Unforeseen Ways

This week I began reading The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwable, and not far into the book, a line jumped off the page, "The truth is that people never realize their lives are about to change in unforeseen ways - that's just the nature of unforeseen ways."(p. 9)  Simple, obvious, true, and profound.   How many times on our own journey have our lives been dramatically and radically changed in some "unforeseen" way? A time when we walked away, scratched our heads, and said, "Boy, I didn't see that coming."

The writer of Ecclesiastes proclaims, "Time and unforeseen circumstances befall us all."(Ecc 9:11)  For good and for bad, things happen to all of us, and our lives are changed in unexpected and unforeseen ways, some dramatic while others somewhat mundane. (Or, at least we think "mundane.")

Within the seeming "steady state" of our lives there is a constant presence of flux and variability, the unknown, unexpected, and unplanned. And though those events in and of themselves may seem to be the ultimate determining factor in the trajectory of our lives, they are not!  How we respond to the "unforeseen" circumstances is what ultimately sets the course for our lives. Things happen, they make a difference, and at times a profound difference, but...how we live in and through the "unforeseen" realities of life is ultimately what defines us.

We never know what awaits us just around the corner, nor what lurks just beyond our ability to perceive - but that's ok. That's the way it is and that's the way it has to be. So onward we go, eyes and lives wide open, but no matter how prepared, how ready - we just can't see the "unforeseen" so let's not be surprised when it (whatever "it" is) happens.

Be present, O merciful God, and protect us through the hours of this [day], so that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this life may rest in your eternal changelessness; though Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

(BCP p.133)

Peace,

Paul+

 

This Sunday, April 14th, 12:00 noon 

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. 

If you are a newcomer, but unable to attend this time, please let us know so we will invite you to the next brunch in September.

 

 

Choir Fundraiser: Hymnathon - Singing through the Hymnal

 

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.

 

Trinity Hunger Fund

 

One Table Cafe Invites You to Join Us for Dinner!

 

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

 

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.

TO REGISTER for Trinity/Nassau VBS:
1) go to www.nassauchurch.org
2) click "MY NASSAU" (big blue button)
3) click on "Event Registration"
4) Choose "register" next to VBS-June 24-28
5) you will be prompted to "set up an account"----you have to do this to register but it does not go anywhere other than the VBS registration
6)with your new password (from the account you have created) you can register and pay for VBS.

 Please let Nancy Hagner hagnern@trinityprinceton.org (609-924-2277, x.307) at Trinity know if your children are planning to attend and/or you are serving as a volunteer.  We know this year's VBS will be a great experience, and hope to get your feedback as we discern about whether we can host VBS next summer at Trinity.  Thank you.  

 

One Table Cafe 

Seeking Committee Co-Chairs

to Coordinate Dinners

 

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