Trinity Times Electronic Edition 5/05/98

Trinity Episcopal Church, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Week of May 5, 1998 (Last updated 09/12/99)

A special treat is coming Sunday May 17th at four o’clock in Trinity Church, when our Choirmaster, choir, and several young people will offer "MUSIC FOR MAY," a recital including solo voice, piano music, organ pieces, and several choir anthems.

This promises to be a pleasant interlude on a May afternoon in our church, providing an opportunity to hear some of the choir’s leading voices in solo concert, including at this printing, Reed Belasco, Barbara Full, La Verne Marshall, Dick Mason and Paul Miller (recorder), and also to enjoy Laurel Hensley and possibly sister Alice, at the piano.

MUSIC FOR MAY is an excellent time to bring a friend to Trinity to see our beautiful church and the warm welcome we offer. The Episcopal Churchwomen will host a reception, immediately after the concert, in Trinity Hall, to which all are invited. Child care will be provided. The recital is a gift from the choir and the young people.

So, if you’ve been working in the garden or playing golf...whatever...come as you are to God’s House. Listen and enjoy!

Dear Sisters & Brothers in Christ,

I confess to being a bit surprised when I enter the nave at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday and found about 25 people gathered for Eucharist. I expected some, of course, but I really didn’t expect that many. It was a good sight. The reason for the five o’clock service was that all the clergy and lay delegates of the diocese were still involved with the 121^st Diocesan Convention on Sunday morning. What follows are some of my reflections on that convention, my first since coming to West Virginia.

Two of your delegates arrived on time: Doug and Carol Adams. I arrived late (along with Betty Rodda who traveled with me) due to a very prolonged real estate closing in Illinois on Friday morning. (Yes, that means that we finally sold our townhouse.) I was relieved that the Bishop considered the reason for the delay worthy. Nonetheless, I missed being introduced to the convention as one of the new clergy of the diocese. Oh, well.

The particulars of the convention will be recorded in the convention journal and will be available to any who want to read it when it arrives in the summer. I want to focus for a few moments on the spirit of the convention.

The crowd which gathered was some 300 in number, plus various guests and those attending the Diocesan Youth Convention. I don’t know if the Youth Convention is always concurrent with the Diocesan Convention, but I hope that it is. The presence and spirit of the young people was like "leaven in the loaf." They were a fully included part of the Saturday morning forums which had everything to do with "Bridging the Gaps." The gaps being addressed were racial, economic and generation gaps. Along with a special presentation on Peterkin, each person had the opportunity to attend two of the four forums. Your delegation covered all four forums. The presenters for the forums were top flight and their offered their perspectives in a way that invited discussion. Most of them were so well attended that people spilled out into the hotel hallways.

Another characteristic of the convention was the discussion which came from the debate of a resolution addressing capital punishment. The debate was passionate and heartfelt and very diverse. That, in itself is wonderful, but the true beauty of the debate was that everyone, every speaker, every listener, was allowed his or her position without denouncement, judgment, or hostility. That, beloved in Christ, is a witness to the depth at which the Holy Spirit was embracing the Body of the Faithful gathered.

More on Convention and the experience in later issues. For now, know that Trinity and the Diocese of West Virginia is a fine place to be.

Love, Scott+

Vestry Highlights * April 27, 1998

Correspondence was received from Mayor Colombo, commending Trinity Church for showing pride in our property and grounds; also Habitat For Humanity in appreciation for $250 from Trinity to sponsor a "table" at the fund drive and dinner, May 1st, and finally, from a grateful recipient who received help from Trinity for an electric bill!
Special note was also made to Trinity’s trustees of the testamentary gift of Lucy Hoblitzell in the bequest of her home and a monetary sum.
The Rector reported an invitation from our Bishop that Trinity host the 2001 Diocesan Convention. The Vestry voted a resounding "yes."
Discussion was heard on Trinity’s Sunday schedule for 1998-99, with the suggestion that Church School and the Adult Forum start at 9:15. Forum would end at 10:00 and Children’s Church School would continue until 10:15. The choir would rehearse at 10. The principal service would then be at 10:30 a.m., returning it to a long accustomed time for Trinity. Coffee Hour would be available throughout the morning, with increased "Coffee Hour" fellowship available to all following the 10:30 service. The 8 o’clock service would remain unchanged, but the revised plan would offer these parishioners and the choir an opportunity to attend a more substantive Adult Forum(s). Also, Fr. Hunter could have the chance to participate in youth fellowship ministries, which the current schedule makes impossible. It was the Vestry’s recommendation to "go forward" with the plans. Discussion will take place with the Worship Committee and others. The new schedule would begin the first Sunday after Labor Day.
Father Hunter discussed the times he would be away over the next couple of months for Continuing Education, a camp session at Peterkin and vacation.
The Rector reported on his concern over a sign recently installed by "My Way Lounge," opposite Trinity’s parking lot, which advertises an Adult Book Store. The Vestry heartily endorsed his proposal to write a note of protest to the Mayor, to be signed by all who wish to participate.
Junior Warden Craig Curry gave an update on work in progress around the church, and included estimates for the renovation and conversion of our existing bell system. It was noted that the latter would be an excellent evangelism tool and make a great memorial!
Shirley Lawrence-Berrey submitted Pastoral Care reports for February and March. The numbers include clergy activity, Mustard Seeds, Altar Flowers, Heart ‘n Hand and other. They totaled 96 pastoral contacts, 38 hospital visits, 24 home visits and 8 office visits. Other counseling, spiritual direction, teaching, and administration and planning was noted by the Rector.
Gary Vincent said that the last day of Church School for the season will be Sunday, May 31st, Pentecost. A special celebration will be planned. Trinity is still searching for a Director of Religious Education.
The Evangelism Committee reported suggestions for the future including a pictorial directory, signs for the inside and outside of the church (progress is being made on the latter), and plans for a parish picnic. Bread was taken to one newcomer family in March.
Outreach is going well, said Carol Olson, with Easter baskets being well-received, and St. Anne’s Guild continuing with meals for the Good Samaritan Clinic. She and Kim Lantz are serving on the Steering Committee for Habitat For Humanity’s "Women Raise the Roof" project, and planning is on-going for the Group Work Camp this summer.
The Rector underlined the need for Vestry and committee heads to submit reports two Sundays before Vestry meetings, so that agendas and packets can be properly prepared, and so that we can be good stewards of time at our meetings.
Fr. Hunter has been chosen the new Dean of the Ohio River Valley Deanery, subject to confirmation by the 1998 Diocesan Convention. The Deanery includes eight churches.
Due to the Memorial Day holiday Monday May 25th, the next Vestry meeting will be Tuesday May 26th at 7 p.m.

The meeting was concluded with prayer.

Faithfully, Betsy Smith

Please Note: The complete minutes of this meeting will be seen on the Trinity Hall bulletin board.

What things
soever ye
                desire
when ye
pray
                believe
that ye
            receive
and ye
            shall
                        have.

St. Mark 11:24

Book Sale Committee
Sets Dates

Trinity’s annual used Book Sale will be November 2nd through 5th! Books have already been coming in, and official "marking" is set to start June 23rd and 24th, beginning at 10 a.m. each morning, and continuing as needed. plan now to help!

WHO IS WRITING THE "TIMES"?

Several avid readers of the "TIMES," (thank-you, friends), have questioned who is writing the newsletter. Whilst your editor was in Florida for the month of March and the first week in April, it was very kindly put together by Kim Lantz and Fr. Hunter. My appreciation goes to them both. Now, Betsy is writing it again, including the front page, as I have always done, and will be doing so for the rest of May and early June, at which time I plan to "retire." The nice appearance of the newsletter is due to the fact that while I plan the format and do the writing, Fr. Hunter and Kim "computerize" it, giving the "TIMES" a much more professional air. There, now you know!

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.
Eccl. 3:1

Bits & Pieces & Bits & Pieces & Bits & Pieces

Speaking of Fellowship...A very special Trinity choir member was asked by his wife, why he wanted to attend rehearsals, after all his years of service. His answer was, "For the fellowship!" Does that make YOU want to join?

D.R.E. Search

Trinity has been searching and advertising for a part-time Director of Religious Education. If you know of a qualified person who might be interested please see the Rector! Qualifications are listed on the Trinity Hall Bulletin Board.

Just so you know:Memorial Day is May 25th, and the Parish Office will be closed at that time.

ADDED ACCESS...Doesn’t it make you feel good to see the beautifully done addition to Trinity front doors and know that ALL may enter now? It is planned that the addition will be completed with some appropriate landscaping in the near future.

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!

COMING EVENTS
COMING Attractions
What’s up!

Two special fellowship occasions are coming up which you won’t want to miss:

SUPPER CLUB at George and Harriet De Hoff’s home, Friday May 22nd at 6:30! Please note the time is 6:30 again, to allow time for parishioners to get home, and for the Rector to arrive back from Charleston, where he will have been at a meeting!

The Eucharist and Spring Luncheon meeting of the Episcopal Churchwomen, to be at the home of Lynn Randall, Saturday May 31st, starting at 10:30 a.m. Invitations are (will be) in the mail, but all women of the church are members of the Episcopal Churchwomen by virtue of such, and should plan to attend. More in next week’s "TIMES."

More, more, morE

Music for May: Sunday, May 17, at 4:00 p.m. at Trinity Church

Ascension Day: Thursday May 21, the Holy Eucharist at 12:10 p.m. (Wednesday services that week as usual).

Supper Club: Friday May 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the De Hoffs’ home.

Vestry Meeting: Tuesday May 26th at 7 p.m. (due to Memorial Day Holiday).

ECW Spring Luncheon Meeting, with Eucharist, Saturday May 30th at 10:30 a.m. at the home of Lynn Randall.

Pentecost: Sunday May 31st, last day of Church School for the season with a celebration of the Church School.

Trinity Sunday: Our Feast of Title, the celebration of our Name and the ministry of this community of faith. This is a BIG day!

Please note: House-Church meetings continue, as listed on the May calendar.

Ministers for Sunday, May 10, 1998

Lectors: Carol Olson, LaVerne Marshall, Charlotte Dauphin, Reed Belasco
Chalice Assistants: Carol Olson, Eric Lawson, Sue Ellen Johnson, LaVerne Marshall
Ushers: Charlie Culbertson, Bill Eason, Paul Nicholson, John Ralsten
Element Bearers & Coffee Hour: Jennifer & Judson Currey
Altar Guild: Lynette Neilson, Emily Dowling, Charlotte Bee, Helen Roberts, Cara Bowen, Charlotte Muse

The Proper for Easter 5

Acts 13:44-52 Psalm 145 Revelation 19:1, 4-9 John 13:31-35

Are You Out of Touch?

You will be if you don’t make every attempt to attend one of the House-Chiurch meetings taking place this month in parishioners’ homes or at the Church. If you are not able to go to the one to which you have been invited, ask for the dates of the other meetings, or check the May calendar mailed to you this past week. Our Rector is anxious that every member of Trinity have this opportunity to give input and plan for the future. If you have not yet been invited to one of these events, please call the Parish Office at 422-3362 as soon as possible!

The 121^st Diocesan Convention

Trinity’s delegates to the annual Diocesan Convention last weekend in Huntington, Carol and Doug Adams, Betty Rodda, and our Rector, the Rev. Scott Hunter, will be reporting to the congregation through the "TIMES," and elsewhere.

The Convention focused on the theme, "Bridging the Gaps: Entrusted with the Ministry of Reconciliation." Two resolutions were to have been presented: one regarding capital punishment, and the other in recognition of the life and service of Virginia Salton. We will be hearing more about the Diocesan actions taken in the next several weeks.

Don't You Just Love our Vocabulary!

CALL HIM "FATHER," CALL HIM "SCOTT," BUT PLEASE DON’T CALL HIM "REVEREND"! …"According to the book" Episcopal priests are never called directly, "Rev. So and So." ...only on paper. But now as Dean of the Ohio River Valley, our Scott has a new title..."The Very Reverend"! Congratulations to our Rector!

Titles aside, we know he is most excited about the opportunity to serve the deanery and diocese in this ministry!

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!

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.

June 8-11	Counselor Training
June 11-20	Hallelujah Hike Camp
June 14-20	Family Camp I
June 21-27	Senior Camp
June 28-July 4	Junior Camp
July 5-11	Boys and Girls Camp
^{(Fr. Hunter will be on staff for B & G Camp)}
July 12-18	Intermediate Camp
July 18-20	It’s a Small World
July 20-24	Mini Camp
July 26-Aug. 1	Family Camp II
July 26-Aug. 1	Creative Arts Camp
Sept. 18-20	Episcopal Women’s Retreat
Sept. 21-24	Clergy Conference
Sept. 25-27	Episcopal Church Men

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