Restoration and Renewal 

In the spring of 2009 several parish task forces prepared reports setting forth our aspirations for the future. One of the most thorough and persuasive was an outline for the restoration and renewal of our sanctuary. Since then, a small task force has quietly worked to identify a tentative list of priorities, determined approximate costs, and the Vestry has approved a preliminary study for a capital campaign of which restoration of the sanctuary is the centerpiece.

What would be involved in the proposed restoration? Walls and pews would be repaired and restored, stonework would be cleaned and repointed, long-missing choir stalls will be replaced, and the area around the free-standing altar would be renewed to take into account its now central place in our worship. There would be a new sound system and new, more attractive and efficient lighting. The narthex would become more cheerful and welcoming. Finally, we would install an earth-friendly, efficient year round climate control system.

Other capital needs could also be addressed, starting with the retirement of our modest leftover debt from the exterior stonework reconstruction. It has been suggested by the 2009 Aesthetics Task Force that the parish hall interior be refreshed, and the building committee has suggested that a new men's room be added on the ground floor. Many have noted that Ivy Hall needs a facelift. The Vestry has included in its wish lost that our music and outreach endowments be strengthened.

This fall the parish will have the chance to hear more and every parishioner will have the chance to comment, critique, and suggest. After the parish has been heard, plans will be adjusted based on feedback and a feasibility study will be conducted to formally assess opinions, priorities and support for the proposed projects. If results are positive, the Vestry will determine whether to proceed toward a campaign in 2013, to implement the plan as affirmed by the parish.

  

Sexual Misconduct Awareness Training 

 To protect our children and ourselves, participation in  Sexual Misconduct Awareness Workshops is required by the Diocese of New Jersey for all clergy, staff, wardens and anyone regularly working with or around children (more than 4 times per year).  It is recommended for those who occasionally work with children.

The workshops are offered numerous times each year at various locations around the diocese. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to attend one right here at Trinity on Sept. 8.

If you've already attended a workshop, please send a copy of your certificate to Pat Hawkins (hawkinsp@trinityprinceton.org).

If you haven't attended a workshop, please take advantage of this opportunity so you won't have to travel elsewhere in the diocese for the next one.

You can register online at http://tinyurl.com/7ktdwl4 or by contacting Sarah Paige at spaige@newjersey.anglican.org or 609-394-5281 ext. 10.  

  

Ministry Fair

Sept 16th

Our Ministries Fair (aka Activities Fair) will be held in Pierce Hall on Sunday, September 16th. If you would like a table for your particular ministry, please email Pat Hawkins (hawkinsp@trinityprinceton.org) to reserve your space. 

  

Welcome Back, Women @ the Well

 
Welcome back!  The Women @ the Well will meet on Wednesday, September 12th from noon until 1:30 p.m.  We will discuss an article about the future of Christianity as we know it from Ross Douhat of the NY Times. The following weeks we will be reading The Irrational Season by Madeline L"Engle. All women are welcome to join us as we continue our spiritual journey.

 For further information please contact Martha Lashbrook at lashbrook1@verizon.net

  

Trinity Companions 

Trinity's ministry to residents of  Merwick Nursing Home has been rekindled, thanks to a number of you who have responded to the Outreach Committee's plea. Already, we hear of the pleasure that these visits bring to people who need companionship and conversation. The number of residents who attend the monthly Eucharist Service has greatly increased.  The staff on the floor tell us that our visits have made a huge difference;  we see it in the faces of the people we greet.

Our visits to residents have been made during the day and early evening, privately in residents' rooms or in the dining room where all gather. We encourage visitors to briefly  record their visits in a loose-leaf notebook at the front desk so as to inform other visitors about who was visited and when. Please let us know, if you have not already done so, of your interest in joining Trinity Companions.

So far, the following wonderful people have become involved: From the Altar Guild, we thank Mary Alden and Donna Laessig. We thank those who have already volunteered to be companions: Loretta Cooper,  Dulcie Bull, Judy Lowry, Leanne Gentile, Robin Gilbert, Thalia Mingo and Don Mann. We thank any of you who would still like to join Trinity Companions. You will find this ministry very rewarding   

Please contact us at 609-924-5931 or  julianamcintyre@gmail.com