Trinity Tidings – January 2024

“Arise, shine; for your light has come,

and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.”

Is 60:1

Fellow Parishioners

Happy New Year! 

My dear siblings in Christ, I am so grateful you have called me to walk alongside you as priest and pastor.  Over the next few months, I’ll be focusing on getting to know you.  This week we move into Epiphany season, that time in the church year when we focus on the many ways Christ’s glory is revealed to everyone on earth. 

Much like the humility of Christ’s birth in the manger, glory doesn’t always look like what we expect.  Sometimes, God’s glory shines through the light of our compassion, through patient listening, or taking a moment to pay attention to beauty.  I would love to hear your stories of encountering God’s glory in your own lives. 

I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself a bit and to answer a few of the questions I am most frequently asked:

I am a native Western New Yorker who has been living in Northern California for the past 30 years. I recently moved back to WNY to be closer to my family.  I am a Franciscan, a vowed member of the Order of Ecumenical Franciscans which is a dispersed community.  I have been a Franciscan for most of my adult life. If you want to know more, please feel free to ask!

My theology training also spans both coasts. I obtained my Certificate in Anglican Studies from the Church Divinity School of the Pacific and a MA in Theology from Christ the King Seminary.   Prior to moving, I was the Founder and Director of Hope’s Space, a wellness center based at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Sacramento.  While I’ve been engaged in pastoral ministry much of my life, my primary career in California was as a marriage and family therapist.

My immediate family includes my wife Kathy, who is also an Episcopal priest, and our dog Didi.  Both of them are constantly teaching me about learning to find God’s glory in the ordinary moments of life, and giving thanks.  I look forward to meeting you and learning about the people in your lives who help you experience God’s glory.

Karen+

Prayer List

Paul, Linda, Rosie D, James, Mike, Andrew, Drew, Dan, Carol, Ruth Ellen, Christopher, Rose P, Lynell, Ashley, Allen, Valerie, Jack K, Ron, Cheryl, Diane S, Mary B, Don M, Zoe, Brad M, Douglas B, Melanie H, Tom & Jill B, Bonnie, Bill P, Richard C, Cooper C, Todd, Tracey, Beverly M, Dave S, Gabrielle, Linda F, Shari, Kathy H, Barbara, Rita C, Patty, Judy, Jen G and family, and Trinity Church.

Please join us

Sundays                      9:30 am – Holy Communion Service and Sunday School

Tuesdays                    10 am-12- Stitch-n-chat

                                    11:30 am-Last Tuesday of the month Healing Eucharist

Coming Events Save the Date 

Vestry Meeting:                       January 14      after 9:30 service

Annual Parish Meeting           January 21      after 9:30 service

Vestry Summary

The vestry met December 10,2023. Vestry approved including two $25.00 gift cards from the alms fund with our gifts for our adopted family. Work on the by-laws continues. Also discussed, music for Christmas services, PIC contract and hall rentals.

The overhead fan for the stove and the stove itself has been checked out and repaired.

The Annual Parish Meeting will be Jan 21 following the 9:30 service, breakfast will be served, please try to join us as we plan for 2024 at Trinity.

Vestry met for second time Dec 17 to go over letter of agreement sent from the diocese. Vestry voted to call Rev. Karen Lawler as our Priest in Charge effective Jan, 2024.

Vestry approved an estimate to repair leak in narthex for $6700. Monies to be taken from Restoration Fund..

Vestry Members

Cathi Crapa 716- 684-7416                 Mary Rose Kotlowski 716-380-3641              

Len Gacek 716-432-5883                    Theresia Mather 716-684-3770

Karen Walczak 716-901-6454             Chris Gregoire 716-684-9347

Altar Guild

Thank you to everyone who helped clean and decorate the church for Christmas. Thank you also for all of your Christmas memorials, the church was beautiful with all the lovely poinsettias. Donated money not used on flowers goes to purchasing communion and altar supplies for the year. This is a rewarding ministry and new members are always welcome. January altar schedule includes Bev and Pat.

Women of Trinity

We held our Christmas luncheon Dec 6 at Hillview Restaurant and returned to the parish hall for dessert and a fun gift card game. Fun and fellowship were had by all who attended.

WOT decided to give our 10% donation from the bazaar to Buffalo City Mission. The Buffalo City Mission had a matching gift program at the time we made our donation so it will be doubled!

Our next luncheon will be February 7 at noon, hopefully The Olive Tree will be open, but if not, we will be back at Hillview.  Possible Lenten soup sale in February

Outreach

Thank you all for supporting our giving tree, the response was wonderful. The social worker was overwhelmed by your generosity.  It was a wonderful way to spread the spirit of the season in our community.

Trinity’s food pantry numbers are up.  Food donations are always welcomed, especially this time of year.  Please place in basket in the front of church or on table downstairs. Thank you  

 In December $417.23 was deposited in our account from St. Pauly, great job! Please pass the word, about the St. Pauly’s Shed in the parking lot. It’s a win- win situation, people in need get clothing, blankets etc.  and church gets paid by the pound for donations. Thank you!!!

Dash’s Receipts

Please continue to save your Dash market receipts and ask your friends for theirs.  We are collecting them as part of a fundraising project. There is box located downstairs in the parish hall or put them on table in the front of the church. Thank you.

January Birthdays

11 Elaine Zamrok                    23 Alyssa Kornacki                  28 Robert Machnica