December tidings

TIDINGS Trinity’s Mission: Acting in God’s love, Trinity Episcopal Church welcomes everyone to enthusiastically live the Christian faith. We call our members to worship and prayer, lifelong education, spiritual growth, cheerful giving, and active ministry with our community. All members serve as witnesses to Jesus Christ.

Vol. XXV No. 12 December 2016

From the INTERIM Rector

by The Reverend Michael E. Carlisle

Inside this Issue Stewardship page 2, 3, 4 Rector Search page 4 Christian Formation page 4 Children and Family Ministries page 5 Young Adults page 5 Trinity Connections pages 6, 7

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

We are beginning the New Year—It begins with the first Sunday of Advent, November 27. The old hymn says “Advent tells us Christ is near Christmas tells us Christ is Here” but American civil Christmas tells us not to pay any attention to that and start your Christmas celebrating the Friday after Thanksgiving.

The Church tells us to wait—some waiting is a part of everyday life. We wait for a medical report, a response to a job application, a test outcome, a phone call from expectant parents, rain on our parched earth, or news of a safe arrival. Waiting is part of life and if we had nothing to wait for life would become despairing and hopeless.

For centuries people of the Old Testament waited for God to send the promised Messiah—finally in Bethlehem their waiting was finished. But another kind of waiting continues. We wait for the time when Jesus will come again. This time it won’t be in a stable. It will be in all the glory that we can imagine, surrounded by legions of angels!

Waiting involves preparation. When we wait for our guests to arrive for dinner we prepare the meal, clean the house, and eagerly wait for their arrival. It is the same waiting for Jesus. We know he will come but we must make ourselves ready for Him. We prepare for His coming by living for Him.

Which Advent will you choose, the one the world offers or the one Jesus will bring?

Slow down—Be quiet—It’s Advent!

Blessed Advent,

Corky

Christmas at Trinity

Friday, December 16 Trinity Episcopal School 5:30 pm: Lessons and Carols, Church

Sunday, December 18 10:30 am: Lessons and Carols, Church

Saturday, December 24 2:30 pm: Children’s Christmas Pageant and Eucharist (NOTE: New time) 5:00 pm and 11:00 pm Festival Holy Eucharist, Music begins 4:30 and 10:30 pm: Church Nursery is available for children under 3 years old at the 2:30 and 5:00 pm services.

Sunday, December 25 10:30 am: Holy Eucharist, Church

Take a soul-satisfying break from holiday shopping!

It’s the holiday that celebrates Christ’s birth, yet we get so caught up in shopping and spending, we too easily forget the Holy Child. You can reclaim the original spirit of the season by giving back to God and supporting your favorite church ministry.

Just make a donation to the Trinity ministries of your choice in the names of family, friends, neighbor and business associates. Our ministries depend on you, so please be generous! Cards may be picked up at Trinity.

Send an eCard www.trinitynola.com/ecards MINISTRIES: Trinity Educational Enrichment Program

Oh Lord, I’d

Trinity Loaves and Fishes Ministry Trinity Medical Mission

like to go to the stable this night! I’d run even through the dark to lay my gifts at your feet!

- Ann Weems, from “The Gifts of the Magi” in Kneeling in Bethlehem

Trinity Music Ministry Christmas Giving Project A

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• 4 1/4” x 5 1/2” single fold card with matching envelope • Holiday red on ivory with an embossed finish • One card is provided for each $10 (minimum) donation

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Christmas Flowers

If you would like a loved one honored in the Christmas Eve bulletins, the last day for listing names in the Christmas Eve bulletins will be Friday, December 9. Please send the names and your donation to the church office, attention: Kriste Buck or (kbuck@trinitynola.com).

Any money received after December 9 will be used for flowers, but we will be unable to list the names in the bulletin. (Please do not mail in church reply envelopes as those are delayed in getting back to us.)

Please print.

Donor Name ____________________________ Phone Number ______________________ 1. __________________________________________ 2. __________________________________________

3. _______________________________________ 2

To donate, pickup in Ashley Eastham’s office during the week or send your check to Trinity Episcopal Church, attn: Ashley Eastham, 1329 Jackson Avenue, New Orleans LA 70130.

Please specify which ministries you wish to benefit.

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Fill in the names of the ministries you are benefiting and your name as donor; and mail to your friends and family.

e t o:

Christmas Music

You may support the beautiful music during the Christmas season by giving a gift in honor of a loved one. The names will be listed in the Christmas bulletins.

Please send your gift and the name of the person you are honoring to Trinity, attention Dr. Paul Weber. The last day for listing names of those to be remembered in the Christmas Eve bulletin will be Friday, December 9. Any money received after December 9 will be used for music, but we will be unable to list the names in the bulletin.

Please print.

Donor Name ____________________________ Phone Number ______________________ 1. __________________________________________ 2. __________________________________________

3. _______________________________________

Stewardship

by Raina O’Neil Director of Development and Communications

2017 Pledge Cards are available now.

Trinity Church’s budget cycle is changing to January 1 – December 31 and it is especially important that we receive your pledge soon. The Church Finance Committee will present a budget to the Vestry in December and the Vestry will adopt the 2017 budget at their January meeting. The 2017 budget will be based on those commitments we actually receive – not what we hope to receive.

Stewardship participation is especially important during the time of searching for a new Rector. Candidates who will be attractive to Trinity Church for this position will most certainly examine our financial condition and stability, but perhaps more importantly, will consider closely, the level of participation of our members in supporting the life of our Church. An attractive Church for any prospective Rector, is a loving, generous and supportive Church. The results of our stewardship gifts for 2017, along with other financial information, will be included in our Parish Profile that will be distributed to all Rector candidates. The Profile will be finalized in December, so if you have not already done so, please prayerfully consider your pledge and send it to the Church as soon as you are able. Thank you.

Come and learn about the services and ministries that are supported by your generosity.

We learned from the survey conducted as part of our Rector Search that you want to know more about how Trinity Church, her Vestry, Clergy and Staff uses your gifts to in furtherance of God’s work within our own walls and in the greater community.

To that end, members of Trinity’s Vestry and Finance Committee will make a presentation on the Church’s finances, and answer any questions you may have about the budget, our sources of revenue, and our expenses. Please join us at one of the sessions listed below.

• Tuesday, November 29, 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm in the Edith Aiken Library • Sunday, December 11, 9:00 am to 10:15 am in the Howcott Room (2 nd floor church) • Sunday, December 11, after the 10:30 am service in the Edith Aiken Library

2017 Pledge to Trinity Church For 2017, with God’s help, I/we will give $____________ to Trinity Church (January 1 - December 31, 2017).

Name(s) Address Preferred Phone I/we wish to give:

Email(s) Weekly

Monthly

Quarterly

Annually

Trinity Church gladly accepts cash, check, credit/debit cards, stock or securities.

Signature(s) Please send information Weekly on payment of my pledge via electronic funds Quarterly transfer from my checking account or setting up a recurring gift with a credit or debit card.

I/we wish to me give: Monthly Giving Envelopes for 2017: Check here ONLY if you WANT envelopes for next year (this form must be received by 11/15/16 to be included in the envelope order.)

You may check this box to receive envelopes even if you are not pledging.

Click here if you prefer that your giving remain anonymous.

Planned Gifts:

I/we have included Trinity in my/our estate plans.

Please contact me/us about planned gifts.

Questions: please contact Raina O’Neil at roneil@trinitynola.com or 504-670-2537

Pledge Online!

2017 Pledge to Trinity Please consider makingChurch your pledge online! It is quick and easy by going to

www.trinitynola.com/trinitypledge and clicking on(January “Pledge Now.” 31,You can For 2017, with God’s help, I/we will give $____________ to Trinity Church 1 - December 2017).

Name(s)

make a pledge by filling in your information and clicking on “Donate Now.” Thank you!

Address Preferred Phone

Email(s)

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Stewardship

Giving From the Heart

Rector Search

God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son...

-John 3.16 What if I gave away all that I owned and let myself be burned alive? I would gain nothing, unless I loved others.

-1 Corinthians 13.3 Could there be a clearer statement of God’s motive for giving? Because God is love, he is also a giver. In 1 Corinthians 13:3, Paul paints a graphic picture of extreme giving – so extreme that few could ever claim to have given so much. And then he shocks us with the revelation that the giver gains nothing by the giving unless it is motivated by love.

We know God cares about our actions; this tells us he cares just as much about our heart and motivation.

Do you give because you love? Before answering quickly, consider how much you would give if all of your giving had to be anonymous. What if no one ever knew you gave? Common sense would tell you they were grateful, but their gratitude would never be expressed to you. This is one way to test how much your giving is motivated by love of others versus love of self.

Instead of dreaming about how you would give if you were wealthy, demonstrate a loving heart by giving freely from whatever resources you do have. Lord, thank you for giving out of love. Help me to be like you in giving. Amen.

The Financial Stewardship Bible

Christian Formation An Anglican Advent

Prepare for the coming of the Christ Child by learning more about our Anglican heritage!

Following the 5:30 pm Wednesday Eucharist and refreshments on November 30, December 7 and December 14, the Rev. Kit McLean will lead a discussion about our “lively faith.” As our Presiding Bishop, The Most Right Reverend Michael B. Curry, has said, we are the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement. We will gather in the school library to explore our roots and deepen our understanding of who we are as a faith community by examining topics pertaining to our denomination’s history, theology and spirituality.

Do you love God? Do you enjoying being part

of the Trinity community? Can you smile??? If you answered “yes” to these questions, please consider joining our Greeter and Newcomer ministry. The time commitment is minimal but the rewards are great! For more information, please contact the Rev. Kit McLean at kmclean@trinitynola.com.

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An Update from the Search Committee

The Search Committee wishes to thank all who took part in the survey and/or listening sessions.

Nearly 500 parishioners took the survey and 100 attended one of the Listening Sessions. On Sunday, November 13 Rev. Shannon Manning, Canon to the Ordinary, gave a presentation showing the results of the Survey, which are now posted on Trinity’s web site. You can find a link to see the results at www.trinitynola.com.

We are finalizing a new Parish Profile, incorporating results of the survey and Listening Sessions, which will be included in a packet for interested candidates. It will be submitted to the Vestry for their approval at their December meeting.

If you wish to submit the name of a candidate, please contact Shannon Manning, Kathy Eastman or King Logan.

Please know that you all are helping in this process to discern whom God is calling to be the new Rector for Trinity Church. We hope you will continue to keep us in your prayers.

Bible Studies Offered

There are two new Bible studies being offered by Father Mitch. The first is a Men’s Bible Study that takes place every other Wednesday and will meet again on December 14 at noon in the Moore Library. Currently we are working our way through St. Mark’s Gospel. The second Bible Study will be every Monday beginning on the first Monday of Advent, December 5 at 8:05 am in the Moore Library. This is for any Trinity parent or parishioner who would like a morning Bible study, but can’t commit to an early morning time because they have to take kids to school. Both Bible studies will be kept to exactly one hour. Drop-ins are welcome.

As it is Advent we will explore the birth narratives.

Once Advent is over we will do a study in both the Old and New Testament. For more information call Father Mitch or email him at msmith@trinitynola. com.

Children & Family

by Ashley Bond, Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries

Young Adults

by Ashley Eastham, Young Adults Minister (aeastham@trinitynola.com)

Young Adults

Trinity 20s & 30s Annual Retreat: Gratitude & Alleluia Don’t miss this weekend of spiritual growth, community building, thoughtful discussion, and FUN! We will explore the meaning of “Alleluia,” and our call to declare it throughout all of life’s twists and turns.

The retreat begins with a 6:30 pm dinner on Friday, January 6 and ends just before lunch on Sunday, January 8. Participants look forward to small group dialogue, peer-led worship and discussion, group games, bonfires and fellowship. It is a special time to step away and reflect on our lives, in community with friends old and new. Double Occupancy $180.00, Single Occupancy $230.00, includes two nights lodging, five meals and the retreat! Visit: www.trinitynola.com/YARetreat to register!

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Trinity Connections

Out and About Christmas Tea at the Riddles Join us on Friday, December 9, 3-5 p.m. at the home of The Reverend Hill and Macon Riddle, 1515 Robert Street. We will celebrate with Christmas carols accompanied by Jeffrey Pounds, scones and afternoon tea, as well as a chance to catch up with Hill and Macon. If you wish to extend your Christmas cheer, we invite you to bring a contribution to Trinity Loaves and Fishes ministry. This tea is sponsored by Trinity Out and About. Please let us know you are coming so we will have a teacup ready for you! RSVP to Maria Elliott at 504-670-2535.

Roots and Sprouts Family Ministry: Gingerbread Houses & Cheer

On Saturday, December 10, at 3:30 pm, you’re invited to the home of Denise and Rev. Mitch Smith (5658 Durham Drive, New Orleans, LA 70131). We’ll have all the supplies for each child to make an amazing gingerbread house - and a blazing fire and warm holiday drinks for parents!

Please RSVP to aeastham@trinitynola.com by December 8.

New Year’s Day we will have a 10:30 am Eucharist in the Church. Please join us.

Coffee Hour Sponsors Needed!

Looking for an easy way to serve at Trinity?

Sponsoring the food for the 10:30 service coffee hour is a great way to help feed your fellow parishioners! Providing the snacks for coffee hour not only feeds attendees physically and spiritually, it frees up funds for WOTC (the usual sponsors) to give out more grants to meet the needs in our surrounding community. Sponsors need not attend coffee hour. So grab your family, friends or other church ministry group, and be a sponsor! To sign up, contact Mary Lane Carleton, marylane.carleton@gmail.com.

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Prayers for those who Mourn O God, who brought us to birth, and in whose arms we die, in our grief and shock contain and comfort us; embrace us with your love, give us hope in our confusion and grace to let go into new life; through Jesus Christ. Amen.

The darkness of Advent can be a difficult time when someone has experienced the loss of a loved one and the holidays may loom large. Please know that we have ears to listen if you are struggling right now and don’t hesitate to come and visit with a member of the clergy, or myself. We are here to walk with you in the presence of Christ through the darkness and into a place of hope. For an appointment please call the church office at 522-0276.

In addition we will offer a conversation facilitated by Debby Poitevent, LCSW and Maria Elliott on coping with loss of a loved one, loss of hopes and dreams, and other aspects of loss that brings you grief on Wednesday, December 14 at 6:30 pm in the Moore Library, after the 5:30 Eucharist.

A Liturgy of Light in the Darkness

On Wednesday, December 21 at 5:30 pm in the chapel, a quiet, candlelight Eucharist will be held.

We will gather to dwell in the peace of God’s healing presence. All are welcome, but anyone who has experienced loss, pain, sorrow or loneliness is especially invited and encouraged to be part of this time during which we bring into Christ’s light the griefs that touch our lives. For more information or to assist, please contact the Rev. Kit McLean at kmclean@trinitynola.com.

Faiths of Our Neighbors

“Faiths of Our Neighbors” is an offering by the East Jefferson Interfaith Clergy Association on the first Thursday of the month from 7:00-8:30 pm.

It will run through June. The topic and location for December 1 is Islam at Abu Bakr Mosque, 4425 David Dr., Metairie and for January 5 is Unitarian Universalist at Community Church, 6690 Fleur De Lis Dr., Metairie.

Trinity Connections

Wit & Wisdom from the WOTC

Trinity Artist Series

by Karyn Kearney, Women of Trinity Church President

Rummage Donations Needed!

As you prepare for the joys of Christmas, what a good time to organize your home, de-clutter your space and donate items to WOTC’s fabulous Rummage Sale! Money raised from this allvolunteer effort is donated to church ministries and community projects. The next sale will be March 9-11, 2017.

Did you know that we have a special storage room for rummage where a dedicated team of volunteers meet weekly to sort and price rummage donations and store items year-round? We’re accepting clothes, shoes, handbags, jewelry, hats, toys, books, kitchen items, china, baskets, linens, decorative items, picture frames, artwork, small electronics (in working order), and sports equipment.

Bring your items to the church office any weekday.

Thanks for supporting this great WOTC ministry.

Trinity Treasures

Trinity Treasures will again be a hub of activity as we enter the Advent and Christmas seasons.

First, we will be appearing at the Lambeth House Christmas Bazaar on Wednesday, December 7 with a lovely assortment of thoughtful gifts and whimsical items at this one-stop shopping event. Please stop by our table if you’re at Lambeth House on that day.

During the weekend of December 10 and 11, Trinity Treasures will offer its annual festive display at the PRC Holiday Home Tour boutique in Bishop Polk Hall. We’ll again be featuring Sally Cockerham’s outrageously delicious Sweet and Spicey Almond Crackle, aka “Fat Thigh Crunch!”

Come see us. There will be lots of familiar Trinity faces working there!

Finally, as we move into the Advent and Christmas seasons, Trinity Treasures will offer a wide array of tasteful nativities, Advent candles, wreathes, calendars and joyful Christmas gift items that will bring smiles to faces you love. Please note that, for the first time, Trinity Treasures is also offering that elusive “Elf on the Shelf” as well as some of his favorite outfits and pets.

And, as usual, please remember that every gift purchased in Trinity Treasures is really two gifts in one since the profits derived from sales are returned to Trinity ministries and community programs. Sundays, 9:00 am-12:00 pm and M –F, 10:00 am-4:00 pm

For more information, please contact Tina Grant, 522-0276 or tgrant@trinitynola.com or Linda Stone at 400-5843 or lindasto@aol.com.

Sundays at 5 pm

December 4 Trish Foti, vocalist, and Guests return for

their 8th Annual Christmas Concert featuring: Helen Maxwell, harp; Albinas Prizgintas, keyboards; and members of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.

Tuesday, December 6 6:00 pm The Navy Band Woodwind Quintet and

Albinas Prizgintas, will perform at Organ

and Labyrinth.

7:30 pm Choir Concert: Christmas with Palestrina

and Praetorius. Paul Weber’s

(Trinity’s Interim Organist/Choirmaster)

new all-professional chamber choir, Krewe

du Voix. The program will feature

Palestrina’s 5-voice Missa O Magnum

Mysterium and a cappella holiday choral

works from the Renaissance and Baroque.

December 11

Indigo Strings Music with Marta Vincent, piano & pipes; Anne Hibbs, violin; Rebecca Holmes, vocals/guitar/cello; Arynne Fannin, vocals; performing American 30 - “40 classic standards with a jazzy vibe.

December 18

Saxophonist extraordinaire Calvin Johnson with a 10-member ensemble, Strings Winter Wonder Jam, and surprise guests performing Classic Christmas tunes with a New Orleans twist.

NO Concert on December 25 NO Organ and Labyrinth on December 27 NO Concert on January 1 Every Tuesday at 6 pm Organ and Labyrinth.

Albinas plays the 5000-pipe tracker organ with ambient lighting and occasional guest musicians. All are welcome.

Trinity Tidings Going Digital

Beginning in January 2017 the newsletter will be delivered directly to your email inbox only. We will continue to distribute our paper newsletter to those who do not have email or those who request to receive it in paper format. If you would like to continue to receive the newsletter in paper format, contact Kriste Buck at kbuck@trinitynola.com or 670-2513.

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1329 Jackson Avenue New Orleans, Louisiana 70130-5198 504-522-0276 Fax 504-522-9960 www.trinitynola.com

Return Service Requested

Please remember Trinity Church in your will.

Clergy

Worship Schedule

The Right Reverend Morris K. Thompson, Bishop The Reverend Michael E. Carlisle, Interim Rector The Reverend Mitchell T. Smith, Associate Rector The Reverend Katherine S. McLean, Associate Rector The Reverend Alyce Jefferson, Deacon The Reverend Jay Albert, Deacon The Reverend E. Gary Taylor, Head of Trinity School The Reverend Dr. Hill C. Riddle, Rector Emeritus

SUNDAY 7:30 AM: Morning Prayer in the chapel 8:00 AM: Eucharist in the chapel 10:30 AM: Eucharist in the church 5:00 PM: Trinity Artist Series in the church 6:00 PM: Eucharist in the chapel

Vestry John Fay, Jr., Senior Warden Barbara Waller, Junior Warden Kelly Duncan, Clerk of Vestry Keith Crawford, Treasurer Dawn Buckley, Elaine Haney, John Hevron, Ellinor Howard, Susu Kearney, Gordon Kolb, King Logan, Chris Martin, Margaret Murphy, Marguerite Redwine, Jonathan Shaver, Jim Theis John Wogan, Chancellor Karyn Kearney, WOTC President Sandy Villere, Trinity School Board Chair

TUESDAY 7:30 AM: Eucharist in the chapel 8:30 AM: Morning Prayer in the chapel WEDNESDAY 5:30 PM: Eucharist in the chapel THURSDAY 10:30 AM: Holy Eucharist and Healing Service in the chapel

The Church Office will be closed on December 23, 26 & 30.

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