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An Easter Reflection
By J. Davey Gerhard
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Easter morning begins with an empty tomb and the proclamation that death has been defeated. Christ is risen, and with him rises a hope that
cannot be contained, a joy that spills over every boundary, a love that fills every corner of creation.
The resurrection reveals God’s ultimate declaration of abundance: not even death can limit the life God offers. When the women come to the tomb, when the disciples run to see, when Thomas doubts and then believes, each encounter widens the circle. No one is left out of the invitation to new life. Easter shouts what the spiritual Plenty Good Room sings: there is space for all at God’s table; choose your seat and sit down.
Scarcity says death has the final word, but Easter proclaims life abundant. Scarcity says we must cling tightly to what we have, but resurrection invites us to share freely, knowing that love multiplies. Easter is not only a promise for what comes after death, but also a call to live generously now – in our communities, in our relationships, in our stewardship.
Every gift we offer, every pledge we make, every act of generosity becomes a witness to resurrection hope. We become bearers of life when we invest in the mission of the Church, feeding the hungry, sheltering the lost, welcoming the stranger, proclaiming the Good News. The resurrection does not shrink the table – it expands it beyond imagination. There is plenty good room in the Kingdom of God, and the risen Christ is the host.
This Easter, may we live as resurrection people: fearless in hope, generous in love, steadfast in proclaiming that God’s abundance is for all. For Christ is risen indeed, and in him we are raised to a new life of generosity and joy.
Question for Reflection: For you, what is an abundant life?
“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” — John 10:10
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J. Davey Gerhard is the Executive Director of TENS and believes in God’s all-inclusive invitation to find Love when we are gathered together. He lives, works, and worships in San Francisco, California.
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Welcome this Sunday's presiding priest:
The Rev. Jonathan Mayo will be returing this Sunday May 1st as presiding preist. Hope you can join us.
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Additional Parking for SUNDAY Services
Having a hard time finding a spot on Sunday mornings? Use the Herron Funeral Home and Crematory lot located at 458 Center Street, Bethlehem (corner of Center & E. Market Streets).
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Mark your calendar 5/31 is Trinity’s next COFFEE HOUR!
Please plan to join us Sunday, May 31. We will meet after the service in the UCC’s ALL PURPOSE room. There will be light refreshments (pastries, fruit, etc.) and of course coffe and tea.
Coffee & Fellowship Hour will be offered the last Sunday of every month immediately following the service. Mark your calendars with the following future dates:
May 31st, June 28th and July 26th
We hope you'll join us Sunday!
| | May's Second Sunday Collection: Second Harvest | | |
The Second Sunday Collection for May will be for Second Harvest of the Lehigh Valley.
The following is the most needed items for donation. Second Harvest accepts all nonperishable items (foods that do not need to be frozen or refrigerated). We prefer non-glass containers. When collecting food for your drive, please keep in mind that we need nutritional food items that are low in sodium/salt and sugar. It’s important that those individuals with limited financial (and other) resources receive the most nutritious foods available.
FRUITS AND VEGETABLES: canned vegetables and fruits (dried fruits, fruit cups), vegetable or fruit juice (100%), Tomato sauce, spaghetti sauce without meat; PROTEINS: canned meat (tuna and chicken) Dried beans, lentils or peas, canned beans canned chili, peanut butter, nuts, trail mix, soups/stews (canned or dried); GRAINS: low-sugar/high-fiber cereal, oatmeal, whole-grain pasta, rice and crackers, whole-wheat flour; MILK: evaporated milk, dry milk; COOKING OIL: olive oil, canola oil, coconut oil; NON-FOOD: paper products, diapers, toiletries
IMPORTANT: To ensure safety, Second Harvest cannot accept rusty or unlabeled cans, perishable items, homemade items, non-commercial canned or packaged items, alcoholic beverages or mixes, energy drinks, open or used items, glass containers, baby food and baby formula.
For every $10 DONATION, Second Havest can PROVIDE 30 MEALS to community members in need. For more information, click the link to visit their website https://www.communityactionlv.org/secondharvest
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Rector Search Committe
The members have been selected. The Vision and Mission Statements for Trinity have been updated. Now the search is on for our new rector.
Search Committee Members are:
Linda Cortis, Jose Garcia, Cole Hamel, Marcie Lightwood, John Majczan, Ross Mangina, Susan Martin (Chair), Chris Martocchio
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Mark Your Calendar: Trinity's Night Out!!!
Thursday, June 18th, 2026!!!
Join us for a family-friendly, fun night out as we head to Coca-Cola Park, where the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs will take on the Worcester Red Sox. Tickets are $13 with a $2 credit to be used for the store or concessions. Tickets are available through May 18th. Contact Steve Filko (267) 736-1109 or Lynn Piccolo (610) 462-2133 for more details. Hope to see you all there!
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Volunteer Opportunity: English Language Tutoring
The English Language Classes program, an adult ESL program which operates at the Cathedral of the Nativity, is looking for volunteers. The free, non-denominational program has been in operation since 2021 and currently serves over 60 community members. Tutors help students improve their confidence in English speaking and listening, enhance familiarity with customs and procedures, and address needs by referring to appropriate resources. In addition, through participation in the program tutors help create the safe and welcoming community we all want for the Bethlehem area.
Classes run from 7-9PM twice weekly, and tutors should commit to attending four or more sessions per semester. No experience is needed and there is no need to speak a second language. Orientation and training is provided. A Pennsylvania criminal background check is required.
Anyone who is interested may call Ceil Connelly-Weida, one of the team volunteers, at 610-653-3278.
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| 2026 Episcopal Church Calendars/Daily Devotionals | | As a reminder, the 2026 church calendar and Forward Day by Day, the daily devotional booklets are available. The ushers can direct you to their location in the back of the church, if you are interested. | | |
Our Capital Campaign Continues
Even though the active phase of our campaign has ended, the window is still open. If you were still considering your response or just hadn’t gotten around to returning your card, please do so. We will continue to gratefully accept your contribution to this campaign.
It's ever too late to experience the joy of generosity!
To contribute to the campaign, click here:
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From the Episcopal
Public Policy Network
When words fail, but you need to pray, click the link below to read prayers offered by the Episcopal Public Policy Network.
Many other resources are also available at their website:
Click here for prayers
Click here for EPPN website
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