Trinity Times Electronic Edition 5/11/98

Trinity Episcopal Church, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Week of May 11, 1998 (Last updated 09/12/99)

YOU ARE INVITED.......

To join the Trinity Church choir and soloists
for an interlude
of

MUSIC FOR MAY

sacred songs, piano, and organ music
for the liturgical season
the Sunday
May 17, 1998
at four o’clock
in the church

Reception to follow in Trinity Hall

Bring a friend and come!
(child care provided)

FINAL COUNT UNITED THANK OFFERING: $304.68

TRINITY BLOOD DONORS MAY 6th: 6

Thank you!

Dear Sisters & Brothers in Christ,

As many of you know, through House Church Gatherings and some by other conversations, I grew up in a downtown parish: Christ Church, Greenville, South Carolina. I am sure that is where my fondness for what downtown parishes could be, could do, and could stand for was born and nurtured.

Downtown parishes are always, always, confronted with interesting challenges which mirror the realities, usually often times harsh ones, of the world. The solutions to these challenges are always, it seems, ones which manifest themselves after much creative thought, prayer, conversation, and cooperation.

Why am I talking about such things? At the April vestry meeting I brought to this fine body of leaders the "diagonal dilemma." The Diagonal Dilemma is the challenge which is presented to us by the new "business" which now occupies the second floor of the "My Way" Lounge and Restaurant (the building on the corner diagonally across from the church). The new business is an "adult" bookstore. We all agreed quickly that this enterprise was not anywhere on our list of the top 10,000 or so businesses we would like to see on one of the four points of one of the busiest corners in our whole community.

What to do? Well, most places such as this consider bad press to be good press – it gets them in the paper, on TV or whatever. Therefore, we would begin by 1) my talking with the appropriate people at City Hall in a rather quiet manner. 2) A letter would be drafted to be sent to the mayor and those who desire from the parish would be given the opportunity to sign it.

The conversation with "City Hall" was informative, if not helpful. They, too, are very unhappy about the bookstore, but the current city zoning laws make no provisions which exclude this business from obtaining the necessary licenses, permits, etc., so such documents could not be refused. Work is now underway to draft such an ordinance. This means a different and more creative approach must be found – God does love to see how we respond to challenges!

That discovery process as regards the creative approach is underway. In the mean time, step 2 will be available for your signing on Sunday morning. Please make every effort to come to church, read the letter, and sign if you are so inclined sign it. There is also a step 3. Please pray. I beg you do not pray for all "ill fate" to befall the people associated with our Diagonal Dilemma. Do please pray that the love of God will draw together all the right people for all the right reasons to see that the ground which God so wonderfully created can be put to a worthy use.

Love, Scott+

A Prayer

O God, You are the giver of every good and perfect gift. We are aware of how easily we take and how often we grudgingly give. Give us the gift of grateful hearts, that we may want to share freely with others all you have given us. Amen

A TRADITION @ Trinity

It has been the tradition for some years at Trinity to conclude the year before vacation time with a Eucharist and luncheon for the Episcopal Churchwomen.

This year’s event will be at the home of Lynn Randall, 905 West Virginia Avenue. If you have not received your invitation by now, please call the Church Office, or Linda Brantner at 863-5833 to make a reservation.

The speaker at the event will be Jennifer Eaton, Emergency Services Director of the local Red Cross chapter. She will have a fascinating story to tell. The Eucharist starts promptly at 10:30 a.m., with a brief business session, program and lunch to follow.

All women of the Church are members of the Episcopal Churchwomen, and are most cordially invited to attend.

Peterkin...
A Diocesan Tradition

Big plans are afoot for moving the Peterkin Conference Center into the year 2000 and beyond! A brochure is on the Trinity Hall bulletin board explaining the Master Plan and vision for the future.

Meanwhile, there us NOW to think about, and a Peterkin Work Weekend is coming up fast, May 22 to 24th! Man (and women) Power is needed to ready the camp for this summer’s campers. Won’t you help? See Keyman Gary Vincent if you will!

And please note on your calendar the Episcopal Churchmen Fall Conference to be September 25 through 27th!

But be ye doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. -James I:22

A HAPPY THING!!

Parishioner Helen Roberts, who negotiated the sale if Trinity’s former Rectory on North Hills Drive, this past week, has a lovely story to tell about the persons to whom it was sold:

It seems that a delightful Vietnamese family has bought it... Morgan Ta and his wife, Kathy. They have a fifteen month old little girl. Perhaps some of you know Morgan as the owner of "Pretty Nails."

To express his gratitude for getting the house, which Morgan very much wanted, he gave Trinity a "small gift" of $200! It is in thanksgiving for "letting me buy this house"! Does that not make us feel good...knowing that our old Rectory belongs to a family who will love it? The Buddhist Tas will bring joy to a place which was ours!

Bits & Pieces & Bits & Pieces & Bits & Pieces

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

Book Sale Update: 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!

OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY

THE CHRISTOPHER MINISTRY -- The name Christopher means, "Christ-bearer." Just as the beggar who was Christ needed a ride on Christopher's shoulders to cross the river, there are people at Trinity who need a ride to get to worship or other parish events. There is an 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!

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.

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

Ultreya at Trinity, this Friday, May 15th at 6:30 p.m.

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. Please say "yes" to your hosts when they call. If you have a schedule conflict, please call Betty Rodda and every effort will be made to reschedule you with another group at a better time.

Ministers for Sunday, May 17, 1998

Lectors: Sue Ellen Johnson, Jennifer Currey, Anna Zivkovich, Jim Full
Chalice Assistants: Sue Ellen Johnson, Hampden Fitcher, Susie Fitcher, Jennifer Currey
Ushers: Charlie Culbertson, Bill Eason, Paul Nicholson, John Ralsten
Element Bearers & Coffee Hour: Harriett & George DeHoff
Altar Guild: Lynette Neilson, Emily Dowling, Charlotte Bee, Helen Roberts, Cara Bowen, Charlotte Muse

The Proper for Easter 6

Acts 14:8-18 Psalm 67 Revelation 21:22-22:5 John 14:23-29

The 121^st Diocesan Convention

A Convention View

The 121st Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia was May 1st through 3rd in Huntington. The host church was Trinity.

Your lay representatives, Betty Rodda and Carol and Doug Adams, found it to be an exciting and informative experience! Betty, a Diocesan Trustee, was a teller for the elections. Doug was a member of the Committee on Resolutions, and our Rector served at the Sunday Festival Eucharist.

In addition, Scott was appointed to the Task Force on Worship and the Peterkin Committee. Tina Hunter was appointed to the Communications/Dayspring Committee, and Kim Lantz and Craig Curry were appointed to the Communications/Electronics Committee. Fr. Hunter and Doug stood for election to the Committee on Constitution and Canons, and Standing Committee, respectively, but lost. However, Trinity, Parkersburg, got lots of "good press"!

The Theological Reflections Forum were, according to those who attended conventions before, the "best ever." Scott and your lay delegates made sure that all were covered. The Forums, in keeping with the theme "Bridging the Gaps," included: Peterkin Vision 2000 and the Mission of the Church, the Generation Gap, the Racism Gap, and the Economic Gap. All the sessions were led by exceptional speakers. Hopefully, your delegates brought back insights that will pertain to Trinity.

Particularly well-received was Peterkin Vision 2000; architects for the plan were present to answer questions, and were receptive to in-put from the lay delegates and the clergy. A copy of the plan will be on the Trinity Hall bulletin board.

There was one proposed Resolution, Re: Capital Punishment. The Resolution read in part, "resolved that the 121st Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia reaffirm the position taken in opposition to Capital Punishment by the 1958, 1969, 1979 and 1991 General Conventions of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America..." After lengthy discussion, the Resolution passed.

Our Scott Hunter was ratified as Dean of the Ohio Valley Deanery, and will be the clergy representative to Diocesan Council.

Again, attending convention is a wonderful, educational experience! Thank you for selecting us to attend. If you have an opportunity to serve as delegate, TAKE IT!

-Carol Adams, Lay Delegate

Editor’s Note: Full information about the 121st Annual Diocesan Convention will be posted on the Trinity Hall bulletin board, as the information is received. Thanks go to Carol for reporting so faithfully.

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
June 1 – a two week issue
June 15 – a two week issue

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.

IN THE DIOCESE of W.V.

Ecumenical Scripture Workshop, June 21-25 15-19, Bishop Hodges Pastoral Center, Huttonsville, W.Va.
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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