In the Community
SPOTLIGHT ON THE DOROTHY DAY HOSPITALITY HOUSE
Every third Tuesday of the month, a small dedicated crew of Trinity parishioners gathers on Spring Street in Danbury. They come with foodstuffs to prepare and a determined purpose to feed anyone hungry who chooses to stop by between 3:00 pm and 4:30 pm. Dorothy Day House is one of the few spots where this population is met with warmth and caring. There are some poignant discussions held at the window. These are men and women with lives that have taken twists and turns. There but for fortune, so go most of us.
The number of hungry food seekers ranges between 50 and 100 tired souls. Most of the clients are homeless or nearly so. Too often they are mothers with hungry young children in tow. Mostly what these folks are is, God’s hungry people. We must feed them!
Carol, Nancy, Marcia, and Jean-Maurice make up the “usual group,” with a couple of others whom fill in occasionally. If any of the group is unable to be there, they are seriously short-handed. We need a few more hands to work in God’s vineyard here dear friends of Trinity. If you feel moved to help, simply show up at Dorothy Day House at 11 Spring Street; Danbury, CT between 12:30 pm and 2:00pm. Serving is completed at 4:30 followed by any clean-up not done. Upcoming opportunities are June 15, July 20, August 17. If you want learn more first, go to the end of this message to learn how.
At about 12:30, the chopping, mixing, and preparing begins. The menu is simple and nourishing. Typically included are meat, veggies, and potatoes of different types. Examples recently included; crab cakes, pulled pork, chicken filets, and gourmet hot dogs. Also, there is often included salad or coleslaw depending on the menu for the evening.
During the Pandemic to maintain safety, only workers are in the building. At three the window in the top of the door is opened and serving begins. Each person receives a variety bag with a sandwich, bottle of water, two or three pieces of fruit, snacks, and eating utensils for the hot meal that comes in another bag. Many masks and Laundry Love coupons are shared as individuals need them.
We truly have a great need to help Trinity to provide for the Mission and Outreach in a manner that fits our commitment. Working at Dorothy Day House is magical; the volunteers who work there receive as much as the folks coming to eat. If you have any interest in learning about a commitment to Trinity’s Mission and Outreach, please take action. Rev. Andrea is deeply concerned and a fine place to begin a discussion. Alternatively, call Dave Lias, Vestry Liaison, at (203)470-7701 or email at dlias2@comcast.net.
Every third Tuesday of the month, a small dedicated crew of Trinity parishioners gathers on Spring Street in Danbury. They come with foodstuffs to prepare and a determined purpose to feed anyone hungry who chooses to stop by between 3:00 pm and 4:30 pm. Dorothy Day House is one of the few spots where this population is met with warmth and caring. There are some poignant discussions held at the window. These are men and women with lives that have taken twists and turns. There but for fortune, so go most of us.
The number of hungry food seekers ranges between 50 and 100 tired souls. Most of the clients are homeless or nearly so. Too often they are mothers with hungry young children in tow. Mostly what these folks are is, God’s hungry people. We must feed them!
Carol, Nancy, Marcia, and Jean-Maurice make up the “usual group,” with a couple of others whom fill in occasionally. If any of the group is unable to be there, they are seriously short-handed. We need a few more hands to work in God’s vineyard here dear friends of Trinity. If you feel moved to help, simply show up at Dorothy Day House at 11 Spring Street; Danbury, CT between 12:30 pm and 2:00pm. Serving is completed at 4:30 followed by any clean-up not done. Upcoming opportunities are June 15, July 20, August 17. If you want learn more first, go to the end of this message to learn how.
At about 12:30, the chopping, mixing, and preparing begins. The menu is simple and nourishing. Typically included are meat, veggies, and potatoes of different types. Examples recently included; crab cakes, pulled pork, chicken filets, and gourmet hot dogs. Also, there is often included salad or coleslaw depending on the menu for the evening.
During the Pandemic to maintain safety, only workers are in the building. At three the window in the top of the door is opened and serving begins. Each person receives a variety bag with a sandwich, bottle of water, two or three pieces of fruit, snacks, and eating utensils for the hot meal that comes in another bag. Many masks and Laundry Love coupons are shared as individuals need them.
We truly have a great need to help Trinity to provide for the Mission and Outreach in a manner that fits our commitment. Working at Dorothy Day House is magical; the volunteers who work there receive as much as the folks coming to eat. If you have any interest in learning about a commitment to Trinity’s Mission and Outreach, please take action. Rev. Andrea is deeply concerned and a fine place to begin a discussion. Alternatively, call Dave Lias, Vestry Liaison, at (203)470-7701 or email at dlias2@comcast.net.
Halloween and the Great Pumpkin Challenge
The youth of Trinity organize the Great Pumpkin Challenge to raise funds for the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. We hold a pumpkin carving event at Trinity Church and also invite the community to display their carved pumpkins for a $5 donation. The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp was founded in 1988 by Paul Newman and is dedicated to providing a fun and nurturing experience for seriously ill children and their families. With thousands of people trick-or-treating on Main Street in Newtown each Halloween, it is fun to be part of the community experience.
The youth of Trinity organize the Great Pumpkin Challenge to raise funds for the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. We hold a pumpkin carving event at Trinity Church and also invite the community to display their carved pumpkins for a $5 donation. The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp was founded in 1988 by Paul Newman and is dedicated to providing a fun and nurturing experience for seriously ill children and their families. With thousands of people trick-or-treating on Main Street in Newtown each Halloween, it is fun to be part of the community experience.
Laundry Love
Laundry Love of Greater Danbury (LLGD) helps people who are struggling financially clean their clothes and linens on a regular basis. Trinity Church is a sponsor along with 9 other community organizations. Laundry Love began in 2003 when T-Bone, a homeless man in Ventura, California, was asked, “T-Bone, how can we come alongside your life in a way that would matter?” His response was honest and practical, “If I had clean clothes I think people would treat me like a human being.” There are now hundreds of Laundry Love initiatives nationwide, serving an estimated 72,000 people each year. Laundry Love takes place at White Street Wash, 30 White Street, Danbury every second Wednesday from 1 pm to 7 pm. To take part please contact Carol Bigman at bigmancarol@gmail.com or 203-300-8338.
Laundry Love of Greater Danbury (LLGD) helps people who are struggling financially clean their clothes and linens on a regular basis. Trinity Church is a sponsor along with 9 other community organizations. Laundry Love began in 2003 when T-Bone, a homeless man in Ventura, California, was asked, “T-Bone, how can we come alongside your life in a way that would matter?” His response was honest and practical, “If I had clean clothes I think people would treat me like a human being.” There are now hundreds of Laundry Love initiatives nationwide, serving an estimated 72,000 people each year. Laundry Love takes place at White Street Wash, 30 White Street, Danbury every second Wednesday from 1 pm to 7 pm. To take part please contact Carol Bigman at bigmancarol@gmail.com or 203-300-8338.
Faith Food Pantry
Trinity is a faithful contributor to the Faith Food Pantry, located behind St. Rose Roman Catholic Church on Church Hill Road. Trinity parishioners are provided red reusable bags to bring on their weekly grocery shopping trips in order to purchase non-perishable items that will be returned to Trinity. These offerings are provided to the Faith Food Pantry each week. To learn more about the Faith Food Pantry and how they provide assistance to our neighbors in need, visit their website: www.newtownfoodpantry.org.
Trinity is a faithful contributor to the Faith Food Pantry, located behind St. Rose Roman Catholic Church on Church Hill Road. Trinity parishioners are provided red reusable bags to bring on their weekly grocery shopping trips in order to purchase non-perishable items that will be returned to Trinity. These offerings are provided to the Faith Food Pantry each week. To learn more about the Faith Food Pantry and how they provide assistance to our neighbors in need, visit their website: www.newtownfoodpantry.org.
In Our Parish
Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministry’s mission at Trinity is to recruit, train and support lay volunteers to be present for and bring Christ’s love to people going through significant transitions and/or recovering from challenges in their lives—for as long as it takes. This unique ministry differs from our Hands of Christ Ministry, in that the care provided is long-term and one-on-one. It begins with a prayerful and confidential process involving the Rector, the Stephen Ministry care coordinator, and the person requesting help. Then a Stephen Minister “care-giver” is assigned to work with the person in need as “care-receiver” in a loving and personal relationship. Care-givers do not serve as counselors, nor do they give advice. Rather, they provide a regularly scheduled time, typically an hour a week, to listen, pray with, and support the care-receiver. For more information about requesting a care-giver or about volunteering for this important ministry, contact Rev. Andrea Wyatt at 203-426-9070. All contact is confidential. You can find additional information through the Stephen Ministry website at www.stephenministries.org.
Stephen Ministry’s mission at Trinity is to recruit, train and support lay volunteers to be present for and bring Christ’s love to people going through significant transitions and/or recovering from challenges in their lives—for as long as it takes. This unique ministry differs from our Hands of Christ Ministry, in that the care provided is long-term and one-on-one. It begins with a prayerful and confidential process involving the Rector, the Stephen Ministry care coordinator, and the person requesting help. Then a Stephen Minister “care-giver” is assigned to work with the person in need as “care-receiver” in a loving and personal relationship. Care-givers do not serve as counselors, nor do they give advice. Rather, they provide a regularly scheduled time, typically an hour a week, to listen, pray with, and support the care-receiver. For more information about requesting a care-giver or about volunteering for this important ministry, contact Rev. Andrea Wyatt at 203-426-9070. All contact is confidential. You can find additional information through the Stephen Ministry website at www.stephenministries.org.
Hands of Christ Ministry
Through our Hands of Christ Ministry and with a generosity of spirit, we reach out with God’s love to individuals and families in need, primarily by providing meals during times of hardship. All of us share in the ministry of representing Christ and His Church, bearing witness to God wherever we may be, and following God on the Journey. Our mission is to create a community that honors and consecrates the joys and sorrows of life so that no one walks alone. We believe that one of the deepest longings of a human being is to feel needed and essential, not only in service to one another, but also in service to the world. For more information, contact the parish office at 203-426-9070 or Erin Lutz, the coordinator for Hands of Christ. We invite you to come and join us, for there is no better medicine for the heart than reaching out and lifting someone up!
Through our Hands of Christ Ministry and with a generosity of spirit, we reach out with God’s love to individuals and families in need, primarily by providing meals during times of hardship. All of us share in the ministry of representing Christ and His Church, bearing witness to God wherever we may be, and following God on the Journey. Our mission is to create a community that honors and consecrates the joys and sorrows of life so that no one walks alone. We believe that one of the deepest longings of a human being is to feel needed and essential, not only in service to one another, but also in service to the world. For more information, contact the parish office at 203-426-9070 or Erin Lutz, the coordinator for Hands of Christ. We invite you to come and join us, for there is no better medicine for the heart than reaching out and lifting someone up!
Altar Guild
In a spirit of devotion, the Altar Guild takes great joy in preparing for all Eucharistic services held at Trinity. We also prepare for and assist at Holy Baptisms, weddings, funerals and special services during the year, such as Christmas and Easter services. Our duties include all the care needed for our altar, such as polishing the silver and brass vessels, replacing candles, dressing the altar, and keeping all linens and hangings washed, pressed, and in perfect condition. If you would like to learn more about the care of the altar and the behind the scenes work needed to prepare for worship, and if you would find joy in caring for the beautiful objects that make our worship special, please consider joining this ministry!
Lay Worship Leaders
“Lay” people are you and me; the people of the church who are not professional clergy. Trinity Newtown has a vibrant and dedicated group of trained participants for Lay Worship. Lay Eucharist Ministers assist with communion, while Lay Lectors read scripture and lead us in prayer. They serve at all Sunday worship services and are available for special services throughout the year. In addition, some of our Lay Eucharist Ministers have received additional training to visit those who cannot attend services at Trinity and to provide communion for them. These services are held in homes, nursing homes or hospitals. They carry the prayers of us all as they take the Sacrament of Christ’s presence to those in need. All parish members are invited to consider this ministry.
Ushers
Trinity’s ushers are essential to our parish, providing the most friendly and professional level of assistance to both parishioners and newcomers to Trinity, as well as to the community at large. We take pride in our team of ushers and the care that they exhibit in our regular and special services, as they serve joyfully at weddings and baptisms, and prayerfully at funerals. It is always an honor to serve as an usher, welcoming old friends and newcomers alike. We welcome anyone from the parish that wishes to serve as an usher and will be happy to assist them in their training.
Acolytes
Acolytes assist the clergy at the altar, carry the processional and recessional crosses, light the candles and serve as torchbearers. When serving at the altar, an acolyte is assisting in the worship of God. This important ministry is filled with dignity, humility, and care. All youth in grades 3 – 12 as well as adults of any age are invited to participate in this ministry. We are truly blessed to have a growing multigenerational acolyte program. Please take a moment after service to say thank you to the acolytes for serving in this special ministry. Better still, ask to become a part of this special ministry!
In a spirit of devotion, the Altar Guild takes great joy in preparing for all Eucharistic services held at Trinity. We also prepare for and assist at Holy Baptisms, weddings, funerals and special services during the year, such as Christmas and Easter services. Our duties include all the care needed for our altar, such as polishing the silver and brass vessels, replacing candles, dressing the altar, and keeping all linens and hangings washed, pressed, and in perfect condition. If you would like to learn more about the care of the altar and the behind the scenes work needed to prepare for worship, and if you would find joy in caring for the beautiful objects that make our worship special, please consider joining this ministry!
Lay Worship Leaders
“Lay” people are you and me; the people of the church who are not professional clergy. Trinity Newtown has a vibrant and dedicated group of trained participants for Lay Worship. Lay Eucharist Ministers assist with communion, while Lay Lectors read scripture and lead us in prayer. They serve at all Sunday worship services and are available for special services throughout the year. In addition, some of our Lay Eucharist Ministers have received additional training to visit those who cannot attend services at Trinity and to provide communion for them. These services are held in homes, nursing homes or hospitals. They carry the prayers of us all as they take the Sacrament of Christ’s presence to those in need. All parish members are invited to consider this ministry.
Ushers
Trinity’s ushers are essential to our parish, providing the most friendly and professional level of assistance to both parishioners and newcomers to Trinity, as well as to the community at large. We take pride in our team of ushers and the care that they exhibit in our regular and special services, as they serve joyfully at weddings and baptisms, and prayerfully at funerals. It is always an honor to serve as an usher, welcoming old friends and newcomers alike. We welcome anyone from the parish that wishes to serve as an usher and will be happy to assist them in their training.
Acolytes
Acolytes assist the clergy at the altar, carry the processional and recessional crosses, light the candles and serve as torchbearers. When serving at the altar, an acolyte is assisting in the worship of God. This important ministry is filled with dignity, humility, and care. All youth in grades 3 – 12 as well as adults of any age are invited to participate in this ministry. We are truly blessed to have a growing multigenerational acolyte program. Please take a moment after service to say thank you to the acolytes for serving in this special ministry. Better still, ask to become a part of this special ministry!