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By Nicole Seiferth

Panamanians, according to the Rt. Rev. Julio Murray, like parties. And the Trinity hosted-fundraiser on June 24 for the Diocese of Panama, where Murray is bishop, was quite a party. The event raised nearly $2000 for the diocese's transformative ministries and brought together Trinity parishioners, staff, and members of the Panamanian community in New York City.

Trinity's relationship with the Diocese of Panama has deepened over the past two years. Groups from Trinity, made up of staff and congregation, have twice visited and worked with diocesan ministries; and Bishop Murray and other members of the Diocese have in turn visited Trinity.

"It's very exciting to be able to share with the people of Panama that we are here to serve," said Evelyn Moss, a Trinity parishioner who helped organize the fundraiser.

Moss, who is from Panama, lives six months of the year there and six months in New York. The Rev. Matthew Heyd, director of faith in action programming at Trinity, calls her "the bridge between Panama and Trinity, because she is loved in both places."

As the party began, with lots of Panamanian music and food, Trinity parishioner Carla Richards said she was looking forward to the bishop's arrival.

"We sent out invitations to the Panamanian community, because they know him," she said. "So he's going to have a big surprise when he gets here."

When the bishop arrived, it seemed that he did, indeed, know everyone in the room, greeting everyone joyously and giving them hugs.

"I came to encourage him and to let him know people in New York know about the good stuff he's doing," said Gary Brathwaite, who is originally from the city of Colon, in Panama, where he and his brother set up a scholarship fund to encourage children to stay in school. Brathwaite lives in Brooklyn.

"You are redeeming a word that some people have forgotten: solidarity," Bishop Murray told those attending the fundraiser. "For me it's a message of hope."

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