Trinity Tidings – May 2026
“…you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ”
1 Peter 2:5
As we head into May, most of us are ready to spend more time outside, enjoying fresh air, sunshine and re-connecting with our neighbors. This month I want to reflect on connections – both within our parish community and with our neighbors. Our Scripture reminds us we are meant to be connected with each other, built into a living community, grounded in Christ Jesus. And we are meant to be connected with our neighbors – knowing their needs, and offering loving service to help meet those needs as we are able. Our lives are meant to shine with Christ’s light, in ways evident to everyone around us. Trinity has been a beacon of hope and help to people in this community for many years. This month offers us several opportunities to deepen our connections. At coffee hour this weekend, you’ll hear about our new church management software and our plans for the new church directory. Next Saturday May 9 is the annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive where postal workers bring food donations to Trinity and other area food pantries. We need volunteers to make lunch for the postal carriers and the volunteers who are sorting food donations. And we need more volunteers to sort donations. This is one way we support the work of Trinity Pantry in feeding our hungry neighbors. On May 31st, we’ll celebrate Trinity Sunday, gathering after service to bless this year’s community garden, and cleaning up our grounds. And at 1 pm we’ll welcome the regional Youth in Ministry group for their May gathering.
The vestry and I are looking at ways to strengthen our existing connections with our village community, and I am in conversation with some of our area churches to see how we can grow our ecumenical partnerships. All of this is part of being built as living stones into the Body of Christ, loving and serving our neighbors. I look forward to seeing the Spirit’s work in us, building us into that spiritual house of refuge, for us and for our neighbors.
Karen+
For Pastoral Care call 716-683-1111 For Pastoral Emergencies call 716-445-5653
Prayer List
Paul, Rosie D., Valerie, Brad M., Douglas B., Danielle M., Luann L.., Zach C., Lincoln C., Sandy D., Chris B., Duane Z., Joyce K.., Michael D., Marie R., Cindy A., Jodi Y., Chloe F., Amy W., Steven I., Alyssa, Kimberly, Bob H, Amy K. 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 hosted by Trinity, May 31st at 1pm. Hope to see you there!
Vestry Summary
Vestry met April 12th. Financial, wardens and priest’s reports were reviewed. Key points included continued work on planning center roll out. Review welcome and connection materials and options. Updates on repairs and maintenance, outdoor masonry to be repaired prior to addressing indoor issues. The Bishop will be visiting Trinity Sept 12 for Renewal of Ministry. Also discussed involvement in community events. Next vestry meeting rescheduled to May 24th.
Altar Guild
Altar Guild will be meeting June 19 at 10am to clean and organize the sacristy and church We will also be collecting inventory data. At our last meeting we discussed having the rugs and pew cushions in church professionally cleaned: if you have someone you’d recommend please let us know. Cathi and Pat are scheduled for May.
Women of Trinity
WOT held our April luncheon at Trinity in the parish hall, a good time was had by all who attended. Our Mother’s Day Hanging Baskets from Mitchell Greenhouses was a success, we raised over $900. Don’t forget to pick up your beautiful baskets 5/9 from 11-1 or 6-7pm. Thank you to everyone who supported us.
May Birthdays
2 Julia Heyd 12 Clara Giza 17 Mary Ellen Giza
20 Jack Hodgkiss 21 Dale Fehringer 23 Dawn Gacek
31 Chris Gregoire
Anniversaries
27 Mary and Daniel Giza 31 Ken and Jill Casio
Dash’s Receipts
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
Spring Clean Up
Wear your grubby clothes to church and please plan to stay and help us clean up the grounds May 31 after church. Many hands make light work and pizza will be served!
Please join us
Sundays 9:30 am – Holy Communion Service and Sunday School
Tuesday’s 10 am – 12 Stitch and Chat, Healing Eucharist 5/26/@11:30am.
Coming Events Save the Date
5/3 Coffee hour & new Parish Directory
5/7 Mother’s Day flower pick up 11-1 or 6-7pm
5/9 Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive 10-3pm- volunteers needed to sort food donations and make sandwiches for hungry postal workers and volunteers.
5/10 Family Sunday,
5/24 Vestry Meeting
5/28 Family Caregiver’s group 7 pm
5/31 After service Community Garden Blessing and Spring clean-up. Pizza lunch to follow.
5/31 1pm Yum gathering at Trinity
Outreach Opportunities
$485.33 was deposited in our account from St. Pauly’s April 3, Great job! Please pass the word, about the St. Pauly’s Shed in the parking lot for clothing and shoe donations.
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. Don’t forget May 9th you can leave a donation by your mailbox.
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. Online participation is available by emailing the church.
Bottle Drop Off
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.