Topics | May 2014 by Trinity Episcopal Church, Statesville NC

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Trinity’s children’s choir sings “Praise Ye the Lord” on Easter Sunday. Opposite, top: the new cover design for Trinity’s service bulletin. 2 | Topics May 2014

Trinity Topics VOLUME XXX | Number 5

May 2014 ...............................................

Trinity Topics is a monthly publication of Trinity Episcopal Church, Statesville, NC. The views and opinions that appear in this publication are not necessarily those of the church, vestry, diocese, or The Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society. © 2014 Trinity Episcopal Church.

In This Issue 4

Liked, Loved, and Shared Your letters, pictures, and comments from online and elsewhere around the world

Editor’s Note

Updates

Why We Have to Go to Church

Change is inevitable, except from vending machines

The one-stop shop for what’s going on this month

Episcoparenting: When Denominations Muddy the Water Why youth might return to the church after years of exodus.

For the Record

A Shepherd to Pierce Life’s Noise

Milestones; Service Schedule

Reaching Out

What do you tell the kids when they don’t feel like going to church?

Financial reports and Vestry minutes; Youth update

Life is busy. Church is busy. Who can break through the noise?

Birthdays, anniversaries, births and deaths; plus, the full listing of all servers for the month

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CONTACT US 801 Henkel Road / PO Box 1103 Statesville, NC 28677-1103 (704) 872-6314 | Fax: (704) 872-6315 trinitychurchnc@bellsouth.net Office Hours: Monday 8:30—3:00; TuesdayThursday 8:30—2:00; Friday 8:30—1:00

trinitysvl.org

Rogation Sunday Trinity’s annual outdoor service in a historic setting

Website: www.trinitysvl.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/trinitysvl Trinity Talks: www.facebook.com/ groups/trinitysvl Twitter: follow us @trinitysvl Instagram: follow us @trinitysvl or share your photos using #trinitysvl

There are plenty of folks who can’t make it every Sunday. Why not reach out to them?

Write for Topics We welcome your submissions to Topics. If you have a piece of writing, a story idea, pictures, etc. that you’d like to see published here, send them to jamesdhogan@gmail.com

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Liked, Loved, & Shared Each month we feature a few quotes, images, and comments shared on our social media channels, plus your letters, comments, and cards. Send your comments to the church office or jamesdhogan@gmail.com An Emotional Service

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Maundy Thursday service was so special tonight. The stripping of the alter was so poignant to His night of suffering. I am looking forward to Easter Sunday Sunrise service when my Jesus will be resurrected! —Pamela Haynes, via Trinity Talks Facebook group.

Lenten Groups are a Must for Movie Lovers

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We are in the midst of closing our Lenten groups. Next year I encourage you to participate. I enjoyed delicious dinners and fellowship at the Dockerys’ and the viewing of Tree of Life, and coffee at Mary Bruning’s whilst watching The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Movie Lovers come out next year! —Lisa McBroom, via Trinity Talks Facebook group.

A Touching Stations of the Cross Service

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[The Stations of the Cross service was] one of the most touching, beautiful services I've attended in a long time. I hope it becomes a Trinity tradition. —Bud Martin, via Trinity’s Facebook page.

More on the Topics Redesign

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I don't know what to say—Topics is amazing! Many thanks for taking something old--boring, flat, outdated---and making it new---eyecatching, creative, current, thought-provoking, interesting. Wow!!! —Kim Dockery, via email.

RIGHT, TOP: Trinity Preschool students hung out with a rabbit at Easter time. BOTTOM: Trinity offered Evening Prayer every weekday throughout Lent.

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EDITOR’S NOTE:

Time for Visions and Revisions

HANGE IS INEVITABLE,” I once saw tacked up in a dormitory lobby, “except from vending machines.” That truism stuck with me through my college years—which are fading in the rearview mirror awfully fast—and it often served as a helpful bit of humor whenever navigating change became difficult or uncomfortable. It made the new and unfamiliar easier to embrace. In the spirit of embracing change, then, it feels prudent to talk about two points. The first is the noticeable difference you’ve likely observed in this very newsletter, Topics: a new design and layout, new features, and a new distribution model online. With the Vestry’s help, we’ve been able to grow this periodical into something that truly serves its title. Our vision is that this publication will engage you as a reader and a person of faith, challenge you to consider new ideas and perspectives, and spark conversation within our parish and community. Every month, we seek to focus on topics that are interesting and important. Which brings me to this month’s theme: the next generation of church-goers. The Protestant church is witnessing a sea change, no doubt. As denominational congregations grow older, there aren’t as many young folks in the pews behind them to take their places. Many young people are reluctant to identify themselves as denominational Christians, opting to think of

themselves as “believers” rather than Baptists or Presbyterians, having grown weary of the battles of miscellany that separate and divide the many particular flavors of faith. How do we bring them back? And, more importantly, how do we relate our ages-old liturgy to a generation of young people so

busy inventing their own tradition? Inside this issue you’ll find two pieces, each written by someone outside of our church, that at the very least offer some insight as to what we might do. You’ll find important information about the forthcoming Go, Speak! event,

which aims to help us learn how to talk to one another about—and listen to—our stories of faith. And you’ll hear an prescient reminder from Brad about how much we need a good Shepherd to keep us grounded as our everyday modern lives grow busier and busier. The focus of this issue is on the next generation, but I hope you’ll find something within it that speaks to you, wherever you are in your life. I am particularly excited about a new feature called “Episcoparenting,” which aims to offer a few relatable chunks of wisdom, experience, humor, and insight into bringing up youngin’s in this me-first world. (See “Why We Have to Go to Church” on page 8.) At the end of the day, this generation of young parents has to be part of the solution, too. And you, Readers, have a part as well. I look forward to your reactions to the topics discussed here. What voice can you lend to this conversation? What insights and experiences will you contribute? I urge you to send them my way (you can email me at jamesdhogan@gmail.com) and let me know if I can reprint them here. Never hesitate to send me articles or ideas for topics you think are worth exploring. Lastly, share this newsletter with friends outside of Trinity’s family. Who knows? Maybe a few folks will pick it up and arrive at the conclusion that maybe a little change is what they need. Cheers. —James Hogan trinitysvl.org | 5

Updates From the Senior Warden

A 3 Trinity’s Annual Yard Sale

4 Trinity Artist Series presents the Tryon Street Ensemble

S WE MOVE into a beautiful time of the year and explore new beginnings in our lives and our Church family I would like to take a minute to look back and give thanks and credit where it is due. I want to thank those individuals who led the daily Lenten services. I want to thank our incredible Altar Guild. This group does great work year round, and then they double up and do even more during special times like Easter. Thank you!

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I want to thank those who hosted the Lenten groups and those who attended. I want to thank Susie for all of her hard work, and for printing some beautiful bulletins. And lastly I want to thank Brad for everything he does all year for us, and especially during the very busy Easter week we have just participated in. There is a lot of work that goes into making these wonderful services happen at Trinity, and I am grateful to you all for the part you play in our Church life! —Will Fanjoy

pounds of aluminum cans collected all-time; the year-to-date total is 94 pounds. In March, we collected 21 pounds. Remember that all proceeds from our recycling effort support the rector’s discretionary fund. Thanks to Doug Stobbe for leading this effort.

Young Adults: Help Wanted If you have time to spare and want to volunteer to help out, check out these opportunities. Contact Amy Lawton for more information.

11 Youth Sunday

15 Go! Speak! Sharing Our Faith Dinners

18 Rogation Service at Allison Woods (see page 11)

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The spring crops are planted in the Young Adults plot in our community garden. We will be harvesting for ICM. Look for a schedule allowing folks to sign up, collect any food growing and deliver it to ICM.

With the Yard Sale fast approaching we are looking for young adults to help out. Please put this event on your radar screen and make plans to assist. An email request is forthcoming.

We are in the early stages of establishing a Board of Directors for the preschool. It would be ideal to have a non parent on this board. If anyone is interested please let Amy know.

Now that grilling season is upon us, it is my hope we can get the Young Adults group together for some food and fellowship. Hosts are always needed!

You’re invited to join us on May 15 for Go Speak! Sharing our Faith, a series of dinners in which we gather to listen to one another as we share small parts of our faith. Using prompts and a moderator, participants will share personal stories in matters of faith with fellow parishioners. These gatherings will include a simple meal, but will primarily focus on sharing and listening. Trinity hopes to have 75 participants. Look for the sign-up sheet in the Narthex, or contact Kim Dockery.

“The faith within you is a story, a story with no beginning and no ending, a story that tells who you are, where you have been, what you have seen and experienced.” —Bishop Steven Charleston

Yard Sale 10 Things Particulars You Can Say The team will begin receiving donated items on Thursday afternoon, May 1 from 3-7 pm, and again on Friday, May 2 from 3-7 pm. The Yard Sale is scheduled for Saturday, May 3 from 6:30 to 11:30 AM.

to a Visitor

We’ve noticed a lot of new faces as of late. Here are a few icebreakers for you.

1. Hey! Welcome to Trinity! 2. My name is _____, and I’m so glad you’re here. The proceeds 3. Where are you from this year’s all from? (feel event will be dofree to substitute nated to 5th Street y’all!) Ministries and 4. Let me give Yokefellow. you a Trinity Cookbook. 5. Is this your first time visiting? 6. Would you like to receive ComCall House munion? Can I tell you how it goes? 7. Would you like Calls! me to show you We stand ready our nursery? to assist church 8. Let’s go get members who coffee after need assistance church! with small work 9. I’d be happy to projects around sit with you and the house — show you how downed limbs, small repairs, etc. our service goes if you’re not familPlease contact iar the church office or Jim Rhyne with 10. I’m so glad you’re here. your needs.

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ids are geniuses when it comes to playing stubborn, knowing just how and when to push your buttons. When your children are dragging their feet on Sunday morning, though, the temptation to simply stay home can be overwhelming. Laura Kelly Fanucci writes to us—and her own child—to say why it’s so important we resist that urge.

hy do you have to go to church? I thought I wasn’t going to have to answer that snarly question for a few more years. Maybe even a decade before you started stomping around with teenage eye rolls of disgust when I ask you to get dressed on Sunday morning, and not in those ratty jeans with the holes in the knees, either. But here we are today, already five minutes late and you’re standing at the back door whining in protest, coat clenched in your fist and your stubborn stocking feet kicking the mud-caked boots you refuse to put on so we can scramble into the car. Do you want my answer? Ok. This is why you have to go to church.

t’s good for you to go to church. Here’s part of what church means: faith, ritual, music, art, and community. Experts agree those are good things for growing kids, healthy like tall glasses of milk and long nights of sleep. But I don’t need an expert to tell me what I see on Sundays. You leafing carefully through the hymnal pages, pointing when you find what we’re singing. You leaning quietly into my side as we listen to the readings. You lunging across the pew to shake hands with everyone at the sign of peace. You like church. Even when you claim it’s only because of the donuts afterwards. Here’s another part of what church means: it’s a place where you aren’t in charge. And neither are your parents, the ones who usually get to call the shots. Church is not about you or me. It’s about God. It’s about believing in something bigger than yourself. It’s about the amazing and aggravating people that come together under one big tent. Life, you will find, is also like this. Church is good practice. So it’s good for you to be there.

t’s good for the rest of the community to see you in church. To remember that you’re part of the Body of Christ, too, even if you’re the antsy legs that can’t sit still in the pew. Even if you’re the dancing feet that are itching to run up to the choir and clap while they sing. Even if you’re the loud voice that asks WHY WHY WHY a hundred times during the homily. It’s good for the frazzled mom with lanky teenagers to remember when her kids were that small. It’s good for the gentle grandparents to watch the hard work that they did as parents. It’s good for the single friends to remind us how to see you in a fresh light as your own person. It’s good for the young couple in the back pew to fast-forward a few years and wonder what it might be like to wrangle their own restless kids in the front row. It’s good for all the grown-ups to remember that you belong there, too. That you are beloved and baptized like the rest of us. So it’s good for the congregation to have you there.

t’s good for our pastors to have you at church. They see children in a keen way--a bright-eyed, hey-guys, gimme-five way that makes me think the Jesus of slowdown-I’m-just-going-to-play-with-these-kids-for-aminute would grin, too. You give them hope, and they give you someone tall and important and not-your-parents to look up to. We need more priests like them, and maybe you might be one, so it’s good for you to see each other across the altar on Sundays. So it’s good for our ministers to have you there.

t’s good for our family that you go to church. We only have a few years to set this rhythm before school and sports and schedules for every extracurricular on trinitysvl.org | 9

God’s green earth begin to pull at the fabric that holds our early years together right now. And before all those activities and enrichments and after-schools start to trickle into every gap of free time on weeknight and weekend, I want to be sure we’ve carved out space for what your dad and I think matters most. Which includes: God, silence, song, beauty, service, community, and the inner life. (See also: church.) So it’s good for your mother that you go to church. You make it harder to concentrate and easier to remember why I’m there. It’s good for your father that you go to church. You let him show you what it means to be a man who can tear up at aching hymns or fist-pump at zinging sermons. It’s good for your little brother that you go to church. You are his two-sizes-bigger role model, and when you pester me again about when you can be an altar server or when you can start taking communion, he listens, too. So it’s good for all of us to have you there.

hy do you have to go to church, oh sharp-eyed, stubborn-cheeked, wild-haired four-year-old of my heart? Because? Because you have to? Because I said so? Because that’s just what we do? No. Because you are church, too. Because you are asking questions and growing into answers and challenging the status quo and making me wonder about God. And you deserve a place that is safe and warm and welcoming for your big, hard, important questions. A place where we will sing and pray and laugh and think and thank together. A place where we remember, again and always, what we are to do and who we are to be. A place like our church. And we are now ten minutes late. So let’s go. Shall we? Laura Kelly Fanucci works for the Collegeville Institute Seminars on a practical theology project on vocation and calling. She is the author of two small group programs on vocation for congregations: Called to Life and Called to Work. Laura blogs about spirituality and parenting at Mothering Spirit, and her book Everyday Sacrament: The Messy Grace of Parenting will be published by Liturgical Press in fall 2014. Read more of Fanucci’s writings on her website: http://motheringspirit.wordpress.com

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The lake at Allison Woods. Photo via allisonwoodsoutdoorlearningcenter.com

Rogation Sunday Service at Allison Woods May 18th, 10:30 am

n Sunday, May 18, we’ll take leave of Trinity’s sanctuary and head out into Allison Woods for our annual outdoor worship service. The service begins at 10:30 am. This special worship hour is a chance to celebrate amidst the beauty of the outdoors that God has given us. There will be a potluck lunch following the service. Please bring a dish or two to share and lawn chairs or blanket to sit on. The

church will provide tea, lemonade and plates, cups and utensils. In case of rain, the service will be held at church and lunch will enjoyed there. Directions will be available at church for those who have never been. It is a few miles past Walmart on Hwy 21 North, crossing over I-77 (about 4 ½ miles after crossing I-77). A sign will be posted at the entrance marked with Trinity.

A History and Legacy The property now known as Allison Woods has belonged to the Allison family for more than 250 years. Originally a parcel of more than 30,000 acres, the current tract of woods, some four miles north of Statesville, now serve as a historic site, learning center, and campground. The upper lake was built in 1924 and the Upper Mill (Millhouse) was used solely as protection for the pumps and dynamo. The waterwheel turned and generated the power for all the lights on the property. The property was quite selfsufficient, using water power as well as wind power not only to provide all the necessary electrical power, but also to provide extras such as a water fountain in the lake and a “spit” (rotisserie) over the barbecue pit. Bill Alexander was the horticulturist and grounds manager for the Biltmore Estate and visited the property. He was most intrigued by vestiges of the old water garden, as it resembled what had been designed for the Biltmore House. Large areas of bamboo still grow on the property, the original stock of which was imported from China and Cuba in the early 1900s.

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GUEST VIEWPOINT

When Denominations Muddy the Water College students are increasingly reluctant to identify themselves as denominational Christians. What should Episcopalians do?

AM A Bapti-Episco-Methodist. My life and work has been forged in the fire of a denominational crisis in my own life, and I’m not the only one in my generation of college students who suffers from denominational amnesia. I’ve found it’s ok to lose one’s self in the beauty of religious ecumenism, though, and I feel the Episcopal Church in America is in a prime position to welcome the faithfully confused. One of my favorite images for the church is the image of the Phoenix. This creature is one of majesty and grace, but ultimately it experiences mortality in a way no other mythical creature experiences. It has to die and rise from the ashes of its predecessor. Protestant church attendance is in decline in America, there is no denying that. The question that must be asked is this: will this abandonment of the church result in the church’s death or an awakening like the Phoenix experiences? You can watch the dilemma play out every day on college campuses across the United States. Young people are clinging to the phrase, “I’m spiritual, but not religious.” (I once heard someone compare that statement to someone saying, “You’re smart, but I’m a liar.”) Yet they are finding that while spirituality can be incredibly fulfilling and life-giving, people of my generation ultimately need an institution in which to express the spirituality they cling to so ardently. Let me propose an answer 12 | Topics May 2014

to this problem. It’s ok for the denominational waters to be muddied. People will seek out the beauty of the liturgy, the hope of the incarnation, and the glory of the resurrection. They will return to the church if its message is one of love and grace. This isn’t to say that the church can stay within its beautiful sanctuaries or fellowship halls. Our job is to articulate love and grace in a way that is applicable to the up and coming generation. The Episcopal Church is well equipped for this because of its diversity of thought and the beauty of the liturgy. Trinity Episcopal Church has a responsibility to reach beyond its walls and re-

mind people whose they are and who they are called to be. Celebrate your identity, celebrate the liturgy, and celebrate your life in love and grace amid this trying time for the church. Remember that the beauty in life can be found in the muddy water, too. God is in that water, working to renew the church and rework our lives into something beautiful. Thanks be to God for muddy water. Rob Lee is a Statesville native and student at Appalachian State University. He writes frequently for the Record & Landmark. You can email him at robert.w.lee.iv@gmail.com

For the Record: Finance & Vestry Notes INCOME

Plate

Pledge

Other

Total

EXPENSES

January

1,196

41,584

300

43,080

January

22,025

February

733

11,123

11,946

February

18,200

March YTD 14

1,503 3,432

24,882 77,589

360 750

26,744 81,770

March YTD 14

17,683 57,908

2014 Budgt

4,375

51,882

525

56,872

2014 Budget

56,842

2013 Actual

5,414

56,487

530

62,431

2013 Actual

57,539

The top three rows are our actual numbers for the month and the bottom three compare year to date results for Actual 2014, Budget 2014 and Actual last year. The table doesn’t include the non-budgeted and miscellaneous receipts and disbursements of 3,627 this year which added to our Operating Fund. Plate offerings appear weak however none of our primary celebrations, including Christmas and Easter, occurred in the 2014

VESTRY MINUTES March 2014 Members present: Rob Hites, Layton Getsinger, Will Fanjoy, Clay Crouch, Nimocks Haigh, James Hogan, Kim Dockery, Scott Rankin, Carol Leach, Amy Lawton, Brad Mullis, Rector; and Susan Cardwell, Secretary An email motion was made since the February meeting. Will Fanjoy moved Layton Getsinger seconded that due to additional information not available at the February meeting, the $19,000+ funds from the Dalehite bequest remain in the Memorial fund. The motion carried. James Hogan moved Carol Leach seconded that the minutes for the February meeting be accepted as submitted. The motion carried. Finance: Nimocks Haigh reports that the church’s finances are going well, so far. Will Fanjoy reported on the Preschool finances. Amy Lawton agreed to be the Vestry liaison with the preschool. She will work with Sherry George to form a preschool board. A new Inquirers class will begin on April 28 to prepare

first quarter. Plate is almost 2,000 behind last year but we have to realize that Easter fell on March 31 last year and we had a special visit from the Bishop. We’ll keep an eye on the Plate and encourage all to help us achieve this goal. Pledges are coming in well ahead of both the budget and last year and we are surely grateful for all who pledged this year and have generously put us in this positive position. —Nimocks Haigh

for Bishop Curry’s visit on September 14. Brad is still working on the Children and Youth staff position. The Lenten activities are going well. There are approximately 50 people participating in the Lenten groups. Daily Evening Prayer is enjoyed by all who lead and attend. Brad attended a Clergy Lenten prayer retreat. The focus was on Sabbath. Vestry Retreat goals are progressing nicely. Committee Reports: Newcomers/ Evangelism: Kim is continuing to work on cards for the pews that will help newcomers better navigate the service. The Diocese has asked that all parishes participate in “Go, Speak: Sharing Our Faith” a non-threatening way for us to share our story of faith with one another on May 15. It will be small groups of 8-10, in homes, around a meal. Kim is looking for hosts and Moderators. There will be no discussion. The focus is on deep listening. Youth: Scott Rankin reported that there was a great

turnout for the pancake supper. They earned $600 after expenses. He and Kim attended a Regional Youth Leaders meeting Saturday. Young Adults: Amy Lawton said the Young Adults will help with the yard sale in May. Outreach: Layton Getsinger stated that there is an Outreach Committee meeting Monday, March 24. Adult Ed: Clay Crouch reported that the series is going well. He wondered about a joint bible study with the older youth and adults as well as adult ed during the summer. Communications: The deadline for Topics submissions is Wednesday, March 26. . The theme for this month’s issue is Following Jesus, New Beginnings. There were a lot of compliments on last month’s Topics. Senior Warden: Will Fanjoy said that the amount listed in the budget for Brad’s Health Savings Account was incorrect. It has no bearing on the outcome of the budget. The meeting was closed with prayer. —Susan Cardwell

Trinity’s youth would like to invite everyone to Youth Sunday on May 11th. The youth will take over most aspects of the service. It’s also Mother’s Day (well, it’s Mother’s Day first, right?) which makes it all the more special. We look forward to seeing everyone there. The J2A class is finishing up with their confirmation classes and getting ready for the Urban Adventure in June to Washington, D.C. We would like to congratulate Jackie Warren on her acceptance to the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics! It is never too late to look forward to the next school year. Please come and see Scott Rankin if you are interested in teaching a class in the fall. We are really in need of a new team to teach the Rite 13 class. —Scott Rankin

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PARTING THOUGHT

A Shepherd to Pierce Life’s Noise In the litany of modern life, how can I know the sound of the shepherd’s voice? How can I know I’m a branch on the true vine?

ANY OF YOU have heard me say that “May is the new December.” Each year May seems to grow more and more full, to the point that it can feel like the Christmas season. At our house we’re juggling recitals, field trips, musical performances, Boy Scout projects, school projects and exams, and all manner of events associated with the end of the academic year. And I did not yet mention church. Hard upon us after Easter are our annual Yard Sale fundraiser, the TAS Concert with Alan Black and the Tryon Street Ensemble, Youth Sunday, Go Speak!, the annual Rogation Service at Allison’s Woods, and planning for the J2A Urban Adventure. The blocks on the calendar are all shaded in. I end up going in so many directions that I can get lost. If our cars were jets, I can only imagine what their contrails would look like 14 | Topics May 2014

at this time of year. In making things happen, it’s easy to forget what we’re doing and why. That’s when I also have to remember another part of this season. The Easter Season is when we hear Jesus say things like, “I am the Good Shepherd. I know my own and my own know me.” “The sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” Easter is when we hear Jesus tell us that he will not leave us orphaned, that he is sending us a comforter, that he is the vine and we are the branches. Those passages, most of them from Jesus’ last talk with his disciples, remind me that I need a shepherd. Amidst the May craziness, I need to follow the one who desires the best for me, who knows me by name, the one who lays down his life for me and all his sheep. They remind me that I am not alone in my anxieties but have a God who is present with me. They also remind me

that I am connected. I am part of a flock and I am a branch among many on the one vine. You make these words of Jesus real to me as we worship and pray and serve together in God’s name. In an over-busy world, and during the summer when many travel, it is comforting and healing to know that we are connected. But I think these beautiful metaphors Jesus uses deserve some stretching. They deserve to be taken in their fullness. They challenge us to ask, “how can I know the sound of the shepherd’s voice?” “How can I know that I am a branch on the true vine?” How indeed? The knowledge of the shepherd’s voice develops through the rhythm of a shared church life, through hearing the story proclaimed, through participating in the sacraments and prayers and fellowship of the faith community. Many voices compete for our attention and that of our children; many vines want us and our children to attach to them. Without that grounding we should not be surprised if our children follow these other voices. How can they know? That is why what happens in Christian Education and Youth Ministry is vital in modeling for our children and youth the Shepherd’s voice, what it means to belong to the true vine. As we head into May, the new December, I will leave you with these words from John: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. …Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid…Rise, let us be on our way.” —Brad Mullis

Reaching Out

Milestones Birthdays 4 Jay Lytsell 8 Megan Davis 10 Joy Allison, Charles Davis, Jr. 15 Trudy Goodman 16 Keith Crouch 17 RaeMarie Clark, Ava Harwell Margaret Johnson 19 Martha Neely, Derek Wilson 23 Aston Johnson, Jackie Warren 24 Joe Abbott, Locke Allison Sarah Borders 26 Will Fanjoy, Rob Hites Susan Long, Jim Vacca 29 Nora Davis 30 Bill Balatow, Carter Payne Julia Scott

Deaths Barbara Jean Wilkinson Cornell died March 3. She was the daughter of former Trinity organist Virginia Wilkinson. Barbara often attended the 8:00 service as she was able. Marie Wilhelm Padgett, 100, passed away April 23 after an extended illness. She is survived by many, including her granddaughter, Tammy Neely. She was a member at Christ Episcopal Church, Cleveland, NC. Please send any obituaries or birth notices to trinitychurchnc@bellsouth.net for inclusion in Topics.

Anniversaries 4 Clay & Susan Crouch Ray & Leslie Lackey 22 Elliott & Heather Harwell 27 Kirk & Amy Lawton

Service Schedule SUNDAY, 5/4: Lectors: Cecil Haynes (8), Michael Coltham; Chalice: Betty Coltham*, Arna Deter, Chris Shoobridge*; Greeters: Michelle Mitchell, Joe Peters; Ushers: Locke Allison, Evie Caldwell, Jim Johnston*, Sam McDowell; Oblation: Will & Susan Fanjoy; Nursery: Susan Fanjoy and Margaret Johnson; Acolytes: William Hites S, Quinn Payne C, Christian York T, Ben Hites T; Assistant: Katie Payne

Jackie Warren C, Blair Warren Chalice: Roger Davidson (8), T, Ali Warren T; Assistant: Pat Bill Balatow*, Kim Dockery; Henley Greeters: Hilda Romano, Theresa Salebra; Ushers: David SUNDAY, 5/18: Lectors: Clay Alexander, Jonathan DearCrouch (8), Bill Balatow; Chal- man, Buddy Johnson, Bill ice: Harriette Andrews (8), Leach*; Oblation: Sam and Will Fanjoy*, Margaret John- Judy McDowell; Nursery: son; Greeters: Jim Rhyne, Katie and Quinn Payne; AcoHilda Romano; Ushers: Amy lytes: Alexandra Martin S, Brier, Bob Foster*, Pat Hen- William Hites C, Samantha ley, Joe Peters; Oblation: Pat Holland T, Reid Balatow T; Henley, Lisa McBroom; Assistant: John Deter Nursery: Jodie and Sophie Pippin; Acolytes: Aston John- Altar Guild: son S, Sarah Kate Rankin C, May 1-15: Joan French, Lula SUNDAY, 5/11 (Youth SunEllison Johnson T, Charlie Cheatham, Martha Neely, day): Lectors: Lisa McBroom Mullis T; Assistant: Margaret Evie Caldwell, Susan Hebert, (8); Chalice: Roger Davidson Johnson Lynn Sweeney, Tammy Neely (8); Greeters: Kim Dockery; May 16-30: Harriette AnNursery: Jim and Re JohnSUNDAY, 5/25: Lectors: Rog- drews, Lynn Lawton, Ginger ston; Acolytes: Gray Lackey S, er Davidson (8), Diane Kines; Hester, Cathy Marshall

Not every one of our members can make it to service on Sunday. Most of these folks are seniors and just aren’t able to get out— but they all value their connection to this community of faith. The vestry and I have been thinking of ways to strengthen the bonds between us all, but especially between those who are able to get out and about and those who are not. One step we are now taking is to hold these folks before the congregation, realizing that younger folk or newcomers may not know who they are. Here are three names, with contact information, of our homebound members. There are more and they will follow in subsequent editions of Topics. Please hold these friends in your prayers and as the Spirit leads, consider dropping them a note or giving them a call. They all love knowing what is happening at Trinity and I promise you will renew or begin a great friendship. —Brad Mullis Betty Brady 304 Heritage Road Statesvil, NC 28625 704-872-5580 Mildred Johnson 304 Cooper Farm Road Statesville, NC 28625 704-876-1433 Susie Kearns 3802 Sarazin Court, NE Conover, NC 28613 828-459-2925

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801 Henkel Road | P.O. Box 1103 Statesville, North Carolina 28687 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

We strive to live as the Body of Christ by loving one another, sharing our gifts, and serving as Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hands and feet in the world. 16 | Topics May 2014