Communion and Community: Discerning Trinity’s Call in a Changed World

Sundays, October 24, November 14 and 21, December 5
1–3pm | Parish Hall, Zoom

The previously announced November 7 session has been rescheduled to November 21.

For more than 18 months, our Trinity Church community, separated by a pandemic, has experienced change and trauma. We have suffered and been challenged in unexpected and unimaginable ways; and this has shaped our lives. As we acknowledge this reality, and as we look forward to the election and installation of the Rev. Phil Jackson as Trinity’s Rector, it is important for us to set aside time to build on what we have learned, to seek communion with God and one another, and to exercise fresh discernment around how we walk alongside all those entrusted to our care.

For four Sunday afternoons this fall, parishioners are invited to join Father Phil in conversation with profound spiritual thinkers and practitioners who have long been considering what it means to be committed to a particular community in times of blessing and in seasons of hardship, loving one another in quiet and bold ways as an extension of our worship of and call to follow Jesus. We heartily invite parishioners to this spiritual exercise in personal and community formation.

Scheduled guests and reflection questions include:

• October 24 — Parker Palmer

  • Remembering that what we love is what we grieve when we lose it, what losses in our life together did you grieve during the worst of the pandemic? What new awareness and opportunities does this raise for you personally and for the church community? 

  • What gifts do you bring to this community, and how might your gifts be of service to others? What might the community do to help you identify, nurture, and offer your gifts?

  • What would help you most to orient yourself, along with others, to the needs of the poor and vulnerable, and to walk alongside the disinherited in our neighborhood, city, and world?

• November 14 — Krista Tippett
  • Jesus says that in giving we receive. What have you given and what have you received in the past year?

  • In our community we hear people speak of church as family. What does that mean for you? How does church family help us both to give and receive?

  • What is one tangible and direct thing you think you can do in service with our church to reach out in love and concern for others? What are the barriers? What will help?

• November 21 — Christian McBride and Melissa Walker

  • How can we as a church community love one another better? How do we build new things or sing a new song together?

  • We use the word community a lot, but what does the “unity” in community actually mean to you?

  • What is the story you yearn to tell about your faith, and your faith in action?

• December 5 — Parker Palmer
  • What keeps us from being vulnerable with each other and God in ways that would lead to spiritual growth? How can we encourage the kind of spiritual friendship and shared action that would lower those barriers?
  • What should our faith commitment look like in practice at critical passages in parish life; e.g., when we must deal with serious conflict, or address human needs rooted in injustice in ways that put us at risk?
  • We believe and affirm that we are called to be the Body of Christ on earth. What does this mean in action as we strive to follow God's calling to the community of faith?

​​​​​After each conversation, members of Trinity’s Vestry and Congregational Council will lead conversations with small groups of parishioners to examine and explore the day’s topic.

Things to know:

• Parishioners are invited to join in person or online.
• Capacity is limited for both in-person and online attendance, and registration is required.
• In-person attendees will be required to show proof of vaccination before entering our buildings. As you arrive, you will be asked to present photo ID along with your vaccination card, Excelsior pass or similar state-issued vaccine passport, or a photo of your vaccination card. As additional safety measures, we also will require attendees to undergo health screenings, wear masks, maintain social distance based on current health guidelines, and adhere to our capacity limits. We are grateful for your cooperation and support as we seek to remain in community in safe and healthy ways.

Parents' Session

Sunday, December 12
10am | Parish Hall

After the Family Service, Father Michael Bird will host a discernment session for parents. While adults review highlights of the four-week series and discuss paths for moving forward, children will be invited into the gymnasium for activities. Registration is not required for this session.

Questions for this session include: 

• Remembering that what we love is what we grieve when we lose it, what losses in our life together did you grieve during the worst of the pandemic? What new awareness and opportunities does this raise for you personally and for the Trinity community? What gives you hope?
• What would help you most to orient yourself, along with others, to the needs of the poor and vulnerable, and to walk alongside the disinherited in our neighborhood, city, and world? 
• How can we as a Trinity community love one another better? How do we build new things or sing a new song together?