Parish Profile

Trinity Episcopal Church 720 Ford Avenue Owensboro, Kentucky 42301 270-684-5326 Trinityec.org

Table of Contents

Welcome p. 2

Who We Are p. 3

Our Current Community p. 4

Our Diocese p. 6

Programs & Ministries p. 6

New Rector Qualities p. 13

Our Financial Picture p. 14

Sources p. 22

Welcome Dear Candidate, Trinity Episcopal Church welcomes you, and we thank you for your time spent reviewing our Parish Profile. It is our hope that you might consider making Trinity your future home with a prayerful and discerning heart. After the retirement of our long-time rector, this transition period is a time of change and great opportunity for our church. We are using this time to reflect on the values that have made Trinity a strong and vibrant community and to focus on moving our parish into the future. We look forward to beginning a new journey with you as we continue to build the Kingdom of God here on Earth.

Yours in Christ, Trinity Episcopal Church Search Committee Wendy Wells Amy Beck Sarah Hulsey Beverly Johnson Jason Reddy Keith Sanders Brian Thomas Barbara Tipmore

Who We Are Trinity Church has a history that spans 166 years. It was in 1838 that The Right Rev. Benjamin Bosworth Smith, Bishop of Kentucky, traveled down the Ohio River on a steamboat and visited the western part of the state. During the trip, in which he consecrated two churches, he stopped in Owensboro and noted it as a possible site for a mission. Fourteen years later, in 1852, Smith organized Trinity Episcopal Church. The congregation grew until the tumultuous years of the Civil War, which caused many to move out of the area. However, membership stabilized when the war ended, and in 1875 the congregation erected a church building on Fifth Street that was considered a “jewel” in the city and its home for 90 years. By the late 1950’s the parish had outgrown the building on Fifth Street and set sights on moving to, what was then known as the growing South part of the city. First used in 1957, the multi-purpose parish hall, was designed to hold church, classes, meetings, and meals until the construction of the new church was complete. Construction of the new church on Ford Avenue began in 1962, and the Cornerstone was set in 1963. Early in its history, Trinity Church developed a reputation for its commitment to outreach and its radical hospitality shown by loving one another. Members played roles in establishing the local Habitat for Humanity chapter and Hospice of Owensboro. For several years in the early 1980’s, the parish held a support group for gays and lesbians. In 1977, Trinity held the ordination of the first woman priest in Kentucky. Our previous rector, Father Pat Connell, lead Trinity Church for some 19 years, from 1998 to 2017. He will be remembered for his tireless work in reaching out to all people and ensuring that all were fully welcomed at Trinity. Father Pat was also instrumental in better organizing Trinity Church, and as a result, we have many lay volunteer positions and numerous committees serving both our parishioners and community.

Trinity Vision Statement Trinity Episcopal Church is a Eucharistic and liturgical community in the Anglican tradition that values and encourages ongoing Christian education and spiritual formation, diversity of people and ideas, fellowship and radical hospitality, and works of justice and mercy as gospel imperatives.

Listed on the US National Register of Historic Places in 1972, the “old” Trinity Episcopal Church is now the home of Theater Workshop of Owensboro.

Our Current Community Owensboro is the fourth largest city by population in the U.S. state of Kentucky. It is the county seat of Daviess County. Owensboro is located on U.S. Route 60 about 32 miles (51 km) southeast of Evansville, Indiana, and is the principal city of the Owensboro, Kentucky, Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city's population was 57,265 at the 2010 U.S. Census, with a metropolitan population of 114,752. Owensboro is the second-largest city in the Tri-State region of Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky after Evansville. Owensboro is situated 123 miles north of Nashville, TN; and 109 miles southwest of Louisville, KY and has direct access via highway, rail, river and air. The William H. Natcher Bridge provides a route to Interstate 64 in Indiana. Construction has commenced on the I-69 spur and I-64 / I-65 corridor linking Owensboro to the interstate system. The Owensboro–Daviess County Regional Airport serves access to the international air transportation system. Education The Owensboro Public Schools, Daviess County Public Schools, and the Diocese of Owensboro's Catholic School System oversee K-12 education in and around Owensboro. Owensboro is home to two private, four-year colleges, Brescia University and Kentucky Wesleyan College, one public community college, Owensboro Community and Technical College, and the Western Kentucky University Owensboro extended campus. Medical Facilities The Owensboro area is fortunate to have an excellent hospital that is rated among the top five percent in the nation - Owensboro Health. This organization serves eleven counties in Kentucky and southern Indiana. The hospital completed construction of a new, $385 million state-of-the-art facility in 2013. Entertainment Owensboro offers a wide range of cultural and recreational activities. We have everything from fishing on a nearby lake to live performances of the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra, one of the finest in the state. Municipal parks provide areas for picnicking, golf, tennis, softball, football and relaxing. Water sport activities may be enjoyed on the Ohio River. The Arts Cultural activities play a major role in the everyday lives of Owensboro residents. Owensboro RiverPark Center, a performing arts and civic center, boasts a 1,500 seat multi-purpose auditorium and experimental theatre, a riverfront plaza, an open-air courtyard, meeting/reception rooms, and the International Bluegrass Music Museum. Each year the RiverPark Center hosts over 150 performance events and 800 civic events. Many cultural agencies are funded in part by the City of Owensboro. The City is also home to the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art and the Owensboro Museum of Science and History.

Festivals Each festival is unique and designed for the whole family. The International Bar-B-Q Festival is held each year and sees tens of thousands of people visit the "Bar-B-Q Capital of the World". The Bar-B-Q Festival is packed with food, music, dance, and more food. Friday After 5 is a weekly, summer-long series of free outdoor music concerts at the RiverPark Center. The City, along with local sponsors, allows the concerts to be free to everyone. Friday After 5 has recently been named one of the “Top Ten Summer Festivals” in Kentucky. The concerts began in 1996 and have become the place to be Friday evenings during the summer. The season begins Memorial Day weekend and continues through Labor Day weekend.

Recreation Owensboro is host to the only municipal ice arena in Kentucky, Edge Ice Center. The year- round facility features a 42,600 square foot arena and is the home to the Owensboro Youth Hockey Association and the Owensboro Figure Skating Club. During the summer months, the City maintains two public swimming pools and three Sprayparks located at Legion, Kendall-Perkins and Smothers Parks. The Spraypark addition to Legion Park was an enhancement to a beautiful park located in the center of Owensboro that already features basketball courts, a walking trail, playground equipment, and covered shelters. Owensboro hosts many local, state, regional and national softball and baseball tournaments at our softball complex located at Jack C. Fisher Park. The new Smothers Park on the riverfront features an all-access Lazy-Dayz playground with a spraypark, concessions, music and signature fountains.

Our Diocese The Episcopal Diocese of Kentucky consists of 36 congregations including partnerships with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), 3 campus ministries, 2 prison ministries, 2 partner community centers, All Saints Camp and Retreat Center, the School of Ministry, and many other ministries throughout 56 counties in the central and western part of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, from Carroll County to Clinton County and all the way west to Fulton County. The Right Reverend Terry A. White was ordained as the VIII Bishop of the Diocese of Kentucky in September of 2010. We are one of two dioceses in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, including the Diocese of Lexington, and one of 110 dioceses that make up the Episcopal Church in the USA, a community of 2.4 million members in America and abroad. We are also part of the Anglican Communion, a global community of more than 80 million persons in 38 member provinces throughout the world.

Programs and Ministries Worship At the core of our parish community are our Worship Services; there are many ways our congregation helps with this ministry. Altar Guild Trinity’s Altar Guild is dedicated to preparing the Eucharist for each service. Lectors Our lectors serve by reading the scripture during service.

Choir Led by choirmaster Martin Fendley, our devoted choir practices Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings to support the 10:00 AM Sunday Service (no need to be a trained singer, just a joy in musical service). Martin, who is only our 2nd choirmaster since the move to Ford Avenue— our first served for over 40 years, plays our gorgeous Holtkamp 13 rank organ that was installed in 1976.

Acolytes These youths participate in worship, carrying the candles and crosses as well as assisting with the Eucharist. The congregation embrace the future leaders of Trinity and enjoy watching them grow and become more independent in their roles on the altar.

Lay Eucharistic Ministers Eucharistic Ministers are trained and commissioned to administer the elements. Several lay ministers also volunteer as Eucharistic Visitors, taking communion to the sick of the parish.

Spiritual Formation Trinity Episcopal Church is dedicated to providing opportunities for all to grow in their spiritual journey. Guided by a volunteer Christian Education and Formation Committee, we offer something for all ages. Children’s Chapel Each Sunday during the mid-morning service, children are invited to participate in Children’s Chapel, where they learn about God’s love through activities and songs.

Daughters of the King Daughters of the King (DOK) is an order for women who commit to a life of prayer and service. Trinity's DOK chapter is active in enhancing the prayer life of our parish. Along with quarterly meetings, they sponsor the annual Valentine’s Day luncheon for our seniors and singles, distribute flowers to all women in the parish on Mother’s Day, and organize the prayer vigil on Maundy Thursday.

Trinity Café Offered on Wednesdays during the academic year, Trinity Cafe is our mid-week program of Christian education. We share a meal at 5:15 PM, followed by an hour of adult enrichment. We end the evening at 7:00 PM with Compline. Previous topics have included Holy Yoga, Humor in the Bible, and Poetry as a Way to Pray. It is a lovely evening in the Trinity community.

Parish Life Hospitality Guild: Coordinates Coffee Hours, Potluck Breakfasts that are held the first Sunday of the month, and other celebrations (such as Epiphany and the Parish Picnic).

Newcomers Ministry: Assures all who wish are included into the community of Trinity. Includes weekly greeters and visitor follow-up. “Missed You” Ministry: Involves reaching out to parishioners who have not been in service for several weeks. Feast of St. Francis & the Blessing of the Animals: An annual celebration and service (October) where our pet companions are blessed. Daughters of the King: Women’s group whose ministry involves prayer and service. Young Adults Group: Group of parishioners in their 20's, 30's and 40's that get together for social outings several times throughout the year. Needlewoman’s Guild: Follows a long tradition of service with handmade items for newborns, etc. They meet monthly. Building & Grounds volunteer assist Junior Wardens in assuring all is well with our church structure and grounds. Money Counters: Serve 2-3 Sundays a quarter to account for our weekly income. Office Help: Involves general receptionist duties to relieve our part-time administrative assistant. Newsletter Prep: Involves helping to fold, tab and label newsletter every 2 months. Pastoral Care Trinity Church is a caring congregation that supports each other in times of need through these important and rewarding ministries. Hospital Visitation Along with our parish priest, these volunteers assure those in the nursing home or hospital receive visits on a regular basis.

Meals Ministry When parishioners come home from the hospital or are in special need, this group reaches out in love with home-made meals. Card Ministry Involves both caring when someone is ill, but also celebrating those milestones in our lives—birthdays, anniversaries, etc. Eucharistic Visitors Eucharistic Visitors are trained and commissioned volunteers that take the Eucharist to those unable to attend service on Sunday.

Trinity Special Events Epiphany Service and Twelfth Night Celebration: Trinity celebrates the Magi each year with a glorious service and celebration that brings many visitors from the Owensboro community.

Trunk or Treat: Trunk or Treat is an opportunity for the congregation to have fun with each other and provide hospitality to our neighbors.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper: Traditionally organized by our parish youth, our pancake supper provides our congregation a chance to enjoy each other before the fasting season of Lent.

Community Outreach Trinity has an active outreach committee that is made up of dedicated church members who meet monthly to identify needs in our community and determine how Trinity can best assist, whether through a financial gift, recruiting volunteers or by simply spreading the word. Individual committee members serve as liaisons for various agencies, allowing us to better understand and serve our community. Ongoing ministry relationships include... Help Office ...Owensboro’s largest food bank, all food and supplies are donated by area churches, individuals, organizations and businesses to the Help Office. This 39-year-old lay ministry serves Owensboro and Daviess County churches as a clearinghouse for those seeking emergency assistance. Contributing churches may refer anyone needing food or emergency assistance to the HELP Office with a note from the church. Encouraged donations include personal hygiene as well as baby care items. Trinity Outreach collects items for the Help Office and also supports with much needed dollars. Habitat for Humanity...... A nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry, it’s Owensboro chapter was established with the help of members of Trinity. Habitat has the vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. This ministry has helped to build over 500,000 decent, affordable houses and served 2.5 million people worldwide. More than 100 houses have been built in Owensboro. Trinity volunteers provide building skills and time as well as financial support. We are especially excited to provide financial assistance in refurbishing one of the original Habitat houses we helped to build a few years ago for a new owner. St. Benedict's Emergency Homeless Shelter… …A temporary refuge for the homeless men in our community, St. Benedict's guests are provided with a safe, non-judgmental, warm place to sleep, take a shower, eat and wash personal laundry in a Christian

11 atmosphere. The shelter is open year-round from 8 p.m. until 8 a.m. and is a male only emergency shelter. Two meals are served daily with laundry and shower services available to overnight guests. Along with financial support, Trinity has teams that work to provide meals and companionship. World Vision… ...A Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by Christian values, World Vision dedicated to working with the world’s most vulnerable people. They serve all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. Trinity uses the Annual Epiphany Service donations to “adopt” two children in Ethiopia and Zambia, Africa. Matthew 25… ...Matthew 25’s mission is to support, educate, and treat those infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS (Henderson based). Along with financial support, 8-10 Trinity members participate in food delivery to 30 clients 2 times per month. Local Utility Relief...... Trinity Outreach responds to families in Owensboro in need of assistance with utility bills. This is an ongoing ministry, truly meeting immediate and essential needs. Families receiving assistance are vetted by local agencies. Oasis Shelter… …A new ministry for Trinity Outreach, this Owensboro women’s shelter is a Domestic Violence Program and licensed Women’s Substance Treatment provider for battered women and/or homeless, chemically dependent women and their dependent children. Oasis addresses the unique needs of victims of domestic violence - whether trapped in the cycle of violence and/or the cycle of addiction. Oasis provides a safe place for women and their children to escape the trauma and devastation of domestic violence and/or substance abuse. Trinity is filling volunteer roles and providing materials to Oasis.

All Saints Camp & Episcopal Center...... A popular camp and retreat center located in a rural setting on Rough River near Leitchfield, KY, All Saints can accommodate groups of 20 to 134 persons of all ages for meals and lodging. The mission is to provide a sacred place so all may experience God through Christian community. They seek to transform the lives of those they serve through rich traditions that foster exploration, renewal, formation and growth. The center is available year round for camp and adult retreats, conferences and parish weekends. Our Outreach Committee is committed to assuring All Saints continues to be a place where lives can be transformed by providing funds and volunteers. Disaster Relief ...When disasters occur anywhere in the world, such as flooding, tornadoes or hurricanes, Trinity responds through support for Episcopal Disaster Relief and Development. Their mandate is to provide relief in times of disaster and promote sustainable development by identifying and addressing the root causes of suffering. In addition, members of Trinity have partnered with First Presbyterian Church in developing a Volunteer Reception Center for Daviess County in order to provide food and shelter to those in need should a crisis event occur in our community. New Rector Qualities Trinity Church seeks a rector with the following qualities: • Capable preacher who connects the Gospel to our daily lives. • Welcoming to all God’s people and desiring to maintain the Radical Hospitality for which Trinity is known. • Leadership and vision necessary to oversee our growth in membership and financial giving. • Ability to provide leadership in Christian education of all age groups. • Able to reach out to our Karen community and seek out ways to engage them in our worship. • Compassion to provide pastoral care and caring counsel to all in times of need. We seek a vibrant pastor who is searching for a vibrant church community such as Trinity in which to make his or her long-term home.

Financial Data, 2017-2017 Budget Summary

Sources Information for the Parish Profile came from the following sources: www.episcopalky.org www.trinityec.org www.owensboro.com www.owensboro.org The Legacy of Trinity Episcopal Church: 1852-2000. Edited by The Rev. Dr. Glendon C. Coppick

Thank You Our hope that this profile has given you a glimpse into all that makes Trinity Church the vibrant church that it is, including its proud history, the energetic and family-oriented community of Owensboro, and its congregation that strives to serve the Lord through radical hospitality. If you would like to join us on our journey, please email Wendy Wells, our Search Committee Chair, at [email protected]. Christ’s peace,

Vestry Members: Doug Webster II, Ralph Barany, Kevin Brown, Lori Byers, Nolan Houston, Shirley Jones, Stan Lightner Brandon Lucas, Brooke Obermann, Cheryl Parker, Pamela Reddy, Judy Willen

Search Committee Members: Wendy Wells, Amy Beck, Sarah Hulsey, Beverly Johnson, Jason Reddy, Keith Sanders, Brian Thomas, Barbara Tipmore