2022
The Annual Fund TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH & SCHOOL
LETTER FROM THE RECTOR
As Christians, the central truth claim of our faith is that Jesus Christ died for our sins and is Resurrected from the dead. This is not just ‘window dressing’ or a nice story to teach our children. The truth of Jesus’ Resurrection from the dead and our own Resurrection when He returns, are at the heart of what we believe and changes how we live. Holy Scripture admits this when Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:4 “And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.” It is this assurance of the Resurrection that allows all of us to confront even seemly insurmountable obstacles with confidence and fearlessness. To quote St. Paul again, “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55). So why bring up the “Resurrection” in a letter about the Annual Fund? First, because it is true. Secondly, and more to the point of the Annual Fund, Christians never give up and we never stop moving forward because we believe in the Resurrection. Even in the darkest days of COVID, we never ceased Sunday Mass at Trinity Episcopal Church. Even when folks could not be present, the clergy prayed for the people at the altar and many folks joined us online via livestream. It appears, at least at the time of this writing, that the worst days of COVID and its variants are behind us. And so, as Christians, we are called not only to regular Sunday worship but also to reinvigorate our ministries here at Trinity to pre-Covid levels. In this brochure you will see highlights of some of the various ministries and blessings that in fact did occur in 2021 as well as our audacious plans for 2022. These plans include hiring a third full time priest, the launch of a new Kindergarten and a return to regular daily Eucharist in the chapel. Our attendance continues to grow, and this year we will launch a new membership portal on our website that will allow our parishioners to sign up for events, review their pledge statements and keep well informed about life at Trinity Episcopal Church. I am excited about these bold plans for 2022! But the reality is that none of these plans will be possible without your support and generosity to the Annual Fund which is funded entirely by the generosity of our Trinity family. Our Annual Fund goal for 2022 is $1,525,000. In closing, this past Christmas Eve, as my family opened their presents, I was reminded how much I enjoy giving to those I love. Should we not want to give even more to Jesus and His Church? Please prayerfully consider your pledge to the 2022 Annual Fund. And join me we continue to move forward with boldness and fearlessness in our proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Onward and upward! Fr Rodriguez
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WHAT IS
THE 2022 ANNUAL FUND?
The Annual Fund provides the yearly operating income for the mission and ministry of Trinity Episcopal Church & School and reflects our call to Biblical Stewardship. Contributions must be renewed every year with your annual pledge. Trinity Episcopal Church & School is funded solely by the members and friends of this parish. We receive no money from the Diocese, the Episcopal Church, or any other organization. All of the financial support of our Annual Fund comes from members and friends of Trinity Episcopal Church & School like you.
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2021 IN REVIEW TRADITIONAL WORSHIP AND BIBLICAL PREACHING Sunday morning at Trinity Episcopal Church and School brings our parishioners, clergy, and choir together to worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. Our Sunday Eucharist is based in historical Anglican liturgy and our skilled choir leads the congregation with traditional hymns and Anglican chants. Our priests’ sermons are centered on the saving work of Jesus Christ and the story of God’s plan of redemption for His people. The purpose of our worship is to glorify God and facilitate an ever-deepening encounter with the work and person of Jesus Christ. FAMILY FOCUSED COMMUNITY Trinity experienced considerable growth this past year despite the continuing pandemic. In 2021, Trinity welcomed 50 new members into the congregation, making Trinity Episcopal Church and School the third largest parish in the Diocese of Central Florida. Our preschool has grown more than 20% in the past year with 58 students currently enrolled. Our Children’s Choir has returned with more than 20 children participating. The excitement and enthusiasm in our Preschool and Children’s Ministries are spreading quickly throughout the community. Trinity also has many opportunities for members and visitors to develop their relationship with God through relationships with others. A few examples of the opportunities available for people to meet and develop Christian relationships are weekly Coffee Hours after the 10 o’clock service, the Men’s Group Monthly Lunch and Speaker Series, the Daughters of the King prayer and service group, etc. In addition, various book studies are offered throughout the year, such as Tim Keller’s Walking with God through Pain and Suffering, which addressed the purpose of suffering and why there is so much suffering in the world. Parishioners may also develop relationships with others in the church through volunteering. SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY Trinity not only invests inwardly but outwardly, through several different outreach avenues. We’re proud to support the following not-for-profit organizations that help further greater good in our community: • • • • • •
The Buggy Bunch is dedicated to meeting the needs of Indian River County mothers and their families. Crossover Mission provides basketball coaching and one-to-one academic mentoring for at-risk youth. Safe Families for Children creates a community of volunteers that provides services such as transportation, parent mentoring, and supplying diapers, car seats, and meals. The Boys & Girls Club serves over 1,200 children each year through after-school and summer programs. Senior Resource Association provides older adults free transportation, meals, and opportunities to live a healthy and active lifestyle. United Against Poverty focuses on local families’ needs in housing, health care, and counseling, among others.
In addition, each year Trinity parishioners participate in a Thanksgiving Food Drive and Salvation Army’s Angel Tree to ensure families in Indian River County have the necessary food and items for the holiday season.
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SHARING HIS MISSION HOPE ON A THOUSAND HILLS Trinity supports a Christian non-profit organization called Hope for a Thousand Hills that focuses on the development and revitalization of coffee farming communities in Rwanda. Specifically, Trinity supports Matthew and Karli Von Herbulis family who, by training local farmers in productive agriculture techniques and building sustainable farms to provide food for a school nutrition program, are improving the quality of life for entire communities.
The support of Trinity has allowed us to continue our mission to share His word across borders. - Matthew Von Herbulis Scan QR code to watch video
TRINITY EPISCOPAL SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS The desire for a Christ-Centered education that cultivates growth of the entire child brought Malakai, Elijah and their family to Trinity. On touring our facilities and meeting the staff, they immediately fell in love with the program and the care each staff member showed toward their young family. However, they were unsure if they could make Trinity Episcopal Preschool work within their budget. Thanks to the generosity of our parishioners, they were able to qualify for a tuition scholarship and have become a welcome addition to the Trinity family. Both boys are thoughtful, inquisitive, and passionate in their love for Christ.
I am thankful to be able to give my children an amazing preschool experience that would not have been possible without the scholarship support from Trinity. - Andrea Francis
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Scan QR code to watch video
SHARING HIS MISSION
FELLOWSHIP BEYOND MEASURE An unexpected and life-threatening heart condition brought life to a screeching halt for the Jones family. Facing extensive surgery and an uncertain outcome, the family put their trust in the Lord to carry them through. Unwavering support from Trinity’s clergy and parishioners helped make a trying time bearable and gave the Jones a community of shoulders to lean on.
It’s a good feeling to have people genuinely concerned and care for the well-being of you as a person. - Gretchen Jones Scan QR code to watch video
BUILDING A FAITHFUL FAMILY The Gibson family was committed to raising their new son in a house of faith, but after months of trying churches, they were still struggling to find one that aligned with their family. Then they came to Trinity. Trinity’s reverent worship fulfilled their need to love and respect God, while an engaged clergy and welcoming parishioners helped them make Trinity their new home.
Coming to this Church, worshiping God and being around His people has made me a better person. - Rob Gibson
Scan QR code to watch video
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LOOKING AHEAD
Kindergarten Launch Trinity is excited to expand our work in providing well-rounded Christ-filled education. Launching in Fall 2022, our new Kindergarten program will integrate the Kindergarten curriculum with Trinity’s loving, child-centered learning environment.
Fostering Leadership The addition of a Curate to the Trinity Church and School staff will allow our leadership to share its doctrine experience and to expand the depth of ministry. The Curate will be involved in supporting all areas of the church with a focus on pastoral care and outreach to preschool children and their families. Our Curate program is two years long and develops leaders in the Episcopal Church community.
Return To Daily Life Trinity’s primary goal is to facilitate worship and connection with God. Throughout the COVID epidemic, we have remained faithful in continuing our Sunday services and are looking forward to returning to the daily life of the parish and gathering for the daily Eucharist. We also plan to see a return to Foyer Groups and our weekly healing service.
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OUR LIVESTREAM AUDIENCE This map shows the national reach of our online livestream services, with viewers from 45 states.
LEAST VIEWERS
MOST VIEWERS
Through our live-streaming services, Trinity has enjoyed people worshiping with us from all over the nation and overseas. What started out as a mission to our own people, has developed into a outreach opportunity for our mission in Christ.
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THE 2022 ANNUAL FUND PLEDGE GOAL IS $1,525,000 2022 Ministry Budget* Spiritual Growth 22%
13%
Community Formation 11%
Ministry Support 16%
Outreach 38%
Worship
*A Ministry Budget is a budget that breaks the expenses down into allocations for ministry and mission priorities. Summary budget available upon request from Jeanne Mudge at jmudge@trinityvero.org.
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KEY DATES
January 23rd ........................ Annual Fund Launch January 30th ............................... Annual Meeting February 13th .................... Commitment Weekend
Please mail the enclosed Annual Fund Campaign card to Trinity Episcopal Church and School or bring it to church and place it in the collection plate on Commitment Weekend.
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772.567.1146 | www.trinityvero.org | 2365 Pine Ave, Vero Beach, FL 32960