Jubilee!!

Trinity Memorial Church was designated as a Jubilee parish on May 12, 2003. We know “Jubilee” has something to do with scripture but what does it mean? In ancient Israel to facilitate economic fairness, every seven years debtors would be forgiven their debts. Landowners who missed payments would be forgiven. All slaves would be set free, and the land would lay fallow in order to replenish it for the next six years.

Obedience to this seven-year release would lead to a society without poverty. However, since perfect obedience happens rarely, God gives the people of Israel another chance. On the year following the seventh seven-year cycle, the 50th year was declared Jubilee. Land would revert to its original owner, slaves would be set free, and all indebtedness was forgiven. Prisoners would be released.

This jubilee year, a year dedicated to God, would enable people’s focus to shift from self-gain to community-gain particularly of God’s provision. God gave all to God’s people to honor those gifts one year. One special time was set aside to benefit all, especially those less fortunate. In that jubilee spirit the national church initiated a program, called Jubilee, to empower local congregations to give back to its community. These jubilee centers are deliberate in their efforts to bring food to the hungry, release to those imprisoned by poverty, crime, or addiction.

Trinity is following in this same tradition. With the HAVEN, the recovery ministry, the welfare- to-work mentorship, the Salvation Army and Canteen food programs, we are doing Jubilee.

Praise God for the opportunity to give back to God out of our abundance. Praise God for all of you who support these important works that benefit God’s people. Praise God for the many people whose lives are transformed because they experience God working in other’s lives and they are empowered to help others!

An old Kenyan saying is “Feed a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” Trinity’s ministries are helping empower others to gain the skills to address their needs and those of their family. Trinity’s ministries, done in the power of God, empower people to experience God’s grace and love.

The following is the letter of affirmation and designation of the Jubilee status of Trinity Memorial Church.

The Episcopal Church
The Domestic And Foreign Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church In The United States

May 12, 2003

The Very Rev. Noreen Suriner
Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church
44 Main Street
Binghamton, NY 13905

Dear Rev. Suriner,

Heartiest CONGRATULATIONS on the affirmation and designation of Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church, as a Jubilee Center of the Episcopal Church. This is an honor most highly deserved. It is a genuine pleasure to welcome and affirm your place among the very special and select group of Jubilee Centers who are committed to a ministry that reaches out to the poor and oppressed, that attempts to empower people, that is willing to advocate for them, and dares to share the Gospel and the love of God in an unconditional manner.

We are enriched in the Jubilee Ministry Network by your being part of a ministry which connects you in this significant network of challenge, encouragement, and partnership that we trust will make a lasting impact on ourselves, our churches, communities, and nation.

Your Diocesan Jubilee Officer, The Rev. Jeffrey Knox, will be presenting this Jubilee Certificate to you. We have enclosed a copy of the Resolution adopted by Executive Council at its April 28 - May 1,2003 meeting. I hope the presentation of the certificate will be celebrated on an appropriate occasion such as a Diocesan Convention or when the Bishop or a representative from that office can be present. Please spread and share the joy of this designation throughout the diocese through your media and diocesan press.

May the designation of Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church, as a Jubilee Center prove to be a symbol of your commitment to this ministry .If any questions arise, please do not hesitate to call.

Faithfully,
The Rev. Canon Carmen B. Guerrero
National Jubilee Officer

Cc: The Rt. Rev. Gladstone B. Adams III,
The Rev. Jeffrey Knox,
The Rev. Canon Charles A. Cesaretti