Trinity Episcopal Church, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Week of January 18, 1999
(Last updated 09/12/99)

Some Words About This
Symbol

For years many of us have seen this symbol associated with almost all things "Trinity." It has, and currently does, appear on our letterhead. It is on the beautiful red parish banner which is in the church, and it is on all of the newly done signs.

Some of you have brought to my attention that this symbol is being used on a current television show which features three witches as the main characters, and this symbol appears on the cover on their "book of spells." You eyes are good, and the symbol you see is this symbol, so let me say some more.

The symbol is known as a Triquetra and Circle, and it has for many years represented the Christian Doctrine of the Holy Trinity. This doctrine, argued powerfully by the early Christian theologian Tertulian, and others, says, in simple but formal language: The Father is not the Son or the Holy Spirit; the Son is not the Father or the Holy Spirit; the Holy

(continued on "Faith at Fifth")

Spirit is not the Father or the Son; the Father is God; the Son is God; the Holy Spirit is God. Three persons (or natures) of the ONE TRUE GOD — God who has been from before time and forever.

Now, for centuries before the Doctrine of the Trinity was spoken or articulated as a theological foundation of the Christian faith, three has been considered a desirable, strong and balanced number; one which occurs in the natural world as well as the religious and the "supernatural." Examples included the old scientific notion that all things were made of either "earth, wind, or fire." The categorizations of all things as being "animal, vegetable, or mineral" follows the tri-fold formula, as does the old natural "elements" of fire, wind and rain. There were three patriarchs of the Old Testament — Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. And, even the Magi brought to the Christ Child three gifts.

Especially as Anglicans, we understand the sturdiness of a three-legged stool, and we know that it will always find firm footing; hence our three theological legs of Scripture, Tradition and Reason.

With all that is attached to the balance and strength of "three," it is no wonder that other schools of thought have attached themselves to signs and symbols like triangles and triquetras. Cults, whether the Occult or Gangs or whatever, have long tried to take signs from other domains and make them their own. One of the biggest battles today in metropolitan areas is over organized gangs taking symbols like the Star of David, ASL’s shorthand for "I love you," and even the Cross of Our Lord as gang symbols and flash signs.

The Triquetra and Circle represents something precious to Christians. Formed by three conjoined "fish tracings" (Christianity’s first symbol) or by interlocking three of the Cabbalistic symbols for purity and innocence (a leaf-like pair of arches) or by arcs of a circle meeting the edge of an equilateral triangle, it represents the interwoven balance, strength, symmetry, and beauty of the Holy Trinity. When the triquetra is set within a circle there is added to the power of the symbol the circle’s representation as something without beginning or end — infinity. Additionally, the three-part triquetra (which is Latin for "three-sided") is contained as one — "three in one" from the Doctrine of the Trinity. The tips protruding from the circle that we may experience or "know" each part of the Trinity distinctly.

Now you may know more about the "Trinity Symbol" than you ever cared to know. But, I encourage you to resist the temptation to avoid it and its use. If we do that we surrender it to the very domain it stands against. Instead, know about and teach others about it. We have been a witness for God and the Trinity a lot longer than some television show has been grabbing onto this symbol.

If you are really inclined to be proactive about things, write to Warner Brothers, whose network "The W.B." airs the show "Charmed" and indicate the appropriateness of removing the symbol for stuff associated with the show.

Faithfully and fondly,

Instructed Eucharist

A special two-part Instructed Eucharist will be held on Sunday, January 31st and Sunday, February 7th. This Eucharist with narration will offer theology and history about this most precious Sacrament. The first Sunday the narration / instruction will focus on everything from the beginning of the service up to and through "The Peace." The second Sunday the focus will be on all that follows The Peace through to the Dismissal. Of course, each Sunday the service will be done in its entirety.

Sing Sing Sing!

Dear Members of the Congregation,

Where are you when we need you?

Sunday January 10^th was one of those "Icy Sundays" we’ve been having lately. Organist/Choirmaster Arlene Wetzel and some parishioners including choir members couldn’t make it to the 10:30 Service…..but we had a good congregation. It was the Feast of Our Lord‘s Baptism (with a Baptism) and Vestry members were commissioned, and it was a joyous celebration, despite the weather odds.

There were only five choir members present, however, and at the Rector’s urging, we sang….missing some of our anchor voices ‘tis true — Barbara Full was filling in at the piano; LaVerne’s Willowbrook hill was like glass; Dick Mason had injured his back in a fall, and others had similar problems…..so the faithful five sang valiantly….but we couldn’t hear you! And we weren’t that loud!

Don’t hold back….just imagine you’re a healthy Methodist (Episcopalian) instead of a restrained Episcopalian (or anything else), and sing out! What do newcomers think when they come to our beautiful church and hear (or don’t hear), weak participation in the nave! Don’t be afraid…..bellow right out….make a joyful noise unto the Lord! God will love it and so will we! And the rafters will ring with praise! -

Betsy Smith

for Your Choir

A CHALLENGE ISSUED…

by Pairs and Spares! For each family attending the bowling party, please invite a friend (or family -- the more the merrier!) The bowling party takes place at Emerson Bowling Lanes on Sunday, February 21st. This event is open to all Trinitarians.

More information will follow on location and time..

GOD HELP US TO CHANGE,
TO CHANGE OURSELVES AND CHANGE OUR WORLD--
TO KNOW THE NEED OF IT,
TO DEAL WITH THE PAIN OF IT,
TO FEEL THE JOY OF IT,
TO UNDERTAKE THE JOURNEY WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING THE DESTINATION.

THE ART OF GENTLE REVOLUTION — -MICHAEL LEUNIG, 1990

THE SOUPER BOWL OF CARING

Loving God Loving Our Neighbors

On Sunday, January 31st, 1999, millions of people will eat and drink while watching the biggest football game of the year. Help transform Super Bowl Sunday in to the "SOUPER BOWL OF CARING" by joining thousands of participants across the United States!

The Odyssey Channel (channel 7 locally) proudly supports and encourages you and your congregation to save the date, January 31, 1999, to participate in this simple but significant effort.

The SOUPER BOWL OF CARING expresses love of our neighbor by encouraging people to give one dollar each as they leave worship on, or near, Super Bowl Sunday, January 31, 1999. Each congregation’s offering goes directly to a local food bank, soup bank, soup kitchen or other charity of its choice.

When you see one of the Young People of Trinity "stirring the soup bowl" won’t you please give generously. Proceeds will benefit our food pantry and Old Man River’s Mission to feed the homeless and hungry.

In Our Parish Prayers

Tom Patrick, Charlotte Martin, Larry Bellew, Nellie Taylor, Terri Hindman, Alex Northrup, Mary Carolyn & Bill Mildren, Sr., Donna Tyo, Ruth Greer, Ray Hofmann, Dorothy Wulfers, Mazie Smith, Betty Rodda, "Butch" Shaver, Mary Glen Rice, Bob Lawrence-Berrey, Carr Leavitt, Maggie Crofton, Jim Bailey, Mary Harlow, Brandy.

This week your prayers are asked for the work of the Salvation Army, Old Man River’s Mission on the Southside and the community Food Pantries.