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Dear Friends,

Happy Easter! I hope you were able to take part in some of the many worship opportunities we had throughout Holy Week and on Easter Day.

This week, the members of the staff at Trinity have been taking a well-deserved time of slower schedules and a bit less intensity at work. I hope you’ve been able to do a bit of that here and there, too – to take some time to really reflect on what it means to embrace this new way of knowing and experiencing life that the Christian experience offers.

And remember – Easter wasn’t just last Sunday. We will be celebrating Easter at Trinity for a whole season! So, keep this joyful worship as a part of your Easter discipline in the weeks ahead. There’s simply too much joy for us to try to contain it in just a single Sunday! We look forward to sharing it all with you.

Blessings,
Jon+

Dear friends,

I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of composting. I toyed with starting to do it in New Jersey, but we were afraid that the smells of food waste outside might attract our neighborhood bears. We saw enough of them without putting out bait!

I know – it seems like a weird thing to be fascinated by. But I’ve always been drawn to the idea of not only reducing the waste I generate by living through my daily routines, but even more by the idea of finding new value in that waste. What was waste – through a process that, because of my ignorance, seems to me to be mysterious – gets transformed into something new that is beneficial in new ways.

As I write to you this week, we are in the final, waning days of Lent. And by the time you read this, we will be deep in the heart of the Triduum – those holiest days from Maundy Thursday, through Good Friday, and into Holy Saturday that give us our last moments of preparation for Easter and Resurrection joy.

It’s a strange time to write and reflect, because our practice of faith is sort of in a time that’s like mid-compost. Our old and used-up ways of looking at the world are, through a mysterious process, being reformed and transformed into something entirely new – something with new, profound value; something that will feed starving souls.

As we make our way into this, our first Easter together, I invite you to consider that. Consider the idea that God is actively working within you to break down the useless leftovers of hurtful faith traditions that you may be holding; and consider that God can, through the power of resurrection and love, transform them into something new and powerful.

That is the Easter hope and that is the promise of Resurrection.

Blessings,
Jon+

Dear friends,

This Sunday, we begin our journey to Holy Week by celebrating Palm Sunday. This entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem on a donkey is full of expectations on his followers’ behalf. From the zealots, an over throwing of Rome’s power in Palestine, from his disciples perhaps the kin-dom of heaven establishing to earth, and everything in between. The story of Jesus’ last week of ministry this side of death is something Christians all over the earth have celebrated for almost two millennia.

It is impossible for me to prepare for Holy Week without thinking of the humanitarian crisis happening in the Middle East. For over 100 years, the Presiding Bishops of the Episcopal Church have taken up a Good Friday offering in support of The Episcopal Church in Jerusalem. This year’s offering will go to support specific ministries in The Episcopal Church in Jerusalem, look to the Easter appeal letter for more information.

For the past 18 months in our Noon Prayer Service, we have been praying for those in Palestine and Israel, and this Easter we can pray with our actions. We are inviting you to commemorate this holy season by making a special gift, beyond regular giving, to partner in this Easter offering appeal. Every cent that goes above our budgeted amount will go towards this offering.

We will continue our local direct missional support offering for the Christmas season. With everything happening in our world, we want to embrace our larger identity as Episcopalians and join the larger Episcopal Church in supporting those in the Middle East.

Thank you for your continued support of Trinity Episcopal Church and we look forward to seeing you Sunday.

Grace and peace,
George Benson (he/him)

Dear Friends,

Last week I had my first visit to the Plaza! I’d seen it through the windows before, but I hadn’t had a chance to wander around outside. At last, though, a Property Committee meeting sent me up there. It’s certainly a brilliant space, and seeing it in this phase before the Spring planting and growing is beautiful and moving in a very specific way.

I remember learning in school about kinetic energy and potential energy. The plaza is bursting with potential energy. Even now, as I write this, it’s raining up there and feeding the earth and the plants are readying for a new creation.

This phase of Lent, along with our phase of life here at Trinity, are both filled with energy. From the outside, both Lent and Trinity may seem like the abundance of kinetic energy leaves room for nothing else. But living in this energy reveals that it’s really so much more. The kinetic energy here at Trinity is very real, but what it really drives us toward is the potential energy that’s buzzing just under the surface.

And that’s where we are in Lent, too. The potential energy is fed by the promise of resurrection. At Easter, it is released in all its kinetic glory.

My prayer is that we live into that Easter promise. May it guide us as we grow together.

Blessings,
Jon+

Dear friends,

Our trans siblings have always existed, and will always exist no matter what any political or religious entity says. According to the Williams Institute, 0.6% of Americans identify as Transgender, yet, our siblings have been attacked time and again. As we look to celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility on the 31st, we will also celebrate it on Sunday morning. As a church that recognizes the image of God in all peoples, we look forward to raising up our Trans siblings not just this weekend, but throughout the whole year.

Trinity drew its line in the sand in 2023 when we adopted “Protect Trans Kids” as our theme for Pride, and we still proudly stand with our trans siblings. We are still committed to calling our representatives and working to steer them to protect our trans siblings in any way possible, and we always will be.

May we remember always that trans rights are human rights, and all human rights are worth protecting.

Grace and peace,
George Benson (he/him)

Dear Friends,

I am still basking in the glow of our first Sunday together. I hope you are, too.

I know that big transitions (in any aspect of our lives – church is just one) can feel like an unsettling time. The nature of the experience is change. And change often means we won’t know what to expect.

Our transition at Trinity is still ongoing – it didn’t just end because I’ve arrived. Now we’re into the part of the transition that involves us learning more deeply about each other. What change will we bring to each other’s lives and to each other’s experience of the practice of faith? The reality is, we will change each other. That’s why we’ve been called together – not to stagnate together, but to grow together.

If we’re wise, we’ll look at this season of transition as more than a season. If we’re wise, we’ll embrace this time as a road map for embracing the truth that we are being called to grow together – to always be in transition together.

I know inertia can be a powerful force, but community inertia only has as much power as we give it. I pray that we will resist it. I pray that we will commit to growing together. I pray that we will live in transition – not for a season, but as a central element of our vocation.

I look forward to discovering the ways that I will grow through you and with you.

Blessings,
Jon+

Dear Friends,

In this week’s lectionary readings, we find a conversation and ritual between God and Abram. This is a passage for which I have a deep love. We read the details: God promising Abram not just an offspring but the land of the Canaanites. What we really see is something even better. Abram, who has long arranged sacrifices in a specific way, FALLS ASLEEP waiting on God to seal the covenant between the two.

Why is that a big deal?

In the Ancient Near East, animals were slaughtered as a way to seal an oath. Two people would walk down this bloody path, and if one of them broke the oath, a curse was accepted along the lines of, “if I am to break this oath, may I become like the slaughtered animals.” Abram, waiting to walk down this path, falls asleep, and CAN’T MAKE THE PROMISE. So instead of leaving Abram and his offspring cursed and solely responsible for the future, God does the unexpected. God appears like a smoking pot and pillar of fire (two incarnations we see God as in the exodus) and goes down the path by Themself and takes responsibility for the future. This is why I love this passage. So often we read parts like this in the Old Testament and skip over the incredible history and imagery behind it. It’s a perfect example of the beauty and mystery in the poetic nature of God.

Friends, we have been on a long journey to get to where we are this week, and at times, in the silence, some of us may have felt like Abram. Accidentally falling asleep waiting for God to show up and do what God said God would, afraid of the repercussions of choosing or doing the wrong thing. And what happens when Abram falls asleep? God shows up, and God takes responsibility for Abram’s future. Even here, this is our God of hope and promise.

Trinity in two years has had three priests, and we have not ceased praying for this community because we believe in hope. We have not stopped the momentum over the past two years of what God is opening our hearts to do in this community because we believe in promise. And my friends, the Spirit has brought us home to this Sunday. We did not have a smoking pot or pillar of flames, instead, a search committee and a vestry, guided by the Spirit to this weekend. And for that, we, like Abram, give thanks to the Lord.

Grace and peace,
George

Dear Friends,

This weekend, we will usher in Daylight Savings Time at 2:00 a.m. EST on Saturday, March 9th, by “springing” our clocks ahead an hour. With it comes extended daylight hours and the anticipation of warmer weather. Spring is approaching.

Like all changes, there are challenges even when we anticipate and welcome them. We switch our external clocks an hour forward while our internal clocks lag a bit, trying to catch up. For many of us, our biorhythms take much longer to adjust to this hour shift.

Time, or the changing times, seems to have that effect on us. Whether we’re adjusting the hands of a clock or witnessing history unfolding before us, we can all agree that change is often an unsettling yet undeniable constant. Still, it endures, just as we do.

Lent is also upon us, just before our time change on Saturday. A sacred time of sacrifice, giving, and prayer. One could imagine no bigger change or uncertainty than Jesus’ experience as he walked into the desert ahead of his impending death. Alone, weary, tired, hungry, tempted, afraid, yet persisted for us and with us.

As we walk through our metaphorical clocks springing forward, watching the world in all its chaos swirl, let us be reminded of the persistence, faith, and hope of Jesus during his 40 days and nights in the desert. That the loss of an hour is no comparison to the loss of a life for us and our sins. However, we choose to sacrifice, give, or pray during this Lenten season, a time of change and a change of time, let it be knowing that we can do so with the assurance that no more tremendous sacrifice was made than that which he made for us. And he will rise, as will we. Through trials and uncertainties, chaos and hatred, he suffered, died, and was buried…but rose again. So shall we.

Karen Keune

Dear friends,

It is hard to believe that March is Saturday. After January lasting for three years, and February seeming to fly by, we look forward to the season of Lent and a time of exciting change. If, somehow, you have not heard, our new Rector Jon M. Richardson, and his husband Michael arrive on the 16th for their first Sunday. But before we get there, we have some exciting news about a new team member!

This Sunday you will see a few new faces around our humble corner of Adams and St. Clair, specifically in our nursery. I am excited to announce that Trinity has hired a new Nursery Attendant, and her name is Nichole Ramirez. Nichole is a Toledo native and is a graduate of Performing Arts School of Metro Toledo and went on to Albion College on a preforming arts scholarship.

Having worked at Children’s Discovery Center for a long time, Nichole has a lot of experience working with children from pre-school to middle school ages. She also has a little one of her own who will be here from time to time. Aside from spending all this time with children, Nichole really enjoys reading, attending live theatre, art museums, but really enjoys her time with her partner, daughter, and four cats. We are thrilled to say to Nichole and her family, WELCOME HOME!

Dear friends,

We’re coming up to my favorite liturgical season: Lent. Reading that, you probably fall into one of two camps: What’s Lent? or Lent’s Your Favorite? Really

What’s Lent? Even if you haven’t observed Lent in the past, you probably have heard stories of people who have. The stories I heard growing up were from Catholic friends, most commonly “I’m giving up chocolate for Lent.” When I asked my friends why they gave chocolate up for Lent, they invariably answered, “I’m suffering because Jesus suffered.” Back then, I knew very little about church traditions. What I’ve since learned is that Lent is the season that leads up to Easter, from Ash Wednesday through Maundy Thursday. Traditionally, this was a time of preparation for people wishing to be baptized at Easter and is associated with penitence and fasting. There are many spiritual practices associated with Lent: giving something up, taking something on, being intentional in spiritual reading, donating money to charity, and changing eating habits on some or all days of Lent.

If you made it this far, you may now be leaning to the other camp.

Lent’s Your Favorite? Really? Penitence and fasting don’t sound like much fun, so why is Lent my favorite liturgical season? Life is full of distractions, even distracting me from God. Lent lets me refocus my attention on God: Where am I falling short? What have I made more important than God? Where is God calling me to new life? Over the years, my lenten practices varied, such as coming to Wednesday soup suppers at church, being more intentional about daily prayer. Every year, I stumble over the same obstacles, like taking on the most challenging disciplines, so I can prove to God I’m serious, then feeling bad when I give up halfway. (Of all the things to give up for Lent, the hardest is ego-centered thoughts.) Lent is an intentional invitation to all of us to look at our relationships with God at the same time. Our faith community supports us, beginning with the imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday (March 5).

Whether you are brand new to Lent or are looking for a refresh, join the Spiritual Formation Committee on Sunday, February 23, for What do you mean I don’t have to give up chocolate? An introduction to Lent. (It’s helpful to RSVP, but not required.) Grab a snack at coffee hour and meet in the Walbridge room. Bring your curiosity and your questions.

Maybe you’ll find your way to the third camp: Oh, Lent is My Favorite Season Too!

Jolene Miller
Chair, Spiritual Formation Committee

Dear Friends,

The Trinity Response Team (TRT) had their first gathering this past Sunday in My Brother’s Place to contemplate and act on many justice issues – gun violence, food insecurity, racism, and LGBTQ shaming – to name a few. This gathering was specifically to discuss appropriate actions and reactions to the new president and his administration these last two weeks.

Twenty-two of us attended and there were many contributions and ideas during our active discussion. Folks collected handouts that contained:

1. contact information for elected representatives and Senators in DC;
2. a description of “how to” speak to a staffer when one calls or writes an email/letter, and
3. a brief description of 10 Executive Orders (E.O.’s).

Postcards with the Trinity logo on one side were written to senators and representatives during our time together kindly stating our objections to the Executive Orders. Those were mailed out this week.

Those gathered agree this is just the beginning of TRT’s advocacy for people, both in our community and around the country, who find themselves excluded or oppressed by these E.O.’s. It was suggested that the TRT plan to meet monthly for continued advocacy and support. We will work on doing just that.

Please prayerfully consider whether you have a role to play in TRT. All people of goodwill are welcome! Please contact George Benson at Trinity with any questions, contributions, or concerns. george@trinitytoledo.org

God’s Peace,
Mark Dubielak

Dear Friends,

As we move through these turbulent and uncertain days, it seems an appropriate moment to reflect together on Jesus’ radical teaching about speaking truth to power. In a world that often feels divided, where voices of justice are sometimes drowned out by those in authority, we turn to the life and words of Jesus for guidance and strength.

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus did not shy away from speaking truth to the powerful of his time—whether they were religious authorities, political leaders, or those who wielded control over the lives of the marginalized. He called out hypocrisy, injustice, and the exploitation of the vulnerable, even when it meant risking his own safety. Jesus’ message was always one of love, but it was not a message that ever compromised on the need for justice and truth.

Jesus did not mince words when he confronted the leaders of his time, whether they be religious or political, he called them out for their self-righteousness and their exploitation of the people. He spoke against the ways they burdened the poor and oppressed, warning them that their position of power would not protect them from the consequences of their actions.

And yet, in speaking truth to power, Jesus was not motivated by anger or a desire to tear down, but by a deep love for all of God’s children. He sought to awaken hearts and minds to the truth, not just about the world around them, but about the nature of God’s justice and love. His message was always an invitation—to repent, to turn toward a life of compassion, humility, and peace.

As followers of Christ, we are called to do the same. In our own time, we see so many ways in which power is used to oppress, to marginalize, and to silence voices that seek justice. Whether in our local communities or in Washington, D.C., we are reminded that speaking truth to power is not just a political act—it is a deeply spiritual one. It is an act of witness to the Kingdom of God, which calls us to stand alongside the poor, the oppressed, the voiceless, the marginalized, the unseen, the frightened.

This is not easy work. Jesus did not promise it would be. But he also gave us the strength to speak with boldness, to seek justice with humility, and to love even those who may stand in opposition to us. Speaking truth to power, as Jesus showed us, is an act of love that can change hearts and transform systems. It is a way of embodying the hope of the Gospel in a world that desperately needs it.

Let us remember that truth is not merely a set of facts to be defended, nor a particular political ideology, but a powerful force that moves us toward a world where all will be seen, heard, and valued. Let us be bold, let us be compassionate, and let us be people of truth.

Love and light-
Jeffrey Albright
Senior Warden

Speaking truth and standing for justice in a world that does not want to hear it is tough. It’s one thing, I think, most of us can agree on. And this reality is not a new one. Luke Chapter 4 concludes with people who were so upset with Jesus, that they tried to throw him off a cliff after listening to him talk about the prophet Isaiah’s words. I have given some sermons in my time, but none have been received like that. To pray into a kin-dom we seek as followers of The Way takes bravery and a deeply rooted faith; much more than we like to admit.

Sherre Owens Smith, a dearly departed friend and former Trinity member, invited me to her home for lunch one afternoon. I had mentioned that I was prepping for that week’s prayer service and needed a setting of the Prayers of the People. She introduced me to the Litany for Social Justice, from the Office of Young Adult and Campus Ministries of the Episcopal Church. To say I was moved was an understatement; it was exactly what I needed and has become a staple during our chapel services ever since.

I share these with you all today, so our lips, hearts, and minds continue to bend towards a world of justice. May we continue to seek it in the streets.

Prayers of the People: A Litany for Social Justice, Office of Young Adult and Campus Ministries of the Episcopal Church

Intercessor: Creator of All, you have promised to hear when we pray in the name of your Son. Therefore, in confidence and trust we pray for the Church. God, enliven the Church for its mission:
People: That we may be salt of the earth and light to the world.

Intercessor: Breathe fresh life into your people.
People: Give us power to reveal Christ in word and action.

Intercessor: Creator of all, lead us and every people into ways of justice and peace.
People: That we may respect one another in freedom and truth.

Intercessor: Awaken in us a sense of wonder for the earth and all that is in it.
People: Teach us to care creatively for its resources.

Intercessor: God of truth, inspire with your wisdom those whose decisions affect the lives of others,
People: That all may act with integrity and courage.

Intercessor: Give grace to all whose lives are linked with ours.
People: May we serve Christ in one another, and love as he loves us.

Intercessor: We pray for those on our Trinity Prayer List, and those we now name silently or aloud. (All are invited to offer their prayers silently or aloud at this time.) God of hope, comfort and restore all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit.
People: May they know the power of your healing love.

Intercessor: Make us willing agents of your compassion.
People: Strengthen us as we share in making people whole.

Intercessor: Give comfort to those who mourn.
People: Bring them peace in their time of loss.

Intercessor: We praise you for all your saints who have entered your eternal glory.
People: May their example inspire and encourage us.

Intercessor: Lord, you have called us to serve you.
People: Grant that we may walk in your presence: your love in our hearts, your truth in our minds, your strength in our wills; until, at the end of our journey, we know the joy of our homecoming and the welcome of your embrace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Come, Lord Jesus, do not delay; give new courage to your people, who trust in your love. By your coming, raise us to share in the joy of your kingdom on earth as in heaven, where you live and reign, one God for ever and ever.

Amen.

Grace and peace,
George Benson (he/him)

Dear friends,

There are a lot of things I’d like to say or share about the week we have had. As of writing this, President Trump has just rescinded the 1965 Civil Rights government contractor order, and a school shooter has shot a student and himself. Who knows what else may have happened by the time you read this on Friday morning, but whatever it is, we will face it together. Something to remember during this time when it feels so overwhelming is that this is what oppressors want you to feel. They want you to feel small and overwhelmed. But we are not and there is strength in numbers. The work continues, and so does the Kin-dom of God.
So, I am going to suggest we all do something radical.

Let’s rest. No one can work on a cup that is less than half filled.

During these times, I am reminded of the story of Genesis where there is a massive amount of creation. There is also a lot of uncreating of what was, to what is and could be. And God rested. The God we love reminds us time and again through the Biblical narrative that Sabbath is required for our health and survival. Jesus goes away from the crowds when he is overwhelmed and needs restoration. And that is okay for us too. Trinity is a community, and communities rely on collective strength. Right now, some of us can show up and do the work, others cannot, and that is holy and okay.

Right now, we are at the start of a marathon, and as an asthmatic I wish it were a relay race. But I know that you all are where God has called you to be. And that by God’s grace we will make it through together. Sabbath is important for who and where we are.

May you find the time this week and, in the time to come, to welcome rest as resistance.

Grace and peace.
George

Dear Friends,

Today is the first issue of Topics since we learned of our new Rector’s name. It’s the first Friday we get to celebrate an answer to our search for Trinity’s next rector together. We have a direction; a name; a date. We can see it now- the light at the end of the tunnel.

We have great ideas of what we’ll do when Jon and Michael arrive. What shows they need to see, what color his office will be painted, and which of the fabulous Toledo restaurants are absolutely necessary for a good Toledo introduction (Sidon, Tandoor, Tony Packo’s…) just to name a few.

And yet, there is a vast amount of space and time between now and the next. We know that our work is not done. From a mountaintop, we stand looking at our next valley.

So what do we do now?

Now we have the chance to walk together in the shoes we’ve worked so hard to repair. To keep our breakfast food and community warm through these difficult winter months. To prepare a new home and landing space for our incoming rector, and to keep our beautiful, vibrant, progressive, inclusive, creative community full of love and light. To continue to be a beacon for those wishing to find a home… just like we were, when we first walked through Trinity’s doors. Let’s keep being the home we want to be. Who we are called to be in the place we love so dearly.

And how awesome that we get to do this together. And this staff? We’ve got your back.

With a humble heart, I share with you a prayer I wrote for the next leg of our transition.

Dearest God, who knows our hearts better than we could ever imagine, who holds us in the palm of your hand; thank you for your never-ending love and the promises you’ve made to us through our baptismal covenant. Remind us of the peace only your love can instill. And even though we walk again through a valley of transition, let us rest in the knowledge that change is your love language; for you are always redeeming, as our God of the resurrection. Guide our work through the next two months; that your kin-dom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. May we work to usher in the change you wish to see. In our brother Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

With a whole bucket of love,
Chelsie Cree, Director of Music and the Arts

Dear Friends,

This coming Sunday, January 12, will be my last one as your Interim Rector.

When I was a kid, the Mickey Mouse Club was one of the few programs we were able to get through our rooftop antenna. The original run featured a regular but ever-changing cast of mostly teen performers. ABC broadcast reruns weekday afternoons during the 1958–1959 season, airing right after Dick Clark’s American Bandstand. Each Mickey Mouse Club show ended the same way, with the song that began, “Now it’s time to say good-bye to all our company . . .”

Siblings in Christ, now it’s time for me to say goodbye to all of you after fifteen plus months at Trinity Toledo. Thank you for the opportunity to serve Trinity during this time of transition! It has been a privilege and a joy. I will cherish this season of ministry and rejoice always in the people with whom I’ve had the privilege of working.

I am grateful to have been part of a team whose combined efforts have helped strengthen the parish in preparation for your next rector – Bishop Anne Jolly, Canon Jessie Dodson and the Diocese of Ohio; your Wardens, Donna Steppe and Jeffrey Albright, and those who now serve and have served on the Vestry; the people who lead the various ministries of the parish; those who make Trinity’s extraordinary worship possible – especially the Choir and the Altar Guild; and, of course, the staff whose gifts and dedication will continue to support and bless you as you await the arrival of your next rector. Until then, Father Robert and Deacon Meribah will provide spiritual leadership and pastoral care.

Above all, I am grateful for the Holy Spirit whose gracious presence has sustained us through this time of transition. I’ve ben reminded again and again that God’s power working in us can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. (Ephesians 3:21, 22)

I look forward to watching from a distance as Trinity Toledo goes “from strength to strength,” and I will keep you in my prayers. As is always the case when I leave an interim assignment, I will miss the relationships formed and the friendships made most of all.

After leading five congregations in a row through their transitions, I’m moving on to a sixth – St. Paul’s, Cleveland Heights. Because I’ll still be serving in the Diocese of Ohio, I’m sure I’ll see some of you at the Winter Convocation at the end of the month and at other diocesan gatherings.

Please continue to show up, to say your prayers, and to support your next rector. The people of Downtown Toledo need a progressive, inclusive, creative Episcopal Church – one that welcomes everyone – no exceptions! Trinity is that very special place. But then, you knew that already . . . .

Blessings,
Stephen Applegate

Dear Friends,

“O star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright – “ so begins the refrain to the well-known Epiphany hymn, “We three kings of orient are. . . “

This coming Sunday, January 5, we’ll observe the feast of the Epiphany. Although Epiphany is actually on January 6, Bishop Anne has given us the green light to celebrate Epiphany a day early.

The church has long celebrated the feast as the day the Wise Men found Jesus and his parents after following the star. Christmas cards and pageants often depict the creche with shepherds and their sheep AND Wise Men and their camels at the stable in Bethlehem all at the same time. But tradition has separated the two visits, with the Magi arriving at the end of the twelve days of Christmas.

Epiphany isn’t a word we use much anymore. It means “revelation” or “manifestation.” The Magi’s visit to Jesus was seen as the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles – since the Wise Men were not Jews. The event foreshadowed how Christ would be the Savior of the whole world, not just the Jewish Messiah. For a long time, the celebration of this Epiphany was a much bigger deal than Christmas because the growing Gentile church was so grateful to be included in God’s plan of salvation.

But Epiphany is more than one day – it is an entire season that stretches all the way to the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday. During the Epiphany season, the Gospel readings contain little revelations or manifestations – unveilings, as it were, of who Jesus really is. One of the hymns for this season – #135 in Hymnal 1982 – contains a list of many of these unveilings:

• manifested by a star by a star to the sages from afar; (the Epiphany itself)
• Manifest at Jordan’s stream, Prophet, Priest, and King supreme; (Jesus’ baptism)
• and at Cana, wedding guest, in thy Godhead manifest (changing water into wine)
• Manifest in making whole palsied limbs and fainting soul (healing miracles)
• Manifest on mountain height, shining in resplendent light (the Transfiguration)

To highlight the Epiphany season, the Adult Spiritual Formation Committee will give each of us the opportunity to receive a “star word” to reflect on – a word that has been chosen for us by the Holy Spirit.

We’ll also chalk the front door of the church at the end of the service. The chalking will include the new year’s date – 2025 – with 20 and 25 separated by C+M+B – in the center. C+M+B can represent the first letters of the names of the Magi – Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar – or the Latin words Christus Mansionem Benedicat, which means “May Christ bless this house.” We’ll pray that Christ will indeed bless Trinity this coming year.

Whether you plan to travel by camel caravan or by modern horsepower, I hope you’ll join me and your fellow parishioners on this first Sunday of 2025.

Blessings,
Stephen Applegate

Dear Friends,

If you are reading this week’s Topics on its publication date – Friday, December 27 – happy third day of Christmas. I’m in Granville for a couple of days enjoying time with our family. It’s been joyful chaos since I arrived home late on Christmas morning.

Yesterday, as I walked Bernie downtown for a “leg-stretcher,” we passed several Christmas trees already put out to the curb. These are the same trees I saw freshly-cut tied to the tops of cars driving into town the day after Thanksgiving. Their special time indoors has come to an end.

Christmas is already over for some people. The radio stations that converted to an “all Christmas – all the time” format have returned to their regular programming. Amazon, the US Postal Service, and brick-and-mortar stores are all handling returns. And we’re on the brink of a New Year.

Not so fast, I want to say. Christmas is twelve days long. We have at least one song that reminds us of the tradition – The Twelve Days of Christmas – the 18th century English carol celebrating true love, gift-giving and birds.

Originally published in 1780, it was a children’s memory game, and the words were chanted as each player attempted to recite the lengthening list of gifts. The melody was added in 1909 by Frederic Austin, who presumably gave the middle line its elongated flourish, “fiiivvve gooollld riiinnngs”— a detail best left off the composer’s resume. If it had never become a song, the multitude of leaping lords and milking maids might have disappeared completely right along with the traditional twelve days.

Some people love the song, and there are terrific versions of it – the one sung by John Denver of the Muppets is a classic with Miss Piggy claiming the five gold rings – and Straight No Chaser’s send up of the song still makes me smile every time I hear it, even though it’s been around since 1998. Others describe it as the Christmas equivalent of “99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall.”

One year (2013, in fact), the independent writer Pamela Forsythe “wondered about the preponderance of fowl [in the list] – six of the 12 days feature gifts of birds: partridge, turtle doves, French hens, colly or calling birds, geese, and swans.” She asked, “Aside from the hens and geese, which could provide eggs, what was the recipient to do with all the rest? Stock an aviary?”

And then she went on to compose her own fresh set of lyrics. Here they are:

The Twelve Smart Days of Christmas

On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me:
Twelve consoling kisses,
Eleven geeks-a-helping,
Ten friends advising,
Nine coders weeping,
Eight teens-a-texting,
Seven new devices,
Six thrilling e-books,
Five ibuprofens,
Four “Downton” downloads,
Three apps to save time,
Two tiny earbuds, and
A smart phone delivered by drone

If you were to write your own list of gifts for the Twelve Days of Christmas, what would the list include? Fowl? Electronic devices? Experiences? Something for you to ponder in these days between December 25 and January 5.

Blessings,
Stephen Applegate