Trinity Tidings – January 2025

I thank my God whenever I think of you and when I pray for you, I pray with joy.

Philippians 1:3-4

Happy New Year! I hope your holidays have been filled with love and grace.  This month marks a year since you called me to serve as your pastor.  Paul’s words to the Phillipians accurately capture my joy in walking Jesus’ Way of Love with you, and the joyful love you share with one another. I’m grateful for all we’ve learned together and excited about what the Holy Spirit is up to in our midst.

We’re continuing to strengthen our faith formation programs.  I’ll be offering an Episcopal 101 class on Saturday January 11th.  If you’d like to know more about the Episcopal Church come for an engaging and informative Saturday morning! Whether you’re new to the faith, or looking to deepen your understanding, this workshop will cover the basics of our beliefs, practices, and history. Bring your questions and a curious spirit. Those preparing for Reception or Reaffirmation are asked to participate.  Additionally, our February Family Service on Feb 9, will be an instructed Eucharist, giving us all an opportunity to deepen our understanding of why we do what we do in worship.

Please mark your calendar for our Annual Meeting on Sunday January 26th. In addition to electing vestry members and delegates to Diocesan Convention, we’ll be looking at how we want to grow our community connections as we serve Christ in one another.

Peace and All Good

Karen+

Please Join Us

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

Tuesday’s         10 am – Stitch and Chat, 1/28 Healing Eucharist @11:30am.

Coming Events Save the Date

January 11        Episcopal 101 – 9am -1pm

January 12        Vestry meeting -10:45am    

January 26        Annual meeting-10:45am

Prayer List

Paul, Linda, Rosie D, Andrew, Valerie, Jack K, Brad M, Douglas B, Melanie H, Richard C, Beverly M, Dave K, Aaron Z, Paula A, Danielle M, Luann L, Johnny, Denel N, Denise B, Robbie W, Klaw Reh, Marie R., Bill F, Caroline W, Andy T, Jane G, Donald M, Raymond, Anthony P, Kathy S, Sue G and Trinity Church. 

Sunday School

All children are welcome Sunday mornings at 9:30 am in the main hall.  This is an all-ages group and everyone is welcomed. The second Sunday of the month is Family Sunday and there is no Sunday School, but there is a special sermon for children. We look forward to seeing you in 2025

Vestry Summary

The vestry met December 8,2024. Welcome bags were assembled for distribution on Christmas Eve. A $974 bid to replace shed roof was accepted. A phone tree is in the works to notify parishioners of winter weather closings. Our diocesan fair share payment was reviewed. The Annual meeting will be Sunday January 26 at 10:45am.

Vestry Members

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

Len Gacek 716-432-5883                    Karen Walczak 716-901-6454             

Chris Gregoire 716-684-9347

Wondering what it means to be on vestry?

Vestry members are people who:

  • Are baptized members 21 or older who attend services regularly.
  • Care about the ministry which happens at Trinity
  • Want to see our congregation grow in faith, wisdom, and the resources needed to love God and our neighbors.
  • Are committed to their growing in their own faith

Might God be calling you to serve on vestry? If the Spirit is nudging you, please talk with Pastor Karen, Warden Len Gacek or any member of vestry.

Altar Guild

Thank you to everyone for their generous Christmas memorials, the poinsettias were beautiful.  The church was cleaned and decorated by dedicated volunteers and looked wonderful for Christmas. Again, many thanks to you for all you do to enhance our worship services. If you think you might be interested in this rewarding ministry, please speak to anyone on Altar Guild or Pastor Karen.

January Birthdays

11 Elaine Zamrok                    23 Alyssa Kornacki                  28 Robert Machnica

Women of Trinity

As is our tradition, WOT gives 10% of our bazaar profit to charity. This year we have decided to give $250 to the Trinity Food Pantry fund raiser and $250 to Family Promise of WNY. The food pantry has recently expanded areas they serve and Family Promise of WNY helps keeps homeless families together, 70% of their guests are children, both very worthy organizations.

Our Christmas Luncheon was held December 3rd, at Hillview Restaurant. Following lunch, we returned to the parish hall for some more fellowship, dessert and some silly games. A good time was had by all who attended. Our next luncheon is at 12noon, February 5, Hillview Restaurant. Please join us.

Stitch and Chat

Please join us Tuesdays from 10 am -12 pm.  This is a wonderful opportunity for those who find the 9:30 service difficult to attend, all are welcome at our table.

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. In December we received a check for $126.00. Thank you.

Outreach

Our Giving Tree was a huge success. Your generosity was amazing. The social worker at John A. Sciole School was overwhelmed and very thankful. Thank you for making someone’s Christmas very special.

Trinity’s food pantry numbers are up. The pantry now serves Elma, Alden and Lancaster.   Food and monetary donations are always welcomed, especially this time of year.  Please place in basket in the front of church or on table downstairs. Thank you for your generosity.

 In December $283.34 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!!!