It was true two years ago (when I first used this photo), and it's true now! Lent is coming soon, very soon, in fact it begins this coming Wednesday, February 14.
The ecclesial year, like the secular year, tends to move quickly, and major holy days return more quickly than we think they will. This is especially true this year, due to the disaster our church experienced in December. But it is also true that Easter is earlier this year, which means the season after Epiphany is much shorter to accommodate an earlier Lent. And Lent always begins with the observation of Ash Wednesday, which is this coming Wednesday, February 14.
|
|
|
|
But that's Valentine's Day, you may think. Why yes it is. As religious social media reminds us, you can't spell Lent without VaLENTine. Six years ago in 2018, I observed Ash Wednesday for the first time (in my memory) on Valentine's Day. And here it is again!
So here's what you can do if Valentine's Day is a special day for you and your beloved. Ash Wednesday can easily be observed prior to a celebratory dinner. We have two options. One of them is to get "Ashes-to-Go" in front of the Trinity administrative building at 12:00 noon. This is our way of beginning this solemn season in front of our wounded building, realizing that vulnerability and mortality is not limited to human life.
The other option for Ash Wednesday is to attend the 7:00 pm service at Christ UCC, and then go out afterwards to celebrate. It's your option whether to keep or remove the ashes before you go to dinner. It makes for a great "conversation piece" with people around you, though, I'm just sayin'.
|
|
|
|
The Trinity Damage Management Team (hereafter, and until a better suggestion comes along, known as TrinTEAM) will offer updates on our building post-disaster. Every two weeks, TrinTEAM members will give their updates and answer questions for around 10-15 minutes after our Sunday worship service. So if you want to know the latest, come to worship this Sunday, hear the report, and ask questions. The TEAM wll answer them to the best of their abilities.
Membership on the TrinTEAM is open to anyone who would like to serve. It's not too late to join! In fact, as the work goes forward, more people will undoubtedly be needed. Talk to Ken Grieshaber for more information. His contact information is available through Realm.
We will also be offering more ways to receive news about the building. There will be semi-weekly updates in Tidings from Trinity, and we will also use snail mail to inform members not connected via email. A Communications Team is being formed and we will let you know more about that in the weeks ahead.
Stay strong. Live in prayer. Trust in the future.
Blessings,
Pam+
|
|
|
|
For the forseeable future, our Sunday worship services will take place this week at 8:30 a.m. at Christ UCC.
Limited parking may be available in Trinity's parking lot. You may also park in the James Funeral Home parking lot, 527 Center Street, right next door to Christ UCC. Otherwise, please park on the street.
We are so grateful to Christ UCC for their generosity and flexibility in helping us in our time of need.
|
|
|
|
Please do not hesitate to send your pledges and gifts to the church via the mail (USPS). We have made arrangements with the Post Office to pick up all mail, so when you address anything to Trinity Church, it will be received!
You may also send gifts and offerings via Pay-Pay.
|
|
|
|
Now, more than ever, Trinity Episcopal Church needs your financial support. You may still pledge through Realm. |
|
|
|
|
|
Pledge online through Realm! |
Realm is Trinity's online database that keeps track of membership and finances. If you have established your profile in Realm, you can turn in your pledge that way. It's very simple:
|
|
|
No livestreaming available for services at Trinity Episcopal Church for the foreseeable future.
When this changes, we will be sure to let you know!
|
|
|
|
To add a name to our prayer list, inform us through our email account created especially for this purpose.
If you tell me (Pam) in person, I am likely to forget, so using our email is the best way to make sure we pray for you in the Prayers of the People. Email: [email protected]
|
|
For Pastoral Care Emergencies, please call the church at (610) 867-4741, x 325. You may leave a message after hours and that message will be sent directly to Pam’s personal cell phone. Pam’s personal cell phone number is also in the church directory and may be found in Realm. Please be assured that we want to be present to you at times of pastoral need and will offer assistance and support in any way possible. |
|
|
|
Sermons may be listened to via audio. The last one recorded was Christmas Eve Service, December25. These sermons were recorded and available on the website.
|
|
|
|
Birthdays and Anniversaries |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Birthdays
Allison Vail, February 2
Mark Heimbach, February 5
Linda Cortis, February 10
St. Patricia-Michael Hauze, February 12
Robert Hornyak, February 12
Lynn Piccolo, February 15
Jill Weaver, February 17
Caroline Vail Emmons, February 18
Shaira Taud, February 18
Sue Ditterline, February 20
Glen Walls, February 27
|
|
|
|
Anniversaries
Jan and Flex Illick, February 7
|
|
|
|
|
|
44 E. Market Street
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18018
610-867-4741
|
|
Saturday Service: 5:00 pm
Sunday Services: 8:00 & 10:30am
Office: 9:00am-2:00pm, M-F
|
|
|
|
|
