Last updated 09/12/99 05:58:23 PM         Week of April 20 & 27, 1998

EASTER JOY

When we see our Church on Easter morning, we see a fait accompli! Christ is risen from the dead, and our beautiful place of worship reflects His glory! Flowers, fragrances, freshly-ironed linens, candles, the triumphal organ notes, and the happy faces…all tell us the glorious news!

And, to the Church School teachers, nursery attendants, and helpers who taught the Story and provided an Easter egg hunt, and to our Sexton who cleaned, and, to Betty Matthews who now can do church bulletins in her sleep…and finally, to Lynette Neilson, who hosted a special Coffee Hour complete with little bunny and "peepie" cookies! You are loved!

Dear Sisters & Brothers in Christ,

Holy Week and Easter Week have come and gone. Another of our "firsts" has passed in time. There is an excitement in the air because flowers are blooming, trees are leafing out, the smell of fresh mown grass and lilac hang in the air around sunset, and even the rain has a freshness to it. It is the season of new life, of resurrected life.

Over the years I have observed, with increasing frequency, that it is hard for us to live "resurrected lives." Into already busy lives Spring breaks forth and now we must, in addition to everything else, cut the grass, do spring cleaning, plant plants, etc. We want to be outside, but our work and other obligations often keep us inside. Family schedules become more and more demanding as spring sports get going and school starts winding down. Now I am witnessing the "Ohio Valley Crud" and its additional burden for the first time. People are hassled and a bit grumpy in the midst of all of this.

Into a world very similar to this the glorified Jesus appears to his disciples. I say glorified because Jesus, post-resurrection, enters rooms with locked doors and is, in several cases, unrecognizable to his followers until they join him in the breaking of the bread. This Jesus, our Jesus, first greets those who are tucked away in the upper room with the words, "Peace be with you." Then he tells the disciples that the sins they forgive will be forgiven; the sins they retain will be retained.

In these actions I believe we find a starting point in our effort to live a "resurrected life. First, though it is offered to us constantly, do we breath in the "peace" which Jesus offers us. Do we even think about it in the midst of our chaos. The gift of peace which Jesus offers, it is up to us to claim. Second, how much of the hassle of our lives is due to the sins which we have failed to forgive, and therefore carry around like so much tonnage on our backs.

This Eastertide I invite you to join me in seeking out the "peace" which Jesus so freely gives to us. I also invite you to join me in being a forgiver by seeking out those who have "trespassed" against us, and whom we have trespassed again and loose that burdensome baggage which weighs us down.

If we would begin here, I am convinced that we would find ourselves raised to new life: standing a bit straighter, smelling the sweetness of the flowers, remarking at the intensity of their colors, breathing in the freshness and the New Life of this holy season.

                                                                            Love, Scott+

Caught Unaware?

There is still time to bring in your United Thank Offering contribution. The gift from Trinity will be taken and offered up to the Lord at the Diocesan Convention. Please send your check to the Parish Office, or bring it this coming Sunday and place it, so marked, for the United Thank Offering.

God, the hope of all peoples everywhere, we thank you for the outpourings of love and generosity which have enabled us to respond to some of the world’s needs in places far and near. Guide us as we face changing times and new frontiers; keep our hearts thankful and our vision clear as wee seek to fulfill our vocation and ministry as members of the Body of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
                                                    (United Thank Offering Prayer)

The Rector to Help Out

Fr. Hunter will be assisting with Thursday noon-day services at our sister church, Good Shepherd, during June and July (part of the time the Venerable Art Bennett, Good Shepherd’s Rector, is on sabbatical). Associate Rector Don Bretz will also be leaving Good Shepherd for a ministry with the Air Force. Other area priests, including former Trinity Rector, Andy Gerns, will be helping as well.

INTERESTED IN A NEW MINISTRY?

There is a need for a "transportation ministry" at Trinity…someone or ones to assist in bringing those to Church on Sundays who are unable to drive themselves, and/or drive at various church events. Please contact Carol Ralsten or the Rector if you can help!

BRING YOUR COFFEE CUPS!

Adult Forums with the Rector continue this Sunday, meeting after ten o’clock service, in the Conference Room. We are continuing our way through Church in the Market Place, by Archbishop George Carey. All are welcome. Bring your "cuppa" and come!

 Vestry Meeting, Monday, April 27^th at 7:00p.m. All are welcome

Clergy Day at Sistersville, Tuesday, April 28^th …..all day.

The Executive Committee of Trinity Episcopal Churchwomen will meet at 10:00a.m. at the church, Tuesday, April 28^th (Adult Ed Room).

An Episcopal Blood Drive will be Wednesday, May 6^th from noon until 6 p.m. at the Red Cross Center on Market Street. Blood is badly needed!

The Proper for Easter 3
Acts 9:1-19a Psalm 33:1-11 Revelation 5:6-14 John 21:1-14

Please note: Services on the morning of May 3^rd with be Morning Prayer due to Diocesan Convention. There will be a celebration of the Eucharist at 5:00 PM on May 3^rd for those desiring to make their Sunday Communion.

SUPPER CLUB THIS WEEK!

Supper Club will be this coming Friday, April 24^th, starting at Six o’clock, at the Rectory, 1711 Avery Street. Please note that socializing starts at 6:00pm, instead of 6:30! Please call Tina or Scott at 485-6925 ASAP to let them know what you will be bringing for the buffet. Soft drinks and wine will be provided. Everyone is welcome – Hey, bring a friend, too! Supper Club has no agenda other than enjoyment. It is a wonderful way to get to know our Trinity family better. Dress is casual.

?? DID YOU KNOW ??

That House-Church meetings were an item in ancient times? Christians often gathered in homes and underground places for services and discussions. Our House-Church meetings which began this month and last through May provide a time and place for us to better know our Rector and each other, and share plans and concerns, and dreams…for the future. Please say "yes" when you are called by your host or hostess. It the time is inconvenient, another time when you can attend will be arranged.

IT HAS BEGUN!

And by the time you receive this bulletin, it may be finished…the long awaited easy access to Trinity Church! When the planting is done, you will see how well the addition blends into our beautiful building. Now we can welcome ALL to our services, and in time we hope all our facilities will be open to ALL! Thanks go to those who are making it happen!

Diocesan Convention to Convene

Carol and Doug Adams ,Betty Rodda, and our Rector will represent Trinity Church at the annual Diocesan Convention, to be Friday through Sunday, May 1-3, in Huntington. [Please see the service note included with the "MINISTERS" box in the "TIMES".]

The Ohio River Valley Deanery, delegates and clergy, will meet this Sunday at 3:00p.m. at Good Shepherd, to review issues to be presented.

Times Schedule

Here is the publication schedule for the Trinity Times for the next two months. Please have items to the editor by noon the Sunday prior for inclusion. Thanks!

April 20 – a two week issue
May 4 – a one week issue
May 11 – a one week issue
May 18 – a two week issue

Habitat News & Information

Coming Soon ... to the Trinity Website nearest you (that would be this one)-- you can tune in to this website for information on the work and ministry of Wood County Habitat of Humanity.  As many of you know Trinity Episcopal Church is pleased to host the offices of this vital and important ministry.  Now we will are equally proud to host news and information about Wood Counity Habitat for Humanity on our website as well.

 A Peterkin Reminder!!!

        For campers of all ages, the time has come to begin thinking about summer camp at Peterkin. Listed below are the dates of the various camps and conferences offered by the diocese at Peterkin during the summer of 1998. Additional information is available at the Trinity Hall Bulletin Board.

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