Faith @
Fifth and Juliana
Dear Sisters & Brothers in Christ,
Out near Mamre in the heat of the day Abraham sat
near the entrance of his tent. Three strangers appeared and both
Abraham and Sarah extended to them extraordinary hospitality — they
were a blessing to others in fulfillment of God’s covenant which was
that God would bless and in turn they were to be a blessing to others.
Their faithfulness in this led to their becoming parents and thus
giving birth to the people of Israel, God’s chosen people.
This past Sunday Trinity had an opportunity
which, to my mind, was just as powerful, just as unique, and maybe
just as symbolic (hopefully of God’s favor). Just after the early
service a stranger appeared at the back entrance to Trinity Hall. He
was hungry and inquired if money might be available for a meal. In
moments he was seated at a table with a cup of hot coffee. Sandwiches
and muffins which we thought were to be for the reception following
the next service filled a plate before him. I believe he left
satisfied.
Following the late service, with the reception
for Bishop and Mrs. Smith and those confirmed and received in full
swing, again we were honored as a different stranger appeared at our
door. Again, the plate teemed with cheese, sandwiches, fruit, cake and
more, and the coffee mug was filled.
I tell you now, if a third stranger had appeared
at the door, I would have fallen over — but who is to say that
stranger didn’t appear. How about the person at Trinity for the
first time …. How about the person at Trinity for the first time in
a very long time …. How about the person whose name is as well know
to us as our own, but who is wandering, and maybe in a place of pain
or confusion in his or her own life? Could the hospitality shown to
that person be as important? Of course!
The Scriptures show us with unfailing clarity
that the hospitality we show to stranger, to enemy, to anyone else, we
show to Jesus himself! In turning away a person we turn away Jesus
himself.
What does it mean that God sent these two people
to us? Does it mean that we have found the favor of Abraham and Sarah
in God’s eye? I don’t know. Does it mean that God knew we would
feed them? I don’t know.
Does it mean that at least (notice I said,
"at least") twice this past Sunday Jesus walked into Trinity
Hall? Yes! So, take a chance that you might meet Jesus this Sunday at
Trinity Church, and bring a friend to meet him too!
Faithfully,
Scott Hunter+
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Our Soon-to-be Priest Intern ...
… Has a name, Michael Hadaway.
And, with God’s grace and the people consenting , Michael was ordained
to the Sacred Order of Deacons at Peterkin in Strider Chapel on September
9th. He anticipates ordination to the priesthood in early June.
To tell you a little more about
Michael, he is a senior seminarian at Virginia Theological Seminary, he
also anticipates being married just after graduation to Leigh Palmer, a
Masters of Theological Studies student also Virginia Theological Seminary.
Michael was born in Washington, DC and raised in the greater Washington
area. He did his undergraduate studies at Salisbury State University (BA
in History and Philosophy), and following graduation worked at the U.S.
Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington.
Michael has done clinical
pastoral work at Peninsula Regional Medical Center, and field education
work at St. David’s, Washington, DC. His sponsoring parish, Trinity,
Shepherdstown, has as its rector the Rev’d Dr. G. T. Schramm, who
himself participated in the diocesan intern program here at Trinity,
Parkersburg.
Our plans are to host Michael and
Leigh at Trinity as soon as possible, probably mid-October. On his visit
he will preach and fulfill the appropriate liturgical roles of a Deacon.
You will also have a chance to meet and greet him and Leigh. Please keep
them daily in your prayers as they prepare for graduation, marriage,
ordination (Michael) and their move to Parkersburg.
By the way, the parish presented
Michael with a combination Book of Common Prayer and Holy Bible on the
occasion of his ordination.

 Bishop
Visitation: Last Sunday we celebrated
several events at Trinity. It was the first day back for the choir, the
first day of Sunday School for our young people, and the Sacraments of
Confirmation and Reception were celebrated during the 10:30 service. It
was also the last "official" visit for Bishop Smith before his
retirement in November. Bishop Smith spent time with the children during
Sunday School and he and his wife Victoria were honored at the reception
following the service and given a framed lithograph of Trinity Church.
Many Congratulations to our new Confirmands: Jim Christian, Michelle
Goody, Kelly Matthews, and Shawn Sandy. Congratulations also to Christine
Christian on her Reception into the Episcopal Church.

 Supper
Club!!: A new season of Supper Club events will
begin on September 24th at 6:30 P.M. at the home of Father Scott and Tina
Hunter. Mark your calendars now and plan on a fun evening of food and
fellowship. Come casual. There is no agenda, just bring a covered dish and
a friend and enjoy a fun evening with fellow Trinitarians. Please call
Tina by Wed. the 22nd at 485-6925 so that she will know what everyone is
planning to bring and how many to expect.

 Trinity
Photo:
(click to enlarge)
On August 13,1999 a photographer at the Parkersburg
News caught a beautiful picture of a rainbow directly over Trinity
Episcopal Church! Those of you who subscribe to the News saw it in
black and white. We were very lucky, through the efforts of Emma Beatty,
to obtain the color print of that photograph. The archives
committee turned this photo into Christmas cards and note cards to be
offered for sale at the 50th annual Trinity Book Sale. We also have 4x6,
5x7 and 8x10 color prints ready for framing, which can be ordered at the
Book Sale. The Christmas cards, in groups of 10 and inscribed with
WISHING YOU A BLESSED CHRISTMAS, are $15.00. Note cards, also in
groups of 10 and blank inside, are $13.50. Checks may be made out to
TRINITY ECW.
For those who would like to order a print, or either of
the groups of cards, please fill out the order sheet in Trinity Hall, or
call Emma at 428-5797 or Barbara Allman at 295-7328. You may leave a
message if no one is at home.

Work
Day A Success: Jennifer
Currey, Building and Grounds Chairperson, has asked that many, many thanks
be extended to the work crew who participated in last Saturday’s Work
Day. They include Jack Dowling, Bill Eason, Eric Lawson, James Wright,
Charlie Culberston, Craig Curry, Sandi Lawson, Connie Waterman and Judson
Currey. The wall came tumbling down to facilitate our Godly Play and the
church lights are burning brightly. The Rector, who was away, joins
Jennifer in thanking all. P.S. We're panning a workday in October,
the honey-do pot is still full !!

Men’s Retreat:
The time for the Men’s Weekend Retreat at Peterkin is approaching
quickly. If you are wanting to attend please sign up as soon as possible.
Sign-up sheets are on the Bulletin Board in Trinity Hall and registration
forms are available through the church office.

Worship Committee: The
Worship Committee will hold its next meeting on Saturday September 18th at
10 a.m. at the church. If you are unable to attend please call LaVerne
Marshall at 485-6291.


Missing
Vase liners: Two of the four vase liners for the
brass vases used on the altar are missing. If you have them or know where
they might be please call Linda Brantner at 863-5833 as soon as possible.

Welcome Back Choir:
Sunday we welcomed back our choir for the Fall
season. It was great to see and hear our choir once again lead the
congregation in song. Congratulations go out to Annie
Mitchell as she begins her 50th year of her ministry as a member of the
Trinity Choir. Choir practices have resumed on Wednesday evenings at 7:00
P.M. at the church. The choir is open to anyone who wishes to join. No
experience is necessary and childcare is provided during rehearsals.

Habitat
Dedication: The
Habitat for Humanity’s Women Raise the Roof Dedication Ceremony was held
last Sunday afternoon. A short service was offered, and Candy Schoonover
and family were presented with a Bible and keys to their new home.
Congratulations to Candy, Carol Olson and everyone else who made this
Habitat Project such a success. If you would like to see pictures of the
dedication service go to Photo's of this afternoon's dedication of the Women's Raise the Roof
project and check them out

The Good Samaritan Clinic
is still in need of volunteers to help
provide a sandwich supper once a month to the workers at the clinic. Two
people are needed to help out on Oct. 14th, and also on Nov. 11th. One
person is needed to provide sandwiches and another is needed to provide a
fruit or vegetable tray on each of these dates. The sign-up sheet is on
the Trinity Hall Bulletin Board. Sign-up and help out !!

T-Shirts: Several
different types of "Episcopal" T-shirts are now available.
T-shirts with the Episcopal Habitat Project logo on the front (see click
art on the left) are being ordered. These shirts are available in red,
white or blue and in sizes from small – 3XL and are 100% cotton. The
prices of the shirts are $12.00 each. Call the office to order and support
our Habitat Project!!!!
Also T-shirts will soon be available advertising the
50th Annual Trinity Book Sale. These shirts are still in the design phase
but sign-up sheets will be available soon. Check out the Bulletin Board
for more information on all the shirts.
| Connies
Corner
Attention Aunts, Uncles,
and Storytellers:
I will have the storytelling video set up in Trinity Hall
next Sunday in order for you to see some example stories. I will be calling
several people this week in order to meet with you and get you on my
schedule. If possible, aunts, uncles, and storytellers should meet with me
briefly the Sunday before they are scheduled in order for me to cover the
material and expectations (really not a big deal). As soon as storytellers
are scheduled I will get them a copy of the story for that day so that they
can practice. Aunts and uncles will hopefully get the jist of their role
once they have met with me and served a time or two.
I will schedule up to Christmas. Here are the Sundays to
sign-up for:
Oct. 3 , Oct. 10 , Oct. 17 , Oct. 24, Oct. 31, Nov.7 , Nov. 14 , Nov. 21 ,
Nov. 28
Dec. 5 , Dec. 12 , and Dec. 19
Thank you so much for getting involved!
Connie
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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, Gladys Fitcher, Julia Batten,
Julia Davis, Shirley Davis, Elsie Reed, Jamie Hill, Virginia Nicely, Dick
Smith, Sarah Jane Yates, Faye Watson, Gene and Periene Oeland, Seldon Stone,
Betty Stout, Michelle Turner, Ann Johnson, Tony and Louann Cattrell, Amanda
and Brian Schwarzel, Tom O’Shea, Sam Dils, and Charlie Cope
Ministers for Sunday,
Sept 12th
| Chalice
Bearers: |
Carol
Olson, Kim Couch, Hamp Fitcher |
| Lectors: |
Carol
Olson, Dianne Johnson, Reed Belasco |
| Ushers: |
Charlie
Culbertson, Forbes Hiehle (We still need your help!) |
| Acolytes: |
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| Coffee
Hour: |
Julie
Matheny and Charlotte Muse |
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Proper for Sept 19th
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Jonah
3:10, Psalm 145, Philippians 1:21-27, Matthew 20:1-16 |
Altar Guild for the week of Sept
15-21
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| Wed.
Sept. 14: Carma Guertin, Sat. Setup: Charlotte and Bill Bee; Sun.
Between: Jennifer
Currey, Clean-up: Cara Bowen,
Betsy Curry; Tues. Sept. 21, Setup: Carma Guertin
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Outreach Items of the Month
 | Cereal |
 | Dishwashing detergent |
Please place in basket at the
back of the church

Christianity
in the
Episcopal
Tradition continues every Sunday through
September 26th at 4:30 p.m.

Adult Forum will
continue starting Sunday, September 19. We will pick up with the
Gospel of Luke, chapter 11. Come along, and bring a friend. |
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 !!! Books are
still needed for the book sale
A big thank you
from the church school kids to all those who
worked so hard to take out the wall and fix up the room. It looks
great! A reminder to coffee hour organizers to please bring an
extra snack and
juice for the nursery.
Thanks! Connie

Parkersburg Area "Christian
Radio" Station

TUNE IN TODAY!
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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.

The Vestry will
have its next regular meeting on Monday Sept. 20th beginning at 7:00
p.m. Meetings are open to all members of the congregation.
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