Earlier this week I read The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence.  This rather brief work is a collection of spiritual insights, letters, and conversations from some 300 years ago.  At the heart of the book is the core teaching that "the most essential ingredient of the Christian life" is to remain in the presence of God. 

The reality is, however, that we always are in the presence of God - we just need to recognize it and claim it.   Brother Lawrence reminds us that "[God] is nearer than you can imagine." (p. 37)  God is here.  God is everywhere. God is within us and surrounding us. We cannot escape God's presence.  What an amazing difference it would make in our lives if we would only accept the presence, acknowledge the presence, and live into the fullness of God's presence.  

But...as most of us know this is easier said than done.  For so often our "flighty" minds are prone to wander.  We are easily distracted.  This, however, should not deter us.  Perfection will not be attained.  We are, however, continually to strive to live fully in the presence of God, and when we wander to gently call our hearts and minds back, and remind ourselves yet again that God is near.  

How wonderful it is to be in the presence of a beloved friend! To know that you are not alone.  To know that someone is there in times of both sadness and joy.  To know that someone is there to lift you up when you fall and to instill within you confidence and strength when you are frightened or discouraged.  

God is indeed our beloved companion, but we must be active participants in the relationship.  We must practice being in the presence of God.   It begins by continually reminding ourselves of God's nearness even when we do not feel it.  We must open ourselves to a new soulful awareness of God in ways we may never have imagined before.  

May we together exercise this sacred art and discipline of the practice of the presence of God that we may live more fully in the awareness of the nearness of our beloved companion.

In Christ,

Paul+

I've been told a bit about you so I'd like to tell you a bit about me also. My name is Pat Hawkins and I'm really excited to join your ministry team here at Trinity. After graduating from Wellesley College I went on to earn an M.Div. degree from Episcopal Divinity School. And no, not everyone who goes to seminary wants to be a priest! Ministry is everyone's call to work in the service of others to the glory of God, regardless of the job description.

My church activities have included serving on worship and stewardship committees and pastoral care teams. I've served as parish photographer, newsletter editor and diocesan convention deputy, and I've been a lay reader, chalice bearer and Eucharistic minister.

Most recently I was self-employed as a reverse mortgage counselor and national trainer for NeighborWorks America. Prior to that, I worked in the Diocese of Newark as a Parish Administrator and as a Program Director in community development.

In my spare time I enjoy genealogy and photography. My only child is a 14 year old Jack Russell Terrier named Zoe who rules our apartment in Lawrenceville.

I'll be getting my feet wet in the office starting the week of August 20 and will be hitting the ground running the beginning of September. I'm looking forward to meeting many of you at the Homecoming Picnic and getting to know you more as we move into this new program year.

Peace,

Pat 

Dr. James Cone, currently the Charles Augustus Briggs Distinguished Professor of Systematic Theology at Union Theological Seminary in New York, will be out guest lecturer on Saturday, Sept 8 at 6:00 p.m.  

Cone is "regarded as one of the most influential theologians in America."  His list of publications, honors, and distinctions is extensive.  About his most recent book, The Cross and the Lynching Tree, Bill Moyers writes, "Once again James Cone demonstrates why he is indispensable as an interpreter of faith, race, and the American experience." 

You may purchase the book at the link below.  Books will also be available at the lecture.  (But, I suggest reading the book and/or watching the interview will Bill Moyers prior to attending the lecture.)

Purchase - The Cross and the Lynching Tree 

Need Donations for Community Service Project.

My name is Melinda Sibilia and I am working on my Girl Scout Gold Award.  

In order for me to complete my project I need the help of my community through donations; if at all possible, I am looking for:

• A wooden bookcase; display rack style.
• Small wooden table and chairs.
• Foam puzzle piece play mats.
• Lightly used books appropriate for ages 3-10.
• Lightly used/new coloring and activity books.
• Small doll house, toy car garage, or farm house.
• Baby dolls.
• Plastic trucks (that don't make noises).
• Match box cars.
• Large beads and string/yarn.

If you have any of these items and would like to donate them contact me at: (609) 977-3919 or  melinda.sibilia@gmail.com.

Noreen Duncan  

Introducing our New Nursery 

Attendant Assistant 

My name is Parashay Johnson and I am a 21 year old upcoming senior and Montclair State University. I am a Family & Child Studies major with a concentration in Family Services and I will also be receiving my certification in Child Advocacy. After receiving my bachelors, I would like to go on to receive my masters in social work. In the near future, I would like to work with DYFS, then eventually start up my own daycare. In my spare time, I work, go to church, play softball when I can and have fun. I am thankful to be able to gain experience and to be of assistance at The Trinity Church.