News for the Week of March 22th

Responding to the coronavirus pandemic at Trinity
Bishop Fisher, in consultation with other bishops and the Presiding Bishop,  has called for a suspension of in-person worship at least through April 12th.   Next week, Mother Judith will send out the schedule of online services for Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Easter.  Meanwhile, a  video of Mother Judith sharing a prayer and reflection on Scripture will be available on Facebook and YouTube each Saturday by 5 pm and each Wednesday by 9 am.  Click here for this week's video.  For links to other churches that are live-streaming Sunday Eucharist please go to our diocesan website www.diocesewma.org.
For a leaflet with the Collect, Scripture, and Prayers of the People for March 22nd  click here.
For a copy of the weekly announcements, click here.
The readings for Sunday, March 22nd  can be found online here: 4th Lent Readings
Rachel Carpenter will lead Digital Sunday School via ZOOM each Sunday at 10am.  Please contact Rachel for the link: [email protected]
For a list of family activities for Lent click here.
For a copy of the Lent Calendar click here.

Beginning on Monday until further notice, the office will be open only to do essential work.  Mother Judith will be available by phone and online on Monday through Wednesday and for emergencies, and will check messages regularly.  We will use this time to deep clean the Parish Office, the Rector’s Study, and the Sanctuary. We will also be updating our databases and our directory.
All parish meetings will meet remotely until further notice.
 God of the present moment,
         God who in Jesus stills the storm and soothes the frantic heart;
         bring hope and courage to all who wait or work in uncertainty.
         Bring hope that you will make them the equal of whatever lies ahead.
         Bring them courage to endure what cannot be avoided,
                      for your will is health and wholeness; you are God,
                      and we need you. Amen.
 
Meditation for Sunday
Live as children of light-for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true.  
[Ephesians 5:8-9]
This advice from Paul to the Ephesians on how Christians are to live is certainly timely.  In this letter, Paul explains that God has already saved the world through the resurrection and continues to transform our lives.  The calling of Christians is to show this to the world.  Specifically, we are to show that the powers of darkness have already been defeated.  We are to be “light-bearers” amidst the darkness of ignorance and fear, wise in the face of trickery and folly, compassionate in sorrow and loss.  We are to bring out the goodness in others.
During these strange and ever-changing days we are learning new, counter-intuitive, ways of being light-bearers, even though we may be uncertain of how to be useful and we may feel constantly reminded of what we do not know.  I suggest that each evening you gather as a family, with each person having his or her own candle; as each person lights a candle, share a thought on one way that you have been a “light-bearer” that day, or on one “light-bearer” you have seen (in the family, on television, among friends you are connected to).
Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep.  Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, and shield the joyous; and all for your love’s sake. Amen.

 THIS WEEK:
The building will be closed except for support groups, who will follow an enhanced cleaning protocol. 

Our Parish Meeting will be postponed until June.  For an explanation of the new Transition Timeline please click here.
 
Easter Lily Memorial Forms – 
We will continue to accept donations for Easter flowers.  We will plan to have them at the altar for the Feast of Pentecost on May 31st. Watch for more information. 

Laundry Love will be canceled for the month of April.
The JULIETs and the ROMEOs will not meet in April.

 Pathway to a Better Life
Trinity will host the Winter Emergency Shelter on March 20, 21, and 28 if the temperature feels like 30 or below and if volunteers are available, following the protocol of the Department of Public Health.  See Glenn Peterson if you are able to volunteer.
 
Trinity GFS Scholarships are Available!
Attention high school seniors and their families.   It’s time for the annual search for deserving recipients of the GFS Scholarships. Each year, Trinity gives monetary awards to qualified members who are entering an institution of higher education. These awards recognize attendance and service to Trinity Parish during the applicant's high school years. The application is available to download on the Trinity Church website at www.trinitychurchmilford.org .  Applications must be received by April 19th and the recipients will be notified shortly thereafter.  Please direct all questions to GFS Scholarship Committee at [email protected]
 
Creation Care Tips – *NEW* Tips have been added!
Small changes to our home habits can make a big difference to the earth. Try these fairly simple ways to go green and you can have an even bigger impact! Click here. Don’t forget to sign up @ https://www.sustainislandhome.org/ and do your part! [Click on “Get Started” at the top of the page; enter “Massachusetts”, your town, “Western Massachusetts” (diocese), and “Trinity Church – Milford”. Then just follow the instructions.] Together we can make a difference!
 
Click here to read the most recent issue of Mission Matters, news from the Episcopal Diocese of Western MA.
 
Click here to listen to a message from our Presiding Bishop Michael Curry regarding the corona virus