When people in authority challenged Jesus, he often responded to their challenges with a parable.
Book of Matthew
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Welcome this Sunday's presiding priest:
The Rev. Jane Arrington Bender, who was scheduled to preside over our service this Sunday, is feeling under the weather. Please keep her in prayer for healing. In her absence, The Rev. Dr. Michael Angel Molina will be substituting as the presiding priest this Sunday, October 11. Hope you can join us.
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Additional Parking for SUNDAY Services
Having a hard time finding a spot on Sunday mornings? You may use the James Funeral Home and Crematory lot located at 527 Center Street (behind UCC's lot) as well as the Herron Funeral Home and Crematory lot located at 458 Center Street, Bethlehem (corner of Center & E. Market Streets).
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Welcome to our Plenty Good Room season of stewardship!
Abundance
This week we celebrate God’s abundance. In creation, in our community, and in our lives, God provides more than enough. How will you share from your plenty?
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Trinity's Offices will be CLOSED Monday, October 12, 2026
In observation of Indigenous Peoples' Day our offices will be closed. We will be open regular hours on Tuesday.
To honor the day take a local tour. Click here for more information.
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October Workshops and
Classes offered
at Nativity Cathedral
with The Rev. Jon Stratton
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The Rev. Jon Stratton of Nativity Cathedral in Bethlehem is offering a variety of workshops in September and October. They are open to everyone in the diocese. These workshops, facilitated by our canons, are especially designed for church professionals and members of our congregation.
Registration is required of all classes. Below are some descriptions and the registration links. Check them out and sign up today. Come learn something new!
Flexible Faith Formation: Models Beyond Traditional Sunday School
For generations, Sunday school relied on age-graded classrooms filled with kids. But what happens when a parish only has a handful of children across all age groups? Today’s changing church landscape calls for flexible, creative approaches that don't depend on large numbers to thrive. This workshop invites ministry leaders to reimagine faith formation beyond traditional classroom structures. Together, we’ll explore practical, small-scale models, from intergenerational worship and micro-groups to family-centered, home-integrated practices, that allow children to grow deeply in faith, no matter the size of your young flock. This workshop will take place on October 24th at 10 am at The Cathedral Church of the Nativity, 321 Wyandotte Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015. Registration required. Click here to Register. A zoom option is available.
Learning About and From Islam - Oct 21st and 28th (Both Wednesdays)
This series will dispel some of the common misconceptions about Islam that, unfortunately, lead to prejudice and fear. Participants will gain knowledge about the core tenets of the Islamic faith and explore several “hot button” issues surrounding Islam, such as Sharia Law and the role of women in Islam. The goal of these sessions is to promote interfaith dialogue and solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters. Sessions will begin at 6 pm. An authentic Mediterranean meal will be served at both sessions. This event is open to the diocese. Registration is required and limited to the first 50 registrants. Click here to register.
| | Next Weekend Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe
will be Visiting the Lehigh Valley | | |
The Diocese of the Susquehanna will welcome a pastoral visit from the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, the Most Reverend Sean W. Rowe, on October 16-17, 2026.
A pastoral visit by the Presiding Bishop is a significant event during which we can share the ministry of our diocese with the leader of our denomination and its chief pastor, and have an opportunity to engage in conversation and worship together. Bishop Rowe is well known to many in Pennsylvania, having served as the Bishop Diocesan in Northwest Pennsylvania from 2007 to 2024, and as Bishop Provisional in the Diocese of Bethlehem from 2014 to 2018.
All members of the diocese are invited to participate in the October 16-17 weekend with Presiding Bishop Rowe. The gathering will take place in the Allentown area.
For more information or to register for this event click here.
All questions can be directed to Paula Lapinski, Missioner for Finance & Events, at plapinski@diosusquehanna.org or 717-710-4800 x.222.
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An Update on our Search for a New Rector
The Search Committee has been working prayerfully and diligently throughout this summer. Our call for a priest was listed on June 1 across the national Episcopal network, our Diocese, and as a featured ad on the Episcopal News Service. We have been working with the Diocesan Canon of Transition Ministry with the preparation and posting of our open position.The Canon is the first person in the chain to receive and vet potential candidates before she then forwards the names to us. We are hopeful that God is preparing a Rector for Trinity as God prepares us to receive them.
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SAVE THE DATE:
Magnify: A women’s justice retreat
Nov. 16-19
Camp McDowell, Nauvoo, Alabama
All lay and ordained Episcopal women involved in ministries of justice and inclusion are invited to connect, be encouraged, build intergenerational connections, and bolster leadership for future women’s ministries.
Offered by the church’s Office of Gender Justice in partnership with lay and ordained women from several dioceses, Magnify will offer times for worship, prayer, Bible study, and teaching on women’s leadership.
Magnify will take place in Alabama, (click link for more information) long regarded as a crucible for justice ministries both within and beyond The Episcopal Church. For women in particular—especially women of color, immigrant women, women living in poverty, and LGBTQ+ women—Alabama represents not only struggle but also the powerful witness of unsung saints.
“By gathering in the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, we seek to learn from diocesan and community leaders on the ground who are holding the line for God’s inclusive love and Gospel-based work for human dignity and thriving,” said Aaron Scott, the church’s gender justice staff officer.
Mark your calendar and watch for more details to follow.
| | Join us for the annual CROP Walk, October 18 with registration at 1:30 pm and a 2 p.m. start from the Christian Education parking lot (entrance off of New Street adjacent to the Kemerer Museum). This year’s walk is about 3 miles and includes a loop to visit the Hispanic Center of the Southside where an active food pantry and other ministries help residents of our city. 25% of the funds raised supports local feeding ministries and 75% address international hunger relief through Church World Service. Walk or share a donation to help. If you are interested in joining or donating to Trinity's Team to end hunger, please see Steve Filko or contact him at 267-736-1109. | | October Coffee & Fellowship Hour is 10/25! | | |
Trinity's NEXT Coffee Hour will be Sunday, 10/25. We will meet after the service in the UCC’s ALL PURPOSE room. There will be light refreshments available.
Coffee & Fellowship Hour will be offered the last Sunday of every month immediately following the service. If you would like to HOST, just providing the light refreshments, (beverages and paper products are provided) please contact Joanne Gulya 484-358-3402.
We hope you'll join us !
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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 7-9 PM 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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