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He was nearing retirement, this priest who came to supper at my seminary one sleeting Lenten Wednesday in my last semester. He joined us for the suitably Lenten meal of soup and bread. Talk at our table turned to parish life, what we students were anticipating and fearing in the positions we were soon to assume. He mostly listened, not saying very much. But towards the end of our time together he said something I've always remembered: "The call is to love every single one of your parishioners. But there are also many that you will also end up liking an awful lot."
I remembered this prediction last week, when within 24 hours of the Equinox, our parish learned of the deaths of two faithful parishioners, Nancy Purbeck and John Kane, each only in their sixties. Nancy's death came suddenly to her, we think in her sleep. John's came at the end of a superhuman struggle against HIV/AIDS that spanned decades ("I am a veteran in that war," he once told me). I am not sure they knew each other. I am sure somehow though, that Nancy, in her role as a Eucharistic minister, must have at least once guided the chalice to the lips of John, one of our most regular Sunday communicants. Distinct personalities, these two, but what I loved and liked about them both was a spark of joy each brought to our common life. "Happy to be here," is how I'd describe each of them. Day-brighteners, to borrow a term from the late William Sloane Coffin.
Nancy was tall and blond with a low voice and quietly droll sense of humor. Her mouth seemed always on the verge of a smile as she served with us. At the end of one of our first conversations she presented me with a card that bore the image of the cartoon character Underdog. I was mystified until she explained. Her life partner, by then deceased, was a man named Watts Biggers, the ad man and cartoonist behind such characters as Underdog, Klondike Kat, and Tennessee Tuxedo. Together, after Watts' retirement, they had founded "Victory Over Violence," a movement to promote interpersonal encouragement, positivity and love. "Victory Over Violence" was granted its own special day in Boston by the Mayor Menino. "Positive People Day" takes place every year on Oct. 29th, and will celebrate its 20th anniversary this fall. Nancy thought of it as a day when people should call lapsed friends, shock total strangers with mysterious acts of generosity, and tell those we love how much they mean to us - a sort of Valentine's Day for everyone.
John had worked many jobs before becoming ill, among them construction and steam-fitting. A painter by avocation, he was a life member of the Copley Society of Artists and loved depicting quiet scenes in old New England towns by the side of the sea. John was a renegade by nature and loved to joke with me that before coming to Trinity in the 1980's he had been "kicked out of every other Episcopal Church in Boston." For many years an usher, he was given to dressing up on feast days (tartan vests, Chesterfield coats, and once, at Easter, a top hat). When I myself was new here, and returning to an abandoned faith, he took an interest in me and began to introduce me around to other parishioners. He never stopped doing this for those he identified as new among us. And he came to represent for me, through cycles of illness and health, a hopeful manifestation of an idea that has come to be the foundation of my own faith: new life, out of death.
It seemed appropriate, in conversations with their families, to celebrate each of them and commend them to God during Eastertide. Visiting hours for John will take place on Friday evening, May 5, from 5:30 to 7:00 pm in the Ferris Library and his funeral, with Eucharist, will take place the following day in church, at 11:00 am. We will gather to celebrate Nancy's life with funeral and Holy Eucharist the following week, on Saturday May 13 at 11:00 am.
Perhaps you will join us for one or both of these celebrations. But if not, please remember Nancy and John and all the souls of all who have fed our common life here at Trinity Church. Perhaps, with one or both of them as your inspiration, you will approach a newcomer here on some coming Sunday, and make that person feel recognized, honored, and loved.
Bring us, O Lord God, at our last awakening into the house and gate of heaven, to enter into that gate and dwell in that house, where there shall be no darkness nor dazzling, but one equal light; no noise nor silence, but one equal music; no fears nor hopes, but one equal possession; no ends nor beginnings, but one equal eternity: in the habitations of thy majesty and glory, world without end. AMEN.
See you in church,
Associate Rector for Pastoral Care & Welcome
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Help Choose the Topic for the Bonnyman Symposium: Deadline Monday, April 3!
Sun., March 26 & April 2
10:15 a.m. - 11 a.m.; 12:15-12:45 p.m., 7-7:30 p.m.
Commons
The planning team of the Anne Berry Bonnyman Symposium wants your input on identifying a topic that resonates most with the parish - to be the featured subject of our symposium this Fall. The Symposium's mission is to give Trinity a platform for addressing systemic racism in our church and community. Stop by our table at coffee hour, or
take the survey online.
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Easter Flower Donations Now Accepted
Names must be received by Monday, April 3, to be printed in Easter worship service leaflets.
Remember a loved one, celebrate a milestone, or give thanks for blessings with a donation to the Easter Flower Fund. The suggested donation is $30 for the first name, and $10 for each additional name, although any amount is appreciated.
To make a donation online,
Click here.
1. Fill out the online form as appropriate, including the names you would like printed in the bulletin.
2. Under 'Choose a Designation for Your Donation' select Easter Flowers.
3. Enter your payment details and click 'Give'. You will receive a confirmation email.
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To Move or Not to Move? Discussion for Seniors
Tues., April 4
4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Sherrill House,
135 S. Huntington Ave., Boston
Wondering about senior living options? Sherrill House will host an informative discussion covering the pros and cons of staying at home, deciding where to move before a crisis hits, and communicating with adult children during this time.
More...
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Holy Week Retreat: Register by April 3!
Sat., April 8
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Join the Rev. Bill Rich and fellow parishioners - and some of the key characters of the Holy Week stories - to prepare for the spiritual roller coaster journey from Palm Sunday through Easter. The day will include retreat addresses, times for silent meditation on the grounds of a beautiful monastic retreat center, conversation, lunch, and prayer. More...
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Weekly Services and Readings
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Readings
Ezekiel 37:1-14
Romans 8:6-11
Holy Eucharist
7:45 a.m., 9 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 6 p.m.
Note:
For Noonday Prayer on Tuesdays, please enter through our Parish House entrance on Clarendon Street. More...
Choral Evensong
5:45 p.m.
THURSDAY
Holy Eucharist with Prayers for Healing
12:10 p.m.
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Tribute to Sam Lloyd
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| Video Tribute for Sam Lloyd |
Shown at the 10th annual Bostonians for Youth gala, this short video is a message to the Rev. Sam Lloyd from a dear friend, the Rev. Hurmon Hamilton, who served as the Pastor of Roxbury Presbyterian Church from 1994-2011 before moving to California where he is Pastor of New Beginnings Community Church. The gala honored Sam for his work in forming and supporting the Trinity Boston Foundation.
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| Forum |
A Work in Progress: A View From the Church of England
Sun., April 2
Guest Preacher: 9 & 11:15 a.m. Forum Speaker: 10:15 a.m.
On Sunday we will welcome as Guest Preacher in our morning services an important leader in the Church of England today, the Very Rev. June Osborne, Dean of Salisbury Cathedral. Dean Osborne has been a significant voice in the Church of England addressing major issues, among them the ordination of women and controversies over consecrating gay and lesbian bishops. The London Times attributed to Dean Osborne's speech in the Church's Synod the "swinging of the General Synod vote in favor of female priests."
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Missed last week's services? Do you want to re-experience them?
We invite you to watch or listen:
Last Sunday's Sermon:
by the Rev. Patrick C. Ward
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Free Guided Tours
During Holy Week
Trinity Church is designated as "one of the ten most important buildings in America" by the American Institute of Architects and taking a tour of Trinity Church is a wonderful opportunity to come to a deeper understanding of the architecture, history and spirit of this National Historic Landmark building. We invite visitors and friends to join us for free guided tours during Holy Week.
More...
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Maundy Thursday:
Supper of the Lamb
Thurs., April 13
6 p.m.
Undercroft & Church
Mark your calendars for Maundy Thursday: dinner, footwashing, and Holy Eucharist. This year the liturgy of the word happens downstairs at a lamb stew dinner. Experience the remembrance of the Passover and the last supper in a family-style atmosphere for a new experience of the story.
More...
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Good Friday Youth Overnight
Fri., April 14, 5:30 p.m.-Sat., April 15, 9 a.m.
Commons & Forum
Trinity will host this overnight event for young people (grades 6-12) from around the diocese, finding a new depth of meaning in Holy Week through an immersive artistic experience.
More...
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Tribute Book for Sam Lloyd
Sundays starting April 23, during morning coffee hours & after the 6 p.m. service
Commons
Do you have a favorite photo or story of Sam's ministry, or its meaning to your life? All are invited to share a favorite memory, photo, or message of gratitude, and all entries will be compiled into a Memory Book that will be presented to Sam upon his retirement on Trinity Sunday, June 11. More details about other ways to submit your entries to be shared soon.
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| Take Action |
Sign Up for the Walk for Hunger Team & Bake Sale
Sun., April 2
10:15 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Commons
Sign up for the Walk for Hunger Bake Sale (Sunday April 30) and/or to be part of Trinity's team that takes the Walk (Sunday May 7)!
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Help Make the Church Shine!
Sat., April 8, 9-11 a.m.
Church
Polish the brass, dust the pew racks, and prepare the church for Holy Week services. The "Robert Treat Paine Society" gathers on the second Saturday of each month (except August) to take care of the small touches that make Trinity truly shine. All are welcome - no heavy lifting involved!
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Bring a Dessert for
Vigil Reception
Sat., April 15, immediately following Easter Vigil service
Commons
Celebrate Easter by bringing your favorite dessert to Trinity's annual Easter Vigil dessert reception.
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Click here for more details on the following services:
Palm Sunday * April 9
9 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m.
Holy Tuesday * April 11
12:10 p.m.
Holy Wednesday * April 12
12:10 p.m.
Maundy Thursday * April 13
6 p.m.
Good Friday * April 14
Passion Liturgy at 12 - 3 p.m. Children's Service at 12 - 3 p.m. Concert at 5:30 p.m.
Easter Vigil * April 15
8 p.m.
Easter Day * April 16
8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 6 p.m.
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