Reflections from the Rev. Lou Hays: Stewardship in the Summer?!; Opportunities to Celebration DSO 150th Anniversary; Notes and Items Left in Parish Office; Altar Flower & Coffee Hour Sign-Ups; More

Trinity Church News

August 13, 2025

In this issue:

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Reflections by the Rev. Lou Hays: Stewardship in the Summer?!
Sign-Up to Provide Coffee Hour Refreshments
Notes and Items Left in the Parish Office
Altar Flowers Sign-Ups and Dedication for August 17
From Bishop White: Opportunities to Celebrate 150 Years as the DSO
Hamilton Little Blue Cheer Yard Sale Fundraiser in Trinity's Parking Lot on August 23
Trinity's Clothes Closet: Senior Warden Challenge
Trinity's Clothes Closet Needs Infant Clothing
Follow Us on Facebook
Wear Your Name Tag on Sundays
Photos for Updated Parish Directory
Sunday Service Livestream Information
Worship Information and Scripture Readings for Sunday, August 17
This Week at Trinity
August Birthdays & Anniversaries
Prayer Requests
Online Giving Link

Reflections by the Rev. Lou Hays: Stewardship in the Summer?!

Mid-August usually isn’t when we talk about stewardship. Most parishes have a fall stewardship campaign when everyone is asked to make a generous financial pledge for the coming year. We've gotten a little off track over the past year with pledge drives held after the beginning of the year. Looking ahead, I’m trusting that we will get back on track this fall.

So why am I raising the subject now? Because for the last two weeks our Gospel has been about stewardship! Clearly a sign from God, and I’m only being a little facetious. Two weeks ago with the parable of the rich fool Jesus reminded us not to become possessed by our possessions and to be generous to God. Last Sunday Jesus followed up by reminding us that where our treasure is, our hearts will be also.

We are fortunate that giving seems to be higher than last year and to be holding up over the summer, traditionally a time of year when cash flow can become a problem for many churches. Now we have a new incentive to be generous in our giving. We always want to give in grateful thanksgiving for all of our blessings, remembering that all that we are and all that we have comes from God. And as we get close to the time of posting the Rector position, we will want to dig a little deeper to make sure that our finances will enable us to attract and call the right person to serve as the next Rector of Trinity.

I pray that you are enjoying the remaining weeks of summer and giving thanks for the grace and love of God in our lives and in our community of Trinity Episcopal Church.

Peace and blessings, Lou+

Coffee Hour Refreshments

Sign-Up Sheet for August and September

A sheet is available in the Memorial Room to sign up to provide food refreshments for Coffee Hour during August and September. Thank you for your participation in this time of fellowship!

Notes and Items Left in the Parish Office

If you need to leave a note in the office for Lisa, our Parish Administrator, please sign and date the note so she knows who it is from and when it was placed there. Lisa works in the office on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, so having an understanding of when the note was placed on the desk is very helpful.

Also, if you leave items on the desk or the office, please include a note with your name and what the item is to be used for. Sometimes random items are left in the office and it is unclear if they are intended for a certain person or purpose.

Thank you!

Altar Flower Donations - Dates Available in August and September

If you would like to sign up to donate altar flowers for a Sunday service, please either use the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the Memorial Room, 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.

The Altar Flowers for Sunday, August 17,

are given by Micah Fields and Lucy Wurzelbacher, to the Glory of God, and with grateful hearts for their engagement.

From Bishop White: Opportunities to Celebrate 150 Years as the DSO

People of God in Southern Ohio,

This year, we celebrate 150 years of ministry as the Diocese of Southern Ohio – generations of disciples serving God and joining in the transformation of our communities.

In anticipation of this major milestone, a group of Southern Ohioans have been working together to gather our history, telling our stories of who we are and who we’ve been – in discipleship, in race relationships, women’s ministries, LGBTQ+ progress, and the industrial and economic changes that have affected our communities. A forthcoming book documents their learnings and some of the stories that are important to understanding our legacy as a diocese.

History Webinar

On September 4th at 7 pm, our History & Storytelling Group will host a Zoom webinar for all Southern Ohio Episcopalians. I will host a panel discussion with diocesan leaders representing significant stories or affinities within our diocese:

Robin Holland, chair of our Commission on Ministry and member of St. Philip, Columbus, will represent the resilient presence of our Historically Black congregations.
The Rev. Jane Gerdsen, rector serving St. Barnabas, Montgomery, will represent women’s ordination and other changes in our diocese and church that strengthened women’s ministries.
The Rev. Michael Smith, associate priest serving St. Anne, West Chester, will represent the significant progress toward inclusion and leadership of LGBTQ+ Christians in our church and diocese.
Joshua Sherwood, member of the Diocesan Council and St. Peter's, Gallipolis, will represent the legacy and continuing life of post-industrial river parishes in Appalachia.
The Very Rev. Owen Thompson, dean of Christ Church Cathedral, will represent the Mother Churches which established Episcopal witness throughout our diocese through the founding of new parishes.

Click here to learn more and to RSVP to receive your Zoom link for this webinar.

150th Celebration at Procter Center

This webinar lands in the lead up to our 150th Celebration at Procter Center on Saturday, September 27th, our official festive commemoration in our history as a diocese.

At Procter, we'll pray, sing, play, and eat together as we share and remember our legacy as the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio. Our day of celebration and storytelling will conclude with a special Eucharist with music from an all-diocese Pick-up Choir, the Gospel Choir at St. Margaret's, Trotwood, and with excellent preaching from long-time Southern Ohioan and our missioner for Beloved Community, Miriam McKenney.

Visit our website for all details and to RSVP for this important free event.

I give thanks for the legacy and ministry of this diocese and for the honor of serving among you! Please join me for both of these important events: the September 4th webinar and the September 27th gathering at Procter. We can’t wait to be with you in learning and celebration!

Yours in Christ,

The Rt. Rev. Kristin Uffelman White

Bishop

Diocese of Southern Ohio

Hamilton Little Blue Cheer Yard Sale Fundraiser

Saturday, August 23 in Trinity's Parking Lot

9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Trinity is please to once again provide the use of our parking lot for the Hamilton Little Blue Cheer Yard Sale Fundraiser. Stop by on August 23 to check it out and support the future cheer leaders of the Hamilton School District. Click Here to learn more about Hamilton Little Blue Football and Cheer.

Trinity's Clothes Closet:

Senior Warden Challenge

Trinity Family,

We all take pride in the way our Trinity Clothes Closet does God's work in our community. My challenge to you is this: Come and help at the Clothes Closet just ONE DAY. Come on a Monday or Wednesday from 10 until 12, and see for yourself what God's work really looks like! No commitment. If you get hooked and want to keep coming, your help is certainly needed and welcome. But come for ONE DAY!

Blessings,

Sue Samoviski, Senior Warden

Trinity's Clothes Closet Needs Infant Clothing

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 clothing for newborns and children's toys.

Current Special Donation Needs:

Infant Clothing

Men's and Women's Socks and Underwear

Children's Toys

Feminine Hygiene Products (Pads, Tampons, etc.)

Blankets

Men's T-Shirts and Hoodies

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!

Are you on Facebook? If so, be sure to "follow" Trinity's Facebook page for announcements, updates and photos from our church, the diocese, and the wider Episcopal Church. And be sure to "like" and share our posts with others!

You can find us on Facebook by searching for Trinity Episcopal Church Hamilton Ohio, or through the following link:

https://www.facebook.com/Trinity-Episcopal-Church-Hamilton-Ohio-151615496591/

Wear Your Name Tag on Sundays

The name tags available in the Memorial Room have been updated to include new/recent members. We encourage you to wear your name tag on Sunday mornings.

The name tags include your full first name and last name initial. There are also blank cards available to create name tags for visitors.

Please remember to return your name tag to the rack after the service. There will be a small numbered sticker on the tag to help put them in alphabetical/numerical order to keep them organized.

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 Service Livestream Information

We continue to livestream our 9:30 a.m. worship service every 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."

Sunday Worship at Trinity Episcopal Church

115 North 6th Street, Hamilton, OH

Sunday, August 17, 2025

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

Proper 15

Year C - Track 1

RCL

Holy Eucharist, Rite II

in the Sanctuary at 9:30 AM

The Rev. Kip Colegrove Celebrant and Preacher

Sunday's Scripture Readings

Click on the links above to access the readings.

Collect: Almighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life: Give us grace to receive thankfully the fruits of his redeeming work, and to follow daily in the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

This Week at Trinity

Wednesday, August 13

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

Parish Office Open -- Afternoon

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

Thursday, August 14

Parish Office Open -- Afternoon

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

Friday, August 15

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

Sunday, August 17 - Tenth Sunday after Pentecost | Proper 15

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

Coffee Hour following the service – Memorial Room

Monday, August 18

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

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

Wednesday, August 20

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

Parish Office Open -- Afternoon

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

Thursday, August 21

Parish Office Open -- Afternoon

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

Friday, August 22

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

Saturday, August 23

Hamilton Little Blue Cheer Yard Sale -- 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM – Parking Lot

Sunday, August 24 - Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost | Proper 16

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

Coffee Hour following the service – Memorial Room

Private Burial: Art Graf, Jr. – Memorial Garden

AUGUST CELEBRATIONS

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

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS

Pat Combs - 8/3

Lisa Brandt - 8/4

Mary Bishop - 8/11

Steve Wesley - 8/11

Jackie Huelsman - 8/12

Laurie Kile - 8/15

Kellie Stanforth - 8/23

Avary Vanoss - 8/27

Ken Lawrence - 8/28

Jim Schwartz - 8/29

AUGUST MARRIAGE ANNIVERSARIES

Jack and Linda Griffin - 8/28/99

If we don't have your birth or marriage dates, please contact the office to be included on the list.

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:

Lorie Friedman, friend of Linda and Jack Griffin
Mike Bahlmann, recovering from a neck injury
Tina Chandler
For Pam Bates' aunt, Roxanne Bates, who has died, and for Pam, Jennifer, and their family in their grief
Tom Puckett, who has been diagnosed with esophageal cancer and is undergoing treatment
Joan King
Herm Lorance
Carl and Mary Bishop
Suzi Samoviski, sister-in-law of Mike and Sue Samoviski
Christie Brown
Asher Johnson, grandson of Kathy Smith's friend, Brenda Johnson
Sue Lawrence, who is recovering from recent shoulder replacement surgery
Goldie McKinney, mother of Pat Combs
Beth and Chuck Blaylock
Ann Anderson
John Winkler, childhood friend of Lee Parrish
Kim Jewett
Tisha Patton, who has been diagnosed with cancer
Marilyn Smith, friend of Karen and Bob Fuhrman
Jackie Huelsman
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
Pam Hurst
Lorna and her children
Richard Isaacs
Barb Morris, sister of Tom Woods
David, Gayle Sisson's Brother
Andrew and Maria Cole
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
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
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
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 on Wednesday & Thursday Afternoons

Email and phone messages are checked daily.

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.