Trinity Church in Menlo Park

 
The Gospel story from Luke for this Sunday is one in which Jesus urges us to be ready -- "for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour."   The theme of remaining spiritually alert is one that weaves its way through many of the teachings of Jesus.  Sometimes, this is interpreted in the context of a belief in the second coming of Christ.  But Jesus also taught that the kingdom or reign of God is already available to us.  So one could also read these sayings on remaining alert as reminding us to always be looking for openings into the kingdom in our daily lives, reminding us that Jesus can show up at any moment to invite us into deeper connection.

Please mark your calendars for Sunday, August 28, and be sure to join us at the 10:00 am service as we welcome the Rev. Ed Bacon as our guest preacher.  We are fortunate to have been given the opportunity to hear from Ed, who is acknowledged as one of the best preachers in The Episcopal Church.  Recently retired as the Rector of All Saints, Pasadena, he is known as a powerful speaker on issues of faith and justice for all.  You can learn more about Ed by clicking here.

We are also beginning to look forward to Sunday, September 11, when we will hold our annual Celebration Sunday that signals the kick-off of a new year of life and ministry together. We will have one service on that day, at 10:00 am, to bring the whole congregation together, and then enjoy lunch and some fun afterwards.  We will also be sharing our new three-year plan with you, and inviting you to offer your time and talent in some particular ministry opportunities for the first year of that plan.

The Spirit is moving at Trinity!

Peace,
MatthewSignatureGenuine  
 
P.S.  The schedule for my Monday evening OR Wednesday morning classes has been set for 2016-2017, and will focus on mystical Christianity.  You can see the schedule HERE. 
UPCOMING EVENTS
August 12 - OWLS Picnic at Trinity
August 13 - Youth, Children, and Families Pool Party
August 18-21 - Church Camping Trip to Big Sur
August 28 - Guest Preacher, The Rev. Ed Bacon
September 11 - Celebration Sunday
September 17 - Outreach Work Day at Redwood Family House
September 30 - October 2 - All Church Retreat
October 16 - Bishop's Visitation to Trinity
October 22 - Hearts for Justice

All of our upcoming events can be viewed here
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CHILDREN, YOUTH, & FAMILIES NEWS
 
This Coming Sunday: Summer Sunday School
Trinity's summer Sunday school program continues this week! All K-5th graders are encouraged to arrive by 10:00 in the Good Shepherd classroom for this fun lesson.  This Sunday in our continuing summer Sunday School program called What Matters to Me and Why, Rev. Mary will share how creation matters and will engage the children in fun and surprising ways we all can take care of creation.  
 
Please note that the Nursery will remain open every Sunday through the summer for younger children.

Summer Pool Party for Children, Youth and Families
Saturday, August 13, 3-6 pm

Parents, children and youth are invited to a potluck pool party at the home of Cathy and Robert Sage. Join us to enjoy the beautiful summer weather and get to know other families at Trinity! If you have any questions or want to RSVP  please contact Cathy Sage.
Address: 540 Los Altos Ave. Los AltosCA 94022 



UPCOMING TRINITY EVENTS
Backpack Drive for Redwood Family House
Through August 7th

This year we are collecting backpacks and school supplies for Redwood Family House, a shelter operated by LifeMoves (formerly InnVision Shelter Network) that provides transitional housing for homeless families. Redwood Family House is located near Woodside Road in Redwood City and houses 9 families with almost 20 children.

Please bring all backpacks and supplies to the church by this Sunday, August 7th, so that we can deliver everything in time for the start of the school year!

Financial donations can be made by clicking here. For more information or to sign up for items please contact Jim Bramlett.

OWLS Annual Picnic
Friday August 12th, Noon in the Trinity Courtyard

Please join us on Friday, August 12th, at 12:00 for the OWLS Annual Picnic, held this year at Trinity. We are setting up tables in the courtyard between the Church and Montgomery House, under the cool shade of the trees. Our own Alecia McDowell and her husband Nate will be the Disc Jockeys for the event, playing your favorite songs to celebrate the summer and entertain attendees. If you have any special music requests please call/email Alecia.  Come visit with your friends and catch up, in a festive, yet relaxing venue.  We will serve BBQ chicken, ribs, baked beans, coleslaw, corn muffins, watermelon, and end the meal with "make your own sundaes". We hope to have a great turn-out, with OWLS and all parishioners who want to join us!! But we need you to call or email our "D.J. Extraordinaire" Alecia in the Church Office to let us know by August 9th if you are coming. Hope to see you at the picnic! 

Big Sur Camping Trip - Gear Share!
August 18-21, 2016

Join the Trinity community for a relaxing weekend of camping and fun in Big Sur!

A couple parishioners have generously offered to loan out gear for the camping trip. If you are interested in coming but don't have camping gear please contact Rev. Elizabeth. If you have gear to share please let her know as well!
 
Cost:  $30 per person for the weekend (children under 5 stay for free; $100 max per family)
For more information contact Rev. Elizabeth Riley or register here.

Save the Date - Hearts for Justice: Addiction, Recovery, and Grace
October 22, 2016

Save the Date for this year's Hearts for Justice conference! We will be focusing on addiction and recovery with two great speakers: Fr. Tom Weston and The Rt. Rev. Chilton Knudsen. You can read more about them here.
 
Want to volunteer help make Hearts for Justice happen? Please contact Rev. Elizabeth Riley.

Stephen Ministry Training This Fall

Two years ago Trinity launched a Stephen Ministries program. Stephen Ministries is a one-on-one pastoral care program. It trains members of the congregation to offer ongoing pastoral care to individuals in the midst of transition, change, or life hardship. Stephen Ministers are weekly prayer partners to those they minister too. Stephen Ministies work with the clergy to provide long term pastoral care and comfort to our community. 
 
We are currently looking for new members of the Trinity community to join our current Stephen Ministry Team. You can learn more about Stephen Ministry here. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Rev. Elizabeth Riley.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
Twilight Fashion Show for Catherine's Center
August 30th 5:30-7:30 pm at Trinity Church

Catherine's Center will be hosting their annual fashion show fundraiser at Trinity on Tuesday August 30th. Join us for cocktails, mocktails, and heavy hors d'oeuvres to help support the work of Catherine's Center. Tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased here.
 
Meals on Wheels Needs Drivers

Meals on Wheels is the sole provider of home delivered meals to residents of the south San Mateo County. They serve clients who cannot shop or cook for themselves and reside in Burlingame through Menlo Park and East Palo Alto. The program is expanding to serve older adults throughout San Mateo County and they need additional volunteers to deliver meals.  
 
They are also hiring for several positions, including: office assistance, nutritional deliverer, and in-home assessment coordinator.

To learn more contact Chris Berry.
 

THIS COMING SUNDAY
August 7th, 2016
Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost
Click here for this Sunday's Readings 
    
5:05 Service:
There is no 5:05 Service during summer. The 5:05 returns September 18th.
 
Did you miss last Sunday? Listen to the sermon here!

LINKS
The Trinity Church calendar can be found here.

A complete list of upcoming Trinity events can be found here.

For information about online giving, and other information about Trinity, please visit our website: www.trinitymenlopark.org
 
 
 
PRAYER
Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart, that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ~ The Book of Common Prayer

Sincerely,
 
Trinity Church Communications
Trinity Church in Menlo Park
650-326-2083