Weekly Schedule

Sunday – December 23rd
9:30 AM Mass & Church School
10:45 AM Coffee, Friendship
11:00 AM – Decorate Church & Pizza Party

Monday – December 24th
10:00 PM – Christmas Eve Mass

Tuesday – December 25th
10:00 AM – Christmas Day Mass
5:00 – 7:00 PM Early A.A.
9:00 – 10:00 PM Open A.A.

Thursday – December 27th
7:30 – 8:30 PM Men’s A. A.


Sunday – December 30th
9:30 AM Mass & Church School
10:45 AM Coffee, Friendship
11:00 AM – Adult Education & lunch

Santa Claus Came to Town

Santa Claus himself was the guest of honor at Trinity Parish this past Saturday.

Santa had some milk and cookies, watched a holiday movie, and shared some gifts with all the good little boys and girls ... and even dogs!

Here are some pics from the holiday fun:


Dwight, Santa and Father Pisani


Claudia and David Perez are happy to be told they're on Santa's "nice" list


Father Greg's doggies get to sit with Santa, too!

Santa Visits Trinity this Saturday

A Morning Visit with
SANTA CLAUS
at
Trinity Parish Community Hall
5th Street and Broadway
Bayonne, N.J.

Saturday, December 15, 2007
From 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.
Note: Pets are welcome too!

Pictures with Santa - $ 5.00 each
Food, Snacks, etc. – separately priced
Christmas Movies and other happenings

Weekly Calendar

Sunday – December 16th
9:30 AM Mass & Church School
10:45 AM Coffee, Friendship
11:00 AM – Adult Education & lunch

Tuesday – December 18th
5:00 – 7:00 PM Early A.A.
9:00 – 10:00 PM Open A.A.
7:30 PM - Vestry Meeting

Wednesday – December 19th
8:30 AM – Morning Prayer

Thursday – December 20th
7:30 – 8:30 PM Men’s A. A.

Friday – December 21st
7:00 PM – Family Movie Night

Sunday – December 23rd
9:30 AM Mass & Church School
10:45 AM Coffee, Friendship
11:00 AM – Decorate Church & Pizza Party

Food Drive

During the month of December, Trinity Parish is holding a food drive to help those who come to Highways in need of assistance.

Non-perishable food items that are needed include high-protein foods (peanut butter, beans, canned fish or meat), cereal, powered milk, and canned fruit and vegetables.

Please place items in the wicker baskets in the narthex, or deliver to Highways at 184 Hobart Ave.

Thanks to all.

Weekly Calendar

Sunday – December 9th
9:30 AM Mass & Church School
10:45 AM Coffee, Friendship
11:00 AM – Adult Education & lunch
3:00 PM – HWY Christmas Party

Tuesday – December 11th
5:00 – 7:00 PM Early A.A.
9:00 – 10:00 PM Open A.A.

Wednesday – December 12th
8:30 AM – Morning Prayer

Thursday – December 13th
7:30 – 8:30 PM Men’s A. A.

Sunday – December 16th
9:30 AM Mass & Church School
10:45 AM Coffee, Friendship
11:00 AM – Adult Education & lunch

Holiday & Craft Fair

Thanks to everyone who volunteered or shopped at our holiday & craft fair. If you weren't able to make it, here's a little "taste" of what you missed.

The snack table was filled with delicious treats:



It takes a special kind of willpower to work that table:



Shoppers make their way through the wonderful crafts and holiday items:



Eva and Joe mug for the camera:

A Visit with Santa

Join us on Saturday, Dec. 15, when Santa Claus comes to Trinity Parish for a visit. Children can meet Santa and have their pictures taken with him. Snacks and drinks will also be available.

Santa's visit will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the community hall. For more information, call (201) 858-4460.

Weekly Calendar

Sunday – November 25th
9:30 AM Mass & Church School
10:45 AM Coffee, Friendship

Tuesday – November 27th
5:00 – 7:00 PM Early A.A.
9:00 – 10:00 PM Open A.A.

Wednesday – November 28th
8:30 AM – Morning Prayer

Thursday – November 29th
7:30 – 8:30 PM Men’s A. A.

Saturday – December 1st
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Craft Fair

Sunday – December 2nd
9:30 AM Mass & Church School
10:45 AM Coffee, Friendship
11:30 AM TAG Focus Meeting

Windmill Alliance is hosting a holiday arts & crafts bazaar, Saturday, Dec. 1, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Trinity Parish, 141 Broadway, Bayonne.

The craft fair will benefit the Windmill Alliance’s capital campaign, "Miracle on 5th Street." Food and baked goods will be available; parking is also available.

For additional information, contact Greg at gperez@windmillalliance.org or (201) 858-4460.

Weekly Calendar

Sunday – November 11th
9:30 AM Mass & Church School
10:45 AM Coffee, Friendship, Music Ed.
1:30 PM Host mtg. of TAG parishes here

Tuesday – November 13th
5:00 – 7:00 PM Early A.A.
9:00 – 10:00 PM Open A.A.

Wednesday – November 14th
10:30 AM WMA Director’s Meeting
12 Noon WMA Advisory Board Meeting
8:30 AM – Morning Prayer

Thursday – November 15th
7:30 – 8:30 PM Men’s A. A.

Friday – November 16th
7:00 PM Family Movie Night

Sunday – November 18th
9:30 AM Mass & Church School

Weekly Calendar

Sunday – November 4th
9:30 AM Mass & Church School
10:45 AM Coffee, Friendship, Music Ed.

Tuesday – November 6th
5:00 – 7:00 PM Early A.A.
9:00 – 10:00 PM Open A.A.

Wednesday – November 7th
8:30 AM – Morning Prayer

Thursday – November 8th
7:30 – 8:30 PM Men’s A. A.

Sunday – November 11th
9:30 AM Mass & Church School

Fundraiser/Volunteer Breakfast

This Saturday morning, November 3, 2007, at 10:30 AM
in Trinity Church Parish Hall - corner 5th & Broadway.
JOIN US - discussion of our Campaign for "Miracle on 5th Street"
See where we are and where we are going.
Share with us your ideas.
Be partners with us in serving the Disabled adults, Autistic, and those with needs in our area.
Help us expand these services in building our new Windmill Center, New HIGHWAYS center, and Community hall.
Need more info: call Father Greg at 201-858-4460 x13 or
Email: gperez@windmillalliance.org
Visit our website: www.windmillalliance.org

Our "Miracle on 5th Street" campaign was featured on the front page of the Bayonne Journal Sept. 20.

Looking to Make Miracles Happen at Bergen Point

By Lauren Bull
Journal Staff Writer

Big things are happening on Fifth Street and Broadway.

Trinity Parish at Bergen Point launched its "Miracle on 5th Street" campaign this past July with plans to construct a two-story building to house training and industry programs for developmentally disabled and autistic adults. Additionally, there are plans to expand the already existing community hall, thrift shop and food pantry, and to build an entirely new community center.

Click here to view the full story.

Join Us for Octoberfest

The Windmill Center invites you to come and celebrate with us as part of the "Octoberfest" sponsored by Bayonne Downtown Merchants.

Come to Trinity Parish, 141 Broadway, on Saturday, Oct. 6, and have your picture taken in Bayonne's one and only Pumpkin Patch, with pumpkins, ghosts and goblins. Photos are only $3.

Baked goods, crafts, raffles and candies will also be offered for sale.

Save the Date

Newark debut: "A Pebble in My Shoe"

The Rt. Rev. Mark Beckwith, honorary chair

Sunday, Nov. 11, 3 p.m.
The Bickford Theater, Morris Museum
Morristown, N.J.

Reception honoring Jack and Christine immediately following the performance.

Tickets go on sale Sept. 10
$35, includes performance and reception

Call the Bickford Box Office, (973) 971-3706

For more information: www.willandcompany.com/pebble

Christian Formation Commission

The Christian Formation Commission would like to schedule a social event for young adults (18-30 years old) in our diocese to get together and see what they'd like that ministry to be.

Please contact Kaileen Alston at (973) 430-9991 or kalston@dioceseofnewark.org with names of young adults who might be interested, or have them contact her directly.

Summer Outing

On Friday, July 20, let's go to the baseball game.

We've reserved a block of tickets in the picnic area to see the Staten Island Yankees play the State College Spikes at 7 p.m.

We'll have a full picnic with hot dogs, hamburgers, grilled chicken and sides, along with drinks. All ages are welcome.

The cost is $25 per person, and assistance is available. E-mail us or call Fr. Bob at (201) 858-4460, ext. 11, for your tickets.

Family Movie Night

This month's movie will be "Corpse Bride," Friday, June 22, at 7 p.m., at Trinity parish hall.

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come and bring the kids. Some snacks will be served, but feel free to bring what you would like.

Interweave Interfaith Spirituality Day

Interweave is hosting "Rooted and Grounded in Peace" Saturday, June 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 31 Woodland Ave., in Summit, N.J.

Modern life can be filled with so many pressures, competing calls for attention and conflicts that it can seem a struggle. This day will explore specific practices that can make you a “peaceable warrior,” engaged in the spiritual struggle to be grounded in peace and attuned to your highest values. How can you resist all that would erode your values? How can you respond in ways that serve good in the world? How can you be resilient in the face of the fears and uncertainties of our era?

Mark Beckwith, newly elected Episcopal bishop of Newark will be the keynote speaker. Beckwith will discuss “Spiritual Grounding for Effective Action.”

For more information, or to register, call (908) 277-2120 or visit www.interweave.org/jsd.htm

Annual Parish Meeting

Everyone is welcome to join us for the annual parish meting in the Parish Hall immediately following mass on Sunday, June 3.

It is an excellent time for everyone to "catch up" and to understand more about the scope and ministry of our parish. It is also a time to elect members of our vestry and other representatives to our district and diocese.

It has also been our tradition to eat together by having a "covered dish" luncheon. Those who can should bring something for their families and others to enjoy.

The Rector's Voice

Pentecost Sunday, May 27, 2007

By Rev. Gerard A. Pisani Jr.

Pentecost Today

When I was a boy, in the Assembly of God Church, there was a national radio broadcast called “Revival Hour” each week. The opening theme included this verse from Zechariah 4:6: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord.” It never left me. Here are some comments about God’s Spirit as I see them in our yearly calendar cycle so far.

The Spirit of Christmas introduces us to God’s love and peace:

The Christmas story is beautiful and memorable because it is almost incomprehensible. Its roots are from long ago and its effect is forever! Many perceive it as a new story, no matter how often it is told. This is the story of God’s love to the whole world.

I have deliberately called it a story. Stories are the oldest literary form to convey truth, especially truth that is beyond our comprehension. I believe we have become too literal in trying to understand our world, to the point that we tend to distort truth by our passion for “facts.” Real life is not always so concrete! Jesus himself was known as a storyteller; he told many parables. What better way could anyone convey the incomprehensible mystery of God’s love more efficiently or effectively than by telling a story? It is certainly not by alleging that all our knowledge is pure “fact.” Catch the true “spirit” of Christmas.

The Spirit of God makes all things new (words I shared in the New Year):

What was?
Yesterday is also a regular part of our lives. These are the days and times that have passed and we cannot change them. No one can undo what has been. It is history – been there, done that.

What’s now?
Today! The Scripture tells us that “now is the time of God’s favor, today is the day to be saved." Someone once said today is the first day of the rest of your life. Every day is a new day when we have an opportunity to start over.

A great tomorrow:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in God, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Our Spirits meeting God’s Spirit in Lent (God’s Spirit is able to change us and make us whole):

God is often the name we use in speaking of the majestic source of Creation, the effervescent vitality of everything that is, and the mystical spirit that is the essence of life as we know it. God, in modern terms, is perhaps “pure energy” or “light” -- that which was, and is, and is to come.

Human beings have a tendency to get “stuck in a rut,” as they say. It is easier for us to live in the past and talk about how it used to be, rather than live in the present and move toward the future. It is often difficult for us to move forward -- or even move at all -- because we become comfortable with where we are. We feel safer in inactivity than when we become actively involved in something new and different. Change is scary, and most people tend to resist change in any of their life circumstances.

As you know, I like to share ideas with you through acronyms. I find them helpful to simplify or clarify, and I hope you will too.

LENT: Letting Everything (to be) Newly Transformed:

Letting: God does not force; God encourages and asks us to “let go and let God,” as some have said.
Everything: Nothing can be exempt from God’s activity in our lives if we are to succeed.
(to be) (God at work)
Newly: Yesterday was -- let it go. Tomorrow is not here -- it will come. Work on today -- expect and welcome change!
Transformed: transformer (trans·form·er - n.) a device that transfers electrical energy from one alternating circuit to another with a change in voltage, current, phase or impedance. Transformation is dying to that which is old and awakening to something new. New life is not only in the future; it is essential in each moment of any today in our lives. New life comes each time we, in the name of God (God at work), Let Everything (be) Newly Transformed!

The Spirit of Easter (God’s Spirit raising us from the inside out):

May I suggest an acronym that may help us be Easter Christians? It is based on the glorious news of Easter that Jesus is Risen.

RISEN: Realize Inwardly Sufficient Eternal Note

Realize (re·al·ize - v.) 1. to know, understand and accept something; 2. to be aware or conscious of something, or to become aware of something
Inwardly (in·ward·ly - adv.) 1. to yourself, or without showing a feeling on the outside; 2. on or to the inside
Sufficient (suf·fi·cient - adj.) as much as is needed
Eternal (e·ter·nal - adj.) 1. lasting for all time without beginning or end; 2. unaffected by the passage of time; 3. seeming to go on for ever or recur incessantly (informal)
Note: 1. to notice or remember something by paying particular attention to it; 2. to notice or become aware of something; 3. to mention something important; 4. to write down something important as a record or reminder

Perhaps you now realize Easter is more spiritual than physical. Too often we become attached to the “outward and visible” of life and lose the power and certainty of the “inward and invisible.” We are so busy and anxious trying to prove that Jesus was raised physically that we forget the genuine reality that captured the attention of the Apostles and many others who were completely amazed and astonished. Their inward lives were so dramatically changed that their outward actions were bold and new.

The Spirit of Pentecost (that you may know God and the power of God’s Spirit):

The Spirit of God personally has astonished me in my life. I experience something new almost every day and usually say, "Wow!" When you realize I came to Bayonne in 1974 to close Trinity Church because so few were attending at that time, you may begin to realize the many stories I could share with you. There are too many and would make this article a lengthy epistle.

Perhaps more of my favorite acronyms will help me share my feeling about God’s Spirit here in this place:

FAITH (Finding Authenticity In Today’s Happenings)
GRACE (God’s Recreational Activity Causing Excellence)
PRAYER (Perusing Reasonable Alternatives Yet Expecting Resolve)
LOVE (Limitless Offerings Veraciously Expended)
FEAR (False Evidence Appearing Real)
SUCCESS (Serving Ultimately & Consistently Causes Excellence Stability & Security)
SECURE (Staying extremely Comfortable Under Renewable Expressions)

In life, every day is a challenge, and God’s presence is always there. Perhaps the Apostle Paul said it best: “There is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord.”

One of my favorite hymns from my childhood to this day will bring my point to a close:

Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with thee;
Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not,
As thou hast been thou forever wilt be.

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above.
Join with all nature in manifold witness,
To thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide.
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside.

Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed thy hand hath provided,
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!

May you sing this song with vigor each day as you sense and know the power and presence of God’s Spirit in your life!

Parish Work Day

Saturday, June 2, is Parish Work Day at HIGHWAYS.

Volunteer help is needed from members and friends of Trinity Parish from 9 a.m. to noon at the HIGHWAYS Thrift Store, 184 Hobart Ave. (corner of Linnet and Hobart).

This opportunity will help you get to know our ministries better and give us a "hands-on" connection to our neighborhood.

For more information, contact Jane Jackson at (201) 858-8646 or e-mail us.

Fashion Show & Dinner Dance

The Episcopal Church Women of the Church of the Incarnation in Jersey City is hosting its 25th Annual Fashion Show and Dinner Dance, in tribute to our Armed Forces.

The event will take place Friday, May 31, at 7 p.m., at The Chandelier Restaurant in Bayonne. Tickets are $50.

For information, call (201) 434-4810.

Church Birthday Celebration

Everyone's invited to the birthday of the Church on Pentecost, May 27. Join us for festive liturgy and festivities afterward, complete with a birthday cake. Please wear something red to help make it a great celebration.

It's tradition in many churches to read the scriptures that sunday in all the languages of the parish. If you speak another language and are interested in helping out, please contact Father Bob at 201-858-4460, ext. 11.

Weekly Calendar

Tuesday, May 22:
5-7 p.m. -- Early AA
9-10 p.m. -- Open AA

Wednesday, May 23:
8:30 a.m. -- morning prayer

Thursday, May 24:
7:30-8:30 p.m. -- Men's AA

Sunday, May 27:
8:30 a.m. - choir rehearsal
9:30 a.m. - mass and church school
10:45 a.m. - coffee, friendship, music ed.
11 a.m. -- adult discussion, MDG and lunch

Family Movie Night

This month's Family Movie Night will feature "Finding Nemo."

It will take place Friday, May 18, at 7 p.m., in the Community Hall. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come and bring their kids. Some snacks will be served, but feel free to bring what you would like.

Weekly Calendar

Sunday, May 6:
8:30 a.m. - Choir rehearsal
9:30 a.m. - Mass & church school
10:45 a.m. - Coffee, friendship, music ed.
11 a.m. - Adult discussion, MDG & lunch

Tuesday, May 8:
5-7 p.m. - Early AA
9-10 p.m. - Open AA

Wednesday, May 9:
8:30 a.m. - Morning prayer

Thursday, May 10:
7:30-8:30 p.m. - Men's AA

Sunday, May 13:
8:30 a.m. - Choir rehearsal
9:30 a.m. - Mass & church school
10:45 a.m. - Coffee, friendship, music ed.
11 a.m. - Adult discussion, MDG & lunch

WOODY 2007

The Episcopal Church invites all high-school youth to WOODY 2007, the Diocese of Newark's annual high-school retreat.

This year's focus is “Abusive Relationships." During the weekend retreat, we will explore the different types of abusive relationships (mental, physical and sexual) between friends and family.

This annual, high-school retreat is created by the Youth Event Planning Team (YEPT) with the oversight of the Diocesan Youth Ministries director and adult Lay advisors. A theme is developed for this spiritual experience for high-school youth in keeping their faith maturity. It serves as a touchstone in a larger community of Christ, to take their renewed faith back into the world empowered by the spirit. High-school youth will have an opportunity to explore and discuss issues they face in reality. The weekend serves as a forum for the youth to voice their opinions on topics they might not have a chance to talk about at home, at school or with their friends.

The retreat will take place May 18-20 at Camp CrossRoads, 29 Pleasant Grove Road, Port Murray, N.J. The cost is $84.00 (scholarships are available upon request).

Registration deadline is Friday, May 4. To register, fill out the registration form at http://youth.dioceseofnewark.org/2007Programs/0607registration.pdf, along with a copy of your medical insurance card and payment, to: Diocese of Newark, Attn: Kaileen Alston, 31 Mulberry Street, Newark, NJ 07102 (phone: 973-430-9991).

For more information, visit www.dioceseofnewark.org/youth or www.crossroadsretreat.com.

Family Movie Night

Every third Friday of the month is Family Movie Night at Trinity Parish. This month's movie, "Happy Feet," will be shown April 20 at 7 p.m. in Community Hall.

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come and bring the kids. Some snacks will be served, but feel free to bring what you like.

New Web Site to Debut on Earth Day

A new Web site designed to feature the Episcopal Church's local, regional and international ministries around the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) will debut April 20, Earth Day, at www.globalgood.org.

The new site will emphasize the top mission priority set by the General Convention in 2006, which is to carry out peace and justice ministry framed by the MDGs. Adopted by the United Nations in 2000, the goals seek to reduce global poverty by half by the year 2015.

The eight goals include eradication of hunger and preventable illness, and achievement of environmental sustainability.

Editorial contributions to the site are welcome from across the church, and may be went to Web editor Daphne Mack (dmack@episcopalchurch.org), 815 Second Ave., New York, NY 10017.

HIGHWAYS Flea Market April 14

HIGHWAYS is hosting a flea market Saturday, April 14, in the parish hall. For more information, visit the HIGHWAYS Web site.

Weekly Calendar

Tuesday, April 10
5-7 p.m.: early AA
9-10 p.m.: AA

Wednesday, April 11
8:30 a.m.: morning prayer

Thursday, April 12
7:30-8:30 p.m.: men's AA

Saturday, April 14
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.: HIGHWAYS Flea Market, Parish Hall

Sunday, April 15
8:30 a.m.: choir rehearsal
9:30 a.m.: mass and church school
10:45 a.m.: coffee, friendship, music ed
11:05 a.m.: parish education
4 p.m.: confirmation for District 6 at All Saints in Hoboken

Transportation Available

Would you like to attend mass at Trinity, but do not have a way of getting to church?

Call us at (201) 858-4460, ext. 40, and leave your name, address and phone number. You will receive a call back to confirm you wish to be picked up by the church van. This includes a ride back home after mass.

World of Women Program

The Diocese of Newark is hosting the "World of Women" program Saturday, April 28, at the Church of Our Saviour in Denville, N.J. The luncheon begins at noon, followed by the program at 1:30 p.m.

The event will honor women clergy and parish administrators/secretaries.

The registration deadline is April 1. Send registrations to Grace Livingston, 220 Prospect St., Apt. C10G, East Orange, NJ 07017. The cost is $12 per person.

Questions? Call Jessie M. Wilderson at (973) 675-9044 or (973) 675-0106.

Arts at Trinity

Pianist-composer Haskell Small will perform a recital at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 1, at Trinity Parish. Included on the program will be Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition," as well as works by Mompou and Ginastera, and a selection written by Small.

Hailed by England's Musical Times for his "dazzlingly prodigious technique," Small has concertized with great success in major European capitals, South America, Japan and China, and has been enthusiastically received by American audiences in such venues as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center and the Spoleto Festival.

Small received his musical training at the San Francisco Conservatory and Carnegie-Mellon University. Currently, he is chair of the piano department at the Washington Conservatory of Music.

Holy Week Schedule

Following is the schedule for Holy Week:

April 1 - Palm Sunday: 9:30 a.m. mass
April 2 - Monday in H.W.: 7:30 p.m. mass
April 3 - Tuesday in H.W: 7:30 p.m. mass
April 4 - Wednesday in H.W: 7:30 p.m. mass
April 5 - Holy Thursday: 7:30 p.m. mass
April 6 - Good Friday: 7:30 p.m. mass
April 7 - Holy Saturday: noon prayers; Great Easter Vigil, 7:30 p.m.
April 8 - Easter Day: 9:30 a.m. choral Eucharist

Don't forget to sign up for the "Watch" at the Altar of Repose, from Thursday evening through Good Friday.

Easter eggs will be blessed at the end of each mass on Holy Saturday evening and Easter Day liturgy.