Fifty Great Days! (Also, the Great 50 Days)
We had a couple of lovely bursts of sunshine in our week. On one of them, not only did I learn that miniature daffodils exist, I learned they are blooming at Trinity! What a lovely little highlight in the day as I (and you)
School Supplies Drive
It’s that time of year again to start collecting school supplies for the Urban Mission. The Mission is in need of backpacks, pencils, glue sticks, pens, notebooks, loose-leaf paper, scissors, rulers, and pencil boxes. Please bring donated items to the school display located in the
UTO Update
Trinity’s United Thank Offering project concluded a few weeks ago. Our little blue boxes collected $641.14, which will join countless others to help support the numerous projects sponsored by the Episcopal Church UTO program. Many, many thanks!
Trinity Summer Concert Series Begins
The Trinity Summer Concert Series kicks off Thursday, June 27, with a performance by the Arrhythmias (Big Band swing) at 6:30 p.m. on the south lawn of the church grounds. Admission is free. Concessions will be available. Parking on Sherman Street is encouraged for those
Celebrate With Us!
Join us as we welcome our new rector, the Rev'd Molly Payne-Hardin Sunday, June 2 Worship at 9:30 a.m. (First Sunday) followed by a potluck in the Parish Hall. Bring your signature dish. June 2 also marks the beginning of our summer schedule, one service
The Gratitude Lifestyle: United Thank Offering
Submitted by Kathy Paddock What are the first words a toddler learns to say? Dada, mama, and bye-bye? Yes, of course, but also near the top of the list would be these little words: Please and Thank you. It took our parents and grandparents years
Annual Meeting and Elections, and Pancakes!
The 191st annual general meeting of parishioners and elections will be Sunday, May 5, in the Parish Hall, following our First Sunday combined service at 9:30 a.m. Polls will open an hour before the election. A pancake breakfast will be served. Elections will be held
Year-Round Stewardship workshop offered in Pulaski
Year-Round Stewardship, a free workshop with the Diocese of Central New York, will be offered at several times and locations around the diocese, including 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, at St. James Church, 24 Lake St., Pulaski. Learn fun and useful ways to keep your
The Rev. Molly Payne-Hardin to be rector
Official announcement was made Sunday, March 31, at both services that the Rev. Molly Payne-Hardin has accepted the call to be Trinity’s next rector. A passionate follower of Jesus in the Episcopal Church, the Rev. Molly Payne-Hardin empowers congregations to spread the good news of
Volunteer workers, bakers needed for ECW sale
A message from ECW President Pat Williams The annual Trinity Church rummage sale is scheduled for noon to 4 p.m. Friday, April 26, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 27, in the Parish Hall of Macsherry Parish Center. With the exception of clothing,
March 24 worship
By now you should have received a letter from Rev. Barb, announcing the conclusion of her interim work among us. On her final Sunday, March 24, we will have one service of Holy Eucharist at 9:30 a.m., followed by a farewell coffee hour. If you
Tuesdays in Lent
Join us on Tuesdays in Lent at noon in the Parish Hall for Noonday Prayers. Scripture readings are those especially appointed for weekdays in Lent. Bring a bag lunch, and join us after prayers for fellowship. Prayers begin Tuesday, March 12.
Annual Meeting Reports
Committee chairpersons and group leaders, please compile and send your reports for this year’s annual meeting booklet to the parish administrator by Friday, March 15. Reports cover the period Jan. 1, 2018, through Dec. 31, 2018.
Annual rummage sale set for April 26 and 27
The annual Trinity Church rummage sale is set for noon to 4 p.m. Friday, April 26, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 27, in the Parish Hall. The Episcopal Church Women are accepting any and all gently used items (except clothing) that might
New giving program for Lent
The Trinity Church Outreach Program is hosting a new giving program for Lent. Here is how it will work. Pick up a large plastic bag at the Outreach Table in the main foyer of the parish center. For every day in Lent, place into the
Nominations accepted for May 5 annual meeting
Before you know it, May will be here, and we will be having our annual meeting. At that meeting, Sunday, May 5, voting members (communicants in good standing who are at least 18 years old) will have the opportunity to vote for three vestrymen: two
Holy Habaneros mark 20 years at chili cook-off
The North Country Chili Cook-Off was born at Trinity Church 20 years ago, when the Volunteer Transportation Center (VTC) was located in the old parish house, and Trinity’s team, the “Holy Habaneros,” has participated every year since. Those present at last Sunday’s brunch after the
‘Souper’ Sunday set for Feb. 3
Our February “First Sunday” 9:30 service and potluck falls on the same day as the Super Bowl, Feb. 3, so please join us for worship and “SOUPer Sunday” that day. As you’re considering what to bring for lunch, dig up your favorite Super Bowl dish
Trinity to host American Red Cross blood drive Feb. 23
Trinity Church is hosting an American Red Cross blood drive from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, in the Parish Hall of Macsherry Parish Center. We are looking for people to donate blood if you are able. If you are not able to donate
Trinity to host ‘Way of Love’ diocesan workshop
Ready for spiritual renewal in the new year? Join the Diocese of Central New York for a free workshop on the Episcopal “Way of Love.” Explore practices to deepen your spiritual life, and learn how to share the Way of Love with your community. This
Chili cook-off donations
Trinity’s Holy Habaneros chili cook-off team, led by chef Don Terpstra, will be participating in the 20th annual North Country Chili Cook-Off, which will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at Dulles State Office Building, 317 Washington St., Watertown. The team
Bishop DeDe Duncan-Probe’s 2018 Christmas message
“We have an opportunity to embody, to incarnate, a different message to the world…” Watch above: Bishop DeDe Duncan-Probe of the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York offers a Christmas message for 2018. What does it mean to embody, to incarnate, a message that love
Reverse Advent Calendar
Instead of receiving a gift every day in Advent, consider giving a gift through our Reverse Advent Calendar project, to bless the hungry in our community. For every day of Advent, place one food item in a box and return the box to Trinity on
A Message from Trinity Altar Guild directress
Dear Fellow Parishioners, Being named Altar Guild directress emerita and the dedication of the new Gospel and altar books was and is truly an honor. I accepted with deep gratitude and humility. It has been my pleasure to serve and be a part of the
Diocesan Convention
The 150th Convention of the Diocese of Central New York was held Nov. 10 and 11 at the Holiday Inn, Liverpool. Trinity’s delegation included the Rev. Barb Schmitz, Ronald H. Cole, Daphne L. Sterling, Hannah Bajakian and Ingrid Knudsen. Kyle P. Ramey, a member of
Another saint with Trinity roots
Henrietta Wood Foote Brewer July 13, 1842 - March 17, 1903 Sermons the past two Sundays have focused on the early history of Trinity. This morning, we remember another “saint” with a connection to Trinity, Watertown. Today’s sermon focuses on the remarkable story of Henrietta Wood
Annual holiday bazaar
Trinity’s annual holiday bazaar, sponsored by the Episcopal Church Women, will be from noon to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, in the Parish Hall. The ECW happily encourages one and all to volunteer to bake goodies
Outreach update
During October, 29 food items and $25 were collected for Watertown Urban Mission’s food pantry. Our Fourth Sunday collection for the Mission’s critical needs program yielded $69 and 60 pairs of underwear and 32 pairs of socks were collected through Sundays for Undies campaign. The
Altar Guild directress honored
During our First Sunday service, Nov. 4, new Altar and Gospel books were dedicated in honor of Donna S. Barber. The books are a gift of the Trinity Altar Guild. Mrs. Barber also was honored by Trinity Vestry, which on Sept. 25 signed a proclamation,
Our second First Sunday – All Saints’ Day
All Saints’ Day is a major feast day of the church. We gather together on this “First Sunday” to remember those who, having professed faith in the living Christ in days past, crowned their profession with heroic deaths. Not an official saint in our church
Trinity Concert Series Reaches out to Local High Schools
Following the October 21 concert featuring The Same Stream choir, conductor James Jordan and members of the choir spent time with nearly 50 high school students from Beaver River and Carthage talking about their experiences and answering questions the students had about the group, their
Annual Hats and Mittens Drive
New and gently used hats and mittens for Watertown Urban Mission will be accepted Sunday, Oct. 21, through Sunday, Nov. 4, for delivery to WUM on Nov. 5.
A Message from the Outreach Committee
Thank you to all who participated in the September Pastabilities for Watertown Urban Mission. This month of October we would like to focus on a different critical needs area and that is undergarments for kids. We will be calling it Sundays for Undies! So please
Flu Clinics Scheduled
Get ahead of the flu before the season begins! Flu shot clinics will be offered from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, and after both services Sunday, Oct. 14. The clinics will be held in the parish center library. Registration forms are available at
Urban Mission Update
The following school supplies were collected and taken to the Urban Mission for distribution: 15 backpacks; 11 pencil cases; 40 folders; 19 pairs of scissors; 8 packets of paper; 35 boxes of crayons; 20 highlighters; 66 erasers; 100+ pens; 350+ pencils; 89 notebooks; 13 binders;
At Trinity this Fall
Return to two services Join us next Sunday, Sept. 9, as we return to two services of Holy Eucharist at 8 and 10:30 a.m. Prayer book dedication Also on Sept. 9, copies of the Book of Common Prayer given in memory and in honor of
Rector Search Committee update
Thank you to Ron Roberts (chair), Debra Leopard, Linda Roof, and Frank Whitehead for their diligent work on the Search Committee for a new rector. Their service is greatly appreciated. They have laid an invaluable foundation as the search continues. Search Committee members Peter Gibbs
Back to School Supply Drive
By Hannah Bajakian School supplies are needed for the Watertown Urban Mission Critical Needs Program’s annual “Back to School Supply Drive.” Items include pens, pencils, markers, erasers, re-sealable zipper storage bags, calculators, glue sticks, scissors, highlighters, and new or gently used backpacks. Discount stores are
Trinity to host blood drive Aug. 17
By Patricia Davis Again this year, Trinity Church is hosting an American Red Cross blood drive, from 1 to 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 17, in the Parish Hall. We are always looking for people to donate blood, and we also need other kinds of volunteers
Knudsens Travel to El Salvador
By Thom Knudsen Ingrid and Jill Knudsen are traveling to El Salvador. Last year Ingrid and several other high school youths of the Diocese of Central New York went on the youth pilgrimage to our companion diocese in El Salvador. It was a powerful experience for
Project Linus
Project Linus, a national nonprofit organization, maintains a mission of providing a sense of love, security, warmth, and comfort to children who are seriously ill or in need. More than 7 million children in all 50 states have already received blankets. The success of Project
“School’s Out” PB&J Drive!
Summer can be a very difficult time for families with school-age children who usually get free lunches at school. Help our local families by donating peanut butter and jelly throughout the month of July! We will have a donation box located near the entrance of
Flower Delivery Volunteers Needed
One of our many forms of outreach at Trinity is delivering altar flowers to those who are unable to attend worship or who have a special occasion to celebrate. We know that it is appreciated. We are currently in need of people to deliver these
A Tactile Experience
Aside from the Bible, the most wonderful book to Anglicans is the Book of Common Prayer. Generations of people have held it in their hands to say their prayers in church, at home, on the battlefield, at the beach. It is a tactile experience that
Outdoor Clean-Up and Cookout Luncheon
Join us Sunday, June 3, for ‘Here Comes the Sun’ Sunday. An outdoor work day and cookout lunch will follow the 9:30 service. Everyone is encouraged to wear their work clothes to service, after which we will work on clean-up and mulching of flower beds,
Trinity Vestry Actions Update
At its meeting Tuesday, May 22, Trinity Vestry: Appointed Sue DeMar as clerk, (a non-voting position), replacing Elizabeth Gendron, who had been clerk since 2010 and was elected as a vestryman at the last annual meeting May 6. Appointed Hannah Bajakian and Ingrid Knudsen as
Episcopal Church Woman Outreach: Card Campaign
As an outreach project, ECW is spearheading a greeting card campaign to collect cards for mailing to our soldiers in Iraq. Beginning Sunday, June 3, and continuing until Sunday, June 17, blank greeting cards will be available on the table in the main foyer of
190th Annual Meeting
The 190th annual general meeting of parishioners and elections will be Sunday, May 6, in the Parish Hall. Polls open immediately following the 10:30 a.m. service. A potluck luncheon will begin at 11:45 a.m. Elections will be held for churchwarden (a 2-year term) and four
Vestry Nomination Deadline Approaches
The 190th annual general meeting of parishioners and elections of Trinity Church will be Sunday, May 6, in the Parish Hall. Elections for the following vestry seats will he held: Churchwarden: a 2-year term (2018-2020). Vestrymen: Three 3-year terms (2018-2021) and the remaining 2 years
Maundy Thursday and Good Friday
There will be a prayer vigil in the Chapel of St. Paul, beginning after the Stripping of the Altar on Maundy Thursday, March 29, and continuing until midnight, and from 6 a.m. to noon Good Friday, March 30. A sign-up sheet is available. More than
Combined Service, Lunch and Program Continue
The last few weeks with a combined worship service, lunch, and the self-study discussion groups have been full of energy. We would like to maintain the synergy of this format for another month, through the month of March.* We also sense that it is time
Rector Search Committee News – Feb. 18
Join us Sunday, Feb. 18, following the combined service at 9:30 a.m., for Spiritual Genealogy Part 2, led by the Rev. Barb Schmitz. All are invited to participate in Part 2, even if you did not attend Part 1. A light lunch will be served.
Lent Listening Sessions Scheduled
The Holy Spirit is at work in Central New York, calling us to build loving, liberating and life-giving relationships with God and one another. Our world, dominated by argument and division, needs the Church to model and offer God’s beloved community to all people. When
Bishop DeDe’s Message for Ash Wednesday and Lent
Ash Wednesday: here we are. We begin this Lenten season with a moment of repentance where we turn back to God and change our mind, recognizing our own need for a new beginning. This is our “great do-over!” A time when we remember that we
Wednesday Night Program Returns Feb. 21
Former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams has authored a book, “Being Christian.” In it he discusses baptism, eucharist, ministry, and prayer. It is a fine guide to these Christian basics. If you are considering becoming a member of Trinity, would like a refresher, are interested in baptism
Rector Search Committee News – Feb. 11
Join us Sunday, Feb. 11, following the combined service at 9:30 a.m., for Spiritual Genealogy Part 1, led by the Rev. Barb Schmitz. A light lunch will be served. Childcare is available. Many thanks to Jane Gendron for providing lunch. Regarding Feb. 4 The Search
Rector Search Committee News – Feb. 4
Join us on Sunday, Feb. 4, following the combined service at 9:30 a.m., for the third in a series of small-group discussions, hosted by the Search Committee. The topic is Ministries/Mission. A light lunch will be served. Childcare is available. Many thanks to Evelyn Rule
Rector Search Committee News – Jan. 28
Join us Sunday, Jan. 28, following the combined service at 9:30 a.m., for the second in a series of small-group discussions, hosted by the Search Committee. A light lunch will be served. Childcare is available. Many thanks to Debra Leopard for providing lunch today. Regarding
Rector Search Committee News – Jan. 21
Join us on Sunday, Jan. 21, following our combined service at 9:30 a.m., for the first in a series of small-group discussions, hosted by the Search Committee. A light lunch will be served. Childcare is available. Many thanks to Daphne Sterling for providing lunch. Topics
Reverse Advent Calendar Project Update
On Jan. 8, 447 food items collected through our second annual Reverse Advent Calendar project were delivered to Watertown Urban Mission by Dan Davis, left, and Kevin Thackston, right. Thanks to all who participated!
Guest Preacher Sunday, Jan. 14
On Sunday, January 14, we will welcome a guest preacher, the Rev. Leon “ Toby” Schilling, Director of Pastoral Care Services for Samaritan Health System. Toby is a graduate of SUNY Oswego with a bachelor of arts in psychology and of Union Theological Seminary, New
Rector Search Committee News
The Search Committee was commissioned in December and has had its first planning meeting. On behalf of the Vestry, the Wardens delivered “The Charge” to the Search Committee. The Charge is posted on the bulletin board in the Parish Hall. The next step is to
ECW Charitable Giving
The annual holiday bazaar sponsored by the Episcopal Church Women raised $3,000 to be used for mission. Donations have been sent to Episcopal Relief & Development, the Food Bank of Central New York, Women of Grace Widows’ Fund, the Volunteer Transportation Center of Jefferson County,
Red Cross Blood Drive
Trinity Church is hosting an American Red Cross blood drive from 1 to 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, in the Parish Hall. We are looking for people to donate blood as well as volunteers to help make lunch for the ARC volunteers, to sign people
Presiding Bishop Curry’s 2017 Christmas Message
“Have a blessed Christmas, a wonderful New Year, and go out and make music in the heart of the world,” Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael Curry says in his Christmas message. Watch Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s Christmas message, above. A transcript follows: In
Bishop DeDe’s 2017 Christmas Message: “Always God’s Love”
If you were God, and you wanted people to know of your love and your care for them, if you wanted to save them from their hard-heartedness and selfishness, how would you come to them? I think most humans would come with power, or well-articulated
Holiday Food Drive
There is still time to sign up for this year’s Reverse Advent Calendar to benefit the Watertown Urban Mission food pantry. Use your own box or pick one up in the parish center foyer by the parking lot entrance. Place a nonperishable item in the
Vestry Appointments
At its meeting, Tuesday, Dec. 5, Trinity Vestry appointed Charlotte A. Bach and Lawrence W. Benson II to fill two unexpired vestry terms until the next annual meeting and election, Sunday, May 6. Thank you to vestrymen Thomas H. Peterson and Kevin C. Thackston for
It’s Nearly Time for the Holiday Bazaar!
Have you signed up to help? Will you bake or donate Christmas-themed items you no longer use? Sign-up sheets are in the main foyer of Macsherry Parish Center. And don’t forget to attend the bazaar to do some shopping, have lunch, see your friends, and
Reverse Advent Calendar Project Begins
It is the most wonderful time of the year! Due to the great success of last year’s reverse Advent calendar, we will be doing it again, starting on the first day of Advent, Sunday, Dec. 3. This is how the reverse calendar works. Place a
Play to Benefit Veterans Center
“The Diaries of Adam and Eve,” a play by Mark Twain, will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, and Saturday, Nov. 18, in the Parish Hall. The play explores what it might have been like to be the first two people on earth.
Transition Update
Thank you again to everyone who took the time to meet with me for the one-to-one dialogues. The response was robust, and a brief summary of the conversations may be picked up in person in the parish office during office hours, or by contacting the office
Learn About our New Library
The Trinity Conference Room received a facelift this summer and now includes the Trinity library collection. Many thanks to Kyle Ramey for his woodworking skills and to Emily Kelly and Emily Leopard-Davis for cataloging books. Library orientation will be Oct. 14 at 5:45 and 6,
Disaster Response Efforts Target Vulnerable Communities in West Texas
Episcopal Relief & Development continues to provide technical support and emergency assistance following Hurricane Harvey, as diocesan partners assess damage and respond to critical needs in the affected areas. Now downgraded to a tropical depression, the storm has claimed at least 42 lives, forcing
Operation Gratitude
The Episcopal Church Women of Trinity Church are collecting and shipping handmade hats and scarves to men and women in our armed forces through Operation Gratitude.Flyers with information about the size, color and fiber content of the items are available at the parish center
Stewardship roundtable set for July 11 at Trinity
Trinity Church is hosting one of four informal “roundtable” discussions about stewardship in our parishes. The roundtables, offered by the Diocese of Central New York, are from 7 to 9 p.m. on the following times and locations: Tuesday, July 11, at Trinity, Watertown Tuesday, Aug.
El Salvador Update
A total of $449 was raised at the pancake breakfast June 17 to benefit the Knudsens’ trip next month to our companion diocese in El Salvador. Thanks to all who have made monetary donations! There is still time to donate through the Sunday collection plate
Interim Rector Announced
We are pleased to announce that the Rev. Barb Schmitz will be Trinity’s interim rector. She will begin her interim ministry at Trinity on Tuesday, Aug. 1. She has served parishes in transition in Central New York as well as in dioceses across the United
Knudsens to Travel to El Salvador
Thom and Ingrid Knudsen are going to El Salvador to commune with our companion diocese, the Anglican Episcopal Diocese of El Salvador. Their journey will be July 19 through 26 as part of the Youth Pilgrimage Ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Central New
Free in Christ: Trinity Church in Lowville launches addiction recovery program
In recent years, deaths by drug overdose and suicide have been on the rise in the North Country region of our diocese. Steve Virkler of the Lowville Journal & Republican interviews Fr. Ed Murphy of Trinity Church in Lowville to learn how this Episcopal church is partnering with
Bishop DeDe’s Easter Message: “How will we offer the resurrected love of Jesus Christ in every situation?”
Dear People of Central New York: In this sacred Holy Week, we journey with Jesus through his last meal with friends, his prayer and lamentation in the garden, his suffering and passion, his death on the cross, and ultimately to that Easter moment when
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s Easter Message: “Don’t be ashamed to follow Jesus.”
It’s taken me some years to realize it, but Jesus didn’t just happen to be in Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday. He wasn’t on vacation. He wasn’t just hanging out in town. Jesus was in Jerusalem on purpose. He arrived in Jerusalem about the