The Trinitarian

Trinity Episcopal Church, 44 North Second Street, Ashland OR 97520 (541) 482-2656 FAX 482-1260 office@trinitychurchashland.org

The Reverend John Goddard, Interim Rector

The Reverend Carol Howser, Deacon July 2011
Trinitarian Online Edition

The Reverend Meredith Pech, Deacon

www.trinitychurchashland.org

Search team update

Summer Greetings from your Search Team! We are in the midst of a quiet yet very busy phase of our call for a new Rector. Trinitys Parish Profile is raising a positive stir from people in various parts of the country who have seen it. We're hearing, anecdotally, that our Profile is among the finest the clerical community has ever seen. We also hear there has been an excellent response to our call with many priests expressing interest in Trinity. By mid-July, the Bishops Office will have forwarded to us information about those priests who have been vetted and are ready for our consideration. In preparation, we are actively planning the review, interview, visitation and evaluation processes and developing appropriate tools for communicating effectively and sensitively with all concerned. We welcome your suggestions, questions, and concerns. We will make every effort to keep our process transparent while respecting the confidentiality of all applicants. During this initial phase of the search process, please continue to pray the Holy Spirit guides great priests to answer our call. We also appreciate your prayers and good wishes for the Search Team as we work to discern which interested priests should be invited to enter the next phase of the process. As we have mentioned before, on July 24 The Rev. Neysa Ellgren, Canon for Congregational Development and Staff, Diocese of Oregon, will be at Trinity to preach, participate in the 9 am forum, and meet with the Search Team after church. This will be an excellent opportunity for all to learn more about the Bishop-Assisted Search process. In the meantime, we ask our Trinity family to remember our goal is to call the right rector, not the rector for right away. That requires us all to breathe, pray, discern, be extremely patient, and trust this process. - Trinitys Search Team, Judy Clinton & Jamie Hutchison, co-chairs

Trinity's Annual Rummage Sale

Its time to start finding those items in your home that could be BLESSING OTHERS and set them aside for Trinity's Annual Rummage Sale! Our Rummage Sale does so much its a form of outreach to our surrounding community, provides fellowship time for our parishioners and it raises funds for our music ministry. This is a multi-tasking Rummage Sale for sure! The hard-working Rummage Sale Committee needs your donations of treasures and talents! We're looking for good clean used clothing and household goods, antiques and collectibles, treasured books, jewelry, shoes, purses, household items, china, linens, small kitchen appliances, home dcor, fabric and sewing patterns, plants, small furniture, sporting goods, hardware & tools, some CD's and DVD's, games & puzzles. (Sorry no computers, printers, TVs, VCRs, DVD players, VHS tapes & audiocassettes this year). Please see the fliers and emails in early August on what are acceptable donations. If you want to help on the committee, please contact Emily Cox at through the Parish Office at 541-482-2656 or office@trinityepiscopalchurch.org Its a lot of fun! Here's the schedule for 2011: COMMITTEE MEETINGS: Wednesdays July 20th & Aug. 10th 4:00pm in the Parish Library DONATION DROP-OFF: Wednesday August 24th 9:00am 4:00pm Parish Hall Thursday August 25th 9:00am- 12:00pm Parish Hall All items need to be brought to the Parish Hall no earlier than Weds. Aug. 24th and no later than Thursday August 25th at NOON. Donations will not be accepted after noon the 25th. Please contact Emily Cox at 541-621-1841 or emilyapcox@live.com if you need assistance with delivering items. TRINITARIAN PRE-SALE PARTY: Friday, August 26th 5:00pm-7:00pm (*Small fee to attend) Pre-Sale Party for Trinitarians and their invited guests RUMMAGE SALE: Saturday, August 27th: 8:30a-3:00p (open to the public) This is one of Trinity's "biggies." We need all your help with contributions and willingness to work and celebrate, and passing the word on to others. All efforts benefit the wonderful ministry of music we enjoy here at Trinity. Plus its a great fun blessing others! Emily Cox
Trinitarian Online Edition

Trinitarian Online Edition

The Interim Rectors letter to the Trinitarians

July 2011 Dear Friends in Christ, For some reason I am hearing the words to Summertime from Porgy and Bess in my head this week, and it is true the, living is easy. Summertime, and the living is easy Fish are jumping, and the cotton is high Your daddy's rich, and your ma is good looking So hush little baby, don't you cry. One of these mornings, you're gonna rise up singing You're gonna spread your wings and take to the sky But till that morning, there is nothing can harm you With your daddy and mamma standing by. Maybe not all of the words are appropriate but the sense for me is that life slows down and we can stop and take in the beauty of our world. It also is expressive of our present situation in this interim time that is drawing to a close. We are in good shape for the welcoming of the new rector once the search process is concluded. This is true because the leadership of the parish has done the work of interim ministry effectively and with appropriate speed. For me as priest in your midst the experience of Trinity was been both healing and rewarding. You have accepted me with all the difference from the past and hope for a faith-filled future. The work of ministry with all the various parts of this parish has been rich with doing the work of Christ and seeing a movement to the calling of the next priest. One of the great joys for me is one that I know you share in each week and that is the music ministry of the Choir of Trinity. Under the guidance and care of Jodi and Paul French we are all treated each week to a worship that is supported by this lovely sound. The joy is that we have had a late season of Easter this year and we were able to share in their gift of music thru June 19. A thanks goes to each voice that makes the joyful music offering each week. Now this may sound like my last letter to you, but it is not. Im writing with all of the feelings of the end of our time together that will come sooner than later and I want to make sure I have an opportunity to express my support and love for this parish. Let us enjoy this Summertime and lift our voices in worship and our hands in service of the Risen Christ. Peace John Goddard Interim Rector

Worship update
During the summer months the Book of Common Prayer will be used each Sunday at both 8 and 10 oclock worship times. The worship will have a monthly consistency as we use the same prayer of Thanksgiving, Eucharistic Prayer A for a period of time and then each of the other prayers. We will sing the Psalm under the leadership of an appointed Cantor each week. Our music will feature many of your favorite hymns along with other hymns that will be singable by the congregation without the leadership of our choir, which takes a well-deserved vacation for the summer. We will have several supply priests during the next few weeks, including Fr. Tom Murphy, Fr. Jim Boston, and Canon Neysa Ellgren.

Trinitarian Online Edition

Trinitarian Online Edition

What keeps us coming?

[Third in a series of how individuals deepen their faith and belonging at Trinity and ways they respond as stewards] Trinity Episcopal Church is our church home. Kris and I felt that from the first time we visited on Christmas Eve some years ago. We support the church with our time and our energy and also financially, to the best of our ability, and love being a part of such a positive community. Everyone has been so supportive, accepting and loving. Trinity enables Kris and me to give back. How do we give back? Well, we give back by being actively involved with Trinity in varying ways. Kris sings in the choir with some very dedicated people, and has the privilege of being under the direction of Dr. Paul French. Plus, the choir is accompanied by the amazing Jodi French. Kris is also an alternate on the search committee for our new pastor. I have been on the Outreach committee for over 5 years and the vestry for almost 3 years. Having listened to the groups who come asking for funding from Outreach, its so fulfilling to know that Trinity can help out, even when its only in a small way. Writing a check to the church is not easy, but it has become a habit that we feel good about. Its so important to us that Trinity Episcopal Church continue to survive and thrive, for all of us who love our church community and benefit from it in so many ways. Rhonda Loftis Kris York and Rhonda Loftis have worshipped at Trinity and enriched the lives of all of us for several years. Besides their church involvement they have a farm on Griffin Creek where Kris breeds Lippizan horses and Rhonda sharpens her drumming for the all woman rock band Blue Lightning.

Refurbishing the Labyrinth and Garden

By the time you read this, the Trinity Labyrinth and surrounding garden will have a fresh look. The garden is being trimmed for the season, and to facilitate painting of the labyrinth design. Local artist Steven LaRose has been contracted to repaint the design that has chipped and faded with use over the past seven years. (The designer/creator of our labyrinth estimated a five-year life span for the original paint job, so we have managed to squeeze a couple of extra years out of it.) The labyrinth garden will also be sporting several large rocks as part of the landscaping, one of which (a piece of local Hornbrook Sandstone) was donated by Jeff LaLande; three others remained from the foundation of the Morgan house that originally sat on the land. It seemed fitting that they should be visible additions to the garden. The Garden Committee

Legacy Giving at Trinity

What is the Endowment money for anyway? This is the most frequently asked question we get from Trinitarians. The purpose of Trinitys Endowment is to enable Trinity to broaden its ministries beyond what is possible through your annual pledges. Distribution from the accrued investment yields may be used for capital needs, outreach ministries, seed money for new ministries, and special one-time projects. Endowment money is not to be used for operating budget or operating expenses of Trinity. At this point, we have over $80,000 in our Endowment Fund, which is held in the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon Investment Fund. If you are interested in helping our Endowment grow, new information brochures on Planned Giving an Overview, Writing Your Will, and Charitable Gift Annuities are located in the Parish Hall. If you have any questions, a member of the Endowment Committee would be happy to help you. Kathy Griffin, Chair

This is the online PDF version of The Trinitarian. Personal contact information has been edited out of this version. If you have any questions or need to contact someone in regards to an article, please call the Parish Office at 482-2656.

Trinitarian Online Edition

Trinitarian Online Edition

VESTRY HIGHLIGHTS
June 12, 2011

Adult Forums for July-August

During the months of July and August there will be a few presentations on topics of interest to the parish. When there is an opening the topic will be a bible study on the lessons of the day. Please watch your weekly email announcements and the bulletins.

Inquirers Class -- Or --What would you like to know about the Episcopal Church and more?
Sunday afternoon 4 5:30 PM July 10 and 17 in the Parish Library This is a series of classes for those that might be considering joining the Episcopal Church. The book we will use will be Those Episkopols by Dennis Maynard. This book was used a few years ago and opens up discussions about questions that many of us have about the Church. The book is short and if you plan on attending you will need to pick up a book (for all non-members it is FREE). Please read at least the first 5 chapters for the first session and then the rest of the book for the next week. If you are a current member and have questions concerning the Episcopal Church--so much is changing so fast, this may also be a good way to spend two Sunday late afternoons. The cost of the book will be $13. Present members being part of this time sets the example for all that we are continuing to grow in understanding of just what is the work of the Church and each of us as individual members. Pick up a book in the office any time before July 10 and then join the exploration of some whacky questions like: Why Dont Episcopalians Act More Religious? Can You Believe Anything You Want and be an Episcopalian? Does God Like All that Ritual? And the last one Are There Any Episcopalians in Heaven?

The Stewardship Committee, represented by Bert Anderson, made a detailed presentation to Vestry regarding exciting new ideas for expanded Trinity stewardship and the fall pledge drive. Extensive discussion led to Vestry approval of a festive parish kick-off dinner in September with a special guest speaker. Based on expansion of the stewardship program, Vestry members will be added to this committee to aide in planning and carrying out new ideas. Mindy Ferris, Jean McDonald, Carol Harvey, Tom Harrington, and Donna Ritchie enthusiastically volunteered for this duty. Discussion continued around ideas for landscaping under the tree in the front church garden and also on the need for outside play space for children. Plans for further enhancing our successful Godly Play program were re-visited regarding growth, summer training, and recruitment of teachers. Father John announced that the Newcomers Dinner was a special success with 13 great new folks attending. Phyllis Reynolds, Clerk of Vestry

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The Four Months Ended May 2011 INCOME EXPENSES Budget this year $106,233 $102,959 Actual this year 108,444 90,684 Actual last year 112,091 105,362 Financial Reports are posted monthly on the Vestry Bulletin Board in the Parish Library. Jim Littlefield

There is not a single instance in history in which civil liberty was lost, and religious liberty preserved entire. If therefore we yield up our temporal property, we at the same time deliver the conscience into bondage.
John Witherspoon, The Dominion of Providence Over the Passions of Men, 1776

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Trinitarian Online Edition

Your VESTRY
SENIOR WARDEN Mindy Ferris (2011)

Senior Wardens Report

Faith has become a word with real meaning for me over the past months. My faith in God and the teachings of Jesus is evolving and probably will continue to do so as long as I live. Its my faith in people that has changed in character. There have been so many tasks to complete during this time of transition and as each one has come up there has been someone to take care of it. Sometimes it takes a bit of work to find that person but in the end the work always gets done and done well. As time has passed I have begun to have faith that this will be so. It was Rev. Anne who counseled and encouraged me to form the Parish Profile and Search Committees without me as a member. I thought it would be really difficult to let go. But do you know what It hasnt been difficult at all and only recently it has dawned on me that the reason is because I have such a deep faith in those who have been charged with completing these tasks. This is a special parish and that has been demonstrated to me time and time again as each need is met. Thank you all for being such faithful and caring members of this parish our church home. Mindy Ferris

JUNIOR WARDEN Milt Morgan (2012)

Jeff LaLande

(2011)

Kathy Griffin

(2011)

Rhonda Loftis

(2011)

Jean McDonald

(2012)

Ward Wilson

(2012)

JUNIOR WARDENS REPORT

Vicki Gardner (2012)

Greg Gonzalez

(2013)

Tom Harrington

(2013)

Carol Harvey

(2013)

Donna Ritchie

(2013)

Your Vestry meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Parish Hall. Parish members are welcome to attend. Submit written proposals for Vestry action to the Rector or the Parish Clerk (Phyllis Reynolds) one week prior to the meeting.

How beautiful the Labyrinth and Labyrinth/Columbarium Garden are these days--freshly pruned flora and the newly repainted labyrinth. All thanks go to Maggie McCartney and her special Labyrinth Garden Committee. I had nothing to do with it. Trinity is so very fortunate to have a labyrinth next to our church. Labyrinths date back over 3500 years and have always been perceived as sacred space. They have been an integral part of many cultures such as Celtic, Mayan, Greek, Cretan and Native American. The oldest existing Christian labyrinth is in the 4th century Basilica of Reparatus in Algeria. In the medieval Christian church these labyrinths flourished in Europe throughout the 11th and 12th centuries. One of the most famous is the Chartres Cathedral labyrinth in this majestic 12th century Gothic French church. I am familiar with Chartres Cathedral as I wrote a dissertation on it during my architectural student days and have visited several times. Trinitys labyrinth is a copy of that labyrinth as are the two at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, our former parish. The best book I have found about labyrinths is Walking a Sacred Path by Lauren Artress, an Honorary Canon at Grace Cathedral. Her book emphasizes the spiritual path found by walking a labyrinth. My favorite quote from her book is We realize we are not humans on a spiritual path but rather spiritual beings on a human path. Her book is a good read and I highly recommend it. She also founded Veriditas, an organization dedicated to placing labyrinths around the world. Walking the labyrinth is a model of the classical three-fold spiritual path. Walking in is purgation, or emptying or letting go. Time in the center is illumination providing clarity and insight. Walking out is initiative, integrity and action in the world. The labyrinth path is for prayer and meditation. If you have not already, I urge you to take advantage of the Trinity labyrinth and walk it. It could clear your mind and give you insight into lifes journey and change your life. It is a sacred and spiritual pilgrimage. We realize we are not humans on a spiritual path but rather spiritual beings on a human path. Milt Morgan, Junior Warden

Trinitarian Online Edition

Trinitarian Online Edition

Connecting through Joint Ministry

Connect is one of those words that has come to mean many different things. In 1881, connect meant to establish a relationship. This is the definition I am using when I talk about connecting through our joint ministries. We are heading into the fourth summer of our shared camp and retreat program. By sharing a camp & retreat ministry with the Oregon/Idaho Conference of the United Methodist Church, we now have access to five sites in Oregon and over 140 events for people of all ages. Our Episcopal identity is growing as more campers and volunteers in the diocese participate. Our Latino Youth Camp is a great example. Started in 2009, our diocese was the first to have such an event in the long history of camping in the United Methodist Church. In 2010, the camp grew from 18 participants to 29. Our numbers for 2011 are growing even more. In the midst of all the fun at camp, these youth are learning about what is means to be Episcopalian and are experiencing and participating in morning and evening prayers and Eucharist. The same is true for our Diocesan Week @ Camp. What began as an elementary camp of 24 in 2008, this event has expanded into 4 camps for kids in grades 1-12, running alongside each other in the same week. Our camper numbers are over 100 for 2011 and we will be adding a second week in 2012. This information is about only two of the many events we can all participate in. There are adult retreats, family camps, specialty camps such as Quilting, Flyfishing and Handbells and a multitude of choices for our children and youth. Being a camper is only one piece of the puzzle though. Did you know our camp and retreat events are planned and staffed by volunteers? We had over 56 diocesan volunteers at various events in 2010 and those numbers are growing for 2011! How wonderful is that? So why am I telling you all of this? It is to let you know that we are connecting. We are establishing relationships through our camp & retreat ministry program. Your prayers as we journey through our summer camping season are greatly appreciated. If you would like to find out more about this ministry, go to our diocesan website, www.diocese-oregon.org, click on Commissions & Ministries and then click on Camp & Retreat Ministries. You can also call me at 971-204-4124 or 800-452-2562, ext. 124, or you can send me an email at bethd@diocese-oregon.org. I would love to talk with you about the great things going on for all of us in this diocese. [Editors note: camping brochures and info are available in parish hall] Here is a sampling of upcoming events (register online at gocamping.org): Sisters Quilt Show Retreat: July 6-10 at Suttle Lake Camp (Adult) Sisters Quilt Show Weekend: July 8-10 at Suttle Lake Camp (Adult) Discovery Week II: July 24-30 at Camp Latgawa (Children & Youth) Handbell Camp: July 30-August 2 at Wallowa Lake Camp (Adult) Diocesan Week @ Camp: July 31-August 5th at Suttle Lake Camp (Children & Youth) Grand Camp II: August 19-21 at Camp Magruder (Grandparents & Grandkids) Beth Dieker, Missioner for Ministry Development. Diocese of Oregon

A SPECIAL DINNER FOR A TIME TO WELCOME!

This is always a wonderful time in our church to see people come and say Yes this is our new church home. One could feel the excitement and joy throughout the evening as we welcomed our new members at a special dinner held in their honor on Monday, June 6th. On Trinity Sunday, June 19th, the parish welcomed these new members officially. They are: Deirdre Barber, Barbara Black, Lynn Brandy & Allen Johnson, Brooke & Ella Daniels (9 yrs.), Kate & Ron McKaigg, Nancy Lynn and Laura Patton. Also, we would like to say how happy we are to have two summer guests join us: Michael Broyles and Chris White. Please take some time to get to know our new members as they travel their spiritual journey with us. Trinity Newcomers Committee

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Trinitarian Online Edition

Justicehow do we relate? For the past several weeks, Sara Powell has led a lively discussion of several books that give examples of acting boldly as Christs body in this world. We began with Sara Miles Take This Bread And more recently Brian McLarens Everything Must Change. Watch for parish news about what the next title might be, and come join! Sara begins and ends each session with readings that jolt us into new ways of thinking about how we state and live our faith. Heres one example: The Justice Creed, by Brian D. McLaren
We believe that the living God is just And that the true and living God loves justice. God delights in just laws and rejoices in just people. God sides with those who are oppressed by injustice, And stands against oppressors. God is grieved by unjust people and the unjust systems they create and sustain. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, and God's kingdom belongs to those willing to be persecuted for the sake of justice. To God, justice is a weighty thing which can never be ignored. We believe that Jesus, the Liberating King, came to free humanity from injustice And to display the justice of God, In word and deed, in life, death, and resurrection. The justice which God desires, Jesus taught, must surpass that of the hypocrites, For the justice of God is a compassionate justice, Rich in mercy and abounding in love For the last, the least, the lost, and the outcast. On his cross, Jesus drew the injustice of humanity into the light, And there the heartless injustice of human empire met The reconciling justice of the kingdom of God. The resurrection of Jesus proclaims that the true justice of God, Naked, vulnerable, and scarred by abuse, is stronger Than the violent injustice of humanity, armed with weapons, conceit, deceit, and lies. We believe that the Holy Spirit is here, now, Convicting the world of sin and justice, Warning that God's judgment will come on all that is unjust. We believe that the Kingdom of God is justice, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Empowered by the Spirit, then, we seek first God's kingdom and God's justice, For the world as it is has not yet become the world as God desires it to be. And so we live, and work, and pray, Until justice rolls down like water, And flows strong and free like a never-failing stream. For we believe that the living God is just And that the true and living God loves justice. Amen.

Regular Meetings and Events Tuesday Mens Breakfast

meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at 8a at the Oak Tree Restaurant (across from the Windmill

Sewing Women of Trinity, known

as SWAT, meet Tuesdays from 8:30 -11:00 (approximately) and make quilts all year long. The sewing skills needed are minimal and we welcome all interested. Natalie Barker

Suncrest retreat is available on the 1st Tuesday of each month for personal retreats for all or part of the day. From 8:00a to 8:00p, unprogrammed; brown bag lunch; beverages available; donations welcome. Directions on the Trinity website. For information call Shirley Woodringor Sister Mary Pat Naumes.

Wednesday

Trinity Trekkers
The trekkers car pool at 8:oo m from the car park across Ashland Street from the "Big Flag". The outing is free and over in time for lunch.

The Trinity website needs you! Are you the chair of a committee or leader of a ministry at Trinity? We need to know more about what your ministry does on the new Trinity website. Not only for anyone visiting our website, but also for any potential candidates for our next Rector. Please write up to 250 words describing what your ministry does, when you meet, and who to contact. Include any major or significant accomplishments over the last year and any upcoming plans for this year, as well as a _little_ history if there's room. Include what part(s) of the Baptismal Covenant you fulfill with this ministry. Send your responses to Colleen Graves, James Johnson, or office@trinitychurchashland.org, or drop them off at the Parish Office. Then check the website later to see your new page! 7

Thursday Women's Breakfast

meets the second Thursday of the month, 8a at the Oak Tree Restaurant (across from the Windmill Inn).
Trinitarian Online Edition

Trinitarian Online Edition

Trinity Episcopal Church 44 North Second Street Ashland, Oregon 97520

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the Trinitarian July 2011

Trinity Episcopal Church, 44 North Second Street, Ashland OR 97520 publishes The Trinitarian monthly. James Johnson and Ann Magill, Editors. Submit articles to office@trinitychurchashland.org at the church office by the 20th of the month. For more information, visit Trinity Episcopal Churchs website at www.trinitychurchashland.org.

Trinity worship
Sunday Mornings 8:00 AM, Holy Eucharist, Rite II 10:00 AM, Holy Eucharist, Rite II 10:00 - 11:30 AM, Infant care

The trinity vision

Trinity Online

To be the Episcopal presence in Ashland, welcoming all who seek Christ in a parish family, where all of Gods children can find, celebrate, and grow in Gods grace.

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CONTENTS
Search Team, Rummage Sale.. Front Interim Rectors Letter ...............p. 2 Stewardship, Endowment, Labyrinth, ..................................p. 3 Forums, Inquirers .......................p. 4 Wardens and Vestry ...................p. 5 Camp Ministry ...........................p. 6 Regular Events, Website ............p. 7
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Thursdays 12:00 PM Holy Eucharist with Healing

Trinity Office Hours Monday Thursday, 8:30a 12:00p (541) 482-2656