Beloved in Christ,

I pray that you may feel God’s calming presence with you in this unusual season. Following recommendations from our bishops and the Center for Disease Control, as of today all in person activities including worship will continue to be suspended through at least May 10th. In the interim, we are doing our best to live into a season of physical distancing while maintaining spiritual and emotional closeness with God and with one another. To this end, we are working hard to stay connected as a community of faith, even though we cannot meet or worship together in person.

These newsletters will be coming out once a week, on Thursday afternoons, as a way to keep us in touch. They will include information, resources, and other community announcements. If you have anything you would like put in the newsletter, please email office@trinitycollinsville.org .

Please know that you are daily in my prayers, and while I regret our inability to worship and gather together in person, I trust that we will be able to stay connected in other ways. God is always present with us in our times of joy and our times of need, and we are still the Body of Christ in the world.

Yours in Christ,

The Rev. Carrie Combs
Priest in Charge
Meet Claudette
Claudette Carveth has joined the Trinity staff and is now working remotely to become familiar with the ways we communicate -- through Facebook, Constant Contact, and Realm. To that end, you will see her name on some of our Church posts, and she may contact you to update email addresses and other information. Claudette's hours currently are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, from 9 to 3 as needed. She can be reached at office@trinitycollinsville.org . Claudette checks the Office email daily and will undertake some additional routine office functions including preparing the Weekly Bulletin once we reopen.
Stay Connected
Here's how we are planning on keeping in touch at this time:

  • Weekly newsletter: This weekly information from us will come right to your mailbox every Thursday. It will include all the latest information that we have, including where to tune in for our weekly worship services.

  • Realm: This is a tool that was made for connecting in a time like this! If you haven’t used Realm, it’s easy. You can find resources, information, a directory, and online giving on Realm. Visit our website at trinitycollinsville.org and click on “Go to Realm” on the front page.

  • Facebook: Visit facebook.com/TrinityCollinsville for short-form information, inspiration, and connections to devotional resources.

  • Phone and Email: If you need assistance or supplies, if you need prayers or are feeling isolated, please reach out. We are here to support one another at this time. Call Carrie at 860-880-0414 for pastoral calls or emergencies. You may also email office@TrinityCollinsville.org and we will respond.
Worship and Prayer Requests
  • Join us for Sunday worship every Sunday at 9:30 AM using the platform Zoom. You can download Zoom for your smartphone, tablet, or computer by visiting zoom.us/downloads and login using the Meeting ID 105 227 958. You can also use a telephone: call 1-929-205-6099 and enter the Meeting ID 105227958#.

  • Join us in spirit by praying Morning Prayer on your own at the same time. We hope to begin publishing an order of worship here. In the meantime, you can use missionstclare.com/english

  • Make a sacred space in your home, if you haven’t done so already. Find a place where you can be present to God. Maybe place a beautiful cloth on a surface with items that remind you of God’s presence: a cross, a bowl of water, a candle, some incense, a photo of loved ones, an icon or image. Whatever it is, finding space in your home to pray can anchor you in an upsetting time.
Help Out
If you find yourself with some extra time on your hands, please consider helping out in the following areas. And if you have an idea about another way we can safely support one another in this time, please reach out and let us know!

  • Make Phone Calls: Help us connect with one another by making phone calls. Lisa Bogush has offered to coordinate this ministry. You can volunteer by emailing her (lbogush24@yahoo.com) or calling (860-209-5155)

  • Run errands: Are you less at risk for complications due to this illness? If so, you might be able to help our more vulnerable members who can’t get to the store. Email Carrie (rector@trinitycollinsville.org) or call (860-880-0414) to volunteer.
Give
  • We understand that many people will be suffering economic hardship as this pandemic continues. However, if you continue to make your regular contributions to Trinity, that will help us meet our expenses, support our outreach ministries, and pay our staff. You may mail checks to the church office (PO Box 374 Collinsville, CT 06022) or make a contribution online by using Realm.

  • You are also invited to give as you are able to our community partner, the Canton Food Bank. Checks made out to the Canton Food Bank can be sent to our PO Box and are gratefully accepted at this time as many will be facing increased food insecurity. You can also donate food or supplies by calling director Pat Lazauski (860-693-0629)to coordinate drop off.
Prayer Resources
Formation and Worship with Youth and Children
Adult Formation
Health Information