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Church A Safe Place · 2017. 11. 28. · TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH WINTER 2017 ISSUE 6 101 S WINTER...
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TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH WINTER 2017 ISSUE 6 WINTER 2017 Church – A Safe Place The Rev. Richard L. Vinson I have often thought that whatever the Kingdom of God might be, it is at least a safe place. The church, in like fashion, reflects this reality. God’s people are cared for and loved and protected in God’s house. We have all been reminded of late that this is simply not the case. There is no safe place, not even the church. Of course, the reality is that this has always been the case. The church, no matter what we think or say, is made up of the same stuff as is the rest of creation - men and women who are frail and flawed and who face the same struggles as everyone else. Pain and heartbreak, hatred and violence find their way into all our lives and into our churches. Following the recent tragic shootings in a church in Texas, congregations are taking a serious look at the issue of security. We are doing the same here at Trinity. We are in the process of establishing a Safety Committee which will assess our physical plant and look at the many aspects of safety and security. We are also looking to develop a plan to use in case of a medical or other emergency. One of the things we are going to address immediately is access to the building. On any given Sunday, there are four entrances to the building. Although this makes it easy for folks to enter for worship and education, it also increases the risk that someone intending to do harm can easily enter. Effective immediately there will be three ways to enter the building before worship: the front door of the church, the door into the Parish Hall, and the door entering the educational wing at the bottom of the stairs. After worship begins, all but the front doors of the church will be secured. This is particularly important in that the other two entrances give access to where the children are located. I know that the first reaction of some is that it doesn’t seem very inviting to have locked doors. While on the surface that may seem the case, it gives us an opportunity to rethink and improve how we are hospitable. Surely, we can do more than simply unlock a door. I am certain that Trinity is up to the challenge to welcome and usher folks into our church home. There is of course, an even greater issue here. As we strive to address issues of security, we need to be reminded that true security does not come from locked doors and being more attentive to our environment. True security comes when we refuse to live in despair, but rather engage in responding to violence. We will seek to make our Church the safest place we can. We will also stand firm, united in working to rid the world of hatred, dehumanization, and oppression. I ask you to pray for God’s peace. Rick
Transcript of Church A Safe Place · 2017. 11. 28. · TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH WINTER 2017 ISSUE 6 101 S WINTER...
TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH WINTER 2017 ISSUE 6 101
S
WINTER 2017
Church – A Safe Place The Rev. Richard L. Vinson
I have often thought that whatever the Kingdom of God might be, it is at least a safe place. The church, in like fashion, reflects this reality. God’s people are cared for and loved and protected in God’s house. We have all been reminded of late that this is simply not the case. There is no safe place, not even the church. Of course, the reality is that this has always been the case. The church, no matter what we think or say, is made up of the same stuff as is the rest of creation - men and women who are frail and flawed and who face the same struggles as everyone else. Pain and heartbreak, hatred and violence find their way into all our lives and into our churches.
Following the recent tragic shootings in a church in Texas, congregations are taking a serious look at the issue of security. We are doing the same here at Trinity. We are in the process of establishing a Safety Committee which will assess our physical plant
and look at the many aspects of safety and security. We are also looking to develop a plan to use in case of a medical or other emergency.
One of the things we are going to address immediately is access to the building. On any given Sunday, there are four entrances to the building. Although this makes it easy for folks to enter for worship and education, it also increases the risk that someone intending to do harm can easily enter. Effective immediately there will be three ways to enter the building before worship: the front door of the church, the door into the Parish Hall, and the door entering the educational wing at the bottom of the stairs. After worship begins, all but the front doors of the church will be secured. This is particularly important in that the other two entrances give access to where the children are located.
I know that the first reaction of some is that it doesn’t
seem very inviting to have locked doors. While on the surface that may seem the case, it gives us an opportunity to rethink and improve how we are hospitable. Surely, we can do more than simply unlock a door. I am certain that Trinity is up to the challenge to welcome and usher folks into our church home.
There is of course, an even greater issue here. As we strive to address issues of security, we need to be reminded that true security does not come from locked doors and being more attentive to our environment. True security comes when we refuse to live in despair, but rather engage in responding to violence. We will seek to make our Church the safest place we can. We will also stand firm, united in working to rid the world of hatred, dehumanization, and oppression.
I ask you to pray for God’s peace.
Rick
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Advent Day of Reflection - Will the Real Mary Stand Up? Saturday, December 9, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon The Rev. Dr. Virginia Sheay
Mary, in the imagination of the Church, has given us a varied picture of her, whether it is through tradition, legend, myth, paintings, ancient and modern, poetry, hymnody, or biblical interpretation. Leading the morning reflection will be Barbara Tortorello, docent at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. As a scholar in the History of Art, Barbara will show and discuss the painting of Henry Ossawa Tanner’s famous, The Annunciation. Other works will include, St. Anne Teaching the Virgin to Read by the Master of Saint Benedict and The Marriage of the Virgin by the Master of the Tiburtine Sibyle.
Susan Wells, whose passion in Biblical studies and Art History, will lead us in scriptural passages, both canonical and noncanonical about Mary, as well as paintings ancient and modern, especially The Annunciation by John Collier, a radical departure of what you might expect of a religious painting
of Mary. Mary Miller, a lover of poetry, will share with us various poems written about Mary, the mother of Jesus. Ginny Sheay will lead us in historical and theological reflection. Mark your calendars and plan to attend this exceptional presentation. It is our hope that you will experience a new and deeper understanding of Mary.
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Friends of Music Concert – Handel’s Messiah Part I and excerpts from Part II & III Sunday, December 17, 4:00 p.m.
Join us for our 19th performance. Soloists include Rochelle Reed, soprano; Gus Mercante, countertenor; Steven Brennfleck, tenor; and Brian Ming Chu, baritone. Also featuring the Trinity Choir, BCCC Madrigal Singers, 16-piece orchestra, and Timothy Harrell as Conductor.
Visit https://www.trinitysolebury.org/messiah to purchase tickets or call the church office at 215.297.5135. Tickets: $20, $10 students 12 and under.
Christmas Services
Sunday, December 24 9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist
5:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Family Service & Pageant
9:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service
Monday, December 25 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist
Sunday, December 31 8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist 9:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist
Save the Date – Saturday, March 3, 2018 is a SPECIAL DAY!!! 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon Earlene Austin
Betsy Payn, MSN, will present a free seminar on Advance Care Planning complete with a workshop.
How can you ensure your health care choices will be followed when you are no longer able to speak on your own behalf?
Advance Care Planning is being offered at Trinity and the public will also be invited to join in this special presentation.
A one-on-one level of assistance will be provided to enhance your personal healthcare and lifecare decisions before the need arises. AND, how to communicate your choices to your loved ones.
If you are concerned about the quality of life in the years ahead, please set aside this time for the most important decisions you can make now.
For any questions, please contact Earlene Austin at 215.208.5128 or [email protected].
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Adult Forum/Spiritual Formation Events Kay Rock
The Adult Forums offered for Winter 2017-2018 relate to several Church seasons: Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, and the beginning of Lent. Together they speak to the spiritual responsibilities of our faith and to the social responsibilities of our faith. As Christians, we are called to grow toward the full stature of Jesus Christ. The goal of our forums is to support us in our journey, along with weekly worship, daily Bible reading, continuous prayer, and service to others. Please mark your calendars now and plan to be present for what promise to be informative and inspiring sessions.
December 2017
Sunday, December 3 11:00 a.m., McArthur Hall Advent Wreath making Family Event (Advent begins) Join this popular Trinity event for all ages. Create a wreath together and learn the significance of the wreath and colors of the candles. Enjoy this tradition and the lighting of each candle at home throughout Advent.
Saturday, December 9 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, Chapel Advent Day of Reflection: “Will the Real Mary Stand Up?” Enjoy a morning of scripture, paintings, poetry, history, and theological reflection focused on Mary.
Sunday, December 10 11:00 a.m., Chapel Christmas Stories for Adults and Teens with Andy Scrimgeour Yes, he’s baaack! Join our returning parishioner and Librarian Emeritus for a selection of Christmas stories that he has
written. The readings will include, “A String of Bulbs was Our Guiding Star”, which has been optioned for a movie. We’ll look forward to the update on that, as well as hearing other inspirational stories from Andy.
Sunday, December 17 11:00 a.m., Chapel Synoptic Gospel Study: The Nativity with Kay Rock The Gospels of the New Testament are the primal narratives of the Christian movement and are foundational to our faith for they tell the story of Jesus. This Bible study session will focus on the three Synoptic Gospels (from Greek for “same eye”) of Mark, Matthew, and Luke, written around the same time period in the late first century. This type of Bible study utilizes a comparative literature approach, reading passages from these three Gospels in parallel, to see what new awareness and understanding may unfold.
Sundays, December 25 and December 31 MERRY CHRISTMAS/HAPPY NEW YEAR
JANUARY 2018
Sunday, January 7 11:00 a.m., Chapel Trey Wilson and Priscilla Forbus will provide a presentation to help us deepen our understanding and appreciation of the celebration of EPIPHANY (January 6).
Sunday, January 14 11:00 a.m., McArthur Hall MLK Day of Service: Aid for Friends Sponsored by our Outreach Ministry
Sunday, January 21 11:00 a.m., Chapel BYOB Midrash with Kay Rock. Join us for a lively discussion to heighten our familiarity and engagement with the lectionary scriptures for the following Sunday’s service. Bring Your Own Bible…or use one of ours.
Sunday, January 28 11:00 a.m., Chapel BYOB Midrash on scripture for the following Sunday.
Continued on page 5
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FEBRUARY 2018
Sunday, February 4 11:00 a.m., McArthur Hall ANNUAL MEETING—Yearly State-of-the-Parish updates from Vestry and Staff.
Sunday, February 11 11:00 a.m., McArthur Hall Bury the Alleluia Family Event in preparation for Lent.
Wednesday, February 14 Ash Wednesday—Lent Begins
Sunday, February 18 11:00 a.m., McArthur Hall ST. THOMAS BRUNCH—Family Event—The joint jumps when we are joined for the Sunday service by the St. Thomas clergy and choir. A festive brunch for all follows the service.
Sunday, February 25 11:00 a.m., Chapel BYOB Midrash on next week’s scriptures.
Lenten Day of Reflection: The Life and Works of Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) Saturday, March 17, 2018, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, Chapel The Rev. Dr. Virginia Sheay
A recent New York Times Magazine article featured prominent women as “Firsts”, those who are changing the world, breaking the glass ceiling. They are in line with centuries of outstanding women, some known and some unknown. We shall be looking at one you may or may not know - Hildegard of Bingen, a remarkable woman, a “first” in many fields. She was a prophetic woman who described herself as “a feather on the breath of God”, and whose many works in theology, music, visual art, poetry and drama are still inspiring people today. The morning will be led by Ginny Sheay.
*Thank you Barbara Matybell for sharing!
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*Anna Wyman will be reading “Ernest’s Special Christmas” by Laura T. Barnes at the St. Nicholas Fair
on Saturday, December 2 at 11:15 a.m.
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Please Join Us in Welcoming Those New to the Trinity Family
Debbie Albucker
The Rev. John Bartle
Jim and Jeanne Fiske
John, Audrey, and John Osuna
Beverly Rhinesmith-Pape
Tom, Maggie, and Audrey Runyon
Submissions Deadline for the Trinity Tidings
Spring Newsletter
The deadline to submit an article for the Trinity Tidings spring newsletter is February 1.
This issue will contain information for March, April, and May.
Please email all submissions, including photos, to [email protected].
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Trinity Episcopal Church P.O. Box 377
Solebury, PA 18963
215.297.5135 www.trinitysolebury.org
Dated Material – Please Expedite
Trinity Staff
The Rev. Richard L. Vinson Rector
The Rev. Dr. Virginia Sheay Priest Associate
Timothy Harrell Organist/Choirmaster
Stacie Fuchs Parish Communications
Sarah Doyle Database Administrator
Jessica Williams Day School Director
Nicole Emery & Kyle Evans Church School Coordinators
Anne Shields Assistant Director, St. Cecilia Choir
Rector
The Rev. Richard L. Vinson
Wardens Whitney Chandor Trey Wilson Rector’s Warden People’s Warden
Gary Wilmore Warden for Finance and Operations
Officers Treasurer & Assistant Treasurer Christine Angulo Gary Wilmore, Dick Dafrico Samantha Bode Diocesan Representatives Doug Brindley Mary Miller, Bill Wolf Stan Broadbent Rosemary Ferrero The Episcopal Diocese Priscilla Forbus of Pennsylvania Jacqui Griffith The Rev. Daniel G.P. Gutiérrez Nick Mumford Bishop Barbara Tortorello The Rt. Rev. Rodney R. Michel Bill Tucker Assisting Bishop
