Trinity Tidings | July 17th Edition
Sunday Worship
Last Sunday. . .
Pastor Hans preached on Romans 8 through the story of a grieving mother and the teenager who killed her son — and what happened when, twelve years later, she walked into a prison visiting room. The good news at the heart of it: the law can hand down a verdict, but only the Spirit can hand us a new life.
This Sunday. . .
Pastor Hans will preach about the question we’re almost afraid to ask out loud: if God is good, why does this world look like a field gone to weeds? He’ll dig into Jesus’s own answer — three words that quietly change who’s on trial.
Join Us: A Forum on Communication
July 19 after Worship
As the vestry and staff look forward to implementing the beginning stages of our strategic plan and envisioning our path forward, based on feedback and valuing input from all of our members, we believe focusing on effective and meaningful communication is of utmost importance.
On July 19th following worship we invite everyone to participate in an open forum and discussion about how we can most effectively communicate with one another. The discussion will be led by Pastor Hans and the Vestry President, Martha Good with the intent of gathering congregational reflections, ideas and suggestions to consider as we forge ahead.
2026 Berks Pride Fest
Sunday, July 19 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Trinity and Common Ground Recover Community will be sharing a table at the 20th Annual Berks Pride Fest being held at Jim Dietrich Park.
You are invited to volunteer for an hour or two and sit at our table. In the shade. Under a tent/canopy. It’s easy. All you need to do is: Welcome people. Tell them about our ministries. Smile.
This year we plan to try something new. We want to host Story Time for all God’s Children either on the hour or half hour. When you signup to help, please indicate in the comments if you would like to read a children’s book. Deaconess Deborah will contact you with more information.
Bring a water bottle (it can be brutally hot!) *Each person will need a ticket to enter the festival. 2026 Berks Pride Fest Tickets ($4.00 plus processing fee. 12 and under are free.)
A Moment in Trinity’s History
To celebrate Trinity’s 275th anniversary, we are featuring a historical event each week, curated by Danielle Smith, a rising Wilson senior and a member of our 275th Anniversary Committee. We will mark many of these events on the week they happened!
Photo by Paul Hartline (1994) via The Reading Company Fan Group (Facebook)
The Reading Railroad Opens (July 16, 1838)
The city of Reading is laid out by Thomas and Richard Penn. The city is named after their hometown of Reading, Berkshire, England. Berks County was named after the same place after it split from Philadelphia county in 1752. Many different European nationalities settled in the area surrounding the city, including English, Swedish, Welsh, and French Huguenots. However, the Germans largely dominated the area.
Help Us! Clothing Drive
Common Ground needs our help. Through our partnership with the Refresh Berks shower trailer, about 17 men and women each week are stepping out clean and looking for something clean to put on. Right now, that's where we come in.
We're collecting clothing for men and women of all kinds: pants, shorts, T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, jackets, socks, and underwear, along with shoes, tennis shoes especially. New or gently used, every piece helps someone feel a little more ready to face the day.
Donations can be dropped off at the Trinity or Atonement church offices, Monday through Thursday, from 11 AM to 2 PM Thank you for helping us clothe our neighbors with dignity.
Christ Church Block Party
Saturday, July 18 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Our covenant partner will be holding a block party complete with live music from the John King Dance Band, a kids activities tent and bounce house from Dreamland Inflatables, Castañeda food truck, The Pretzel Spot, Southside Kitchen and Mr. Softee, with community partners from all over Berks County. We'll be partying from 12-5pm on Court Street in Reading between 4th and 5th streets - come on over!
Did You Catch This Week’s Renovation Video?
New renovation videos are posted on Fridays and do not always get featured in the weekly email. All of the renovation videos have been added to a playlist on YouTube that you can access here.
Common Ground Recovery Community
Looking For a Few Volunteers
Every Monday we will open to the community from 1-5 pm We are inviting you to help us help others in the midst of recovery. The volunteer needs are set up, assisting with activities such as board games, chess, art projects, etc. If you have a skill like yoga, budgeting, art, bible conversation leader, or faith conversations, we would love you to help us lead! Click here to sign up.
