TIDINGS Trinity’s Mission: Acting in God’s love, Trinity Episcopal Church welcomes everyone to enthusiastically live the Christian faith. We call our members to worship and prayer, lifelong education, spiritual growth, cheerful giving, and active ministry with our community. All members serve as witnesses to Jesus Christ.
Vol. XXVI No. 8 August 2017
FROM THE RECTOR by The Reverend Andrew R. Thayer, Rector
Inside this Issue Stewardship page 2, 3 Christian Formation page 3 Children and Family Ministries page 4 Young Adults page 5 Mission and Outreach page 5 Trinity Connections pages 6, 7
Greetings to the whole Trinity family, As I write this, we are in the process of picking up our lives in Montgomery, Alabama and transitioning to new life with you all in New Orleans. Although moving can be exasperating at times, and saying goodbye painful, I am reminded that although God calls us to places of rest and refreshment, it is often through (or even in) the valleys of discomfort and risk. The call to Abraham required him to leave his homeland; the Israelites arrive in the promised land only after passing through the crucible of 40 years in the wilderness; the disciples are called to follow Jesus but also frequently reminded that the journey is simultaneously to the cross. It is no wonder that the first thing the angels often say is “Do not fear.” These are the first words spoken to Jesus’ own mother, Mary, as she experiences the familiar threefold call narrative from the Hebrew scriptures. First, she is told “do not be afraid.” Second, she receives the invitation to participate in God’s unfolding drama. Thirdly, she is promised that God is with her as she is told to name her child ‘God is with you’ which in Hebrew is simply ‘Emmanuel.’ The crucial aspect of this narrative is the ability to face uncertainty, even crisis, in faith and not fear. Perhaps the opposite of faith isn’t doubt, but rather being crippled by fear. The great theologian, Thomas Aquinas, says that giving in to fear causes a ‘contraction of the soul,’ we invert, we turn inside, we adopt a defensive posture, turning ourselves, our energies our resources inside. He compares it to a city under siege. However, when we choose to participate in God’s plan, to face our fears in the sure and certain hope that God is with us, we are very near the kingdom of God. To be called to such an august church as Trinity is a humbling prospect. With transitions come at least some degree of uncertainty and anxiety. I feel it myself. I have been able to allay my fears by coming to know this community through your search committee and vestry in whom I sense the Spirit working and through whom I have already been blessed. Please thank them as you cross their paths for their radical hospitality, vision, and hard work. This process, and God’s hand in it, persuades me that there is a bright future ahead for Trinity Church and I am energized to be a part of it. I hope you will join us all on August 27 after the 10:30 am service so that we may celebrate this bright future together.
—The Reverend Andrew R. Thayer
Stewardship
Flood Relief One Year Later
This August marks one year since the great flood that impacted much of Baton Rouge and surrounding areas of Louisiana. In the wake of the devastation Trinity’s members rallied, collecting food, cleaning supplies, air mattresses, clothing, and much more. Meals were served, homes and other buildings were gutted, and our parishioners gave generously of their time and talents, as well as their treasure. While much of the monetary donations we received were spent in the immediate aftermath helping people with needs for food and shelter, Trinity’s books carried a balance of $10,500 in the “flood relief fund.” Upon Corky’s request and Bishop Thompson suggestion, Trinity’s Vestry voted and approved that Trinity Church give this money to St. Francis Episcopal Church in Denham Springs, to help them rebuild from the flood. On July 6, The Rev. Corky Carlisle and Bishop Thompson presented a check for $10,500 to St. Francis. Twenty-five parishioners, including their Sr. Warden and their Rector, were there to accept the gift. They were extremely grateful for the gift and were so touched to know that our church community cared so much for them. Dear Father Carlisle, This card and letter are to express the gratitude of the parishioners of St. Francis Episcopal Church for your very generous gift to help us in our rebuilding after the devastating flood of August 2016. To be remembered with such generosity is humbling beyond words. 50-60% of our parishioners were affected by the flood. As you may have observed on your visit to our town, most of the businesses in Denham Springs are up and running and our parishioners are beginning to return to their homes. It has been a slow process but the people of St. Francis have maintained a positive outlook which has been sustained because of such gifts as your that remind us of God’s provision. Please express our heartfelt thanks to your vestry and anyone else who may have been instrumental in providing this wonderful gift to us. Again, thank you and may God richly bless you and the work that is done through Trinity Episcopal Church in the name of Christ. In peace and thanksgiving, Gerald Rainey Senior Warden Bishop Thompson, Gerald Rainey and Corky Carlisle St. Francis Episcopal Church 2
Stewardship
by Raina O’Neil, Director of Development
Please note that some job responsibilities have recently shifted. For all things related to pledging, gifts to ministries, memorial gifts, the endowments (including TPMEF), bequests, in-kind donations, etc., please contact Raina O’Neil at 670-2537 or roneil@trinitynola.com. Maria Elliott will continue to oversee Pastoral Care ministries and can be reached at 670-2535 or melliott@trinitynola.com.
Christian Formation
by The Reverend Katherine S. McLean, Associate Rector
What Is Radical Welcome??!!
When we talk about radical welcome, what do we mean? As with many words, the word “radical” has several definitions and connotations and its meaning varies with context. However, in the dictionary, the first meaning of radical is “of or going to the root or origin.” Of or going to the root or origin… So who or what IS our root or origin here at Trinity Church? Our origin and root is a God who is Love as revealed to us through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the first part of the Great Commandment given to us by Jesus we are told, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). Loving God is the clear priority. Our love is what God desires and requires before anything else. And as Presiding Bishop Michael Curry preached last summer, “the key to the fruit is in the root.” So if our root is God and God is love, how do we love God back? First by being oriented toward and present to God, and present not only on our good days or bad days or when we feel like it. God wants us to show up all the time with all that we are. Worship is an important way of being present, of loving God. So, too, is prayer. God likes to hear from us, and God is not just interested in our strengths and successes but also in our doubts and fears and failures. If we do not bring all aspects of our selves and lives to God, then we are not fully present. But the second commandment that Jesus gives, “you shall love your neighbor as yourself,” makes clear that part and parcel of love of God is love of our neighbor, love of each other. Jesus also repeatedly tells us and shows us that our neighbor is everyone, that there are no exceptions. We are ALL equally beloved children of God, no matter who else we think we are or what we have done or not done. The way we live in community, the way we live with each other, matters deeply to God, because each of us matters deeply to God. There is no hierarchy in God’s love….or God’s welcome.
When we welcome others “radically,” then we are simply welcoming others as God welcomes each of us. As followers of Jesus, that welcome is Christ-centered and like Christ is Compassionate, Hospitable, Reconciling, Intentional, Spirit-led and Transformative. How we live and love at and from Trinity Church and in our individual lives is up to each of us, and the ways we engage with God and with each other are as varied as we are. But one of the many ways in which we can love God more fully and deeply in and from this faith community is through no-holds-barred, doors-wide-open welcome. Whether at church or at work, in our homes or on the street, when we live radical welcome, we are living into God’s heart and with our own.
Radical
Welcome
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Compassionate Hospitable Reconciling Intentional Spirit-Led Transformative
SAVE THE DATE! Trinity Church All-Parish Welcome Event Introducing
The Rev. Andrew Thayer & Family Sunday, August 27 Following the 10:30am Service
Children & Family Ministries
by Ashley Bond, Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
10 Ways to Radically Welcome Children at Church He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” Mark 9:36-37 When a child is baptized, we, as a faith community, promise to “do all in our power to support them in their life in Christ.” So what does this promise actually look like on a Sunday morning? Here are ten ideas for how we can radically welcome the littlest of these: 1. Free yourself from worry about children’s behavior and be open to receiving their ministry to you. 2. During the Peace, be sure to welcome children near you and greet them as members of the family of Christ. 3. Learn their names and and be sure to introduce yourself, too. Names are so important, especially to a child. 4. Include them in your conversations after the service to let them know they belong. 5. Show them where we are in the service using the bulletin. 6. Help them open their hymnals to the right page and sing together. 7. Don’t be afraid to play a quick game of peek-aboo, offer a “treasure” from your pocket or a penny for the offering plate. 8. Invite a child (and her family) that you know to sit with you. 9. If you notice a child who was singing his or her heart out or was especially patient or listened attentively, tell him or her so! 10. Tell the children you are glad to see them and will be looking for them next week.
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Mark your calendar! Saturday, August 19 Godly Play Workshop for current and interested Godly Play practitioners. All current storytellers and doorkeepers are encouraged to attend, as well as anyone interested in learning the processes and Core stories of Godly Play as well as the theology behind these practices. This time of retreat will strengthen your understanding of children’s spirituality and leave you spiritually refreshed! RSVP to abond@ trinitynola.com. Wednesday, August 23 Mom’s Bible Study reconvenes at 8:15 am in Howcott Room. Sunday, August 27 Godly Play Opening & Celebration, Commissioning of Godly Play teachers, and Radical Welcome Parish Picnic celebrating the call and arrival of Rev. Andy Thayer and his family.
Cyber Seniors - Tech-Savvy Teens Wanted CYBER SENIORS is a new inter-generational ministry. Our goal is to engage youth mentors in bridging the technology gap by empowering older adults to use technology to expand their social and physical worlds. We are looking for tech-savvy teens to become mentors and meet with older adults after church to help them solve problems, learn about and utilize social media, Google, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, FaceTime, Skype, Twitter, email, photo sharing, iPhone/iPad settings, software updates, shortcuts, searching and downloading Apps, listening to music and podcasts, subscribing to newsletters, etc. It’s so much fun! This is an opportunity for our young people to share their gifts of technology and for our older adults to share their life with them. It’s a win-win. Please email Ashley Bond at abond@trinitynola.com if you know a young person who might be interested.
Mission and Outreach by Ashley Eastham, Young Adults Minister (aeastham@trinitynola.com)
What is RADICAL WELCOME?
Many members of our young adult community moved to this city and church during a time of seeking – for a new career, a growing relationship, or a space to explore and grow. In a time of great vulnerability and unpredictable transition, they head to church looking for a community of shared faith and support. I hear over and over again how “millenials” are leaving the church, or not even showing up. I couldn’t disagree more. They are showing up, but with too many stories about the church’s role in their experiences of exclusion and brokenness. Christ-like radical welcome is anything but easy. It requires us to be vigilant, vulnerable, and active. For Trinity’s young adults, compassionate welcome looks like belonging and camaraderie. Hospitable welcome actively invites. Reconciling welcome listens. Intentional welcome makes the effort. Spirit-led welcome shares prayer. Transformative welcome says, “You are a beloved child of God,” and proceeds to treat you that way. Is that so radical? – Ashley Eastham
Trinity’s 20s & 30s Theology & Tacos
Meet at Superior Grill (3636 St Charles Avenue) on Tuesday, August 15 from 6:00 pm 8:00 pm for complimentary tacos and theological discussion with friends old and new. Topic to be announced.
Saturday Service at Second Harvest Food Bank
We have ten volunteer slots to fill on Saturday, August 12 from 11:30 am - 2:30 pm. Please share three hours of your time to fight hunger in our city. Contact aeastham@trinitynola.com to sign up!
Trinity Counseling & Training Center (TCTC) Update Since its founding in 1986 as a ministry of Trinity Church, TCTC’s mission has been to provide high-quality counseling and mental health services in the local community. In 2015 Trinity partnered with the St. Thomas Community Health Center in order to continue and grow this vital service. This partnership relieved Trinity Church of the financial obligation associated with providing mental health services, while clients benefitted from the established patient network and operational efficiencies of the St. Thomas Clinic. For the past 18 months, Dr. Don Erwin and the St. Thomas Clinic staff were successful in expanding their capacity to continue this important work as they cared for clients at the TCTC building located on Trinity’s campus. Later this year, St. Thomas will be moving their counseling and treatment operation to a new, larger facility close to their clinic, and the now-vacant TCTC building on Coliseum Street will ultimately be repurposed, after undergoing some much-needed repairs and renovation. At this time, the mental health treatment offices are located at the St. Thomas Community Health Center, 1020 Saint Andrew Street, New Orleans; telephone 504-529-9144. Quality counseling services will continue to be provided at the new site, on a sliding scale to our community, and the clinic accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. The Trinity Church community gives thanks to those whose vision and dedication created this ministry on Trinity’s campus, and to those who nurtured its development as TCTC for the past 30 years. We also give thanks to Trinity member Dr. Erwin and the St. Thomas Clinic for their steadfast work in assuring that all members of our community will have access to this vital medical treatment going forward. A reception is being planned to celebrate the efforts of those who have made this ministry the success that it is. Please be on the lookout for an upcoming announcement for the date and location of this celebration. We hope you will be able to join us.
What’s happening at Trinity? Go online at www.trinitynola.com for updated information on Trinity events. 5
Trinity Connections Pastoral Care
Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night. They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper. -Psalm 1:1-3 This passage was offered to me for meditation on a recent retreat - my first silent retreat - and as I sat under towering pine trees and in the shade of ancient oaks, I thought about how deeply their roots penetrate the soil to drink from the underground streams. I had spent several days admiring the majesty of those trees. The part I could see and enjoy. But I hadn’t thought much at all about the inner work necessary to produce such natural beauty. Especially how much water! In visiting my mother earlier this summer, I was a bit alarmed to hear she had nearly passed out a couple of times due to a drop in blood pressure. One of our parishioners recently mentioned having the same problem due to dehydration, which leads me to write this little reminder to everyone, DRINK WATER! Drink deeply and often. Water helps us maintain balance, fluids, electrolytes, flexibility, blood pressure and skin tone, and healthy organs. Many illnesses and chronic health issues can be controlled by drinking enough water, and in the summer heat of Louisiana it is crucial. Jesus knew the vital importance of water to our bodies and used it as a metaphor himself. ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, “Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.” ’ (John 7:37-38) Drink deeply! - Maria Elliott
Out and About Out and About will visit the New Orleans Museum of Art, on Wednesday, August 16. We will plan to visit from 10:00 - 11:45 am and then meet in Cafe NOMA for lunch. The museum is free to Louisiana residents on Wednesday. This will be a self-led tour so we can see what we like and share our experiences over lunch. Call or email Maria Elliott (670-2535/melliott@trinitynola.com) to reserve your spot at lunch or to join a carpool.
Education for Ministry (EfM)
EfM is an program for adult Christian formation and theological education and reflection offered by the School of Theology at The University of the South. It is designed to help individuals deepen their passion for ministry. The course is offered by extension, all over the world, and takes place in a small-group setting of 6-12 people learning together through scripture, prayer, and guided reflection. The complete course is four years, though you are only asked to commit to one year at a time.The first year covers Hebrew Scriptures and the curriculum includes New Testament, Church History, Theology, Ethics and Interfaith Encounter over the four year period. Trinity will offer one group on Monday evenings from 6 - 8 pm led by Ted George and Dan Chapman, and a second group Monday mornings 9:30-11:30 am led by Christina Fay and Maria Elliott. There is space available in both time slots. If you’d like to know more about EfM please contact Maria Elliott melliott@trinitynola.com or call 504-670-2535.
Are you receiving our emails? As more and more of our communication is shared electronically, it’s critical that we have your correct email address. If you haven’t been receiving Tidings (our monthly newsletter) or Trinity Connections (our weekly email announcements) lately, then we need to hear from you! Please check your inbox and let us know if you haven’t heard from us in awhile. Please call Kriste Buck at 504-670-2513 with any updates. Thank you! 6
If you are planning to move, please notify Kriste Buck (kbuck@trinitynola.com) at the church office of your new address. Also, if your telephone number or email address changes, please let us know so we can keep our records current.
Trinity Connections
Trinity Fall Rummage Sale October 4 through October 7, 2017
Thank you so much for continuing to bring your gently used items to church for our Fall Rummage Sale. We really need them and YOU. The sale is possible because of your help to sort, mark, organize, run the registers, etc. The sale is a big win for our customers and volunteers, and the funds raised goes to the WOTC for community grants. Questions or suggestions contact Bruna Mora at brunamora@yahoo.com or Laura Williams at laurawwms@gmail.com.
Trinity Loaves and Fishes Cabaret and Silent Auction Thursday October 12, 2017 6:30 - 8:30 pm Bishop Polk Hall
Please mark your calendars for Trinity Loaves and Fishes Cabaret and Silent Auction on Thursday, October 12, 2017. Wonderful Anais St. John will perform as we serve delicious food and drink with opportunities to bid on our Silent Auction items. Funds raised will go to support our community ministry which annually makes about 32,000 bag meals for children in after school programs, those folks who are homeless and those with HIV. Tickets will be $30.00 a person. If you know of an individual or business that could be a sponsor or donate to the Silent Auction please contact Ellinor Howard at ellinor@bellsouth.net or Laura Williams at laurawwms@gmail.com.
Memorial Stones for St. Francis Garden
If you would like to place a flat stone in memory of a beloved pet, Adirondack Stone Works provides custom engraved pet memorial stones at affordable prices. Shipping is free and your stone usually arrives in about a week. There are several stones already in the garden. You may also place your pet’s ashes in the garden under the stone. The feast of St. Francis is celebrated on the first Sunday afternoon in October, so order soon if you want to be sure your stone arrives in time. Website: www. petmemorial.net For further info, contact Regina Matthews, romesqnola@gmail.com.
Trinity Artist Series Sundays at 5 pm August 6
Armand St Martin, a 10th generation
and entertainer.
August 13
The Legendary New Orleans Trombone Choir, directed by John Risey, in a program of favorites from Pop Culture hits to Gospel and Jazz.
August 20
Katalin Lukacks, prize-winning pianist performs Etudes and Sonatas from Franz Liszt.
August 27
Jo “Cool” Davis Annual Memorial Concert with Cordell Chambliss & Friends. Gospel and Jazz.
New Orleanian, piano-man extraordinaire
Every Tuesday at 6 pm Organ and Labyrinth Albinas plays the 5000-pipe tracker organ with ambient lighting and occasional guest musicians. From Bach to the Beatles and beyond! Since Katrina, a unique and magical distinctively New Orleans musical meditation. All are welcome. See www.albinas.org for more details.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
CASA are volunteers from all walks of life, 21 years and older, passionate about improving children’s lives, and objective during investigation and advocating for their CASA child. To become an advocate in Jefferson Parish, go to www.casajefferson.org and fill out an application online. After an orientation and interview, you will go through training then be sworn in as an CASA advocate by one of the Judges of Juvenile Court. You will become the eyes and ears of the Court advocating for the best interest of the child. For information on CASA Jefferson, contact Margaret Ether at 533-8757 or mether@casajefferson.org. There is a CASA program in Orleans Parish. The contact is Gabriel Harvey at 522-1962 or gharvey@casaneworleans.org. Any questions, contact Deacon Alyce at ajefferson@trinitynola.com.
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Clergy
Worship Schedule
The Right Reverend Morris K. Thompson, Bishop The Reverend Andrew R. Thayer, Rector he Reverend Katherine S. McLean, Associate Rector The Reverend Alyce Jefferson, Deacon The Reverend Jay Albert, Deacon The Reverend E. Gary Taylor, Head of Trinity School The Reverend Dr. Hill C. Riddle, Rector Emeritus
SUNDAY 7:30 AM: Morning Prayer in the chapel 8:00 AM: Eucharist in the chapel 10:30 AM: Eucharist in the church 5:00 PM: Trinity Artist Series in the church 6:00 PM: Eucharist in the chapel
Vestry John Fay, Jr., Senior Warden Barbara Waller, Junior Warden Kelly Duncan, Clerk of Vestry Keith Crawford, Treasurer Phillip Gordillo, Elaine Haney, John Hevron, Ellinor Howard, Susu Kearney, Gordon Kolb, Heather Lonian, Chris Martin, Margaret Murphy, Alice Parkerson, Marguerite Redwine, Jim Theis, Carrie Wright John Wogan, Chancellor Mary Sutton, WOTC President Jill Pipes, Trinity School Board Chair
TUESDAY 7:30 AM: Eucharist in the chapel 8:30 AM: Morning Prayer in the chapel 6:00 PM: Organ and Labyrinth in the church THURSDAY 10:30 AM: Holy Eucharist and Healing Service in the chapel
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