What makes the "real" Good Friday different?

Today is a day of chaos and confusion, a day of betrayal and lies, a day of shame and guilt, a day of disdain and contempt, a day of fear and denial, a day of blood, a day of death...today is the day of the cross. But, this day in not unique - it's happened a 1000 times before and unfortunately will happen a 1000 times more.

Christ was not the first innocent man to be betrayed, spit upon, lied about, given into the hands of executioners, and left for dead. He was not the first one to cry out, "My God, my God why have you forsaken me?" (Psalm 22:1) It's happened to millions of people throughout the ages, as they cry out in the pain and brokenness of life. "My God, my God, why have you forsaken my child, my spouse, my friend, my brother, my sister, the poor, the lonely, the forgotten, and me? Why have you left us for dead?"

In the cries and bloody death of Matthew Shepard, a young gay man, who was beaten, tied to a fence and left to die - we experienced Good Friday. In the hatred and brutal death of James Byrd, a black man who was chained to the back of a pick- up truck and dragged to his death - we experienced Good Friday. In countless numbers of those who because of the color of their skin have been oppressed and left swinging from a tree - we experienced Good Friday. In the systematic extermination of millions of Jews, those led into gas chambers or shot to have their lifeless bodies fall into mass graves - we experienced Good Friday. When innocent people went to work in the city while others turned planes into missiles - we experienced Good Friday.

Good Friday is all too common, so what makes the "real" Good Friday different? Because it's the Lord, Jesus Christ, God incarnate, who is betrayed, beaten, crying out, forsaken, and left for dead. God does not look down upon us from the safe and glorious surroundings of heaven, reaching down through the sky wearing a protective glove so as not to touch our humanity for the purpose of plucking us from the grave to save of death.

No, our Lord, our God heard the desperate cries of the forsaken throughout the ages and said, "Enough! I have heard your cries and seen your sorrow. I will come and be one of you and die with you. I will be frightened and forgotten as you are. I will be beaten and betrayed, I will call out to God and feel the despair of being forsaken. I will know the darkness and silence of the tomb...just as you do."

"I will die with you, so that you may rise to life with me! I go to the tomb that I may bring you to resurrected life. I will go to the depths of hell so that all the forsaken and lost might rise to Easter life."

There have been more "Good Fridays" than we can imagine and tragically more are yet to come, but that's why today, the "real" one, is different. Because of this one we have hope, because this one brings us to Easter life.

Easter Blessings,

Paul+

 

Easter Schedule

Holy Saturday, March 30, 2013

3:00 p.m.         Easter Egg Hunt 

For All children, up to and including the third grade.

7:00 p.m.         The Great Vigil of Easter

Incense will be used at this service.

All are invited to continue the celebration of Easter at an Agapé meal following the service.

Easter Day, March 31, 2013

7:30 a.m.         Holy Eucharist, Rite I

9:00 a.m.         Festive Choral Eucharist, Rite II

                        Children's Chapel and Sunday School classes do not meet 

this day.

11:00 a.m.         Festive Choral Eucharist, Rite II

 Incense will be used at this service.

 

Arranging Prayer

At Trinity Church, Princeton, flower arrangements are completed by members of our Altar Guild rather than have the church engage commercial services. When looking at the results, have you ever wondered perhaps "what was the designer thinking as these decorations are placed in our sanctuary?" Here's what was on my mind as I put together last week's high altar arrangement.

At its core, the Palm Sunday observance is a celebration of possibly the most twisted set of events recognized in the entire liturgical calendar. After finding the accused man innocent time after time in his own review, Pilot relents to the wishes of an angry mob and condemns Jesus to be hung on a cross based not on a review of facts presented (perpetrated crimes) but rather based solely on the demands of unruly insurrectionists.

Raised like outstretched arms, the sago palm branches in last week's arrangement (shadowed by aspidistra and Ty leaves) as well as brightly colored fronds fling shouts of "Hosanna" like the story depicted in our reading of the Passion -- that triumphant entry into the Holy city. The altar arrangement was grounded with (or "seated" by) Christmas greens in reflection on the innocence of a child, who, in this current season, is crucified as an innocent man. We are left barren as we approach the cross, erected in a barren land on a barren hill -- our souls too become bare facing the guilt and shame (at the foot of the cross) only Our Lord is capable of relieving.

But folded, the brightly colored fronds, disbursed throughout the arrangement, shed light (like folded hands) midst the otherwise monochromatic and dark array -- hope is sustained as we anticipate a coming resurrection beyond the scary and uncertain events of Holy Week. The centralized cross stands not only as a symbol of agony and pain but as a promise to our hope for redemption.

The arrangement, like the emotion encountered this week, is a convoluted mix of brilliantly joy filled material and death provoking rot virtually petrified. God's pervasive love showers a bleak and barren people; love found concentrated but known to be both omniscient and omnipresent. The entire composition is prayerful and prayerfully constructed with hope that its overall presentation heightens the worship experience.

Often appreciated for its aesthetics but, interpreted as a meditation, the floral accents hold capacity to enhance our communion with one another and the Holy One or to serve as a distraction in our worship. My hope for each of us is that when looking at any facet of our liturgical space, we'll consider possibilities beyond just decoration and see these "offerings" as gifts given to the glory of God. 

- Ira Lackey

 

April 7th - 13th

Hear excerpts from Michelle Alexander's compelling book, The New Jim Crow, read aloud by distinguished readers. Listen to stories of prison life told by former prisoners, family members of prisoners and prison workers and volunteers. Hear extraordinary gospel singer William N. Heard. Learn more about the impact of current US prison policy and its impact on the African American community. Sunday, April 7 - Saturday, April 13^th from 5:00 - 6:00 PM in Hinds Plaza in front of the Princeton Public Library.  

 

If you did not previously request keys, you can request them at any time, however all key requests will require at least 2 weeks to have the keys made. Forms are available at the reception desk or from the Parish Administrator. 

 

Choir Fundraiser: Hymnathon - Singing through the Hymnal

 

The program runs 8.50 a.m.-noon for all ages with an optional afternoon, outreach focused program for 4th-7th graders from noon -3.30 p.m.  VBS will be held at the Unitarian Church on Cherry Hill Road due to construction at Nassau Pres.   

We need volunteers (adults and teens-community service hours available)  to help with crafts, storytelling, outdoor games and activities, shepherding groups, set up, and many more things.  

Please see the website http://group.com/vbs/athens for overall information about the VBS program we are using; please see Jennifer Bartell and Nancy Hagner on Sunday, March 24 (this Sunday) outside the church after the 9 a.m. service for fliers, sign up and more information about attending and volunteering, with the Trinity/Nassau/All Saints VBS this summer! 

Nancy Hagner hagnern@trinityprinceton.org
609-924-2277 ext.307.

 

Please join the Newcomer's Committee for a springtime brunch in Pierce Hall on April 14.  If you are a Newcomer to Trinity, this is a wonderful way to learn more about the community, ways to be involved in ministry and formation for you and your family, meet the leaders of various ministries,  get to know each other, and meet some long time Trinity members.  If you are an "old timer" this is a way to welcome Newcomers to Trinity, share your gifts of hospitality by providing a dish and /or your smiling face.  EVERYONE is welcome (families, please bring your children), but it is helpful to know who is coming so we can plan for food and seating. 

Please RSVP by emailing Nancy Hagner hagnern@trinityprinceton.org or calling 609-924-2277 ext 307. 

 

One Table Cafe 

Seeking Committee Co-Chairs

to Coordinate Dinners

 

Princeton Singers Concert

The Princeton Singers present "For Those We Love" on Saturday, April 6th at 7:00pm in the church sanctuary. This performance will include works of Bach, Brahms and the premiere of Steven Sametz's new work, No More Wars (A Letter for Sarah) commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. To purchase tickets, please visitwww.princetonsingers.org; e-mail tickets@princetonsingers.org, or phone 1-866-846-SING (7464).

 

Monday, April 8th, 7:30 p.m.

The choir performs a program of works by Byrd, Gibbons, Verdi, Britten, Blow and Purcell.

Tickets are $25 ($10 for students) and are available by calling 609-258-9220 or visiting princeton.edu/utickets.

The Department of Music is most grateful for the support of the Lewis Center for the Arts and the Princeton University Chapel in presenting the Choir of King's College, Cambridge.

 

Please Help Provide A Joyful Easter For Those In Need On The Jersey Shore By Pitching In! Restore Our Shore Is Matching Contributions Dollar-For-Dollar 

To Reach our 

$1,785 Goal! 

 

Please note that staff parking is reserved at all times. Parking spaces will be repainted once the weather improves but even those spaces for staff who are no longer at Trinity are reserved.

As part of the St. Nick's auction in December, staff parking spaces for Easter services were auctioned off and are reserved for those who purchased them.  

 

The Drive to Spring Rummage is On

October's Early Bird Holiday Sale capped a record year for Trinity Rummage, but the hard work of volunteers didn't end there. The devastating impact of Superstorm Sandy was felt by everyone, especially communities down the shore. As part of efforts big and small, near and far, Trinity took action. Your tremendous response in 2012 allowed Outreach to give more to programs that have played an integral part in Sandy recovery efforts. In addition, Outreach and Rummage helped process an overwhelming amount of donations over the past two months, including warm clothing and new necessities, that went to those most in need nearby and in shore communities. For Rummage, that process only just finished over the holidays. Now that those affected by Sandy are on the road to recovery, Rummage is asking for your help.

Donations that are especially needed include:

-- housewares, from dishes, cups and glasses, to pots, pans and cutlery

-- furniture one person can carry, such as a side table, chair(s) or small desk

-- antique items, including pieces of silver, fine dinner plates and fine cut glass

These and many more items, from clothing to books to electronics, are needed so Rummage can get back on its feet after helping others get back on theirs.

Thank you from the Rummage Committee

 

Calling Spring Rummage Volunteers

April's Rummage Sale is just around the corner. From Sunday, April 21 to Sunday, April 28, Trinity needs you. If you have a few free hours after dropping the kids off at school; if you are available on your day off from work; or if you want to join a Trinity tradition, then please sign up your participation for this festive and friendly community event.

New this year, an easy online sign up is now available. Simply go to http://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050D4CA4AE22A75-rummage and look over the days and times available. If you see a time(s) you like, check the box next to it and click Submit and Sign Up. On the next page, you can even let us know if there's a particular department you'd prefer to join.

If you have any questions or cannot sign up online, contact Nancy Metcalf (nebm1@comcast.net) or Mary Alden (mlaeas@comcast.net), or leave a message at 609-924-2277 ext 351.

 

Adult Bible Study Sundays at 10am Ongoing!   

The Sunday morning adult bible study, led by Jolyon Pruszinski, one ofour seminary interns, will be meeting in the Library at 10am through the end of April as we study the Gospel of John. We welcome anyone interested no matter your level of familiarity with the text or your perspective on it. Come join in the conversation as we examine the triumphal entry, the farewell discourse, the passion narrative, and the post resurrection appearances. For more information email jolyon.pruszinski@ptsem.edu. 

  

Zaquen Discussion Group

The Zaquen Discussion Group meets every Wednesday at 4:00 pm in the Library. Zaquen is the Hebrew word for 'Elders,' and this discussion group focuses on spirituality for the senior adults in our community. Currently we are discussing Richard Rohr's book Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life. For more information, please contact the Rev. Jenny Replogle at reploglej@trinityprinceton.org or 609-924-2277 ext. 308.

 

Hospital Visits

A knock on the door before quietly entering; an introduction; making a judgment call before starting a conversation. Although people everywhere are hurting, hospital patients especially require a compassionate sense of 'oneness', of spiritual natures communicating. Together with modern medical treatment, encouragement and calling forth God's grace brings the patient inner peace which aids in the healing process.

Patients request visits by clergy and hospital team members at the time of hospital registration by indicating their Trinity affiliation. If you or someone you know would like a visit, please contact us. Clergy receive updates after all visits.

Contact:  Bill Haynes:  williamfhaynes@gmail.com