Dear Sisters & Brothers in Christ,

Over the last few weeks my bedtime reading has included a popular novel, At Home In Mitford (Thank you, Betty Nicholson!). Many of you may be familiar with this work, as the first of at least three in a "Mitford" series. For those who may not know the series, it is set in the town of Mitford, a mythical town in the mountains of North Carolina. The central character is Fr. Timothy, an Episcopal priest who serves the local parish, Lord’s Chapel. The story is a charming yarn which spins around the saints and scoundrels of the community, and issues of faith, spirituality, and life as they unfold in ten or twelve highlighted characters.

One of the things which has struck me in the reading of At Home In Mitford, is the way that people are committed to visionary giving for ministry in the community, both the community of Lord‘s Chapel and the community of Mitford. From the gallery showing of a country man’s sketches which would bring in some long needed income, to the refurbishing of the parish bells, to the creation of a care facility for older adults, to the former ad executive who moved to the woods — and who is now called "Homeless" — who gave his only pair of pants to "poor man," giving and the joy of giving enfold the community.

Now I can hear your voices in my head saying, "Great. He is laying it on us about giving and using a fictional community to do it." The truth is, I am talking to you about giving. The truth also is, that for every fictional giver in the Mitford series, I have met each one many times over in the flesh. The joy of living which penetrates their souls permeates the people around them. There are no parades or proclamations around them, they simply could not consider another way of being.

I consider this book to be entertaining reading. I also find it to be an invitation to each reader on several levels. One is to look at our relationship with Jesus, as Fr. Timothy’s prayer with the searching salesman is as fine an invitation for Jesus to come into our hearts as one could want. It is also an invitation to consider the giving life: an invitation not to deplete your stores, but to share your joy.

In closing let me take the time to remind myself, and maybe you too, that just because something is "fiction" doesn’t mean that it does not contain deep truth.

Love, Scott+

Food For the Poor

Be sure to join Fr. Jay Pierce on Sunday, June 21. Your heart will thank you.

Bits & Pieces & Bits & Pieces & Bits & Pieces

CHURCH SCHOOL & SUMMER As stated elsewhere in the "TIMES", Church School has ended for the summer months, but there will be a Nursery available under the very capable direction of Patsy Buckles. Young children (and older) are invited to attend church with their parents. Fr. Hunter will give a children’s homily each Sunday.

Outreach Words from Carol  Outreach chairman Carol Olson reminds us of the women’s "Raise the Roof" project for Habitat for Humanity. Please let her know if you are interested; also if you can help supply lunch for workers June 19^th, 26^th and 27^th.

Packages of 16-count Crayola crayons and 12-inch rulers are needed for underprivileged children for Back-To-School backpacks. Please see the container in Trinity Hall. Thank you!

CHURCH SCHOOL & SUMMER  As stated elsewhere in the "TIMES", Church School has ended for the summer months, but there will be a Nursery available under the very capable direction of Patsy Buckles.   Young children (and older) are invited to attend church with their parents. Fr. Hunter will give a children’s homily each Sunday.

 Congratulations Congratulations to Kelley Richardson McGill! Kelley graduated in 3 years, summa cum laude, from V.P.I. with degrees in Biochemistry and Chemistry, and she was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Married this spring, she and her husband will be residing in Lumberton, NC.

GRADUATES, ANYONE?  We have not heard of anyone graduating from high school or college this Spring, but if there are any Trinity graduates among us, please let the Parish Office know!

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!

NO WEEKDAY SERVICES: On Wednesday, June 24th, there will be no weekday services.  Please make a note of it.   Services will resume on July 1st.

BOOK SALE marking: starting weekly June (Tuesday) 23^rd and June (Wednesday) 24^th at 10 a.m.

Vestry Meeting: Monday, July 27 at 7:00 PM

Parish Picnic: Sunday, August 30th at the Mildrens' Farm.   Time to be announced.

Ministers for Sunday, June 21, 1998

Proper for 3rd Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 7)
Zechariah 12:8-10 Psalm 63:1-8 Galatians 3:23-29 Luke 9:18-24

Ministers for Sunday, June 28, 1998

Proper for the 4th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 8)
2 Samuel 11:26, 12:10, 13-15 Psalm 32 Galatians 2:11-21 Luke 7:36-50

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!

June 29
July 13
July 27
August 10 weekly Times return

• There was correspondence from the Red Cross, thanking Trinity for participating in the Blood Drive in May. There were eleven donors in all, six from Trinity. There was also a letter from Habitat For Humanity thanking Trinity for the contribution of $250.00 to sponsor a table at their annual fund-raising dinner. This is a part of Trinity’s outreach.
• The Treasurer’s report (Kerry Bowen) was that expenses to date are in good condition and annual giving is being received in good time.
• Chairman of Trustees, Doug Adams, reported the sale of the rectory at $82,397.80. It was reported the new handicap ramp is completed with the exception of a handrail. Bids were accepted for the automatic door opening at the top of the ramp and a low bid of $3,006. was accepted. There was discussion of having received many positive comments on the ramp and its appearance.
• A new DRE was named, Connie L. Waterman. She was offered to the vestry by Fr. Hunter. He distributed sheets of her background and qualifications to the group - a former Trinity member, an experienced teacher, etc. There was discussion and the vestry moved to concur with the appointment. She will begin June 1^st.
• The new Sunday schedule was discussed with the 10:00 service moving to 10:30. Church School will begin at 9:15. These times will take effect on the first Sunday after Labor Day, September 13^th.
• Fr. Hunter introduced the subject of an adult book store which is now located across the street on the corner of Fifth and Juliana. He had a meeting with the mayor this morning and wants to attend the City Council meeting this evening where this subject will be discussed. The hope is that this type of business will not be zoned in certain areas beyond this date.
• The Rector reported the House Church meetings are going well. He is encouraging everyone to try to attend one of the meetings if they have not been able to do so at this point. He said there have been some interesting discussions.
• He announced to the vestry that a generous gift had been presented to Trinity to pay for the interior and exterior signs being discussed.
• Fr. Hunter told the vestry that Habitat pays for a parking place in a public lot and Alvin Phillips, the Executive Director pays for his own. He asked the group to approve allowing one Habitat car to park in Trinity’s lot, which would save the organization $30.00/month. Approved.
• He announced the Rev. Jay Pierce, from Kentucky and associated with the Food For The Poor program, will be at Trinity on June 21^st for the Sunday services.
• Senior Warden: Sandy McKinley gave a year in review report of Trinity’s progress and happenings. She stated programs and organizations were going well, such as Book Sale, Christmas and Thanksgiving programs, blood drives, Lenten plans, House Church meetings, Fr. Hunter’s being at Trinity, the new ramp, the rectory sale, the Hoblitzell gifts, new faces, the stewardship drive, success-full "humming" in the church, and she feels Trinity is headed in the right direction. The Rector added that he thought Trinity had been "ready" to begin
• Buildings/Grounds: Craig Curry reported he is looking into the renovation of a restroom for handicap purposes, also new heaters for the second floor offices. It was suggested coat racks be discussed for the narthex.
• Carol Olson asked for volunteers for a group work camp that will be in Parkersburg for a week in July to help with maintenance or some remodeling work on local houses. They will be housed and fed at the Blennerhassett School and help is needed in the form of "trouble-shooters", to oversee carpentry work, help with providing lunches, etc.
• Evangelism: Jennifer Currey suggested Trinity might consider being a part of the Welcome Wagon program for newcomers to town. There is a $30.00 charge per month. It was suggested contacting realtors, also, to have them distribute information on Trinity and its programs. Evangelism is working on signage and a possible pictorial directory. They will meet again in mid-June.
• Fellowship: Bill and Cathy Mildren are offering their farm in Ohio for a parish picnic in the late summer or early fall. There was discussion on a date and time of day. Sunday August 30^th was proposed. The Rector will talk to the Christian Education committee for suggestions on a coordinator for the picnic.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:15.

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

 IN THE DIOCESE of W.V.

• 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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