Trinity Stories

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