Lifeline LONG DAYS OF SUMMER

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1 Lifeline The Church of the Holy Trinity An Episcopal Church VOLUME 9 ISSUE 07 Augus t 2016 A Message from Our Rector, Fr. Kevin M. Cross LONG DAYS OF SUMMER I recently came across the following true story that I want to share with you. It is called THE MAYONNAISE JAR...AND COFFEE By Laura Bankston When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar...and the coffee... A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "yes." The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed. "Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, " I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things your God, your family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car. The sand is everything else the small stuff. "If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18 holes. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal." Take care of the golf balls first, the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand." One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend." Copyright 2004, Abundant Learning Publications. All rights reserved. During these long days of summer let us remember that even our Savior Jesus created the time to enjoy life with his friends. He took Sabbath time to rest, pray, and refresh himself. Many of Jesus teachings about what is important in life occurred around the dinner table. Let us all take time this summer to enjoy life, count our blessings and share friendship and love with family, friends and those who are the friends we have not yet met. God s desire is that all of his children find love and enjoy life. - Father Kevin

2 LIFELINE CHEERS and APPRECIATION The Talbot County Garden Club for their generous grant to rebuild our bell tower and for their dedication to caring for God s good earth. To Mike and Barbara Sheridan for their gift to fund the restoration of the Parish Hall door windows. Not only has their generosity greatly improved the appearance of the hall entryway but this restoration also will improve our energy efficiency. To the Altar Guild for their dedication to caring for our sanctuary and support of our special services. Cora Bruner for putting together a marvelous concert with Thomas Beard and Friends and for enhancing our summer worship services with inspirational music. Rich Wagner, Bob Kelly and Simon Arnstein for shepherding along the installation of our new A/V system. This new capability will not only enhance our educational capabilities but also expands our pastoral reach. Rich Wagner for overseeing the painting of the parish hall and church door and the caulking and painting of the parish hall windows. You have us looking good! The Daughters of the King for offering healing prayer at our monthly healing services. Joe Fischer, Ray Munsch & David Urbani for their time and diligent efforts conducting our 2016 Audit. With gratitude and appreciation Fr. Kevin SENIOR WARDEN S LETTER Page 2 Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer. It s hot, humid and hazy; it must be Oxford. We love it: TAYC s sailing camp dinghies flitting around on the River; kids splashing in pools everywhere; Jenny s Kamp Kids biking, boarding, strolling and chatting every place you look. It s a great time to live in our village. And a great time to be part of the Holy Trinity community. Many thanks to Kevin and Barbara, the Vestry and all the committee members and volunteers, who make this place and our church so very special. Despite the lazy, hazy, crazy days, the life and activities at Holy Trinity continue uninterrupted. Unlike other communities that slow down in the summer, many of our Parishioners arrive in the spring and depart in the fall. So, while the year-round Parishioners may take a break, the snow birds keep our faith community vibrant. Stay faithful; stay involved. Recently, our Vestry recognized that the three-year term limits result in turnover of one-third of our Vestry every year. In the process, institutional memory occasionally is lost. Consequently, the Vestry has proposed an amendment to the Bylaws, to be decided at the next Annual Meeting, to create the non-voting position of Vestry emeritus, which will allow for a former Vestry member to serve annually to provide that institutional memory. And who better to choose at this time than Big Al Smith? We are eternally grateful to Al for all he has done for Holy Trinity in the past and now his willingness to attend Vestry meetings and provide us with the benefit of his historical perspective. Please thank Al for his continued support and service to our Parish. So enjoy these lazy, hazy, crazy days, but continue your attendance at services and remain involved in mission and support of our community, without interruption. All the best for summer Gordon Fronk STEWARDSHIP QUOTE The parable of the rich fool is clear: life's abundance does not consist in possessions. Those who "store up treasures for themselves" (v. 21) become victims of anxiety, always wondering if they have enough. Real security is found and the true richness of life experienced not in guarding what we have but in giving what we can. "Abundance" is not a private possession but a shared experience.

3 LIFELINE IT S TIME TO LISTEN Mission & Outreach NEW MEMBER RECEPTION Page 3 The last time Holy Trinity held Appreciative Listening sessions was in 2012 and Father Kevin and the Vestry have decided it s time to do it again. Our question this time around is what are your three wishes for this parish?. To participate, please sign up on the sheet in the parish house and Brooke Myers will get in touch to schedule a session at a mutually convenient time. Carole Abruzzese will also be conducting sessions. We re eager to hear from you and hope for broad participation from the parish so please sign up! Thanks. - Brooke Myers & Carole Abruzzese We are joyful for all the new parishioners who are attending Holy Trinity. You may ask What does it take to become a member? The answer is simple: a desire to join our community, attend worship services and/or our many service and educational activities. If you are amongst this group, and have not filled out a yellow member card, please do so. These cards help us identify your communication interests and preference and can be found at the back of the church and also on the reception desk in the parish hall. Or, you may call the parish office at TREASURER S REPORT Below is a summary of the financial results for the first six months of Operating Income exceeded budgeted income by $795--a favorable variance. Operating Expense was under budget by $8,383-a favorable variance. About half of this variance was due to savings in fuel costs. The remainder is due to the timing of expenses and may be reversed in future months. The Operating Surplus showed a favorable variance of $9,147. We have not yet had any expenses for capital projects; these will be occurring in the next several months. I expect that the net surplus, after subtracting capital projects not funded by other gifts, will result in a negative net surplus for the year. - Marshall Blume On September 18th at 3 pm we will host a new member reception and want to be sure we don t miss inviting anyone. Even if you attended Holy Trinity long ago and recently rejoined us, we would love to have you attend our reception so we can properly welcome you back. BUDGET PLANNING & STEWARDSHIP Your Finance committee will prepare a preliminary 2017 budget in August. If your committee has any budget requests, please submit that information to Marshall Blume or Fr. Kevin by Friday, August 12. Our Stewardship campaign will begin shortly after the preliminary budget is determined. It is our desire that you have the budget projection information in hand to assist with making your 2017 pledge decisions. With a grateful heart we thank you for your commitment and generosity. Operating Account Actual Budget Variance YTD Financial Summary June 2016 Income 158, , Favorable Expense 139, ,394-8,333 Unfavorable Operating Surplus 19,808 10,631 9,178 Favorable Unfunded Capital Projects 0 Net Surplus 19,808

4 LIFELINE Page 4 THE LORDS PRAYER from the NEW ZEALAND BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER In my recent sermon on the Lord s Prayer from the Gospel of Luke, I mentioned the inspiring alternate version of it printed in the Anglican Church of New Zealand Book of Common Prayer. The translator(s) of this version attempted to capture the tradition and spirit of the native peoples of that part of the world in these words. I have found this prayer to help me hear our version of the Lord s Prayer with new ears. I hope you find that so as well. It is a beautiful prayer. Eternal Spirit, Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver, Source of all that is and that shall be, Father and Mother of us all, Loving God, in whom is heaven: The hallowing of your name echoes through the universe! The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the world! Your heavenly will be done by created beings! Your commonwealth of peace and freedom sustain our hope and come on earth. With the bread we need for today, feed us. In the hurts we absorb from one another, us. In times of temptation and test, strengthen us. From trials too great to endure, spare us. From the grip of all that is evil, free us. For you reign in the glory of the power that is love, now for ever. Amen, FELLOWSHIP The Fellowship Committee would like to thank Sally Fronk, Martha Britt, Gary Marquardt, Sara Wangsness, Brooke Myers, and Deirdre Lang for hosting coffee hours in June. We are in need of hosts for August so please consider hosting. The sign up sheet is in the Parish Hall. Please contact Kathy Becker ( ) for information about how you can help. WOMEN S BIBLE STUDY Women s Bible Study will resume on Monday, September 19 at 9:30 am in the Parish House. We will resume our study of Evangelism with Lesson 5 of the 12-part series. If you would like to join the group, please contact Mary Ann Hensinger, by August 20 so that a study guide can be ordered for you. MUSIC IN AUGUST August 7 9:30 am Service Chamber Music with Lisa Fatica & Carey Miller Holy Trinity Choir August 14 8:00 am & 10:30 am David Hasek, Guest Organist August 21 8:00 am Service Holy Trinity Choir 10:30 am Service Melissa Slacum, Soprano August 28 8:00 am & 10:30 am David Hasek, Guest Organist You are Invited! To sing with the Holy Trinity Choir Sunday, September 4th 8:45 am Rehearsal 9:30 am Service Easy music! Come as you are!! NO Robes!

5 LIFELINE SPIRITUAL GROWTH & FELLOWSHIP THOMAS BEARD & FRIENDS THE ONES Page 5 Holy Trinity hosted a marvelous concert on July 23. Music Director Cora Bruner put together an engaging and fun program of classical, traditional spiritual, and show tunes. We welcomed back our good friend, opera singer Thomas Beard and added in the talents of pianist, Martha Britt, clarinetist Lisa Fatica, powerhouse soprano Gail Aveson and the wonderful keyboard talents of Cora. A packed house delighted in the diverse musical selections and absolutely top flight talent. The Episcopal Churches in Talbot County have begun to work together to share resources and events. A new social group has formed for single, divorced, widowed or married Talbot Cluster parishioners and their friends, who find themselves on their own for social engagements. "TheOnes", meet the last Wednesday of the month, for varied two-hour social activities in Talbot County. You may view photos of all ONES events, located on their Facebook page at TheOnesTalbotCounty/. For more information, transportation requests, or to be placed on TheOnes list, contact Lori Ramsey at Christ Church St. Michaels via at lsramsey@gmail.com or call HOLY TRINITY MILESTONES Marriages Katherine JoAnn Begor and Jonathan Philip Williams Our next schedule concert will be held at 7 pm on October 28 with the talented organist, Tedde Gibson. Tedde is one of today s most innovative, improvisational organists and recording artists. He will present an eclectic concert of jazz, gospel, silent movie and traditional Church music on our fantastic Visser Roland tracker pipe organ. Put this one in your calendar now! Passed On Elaine Mulholland Maria Margaret Gannon Nimmo Francesca Stencil Cyrus Porter Smith HELP WANTED: ECW is looking for someone to be Publicity Chair for the Christmas Bazaar. This is an opportunity to help from home with a phone or computer. Please consider helping to make our Christmas Bazaar successful again this year. If interested contact Sara Wangsness or swangsness100@yahoo.com or Sally Fronk or sfronk@atlanticbb.net.

6 LIFELINE Page 6 Mission & Fellowship HOUSE AND GARDEN TOUR AIDS CHURCH RENOVATION OCTOBER CONCERT The Talbot County Garden Club held another successful House and Garden Tour on May 14 th The spring rains parted until the end of the day making it a beautiful day to stroll through the gardens; so this year s event broke all records for attendance, with the highest count at a single home of 1,300 visitors. The Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage, sponsored in Talbot County by the Talbot County Garden Club, has the mission to support historic preservation in the area. Proceeds from this year s event were distributed in support of the renovation of the Church of the Holy Trinity bell tower in Oxford MD. On June 28, 2016, the club was pleased to present a check for $12,000 to Rev. Kevin M. Cross, the Rector of Holy Trinity for that renovation. It was a proud day for all involved in the tour! About the Talbot County Garden Club The Talbot County Garden Club was established in 1917 to enrich the natural beauty of the environment by sharing knowledge of gardening, fostering the art of flower arranging, maintaining civic projects, supporting projects that benefit Talbot County and encouraging the conservation of natural resources. Noteworthy projects include maintaining the grounds of the Talbot Historical Society, Talbot Courthouse, Talbot Library, the fountain and childrens gardens at Idlewild Park and numerous other gardens and activities. There are currently a total of 101 active, associate and honorary members. The Talbot Spy, Photo: Rita Osgood (left) and Meg van den Berg (right), Talbot County Garden Club Co-chairs of the 2016 House and Garden Tour, along with Rev. Kevin Cross, Rector Church of the Holy Trinity Oxford MD Presenting the proceeds from the tour. (photo by Marsie Hawkinson) TEDDE GIBSON October 28, :00 pm This concert is a unique opportunity to see one of the most innovative, improvisational organists and recording artists, Tedde Gibson playing an eclectic concert of jazz, gospel, silent movie and traditional Church music on our fantastic Vissler Roland Tracker pipe organ. This is a free concert, however, a collection will be taken for local charities of The Church of the Holy Trinity, plus a prize for most promising musician 2016 at Easton High School. Seating is limited so be there early! SUNDAY SCHOOL Resumes this fall Details coming soon. If you have any questions, please call Barbara Cross.

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8 The Church of the Holy Trinity PO Box 387 Oxford, MD Lifeline ICE CREAM SUNDAY MISSION COME FOR WORSHIP The Church of The Holy Trinity, an Episcopal Parish in Oxford, Maryland: a caring Christian community dedicated to growing in God s love through worship, study, service and fellowship. Who We Are We are a small parish with a big heart comprised of committed people willingly sharing their talents to help those in need. We are all seekers on a spiritual journey; encouraging of others also on the journey, and non-judgmental of where one might be on that journey. STAY FOR ICE CREAM