Trinity Tidings-January 2026
Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
Isaiah 60:1
As we move out of the holiday season, we move into the Season after Epiphany. Our Scriptures focus on all the ways God’s light and love show up through Jesus, and how God’s light and love are spread throughout the world in and through us. These winter days can be long and dark. Some of us light candles or burn fires for comfort. Some of us leave our holiday lights up just a little longer, taking joy in their light against the winter dark.
This month offers us two great opportunities to think about how God’s light is shining among us, and how we might share Christ’s light. You could join me in participating in an online class on the Rise of the Nones. “Nones” are people who don’t identify with any religious group. Did you know that about 20 million of them pray every day? You probably know several people who fall into this group. I wonder what gets in the way of them wanting to connect more with us, or with any church? If you wonder about that too join me, in listening to this online class and in a conversation Sunday Feb 1st during coffee hour. You can sign up for the class at https://homebrewedchristianity.lpages.co/the-rise-of-the-nones-signup-page/ You’ll find the link in the December 19th edition of the e-Tidings.
You could also spend some time reflecting on where you’ve seen God’s light shining in our community and in our church. We’ll be celebrating those people and events at our annual meeting Sunday January 25th right after our morning Eucharist. Not sure what an annual meeting is or why you should plan to participate? Every year Episcopalians gather to take stock of how we’ve been living the gospel together, to celebrate what has happened in the last year and to look forward to the coming year. We take care of some necessary business like budgets and elections, and we share some great breakfast pizza. My hope is that this year our annual gathering will be a rich celebration of all Trinity is becoming, all the ways we’re spreading God’s light, and we need you to make that happen.
Peace and all good,
Karen+
For Pastoral Care call 716-683-1111 For Pastoral Emergencies call 716-445-5653
Please join us
Sundays 9:30 am – Holy Communion Service and Sunday School
Tuesday’s 10 am – 12 Stitch and Chat, Healing Eucharist @11:30 1/06 and 1/27.
Prayer List
Paul, Rosie D., Valerie, Brad M., Douglas B., Danielle M., Luann L., Andy D., Shirley M., Zach C., Lincoln C., Sandy D., Chris B., Duane Z., Joyce K., Michael D., Karen J., David K., Steve P., Larry K., Ed D., Andy T., Marie R., Charris K., Dennis N., Fred M., Mark B., Frank N., Cindy A., Jodi Y., Chloe F., Dolly O., Patti H., Denise B., Miton V and Trinity Church
Sunday School
Our Sunday School is an all-ages group that meets at 9:30 Sunday mornings in the parish hall under the direction of Julia Tomaka. All children are welcome to join. The next YUM meeting will be Jan. 24 from 11am-3pm- at St Patrick’s, Cheektowaga
Vestry Summary
Vestry met December 14th. Terms to extend Pastor Karen’s contract for the next four years were agreed on. Vestry approved moving forward with the new church management software for membership and giving. Cathi Crapa stated she will be resigning from vestry as of 2026. We are grateful for her nine years of service. This leaves a 2-year term open. Potential nominations for this term and the 2029 class of vestry members were discussed.
Vestry also approved celebrating Morning Prayer four times a year to offset the increase in the cost of supply clergy and discussed our insurance coverage.
Are you called to serve? We would like to fill our open vestry terms and add a few counters. Please prayerfully consider if God may be calling you to serve in one of these ways.
Altar Guild
The church was beautiful for the Christmas season! Thank you to everyone who helped clean and decorate the church. Thank you also for your generous memorial donations, the poinsettias were beautiful! If you would like to take one home or to a shut in after service Jan 4, please help yourself. The plants left will be donated to food pantry to brighten their day. We were happy to use our new candle holders and censor stand We wish to welcome Judy Borschel back to Altar Guild. Serving in January Bev and Judy. Net meeting February 1 after coffee hour.
Help Wanted!!
Dennis is recovering from surgery; in his absence we are looking for volunteers to donate 30 minutes, one day a week to move items back in the St Pauly shed. Please let Pat or Don know any day you are available to do it. You can do it at any time that works for you.
Women of Trinity
Our Christmas Luncheon was held on December 3rd at Hillview Restaurant followed by dessert, gift card exchange and games at the parish hall. We voted to tithe to the following ministries from the Snowflake Bazaar proceeds: WNY Heros Little Heros, a veteran’s program, Hearts and Hands, providing seniors in need with free transportation, companion and in-home services and the Boys and Girls Club. Our next luncheon will be Feb 3, 12noon at Hillview. Please plan to join us.
January Birthdays
11 Elaine Zamrok 17 Emily Servos 23 Alyssa Kornacki 28 Robert Machnica
Coming Events Save the Date
Jan 4 De-greening the church 10:45 am
Jan 8 Pre-baptism class 7 pm
Jan 5- 26 Rise of the Nones class online, gather to discuss Feb 1
Jan 11 Vestry meeting 10:45 am
Jan 24 YUM gathering at St. Patrick’s 11-3pm
Outreach Opportunities
$417.23 was deposited in our account from St. Pauly in December, 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. Thanks
Food Pantry always appreciates any donation you can share. There is a basket upstairs in the church and a drop off bin located outside the kitchen door.
Our Family Caregivers group is open to everyone. If you know someone who is caring for a family member and could use some support please invite them to join us Jan 29 at 7 pm. Online participation is available by emailing the church.
Advent Giving Tree
Thank you to everyone who participated so generously in our Advent Giving Tree. Your kindness has truly made a difference, bringing joy and hope to our adopted family. Every gift is a reminder of the love and care that make this season so special. Our family was overwhelmed by your generosity. Thank you for being a light of love and compassion during this holy season.
Dash’s Receipts & New Bottle Drop off
Please continue to save your Dash market receipts and ask your friends for theirs. There is box located downstairs in the parish hall or put them on table in the front of the church. This is a great program; we receive cash for your receipts! Thank you
Excited to announce, new for 2026, you can now drop your bottles and cans off at Cash for Cans on George Urban and Trinity will get the proceeds. Just label your bag of returns Trinity Episcopal Lancaster. No need to wait in line they have a table to drop and leave your donations. Thank you.