Proper XXVIII - November 17, 2019

Trinity Episcopal Church PROGRESSIVE  INCLUSIVE  CREATIVE  DOWNTOWN

 Holy Eucharist:  Rite II  Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost - Proper XXVIII  November 17, 2019 Breakfast 9:00am Eucharist 10:00am 

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Welcome to Trinity Episcopal Church Good morning and “welcome home” to Trinity! Whether you are new to our community or have found yourself coming back again and again, we want you to know you are both welcome and wanted here among us. For some, church is as comfortable and familiar as a good pair of jeans, or like coming back to your childhood home (if it is one filled with good memories). For others, church might be like visiting a foreign country where you experience unfamiliar language or customs. And then, sadly, for some, church has become equated with feelings of hurt, shame or rejection. We get all of that and believe church can be different. We are a diverse community of seekers, believers, and doubters held together by the hope that together we are better, kinder, and more courageous when we stand side by side and face into the challenges of our lives and in the world together.

We challenge the practices of our tradition that have at times kept others out and instead embrace Jesus’ mandate to welcome all, no exceptions, as a core value. And, we get that if people are brave enough to walk through the doors of a big gothic-looking church in downtown Toledo we better be serious about being explicitly progressive, inclusive and creative in all we say and do.

We love our Episcopal tradition, AND we love people from all walks of life even more! It is our hope and prayer that together we will navigate our way through each gathering, worship service, opportunity to serve, class, meal and social time together with humility, grace and laughter all infused with radical hospitality.

So thank you for being here today; for trusting the yearning that brought you through those ancient doors.

May we all find our way into the heart of God’s love as we make room for each other at the Table of love set for us week after week.

Welcome Home!

May you never forget you are loved, Lisa Tucker-Gray

Some notes about Sundays at Trinity Claiming our Episcopal identity as a progressive, creative, inclusive, downtown community of faith has led us towards reimagining how our Sunday mornings might reflect our core values more emphatically. To do so we start with a Free Community Breakfast at 9:00 upstairs breaking bread and barriers together. We encourage everyone in our neighborhood and in our faith community to join us to eat and serve each other upstairs before we move down to the sanctuary to continue worship together at 10:00.

Additionally, we have framed and grounded our liturgy in our Episcopal heritage offered to us through our Book of Common Prayer using the Rite II form for the Holy Eucharist. We have made the decision, as many churches have, to create what is called an “all-inclusive bulletin.” This is a gesture of welcome and hospitality encouraging all to participate fully as we sing and pray together. For those familiar with our tradition, you will recognize the structure of the service while perhaps noticing new resources and translations of texts as we move ever closer towards the goal of greater inclusion and relevancy as we practice and deepen our faith as followers of Christ.

Finally, we take seriously Jesus’ invitation to come as you are- we are and will be, with God’s help, evermore diverse in our backgrounds and experiences in a worshipping community. Please know all are welcome and wanted- and we gather together bringing all of who we are each week, so that we may then go out into the world ready to share God’s love in all we say and do.

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liturgy of the word  9:00-9:45 Community Breakfast 10:00 Prelude

(Upstairs, all are welcome!)

Sixteen Waltzes, Op. 39, Mvt. 1 (Gabe Hagedorn & Nate Leonard, pianists)

Gathering Song

Johannes Brahms

Blessed Be the Name

(Please stand as you are able.)

Welcome Collect of the day Celebrant: People: Celebrant:

(attributed to Sir Francis Drake,1577)

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Let us pray.

Disturb us, Lord, when we are too well pleased with ourselves. When our dreams have come true because we have dreamed too little. When we arrived safely because we sailed too close to the shore. Disturb us, Lord, when with the abundance of things we possess we have lost our thirst for the waters of life. Having fallen in love with life, we have ceased to dream of eternity and in our efforts to build a new earth, we have allowed our vision of the new Heaven to dim. Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly, to venture on wider seas where storms will show your mastery; where losing sight of land, we shall find the stars. We ask You to push back the horizons of our hopes; and to push into the future in strength, courage, hope, and love. Amen.

(Please be seated for the Lessons.)

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The First Lesson Reader:

Malachi 4:1-2a

A reading from Malachi.

See, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble; the day that comes shall burn them up, says the LORD of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who revere my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings.

Reader: People:

The psalm

Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s People.

Thanks be to God.

Psalm 98

(From Psalms for Praying)

This season we will chant the psalm (refrain and verses) together. The refrain will be repeated as noted throughout and the tone for the verses is listed below.

(REFRAIN)

(TONE)

REFRAIN O sing to the Beloved a new song, for Love has done marvelous things!

By the strength of your Indwelling Presence, we too are called to do great things;

We are set free through Love’s forgiveness and truth.

Yes, your steadfast Love and faith-fulness are ever-present gifts in our lives.

All the ends of the earth have seen the glory of Love’s Eternal Flame.

REFRAIN

Make a joyful noise to the Beloved all the earth; break forth into grateful song and sing praises!

Yes, sing songs of praise extolling Love’s way; lift up your hearts with gratitude and joy!

Let the voices of all people blend in harmony, in unison let the people magnify the Be-loved!

Let the sea laugh, and all that fills it; the world and those who dwell in it!

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Let the waters clap their hands; let the hills ring out with joy Before the Beloved, who radiates Love to all the earth.

For Love reigns over the world with truth and justice bringing order and balance to all of Cre-ation.

REFRAIN

The second Lesson Reader:

2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

A reading from Second Thessalonians.

Now we command you, beloved, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from believers who are living in idleness and not according to the tradition that they received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us; we were not idle when we were with you, and we did not eat anyone's bread without paying for it; but with toil and labor we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you. This was not because we do not have that right, but in order to give you an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: Anyone unwilling to work should not eat. For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right.

Reader: People:

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Gradual

Stand in the Light

Jordan Smith

(Please stand as you are able.)

This is who I am inside This is who I am, I'm not going to hide.

'Cause the greatest risk we'll ever face is by far: To stand in the light and be seen as we areStand in the light and be seen as we are!

The Gospel Officiant: People:

Luke 21:5-19 The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.

Glory to you, Lord Christ.

When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, Jesus said, "As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down."

They asked him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?" And he said, "Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, `I am he!' and, `The time is near!' Do not go after them.

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(Gospel Continues‌

)

"When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately." Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.

"But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will give you an opportunity to testify. So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death.

You will be hated by all because of my name. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls."

Officiant: People:

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Sermon

The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray

Reflection Affirmation of Faith

Fritz and Susan Hany (Please stand as you are able.)

from Shore to Shore

We believe in God, the creator of all life and beauty, who blesses our journey.

We believe in Jesus Christ, who lived as a friend and savior to all he met as he traveled, and who ate and laughed, wept and celebrated with them in love.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, who rides on the gentle breeze, who strengthens our bindings, and who offers hope eternal.

We believe in the church, which stands open to all travelers, and bears witness to the everlasting love of God. Amen.

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The Prayers of the People REFRAIN

REFRAIN Leader:

In peace, let us pray. For the Church of God, that we may be filled with love, generosity and truth so to transform our communities and our world; For the leaders of our nation, and the leaders of all nations; for all who hold authority in your Church, that they may shine your light brightly; For blessings on all of our human endeavors, and for the just and proper use of the beauty and abundance of creation;

REFRAIN Leader:

May each of us love and serve you in ways that shine your light in our communities and beyond to free your world from poverty, famine and oppression.

For the sick in body, mind or spirit, especially those on our Trinity prayer list‌ and for those we now name in our hearts‌ May your light bring hope and healing to all who suffer.

REFRAIN Leader:

For all who have died, for those who grieve, and for those we now name in our heart, may your perpetual light shine on all the saints who have gone before us.

Celebrant: O God, in your infinite generosity you have created a world with resources to sustain all of your children with abundance of food, work, safety and peace. Help us to let our light shine so brightly the whole world can witness your glory. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

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The Confession of Sin & Absolution Celebrant:

Let us confess our sins to God.

(Silence may be kept.)

Celebrant and People: Creator God, long-suffering, full of grace and truth, you create us from nothing and give us life abundant.

You give us new life in the water of baptism.

You never turn your face from us, nor cast us aside.

We confess we have turned against you and against our neighbor, in thought, word and deed.

We have wounded your love and marred your image in us.

Restore us for the sake of your Son, and bring us to heavenly joy, in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Celebrant:

May the God of love bring you back to all that is good in you.

May you be forgiven of all wrongdoing and welcome God’s grace anew in your life this day.

May God’s assurance strengthen your resolve to begin again in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Peace Celebrant: People:

The peace of the Risen Christ be always with you.

And also with you.

Announcements

Liturgy of the Table

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Offertory sentence Offertory

Great Day (Canterbury Choir)

Eucharistic Prayer Celebrant: People: Celebrant: People: Celebrant: People:

Curtis Marvin

Enriching Our Worship Prayer 3

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.

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Celebrant: All thanks and praise are yours at all times and in all places, our true and loving God; through Jesus Christ, your eternal Word, the Wisdom from on high by whom you created all things. You laid foundations of the world and enclosed the sea when it burst out from the womb; You brought forth all creatures of the earth and gave breath to humankind.

Wondrous are you, Holy One of Blessing, all you create is a sign of hope for our journey; and so as the morning stars sing your praises we join the heavenly beings and all creation as we shout with joy:

Sanctus

Holy, Holy, Holy

Grayson Warren Brown

Then the Celebrant continues: Glory and honor are yours, Creator of all, your Word has never been silent; you called a people to yourself, as a light to the nations, you delivered them from bondage and led them to a land of promise. Of your grace, you gave Jesus to be human, to share our life, to proclaim the coming of your holy reign and give himself for us, a fragrant offering.

Through Jesus Christ our Redeemer, you have freed us from sin, brought us into your life, reconciled us to you, and restored us to the glory you intend for us.

We thank you that on the night before he died for us Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, gave it to his friends and said: “Take, eat, this is my Body, broken for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”

After supper Jesus took the cup of wine, said the blessing, gave it to his friends and said: “Drink this, all of you: this cup is the new Covenant in my Blood, poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.”

And so, remembering all that was done for us: the cross, the tomb, the resurrection and ascension, longing for Christ’s coming in glory, and presenting to you these gifts your earth has formed and human hands have made, we acclaim you, O Christ:

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Celebrant and People: Dying, you destroyed our death.

Rising, you restored our life.

Christ Jesus, come in glory!

Send your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts of bread and wine that they may be to us the Body and Blood of your Christ. Grant that we, burning with your Spirit’s power, may be a people of hope, justice and love.

Giver of Life, draw us together in the Body of Christ, and in the fullness of time gather us with all your people into the joy of our true eternal home.

Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, we worship you our God and Creator in voices of unending praise. Blessed are you now and for ever. AMEN

The Lord’s Prayer Celebrant:

And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say:

The Fraction: Breaking of the Bread

Enriching Our Worship

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Invitation to Communion Celebrant:

The Gifts of God for the people of God; holy food for holy people.

(Please be seated until you are invited to come forward to receive communion.)

We welcome ALL to come forward to receive Communion as a sign of God’s love in and for our lives.

To receive the bread (or gluten-free wafer), please put your hands together, palms up. To receive the non-alcoholic wine, you may either drink directly from the cup or dip the bread in the cup before eating. If you are unable to come forward and wish to have Communion brought to you, please inform a greeter.

Communion Song

Someday (Jobst Choral Scholars)

Communion Song

Oh Lord Hear My Prayer

The Post Communion Prayer

Alan Menken

Taize #46

(Please stand as you are able.)

Gracious God, lover of all, may we who have been your guests at this communion reveal your love to all the world.

May we be no longer your servants, but know your will and be your friends.

You give us your life, may we be worthy of it; you give us yourself, may we embody you. Amen.

Blessing Sending song

For the Healing of the Nations

Dismissal Celebrant: People:

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

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See Insert

Trinity Episcopal Church PROGRESSIVE

INCLUSIVE CREATIVE DOWNTOWN

Vestry Leadership Alice Todd, Senior Warden, Darrell Cousino, Junior Warden Greg Shumaker, Trust Fund Liaison, Jane Bueche, Treasurer Roberta Durham, Clerk, Becky Roth, Administration Commission Chair Dennis Degnan, Property Commission Chair, Robert Meeker, Finance Commission Chair Jeffrey Albright, Donna Steppe, & Jamie Paul, Asst. Treasurer

Parish Staff The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray, Rector Nate Leonard, Director of Music & the Arts Heather Meyer, Director of Operations and Community Development Lynzi Miller, Next to New Manager & Communications Coordinator Nick Zurawski, Sexton Copyright Info: All printed music from The Hymnal 1982, Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing, My Heart Sings Out, Wonder, Love, and Praise was used by permission through purchase of riteseries.org.

All other printed music is used by permission through purchase of CCLI #11294600 All printed music from Gather was used by permission through purchase of onelicense.net License # A-700000 A version of the Lord’s Prayer offered The New Zealand Prayer Book, from the Anglican Church in Aotearoa Fraction, Confession, & Absolution from Enriching Our Worship Affirmation from Shore to Shore Great Thanksgiving from: Iona Abbey Worship Prayers of the People a version from Women’s Uncommon Prayer pg.334 by Devon Anderson, 2000 Psalm from Psalms for Praying: An Invitation to Wholeness by Nan C. Merrill, 2007 Opening Collect from: https://www.lords-prayer-words.com/famous_prayers/disturb_us_lord.html; Attr. to Sir Francis Drake, 1577 Readings from: The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle and Gospel lessons are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Church of Christ in the USA. Bulletin Image from: The Episcopal Network for Stewardship; tens.org

TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH PROGRESSIVE INCLUSIVE

(419) 243-1231

Please join us in the back of the sanctuary following the service for our Annual Giving Campaign reception!

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Sending song

For the Healing of the Nations

Fred Kaan

Text: Fred Kaan, b. 1929, alt., ©1968, Hope Publishing Company Tune: ST. THOMAS, 8 7 8 7 8 7; John Wade, 1711-1786

As we strive to practice radical hospitality, stand with those in need, and invite all to experience and celebrate God’s living presence, may we live and give generously as a progressive, inclusive, and creative community.

The 2019 Annual Giving Campaign will pledge our financial commitment to Trinity’s operating budget for the year ahead, making it possible to sustain and cultivate the ministries we share in this place and in the world.

Shining Your Light Supports: Free Sunday Community Breakfast Better Together Toledo (formerly Open Table Toledo) Next To New Thrift Shop Ministry Partner, Toledo Streets Newspaper High School Choral Program Technology Upgrades Toledo Pride Participation Homeless Jesus Installation Community Art Loop Initiative Building Maintenance and Upkeep Staff Retention and Development and much, much more!!

Trinity Invites you to Shine Your Light on us!

The Annual Giving Process is exactly why I believe in the Episcopal tradition of time, talent and treasure.

The conversational approach, the philosophical underpinnings, the stories of important social justice need, the ability to stand in this place that others built is to be standing on the shoulders of the saints that came before us. We are larger when we give; we receive more back when we give. We give because we must exclaim out loud for the joy of this place, these people, the causes, the history and the future we envision.

-Bob Meeker, Vestry Member

GOAL! 60pledges

Our Goal: 58

45

households will make a pledge of financial support to Trinity for 2020.

30

15

Thank you for Shining Your Light!!

Pledgers to date: Will Dailey & Leah Reed Karen & George Keune Hugh & Kyle Grefe Donna Steppe & Jolene Miller Reuben & Jane Bueche Fritz & Susan Hany Chuck & Gail Abood Jeffrey Albright & Scott Dibling Darrell & Elizabeth Cousino Lisa & Kim Tucker-Gray Dave Beckwith & Lindsay Potts Stan & Sandy Johnson Meagan & Abby Price Annie Devine & Grant Jones Wayne North Becky Koskinen & Kelly Termin

Bob Meeker Becky Roth Alice Todd Roberta Durham Gary Franklin Jamie Paul Sheilah Wilson Ron McKinney Elizabeth Wagoner Pat Squire Nan Siranni Kim Henkel Nancy Colpaert Paula Mayes Sherre Owens Smith Karen Johnson-Webb

Proper XXVIII November 17, 2019

Trinity Episcopal Church Progressive  Inclusive  Creative  Downtown 316 Adams Street, Toledo, OH  www.trinitytoledo.org

Trinity Pages Serving this week & Next: Sunday, November 17 Annual Giving Campaign III 9:00-9:45 Community Breakfast My Brother’s Place 10:00-11:15 Eucharist Trinity Sanctuary 11:15 AGC Reception Back of Sanctuary 11:15 Hats, Mittens & Scarves Drive Back of Sanctuary

TODAY (11/17)

Monday, November 18 9:30-3:00 Next To New Shop Open 12:00-1:00 AA Meeting

Lower-level Lower-level

Tuesday, November 19 12:00-1:00 AA Meeting

Lower-level

Wednesday, November 20 9:00-9:20 Staff Huddle 12:00-1:00 AA Meeting 12:10 Midweek Eucharist

Walbridge Rm Lower-level Chapel

Thursday, November 21 9:30-3:00 Next To New Shop Open Lower-level 12:00-1:00 AA Meeting Lower-level 4:00-7:00 Toledo Streets Thanksgiving My Brother’s Place 5:30-9:00 Art Loop: Jazz Loop Sanctuary 7:00 Choir Rehearsal Choir Room Friday, November 22 12:00-1:00 AA Meeting 6:00-7:30 FFT PB&J Making Saturday, November 23

Lower-level My Brother’s Place Trinity Offices Closed

Sunday, November 24 Christ the King Sunday 9:00-9:45 Community Breakfast My Brother’s Place 10:00-11:15 Eucharist Trinity Sanctuary 11:15 Coffee & Conversation Back of Sanctuary 11:15 Hats, Mittens & Scarves Drive Back of Sanctuary

Birthdays 11/12 Taylor Tennant

11/13 James Petlow

Every Sunday we come together to connect, grow and serve as we walk the way of love.

It takes many hands and hearts, and all are invited to get involved as soon as possible in ways that help grow your faith.

11/19 Erin Miller

Next Week (11/24)

Annual Giving Campaign III

Christ the King Sunday

9:00 Community Breakfast Dave, Wayne & Sue Szenderski

9:00 Community Breakfast Kim, Nany, Mike & Sherre

10:00 Greeter Guild Keith Sparrow & Lucy Russell

10:00 Greeter Guild Paula Mayes & Bettye Jo Hansbarger

Reader Guild: Roberta Durham Nancy Colpaert Becky Roth

Reader Guild: Dave Beckwith Sherre Owens Smith Amy Saylor

Chalice Guild: Chalice Guild: Wayne North & Jason Rahe & Bettye Jo Hansbarger Marcia O’Connor Altar Guild: Kyle Grefe

Altar Guild: Jamie Paul

Bread Guild: Scott Dibling

Bread Guild: Jolene Miller

11:15 Hospitality: Lucy Russell & Sue Szenderski

11:15 Hospitality: Dennis Degnan & Amy Saylor

A weekly spotlight of one of Trinity’s 5 ministry partners in 2019.

Better Together Toledo – new name, same mission!

This Trinity ministry (formerly called Open Table Toledo) has undergone a name change, but our dedication to wrapping arms and hearts around young adults who age out of the foster-care system is unchanged.

These young people are among the most vulnerable and invisible populations in our community. BTT just wrapped up training its third group of volunteers for the 2019 pilot phase. In January, six new volunteers will begin to meet over weekly dinners with one young foster alum.

In the short time since BTT launched this summer, here are some of the issues that the existing two small groups have helped their respective foster alums face: an improper eviction notice; two job suspensions; four job changes; securing a first apartment; discovering an error-filled credit history, and accessing affordable medical/dental care.

Wondering what it’s like to volunteer and grow into a relationship with a young adult in need of encouragement, support, and guidance? Just ask parishioner Lucy Russell, one of BTT’s current volunteers.

Wondering how YOU might be able to help a young adult venture into adulthood and out of foster care? Email Roberta Durham, also a parish member, and BTT’s founder, at roberta.deboer@gmail.com.

Better Together Toledo: We aim to change lives, one week at a time.

-from Roberta Durham, BTT Founder

Please remember those who have asked for our prayers: Aaron Tucker John Johnson Jr. Gladys Johnson John Jonson III François Prieur Tina Bowen Frank Zarnoch Kate Sheilah Wilson John Meyer

Terry Kahler Rick Sharp Jane Timbrook Stephanie

Keaton Cindi Charles Dean Shumaker

To have your name or the name of someone you love on the Prayer List, sign the prayer book at the Prayer Station.

TODAY 11/17, 11:15, Annual Giving Campaign Reception - Join us for our Shining Our Light Annual Giving Campaign Celebration on immediately today’s service! Together we will give thanks for a successful campaign and God’s radical generosity in each of our lives. All are welcome and wanted!!

Sundays 11/17 & 11/24, Hats, Mittens & Scarves Drive - Next To New will continue to be in the back of the Sanctuary after service collecting new hats, mittens/gloves and scarves TODAY and November 24th that will be donated to 3 local elementary schools. We will also a selection of hats, mittens and scarves that have been recently donated to the thrift shop which you can “purchase” to add to the donation pile.

Thursday 11/21, 5:30-9:00, November Art Loop: Jazz Loop – November Art Loop is almost here!

Join us at Trinity on Nov. 21st for Jazz Loop as we hear the musical stylings of the Ben Maloney Trio and Quick and Friends! Trinity is a FEATURED LOCATION with a Bus Stop at our front doors. Light refreshments will be served and children are welcome! Art Loop is a community initiative organized by the Toledo Arts Commission that takes place the 3rd Thursday of each month!

Sunday 12/1, 11:30, Greening of the Church – We’ll enjoy a light lunch and deck the halls of Trinity immediately following service on December 1st. All help is welcome and appreciated!

Trinity Episcopal Church 2019 Annual Giving Campaign

Beloved Friends – Welcome to the 2019Annual Giving Campaign – a time of intentional reflection and response to what it means to be a community of faith supporting the ministry we share. Each fall we boldly talk about money and its power and promise as we plan for another exciting year ahead.

You are an invaluable part of this process- so welcome.

This year’s theme, Shining Our Light, reminds us of the beautiful and clarion call of Matthew 5:14-15. I am particularly fond of the transliteration of this passage from The Message: Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine!

Shine! That’s it, isn’t it? That is both the promise and the power of who we are called to be in this season of faith. Trinity is bursting at the seams these days with beautiful connections being made by old and new members, the continued deepening of meaning and engagement with our new friends and partners at Toledo Streets, the expanding of our free Sunday Community breakfast welcoming over 60 guests each week, the installation of Homeless Jesus, and vibrant weekly worship just to name a few highlights.

Underscoring it all- the ordinary and extraordinary aspects of our ministry is a community of members becoming ever more clear and engaged. It does indeed take a village to lift each other up- supporting, nurturing, challenging and sharing all we have to give. It means cultivating the courage, compassion and connection to wake up every day and commit to living life from a place of truth and authenticity.

If you are new to the Episcopal Church you may not be familiar with the Annual Giving Campaign. It is our tradition, borne of generations of experience, to set aside time each fall to deliberately and prayerfully consider the financial commitment we are called to make to our church. Then from a place of gratitude and faithfulness, each individual or family reflects that commitment in a “pledge” of financial support to be fulfilled in the year ahead.

In this booklet you’ll find more detailed information about how we give and some of our goals this year. What I want you to know is how grateful I am for each of you. In the end, we are created mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physically for connection. In the days to come may we seek out deeper connections to each other, recognizing we first need to be connected to ourselves. Shining our light together is the best way I know to begin this journey.

May you never forget that you are loved,

Lisa

Frequently Asked Questions

Q Q Q Q

Why do I need to pledge? Can’t I just put money in the collection plate when I’m in church?

This question actually has 2 separate but related answers; 1.) Part of our spiritual path calls us to live out our lives with increasing generosity, recognizing the abundance of gifts we have in our lives and offering a portion of those gifts back to do the work we are called to do in the world.

2.) Just like a family or a business, Trinity manages its resources wisely establishing a budget with anticipated revenue and projected expenses for the year ahead. The pledges of our members make it possible to forecast our annual income (along with additional resources), rather than guessing.

Committing in advance to the dollars we will give to Trinity over the course of the year, also helps members with their own household budgeting.

Who decides what to do with the money pledged?

Approving the annual budget is the responsibility of our Vestry; the 9-member elected leadership team made up of parish members. One of their responsibilities is to act as agents and legal representatives of the Parish in all matters concerning its corporate property including finances. For the past two years Trinity has developed a clear budget process that begins in July and ends with the ratification of the budget by the Vestry in December. Then the Sunday prior to the Annual Meeting in January, the Rector, Treasurer, Vestry and Finance Commission host an all-parish gathering to discuss the approved budget for the year ahead- all are welcome to attend.

How many people/families make an annual pledge to Trinity?

Currently, 52 households have made a pledge over this past year supporting the 2019 budget. The total amount pledged for 2019 was $154,554 making up approximately 28% of our overall operating budget of $690,797. Trinity, unlike many other Episcopal churches, is richly blessed with outside resources supporting our ministry through funds entrusted to us by those who have come before in the form of generous legacy gifts. We are also challenged at times in our ability to communicate the importance of cultivating a more generous and engaged commitment of stewardship from the overall membership in order to decrease our disproportionately weighted reliance on these funds to balance our budget. We will continue this conversation and education this year as together we give thanks for all the resources we share.

How much do people pledge?

This is the decision of each individual/family. We can share that the average pledge in 2019 was $2,972 with pledges ranging from $200 to $20,000. Our goal this year is to increase overall participation asking everyone who calls Trinity their spiritual home to make a pledge supporting all the things God is calling us to do in the world.

How Do I Pledge?

To participate, simply fill out a 2020 Shining Our Light Pledge Card. Complete the card indicating your level of financial commitment for the year ahead, along with how you will make those payments. Please return your pledge card in the mail or bring with you to church over the next 3 Sundays (11/3, 11/10, 11/17). Please contact Heather Meyer, Director of Operations and Community Development, with any questions by email: heather@trinitytoledo.org or phone 419-243-1231.

SAVE THE DATE: Please mark your calendar and plan on joining us for our Shining Our Light Annual Giving Campaign Celebration reception on Sunday, November 17 immediately following the 10:00 service. Together we will give thanks for a successful campaign and God’s radical generosity in each of our lives.

TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH