Our congregation decided that offerings from the service would be matched by St. Philip’s…
Our congregation of St. Philip’s, Trenton, designated August 29 as a Thanksgiving Sunday. Although St. Philip’s has been open to in-person services since the end of May, due to logistical issues, August 29 was its first Holy Eucharist service since the pandemic began. Since “eucharist” is a Greek word for thanksgiving, St. Philip’s felt the service should have a special emphasis on joy and thanksgiving.
St. Philip’s gave the Good Samaritan Fund a check for $1,380.
Our congregation decided that offerings from the service would be matched by St. Philip’s (effectively doubling donations) and donated to the Trenton Good Samaritan Fund, which assists needy persons in the Trenton area with their utility bills. The Narcotics Anonymous group, which meets at St. Philip’s, also contributed to our Thanksgiving Sunday. With their contribution, St. Philip’s gave the Good Samaritan Fund a check for $1,380.
Fr. Sean Kim was our celebrant on Thanksgiving Sunday and offered a prayer for St. Philip’s mission to spread Christ’s love in our community and the world. While abiding by COVID-19 precautions, following our service, we enjoyed cupcakes and conversation. We also brought garden vegetables and farm fresh eggs from our homes to share. Our masks did not mute the laughter and joy that rang out from our church.
Our day of Eucharist, our Thanksgiving Sunday, energized us and was a balm for our world-weary, pandemic-weary souls. Thanks be to God.