Tidings Trinity Episcopal Church December 2018 /January 2019
CONTENTS The Season of Advent
1
Stewardship this Advent Season First Sunday
2
3
The Feast of St. Nicholas
4
Christmas Giving Opportunities
4
Vestry Nominations
5
December/January Calendar
6
Exoloring the Enneagram
CLERGY
The Rev. Andrew R. Thayer, Rector (670-2524) The Rev. Katherine S. McLean, Associate Rector (670-2584) The Rev. John M. Pitzer, Associate Rector (670-2527) The Rev. Jane-Allison Wiggin-Nettles, Associate Rector (670-2516) The Rev. Robert Hadzor, Trinity School Chaplain/Assisting Priest The Rev. E. Gary Taylor, Head of School The Rev. Alyce Jefferson, Deacon
8
Advent Quiet Day
10
Advent Lessons and Carols
10
Overnight Pilgrimage to the Legacy Museum and National Musuem for Peace and Justice
12
Just What is the Diocesan Assessment?
13
The Parish Register - Births, Baptisms, Deaths
13
VESTRY
Barbara Waller, Senior Warden Gordon Kolb, Junior Warden Chris Martin, Clerk of Vestry Keith Crawford, Treasurer Michelle Cox, John Fay, Cres Gardner, Philip Gordillo, Elaine Haney, Ellinor Howard, Heather Lonian, Marky Murphy, Alice Parkerson, Marguerite Redwine, Jim Theis, Carrie Wright, George Young
CONTACT NUMBERS Main Number Pastoral Care
(504) 522-0276 (504) 670-2535
Kriste Buck Ashley Bond Ashley Eastham Maria Elliott Tina Grant Raina O’Neil Paul Weber
(504) 670-2513 (504) 670-2519 (504) 670-2526 (504) 670-2535 (504) 522-0276 (504) 670-2537 (504) 522-0276
John Wogan, Chancellor Bo Farrell, WOTC President Jill Pipes, Trinity School Board Chair
The Rev. Jay Albert, Deacon
Special thanks to Ann Crane who created the beautiful Advent Wreath for our December/January issue of Tidings.
The Tidings Newsletter is published bi-monthly by Trinity Episcopal Church. 1329 Jackson Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130 504-522-0276 • www.trinitynola.com
The Season
of Advent
Advent is a time of great expectation for the arrival of Christ. The root of the word Advent is found in Latin for what is to come. When guests come, we hurry to prepare their rooms and fix a special meal. When someone is about to arrive, we naturally make ourselves ready to welcome them. Advent is much the same, as we resist the urge to be busy, and instead prepare to invite Christ to come and transform our lives. Time in Advent is multidirectional. On the one hand, we as Christians use this season to look back in time. We imagine the Mother Mary and the Father Joseph coming to Bethlehem. We picture them welcoming the miracle of the infant Christ child. How small and vulnerable the newborn “Emmanuel,” which means God With Us, looked. Looking to the future, Advent is a season where we remember the time that is not yet. The Nicene Creed says Jesus will come again... and his kingdom will have no end. We are looking forward to a kingdom that is different from all others. After all, the King of Kings came to be born, not in splendor, but in simplicity. As the year comes to an end, that is also a new beginning, Advent reminds us to intentionally look around and celebrate the actions that build up the Body of Christ today. Living in the present, we work to experience that heavenly kingdom on earth and invite others to work alongside us. Let us welcome this sacred time of Advent to draw close to the presence of God. I invite you to look for God With Us while looking back, looking around, and looking forward. May this time be holy, good, and peaceful. The Reverend Jane-Allison E. Wiggin-Nettles
Christmas Season Services at Trinity Sunday, December 16 Lessons and Carols Celebrating Our Mission Partners, 5:00 pm Monday, December 17 Liturgy of Light in the Darkness, 6:00 pm Friday, December 21 Trinity Episcopal School Lessons and Carols, 5:30 pm
Monday, December 24 Children’s Christmas Pageant, 10:30 am Festival Holy Eucharist, 4:00 pm and 9:30 pm Nursery is available for children under 3 years old at the 10:30 am and 4:00 pm services. Tuesday, December 25 Holy Eucharist, 10:30 am Saturday, February 2 Evensong for the Feast of Candlemas, 4:00 pm
Trinity Episcopal Church • Tidings
1
Dear Friends, In this Advent and Christmas season there is a recurring theme in the scriptures - “Do not fear” “Do not be afraid.” This chorus from God’s messengers reminds us, on several fronts, to be the people we are called to be despite the challenges, obstacles, or doubt we may experience. When the Angel Gabriel visits Mary to announce that she would bear a son, her “Yes” to God’s plan wasn’t without cost or doubts or fears. There is so much in our world that teaches us to live fearfully. If we do not practice seeing the world through God-tinted lenses it is easy to be overcome by fear. The news cycle, the political climate, economic pressures that we all face contribute to the feeling that something bad is about to happen. Trinity Church works to be an antidote and an alternative way to see and to be in the world. I am convinced that to say our “Yes” to God is a brave thing, a trusting act not possible if we live in a posture of scarcity. Advent is a season of HOPE and New Beginnings and you are invited to participate in God’s plan happening here and now. We are asking you to make a gift so that our New Beginning has the capacity to do all we are called to do in the days and years ahead. Draw nearer to God in this season of hope, and with an act of faith become a part of God’s vision for the world through Trinity Church.
Consider these Advent/Christmas Stories: To Joseph: “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife…” Matthew 1:20 To Mary: “Do not be afraid for you have found favor with God…” Luke 1:30 To Shepherds: “Do not be afraid; for see - I am bringing you good news of great joy…” Luke 2:10
Yours in Christ,
The Rev. Andrew Thayer
L o v i n g G o d , p l e a s e g i ve m e t he c o u ra g e t o we l c o m e t he L o ve o f C h r i st t o f i l l m y he a r t t o d ay s o t h at t he r e i s n o r o o m f o r fe a r . A m e n . Make Your 2019 Pledge Today! Your courageous pledge offers hope to a hurting world and serves as a source of critical support for our parish. Now is the time to make your 2019 pledge if you have not already done so. Please consider increasing your pledge, and take a moment to complete your pledge form today at trinitynola.com/trinitypledge or call 504-670-2537. Thank you for being a partner in our shared work for hope! WHY YOUR INCREASED PLEDGE MATTERS
Help us invest in these strategic priorities: • Connecting each parishioner to a way to serve or minister • Developing a pipeline of Lay Leadership
5-10% increase
allows us to invest in strategic priorities
3% increase
maintains status quo
.................................................
• Improving how we communicate • Building a robust youth ministry and young families ministry
.........................
• Assessing our ministries and the resources needed to sustain them
Trinity Episcopal Church • Tidings
3
Come Celebrate
THE FEAST OF ST. NICHOLAS On Wednesday, December 5, we will celebrate the Feast of Saint Nicholas in Bishop Polk Hall beginning with dinner at 6:00 pm. St. Nicholas is the inspiration for our current day Jolly Ol’ St. Nick. Nicholas was born to wealthy parents in the third century on the southern coast of Turkey. After losing both parents in an epidemic, he chose to give all his inheritance to the poor. Nicholas would eventually become Bishop of Myra. As bishop, he became known as someone who freely gave the gift of hope to those in hopeless situations. Nicholas was a shepherd of the people. He fought for justice, found food in times of famine, and was devoted to serving the poor.
Remind you of anyone? Join us as we share in a feast, learn about the original Saint Nicholas and decorate Speculaas Koekjes (Dutch Spice Cookies), that will be distributed to our hungry brothers and sisters through our Trinity Loaves and Fishes Ministry.
C
hristmas provides that special opportunity to be a blessing through giving. Trinity offers two easy ways to give: the Christmas Giving Tree for Kingsley House or Trinity Christmas Cards benefiting Trinity ministries.
Christmas Giving Tree for Kingsley House
Trinity Christmas Cards
Share the abundance of God’s blessings this Advent by helping give Christmas gifts through our community partner, Kingsley House! At Kingsley House, there are 65 participants in the Adult Day Care program. We will have tags on a Christmas tree in the undercroft with suggested items. Monetary donations are also appreciated if you prefer to have someone else be your personal shopper! If you are interested in accompanying us to deliver these gifts, please contact Kit at Kmclean@trinitynola.com or Maria at melliott@trinitynola.com. We will visit the folks at Kingsley House on December 20 at 10:30 am. 4
Trinity Christmas Cards are available for a $10 minimum donation, benefiting the ministry of your choice: Trinity Educational Enrichment Program (TEEP) Trinity Loaves & Fishes Trinity Medical Mission Trinity Music Ministry Trinity Artist Series Loaves & Fishes Africa Christmas Giving at Kingsley House Cards are available in Ashley Eastham’s office during the week, or send your check to Trinity Episcopal Church, attn: Ashley Eastham, 1329 Jackson Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130. Please specify which ministries you wish to benefit.
Trinity Episcopal Church • Tidings
The Vestry Nominating Committee is looking for future church leaders and we want your input. We invite the members of our congregation to participate in the process by submitting names for consideration. It would be helpful to include background information on the nominee, including talents and interests. A Vestry term is four years and begins on June 1.
Vestry Nominations
Candidates must have been a member of the church for one year, be over age 21, and have been confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church by a bishop of the church. Nominees must also have provided financial support, as confirmed by the Church’s stewardship records, within the six months preceding the Annual Meeting to be held in the Spring. Expectations and Responsibilities of Vestry members include: • Regular Sunday worship • Attendance at forums, special events, and programs of the church • Active involvement in committees and programs of the church • Service on Vestry committees • Leadership in stewardship activities, including an annual personal pledge • Participation in annual budget development and review • Support of the ministry of the Rector and staff in carrying out the mission of the church • Attendance at monthly Vestry meetings and annual Vestry retreat • Participation in (or have participated in) anti-racism training • Active involvement in hospitality and welcoming activities Please send nominations to Elaine Haney, Nominating Committee Chair, elaineshaney@aol.com. The deadline for submitting nominations is February 1, 2019. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration.
KREWE DE VOIX CHAMBER CHOIR Paul Weber, director
Christmas in Tudor England Carols, Motets & Hymns of 16th-century Britain Friday, December 7 at 7:00 pm Trinity Episcopal Church - 1329 Jackson Avenue Free admission - donations appreciated
CALEN WORSHIP SCHEDULE
SUN
TUES
7:30 am: Morning Prayer in the Chapel 8:00 am: Eucharist in the Chapel 10:30 am: Eucharist in the Church 6:00 pm: Eucharist in the Chapel 7:30 am: Eucharist in the Chapel 6:00 pm: Organ and Labyrinth in the Church
DECEMBER 02
First Sunday 8:30 am with breakfast followed by Trinity Talk at 9:15 am
04
Trinity’s 20s & 30s Progressive Dinner 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
05
Trinity Treasures Holiday Boutique at Lambeth House Quiet Day at the Solomon Center (see page 12) Feast of St. Nicholas 6:00 pm (see page 4) Advent Home Eucharist 6:00 - 8:00 pm For more information contact John Pitzer
07
Krewe de Voix Christmas 7:00 pm in the Church
08
PRC Holiday Home Tour Trinity Treasures selling at PRC Holiday Tour NOLA Black Chorale Christmas Concert 6:00 pm in the Church
09
PRC Holiday Home Tour in Bishop Polk Hall Trinity Treasures selling at PRC Holiday Tour in Bishop Polk Hall
12
Advent Home Eucharist 6:00 - 8:00 pm For more information contact John Pitzer
16
Lessons and Carols with Mission Partners in the Church (see page 12) 5:00 pm in the Church
12 Steps for Everyone 9:15 am in the Board Room
17
Liturgy of Light in the Darkness 6:00 pm in the Chapel
Faith and Fiction 9:15 am in the Parish House
19
Christmas Caroling 6:00 pm meet in Bishop Polk Hall
WEEKLY EVENTS SUN
Trinity Artist Series 5:00 pm in the Church
MON
WED
Advent Home Eucharist 6:00 - 8:00 pm For more information contact John Pitzer
ALANON 6:00 pm in the Board Room
21
Recovery Meeting 6:30 pm in the Moore Library
Trinity School Lessons and Carols 5:00 pm in the Church
23
Messiah Holiday Concert 5:00 pm in the Church
Intercessory Prayer Group 1:30 pm in the Moore Library Men’s Prayer Breakfast 6:45 am in the Parish House
6
Trinity Episcopal Church • Tidings
NDAR 24
Christmas Eve (Church office closed) Children’s Christmas Pageant 10:30 am in the Church
15
Shelter Documentary and Supper with James R. Kelly, Executive Director Covenant House 6:00 pm in Bishop Polk Hall
Festival Holy Eucharist 4:00 pm and 9:30 pm in the Church
16
Out and About - Covenant House 9:00 am - 1200 pm
25
Christmas Day (Church office closed) Holy Eucharist 10:30 am in the Church
18 to 19
26
Church office closed
31
Church office closed
Diocesan Sustainable Youth Ministry Conference Hosted by Trinity Friday 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm with Dinner Saturday 10:00 am to 2:30 pm with Lunch Cost $50 per person with scholarships available To register, email jwigginnettles@trinitynola.com
21
Church office closed
23
WOTC Pot Luck Dinner 6:00-8:30 in the Parish House
25 to 26
Trinity on the Road: Overnight Pilgrimage to Legacy Museum and National Musuem for Peace and Justice (see page 12)
JANUARY 01
Church office closed
05
Epiphany Retreat (see back page) 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
06
Feast of the Epiphany First Sunday 8:30 am with breakfast followed by Trinity Talk at 9:15 am
09
WOTC Board Meeting 8:30 in the Board Room
10 to 13
Enneagram Workshops with Sandra Smith (see page 8)
13
Baptism - Contact Tina Grant 10:30 am in the Church
SAVE THE DATE FEBRUARY 1
CELEBRATING
30
Y EARS 1988- 2018
Color Key Code
BLUE - Music Events RED - Children, Youth and Family Events Staff Contacts located in front cover
TRINITY ARTIST SERIES Trinity Episcopal Church • Tidings
7
Exploring the Enneagram Have you ever wondered what makes people behave in certain ways? Why one
person may give you the shirt off his or her back, while another may argue ‘why have a shirt at all?’ Human behavior can be confounding, but the Enneagram may be just the tool to help us self-observe. Sandra Smith, MDiv is a Certified Narrative Enneagram Teacher who teaches the Enneagram for personal, professional and spiritual growth throughout North America. She will be leading an Enneagram workshop at Trinity Church in January. Maria Elliott sat down with Sandra to learn more. Maria Elliott (ME): Why is the Enneagram system different from other personality systems?
Sandra Smith (SS): The Enneagram map offers us the details of nine unique perspectives, indicating our inherent strengths, our filter for receiving information, core fear and our motivation behind behaviors. And here lies the difference between the Enneagram and other personality inventories. Myers Briggs, DISC, Colors and others speak to behavior only. The Enneagram offers a deeper dive, looking at the motivations that drive us. Knowing this gives us greater capacity to get out of our own way and shift behavior. It’s a complex system with stunning depth. ME: How do we begin using the system? SS: The first step in working with the Enneagram is to discern which of the nine Enneagram types is us at our core. This requires us to observe ourselves and get curious about who we are and what drives us. We have to look beneath our behavior! Once 8
“Bottom line, the patterns, filters and preferences of our Enneagram type drive behaviors that impact our relationships. Now that’s worth exploring, don’t you think?” Sandra Smith, MDiv we know our type, then we have the right trailhead to follow into deepening our self-awareness and unlocking ourselves from automatic patterns and internal false narratives. Waking up from a life in lockstep with patterns to an expanded perspective and responsible choice is a powerful result of working the Enneagram. The Enneagram is NOT a typing system but a pathway to freedom from self-limiting behaviors. To see it as a typing system would be analogous to driving to the trailhead but not taking the hike.
Trinity Episcopal Church • Tidings
ME: Sandra, how has this been useful in your
of control” to see the many ways all is in control or as it should be. The world really doesn’t need my directing. Well, lo and behold!!
own life?
SS: In my own life, learning about my type Eight style has been eye-opening and life changing. For example, my character structure is one of intense energy, strong passions and opinions. Well, I sort of knew this, but to see it written out and myself described so accurately really brought the point home. Becoming aware of how frequently this occurs is humbling! Slowly, I’m learning to soften my energy, ask more questions and develop more curiosity. Additionally, my type has a preference to focus first on what is out of control and needs my directing. In other words, sometimes I’ll see the weeds before the flowers. With this bit of information, I now practice expanding my scan for the “out
I think of the Enneagram as an internal diversity system. Being curious about another’s perspective that isn’t our own allows our judgement to soften into curiosity and dissolves knee-jerk reactions. At this specific point on our country’s history, the Enneagram can be a real gift, leading us to welcome differences. Bottom line, the patterns, filters and preferences of our Enneagram type drive behaviors that impact our relationships. Now that’s worth exploring, don’t you think?
“I have been studying the Enneagram for about 10 years. Not only have I learned a great deal about myself, I am more understanding and supportive of others, especially my children. The Enneagram has helped me to appreciate how each person’s reaction to the same stimulus can be very different.” Sally O’Meallie
Seven Indicators of Spiritual Growth
Thursday, January 10, 1:00-5:30 pm This workshop is for people who have been working with the Enneagram system and would like tools for evaluating personal growth.
Nine Panels Workshop
Friday, January 11, 1:30-6:00 pm and Saturday, January 12, 9:00 am-5:00 pm A wonderful introduction to the nine panels by hearing from people leading with each of the types. This workshop is for curious beginners as well as anyone who wants to deepen understanding of the basic types. What makes us tick? How do we limit ourselves?
Subtypes Workshop
Sunday, January 13, 1:00-6:00 pm For folks with a working knowledge of the 9 types to explore the three sub-types and how they may play a central role in interpersonal and spiritual relationships.
Register
You may register online at https://www.trinitynola.com/2019-enneagram-workshops or by contacting Maria Elliott at melliott@trinitynola.com or 504-670-2535. Discounts are available for registering early and combining workshops. Scholarships available.
Trinity Episcopal Church • Tidings
9
The Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration
Join Us for an Overnight Trip of Learning Once again, Trinity Church will travel together and experience a part of our history that is often difficult to face. On an overnight trip to Montgomery, Alabama we will visit The Legacy Museum: from Enslavement to Mass Incarceration, and The National Memorial for Peace and Justice.
Trip Information
The Legacy Museum
Friday, January 25 Saturday, January 26 $100 per person, inclusive of roundtrip transportation, three meals and admission to exhibits.
Located on the site of a former warehouse where black people were enslaved in Montgomery, Alabama, this narrative museum uses interactive media, sculpture, videography and exhibits to immerse visitors in the sights and sounds of the domestic slave trade, racial terrorism, the Jim Crow South, and the world’s largest prison system. Compelling visuals and data-rich exhibits provide a one-of-a-kind opportunity to investigate America's history of racial injustice and its legacy — to draw dynamic connections across generations of Americans impacted by the tragic history of racial inequality.
The National Memorial for Peace and Justice
On a six-acre site atop a rise overlooking Montgomery, the national lynching memorial is a sacred space for truth-telling and reflection about racial terror in America and its legacy.
Depart from Trinity Church on Friday at 5:00 pm with dinner provided on the bus. Visit the Museum and Memorial on Saturday, with return to Trinity expected by 9:00 pm. It will be your responsibility to secure your overnight accommodations. A hotel room block with discounted rates will be available. The identified hotel will be home base for all bus transportation and Saturday’s breakfast. Scholarships are available. Register https://www.trinitynola.com/trinityontheroad
10
Embracing Our History
Top: Trinity parishioners visit St. Joseph Plantation Bottom: Trinity parishioners celebrated Eucharist at the Whitney Plantation
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. Luke 1:46-49 In the Gospel of Luke we read the beautiful story of Jesus’ birth. When Mary learns of her pregnancy she sees right away that she has been chosen to magnify the love of God. What is your story? How is God’s love magnified in your own life? Where might you become favored, as Mary was, by welcoming the love of God within you? Join The Reverend Kit McLean and Maria Elliott for an Advent Quiet Day at the Solomon Episcopal Conference Center on Wednesday, December 5. We will leave Trinity at 8:30 am by carpool and spend the day in prayer and quiet reflection. You are welcome to bring journals, handwork, and comfortable walking shoes for your free time. Cost $25. Lunch will be served. We plan to leave by 2:30 pm and should be back by 4:00 pm. To sign up or to volunteer to drive, please contact Maria Elliott at melliott@trinitynola.com.
A Festival of Nine
Lessons and Carols
Celebrating Trinity’s Community Mission Partners Trinity will host a festive holiday service of Lessons & Carols on Sunday, December 16 at 5:00 pm led by the Trinity Choir and leaders from Trinity’s community mission partners throughout New Orleans. The evening will provide a chance to highlight the good work of the many organizations that serve the community, and will conclude with a reception in Bishop Polk Hall. A collection will be taken to benefit the work of our mission partners during the holiday season. 12
Trinity Episcopal Church • Tidings
The Parish Register
Just What is the Diocesan Assessment?
(as of November 12 printing)
Births
Margot Dane Gillin Vera Dolores Williamson
One question that frequently comes up in our financial transparency workshops is about the Diocesan Assessment. And it’s not hard to see why this subject would get a lot of attention, as it can make up 9-14% of any given church’s operating budget. Every church in our Diocese pays an assessment, so, what does that money pay for? Similarly to our own church, a large part of the income covers expenses for staff. To be an Episcopal Church means we have a Bishop who provides spiritual leadership, guidance, and vision. A Bishop has support staff, a Diocesan office, and various Diocesan ministries, therefore, a Diocesan Operating Budget needs funding. But because Bishops and Diocesan offices do not have congregations like churches do, Diocesan operating budgets are typically funded by a combination of money from investments and assessments. In the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana (EDOLA), money from investments are only able to fund approximately 11-12% of the operating budget each year. Thus, the remaining 88-89% is funded by the generous giving from our churches. EDOLA provides support to all the Episcopal churches within the Diocese. Bishop Thompson provides leadership to both clergy and congregations, and the Diocesan office serves as a resource on important matters such as clergy transition, vestry training, technology and education. Most recently, Trinity benefited greatly from the assistance of Diocesan staff in the search for our new Rector. The Canon for the Ordinary worked closely with the search committee, saving Trinity Church thousands of dollars in consultant fees.
Baptisms
Catharine Elizabeth Breaux, daughter of Anna and Adam Breaux Charlotte Sanders French, daughter of Brandi and Matthew French Thomas Garrett Bouligny Ryan Gibbon, son of Elizabeth Ryan and Thomas Gibbon Henry Reid Golz, daughter of Laura and David Golz William Edwards Powell, son of Sarah and Scott Powell Hayne Frances Swayze, daughter of Alycia and Robert Swayze Vera Dolores Williamson, daughter of Stephanie and Jay Williamson
Weddings
Charlotte Anais Young and Robert Merritt Henry Katherine Barkley Rafferty and David Christopher Tidmore Kelly Elizabeth Ordemann and Edward James Smith III
In Memoriam
Frederick Haack Zide Jahncke Russell Klein Robert Meyn Peter Kahle Chastine “Tina” Watters Van Fleet Nan Shelton Peter Dodge Elizabeth Suthon Woods
For more detailed information about how it is determined what each church pays in assessment, and the 2019 Budget of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana, please visit trinitynola.com/edolaassessmentinfo Trinity Episcopal Church • Tidings
13
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID NEW ORLEANS, LA. PERMIT 411
1329 Jackson Avenue New Orleans, Louisiana 70130 504-522-0276 www.trinitynola.com