OPENING SENTENCES

Last week the clergy of the Northern Convocation met with Bishop Councell at Good Shepherd in Rahway. After opening with a prayer, has asked us all to go around and share a blessing we’d experienced recently. I immediately thought of the dedication of our Labyrinth, since we’d had so many people at the service, and so much recent planting has just been done. But on the way home I could hardly stop thinking of all the blessings I had to be thankful for: We’ve just started a new group of Confirmands on their journey in faith. Lead staff members are in place for Calico Cat, and the new Kindergarten class is over half-filled for the fall. We had perfect weather for our Workday and many hands accomplished many important tasks. I’m making plans for my fall sabbatical and have excellent clergy lined up to be with you while I’m gone. New people are coming and joining to hear and share the Good News of the Gospel here with us at Holy Trinity. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

Week after week we gather to give God thanks and praise for the many blessings we have received, and to seek meaning and purpose in those set-backs we simply cannot understand. And now, as we approach summer, its hard to believe that it’s just nine months since we had our parish history day and launching our full fledged celebration of 150 years as a congregation. Next Sunday we finish off our “program year” with a celebration of our present and our future; Youth Sunday and the Parish Picnic. It’s always a major highlight of the year, but please, don’t let it be the end of putting “church” on your calendars for Sunday mornings until September!

Summer is a Great Time to Worship at Holy Trinity! With the 9am service, even if you linger around at Tea Time, you’re still on your way by 10:30. We also shorten the service somewhat, the sermon gets moved back to it’s rightful spot after the Gospel, and the kids spend no more time in church for a full service in the summer than they do for the part they’ve gotten used to during the school year. Summer is also the only time, except for Easter Day, that the whole congregation, 8 and 10, worships together.
And, this summer in particular, I can pretty much promise that the preaching will be fantastic! Since Polly’s now at the lake full time, I didn’t have to pick dates to be gone and then fill them with supply priests who were free on those days. Way back I contacted my two favorite priests in the diocese who don’t have churches of their own, and chose my vacation according to when they could come. The Rev. Jarrett Kerble from Princeton will be here on June 27 and July 4. I’ve known him for many years since he showed up in the Diocese of Chicago to take on a major parish there. Since his wife was called to run the Princeton University Chapel, he’s operated a community based outreach ministry in Princeton, and two years ago he gave a stirring address at Diocesan Convention. On July 18 and 25 you’ll have chance to meet The Rev. Greg Bezilla, the Chaplain at Rutgers, who will be leading you in worship while I’m on sabbatical. Then, The Rev. Ed Chinery, who’s being ordained at 10am on June 19th at Trinity Cathedral will be back here at his old “discernment parish” on August 8th. And, just in case you enjoy my preaching, I’ll be trying real hard this summer to make everyone long for my return once I’m gone for the Fall. God is Good …. All the time!

God’s Peace be with You,
Fr. Phil

CALICO CAT SUMMER NEWS!

Finally it is here! Summer, the season that many of us await all year long! Well, for Calico Cat it will be a fun filled WORKING summer! For the first time we will not be closing our doors at all in between the school year and our first official day of Summer camp on June 21st. Full day fun and even some learning will be filling our classrooms and even a field trip on most Fridays. Our camp program is open to ages 3-8 full time or part time. Please call Dominique if you would like further information or a calendar. Perhaps you would like to join us on a particular day to donate your time to be with our children and guide them through adventures in Zoo Week, Patriotic Week, Cooking Week, Beach Week, or perhaps Sports Week? Bring your kids and come be a part of Calico Cat’s first annual full day, full SUMMER EXPERENCE!

On May 22nd Calico Cat had a busy Open House! Eleven families dropped in and learned about our school and the programs available. Three of those families registered! Kindergarten developments are going well, and steadily building, our staff is in place for September, in fact our staff for all classes is in place. 

I feel very strongly that fall 2010 will be very successful for Calico Cat. We have really gotten the word out to the community that we are here with an expanded quality program that has something to fit a diversified spectrum of scheduling needs for today’s family. Having a consistent presence with our advertisements in the Sentinel has been cost effective, and I feel a great way to inform the community that we are here for them! However, we still have much work to be done, and many more people to reach!

The support from the Parish as a whole has been a key life line to the momentum and enthusasiam in which new ground has been covered and new challenges taken on. I also want to acknowledge the support of the vestry who has never faltered with their encouragement and empowerment to keep striving to bring the concept of growth and expansion of Calico Cat a reality. 

I feel proud to be part of such a special place, where special things are happening every day. I promise to continue to do my best to keep the program a high quality one, and continue to heighten the awareness within the community of what we have to offer.

Peace!
Dominique Kaczmarek

REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS
For Our Parish Members and Families:

             Carolyn Bartz, Mary Lou Burke, Bea Buscaglia, Guan Ti Chan, Esther & Michael Charban Chris Croes,  Victoria DeAngelis  Beth Donnamaria, Ryan Donnelly, Kloe Garcia, Cal Ita, Alyce Knittel, Ellen McConnell, Lucia McWilliams, Shannon & Camarie Miller, Tom Miller, Jared Picone, Robert Seuling, Helen & Wellington Wei 

For Others:

Cheryl Andreadis – request of the Webb/Wilczewski families
Carol Baird – request of Vicki O’Leary
Madison Brandt – request of the Brandt family
  John Creviston – request of Bill Kendrick
Mary Gall – request of Louise Hyland
John Gernert – request of Donnelly family
Keith Green – request of Claudia Miller
Campbell Hoyt – request of Robin McKay
Gail Humphrey – request of Vicki Menzer
Carol & Kathleen Kelly – request of Kathleen Kelly
Kassidy Koslov – request of Kathleen Kelly
Anthony Lee – request of Anne Phillips & family
Claire Mele – request of Sue Dell
Dottie Miklos – request of Donnelly Family
Anne Phillips - request of Ellen McConnell
Delaney Rose – request of Claudia Miller
Reggie Stephanic – request of Ellen McConnell
Sean Thompson-request of Prime Family
Devon Williams – request of Donnelly family

 For our Military Serving Around the Globe:

Ryan Marciniak – request of Kelly Brandt
Abraham Marsh – request of Hannah Koroma
Samuel Palmer – request of Hannah Palmer-Koroma
Christopher Pinelli – request of Prybeck Family

A “Celebration of Life” Parish-wide Social

Friday, June 18th 
(NOTE CHANGE OF DATE)

Informal Eucharist at 6 PM
Covered Dish Supper at 7 PM in the parish hall
(NOTE TIME CHANGE)

Most of us have had someone we love die. This is an opportunity for us to celebrate them. We want photos for display and sharing.

Last spring, Sister Elizabeth Mary and I were busy planning her birthday celebration for June, the Saturday before her June 22nd birthday. She didn’t make the party physically, because she died April 30. She was celebrated anyway on the date planned. And that gave me the idea for an annual celebration.

We will join for an informal Eucharist inside the church at 6 PM and then celebrate in the church hall with a covered dish dinner.

The party is being organized by Sister’s friends,
but is open to everyone 

RSVP by either calling with what you plan to bring at 732-238-1520 or e-mail bjensen238@aol.com. 

We look forward to this time together.
Deacon Barbara & all of Sister’s Friends

SUMMER SAVINGS

There are none! It costs just the same to run Holy Trinity in the summer as it does the rest of the year. Everyone still has to get paid, and the savings in gas is made up for by the increase in electricity and water use. The good news is that, just because your attendance is more erratic in summer, doesn’t mean your giving has to be! You may be “on the go” this summer, but the message at the Parish Meeting in May was to: 

GIVE BEFORE YOU GO

So far we’re right on budget with giving and expenses for 2010. So, we’re not asking you to give more, simply to give what you’ve pledged or what you’ve been giving if you chose not to pledge. Thank you for all you’ve been doing to keep us on track, just remember to keep up your support of our church even when you’re not able to be here.

The Stewardship Committee

A CONTEMPORARY PSALM

Blessed are the church members who pay their pledges before their vacation cometh.

They then go forth with a light heart; they wear casual clothing as they wander in pleasant places; they anoint their bodies with suntan lotion and insect spray; they sit beside the still waters, hoping that the fish will bite and the bugs will not.

They build a fire of charcoal and place savory meat thereon and the wind wafteth to their nostrils a pleasant scent; they eat thereof and are satisfied.

Night cometh.

They close their eyes in glad tiredness with thanksgiving to God, and their sleep is undisturbed, for they know that the good work of their church will not be diminished while they are away.
~copied

FAVORITE HYMNS SUNDAY - JUNE 13TH

Sunday, June 13th, will be the last Sunday for 2 services before we go to the summer schedule.
This Sunday has been designated "Favorite Hymns Sunday". The hymns we sing for that day will be taken from the ones YOU submit!
There is a ballot box and blank ballots in the back of the church for you to designate your favorite hymns. Please write your favorite hymns on the ballots and turn them in no later than Wednesday June 9th. You may choose hymns from the 1982 Hymnal or "Lift Every Voice and Sing". You do NOT need to know the number of the hymn. You can just write down the name of the song or the lyrics if you can't remember the name.
You can also e-mail your choices to jimmccon@optonline.net . 
WHAT IF MY FAVORITE HYMN ISN'T USED THAT DAY???
Take heart! The ballot box will remain and the hymns you continue to submit will be used throughout the summer as well.

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS

Last Sunday the Weefolk were wonderful in leading us all through The Lord’s Prayer at the 10am Eucharist. Their free and easy love of God and of each other is beautiful to behold. Many thanks to Jennie Racek and Karen Rizzo for the powerful ministry they have with this group.

The Primary School classes are in the midst of a section of studying the Labyrinth. Deacon Barbara Jensen showed the group pictures and explained the whole idea of labyrinths to them before allowing them to draw their own versions. This week they’ll be walking our Labyrinth under the guidance of Ellen McConnell, and hearing the story of Jesus Temptation in the Wilderness. Finally they will hear the story of Abraham and where the Oak of Moreh, for which our Labyrinth is named, fits into the story of the first Patriarch of our faith.

As the school year winds down, I invite anyone who is interested in helping to nourish our children in the faith to please talk to me or to Kim DeSarno about how your gifts might best be used in the Sunday School next year.

Fr Phil

STEWARDSHIP OF THE PRAYER LIST

The most important thing we do as a community of faith is to pray. We pray together, we pray on our own, we pray for ourselves, for each other, and for those we don’t even know. Our prayers are such a powerful way we have of sharing in the grace of God.

We have two prayer lists here at Holy Trinity, the Sunday Bulletin list and the Prayer Circle list. On Sunday mornings we pray aloud for members and their immediate family who are in need of prayers. Others submitted by members and staff are listed in the bulletin for us to pray for on our own, either in church or at home. This list also appears in the Trumpet. All of those people, along with others whose names are submitted specifically to the Prayer Circle are prayed for daily by at least two members of the group.

During the first full week of June we are going to be starting over will all of our prayer lists. Starting on June 9 for the Prayer Circle and June 13 with the Sunday Bulletin, we will be listing only names that we’ve received updated requests for. So, if you’d like someone to be on the Sunday list, please be sure and fill out another prayer form or call the parish office with their name, reason they’re being prayed for, and your name. If you wish to have someone prayed for by the Prayer Circle, but don’t feel they need to be listed in the Sunday Bulletin, please email this information to Ellen McConnell cats4all@optonline.net or to me phkasey@comcast.net. 

ANYONE WISHING TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MINISTRY OF THE PRAYER CIRCLE IS INVITED TO OUR NEXT MEETING ON WED JUNE 9.

SUMMER SCHEDULE

Our Summer Sunday Schedule of ONE SERVICE begins on Father’s Day, June 20th. The final 9 AM service will be on Labor Day weekend, September 5th. Opening Day with services at 8 AM and 10 AM and Sunday School registration will be September 12th.

TEA TIME

Summer refreshments are simpler than our usual coffee hour, so please sign up on an open date to provide either iced tea or lemonade on a summer Sunday along with a plate of cookies, muffins, or whatever you’d like to serve. Refreshments will generally be served outside by the bell, but may be set up in the hall in case of rain or extreme heat.

Shopping with SCRIP = Shopping with CASH

Except for one little difference…..

So the only question is….
Why are you still shopping with cash?! 

Go now to www.ShopWithScrip.com, register with just your name, email address, a password you create and Holy Trinity’s SCRIP Enrollment Code: 43564AB421837, and then…..start ordering. You can either pay online through PrestoPay (similar to Paypal) OR pay with cash or check when you pick up your order of SCRIP cards at HT.

SCRIP is perfect for every-day needs like gas (Wawa, BP, Exxon, Mobil, and Sunoco), groceries (Shop Rite, A&P, Acme, and Sam’s Club), pet needs (Pet Smart) and health and beauty items (CVS, Walgreen’s, Rite Aid). 

SCRIP is perfect for gift-giving for recipients of all ages and phases of life (baby, child, teen, young adult, parents, grandparents).

SCRIP is perfect for extras: home repair projects, clothes shopping, online shopping, and dining out (from fast food to fancy). 

There is ONE OTHER VERY IMPORTANT REASON TO SHOP WITH SCRIP:
HT will be using the funds generated through this simple, painless fundraiser to pay down the $3000.00 balance due on our Diocesan Fair Share Payment for 2009 (if you recall, there was an underpayment of our 2009 Fair Share contribution). 

So place your personalized order online AND/OR stop by the SCRIP table on Sunday mornings to purchase one or more of our stock SCRIP cards (if you aren’t comfortable placing your specialty order online, you can place your order in-person on Sundays).

PLAN AHEAD…

SAVE THE DATE!!!

2nd Annual Taste of Holy Trinity
Saturday
September 25, 2010
5 – 7 PM

YOUTH SUNDAY AND PARISH PICNIC
JUNE 6TH

Next Sunday is our annual Youth Sunday celebration at the 10am service. There will be a lot of good stuff happening that day, but you especially won’t want to miss the preaching of our very own DYNAMIC DUO of Anna Palaski and Tyler Picone. Anna and Tyler have known each other forever and have one of the greatest Holy Trinity friendships of all time. 

And, don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs, so you have a place to sit for the Parish Picnic immediately following the service (8 o’clockers, please come back!) If you can bring a salad or dessert to share, that’s great, but NOT Required for admission! The Men of Holy Trinity will have plenty of food coming off the grill for everyone.

DEAR PARISH FAMILY …

If you’re not getting emails from me that start out like this, please let me know! Email me at phkasey@comcast.net so that I can include you in my messages to the parish. This will be especially helpful in the summer, since the next Trumpet won’t be coming out until just before Labor Day (You got that one right!!). This is a great way for me to share what’s on my mind or something that’s going on with all of you, and I’d like for everyone who’s interested to be receiving these messages. 

Fr. Phil

HELP FOR HAITI

There’s a great way to provide help for the continuing need in Haiti next Saturday, June 5th.
St. Luke’s Metuchen is having a Strawberry Festival with Bluegrass Music from 2-5pm at 
17 Oak Avenue in Metuchen. All proceeds will go towards the recovery efforts in Haiti funded by Episcopal Relief and Development.

ALTAR FLOWERS NEEDED FOR SUMMER

We have many blanks on the altar flower schedule this summer. Since we didn’t budget for altar flowers, but count on their being donated; I’m making an executive decision to have flowers on the altar ONLY on those Sundays that someone signs up to give them as a memorial or a thanksgiving. If you wish to donate and arrange flowers from your garden, sign up and write “Will Bring” on the list so we won’t make a purchase for that week. Marian can show you where vases are in the kitchen if you need them.

Fr. Phil

A “Hero” will save us
By Martin J. Spielman, Jr.

I’ve always found the symbolism and storytelling of pop music to be fascinating. Since my over stimulated teen years KISS has always been my favorite group. I always laughed when their music parodied the media, but mostly their music was very much always about the subjects normally bouncing around in an over stimulated teen’s brain.

Of course other groups try to be more subtle and some of the themes and conjured images are downright worrisome. Take for example the song “Hero” by Nickelback from the soundtrack of the first Spiderman movie. On the surface I was thinking “Hero,” Spiderman, that worked ok, but then I listened harder to the lyrics, and realized that there appeared to be some anti-Christian rhetoric woven into the song.

In the song the singer is saved by an eagle. I graduated from Edison high and our mascot was the eagle, so far, so good. Or it could be an allusion to J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth trilogy in which the hero of that trilogy is saved from certain death by an eagle. But the song’s concept becomes more of a concern as it progresses.

Someone told me “Love” would all save us, but how could that be look what “Love” gave us. A world full of killing and blood spilling, that world never came.

If we follow the thought pattern that “Love” here refers to God’s love…..

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life. 
John 3:16

Then what we have is Nickelback saying that Christian devotion is a failure because it has not yet lived up to the songwriter’s theory as to its true promise and that we should flee from “Love.”

My main issue with that concept is that it fails to consider freewill. God and devotion are not failures; it is more of an issue of humans and their weakness for the material that have held us back from reaching an idealized society. Jesus suggested that we lead a simple life, but we wanted skyscrapers, malls, and 401k’s.

So perhaps what the writer is really doing is pointing out to us where we have gone wrong and to warn us against our own greed. We’ve populated the Earth, and then some. We’ve gone to the Moon, and further still. But perhaps what we haven’t explored near enough is our faith, our inner love. We have been very faithful to things that we can hold, count and photograph on our iphones. Maybe its time we spend a little more time exploring what’s inside, looking once more for that “Love” of olden times.

The Last Word…

525,969

Those are the number of minutes in a year. Multiply that by 25 and I don’t even want to do the math, because that’s how long it has been since I lost Bob. During the church year, we have followed the life of a specific person; waiting for Jesus’ birth, celebrating the birth itself and tracking the impact of his life on the world of his day. And then comes the ending…leaving us behind in a veil of suffering and with a feeling of abandonment. Three days later, he is risen, and although we don’t understand it all, we know that there is such a thing as resurrection, no matter how bad it gets. In life in Christ, here is where the rubber meets the road.

And what’s the hardest thing about it? The list is long, and it’s difficult to single out just one. But surely among the worst things is the sheer tedium of it – day after day it’s going to be the same thing. There’s no time off for good behavior! He’s never coming back. I’m never going to see him again. Resurrected he may be, but I’m still here, and the time stretches out before me into the future.

But here is something I do know: living a life conscious of resurrection is work. It’s not something you learn about and then “by George, you’ve got it”, like the chemical formula for table salt or the capitol of Alaska or the number of minutes in a year. I have to keep doing it over and over and I can’t do it alone, not that I haven’t tried at times. People have always helped me through and I am part of a loving spiritual community. Still, living a life conscious of resurrection is far from effortless.

This world is basically so beautiful that it’s hard to remember that our world is not all there is. The church tries to help, in the long season after Pentecost, by sending us stories week after week about Jesus turning all our sad limits upside down…feeding multitudes with next to nothing, healing people as good as dead and even some who are dead, so that we will remember that there is a “forever and ever,” even after the string of “nevers” that break our hearts.

Blessed be
Judi

REMINDER:

If you would like to receive your trumpet via email please send your name and email address to holytrinitytrumpet@gmail.net.