“Descendants” | Reflection by Lisa Omark, Parish Clerk

“The generosity of friends like you has allowed the staff and core volunteers of Community Soup Kitchen to serve our neighbors without interruption throughout the COVID outbreak.” – Joshua Watkins, Community Soup Kitchen

“Thank you for your continued support of our work in Kenya. Your donation will help to fund primary health care, infrastructure development, and clean water initiatives.” – Ralph and Mary Ann Stroup, Kenyan Healthcare Initiatives (KHCI)

“Thank you for investing in Connecticut’s refugee and immigrant communities.  The community needs your support and solidarity now, more than ever.” – Chris George, IRIS

These words are from letters of gratitude that have recently been sent to our parish office. Each year, because of the generous gifts of parishioners who have come before, Trinity Church contributes to non-profit agencies. Our Trinity “ancestors” bequeathed monies to a restricted fund in our endowment.  Annually, monies from that fund are distributed to human service agencies that serve in the areas of education, health, hunger, and/or shelter. The Community Grants Committee, guided by God’s grace, is honored to disperse these funds. Committee members can testify to each agency’s organization, planning, and hard work. Lives of many in our wider community are transformed because of the hope and vision of our ancestors.

The pen strokes of ones’ life become the guiding words of another’s. Our parish ancestors left us a legacy of generosity and good will. In turn, that legacy inspires us to give the very best of who we are. Our clergy and Trinity’s many committees offer boundless opportunities to bring promise and renewal. Though transformative change comes in small steps, we faithful descendants are guided to nurture that change by the sure footprints of our ancestors.

Photo: Mary Ann Stroup; Water Filter Project