link to the book on Amazon is here
-And here’s a hint about something fun: Donne’s sacred poems and sermons are brilliant for Lent and for Easter as well… more to come on that.

CHRISTMAS DAY
Christmas Day we plan to have a very simple celebration of Holy Eucharist in the Rose Garden at Lynch Park at 11 a.m. 

JANUARY 1, the SECOND SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS
We plan to hold a simple celebration of Holy Eucharist at 10 a.m. in the Kaiser Chapel. 

TWELFTH NIGHT 
We’re thinking of a mighty party for Twelfth Night: January 5th, the last Day of Christmas, eve of the Epiphany. We’re trying to sort out where to do this, and a part of that is how many people would turn up? Can you let us know whether you would make it? Let us know here!

PRAYER and CONTINUING OUR DISCERNMENT
Sunday mornings at 9.30, meet us at the Welcome Table outside the chapel entrance. Jennifer Mahnke and/or I will be there to lead prayer as we continue to discern where the Lord is leading us to have a church home. Also, join us for prayer on Wednesdays during Advent, Jennifer Drummond will be leading prayers specially tuned to the season, Wednesday evenings at 7pm online via google meet, simply click the link, follow the prompts and someone will let you into the online prayer meeting. 

CONFIRMATION CLASSES
Bishop Andrew will be with us on January 22nd. If you are interested in Confirmation, understanding it, exploring it, preparing for it, let me know, and keep an eye out. We’ll have Confirmation Classes coming in January. Confirmation is a sacrament of the church — basically saying, “This way of following Jesus is where God is leading me, and I want make an intentional commitment.” If you have been confirmed already, in another church, do talk with me about being received into the Anglican Church. 

TAKE THEM A MEAL
We have another wonderful opportunity to help our young families at Trinity.
For the Ferrell Family who are expecting in February 2023 and we want to help them into March. Thank you for helping out! Take a moment to Sign up to bring them a meal or to have one delivered. Be sure to scroll down to see the available dates!

A SEMINAR ON HEALTHY CHURCH LIFE 
It’s a ways out on the calendar, but plan to join me for this online event (January 31) with our sister diocese (Churches for the Sake of Others, C4SO, whose Bishop, Todd Hunter, was the guest speaker at our diocese’s conference last year). 

C4SO Canon Theologian Esau McCaulley and our consultant Rachel Denhollander are hosting a free Zoom seminar on abuse, prevention, response, and pastoral care on Jan. 31, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. CST. All clergy and laity in the ACNA are invited! Let's learn together. Reserve a spot here

COMMUNITY GARDENING
We’re looking for people interested in being part of some community gardening with the purpose of blessing people in need with fresh vegetables. This is open to people with and without property to garden on, and to those with and without gardening experience. If you’re interested in being a part of a gardening team or want to attend an initial meeting in January to see what this could look like, please see Jennifer Mahnke at church or email her at jennifer.mahnke@gmail.com to let her know.

Peace,
Tim+

Deeply Grateful -
Year End Update from Canon Tim

Wednesday December 14, 2022

Dear friends,
As we come to the end of Trinity’s second calendar year, I am deeply grateful for you, and for the opportunity to be in the story of this great adventure together. I love describing Trinity to people who don’t know: friends in other places, or to people here who I meet, or etc. Call them people who don’t yet know. 

As I reflect on this past year I am heartened that already in our brief life together there have been many amazing moments. I will never forget the innocence of that little girl who, on Maundy Thursday approached Mother Wendy from the seats as Wendy was washing feet. Her innocent, enraptured face: friends, God was meeting her, calling to her spirit, and in her was meeting us as well. My favorite thing was that I just sat there waiting, knowing what would happen: of course, Wendy would invite her to experience the humble act of loving service, and would wash her feet. Liturgy, friends, is real: it is not a straight-jacket (we innovate) but it does set apart space and time as holy. 

On Good Friday, the children’s liturgy – an active liturgy if you will – that Kirsten and others developed. That evening, kneeling at the cross together, adoring our Lord Jesus and saying thank you. The young man who left his wheelchair to make his way to the cross, going there no matter what –  friends, that’s us in prayer, pretty much every day. 

I recall Bishop Andrew blessing quilts after Jennifer described their mission and the way they are spiritually meant to work – an act of love bringing pieces from chaos to beauty. Hanging fliers in Lynn for the Haven Project.. Dr. Todd Johnson bringing it just a handful of days ago. Finding our rhythm with the Way of Love. Sending Toby and Sophie to Romania, and hearing from the Rev’d Jake Stum of ARDF, from Jean-Paul and his soccer ministry in Rwanda… 

Your creativity (O people of Trinity!) is a delight – fiber arts, quilting, song writing, sculpture, writing, and still more. The young people involved in ministry simply as part of the team, be it music, or the sacristy, or breaking the set, or whatever it is. The very young people – new lives – five born into our community this past year and a few more coming in the next months. Watching teams for nursery and children’s ministry begin to get their feet. The many people who make our worship beautiful and holy. 

Dear friends, we are setting culture and our way in our Lord Jesus, and it is good. It is good, but it is not easy. I do not think it is an exaggeration to say that we are pretty much rebuilding everything. I do not mean simply because we are a new church, but because we formed from our deep sense that we and the church in general in our society need a fresh encounter with the living Jesus. This also means there are no easy answers; indeed, it means we must continue to learn to frame new questions, and to share a greater dream. 

As I reflect on this second year, I find myself remembering a phenomenon I noticed as Cheryl and I worked our ways through graduate schools working in student development on various campuses: there is something about the sophomore year. Students are no longer starry-eyed; they are not putting the routine together anymore. And in a way, the sophomore year has a little less glitter, perhaps. But don't be fooled: often it means the “figuring it out” has gone a bit internal, gone deep, and gotten real. 

For many, we found, this was the beginning of their finding their true calling. The sophomore year turns out, actually, to be a crucially important one, in which so much good is built that is foundational to all that will come. Dear friends, no analogy is perfect, and I rejoice in all the wonder and beauty, as mentioned above, but I think we are somewhere like that important sophomore year. 

Here’s the last thing: the key principle of the theory of student development is the challenge-support continuum. People can accomplish much, overcome many challenges, if they have support. Indeed, with support they blossom when – because – they face challenges. The best life is full of both. 

Would you please support Trinity with a special gift this year-end, however large, or small, that gift can be for you? Your gift will keep us strong as we move forward. Large gifts will help us as we plan and discern and move forward to the place the Lord knows and will lead us to. 

And, dear friends, be glad to be on this adventure. I am. I am deeply grateful for each of you, and for all that God is doing in our midst day to day, and week to week in this great story together.

Peace and joy,
Tim+

Renewed Hope

Saturday December 10, 2022

The beauty of the world is the tender smile of Christ to us through matter. He is really present in universal beauty. Love of this beauty proceeds from God and descends into our souls and goes out to God present in the universe. It too is something like a sacrament.
- Simone Weil, Waiting for God

Hello dear friends,
Blessed Advent as we continue to wait and renew hope in the presence of our God. Here’s what’s on and upcoming. 

THE WAY OF LOVE
I’m looking forward to the last of this first run of the Way of Love, coming Wednesday next week, December 14th, at 7 pm. This one is about being a missional presence while still being honest, humble, real and yourself — indeed, while of course being honest, humble, real and yourself, of course you want to be a missional presence. Two sides of the same coin, we might say. 

A WITTY CHRISTMAS | CHRISTMAS WITH JOHN DONNE TUESDAY DECEMBER 20.
Bring a friend to the Beverly Farms Library for a fun event talking about Christmas with John Donne on Tuesday, December 20, at 7 pm. That’ll be a great evening to bring a friend Join me after for a drink or a snack at the Hale St Tavern. 

Christmas with John Donne is going well. Here’s three things to know:
-Please take a moment to share a review Amazon.
-If you’re just catching up on this, be sure to check it out the link to the book on Amazon is here
-And here’s a hint about something fun: Donne’s sacred poems and sermons are brilliant for Lent and for Easter as well… more to come on that.

CHRISTMAS EVE
Join us Christmas Eve at 4 pm for a beautiful evening celebrating the birth of Jesus together in song, prayer, liturgy, and Holy Eucharist. Hamilton Wright Mabie wrote, "Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love… After all, that little baby represents the hope of all peoples.”

CHRISTMAS DAY
Christmas Day we plan to have a very simple celebration of Holy Eucharist in the Rose Garden at Lynch Park at 11 a.m. 

JANUARY 1, the SECOND SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS
We plan to hold a simple celebration of Holy Eucharist at 10 a.m. in the Kaiser Chapel. 

TWELFTH NIGHT 
We’re thinking of a mighty party for Twelfth Night: January 5th, the last Day of Christmas, eve of the Epiphany. We’re trying to sort out where to do this, and a part of that is how many people would turn up? Can you let us know whether you would make it? Let us know here!

PRAYER and CONTINUING OUR DISCERNMENT
Sunday mornings at 9.30, meet us at the Welcome Table outside the chapel entrance. Jennifer Mahnke and/or I will be there to lead prayer as we continue to discern where the Lord is leading us to have a church home. Continuing Wednesday December 21 due to Way of Love this week, prayer on Wednesdays during Advent, Jennifer Drummond will be leading prayers specially tuned to the season, Wednesday evenings at 7 online via google meet, simply click the link and if your email address is outside of the Trinity North Shore organization, someone will let you into the meeting. 

CONFIRMATION CLASSES
Bishop Andrew will be with us on January 22nd. If you are interested in Confirmation, understanding it, exploring it, preparing for it, let me know, and keep an eye out. We’ll have Confirmation Classes coming in January. Confirmation is a sacrament of the church — basically saying, “This way of following Jesus is where God is leading me, and I want make an intentional commitment.” If you have been confirmed already, in another church, do talk with me about being received into the Anglican Church. 

A SEMINAR ON HEALTHY CHURCH LIFE 
It’s a ways out on the calendar, but plan to join me for this online event (January 31) with our sister diocese (Churches for the Sake of Others, C4SO, whose Bishop, Todd Hunter, was the guest speaker at our diocese’s conference last year). 

C4SO Canon Theologian Esau McCaulley and our consultant Rachel Denhollander are hosting a free Zoom seminar on abuse, prevention, response, and pastoral care on Jan. 31, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. CST. All clergy and laity in the ACNA are invited! Let's learn together. Reserve a spot here

COMMUNITY GARDENING
We’re looking for people interested in being part of some community gardening with the purpose of blessing people in need with fresh vegetables. This is open to people with and without property to garden on, and to those with and without gardening experience. If you’re interested in being a part of a gardening team or want to attend an initial meeting in January to see what this could look like, please see Jennifer Mahnke at church or email her at Jennifer.mahnke@gmail.com to let her know.

The Great Un-reported Story of Our Time

Saturday December 3, 2022

Africans sensed in their hearts that Jesus did not mock their respect for the sacred or their clamor for an invincible Savior, so they beat their sacred drums for him until the stars skipped and danced in the skies. After that dance the stars weren't little anymore. Christianity helped Africans to become renewed Africans, not remade Europeans.
- Lamin Sanneh, Gambian scholar and author of Whose Religion Is Christianity? The Gospel Beyond the West

Hello dear friends,
DR. TODD JOHNSON AND THE CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF GLOBAL CHRISTIANITY 
This Sunday Dr. Todd Johnson will share with us about “Welcoming the Global Jesus”.
The global growth of the church is one of the amazing stories of the past century or so: in 1900 roughly 97% of the world’s followers of Jesus were western-culture. In 2000 it was estimated that 75% were in the global south and the East. Some of that is due to decline in the church in the West, but the majority of it actually is not. And many of our brothers and sisters around the world suffer for their faith, even martyrdom: it is the great un-reported story of our time. 

Sunday is the Second Sunday of Advent, and all of this is very à propos for Advent: as we await Jesus’ return, and the the setting to rights of all things, the Gospel brings light and love to many, but also there is conflict and suffering. In the Scriptures it is a mystery, and described as a kind of birth pains of the new world, or perhaps as the desperate thrashing about of the defeated enemy of all creation, realizing the story has taken twists he did not anticipate. 

Plan to join us after for a short tour of the Center after service on Sunday; what it teaches us is amazing.  Our clergy and staff had the chance to walk through the Center with Dr. Johnson and it is simply astonishing what we learned in that short time together. We are very much looking forward to having Todd with us.

TEENS SUNDAY
It was great to get a little momentum again two weeks ago. We’re looking forward to this Sunday, 3.30-5 at chez Clayton. 

TRINITY BOOKS: CHRISTMAS WITH JOHN DONNE
Christmas with John Donne is going well. Here’s three things to know:
-Please review it on Amazon.
-The Bev Farms Library is hosting a book event with us on Tuesday, December 20, 7 pm. That’ll be a great evening to bring a friend and then head to the Hale St Tavern or Andalin Thai…
-ARDF featured it in their social media this past week. Look for it in their coming update email.
-If you’re just catching up on this, be sure to check it out the link to the book on Amazon is here
-And here’s a hint about something fun: Donne’s sacred poems and sermons are brilliant for Lent and for Easter as well… more to come on that.

PRAYER and CONTINUING OUR DISCERNMENT
Sunday mornings at 9.30, meet us at the Welcome Table outside the chapel entrance. Jennifer Mahnke and/or I will be there to lead prayer as we continue to discern where the Lord is leading us to have a church home. Wednesdays during Advent, Jennifer Drummond will be leading prayers specially tuned to the season, Wednesday evenings at 7 online via google meet, simply click the link and if your email address is outside of the Trinity North Shore organization, someone will let you into the meeting. 

A SEMINAR ON HEALTHY CHURCH LIFE 
It’s a ways out on the calendar, but plan to join me for this online event (January 31) with our sister diocese (Churches for the Sake of Others, C4SO, whose Bishop, Todd Hunter, was the guest speaker at our diocese’s conference last year). 

C4SO Canon Theologian Esau McCaulley and our consultant Rachel Denhollander are hosting a free Zoom seminar on abuse, prevention, response, and pastoral care on Jan. 31, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. CST. All clergy and laity in the ACNA are invited! Let's learn together. Reserve a spot here

COMMUNITY GARDENING
We’re looking for people interested in being part of some community gardening with the purpose of blessing people in need with fresh vegetables. This is open to people with and without property to garden on, and to those with and without gardening experience. If you’re interested in being a part of a gardening team or want to attend an initial meeting in January to see what this could look like, please see Jennifer Mahnke at church or email her at Jennifer.mahnke@gmail.com to let her know.

Advent Begins | A Church Full of Mercies

Saturday November 26, 2022

The air is not so full of Motes, of Atoms, as the Church is of Mercies; and as we can suck in no part of air but we take in those Motes, those Atoms; so here in the Congregation, we cannot suck in a word from the preacher, we cannot speak, we cannot sigh a prayer to God, but that that whole breath and air is made of mercy.
-John Donne, preaching on Christmas Day in the Evening, 1624

Hello dear friends,

ADVENT BEGINS
This week, we celebrated Thanksgiving — a wonderful holiday, perhaps even just a wonder that it exists. It gives us the opportunity to do something that is so good for our souls: to give thanks. And I did, heartily, give thanks. And I have much for which to give thanks, that is all from God’s generous graciousness. I give thanks for Trinity, every day. 

This week we shift to the beginning of a new year in the church’s calendar. We begin the year with the first Sunday of Advent, which is this Sunday. Advent is a word that means “coming or arriving”: during Advent we wait in the dark for the coming of the light into the midst of the uncertainty, the pain, the fear of that dark, and making a way forward. We believe God and his promises, that He is working a long story. 

This week I also found my soul identifying poignantly with Advent. The killings at Club Q in Colorado, and the troubling interview with the suspect’s father (at the time I wrote this that’s the current language around that), are grievous. We need a story large enough to make us who live by the Name of Jesus a people who love and show mercy to all people, or maybe a better way to put it is to every person. To know ourselves living a story that shapes us such that the very air one breathes in and around the church would be one of mercy. 

We have that story, and it is big enough. Advent helps us to live into it: Advent is about waiting to hear from God, waiting on God to fill our souls, locating ourselves intentionally in God’s great, long, patient story of redeeming and shaping a whole new world. I’m very much looking forward to this season with you all. 

TRINITY BOOKS: CHRISTMAS WITH JOHN DONNE
Christmas with John Donne is going well. Here’s three things to know:
-Please review it on Amazon.
-The Bev Farms Library is hosting a book event with us on Tuesday, December 20, 7 pm. That’ll be a great evening to bring a friend and then head to the Hale St Tavern or Andalin Thai…
-ARDF featured it in their social media this past week. Look for it in their coming update email.
-If you’re just catching up on this, be sure to check it out the link to the book on Amazon is here
-And here’s a hint about something fun: Donne’s sacred poems and sermons are brilliant for Lent and for Easter as well… more to come on that.

PRAYER and CONTINUING OUR DISCERNMENT
Sunday mornings at 9.30, meet us at the Welcome Table outside the chapel entrance. Jennifer Mahnke and/or I will be there to lead prayer as we continue to discern where the Lord is leading us to have a church home. Wednesdays during Advent (starting this Wednesday at 7 pm November 30) Jennifer Drummond will be leading prayers specially tuned to the season, Wednesday evenings at 7 online via google meet. 

DR. TODD JOHNSON AND THE CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF GLOBAL CHRISTIANITY 
You may recall that back in the spring or so we had hoped to have Dr. Johnson as a guest preacher, and to have a field trip to the Center for the Study of Global Christianity, on the GCTS campus, following the service. That date ended up needing to change, but we’ve got it back on! Sunday, December 4, Dr Johnson will preach to us about “Welcoming the Global Jesus” — a wonderful topic for that day, the Second Sunday of Advent. Plan to join us after for a tour of the Center as well; what it teaches us is amazing. 
Our clergy and staff had the chance to walk through the Center with Dr. Johnson and it is simply astonishing what we learned in that short time together. We are very much looking forward to having him with us.

A SEMINAR ON HEALTHY CHURCH LIFE 
It’s a ways out on the calendar, but plan to join me for this online event (January 31) with our sister diocese (Churches for the Sake of Others, C4SO, whose Bishop, Todd Hunter, was the guest speaker at our diocese’s conference last year). 

C4SO Canon Theologian Esau McCaulley and our consultant Rachel Denhollander are hosting a free Zoom seminar on abuse, prevention, response, and pastoral care on Jan. 31, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. CST. All clergy and laity in the ACNA are invited! Let's learn together. Reserve a spot here

COMMUNITY GARDENING
We’re looking for people interested in being part of some community gardening with the purpose of blessing people in need with fresh vegetables. This is open to people with and without property to garden on, and to those with and without gardening experience. If you’re interested in being a part of a gardening team or want to attend an initial meeting in January to see what this could look like, please see Jennifer Mahnke at church or email her at Jennifer.mahnke@gmail.com to let her know.

Peace,
Tim+

Loving, Healing, Reconciling

Saturday November 19, 2022

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, the privilege is ours to share in the loving, healing, reconciling mission of Jesus Christ, our Lord, in this age and wherever we are. Since without you we can do no good thing:
May your Spirit make us wise;
May your Spirit guide us;
May your Spirit renew us;
May your Spirit strengthen us;
So that we will be:"
Strong in faith,
Discerning in proclamation,
Courageous in witness,
Persistent in good deeds.

This we ask through the name of the Father. 
-A prayer from the Church of the Province of the West Indies
In An African Prayer Book, curated by Archbishop Desmond Tutu

STORY TIME WITH MS CHERYL AND FR TIM TONIGHT!
If you have little ones, join us Saturday evening at 6, chez Clayton, in the barn, for the second edition of Story Time with Ms Cheryl and Fr Tim

TEENS THIS SUNDAY
We’ll be chez Clayton Sunday 3.30-5 pm. We’re hoping to do a baking project on the wood stove… 

TRINITY BOOKS: CHRISTMAS WITH JOHN DONNE
Christmas with John Donne is going well. Here’s three things to know:
-Please review it on Amazon.
-The Bev Farms Library is hosting a book event with us on Tuesday, December 20, 7 pm. That’ll be a great evening to bring a friend and then head to the Hale St Tavern or Andalin Thai…
-ARDF featured it in their social media this past week. Look for it in their coming update email.
-If you’re just catching up on this, be sure to check it out the link to the book on Amazon is here
-And here’s a hint about something fun: Donne’s sacred poems and sermons are brilliant for Lent and for Easter as well… more to come on that.

PRAYER and CONTINUING OUR DISCERNMENT
Sunday mornings at 9.30, meet us at the Welcome Table outside the chapel entrance. Jennifer Mahnke and/or I will be there to lead prayer. Wednesdays during Advent (starting November 30) Jennifer Drummond will be leading prayers specially tuned to the season, Wednesday evenings at 7 online. No prayer this Wednesday, given the Thanksgiving holiday. 

DR. TODD JOHNSON AND THE CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF GLOBAL CHRISTIANITY 
You may recall that back in the spring or so we had hoped to have Dr. Johnson as a guest preacher, and to have a field trip to the Center for the Study of Global Christianity, on the GCTS campus, following the service. That date ended up needing to change, but we’ve got it back on! Sunday, December 4, Dr Johnson will preach to us about “Welcoming the Global Jesus” — a wonderful topic for that day, the Second Sunday of Advent. Plan to join us after for a tour of the Center as well; what it teaches us is amazing. 
Our clergy and staff had the chance to walk through the Center with Dr. Johnson and it is simply astonishing what we learned in that short time together. We are very much looking forward to having him with us.

A SEMINAR ON HEALTHY CHURCH LIFE 
It’s a ways out on the calendar, but plan to join me for this online event (January 31) with our sister diocese (Churches for the Sake of Others, C4SO, whose Bishop, Todd Hunter, was the guest speaker at our diocese’s conference last year). 

C4SO Canon Theologian Esau McCaulley and our consultant Rachel Denhollander are hosting a free Zoom seminar on abuse, prevention, response, and pastoral care on Jan. 31, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. CST. All clergy and laity in the ACNA are invited! Let's learn together. Reserve a spot here

Peace,
Tim+

A Pastoral Letter from Fr Tim

Tuesday November 15, 2022

Hello dear friends,
I wanted to follow up from Sunday’s message (November 13th) with a little more about what we have heard so far about what kind of space we are looking for, and where. (“Journeying Together, As We Have No Easy Home” on Apple Podcasts and our YouTube Channel)

If you were able to be with us Sunday, you’ll remember that the sermon was kind of an overview check-in: who and why we are, what our call is, what we need in order to live into it. Of course we did not get to all  that is involved in all of that! And we won’t get to it all here either, but I do want to add a little more, and give you the opportunity to have it before you, for perusing at your leisure. 

Let’s look at two things:

• The metaphor and the reality of being on exodus.

• What we have heard so far in our discernment.

Exodus
We have always said that Trinity exists because we and others need a fresh encounter with the living Jesus. Sunday I introduced the (rather biblical) image of exodus: our God has called us and is leading us, present with us. 

Realizing we are on exodus helps us to realize that (probably) the path will not be simple, but that the journey itself is a time for living into a fresh encounter with the living Jesus. The journey is a time in which God is shaping us, challenging us, calling us to faith, transforming us, carrying us. Sometimes inviting us to carry each other. 

Our path may not be a simple straight line, but whatever it is, the great thing is to keep our eyes up and forward: expect God to continue to show up, to be present, and keep listening and discerning what kind of place he knows is right for us to live our calling. 

What we’ve heard so far
From the beginning we’ve known that space to gather for worship, with simplicity and beauty, indoors and outdoors, with space for nursery and for children’s ministry is important. 

We’ve also realized that that space would be wonderful to use for good during the weeks as well: for prayer, for music and worship, for tea, for knitting or quilting or book groups or whatever. And for inviting others into to join us in art and craft, thinking and learning, teaching and discovering. 

What we’ve heard lately is a stirring call to jubilee — something wonderful, wild, requiring faith, and expressing God’s vast generosity. We’ve seen that jubilee and sharing the fruit of the earth makes a space, however small, that is alive today as an eschatological witness — a sign post to the new cosmos Jesus is making and will consummate one day. It restores the good gifts of the earth to many, as a sign of God’s gift economy. 

Wonderfully, this is something God is inspiring many to do these days, maybe by other names, or maybe without realizing it is God who is leading them. So perhaps we are called to have our own garden spot, or perhaps to join in and serve others who are doing this already. 

When I think about where this space would ideally be, I imagine a space on the coast side of 128, somewhere between the bridges (the Salem bridge and the Gloucester canal bridge). To be clear, that is my imagination; I’m not sure to what degree that is inspired. I do notice that Beverly is where more of us live than anywhere else.

The last thing on this: the space may well be a former church that we can redeem to its purpose. But it may also be a different kind of space all together: I have seen wonderful, simple and beautiful and holy churches creatively located in an old fire station, an old mill, a former plant nursery. Honestly, and great fun, my mind’s eye goes to Radegast Hall in Brooklyn— if you’re ever in Brooklyn, by all means…, a rather simple structure. 

Praying and journeying together
Dear friends, I am deeply glad and encouraged to be on this adventure together with you. I’d be delighted if you would me and others to pray, to sit in God’s majestic and loving presence, and to listen on Wednesday evenings at 7 online, or on Sunday mornings at 9.30 we will meet at the welcome table outside the chapel.

Peace,
Tim+

O Love Ever Burning

Saturday November 12, 2022

O love ever burning and never extinguished charity
My God set me on fire. 
-Saint Augustine, quoted in An African Prayer Book, Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Hello dear friends,
Lots of great stuff highlighted here; as ever, let the titles be your guide and make sure you look through the whole message.

GOING INDOORS STARTING THIS SUNDAY
It was great to have last Sunday’s surprise wonderful weather! We’ll be in the Kaiser Chapel, up the hill, this Sunday. Still 10 a.m.

TRINITY BOOKS: CHRISTMAS WITH JOHN DONNE
Thank you all for the encouragement you’ve given to our team regarding Christmas with John Donne.
One thing I am told would help us tremendously with this would be if a good number (the more, the merrier) would review it positively on Amazon. So, if you can do that, go for it!
If you’re just catching up on this, there’s info on the Amazon page about the book. 
The link to the book on Amazon is here

STORY TIME WITH MRS CHERYL AND FR TIM NOVEMBER 19
If you have little ones, join us Saturday evening at 6, chez Clayton, in the barn, for the second edition of Story Time with Mrs Cheryl and Fr Tim

THE WAY of LOVE
Wednesday this past week, the 9th, we talked about Different Bodies, Different Circumstances; the way of love and the human family — basically about race, and the role it plays explicitly and implicitly in our society.  As ever, we’re taking on way too much, but I hope it is a helpful and encouraging invitation to each of us to be creatively involved and learning to more fully live Jesus’ love into this world. Check out the latest on our Apple Podcast and YouTube channels.

PRAYER and CONTINUING OUR DISCERNMENT
Join us Sunday mornings at 9.30 in the chapel before service and Wednesday evenings at 7 (online for now) to pray and listen to God. More to come on this, but I’m excited for this! We will learn to listen to God, and we expect him to show up and make the way for his people. 

TRINITY PARISHIONERS 
Continuing this Sunday you will have the opportunity to sign the Parishioner Book for Trinity, saying:
Yes; I’m in for my place at the Table here, together with these people at this time, and this mission and work. I’m investing myself and journeying together with this community. I want to love God and experience God’s love with the fullness of who I am. 

I commit to either:
-       Learn about and consider a rule of life.
-       Begin to develop a rule of life.
-       Develop and begin to walk (with grace) whatever next step of a rule of life is right for me.
A few of you have asked how this works for families. If you want to sign up as a family, with the parents signing and naming their children, great. If your children want to sign for themselves, or to have mom or dad write their name in, even better!
Formally, parishioners 16 and over are allowed to vote at the annual meeting.
The DRAFT sample of what Parishioners will sign is HERE 

DR. TODD JOHNSON AND THE CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF GLOBAL CHRISTIANITY 
You may recall that back in the spring or so we had hoped to have Dr. Johnson as a guest preacher, and to have a field trip to the Center for the Study of Global Christianity, on the GCTS campus, following the service. That date ended up needing to change, but we’ve got it back on! Sunday, December 4, Dr Johnson will preach to us about “Welcoming the Global Jesus” — a wonderful topic for that day, the Second Sunday of Advent. Plan to join us after for a tour of the Center as well; what it teaches us is amazing. 
Our clergy and staff had the chance to walk through the Center with Dr. Johnson and it is simply astonishing what we learned in that short time together. We are very much looking forward to having him with us.
Peace,
Tim+

The Whole Life of Christ

Friday November 4, 2022

THE WHOLE LIFE of Christ was a continual Passion; others die Martyrs, but Christ was born a Martyr. He found a Golgotha (where he was crucified) even in Bethlehem, where he was born; For, to his tenderness then the straws were almost as sharp as the thorns after, and the Manger as uneasy at first, as his cross at last. His birth and his death were but one continual act, and his Christmas-day and his Good Friday are but the evening and morning of one and the same day. 
- John Donne, preaching on Christmas Day, 1626, in St Paul’s Cathedral in London

Hello dear friends,
Lots of great stuff highlighted here; as ever, let the titles be your guide and make sure you look through the whole message. But first, something exciting!

TRINITY BOOKS: CHRISTMAS WITH JOHN DONNE
We’ve just launched Trinity Books, and put out our first book! It’s our first creative outlet that can both let us share the goodness and creativity of Trinity, and also can give us a little income stream.

Christmas with John Donne is a pocket-sized pilgrimage to the Manger with John Donne. I act as curator, basically, or pilgrimage sherpa, through Christmas-themed poems and sermon excerpts of Donne’s. Pete developed a fantastic cover; Alex and Dianne shared good ideas and insightful editing. 

This little book is accessible, fun, unique, handsome — great for family and friends, and also for people who like literature or poetry whatever they believe (or don’t). This is a way to enter into the wonder and worth of Christmas; to slow down, contemplate, perhaps even taste a bit of awe.

Donne is considered the greatest of the Metaphysical Poets, and the paradox of the Incarnation poignantly inspired his muse. The last decade of his life he was England’s most sought-after preacher and Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral in London. 

Donne knew what it was to wait on God in the darkness of grief, depression, even open suicidal ideation, and then later, on his wife’s death, grief aplenty. But he kept the faith and God delivered him.

So here’s how this works: all proceeds go to Trinity (unless we reach a rather high number), along with a 10% tithe to ARDF (ardf.org) and another 10% to a conservation partner (either ARocha Int’l, arocha.org, or the emerging Anglican creation-care network). That’s $4 for Trinity, and $.50 for each partner. 

We will have some books available after service on Sundays as well.

We’ve had a great team who’ve work on this, and now we’re inviting you to join the team and help us get the word out. Yes, it’d be great if you give these great stocking-stuffers to everyone on your list (and it’s a worthwhile Christmas gift, with the Gospel beautifully spoken)

We would love your help: put the word on your social media, and take a moment to write a positive review on Amazon. This is an opportunity for us to support Trinity and grow a network and resources beyond ourselves.
The link to the book on Amazon is here

OVERALL BUDGET UPDATE
Sunday we’ll have an overall budget update from Mark, our treasurer. Here’s the bottom line: thank you for your generosity, we’re close but not quite where we need to be in our monthly average, please start tucking a bit (or a lot) away for a special year-end. Be ready to hear from Mark on Sunday.

THE WAY of LOVE
Wednesday this coming week, the 9th, at 7 pm, we’ll be talking about Different Bodies, Different Circumstances; the way of love and the human family — basically we will talk about race, and the role it plays explicitly and implicitly in our society. 

PRAYER and CONTINUING OUR DISCERNMENT
Join us Sunday mornings at 9.30 in the Retreat House before service and Wednesday evenings at 7 (online for now) to pray and listen to God. More to come on this, but I’m excited for this! We will learn to listen to God, and we expect him to show up and make the way for his people. 

TRINITY PARISHIONERS 
This Sunday and for the next two weeks, you will have the opportunity to sign the Parishioner Book for Trinity, saying:
Yes; I’m in for my place at the Table here, together with these people at this time, and this mission and work. I’m investing myself and journeying together with this community. I want to love God and experience God’s love with the fullness of who I am. 

I commit to either:
-       Learn about and consider a rule of life.
-       Begin to develop a rule of life.
-       Develop and begin to walk (with grace) whatever next step of a rule of life is right for me.
The DRAFT sample of what Parishioners will sign is HERE 

WE ARE ONE: FIELD + MISSION TRIP | NOVEMBER 11
Following up Jen’s great sermon last Sunday: 
RSVP’s needed, if you’d like to join us, let us know and RSVP here ASAP
A Trinity Day of Art, Lunch and Communion
November 11, from 11 am to 3 pm.
A field and mission trip to the Lynn Museum and the Haven Project.
A great event for families

GATHER at Lynn Museum
FEAST Free lunch together at a Taste of Lynn followed by a Celebration of Eucharist
GO post flyers for The Haven Project
$5 per person (for museum)

RSVP here
Check out the Current Exhibits here

GATHER: Staff and docents at Lynn Museum are excited about our curiosity about their community. They are eager to guide us through Lynn’s rich history. Docents will customize our groups’ tours to our specific needs, from children’s activities to accessibility accommodations.

FEAST: Our museum experience will engage all our senses, including taste and smell. The Taste of Lynn lunch menu will feature ingredients and cuisine exclusive to the community. Following lunch, we will feast on the One who makes us one with a Celebration of Eucharist in the museum’s lovely private park.

GO: Our own Ramey Ferrell will join us at the museum to share The Haven Project’s mission and orient us to our service project.
The cost is $5 per person, payable directly to the museum.

Peace,
Tim+

Take Heart,
We Do Not Pray Alone

Saturday October 29, 2022

A Prayer of St. John Chrysostom 
Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time, with one accord to make our common supplications to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will grant their requests: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen. 

“Whenever I pray Evening Prayer by myself and come to the end and the Prayer of St John Chrysostom, about ‘two or three being gathered together in Jesus’ Name,’ I always take heart when I remember that I do not pray alone; the saints in heaven join me in prayer.”
- St Cheryl of the North Shore 

Hello friends,
This Sunday we will be commemorating All Saints – celebrating the Body of Christ present and through the ages, our larger family. A part of commemoration is that we name those beloved who have died during the previous year or so. If you have names you would like to include and have not yet sent them in, please send them to michael@trinitynorthshore.org as soon as possible. 

Also there’s a lot of good stuff happening in these lovely autumn days! Here’s what’s up:

FOLLOW UP TO THE MINI-CONF and CONTINUING OUR DISCERNMENT
We’re working on a ways for us to be consistently in prayer, learning to listen to God and expecting him to speak and act. More coming soon. 

TRINITY PARISHIONERS 
Starting this Sunday and for the next three weeks, you will have the opportunity to sign the Parishioner Book for Trinity, saying:

Yes; I’m in for my place at the Table here, with these people at this time, and this mission and work. I’m investing myself and journeying together with these people. I want to love God and experience God’s love with the fullness of who I am. 

I commit to either:
-       Learn about and consider a rule of life.
-       Begin to develop a rule of life.
-       Develop and begin to walk (with grace) whatever next step of a rule of life is right for me.
The DRAFT sample of what Parishioners will sign is HERE 

TEENS PUMPKIN-CARVING PARTY   
The Trumbulls look forward to hosting Trinity Teens for a fall harvest party THIS SUNDAY! October 30, 4:30-7:00. We will celebrate the season with pumpkin carving, corn hole and a foosball tournament. Hot cider, snacks and dinner will be served.
BYOP: please bring pumpkins to carve. 
For more info contact tim@trinitynorthshore.org

WE ARE ONE: FIELD + MISSION TRIP | NOVEMBER 11
A Trinity Day of Art, Lunch and Communion
November 11, from 11 am to 3 pm.
A field and mission trip to the Lynn Museum and the Haven Project.
A great event for families

GATHER at Lynn Museum
FEAST Free lunch together at a Taste of Lynn followed by a Celebration of Eucharist
GO post flyers for The Haven Project
$5 per person (for museum)

RSVP here
Check out the Current Exhibits here

GATHER: Staff and docents at Lynn Museum are excited about our curiosity about their community. They are eager to guide us through Lynn’s rich history. Docents will customize our groups’ tours to our specific needs, from children’s activities to accessibility accommodations.

FEAST: Our museum experience will engage all our senses, including taste and smell. The Taste of Lynn lunch menu will feature ingredients and cuisine exclusive to the community. Following lunch, we will feast on the One who makes us one with a Celebration of Eucharist in the museum’s lovely private park.

GO: Our own Ramey Ferrell will join us at the museum to share The Haven Project’s mission and orient us to our service project.
The cost is $5 per person, payable directly to the museum.

A NEW BOOK: CHRISTMAS WITH JOHN DONNE
You may have heard the whisperings… we’ve just put out the first of Trinity Books. A pocket-sized pilgrimage to the manger with John Donne, the greatest of the Metaphysical Poets. I’m looking forward to talking about this more next week.

Peace,
Tim+

Time of Remembrance + Celebration of All Saints

Wednesday October 26, 2022

Dear friends,
November 1st is All Saints Day: the day in the church’s calendar when we commemorate not only the famous saints, but all the great mystical-and-real communion of saints who are alive now and, especially, those who have gone before us. 

We will celebrate All Saints this Sunday, October 30. An important part of this commemoration is when the celebrant says the names of the beloved who we have lost in the past year. Before this Friday evening, please send Michael the names of anyone beloved of you who has died this past year, who you would like to have lifted up before the Lord during Holy Eucharist this Sunday. 

Peace,
Tim+

The Litany of Saints
Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison.  [Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy.]
Kyrie eleison.
O Christ, hear us. O Christ, graciously hear us.

O God, the Father of heaven, have mercy upon us.
O God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy upon us.
O God, the Holy Ghost, have mercy upon us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy upon us.

Holy Mary, pray for us.
Holy Michael, pray for us.
Holy Gabriel, pray for us.
Holy Raphael, pray for us.
All ye holy Angels and Archangels, pray for us.

Holy John the Baptist, pray for us.
Holy Joseph, pray for us.
All ye holy Patriarchs and Prophets, pray for us.

Holy Peter, pray for us.
Holy Paul, pray for us.
Holy Andrew, pray for us.
Holy John, pray for us.
Holy Mary Magdalene, pray for us.
All ye holy Apostles and Evangelists, pray for us.

Holy Stephen, pray for us.
Holy James, pray for us.
All ye holy Martyrs, pray for us.

Holy Gregory, pray for us.
Holy Augustine, pray for us.
All ye holy Bishops and Confessors, pray for us.

Holy Dominic, pray for us.
Holy Benedict, pray for us.
Holy Francis, pray for us.
Holy Clare, pray for us.
Holy Alphonsus, pray for us.
Julian of Norwich, pray for us.
All ye holy Priests and Levites, pray for us.
All ye holy Monks and Sisters, pray for us.

Margaret of Scotland, pray for us.
Thomas Cranmer, pray for us.
John and Charles Wesley, pray for us.
George Whitefield, pray for us.
William Wilberforce, pray for us.
Bernard Mizeki, pray for us.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, pray for us.
Jim Elliot, pray for us.
Martin Luther King, pray for us.
Mother Teresa, pray for us.

All ye holy saints of God, intercede for us.

Don’t Miss This Very Special Sunday Oct 23!

Saturday October 22, 2022

Happy autumn days friends,
There’s lots in here, including details for Sunday’s Special Event/mini-conference and a new upcoming Teens autumnal party. 

THIS SUNDAY! BAPTISMS, LUNCH & MINI-CONFERENCE 
We are excited to baptize two wee ones on Sunday. 
And also very excited to welcome Mako Nagasawa as our guest preacher, and to lead our mini-conf. Mako founded and leads a creative urban ministry in Dorchester that brings a wholistic, organic-spiritual way of living God’s Kingdom (his love, reality, presence, glory) into being through his Body, people living his way by his Spirit. Mako is one of the best I know at connecting the various dots of these things: personal-corporate, spiritual-social, historical sins-future possibilities, God’s original vision for humanity-creative possibilities for God’s new humanity. More about Mako here:

So after Eucharist on Sunday, pitch in and help us pack stuff away and put lunch out. Then grab your lunch and join us as we begin engaging again regarding where on the NS God would have us be rooted. Mako will give us the theology in the sermon, and then in the mini-conf he will lead us as we discuss how we may creatively live well into these good things. 
An Introduction From Mako:

TEENS AUTUMN PARTY   
The Trumbulls look forward to hosting Trinity Teens for a fall harvest party on October 30, 4:30-7:00. We will celebrate the season with pumpkin carving, corn hole and a foosball tournament. Hot cider, snacks and dinner will be served. BYOP: please bring pumpkins to carve. 

RULE OF LIFE and TRINITY PARISHIONERS
Rule of Life mini-workshops: after service on Oct. 9
On Sundays, October 30, November 6 and 13, we plan to offer a time for people to formally sign in as a parishioner. 
The DRAFT sample of what Parishioners will sign is HERE 

WE ARE ONE: FIELD + MISSION TRIP | NOVEMBER 11
A Trinity Day of Art, Lunch and Communion
November 11, from 11 am to 3 pm.
A field and mission trip to the Lynn Museum and the Haven Project.
A great event for families

GATHER at Lynn Museum
FEAST Free lunch together at a Taste of Lynn followed by a Celebration of Eucharist
GO post flyers for The Haven Project
$5 per person (for museum)

RSVP here
Check out the Current Exhibits here

GATHER: Staff and docents at Lynn Museum are excited about our curiosity about their community. They are eager to guide us through Lynn’s rich history. Docents will customize our groups’ tours to our specific needs, from children’s activities to accessibility accommodations.

FEAST: Our museum experience will engage all our senses, including taste and smell. The Taste of Lynn lunch menu will feature ingredients and cuisine exclusive to the community. Following lunch, we will feast on the One who makes us one with a Celebration of Eucharist in the museum’s lovely private park.

GO: Our own Ramey Ferrell will join us at the museum to share The Haven Project’s mission and orient us to our service project.
The cost is $5 per person, payable directly to the museum.

Peace,
Tim+

Restoration to God’s Original Vision

Saturday October 15, 2022

“Israel’s jubilee year asserts God’s ownership of the land. A literal reading envisions God restoring people to their family land. But more broadly read, the Jubilee year also involves the restoration of Israel to God’s original vision: true humanity in a garden. As people made in God’s image, we must make space for other people and their labor in the creation.”
-Mako Nagasawa, talking about the Jubilee 
(this week’s sermon topic as a broad expression of God’s mercy and generosity)

Dear friends, 
Lots of good stuff happening:

The Way of Love for October is Online on our YouTube and Podcast Channels
The  Way of Love and Human Intimacies Within the Full Range of Friendships and Relationships 

October 23rd, Mini-Conference with Mako Nagasawa
Our discernment process gets in gear again, regarding Where and Why There (where we should ‘land’). Mako Nagasawa will be our guest preacher, helping us to think about God’s goodness and generosity in creation, providing for all people through the blessing of land and its fruits.

Following our Sunday Morning Service October 23, please join us for an 1.5-hr mini-conference, helping us to understand some of the history and realities that have shaped where we are, here on Boston’s NS, and help us to ask how and where we might be called to manifest God’s goodness, mercy, and generosity here, on the NS.

RULE OF LIFE and TRINITY PARISHIONERS
Rule of Life mini-workshops: after service on Oct. 9
On Sundays, October 30, November 6 and 13, we plan to offer a time for people to formally sign in as a parishioner. 
The DRAFT sample of what Parishioners will sign is HERE 

BAPTISM CLASS OCTOBER 23rd 
If you, or your child, have never been baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we’d love to chat with you! Feel free to be in touch with Cn Ross, Mthr Wendy, or me.

We Are One | NOVEMBER 11
A Trinity Day of Art, Lunch and Communion
November 11, from 11 am to 3 pm.
A field and mission trip to the Lynn Museum and the Haven Project.
A great event for families

GATHER at Lynn Museum
FEAST Free lunch together at a Taste of Lynn followed by a Celebration of Eucharist
GO post flyers for The Haven Project
$5 per person (for museum)

RSVP here
Check out the Current Exhibits here

GATHER: Staff and docents at Lynn Museum are excited about our curiosity about their community. They are eager to guide us through Lynn’s rich history. Docents will customize our groups’ tours to our specific needs, from children’s activities to accessibility accommodations.

FEAST: Our museum experience will engage all our senses, including taste and smell. The Taste of Lynn lunch menu will feature ingredients and cuisine exclusive to the community.

Following lunch, we will feast on the One who makes us one with a Celebration of Eucharist in the museum’s lovely private park.

GO: Our own Ramey Ferrell will join us at the museum to share The Haven Project’s mission and orient us to our service project.

The cost is $5 per person, payable directly to the museum.

Peace,
Tim+

He is Raising Them All

Saturday October 8, 2022

Today hell groans and cries aloud:
”My power has been destroyed. I accepted a mortal man as one of the dead; yet I cannot keep Him prisoner, and with Him I shall lose all those whom I ruled. I held in my power the dead from all ages; but see, He is raising them all.”
~St. Basil the Great (330-379)

Hello friends, just a quick few notes:
Sunday we will not have children’s ministry or nursery – too many folks are out of town for the long weekend or etc.
And, we are approaching the last call to join Wendy, Ross, and me next weekend at the Diocese’s great autumn conference! More below.
Peace, 
Tim+

RULE OF LIFE and TRINITY PARISHIONERS
Rule of Life mini-workshops: after service on Oct. 9
On Sundays, October 30, November 6 and 13, we plan to offer a time for people to formally sign in as a parishioner. 
The DRAFT sample of what Parishioners will sign is HERE 

BAPTISM CLASS OCTOBER 23rd 
If you, or your child, have never been baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we’d love to chat with you! Feel free to be in touch with Cn Ross, Mthr Wendy, or me.

WAY of LOVE coming OCTOBER 12
Will focus on we humans as creatures made for intimacy.

REAWAKENING CONFERENCE 
Bp Andrew and Cn Ross and co. at the diocese put on a great inaugural conference last October and looks like they are going to do it again. The main speaker, Bp Trevor Walters, from Vancouver, CA, is fantastic. I had the opportunity to spend a week in the Caribbean with him several years ago. Check it out!

Peace,
Tim+

With Every Changing Season

Thursday September 29, 2022

My sweet little sisters, birds of the sky," Francis said, "you are bound to heaven, to God, your Creator. In every beat of your wings and every note of your songs, praise him. He has given you the greatest of gifts, the freedom of the air. You neither sow, nor reap, yet God provides for you the most delicious food, rivers, and lakes to quench your thirst, mountains, and valleys for your home, tall trees to build your nests, and the most beautiful clothing: a change of feathers with every season. 
-       St Francis of Assisi, preaching to the birds

Hello friends,
I’ve been hearing from different people in our community as you engage with the whole idea of a rule of life, and I am so glad and encouraged for what this means for your own lives and walk with our Lord Jesus. 

The next two Sundays, following the service, Mthr Wendy and Jennifer Keifer will hold Rule of Life mini-workshops – a place to ask questions, dig into it a bit. 

In the meantime, I wanted to reflect on this just a bit with you. The main thing is this: A Rule of Life is not a spiritual to-do list.

Rather, you know that feeling that your muscles have if you’ve missed your workout a few days in a row? They are irritated and begging to get back to it. When you do, they rejoice, they thrive, they grow, and your whole self – body, mind, spirit – feels better and lives more fully. 

Or your brain, if you’ve not been able to read a good book of your favorite sort – or watch a good film, or whatever it is for you – your brain is hungry and unsettled. Find the right one, dig in, and all is right with the world. 
Or whatever it is for you…

A Rule of Life is something like this for the soul: habits and restoration, re-centering, rejuvenation. It is about discerning the pieces and their rhythm, for you and for this season of your life. A Rule of Life allows us to live from the center, connected. To develop a still space within that is not empty, but is in communion with the One who loves us.. 

If all of this is new to you – hooray! And welcome to the journey. It’s best to start simple and be at peace: and simple is always good. Maybe there is one thing you feel led to do each day, and one thing each week. One great place to start, simply as an example, would be to take 5-10 minutes each day to sit with God, simply offering yourself and waiting for him. Perhaps to commit to keeping Sabbath once a week: maybe putting away the phone, going into nature, allowing un-measured time in wonder.

Dorothy Day found that regular spiritual practices kept her going in the midst of a life with many pressing demands: for her it was daily Eucharist and a ritual of listening prayer. She said, “If we are rushed for time, sow time and we will reap time. Go to church and spend a quiet hour in prayer. You will have more time than ever and your work will get done.”

Simone Weil said that The Our Father was central for her: 
”I recited the Our Father in Greek every day before work, and I repeated it very often in the vineyard [where she worked at that time]. Since that time I have made a practice of saying it through once each morning with absolute attention.”

Friends, we Americans live famously busy lives: we are known the world over for this. This may be a place where our Lord’s call to give up all to have that pearl of infinite price, to sit at his feet and do the one thing that truly matters, comes home: we may have to give up something else, even a good thing. Quite possibly a thing good in and of itself, but what can one say? We have muscles and bodies, we have brains and imaginations, and we have souls and spirit as well… 

And we have a God who loves us, and who is worth infinitely more than anything else. 

Bless you in this, friends, it’s good. 

Peace,
Tim+

PS: Here is what’s going on in the coming days and weeks:

STORYTIME in the BARN!
Join Cn Tim and Miss Cheryl 6:30-7:15pm Saturday (tomorrow!), for chocolate milk boxes, cookies and stories. Designed for little people under 10yrs old but older children welcome too! Email Cn Tim for details. 

BLESSING of the ANIMALS
Bring your beast to receive a blessing this Sunday, October 2nd, as we keep St Francis Day. If your animal is unable to attend and you would you like us to name and pray for your animals please forward the names to Michael before Friday evening at 5 pm.

PARENTS of TEENS 
PARENTS of TEENS (or soon-to-be teens) meeting following our celebration of Holy Eucharist on Sunday, October 2nd (bring your own lunch if you are so inclined).

RULE OF LIFE and TRINITY PARISHIONERS
Rule of Life mini-workshops: after service on Oct 2 & 9
On Sundays, October 30, November 6 and 13, we plan to offer a time for people to formally sign in as a parishioner. 
The DRAFT sample of what Parishioners will sign is HERE 

BAPTISM CLASS on OCTOBER 5th, BAPTISMS on OCTOBER 23rd 
If you, or your child, have never been baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we’d love to chat with you! Feel free to be in touch with Cn Ross, Mthr Wendy, or me. Mthr Wendy will host a baptism class especially for parents on the evening of October 5th.

WAY of LOVE coming OCTOBER 12
Will focus on we humans as creatures made for intimacy.

REAWAKENING CONFERENCE 
Bp Andrew and Cn Ross and co. at the diocese put on a great inaugural conference last October and looks like they are going to do it again. The main speaker, Bp Trevor Walters, from Vancouver, CA, is fantastic. I had the opportunity to spend a week in the Caribbean with him several years ago. Check it out!

Blessing of the Animals
This Sunday October 2, 2022

This Sunday October 2nd we will celebrate the Feast of St. Francis and include The Blessing of the Animals as part of the service.
This is always one of our favorite services of the year. Bring any of your creatures and pets that you would like to have blessed. Dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, snakes, lizards, and so on. All creatures are welcome.

The World I Live In

Saturday September 24, 2022

You wouldn’t believe what once or
twice I have seen. I’ll just
     tell you this:
only if there are angels in your head will you
     ever, possibly, see one.
-       Mary Oliver, excerpt from The World I Live In

Dear friends,
Happy Autumn! 
We look forward to keeping Holy Michael and All Angels this Sunday morning at 10 am outside the Retreat House. 
And, there’s lots going on all around! It’s a longish list, but important stuff, so let the headers guide you and scroll through the whole list.

DISCERNING A RULE OF LIFE and TRINITY PARISHIONERS
Following up from our Annual Meeting and regarding discerning one’s Rule of Life: each of the next three Sundays, following Holy Eucharist, Cn Ross, Mthr Wendy, or Jen Keifer will discussing having a rule of life, answering questions, etc. – generally helping us to get acclimated to what they are. You can read more here.

The words parish and parishioner have come to us via a long and varied journey from ancient Greek, where they were the two words ‘para’ and ‘oikos’, together: literally meaning ‘beside-dwelling’.

They had the sense of sojourning: a purposeful journey of seeking or searching.

Over time and at least in English parish adapted kind of a seemingly opposite meaning – a parishioner is a person who lives in “this place” and, by extension, whose well-being is wrapped up with it.

On Sundays, October 30, November 6 and 13, we plan to offer a time for people to formally sign in as a parishioner. 

The DRAFT sample of what Parishioners will sign is HERE 

WAY of LOVE
September’s Way of Love was about living well as a human being relative to the non-human creation/nature. It’s a look at the overall story of the Bible and how much God’s creation matters to him, and is blessed and used by him, and how we might respond to that. 

I’m learning – hearing – how much issues of eco crises are on people’s minds, and their pondering or anxiety about how our faith gives them resources to respond: they have for so long been taught that our faith is dualistic, meaning only the spiritual really matters in the end. If you’re curious, you can catch this Way of Love here on Apple Podcasts or our YouTube Channel

TEENS THIS SUNDAY!
Sunday, September 25th, 3-5 pm: the 2nd Annual Teens vs Michael and Fr Tim in Frisbee Golf, then pizza…Meet at the parking lot behind the Retreat House!

And PARENTS of TEENS (or soon-to-be teens) meeting following our celebration of Holy Eucharist on Sunday, October 2nd (bring your own lunch if you are so inclined).

STORYTIME in the BARN OCTOBER 1
Join Cn Tim and Miss Cheryl 6:30-7:15pm Saturday, October 1st, for chocolate milk boxes, cookies and stories. Designed for little people under 10yrs old but older children welcome too! Email Cn Tim for details. 

BLESSING of the ANIMALS OCTOBER 2
Bring your beast(s) to receive a blessing on Sunday, October 2nd, as we keep St Francis Day.  

BAPTISM CLASS on OCTOBER 5th, BAPTISMS on OCTOBER 23rd 
If you, or your child, have never been baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we’d love to chat with you! Feel free to be in touch with Cn Ross, Mthr Wendy, or me. 

Mthr Wendy will host a baptism class especially for parents on the evening of October 5th.

REAWAKENING CONFERENCE 
Bp Andrew and Cn Ross and co. at the diocese put on a great inaugural conference last October and looks like they are going to do it again. The main speaker, Bp Trevor Walters, from Vancouver, CA, is fantastic. I had the opportunity to spend a week in the Caribbean with him several years ago. Check it out!

Peace,
Tim+

What Good Can One Person Do?

Saturday September 17, 2022

Young people say, ‘What good can one person do? What is the sense of small effort?’ We must lay one brick at a time, take one step at a time; we can be responsible only for the one action of the present moment…
But we CAN beg for an increase of LOVE in our hearts that will vitalize and transform all our individual actions, and know that God will take and multiply them, as Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes.
-       Dorothy Day, contemplative activist, co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement, 1933

 Hello friends,
There’s lots of good stuff happening, but the main thing this weekend is our Annual Meeting, and there are lots of other good things.

ANNUAL MEETING
Here’s the deal: at the end of Holy Eucharist, help us get stuff put away, grap a bit of Flip The Bird, and settle back in your seat. 
Here’s the AGENDA:
Trinity Annual Meeting 2022
1.    Overall state of things, and a few highlights
2.    Parish Council update
3.    Budget update
4.    Update regarding becoming a Parishioner of Trinity
5.    Update regarding our discernment process upcoming (in terms of where we should be and why)

BAPTISMS!
We are very excited to have another baptism service on October 23. If you are interested in being baptized or would like to have kids baptized, please email me directly. I’m so happy about this.

REAWAKENING CONFERENCE 
Bp Andrew and Cn Ross and co. at the diocese put on a great inaugural conference last October and looks like they are going to do it again. The main speaker, Bp Trevor Walters, from Vancouver, CA, is fantastic. I had the opportunity to spend a week in the Caribbean with him several years ago. Check it out!

TEENS UPCOMING
Sunday, September 25th, 3-5 pm: the 2nd Annual Teens vs Michael and Fr Tim in Frisbee Golf, then pizza…
And PARENTS of TEENS (or soon-to-be teens) meeting following our Sunday Service on at 11:45 am October 2nd. 

WAY OF LOVE
Well, once I hit the right button on the video link it was well worth hearing (if I may say so). So if you missed it or gave up on me for my technological dinosaurism once again, you can catch it on Apple Podcasts or on our YouTube channel.
TAKE THEM A MEAL
We are pleased to have the opportunity to support two more young families. The Curries and the Sarkissians.
Sign up on our Take Them a Meal Page

DISCERNMENT PROCESS: Where, and why there?
Also on October 23: A bit about the role of location-space and how we use it as a part of restorative justice and embodying the Kingdom of God, with Mako Nagasawa. (https://www.anastasiscenter.org/our-team)
-       Mako will be our guest preacher
-       Lunch following service (picnic or catered – working on this) and then a 1.5 hr mini-conference with Mako. It’s good. 🙂
Peace,
Tim+

A Special Note from Cn Tim

Tuesday September 13, 2022

Dear friends,
I am writing this special note to you all to say how excited I am for our topic in the Way of Love this Wednesday evening.

This summer, as the world suffered droughts and wildfires and floods and the plasticization-of-all-things, I became convinced that we need to re-orient ourselves as followers of Jesus to how we relate to the earth and the whole of non-human creation, how we understand ourselves to be in and to relate to nature.

I was sharing this with a friend (Mako Nagasawa, who I am looking forward to you all in October), and he invited me to a book group on the topic. This group is full of über-bright, committed and capable people who are thinking through how we follow Jesus in this significant area of life, and one of them, in an honest and vulnerable manner, shared a fear that I have seen and often intuited that many have, but never heard put so plainly as she did: “I feel myself doubting that the Bible will get us there. I wonder if our faith has the resources to deal with this issue, or if we will have to look to [basically Eastern and traditional religions].”

I am not a scientist, alas, but I love the Scriptures and I love to help us see them for what they truly are. Tomorrow evening we are going to take a look at the story that the Bible gives us of God and his non-human creation: such a beautiful story, and so much fuller than you have been taught.

1. The Beginning: A Story of Wonder

2. The Catastrophe: Spoiling the Party, What Then?

3. The Liberator: Nature’s Revenge and Release

4. A Future and a Hope: A Spirituality for Living as a Spiritual Being in a Body in a Wild and Multi-faceted Physical World

Friends, the word “repent” comes from the two Greek words “meta-noia”, which mean a way of thinking about everything. In other words, yes, we need to repent: we need a new meta narrative, story of everything. But my conviction is that we do not need to leave our faith and its resources to find it, we simply need to let them say more of what they always have been saying.

I hope you will join us here at 7 pm Wednesday. Or, if you’d like to join me in my barn live, email me and let me know.

Peace,
Tim+

PS: The book is The Ministry for the Future. Not for the faint of heart (and I’ve still got the last bit to go, so I don’t know all of what you will find if you tackle it). But lots and lots of good fodder for imagining a new world, and for realizing the moment we inhabit.

The Power to Forgive

Saturday September 10, 2022

“God sent into the world a unique person - neither a philosopher nor a general (important though they are) -
but a Savior, with the power to forgive.”
H M Queen Elizabeth II
(1926-2022)

Hello dear friends,
I hope this finds you and yours doing well, and I’m very happy to share so many upcoming events as we transition into autumn.

SERVICE TIME UPDATE FOR TOMORROW SEPTEMBER 11
Starting this Sunday, September 11, we will start morning service at 10 am.
Continuing throughout autumn.

ANNUAL MEETING
Sunday, September 18: we’ll cater lunch and after service we’ll grab food and then regather for the meeting. Lots in this year’s meeting!
-       New wardens and treasurer of Parish Council, 
-       Begin to consider a common rule of life (flexible, simple, don’t panic!),
-       Updates generally, but especially some info relative to getting our larger (where and why there?) discernment process resumed…

THE WAY OF LOVE Resumes this Wednesday, Sept 14 at 7 pm
-       We are planning to be open to be in-person, and available online
-       September: Caretakers and Representatives, the way of love as a part of the created order
-       October: Intimacies, the way of love and intimacies
-       November: Different Bodies, Different Circumstances; the way of love and the human family
-       December: Presence; the way of love and being the presence of Jesus

BAPTISMS!
We are very excited to have another baptism service on October 23. If you are interested in being baptized or would like to have kids baptized, please email me directly. I’m so happy about this.

TEENS RETURN to chez CLAYTON, September 11, 2-3:30 pm
Ok, our summer plans didn’t pan out so well, but ostensibly now we’ll have a quorum in town any given weekend. So all teens are welcome on Sunday, the 11th, and we’ll catch up and check in.

And Teens, I hope to share some ideas with you guys about how we as Trinity may be able to involve you guys in our life together and walk with you in the things you face. I’d love to share these ideas with you and hear what you think, for real. 🙂

PARENTS OF TEENS 
Parents of teens (and soon-to-be teens) please join Peter Vanacore and me for a chat about our dreams and plans going forward with ministry of and to Teens.

Peter, who has spent his career mentoring and developing mentors, has been a significant help in shaping a plan we are looking forward to sharing with you all.

We will meet together either Saturday, October 1, at 2 pm, or Sunday, October 2, at 3 pm. Email coming out to you all soon, but in the meantime feel free to contact me and let me know which of those options is better for you. Thanks!

TAKE THEM A MEAL
We are pleased to have the opportunity to support two more young families. The Curries and the Sarkissians.
Sign up on our Take Them a Meal Page

DISCERNMENT PROCESS: Where, and why there?
October 23: A bit about the role of location-space and how we use it as a part of restorative justice and embodying the Kingdom of God, with Mako Nagasawa. (https://www.anastasiscenter.org/our-team)
-       Mako will be our guest preacher
-       Lunch following service (picnic or catered – working on this) and then a 1.5 hr mini-conference with Mako. It’s good. 🙂

Peace,
Tim+

Then Shall Your Light Break Forth Like the Dawn

Saturday September 3, 2022

Is not this the fast that I choose:
to loose the bonds of wickedness,
to undo the straps of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to break every yoke?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry
and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover him,
and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?
Then shall your light break forth like the dawn,
and your healing shall spring up speedily;
your righteousness shall go before you;
the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer;
you shall cry, and he will say, ‘HERE I AM.’
…from Isaiah (ch 58) 

Hello friends,
I hope you are enjoying a nice long weekend. 

SERVICE TIME UPDATE FOR SEPTEMBER 11
Starting Sunday, September 11, we will start morning service at 10 am.

ANNUAL MEETING
Sunday, September 18: we’ll cater lunch and after service we’ll grab food and then regather for the meeting. Lots in this year’s meeting!
-       New wardens and treasurer of Parish Council, 
-       Begin to consider a common rule of life (flexible, simple, don’t panic!),
-       Updates generally, but especially some info relative to getting our larger (where and why there?) discernment process resumed…

THE WAY OF LOVE Resumes Wednesday, Sept 14 at 7 pm
-       We are planning to be open to be in-person, and available online
-       September: Caretakers and Representatives, the way of love as a part of the created order
-       October: Intimacies, the way of love and intimacies
-       November: Different Bodies, Different Circumstances; the way of love and the human family
-       December: Presence; the way of love and being the presence of Jesus

TEENS RETURN to chez CLAYTON, September 11, 3-4.30 pm
Ok, our summer plans didn’t pan out so well, but ostensibly now we’ll have a quorum in town any given weekend. So all teens are welcome on Sunday, the 11th, and we’ll catch up and check in.

And Teens, I hope to share some ideas with you guys about how we as Trinity may be able to involve you guys in our life together and walk with you in the things you face. I’d love to share these ideas with you and hear what you think, for real. 🙂

PARENTS OF TEENS 
Parents of teens (and soon-to-be teens) please join Peter Vanacore and me for a chat about our dreams and plans going forward with ministry of and to Teens.

Peter, who has spent his career mentoring and developing mentors, has been a significant help in shaping a plan we are looking forward to sharing with you all.

We will meet together either Saturday, October 1, at 2 pm, or Sunday, October 2, at 3 pm. Email coming out to you all soon, but in the meantime feel free to contact me and let me know which of those options is better for you. Thanks!

TAKE THEM A MEAL
We are pleased to have the opportunity to support two more young families. The Curries and the Sarkissians.
Sign up on our Take Them a Meal Page

DISCERNMENT PROCESS: Where, and why there?
October 23: A bit about the role of location-space and how we use it as a part of restorative justice and embodying the Kingdom of God, with Mako Nagasawa. (https://www.anastasiscenter.org/our-team)
-       Mako will be our guest preacher
-       Lunch following service (picnic or catered – working on this) and then a 1.5 hr mini-conference with Mako. It’s good. 🙂

Peace,
Tim+

Where Does My Help Come From?

Saturday August 27, 2022

I lift up my eyes to the hills; where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. 
He will not let your foot slip… The Lord will watch over you; the Lord will watch over your coming and your going, from this day and forever.  …paraphrase from Psalm 121

Hello friends,
It’s late summer, and soon we’ll be into a new year. So there is a lot coming up. Here’s some dates and happenings to mark down:

SEPTEMER 11 BACK TO 10 A.M.
Starting Sunday, September 11 we will move our Sunday morning service start time to 10 am outside the Retreat House at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary.

TRINITY ANNUAL MEETING
Sunday, September 18: we’ll cater lunch and after service we’ll grab food and then regather for the meeting. Lots in this year’s meeting!
-       New wardens and treasurer of Parish Council, 
-       Begin to consider a common rule of life (flexible, simple, don’t panic!),
-       Updates generally, but especially some info relative to getting our larger discernment process resumed… (where and why there?)

THE WAY OF LOVE Resumes Wednesday, Sept 14! 
-       We are planning to be open to be in-person, and available online
-       September: Caretakers and Representatives, the way of love as a part of the created order
-       October: Intimacies, the way of love and intimacies
-       November: Different Bodies, Different Circumstances; the way of love and the human family
-       December: Presence; the way of love and being the presence of Jesus

DISCERNMENT PROCESS:
Where, and why there?
October 23: A bit about the role of location-space and how we use it as a part of restorative justice and embodying the Kingdom of God, with Mako Nagasawa.
-       Mako will be our guest preacher
-       Lunch following service (picnic or catered – working on this) and then an 1.5 hr mini-conference with Mako. It’s good.

TAKE THEM A MEAL
We are pleased to have the opportunity to support two more young families. The Curries and the Sarkissians.
Sign up on our Take Them a Meal Page

It’s on, friends! Looking forward to the autumn together…
Peace,
Tim+ 

Deep Gladness and Deep Hunger

Friday August 19, 2022

“The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”
Frederick Buechner, Wishful Thinking, a Theological ABC.

Hello dear friends,
Lots to bring to you this week – there is so much good stuff coming up as we near the ‘functional new year’ of school starting and all that goes with it.

COMING IN SEPTEMBER:
PICNICS
As the weather cools a bit, feel free to bring a picnic and stay after on Sundays and chat…

TRINITY ANNUAL MEETING
Coming up on September 18. This is an annual check-in regarding the big picture and the budget. 
This year is a big one: 

• You will have the opportunity to formally say, “I’m in,” with Trinity as the people I am walking with as we all try to follow Jesus. More on this to come…

• Parish Council Update: We will have new Sr and Jr Wardens; a new Treasurer, and possibly a few others.

• We will have lunch catered – grab a plate and then regather for the meeting.

• And who knows what else?

THE WAY OF LOVE
I am very much looking forward to getting rolling again with The Way of Love. I’ve got a few tweaks in mind, but the overall plan holds: in the Spring we focused on our inner lives with God. This Autumn we’ll turn the lens horizontal, as it were, and talk about living and loving in this world. 

In September we’ll start with living as caretakers of and lovers of this natural world in which God placed us, with eternity in our hearts, to be his representatives. We’ll move on in October to questions of intimacies, social and deeply personal and sexual. In November we’ll look at race and how that is an inextricable part of our culture and our national story, and how, as the Body of Christ, we are called to respond. In December I think we’ll try to sum it all up with the idea of being present in the Name of Jesus to the world around us, wherever that puts us. As ever, they are all too big, but we have to make a start…

OUR DISCERNMENT PROCESS 
We’re planning to pick this up following the Annual Meeting, with a call to prayer, then some input I’m hoping to give, and then meeting again in October. Let’s all be praying consistently for this – for a place that enables our mission and our call to be who we are meant to be as Trinity. 

ANNA JUKANOVICH IN RWANDA
We are happy to hear from Anna Jukanovich who has been serving in Rwanda! There is an update from Anna about her trip below, along with some pictures and a wonderful video. Thanks to everyone who has been supporting Anna and this mission in Rwanda and there's news on how you can support even more.

PRAYING FOR RAIN
Keep praying for rain: our good Father sends his rain on all, Jesus tells us. Ask him for this mercy to fall on us and to refresh the earth.
Here is the Church of Kenya’s Collect for Rain:

Almighty God, Giver of life and strength, creator of rain and sky, dust and earth, preserver of people and plants and animals: as our cattle leave their enclosures, as we work on a dry and weary land, we look to you for heavenly showers: quench our thirst, strengthen our herds, raise our crops and refresh our land; Through Jesus Christ, the water of life.
Amen. 

PEACE IN THE WORLD
And praying for peace in the world. Events in Europe and in Asia are tough or disquieting, to say the least. Here at home it seems as if the proverbial match is ever closer to the sandpaper. I find myself praying for the truth to be made known and justice to be done. 
Let us not weary of praying for peace and justice:
Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed: Kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all people the true love of peace, and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquility your kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen. 

PRAYING FOR BETSY
Please be praying for Betsy Craig; she had a third chemo treatment this week, and in a few weeks will be going for a formal check-in with her doctor, to determine how effective the treatments are. 
TAKE THEM A MEAL
We are pleased to have the opportunity to support two more young families. The Curries and the Sarkissians.
Sign up on our Take Them a Meal Page