Members of Trinity Episcopal Church recently took the first step toward Mardi Gras, with a King’s Cake celebration and competition. Organizers are already looking toward two special events hosted by the church, both planned for mid-February.

More than 50 people gathered in the Glover Room of the Main Street church on January 8, when Epiphany was celebrated.

Spencer DeBrock and his friend from Texas, Mary Grace Fletcher, were voted as creators of Best Looking Cake.

Additionally two plastic babies were hidden in the cakes, to identify the 2023 Mardi Gras King and Queen. Floyd Higgins and Nancy Maxwell found the traditional King Cake items, and were rewarded with the honorary titles.

Both are planning to attend their coronation on Saturday, February 18, at the 2023 Mardi Gras dinner-celebration.

The public is invited to join Trinity church members for that event, which will run from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.

The meal will be Cajun inspired and the menu is being finalized, but old favorites such as Gumbo Yah Yah, Crawfish Etouffee, and red beans and sausage will be on hand. Offerings for children will include macaroni and cheese and chicken nuggets.

Tickets are $15 adults, and available through eventbrite. Children age 10 and under will be admitted for free. Registration is requested by February 12 to allow cooks and organizers to plan for food, seating, and other supplies. Additional information will also be available through the church office, admin@trinitynewtownct.org or 203-426-9070.

Introduction To Centering Prayer

Consider Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God.”

For anyone who has ever wanted to “be still and know” God better, wondered about silent prayer, is looking for a new way to connect to God, or finds the stillness calling them, Trinity Church has a workshop that can help.

“Introduction to Centering Prayer” is planned for Saturday, February 11, from 9:30 am until noon, in person and via Zoom. Cost is $10 per person.

Centering prayer is a form of Christian prayer rooted in the ancient contemplative tradition. The effect on those who practice it is an ever-increasing awareness of God’s action and presence in the course of ordinary life.

Over time, practitioners often find themselves developing in the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Centering Prayer is not meant to replace other kinds of prayer; rather it casts a new light and depth of meaning on them.

The February workshop, led by Mike Smoolca, will introduce attendees to the method of Centering Prayer and let them experience this prayer of silence. There will also be opportunities for discussion and questions.

Mike Smoolca is a contemplative group and workshop facilitator and a dedicated teacher and student of Christian contemplative practice and spirituality. He is a contemplative outreach commissioned presenter, teacher and mentor and coordinator for the Christian Contemplative Experience at Holy Family Retreat Center, Contemplative Outreach of CT, and the Northern CT Chapter of the International Thomas Merton Society.

Smoolca is also a practicing spiritual director and supervisor as well as a BioSpiritual Focusing companion and teacher.

Follow-up sessions to support those new to the practice will also be offered.

All are welcome, no prior experience required. Registration is available through website trinitynewtownct.org/events. Additional information is also available at admin@trinitynewtownct.org.