Faith @
Fifth and Juliana
Dear Sisters & Brothers in Christ,
For centuries the Episcopal Church, and our Anglican forebears
have recognized that God speaks to us through many different voices.
For some God speaks most clearly in the dazzling colors of a sunset.
For others, it may be that God’s voice is heard when peering through
the eyepiece of a microscope at the tiniest of creatures imaginable.
For still others, it can be the "vast expanse of interstellar
space," or the composition of a photograph, or the words of a
poet. Icons have long been considered a "thin place" between
this world and the mystery of the nearer world with God. The limits of
God’s voice do not exist, only the limits of our ability to hear.
The arts have long been a place for many to encounter God –
the music of Bach, the painting of Michelangelo, the words of C.S.
Lewis or T.S. Elliott. For longer than there has been an Episcopal
Church, the Church of Christ has blessed, honored and sustained the
labors of such people as have been gifted by the Holy Spirit to take
us, through art and word and music, to places where we can "be
still and know that you are God." Artist-In-Residence (and
Theologians-In-Residence) have been a part of church life and ministry
in this country and others for centuries.
I am pleased to tell you that the Vestry has joined me in
endorsing the ministry of Artist-In-Residence at Trinity Church. The
arts and the venues for the arts are a vital presence and part of the
renewal of downtown Parkersburg. The arts are another transcendent way
for God to speak to us. And, the opportunity this ministry provides
for people to enter the community of faith, even if it is via a
"side door" is considerable.
Individuals considered for the designation of
Artist-In-Residence, are persons of demonstrated faith. They must have
a love of their art that seeks to share it with others, not withdraw
it to limited exclusivity. They must have reasonable access to this
community and a desire to engage us and share with us through art and
worship. (It should be noted that there may be one or more
Artist-In-Residence at any given time. There may also be times when
there is no Artist-In-Residence.)
The artist so nominated by the Rector and endorsed by the Vestry
as Artist-In-Residence, would be assured a venue for the offering of
his or her gift. This could include, variously, one or more of the St.
Cecilia offerings (for musician, dancer, choreographer, composer),
exhibits (painters, photographers, sculptors and other such visual
arts) inclusion, as may be appropriate in worship, and support to
assist in the offering of the artistic works of the Artist to the
public. The Artist-In-Residence is also asked to offer an opportunity
for young people in the community to engage the art and artist in a
way which encourages and invites young people to the arts.
The first Artists-In-Residence at Trinity Church have been
announced. They are: Dr. Richard D. Wetzel, Artist-In-Residence at
Trinity for the years 1999 through 2000. He is undoubtedly a man of
faith and prayer. He is also undoubtedly a man who has been gifted by
the Holy Spirit with the ability to hear and imagine music while it
still eludes the printed page and then to capture it there that others
may hear, share and know it. And, he has shared his gifts, with great
generosity and humility with the Trinity Church Community. Mr. Lee
Fritch, Artist-In-Residence for the years 2000-2001. As a member of
this community of faith, Lee offers generously of his time and
artistic talent. This can be seen through the many drawings and
sketches he has provided for your use. Additionally, he reads in
worship, ushers, fixes stuff, and labors greatly in connection with
the book sale.
Please join me in congratulating them and supporting their
ministry.
Faithfully,
Scott Hunter+
|
Vestry Highlights:
The Vestry met on August 23 beginning with a simple
Eucharist inviting the Holy Spirit to guide us.
A full and spirit-filled discussion about all aspects of
participation in the Priest Intern program followed. Hopes and concerns of
vestry members and of parishioners who expressed their opinions to vestry
members were articulated. The discussion concluded with the Vestry’s
consensus decision to participate in the Priest Intern program. (A letter
to the parish is being sent from vestry present.)
Vestry committee reports were made in several areas.
A gift from the estate of Ed Byham was received and
designated to seed our work in funding the Priest Intern position.
Heard current financial information from the Treasurer.
 Books
Needed for Book Sale !!! It has been reported that
the number of books collected so far this year for the annual book sale is
only about half the number of books needed for the sale. So if you or
someone you know has books to donate please bring them in as soon as
possible. Please remember that all books have to be sorted and then priced
individually, so the "sooner the better". If anyone has books
they would like to donate, but are unable to bring them to the church,
please call the office at 422-3362 and arrangements to have them picked up
can be made. (Scott—–is this true or did I make it up???)
 Flowers
Needed:
There are several dates open in the next few months for
anyone who may wish to donate flowers for the Sunday services. Flowers can
be given in memory or in thanksgiving for loved ones. The cost of flowers
is $35.00 and checks are asked to be made out to Trinity Church. The
available dates are September 12th and 19th, October 3rd and 17th and
November 14th. If anyone is interested in these dates please call Linda
Bratner at 863-5833 or the church office at 422-3362.
 Don’t
forget the Episcopal Blood Drive scheduled for Sept. 8th from noon till 6
p.m.
 Launch
of Episcopal Habitat Project and "Pig Pickin"!!
Don’t forget that this Sunday Sept. 5th, at the City Park we will be
celebrating the launch of the Episcopal Habitat Project with members of
Good Shepherd and Christ Memorial Episcopal Churches. We will begin the
day at 11 AM with an Ecumenical Eucharist at the band shell. Alvin
Phillips, Executive Director of Wood Co. Habitat for Humanity, will be
offering the sermon. The service will be followed by the Pig Roast.
Everyone is asked to bring a dish to share and lunch will be served in the
Pavilion. Drinks, plates and the pig will be provided. Come share a fun
day with fellow Episcopalians and learn more about this exciting new
Habitat Project !!!! (The 8 am service will be held at the church as usual
!)
 Bishop
Smith’s Visitation:
Bishop Smith will
be making his last official visitation to Trinity as the Bishop of the
Diocese of West Virginia. His retirement is to become effective Nov. 1 of
this year. The Bishop’s visit will provide an opportunity for
Confirmation and Reaffirmation as well as Baptism. If anyone is interested
in receiving any of the above sacraments please contact Fr. Hunter at
422-3362 as soon as possible. A reception will follow the 10:30 am service
and the Vestry will meet with the Bishop at 12:30 pm.
Godly Play:
Orientation for Godly Play continues on Wednesday
evenings through the 15th of September. The orientation is an opportunity
for parents and children to familiarize themselves with the Godly Play
curriculum. It is also open and encouraged for anyone who wishes to be an
"Aunt or Uncle" to attend. Dinner will be provided beginning at
5:45 p.m. and the orientation program will follow at 6:30. Child care will
be provided for children too young to participate.
Wanted: Alive Only
!!!
Adults of all ages : Especially adults who do not
have young people in Godly Play! You are wanted to be an "aunt"
or "uncle" to the young people of Trinity——learning about
the love of God and sharing your stories together. Turn yourself in now
—–you know we’re gonna get ya !! No experience or marketable skills
required. Turn yourself in to : Connie Waterman 422-3362.
Parking Dilemma:
The WesBanco drive-thru next door to Trinity has
asked that we remind everyone not to park in the teller bays of their bank
on Sunday morning. They have to ask us not to do this due to fire
restrictions. Everyone’s cooperation would be greatly appreciated.
 September
marks the return of our choir (as a formal group) to Sunday services.
September 8th is the first night of choir practice for the fall season and
practice begins at 7:00 p.m. Sunday September 12th will be the first
Sunday back for the choir, and is also the Bishop’s visitation. Rumor
has it that Arlene is wanting to try out some new music. Please contact
her if you will be unable to attend Wednesday’s rehearsal and she will
make copies of the music available to you to practice with at home.
September will also start the inaugural season of the
St. Cecilia Music Series at Trinity Church. This series will consist of 4
to 8 offerings each year, and the goals will be to offer great music, of
varied styles, in a manner which is accessible to all. The first offering
will be Sunday September 26 at 7:00 pm with Rebecca Rachin performing on
clarinet and Richard Syracuse on piano .
Also many thanks to Dr. Richard Wetzel for providing the
beautiful violin music at last week’s service, and congratulations to
Dr. Wetzel and Lee Fritch on their recent appointments as
Artists-in-Residence at Trinity. ( Lee will be speaking at next month’s
ECW Fall Luncheon. More information in later editions of the Times).
 Mum’s
the Word :
The Parkersburg Day Nursery is having a
Chrysanthemum Sale on Thursday, September 2nd at Sam's Club in Vienna from
10:00 am - 3:00 pm. The mums are $5 each or 3 for $13. The colors are
White, Yellow, Purple, Bronze, and Burgundy. For more information, please
call Beth West at 295-3130.
Wonderful Wednesday:
The next Wonderful Wednesday is in the planning stages
— we are checking book availability and costs. You will find complete
information available in this next issue of the Times. So, please stay
tuned, and stay excited about this wonderful opportunity for fun, food,
fellowship and learning.
 Work
Day at Trinity:
Saturday, September 11th is the date of the next
workday at Trinity, from 9 am until noon. So bring your hammers and nails
and whatever other gadgets you may have and come help do some minor
repairs at Trinity . There might even be a doughnut or two lying around
somewhere with your name on it!!! For more information please contact
Jennifer Currey.
| Connie’s
Corner
A well known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. In
the room of 200, he asked, "Who would like this $20 bill?" Hands
started going up. He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you
but first, let me do this." He proceeded to crumple the dollar bill up.
He then asked, "Who still wants it?" Still the hands were up in
the air. "Well," he replied, "What if I do this?" And he
dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his
shoe. He picked it up, now all crumpled and dirty. "Now who still wants
it?" Still the hands went into the air. "My friends, you have all
learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still
wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20. Many
times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by
the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as
though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will
happen, you will never lose your value in God's eyes. To Him, dirty or
clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to Him.
THOUGHT: The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or who we are,
but
by WHOSE WE ARE! You are special - Don't ever forget it!
Peace, Connie+
|
Thank-you
from Lu Reindle: Susie
Fitcher’s sister, Lu Reindle, would like to thank everyone at Trinity for
their thoughts and prayers offered for her while she underwent and recovered
from major surgery. Susie is happy to report that Lu continues to recover
without serious complications, and extends her gratitude for the prayers and
support she received while on our prayer list. Trinity extends their wishes
and prayers for Lu’s continued recovery.
Please hold these people, events and circumstances in your daily prayers.
Also, we encourage you to always say a prayer for those unknown persons who
have no one to pray for them. By-the-way, please remember to renew prayer
requests weekly.
Tom Patrick, Nellie Taylor, Terri Hindman, Alex Northrup,
Mary Carolyn & Bill Mildren, Sr., Donna Tyo, Ruth Greer, Mazie Smith,
Mary Glen Rice, Maggie Crofton, Esber Tweel (priest) and Rocky Rachell
(priest), Gladys Fitcher, Doris Brown, Butch Shaver, Julia Batten, Julia
Davis, Shirley Davis, Mary Bee, Elsie Reed, Jamie Hill, Virginia Nicely,
Dick Smith, Sarah Jane Yates, Faye Watson, Gene & Periene Oeland, Seldon
Stone, Betty Stout, Michelle Turner, Ann Johnson, Tony & Louann
Cottrell, Amanda & Brian Schwarzell, and Tom O’Shea.
Ministers for Sunday,
Sept 5th
| Chalice
Bearers: |
Charlotte
Bee, LaVerne Marshall, Paul Miller |
| Lectors: |
Charlotte
Bee, LaVerne Marshall, Paul Miller |
| Ushers: |
Charlie
Culbertson |
| Acolytes: |
|
| Coffee
Hour: |
Pig
Roast! See ya there! |
|
Proper for Sept 5th
|
|
Ezekiel
33:(1-6) 7-11 Psalm 119:33-40 Romans 12:9-21 Matthew 18:15-20 |
Altar Guild for the week of August
30-Sept 7
|
|
Tues. Paul Miller, Wed. Emily
Dowling , Sat. Charlotte and Bill Bee Sunday, Between: Helen
Roberts, Clean-up: Volunteers welcome to help after the service in
City Park. Tues Sept 7: Lynette Neilson |
|
Outreach Items of the Month
 | Cereal |
| Dishwashing detergent |
Please place in basket at the
back of the church
Classes in Christianity in
the Episcopal Tradition will continue every Sunday at 4:30 p.m.
Sunday
School begins Sept. 12th at 9:15 am!!!! Our young people
will be spending time with Bishop Smith that morning. Hope to see you
there ! |
 Book
marking continues every Tues. and Wed.
mornings at 10 a.m. Help needed for the last 3 weeks in Sept.
Please come help mark books if you can !!!
St. Anne’s Guild:
The next mtg. Of the St. Anne’s Guild will be Sept. 21st at 1
pm at the home of Barbara Bailey.
Office Closed: The church
office will be closed on Monday Sept. 6th in observance of the Labor
Day Holiday. |
The Times will
resume its weekly publications starting with this issue. Any
information for the Times needs to be to the editor by
noon on Sundays. Notes may be left in the mailbox at the church or
sent by email to
BCurry@trinitytimes.com.
Parkersburg Area "Christian
Radio" Station
TUNE IN TODAY!
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