N E W S F R O M T R I N I T Y E P I S C O PA L C H U R C H
January, 2012
Photo courtesy of The Salvation Army, St. Louis
Photo updates, pgs. 3–4
Jingle, Jingle, Jingle by the Rev. Charles Dupree
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was entering the grocery store on the evening of Tuesday, December 27. As I walked through the wetness left by the day’s snowfall, I noticed that something was missing: the tinkling of bells. During the holiday season, my ears had grown accustomed to the familiar jingle of small bells rung by those who volunteered for the Salvation Army.* The sound was light, cheerful and reminded
me of the spirit of giving that people possess during the holiday season. I couldn’t help but wonder: now that Christmas is over, where is the salvation? My question is not directed to this fine organization or to those who volunteer. It is meant for all of us who try to carry this spirit of generosity throughout the year. This is a hard task. Now that the twinkling lights of Christmas are dimmed, how do we continue to proclaim salvation
to the community and the world? Being in a community of faith means that, in the patterns of our life together, we are given opportunities to continue the message that was proclaimed to the shepherds: Do not fear! I bring you good news. The community of Trinity continues this message as we live into our identity as children of light. At Trinity, we enter into a new year in anticipation of all that God will do to transform us and those to whom we extend care, comfort and hospitality. I am excited about what is ahead for us: we have an exciting schedule of spiritual formation and education opportunities for children, teens and adults; we are gearing up for our Outreach grant process; our newcomer ministry will continue to provide a space for those who are new to our community; we are planning for various types of support for our global partners; the second installment of our ministry among the aging population is being developed; we continue our efforts to keep our homeless brothers and sisters warm and fed; and, of course, our worship and music ministries continue to offer comfort, encouragement, inspiration and spiritual grounding for those who are searching for a home and for those who have already found a home in the Episcopal Church. How do we continue to ring the bell of salvation and hope? We do so through the living out of our baptismal covenant. We are constant in worship, in prayer, in the giving and receiving of the Sacraments. We continue to be creative and relevant in our ministries. We continue to follow
FO R M ATI O N
111 S. Grant St. Bloomington, IN 47408 (812) 336-4466 | FAX (812) 336-6016 admin@trinitybloomington.org www.trinitybloomington.org
Trinity Staff
in the shadow of our Lord who met people where they were on their journey. And, we continue to repeat the sounding joy, the words of the angels who said, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news.” (Luke 2:10) Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. Glory to God from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus forever and ever. (Ephesians 3:20, 21) *The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
RECTOR
The Rev. Charles Dupree CLERGY ASSISTANT
The Rev. Virginia B. Hall DEACON
The Rev. Connie Peppler PARISH ADMINISTRATOR
Janet Brinkworth BOOKKEEPER
Mona Baker ADULT EDUCATION/NEW MEMBERS
Ross Martinie-Eiler DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
Danica D’Onofrio
COORDINATOR OF YOUTH MINISTRIES
Jessie Gutgsell DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
Marilyn Keiser ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
Jeffrey Smith
The Gift of Years: Creativity, Spirituality and Aging by the Rev. Virginia Hall
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fter looking at perspectives, stereotypes, watching The Bucket List movie, lunches at Meadowood and a wonderful Advent senior tea, could there really be more? Yes! Here’s what’s coming. Stay tuned for specific dates and times. Changing Minds: Memory and Mental Status. Developmental changes as we age Saturday workshop in February or March Where’s God in Retirement? Saturday workshop in February or March Caring for Aging Parents. 4-week book group during Lent: resources, hospice, meeting the challenges with confidence Aloneness – Loneliness – Solitude. More Meadowood lunches in April Interested in knowing more? Contact Deacon Connie Peppler or The Rev. Virginia Hall at 812-336-4466
CHURCH MUSIC INTERN
Elaine Sonnenberg SEXTONS
Mike Peppler, Jim Shackelford
Trinity Vestry
Susan Williams PEOPLE’S WARDEN Kelly Carnahan Spencer Anspach Jim Cripe Shannon Gayk Richard Hvale Chris Johns Jonathon Karty Todd LaDow Randy Lloyd Nancy Rayfield Earl Singleton Anne Stright Larry Taylor CLERK Janet Stavropoulos
RECTOR’S WARDEN
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Help Create “Creation” by Deacon Connie Peppler
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es, it is true, God did create this beautiful earth and now you will have an opportunity to honor both God and God’s work. The Christian Education Director, the Youth Coordinator, and the Outreach Commission are developing an intergenerational art project with the assistance of Chris and Emily Elam, parishioners and tile artists. The project will be worked on over several sessions, especially during Lent. The theme is “Creation” and the medium will be mosaic. You do not need to be an artist to participate in this project. You just need to want to have some fun with a group. Residents from Bell Trace will also be invited to participate. Drawing/brainstorming will begin in January. A definitive schedule of work sessions will be posted after that. The goal is to have this project completed by Earth Day, April 22, and also in conjunction with May that is National Senior Citizens’ Month and the Creative Aging Festival. P.S. Remember to be saving old cracked pottery and dishes for this project. Trinity Topics
January, 2012
FO R M ATI O N
Photos by Ben Brabson
Out of the Mouths of Babes
LEFT: Trinity kids in grades 4 through 6 get ready for a trip to the Monroe County Animal Shelter to share treats and love. RIGHT, TOP: Hank, Roman and Nick prepare for some kitchen work, baking dog biscuits for the animal shelter. RIGHT, BOTTOM: Elizabeth, Grace and Cynthia cook up biscuits for needy canines at the Monroe County Animal Shelter.
Trinity kids reach out to shelter animals with service project by Cynthia Brabson
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hen their teachers asked the fourth through sixth graders what kind of outreach project they would like to do, the children voted unanimously to make dog toys and take them to the Monroe County Animal Shelter. They asked their parents to save cardboard rolls that were filled with dog treats and placed inside an old sock. The idea is that the dog can throw the sock around until he finds the treat. On Sunday, December 11, the class gathered in the Trinity kitchen to mix, knead and use bone-shaped cookie cutters to make almost 300 dog biscuits. Several parents aided the children in deciphering the recipe as well as washing measuring cups and spoons that were constantly redistributed. After eating lunch together and hearing the shocking story of Herod’s massacre of all Trinity Episcopal Church
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Israelite boys under two, the children went to the shelter where they were met by Mrs. Ivor Davies, who gave them an extensive tour. The liveliest part of the tour was when they fed the dogs biscuits. All the dogs started barking at once for more. The kids were allowed in the kitten room where they gave the animals endless hugs and played in the training room with a Labrador puppy. Those adults who accompanied these Trinity children were touched by their compassion for these creatures of God.
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FO R M ATI O N
Christmas pageant and cookie decorating
Photos by Danica D’Onofrio
Christmas Pageant TOP ROW, LEFT: Stanley Hamilton, Clare Mattson, Janet Brinkworth, Nancy Rayfield, Roma Bewley, Brach LaDow, and Ben May RIGHT: Stuart Matthews MIDDLE ROW, LEFT: Marie Shakespear, Laura Kramer, and Grace May RIGHT: James xxxxxxx
Cookie Decorating BOTTOM ROW, LEFT: Brian and Caelan D’Onofrio; RIGHT: Olivia Hurley and Jessie Gutsgell
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Trinity Topics
January, 2012
MINISTRIES
Pastoral Care: Who are we and what we do by Mary Young
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ary Young has graciously offered her thoughts on some of the things she appreciates about Pastoral Care at Trinity. Pastoral care at Trinity means helping each other at times of need and celebrating our joys. It takes many people to respond to a parish family of this size. Some of the things we do are: Meals for the family of a newborn or families who have experienced a death Meals for someone recovering from surgery Drivers to medical appointments Food for funeral receptions Visits to the hospital and to temporary or long term shut-ins Easter and Christmas flowers to shut-ins or those families who have experienced a recent death Prayer with you or for you Anyone in the Trinity family can help provide services. Do you like to cook? We would love to have you on our list of meal providers. Can you take someone to a doctor’s appointment? Sign up for our drivers list. Do you like to visit and meet new people? Sign up to visit people. Send your name, email address and phone
number to The Rev. Virginia Hall, 812-336-4466 or vhall@trinitybloomington.org.
Frequently Asked Questions Q. Do I have to be available every time a request comes in? A. No, when a request for a service comes in, an email is sent to all who have said they would provide the service. Anyone who is available will reply. You are not required to participate a specific number of times. Q. Do I have to attend another meeting? A. Only if you want to be a coordinator for a service or be more involved in deciding what services to provide. The Pastoral Care Commission meets once a month in the Library at Trinity. Our current meeting time is generally the third Thursday of the month at 4:30 p.m. Q. Do I get reimbursed for ingredients for food I provide? A. There may be times when there is a fund for providing food but most times you will not be reimbursed. Q. Who can get help and how do they get it? A. Anyone in the Trinity family can get help. All they have to do is let the church know what they need. Here is how it works:
A Note of Thanks to Trinity from Larry McMahan
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hank you for all you’ve done! When Mother died November 20, so many people at Trinity blessed me tremendously. The prayer intercessors at the side altar during Sunday Eucharist, the clergy, the notes and cards
Trinity Episcopal Church
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call comes in saying someone needs help. The information is given to the Rev. Virginia Hall and the coordinator. The coordinator verifies what is needed. The coordinator sends out a message to the volunteers with the pertinent information. Volunteers reply when and what they will provide. Q. Who are the coordinators? A. Members of the Pastoral Commission take turns being the coordinator, usually for one month at a time. Pastoral Care is an important part of the Trinity experience. We hope you will not hesitate to ask for help or volunteer to help someone in need. Caring goes a long way to build up the body of Christ. We want to thank the many people who have claimed themselves as givers of pastoral care. Won’t you be one? Spencer Anspach, Chris Johns, Charlie Dupree, Christine Conrad, Pat and Gates Agnew, Connie Peppler, Diane Singleton, Gretchen Horlacher, Heather Lake, Hilary and Stan Hamilton, Mari Bryan, Lydia Finkelstein, Margaret Jones, Mary Jo Barker, Mary Young, Sue Robinson, Nancy Hutchens, Nancy Rayfield, Richard Hvale, Steve Chambers, Virginia Hall
you’ve sent, and especially your presence at the funeral home visitation and even the funeral itself. And since then, the warm hugs and greetings with words of condolence have truly lifted me up in God’s love. You’ve greatly ministered to me and I love you for it; and I thank God for you. May you be blessed as you have blessed me. PAGE
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MINISTRIES
Join the Creation Care Effort at Trinity by Jessie Gutgsell
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n the last Trinity Topics issue I submitted an article that my friend wrote about a conference we attended in Seattle. During that week, we engaged in conversations about the theology, social justice issues and economics of creation care. As a result of that experience, I returned to Bloomington and formed the Creation Care Committee at Trinity with several other tireless creation care advocates. Below you will find the mission and upcoming projects of our committee. Included in our plans is a covenant for each of you to sign. In this covenant, we do not ask that you swear to live “off the grid,” but we do ask that you commit yourself to more intentional energy conservation. We will help you achieve these goals by engaging in one simple task per month. We will offer helpful tips and personal reflections, and we even are offering to come into your home and help you complete these tasks. Along with these tasks, the Creation Care Committee will offer social and theological programs/services to move us all into a deeper relationship with this “fragile earth, our island home.” Please contact me if you have any further questions. We are thrilled to share our passion for stewardship with each of you as we continue on the path of creation care.
Task of the Month program Insulate water heater and lower water heater temperature to 120F. Savings: $15/yr JANUARY:
FEBRUARY:
Insulate water pipes. Savings:
$3/yr Install and use a programmable thermostat. Savings: $60/yr MARCH:
APRIL: Install
low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators. Savings: $25/yr MAY: Air
dry clothes in summer; wash clothes in cold water. Savings: $60/yr Increase AC thermostat by at least 3 degrees F. Savings: $20/yr JUNE:
Replace 6 interior and 1 exterior incandescent bulbs. Savings: $40/yr JULY:
AUGUST: Weatherize
windows and doors.
Savings: $30/yr SEPTEMBER: Seal
Creation Care Committee
$80/yr
Mission Statement: To inspire, educate and call the people of Trinity Episcopal Church to action as faithful and responsible stewards of God’s Creation. Creation Care Covenant: As a member of Trinity Church Bloomington, I join with our congregation and the Trinity Creation Care Committee to reducing my household energy usage over the next year.
OCTOBER:
large air leaks. Savings:
Add attic insulation; seal and insulate ducts. Savings: $200/yr NOVEMBER: Lower
thermostat in winter by at least 2 degrees Savings: $20/yr DECEMBER: Cut
phantom energy loads by half or more. Savings: $25/yr
Hal Taylor Receives National Award
Photo courtesy of NAMI
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Hal Taylor and his daughter Jill Bolte Taylor PAGE
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he National Alliance on Mental Illness has honored Rev. Hal Taylor with the Outstanding NAMI Member Award. Given annually, this award is NAMI’s highest honor. It is given in recognition of long and effective work to accomplish NAMI’s goals. According to NAMI, “The Rev. Hal Taylor has worked hard to see NAMI’s goals realized … As an individual, he worked for many years at a homeless shelter and as a counselor for persons who are incarcerated, many of whom live with mental illness. As a member of NAMI, Hal was instrumental in the founding of the NAMI affiliate in the Greater Bloomington area in Indiana and has played a leadership role in the Family-to-Family program there. He has also encouraged brain donation to further research into mental illness.” Trinity Topics
January, 2012
CONVENTION
2012 General Convention of the Episcopal Church to be held in Indianapolis To: The Clergy and People who are the Diocese of Indianapolis My Dear Friends, As you know, our diocese has the privilege and honor of hosting the General Convention of The Episcopal Church in July of 2012. The Episcopal Church includes not only dioceses in the United States, but also the Convocation of American Churches in Europe, Haiti, Virgin Islands, Colombia, Dominican, Republic, Ecuador (Central and Litoral), Honduras, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and Taiwan. Deputies from all of these provinces a (four clergy and four laity -and often a few alternates) along with their bishops, constitute the decision making body of our Church. In addition to the deputations from each diocese, the triennial meeting of the Episcopal Church Women and many other religious societies and groups gather to conduct business and to share in the worship and fellowship that only a gathering of this magnitude can offer. Hosting the General Convention is an unparalleled way to enter into the inner life of our Church. The General Convention is the body which makes policy decisions, amends our Constitution and Canons, sets the budget and agenda for the mission of our Church, provides for programmatic support of a wide variety of ministries, and offers the opportunity for us to gather in great numbers for worship, mutual support, and the discernment of God’s call to us for the future. A gathering of this magnitude requires careful and meticulous planning, and we have a group of Trinity Episcopal Church
very dedicated and talented people working with the Standing Committee on the General Convention to make next July’s event as successful as possible. But we need your help as well. What can you do? Include prayers for the General Convention in your weekly prayers of the people. Ask for God’s blessing on our planning, our deliberations, and our willingness to carry out God’s call to us in mission. Consider volunteering! A General Convention needs nearly 1,000 volunteers to run smoothly. Volunteers can serve for a day, or for the entire
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Convention, in a variety of roles. Go to 2012gcec.registrationsystem.com to sign up. You will be contacted about an assignment in March. Attend Convention as a visitor. You can visit the House of Deputies, the House of Bishops, Legislative Committee meetings and hearings, and, of course, any of our many times of worship. Visitors can browse in the Exhibit Hall,** which provides information from hundreds of Episcopal Church organizations and resources, and provides many lovely items for sale. continued on PAGE 8
Specific funding needs for General Convention 2012 CHILDREN’S PROGRAM, $27,000 Mandated by General Convention to provide program and child care for children whose parents are participating in the Convention in some way. Plans include field trips, including a day at Waycross. $130 would fund one child for a day!
ANGLICAN COMMUNION PARTNERS VISIT, $77,000 Includes the cost of travel and housing for six visitors each from Brasilia and Bor for a period of two weeks, allowing the chance for visits around the diocese prior to and after the Convention.
SPECIAL EVENT TO HIGHLIGHT DIOCESE OF INDIANAPOLIS, $132,000 To be held at Victory Field immediately following the Sunday Eucharist. The three hour event will feature our unique three-way Global partnership other diocesan ministries, and lots of fun! Lunch will be available for purchase — all profits to go to Brasilia and Bor.
LITURGICAL ARTS DISPLAY, $10,000 Liturgical art from around The Episcopal Church; icons, vestments, altar hangings, sacred vessels, and much more. Applications to display are available on our web site. Costs are for display, insurance, proper lighting, etc.
VOLUNTEER SUPPORT, $10,000 Our hope is to provide as much help with the costs associated with volunteering at Convention— parking, etc. and to provide an easily recognizable item of clothing for volunteers to wear.
ADMINISTRATIVE AND MISCELLANEOUS COSTS $2,000
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CONVENTION
Trinity Takes Part in Diocesan Convention by Nancy Rayfield
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he diocesan convention, recently held at St. Christopher’s Church, Carmel, is a family reunion, made up of many parts connected to the greater Church. Nearly 300 Episcopalians, including 22 from Trinity, gathered for worship. There was Evensong with two church choirs, and daily Morning Prayer, closing with a festive Ordination of Deacons and Eucharist where Trinity participated thoroughly: Marilyn Keiser at the organ, Charlie+ singing as cantor, and Connie, the inspiring preacher. Four sessions of legislative work received resolutions for debate and decision. The greatest discussion called for amendments to amendments to amendments, on the plan to give half a million dollars from our unrestricted funds for rebuilding the Cathedral and parish churches in Haiti. How freely do we give?
What assurance that it will be well spent? The resolution finally passed, with protections. Other resolutions called us to affirm resolutions of the 76th General Convention on issues such as the war in Iraq, DNA testing, environmental justice, and domestic violence. We are asked to learn about and support issues such as the Presbyterian/Episcopal Agreement, equitable public education, strengthening economic justice, and development of liturgical resources for the blessing of same gender relationships. Equal discussion temporarily challenged the budget, which Tom Wood (as treasurer) presented. Interspersed were video views of five parishes (Trinity included) and of Waycross and Youth, allowing us to be better acquainted with the diocese family. More time for fun was at the Thursday turkey supper and at the Friday banquet: a feast of boiled lobster (or chicken, of course.)
The mission of the church, to minister to those in need, was emphasized during the noon break when everyone had an opportunity to choose a mission activity. Even stronger, going forth in ministry in the world resounded in the deacons’ ordination service. Looking forward to next July when the General Convention in Indianapolis, the cochairs urged participation by prayer and presence, and by volunteering and contributing whatever we can. The announcement that Bloomington will be the site of the 2012 diocesan Convention, with Trinity Church as hosts, was greeted with enthusiasm. It will be a chance for all our parishioners to meet the diocese family to which we belong, united in one body and enriched by our diversity. We can all share in the worship, legislation and ministry, and benefit as did this year our Bloomington clergy, delegates and visitors.
continued from GENERAL CONVENTION, page 7 Consider
opening your /home to provide hospitality to volunteers from outside Indianapolis. Worship with us on Sunday, July 8 and share in the festival Eucharist! Afterward, go next door to Victory Park for a special event hosted by the Diocese of Indianapolis. Consider singing in the choir — or playing your flute or oboe, or your tambourine! Dr. Marilyn Keiser has graciously consented to coordinate and direct our musical efforts—you could not be in better hands! Prayerfully consider making a personal or congregational financial contributions the cost of the General Convention. PAGE
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As you can imagine, hosting the General convention requires both meticulous planning and funding. Your Executive Council has set aside $100,000, but our expenses will double this amount. I am inviting you to consider making a generous gift to help us welcome The Episcopal Church to our diocese. In 1994, when we last hosted the convention, each parish was invited to contribute $1,000 toward the expenses. I realize that might be a real stretch for some of you, and understand if you need to send less than that. What we do hope for is 100% participation, no matter the amount. Contributions should be sent to our diocesan office at 1100 W. 42nd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208. Checks
should be clearly marked for General Convention, and personal contributions are tax deductible. Gifts of any amount will be gratefully received and deeply appreciated, and as always, the greatest gift will be your own presence! We look forward to having you join us in supporting, preparing for, and participating in this historic event! Faithfully in Christ, +Catherine M. Waynick **Entry to the Exhibit Hall requires the purchase of a daily or week-long pass. Attendance at weekday and Sunday Eucharist does not require a pass.
Trinity Topics
January, 2012
VESTRY
Vestry adopts new financial policies; establishes Endowment Committee submitted by Jane Martin
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elow is a summary of the four documents approved by Vestry at the Dec. 14, 2011, vestry meeting. These documents will be used to govern the Endowment and set gift, spending and investment policies. The Endowment Committee will review these policies at the Annual Meeting on January 22. These documents will govern the operation, reporting, accountability gift acceptance policy, spending policy, and investment policy of Trinity’s Endowment.
Enabling Resolution and Plan of Operation of the Endowment: 1. The parish via this action of the Vestry establishes The Endowment Fund. (This is obviously documentation which ex post facto sets policies for an established Fund.) 2. The Enabling Resolution defines the purpose and long term objectives of the Fund, clarifying the nature of gifts it will receive (see Gift Policy) and how they will be deployed for the benefit of the parish (see Spending Rules below). 3. Distributions from the Fund are limited to: i) capital improvements of the PARISH; (ii) outreach ministries and grants; (iii) seed money for new ministries and special one-time projects; (iv) to cover general operating expenses only under the circumstances described in the following paragraph; and (v) such other purposes as are specifically designated by donors to the PARISH whose gifts are included in the FUND. In fact, distributions to the operating budget are allowed only under two circumstances: (1) if only income that meets the spending policy (described later) is used and the Vestry has made an explicit decision to do this or (2) if more than distributions as defined in the Spending Policy is used and the Vestry has (a) voted to invade the principal, (b) notified the Congregation of this decision, and (c) presented a plan for bringing the budget back into compliance 4. An Endowment Committee will be elected at the Annual Meeting and will be comprised of 5 voting Trinity Episcopal Church
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members and 3 ex officio (voice but no vote) members (the Rector, the Treasurer, and the Vestry liaison to the Finance Committee.) At no time will more than one Vestry member be a voting member of the Committee. 5. The Committee shall serve for 3-year terms, on a rotation basis beginning after the first three-year term. A maximum of 2 terms is suggested. The documents further describe officer election and term, quarterly meetings and quarterly reports to the Vestry, defining a quorum, and other procedural matters. 6. The enabling resolution primarily defines how the committee will manage and protect the assets, and it establishes an investment policy (below) with the approval of the Vestry, which defines the criteria for managing risk and for reviewing its outside manager. In addition the Enabling Resolution establishes standards for socially responsible investing. 7. Modification of the Enabling Resolutions and Plan of Operation requires a majority vote of the Vestry.
Gift Acceptance Policy: 1. Allows the Committee to decline any gift which is in opposition or conflict with the Church’s mission or a gift which would put undue burden or liability on the Church. 2. Sets a minimum of $10,000 for new restricted gifts and provides for reducing the restriction on gifts that, over time, fall below a $5000 minimum. No minimum is required for gifts that add to an existing restricted pool. 3. Changes to this policy require approval of the Vestry.
Trinity Investment Policy: 1. The primary investment goal is total return through capital appreciation, interest income and dividends with acceptable risk. 2. Establishes the responsibilities of the Endowment Committee in reporting to the Vestry (quarterly PAGE
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at minimum) and in managing the outside investment manager. 3. Establishes asset allocation ranges, quality considerations and the risk profile of the portfolio as well as setting benchmarks to measure the manager’s performance. Asset Allocation
Strategic
Permissible
Cash 2% 0–15% Fixed Income 25% 25–50% Equities Domestic 25% 25–45% International 25% 15–40% Alternative 5% 1–10% REITs 5% 0-5% 4. The Committee will review the Investment Policy with the Vestry at least annually and if there are changes to the policy the Committee will review those changes at the next Vestry meeting.
Trinity Spending Policy: 1. Annually, the Committee will make a recommendation to the Vestry the amount to be spent from the Endowment and after consultation with the Treasurer. Ideally this will come at the last Vestry meeting before the annual meeting to coincide with the budget
2. It is the intent of the Policy not to use the Endowment to supplement the operating budget. Nonetheless, use for operating expenses is allowed if (1) only distributions that meet the Spending Policy are being used or (2) more than the spending policy allows may be used only if we follow the emergency procedure for invading the principal described on page 1. 3. A 3-year rolling average of the market value of the Endowment (including all income and appreciation) on September 30 for each of the three years prior to the current budget year will be used to calculate the allowed 5% spending amount. If Trinity needs to use more than this amount, it may do so by a majority vote of Vestry, notifying the Congregation that the principal is being invaded and providing a strategic plan to bring the budget back into compliance. The 5% distribution rate is intended as a prudent distribution rate which provides the fund with sufficient internal growth to increase in value above the distribution rate and relative to inflation over the long term. However, for the 2012 budget the Vestry has approved a special provision to allow the spending rate to go up to 6% for this one year only and if necessary to provide a transition year toward a balanced budget.
Please join us for the
Parish Meeting Sunday, January 22 10:15 a.m. immediately following the 9 a.m. service AGENDA ITEMS:
2011 year in review; elect vestry candidates; elect endowment committee; elect General Convention delegates; review financial policies ; ratify of 2012 budget
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Trinity Topics
January, 2012
VESTRY
2012 Vestry slate of candidates Ann Heath I’m a retired reading specialist/first grade teacher and have been active in the Episcopal Church for 50 years. We lived in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, for 44 years before coming to Bloomington in September 2010, to be closer to our three children and two grandchildren. We wanted to move while we are still able to make our own decisions, to find a new church home, and to make connections in the community. As Episcopalians of very long standing, we are unlikely to go to any other church. Thus it was a great relief to find Trinity: welcoming since the first Sunday; strong commitment to outreach and ministry in the community; varied opportunities for learning and continuing spiritual growth; inclusive; great music. It has been easy to plug in to familiar activities: serving as a Eucharistic Visitor, and at worship as a reader/intercessor, server and chalice bearer. I’m also a member of the Finance Committee. I look forward, as a member of the Vestry, to supporting and enhancing the strong programs and activities already in the parish, and to working toward new opportunities. As a relative newcomer from a much smaller parish I have a different perspective on parish life, which I hope will be helpful.
Nancy Hutchens After growing up on a farm in Eastern Greene County and graduating from IU, I moved from Bloomington and returned only for family visits until 2008. I finished a Ph.D. in Behavioral Science at Rice University and did research in Italy for a few years before settling in New York City, where I met and married my husband, Michael Fields. Most of my career I had an organizational consulting practice where I specialized in managing change, corporate culture and executive development. Writing my books, A Garden’s Grace and Memories of a Midwestern Farm—a cook book
Trinity Episcopal Church
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honoring my family and rural Southern Indiana-gave me great satisfaction. Just before returning to Bloomington, I was selling real estate in a suburb of New York City. We left just before the crash--one of many examples of grace in my life. After years of looking for a Christ-centered path that spoke to me, I discovered it in the Episcopal Church. I was confirmed in May 2008 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Ossining, New York. The following fall Michael and I decided we could retire and I could return to Bloomington. In addition to being near my family, one of the most joyful aspects of this move has been discovering Trinity Bloomington. Leaving Trinity Ossining was very difficult. But, Trinity Bloomington has given me more than I could ever have imagined. The richness of the talent, good will, caring and programs in this parish still amaze me. I’m in my third year of EfM, am one of the flower arrangers, and work on pastoral care. Each of these ministries has enriched me, but I especially love taking meals to people I haven’t met yet. I joined the Episcopal Church because of the power of worship and the commitment to service and loving care for all of God’s people. I find a profound authenticity in our liturgy—knowing that words very much like those we speak have been repeated by worshipers for centuries. As we look to the future, we are facing the same fiscal challenges as the rest of the world. Although this may be difficult, it can also be a fertile time if we use these challenges to find new ways to recommit to our core mission. I feel that the Vestry plays a critical role in ensuring this opportunity is fulfilled.
Randy Keko I am a retired international sales and marketing executive, traveling and doing business in over 70 countries around the world. I currently own R P K Sales & Consulting in the forestry/lumber equipment industry. I have been married for 45 years to my wife Mary Ann, and we have two children and two grand-
children. I have attended Trinity for 8 years. I met Don Jones on my first visit exactly 8 years ago in January 2004. Mary Ann then joined me in May after we sold our house in
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Texas and made the move back to Bloomington. We had lived in Bloomington for 10 years beginning in 1977. At Trinity, I am a Greeter, and I enjoy cooking Sunday meals for the homeless and for the Circles Program; I also serve on the Outreach Steering and Financial Steering committees. Previously, I served as Treasurer of the Capital Campaign for the new addition and was a member of the Search Committee that brought Charlie to Trinity. Trinity has become our church family, and we are excited about the growth in our church. We enjoy seeing the young families coming to join us. The future of Trinity is on their shoulders. And I am excited about the opportunity to serve and help guide Trinity into the future and ensuring it will be on a firm financial basis forever. To attain those goals we will need to be frugal through volunteering our time and talents, more so even if we have to cut back on monetary giving as a church.
Janet C. Stavropoulos My membership at Trinity Episcopal Church reaches back to the 1970s when I was a graduate student in English at IU. I attended for several years during that period, originally at the invitation of Trinity parishioner Charles Forker. After receiving my Ph.D. in 1978, I took a faculty position in the Department of English at Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. During much of that period, until 1991, I attended Prince of Peace Episcopal Church in Gettysburg. My 7-year-old daughter Abigail and I relocated to Bloomington in August 1991, and we immediately became involved at Trinity, including Sunday School and summer camp at Waycross for Abby. I enrolled in the IU School of Law in 1992, graduating in 1994. I formerly served one term on the Vestry, a term which encompassed Fr. Hugh Laughlin’s final year as Rector, Bishop Ted Jones’s interim year, and Fr. Don Jones’s first year as Rector. During the years, I have served on a number of commissions, including Stewardship, Parish Life, Pastoral Care, Finance, Newcomers, and Music. Since Fr. Charlie became our Rector, I have served as Clerk of the Vestry. Trinity has provided the spiritual foundation and setting for many important events in my life, including PAGE
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Abby’s baptism in 1986, the blessing of my marriage to Michael Molenda in 1995, the funeral of my mother Jeanne Stavropoulos in1997, the funeral of my dear friend and Abby’s godfather C. Donald Peet in February 1998, Abby’s confirmation in 2000, and Abby’s marriage to Frank Borrego in 2010. I am eager to continue to contribute to a vibrant, growing, and flourishing Trinity as a Vestry member in this complex time, always keeping in mind Trinity’s guiding mission: Open to All, Open to Love, Open to Serve. In the community, I have participated on the Planned Giving Committee of Bloomington Hospital and on the boards of Middle Way House and the IU Friends of Music, among others. Professionally, I have put my law degree to good use. I practice at Jones, McGlasson & Benckart in the areas of elder and disability law, wills and trusts, and estate administration. As I often say, my work requires that I continue to teach… but I no longer must grade papers!
Dominic Thompson I serve as Director of Bands for Owen Valley High School and Owen Valley Middle School in Spencer, Indiana. I received my undergraduate degree in Music Education from the University of Evansville in Evansville, Indiana, and my Master of Music Education from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, Illinois. I’ve been a member of Trinity since moving to Bloomington four years ago. Prior to living in Bloomington, my wife Erin and I attended St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Evansville, Indiana. We’ve been married for five years and have two children, Anna and Brady. Together, Erin and I coordinate Trinity’s Breaking Bread Ministry for young adults. I have also enjoyed playing the trombone for several worship services and serving during coffee hour. One thing I am passionate about at Trinity is our mission statement “Open to all. Open to love. Open to serve.” I am excited that our church has these values and I have been pleased to see these principles in action in our worship and ministries. I would like to serve on the vestry to be a part of that process. I am honored to have the opportunity to represent my church family in this role.
Trinity Topics
January, 2012
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
Book reviews CROW PLANET: ESSENTIAL WISDOM from the Urban Wilderness, by Lyanda Lynn Haupt (2009). New York: Little, Brown and Company
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plucked this book from the shelf at the public library because of the title and my longstanding fondness for crows. True, many folks consider them pesky, noisy and even rather ominous, but my own experience taking care of one particular crow, Da Vinci, at Bloomington’s WildCare, Inc., greatly increased my appreciation for our crow friends’ many worthy attributes—intelligence, adaptability, sociability, curiosity, remarkable communication skills; even a fine, if mischievous, sense of humor and play…. THE LAST WEEK: A DAY BY DAY ACCOUNT OF JESUS’S FINAL WEEK IN JERUSALEM, by Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan (2006). San Francisco: Harper Collins.
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his book is a joint venture of two Jesus scholars and is their attempt to clarify the details of the last week of Jesus’ life. The book is based on the scriptural account of Jesus’ last week as found in Mark’s Gospel. Historical, cultural and linguistic information from the authors’ scholarly work, and the scholarly work of others, permeates the narrative of this book. The authors begin with a gripping account of two triumphal entries into Jerusalem on the first Palm Sunday. From the west came Pontius Pilot, the Roman governor, with all the ceremony and glitter of Rome and its powerful army, displaying both Roman imperial power and Roman imperial theology. The Roman Trinity Episcopal Church
Haupt’s book is about seeing up close and appreciating. She encourages us— particularly us urbanites—to slow down… take a walk… pay attention to our surroundings; to acquaint ourselves with our wild neighbors and know that we share the same world and are physically and spiritually connected. Haupt also considers that we live in “an absolutely graced moment,” a time “when our collective actions over the next several years will decide whether earthly life will continue its descent into ecological ruin and death or flourish in beauty and diversity.” In developing this idea, she brings up St. Benedict’s question: “…will we fulfill the duties of an inhabitant?” and
describes as his hopeful response that “we run toward our ‘great work,’ and not in fear, but joyfully.” You don’t have to be a confirmed crow fan like me to enjoy this book. I recommend Crow Planet as a beautiful small catechism for anyone who feels the call to communion with this Earth and our fellow creatures. As Haupt reminds us: “We cannot set the table by—or for—ourselves alone.” — Review by Karen Smith
Emperors, going back to Augustus, were each, in turn, seen as the “Son of God.” Pontius Pilot was the representative of the Emperor in Judea. At the same time, but from the east and on the other side of town, came Jesus of Nazareth, an itinerant peasant preacher, welcomed by a mostly peasant crowd who thirsted for relief from their suffering at the hands of the Roman and the Jewish hierarchies. The authors then take readers through Mark’s Gospel and the six days leading to Easter Sunday. We learn about this Jewish/Roman society that was organized by political and economic “domination systems.” The religious system justified the existing political and economic systems through religious language and customs. The Emperor was the Son of God. The social order, both political and economic, was the will of God. The powers that be were ordained by God. The religious system
surrounding the Temple did not challenge the Romans. Instead, they collaborated and continued within their own “systems of domination.” The society was, however, far from what the prophets of the Hebrew Bible had preached concerning justice and well-being. Life in first century Judea exemplified instead that which those same prophets had warned against as harlotry and collaboration. Changing this thinking would be a monumental task. Jesus set out to do just that. He embodied something more than just revolution, however, something compatible with the peasants’ hope. This book clarifies the final processes and the culmination of his effort. This is a wonderful book, well written, well researched, and an interesting and exciting reading experience. I heartily recommend it to everyone, especially as a challenge to take on for a Lenten discipline. — Review by Barbara Bloom
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More book reviews PAUL FOR EVERYONE: ROMANS PART 1, ROMANS PART 2 by N.T. Wright (2004). Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press.
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his is a two-volume commentary on St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans. The author is the Bishop of Durham (Church of England), and these volumes are a part of Wright’s complete contribution of commentaries on all of the books of the New Testament. This is an excellent series, especially useful to anyone studying the Bible as a solo student. Paul’s Letter to the Romans is a long book of 16 intellectually dense chapters. More important, it is the collection of St. Paul’s writings in which he lays out his specific theology. Because Paul was the first to write down the oral history of Jesus’ life and ministry and its effects on First Century people, as well as on
THE POWER OF ONE by Bryce Courtenay (2008) (paperback edition). New York: Ballantine Books.
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his is an interesting book and the Reader’s Circle edition was fun to read, even without a book club to share it with me. The story takes place in South Africa, beginning about the same time as the Second World War (1939). Hitler is a shadow presence throughout the book. The greater menace, however, is apartheid, which became law in South Africa in 1948. The hero of this story is Peekay, a young white child of a family with limited resources. The story begins during Peekay’s early years as the youngest child in his boarding school. We see how he overcomes bullying and how he learns to overcome many sequences of adversity.
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Paul himself, it is a critically important document. It is also a difficult document to understand. Paul does not really “lay out” his theology. Rather he circulates it in an ever-revealing corkscrew of thinking about Jesus, the Christ and the significance of his life and his mission. It is a big order. Paul was blessed with a great First Century mind. Bishop Wright helps us understand Paul’s writing. The book presents manageable sections in sequential order with Wright’s own clear and current translation. Each section of Paul’s writing is followed by an explanation of the section and a current example. At times, the author explains the meaning of a term at the time of Paul’s writing and how that term might have changed its meaning over time. In short, Bishop Wright enlightens the reader about Paul’s meaning His “growing up” is the background of this story of intelligence and courage, which also highlights the power of good teaching and the power of words. We see how Peekay learns to use the opportunities that present themselves to his advantage and survival. While Peekay has a mother and a grandfather who seem to care for him, he is quite alone in his world. Fortunately, he finds people to share his epic journey who instill positive attitudes and teach him valuable skills. He is a lucky and gifted boy who learns quickly how to make the best use of challenges that come his way. I couldn’t help to contemplate all the kids as intelligent and gifted as he who never find such mentors and never experience such powerful
from his knowledge of the original language (Greek) and his knowledge of the social, political, and cultural situation at the time of its writing. The first volume of Paul for Everyone addresses the first eight chapters of Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. The second volume addresses chapters 9-16. This is an excellent resource for lay readers. I heartily recommend these volumes to anyone struggling to understand the Epistle to the Romans and I recommend the whole series to anyone interested in gaining a better understanding of our Biblical heritage. The second volume addresses chapters 9-16 of the Epistle. This is an excellent resource for lay readers. I heartily recommend these volumes to anyone struggling to understand the Epistle to the Romans and I recommend the whole series to anyone interested in gaining a better understanding of our Biblical heritage. —Review by Barbara Bloom
opportunities. This is an inspiring book of childhood and growth into young adulthood which highlights the value of independence and of learning from others. It is a pleasant read, sometimes gripping, sometimes simply relaxed fun. The reader learns about apartheid, along with tribal superstitions and modern prejudices as well as the effects of the long shadows of the Boer War and of Hitler’s brutality. I have only one criticism...Peekay always “wins” and always survives. It might have been interesting to explore how he would deal with failure. Nevertheless, this book is a good read, and I happily recommend it for anyone looking for some simple pleasures. —Review by Barbara Bloom Trinity Topics
January, 2012
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
More good news February
BIRTHDAYS 1 Steve Chambers 1 Diane Reilly 1 Joel Barker 1 Benjamin Meaden 3 Bob Stright 3 Ly Tartell 5 David Wade 5 Wesley Hallett 6 Gerit Slikkers 6 Jean Martin 7 Rebecca Shakespeare 7 Sidney Ludwig 8 Kitty Burkhart 8 Steve Gable 8 Jackie Karty 8 Christopher Hotte 10 Christine Conrad 10 Emmy Weaver 11 Amelia Hinnefeld 12 Kenneth Bardonner 12 William Bardonner 13 Eleanor Lloyd 15 James Day 15 Ellie Birch 16 Ursula Hildebrandt 17 Bob Gehrenbeck 17 Chris Hosey 17 Bennett Piper 18 Moya Andrews 18 Bob Baird 18 Joy Yeh 19 Grace Gorman 20 Doug Graham 20 Spencer Anspach 20 Richard Malagar 20 Ezra Townsend
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Michelle Pratt Gene Stoll Rex Hume Samantha Smith Esther Whitby Chris Johns Claire Weaver Carol Pierce Dan Souhrada Grace May
ANNIVERSARIES 11 Stephen Chambers & David Wade 15 Robert & Pat Bayer
March
BIRTHDAYS 2 Amala Afoaku 2 Charlotte Siena 2 Evan Bloemendaal 4 Tim Hallett 5 Beth Sharer 6 David Lohrmann 7 Lisa Pratt 8 Deborah Reed 8 Eric Foltzer 8 Hayley Foltzer 10 Alex May 11 Charles Forker 12 Scarlett Winters 12 Onyi Afoaku 13 Jon Karty 13 Jennifer Cook 14 Patricia Stiles 14 John Johnson 14 Richard Hvale 14 Randy Lloyd
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April
BIRTHDAYS 2 Carl Rexroad 2 Theresa Malone 2 Rex Hinkle 3 Nan Polley 4 James Ferguson 5 Esther Briddell
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EDITOR
Trinit y Topics is a published by Trinity Episcopal Church, Bloomington, Ind. All contents Copyright © 2012 Trinity Episcopal Church. Permission to reprint any part of Trinit y Topics must be obtained in writing from the managing editor.
Georgia Parham
Submit an article: The heart of Trinit y Topics is writing by its members. Articles are due to the editor by the third Thursday of the preceding month. While all articles are considered, preference is given to those with direct relevance to Trinity Episcopal Church, its activities, and its mission.
Barbara Bloom Cynthia Brabson Janet Brinkworth Danica D’Onofrio Lydia Finkelstein Jessie Gutgsell Randy Keko
Address changes: Send updated contact information to Janet Brinkworth, Parish Administrator, by postal mail, or e-mail admin@ trinitybloomington.org.
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Alice Hershey Mel Hughes Emily Abel Andrew Hosey Anna Hosey Brent Gault Anya Royce Tressa Martinie Eiler Rogers Reading Murray Robinson Ken Rogers Ginny McNellen Ann Heath Winston May Gina Weaver Eric Neuburger Don Pratt Jim Justus Carolina Lopes Toni LaDow Mary Thrasher Jennifer Mickel David Williams Sheila Butler Roman Savytskyy David Smith Judy Feldpausch Matthew Cole Rob Burgess Jack Hallett Antonia Giles
Virginia Hall Ann Heath Nancy Hutchens Jane Martin Larry McMahan Connie Peppler Nancy Rayfield Karen Smith Janet Stravopoulus Dominic Thompson Mary Young
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THE ART OF FAITH
Crucifixion (Corpus Hypercubus)
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alvador Dali, an academically trained and gifted painter in the techniques of the Renaissance, was also one of the 20th century’s most famous artist-showoffs. His provocative behavior as a Surrealist (the 1920s art movement influenced by Freud and the workings of the unconscious) brought him great fame and celebrity, but also derision by art critics. Dali’s iconic oil, The Persistence of Memory (1931), of softly melting watches on a desertlike landscape, symbolized the then new process of Freudian analysis, but was also influenced, according to the artist, by Einstein’s theory that time is relative. Although Dali, educated by Jesuits in his native Spain, had left the Roman Catholic Church, he
still considered himself a religious mystic. After the post-World War II shock of Hiroshima and the beginning of the “atomic age,” Dali and his wife Gala, moved to the United States in 1953. During this period, Dali returned to the Catholic Church. In 1954 he completed Crucifixion (Corpus Hypercubus), a two-year effort. The 6-foot-high painting of a young, athletic Christ floating on a gold octahedral cube of eight sides is suspended in space; the mood is deliberately transcendent and suggests the fourth dimension. Gala (suggesting Christ’s mother Mary?) looks up in prayer. Smaller cubes are set on Christ’s body replacing the wounds and nails used so expressively in Medieval paintings. In Crucifixion, Dali fused his lifelong interests in Catholicism, mathematics and science in a new vision
Crucifixion (Corpus Hypercubus) Salvador Dalí. (1954) Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
of Christ’s death. Dali used the term “Nuclear Mysticism” to describe the often contradictory disciplines of science and mathematics with theology in this painting, and in doing so, gave us an image for our own time.
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