Meditation for the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
August 30, 2020
 
Thus you shall say to the Israelites, “The LORD, the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God if Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is my name forever, and this is my title for all generations. [Exodus 3:15]
 
On Sunday we will hear the story of the burning bush, a story so familiar that we may have stopped listening to it.  Most of us cannot remember not knowing this story, even if different images from it may stand out at different times.  We watch Moses suddenly mesmerized by the sight of the bush that is on fire but not being destroyed; we imagine the voice of a God as disturbing as it is comforting, a God who is unfathomably faithful and at the same time ever surprising.  We share Moses’ speechless astonishment that the God he has heard about since he was a boy is indeed real, and present, and ready to act.  With Moses, we ask “Who am I?” 
 
This story teaches us that “Someday” is today.  Today—not some idealized tomorrow—we are called to put aside our fear and our complacency.  Today we are called to remember that our history and our hope stretch from Abraham to beyond our youngest grandchild. Today we are called to pay attention to the bush burning beside our path.
 
In reflecting on this week’s Scripture, I returned to some advice from Phillips Brooks, the Rector of Trinity Church in Boston and Bishop of Massachusetts in the 19th century (perhaps best known for writing the lyrics to “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”:  Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks! Then the doing of your work shall be no miracle. But you shall be a miracle. Every day you shall wonder at yourself, at the richness of life which has come to you by the grace of God.

-from Prayers for an Inclusive Church
​

MORNING PRAYER via ZOOM
Ministers of the Liturgy
The Rev. Dr. Judith Lee
James Jones, Douglas Lloyd, Peach Warren
Musicians:  Randolph Bloom, Jeff Lukas

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. . . .  Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. [Romans 12:9-10, 13]

 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82256827302?pwd=Z0E3ZlpXY0hIRFdIZHN0ZnltdXNlZz09
Meeting ID: 822-5682-7302     Password: 546896
If you cannot access through your computer, you may participate by telephone.
Telephone: 929-205-6099
For the Morning Prayer leaflet, click here.  
For the Weekly Announcements click here.
On the Sundays in August, videotaped sermons by Bishop Fisher, Canon Simpson, and Canon Ix are available on our website. 
Mother Judith's videotaped reflections will resume in September.
​

A Message from Rachel Carpenter:
Hello everyone! 
​This week, we are focusing on the Fruit of the Spirit, Faithfulness.  Please take a peak at the Douglas Talks video and activity!  Email me a fact that you learned or a pic/video of you doing the activity and you will get a point towards a prize at the end of the summer!  Have fun!!
  ~Rachel  ([email protected])  
 
Douglas Talks
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iW3ZenpRHxU  
 
Activity 

​

• Supplies: String, Beads

• Instructions:

1. Read Proverbs 3:3 together. “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.”

Invite your kids to make a necklace of faithfulness with you. With each bead that is strung you can talk about a time that God has been faithful to your family. This is also a great time to talk about what faithfulness is, examples of God’s faithfulness in the Bible, and why it’s so important to be faithful in our relationship with God and other people.

-from A New Zealand Prayer Boo

New Rector Search: Next Steps:
Saturday September 12th - Canon Simpson will meet with the Search Committee, the Profile Committee, and the Vestry on o review the survey results. 
September 20th – Discussion after the service about the results of the Holy Cow Survey and the Vestry meeting.
October-November The Profile committee will hold parish meetings via Zoom to discuss future plans for new ministry with your next Rector.
January The Profile Committee will present the parish profile to the Vestry for approval.
An updated timeline of the 2 "arcs" of the search process can be found on our website: https://www.trinitychurchmilford.org/

​Thank you to everyone who participated in the parish meetings in June.  For a summary of those conversations, including a summary of the Youth conversations, click here.
May God continue to inspire us, bless us, and guide us.

Entering Stage 2:
We will re-open the church open for private prayer during the week of September 20th.

On August 10th, the Vestry approved a new Building Use Policy and a Building Use Agreement that includes a liability waiver, a checklist of safety protocols, and a health questionnaire.  We have received diocesan approval for opening the building to small groups and to opening the office 4 days/week. Mother Judith is now reviewing our new Building Use Agreement with leaders of the community groups who have met in our building and we hope to resume our regular schedule of meetings by the end of September.

The Public Health Inspector visited our kitchen and advised us on the protocols necessary to prepare takeout meals for our neighbors.  The Vestry has approved a a proposal to resume preparing Community Meals in our kitchen on the last Thursday of September, which will be presented for diocesan Peer Review next week.  
 
In September we will announce a new schedule for our parish Zoom Chats, Family Game Night, and Bingo. Because so many of us are attending to the uncertainties of the new school year, we will wait to begin Trinity's program year in late September or early October.

Outdoor Backpack Blessings: Sunday September 6th  - 11 am. Rain or Shine. Families may gather in Trinity parking lot at designated spots, and may remain in their cars for they prefer..  In case of rain this will become a drive-by event.  We will have our regular Sunday Morning Prayer on Zoom at 9 am .
Return to virtual Sunday School & Blessing of our pets: October 4th.   Sunday School will be virtual for the foreseeable future.

Wednesdays @ 10 am: Morning Prayer & Fellowship via ZOOM - We'll continue weekly
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83161138171?pwd=TitUUzdtRVhjZVFadjNZbFlxV1dhdz09
Meeting ID: 831 6113 8171  Password:   497792
Telephone: 929-205-6099

​Sacred Ground:
A Film-Based Dialogue Series on Race & Faith
Beginning on September 26th:
Sacred Ground is a film- and readings-based series on race, grounded in faith. Small groups will walk through chapters of America’s history of race and racism, while weaving in threads of family story, economic class, and political and regional identity. This program designed by the Episcopal Church has 10 sessions.  We have scheduled the first 5 sessions; we will hold two opportunities for each session every other week:  Sundays at 5 pm and Tuesdays at 7 pm, September 26th – November 22. Mary Johnson and Mother Judith will lead the program for Trinity and our group will include emembers of other congregations. To learn more see https://episcopalchurch.org/sacred-ground. Please contact either Mary or Mother Judith to register.

​We arranged for delivery of meals to Whitcomb  House and distributed  meals prepared by Oliva's from the parking lot at Trinity on  August 27th.  Your generosity has made it possible for us to continue feeding about 100 people each month during the pandemic, in addition to supporting our local restaurants.   If you can volunteer to help with setting up and taking down the tables, distributing meals, and bring leftover meals to the Food Pantry, in July or August, please contact Glen Peterson.   We will certify Community Service credit. 
We have received a grant from the Milford Community Health Network (CHNA) to distribute meals prepared at local restaurants every week, September through November. Please contact Glen Peterson or Mother Judith if you are able to volunteer.
To contribute to this project, please send your check payable to Trinity Church with Community Dinners on the memo line or donate directly to Hopedale Unitarian Parish, who is managing the funds for this project, by going to https://hopedaleunitarian.org  and  pressing the Donate button. 

Prayer List
Please send Magee the names of people you would like to be on the Prayer List. Our policy has been to remove names after 4 weeks, but we want to be sure we follow the wishes of families and friends.
Our Prayers Are Offered For:
Parish Members & Friends: the Tarrant Family & Friends; Bob Hicks; Mary Torian, Bob Bloomburg; Sharon Manoogian; Sal & Vas Ferreira; Brad Gustavesen; Elizabeth Klisiewicz; Matt & Lois Roth; Liz Gienger; Cathy Poch; Samantha Guzman; Pat & Amy O’Connor; Amuthavalli Ulaganayagi; Patty Souder; David Stochaj; Rose Marie Moore; David Gillis; Mary Torian, Jean Conway; Lisa Wilson; Sandra Arbogast; Len Baird; Judy Shea; Robin Rowe; Skye Bayleigh Plaisted; Alex; Alisha Starkis Weddeke; Chrissy & Mark; Thomas Scano; the Canali Family; Heidi Donnelly; Sherel & Lou Frere; Craig Silverman; Justin Perkin; Dr. Stephen Janko; Tom Childs; Nancy Sharoogian; Bob Mezzadri; all those serving in the military and the Peace Corps, especially Avary DeRagon; Dan Consigli; Drew Beauchamp; Charles; Laura; Elena; Brendan Wood; Danielle & Joel Marsh; Tom Bento; Joel Joudrey; Justin Woessner; Chris Ketcham and their families.
 
Homebound Parishioners: Betty Henneberry; Verna Parente, and Wayne Morey.
 
Deceased: The Right Reverend John Thomas Tarrant
 
Our Partner Dioceses: Kumasi and Asante-Mampong in Ghana
 
Those celebrating birthdays this week: Robert Littleton, Jr.; Jesse Schoaf; Ethan Warren; Anthony Ruggiero; Marty Ploof, Jr.; Matt McGuinness; Alexandra McCall; Sandie Keegan; Carla Long; Dave Clinkman; Jacob Leverock; Sadie Manoogian; Rodney Ford; Dawn Hawkins; Ed Chambers; Doug Lanzillo; Patrick Najarian; Catherine Spooner; Adeline Ferreira; and Milo Hiser.

​Pledges: Thank you to all of you who have been sending in your pledges.  There has been a slight drop in our pledge income this month.  This is understandable for  the summer, but please do not let your contribution lapse. Our deposits are being made on a different schedule these days, so there may be a delay in seeing the record of your payment.  Some of you are facing financial stress: if so, please give what you can; if not, please give a bit extra to support those who cannot.

​How to keep up with Trinity news:  All notices, videos, and links can be found at www.trinitychurchmilford.org  and on the Trinity Church-Milford Facebook page.
Our diocesan website offers links to online worship in our diocese.  https://www.diocesewma.org/
Worship from the National Cathedral is available online every Sunday at 11:15 am. https://cathedral.org/
The Episcopal Church offers valuable resources for spiritual renewal.  https://episcopalchurch.org/

Mission Matters: News from the Episcopal Diocese of Western MA latest issue can be found here.

Meditation for the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
August 23, 2020
 
And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”      
Matthew 16:18-19]

          As I reflected on today’s readings, I kept returning to what we call the butterfly effect: Just as the flapping of a butterfly’s wings can affect the timing of a tornado, our smallest acts can have unanticipated transformative effects on the world.  In words that will be echoed in his farewell to his disciples (Matthew 28:16-20), Jesus teaches them that the smallest human action has cosmic consequences.
           Celtic mythology and spirituality speak of a “thin place” where the boundary between the natural and the supernatural—between heaven and earth—is blurred or even disappears.  Celtic storytellers from ancient times have told stories of people who have entered the “thin place” and encountered faeries and beings of the Other World.  The “thin place” is a boundary land, not visible to ordinary sight.  One finds oneself there without knowing how one arrived.  In Celtic Christianity, the church is that “thin place” where divine and human meet.
           In naming Peter, Jesus calls him, and all of us, to embody that “thin place.”  This is what he means when he speaks the words that have so often been used to elevate clerical authority:  I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.   [Matthew 16:19]  Jesus’ words here are indeed momentous.  He is telling Peter—and us--that we ourselves are the holy ground where God’s truth will be revealed. He is telling us that it is up to us to create the place where someone can enter into a new relationship with God. It is up to us to create a space where someone can be vulnerable enough to be surprised by the wonder of grace. He is telling us that we ourselves are free to open the way between heaven and earth as naturally as a butterfly flaps its wings. ​

Almighty God, Creator: 
The morning is yours, rising into fullness. 
The summer is yours, dipping into autumn.
Eternity is yours, dipping into time. 
The vibrant grasses, the scent of flowers, the lichen on the rocks, the tang of seaweed. 
All are yours.  Gladly we live in this garden of your creating.  Amen.
​
  MORNING PRAYER via ZOOM
Ministers of the Liturgy
The Rev. Dr. Judith Lee
Members of the Altar Guild:
Mary-Ellen Yaroshefski, Allison Kee,
Lisa Ruggiero, Mary Torian
Musicians:  Randolph Bloom, Jeff Lukas
I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God-- what is good and acceptable and perfect.  [Romans 12:1-2]
 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82256827302?pwd=Z0E3ZlpXY0hIRFdIZHN0ZnltdXNlZz09
Meeting ID: 822-5682-7302     Password: 546896
If you cannot access through your computer, you may participate by telephone.
Telephone: 929-205-6099
For the Morning Prayer leaflet, click here.  
For the Weekly Announcements click here.
On the Sundays in August, videotaped sermons by Bishop Fisher, Canon Simpson, and Canon Ix are available on our website. 
Mother Judith's videotaped reflections will resume in September.

​A Message from Rachel Carpenter:
Hello everyone!  I'm so sorry we skipped last week!  I was on vacation visiting my mom.  It was a great week!  This week, we are focusing on the Fruit of the Spirit, Goodness.  Please take a peak at the Douglas Talks video and activity!  Email me a fact that you learned or a pic/video of you doing the activity and you will get a point towards a prize at the end of the summer!  Have fun!!  ~Rachel  ([email protected])
Fruits of the Spirit Goodness  
Douglas Talks  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WtPRKPJvno 
Activity:

New Rector Search: Next Steps:
Saturday September 12th - Canon Simpson will meet with the Search Committee, the Profile Committee, and the Vestry on o review the survey results. 
October-November The Profile committee will hold parish meetings via Zoom to discuss future plans for new ministry with your next Rector.
An updated timeline of the 2 "arcs" of the search process can be found on our website: https://www.trinitychurchmilford.org/
 
Thank you to everyone who participated in the parish meetings in June.  For a summary of those conversations, including a summary of the Youth conversations, click here.
May God continue to inspire us, bless us, and guide us.
Entering Stage 2:
We will re-open the church open for private prayer during the week of September 20th.

On August 10th, the Vestry approved a new Building Use Policy and a Building Use Agreement that includes a liability waiver, a checklist of safety protocols, and a health questionnaire.  We have completed a proposal for opening our building to community groups and small parish groups. Pending a peer review, those steps will take place at the beginning of September.

The Public Health Inspector visited our kitchen and advised us on the protocols necessary to prepare takeout meals for our neighbors.  Pending Vestry approval and a diocesan Peer Review, we plan to again prepare Community Meals on the last Thursday of each month beginning in the fall.
 
In September we will announce a new schedule for our parish Zoom Chats, Family Game Night, and Bingo. Because so many of us are attending to the uncertainties of the new school year, we will wait to begin Trinity's program year in late September or early October.
Outdoor Backpack Blessings: Sunday September 12th - Watch for more information
Return to virtual Sunday School & Blessing of our pets: October 4th,.  Watch for more information.

Wednesdays @ 10 am: Morning Prayer & Fellowship via ZOOM - We'll continue weekly
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83161138171?pwd=TitUUzdtRVhjZVFadjNZbFlxV1dhdz09
Meeting ID: 831 6113 8171  Password:   497792
Telephone: 929-205-6099

Training to lead Morning Prayer - The diocese is offering a webinar in how to lead Morning Prayer; Thursday September 3rd at 7 pm.  Please check with Mother Judith if you are interested. To learn more and to register, click here.
​

Sacred Ground:
A Film-Based Dialogue Series on Race & Faith
Beginning on September 26th:
Sacred Ground is a film- and readings-based series on race, grounded in faith. Small groups will walk through chapters of America’s history of race and racism, while weaving in threads of family story, economic class, and political and regional identity. This program designed by the Episcopal Church has 10 sessions.  We have scheduled the first 5 sessions; we will hold two opportunities for each session every other week:  Sundays at 5 pm and Tuesdays at 7 pm, September 26th – November 22. Mary Johnson and Mother Judith will lead the program for Trinity and our group will include emembers of other congregations. To learn more see https://episcopalchurch.org/sacred-ground. Please contact either Mary or Mother Judith to register.

We will arrange for delivery of meals to Whitcomb  House and we will distribute  meals prepared by Oliva's from the parking lot at Trinity on  August 27th.  Your generosity has made it possible for us to continue feeding about 100 people each month during the pandemic, in addition to supporting our local restaurants.   If you can volunteer to help with setting up and taking down the tables, distributing meals, and bring leftover meals to the Food Pantry, in July or August, please contact Glen Peterson.   We will certify Community Service credit. 
We have received a grant from the Milford Community Health Network (CHNA) to distribute meals prepared at local restaurants every week, September through November. Please contact Glen Peterson or Mother Judith if you are able to volunteer.
To contribute to this project, please send your check payable to Trinity Church with Community Dinners on the memo line or donate directly to Hopedale Unitarian Parish, who is managing the funds for this project, by going to https://hopedaleunitarian.org  and  pressing the Donate button. ​

​How to keep up with Trinity news:  All notices, videos, and links can be found at www.trinitychurchmilford.org  and on the Trinity Church-Milford Facebook page.
Our diocesan website offers links to online worship in our diocese.  https://www.diocesewma.org/
Worship from the National Cathedral is available online every Sunday at 11:15 am. https://cathedral.org/
The Episcopal Church offers valuable resources for spiritual renewal.  https://episcopalchurch.org/

Mission Matters: News from the Episcopal Diocese of Western MA latest issue can be found here.

​Meditation for the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
August 16, 2020
 “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.’ Then Jesus answered her, ‘“Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.’ And her daughter was healed instantly.’                   [Matthew 15:27-28]
 
"We must have hindsight, insight, and foresight. That is complete sight. It's not an 'I' sight, it's a 'we' sight."   [Ruby Sales]

This is an extraordinarily timely gospel for this weekend.  It shows us Jesus in a moment of learning: A Canaanite woman calls out to Jesus asking that her daughter be healed.  Jesus at first rejects her, saying that he has been sent to the people of Israel, and—in repulsively harsh language—dismisses her plea: “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” Her response shows that her persistence is grounded in faith and not in a sense of entitlement. ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.’ Then Jesus responds, ‘Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.’ And her daughter was healed instantly.  
 
This story takes place after Jesus has fed 5,000 people with just a few loaves and fishes; he has walked on water and responded to hundreds of requests for healing; he has challenged the strict religious rules on defilement. He has just arrived in Tyre and Sidon, a wealthy region where a lot of the grain supply from the country was bought up and stored, leaving the peasants and farmers with only a subsistence living; hence, the disciples’ resentment and defensiveness. The word “Canaanite” was code word for enemies and unbelievers; but at the same time by naming her as “Canaanite” Matthew makes this a more complex episode than Mark does. (It is the only time this word is used in the New Testament; the same story in the Gospel of Mark names her a Syro-Phoenecian woman.) On the one hand the Canaanite woman is everything that the followers of Jesus despise: She is a woman. She is not a Jew. She is probably wealthy.  However, at the same time,by naming her Matthew evokes the three Canaanite women who are in Jesus’ lineage:  Rahab, Tamar, and Ruth.  Thus, Matthew reminds his audience that Jesus and this despised stranger share the same foremothers.
 
The woman herself is desperate and yet she refuses to be shamed, convinced that only Jesus can heal her daughter. She knows that no one will believe her when she proclaims her faith.. It’s very possible that she is a woman who is used to getting her way, accustomed to being the one who grants favors to people who kneel before her, a woman accustomed to eating delicacies and rich food—not leftover crumbs.  What it must have cost her to come to an itinerant teacher, to have to shout out and compete with peasants for his attention! What it must have cost her to kneel before him after he has ignored her and his disciples have urged him to dismiss her! What it must have cost her to admit that she would accept even the “crumbs” of God.
 She holds Jesus accountable for his own teachings. And Jesus listens.
 The Canaanite woman teaches us to pray with a trust that does not reflect any sense of entitlement and with fierce passion.  She teaches us that the vulnerability awakened in us every day can also bring an unexpected strength that will bring the healing we so desperately seek.

In You through whom
all things speak,
use me please
to sing your song.
-from Bedside Prayers
  MORNING PRAYER
via ZOOM
Ministers of the Liturgy
The Rev. Dr. Judith Lee
Members of the Vestry:
Ginny Starkis, Susan Edmondson (wardens)
Lucille Clinkman, Steve Ketcham
Musicians:  Randolph Bloom, Jeff Lukas
After the service, we will discuss recent Vestry decisions and the next steps in preparing for the search for a new rector.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82256827302?pwd=Z0E3ZlpXY0hIRFdIZHN0ZnltdXNlZz09
Meeting ID: 822-5682-7302     Password: 546896
If you cannot access through your computer, you may participate by telephone.
Telephone: 929-205-6099
For the Morning Prayer leaflet, click here.  
For the Weekly Announcements click here.
On the Sundays in August, videotaped sermons by Bishop Fisher, Canon Simpson, and Canon Ix are available on our website. 
Mother Judith's videotaped reflections will resume in September.
 
September Newsletter Deadline: 
This Saturday August 15th
Please send your submission to [email protected]
Forward Day by Day Booklets are now available at the church.
Please let Mother Judith know if you would like a copy.

A Death in the Extended Parish Family:             
Nicholas J. Blazensky, Jr.
May 24, 1932 – August 6, 2020
I am saddened to announce that the father of Lauren Lukas died on August 6th.  Our prayers are with Lauren, Jeff, and their family. 
Most merciful God, whose wisdom is beyond our understanding, deal graciously with Nicholas’ family and friends in their grief. Surround them with your love, that they may not be overwhelmed by their loss, but have confidence in your goodness, and strength to meet the days to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. May Nicholas’ soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. 
Mr. Blazensky’s obituary can be found at  https://www.buckler-johnston.com/tributes

Next Steps:  Moving Forward
God of the living word,
give us faith to receive your message,
the wisdom to know what it means,
and the courage to put it into practice.
                                                                                                     -from A New Zealand Prayer Book

​New Rector Search: Next Steps:
The Holy Cow Survey - MUST BE COMPLETED BY MONDAY AUGUST 17th.  The Congregational Assessment Tool (CAT), also called the Holy Cow Survey because it is designed by Holy Cow Consulting, is the first official step in your preparation for new ministry. Your responses are anonymous.
For  link to to the online survey click here.
Please contact Ginny Starkis if you have a hard copy to be returned to the church.
Canon Simpson will meet with the Search Committee, the Profile Committee, and the Vestry on Saturday September 12th to review the survey results.  An updated timeline of the 2 "arcs" of the search process can be found on our website: https://www.trinitychurchmilford.org/

Thank you to everyone who participated in the parish meetings in June.  For a summary of those conversations, including a summary of the Youth conversations, click here.
May God continue to inspire us, bless us, and guide us.
Entering Stage 2:
We will suspend the hours for the church to be open for private prayer until September.  We will begin with new hours during the week of September 27th.

On Monday, the Vestry approved a new Building Use Policy and a Building Use Agreement and that includes a liability waiver, a checklist of safety protocols, and a health questionnaire.  We are in the process of preparingl a proposal for opening our building to community groups and small parish groups, and opening our office to the public. Pending a peer review, those steps will take place at the beginning of September.
 
Our parish Zoom Chats, Family Game Night, and Bingo will resume in September. The schedule will be announced in the newsletter.

Wednesdays @ 10 am: Morning Prayer & Fellowship via ZOOM - We'll continue weekly
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83161138171?pwd=TitUUzdtRVhjZVFadjNZbFlxV1dhdz09
Meeting ID: 831 6113 8171  Password:   497792
Telephone: 929-205-6099
 
Training to lead Morning Prayer - The diocese is offering a webinar in how to lead Morning Prayer; Thursday September 3rd at 7 pm.  Please check with Mother Judith if you are interested. To learn more and to register, click here.

Sacred Ground:
A Film-Based Dialogue Series on Race & Faith
Beginning on September 26th:
Sacred Ground is a film- and readings-based series on race, grounded in faith. Small groups will walk through chapters of America’s history of race and racism, while weaving in threads of family story, economic class, and political and regional identity. This program designed by the Episcopal Church has 10 sessions.  We have scheduled the first 5 sessions; we will hold two opportunities for each session every other week:  Sundays at 5 pm and Tuesdays at 7 pm, September 26th – November 22. Mary Johnson and Mother Judith will lead the program for Trinity and our group will include emembers of other congregations. To learn more see https://episcopalchurch.org/sacred-ground. Please contact either Mary or Mother Judith to register.

​We will distribute  meals prepared by Oliva's from the parking lot at Trinity on  August 27th.  In addition, we will arrange for delivery of meals to Whitcomb  House in August. Your generosity has made it possible for us to continue feeding about 100 people each month during the pandemic, in addition to supporting our local restaurants.   If you can volunteer to help with setting up and taking down the tables, distributing meals, and bring leftover meals to the Food Pantry, in July or August, please contact Glen Peterson.   We will certify Community Service credit. 
This week a Public Health Inspector will visit our kitchen with the volunteer team to review what will be required by the state mandates for restaurants.  Next month, the volunteer team will present a proposal to the Vestry to begin preparing takeout meals in September or October.  We have applied for a grant to continue the program of purchasing meals from local restaurants for our neighbors and frontline workers through December 2020.
To contribute to this project, please send your check payable to Trinity Church with Community Dinners on the memo line or donate directly to Hopedale Unitarian Parish, who is managing the funds for this project, by going to https://hopedaleunitarian.org  and  pressing the Donate button. 
 
Prayer List
Please send Magee the names of people you would like to be on the Prayer List. Our policy has been to remove names after 4 weeks, but we want to be sure we follow the wishes of families and friends.
Our Prayers Are Offered For:
Parish Members & Friends: the Blazensky & Lukas Families; David Stochaj; Rose Marie Moore; David Gillis; Mary Torian, Bob Bloomburg; Brad Gustavesen; Arlene Person; Sharon Manoogian; Sal & Vas Ferreira; Cami Carter; Alana Phoenix-Laliberte; Jill Henderson; Patty Souder; Sandra Arbogast; Len Baird; Judy Shea; Robin Rowe; Skye Bayleigh Plaisted; Alex; Alisha Starkis Weddeke; Chrissy & Mark; Thomas Scano; the Canali Family; Heidi Donnelly; Sherel & Lou Frere; Craig Silverman; Justin Perkin; Dr. Stephen Janko; Tom Childs; Nancy Sharoogian; Bob Mezzadri; all those serving in the military and the Peace Corps, especially Avary DeRagon; Dan Consigli; Drew Beauchamp; Charles; Laura; Elena; Brendan Wood; Danielle & Joel Marsh; Tom Bento; Joel Joudrey; Justin Woessner; Chris Ketcham and their families.
Homebound Parishioners: Betty Henneberry; Verna Parente, and Wayne Morey.
Deceased:  Nicholas J. Blazensky, Jr.
Our Partner Dioceses: Kumasi and Asante-Mampong in Ghana
Those celebrating birthdays this week: Alexander Menges; Sandy Krol; Steven Masse; Scott Harrison; Colleen Shaw; Grace Prevelige; Felicity Ferreira; Kenneth George; Nathan George; Johanna Cornwell; James Menges; Veronica Lynch; Leyani Piacente-Perez; Zaya Hall; Malichai Carpenter; Rick Nelson; Andrew Eastwood; Tom Cortese; David Carr; Erin Hynes; Mia Carr; Touie Jackson; Dean Harrison; Chris Lloyd; Amanda Ellis; and Penelope Woods.
Pledges: Thank you to all of you who have been sending in your pledges.  There has been a slight drop in our pledge income this month.  This is understandable for  the summer, but please do not let your contribution lapse. Our deposits are being made on a different schedule these days, so there may be a delay in seeing the record of your payment.  Some of you are facing financial stress: if so, please give what you can; if not, please give a bit extra to support those who cannot.
 
Please note: Unscrupulous people have contacted parishioners claiming to be Mother Judith and  asking for money. Mother Judith's only email addresses are [email protected] or [email protected] and her phone number is (716) 949-8194 .  She never asks for money! Please do not respond to any other email addresses or phone numbers. If you have a question about whether a request is REALLY from Mother Judith, please contact her first at these email addresses/phone number before sending any money. Thanks.
 
How to keep up with Trinity news:  All notices, videos, and links can be found at www.trinitychurchmilford.org  and on the Trinity Church-Milford Facebook page.
Our diocesan website offers links to online worship in our diocese.  https://www.diocesewma.org/
Worship from the National Cathedral is available online every Sunday at 11:15 am. https://cathedral.org/
The Episcopal Church offers valuable resources for spiritual renewal.  https://episcopalchurch.org/

Mission Matters: News from the Episcopal Diocese of Western MA latest issue can be found here.

​Meditation for the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
August 9, 2020

​ Take heart, it is I; have no fear.   [Matthew 14:27]

​This Sunday we read the story of Jesus walking on water.  He has asked his disciples to sail across the lake where he will meet them after he has bid farewell to the crowds who have come to him for healing.  However, the winds rise and hinder their journey so Jesus walks on water from the shore to meet the boat.  He invites Peter to come to him and  Peter begins to walk on water toward Jesus; however, he suddenly becomes afraid and begins to sink, whereupon Jesus reaches out and lifts him up.
 
On this Sunday fifteen years ago I began ministry at my first parish: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Burt, NY.  This gospel has thus always had special meaning for me as the starting point for my ministry. In these fifteen years I have frequently been challenged to “get out of the boat,” to risk looking foolish, to face my reluctance to trust and my tendency to second-guess myself.  I have sailed through rough waters against the wind on many a dark night, and more times than I can count I have found peace and direction in Jesus’ words, Take heart . . .  have no fear.   [Matthew 14:27]
 
On that day, preaching to my congregation for the first time, I said, God is smiling upon us today with the story of Jesus walking on water as we begin our ministry together.   And this week I feel the same way:  God is smiling on us with the story of Jesus walking on the water as we commission your Search Committee.
God is smiling with encouragement:  Think about what’s possible!
God is smiling with bemusement:   Don’t be brash or overconfident!
God is smiling with compassion:  Do not be afraid!
 
We often think of our faith as the boat where we are safe and secure. In all the storms and winds of the world, with all that pushes us this way and that, we find shelter in our faith.  We cling to the conviction that it is enough to do what God has told us to do, just as Jesus’ disciples are sailing their boat to the far shore as Jesus has asked them to do. But in this story we learn that our faith does not protect us from long dark nights and storms of the heart and mind. On the contrary, our faith calls us out of the safety of our “boat”—our habits, our assumptions, our modest goals. “Come,” says Jesus. “Be bold! Trust me!” Faith is an alternative to fear. Faith means doing what we could not imagine we were capable of doing: even walking on water.
 
According to today’s gospel, faith may feel more like walking on stormy, whirling waves than sailing on calm waters.  Like Peter, we may flounder. Acting in faith may not be graceful:  We may be awkward and we may lose our composure. At the same time, when we act in faith we do not act alone. That’s the paradox of faith: In faith we discover both unforeseen strength and our absolute dependence upon God. 
  
 As we begin this new stage in your journey toward new ministry, it is good to remember that we may well be called to sail through the night, that what seems like an obvious goal may not be and that what seems like a hindrance may be an opportunity to learn a crucial lesson. You do not need to prove that you can walk on water; nor are you looking for a priest who can. This story is about trust, not power; it is about collaboration, not self-sufficiency. Jesus does not promise that faith will give Peter power. He promises that faith will allow for trust--trust that God is with us and trust that God’s Spirit will guide us through any storm no matter how dark the night.

-from Prayers for an Inclusive Church

MORNING PRAYER
via ZOOM
Commissioning of the Search Committee
Pam Hennessy (Chair)
Katherine Côté, Jim Donohoe, Stephen Howe, Toussaint Jackson,
Mary Johnson, Hilary Stafford, Lucille Clinkman (Vestry Liaison)
Ministers of the Liturgy
The Rev. Dr. Judith Lee
Members of the Search Committee:
Pam Hennessy, Jim Donohoe, Stephen Howe, Touie Jackson,
Mary Johnson, Hilary Stafford, Lucille Clinkman (Vestry Liaison)
Musicians:  Randolph Bloom, Jeff Lukas

The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart.”   [Deuteronomy 30:14]

 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82256827302?pwd=Z0E3ZlpXY0hIRFdIZHN0ZnltdXNlZz09
Meeting ID: 822-5682-7302     Password: 546896
If you cannot access through your computer, you may participate by telephone.
Telephone: 929-205-6099
For the Morning Prayer leaflet, click here.  
For the Weekly Announcements click here.
On the Sundays in August, videotaped sermons by Bishop Fisher, Canon Simpson, and Canon Ix are available on our website. 
Mother Judith's videotaped reflections will resume in September.
​

A Message from Rachel Carpenter:
HI all!  This week, we are focusing on the fruit of the spirit, KINDNESS!!
Check out our weekly Douglas Talks video followed by a video by "Kid President".  After watching the videos, do at least one random act of kindness this week.  Take a picture or email me what you did for a point towards the end of the summer prize!!
 Emily Kee is our leader right now!!  Way to go Emily!!
 
Douglas Talks
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FTiWQ9Ihnw  
 
Kid President
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bH5ozEo1Ao4  
 
~Rachel   [email protected]

​-from A New Zealand Prayer Book

​New Rector Search: Next Steps:
The Holy Cow Survey - THE LAST WEEK The Congregational Assessment Tool (CAT), also called the Holy Cow Survey because it is designed by Holy Cow Consulting, is the first official step in your preparation for new ministry. The questions provide a profile of Trinity in your demographics and your views of Scripture, liturgy, mission, qualities of a Rector, parish life, and theology. The final summary shows where Trinity fits in the spectrum of Episcopal churches across the country. It is very, very important that as many people as possible take the survey.  Each adult member of every household should complete a survey.  It takes about half an hour. to complete. Your responses are anonymous.
For  link to to the online survey click here.
We have mailed hard copies of the survey to those members who may not be comfortable working online. We will also pair each person who has received a hard copy with someone who will work with you to complete the survey, and then someone will enter the data onto the website. Your written responses will remain anonymous.
hard copies must be returned to the church by this Thursday August 13th. The online Survey must be completed by August 17th. 
Holy Cow Consulting  compiles the results and sends them to Canon Simpson, who will review the results with the Vestry, Search Committee, and Profile Committee on September 12th.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the parish meetings.  For a summary of those conversations, including a summary of the Youth conversations, click here.
May God continue to inspire us, bless us, and guide us.
Entering Stage 2:
The church is now open for private prayer for 3 hours each week:
       Tuesday evening  6:30-7:30pm
       Thursday morning 10am-11am
       Sunday morning 11am-noon
On Monday, the Vestry will review a revised Building Use Agreement with Addenda that include a liability waiver, a checklist of safety protocols, and a health questionnaire.  When those documents have been approved, we will submit a proposal for opening our building to community groups and opening our office to the public. Pending a peer review, those steps will take place at the beginning of September. 
Parish Zoom Events:   Summer Schedule:
     ZOOM Bingo on Sundays at 3 pm  & Game Night on Tuesdays @ 7 - We'll resume in September
     Zoom-Chats: Mondays @ 7am & Wednesdays @ 8 pm:  every other week:
             Mondays: August 10;     Wednesdays: August 19

Wednesdays @ 10 am: Morning Prayer & Fellowship via ZOOM - We'll continue weekly
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83161138171?pwd=TitUUzdtRVhjZVFadjNZbFlxV1dhdz09
Meeting ID: 831 6113 8171  Password:   497792
Telephone: 929-205-6099
Fridays @ Noon: Lunch & Bible Study: We will begin again on Friday, September 18th. 


Sacred Ground:A Film-based Dialogue Series on Race and Faith
Sacred Ground is a film- and readings-based series on race, grounded in faith. Small groups will walk through chapters of America’s history of race and racism, while weaving in threads of family story, economic class, and political and regional identity. This program designed by The Episcopal Church has 10 sessions; groups of 4-10 participants will meet every other week, beginning in September. Mary Johnson and Mother Judith will lead the program for Trinity and members of other churches will participate with us.  To learn more see https://episcopalchurch.org/sacred-ground and watch for more information about how to register with either Mary or Mother Judith.

We will distribute  meals prepared by Oliva's from the parking lot at Trinity on  August 27th.  In addition, we will arrange for delivery of meals to Whitcomb  House in August. Your generosity has made it possible for us to continue feeding about 100 people each month during the pandemic, in addition to supporting our local restaurants.   If you can volunteer to help with setting up and taking down the tables, distributing meals, and bring leftover meals to the Food Pantry, in July or August, please contact Glen Peterson.   We will certify Community Service credit. 
At their August meeting the Vestry will make a decision on how to continue the Community Meal program in the fall, pending peer review by the Dean and the Bishop. Meanwhile, we continue our strong partnership with the Food Pantry and with other local churches and community organizations.   To contribute to this project, please send your check payable to Trinity Church with Community Dinners on the memo line or donate directly to Hopedale Unitarian Parish, who is managing the funds for this project, by going to https://hopedaleunitarian.org  and  pressing the Donate button. ​

​Prayer List
Please send Magee the names of people you would like to be on the Prayer List. Our policy has been to remove names after 4 weeks, but we want to be sure we follow the wishes of families and friends.
Our Prayers Are Offered For:
 
Parish Members & Friends: the Clark Family; David Gillis; Mary Torian, Bob Bloomburg; Brad Gustavesen; Arlene Person; Sharon Manoogian; Sal & Vas Ferreira; Cami Carter; Alana Phoenix-Laliberte; Jill Henderson; Patty Souder; Rose Marie Moore; David Stochaj; McKenze Cahill; Sandra Arbogast; Len Baird; Judy Shea; Robin Rowe; Skye Bayleigh Plaisted; Alex; Alisha Starkis Weddeke; Chrissy & Mark; Thomas Scano; the Canali Family; Heidi Donnelly; Sherel & Lou Frere; Craig Silverman; Justin Perkin; Dr. Stephen Janko; Tom Childs; Nancy Sharoogian; Bob Mezzadri; all those serving in the military and the Peace Corps, especially Avary DeRagon; Dan Consigli; Drew Beauchamp; Charles; Laura; Elena; Brendan Wood; Danielle & Joel Marsh; Tom Bento; Joel Joudrey; Justin Woessner; Chris Ketcham and their families.
 Homebound Parishioners: Betty Henneberry; Verna Parente, and Wayne Morey.
 The Deceased: Harry Clark
 Our Partner Dioceses: Kumasi and Asante-Mampong in Ghana
 Those celebrating birthdays this week: Wayne Morey; Brian Kelly; William Jones; Marion Benard; William Bentley; Andrew Sholudko; Anthony Gulbankian; Barbara Chambers; Jessie Smith; Benjamin Fletcher; Lucille Clinkman; Dwight Kee; Alexander Bedrosian; Thana Reed; Joe Gatchell; Sarah O’Connell; Michael Palinkas; Mattina Cole; Laurel Pirelli; Drake Meurant; Samuel Corman; & Alexander Menges.

​Pledges: Thank you to all of you who have been sending in your pledges.  Our deposits are being made on a different schedule these days, so there may be a delay in seeing the record of your payment.  Some of you are facing financial stress: if so, please give what you can; if not, please give a bit extra to support those who cannot.

​How to keep up with Trinity news:  All notices, videos, and links can be found at www.trinitychurchmilford.org  and on the Trinity Church-Milford Facebook page.
Our diocesan website offers links to online worship in our diocese.  https://www.diocesewma.org/
Worship from the National Cathedral is available online every Sunday at 11:15 am. https://cathedral.org/
The Episcopal Church offers valuable resources for spiritual renewal.  https://episcopalchurch.org/
Habits of Grace: An invitation for you, from Presiding Bishop Curry
 A new video meditation will be posted on Mondays through July. Click here to view the latest.

Mission Matters: News from the Episcopal Diocese of Western MA latest issue can be found here.