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Writer's pictureThe Rev. Nancy J. Hagner

Gather, give thanks, and serve

Dear friends, 


Welcome to fall!  This is the season when many people in the church recommit to gather, give thanks and serve.  Your presence in worship and fellowship is a source of great blessing for this community as we grow in our faith;  welcoming newcomers, supporting one another in times of joy and sorrow, and giving of our time, talent and treasure.  Welcome home!  


Whether you are brand new, or have been here for a long time, or haven’t come in person for awhile, please know that our community of faith needs you!  Young and old and in between, in person and on-line, together we are ONE BODY in Christ, seeking and serving Christ in all persons. 


We launched our program year last Sunday with a beautiful worship service and a joy-filled picnic.  All ages gathered to pray and sing, eat and talk and play.  Please enjoy some of the photos from the day (thank you Peg Mallett).   


This Sunday, Sept. 22  we have a Ministry Expo all morning long in the Parish Hall. You can learn more about the many ministry opportunities at Trinity, chat with someone who is already engaged and passionate about each particular ministry, and pray about where God may be calling you to serve in this season.  If you are unable to do something in person, there are ways to participate from home too.  Perhaps write cards as part of Trinity’s robust Parish Care Team?  Make phone calls to welcome newcomers?  Pray for the world and the people on our parish prayer list regularly?  If you want to explore “at home” ministry opportunities, please reach out to me and we can discern together.   


As people of faith, we never “retire” from our life of service to God. Everyone’s prayers and offerings matter and contribute to the life of the Body.  May we each pray and discern the key questions for all Christians of any age:  

  • What is God doing in my life now?

  • What does God expect from me and to what tasks am I now being called?


While we as a church joyfully renew and recommit each fall to gather, give thanks and serve, this year there is the added anxiety for many people of the upcoming election and other worries about our country and our world.  We have added the prayer For an Election from the Book of Common Prayer, p.822 into the liturgy as one way to acknowledge the reality of our earthly lives as citizens of the US, our fragile earth,  and of God’s kingdom.  Here is the prayer: 


“Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges; Guide the people of the United States in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”


I am also reminded of a prayer (on page 505 of the BCP); one of my favorites when I gather with a grieving family.  It is a prayer that we remain people of hope, even in our grief and fear and anxiety.  It is a reminder of God’s promise that there is always more going on than meets the eye – resurrection life, eternal life; a reality that God’s purposes are always at work.  I offer it (with slight edits) as a prayer for this season as well: 


Grant, O Lord, to all who are bereaved, discouraged, fearful, and anxious; the spirit of faith and courage, that they may have strength to meet the days to come with steadfastness and patience;  not sorrowing as those without hope, but in thankful remembrance of your great goodness, and in joyful expectation of eternal life, resurrection, and all things new, as you promise us through your Son our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.


May we continue to gather in worship and fellowship as people with Christian hope and


with thanksgiving for God’s mercy and steadfast love; may we pray and serve with renewed energy and love and creativity in this community and in our beautiful and broken world. 


Peace and blessings, 

Nancy+


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