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Readings for Sunday, July 21, 2024 Jeremiah 23:1-6, Psalm 23, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 For the text of Sunday's readings, visit lectionarypage.net |
If you would like to place a name on the Trinity Prayer List, please call the office at 215-297-5135 or visit trinitysolebury.org/prayerlist
For Those of Our Parish:
Ru, Emory, Phyllis, Jean, Adele, Janet, Emil, Ruth, Laura, Alice, Christine, Rick, Cat, Cathy, Jeanne, Anne, Joe, Bill, Carol
For the complete prayer list including non-parishioners, go to trinitysolebury.org/notices
For church members only - to view last names go to trinitysolebury.org/members
The Rev. Rob Baldwin, Rector Tim Harrell, Organist and Choirmaster Trinity Senior Choir Acolytes: Karen Dewar and Kim Laughlin Lector: Kim Laughlin Lay Eucharistic Minister: James Wells Chalice Bearers: George Kuebrich and Chris Glidden | Greeters: Julie and John Loftus Altar Guild: Sue Walsh Flower Guild: Jacqui Griffith Flower Distribution: Lyn Fox Ushers: David Griffith and Nick Mumford Coffee Hour: Scott and Karen Holmes |
Coordinators
One of the greatest joys of being a part of Trinity's community is discovering one's own gifts and the gifts of others as we work toward a common purpose. Listed above are ways any member of our congregation can participate in weekly worship. Please let coordinators know of your interest.
I want to express my personal thanks to Kyle Evans and James Wells, as well as the other members of the worship team, who stepped up in my very unexpected absence last Sunday. We are continuing to test for COVID daily and will make sure to keep everyone safe. Thank you for your prayers and support.
Rev. Rob+
Vestry Retreat
On Saturday, June 22, the Vestry held its first retreat at the home of Bill Jaglowski and Kevin Clark.
To facilitate the retreat, Fr. Rob selected the book “Beyond Business As Usual, a guide for Vestry leadership development” by Neal O. Mitchell for each member to read.
Following a light lunch and shared fellowship, a lively and thoughtful discussion occurred. We focused, chapter by chapter, on key points that spoke to each of us. Exploring the role of the Vestry and how we, as elected leaders, are called to help the Church grow and thrive was terrific. Everyone offered their personal insights and thoughts on the book as well as their individual reflections on ways to help Trinity flourish in our community and the world at large.
Another vestry retreat is being scheduled for early Fall to continue this important journey.
Kevin Clark
Warden, Trinity Church
Sacred Ground
A perspective altering program
The latest group of Sacred Ground participants recently celebrated their studies and time together with a cookout hosted at John and Colleen Dey's farm. It's notable that several participants came from outside of our Trinity family. The gathering was a joyous time of conversation and reflection on their mutual experiences.
Sacred Ground, hosted by Trinity, is a race dialogue series designed by the the national Episcopal Church. It's a compelling and fascinating program and has garnered great interest at Trinity.
Sacred Ground consists of 11 session to engage with films, videos, written material and each other. It is essentially a study group on race and racism. This program is open to anyone in the greater community. If you would like more information about participating in a future program please contact John Dey, Betty Stagg or Bruce Harris at Trinity.
Mission Philadelphia
It's not just an event, but rather the creation of
"a truly beloved community"
by following the parables of Jesus
“True progress isn't the result of a single group’s effort, but the collective hard work and unwavering support of a community.”
Liem Lewis, age 15 of West Philadelphia, Mission Philadelphia Participant
In 1996, an idea was born out of a meeting between members of Trinity Solebury and the Volunteer Coordinator at Episcopal Community Services. The outcome was the creation of a youth led and engaged, multi-day, residential service experience in Philadelphia, to be called Mission Philadelphia. 28 years later, this remarkable experience that draws young people from Trinity’s Youth Group, adults and TYG alums of various generations, youth and young adults with whom Mission Philadelphia has developed relationships over the years, continues to represent vital ministry. As Miss Lisa from the 55th & Pearl St. Orchard says, “Taking time out today to thank you for all the things you do and have done through the years. Wish we had more time together, but it’s always appreciated. Take care, stay blessed, and talk with you soon.” Over the course of almost 3 decades, a huge family has been formed, a truly beloved community.
Historically, Mission Philadelphia has responded to a range of needs in various parts of Philadelphia, either identified through human contact, community awareness, or even press coverage. Since the early part of the 2000’s, at the behest of North and West Philadelphia communities, Mission Philadelphia has become committed to revitalization of abandoned spaces and urban farming. Amidst the many food deserts in Philadelphia, urban farms help to address the absence of healthy produce, thereby assisting with issues of obesity, diabetes, and other health challenges. Farming also invites community building, essential when caring, positive relationships are rare and yet so important.
In a time when churches struggle with membership, particularly among young families and young adults, Mission Philadelphia brings these same individuals together because they resonate with its mission and vision. For everyone involved, it is truly faith in action through which lasting relationships are forged, racial barriers reduced, and mutual ministry actualized. It is, in fact, the most significant, active outreach effort of Trinity.
This year, Trinity was blessed to be joined by youth and adults at St. David’s, Radnor. This new partnership allows Mission Philadelphia to do even more to effect positive change in Philadelphia. St. David’s looks forward to growing this relationship, not only during Mission Philadelphia itself, but also through some work days in the Fall and Spring.
Part of power of Jesus’ teachings was through parables. Mission Philadelphia is a parable of what we are called to do as Christians: to seek justice and equality for all, and love our neighbors as ourselves. Whether you are a longtime member at Trinity or new to the parish, if you do not know about Mission Philadelphia, I invite you to speak with Trinity youth and adults who have been part of this incredible, impactful, multi-day outreach experience. Most importantly, if there is an opportunity to participate in an advance work day or Mission Philadelphia itself, come and see. Trust me, your life will be forever changed.
Kyle Evans
Mission Philadelphia Coordinator
Little Free Book Nook
One of the many items accomplished by the Mission Philadelphia team was the creation of a "Little Free Book Nook" for ECS's St. Barnabas Community Resource Center (SBCRC). But now, we need some books! Below is a list suggested by Ms. Rhena McClain, Senior Director of SBCRC. If you'd like to donate one of these books, Kyle will be collecting them on Sundays. Monetary donations can be made by check written to Trinity Church or directly to Episcopal Community Services if you prefer. Online donations can be made at trinitysolebury.org/donate Please indicate "LFL book drive" on your check or online.
Kensington Mission
Change in Plans
July Visit Cancelled
Our next visit will be August 24th
Meal prep on August 23rd
All your support is greatly appreciated and we hope to see you on Friday August 23rd at 3:00 p.m. in the kitchen to make our next batch of lunches.
Financial donations can be made to the church, either by check or online at trinitysolebury.org/donate. Please put Kensington in the memo line.
Questions? contact kim@parkavepastries.com or phone 215-718-3973
Kim Laughlin
Episcopal Church Foundation
Ministry Tip of the Week
This week’s tip: What’s My Purpose?
$10.4 billion annually. That’s what the so-called “self-help” industry is worth. By 2025, that number is expected to grow to $14 billion.
Search “what’s my purpose?” and about 6,860,000,000 results will be returned.
It’s a question I’ve long struggled with until this past year. Something came to me during one of my early morning walks with my dog, who is the best meditation partner one could hope for. My purpose, in fact our collective purpose as Christians, is the same: to expand the presence of God on earth by fully sharing the gifts which we’ve been given.
All of us – without exception – have been given a gift by God. Some of our gifts may seem similar, but because we are unique individuals, those gifts can only be fully expressed by the one who possesses them. Our mission, should we choose to accept it, is use those gifts fully.
To my embarrassment, the answer has been “hiding” in plain sight all the time. I’ve read it on several occasions, and yet never made the connection. The answer is in Saint Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul talks about our purpose, but without saying the word:
“Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed...There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.”
Paul goes on to tell us that these gifts have been given for the common good, and that “all these are the work of one and the same Spirit...”
To emphasize that everyone’s gift matters, and that one gift is not better than another, Paul uses the analogy of the body.
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.”
Paul reminds us that our diversity as the Body of Christ is our strength and that we are interdependent on one another:
“If they were all one part, where would the body be?...The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor...Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
Not only does this speak to our purpose as individuals, it inextricably ties us together as a community. The second part is what often gets lost in a culture that worships “individual freedom.” Our individual actions have consequences for the entire body.
As we move forward, let’s commit to supporting one another in fully living out the gifts we’ve been given, and doing so in a way that advances the entire Body of Christ. It’s not an option; it’s our obligation as followers of Jesus.
by Ken Mosesian
CEO of Mosesian Strategies, an education and training company committed to building leadership teams in the not-for-profit and for-profit worlds
Holiday House in Sellersville was a Haven for Philadelphia Families
In May of last year, we published an article about the "Girls Friendly Society", and the "Cape May Holiday House". (May 5, 2023: Click here to view). Recently another type of Episcopal sponsored "Holiday House" came to light - something my life-long Episcoplian friends had never heard of: The "Holiday House" in Sellersville.
The following is an excerpt from the Bucks County Courier Times: (April 19, 2024)
In 1890, Philadelphia's Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity on affluent Rittenhouse Square started a Fresh Air fund to sponsor vacations for distressed women and children who lived near factories and oil refineries in overcrowded neighborhoods. Up to that time, you had to have money to "go on holiday" outside the city. The response to the initiative was overwhelming. It became obvious a large, permanent retreat had to be built. All eyes turned to Sellersville with its abundant open space and easy access via railroad, trolley, and Bethlehem Pike.
The church purchased nearly 16 acres in West Rockhill on a ridge overlooking town and its branch of Perkiomen Creek. In 1895, the church built a 35-room, three-story Queen Anne-style manor house on the property to house visitors. Demand and donations soared. Additional amenities sprouted including an outdoor chapel, recreation hall and two-story caretaker's cottage.
As many as 60 women and children with chaperones would arrive for 2-week stays. Summer was a reverie highlighted by hayrides and woodland strolls through an Eden-like setting. Other delights included splashing around in the creek, playground games, malt sodas and ice cream at local drugstores and moving picture shows at the Sellersville cinema. Local farms amazed the kids. "They were fascinated by farm animals. They didn't know what a chicken was or had ever seen a cow. It was a totally different world to them," said Sellersville historian Tim Hufnagle.
Borough residents pitched in offering postcards to send home, taxi rides, food deliveries and staffing the kitchen.
By the mid-1960s, Holy Trinity's congregation no longer could support the mission. In 1969, it sold the property to a joint commission of West Rockhill and Sellersville that a year later opened an Olympic-sized public swimming pool at the newly branded Holiday House Recreation Center. The boarded-up manor house had to be razed in 1975. The chapel followed in 1986, as did the recreation hall in 2022. The remodeled caretaker's cottage became a private residence.
The center continues to be popular for day camps and basketball, tennis and handball courts. The joint authority is seeking donations to cover needed pool upgrades in the future. Not to be lost is the history that took root with author Hufnagle when he was a child and later pool lifeguard. Boarded up original buildings intrigued him. By the time he was a grad student, he decided to write his master's thesis on Holiday House. "I thought to myself you don't hear about a place like Sellersville being a vacation destination for inner city families. It's a shame this doesn't exist anymore."
Mike McLaughlin, 79, of West Chester shares that sentiment. He described to me his stay at Holiday House in the 1950s. "I was 10 years old living in southwest Philadelphia. Me, my twin brothers, and sister were used to going to the Jersey Shore. We weren't too crazy about going to Sellersville instead. But Dad drove us up and dropped us off with Mom. This turned out to be a totally different thing for us."
There were long walks in the countryside, fishing in a local pond and meeting all the other kids from the city. "We were so sad on leaving," Mike said. "We cried."
Authored by Carl Lavo
Many thanks to Mike and Barbara Yount for bringing the Sellersville Holiday House to our attention.
That could be:
Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for yourself or if you are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. 988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the United States, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help. |
Healing Prayers First Sunday of Every Month
| Share Your Prayer Concerns
If you would like to have the names added to the long-term prayer list, please visit trinitysolebury.org/prayerlist or contact the church office. |
Peacemeal
The first Sunday of every month at 3 p.m.
Peacemeal is for ALL, but especially for anyonbe that might be experiencing a sense of isolation and loneliness: the elderly, homeless adults and youths, or anyone who would benefit from sharing a meal with others in a safe space without judgment. And you don't have to be experiencing problems to to join in the festivities. All are welcome!
We are always looking for volunteers to help set up/break down. We can also use donations of appetizers, bread, any type of cold salads, and desserts.
If you would like to make a donation and support the work of Peacemeal, please include 'peacemeal ‘ in the memo field of your check or donate online at trinitysolebury.org/donate and note 'peacemeal'.
Have questions? please contact Kyle Evans at kyle.evans55@gmail.com
Centering Prayer has been an active ministry at Trinity since the late 1990's. We practice Centering Prayer in the Chapel weekly on Tuesday mornings from 8 to 8:30 a.m. and all are welcome. Come whenever you can. Centering Prayer is a type of Christian contemplation that provides an opportunity to sit quietly in God’s presence, in stillness for greater awareness of God in our busy daily lives. We intentionally put aside all thoughts of the past and of the future, being aware only of "now". When we meet we remember those in need. We practice 20 minutes of silent meditation. We send cards to those in our prayers. One technique of Centering Prayer employs a sacred word that we each choose on our own. Then we silently recall it to return to God’s presence when we are distracted by thoughts, feelings, and images. In Centering Prayer we believe that the beginning and the end of prayer is learning how to be still before God. Thoughts are the inevitable and normal part of Centering Prayer and by returning to our sacred word we are expressing our "intention to consent to God's presence and action within" (Thomas Keating) Consider coming to Centering Prayer on Tuesdays. It is a gentle retreat, if only for 20 minutes, from our busy daily lives. The Trinity Spiritual Life Ministry |
We are trying out a new photo system to collect and archive photos of Trinity and our events. As you take pictures, please email them to photos@trinitysolebury.org That's all you have to do, and we'll have the photos automatically placed in the archive where we can access them. |
On the first Sunday of each month, healing prayers are available at both of Trinity's services during Communion. Prayer requests can be for oneself, a friend or family member, or a local, regional, national or international issue. Individuals of all ages are welcome and encouraged to come to the healing stations.
Each Sunday there is a sheet on the entryway table in the narthex where parishioners, visitors, and other church attendees can write their prayer requests for that Sunday. The page will include options for those requiring healing, special intentions, or the deceased. Those names will be included for that Sunday and the Sunday following, unless requested otherwise. 
Centering Prayer at Trinity Every Tuesday Morning