Reflections by the Rev. Lou Hays: Your Vestry at Work; Celebrating Herm Lorance's 100th Birthday; Envisioning Our Future Event on April 27; Maundy Thursday All Night Watch Sign Ups; More

Trinity Church News

April 2, 2025

In this issue:

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Reflections by the Rev. Lou Hays: Your Vestry at Work
Celebrating Herm Lorance's 100th Birthday!
ECW Meeting This Sunday, April 6
Envisioning Our Future Event on April 27
Lenten Series Continues Wednesdays at 5:30 PM
Update on our Stewardship Campaign - With God, all things are possible!
Sign Up for Maundy Thursday All Night Watch
Almoner's Fund Ingathering This Sunday, April 6
Palm Sunday and Holy Week Services
Easter Flowers Donations
Photos for Updated Parish Directory
Trinity's Clothes Closet Needs Children's Toys
Worship Information and Scripture Readings for Sunday, April 6
This Week at Trinity
April Birthdays & Anniversaries
Prayer Requests
Online Giving Link

Reflections by the Rev. Lou Hays: Your Vestry at Work

On Saturday we gathered for a Vestry retreat, held at Berkeley Square in Hamilton. It’s customary to have an off-site gathering of the Vestry when the “new” Vestry begins its work for the year. (Since the Vestry is an ongoing body, it’s something of a misnomer to refer to it as new. It’s the Vestry with some members who are new, and some who have been in place for a year or two.) It’s an opportunity to spend several hours together without the pressure of a “business” meeting to reflect and plan for the year.

First let me say how blessed we are to have such a committed and dedicated group of parish leaders who love Trinity and who want the very best for the parish and its future: Senior Warden Sue Samoviski, Junior Warden Terry Hurst, members Jennifer Gattermeyer, Kim Jewett, Lee Parrish, Vic Russo, Ginny Woods, and Treasurer Tom Woods and Investment Treasurer Jenn Elliott. We were also pleased to include Mike Samoviski in his capacity as Chair of the Search Committee.

As you might expect, this year’s retreat focused heavily on our sacred time of transition. First we discussed the life-cycle of organizations. Every organization, including churches, has a life cycle, starting with birth and development, usually growth then plateauing, possibly declining and, in the worst-case scenario, dying. In tracing the life of Trinity Episcopal Church over that past few decades up to the present moment, the Vestry concluded that after a period of decline in attendance and perhaps spirit, the parish is in a period of renewal that can lead to further growth and development.

The Vestry also worked to develop their hopes for what we will have accomplished by the end of the year, most notably the call of the person God would have serve as the next Rector. Other highlights include updating our website and continuing to improve our social media presence, live streaming our Sunday service, integrating Invite-Welcome-Connect into the life of the parish, increasing the number and amount of pledges, and publishing a compelling Parish Profile.

To facilitate the ongoing work of the Vestry, we drafted a set of “Norms.” They focus on how we can have effective and productive meetings where everyone is a full participant, listening and acting respectfully and with open minds. We will be striving to reach consensus, and to carry out our responsibilities as fiduciaries and leaders of the parish. The Norms will be finalized at our April meeting. As a reminder, Vestry meetings are open to any member of the congregation except in the unusual situation when the Vestry goes into executive session due to a requirement for confidentiality. And we will begin posting the minutes of Vestry meetings.

It was a rich, productive and very fun day! Thanks be to God.

Peace and blessings, Lou+

Celebrating Herm Lorance's 100th Birthday!

During Coffee Hour This Sunday, April 6

This Sunday, April 6, we will celebrate Herm Lorance's milestone 100th birthday! Please join us in the Memorial Room for coffee hour after the 9:30 a.m. service for cake and a time of fellowship with Herm!

Herm's birthday is on Friday, April 4th. If you would like to mail him a birthday card, his address is 1220 Lisa Renee Dr, Hamilton, OH 45013.

ECW Meeting This Sunday, April 6

The monthly ECW meeting will be held this Sunday, April 6, in the Fellowship Hall following Coffee Hour. This will be a potluck with a Spring theme, and for the program, Shirley Sutmiller will provide instruction on chair yoga.

Envisioning Our Future Event on Sunday, April 27

Mark Your Calendars!

We're only three weeks away from a critically important event in the transition process! On Sunday, April 27 at 9:30 a.m. we will gather in the Fellowship Hall for Holy Eucharist and Envisioning Our Future. More details soon as to why your participation is vital to calling a new Rector.

Lenten Series Continues on Wednesdays

Invite-Welcome-Connect

Not Your Father’s Lenten Series

As usual, our 5-week Wednesday evening series begins at 5:30 pm with a soup and salad supper and fellowship. Tonight’s program will look at how we can be more effective in connecting and incorporating newcomers into our community. Lou will begin the program at approximately 6 with introductory remarks followed by small group discussion and brainstorming, with sharing and wrap-up at the end. We will adjourn by 7 pm.

Update on our Stewardship Campaign - With God, all things are possible!

Thanks to everyone who has already responded by turning in their pledge for 2025. We are halfway through our campaign and so far, have received 22 pledges for a total of $77,480. We are very grateful for everyone's participation in this effort to provide generously for the mission and ministries of Trinity Episcopal Church. All pledges will be blessed at the Altar on Palm Sunday, April 13. If you have misplaced or not received your pledge card, they are also available in the Memorial Room.

Wait and watch with Christ in the Peace Chapel as part of your Holy Week worship. A sheet is available in the Memorial Room to sign up for one or more 1-hour time slots.

As the disciples waited with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before his death, we too wait and pray with Jesus as we remember Jesus' passion, death, and resurrection.

Almoners Fund Ingathering This Sunday, April 6

Each first Sunday of the month we gather funds for the Rector's Discretionary Fund, also known as the Almoners Fund. These funds are used at to help those in need.

All loose cash in the Offering Plate on Sunday, April 6 will go to the Almoners Fund. Or you can use one of the special envelopes in the pews.

You can also write a check payable to “Trinity Episcopal Church – Almoners Fund” or use Trinity's online giving link and select Almoners Fund.

Thank you for helping to care for those in need!

Palm Sunday and Holy Week Services

We hope to see you at these special worship services!

Palm Sunday - April 13 at 9:30 a.m.

Maundy Thursday - April 17 at 7:00 p.m.

Good Friday - April 18 at Noon

Easter Sunday - April 20 at 9:30 a.m.

Easter Flowers Donations

If you would like to contribute to purchasing flowers for the Easter Day Feast of The Resurrection, you can use the envelopes available in the pews and put it in the offering plate, or you can mail check donations to Trinity Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 851, Hamilton, OH 45012.

If you are donating in memory or honor of someone, please provide that information in the space provided on the pew envelope or include a note with the check. Dedications will be printed in the bulletin for the Easter Sunday service.

Checks should be made payable to "Trinity Episcopal Church" with "Easter Flowers" in the memo line.

Thank you!

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.

Trinity's Clothes Closet Needs 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. We also have a children's clothes closet, which is in need of toys.

Current Special Donation Needs:

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!

Sunday Worship at Trinity Episcopal Church

115 North 6th Street, Hamilton, OH

Sunday, April 6, 2025

Fifth Sunday in Lent

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, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

This Week at Trinity

Wednesday, April 2

Parish Office Open -- 9:00 AM - Noon

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

Lenten Series w Soup & Salad Supper -- 5:30 PM-7:00 PM–Rm

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

Thursday, April 3

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

Friday, April 4

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

Sunday, April 6 - Fifth Sunday in Lent

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

Celebration of Herm Lorance's 100th Birthday during Coffee Hour following the service – Memorial Room

ECW Meeting following Coffee Hour – Fellowship Hall

Monday, April 7

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, April 9

Parish Office Open -- 9:00 AM - Noon

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

Lenten Series w Soup & Salad Supper -- 5:30 PM-7:00 PM–Rm

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

Thursday, April 10

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

Friday, April 11

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

Sunday, April 13 - Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday

Blessing of the Palms, Holy Eucharist Rite II -- 9:30 AM – Sanctuary

Coffee Hour following the service – Memorial Room

Memorial Service for Thomas Snow -- 1:00 PM – Sanctuary

APRIL 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.

APRIL BIRTHDAYS

Herm Lorance - 4/4

Anita Dohn - 4/11

Beth Blaylock - 4/13

Michael Clifton - 4/13

Warren Grossklaus - 4/14

Mark Durbin - 4/21

Chris Russo - 4/25

Mike Bahlmann - 4/29

APRIL MARRIAGE ANNIVERSARIES

None

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:

Carl and Mary Bishop
Goldie McKinney, mother of Pat Combs
Suzi Samoviski, sister-in-law of Mike and Sue Samoviski
Lee and Jackie Parrish in their grief on the recent death of Lee's sister
Linda and Jack Griffin in their grief on the sudden death of Linda's brother, Thomas Gregory Snow
Kim Jewett
Pam Bates' Aunt
Jennifer Torres Bates' Father
Joan Fields-Cox, who has died, and for her family in their grief, especially her daughters Susan and Jennifer
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
Mort Mullens
Art and Sandra Pizzano
For Taylor David Luxford, son of Karen & Jim Schwartz, who is undergoing treatment for melanoma
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
Sue and Ken Lawrence
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
Herm Lorance
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
Tom 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.