ASH WEDNESDAY & LENT INFORMATION
Read the enewsletter in its entirety here.
Beloved siblings in Christ,
It's been a crazy week of unusually low temperatures and treacherous roads. We thank you for understanding that closing the building was the best option for keeping our staff safe. Many of us have the privilege of warm homes, and hot meals this winter. Many are not. Please remember to donate generously to Iron Gate and our own Social Justice Commission to continue supporting their missions to stand in the gap. Housing Solutions Tulsa is also working hard to end homelessness, and in the meantime they have teams out - day and night - looking for people who need their help. Those who want a ride to a shelter will get one. Those who prefer to stay outside for any reason for any multitude of reasons, are given warm clothing, blankets and other items to help them stay safe. If you see someone in need of assistance, fill out this simple form to ensure one of their volunteers checks in. We are all a part of God's kin-dom, and we are called to make the world a better place.
Lent begins next week with Ash Wednesday on February 17th. A time of introspection and dying to self, Lent can be a powerful time in the lives of many. We know it will be difficult to pass this season without meeting in person again, but we have virtual classes, services and activities to create community in new ways. We will have our usual Ashes to Go at the south west entrance from 11:00am to 1:00pm, and due to the lack of evening service, we have added another Ashes to go from 5:00 - 6:00pm. Our virtual service will be streamed on Facebook at 12:05pm (and available anytime thereafter). We will also have several virtual Lenten for worship and connection throughout Lent. Sign up for a book study with Deacon Deborah, Podcast discussion with Becky Moseman and Fr. Chris, or download our book of Lenten meditations written by our very own clergy, staff and parishioners.
LEARN MORE ABOUT LENTEN OPPORTUNITIES HERE.
February is not just the start of Lent. It is also Black History Month. The national church anti-racism program, Sacred Ground, has just wrapped up in Oklahoma, and Trinity had more participants - clergy, staff and parishioners, than any other parish in the state. As a predominantly white parish we are proud of the work we are doing to understand our roles in systemic racism, and how we benefit from systems that harm others. But we must be careful not to center ourselves and be self-congratulatory - let us remember why we are doing the work. Throughout this Black History Month, you will find stories of influential African Americans on our Facebook page. Some you may have heard of, but many you won't. We encourage you to join us in using this month as a jumping off point. Make this the beginning of your efforts to learn more, educate yourself, and seek knowledge for the betterment of our world.
Remember the building may be closed, but the church is certainly open.
The clergy and staff of Trinity Episcopal Church +