Reflections by the Rev. Lou Hays: Hurry Up and Wait!; Trinity Participating in Serve City's Food Drive May 9-23; Sign Up to Volunteer at Hamilton Pride on June 7; ECW Meeting This Sunday; More

Trinity Church News

May 14, 2025

In this issue:

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Reflections by the Rev. Lou Hays: Hurry Up and Wait!
Trinity Participating in Serve City's Holy Harvest Showdown Food Drive May 9-23
Trinity Vestry Meeting Minutes Available
Sign Up to Help at Hamilton Pride on June 7
ECW Meeting This Sunday, May 18
Sunday Service Livestream Information
Altar Flowers Sign-Ups for the Summer and Dedication for May 18
Coffee Hour Refreshments Sign-Up Sheet
Diocese Rogation Celebration and Picnic on May 31: RSVP By May 24
Trinity's Clothes Closet Needs Feminine Hygiene Products and Children's Toys
Photos for Updated Parish Directory
Worship Information and Scripture Readings for Sunday, May 18
This Week at Trinity
May Birthdays & Anniversaries
Prayer Requests
Online Giving Link

Reflections by the Rev. Lou Hays: Hurry Up and Wait!

Patience is not my strong suit. Perhaps some of you have already figured that out. Many years ago when I was waiting (not so patiently) for a decision from the Bishop of Maryland whether to grant me postulancy (the ticket to seminary and likely ordination), the Bishop’s assistant gave me a copy of Henri Nouwen’s book, The Path of Waiting. She knew me well and she knew I was having difficulty waiting. So, there might be two questions. First, did the book help? And second, why am I raising the issue of patience now?

So first, yes, Henri’s short book on waiting was helpful. Henri Nouwen was a great teacher and spiritual writer. He reminded me that God’s time may not be our time, and that God is always with us as we wait. So I probably should re-read the book from time to time as I deal with my impatience.

And second, why am I feeling impatient now? The Search Committee and I have finished the key parts of the transition process. Our wonderful Parish Profile has been lovingly prepared and will be going to the Diocese for review and approval in the very near future. We have hurried up and completed our work pretty quickly. Now it’s out of our hands and all we can do is wait. Wait for the Diocese to approve the profile. Wait for the Diocese to allow the position to be advertised throughout the Episcopal Church. Wait for people to apply for the position. Wait for the process to play out.

It’s out of our hands and it’s in God’s hands. Our Prayer for the Transition asks God to “Give us the gifts of discernment, wisdom, perseverance and strength.” I might add, “give us patience!”

Peace and blessings, Lou+

Trinity Participating in Serve City's Holy Harvest Showdown Food Drive May 9-23

Serve City is an outreach center in Hamilton, dedicated to serving the needs of Butler County's low-income and homeless individuals and families, offering help and hope to our neighbors in need. They are partnering with local churches for a "Holy Harvest Showdown" food drive in May.

Trinity will be participating in this event by collecting canned goods and non-perishable food items May 9 - 23. There will be a designated collection box in the Memorial Room for donations. All donations will be taken to Serve City at the end of the event.

Click here to learn more about Serve City and the programs they offer.

Thank you for your participation and in helping to fulfill God's call to us to feed the hungry!

Trinity Vestry Meeting Minutes Available

Your Vestry is committed to full transparency. As part of that commitment, minutes of Vestry meetings are being posted on the bulletin board in the Memorial Room. There will be a delay of a month for each posting because minutes are finalized at the following month's meeting. Please also know that Vestry meetings (generally the third Wednesday of the month at 4 p.m.) are open to parishioners who wish to attend.

Join the Episcopal presence at Hamilton Pride on Saturday, June 7 with Holy Trinity Oxford, Trinity Hamilton and St. Anne’s West Chester. It’s a wonderful opportunity to spend time building ties with one another and with the LGBTQIA+ community. Thank you to the Rev. Julie Blake Fisher, Rector of Holy Trinity in Oxford, for coordinating.

Volunteers are needed to walk in the parade and setup and staff the Episcopal booth in 1-hour slots. Last year the Episcopal Booth was swamped with folks of all ages who wanted to learn about our welcoming and inclusive churches. The Diocese has provided great swag to give away too. Other folks from our three towns will be staffing booths there as well, so there are lots of friends to visit with as well as food trucks and very fun activities for all ages.

Here are the details!

When: Saturday June 7, 2025, 11am to 6pm
Where: Marcum Park, 116 Dayton St., Hamilton
Parade: 11:00 a.m. right around the corner from the festival at Rotary Park on 208 High Street, Hamilton. Bring signs!
Parking: on the street around downtown Hamilton, first come first serve, and also in The George McDulin Memorial Parking Garage, which is situated on Market Street between N 2nd and N 3rd Streets with its entrance located at the corner of Market and N 3rd Streets.
More info: www.hamiltonohiopride.com

Use the Sign Up button above to volunteer to:

Set up, staff and take down the booth – 1 hour slots.
March in the parade
Get trained for and staff the counter-protest team – email Gail Greiner at jasper4408@gmail.com as soon as possible

ECW Meeting on Sunday, May 18

This month's Episcopal Church Women (ECW) meeting will be held on Sunday, May 18, in the Fellowship Hall following the morning worship service and coffee hour.

Our own Lauren Marsh will be the speaker, and she will discuss the work which the Community Meal Center does in Hamilton. This will be the last ECW meeting until September.

Sunday Service Livestream Information

We will be livestreaming our 9:30 a.m. worship service this Sunday. Click here to go directly to the livestream area on our YouTube channel. You can also access the livestream through the button on our website to "Click Here to View Sunday Service."

We are diligently working to resolve the issues with hearing the music during the service on the livestream.

The Altar Flowers for Sunday, May 18,

are given by Pam and Jennifer Bates, in loving memory of Jennifer's father, Amado Torres.

Altar Flower Donations - Sign Up for Summer

If you would like to sign up to donate altar flowers for a Sunday service, please contact Sue Samoviski at 513-478-8918 or suesamo63@gmail.com, or contact the parish office to reserve a date(s). If you are donating the flowers in memory or honor of someone, please provide that information so it can be included in the service bulletin for that Sunday.

You may choose to call a florist to order the flowers, or you can purchase the flowers at the grocery store and make two arrangements for the altar. Or, you could provide flowers from your garden or potted plants.

Clear plastic vases are available at church if you need them or you can arrange them directly into the altar vases.

All dates in May are filled, but dates are available during the summer.

Coffee Hour Refreshments

Sign-Up Sheet

A sheet is available in the Memorial Room to sign up to provide refreshments for Coffee Hour.

From the Diocese of Southern Ohio -

You're Invited: Rogation Celebration and Picnic

Saturday, May 31 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

at Procter Center

RSVP by May 24

This year, we will celebrate Rogation as a diocese at Procter Farm, with Bishop White leading the procession as we visit various stations that represent our common life together!

Rogation is a traditional day of fasting and prayer in the Anglican tradition to remind us that our lives and seasons are in God's hands. Since medieval times there has been a tradition of “beating the bounds” of the faith community, praying for God‘s blessing upon the crops and thus the well-being of that particular people. It is still observed by some today with a procession, prayers and a sharing of hope in God‘s goodness to nourish every endeavor and the people to flourish.

Our celebration will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 31st, and will conclude with a picnic lunch hosted by the DSO chapter of the Order of Naucratius. Fishing, hammocking, and canoeing activities will be available.

Participants are invited to bring soil, water, and seeds from their homes or congregations to share and be blessed.

The celebration is free of charge; lunch is $15 per adult and $10 per child, 5 and older. The deadline to RSVP is May 24. Register here.

Procter Center is located at 11235 St. Rt. 38 SE, London, OH 43140.

Trinity's Clothes Closet Needs Feminine Hygiene Products and Children's Toys

Trinity's Clothes Closet is thriving and

providing wonderful support to the community! We are serving an average of 200 individuals each month. The Clothes Closet also provides personal and feminine hygiene products, and we especially have a need right now for feminine hygiene products such as menstrual pads and tampons. We also have a children's clothes closet, which is in need of toys.

Current Special Donation Needs:

Feminine Hygiene Products (Pads, Tampons, etc.)

Children's Toys

Blankets

Men's Underwear

Men's T-Shirts and Hoodies

Socks

Personal Hygiene Products

Reminder: Please contact the parish office prior to dropping off clothing items! (Donations of personal hygiene products can be brought to the office without prior notice).

Thank You for your Support of this Ministry!

Photos for Updated Parish Directory

Trinity's parish directory is being updated and we would love to include current photos of parishioners! This is also very helpful for a new Rector to more quickly become familiar with everyone.

If you would like your photo to be included, please either email a photo to trinitychurchhamilton@gmail.com or text it to Lisa Gooding, our Parish Administrator, at 937-371-1066. If you text a photo to Lisa, please also let her know your name.

Sunday Worship at Trinity Episcopal Church

115 North 6th Street, Hamilton, OH

Sunday, May 18, 2025

The Fifth Sunday of Easter

Year C

RCL

Holy Eucharist, Rite II

in the Sanctuary at 9:30 AM

The Rev. Lou Hays, Celebrant

Sunday's Scripture Readings

Click on the links above to access the readings.

Collect: Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

This Week at Trinity

Wednesday, May 14

Parish Office Open -- 9:00 AM - Noon

Clothes Closet Open -- 10:00 AM - Noon – Basement

NA Meeting Wednesday -- 7:00 PM – Fellowship Hall

Thursday, May 15

NA Women’s Group -- 7:00 PM – Fellowship Hall

Friday, May 16

AA Meeting Friday -- 8:30 PM – Fellowship Hall

Sunday, May 18 - Fifth Sunday of Easter

Holy Eucharist Rite II -- 9:30 AM – Sanctuary

Coffee Hour following the service – Memorial Room

ECW Meeting -- following Coffee Hour – Fellowship Hall

Monday, May 19

Parish Office Open -- 9:00 AM - Noon

Clothes Closet Open -- 10:00 AM - Noon – Basement

Greater Power Discussion Meeting -- 7:00 PM – Fellowship Hall

Wednesday, May 21

Parish Office Open -- 9:00 AM - Noon

Clothes Closet Open -- 10:00 AM - Noon – Basement

Vestry Meeting -- 4:00 PM – Fellowship Hall

NA Meeting Wednesday -- 7:00 PM – Fellowship Hall

Thursday, May 22

NA Women’s Group -- 7:00 PM – Fellowship Hall

Friday, May 23

AA Meeting Friday -- 8:30 PM – Fellowship Hall

Sunday, May 25 - Sixth Sunday of Easter

Holy Eucharist Rite I - No Music -- 9:30 AM – Sanctuary

Coffee Hour following the service – Memorial Room

MAY CELEBRATIONS

We encourage you to remember these people on their special days!

If we don't have your birth or marriage dates, please contact the office.

MAY BIRTHDAYS

Sue Lawrence - 5/8

Alayla Vanoss - 5/8

Joy Murphy - 5/10

Heather Komnenovich - 5/12

MAY MARRIAGE ANNIVERSARIES

Jim and Karen Schwartz - 5/3/87

Mark and Kelley Hancock - 5/10/08

Carl and Mary Bishop - 5/25/63

Prayer List

If there is someone you would like to include on or remove from the list, please email the Parish Office at

trinitychurchhamilton@gmail.com

Prayer requests for:

Tom Puckett, who has been diagnosed with esophageal cancer and is undergoing treatment
For Tom King, who has died, and for his family in their grief, especially his mother Joan and brother Andy
Herm Lorance, recovering from pneumonia
Carl and Mary Bishop
Sue Lawrence, who is recovering from recent shoulder replacement surgery
Thanks to God for Charlene Stacy's successful knee replacement surgery and prayers for a quick recovery
Goldie McKinney, mother of Pat Combs
Suzi Samoviski, sister-in-law of Mike and Sue Samoviski
Ann Anderson
For Jennifer Torres-Bates's who's father recently died
John Winkler, childhood friend of Lee Parrish
Suzanne Krause - Jackie Parrish is a friend of her mother
Kim Jewett
Pam Bates' Aunt
Tisha Patton, who has been diagnosed with cancer
Marilyn Smith, friend of Karen and Bob Fuhrman
Jackie Huelsman
Ginny Woods, recovering from knee replacement surgery
Jim Croom, brother in-law of Ginny Woods, who has terminal pancreatic cancer
Lisa Llafet, step-sister of Linda Griffin
Rebeca from Brazil, Ginny Woods' Compassion International Child
Art and Sandra Pizzano
Teresa Durbin
For Rev. Kip Colegrove's sister Bobbi, who is undergoing cancer treatment
Jackie Huelsman's mother Jacky
Chasity Mae Pelopida's family, and especially her step-father, Dan Wolf
The Renners family
For Pastor John Lewis of The Presbyterian Church in Hamilton, who was diagnosed with a sarcoma in his leg
Pam Hurst
Beth and Chuck Blaylock
Lorna and her children
Carrie O'Connor, friend of Jennifer Elliott, whose cancer has returned
Richard Isaacs
Barb Morris, sister of Tom Woods
David, Gayle Sisson's Brother
Andrew and Maria Cole
Tina Chandler
Doctor Bob
Chris Russo
Candy, sister of Teresa Durbin
For Alan
For peace in the Middle East
For Wade Hensley, whose mother has died
Richard Elberfeld, brother of Anne Cole
Donnie Eschenbrenner, recovering from a broken hip
Leslie and Warren Grossklaus
Sarah Ruston and her son, Tom
The Vanoss Family
Dave Bahlmann, brother of Mike Bahlmann
Caitlin Bomar - wife of the Priest-in-Charge at Diane Line's church
Mary Kay Kroner, friend of Jennifer Elliott
Candra
For Jeff, brother of Kim Jewett
Ryan Moore, Terri Comer's son
Ken Huelsman
Susan Tarbuck
Nella Hurst, friend of Mike and Sue Samoviski
Casey Graff
Steven Palmer
Barbara and Michael Clifton
Rita Stanton
Joan King
Haley, Anne Elberfeld’s daughter
Our Nation
Wesley and Mary Kay
Bruce, nephew of Pam Bates
Doug Ottke, friend of Ginny and Tom Woods
Carol Paschal and her family
Lee and Debbie Schutte, friends of Ginny and Tom Woods
Bill, Amy, William and Jordan
The sister of Heather Komnenovich
Anne Cole
Russ Thompson
Tom Wilson
Georgia Adams
Heather Komnenovich
Stephanie Woods
James Noble
For Ukraine
For Peace
Mac
Bob Ross

Give your offering with Trinity's secure credit card/check draft link

You may use the button below or access the giving link via the trinityhamilton.org website.

Click Online Giving in the menu and fill out the form.

You can donate one time or set up recurring credit card or checking account gifts. The site will generate a receipt after every gift. You have the option to cover the credit card processing fees (usually 2.5% of the transaction amount) or leave that check box blank. We also can take automatic withdrawals from your checking account.

Trinity's Online Giving Link

Post Office returns mail sent to 115 N. Sixth St.

We use the post office box because it is a reliable and safe way to receive our mail since the parish office is not open every day. Please use the P.O. Box address when mailing items to Trinity or else the mail is returned.

MAILING ADDRESS INCLUDING ZIP CODE

Trinity Episcopal Church

P.O. Box 851

Hamilton, OH 45012

Parish Office Hours

Mondays and Wednesdays - 9:oo a.m. to Noon

Phone Messages checked weekdays.

Email checked throughout the week.

The Rev. Lou Hays can be reached at louisbhays@gmail.com. This is also the best way to schedule a phone conversation or in-person meeting with Lou. You can also contact the parish office.