trinity topics, november, 2010

November, 2010N E W S F R O M T R I N I T Y E P I S C O PA L C H U R C H

From the Stewardship Commission

TrinityTOPICS

Generous living, generous givingby Mary Ann Hart

I’d like to share some ideas I encountered in my online browsing on the topic of stewardship. They come from a couple of entries in an interesting and thought-provoking blog, “Methodeviations,” by Dan R. Dick, who works in

stewardship ministries for the Methodist Church. He writes:

“Generosity and giving are not the same thing, and we shouldn’t use the terms interchangeably. I can talk a person into giving some money away, but I have not necessarily helped that person become more generous.Giving is behavior. Generosity is an orientation grounded in a value. Generosity flows from spirit and passion. The English word derives from the concept of ‘noble birth,’ but even that concept comes from the same root as genus, gender, generate — ‘to give birth or bring to life.’ To be generous is to create something — to make some-thing new happen. Generosity gives life, offers hope, creates energy and spirit.”

I liked his idea of generosity as a creative activity. I liked the organic image of growth - cultivating our garden of generosity by being generous not just with money, but with words, compliments, attention, listening, patience, kindness, time, hospitality and love.

All this put me in the mind of our mission statement: Open to All. Open to Love. Open to Serve. It’s a vision that is doable in our small-est individual actions (as Jesus taught, ‘He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much…’), and yet too large for us to accomplish by ourselves. This shared vision

brings us together, draws new people to

help us, and

Inspires Community to do the work we see in front of us.

The more involved we become at Trinity in worship and ministries of all kinds, our ques-tions change from, “Should we do this?” to “How can we do this?” If we focus on giving as an obligation, the question is, “How much can I afford?” If we cultivate generosity as a response in all our words and actions, the question becomes, “Where can I do the most good with the resources I have?” Then, “We don’t give in order to be generous, we give because we are becoming generous.”

May the spirit and passion of generosity fill us as we commit to share in the abundance we enjoy with God’s help.

First Sundays Coffee Hour, pg. 5

Trinity Topics November, 2010

111 S. Grant St.Bloomington, IN 47408

(812) 336-4466 | FAX (812) 336-6016

[email protected]

Trinity StaffRecToR

The Rev. Charles DupreecleRgy ASSISTAnT

The Rev. Virginia B. HallDeAcon

The Rev. Connie PepplerPARISH ADMInISTRAToR

Janet BrinkworthBookkeePeR

Mona BakerADulT eDucATIon/new MeMBeRS

Ross Martinie-EilerDIRecToR oF eDucATIon

Danica D’OnofrioDIRecToR oF MuSIc

Marilyn KeiserARTIST In ReSIDence

Jeffrey SmithcHuRcH MuSIc InTeRn

Elaine SonnenbergSexTonS

Mike Peppler, Jim Shackelford

Trinity VestryRecToR’S wARDen Randy Lloyd

PeoPle’S wARDen Kimberly HurleySpencer Anspach

Mary Jo BarkerMary Ellen Brown

Kelly CarnahanJim Cripe

Mary Ann Hart Chris Johns

Mary Ann KekoTodd LaDow

Earl SingletonLarry Taylor

Susan WilliamscleRk Janet Stavropoulos

E D U C A T I O N

youth corner (gR ADeS 6 –12)

Sign up for Youth Fall ConferenceIt’s not too late to sign up for Waycross. Registration is $25 and will be done at the conference. Please let Danica know if you plan on attending: [email protected]

EYE is coming!The Episcopal Youth Event, which is held every three years, is coming to Min-nesota in June! If you are currently in grades 9 through 12, you are encour-aged to apply for this dynamic, life-changing event. Applications are due by DECEMBER 1. Contact Danica, [email protected], if you need an application. For more information click: www.episcopalchurch.org/eye2011.htm

After months of waiting, our first dinner is finally here!

Please join other parents at 5:30 p.m. for Evening Prayer, followed by dinner and discussion. A main dish and beverages will be provided, but please bring a side dish or dessert. Watch for more information. Please RSVP by Nov. 15 to ddonofrio@

trinitybloomington.org. Please indi-cate if you need childcare, available for infants through four years. kIRkwooD kIDS, grades K-5, join us in the Ararat Room from 5:30-8 p.m. for food and fun while your folks enjoy some grown-up time! Please RSVP by Nov. 15 to Danica.

First kirkwood Dinner on nov. 20

The Episcopal Diocese of Indianap-olis Youth Ministries is offering a

Christmas Break Overnight at Trinity Episcopal Church, Lawrenceburg and Skiing/Snowboard/Tubing at Per-fect North Slopes the next day. The event(s) will begin Tuesday, Decem-ber 28 at 7:30 p.m. and run through Wednesday, December 29, at 5 p.m.

Registration costs $65, which in-cludes pizza, snacks, and soft drinks on Tuesday night; skiing, equipment, lessons, and a required HELMET on Wednesday. Bottled water, included in fee, will be available ski day.

Participants need to bring their own lunch money. Partial scholarships available for those who have finan-cial need.

This event is limited to 30 people for the overnight. Others may join the fun at Perfect North on Wednes-day morning and receive a group rate ($55 for ski day only.) Registra-tion is required.

For more information, contact Dontie Fuller, Coordinator of Minis-tries With and For Youth, at [email protected] or 317-926-5454 or 800-669-5786.

Indy Dio offers youth overnight and Ski Trip over holiday break

Trinity Episcopal Church BLOOMINGTON, IN

E D U C A T I O N

ADVENT-ures! The Education Commission will

have available “ADVENT-ures: Fam-ily Activity Devotions for Advent.” Packed with meaningful ideas for your family’s Advent waiting days, ADVENT-ures is a devotional book-let, an Advent wreath centerpiece and a sheet of daily stickers to add to the centerpiece. You will find both traditional and nontraditional Advent symbols—one for every day—along with a Scripture refer-ence, devotion, prayer and activity. The devotions will be available at the Kirkwood Dinner, Advent Fair, and at Trinity beginning Nov. 20 (just in time to deliver some to the grand-kids at Thanksgiving Dinner!). To reserve your copies, contact Danica at [email protected]

Skip (Sunday) School for the Advent Fair

November 28th is the first Sunday of Advent, which means ADVENT FAIR. Come, enjoy this time-honored tradition in Trinity’s Great Hall! There will be merriment and festivi-ties, food and crafts for the entire family! Also, you will be able to make your own Advent wreath for $5. If you have one, please bring your wreath form from last year. Remem-ber, no Sunday School Nov. 28!

Advent PageantThis year’s inter-generational Ad-

vent Pageant will be held on Dec. 19 at 10 a.m. Actors, readers, musicians and assistants are needed! We are planning one weekday rehearsal and a dress rehearsal on the morning of Dec. 18, followed by lunch. Practice

your most angelic pose and stay tuned for more information!

Cookie Decorating Night Dec. 10

Mark your calendars for our Fam-ily Pizza Party and Cookie Decorat-ing Night on Dec. 10, 5.30 pm.

coming soon: Advent!

SuSAn kInzeR

Birthday: June 7Favorite Color: Forest GreenFavorite Bible Story: I like the story of Naomi and Ruth because it is about how Ruth chose to stay with Naomi instead of returning to her own people. They became best friends and each other’s family. That relates to my life. I share my home with my best friend, and together we parent kids who can’t be with their birth families right now.What I enjoy most about Sunday School: Listening to what the kids have to say and CRAFTS!What I hope for our class this year: That we learn more about thepeople in the bible, and about the traditions of our

church. Also, that the kids (and their parents) develop friendships and con-nections that extend beyond our time together Sunday mornings.

connIe PePPleR

Birthday: November 29Favorite Color: PurpleFavorite Bible Story: Jesus fixing break-fast for the disciples after they have been out fishing all night. He has breakfast ready and waiting for them. It reminds me that Jesus is always present with us even when it seems as mundane as fixing breakfast for some tired workers.What I enjoy most about teaching Sunday School: I like hearing how much the kids

already know and hearing what their own thoughts and opinions are.What I hope for our class this year: To learn a lot about God’s grace and how we can share it with one another.

Alex MAy

Birthday: March 10Favorite color: BlueFavorite Bible Story: The Christmas story. I love the story and the time of year. It is magical. What I enjoy most about Sunday School: I find I learn more from my class than they do from me! They are so bright! I love being with all of them.

Sunday School Teacher Spotlight: grades 1-3

Coat Drive Warm-Up for Grades 1–5!

On Friday, Nov. 5, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., members of the Trinity community will be sorting coats to be handed out at the coat drive on Nov. 6. Bring family and friends and join your Sunday School classmates and teachers in this event. Pizza and sock-balling are included in the fun! Stay as long as you are able! For more information contact Deacon Connie or Alex May.


D I O C E S A N C O N V E N T I O N

By nancy Rayfield

THIS IS THE 173rd YEAR that the Diocese of Indianapolis has held

an annual convention, this year in Terre Haute, hosted by historic St. Stephen’s Church. But there was nothing old-fashioned about this high-tech, electronically sophisticat-ed gathering on the I.S.U. basketball court of Hulman Center.

The purpose of Diocesan Conven-tion is threefold:

�� legislative business,�� sharing of information and ideas,�� gathering for worship and reunion of the Diocesan house-hold.

Putting first things first, cler-gy and parish delegates started Thursday with Evening Prayer at St. Stephen’s, and closed Saturday morning with a glorious Eucharist and Ordination of a Deacon. Each day Morning Prayer opened the legisla-tive session.

Information and ideas were widespread, from print material on delegation tables, to about two dozen hall exhibits by programs and min-istries in the diocese and nation (like E.R.& D., Daughters of the King, and Waycross.) Friday afternoon gave a chance to choose a “hands-on” mission opportunity, and to learn still more. Some folks packed winter survival kits for homeless persons, or food for a feeding program; quilts and pillows were sewn and stuffed for cancer patients; many heard of Haiti earthquake relief plans, of as-sistance for rebuilding the Cathedral in Port-au-Prince; others focused on advocacy for immigration reform. And certainly, valuable ideas also came from the chance to spend time

with other congregations, old friends and new.

The main task for Convention was legisla-tive, required by Canons. Twenty-one resolutions were discussed (some more vigorously than others) and passed. The balanced 2011 Budget of the Diocese was ap-proved, divided in three categories: Administra-tion ($2,083,198); Local and Global Outreach ($717,267, a hefty 18.5 percent tithe!); Congregation and Community Life ($1,050,194); and visionary funds called Exploration/Promise/Oppor-tunity ($5,000.) Elections were held for five diocesan commissions and boards, and for delegates to General Convention 2012. Our Rector was elected to serve on the Commission on Ministry!

Here are the actions which Trinity has been called to take by the 173rd Convention:

�� Reflect at all meetings on “How shall what we are doing here affect or involve people who are living in or near poverty?” and pray about it.�� Determine the reconciliation processes applicable in regard to legacies of racial discrimina-tion and oppression in our area.�� Continue prayers for our com-panion Diocese of Bor in Prayers of the People.�� Study and discuss the proposed Anglican Covenant.�� Explore and implement a health ministry as a part of outreach and pastoral care.�� Give financial, educational, medical and spiritual support to

the Diocese of Haiti, as possible, and pray for them weekly in Prayers of the People.�� Have an annual healing service for wounded military personnel and veterans.�� Support efforts to create a just environment for day-laborer employment.�� Provide education on the nature of addiction and practices of intervention.�� Promote ways of ministry dis-cernment for those who seek to live their faith in every part of daily life.�� All leaders take a web-based tutorial on HIV/AIDS.�� Designate a Sunday for E.R.& D., give offering and prayers.

That’s a lot to learn about, to pray for, to do. We will with God’s help!

To discover more about Conven-tion, see the website indydio.org/dio-cese 2010 and click on News from the 173rd Diocesan Convention (2010). In pictures you might see someone you recognize!

Attending Convention were rector Charlie Dupree, deacon Connie Pep-pler, delegates Laila Cripe, Stanley Hamilton, and Nancy Rayfield. Ask them about it!

Report from the 173rd Diocesan Convention

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A D U L T E D U C A T I O N A N D I N C L U S I O N

An Afternoon Tea & Sherry on Nov. 6By Janet Stavropoulos

The Trinity Newcomers Commission is hosting an Afternoon Tea & Sherry for

Trinity Ladies and their Friends on Sat-urday, Nov.6, 2010, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Trinity Room. Sweet and savory treats and beverages will be served. We look forward to a delicious gathering filled with good conversation and time to spend with both current and new friends.

new Member Ministry offers full event calendar By Matthew cole

Transitioning into a new community can be difficult. We hope that these events will help you grow in your under-

standing of God, the Community, and the Church. Childcare is provided at each event.

Trinity Inc Incorporation + Inclusion

october 25 (Monday)5:30 p.m., Worship in Sanctu-ary; Dinner, 6 p.m.Episcopal What? Structure of ECUSA

november 29 (Monday)5:30 p.m., Worship in Sanctu-ary; Dinner, 6 p.m.Seasons of the Church

February 7 (Monday)5:30 p.m., Worship in Sanctu-ary; Dinner, 6 p.m.Anglican Spirituality

March 21 (Monday)5:30 p.m., Worship in Sanctu-ary; Dinner, 6 p.m.Meet the Vestry and Staff of Trinity Church

April 18 (Monday)5:30 p.m., Community Seder Meal

Sunday, May 1Rite of Welcome at each service

In-house retreat to feature Rev. Dr. Richard H Schmidtby Ross Martinie-eiler

Mark your calendars for Saturday, Nov. 13, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. when we will host the Rev. Dr. Schmidt of the Forward Movement for a morning of learning and prayer. This

in-house retreat will explore the purpose of prayer, how to pray, dealing with distractions in prayer, and more. The retreat is free and there will be a break for lunch.

The Rev. Dr. Richard H Schmidt is the Editor and Director of the Forward Movement, a pub-

lishing house of the Episcopal Church which includes the Forward Day By Day, a daily devotional

magazine with a worldwide circulation. He is the author of several books, including Glorious

Companions: Five Centuries of Anglican Spirituality; Praises, Prayers, and Curses: Conversations with the

Psalms; and God Seekers: Twenty Centuries of Christian Spiritualities. Rev. Schmidt will also be preaching and speaking at the Forum on Sunday, Nov 14.

Next First Sundays Coffee Hour Nov. 7

november 7 will be our next First Sundays Coffee Hour in honor and

thanksgiving for our newcomers and visi-tors. Everyone is invited to the Trinity Room after the 11:15 service for food and an opportunity to get to know each other.

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C O M M U N I T Y S P I R I T

Church Women United present World Community Day on November 5by esther Briddell

church Women United invites all local congrega-tions to the annual World Community Day cel-

ebration on Friday, Nov. 5, at 1 p.m. The service will take place at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2411 E. Second St, Bloomington. A noon Bible study precedes the service. This celebration will focus on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of a world where people work together to create dignity, safety and economic opportunities for all in a non-violent manner, which Dr. King called “The Beloved Community. “ For further information, contact Esther Briddell at (812) 333-5092. Church Women United is a worldwide ecumenical movement that celebrated its 70th anniversary in Bloomington last year. Trinity Episcopal Church has been a member for most of that time.

Former Rector died Oct. 24by nancy Rayfield

The former rector of Trinity Church (1968-70), the Rev. Charles Perry, died unexpectedly on

Sunday morning, Oct. 24. Burial Service will prob-ably be held at the Washington National Cathedral. If you would like to send condolences to his family, Joy and their children Russell and Dana, the address is 250 Pantops Mountain Road, #5411, Charlottes-ville, VA 22911-8600.

by Susie Sloffer

I was attracted to Daughters of the King because it is an intentional

community of women working and praying together. The order’s Rule of Service was something I was used to in women’s organizations in other churches I have attended. However, the Rule of Prayer was new to me and I wanted to find out more about it!

I am a “new” Episcopalian and

transferred to Trinity because I was hungry for a sense of awe in worship and needed a more liturgical expres-sion of those feelings. These feelings carried over into my personal prayer and study life—I was in a big rut and didn’t feel like any devotions I at-tempted were meaningful anymore to me.

I have not been involved in a group with a major focus on spiritual growth for many years; in fact, I feel like a rank beginner. The intentional

prayer of the group of women in our DoK chapter has been and continues to be a blessing in my life in so many ways. Heartfelt prayers have been given for me personally, for family members, for fellow parishioners at Trinity and for people in our com-munity. My hope is to return that gift in abundance.

In His Name,Susie

Daughters of the king

Monroe county religious leaders and McuM to present symposium

At a time when much of our religious discourse seems to contribute to the increasing polarization of society

and the American political process, there is a need for a reasoned and respectful conversation among people of faith about what serves the common good. How can people of faith offer an authentic witness for social justice in public policy? It is our hope that this symposium will play a part in a renewed conversation.

3rd Biennial Building Bridges Symposiym

A VISION FOR THE COMMON GOOD:Faith, Advocacy & Public Policy

Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010Ivy Tech Community College

200 Daniels Way, BloomingtonStudent Commons

8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Invited speakers include:Jennifer Kottler, Sojourners; Prof. Dan Conkle,

I.U. School of Law; plus local, state, and national elected officials

Register free by email to [email protected]


C O M M U N I T Y S P I R I T

T R I N I T Y T O P I C STriniTy Topics is a published by Trinity Episcopal Church, Bloomington, Ind. It is intended to stimulate greater awareness of and appreciation for the activi-ties of Trinity Episcopal Church. All contents Copyright © 2010 Trinity Episcopal Church. Permission to reprint any part of TriniTy Topics must be obtained in writing from the managing editor. TriniTy Topics is published monthly.

Submit an article: Whether you choose to write about an area of expertise, a Trinity event (past or present), or a current news topic, your information may interest and assist members of the Trinity Parish community. Articles for consideration are due to the editor by the third Monday of the preceding month. While all articles are considered, preference is given to those with direct relevance to Trinity Episcopal Church, its activities, and its mission.

Address changes: Send updated contact information to Janet Brinkworth, Parish Administrator, by postal mail, or e-mail [email protected].

Topics TeamMAnAgIng eDIToR

Kelly CarnahancoPy eDIToR

Georgia ParhamADVISoRS

Mikki Anderson Ruth Droppo Mark Hurley

Peter DelevettconTRIBuToRS

Esther Briddell Matthew Cole

Danica D’Onofrio Mary Ann Hart

Ross Martinie-Eiler Nancy Rayfield Jim Shackelford

Susie Sloffer Janet Stravopoulos

Blessing of the Animals in pictures

Bring your practical

questions, bills, and

thoughts on energy

usage in your home to

informal discussions with

Jim Shackelford, the

daytime sexton. The first

of these will be Monday,

Nov. 8 at noon in the

Harvest Room.

Home energy Q&A with Jim

Is your november birthday or anniversary missing from Topics? Please call or e-mail Janet Brinkworth, our parish administrator, at (812) 336-4466 or [email protected]

More good newsNon-Profit

U.S. Postage

PAIDBloomington, IN

Permit No. 11111 South Grant StreetBloomington, IN 47408

BIRTHDAyS1 Jennifer Daniel2 Ann Mitchell3 A.J. Day3 Jo Ann Fuchs4 Linda Richards5 Joan Martin5 Libby Tilghman6 Betty Rose Nagle8 Beatrice Carrol9 Steve Hale10 Pat Martin13 Laila Salibi-Cripe14 Elisabeth Siena15 Don Freund15 Mary McMullen

17 Catherine Brassell18 Anne Koch18 James McGibbon19 Michael Molenda19 Allison Sweeney19 Jenna Sweeny21 Diane Singleton25 Betsy Mills25 Erin Duffin26 Henry Gehrenbeck27 Weezie Smith AnnIVeRSARIeS 10 Alistar & Jennifer Andrews 15 Robert & Christine Conrad29 Dan and Tricia Souhrada

The 2011 Estimate of Giving was mailed Oct. 21. If you didn’t get one, we may not have your correct name and address. Please update your contact information with Janet, our Parish Administrator, at (812) 366-4466 or [email protected]. Extra forms are available in the office and in the narthex. We encourage everyone to return a pledge card, no matter the size of the commitment, so that Trinity can plan programs and an appro-priate budget for next year. You can increase or decrease your pledge as your situation changes by calling the church office.

2011 Estimate of Giving

2011 Estimate of givingTOTAL GIFT: $______________________ Payable as a one-time gift (please indicate the month of your gift) _____________________ Payable in installments of $________ per week month Beginning ____ / ____ and ending ____ / ____ Flexipledge: $________ payable in the months: Jan March May July Sept Nov

Feb April June Aug Oct Dec

Why estimate my 2011 giving?It’s difficult to predict what might happen financially in 2011. The past two years have been a roller coaster and complicated for most of us. Don’t let financial hardship interrupt your relationship with God or Trinity Episcopal Church. Your acceptance here is not based on your capacity to give. Trinity will continue to answer God’s call to Inspire Community. And we will continue to strive to uphold our baptismal promise, “We will, with God’s help.”

We do ask that everyone return a pledge card, no mat-ter the size of the commitment, so that Trinity can plan programs and an appropriate budget for next year. You can increase or decrease your pledge as your situation changes by calling the church office.

How to giveMost people offer their pledges by writing a check and mailing it or placing it in the offering plate. At this time, Trinity does not accept credit cards. Some people appreciate special offering envelopes provided by the church. If you would like a set of envelopes,

indicate your preference at the bottom of the pledge form. All pledge payments are acknowledged with quarterly statements.

FlexipledgeDebuting in 2010, Flexipledge allows people to indicate the amount of their plege and the months in which it will be paid. It’s most convenient for those who are only able to commit a semester at a time, or people who are out of town for large parts of the year.

Tax advantagesGifts to Trinity Episcopal Church are deductible as charitable contributions within the limits of the Inter-nal Revenue Code.

Questions?Stewardship liaisons: Mary Ann Hart, [email protected]; Larry Taylor, [email protected]; Kelly Carnahan, [email protected] Episcopal Church office: (812) 360-9388; [email protected]

Return the top portion of this form by Nov. 21, 2010, in the offering plate or mail to:Trinity Episcopal Church, 111 S. Grant Street, Bloomington, IN 47408

Donor informationName (s)

Address

City State ZIPE-mail Phone Yes, please provide me with set of offering envelopes

trinity topics, november, 2010

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