Explosions

Seemingly from nowhere and without reason, bombs are detonated at the Boston Marathon. Three people are killed and hundreds injured. A manhunt ensues and a city is in lockdown. Then across the country, a fire and explosion literally rocks a small town in Texas.

Explosions and destruction. Sirens and screams. Chaos and confusion. Blood and death. Grief and fear.

"Where's my husband?!"

"Where's my child?!"

"Oh, my God! NO!"

How?

Why? Why?

As a nation, we are left dazed, reeling, mourning, and grieving.

"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, The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwable)  I had no idea as I wrote the E-pistle last week that unfortunately it would be so relevant this week.

We are once again touched by the "unforeseen". Once again touched by grief, by death, by confusion and tears. Once again thousands, if not millions, call out to God and we hear the words of Good Friday, "My God, my God why have you forsaken me?"

But, we are not forsaken, not forgotten. We are children of God who live in a broken world and our job in this world of the "unforeseen" is to make the love and hope of God visible, present, and "seen".

May those devastated by acts of hatred and terror in Boston find themselves strengthened and sustained by the presence of the Risen Lord. May those whose lives have been rocked and torn asunder by the explosion in Texas find healing and life in the promise of Easter.

May we continue on our journey of life and faith with heads held high and hearts enlivened knowing that in all and through all God is with us now and always. Terror will not break our spirits and the "unforeseen" tragedies of life will not hold us captive.

Peace,

Paul+

 

"B" and "Be"

These scriptures have come to my mind this week in light of the tragic events in Boston on Monday, April 15.

    my Savior and my God.

      Psalm 42:5

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?  He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died-more than that, who was raised to life-is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?As it is written:

    we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:39-39

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:1-3

In listening to the interfaith healing service from the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Boston, and seeing the images of the iconic "B" of the Boston Red Sox with the word "STRONG" underneath, now upon the Green Monster at Fenway Park and throughout the city, the connection shouted to me of "Boston Strong" and "Be Strong" in the face of adversity. The service also had the reading of what I consider these "Be" words of our Lord Jesus Christ.

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5:1-12

The call to "Be" poor in spirit, one who mourns, meek, merciful, pure in heart, a peacemaker is a high calling indeed, one that only be lived by the strength that God gives.

And, I wonder, what if the "B Strong" images instead had messages like "B Merciful" and "B a peacemaker", how would readers of the messages respond?

I look forward to the day when such messages need not be shown at all, but that is our character, that is who and what we are, as the Holy Spirit works in us to conform our mind and character to that of Jesus Christ.

My prayer for Trinity Church is that we grow more and more into a community of disciples, fully committed to the truth of God revealed in Jesus Christ, sharing that truth and love in word and in action to a hurting and needy world, here in Princeton, and wherever God would lead us.

May God continue to use us as salt and light in this world.

Love,

Curtis Hoberman

Vestry Member                                                               

 

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.

 

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

 

Save the Date -- EfM Open House

Thursday, May 9, 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.

• Are you interested in joining a close knit faith community at Trinity Church? 
• Do you seek companionship on your spiritual journey? 
• Do you long to explore your faith more deeply?  Discover connections between scripture, our faith tradition, and your daily life? 
• Do seek support in identifying and carrying out your vocation, ministry, purpose in life?
• Are you grappling with life's "big" questions? Are you a seeker?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, Education for Ministry (EfM) might be what you are looking for.

At Trinity Church, EfM meets on Thursdays, 7:00-9:30, from September through May.  For more information about enrolling in Trinity's EfM group or attending our open house, please contact Steven Isham (609-937-7535) or Donna Laessig (908-420-4337), co-mentors.

For more information about the program, visit the EfM website: http://www.sewanee.edu/EFM/index.htm

 

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

 

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.