July 2026 eNews
Contents:
- Mary Oliver “The Summer Day”
- Trinity Window Research Update
- Mid-Year Parish Meeting
- Saint Anne and Reading
- Community Meals United Way Partnership Renewal
- A Longing for “Quiet” Authority – Bob Ross
- Saint Mary’s – Trinity Covenant News: Father Peter’s Farewell
- Lights, Fireworks, and yes, over 700 Drones
- Reflections on The Book of Revelation – Reflection 6
Mary Oliver “The Summer Day”
Stained-Glass Window Project
Trinity continues to explore the history and the art of the circular window of Jesus behind the Altar in the Church.
Steve K has been doing incredible work using both online sources and the Milford Public Library to research the history of the window itself and the history of George W. Bent to whom the window is dedicated. Here is some of what Steve has discovered …
George William Bent was born in Milford on 23 Nov 1879 to Gilbert A. and Jennie (Darling) Bent. The family was active in the parish, and George was baptized and confirmed at Trinity. He graduated from Milford High School in 1899, and went to work, probably in Milford at first, then in Worcester after 1904. He was married in New York City on 10 Nov 1917 to Anna M. Browazki, a teacher from New Jersey. George is described as being of short stature, medium build, with black hair, blue eyes and with no physical disqualifications on his World War I draft registration.
George and Anna had no children. George died 16 Dec 1924 of Bright’s disease (nephritis) at 45 years old. His funeral was at All Saints in Worcester. Anna never remarried; she returned to New Jersey where she lived with her two sisters. Mrs. Bent died 17 Nov 1959.
Steve K has been doing incredible work using both online sources and the Milford Public Library to research the history of the window itself and the history of George W. Bent to whom the window is dedicated. Here is some of what Steve has discovered …
George William Bent was born in Milford on 23 Nov 1879 to Gilbert A. and Jennie (Darling) Bent. The family was active in the parish, and George was baptized and confirmed at Trinity. He graduated from Milford High School in 1899, and went to work, probably in Milford at first, then in Worcester after 1904. He was married in New York City on 10 Nov 1917 to Anna M. Browazki, a teacher from New Jersey. George is described as being of short stature, medium build, with black hair, blue eyes and with no physical disqualifications on his World War I draft registration.
George and Anna had no children. George died 16 Dec 1924 of Bright’s disease (nephritis) at 45 years old. His funeral was at All Saints in Worcester. Anna never remarried; she returned to New Jersey where she lived with her two sisters. Mrs. Bent died 17 Nov 1959.
Mid-Year Parish Meeting
Mary J. very kindly drafted notes from this important meeting, which took place on Sunday, June 14, 2026. And if you would like to read these notes, please click this button.
Mid-Year Meeting Notes
Mid-Year Meeting Notes
Saint Anne and Reading
Christian tradition holds that Anne taught her daughter Mary, the Mother of Jesus, to read.
And July 26th is the day on which many Christians remember Saint Anne.
So, over the course of this month, maybe we could remember those people
who taught us to read and give thanks for all that gracious teaching and support have opened up to us - and made possible for us.
And July 26th is the day on which many Christians remember Saint Anne.
So, over the course of this month, maybe we could remember those people
who taught us to read and give thanks for all that gracious teaching and support have opened up to us - and made possible for us.
United Way of Tri-County Partnership Renewal
The Community Meals program recently renewed its partnership with the United Way.
Through this partnership, so many individuals and families in the Milford Area have been assisted.
We ask your thoughts and prayers for the United Way Team as they grieve the loss of their President and CEO, Paul Mina, and continue to strive every day to serve those in need, as Paul did so tirelessly.
For more information about the United Way of Tri-County and its community work, please click this button:
United Way of Tri-County
Through this partnership, so many individuals and families in the Milford Area have been assisted.
We ask your thoughts and prayers for the United Way Team as they grieve the loss of their President and CEO, Paul Mina, and continue to strive every day to serve those in need, as Paul did so tirelessly.
For more information about the United Way of Tri-County and its community work, please click this button:
United Way of Tri-County
A Longing for “Quiet” Authority
It seems that there is a longing today for the type of authority that conveys …
calmness,
benevolent guidance,
clarity and wisdom.
without dominance,
a grounded gentleness and nobility.
which has no need to draw attention to itself.
And some have identified painting teacher, Bob Ross, as expressing something of this presence, with words such as, “soothing,” “encouraging,” “accessible,” “meditative,” and “deeply therapeutic.”
And so, no pressure at all of course, but if the mood strikes you, and with just the right summer libation, this “special” video - with 47 million views - might be a balm for some people this summer.
Bob Ross - The Grandeur of Summer
And so, no pressure at all of course, but if the mood strikes you, and with just the right summer libation, this “special” video - with 47 million views - might be a balm for some people this summer.
Bob Ross - The Grandeur of Summer
Saint Mary's – Trinity Covenant News: Father Peter’s Farewell
On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, an estimated 400-450 people gathered at Saint Mary’s for a Mass of Thanksgiving for the Ministry of Father Peter Joyce.
Our Friend, Jonathan, shepherded a combined Covenant choir of 15 members, from both Saint Mary’s and Trinity.
Father Peter’s Family and his Mother, Bette - now 98 – were present.
After the tri-lingual Mass, there was a reception in the Hall – with five folding tables full of food! One Trinity parishioner shared that it was more food than she had ever seen in her life.
So many gracious and lovely things mark Father Peter’s generous ministry at Saint Mary’s, and certainly the renovation of the interior of the church is one of them. You can click this button to view a photo that captures renovations in the sanctuary and the vaulted ceiling.
Saint Mary's Sanctuary - 2026
Our Friend, Jonathan, shepherded a combined Covenant choir of 15 members, from both Saint Mary’s and Trinity.
Father Peter’s Family and his Mother, Bette - now 98 – were present.
After the tri-lingual Mass, there was a reception in the Hall – with five folding tables full of food! One Trinity parishioner shared that it was more food than she had ever seen in her life.
So many gracious and lovely things mark Father Peter’s generous ministry at Saint Mary’s, and certainly the renovation of the interior of the church is one of them. You can click this button to view a photo that captures renovations in the sanctuary and the vaulted ceiling.
Saint Mary's Sanctuary - 2026
Lanterns, Fireworks, and yes, over 700 Drones!
Antoni Gaudi (1852-1926), Barcelona architect and designer, began his work on the great church of the Holy Family in 1883, and work continues even now to fulfill his breath-taking vision. It is estimated that it will take another decade – 2036-ish – to complete this massive labor of love.
Antoni’s vision has been described as “an organic, spiritual fusion of nature, geometry, and faith.”
Well, the great central tower was dedicated in June, and the button below provides access to a 5–6-minute video of that celebration with choir, orchestra, hand lanterns, fireworks, over 700 drones painting and writing in the night sky - and even “Antoni” makes a celestial appearance.
And our Travel Writer and Lutheran Friend, Rick Steves, offers this 1–2-minute informal video of what Antoni’s work means to him:
The Dedication Celebration
Rick Steves
Antoni’s vision has been described as “an organic, spiritual fusion of nature, geometry, and faith.”
Well, the great central tower was dedicated in June, and the button below provides access to a 5–6-minute video of that celebration with choir, orchestra, hand lanterns, fireworks, over 700 drones painting and writing in the night sky - and even “Antoni” makes a celestial appearance.
And our Travel Writer and Lutheran Friend, Rick Steves, offers this 1–2-minute informal video of what Antoni’s work means to him:
The Dedication Celebration
Rick Steves