TIDINGS Trinity’s Mission: Acting in God’s love, Trinity Episcopal Church welcomes everyone to enthusiastically live the Christian faith. We call our members to worship and prayer, lifelong education, spiritual growth, cheerful giving, and active ministry with our community. All members serve as witnesses to Jesus Christ.
Vol. XXVI No. 9 September 2017
Inside this Issue
FROM THE RECTOR
Stewardship page 2
Knowing that it had been a while since a certain parishioner had been to church, the priest made a visit and knocked on the door. When the parishioner answered, he invited the priest in to sit by the fire and offered him a drink. The two chatted for some time and then both fell quiet as they watched the fire blazing. After some time in silence, the priest went to the fire, picked up the tongs and removed one of the burning logs and set it to the side of the hearth, away from the rest of the flames, and returned to his chair. They both watched quietly as the fire in the lonely log slowly died out. As the rest of the fire blazed on, the log removed seemed cold and dead. Returning to the fire the priest placed the dark, dead log back onto the flames. Within moments the log was rekindled and began to burn again. The priest rose from his chair, thanked his host for the drink and said good night. “Thank you for the visit and for the fiery sermon…see you next Sunday” said the parishioner with a wink.
Worship and Prayer page 2 Christian Formation page 3 Children and Family Ministries page 4 Young Adults page 5 Mission and Outreach page 5 Trinity Connections pages 5, 6, 7
by The Reverend Andrew R. Thayer
The Bible constantly uses flame as a holy image: the tongues of flame at Pentecost that descend upon the disciples, Moses and the burning bush, the pillar of fire that led the Israelites through the desert, and of course, John the Baptist says, “I baptize you with water…He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Come rekindle your holy fire with us as we begin a new chapter in the life of Trinity Church.
Stewardship
by Raina O’Neil, Director of Development
2018 Stewardship Leadership Team Ginny Horner, Jim Theis, Holt and Gordo Kolb A big THANK YOU to Holt and Gordo Kolb for serving as Chairs of the 2018 Stewardship Team and to Ginny Horner and Jim Theis for serving as Co-Chairs!! Through their leadership we have exciting opportunities coming up, so please, mark your calendars! • Saturday, October 14 The Rev. John Talbird, long-time rector of Church of the Good Shepherd on Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, will present a workshop “Come to the Banquet” from 9:00 – 11:30 am in Bishop Polk Hall. • Sunday, October 15 The Rev. Talbird will preach at all three worship services • Thursday, October 26 Parish-Wide Gratitude Dinner with special guest The Rev. Evan Garner, Rector of St. John’s Episcopal in Decatur, Alabama Please make plans to attend! Questions? Contact Raina O’Neil roneil@trinitynola.com or 504-670-2537.
Mid-year Budget and Finance Update
Last fall and continuing through the Parish Meeting in April, the Vestry has reported on Trinity’s financial outlook and solicited your input on use of the gifts you share so generously. Through the first six months of 2017, our expenses are in line with the operating budget. Stewardship receipts are slightly behind our estimated year-to-date projections. However, other donations and income streams have helped offset this shortfall and we believe we will end 2017 in line with the forecast. Additionally, we have been able to further reduce debt levels. For more detail, please visit our finance page at https://www.trinitynola.com/financials In September, members of Trinity’s Vestry and Finance Committee will review the Church finances and answer any questions. Please join us for one of the sessions listed below: • Wednesday, September 13 at 6:00 pm in the Aiken School Library • Sunday, September 17 following the 8:00 am and 10:30 am worship services in the Aiken School Library 2
Worship and Prayer For the Human Family
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Come to Me, all of you who are weary and over-burdened and I will give you rest! - Matthew 11:28-30 The Reverend Kit McLean will offer a service of Holy Eucharist with prayers for reconciliation, healing, and peace on Wednesday evenings in September at 5:30 pm in the chapel. Come to refresh yourself-body, mind, and spirit.
Christian Formation
by The Reverend Katherine S. McLean, Associate Rector
The Eucharist and You! We celebrate the Eucharist every Sunday and several times during the week. But amid the prayers, hymns, and readings, have you ever paused to reflect on the shape of the service? You will not want to miss this opportunity to learn about the structure, symbolism, and spirituality of the Eucharist with The Rev. Dr. Maggi Dawn, Dean of Marquand Chapel and Associate Professor of Theology and Literature at Yale Divinity School. The premise of her Saturday teaching is this: the Eucharist is like a 5-act play, and once we understand the basic structure, no matter what the seasonal variations, we will be more able to enter into worship. The Rev. Dr. Dawn is a musician, author, and theologian as well as an ordained priest in the Church of England. After an earlier career in the music industry as a singer-songwriter and prior to joining the faculty at Yale in 2011, she served as chaplain of King’s College and Robinson College and taught theology at the University of Cambridge (UK). The author of five books and numerous articles, her most recent books are “The Accidental Pilgrim: Modern Journeys on Ancient Pathways” (2011) and “Like the Wideness of the Sea: Women, Bishops and the Church of England” (2013). She was recently commissioned to write a book of prayers and about prayer to be published in Fall 2018. Before I begin waxing eloquent about Maggi, let me say that I am a BIG fan. Her credentials are impressive, yes, but even more impressive is her heart, her love of God and God’s people, and her ability to take complex theological and liturgical ideas and translate them into everyday language so that they are more easily incorporated into our daily lives. Making the spiritual more concrete and accessible is a gift she has shared over and over again through her teaching, music, and other writings, not to mention in the Eucharist itself. Beginning Saturday, September 23 at 9:00 am and ending most appropriately with a Eucharist at 12 noon, Maggi will lead us deeper into understanding this simultaneously common and uncommon meal that nourishes the entirety of our being—body, mind, heart, and soul! The Rev. Dr. Dawn will also preach Sunday, September 24 at the 8:00 am and 10:30 am services.
An Introduction to Christ Centered Prayer Friday, October 27 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm and Saturday, October 28 from 9-12 Cultivating peace of mind through contemplative prayer is fundamental to discipleship and mission. Jesus often goes, “off to a deserted place to pray,” and he is our model. Scripture is our reference for prayer. Tradition is our custodian of spiritual disciplines, and sacraments celebrate our encounters with the risen Lord. As a spiritual practice, Christ Centered Prayer responds to the invitation from Jesus to “come” to him when we are heavy laden and in need of rest. Resting in the Christ of our being is pure gift for those who would receive it. It is here that the Holy Spirit, in the name of Jesus Christ, seeks to heal, forgive, and purify our minds, souls, and bodies. The fruits of such encounters over time may include growing peace, kindness, meekness, joy, love, patience, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. Manifesting in our everyday life, these fruits testify to God’s healing and transforming power. Christ Centered Prayer is easy to learn. It builds upon previous Christian contemplative tradition without reliance upon on sacred images, breath, thoughts, or words. For those who may be interested please join The Reverend Sandy Casey-Martus, Rector of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Wimberley, Texas (and mom to Ashley Bond!) in an introductory workshop on Christ Centered Prayer. We will begin on Friday night with an instructive Eucharist where the discipline will be presented within the context of Christian worship. On Saturday morning we will deepen our theological and scriptural understanding of the prayer and have several opportunities to pray together, report our experiences, and ask questions. Sandy’s books, “Christ Centered Prayer,” and “The Lessons: Understanding Spiritual Principles, Thoughts, and Rising Emotions” will accompany and support the workshops. They may be purchased on Friday evening, or purchased ahead of time on AMAZON.com. 3
Children, Youth & Family Ministries
by Ashley Bond, Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Godly Play Sunday morning classes are in full swing! Developed by Rev. Jerome Berryman, Godly Play is a Montessoriinspired approach to spiritual formation that invites listeners into stories and encourages them into larger dimensions of belief and faith through wondering and open-ended response time. Through Godly Play, children are taught the art of using Christian language - parable, sacred story, silence and liturgical action - helping them become more fully aware of the mystery of God’s presence in their lives. Godly Play classes begin at 10:15 am. Carpool drop-off is available in the Trinity Church circle drive between 10:00 am - 10:15 am. All children gather in the school library for check in before being led to class by their Godly Play teachers. We offer three Godly Play classes: • Godly Play 1: Primary Godly Play (3s–K) • Godly Play 2: Intermediate Godly Play (Grades 1 & 2) • Godly Play 3: Advanced Godly Play (Grades 3-5) Storytellers and Doorkeepers needed for Godly Play! To build upon the incredible work of our past and current Godly Play Storytellers and Doorkeepers in the spiritual formation of our young people, it is critical that we continue to recruit and train new people to serve in this ministry. Godly Play will deepen your understanding of children’s spirituality, while guiding you on a personal journey of wonder. If you enjoy working with children and would like to be trained in the Godly Play method, please contact Ashley B. We will offer trainings throughout the year as people sign up. Carpool Dads. Are you a dad looking to get involved without really “getting involved?” Then sign up to be a Carpool Dad! Kids need to see dads active in church and this is a great way to get to know other families. It’s super easy, too: help Trinity Church children get out of their cars in the circle drive from 10:00 - 10:15 am and walk them to the school library for check-in. Sign up here: bit. ly/CarpoolDads
Blessing of the Backpack. On September 10 during the 10:30 am service, Rev. Thayer will invite children and all those who work in the education field to bring their backpacks and briefcases to the altar for a blessing. This is a wonderful way to acknowledge the beginning of a new school year and recognize the importance of learning. Acolyte Training. The Acolyte Ministry at Trinity Church is a vibrant ministry for our youth in grades 4-12. Acolytes recognize their service as an offering to God, by assisting the clergy and making a contribution to the spiritual life of the congregation. To join this ministry, come to our Acolyte Training Workshop led by Rev. Thayer after church on Sunday, September 10, 2017, at 12:15 pm. NEEDED: TECH-SAVVY TEENS and YOUNG ADULTS. We are developing a new inter-generational ministry concept called “Cyber Seniors.” The idea is to engage youth mentors in bridging the technology gap by empowering older adults to use technology to expand their social and physical worlds. Please email abond@trinitynola. com if interested. Roots & Sprouts Family Ministry presents: The Spaghetti Supper Speaker Series! Tuesday, September 12, 6:00 - 7:15 pm Featured Speaker: The Reverend Andrew Thayer, Trinity’s new rector, speaking on “The church’s magic fairy dust.” This series was specifically organized with the young families of Trinity Church in mind! Come for a spaghetti dinner at 6:00 pm, followed by a short program and time in fellowship. Nursery care is available for $5 per child (under age 3). Children age 3 and up will play outside or in the gym under supervision. Contact aeastham@trinitynola.com for more information! Book Review: Faith at Home: A Handbook for Cautiously Christian Parents. Home (not the congregation) and parents (not clergy, youth ministers, or Sunday School) are the key mechanisms by which religious faith and practice are transmitted intergenerationally. Recent studies indicate that the single most important factor in youth becoming committed and engaged in their religious faith as young adults is that the family talks about religion at home. However, for many parents in the United States, religious language is a foreign language. Faith at Home is a wonderful book to help you engage in faith conversations at home. You can purchase it at Trinity Treasures today!
Mission and Outreach Habitat Build Needs Volunteers by Ashley Eastham, Young Adults Minister (aeastham@trinitynola.com)
Volunteers at Saturday Service w/ Second Harvest Food Bank packaged and sorted non-perishable food items on Saturday, August 12.
This October, Trinity is partnering with several other faith-based communities for Unity Build 2017! Volunteers must be 16 or over, with a 5:1 ratio of chaperones to youth under the age of 18. The build will take place Thursday-Saturday each week of October, from October 5 to the 28. Our financial part is $10,000. Make your check out to Trinity Church and place in the offering plate or mail to Trinity Church (please note in memo section for Habitat Build). If you would like to volunteer, please sign-up on our Sign-Up Genius link on Trinity’s announcement page on the website located under About Us or contact Scott Webster at tlfcoordinator@trinitynola.com. Thank you, and God bless.
Trinity Connections
Potluck & Bible Study at The Eastham’s On Wednesday, September 6 from 6:30 pm 8:30 pm, gather at the home of Ashley & Evan Eastham to share a meal and group Bible Study. Please bring a dish to pass and/or a beverage to share! Please RSVP to aeastham@trinitynola. com or on Facebook.
Walking the Mourner’s Path is a Christ-centered,
20s & 30s Sunday Supper Club On Sunday, September 10, you’re invited to gather with other 20s & 30s for dinner out, following worship. After the 6:00 pm Eucharist in Trinity’s chapel, we’ll have dinner together on Magazine Street. RSVP to aeastham@trinitynola.com, or just show up!
Walking the Mourner’s Path is: • Eight spiritually directed small group workshops • Led by trained facilitators and a member of the clergy
“Happy Little Trees” Amateur Art & Wine Night Let’s get happy as we paint along with a vintage Bob Ross instructional video, under the helpful guidance of artist Bridget Gillane! We’ll laugh at ourselves or discover a hidden talent! Meet at Trinity Church - at Molly’s House (2123 Coliseum Street) at 7:00 pm on Friday, September 22. Materials provided. Please BYOB. RSVP to aeastham@trinitynola.com. SAVE THE DATE! • Marigny Opera Ballet - Book of Saints Sunday, October 8 • Trinity Loaves & Fishes Cabaret Fundraiser Thursday, October 12
non-denominational grief support program. We believe grieving is not lack of faith but a natural part of living.
Walking the Mourner’s Path Workshop participants find: • That while their pain is unique they are not alone on their journey • The need to allow Christ to be a part of both the pain and the healing • Tools for moving forward with their life • A way to their honor loved one • Joy A group will be forming on Tuesdays 4:30 - 6:00 pm beginning on October 17 and meeting for eight weeks. The facilitators are Bo Farrell, Maria Elliott, and The Reverend Kit McLean. Please contact Maria at melliott@trinitynola.com or 670-2535 if you are interested in Walking the Mourner’s Path and we will begin the process.
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Trinity Connections Rector Emeritus Hill Riddle Tells Some of His Story
On Sunday, September 24, at 9:15 am at Faith and Fiction in the Parish House, the Rev. Hill Riddle and I will offer the first reading of our new book: The Trinity Option: Stories from an Older Rector Who Is Still Learning. More and more pundits are saying that we have moved away from those times when various churches contributed our values to the culture. Hill and I believe that Trinity still contributes our values to the larger community, but we also learn values from the secular community. Think of how much Trinity learned over the decades from the LGBT community and from those striving for racial justice and reconciliation. In our book, I convinced the very modest Hill Riddle to tell some of his stories and Trinity’s stories over the 19 years he served as Rector (1984-2003). At the Sunday forum, he will speak on how his meditations speak to him NOW, after 25 years or more: How does his meditation “Embracing the Darkness” speak to him now that he is blind? How does his meditation “Being Civil” speak to him in our very polarized culture? And a favorite of mine, “The God Who Laughs.” Does God really laugh at some of the things we, especially the clergy, do? And in one part of the book, Hill talks about building the Beloved Community. How can Trinity continue to build that community? And what does the Beloved Community look like? Tim Trapolin is painting the wonderful cover focusing on Trinity as a Beloved Community. Hodding Carter (son of our beloved Betty Carter) is writing the forward. The Lone Star Press, an affiliate of Pelican Press, will be publishing the book in the mid-or-late fall.
Pastoral Care and Spiritual Life I am the vine…. YOU are the branches. Is your family growing? Are you expecting a child, longing to conceive, or hoping to adopt a little one? We would love to hold you in our prayers - either publicly or privately as you wish. The Trinity pastoral team has resources to support you on the journey which can seem lonely at times. There are friends within our community who may have just the experience to share that could help you along the way. Grandparents too! Let us know if your family is expecting or if there is a new life to celebrate by contacting Maria Elliott at 670-2535 or melliott@trinitynola.com.
Out and About On September 10, Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra presents “A Night in Kansas City” at the Trinity Artist Series. The highly entertaining and blues-filled show will celebrate the great music of such profound jazz musicians as Count Basie, Charlie Parker, Benny Carter & Big Joe Turner. After the concert we will enjoy a potluck meal in the parish house, with a newly renovated kitchen! Bring a salad or dessert to share and let us know you are coming so we can prepare!
—Rev. William Barnwell
Faith and Fiction class resumes on Sunday, September 10 Please join us on Sundays at 9:15 am in the Parish House where we read short works of fiction and discuss them from a faith perspective. We will begin the semester with several stories by writers with a Louisiana connection -- Tim Gautreaux, Richard Ford, John Biguenet, Valerie Martin and others. We have planned a potluck dinner on Sunday evening, September 17. For more information, please contact Merry Toups at merryparis@yahoo.com. 6
Come Out and About to Ocean Springs, Mississippi to visit the Walter Anderson Museum! Walter Inglis Anderson (1903 – 1965) was an American painter, writer, and naturalist, born in New Orleans where he had absorbed the ideals of the American Arts and Crafts movement. We will have a guided tour of the museum and enjoy lunch in Ocean Springs. Cost of the museum is $7. Carpools will leave Trinity on Friday, September 15 at 8:30 am. Please reserve a spot and let Maria Elliott know if you are able to drive (melliott@trinitynola.com or 670-2535).
Trinity Connections School Supply Drive
As the new school year begins we are collecting school supplies or money for school supplies and school uniforms. The supply list for a typical fourth grader costs about $85. Specific items needed are pencils, loose leaf lined paper, and backpacks. Checks can be made to Trinity Church with “school supplies” in the memo or you may drop purchased items off in the undercroft of the church.
Trinity Fall Rummage Sale October 4 - 7
The Trinity Fall Rummage Sale is Thursday, October 5 thru Saturday, October 7– open to the public every day. On Saturday you can buy a large black bag for $5.00 and fill it with clothes. Please come and volunteer, men and women all ages! You can set up, check out items, bring food to share, help our customers. All funds raised goes to the WOTC to support community grants. To volunteer contact Bruna Mora at brunamora@yahoo.com or Laura Williams at laurawwms@gmail.com.
Trinity Loaves and Fishes Cabaret and Silent Auction Thursday October 12, 2017 6:30 - 8:30 pm Bishop Polk Hall
The Trinity Loaves and Fishes Cabaret will star Anais St. John! Thank you to our sponsors – the Coughlin-Saunders Foundation and Williams Architects. Thank you to our auction donors – Mignon at the Rink, Judy’s at the Rink, the Garden District Book Store, the Hemline of Mobile, Chef Nora Wenzel, the Trinity Rummage Committee and Trinity Treasures. Buy your $30.00 tickets for a light meal with refreshments (wine, beer, etc.) from Scott Webster at 418-1613 or TLFcoordinator@ trinitynola.com. All funds raised go to fight hunger in New Orleans as volunteers make about 32,000 bag meals a year. These meals go to low income children in after school programs, the elderly in need, the homeless and those with AIDS.
Trinity Artist Series Sundays at 5 pm September 3 MARINE Band Jazz Combo Celebrating
Labor Day.
September 10 Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra presents “A Night in Kansas City.” The highly entertaining and blues-filled show will celebrate the great music of such profound jazz musicians as Count Basie, Charlie Parker, Benny Carter & Big Joe Turner. Recently receiving Offbeat’s Awards for Best Contemporary Jazz Artist & Best Contemporary Jazz Cd, Marsalis and The Uptown Jazz Orchestra are guaranteed to keep toes tapping and hands clapping all night long! September 17 Pianist Ronald Joseph performing All American Music including Gershwin, Gottschalk and Joplin. Please Visit: ronaldjoseph.webs.com September 24 Soprano Maria Elise Thomas and Friends in a special program of songs celebrating Pets.
Memorial Stones for St. Francis Garden
If you would like to place a flat stone in memory of a beloved pet, Adirondack Stone Works provides custom engraved pet memorial stones at affordable prices. Shipping is free and your stone usually arrives in about a week. There are several stones already in the garden. You may also place your pet’s ashes in the garden under the stone. The feast of St. Francis is celebrated on the first Sunday afternoon in October, so order soon if you want to be sure your stone arrives in time. Website: www. petmemorial.net For further info, contact Regina Matthews, romesqnola@gmail.com.
Bake Sale
On September 24 National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) will have a bake sale at Trinity to benefit the programs at NAMI. NAMI provides free services to those with mental illness and their families. Volunteers are needed to donate homemade goodies and, of course, to purchase them. For more info, contact Eileen Gleason at 417-1404. 7
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Clergy
Worship Schedule
The Right Reverend Morris K. Thompson, Bishop The Reverend Andrew R. Thayer, Rector The Reverend Katherine S. McLean, Associate Rector The Reverend Alyce Jefferson, Deacon The Reverend Jay Albert, Deacon The Reverend E. Gary Taylor, Head of Trinity School The Reverend Dr. Hill C. Riddle, Rector Emeritus
SUNDAY 7:30 AM: Morning Prayer in the chapel 8:00 AM: Eucharist in the chapel 10:30 AM: Eucharist in the church 5:00 PM: Trinity Artist Series in the church 6:00 PM: Eucharist in the chapel
Vestry John Fay, Jr., Senior Warden Barbara Waller, Junior Warden Kelly Duncan, Clerk of Vestry Keith Crawford, Treasurer Phillip Gordillo, Elaine Haney, John Hevron, Ellinor Howard, Susu Kearney, Gordon Kolb, Heather Lonian, Chris Martin, Margaret Murphy, Alice Parkerson, Marguerite Redwine, Jim Theis, Carrie Wright John Wogan, Chancellor Mary Sutton, WOTC President Jill Pipes, Trinity School Board Chair
TUESDAY 7:30 AM: Eucharist in the chapel 8:30 AM: Morning Prayer in the chapel 6:00 PM: Organ and Labyrinth in the church THURSDAY 10:30 AM: Holy Eucharist and Healing Service in the chapel
The Church Office will be closed on Monday, September 4.
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