Our hearts are with the communities in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina who are facing the devastation and aftermath of Hurricane Helene. We pray for the many lives lost, and encourage donations to our trusted partners at Episcopal Relief & Development, who will walk alongside those affected through all stages of this disaster and recovery.
Compassionate God, source of all comfort, we pray for the people whose lives have been devastated this hurricane season.
Bring them comfort, we pray.
Protect the vulnerable.
Strengthen the weak.
Keep at bay the spread of disease.
Have mercy on all those working to rebuild.
And may our response to their suffering be generous and bring you praise.
We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
— Adapted from Christian Aid,
UK APPEAL specifically for Kanuga
A Trinity parishioner who had a deeply meaningful experience at Kanuga, a well known Episcopal Camp and Conference Center, in North Carolina asked that we share the following about the impact of Hurricane Helene (this is summarized from a longer communication). In short, everyone who was at Kanuga is safe, but this tropical storm has been the most devastating weather event to impact Kanuga since the great flood of 1916. Power is out and roads in and out of Kanuga are closed. Kanuga Lake Road is unstable. Kanuga sustained substantial damage from high winds, flooding, and downed trees. While the damage is great, it is not catastrophic. We will recover. That said, we have significant damage to at least two cottages as well as the lakefront pavilion. We are closed for at least two weeks, although I believe it may be longer before we can reopen. Many of you, along with groups and parishes, have reached out to offer help with what will be a massive clean-up effort. This is deeply meaningful and the time for it will come, once campus is more secure. More immediately, your philanthropic support is critical. During the coming months as we await the settlement of insurance claims, cash flow will be low while the need to make repairs will be high. Your gift during this difficult time will help accelerate our recovery and resume operations. I ask you to please consider visiting Kanuga.org/Giving to make a gift. This is a challenging time for Kanuga, our staff, and our community. Together, we will persevere as the Holy Spirit guides us.
Psalm 150 proclaims ‘…everything that has breath give praise to the Lord!’
The choir supports and enhances the singing of the assembly. Music can inspire people to change, to forgive, to live a joyful life, to love more and to pray better. It expresses things that we are unable to express in words alone.
The Trinity choir will start rehearsals again beginning in September on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-9:00 pm in the choir loft. We would like to invite you to join us this year. We welcome interested singers from high school age and beyond to join us. Talk to Robert Ward, Director of Music & Organist about how you can be a part of our music ministry this year at 847-815-8257 or
Have you heard of DuPage United? What do you know about that organization?
Trinity is a new member of this group as of 2024, so you will have the opportunity to learn much more about DuPage United in the weeks to come.
DuPage United describes itself as ‘an inclusive, non-profit, fiercely non-partisan organization whose members are civil society institutions: churches, mosques, synagogues, non-profit agencies, and associations’ that work together to improve life in our area. Other local churches that are members of DuPage United include St. Paul Lutheran (Wheaton). Faith Lutheran (Glen Ellyn) and St. Mark’s Episcopal (Glen Ellyn). The organization is affiliated with Metro IAF, part of the Industrial Areas Foundation, the oldest and largest network of community organizations throughout the U.S., England, Germany, Australia, and Canada.
How is DuPage United different from other nonprofits? Although it tackles many issues, it is not an issue-based or service organization. Instead, it is dedicated to helping institutions build power to effectively engage in democratic action in the public arena.
In December 2022, we began our revitalized ministry to Ahva Care of Winfield, and served 16 of the residents with communion from the reserved sacrament. Some of the residents remembered our team from before, and all of them appreciated our presence. We are continuing this ministry on a monthly basis and looking for volunteers. If anyone would like to join the ministry team, please talk to Deacon Jim or Deacon Brenda. Thank you for considering your participation in whatever capacity makes sense for you.
Each year, parishioners are asked to suggest charities that could benefit from a $500+ grant (varies based on funds); recipients are selected on the basis of when the request was made. Selections are closed when the available money has been distributed or at the end of January, whichever happens first.
2024 Outreach Grant Recipients:
The Outreach Commission is pleased to announce that the following charities will be receiving $1000 Outreach grants for 2024:
- Teen Parent Connection
The Outreach Committee has chosen Glen Ellyn agency, Teen Parent Connection, as its grant recipient for May. Teen Parent Connection was founded in 1985 and serves communities in DuPage County. They provide education on the realities and responsibilities of teenage pregnancy and long-term assistance to adolescent parents for their development of self-esteem, parenting skills, and empowerment towards self-sufficiency. Their primary goal is to provide services including therapy and peer education that will prevent child abuse and neglect among this at-risk population. Contributions to their Parents’ Pantry provide baby supplies for young families including baby and toddler food, diapers, and gently used clothing, Volunteers for a variety of positions are always welcome! Our $1000 grant will provide four scholarships to young parents so they can complete their GED or receive college financial aid.
- 360 Youth Services
360 Youth Services offers substance use prevention education, counseling, and housing to children in elementary, middle, and high schools through 25-year-old young adults and their families in Chicago’s western suburbs and surrounding areas. 360 Youth Services began in 1971 as Naperville Community Outreach when a group of concerned parents, community, and religious leaders recognized the need for professional, youth-centered services in the Naperville community. One of the prevention programs is Operation Snowball, an alcohol and other drug use prevention program based in Springfield, Illinois focusing on leadership development to empower youth to lead drug-free lives. The Naperville chapter conducts a teen-led and adult supported weekend overnight retreat for all interested teens in CUSD 203 and 204. In this safe and respectful environment, the program address challenges facing teens by increasing their self-awareness and self-esteem, strengthening their coping and communication skills and expanding their leadership abilities. Our outreach grant will cover the registration fees for four teens to attend Snowball this fall
- Haiti Scholars
Haiti Scholars, Inc. partners with Haitian educators in the community of Mariani, Haiti, to offer children access to quality education. Our mission extends beyond academics; we strive to support the "whole child" by addressing their educational, health, nutritional, and humanitarian needs. We firmly believe that education instills hope, self-esteem, and empowerment, paving the way for them to lead fulfilling and productive lives. We support 62 full-time scholarship students. In addition, we support a full-time nurse, deworming and vitamin A programs, water filters for school and students’ homes, a computer lab, computers, solar panels for electricity, after-school tutoring, 2 English teachers, a computer instructor, a Saturday program, school supplies, medicine, and over 465 physicals for students and teachers. In November 2023, our community of Mariani, Haiti, fell under the control of gangs, forcing families to relocate. Our mission was to locate every student and ensure their education continued in their new community. Over 300 students relocated to Gressier, where we have established two buildings to provide them with a place to attend school. We continue to pray and trust in God that our team in Haiti and here in the United States remain impactful. Please continue to pray for peace and security in Haiti. We are immensely blessed by your church's unwavering support.
- ESSE
- Exodus World Services
- American Red Cross Greater Chicago Chapter
Each charity will be featured in the parish notes and the announcements at worship services at some point this year. Contact the Outreach Committee at