Trinity Episcopal Church, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Week of January 25, 1999
(Last updated 09/12/99)

These 17 messages have appeared on billboards and buses in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, during September, October and November of 1998. The Smith Agency in charge of the advertising campaign said an anonymous individual is footing the bill. They have caused quite a stir. 

Dear Sisters & Brothers in Christ,

Faith @ 5th is something of a potpourri of items this week.

Part I — I really want to commend a few things to you. First, the Souper Bowl which our young people are sponsoring and the proceeds of which will feed hungry people in Parkersburg. Second, the Instructed Eucharist which is a two-parter beginning this Sunday. Details below. Third, in the area of Adult Education, I want to encourage you to bring your Bibles on down to Trinity on Sunday mornings because from 9:15 to 10:00 there will be a Bible Study for Adults. (Location: Trinity Hall. Coffee provided.)

Part II — Your vestry elected Wardens for the current year. Your new Senior Warden is Carol Olson and your new Jr. Warden is Jennifer Currey. Both of the people are talented individuals and proven leaders who get things done. I must tell you that I could not be more pleased than to be working closely with each of them as this year unfolds. Other Vestry Committee appointments will be in the next issue.

At the vestry meeting the 1998 closing financial reports were made. Celebrate with me that by God’s good grace and the faithfulness of many we closed 1998 in the black. Check the Trinity Hall bulletin board if you want specifics. Again, many thanks to Kerry Bowen for four years of faithful and dedicated service.

Part III — Dick and Irene Smith will be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary soon. Please celebrate with them by "carding" them. No, not looking at their ID’s (flattering as it might be), send a card to them! Dick & Irene Smith, 3500 Tangle Brush Drive #181, The Woodlands, TX 77381. Their anniversary is February 3.

Blessings & peace,

Instructed Eucharist at Trinity — 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.

This is a wonderful time to bring a friend, encourage someone new to the congregation to attend, or get a little refresher on "the way we pray."

THE SOUPER BOWL OF CARING

Loving God Loving Our Neighbors

On Sunday, January 31st, 1999, (THIS SUNDAY) 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 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.

RECAP OF THE ECW WINTER LUNCHEON

Officers of the ECW include Shirley Lawrence-Berrey continuing as president for the second year; Pat Fritch as vice president; Betsy Curry as secretary; and Linda Brantner continuing as treasurer; and Betty Nicholson as United Thank Offering chairman.

St. Anne's leaders remain the same for '99 and include Carol Adams and Barbara Bailey as co-leaders; Eleanor Lowe as secretary; and Linda Brantner as treasurer.

Diane Hensley will continue as hospitality chairman. The 1999 Book Sale chairmen have not been decided.

Diane Hensley provided a beautiful setting for the luncheon, with tables decorated with harbingers of Spring including branches and twigs of bushes which will flower later, in crystal vases, with silver candlesticks and ribbon. Deborah Short, the Deputy for Program/Congregational Development from the Diocese of West Virginia discussed Diocesan happenings and was excellent.

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, Mary Glen Rice, Bob Lawrence-Berrey, Maggie Crofton, and Mary Harlow.

This week your prayers are asked for the work of the downtown parishes of Parkersburg, and the clergy from them who are meeting monthly.