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
July 2012
New youth minister, pg. 4
Liturgy by the Rev. Charles Dupree
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Image courtesy of University of Sussex
iturgy. It is the Episcopal Church’s greatest treasure. On Sundays, we come together to praise God. Our liturgy is the structure by which we offer our prayers, we sing our songs of praise, we sit in reflective silence, bread and wine are changed into holy food and drink. The Church’s liturgies give structure, not only to our Sundays, but to our week, as well. The daily offices of Morning Prayer, Noonday Prayer, Evening Prayer and Compline provide a structure that frames our day in the remembrance that God has always and will always be near. Liturgy creates the structure that allows us to give voice to what is in our hearts. Liturgy, however, is more than the ritualistic framework of our worship services. The word ‘liturgy’ comes from the Greek word leitourgia, meaning, ‘the work of the people.’ It is the service that we offer to God through our lives. The meaning of liturgy has taken on new meaning as you and I have come together in worship over the past few months. As a community, we often experience baptisms or confirmation. We’ve come to associate these special liturgies with the church. But it’s always a great joy when families and individuals invite the church into other meaningful moments of their From Thomas Carnmer’s Prayer book of 1549. lives. One of the Trinity families recently went on a pilgrimage together through France. As a part of our blessing and support. When our Lay Eucharistic Visitors Sunday service, we prayed with them and over them, take the Sacrament to the homebound, they take us with asking God to journey with them. Two couples chose them as we send them forth. All of this is liturgy, and it to celebrate their wedding anniversary by receiving a special blessing from the Church. In this liturgy, they re- doesn’t always have to do with making the sign of the Cross when we stand, sit or kneel. newed their commitments to each other, and they asked Liturgy is the work of our lives. Liturgy is any offerfor God’s continued help. When members leave for one ing that we dedicate to the living out of God’s purposes. reason or another, it’s important for the community to The liturgies at Trinity are intended to be windows into have an opportunity to say goodbye. When members go on mission trips, it is important for them to go with our the heart of God and the mind of Christ. They fortify us,
FROM THE RECTOR
111 S. Grant St. Bloomington, IN 47408 (812) 336-4466 | FAX (812) 336-6016 admin@trinitybloomington.org www.trinitybloomington.org
Trinity Staff RECTOR
The Rev. Charles Dupree
remind us and reconstitute us as God’s holy people. Remember, too, that liturgical action happens at home when we pray before meals, say prayers with our kids before bedtime, have a cookout with our grandparents on Sunday nights, teach our kids how to throw a baseball or ride a bike. The simple rituals of our lives can take on new meaning when they are done with care, intentionality and selflessness. God can turn the
routine into ritual, and make the common holy. Your clergy want to know about the rituals of your lives, and we are glad to know when important things happen to you. We are also happy to point out to you, lest you forget, that you are important, you are loved, and the entirety of your lives is a great gift — a living example of holiness — a liturgy unfolding.
CLERGY ASSOCIATE FOR PASTOR AL CARE AND OUTREACH
The Rev. Virginia B. Hall DEACON
The Rev. Connie Peppler PARISH ADMINISTR ATOR
Janet Brinkworth BOOKKEEPER
Stephanie Hulett ADULT EDUCATION/NEW MEMBERS
Ross Martinie-Eiler DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
Danica D’Onofrio COORDINATOR OF YOUTH MINISTRIES
Reynolds Whalen DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
Marilyn Keiser ORGAN SCHOL AR
Martha Sliva SEXTON
Jim Shackelford
Trinity Vestry
Susan Williams PEOPLE’S WARDEN Kelly Carnahan Spencer Anspach Jim Cripe Shannon Gayk Ann Heath Nancy Hutchens Richard Hvale Jonathon Karty Randy Keko Nancy Rayfield Earl Singleton Anne Stright Janet Stavropoulos Dominic Thompson CLERK Elza Dunning
RECTOR’S WARDEN
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Giving Thanks Every Day By Cindy St. Leger and Ann Heath
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ow do we nurture the practice of giving thanks every day? We thank God for major events in our lives — a birth in the family, recovery from illness, a new job, and milestones like birthdays, graduations and anniversaries. But we may not always remember to thank God as well for the little things that happen in an ordinary day. Even as we say grace at mealtimes, we may not pause to recall and thank God for little things that brighten our days, such as a phone call from a
friend, a smile from a stranger, finding the car keys, or discovering the first ripe tomato. Sometimes we need to step back from the busyness of our lives and recognize how blessed we are. If daily thanksgiving is not currently your practice, you may be looking for a way to establish the routine. If daily thanksgiving is already a part of your practice, you may want to expand what you are doing now. Next month, United Thank Offering blue boxes will be made available, and members of Trinity will be encouraged to express thanks daily, in prayer and by making a small thank offering. The boxes of coins and bills will be gathered in November and the funds collected here in Bloomington and all over the country will be used for ministry and mission throughout the world. Since 1886, Episcopalians have joined in ministry through UTO, with a daily practice of thanksgiving through prayer and offerings. We invite you to share in UTO thanksgiving and ministry.
Trinity Topics
July, 2012
EDUC ATI O N
Images courtesy of Danica D’Onofrio
Waycross Family Fun Day
Trinity families celebrated Family Fun Day in May at Waycross Camp in Brown County. Kids and adults enjoyed a variety of fun activities, including fishing, water games and relaxing. Fishing was a popular activity for kids and adults. Siena relaxes outside a Waycross cabin. LEFT, BOTTOM Paul Martinie-Eiler takes a turn on the water slide. ABOVE
LEFT, TOP Matt
Trinity’s Homeward Bound team Trinity’s Homeward Bound team raised $700 to fight homelessness and poverty in Monroe County. The walk generated $37,000 this year. On hand were Catie May, Benjamin May, Eleanor Parham, Grace May, Todd May, Elizabeth Siena, Charlotte Siena, Susan Siena, Jessie Gutgsell, Matt Siena, Heather Lake and Barbara Bloom.
Trinity Episcopal Church
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EDUC ATI O N
Meet Trinity’s new minister to youth R
eynolds Whalen has been active in the Episcopal Church since he was in first grade in Norman, Oklahoma. He was on the leadership board of his youth group in middle school and high school, which was a very important time for his spiritual formation and leadership development. Reynolds has been playing guitar for 18 years, and in college at Washington University in St. Louis, he led music at his campus ministry and acted as a peer minister. At Washington University, Reynolds studied theater and African studies. His love for Africa began during a trip with the Episcopal youth of Oklahoma to Uganda. At college, he became involved in the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri. He accompanied the Bishop and several priests and lay people to South Sudan, where they were creating a brand new companion diocese
relationship. Reynolds has lived in Kenya and Rwanda and has visited six different African countries on five trips. Most recently, he worked as a filmmaker in Rwanda promoting local development and helping those without a voice tell their stories through film. Throughout all this, Reynolds has worked closely with youth both locally and around the world, encouraging them to find a voice and be active members of their communities. Since moving here a year ago, Reynolds has become active in both Trinity and the Episcopal Campus Ministry, and sings in our choir every Sunday. About his new ministry as youth coordinator, Reynolds says, “I am thrilled to take on this role, and to begin a journey of discovery with the youth at Trinity! We are certain to share many exciting and formative moments together, and I look forward to getting started!” Danica D’Onofrio, Director of Spiritual Formation for Children/
Youth, believes Reynolds will bring an energizing, creative and faithful presence to Trinity’s teens. She is thrilled to be sharing a ministry with him. Reynolds and his fiancée Julia Mancini will be married in October. Reynolds begins his ministry at Trinity in August, and can be reached at reynolds.whalen@gmail.com.
years. Among the highlights of my time here were meeting my future husband Joe, working with Trinity’s youth, and following my dreams and beginning the priesthood ordination process with Trinity as my sponsoring parish. I have learned more than I can say from Trinity’s clergy (I often say this is the most functional staff I have ever worked with!). My faith has grown through our beautiful worship services; I have learned so much from volunteering at the winter shelter; and I developed my leadership skills with the Creation Care Committee. Trinity is the community where I grew into the adult
I have become. It will be bittersweet to leave these relationships behind. But, this is not goodbye! I will be back in October for diocesan convention and more times after that. Trinity will continue to be my sponsor for ordination even as I move up to Cleveland, Ohio, to work in the Cleveland Clinic, and then as I move on to seminary. I promise to keep in touch, and I will depend on your continued prayers and support as I journey onto the next step. For now all I can say is thank you, thank you, thank you. I love this church community with all my heart. You all have been my home and I will never forget that.
Photo courtesy of Danica D’Onofrio
By Danica D’Onofrio and Reynolds Whalen
See you later! By Jessie Gutgsell
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even years ago I started looking for colleges to attend, and I made a list of the qualities I would look for. On the list were a good music school, proximity to family, and a thriving Episcopal Church community. Bloomington, Indiana, fit the bill for my ideal college town, and it has lived up to my expectations! Now, after six years, I am leaving this place I call home. There are many things I will be sad to leave, but the hardest goodbye will be to my church family at Trinity. Trinity has taught and given me so much over the
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Trinity Topics
July, 2012
STEWARDSHIP
Summer is a Great Time to Get Active with Trinity Scrip! by Jennifer Lloyd
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re you using Trinity scrip yet? About 50 households in our congregation are, and thanks to their willingness to try this new program, we have raised almost $3,500 so far this year! Scrip is a program in which you buy prepaid gift cards for grocery stores or other local and national retailers, restaurants and other businesses and the merchants remit a percentage of the gift card value to Trinity. Scrip cards for Kroger, Marsh/O’Malia and Bloomingfoods can be ordered at Trinity (forms are available from Spencer Anspach at Lemonade on the Lawn most Sundays or in the church office at other times). Cards for other businesses can be ordered through an online program. Details are available at www.trinitybloomington.org under the “Give” section. How can you use scrip over the
next few months? Here are a couple suggestions: GROCERIES You’re already buying them — why not contribute to Trinity at the same time? A family who uses scrip to pay for $500 of groceries each month will earn about $250 for Trinity over the course of the year. After its initial purchase through Trinity, the Kroger card can be reloaded at any Kroger service desk. Marsh/O’Malia and Bloomingfoods cards are not reloadable SUMMER MOVIES AMC Theaters gift cards can be used for tickets and snacks — and 8 percent of the purchase price goes to Trinity. TRAVEL Planning a getaway? Hotels, cruise lines, car rentals and even gas retailers offer scrip – often at 8 percent or higher. BACK-TO-SCHOOL CLOTHES
Buying locally? Macy’s (10
percent), Kohl’s (4 percent), Kmart (4 percent), Target (2 percent) and many others are available. Buying online? Children’s Place (12 percent), Land’s End (16 percent), and L.L. Bean (16 percent) are some of several opportunities. I.U. TEXTBOOKS The IU Bookstore takes Barnes & Noble scrip cards. Trinity will receive 9 percent of your tab. Remember — there is no additional cost to you for using the scrip program. What’s the benefit to Trinity? Potentially, enormous! We will receive 4-5% of grocery card purchases, and anywhere from 2–25% of other gift card purchases. Trinity has conservatively budgeted $5000 in income from the program this year, and we are already on track to surpass this figure. Questions? Contact program coordinator Spencer Anspach, sanspach@gmail.com.
BACK TO SCHOOL WITH SCRIP
Images courtesy of ShopWithScrip.com
Buying prepaid cards through Trinity’s scrip program will directly benefit Trinity’s bottom line. Cards are available for brick-and-mortar stores in Bloomington, as well as countless on-line retailers.
Trinity Episcopal Church
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STEWARDSHIP
The Second Century Fund is for ALL! Second Century Fund pledge
o
Extraordinary A one-time gift to the fund.
o
Sustaining
Pledge an annual commitment for several years. Payable in installments of $__________________ Per
o month o quarterly o semi-annually o annually o other _____________
During the years: o 2012 o 2013 o 2014 o 2015 o 2016
o
Legacy
For more information on how planned giving can benefit you and Trinity Episcopal church, contact Jane Martin, jmartin@villageventures.com, or Jim Murphy, the Episcopal Church Foundation, (800) 697-2858.
Name(s)
Address
Phone E-mail Signature
PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO
Trinity Episopal Church 111 South Grant Street, Bloomington, IN 47408
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By Pat and Gates Agnew and Mary Ellen Brown
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ince its inception a year ago, 60 Trinity individuals and families have contributed to the Second Century Fund. Nine have extended their giving through 2013 and 2014, and a few even through 2015 and 2016. This is an important beginning of a perpetual fund to maintain and improve our building after retiring our mortgage. Parishioners who find a way to give $25 or more a year for three or more years will be cementing our sense of community in more than material ways. And for all givers, the time to give is now and during the next three years. This will save interest payments before interest rates go up. Weekly, sometimes daily, our facility welcomes us, and enables our ministries to reach out to Bloomington and the world. The elegance of the Grant Street entry, the Trinity Room, the Choir enclave on the second floor, the new nursery facility, the library, the Sunday school rooms, the Harvest Room, the amazing area of offices, even the basement—not to mention the kitchen—now seem familiar. But they are not yet fully ours. We need to pay for what we have and anticipate future needs. The Second Century Fund was established to eliminate the need for ever borrowing again. No area of the renovation prompts greater discussion than the kitchen. The old kitchen, its size, counter space, dishwasher and disposal, did not allow folks to work, much less cook, together. The space, “about the size of the storage closet in the new Great Hall” (Weezie Smith), “was dark, very dark” and “little camaraderie was possible” (Marie Shakespeare). “Three people in the kitchen was a crowd…if you stood by the sink, you
couldn’t open the dishwasher, and no one could reach to the glasses cupboard or get to the cups or the table supplies” (Nancy Rayfield). “I hated that old kitchen” (Jennifer Lloyd). “May we ever be thankful” (Jane Martin). “I often tell people that the new dishwasher is one of the 10 best things that ever happened to Trinity… 1. It washes 30 mugs and 20 plates in under 5 minutes. 2. Men love to use it! 3. Its sheer existence has enabled Trinity to explore forms of Outreach and hospitality that were previously next to impossible. 4. Men love to use it! (this one is worth mentioning twice) 5. It has allowed us to get away from using lots and lots of disposable plates and cups” (Jennifer Lloyd)… Before, “the dishwasher was the size of my dishwasher at home. BUT, it presented more problems. I have this memory that a person washing the dishes had to turn on the hot water for several minutes before starting the dishwasher” (Richard Hvale). May we ever be thankful! “The garbage disposal in the sink could not take anything soft, nor could it take anything too hard, so it was usually inoperative, being ‘rescued’ or repaired” (Nancy Rayfield). There were signs all over the kitchen “warning of cataclysmic failure,” especially concerning the disposal (Patrick Martin). May we ever be thankful! The new kitchen, like all of the renovations and additions, was carefully and collectively planned. The changes have made our parish lives and experiences much richer. Now together we need to pay for them and store up funds for future building needs. Please join this opportunity for stewardship. Trinity Topics
July, 2012
STEWARDSHIP
Legacy Society Honors Trinity Planned Givers Memorial Garden);
Anyone who has designated Trin-
By Jane Martin
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he Endowment Committee is forming a Legacy Society to honor Trinity members who have made planned gifts to the parish. We are also exploring appropriate names for the society, so send us your suggestions! The Legacy Society will include: Family members of certain past Memorial Gifts that were of such a significance and prominence as to generate an important historical legacy for Trinity (e.g. Stained Glass Windows, Baptismal Font,
ity as a beneficiary on their IRA, pension, life insurance and other assets; Anyone who has made a gift through their will — either as a life income gift such as a charitable remainder trust, or an outright bequest of cash or property. Every gift is important — there is no minimum for membership, and we cherish “the widow’s mite” in equal proportion to larger gifts. We want to ensure that anyone who has raised Trinity to this special place will be
invited to join the Legacy Society. Of course, some planned givers prefer to remain anonymous or unacknowledged and we respect that wish. For those who are willing to be acknowledged, we are having a special afternoon tea to launch the Legacy Society on September 23, with a keynote speaker from the Episcopal Church Foundation. Members will receive a gift from Trinity and will be inducted into the Diocese’s Society of the Magi. Contact Jane Martin for more information or to let us know of your planned gift at jmartin@villageventures.com or (812) 333-5263.
I Saw the Light… and Switched to CFLs By Karen Smith
TABLE 1
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must confess that until a few months ago, I’d never purchased a Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL). This was mainly due to the higher cost per bulb; however, I hadn’t fully considered the performance of CFLs versus that of incandescent bulbs. When I signed up to participate in Trinity’s “Task of the Month” program to reduce my energy usage at home, I was finally spurred to compare and buy some CFLs. Here’s what I found out: CFLs are a much better deal than incandescents. Take the example in Table 1: a 4-pack of 13 watt “Greenlite” CFLs bearing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s “ENERGY STAR” seal cost me $8.99 at a local chain supermarket. A 4-pack of GE 60 watt extra soft white incandescent bulbs was priced at $1.99. Now compare their efficiency, i.e. the number of lumens Trinity Episcopal Church
Lumens
Watts
Life Hours
Greenlite CFLs
900
13
12,000
GE incandescents
825
60
1,000
(brightness) per watt (energy used): In other words, the CFL produces 69 lumens per watt, while the incandescent produces only 14 lumens per watt. The CFL also lasts approximately 12 times longer! According to the EPA: “Compared to incandescent light bulbs, ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs save about $30 or more in electricity costs over the lifetime of the bulb.” The CFLs I use at home provide excellent lighting. CFLs are also available in a wide variety of styles, wattages, and shades ranging from yellowish to white to bluish white. Depending on type, a CFL may take from 30 seconds to 3 minutes to
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become fully lit; however, the 13 watt CFLs I use at home appear maximally bright to me after about 8 seconds. CFLs produce far less heat than incandescents. This means they are safer to use than standard light bulbs and can help reduce my apartment cooling costs this summer. Though CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury, they actually help lower environmental mercury levels by reducing electricity demand and associated power plant emissions. Dispose of CFLs (and other fluorescent bulbs) safely at the Monroe Co. Solid Waste Management District’s Hazardous Materials Facility at 3400 S. Walnut St. PAGE
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COMMUNITY SPIRIT
Creation Art Project Inspires Reflection By Nancy Rayfield
he intergenerational Creation Mosaic project that Chris and Emily Elam introduced, and David Wade designed, was for me a valuable time for theological reflection. The mosaic was to be nine square panels to hang together; first on the top left is Chaos, then the Seven Days, moving around clockwise, ending with Alpha and Omega in the middle. About 25 nonartists fumbled with work on it for two Saturdays to carry out David’s creative plan. Here is what we did: It started with Chaos. Pieces of china, cups and plates had to be smashed to bits. Wrapped thoroughly in a towel, placed in the bottom of a big plastic bin, the china was shattered with sturdy hammering. (The youngest generation really enjoyed this part.) The result was potential mosaic tiles, safely in the bin. “Chaos! How many times does life seem chaotic? Yet we are still protected by God’s ‘bin’.” Next we had to choose what colors to use, and which pieces, from an array of containers of ceramic bits. “Decisions! Decisions! Decisions! Life is a constant challenge, facing quandaries, seeking discernment of God’s will.” To fit the right spaces we had to cut pieces to a right shape. It takes heavy iron clippers, sometimes needing a two-handed grip. CRACK! And the tile would fly off in any-old-shape! So maybe we will have to vary the plan. “Hard work or a struggle may result in a surprise. I can’t be sure of an outcome even when I have put much energy into it. God is a surprise! Maybe I should vary MY plan!” Working two or three together, we laid out some tiny pieces to fit the pattern on a square panel, put a dab of cement on the back of them, delicately pressing each into place, but firmly PAGE
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Photos by Jessie Gutgsell
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holding down to set. If you tip up the panel too soon, loose bits will fall off. Start over! “Even when I am meticulous and precise, things don’t always work to my intention. Persist!” Now the square was filled with shining glazed colors, bits and pieces blending into a vivid picture of One Day of Creation. We put our square side-by-side with the other days. We could see where adjacent colors matched, gave continuity to the whole, where broken bits took on new meaning by what they were next to. It is Good! We were elated, and surprised, at how good it looks. But it is not complete. The countless bits are close to each other but not really in touch. “A sound, stable community needs more than shared physical space. There must be durable common bonds completing the connections. What holds us together as more than acquaintances?” Finally we had a Grouting Party – a party because it would be the time to celebrate completion. Grout is messy Portland cement, dumped in a big pile in the middle of the square panel...
spread with a spatula, spread to every corner, spread with grimy fingers poking into every minute space between tiny bits, smooth along the edges, smooth with a sponge, wipe clear to reveal the color under a haze of remaining cement, swipe across until every space is filled and every color gleams. A final soft-cloth polish; lo, and behold, “It Is Good!!” Celebrate!! “It amazes me how stimulating an act of creation can be. God must have been thrilled on the Seventh Day, maybe too excited to Rest. We took myriad broken pieces from chaos, worked together through hard challenges, and formed one splendid image. It was the grout that made it complete. The grout is like Love, which is needed for true Community, keeping us in touch, in God’s Love. Truly a blessing!” Trinity Topics
July, 2012
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
By Don Jones
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ormer Trinity member Liz Tichenor was ordained deacon on May 21 at St. Thomas Church in Hanover, New Hampshire. Liz is known to us at Trinity as Liz Keenan. She and her family moved to Bloomington in 1996 when Liz was 11. She immediately began serving as an acolyte, then in high school as an altar guild member, Eucharistic Minister, and lector. Liz says Waycross played a huge role in her faith journey: “My first introduction to the episcopacy was having Ted Jones as our chaplain on a canoe trip my first year as a camper there, and I recall floating down rapids together in our life jackets.� In 2003, during her senior year at Bloomington South, Liz participated in Journey and was confirmed during Eastertide. Liz graduated from Dartmouth College in 2007 with a Spanish Major. She then worked in Chiapas, Mexico
and returned to New Hampshire in May of 2008 and began the ordination discernment process. In 2008-2009 Liz was assistant chaplain at the Edge, the Dartmouth Episcopal Campus ministry, where she and Jesse Tichenor met as students. Liz and Jesse were married in June 2009. Their daughter Alice was Liz Tichenor and daughter Alice born September 27, 2011. Liz has graduated with an MDiv December, she hopes, as priest at All from The Church Divinity School of Souls Parish in Berkeley. the Pacific, Berkeley, California. This Liz was ordained a deacon in the fall she will return to Berkeley to same church where she was baptized complete a Master of Arts in Ethas an infant, an interesting way to ics and Social Theory. While there come full circle. she will serve as deacon, and, in
Daughters of the King Support Women Build Habitat for Humanity By Mary Ann Keko
n a beautiful Friday in May, I had the pleasure of delivering lunch to the workers on the Women Build for Habitat for Humanity. Daughters of the King prepared a lunch for 55 workers that day, and the workers were very appreciative. The women built three houses in nine days, and we felt privileged to have been a small part of the effort. Thank you ladies! One of three Women Build, 2012, houses.
Trinity Episcopal Church
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Photo by Ann Schertz, www.annschertz.com
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Photo courtesy of Don Jones
Liz Tichenor Ordained Deacon
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
Book review SPEAKING CHRISTIAN: WHY CHRISTIAN WORDS HAVE LOST THEIR MEANING AND POWER - AND HOW THEY CAN BE RESTORED, by Marcus J. Borg (2011). New York, NY: Harper Collins.
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veryone who knows me knows that I am a Marcus Borg fan and I make no apologies for this. Borg is a recognized biblical scholar who, in addition to his academic publications and research, has spent many of his professional years being Hundere Chair of Religion and Culture at Oregon State University and, at the same time, teaching undergraduate classes in religion. Teaching undergraduates is where scholars hone their teaching abilities and learn to express their thoughts in clear and understandable language. This process in Borg’s lifework has been a windfall for ordinary lay people of every persuasion, especially those struggling in mainstream liturgical churches. Since his retirement in 2007, the annual number of non-academic books that Borg has published has increased, providing a veritable treasure house of information for lay Christians. This book follows in that informative vein and is a pleasure to read. Speaking Christian is a primer on Christian language, which addresses our deeply divided understandings within our shared English language when it comes to the Bible. Borg examines literalness and our (fairly recent) historical focus on a heaven and hell framework, with an emphasis on the afterlife, sin and forgiveness, and Jesus’ dying and our “believing.” Borg builds on this thinking and presents a further understanding in this book, which is not “literal” but could be seen as an alternative understanding of the language of the Bible. In this Borg “draws on the Bible and premodern Christian tradition” as well as his skill in the early New Testament languages and his knowledge of First Century culture. There are two purposes for this book: “to offer an alternative understanding” and “to redeem and reclaim Christian language in all of its richness and wisdom.” This book helps us to learn to read and hear the language of our faith with fresh understanding and awareness. It is an enlarging book, an edifying pleasure. There are 25 relatively short chapters in the book. Each one takes up a major concept or specific word of our faith, such as: “Beyond Literalism,” “Believing and Faith,” “Sin,” “Righteousness,” “Born Again,” “The Rapture and the Second Coming,” “Heaven,” and my favorite, “The Creeds and the Trinity,” to list a few. For the many PAGE
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people who have trouble saying the Creed, because some of the phrases are so contrary to our 21st Century scientific understandings, this last named chapter is worth the price of the whole book. Unlike Borg’s other books, which often focus on a specific section of the Bible or a specific person or a specific measure of time, this book examines the tool with which we come to know the faith. Understanding this tool is critically important for our understanding of the whole story of creation and our place in it. I heartily recommend this book to everyone, especially the people among us who (like me) are innate skeptics. — Review by Barbara Bloom
Trinity Topics
July, 2012
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
More good news August
BIRTHDAYS 3 Richard Burke 3 Kate Emblom 3 Ben McMullen 4 Madi Gregory 6 Gene Shreve 7 Catie May 7 Lucy Bowling 8 Joseph Boes 9 Larry Taylor 9 Ruth Witten 9 Michael Duff 11 Owen Neuburger 12 Thomas Meaden 12 Thea Hosek 12 Adam Hale 12 Olivia Hurley 14 Adam Kinney 15 Reva Shiner 15 Marci Bryan 15 Anneliese Van Arsdale 16 Chuck Watson 16 Anne Stright 16 Susie Reynolds 16 Erin Baker 21 John Briddell 21 Karrah Moore 25 Larry Davis 26 Andy Houlik Ritchey 27 Hildy Sherwin 28 Nancy Rayfield 30 Robert Conrad 30 Bruce Douglas 30 Doug Horn 31 Debbie Satterfield
ANNIVERSARIES 2 Gates & Pat Agnew 8 Jeannie Denning & Marcia Kazmierzak 10 Archie & Jeanne Smith 10 Bill & Libby Tilghman 14 Jim & Ruth Witten 14 Tom and Sara Wood 16 Ken Dau-Schmidt & Betsy Birch 21 Michael & Amber Moore 22 Richard & Ann Burke 22 Verlon & Ruth Stone 26 Donald & Judy Granbois 27 Randy & Mary Ann Keko 31 Ross & Andrea Martinie Eiler
September
BIRTHDAYS 2 Brach LaDow 3 Don Hossler 3 Caroline Snapp 3 Quinten Satterfield 4 Larry McMahan 5 Georgia Parham 6 Ruth Stone 7 Kris Frampton 7 Oleksandr Savytskyy
7 8 9 13 13 15 15 15 17 17 17 18 19 19 20 20 20 21 21 23 23 24 24 27 27 27 27 28 28 29 30 30
Is your August, September, or October birthday or anniversary missing? Contact Janet Brinkworth, (812) 336-4466 or admin@trinitybloomington.org.
Beverly Carson Millie FlemingMoran Nick DauSchmidt Sally Simpson Ann Burke Gloria Hasler Margaret Birchler Harper SchrammKelley Mary Alice Crampton Jill Wood Nicholas Stright Marcia Kazmierzak Bob Bayer Isabella Douglas Tarry Curry Sandy Sheehan Heather Lake Laura Mills Randy Keko Cynthia Brabson Norman Furniss Andrew Ludwig Naomi Gorman Katie Watson Susan Young Joan Hershey Thomas Ritchel Marilyn Gregory Marguerite Shreve Betty Yoder Henry Cooper, Jr. Dominic D’Onofrio
ANNIVERSARIES 3 Winston & Holly May
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William & Shirley Beheler 12 Bob & Ginny McNellen 21 Randy & Jennifer Lloyd
October
BIRTHDAYS 1 Gordon Hershey 2 Johannes Yeager 5 Earl Singleton 5 Andy Hoover 7 Janette Fishell 7 Paul Macy 9 Terry Cosgray 10 Sally Foltzer 11 Jeffrey Sroufe 12 Ken Dau-Schmidt 12 Darlene Cook 13 Kevin Hinnefeld 14 Jackson Sweeny 16 Mary Hallett 16 Joey Tartell 16 Julie Parmenter 17 Veronika Bardonner 18 Andrea Martinie Eiler 18 Wesley Martin 19 Ben MonahanEstes 20 Patricia Lopes 20 John Gusan 20 Linda Johnson 20 Bruce Neswick 20 Kelly Carnahan 20 Caelan D’Onofrio
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: Trinit y Topics is published in January, April, June, and October. 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.
Pat and Gates Agnew Barbara Bloom Janet Brinkworth Mary Ellen Brown Danica D’Onofrio Charles Dupree
Address changes: Send updated contact information to Janet Brinkworth, Parish Administrator, by postal mail, or e-mail admin@ trinitybloomington.org.
Trinity Episcopal Church
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DESIGNER
Kelly Carnahan CONTRIBUTORS
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Karen Van Arsdale Vicki Borrelli Stan Stockton Mary Young Lisa Robertson Matthew McCarty Kevin Andrews, Jr. Stanley Hamilton Isabel Planton Wilbur Bewley Ingelore Welch Gregorio Lopes Rosella Roberts Stephen Reed, Sr.
ANNIVERSARIES 8 Kevin & Kelly Andrews 10 Steve Hinnefeld & Theresa Malone 18 Eric & Monida Neuberger 23 Hank & Mary Young 25 Peter & Molly Delevett 25 Deb CowdellSlikkers & D. Gerit Slikkers
Lydia Finkelstein Jessie Gutgsell Ann Heath Don Jones Mary Ann Keko Jane Martin Nancy Rayfield Karen Smith Cindy St. Leger Reynolds Whalen
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ART OF FAITH
THE STARRY NIGHT, VINCENT VAN GOGH, 1889, Museum of Modern Art,
NYC By Lydia Finkelstein
flowers, grounds, fields and trees in and around the sanctuary. Although his illness has remained a mystery, a chronic inner ear infection, combined with epileptic-like symptoms, is described by van Gogh in his many letters — more than 750 — to Theo, a Parisian art dealer. Well educated, conversant in several languages, van Gogh was not the crazy rube
frequently depicted in earlier literature. In his technique and craft he was knowledgeable and sophisticated. But he was often ill, socially isolated, and could not work for long periods. His art reflects the ecstatic joy van Gogh found in God’s creation of the earth; a joy that comforted, inspired, and sustained him throughout his short life. He died at age 37.
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“There are people who love nature even though they are cracked and ill,” Vincent van Gogh wrote to his beloved brother, Theo. “Those are the painters.” The Starry Night, a painting beloved by millions, depicts the artist’s visionary sense of nature as a spiritual and life-giving source connecting man with God in all His glory. It is not only a night scene, but a special kind of night that suggests looking up at the heavenly galaxy, as seen by a child, with wonder and awe. The Starry Night was painted between May 1889 and May 1890 while van Gogh was living in the Arles insane asylum at St-Remy in the south of France. Cared for by the nuns, van Gogh painted the
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