What is it that you see when you approach Trinity Episcopal Church? For some, it may be the massiveness of the historical building at the corner of Summit and Adams in downtown Toledo. Others may see a person covered in a blanket, lying on the bench, not knowing it is our commissioned Homeless Jesus statue. It could be the flags that fly proudly from the building proclaiming messages of support and inclusion that catch the eyes of others. For me, it has always been the Red Doors.
As a lover of all things book related, I have to say that the doors at Trinity remind me of the most idyllic and welcoming book cover I would ever choose. My favorite and most frequent approach to book selection happens to be through the lens of the cover or book jacket, itself.
Why am I telling you all this? This is where my story begins with Trinity Episcopal Church. Nearly six years ago, I walked through the doors of Trinity on an April morning, knowing little more than what the “book cover” told me. Would my experience leave me wanting more, reading until my eyes hurt? Or would I be anxious to walk away after the service, closing the cover, never to pick the book up again?
Spoiler alert, I can honestly say, I have yet to put this book down. I can’t quit it. It is the most captivating book I have ever read. It is continually unfolding and revealing more about my life than I could have ever imagined. This book I chose, by the beautiful Red Doors, has become somewhat of an autobiography, not just for me, but for my family. It is our best seller.
As with all wonderful, life-changing, and introspective books, there are foundational characters that guides us. Our Priest, Lisa Tucker-Gray, has been this character, for us. In our family story, she has been with my family through some very difficult times, burying my father-in-law; and joyous times, marrying my niece. Her presence, as you all can relate, has been such an integral part of the story that I cannot imagine her character not being in the next chapter. And yet, I know that the next chapter will be better because she was in the previous. Her narration lives in the future chapters through us. This is how the story goes on.
My name is Karen Keune. I am your Vestry Clerk and a proud member of Trinity Episcopal Church. My husband, George and I are lifelong Toledoans and we have three amazingly, wonderful children. We are so blessed and honored to have Trinity in our autobiography.
May it Be So.