Trinity Topics

The Newsletter of Trinity Episcopal Church in Toledo, Ohio

JUNE 2010

Caring for creation,

Michael Macor

God’s sacred work of art

 liturgy & events
Summertime,
and the worship
is easy.
Join us at 10am on the Plaza
on the first Sunday of the month
June—September

Trinity Episcopal Church

trinitytoledo.org 419.243.1231

PROGRESSIVE INCLUSIVE CREATIVE DOWNTOWN TOLEDO

SUNDAY, JUNE 6 — PROPER 5 SUNDAY, JUNE 27 — PROPER 8

1 Kings 17:8-16 (17-24); Galatians 1:11-24; Luke 7:11-17 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14; Galatians 5:1, 13-25; Luke 9:51-62
9:30a Children’s Formation 9:30a Children’s Formation
10a Parish Eucharist 10a Parish Eucharist

SUNDAY, JUNE 13 — PROPER 6 SUNDAY, JULY 4 — PROPER 9

1 Kings 2:1-10; Galatians 2:15-21; Luke 7:36—8:3 2 Kings 5:1-14; Galatians 6:1-6), 7-17); Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
9:30a Children’s Formation 9:30a Children’s Formation
10a Parish Eucharist 10a Parish Eucharist

SUNDAY, JUNE 20 — PROPER 7 SUNDAY, JULY 11 — PROPER 10

1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8:15a; Galatians 3:23-39; Luke 8:26-39 Amos 7:7-17; Colossians 1:1-14; Luke 10:25-37
9:30a Children’s Formation 9:30a Children’s Formation
10a Parish Eucharist 10a Parish Eucharist

We don't gather
around the Communion table
to escape the world's problems,
but to escape the world's solutions.

22
 from the rector
Face to Face to Facebook
See if this experience sounds familiar to you: I ask someone how he (or she) is doing; the person says,
“Fine” or “Good.” We talk for a few seconds, and everything sounds okay. Then a few days later, a third
party says that life is not going so well for that person. I reply that we talked and all seemed fine. “Oh, no,”
comes the reply, “go and look on their Facebook page.” Sure enough, the page shows a different side of life.
So I post a small comment or send a message, feeling just a little stupid for not knowing what was going on.
A small comment gets a small response, and pretty soon, real connection and understanding exists where
“Just fine” was before.

(Beware: I just may assume from here on out that FINE is meant as an acronym for Frustrated, Insecure,
Neurotic, and Exhausted. But I digress.)

I feel quite ambivalent about this: on one hand, I wish something would have
happened face to face that would have let me know someone’s true situation and
needs. To seek out and find the truth among friends can be hard. To share the truth
about ourselves can be harder still. So when it comes to hard truths in our lives, mine
as well as anyone’s, it is easier to start the conversation by thinking, then typing just
enough to let folks know that all is not well, and that we need love, help, and prayer.
And it is plenty to type back, “Yes, I will pray, I love you, I remember, I care.”

Tonight I have had that lesson refreshed. Two years ago today, my uncle died in a
farming accident. My youngest cousin posted this evening how much she missed her dad, and a community
of prayer and memories sprung up online in what had been, moments before, a desert of grief. I am willing
to bet that many of her friends and family initially thought that they did not know what to say, or perhaps
did not have enough to say, but then they thought for a minute, typed a sentence, and connected, and all
found that it was more than enough.

Maybe this is what we can learn from Facebook and

apply face to face: God has given us plenty of love to
share, and it does not always need lots of words. In times
of grief, we can let each other know what is going on with
just a few words, and we can respond simply as well.
Nothing flowery is needed, just thoughtful connection.

Facebook has gotten a bad rap lately, but I am still

convinced it does a lot of good. I’ll reset my privacy settings when necessary, keep on replying, and even think of
it as good and right spiritual stuff. Maybe this priest will even let others know when she needs prayer. There is a
substantial prayer community with Trinity members and friends online. As we connect more to each other with
prayer partners, let’s try to take it offline too, and risk sharing face to face. We may find that God has given us just
the right words, plenty of care, and more than enough love to share with those in need--even when those in need
are us.

Liddy

3
 congregation/world May Vestry Actions
At its May 25 meeting, the vestry dis-
cussed the new diocesan organizational
structure of mission areas that has replaced
the old deanery arrangement. Each mission
area is lead by a council made up of repre-
sentatives from each parish in the mission
area. Vestry members Jeff Albright, Peggy
Heider and Jason Rahe have agreed to repre-
sent Trinity on the West Mission Area Coun-
cil.
The vestry also identified at least one ves-
try member that will provide oversight and
liaison to each of the parish committees and
groups, to support good communication be-
tween the committees and vestry.
After agreeing that an “inreach” or pas-
toral care committee is needed, the vestry
will initiate that work with a first meeting
planned for Sunday, June 13 after the liturgy.
All members of the Trinity community
are encouraged to share comments and con-
cerns with vestry members. The members of
the vestry are listed on the back of this news-
letter, and their photos will soon appear on
the Trinity website (www.trinitytoledo.org).
Birthday Blessings
June 4............. ...........Sally Sorter
June 7............. ...........Jeff Albright
June 9............. ...........Steve Salander
June 10........... ...........Phyllis Romick
June 11........... ...........Keithley Sparrow
June 19........... ...........Richard Salander
June 21........... ….......Jonathan Lowrey
June 22........... ...........Virginia Connors
June 27........... ...........Paula Brown
........................ ...........Phyllis Klaus
June 28........... ...........Mike Lowrey
June 29........... ...........Judith Irwin
If your June birthday isn’t listed here, that
means Trinity doesn’t have a record of it.
Contact the office by phone (419.243.1231) or
email (trinity@ trinitytoledo.org) to add your
special day to the membership database, so
we can celebrate it with you!
4
Coffee Hour Hospitality
Coffee hour is a time to re-
lax and talk after church and
get to know folks who are new.
There will always be coffee, but
the rest is up to you!
It doesn't have to be fancy--
cookies, chips and salsa, some cut up veggies or fresh
fruit. Grab a friend and pick a date — the sign up
sheet is on the curved wall as you enter church.
MEMBER MATTERS
Mayumi and Brendan Elliott (son of Robert and
Diane Elliott) welcomed their daughter Mizuki into the
world on May 3. All are doing well.
Congratulations to our graduates of the past year:
- Erin Battistoni, Master of Arts
- Kenneth Elliott, Bachelor of Arts
- Marie Harkey, Master of Divinity
Congratulations to the Canterbury Choir members
who’ve reached the 5-year mark: Bridget Blanchard,
Jennifer Siebold, Katie Stygles, and Kim Weber.
Summer Vacation
As you plan your summer vacation, please remem-
ber Trinity. Worship and outreach ministries continue
throughout the summer, and your pledge is important
to that continuity!
If your vacation plans involve visiting churches out
of town, please bring back a copy of their parish news-
letter, visitor packets, or anything else you find inter-
esting. We love to see and learn from what other con-
gregations are doing.
Newsletter Notes
If you have information for possible inclusion in
this newsletter, plan ahead—all material must be sub-
mitted by the 20th of the month. Don’t send informa-
tion for Topics to Liddy or a staff member—email it
directly to Topics@trinitytoledo.org.
Submitted items may or may not be published at
the editor’s discretion, and are subject to editing for
space and clarity.
Budget Update Was Jesus an Episcopalian?
In April, what we didn't have to take from our trust The Rev. Chris Yaw, the author of Jesus Was an
income offset the amount we were behind in pledges Episcopalian (and you can be one too!) will speak at St.
year-to-date. John’s Episcopal Church in Bowling Green on Sun-
day, June 6 at 6pm.
Our diocesan assessment is greater than we’ve
budgeted for; we're still adjusting to the new method Yaw is the rector of St. David’s Epis-
of calculating the assessment. It's now a percentage of copal Church in Southfield, Michigan.
our expenses rather than a percentage of our income. His book was written as an accessible
Our annual trust review with KeyBank is scheduled newcomer’s guide to the Church. One
for Tuesday, June 8 at 5pm in the Walbridge Room. All Amazon reviewer wrote, “Unlike the
parishioners are invited to attend. other guides out there, this one does
NOT start with the reign of King Henry
Respectfully submitted, VIII. Rather, it starts with what the
Jane Bueche, Parish Accountant Episcopal Church is doing now, what
we stand for, and where we are going.”
The financial health of our community is a shared
responsibility, and we welcome your questions or com- Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts
ments. Contact Jane Bueche, Parish Accountant, at Schori’s assessment: “Open this book
jane@epworth.com. and your mind at the same time. Learn
more about who the Episcopal Church
really is, and what we stand for, like
caring for the poor (and the earth), and
April April
YTD YTD changing the world. A motivating intro-
2010 Budget Budget Actual Difference duction for inquirers and anyone who
wants a refresher.”
Revenue
Plate Offering 2,383 2,430 47 St. John’s is located at 1505 E. Wooster St. in Bowl-
ing Green.
Pledge Payments 48,762 33,986 (14,776)
Combined Investment
Income 81,667 67,450 (14,217)
5th Annual Bishop’s Bike Ride
Other Operating Income 333 2 (332)
This year’s Bishop’s Bike Ride, being called the
Total Revenues 133,146 103,868 (29,278) Loop Along the Lake, runs from June 27 to July 2. The
ride will start in Put-in-Bay on Sunday night/Monday
morning and will end Friday about noon in Ashtabula.
Expenditures
Personnel 66,906 69,266 2,360 The bike ride is relatively easy this year, with most-
ly flat terrain and covering no more than 45 miles per
Buildings & Grounds 52,517 55,967 3,449 day. The nightly stops are:
Operations 7,784 8,012 228 Sunday: St. Paul’s, Put-in-Bay
Monday: St. Paul’s, Norwalk
Diocesan Assessment 13,423 22,600 9,177 Tuesday: St. Andrew’s, Elyria
Local Outreach 1,540 1,810 270 Wednesday: St. Peter’s and Ascension, Lakewood
Thursday: St. James, Painesville
Programs 9,125 6,505 (2,621) Friday (midday finish): St. Peter’s, Ashtabula
Loan Interest Payment 3,333 2,712 (622)
If you’re interested in being part of the bike ride,
either as a rider or as the driver of a SAG (support and
Total Expenditures 154,629 166,871 12,242
gear) vehicle, go to www.dohio.org/offices/mission/
mission-news/ for more information and registration.
Net Surplus/(Deficit) (21,483) (63,003) (41,520) SAG vehicle drivers are especially needed this year.

5
 outreachings Join the Outreach Committee in celebrating  
Todd & Sara Alcroft’s soon‐to‐arrive baby  
and be a blessing to Mom’s House 
Kroger Community Rewards
 
To name (or rename) Trinity as your Kroger
Community Rewards beneficiary, go to www.Kroger
 Pampers Shower 
CommunityRewards.com. Follow the instructions
June 6th  there to link your Kroger Plus Card to Trinity. Our
Immediately following the liturgy  organization number is 84767.
 
 Mom’s  If you’ve successfully linked your Plus Card to
House needs  the church, you should see this note at the bottom of
larger size   your receipts: “You
disposable  requested Kroger to
diapers  donate to Trinity
(sizes 3‐5)  Episcopal Church—
please!  Toledo”.
  If you have ques-
Mom’s House is one of our ministry partners 
tions or need help with
working to support and enable teen moms to 
enrollment, contact Jason Rahe or Jane Bueche. Or
complete their educations by providing childcare 
bring your Kroger Plus Card to church with you on June 6 or
as well as parenting and life‐skills classes.  
June 13; Jason Rahe and Karen Wabeke will go through the
Find out more by visiting them online at 
enrollment process with you online.
www.momshousetoledo.org 

Change a Life, Starting With Your Own

I consider myself one of the new-kids-on-the-block.
I began attending Trinity a year ago, in February 2009.
When I decided to leave my home church after 71
years, and many years of feeling disappointed in what
doesn't happen there, I thought I would check out the
rest of the Episcopal churches in the area. Trinity was
the first (and the last) church that I "tried on for size".
Becky, Liddy and Barbara made me feel so welcome
that first Sunday.
The service was so entirely different from what I
had been used to that I really wasn't sure I was in an
Episcopal church. Using the sanctuary for coffee hour
was so wonderful. Using a corner of the sanctuary for
a nursery… how homey. Being physically active dur-
ing a service… how unique. Not kneeling… still
seems really strange to me. Making communion a
"family" affair and then praying personally for those
who have special things happening in
their lives… so kind. Music
like I have never
heard before. At
first this was very
strange to me, but
also filled a part
of me with desire
to find out more.
BUT the thing that really pulled my heart to Trinity,
and still does, is the dedication of the 500 blankets for
the homeless. I have worked with many, many out-
reach programs and I have never had one touch my
heart like this one. It humbles me. Every time I cut a
blanket I wonder why have I been spared? Why am I
so blessed? And how lucky I am not to have to be a
recipient of one of these wonderful blankets.
The people that receive the blankets I help make
will never know me, and I will never know them, but I
know I am helping them stay warm in a world that
has turned cold in more ways than one. This blanket
somehow feels to me like I am putting my arms
around someone to warm them, to make them feel not
quite so alone. This work of love that is given by this
parish and friends of parishioners and business people
must make all of you feel so good. It isn't work, it is
love in a very, very down-to-earth fashion. I praise all
of the people who help with this wonderful outpour-
ing of love. I have met several of you and am looking
forward to meeting more of you when we get together
to cut-up.
~Rita McDougle

6
 Making Connections, Building Community
Summer is hovering on the horizon. It is the time to
plant, for seeds to grow and flowers to bloom. We
have just finished a staff meeting where we discussed
the results of the surveys from the NCD Sunday ser-
vice. Several people suggested the return of Foyer
groups at Trinity, and that got me thinking about a
couple of things that I thought might be worth sharing.
What is a Foyer group? It’s a small group of people
who meet regularly. It doesn’t sound like anything
special, but maybe there is something
there that is very hard for a lot of us these
days. We’re all busy people, very busy
actually. Between work, outside commit-
ments, rehearsals, children, and must-do
events, our lives are booked. Gone are the
days of Mayberry, lazily chatting with
neighbors over the fence or as they pass
by on leisurely walks. Who has time for a
leisurely walk? Most of us don’t even
know who our neighbors are. And what
about family? I grew up in a cluster
neighborhood: every house around me held an aunt or
uncle, cousin or other relative. We’re surrounded these
days by strangers. Sewing circles are gone; weekly golf
outings or bridge parties are a rarity. So where do we
gather as two or three together so Christ can say “ I am
in the midst”?
There is an easy solution. You, and I do mean you
yourself, have to take responsibility for not being
alone. You simply walk up to someone, or pick up the
phone, and ask a simple question: “Any chance you’re
available to get together for dinner?” Really, it’s as
simple as that. If you ask, most people will say, “Yes.”
In fact, they will be grateful that you asked.
St. Paul's Challenge Grant
Every day, St. Paul's Community Center in down-
town Toledo provides food and services to hundreds
of people who are unhoused or indigent.
An anonymous donor has recently challenged St.
Paul's supporters by offering to match donations dol-
lar for dollar up to $5,000. The Outreach Committee is
sending Trinity’s budgeted $500 donation to St. Paul's
as our contribution to this challenge. If you’d like to
participate, please write a check to Trinity and show
"St. Paul's Challenge Grant" on the memo line.
Why dinner? I’m going to give you a simple adage,
a ridiculous truth. “Food is love.” I know that some
say that’s wrong, but it’s true. Breaking bread together
is fun. Enjoying a meal opens doors. It allows for con-
versation. Somehow when our bodies are engaged in
sharing nourishment, our mouths open to the insides
of our souls, and we feed not only body, but mind and
soul as well, and all sorts of good things can happen.
It’s a mystery; it’s mystical; it’s God in action.
I am part of a small group of people
who started meeting at one of the
metroparks on Friday nights during
the summer for dinner. It began with
my walking up to a couple of cou-
ples who I like talking to, and say-
ing, “You know, I’ll bring a bucket of
KFC, if you’ll all just bring some-
thing to share around, and we’ll
meet by the river at 6:00. Are you
interested?” Wonder of wonders,
they said, “Yes.” I now have several
people I meet with regularly to share food and life sto-
ries, and I love them, and they love me, and God is in
the middle. It all started with opening my mouth and a
bucket of KFC. It was that simple.
Summer is about to start, and so are my Fridays at
the river. It’s my Foyer that never got called a Foyer,
but it’s also now my family that isn’t my family. It is,
however, my community, my support, my time with
Christ in the midst, but it all started with a simple
question: “Would you like to…?” Give it a try.
Hugs, and here’s to summer,
Wayne Anthony
Associate for Arts and Music
Interfaith Blood Drive
In cooperation with the American
Red Cross, the 23rd Annual Inter-
faith Blood Drive will be held on Sat-
urday, June 26 and Sunday, June 27
between 9am and 3pm at Grace Lu-
theran Church, 4441 Monroe St. Around 300 units of
blood are needed every day to meet the needs of area
patients. To schedule an appointment, call
419.841.4652 or visit www.redcrossblood.org and en-
ter the sponsor code INTERFAITH50.
7
 Sunday Morning Huddle
If you’re a worship helper, one of the people who
participates in the Sunday morning set-up (as the
day’s Altar Guild members or ushers or readers or
bread baker or chalicers or verger or choir director or
even the presider), please meet at the font at 9:45 for a
brief “huddle” before the liturgy begins at 10:00.
This is intended as a space in which to pause,
breathe, and focus together for a few moments on the
meaning of the ministry we’re offering to the commu-
nity. A short group prayer helps insure that our at-
tention is turned to the God we’ve come to worship.
Please be there to pray together!
Thoughts on Prayer
Tony Campolo tells the story of his grandson go-
ing off to say his evening prayers. The boy said, “Hey
everybody, I’m going to pray, does anyone want any-
thing?”
Many of us started off this life praying simple lit-
tle prayers, trying to ask God to do the things we
want. “Take care of Mommy.” “Help me not get
caught taking cookies.” “Help us find our lost
puppy.” “Help us win the game.” No doubt, God has
a special ear for the prayers of children, even the silly
ones asking for girlfriends and the opportunity to be a
cowboy. It’s a good thing the Spirit intercedes on our
behalf, stepping in to protect us from what we think
we want and helping us not to settle for what we
think we need. It’s as if the Spirit says, “Look, I know
he said he wanted to be a cowboy, but...”. The longer
we pray, the more we are sure of this: Prayer is not so
much about convincing God to do what we want
God to do as it is about convincing ourselves to do
what God wants us to do.
Mother Teresa was once asked in an interview,
“What do you say when you pray?” She replied,
8
Making Prayer a Habit
Is there a routine in your life that you could pair
with prayer? If the routine is already in place, it may
help make your prayer time more consistent.
Do you walk the dog around the block every eve-
ning? Do you swim every morning before work?
Make the same 20-minute commute twice a day, Mon-
day through Friday? Stroll around your garden each
afternoon? You can use any of these times as opportu-
nities to talk (or listen) to God. Then prayer isn’t one
more thing to fit into an already full schedule.
Trinity’s NCD Prayer
Merciful Creator, we invite you to be with us here
and now. As we embrace Natural Church Develop-
ment, keep us mindful of our purpose in this work – to
empower your people, grow and strengthen your
church, and glorify your name. Fill us with your Spirit
of Wisdom and Truth as we humbly examine our-
selves and our community. Help us to embrace new
opportunities for growth and improvement. Renew
our energy, guide our work, and lead us to new life
in you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
“Nothing, I just listen.” So then the reporter asked,
“Well then, what does God say to you?” Her answer:
“Nothing much, He just listens.”
The saints say prayer is less about what we say
and more about being with the one we love. Prayer is
about having a romance with the Divine. The more
deeply we are in love with someone, the less we have
to say. In fact, a sure sign that we know someone
deeply is the ability to enjoy one another without
words—to simply admire each other.
We once heard a wise elder say prayer is like a
little girl playing at the feet of her grandma. She does-
n’t have to say anything or do anything to please her
grandma (who is quite content just watching her
play). And the most beautiful moment is when the
child starts to grow tired. She just crawls into grand-
ma’s lap to be rocked, to hear a lullaby, to feel a kiss
on the forehead and the warm embrace of love.
from the Introduction to Becoming the Answer to
Our Prayers by Shane Claiborne and
Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove
A Sneak Preview of the Word
The study of scripture is basic to the Christian life.
Now the Episcopal Church is using the Internet to
allow Episcopalians to participate in Bible study by
posting comments and thoughts on each week’s up-
coming Sunday readings. This online weekly Bible
study is intended to grow an active, Web community
of laity and clergy to share insights and perspectives
from the Church’s Sunday readings from the Revised
Common Lectionary. The weekly readings are
posted, along with thought-provoking questions and
reader comments, at www.episcopalchurch.org/
107902_116094_ENG_HTM.htm
In order to encourage members of Trinity to think
about scripture, this month the church will begin
emailing the upcoming Sunday’s Gospel reading to
all members for whom we have an email address.
This will allow us to reflect on the Gospel in advance
of hearing it read and preached about in community.
Watch for the weekly Gospel email, and see how it
affects your Sunday morning experience of the Word.
Read what the Spirit is saying to God’s people!
Being in Conversation with God
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and
with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the great-
est and first commandment. And a second is like it: “You
shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39)
Our Sunday morning liturgy is a time for us to live
out that First Commandment. We focus all of our at-
tention on God, talking with God in prayer and song,
listening to God in scripture and sharing in God’s life
through bread and wine.
There are times both before and after the liturgy to
talk and share with others in the community, to live
out the Second Commandment. So please don’t start
conversations with those around you during the
choir’s anthem or during communion, while others are
trying to connect with God (and God may be trying to
connect with you).
The Prayers of Desmond Tutu
As the years have passed, my prayer seems to
have come full circle. Most of the time, in prayer, I
find that I am holding the world and my concerns
before God. I do not offer God prescriptions — “Do
this. Fix that.”—though most of us would say there
is much for God to fix and do.… In one week there is
flooding in one corner of our planet and drought-
induced famine in another. Earthquakes and tidal
waves are quickly pushed off the headlines by other
natural disasters. Wars follow wars in a seemingly
endless cavalcade. Rape, murder, hijacking, and
mayhem of every sort are part of my daily news
diet. I have children and grandchildren, travels,
meetings and presentations; all of these bring their
own delights, cares, and concerns. Often I know
what I want to have happen. Yet when I enter into
my private time of prayer, I sit and offer all those
plans, hopes, joys, and cares to God—not prescrib-
ing to God what should happen, but holding people
and situations before God. I allow myself to become
quiet. I just try to be.
Just “being,” not “doing,” is a real challenge to
most of us. We have such busy, active lives. We
pride ourselves on the length of our “to do” lists. We
cram noise and activity into every waking minute.
Even when our mouths are silent, our minds are
busy with their own incessant chatter. Inside our
heads we supply a running commentary on every-
thing we see, feel, think and experience. Prayer puts
us in a receptive mode. As we still ourselves and let
our yammering thoughts recede into the back-
ground, we can begin to hear the voice of God that
has been speaking softly beneath the din of our de-
mands.
~Archbishop Desmond Tutu, from
his new book Made for Goodness
Have you prayed for
your prayer partner today?
9
 One Book, One Trinity
What if everyone in the Trinity community read
the same book this summer, and then all those
readers got together to talk about it? That's the idea
behind One Book, One Trinity.
In its ongoing efforts to nurture
the passionate spirituality of the
parish, the Church Health Team
thought that this could be an
interesting experiment for Trinity
to try. We’ll read a book that
contains some good spirituality,
and then sit down together to
share reactions and thoughts about what we’ve read.
The book selection, chosen with input from Liddy,
the staff and the Health Team, is Mitch Albom’s
newest title, Have a Little Faith. It’s a meaningful read
but not a difficult one; a fuller description of the book
is below. The public library has lots of copies, or you
can buy it from your favorite bookseller. Start
reading now, and then add your ideas to the conver-
sation on Sunday, July 18, right after church.
Adult Formation, Summer Edition
Three summer evenings, spent outside with
friends, sharing good food and good conversation—
who could resist a Sunday School like that?
It’s a new, laid-back approach to summer adult
formation. We’ll gather on the second Wednesday of
each month (June 9, July 14, and August 11) at
6:30pm at the home of
Cathy and Brian Johns in
Sylvania for a potluck meal
and Bible study. No ad-
vance reading is required.
You’re encouraged to bring
your favorite summer dish
to pass, but even if you can’t
cook, come anyway for the dinner and discussion.
We’ll finish no later than 8:30pm.
The June 9th session will be on the Gospel of Luke
(you’ll notice we’re hearing Luke a lot on Sundays
this summer). July’s session will cover the Acts of
the Apostles (also written by the author of Luke).
And in August? As Jesus would say, come and see.

Book Review

HAVE A LITTLE FAITH

by Mitch Albom

Have A Little Faith, Mitch Albom’s latest book, begins with an unusual request: an 82-year-
old rabbi from Albom’s hometown asks him to deliver his eulogy.

Feeling unworthy, Albom insists on understanding the rabbi better, which throws him
back into a world of faith he’d left years before. Meanwhile, closer to his current home, Albom becomes
involved with a Detroit pastor – a reformed drug dealer and convict – who preaches to the poor and homeless
in a decaying church with a hole in its roof. Moving between their worlds, Christian and Jewish, African-
American and white, impoverished and well-to-do, Albom observes how these very different men employ faith
similarly in their fight for survival.

As America struggles with hard times and people turn more to their beliefs, Mitch and the two men of God
explore issues that perplex us: how to endure when difficult things happen; what heaven is; forgiveness; doubting
God; and the importance of faith in trying times. Although the texts, prayers and histories are different, Albom
begins to realize a striking unity between the two worlds, and between beliefs everywhere.

In the end, as the rabbi nears death and a harsh winter threatens the pastor’s wobbly church, Albom sadly
fulfills the request and writes the eulogy. And he finally understands what both men had been teaching all along:
the profound comfort of believing in something bigger than yourself. This is a book about a life’s purpose; about
losing belief and finding it again; about the divine spark inside us all. It is Albom’s journey, but everyone’s story.

~adapted from www.mitchalbom.com

10
 God Moment
In 2003 I was diagnosed with lung cancer, and had surgery to remove the lobe that con-
tained the cancer. That was to cure the cancer; it did not. One and a half years later I
had a second surgery to remove another lobe of my lungs and take a piece of the third
lobe, followed by chemotherapy. During this time I had many “God moments”.

Ultimately my oncologist said to me, “You have a stage 4 cancer.” This was 5 years
after my initial diagnosis; I thought I knew what it meant to have stage 4 cancer. Well,
it turns out to mean that the doctors turn your treatment over to God. For the last 7
years I have left it in God’s hands. While I still take a drug, my “God moments” are
every breath I take without pain, knowing that they are special.

Late last year, my doctor announced to me that my cancer has diminished and that it “should not return”. I
believe that God still has something for me to do or to be. Whatever it is (maybe just a glass of water offered
in his name to a stranger, or a world-altering event), God will be with me, as he has been all of my life.

This congregation has been a part of my “God moments”. One moment occurred on a Sunday morning when,
during the blessings, I was presented with a blanket indicating the laying on of hands by the whole congregation
(the blanket is covered with handprints). When I am down, I cover up with my blanket showing all of your
hands, and all is well.

~Herb Landis

Got a God moment?

Has there been a time recently when you noticed the presence of God in your life? If you’re willing to share a brief “God
moment” with the Trinity community, you’re invited to submit several paragraphs (no more than half a page, up to 300 words,
subject to editing for clarity) to Topics@trinitytoledo.org.

Washington Church Hosts Spiritual Formation Program

Foundations in Spirituality, a program sponsored by (dzerfas@ dominicancenter.com) or phone (800.253.
the Dominican Center at Marywood in Grand Rapids, 7343, ext. 356).
MI, is a reflective study of the saints and great spiritual
teachers of the Christian tradition, the practice of con-
templative prayer and the writing/living of a per- August 28, 2010 January 8, 2011
sonal Rule of Life. Presenters are local, regional and • The Christian Journey • The Cloud of Unknowing
national professional ministers chosen not only for • Biblical Spirituality • Ignatian Spirituality
their academic background but also because they live September 11, 2010 February 5, 2011
the spirituality they teach. This program was offered • St. Anthony/Desert Spirituality • Prayer & Discernment
at Trinity until 2009. • Prayer & the Spiritual Journey • John Calvin/Reformed Spiritu-
October 2, 2010 ality
Participants will meet on one Saturday each month • St. Augustine of Hippo March 5, 2011
(August 2010 – May 2011), normally from 9:30am - • Rule of St. Benedict & St. • St. Teresa of Avila & Integrat-
4:30pm, at Washington Church, 3925 West Central Scholastica ing the Journey
November 6, 2010 • St. John of the Cross
Ave. in Toledo. The deadline for registration is Au-
• St. Francis of Assisi & St. Clare April 2, 2011
gust 20.
• Meister Eckhart & Catherine • John Wesley
of Siena • Evelyn Underhill
For more information on course expectations, December 4, 2010 May 7, 2011
reading materials and fees, go to www.dominican • The Beguines (Full Day) • Thomas Merton & Closing
center.com, or contact Sister Diane Zerfas by email

11
 Including Trinity in Your Will
Look around you, at Coffee Hour, in the grocery possible. A gift like
checkout line, at work. At least six of any ten people this, without condi-
you see do not have a current will. And how do you tions attached, is
compare—are your own plans in order? the most useful, as
it allows the church
When you write a will, you create an opportunity to determine the
to acknowledge the people and organizations that wisest and most
mean the most to you. A gift to Trinity in your will pressing need for
proclaims your commitment to helping the parish con- the funds at the
tinue to pursue God’s work in downtown Toledo and time of receipt. This also avoids a gift benefiting a pro-
make a difference for future generations. ject or program that the church no longer pursues, or
with terms that are difficult to satisfy. Please contact
You don't have to be wealthy to leave a legacy. the church if you are considering a bequest for a spe-
Meaningful donations come in all sizes and from peo- cific purpose.
ple across the financial spectrum. Leaving a gift to the
church through a bequest in your will is a wonderful Your next step
way to continue your generosity and perpetuate your If you plan to make a gift to Trinity in your will,
values after you are gone. think it through carefully. Then, meet with your attor-
ney to discuss and update your will. Tell him or her
How it works exactly what you want to do; be as clear as possible in
A bequest is one of the simplest forms of planned describing your intentions. Here are some generally
giving, and is easy to arrange. It is not payable until accepted ways to make a bequest. Your attorney may
death, so it does not affect recommend alternative language to accomplish the
your lifetime assets or cash same purpose.
flow. It can be private; a
will need not be filed or Suggested text for a bequest
made public until death. A specific bequest: “I bequeath $30,000 to
And it is revocable— Trinity Episcopal Church, a non-profit cor-
individuals can change the poration located in Toledo, OH, to be used
provisions in their wills at for its general purposes.”
any time until death.
A residuary bequest: “I bequeath
A bequest can provide a Twenty Percent (20%) of the residue of my
specific dollar amount, or a estate to Trinity Episcopal Church, a non-
percentage of the balance profit corporation located in Toledo, OH, to
remaining in the estate after be used for its general purposes.”
taxes, expenses and specific
bequests have been paid – Consider letting us know
what’s known as the We hope you'll tell us when you have named Trin-
“residue” of the estate. Gen- ity Church in your will. We would very much like the
erally, giving a percent of opportunity to thank you for your generosity. Notify-
the residue ensures that each ing us of a planned bequest creates no legal obligation
beneficiary receives the in- on your part.
tended proportion of assets.
If you want more information
A charitable bequest or trust distribution to Trinity If you’d like to discuss a bequest or revocable trust
will reduce the taxable value of estates which are sub- benefiting Trinity Episcopal Church, contact the
ject to federal or estate taxes. church office for more information.

Since a bequest will typically not be received by We are grateful to Mildred Hatfield for leaving a
the church until an unknown date that could be far bequest to Trinity in her will. Mildred, a member
into the future, it is helpful if its terms are as general as of the Trinity community, died in October, 2009.

12
More Books Worth Reading… or Re-reading
Here are a few vacation reading suggestions from Trinity members. Some of these have been out for a while, but may still be
new to you. There isn’t a sacred text in the bunch, but there is some good spirituality in every one...
Watership Down
by Richard Adams
You might not expect a story about a
group of rabbits on a quest to find a home
to be a great read, but these rabbits will
inhabit your heart long after you turn the
last page. Along the way, you will meet
heroes, villains, and an unlikely but wise
sage named Fiver. You’ll witness
adventure, bravery, and deep friendship.
This charming classic is well worth your time.
The Council of Dads
by Bruce Feiler
Bruce Feiler was a young father when he
was diagnosed with cancer, and he
worried about what his daughters' lives
would be like without him. Soon he
came up with an idea of how he might
give them his voice—he would reach out
to 6 men from all the passages in his life,
and ask them to be present in the
passages in his daughters' lives. He called
this group "The Council of Dads."
She's Not There: A Life in Two
Genders
by Jennifer Finney Boylan
Writer and professor Jenny Boylan lived
for 40 years as James Boylan, son, hus-
band and father, before finally confront-
ing the complicated true nature of being
transgendered. This fearless book is both
deeply moving and sometimes hilarious.
Rev. Clare Fergusson mysteries
by Julia Spencer-Fleming
Claire Fergusson, former
Army helicopter pilot and
current Episcopal priest in
rural upstate New York,
solves mysteries with (and
struggles with her
attraction to) Sheriff Russ Van Alstyne. Six
novels in the series to date.
The Help
by Kathryn Stockett
This uplifting debut novel is set during
the nascent civil rights movement in
Jackson, Miss., where black women were
trusted to raise white children but not
to polish the household silver. It’s a
page-turner of social awakening as seen
from both sides of the American racial
divide.
Charlotte’s Web
by E. B. White
An affectionate and playful pig named
Wilbur befriends a spider named
Charlotte who lives in the rafters
above his pen. Wilbur is shocked to
discover that he’s destined to be his
owners’ Christmas dinner, and turns
to Charlotte for help. Determined to
save the life of her friend, Charlotte
spins messages in her web that convince Wilbur’s owners
and the surrounding community that Wilbur is special. It’s a
story of great love, loyalty, generosity and hope.
Good Omens
By Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
According to the Armageddon prophecies of witch Agnes
Nutter, the world will end next Saturday. So the armies of
Good and Evil are amassing, the Four
Bikers of the Apocalypse are revving
up their hogs, Atlantis is rising, frogs
are falling and tempers are flaring, all
according to Divine Plan. However,
the somewhat fussy angel Aziraphale
and the fast-living demon Crowley are
not looking forward to Rapture. But to
prevent it from happening, they’ve got
to find and kill the 11-year old
Antichrist, and someone’s misplaced
him...
13
 Gulf Oil Spill: Watching a Disaster Unfold with a Log in My Eye
by Elizabeth Denlinger Reaves
Watching a disaster unfold on the
news is always heartbreaking, but
when it occurs in your hometown and
you are far away, it can be debilitat-
ing. I grew up minutes from the Gulf
beaches in Florida, and reading about
and watching the Gulf of Mexico oil
spill from my current home in Wash-
ington, D.C., is like a living nightmare
with no option to kick myself
awake. With little hope of a happy
ending, my soul gasps out prayers for
the Lord to stop this horrible tragedy
before it goes further.
1.6 million gallons of oil have
leaked since April 20. Let me say that
again. 1.6 million.
People in the surrounding states (I
can’t speak to Mexico’s impact) are
watching their livelihoods change
forever and are virtually powerless to
stop it. Eleven men already lost their
lives, and millions of God’s creatures,
great and small, will be poisoned by
this spill. Ecosystems, intricate and
diverse, will be disrupted and
changed, possibly forever.
What can be said? What shall we
do? My God, how can we mourn?
I want to turn away, but my mind
is too quick with the memories: track-
ing sea turtle nesting sites along the
beach in the middle of the night with
my girl scout troop; watching the re-
turn of the osprey population to our
neighborhoods as the ban on DDT
14
produced its fruit; the success as each mand for their product.
previous attempt to open Florida’s
coasts to oil exploration were de- My outrage is checked before I
feated. can even speak.
We were doing so well! The envi- Am I the biggest hypocrite when I
ronmental movement was making protest rigs in my backyard but don’t
progress. Now, in a bitter spirit, I mind when they end up in other parts
wonder why we even bothered. of the world? When I change a stupid
light bulb, but won’t stop consuming
Sea turtle nesting season is about products day in and day out that fuel
to begin on the Gulf Coast and reports our unsustainable lifestyles?
of dead turtles washing up
on the shore — partly a Should I throw stones at BP, or 
response of the oil spill —
turn my stomach. The should  I  reserve  the  harshest 
birds are nesting as well. judgment  for  myself  and  my 
Have you ever seen a bird
with oil on its water-proof addiction to oil?  
feathers?
Lord hear, Lord forgive.
To all of God’s creation we cry
out: “We failed you!” We have failed Don’t get me wrong, I plan to
all of God’s creatures we were sup- fight back! To organize, and donate,
posed to protect. Lord, forgive us, give and… help pass state legislation to
us another chance! And Lord, comfort protect “our” beaches. But unless my
our children, as they, in their inno- lament leads to personal repentance,
cence, bear the brunt of sorrow for the can I expect to find peace? Unless I
plants and animals that will die. acknowledge my own sinfulness, can
I work to clean up the rest of world?
Being angry is one option,
but not one I find effective in I must consider the log in my own
the long run. Should I throw eye.
stones at BP, Transocean, Hal-
liburton, or the political lead- A colleague reminded me of a
ers who leased the ocean worthy saying to help put our energy
space? Or should I reserve the interconnectedness and my resulting
harshest judgment for myself guilt and anger in perspective. Rabbi
and my addiction to oil? My Abraham Joshua Heschel said,
AC, my car, my hot water, my “Above all, the prophets remind us of
laptop, my disposable plastics, the moral state of a people: Few are
the list is endless. guilty, but all are responsible.”
Because while we all can expect May we take this wisdom and its
companies leasing rights to public applicable lesson to heart, and begin
land to practice the strictest safety now to create a new energy future
standards, and it is easy and righteous together: one that consumes less, cares
to decry the power of the international more, and expects the same from our
corporations to work around national industries and government.
environmental laws — those busi-
nesses would not exist without de- From blog.sojo.net/
 around the kingdom
Seven Steps for Creation Caretaking
by Brian McLaren

What could be more joyful than made walls… and never wor- consume, pol-
rediscovering our God-given role as ship God within a forest of lute, garden,
caretakers, stewards, and lovers of trees or under a canopy of tend, and care. We all have to
creation? What could be more sad and stars or with a choir care for the whole planet, but
tragic than missing that dimension of of singing birds, we each must care especially
life — linking the human parts of crickets, and tree frogs! for our own ecological
God’s creation with the rest? How neighborhood.
much would we miss by neglecting or 3. Learn the threats to creation.
ignoring the vast majority of God’s They are many, and they are complex, 7. Advocate for creation
creation that came into being before we and they are interwoven and mutually everywhere. Birds don’t get to
did — and that was pronounced reinforcing. And we are complicit in vote. Neither do streams or
“good” by God completely apart from nearly all of them. salamanders. Corporations are
its utility to us? given legal status and protec-
4. Adjust your lifestyle to creation. tion, but most forests aren’t
Here are seven first steps that I In the Genesis story, part of Adam and (maybe they should be?). If
recommend to all of us who want to re- Eve “wanting to be like gods” must birds and soil and trees and
enter our primal (and deeply fulfilling) surely involve wanting to transcend wind are going to be given a
role as caretakers of God’s beautiful our God-given role as creatures in an voice in life-and-death deci-
world. environment. We are as connected to sions made by humans, people
habitats of soil, water, air, grass, and like you and me are going to
1. Develop a theology of creation. trees as are gazelles and lions, dragon- have to add-our-voice (advo-
Sadly, many of us have a gospel of flies and mockingbirds. We have been cate) on their behalf. That voice
evacuation and abandonment, leaving living in a fantasy world for centuries, will speak in voting, but also in
behind creation to be destroyed so our forgetting that we are woven in a fabric church, and in the office and
souls can be beamed up to heaven as of creation … and we need to re-enter classroom, and around the din-
soon as possible. We need instead a and adjust our lifestyles to that beauti- ner table. We can’t just speak
theology of incarnation and engage- ful fabric. Doing so will be a lifelong with a kind of guilt-inducing
ment … where we join the Creator in task. It will involve personal action duty; we must also speak with
loving and caring for creation. Thank- (changing light bulbs, recycling, com- love. Because we love people and other
fully, this theology that includes rather posting, driving less and driving wiser, creatures who live in desertifying ar-
than evacuates creation is deeply applying new technologies, etc.), but eas, we must speak up and deal with
rooted in the scriptures, and is being also social and political action. global climate change. Because we love
rediscovered and freshly articulated by people and creatures who live in areas
many of us today. 5. Choose a part of creation in devastated by mountaintop removal,
which to specialize. God loves birds… we must speak up for protecting the
2. Worship the God of creation. you can join God. God loves flowers mountains. Because we love the spring
God is first revealed to us as Creator, and deserts and wetlands and sea tur- peepers and spotted salamanders, we
and in the end, God is the gracious tles… you can join God. God knows must speak up when another shopping
the potential of wind and mall is going to bury another vernal
The Spirit of creation that hovered  hydrogen and solar energy pool.

over the surface of the waters in  to help us live more wisely

— you can join God. We There’s so much more to be said
Genesis is still alive, stirring hearts  can’t all know everything, and done, but this is a start. And these
but we can all specialize in things are not simply a duty, but a true
to rediscover a way of living in  certain areas and share our joy. The threats and urgency of the mo-
God’s beautiful world.  knowledge and concerns ment can be truly overwhelming, but
with one another. the Spirit of creation that hovered over
source of new creation. From creation the surface of the waters in Genesis 1 is
to new creation, God the Creator is 6. Start with your environmental still alive, stirring hearts to rediscover a
worthy to be praised. How sad if we address. A zip code is just so mail can truly human way of living in God’s
worship God within a construction of find you. Your real address is a water- beautiful green world.
human doctrines and within man- shed… a place on the planet where you

15
TIME SENSITIVE MATERIAL — PLEASE HANDLE PROMPTLY
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U. S. POSTAGE
Trinity Episcopal Church
One Trinity Plaza Toledo, Ohio 43604-1585 PAID
Toledo, Ohio
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Phone: 419.243.1231
Fax: 419.243.0920 Please Recycle
Email: trinity@trinitytoledo.org

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Parish Staff
Elizabeth M. Hoster, Rector
services
Wayne F. Anthony, Associate for Music and the Arts SUNDAYS 10:00 am, Holy Eucharist
Susan Lowrey, Associate for Community Life
Virginia Shafer, Executive Secretary
HOLY DAYS as announced

prayers
Jane Bueche, Parish Accountant
Bridget Blanchard, Organist

Parish Vestry
Remember those for whom our prayers have been requested: Alexis Bueche-
Jeff Albright, senior warden; Jason Rahe, junior
Hall, Margaret Child, James Hamilton, Susan Lowrey, Gordon McIntosh, Marjorie
warden; Peggy Heider, clerk; Solveig Barnes, Cathy
McIntosh, Julie Napier, Nancy Paulas, Ruth Pontius, and Peg Sammons; the children and
Johns, Jennifer Siebold, Karen Wabeke, Jim Zechman.
staff of Emanuel Children’s Home, especially David and Estrella; the vestry; the Church
Health Team; those on death row, including Richard Nields, who is scheduled to be
Parish Offices
executed by the state of Ohio on June 10; all victims of war and violence; our ministry
Mon thru Fri, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
with CaterMe; Sara & Todd Alcroft, awaiting the birth of their first child.
Phone 419.243.1231 Fax 419.243.0920
Email: trinity@trinitytoledo.org Prayers for those who have died: Fr. Lynn McCallum,
Episcopal Diocese of Ohio
2230 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44115-2499
800.551.4815 216.771.4815
The Rt. Rev. Mark Hollingsworth, Jr., Bishop Ordinary
vision & mission
Trinity is called to be a progressive, inclusive, creative urban faith community.
Next-to-New Thrift Shop We will practice radical hospitality.
Mon & Thurs, 9:30 am – 3 pm; We will be engaged in the life of our city.
Jeanne Mitchell, Manager We will stand with those in need: the poor, the sick, the friendless, the marginalized.
We will actively invite all to experience and celebrate God’s living presence.
Trinity Topics newsletter We will journey together toward a Christ-centered life, pursuing personal ministries
Becky Roth, Editor that connect us to God, to one another, and to the world around us.
Email: Topics@trinitytoledo.org
Submissions deadline: 20th of the month