Introduction The pages of this 2019 Annual Report contain pictures and words sharing another year of life in this community of faith. They are not definitive, we have surely missed many moments and have no doubt made unintentional mistakes. It is our hope they are enough to share the profound and life- changing elements of what it means to belong to each other, to a community, and to a God that keeps pulling us forward in love. We live in a culture where the dominant voices would have us deny our primal need for connection and belonging. Thankfully, Trinity continues to offer a counterpoint to the narrative of rugged individualism by inviting authentic connection and constantly encouraging us to reach out to others with generous hearts, open minds and a willingness to give and receive love. Dying to self in order to be born again for a life of service, connection, courage and compassion has been Trinity’s invitation for over 177 years in downtown Toledo. And while many things have changed since 1842, we are still being called to seek out and find ways to Love God, Love our Neighbor and Change the World. This Annual Report is a snapshot, not of perfection but rather, a collection of moments in time on our journey together deeper into the heart of God. May it inspire, challenge, comfort and maybe even disturb you a little so that together we put away our complacency and embrace a kind of collective spiritual activism as we seek to live out the Gospel. To those who have come before, thank you for carving out the path and shining your light. To those who are with us now, thank you for your gifts of time and willingness to serve. To those yet to come, your place is waiting, and we are ready to welcome you “home”! May the words, pictures and spirit of this report convey the excitement, growth and possibilities shaping who we have been and are still becoming with God’s help.
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Table of Contents & Meeting Agenda Table of Contents Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 2 Table of Contents & Meeting Agenda ............................................................................................... 3 Draft Minutes 2019 Annual Meeting ................................................................................................. 4 Rector’s Message ................................................................................................................................... 5 Sr. Warden’s Message........................................................................................................................... 6 Summary of 2019 Vestry Actions ....................................................................................................... 7 Vestry Commission Highlights (Property, Administration & Finance) .................................... 8-9 Music & the Arts Report ............................................................................................................... 10-11 A Year of Worship .............................................................................................................................. 12 2030 Vision Process ............................................................................................................................. 13 A Year in Pictures........................................................................................................................... 14-15 Faith Formation ................................................................................................................................... 16 Next to New Report ............................................................................................................................ 17 Guild Summary ................................................................................................................................... 18 Community Engagement .............................................................................................................. 19-21 Building Use & Activities................................................................................................................... 22 Annual Giving Campaign Report .................................................................................................... 23 Financials .............................................................................................................................................. 24 2020 Budget .......................................................................................................................................... 25 Parish & Worship Statistics ............................................................................................................... 26 2020 Vestry Snapshot.......................................................................................................................... 27
2020 Annual Meeting Agenda Organization .............................................................................................................Lisa Tucker-Gray Call to Order Certification of Quorum Appointment: Clerk Approval of Minutes of 2019 Annual Meeting Recognition of Outgoing & Continuing Vestry Members .................................. Donna Steppe Election of New Vestry Members .................................................................................... Becky Roth Full 3-year terms: Jeffrey Albright, Jamie Paul & Leah Reed 1-year unexpired terms: Jane Bueche & Fritz Hany Resolutions to approve changes to Trinity legal name & By-Laws ......................... Becky Roth Acknowledgement of Written Reports ......................................................................... Bob Meeker Adjournment of Business Meeting ........................................................................ Lisa Tucker-Gray
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Draft Minutes of 175th Annual Meeting Trinity Episcopal Church, Toledo, OH
Sunday, January 27, 2019
11:20am - Meeting called to order by the Rector, the Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray. The presence of a quorum was confirmed by visual inspection, and Becky Roth was appointed clerk for the meeting. The minutes of the January 21, 2018 Annual Meeting were approved with 2 corrections. Senior Warden Alice Todd thanked the four vestry members completing their elected terms: Dennis Degnan Peggy Heider Karen Johnson-Webb Tim Reeder (absent) Alice also acknowledged, with gratitude, the vestry members continuing on in their current terms: Darrell Cousino, Jill Hunt, Becky Roth, and herself – as well as recognizing Trinity Treasurer and Trust Fund Officer, Greg Shumaker and Assistant Treasurer, Jamie Paul. Junior Warden Becky Roth presented the approved slate of 5 vestry nominees: Jeffrey Albright (for a 1-year unexpired term), Roberta Durham (for a 2-year unexpired term), and Dennis Degnan, Bob Meeker, and Donna Steppe (for full 3-year terms). With a slate of nominees equal to the number of vestry vacancies, and upon a motion duly made and seconded, the slate of candidates was elected by acclamation. Treasurer Greg Shumaker presented a financial report and referenced the relevant pages in the Annual Report. A balanced 2019 budget was approved at the December vestry meeting. Vestry member Darrell Cousino acknowledged the work represented by the written reports included in the Annual Report from Trinity’s ministries, guilds and committees. These reports are a record of Trinity’s ministry in 2018, reflecting both what was done and who we are becoming together. Senior Warden Alice Todd shared brief remarks on the accomplishments of 2018 with leadership from Lisa and a remarkable staff. The increasing energy in the Trinity community anticipates an exciting future as we live out God’s mission for us. Lisa offered closing remarks with her thanks to the staff for their faithful service to Trinity and offered a final prayer. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:50am. Respectfully submitted, Becky Roth, Clerk Pro Tem
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Rector’s Message We see the signs but cannot always divine their meanings. You call us to move forward not always knowing whether what we grasp in our hands will prove to be a seed of hope or a thorn in our flesh. Train our fingers, so that what brings life we may with persistence hold, and that which wastes our souls we may with grace release. (-Jan L. Richardson) Beloved FriendsWhen I arrived in September 2017, I had no way of knowing in less than 2 ½ years my sense of commitment to ministry was going to be so profoundly impacted. What I did know was this was going to be both exciting and challenging; exciting because the urban context would resonate with my desire to be a part of making a real difference both in and outside the walls of the church, and challenging because “being the church” today requires vast amounts of flexibility, vulnerability, creativity and courage. In sundry ways, our ministry continues to unfold as a beautiful dance, learning when and what to hold on to, while courageously releasing with grace “that which waste our souls.” After 2 years of searching, listening, adapting and growing we have a staff of committed, passionate, kind, skilled, generous and hardworking team members showing up to engage the work we are blessed to do together. For your leadership in our daily operations and community development, direction in music and the arts, management of Next To New and churchwide communications, care and maintenance of our facilities, attention to our finances, and unwavering support; thank you Heather, Nate, Lynzi, Nick and Jane. I am wholeheartedly grateful for the gift of and for our staff. The vestry managed vast temporal affairs and considered, approved and initiated a vision process. The work of crafting a 10-year vision continues to be a vital part of our promising future. For your faith, courage and perseverance, thank you Alice, Darrell, Becky, Jill, Jamie, Roberta, Bob, Donna and Jeffrey. I am wholeheartedly grateful for the gift of and for our vestry. Our “guilds” form the backbone of our common life - groups of people committed to the various aspects of preparing for and leading worship and service. For every loaf of bread baked, chalice offered and washed, linen pressed, scripture read, prayers offered, warm welcome extended, hot meal served, thank you. I am wholeheartedly grateful for the gift of and for our guilds. The aggregate of my memories will be of a miraculous time of all these bright spots woven together with fabulous worship, music, meals, conversations and service out in the community. Thank you for the dance of 2019- we are indeed training our fingers to hold with persistence those things that bring life. I am wholeheartedly grateful for the gift of and for each of you. May you never forget that you are loved.
Lisa 5
Senior Warden message It has been another busy, productive and exciting year at Trinity. As I come to the end of my tenure both on vestry and serving as Senior Warden I do so with gratitude; I have learned a lot and hopefully have given at least a fraction of what I have received. Thank you.
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While numbers never tell the whole of any story, I think sharing a few can help paint the picture of what an amazing year it has been. As I think about each, I can see the faces of so many- all finding our place in this community and offering what we have to give. This year we have grown, stretched, pushed and pulled into a new season of ministry. Here are a few of those numbers: 24 new members officially “welcomed home” 2 weddings (with 5 scheduled in 2020!) 1 baptism 64 pledges received for 2020 budget – a 20% increase over last year 60-70 folks from Trinity and the community eat together every Sunday morning 5 full-time staff now make up a generous, faithful and committed ministry team 389 subscribers receive our Weekly e-news and Lisa’s Friday message
Many new people found Trinity this year and have stepped into a place of belonging. We have done a good job meeting and welcoming each other. Pop-Up Dinners, serving at the Sunday breakfast, joining committees, guilds and commissions are all ways I have seen us stretch and grow. Our involvement in the greater Toledo area continues to evolve as we support and grow our relationships with Toledo Streets, Better Together Toledo (formerly Open Table) and the expanding Sunday Free Community Breakfast. Next To New continues its faithful ministry with the addition of our part-time manager Lynzi Miller working side by side with our faithful volunteers. All of these programs continue to grow and welcome new volunteers week after week. In this report you will read about other highlights from 2019. I have been particularly grateful for the dedication to the 2030 Vision process. We have also remained vigilant in the work of preserving and upgrading our beautiful building. You will hear more about both of these efforts as we move into 2020 and I ask you stay engaged and involved in supporting this important work- both short and long term to ensure a strong future. Finally, I end with a statement I hope resonates with all of us; becoming a more and more diverse, creative, unique, vibrant and exciting parish requires spiritual perseverance. Leadership at Trinity, at every level, is both a joy and a challenge. Thanks to strong and faithful leadership from Lisa and our collective commitment to find creative ways to live out the Gospel, Trinity is on a course to change lives. Every Sunday when I walk into church and pass our Homeless Jesus statue, and then look up and see both our rainbow flags and mission banners, I believe we are courageously living out our mission to be a progressive, inclusive, creative, downtown Christian community. Praise God! Sincerely, Alice Todd (Senior Warden)
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Summary of 2019 Vestry Actions Throughout the year, the vestry, commissions and Lisa work side by side developing, growing and nurturing our ministry. In 2019, the vestry’s main areas of focus included: continuing improvements to the church property, initiation and support for the beginning stages of our 2030 Trinity vision process and overseeing the installation of our now beloved “Homeless Jesus” sculpture. v Welcomed new vestry members Jeffrey Albright, Dennis Degnan, Roberta Durham, Bob Meeker, Jamie Paul, and Donna Steppe. v Approved funding to begin a 10-year Visioning process taught by Zing Train (of Zingerman’s Deli), with the goal of bringing forth parish-wide hopes and dreams as we move forward with intention to create a future that is ever-more unified and Christfollowing. v Celebrated the long-awaited installation near the sanctuary entrance along Adams Street of the Timothy Schmalz sculpture “Homeless Jesus,” along with related sidewalk/landscaping improvements. v Approved remediation funds to repair the ceiling in the upstairs conference room. v Approved a Full Facilities Assessment with Toledo firm SSOE, to provide a detailed review of the entire physical plant in order to create a comprehensive baseline inventory of conditions, to be used in the prioritization of future building projects, needs and maintenance. v Approved new “Shared Building Cost” proposal to begin using July 1, 2020 with Leadership Toledo and Food For Thought. Letters delivered to each in December. v Accepted a seat for a Trinity representative on the Board of Directors of Toledo Streets Newspaper, one of our ministry partners. v Approved membership related fees to join the Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes, a national consortium to support and provide resources and network opportunities for congregations with endowments. v Approved hiring Nick Zurawski for trial period of part-time Sexton position (November-
June), and then approved expansion of position to full-time in July.
v Elected Jane Bueche treasurer. v Authorized HVAC unit replacement (chiller) and installation. v Subsidized website development & hosting for Trinity ministry partner Better Together Toledo (formerly Open Table Toledo), which supports young adults exiting foster care. v Approved the 2020 Operating Budget. Respectfully Submitted, Roberta Durham, Clerk 7
VESTRY COMMISSION HIGHLIGHTS Since 2017 the Vestry has been living into a new leadership model restructuring the work and responsibilities of the vestry. The overall responsibilities of the vestry can be divided into 3 distinct categories: Property, Finance & Administration. The vestry and clergy together are charged with the shared responsibility of setting the vision and charting the course of the ministry. Below is a diagram delineating these responsibilities: Responsibilities of Parish Leadership Vestry Clergy Property Sacramental Finance Education Administration Pastoral Care Shared Vision By utilizing this structure, the goal has been to allocate the 3 areas of vestry responsibility to Commissions. Each Commission meets monthly and files reports with recommendations prior to the monthly vestry meeting. The goal is to focus the vestry meeting time on equal parts of business and shared visioning, freeing time for the clergy and vestry to engage in the act of leadership; dreaming, discussing, and discerning. We are now two years into this model, still working through a time of transition, and remain hopeful that the goal of the model is worthwhile and attainable. Following is a description of each of the three Commissions and a brief summary of their areas of focus during this past year. These are not exhaustive lists, but hopefully reflect the breadth of the work and depth of the commitment of the vestry members as well as additional members of the community that have said yes to living into this new model of leadership. Administration Commission Chair: Becky Roth Responsible for policies, by-laws, legal concerns, personnel/staff-related issues, insurance (people and property) Personnel: • Developed a job description, engaged a resume vetting & interview process for Nursery Care provider (position not yet filled) Policies: • On-going review and revision of policies & procedures • Standardizing/updating Forms for Procedures Legal: • Review and clarification of existing contracts with vendors • Complete review and revision of Trinity Code of Regulations • Began developing an annual calendar of required dates and deadlines Insurance policies: • Review of Property, Liability, and Worker’s Compensation insurances • Began video inventory project of physical assets
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VESTRY COMMISSION HIGHLIGHTS (CON’T) Finance Commission Chair: Bob Meeker Assist with budgeting, allocation of resources, analysis of financial data, policies related to cash collection and disbursement. Highlights: • Reviewed, recommended and supported financial software transition from CMS to Shelby Next (including online giving module) • Supported staffing transition and engagement of new contract hire for Bookkeeper • Began reviewing outdated spending policies • Enhanced process for recording offerings more accurately account for new members • Implemented more controls over bank accounts and web-based access • Completed full audit of financial statements • Supported budget process inviting greater involvement from all • Converted accounting system and records to a cloud-based environment providing additional security and accessibility • Advocated consolidation of trust funds into single financial institution Property Commission Chair: Dennis Degnan Care, repair, management and maintenance of all structures and tangible properties. Building Projects Repairs nd • Renovation of 2 floor Conf. room • HVAC/Chiller replacement • Technology Upgrade Project • Roof repairs • Homeless Jesus Installation • St Clair Landscape • 2nd floor Conference Room ceiling Cleaning/Organization remediation • MBP Kitchen deep cleaning Safety • Seasonal decoration storage room • Updated alarm procedures/contacts SSOE Facility Assessment • Alarm Panels replacements It is the hope of the vestry that as we continue to live into this model for the third year, we will be able to cast a wide net inviting other members to join us in this important work. Attending and perhaps even joining a Commission as a member-at-large is an excellent way to learn about these aspects of our common life as well as build up wonderful relationships with faithful, joyful and dedicated members. See page 27 of this report for our schedule of upcoming Commission meetings in 2020. It does indeed take a village to live into the work we have been entrusted to do as a faithful community of faith. Come join us!
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Music & the Arts Trinity’s Music & the Arts ministry is driven by its mission: “To create significant, deep, and lasting spiritual relationships by breaching cultural, monetary, and gender identity barriers through all musical and artistic expressions.” In his second year at Trinity, Nate Leonard has continued to exceed expectations developing the music program at Trinity, striving to not only include people from all walks of life, but to reinvent the standard for traditional “church music.” Working in tandem with all the musical talent in our community, he combines a mix of vintage and modern music, with the ring of authenticity offering a musical experience that resonates deep within. Music in church should move us. It should move us to forgiveness, to good works, to kindness, to tears, to charity, and above all else, to love. That being said, there can be no one genre or avenue of musical expression that can accomplish this for all people. Therefore, as a musical director, I will draw the widest, most expansive circle possible, and invite all those around me to do the same; all are welcome and wanted as we pursue musical excellence relentlessly. -Nate Leonard, Trinity Director of Music & the Arts
The Trinity Canterbury Choir Includes: Everyone at Trinity is welcome and encouraged to sing in our choir! This year, choir membership included: 5 Caroline Jobst Choral Scholars: professionally trained singers offering skill and support 10 High School Choral Singers: Local high school students with a passion for music 12-15 Members of the Trinity Membership (+ 1 very happy Priest)
Trinity choir practice is Thursday evenings 7:00-8:30 pm (Sept. – June) Sunday morning warmup is at 9:15am after breakfast.
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High school Program
Music & the Arts (Con’t) on’t.
We are dedicated to providing a vibrant place of learning and community, increasing musical skills, and growing within the context of the faith community. Trinity seeks twelve to fifteen area high schoolers to sing in the mixed Canterbury choir with adults from Trinity’s congregation. In 2019, our students represented Waite High School, Toledo School for the Arts, Bowsher High School, and Start High School. Each student is offered private voice lessons with a choral scholar and creates lasting relationships with the Trinity Community.
Performing Artist Series 2019 Highlights Throughout the year Trinity opens its doors providing a variety of organizations a rehearsal and performance space. This is a gift to the community and an expression of our desire to welcome all. Below are some of the groups who shared space at Trinity this year, offering beautiful and exciting performances to both Trinity members and others in the greater Toledo area. University of Toledo - Carnival of the Animals, Students and teachers of the Piano Teachers Association in Collaboration with The University of Toledo Orchestra, presented Camille Saint Saens' Carnival of the Animals for Two Pianos and Orchestra. Ball Room Dancing – Fat Tuesday Celebration, Local dance companies gathered to offer partnership dance lessons and general dancing (ballroom, Latin, swing, tango) following our Shrove Tuesday pancake supper in March. PBJ & Cabaret with Modern Dance Co, THE Modern Dance Company teamed up with Trinity and Food For Thought on a Friday evening to help raise money and awareness for FFT, inviting the community to attend the weekly PB&J making party up in My Brothers’ Place and then to come enjoy a performance in the Sanctuary. Actors Collaborative Toledo (ACT 419), Trinity served as a venue for several outstanding ACT productions in 2019, including: A Doll’s House, Part II,For the Pleasure of Seeing Her Again Escaped Alone & St. Nicholas
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WORSHIP Trinity had another full year of Sunday and Wednesday worship services as we moved through the seasons of our liturgical calendar: Advent Christmas Ordinary Time Lent Holy Week Easter Eastertide Pentecost Ordinary Time We also explored new ways of gathering to pray, break bread, sing and give thanks to God including: Adding a dramatic reading during Holy Week (Speak Truth to Power) A September Homecoming Service (including the blessing of Homeless Jesus) Hosting the West Area Mission Renewal of Ordination Vows Service New Member Sundays, Weddings, Baptisms & Memorial Services
2030 VISION Process In October of 2017 Lisa offered a series of 3 all-parish Sunday conversations as we began our ministry together. During those sessions she provided an introduction to a particular visionwriting process and her desire to use this process for us to create a Trinity vision. We are now living into that process with hopes of rolling out our 2030 Vision in 2020.
Following is a Timeline of our current 2030 Vision process: April - 4 Trinity representatives attended a 2-day Vision Training workshop. May - Vestry approved proposal to engage Zing Train for vision project. - Lisa preached a 10-year “vision sermon” to introduce and model new process June - 25 members came to a ½ day session to learn process & create draft “headlines.” - Lisa hosted a follow up Saturday conversation. July - 15 members helped write a first draft of a 10-year, “2030 Trinity vision.” - Vestry listened to 1st draft & provided written feedback. Aug. - Lisa reviewed all vestry feedback and met with Zing Trainers. Sept. - 2 Saturdays Lisa gathered 9 members for additional conversation and feedback resulting in revised “headlines.” Oct. - Lisa incorporated more feedback and ideas to write 2nd draft version. - 3 members invited to help edit/re-write sections; 1 completed task, 2 declined. Nov. -Vestry & Staff attended Saturday “Bottom Line Change” a process to determine avenues for soliciting feedback of draft vision prior to final rollout Dec. - Vestry received update and decision to continue with writing and feedback under leadership of 2020 vestry with rollout of 2030 Vision by Easter 2020.
Note from Lisa: I find myself inspired and challenged by this process. Some have stepped up and others away as we do this difficult and vital work together. We must keep going with faith and courage; God is surely in the midst of this sometimes messy and always creative process. This 10-year vision will be a critical, exciting and crucial component of how we will order our steps together for days and years to come with God’s help. 13
FAITH FORMATION Nearly every aspect of our common life influences and shapes our faith formation. We continue to explore creative and intentional ways to gather and learn about our tradition, our history, our spiritual growth all to deepen our commitment to follow Christ and grow in love and service. 2019 offered another full year of classes, gatherings, meals and ministry. Highlights include: During Lent we gathered for 3 Sunday sessions to explore concepts presented in Barbara Brown Taylor’s book, Speaking of Sin. Topics included: 3/10: Finding a Common Language 3/17: Sin as Hope 3/24: Recovering Repentance Wednesday Lenten Soup & Movie Nights were a chance to gather, enjoy a light supper and watch a movie together. Speak Truth to Power- directed by Jeffrey Albright, was a dramatic addition to Holy week connecting issues of human rights with our journey to the cross and Easter morning. Growing in Faith through the year: Trinity Inquiry/Membership sessions were held in May and October resulting in “welcoming home” 24 new members this year. Trinity Pop Up Dinners were hosted in members’ homes during the year to deepen our bonds & share our stories. Children’s Formation: As more children join us, we are in conversation with families exploring how to best support, celebrate and nurture the faith of our very youngest. For now, we have increased the “soft space” in our worship area encouraging the inclusion of all in worship- the young and young-at-heart alike!
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Next To New Thrift Shop Next To New (NTN) thrift shop found its home at Trinity nearly 70 years ago, and proudly supplies our wider community with goods and services fostering dignity, respect and compassion. Open Mondays and Thursdays from 9:30am-3:00pm, NTN is housed in the basement of Trinity and can be accessed from St. Clair Street. Profits help fund further community engagement opportunities. Volunteers and donations are always appreciated. 2019 by the numbers: $1,236.25- worth of items given away through our new Earn Your Way Program $20,000- total generated sales $6,000- transferred to Trinity 2019 Outreach Budget 3- part-time volunteers joined our team, contributing to a total of 1,988 team hours served 2- local organizations (Sunshine Communities & Aspiring Hands) sent teams of 3-6 on alternating Mondays and Thursdays to volunteer at the shop v 72%- of Trinity’s congregation visited NTN at least once this year v v v v v
Thank you to all who volunteered, offered donations and shopped in the store over this past year; without you we would not be able to do and sustain this important ministry. Additional Highlights include: January: Toledo Public Library Ready to READ kick off January 21: 12 Trinity members volunteer for MLK service day March & September: Member, Taylor Tennant, hosts Toledo Technology Academy service projects March, June, October & December: NTN Hosts Quarterly Sunday coffee hours April: NTN customers help select new logo May– August: Next To New open for Thursday evening Art Loops June 2: Member, Sherre Smith hosts a Trinity book-sale at the Old West End Festival June- August: NTN sets up “sidewalk shop” for Thursday St. Clair Sidewalk Sales October 5-6: Eagle Scout, Dylan Guthrie led a service project building a wall in our spray room October 22: Member, Annie Devine & volunteers help NTN prep for Christmas with a Mercy Day of Service 17
Trinity GuildS Highlight Below is a brief description of some of the ways we work together to create a community of welcome. We are always looking for more hands and hearts to join us!
Bread Guild The Bread Guild is a small group of faithful bakers who offer a quiet ministry to the Trinity community. Our purpose is to provide home- baked bread for every Eucharist celebrated at Trinity. There are 6 households in a weekly baking rotation, following a common recipe to handcraft 450+ small loaves of communion bread per year. We believe bread is like love – it connects, it nourishes, it blesses, and it brings life.
Chalice Guild Each Sunday Eucharistic Ministers offer the wine at communion. Each member is trained on what to say and do as well as why communion is such an important part of our understanding of who we are as Christians and Episcopalians. This is a wonderful ministry for anyone willing to be trained and eager to be a Sunday worship leader.
Readers Guild Scripture and prayers are offered during the Sunday worship service by members. The Sunday bulletin is posted on Trinity’s website each Friday so readers can prepare for the upcoming Sunday. A link to the selected readings is also available on our website, providing liturgical readings up to 6 months in advance. Readers are scheduled well in advance and we always welcome new voices.
Altar Guild Trinity’s Altar Guild serves as table setters, safe crackers, sommeliers, clean up crews, and flower arrangers. 2019 was a year of cleaning and now we are setting out to organize and reuse many of our paraments and altar fabrics to create standardized sizes for both altars. Communion is a beautiful high point of each Sunday, thanks to our committed Altar Guild.
Community Breakfast and Hospitality Guild
Greeters Guild Radical welcome is at the core of who we are at Trinity. Every Sunday a team of Greeters welcomes everyone coming through our doors, making nametags and helping direct new people where to go. We also distribute the bulletins, help with Offertory and invite people to communion. Simple but important tasks help everyone feel at home.
We are on a mission to serve a FREE community breakfast every Sunday morning at 9:00am for anyone in the community. Teams sign up to prepare, serve and clean up each week. Following the 10:00 service we also make coffee/tea for our time of community & conversation. New members always welcome to help serve.
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Community Engagement He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8) A year ago (during 2018), our community gathered a number of times to begin having important conversations about the church’s history of charitable giving and volunteer service including why we have done what we have in the past and whether or not it might be time to re-imagine how we stretch ourselves and live into the gospel mandate to give of ourselves in service, love, compassion and kindness. That year we made the decision to “stop writing checks” as the primary way to respond to a world in need and our call to give generously of ourselves. We agreed we were missing an opportunity to build meaningful relationships and, in the end, change our lives. Collectively, we articulated a need to refocus our energy on developing longterm and deeper relationships in addition to helping others financially. We began this year identifying 5 Ministry Partners for 2019. They represented a cross section of efforts to build community and we hoped would provide opportunities for us to listen, to learn and then respond from a desire for authentic connection. With each partner we wanted to focus on mutuality, respect and accountability, learning, listening and responding in ways that would be mutually beneficial. The partners we identified were: Open Table Toledo (now renamed: Better Together Toledo), Toledo Streets Newspaper, Next To New Resale Shop, Food for Thought and University of Toledo Campus Ministry. Our goal was to provide some financial support throughout the year, but more importantly, we hoped would help us learn and grow and find ways to stretch ourselves and our faith. Now looking back on 2019, we do so with deep gratitude and humility. We learned quickly that 5 ministry partners were still too many. In the end we focused our time, resources and efforts on the first three partners listed above. Following are some highlights of the wonderful year we have had learning and growing together with our partners as well as in the wider community: Better Together Toledo’s Breaking of the Bread suppers at Trinity – June 5 & June 18 – Inaguaral Dinners hosted by Trinity members as this program got started this year; small groups of trained volunteers committed to stay with a single young adult aging out of the foster care system.
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Community Engagement (Con’t) Toledo Streets For the second year in a row, Trinity invested time and resources to build relationships and provide support for Toledo’s Street Paper. In addition to supporting our vendors on the surrounding streets by buying papers, we included vendor interviews in our weekly bulletins as a way to get to know our new friends. We are delighted that many vendors now join us on Sunday mornings for our free community breakfast and stay for Sunday worship. We also invited the Toledo Streets staff and vendors to our Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper and we were pleased to be the hosting for their Annual Thanksgiving Dinner. Toledo Art Loop Location From May to November on the 3rd Thursdays Trinity opened its doors for Art Loop. Trinity was visited by over 200 people, gave tours, created art, played music and games, and chalked the sidewalks! In November, Trinity was an Art Loop Featured Location for Jazz Loop, showcasing two local jazz groups, paid for by the Arts Commission. Battling the 2019 Downtown road closures, we opened our Sanctaury to several local organizations seeking a presence at Art Loop, including Children’s Theatre Workshop, Toledo Public Library Ready to READ, Sunshine Communities, Shared Lives/Lott Industries, Artist Afreen Henna Tattoo Artist, and Toledo Grows honey/beekeepers program.
Community Breakfast Program Trinity embarked on a mission to better serve our surrounding community by offering a FREE community breakfast every Sunday morning at 9:00am in My Brother’s Place. In 2019, this ministry has grown from serving an average of 30-40 folks to 60-70 folks every Sunday morning. Both Trinity members and community guests share a meal before we move downstairs to the Sanctuary to continue with our 10:00 Eucharist.
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Community Engagement (Con’t) Community Breakfast Program (con’t) Trinity applied for and received a small diocesan grant this year to help offset food costs. We have also applied for a more substantial grant for the coming year and are awaiting news of that grant. In September we started each meal with a song and a brief welcome and blessing- it has become the start of our worship time together each Sunday as a time to gather, eat, break down barriers and build new relationships.
WIDER COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 2019 was a year full of invitation to come and invitation to stay. We flung our doors open wide and many made their way through- quite a few for the first time! Trinity provided building space, served, and marched! Highlights included: v 9:00 Sunday Community Breakfasts grows and grows v Offered Historical tour of church to 5 separate groups v Hosted Federation of Christian Ministries Ordination v Hosted Better Together Toledo Inaugural Dinners v Hats, Scarves & Mittens collected for local Schools v Inaugural Homecoming Sunday v Installation and blessing of Homeless Jesus statue v Toledo Pride Parade – Marching and Booth v Immigration Camp Rally at Senator Portman’s Office v Monthly staff Mobile Meals of Toledo food delivery v Race for the Cure Invocation offered by Lisa v Welcomed children of Discovery Center for a field trip v Toledo Annual Philanthropy Luncheon Invocation v Seat at Imagination Station Stakeholder quarterly meetings v Shared Lives Stained Glass Windows photography day As we look back on this past year, we are already eager and ready to continue our forward movement. This year we learned about Homeboy Industry Founder Fr. Gregory Boyle’s invitation to consider every part of ministry an invitation to grow in the “kinship” of God. At Trinity we are working hard and faithfully to break down any and all barriers that keep us divided and isolated. Thank you to everyone who has and will join us in this work of a lifetime. 21
Building Use & Activities Committed to expanding our identity beyond a Sunday worshipping community, Trinity works with local organizations, offering space and support to do their work. Whether it is a local theater group or non-profits aligned with our core values, we are grateful for the work they do in the world improving our wider community. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS- holds a 12:00 Monday-Friday meeting in the lower level of Trinity. This year marked their 27 Year Anniversary at Trinity and are now the longest standing, single-location, AA meeting in downtown Toledo. ACTORS COLLABORATIVE TOLEDO (ACT)- is a local theater group dedicated to bringing contemporary theatre to Toledo. This June ACT won the honor of performing at a AACT National Community Theatre Festival. Trinity is pleased to provide rehearsal, storage and performance space. FOOD FOR THOUGHT – is Toledo’s Mobile Food Pantry with an office at Trinity. 2019 was a year of transition and growth. 2,182 households were served through their mobile pantry program. Their weekly PB&J sandwich making program continues every Friday night at Trinity providing 15,000+ lunches annually. LEADERSHIP TOLEDO- cultivates leaders of all ages by inspiring lifelong community development. In 2019, LT added 2 new staff members and graduated 51 students (from 32 schools across the Toledo region) from an 9-month immersive, experiential leadership development program.
www.aa.org
www.act419.org
www.feedtoledo.org
www.leadershiptoledo.org
At the end of 2019 Vestry passed a new “Shared Cost Building Policy” to go into effect in July 2020 inviting both Leadership Toledo and Food For Thought to begin contributing a monthly payment helping us offset a small portion of building maintenance, security and capital improvements. We have worked hard this year to pass a policy both fair and financially prudent as we continue to attend to the growing needs of our facility while also working hard to be generous and thoughtful in our approach.
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Summary of 2019 Annual Giving Campaign Trinity engaged in our 2019 Annual Giving Campaign during the first three Sundays of November. This year our theme was “Shining Our Light” focusing us on both the promise and the power of how we are called to shine individually and as a community of faith. For those new to the Episcopal Church we took time to explain this annual effort is so much more than a fundraiser for ministry. It is our tradition, borne of generations of experience, calling us to set aside time each fall to deliberately and prayerfully consider how are monetary pledges for the year align with our spiritual commitments. Three couples, Chuck & Gail Abood, Fritz & Susan Hany and Hugh & Kyle Grefe helped kick-off our Annual Giving Campaign, hosting gatherings in their homes in September, October and November. These gatherings were designed for connection and conversation. Over the course of 9 gatherings people met and talked and heard each other’s stories including what brought them to Trinity. We learned from one another how being a part of Trinity helps all of us shine the light of God’s love out into the world. These conversations, like everything we do, were grounded in the belief that building up the Kinship of God is always the place from which we begin. Summary of pledge commitments 2017-2020 2017 2018 Number of pledges 50 61 Total dollars pledged $132,908 $152,339
2019 53 $156,354
2020 64 $167,950
2019 $2,950 13 24 10 6
2020 $2,624 19 21 16 8
Additional Results Average Pledge New Pledge Increase Same Decrease
2017 $2,658 5 15 23 7
2018 $2,497 12 23 22 4
We are excited to announce we have surpassed our goal and exceeded our financial expectations. 64 households have turned in pledges. 19 of those pledges are new to us this yearthe largest number of new pledges in well over 10 years! We are growing in numbers, faith and passion as more and more beloved friends are answering the call to join us and make a financial commitment to the ministry we share. Thank you to everyone who worked to make this season of generous giving not only successful but also a real reminder that with God all things are possible.
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FINANCIALS NOTE: Available fund revenue for operations is distributed based on a 5% spending policy calculated on the 3-year average of Market value established annually on 9/30.
Trinity also holds a number of smaller funds outside those used to support the Operating budget. They are held in reserve until an appropriate request is made matching the stipulations of the donor. The exception includes the HAMM Bequest which has portions designated to supporting costs associated with either the Altar Guild or the E.C.W. (Episcopal Church Women- funds used for women & children related programs). Below is the related detail of activity for these funds in 2019.
Endowment Funds Fund Name Market Value Purpose 12/31/18 12/31/19 Campbell Trust $1,511,175 $1,771,770 Parish Operations Permanent $2,226,021 $2,565,049 Endowment Parish Operations Other $32,872 $38,064 Endowment Parish Operations Restricted Funds $5,405,576 $6,096,198 TOTALS
$9,175,645 $10,471,081
Summary of Next to New 2019 Finances Next to New Beginning Balance $48,930 REVENUE Sales $15,355 Yard Book Sales $110 Square Sales $5,773 Total Income $21,238 EXPENSES Payroll $22,337 State Tax $1,143 Supplies $687 Transfer to Outreach $6,000 Square Fees $42 Parking $440 Total Expenses Ending Balance
Altar Guild Beginning Balance REVENUE Hamm Bequest $2,887 Flower Memorials $1,645 Altar Cloth Transfer $2,500 Total Income
$7,032
EXPENSES Flowers Misc/ Supplies Paraments Total Expenses
$6,073
$873
$2,077 $2,815 $1,181
Ending Balance
$1,832
Episcopal Church Women Beginning Balance $7,790 REVENUE Hamm Bequest $2,864 Total Income $2,864 EXPENSES Fair Share Total Expenses Ending Balance
$30,649 $39,519
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$500 $4,316 $10,155
2020 BUDGET 2019 Approved Budget INCOME Current Year Pledges
2019
2020
Actual Thru Approved 12/31/19 Budget
148,170
133,659
167,950
Pre-paid pledge payments Prior Year Pledges
7,500 500
8,700 3,555
10,000 500
Plate & Special Offerings Current as if Pledged
8,500 20,000
11,693 12,670
12,750 15,000
Total Plate & Pledge
184,670
170,276
206,200
436,894
421,457
80,200
84,783
114,200
TOTAL INCOME
690,797
691,953
741,857
Total Personnel
329,997
367,398
377,339
Bldg. & Grounds Total Bldg. & Grounds
169,000
157,042
167,000
Total Administration
53,000
66,935
49,834
Community Engagement Total Community Engagement
86,800
115,278
98,901
53,250
60,854
53,250
Combine Investment Income
425,927
Other Operating Income EXPENSES Personnel
Administration
Worship & Music Total Worship Congregational Vitality Total Congregational Vitality
16,900
Total Expense
690,797
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14,585 759,476
14,400 741,857
Parish Statistics 2018 & 2019 Worship Statistics 2018
2019
Baptisms
2
1
Burials
4
Weddings/Blessings
2
New Members
2018
2019
Confirmations
4
0
4
Reception
0
0
2
Reaffirmation
5
0
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Other Services Christmas Eve Palm Sunday Easter
Parish Families 249
279
Mailing Units
112
165
108
128
Church Post Subscribers
292
389
153
178
Average Sunday Attendance 2015 75
2016 76
2017 85
2018 94
Participants & Giving Trends
Trinity Church, Toledo, OH (3094-8384)
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2019 106
2020 Vestry Snapshot
Jane Bueche 2018-2021
Bob Meeker 2019-2022
Roberta Durham 2018-2021
Donna Steppe 2019-2022
Fritz Hany 2018-2021
Jamie Paul 2020-2023
Jeff Albright 2020-2023
2020 Vestry Schedule
All vestry meetings are scheduled 6:00-8:00pm and open to all Date
Sun 1/26 (10:00a) Tues 1/28 (6:00p) Sat 2/8 (9:00-4:00p) Tues 3/31 Tues 4/28 Tues 5/19 Tues 6/30 Tues 7/21 Tues 8/25 (6:00p) Tues 9/29 Tues 10/27 Tues 12/1 Sun 1/17 Sun 1/24/21
Meeting Description
Annual Meeting Vestry Welcome Dinner Annual Saturday Retreat Vestry Meeting Vestry Meeting Vestry Meeting Vestry Meeting Vestry Meeting Vestry & Staff Cookout Vestry Meeting Vestry Meeting Vestry Budget Meeting Budget Presentation Annual Meeting
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Dennis Degnan 2019-2022
Leah Reed 2020-2023
2020 Commission Meeting Schedule
Location
Meeting Date
Trinity Poco Piatti 577 Trinity Trinity Trinity Trinity Trinity TBD Trinity Trinity Trinity Trinity Trinity
2nd Thursday of each month at 5:30pm
Finance Commission
1st Sunday of each month at 9:00am
Property Commission
1st Tuesday of each month at 6:15pm
Administration Commission
Commission
The Community of Trinity Episcopal Church PROGRESSIVE • INCLUSIVE • CREATIVE • DOWNTOWN 316 Adams St., Toledo, OH 43604 419-243-1231 www.trinitytoledo.org
Parish Staff The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray Rector lisa@trinitytoledo.org Heather Meyer Director of Operations and Community Development heather@trinitytoledo.org Nate Leonard Director of Music & the Arts nate@trinitytoledo.org Lynzi Miller Next To New Manager & Communications Coordinator lynzi@trinitytoledo.org Nick Zurawski Sexton nick@trinitytoledo.org
Parish Offices Monday through Friday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Phone 419-243-1231 Email: trinity@trinitytoledo.org
Episcopal Diocese Of Ohio 2230 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, OH 44115-2499 216-771-4815 The Rt. Rev. Mark Hollingsworth, Jr.
Parish Vestry 2019 Alice Todd, Senior Warden Roberta Durham, Clerk Becky Roth Dennis Degnan Robert Meeker Jeffrey Albright Donna Steppe Jamie Paul