NOVEMBER 2016 TRINITY TIMES THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Trinity
Discover the many ways Trinity shows CaresChristian care and compassion TRINITY CARES
The Congregational Care ministry encompasses four major areas of ministry: Pastors' Aid, Visitation, Stephen Ministry, and Counseling and Enrichment.
Trinity
Careshrough times of grief and loss, Trinity cares. Stephen Ministry began in St. Louis because a Through times of transition when the way Lutheran pastor understood his congregation Tfeels uncertain, Trinity cares. Through was too large for him alone to tend. What has times when we just need another person to developed since is a massive, nation-wide program talk with, Trinity cares. This issue of the Trinity that teaches leadership and active listening skills Times turns our attention to the teams that make to Stephen Ministers and gives churches a robust congregational care what it is at Trinity. group of congregational care leaders. This year Trinity held its ninth training class and expanded Our Pastors’ Aid committee not only prays for the number of active Stephen Ministers to more members and our ordained pastors on staff, but than 30. also hosts the receptions that follow memorial services here at Trinity Presbyterian Church. The Our Counseling and Enrichment committee volunteers on this team create space following provides education on mental and emotional these special services for guests and the family health issues and provides counseling to reminisce and tell stories of their loved one, an opportunities right here at Trinity. Sometimes in experience of healing for all present. our lives we recognize that something might be “off.” A relationship may be strained or we may Our Visitation committee reaches out into the life notice that we are not responding to situations the of the church to be a presence for those who are way we usually do. Counseling is a way to obtain hurting, or are lonely, or are trying to recover from the coaching that gets things back on track. This an illness or injury. These caring souls offer their ministry helps our members do just that. ears and attention to others and help make space for prayer and restoration. In the pages that follow are stories about the many ways our church supports its members in times of trouble.
Hand and heart artwork by BETTY LAYNG
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PASTORS' AID SURROUNDED BY ANGELS Written by JUNE BISHOP
hen my husband, Linton, and I a surprise to me, but as a real shock. Linton's joined Trinity in 2006 after 50 years many years of medical practice, combined Wof active membership in another with 60 years in this community with our church, we were prepared to spend several four children, brought an unexpectedly large years getting to feel at home, but from the crowd to the service. I had been told there first, we were made to feel welcomed and would be a reception following, but had given comfortable. no thought to how that could happen. As it is said, the rest is history. Then, only six weeks after joining, I learned that I had lung cancer, a great shock for I had heard of Pastors' Aid, but did not know one who had been healthy and had no that they were the "Trinity Angels" who quietly symptoms. Throughout surgery and months of had provided the meals, notes, and flowers. chemotherapy treatments, food, flowers and Now, at my time of despair, Pastors’ Aid notes of encouragement came from people provided a beautiful setting for the reception, whose names we did not even recognize. with food and flowers for our friends and These many kindnesses helped us through family to gather around and remember my a very rough time. After my recovery, we wonderful husband. In the time of such deep enjoyed several active years before Linton's personal need, the feeling of being surrounded health declined, leading to his death from by a large, loving family overwhelmed me with pneumonia in December 2014. As a result, gratitude. I have joined Pastors' Aid, hoping to I was a wreck, almost unable to function. pay forward the kindness shown me, but I have Ours had been a happy partnership, just six gotten another surprise. Though I had seen months short of 65 years, but once again them as sacrificial givers, I now know that the Trinity held me up. The clergy helped plan the joy and enthusiasm that radiates in Pastors' memorial service and gave me great comfort Aid members is walking proof that "to give is and spiritual support, but behind the scenes, more blessed (and more fun) than to receive." I things were being done that came not just as feel lucky to be a part of a group like that.
"I had heard of Pastors' Aid, but did not know that they were the 'Trinity Angels' who quietly had provided the meals, notes, and flowers."
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THE GATHERING CARING FOR THE CAREGIVER Written by BECKY WARNER
small but significant entity within the therapists. We are just members of Trinity Congregational Care umbrella of church who find this time at church once a month a Amembership is the group known as the comfortable change of pace. We all understand Gathering. The entity was begun 6+ years ago the heartache of caregiving. We are either as an outreach program to members of Trinity actively caring for someone now, or have done who serve as caregivers to a family member. It so in the past. At times during the year, we look gives them an opportunity to meet monthly at forward to having one of the ministers visit with the church for a very informal time of light lunch, us. conversation, prayer, and fellowship with others facing similar issues. We are supportive, loving and caring Christians whose Trinity bond gives us the opportunity Jeanne McKown, Berney Bridges, Helen to reach out to those in need and share our Anderson, and Becky Warner have participated own experiences with the hope that it will be as aids to this group during its tenure. The group beneficial to whomever. As family lives change meets on the third Tuesday of each month in over time, so does our group participation. Our the Chapel Parlor from 11:30am -1:30pm to doors are always open. Your visit can be one enjoy the fellowship of each other, to share in time or an extended one. The current number the heartaches, the remembrances of family, and of participants is usually 10. We meet regularly the love our church provides for those who want regardless of the number. There is no protocol to be with others in an understanding, caring you must follow. We respect the privacy of all environment. Trinity members, but if you would like more information about our time together I encourage Obviously, a family member’s illness, debilitating you to speak to any one of our ministers or to call condition, or ultimately, a death, change the any one of us. We are more than happy to help emotional complexity of family life. None of you in any way we can. us who come to the Gathering are professional
The Gathering meets the third Tuesday of each month. Our doors are always open. Your visit can be one time or an extended one.
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VISITATION
TO GIVE & RECEIVE STEPHEN MINISTRY Written by PAT RITSEMA WHO IS SITTING ON he first time I met Edna, I knew she was visits where we just sit in her room as we talk and a gem, a rare jewel of great value! My share, watching the hummingbirds, and observing Tbeautiful discovery of this treasure all the beauty on her patio and landscape below. started with a visit! YOUR PEW? Edna’s knowledge is vast. She knows about Edna Hitchins has been a member of Trinity since anything and everything! History, geography, Written by EMILY C. SEIGLER its beginning. Loyal, faithful and true to Trinity she politics, the South, literature and theology. I drink was and is and will continue to be. Her son, her in whatever she shares! Edna married right out grandson and her great grandchildren all attend of high school and was thrilled to finally have a Trinity. home and family. Later when the children were ray and Suzanne were already there When the service ended, Gray searched for the in high school she began to take courses at Emory sitting on the back pew when I arrived. senior minister while standing man, who as it turns I have learned so much about the history of which finally led to her getting her college degree GThis was not unusual as they were always out is our senior associate pastor whom I had Trinity from Edna. She tells wonderful stories and just when her daughter was also graduating. She prompt, well attired, and respectful whereas I was not yet met, immediately came over to sit beside anecdotes about Allison Williams, dear friends, taught English and is a great reader and writer. We consistently tardy and my grooming described the woman. She was empty of life, defeated in many of whom have now passed away, and stories both enjoy writing and so we keep encouraging as “interesting.” But friends we were and that spirit, and I saw Suzanne’s gentle touch soften her about the church and its beginning. one another to pick up the pencil! day we would function as a team during the hour crying spasms but also allow her to give into them. we shared. While walking over to take my seat, I Finally she calmed, relieved by the pouring out of As it happens, although Edna has become one of As Edna ages gracefully, but with plentiful pain, passed before a nice looking, tall man standing at her burdens. Seeing that she had unwound with my dearest friends and prayer warriors, she is she has decided that now is the time to capture the end of the pew, and remarked to him, “Oh, are Suzanne and the pastor, I stepped back and went old enough to have been my mother! A mother I and share with her grandchildren and great you Suzanne’s son?” His wry smile accenting bright home. Suzanne remained an hour, only leaving as would have loved to have! God has blessed her grandchildren the beautiful life story of her eyes hinted that maybe I was wrong and suggested she saw the woman become more engaged with with many years exuding wisdom, grace, love and precious grandma who cared for her after her it was best for me to sit down quickly. our senior associate minister who was listening, beauty. mother died when she was four. Her grandmother listening, listening. was strong, spiritual, and sensitive and supported Now as this story develops, remember this Her wisdom and life experience come from a very her and her siblings during this traumatic time of gentleman. So here is the line up on the pew. As I never learned the lady’s story or cause of her complicated, yet in a 'beautifully charmed life ' as their life. She tells me the stories and I try to help you enter the row, standing man was first and then great pain. What I did learn was the reason for the she puts it. God and His ministering angels guided her capture this amazing woman’s story in writing. seated were Gray, followed by me and to my left back pew. Gray ushers and he can come and go her every step of the difficult way and she gives Suzanne and then others further down from her. quietly. I am late. Suzanne joins us periodically and Him all praise and glory. Edna, admired and appreciated her grandmother About thirty minutes into our hour, Suzanne asked somehow she was there that Sunday when she was for all her kindness and love just as I now admire me for a tissue. Regrettably, I did not have one – needed, her purpose that morning being revealed We were enjoying being visitation friends, but Edna for all she has given and shared with me! only the wrapper from the piece of candy Gray had on the back pew. She, Gray, and I became friends when my engineer husband John was diagnosed slipped to me. while studying to become Stephen Ministers. Such with cancer as her engineer husband John had Visitation is a program here at Trinity to support training offers a process for listening and for care been diagnosed with cancer and both had been our Trinity family when it is difficult for members A little more time passed and Suzanne’s body just giving, for developing trust with an individual so placed in hospice, our friendship took us to an even to participate as fully as they would like at this time couldn’t keep still, changing position not to become that he may know he is cared about. After that deeper shared level. She understood the waiting in their life. When I began Visitation, I thought I comfortable but to get attention. Anxiety wrinkled Sunday, I came to view the back pew not as a and watching and worrying. When he died, she would be the giver. I have truly been the receiver. her brow. Concern peered from her eyes which place shielding a late arrival but as opportunity understood the grief, living alone, and rebuilding a I have found visitation to be a greater gift to me were shifting left. And then as I crossed my legs and awareness for seeing, listening, and possibly, life experience. than I could ever have possibly imagined! We trying to decipher what was happening, I stared helping. You see all walks grace the back pew. both agreed it feels like God handpicked us to be straight into sadness - debilitating, overwhelming, I was to be her visitation partner, but she became Visitation partners. uncontrollable despair. There on Suzanne’s left sat If you or someone on your pew, needs a Suzanne mine. She prayed for me, sent me poems, brought a middle aged woman crying, her breaths coming or an Emily or a Gray to listen and care, there is a me gifts, and shared her comfort and wisdom. Call Calico Perry, 404-351-1201, and she will sign in gulps for air. Suzanne, inching closer to her, Stephen Minister ready to share your burden. you up for this special gift of being a Visitation Edna is in Presbyterian Village now. I have visited reached for the woman’s hand. I left to hunt for a partner. for lunch, attended a Bible study, and had many tissue; Gray alerted the standing man.
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STEPHEN MINISTRY IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE STORM
y Stephen Minister serves as a safe after another. haven to anchor me in the aftermath of Mthe biggest storm of my life. You do not Watching him diminish day by day as he struggled need to be going through the biggest storm of with the pain and the inability to swallow or eat left to pick up the broken pieces of my life. anchor me in the aftermath of the biggest storm of your life to receive the care of a Stephen Minister. me feeling like I may drown in my sorrow. I found my life. You do not need to be going through the Your storm may be more like a brief but terrifying my life support in God’s holy word. Isaiah 43:2 Just like the aftermath of a devastating hurricane, biggest storm of your life to receive the care of a thunderstorm, or even just a rainstorm, or sun promised, “When you pass through the waters, I nothing looked the same or felt the same. Nothing Stephen Minister. Whether you find yourself in a shower that you would just like someone safe, will be with you.” His word buoyed me up. felt familiar. Food had no taste. Sleep escaped me. brief but terrifying thunderstorm, a rainstorm, or a constant, and confidential to weather the storm Yet, there were tasks to do—bills to pay, projects sun shower, a Stephen Minister is available to walk Psalm 61:2 says, "When my heart is overwhelmed: with you . that would take weeks and months. My support with you . lead me to the rock that is higher than I am." team members were gone back to their homes, The storm was predicted when the oncologist back to work, and on to help others weather their No life transition or crisis is too big or too small. I felt emptied like a cup, I felt submerged like a perfunctorily answered my husband’s life changing storms. Maybe it is a loss, pending divorce, an empty vessel caught in the storm winds, like a broken question. He asked, “How long will I need to do nest that is breaking your heart, you are having shell hurled through the waters. But God proved chemo?” The response was, “The rest of your life.” That is when my Stephen Minister came into my infertility problems, you lost your job, your children to be my safe harbor, my rock that hid me as a “And if I choose not to do chemo?” “I can arrange life as an anchor. I am a Stephen Minister. I thought are making you sick with fear, you have received a shelter from the storms that wanted to engulf me. hospice care.” to myself one day, “If ever I needed a Stephen devastating diagnosis, or you are struggling with Each time the winds of fear blew me back out to Minister it is now! Why had I not sought one a family member or a relationship. It can be short Shock, fear, panic, and terror engulfed my sea, He would steer me back to safety in the cleft sooner?” Week by week, month by month calling, term support or as long as you need it. entire being! My husband was my rock, my of the rock. coming, checking in with constancy, consistency, best friend since I was 15, my partner as we confidentiality, and caring she lovingly listened Stephen Ministers are called by God to serve and Trinity Pastor’s, Pastor’s Aid friends, fellow parented our children, married for 48 years. He to me express the depth of my pain as well as to Trinity Stephen Ministry Leaders train and prepare Stephen Ministers were all like God’s hands was my provider, encourager, protector. He did witness and acknowledge the baby steps I was each one to be of service as a kind, compassionate reaching out to me with life supports of comfort everything. He was the healthy one with eating, taking to put my life back in some kind of order. listener. Please do not hesitate to contact one of and care through visits, notes, calls, emails, texts, tennis, yoga, exercise. He was going to live a long She is a beautiful gift of love, support, care all the Stephen Leaders to get the support you need cards, flowers, and food to help sustain us in healthy life. The storm clouds began to gather with wrapped in respect, dignity, and confidentiality. today. Our God puts us in community, in a church the storm. Pastor’s Aid Committee graciously unrelenting back pain. How will I ever thank her for her hours and hours family. Our church stands ready to offer you a provided a beautiful memorial reception after the of loving care? Stephen Minister today, an anchor in your life’s A stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis which had memorial service where Pam ministered to all of storms. already metastasized to liver and spine was like a us with her honoring words about John and his life My Stephen Minister serves as a safe haven to storm that hit our life with hurricane force. After and his now eternal life. Norman ministered to the first devastating storm, storm clouds continued our grieving hearts through his sacred gift of music to gather. Chemo and radiation for the intense which John has always appreciated and treasured. pain, urgent care visits, hospital visits, home health To speak with a Stephen Minister, contact Meredith Daniel (404-869-0025, After the storm of life and death ended for my care, home hospice care, two hospice stays at precious husband, we were devastated. I was left [email protected]) or Marc Krause (404-713-0629, [email protected]) Tranquility House followed like one intense squall
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WELCOMING OUR YOUNGEST MEMBERS COUNSELING AND ENRICHMENT SHOWING I'M LISTENING Written by PAULETTE SLAWSON CARE &
Trinity’s Counselor in Residence, Mary Lisa Henry, Ph.D., LCSW, provides individual therapy appointments available LOVE for Trinity members. Written by MEADE CONLEY
s families are created with the introduction of their first child or hould topics such as healthy aging, to her private practice, Dr. Henry is on clinical Afamilies grow through the blessings of depression, and challenges in relationships faculty at Emory’s Department of Psychiatry. She additional children, it is the goal of Children Sbe a concern of the church? Trinity Church has taught on the graduate level, as well as given and Family Ministries to reach out in love and says "Yes"!! The Counseling and Enrichment numerous lectures on a broad range of mental celebrate this amazing milestone in the lives of Committee sponsors educational programming health issues. Dr. Henry has individual therapy families within our church. In connecting at this and support services to enhance the mental health appointments available for Trinity members here wonderful but sometimes overwhelming time, and emotional well-being of Trinity members. in the counseling office at Trinity. She also has CFM seeks to deepen our relationships within Committee activities include Adult Education appointments at her private practice location and across families, sharing God’s love at the series on a broad range of mental health topics, in Buckhead. Dr. Henry can be reached on her birth, adoption, or baptism of a baby. Under the grief support groups, and sponsorship of our confidential voice mail at 404-869-3707. thoughtful care of Britney Karasick (Children counselor in residence. and Family Ministries member), our community In January 2017 Counseling and Enrichment will welcomes new babies into our church family In 2015, the committee sponsored a grief support sponsor a six-week series Adult Education series with a wrapped gift of a pewter filigree crib group for recently bereaved members, which was on Listening: Listening in marriage, Listening to cross. This gift is accompanied by a celebratory facilitated by Rev. Holly Tickle. In January 2016 our children and teens; Listening in the workplace; note from CFM Pastor, Rev. Erin McGee. With the committee also sponsored a six-week series Listening to each other in church. Trinity Stephen pink or blue pearl insets and a "Bless this child" for Adult Education titled Joys and Losses across Ministers, Dr. Mary Lisa Henry, and outside dangle, the cross is tied with a sheer pink or blue the Life Cycle, which addressed mental health and counseling professionals will lead this series. fabric bow. It is our hope that this cross hangs life transitions. Attendees were surveyed about in a nursery in these early years and will later services offered at Trinity, unmet needs and future The committee meets quarterly and reports to the hang in their own home one day or upon their topics, on counseling and personal growth. Session through the Congregational Care umbrella Christmas trees each year. We have welcomed committee. Members of the Counseling and 28 baby girls and 24 baby boys into our church Mary Lisa Henry, Ph.D., LCSW is Trinity’s Enrichment Committee are Dr. Matthew Norman family in the last 18 months. It is our hope that Counselor in Residence. She received her (co chair), Teed Poe (co-chair), Frances Carroll, this special keepsake cross will be a continual undergraduate degree from Emory and her Janet Edwards, Marc Krause, Ruth Marston, John reminder of God’s blessings, as well as how Masters and Ph.D. in clinical social work from Shepard, Paulette Slawson, and Ramona White. cherished this new child is in her/his extended Smith College. For 20 years Dr. Henry has had an The Reverend Jeremy Jinkins is our clergy liaison. church family. active clinical practice treating adults in individual, Please contact any committee member if you couple, and group psychotherapy. In addition would like to get involved.
PAGE 12 PAGE 13 Although I was baptized at Davidson College Presbyterian Church, I am not a lifelong Presbyterian.
uring my teenage and young adult years, I intelligence on ice or ignorance on fire?” Ouch. It is was exposed to many different ways of being a question that stings. We could, of course, dismiss DChristian. I often tell the new member classes it as the gross generalization that it is. Yet, isn’t it that I have been Episcometholutherterian; which true that every generalization contains a kernel of actually doesn’t cover it all, because I have also truth from which we can learn, if we open ourselves been involved in Baptist and non-denominational up to self-examination? I, and I hear many of you, communities. Most of the time in our new member often say things like “at Trinity, you don’t have to classes, there are similar stories from people who check your brain at the door” and “we value a faith have come from a wide range of religious traditions. that has intellectual integrity.” When it comes to I tell them that I do not so much think of myself the intelligence -ignorance spectrum, we are clearly as Presbyterian, but rather I am Christian in a on the intelligence side of the equation. The hard Presbyterian way. And my choice to be Christian in question we need to ask ourselves is where are this Presbyterian way we are Christian together was we on the ice and fire spectrum? Are we prone to a prayerful, theologically thoughtful, and intentional being so focused on our intellectual inquiries into one. the faith that we avoid letting the Spirit’s fire touch our hearts? Do we, as Thomas à Kempis describes in My story is an example of how strong denominational his classic work The Imitation of Christ, seek to “feel loyalties no longer determine where people profound sorrow" in our hearts for our sin, or would worship and serve. Instead, we oftentimes rely on a we rather simply be able to "define the theological consumerist model. Consider the language we use for term for it?” Is there a joyful spiritual energy that religious choices: we describe people as “shopping pervades our study and inspires us to put love into for a church” and looking for a “good fit.” If we are action? Are we open to a holistic, transformational not careful, this consumeristic mentality seeps into experience of God that challenges our minds, softens our life together; we begin to think of members our hearts and activates our mouths, our feet and our as consumers of religious services and clergy as hands to move into the world proclaiming the Good dispensers of such services. But that is not what it News in word and deed? means to be church. Members are participants not consumers. I believe we are living in a time when the world desperately needs churches that are intelligence on Being church is about being disciples (students) of fire, communities that involve the heart and head Christ together. It is about worshipping God together of every member, congregations who have moved and opening our lives to the transforming power beyond the goal of surviving as an institution of of the Spirit. It is about participating together in organized religion and are seeking instead to embody God’s work in the church and in the world, seeking a religion that is organizing for the common good.1 to co-create with God a more just and generous I believe at our core we are a church of intelligence human family. So at a time when participants in our on fire and that we have the capacity to continually new member classes might be asking themselves, become a better version of the community God calls “Do I like it here?,” I encourage them to reframe the us to be, as we allow the Spirit to re-form us again and choice before them and ask, “Is God calling me here?” again. Let’s ponder and dream together about what Naturally, part of discerning the call will be that they that looks like here and now! “like” life at TPC in the sense that they resonate with our mission and values, but it will be more than just Thinking and on fire with you, that. Speaking of choosing churches….
In her book Christianity After Religion, Dianna Butler Bass shares a question that was posted on her Pam Facebook page, “Why is it that the choice among churches always seems to be the choice between 1 Brian McLaren, The Great Spiritual Migration. p. 14
PAGE 14 PAGE 15 AN EVENING WITH
AN EVENING WITH RACHEL HELD EVANS Written by JENELLE HOLMES RachelHeld Evans achel Held Evans is a humorous and Her most recent book, Searching for Sunday, prophetic voice in the Christian community. addresses the exhaustion and disillusionment New York Times bestselling RShe grew up in Tennessee in the home of the that churchgoers and NONES alike face when the Scopes Monkey Trial of 1925 and has a faith that is façade of church fails and we’re left rebuilding author and blogger unafraid to wrestle with a world of diverse people, our faith. “This is what God's kingdom is like: a thoughts, beliefs, and senses of humor. Her first bunch of outcasts and oddballs gathered at a table, book, Faith Unraveled, explores what it means to not because they are rich or worthy or good, but read the Bible with all of our baggage and all of our because they are hungry, because they said yes. humanity. “My interpretation (of the Bible) can And there's always room for more.” “21ST-CENTURY CHRISTIAN” only be as inerrant as I am, and that's good to keep in mind.” “The church is God saying: 'I'm throwing a banquet, Rachel will be exploring questions of and all these mismatched, messed-up people are In her second book, A Year of Biblical Womanhood, invited. Here, have some wine.” identity: What is the church? What Rachel spends a year fumbling through the endless does it mean to be a Christian in 2016? requirements and commands regarding women in “But the gospel doesn’t need a coalition devoted the Bible. to keeping the wrong people out. It needs a family What is a "millennial"? Her humor and of sinners, saved by grace, committed to tearing candid nature will engage any age and “The Christian versions of the household codes down the walls, throwing open the doors, and were clearly progressive for their time, but does shouting, 'Welcome! There’s bread and wine. stage of life. that mean they have the last word, that Christians Come eat with us and talk.' This isn’t a kingdom for in changing places and times cannot progress the worthy; it’s a kingdom for the hungry.” further?” Rachel lives in Dayton Tennessee with her husband “That a woman who managed to be both a virgin Dan and son Henry. They attend a local Episcopal and a mother is often presented as God’s standard church. for womanhood and can be frustrating for those of us who have to work within the constraints of Join us on Friday, November 4th, for an exciting physical law.” conversation with Rachel. Tickets are on sale on NOVEMBER 4 the church website. $20 for general admission and “I suppose that the moral of this story is that trying $15 for students. 7:30pm | Sanctuary to copy another woman, even a woman from the Bible, is almost always a bad idea. As Judy Garland liked to say, 'Be a first rate version of yourself, not a second rate version of someone else.'" Buy Your Tickets Today! Tickets are available at www.trinityatlanta.org $ $20 general admission. $15 students TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 20 3003 Howell Mill Road, NW | Atlanta, GA 30327 TICKETS 404-237-6491 | www.trinityatlanta.org
PAGE 16 PAGE 17 CLERK'S CORNER
FALL MUSIC FESTIVAL Written by WALT BRYDE
Again this month I am going to use the “Clerk’s Corner” to inform members of the congregation about the matters being discussed, and the actions being taken by the Session. The Session met on Monday, October 17.
JOHN RUTTER'S The first item on the agenda was the Moderator’s Each team would meet 2-3 times to study their topics/ Report in which Pam gave thanks for the beautiful recommendation, and then provide input and ideas installation services of Jeremy and Richard as well as regarding these topics at the January Session retreat. for these two ministers themselves. Pam commented A break allowed Session members to sign up for one of that there is palpable anxiety regarding the political the groups. elections, and that she had been asked to possibly magnificat participate in a TV interview. She also indicated that A brief “special order” was an update on the budgeting Columbia Seminary is hosting a talk regarding how to process, and the need for a more timely process to have political conversations within the Church. She allow for a budget to be in place at the beginning of the TRINITY CHANCEL CHOIR & also advised the Session of Missions Council’s decision new year. The presentation also included information to not endorse the “Newtown” documentary film. She on Trinity’s capital budget and the need to catch up on MEMBERS OF THE added that Session needs to discuss the issues around the funding for capital expenditures. the film and Mission Council’s final decision, as well Some other notable ministry and committee reports ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA as the broader issue of deciding how Trinity will make were the Mission Ministry report which included decisions on what issues to engage in. reports on the devastation in Haiti and the delay in the Norman Mackenzie, conductor Staff report was given by Richard Floyd, who stated arrival of our Cuba partners. (They should be arriving that he intends to engage Trinity through (1) Mission sometime in November.) In addition there is a Habitat Anne-Marie Spalinger, soprano (2) Adult Education and (3) Member Development build scheduled for October 22. The Administrative by reaching out to the community, the new member Ministry presented a motion to approve the process, and Worship+Two. completion of the sound system improvements in the Sanctuary, which was passed by a unanimous voice The next order of business was a report by the Shalom vote. They also presented a motion to establish a Task Force about implementing the recommendations planned replacement schedule of HVAC units and that they reported to Session in September. Many of building controls. This also passed unanimously by a the 55 recommendations naturally align with existing voice vote. Other reports included an announcement committees such as Personnel, Communications, and that the new pictorial directory would be available Strategic Planning, or are best handled by church before Thanksgiving, and that a new Trinity Explorers staff. The task force suggested four small focus teams session will begin on October 13. comprising 7 to 8 Session members each to address the following areas: The meeting was adjourned after a group prayer. NOVEMBER 20 1. Session Meetings – includes Coordinating Council Let me also include one final item to my report this process, reports and topics, meeting format. month. As Clerk of Session, I receive correspondence 11:00 AM WORSHIP | SANCTUARY and copies of correspondence that on occasion is 2. Elder Training – expectations, augmented training critical of some members of our staff. I want for you for new and returning Elders. to continue to make me aware of your criticisms and 3. Elder Classes – future size, clerk/assistant clerk situations where we might improve. However, I would You won’t want to miss this major worship and arts event, role and selection. also like to request that, as members of the family of Trinity, we also take the time to say “thanks” to our the first time ever at Trinity for this modern masterpiece. 4. Committees – chair selection, terms, broadening member involvement. staff for all of the great things they do to make Trinity a true beacon in our community.
PAGE 18 PAGE 19 ADULT EDUCATION NEW ADULT CHURCH SCHOOL SESSION BEGINS November 6 – December 18
BIBLE We will invite a number of voices into the leading of The Mystery of the New Testament: Exploring the this class including Dr. Mark Douglas from Columbia Epistle to the Hebrews Seminary, fellow Trinity members, as well as Leader: Dr. Chris Holmes prominent local business executives. Room: B104-106 The Epistle to the Hebrews has been described as the PERSPECTIVES ON LITERATURE, THE ARTS, "mystery" of the New Testament because so many AND SCIENCE questions surround its composition and reception. Jane Austen's "Mansfield Park" Begin the Season of Waiting Together at the When discussing the author of Hebrews, Origen, Leader: Lindsey Eckert the third-century church father, remarked that Room: B112 only God knows who wrote the epistle. Despite its In this course we'll discuss in detail Jane Austen's obscure origins, Hebrews has played a significant novel "Mansfield Park." In addition to exploring the role in the church and its theology. Hebrews alone marriage plots so central to her work, we'll also provides the image of Jesus as the heavenly High examine other aspects of her fiction that are often Priest who lives to make intercession for humanity. overlooked in poplar accounts of her life and writing. With stirring rhetoric, Hebrews imagines the church In particular we will consider the innovative narrative as a cohort of wilderness wanderers, actively living techniques that she originate and how her seemingly into God's promised future. Come explore these and conservative novel "Mansfield Park" critiques issues other themes in the book of Hebrews with Dr. Chris of class, gender, and slavery. Holmes, Louisville Institute Post Doctorate Fellow and visiting assistant professor of New Testament at ONGOING CLASSES McAfee School of Theology. Coffee and Connections Room: Williams Hall CONTEMPORARY ISSUES AND ACTIONS This class of parents of tweens and teens will explore Free Markets, Economic Justice, and the Human the themes of personal faith, spiritual nourishment, FOR ALL AGES Condition and how to instill values in our children. The format is Coordinator: Dave Higgins discussion based with member facilitators, as well as Room: B110 regular guest speakers. What is free enterprise? Does it make any contribution to economic justice worldwide in Serendipity the advancement of the human condition? Are Room: A116 SUNDAY 9:45 AM there spiritual or scriptural implications for this Serendipity class offers ongoing fellowship and economic system, and if so, how does that inform spiritual development. Class begins with a few our understanding of economics in the 21st century? hymns followed by announcements and a time for This class will take a deeper look at the history of free reporting joys and sorrows. The lesson and discussion enterprise, its record and its challenges today in a are led by a teacher of theology from within the rapidly changing world. It will also explore its possible Trinity community. All classes end with the Mispah connections to our understanding of scripture and Benediction. WILLIAMS HALL reformed theology.
Led by the Trinity Pastoral Staff Coffee, Refreshments, Fellowship PAGE 20 PAGE 21 5TH@FIVE WORSHIP LamentSERVICE OF
GLOBAL MISSION LA GONAVE, HAITI & Hope
SINCE HURRICANE MATTHEW God wants all of us, including our stress and sorrow. Join us for an Written by JULIE HOPE evening of worship where we express both our lament and hope as faithful Christians. Communion will be served.
e have all read about the tragic loss of life 1989. Trinity joined this well-established partnership and seen the images of devastation and five years ago. Wdestruction from Haiti since Hurricane Matthew hit the southern peninsula head-on and Because of this long history of working with locals caused severe flooding in coastal areas including the on La Gonave, we have been able to quickly mobilize SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27 remote island of La Gonave where Trinity is in mission and, thanks to a generous outpouring of support partnership. for immediate relief and longer-term rebuilding, La Gonave Haiti Partners has already begun to respond 5:00 PM | DOBBS CHAPEL Last week the Haitian government released its first to immediate needs by sending funds directly to La report on the impact of Hurricane Matthew on the Gonave – for food, safe water, medical supplies and Casual attire encouraged. island of La Gonave including one fatality, two missing clothing. Work is underway to assess infrastructure Child care is provided. persons and eight people seriously injured. damage and needs, and to prepare for what we know will be a long rebuilding process. There has been widespread loss of crops, livestock and homes. Schools and churches were damaged and are The Haitian people have demonstrated time and again in need of new roofs and other repairs. There is serious that they are faithful and resilient. They simply need a concern about food shortages, the safety of the water helping hand at this difficult time. supply, and the possibility of the spread of cholera. It is also anticipated that there may be a spike in For ongoing updates and information and to contribute malnutrition among very young children on the island. to relief and rebuilding, visit the La Gonave Haiti Partners website (http://lagonavepartners.org/) and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/La- What We Are Doing To Help Gonave-Haiti-Partners-127333274008190/ La Gonave Haiti Partners – a group of more than 20 churches and other organizations – has been present and working alongside the people of La Gonave since
PAGE 22 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4TH & 11TH SERVE WHOLEHEARTEDLY THE GIFT OF SHARING As we head into Thanksgiving and the seaon of Advent let us all give thanks CHRISTMAS to God for all we have and all we can share with others. receipts from all donated items go directly to Trinity's MEALS ON WHEELS FOOD DRIVE global mission projects. This year we will have freshly The Meals on Wheels pantry shelves are looking a baked items in addition to jams, relishes, veggies, and little sparse and need your support to restock. Meals preserved items. The craft items make great stocking on Wheel's emergency food panty distributes food to stuffers, teacher gifts, and special gifts for family and Atlanta's most vulnerable seniors during the holidays friends. Please participate with a donation. and cold winter months. The canned food collection If you would like to make a donation or volunteer at the MARKETGYMNASIUM 9:30AM-1:30PM will take place during the month of November. Small Christmas Market, contact cans, jars, and containers are better than large ones. Handmade items: Sally Cole, 770-855-6025 or For a complete list of needed items, visit www.trinityat- [email protected]. lanta.org. Donations may be dropped off in the barrels Baked items: Jeanne McKown, 404-352-8377 located throughout the church. Market volunteer: Wardlyn Bassler, [email protected] JOURNEY SHELTER Join in God’s transformative work through Journey by preparing a meal for 30 men at Journey Night Shelter. AGAPE AND BCM GIFT GIVING All ages are welcome to serve! Volunteers should In the spirit of the holiday season, Trinity is sponsoring arrive with a prepared meal at Jouurney (Druit Hills two toy/gift drives benefiting the Agape Community Presbyterian Church) at 6:45 pm in order to serve Center and Buckhead Christian Ministry. dinner at 7:00 pm. The dates for 2016 are filled but the upcoming dates for 2017 are open: January 23, Agape Giving Tree February 27, March 27, April 24, May 22 and 29, June Stop by the Giving Tree in building D and outside 26, July 24 and 31, August 28, September 25, October Williams Hall to select children and seniors “to adopt” 23 and 30, November 27, December 25. To volunteer, for Christmas. Choose one of the paper ornaments; email Marcy Clerveaux at mclerveaux@trinityatlanta. select the item to buy from their wish list; wrap the org. present; attach to the present the paper ornament with the recipient’s name; leave items with Diana Pedrick at the Welcome Center. You may also select an Agape ST. LUKE BAGS family name and provide a gift card or check that could Join in the annual tradition of assembling lunch bags in be used for groceries and other Christmas items. For the gym on Sunday, December 11, following 11:00 am questions, email Marcy Clerveaux at mclerveaux@ worship. These bags will be given on Christmas Day to trinityatlanta.org. The deadline for Agape Giving Tree the homeless served by St. Luke’s Community Kitchen. donations is Friday, December 2.
BCM Joyous Toys CHRISTMAS MARKET CRAFTERS With your help, more than 900 local children will find This year's Christmas Market will be held in the gym what they wished for under the tree this Christmas. two consecutive Sundays, December 4 and 11, from You can participate by donating a new, unwrapped SHOP FOR HANDMADE ITEMS, FAIR-TRADE CHOCOLATE, COFFEE, OLIVE OIL, ARTWORK, 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. toy. Place the gifts in the labeled barrels throughout ORNAMENTS, TRINITY MEMBER CRAFTS, AND BASKETS We need knitters, sewers, beaders, painters, artists, the church. For a list of suggested toys, visit www. crafters, canners, and bakers to donate handmade trinityatlanta.org. The deadline for BCM Joyous Toys is PROCEEDS GO TO TRINITY’S MISSION PARTNERS items and baked goods. Trinity members' donations are Monday, December 5. tremendous contributions to the market because the
PAGE 24 PAGE 25 WELCOME, NEW MEMBERS
Emily and Jim Becky Putnam Boyer Becky, originally from Emily and Jim are Arkansas, has made Atlanta parents to one-year- her home for the last five years. old twin boys, Ben and She is the mother of three adult Ryan. Emily, the sister children two of whom live in of Trinity member Oklahoma. She enjoys being Kathleen Poe Ross, is a caregiver for children and the senior claims counsel with XLCatlin, and Jim is an adults, loves to bake, has sung architect. Emily enjoys music and singing in choirs, and in church choirs, and assisted in Jim loves gardening and art. They join by certificate of Sunday school. She joins by certificate of transfer from transfer from a local church. a local church. Sponsor: Kathleen Poe Ross Sponsor: Gay Gunter Megan and Bill McCamey Nancy Stewart Megan and Bill are parents to four children Nancy joins Trinity by certificate of transfer from HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Chandler, 19, Morgan, a local church. She is a Stephen Minister, and 16, Tyler, 15, and participates in women’s circle, has been a Sunday On Saturday, October 22, Trinity members joined Habitat for Brenner, 10. Megan and school teacher, and directed vacation Bible school. Humanity and Tahgie in building her new home. We hammered, put Bill join by certificate of Sponsor: Nancy Purdon up siding, painted, hammered some more, and stabilized the roof. It transfer. was the first Saturday of true fall weather and the day was beautiful.
It is always a joy to work together to help build a home and a new life Sponsor: Paulette and Mike Slawson for our neighbors. 'TIS THE SEASON Christmas with the ASO Prime Time (Senior Adults) are planning a trip to Symphony Hall for the annual Christmas with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra concert on Saturday, December 10, at 2:00 pm. Over 400 musicians and singers take part in a wondrous interpretation of the four-part story of Christmas, under the direction of Norman Mackenzie. Cost is $35 per person. Space is limited. To secure a place, make your check payable to Trinity Church with "ASO" on the memo line. Mail to Trinity Church, Attn: Senior Adults ASO Concert. The church bus will depart from the Trinity parking lot at 1:00 pm (no lunch). Poinsettia Orders It is time to order your poinsettias! The sanctuary, chapel and hallways come alive with color as we get ready to decorate Trinity for holidays. You will find the order forms in the pew racks in the sanctuary and chapel, at the Welcome Center, and on our website, www.trinityatlanta.org. Each plant is $10. We hope you will share the joy of the season by purchasing a poinsettia. Volunteer to Decorate Can you believe it will soon be time to decorate the church for the holidays? We hope you will circle Saturday, December 17, on your calendar to help us decorate the sanctuary and chapel for the Christmas season. We begin at 9:00 am and even if you can only stay for an hour, we welcome you to join us. No prior experience or design expertise is required! RSVP to Diana Pedrick, dpedrick@ trinityatlanta.org, if you will be able to join us for this special time!
PAGE 26 PAGE 27 1 in 7 people struggles with hunger in our community.
ANSWER TO HUNGER
An estimated 755,400 people, in metro Atlanta and north Georgia turn to food pantries and meal service programs to feed themselves and their families each year. This includes more than 164,000 children and more than 64,000 seniors.
Most Americans can afford to put enough healthful food on the table each day. Yet, for some households, it is a struggle to put enough nutritious food on the table. About 36 million people, including 14 million children, or 11 percent of all U.S. households, were food-insecure at some time during the year, meaning that they had difficulty meeting basic food needs because they lacked money or other resources for food.
On Sunday, November 20, through Trinity’s Answer to Hunger offering, you can help those who face hunger every day right here in Georgia.This offering funds various local projects, and a portion of the offering is used for the Agape Community Center’s annual Thanksgiving basket give away and Trinity’s annual St. Luke’s Christmas bags that will be assembled following worship on December 11. These bags are distributed on Christmas Day by St. Luke’s Soup Kitchen. Please make generous use of the specially marked envelopes available in the pew racks on Sunday.
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