Trinity Tidings – November 2026
Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.
Daniel 12:3
This season of the year invites us to think about wisdom and legacy. The leaves fall, our tables are filled with squash, our porches (and altar) decorated with pumpkins and gourds. The three days of All Hallows Eve, All Saints and All Souls remind us that the veil between heaven and earth feels thin this time of year. Life can feel both abundant and fragile in November.
And in the midst of this season, we remember the saints who have gone before us, who have taught us by their lives and example what it means to love God and our neighbor with our whole selves. We each have our own list of saints who have taught us. And Trinity as a community has a list of saints too. Walk around the church and you’ll see their names. Each of them, and many who have touched your lives, left us a legacy by how they lived their faith, sharing their gifts for the good of this community.
Each of us is given Christ’s light at baptism. Each of us is sent to share his light – in our world and in our community of faith. We share Christ’s light in part by how we lift up one another, with mercy, grace, compassion, generosity. And in that sharing we are blessed.
This November as you pray about God is inviting you to share with the church in the year ahead, I ask you to prayerfully reflect on three things:
– the legacy you have received from your ancestors in faith in this community
– how sharing your time, talent and treasure will enable us to grow our pastoral care ministries, and service to the greater community
– how sharing your time, talent and treasure will help you share Christ’s light.
peace and all good,
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., Luann L., Zach C., Lincoln C., Chris B., Duane Z., Joyce K.., Michael D., Marie R., Cindy A., Amy W., Alyssa, Kimberly, Bob H. Amy K., Jack H., Melissa M., Joyce Z., Paulette S., Karen K., Millie B., Josh, William N., Bianca G., Barbara B., Paula A., Lynn R. and Trinity Church.
Sunday School – Welcome Back
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.
Thanks to Carrie, Dale and Kelly for serving as Sunday School helpers.
The newly refurbished nursery is open, including a live stream of the service and a play area. Thanks to everyone whose labor and donations made this possible!
Pastor Karen is looking for families to help with lighting the Advent Wreath, beginning Nov. 29th.
Vestry Summary
Vestry met Oct. 11. Priest, Wardens and financial reports were reviewed. Discussed ways to connect new people to ministries and investing some of our designated funds. Initial plans for the Denecke’s holiday concert on Dec. 12th. Also discussed stewardship reflections and asking for expense projections as part of the budget process.
Altar Guild
A huge thank you to Judy Borschel for hosting a lovely Altar guild luncheon. New members are always welcome. We will continue to enjoy our fall bounty through Thanksgiving. We will hold a brief altar guild meeting Nov. 22 after church. Cathi and Pat are scheduled for November.
Women of Trinity
Our SNOWFLAKE BAZAAR will be held November 7, 10-3. We will have our famous clam chowder lunch, soup to go quarts, baked goods, crafts, basket raffle and of course Granny’s Attic! Our Basket Raffle will feature 100 baskets and gift cards. We have many gift cards and beautiful baskets. We even have an autographed Buffalo Sabers hockey puck. Baked goods are needed for the bake sale, and can be dropped off 11/6 or 11/7. This is a major fundraiser for the church and we’re hoping for a huge success! Please help spread the word and come support this event! Please consider donating a couple of hours. There is a way for everyone to help make this bazaar our best one ever. Many hands make light work.
New this year, Sunday we will have a bag sale from 11am-2pm, anything you can fit in a bag for $5.00.
WOT and friends Christmas luncheon is at noon, Wednesday, December 2 at Hillview Restaurant on Transit, after lunch we will return to parish hall for dessert, games, and a $10 gift card exchange. Please plan to join the holiday fun!
November Birthdays
7. Ken Casio 8. Ryan Tomaka 12. Daniel Giza 16. Dallas Wutz
17. Judy Borschel 25. Melisse Machnica 28 Glen Stoltman 30. Norah Heyd
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.
Advent Giving Tree
We will once again be adopting a family. Watch for the Christmas tree with ornaments as we begin Advent.
Please join us
Sundays 9:30 am – Holy Communion Service
Tuesday’s 10 am – 12 Stitch and Chat, Healing Eucharist 11/24 @ 11:30am.
Coming Events Save the Date
November 3 Election Day Prayers (online)
November 7 Snowflake Bazaar
November 8 Vestry meeting
November 22 Altar Guild meeting 10:30am
November 25 Thanksgiving Service 7 pm
December 12 Holiday Concert 7 pm with Tree of Hope lighting at 6:30 pm
December 13 Sandwich making & Coffee Hour
January 24 Annual Meeting
Outreach Opportunities
$398.05 was deposited in our account from St. Pauly’s in October. 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.
Our Family Caregivers group is open to everyone. Next meeting is December 3rd, a combined Nov/Dec meeting.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.
Sandwiches for the Unhoused
Our next sandwich making gathering will be Dec 6th. Take a few minutes to help feed your hungry neighbors before picking up your coffee and treats.
Bottle Drop Off
Don’t forget 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.
Convention update
Pat Harder and Maryrose Kotlowski were Trinity’s representatives at convention. The new bishop will be elected at a special convention May 1,2027.