TRINITY BELLS DECEMBER 2014

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1 TRINITY BELLS DECEMBER 2014 In celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Episcopal Relief & Development, 75 stories will be shared over 75 weeks on the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island s website, illustrating how lives are transformed through the shared abundance of our partners and friends. Chad Brinkman, Senior Associate for Engagement at Episcopal Relief & Development, recounts a favorite passage from Around the Year with the Trapp Family. Maria von Trapp (of The Sound of Music ), tells the story of a family tradition known as "Christkindl" (Christ Child), during the season of Advent: Mother would pass around a bowl with pieces of folded up paper containing the names of family members. Everyone had to pick one name. The person whose name one has drawn is now in one's special care. From this day until Christmas, one has to do as many little favors for him or her as one can- but without ever being found out. Perhaps you will find that somebody has made your bed or shined your shoes. This new relationship is called "Christkindl" (Christ Child) in the old country. The beautiful thing about this particular custom is that the relationship is a reciprocal one. The person whose name I have drawn and who is under my care becomes for me the helpless little Christ Child in the manger; and as I am performing these many little acts of love and consideration for someone in the family I am really doing them for the Infant of Bethlehem At the same time I am the "Christkindl" also for the one I am caring for because I want to imitate the Holy Child and render all those little services in the same spirit as He did in that small house of Nazareth, when he was a child... It is a delightful custom, which creates much of the true Christmas spirit and ought to be spread far and wide. There are two things that are striking about this story says Brinkman. One is reciprocity, the exchange of gifts not out of a sense of obligation, but a sense of abundance! There are many examples of this in our partnerships around the world, but the one that sticks out is from the Philippines. With help from us and the Episcopal Church, communities in the northern part of the country developed agricultural programs to boost nutrition and income. After Typhoon Yolanda, they opened their store-houses and sent healthy, organic food supplies south to those in need. As a result of this expression of outreach and solidarity, the people who had received the aid learned that they could also grow food and market products to help rebuild their livelihoods after the storm and now they will be able to come to the aid of others. The other thing from the Christkindl tradition that catches his attention is that each family member, from the smallest child up to his or her parents and grandparents, has something of value to contribute toward building the true Christmas spirit in their home. For us, cherishing the beauty and value of the people around us is the greatest gift of Christmas. Healing a hurting world is not a Herculean feat, it is a simple task taken up each day, by each hand working for the common good, inspiring the miraculous! Maria von Trapp understood everyday miracles. After her family fled the German occupation, they struggled to make ends meet. Looking inward, they saw they had an asset that could be shared: their music. By sharing their gifts with the world, and sharing simple acts of daily blessing with each other, they thrived as a family and within their community. The spirit of Christkindl, says Brinkman, of all hands showing kindness and strengthening one another can be lived year-round, but is especially significant during Advent. He thinks this is an attitude the Christ Child could get behind, and for him one of his favorite things. Excerpted from ADVENT LESSONS FROM THE SOUND OF MUSIC, OR A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS, by Chad Brinkman, Senior Associate for Engagement at Episcopal Relief & Development ( published on the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island website)

2 ADVENT, CHRISTMAS & BEYOND SAVE THE DATES: Dec. 7 Deadline for donating new, unwrapped toys, games or books for our 3 rd Annual Christmas Toy Drive Dec. 14 Deadline for Christmas flower memorial donations (see below) Dec. 14 Christmas Boutique following 10:00 service to benefit Camp DeWolfe Dec Christmas Eve Services- 4:00 (children s service) & 10:00 pm (music begins at 9:40) Dec Christmas Day Service One service at 9:30 am Dec One service - 10:00 am Jan 11 One service -10:00 am ; Epiphany Pageant followed by a special New Year Coffee Hour (see more info elsewhere in this newsletter) Jan 15 Burning Books will be held at the home of Barbara & Bill Holzkamp at 7:30 pm. The book selection is Lynn Olsen's Citizens of London. All welcome! See more info elsewhere in this newsletter. If you would like to donate Christmas flowers in memory of loved ones, please send your request and donation no later than December 14. (use the envelope included in this newsletter)

3 ASST. BISHOP KNUDSEN S VISIT We thoroughly enjoyed Bishop Knudsen s visit on November 9 at Trinity. She is small in stature, but HUGE in spirit & lots of fun, too! Bishop Knudsen spent time with the church school children on Saturday and officiated at the 10:00 service on Sunday. She also administered the sacrament of confirmation to Christopher Alexander and Andrew Cordero and received Mary Lasala and JoAnne Gentile into the Episcopal Church. She even rang bells at the back of the church with the children at the close of the service! On behalf of the Trinity family, John Platt presented Bishop Knudsen with a gift and thanked her for her visit. After having a chance to chat with a few parishioners at coffee, she met with the vestry for a half hour and offered good feedback on our day care plans. All who met Bishop Knudsen felt her warmth, kindness and humility, belying her many accomplishments and position in the Episcopal Church. What a joy! We hope Bishop Knudsen will visit us again soon.

4 PARISH HAPPENINGS Lining up at the All Saints Day Brunch- Nov 2!! Church School children getting ready to sing- Nov. 9! Valerie Luty watching sister Annabelle on altar Backpack Blessing Sunday! A formidable opponent, Harry has won 2014 Grand Champion in his age group for Traditional Forms and Traditional Weapons for the NY Tournaments Circuit!!

5 MUSIC NOTES It may seem like I wasn t away, but I m back!!! After almost three months of no car, I have limited driving privileges, and am ready to really climb back in the saddle making music at church. Trinity is poised for wonderful work and I am looking forward to being part of the energy that is building through our worship, our fellowship, and our outreach. We are a fortunate community, and now is the time for us to share that joy in every way we can! Music is, of course, my favorite theme. In addition to my work with our lovely children and our fabulous, dedicated choir, I had the privilege (along with Barbara Holzkamp) of singing with a group of people from many parishes who made up the Gospel Choir that led the music at the opening Eucharist of the Diocesan Convention last month. It was SO uplifting and spiritual. In spite of the fact that it was in a big hotel and convention center, we had them dancing in the aisles!!! Fifteen Trinity parishioners celebrated with our former Rector, Nils Blatz at Camp DeWolfe as he was presented with a Life-Time Achievement award on November 22nd. I first met Nils at Camp DeWolfe back in 1958 when he was a (very charming and personable) member of the work crew and I was a 7-year-old camper! It was indeed an honor when he asked me to lead the gathering in the closing hymn, Now the Day is Over a Camp DeWolfe tradition. UPCOMING ART SHOWS Aleta Crawford has work in two shows this December: The Art Guild Fundraiser Event - for sale - 10x10 panels painted by various artists all available for a $100 donation at The Art Guild at 200 Port Washington Blvd. December, , Reception Friday, December PM. The Huntington Arts Council Annual Juried Still Life Show Inanimate Juried by: Robert Armetta December 11, 2014 January 5, 2015 Opening Reception: Friday, December 12, pm-8pm Location: Main Street Gallery, 213 Main Street, Huntington CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE Music at Trinity is one of the special joys of the Advent/Christmas/Epiphany season. Once again this year we will have beautiful carols and special music at the December 21 st service of Lessons and Carols, both the 4:00 and 10:00 Christmas Eve services, and the Epiphany celebration in early January. Plan to come and refuel your spirit with the joyful energy we generate in our beautiful Trinity community. Martha Regelmann Contributions of new or gently-used items such as jewelry, accessories, books and holiday decorations are needed for our Annual Christmas Boutique on December 14. Proceeds will go towards the Camp DeWolfe scholarship fund. Thank you! Barbara Holzkamp

6 POSTLUDE: A NEW MUSICAL GROUP Postlude s story began more than twenty years ago, when Julie da Costa Auriemma, Christina Dease Leone, David Sterling, Rob Bobek, Ariann Miller Forella and Lauren McGoey Marocchi all met as students at C.W. Post College - Long Island University. A chance meeting in early 2014 between Julie and Christina led to a reunion between the six friends. Shortly after that, Postlude was born. Postlude is made up of professional musicians whose specialties range from liturgical, to musical theater, to jazz and rock. This gives a unique perspective and diversity of repertoire, not forcing or pigeon-holing any specific sound, but allowing both the artists and audiences to experience a variety of genres, all with Postlude s beautiful a capella blend of voices. parish family, for your unwavering support and encouragement. I am blessed and thankful that I can, once again, "take my voice and let me sing, always, only, for my King..." Ariann Forella COLLEGE UPDATE Most of you know the journey we have taken with Taylor to find just the right school. We have traveled far and wide and after searching the Lord has brought our dear daughter to SUNY Stony Brook. As she begins her journey towards a new college, new career choice, new surrounding and new friends, we continue to embrace her talent, courage, determination and strength. Taylor, you have always made us proud; however, when we look at you today we have never been prouder of you. God Bless you in all you do, and remember the best is yet to come. Love always and forever, Mom and Dad Port Washington residents (or anyone who wants to come on over) - we will be caroling at the train station on Thursday, December 4, beginning at 6pm. Come on out and share some holiday cheer with us! We're also looking forward to a Spring collaboration with Trinity Choir and the Newman Singers from LIU Post, for what is sure to be an exciting and jubilant afternoon of music. On a personal note, as I rehearse our beautiful Advent and Christmas music with Trinity Choir, I am reminded that it was only a year ago that I was unable to sing. Recovering from a severe vocal injury would be blessing enough, being able to sing again with Trinity Choir has been such a gift. And now, to have the opportunity to make music again with my old college friends, it's more than I could have imagined. I am so grateful to Martha, for creating new ways for me to still contribute to the choir's music making during my recovery and rehab, and to the choir and our ADOPT A FAMILY For the Advent season, Trinity Church is once again participating in the Adopt A Family program, with Trinity families providing Christmas gifts for needy families. Items needed will be on a list at the back of the church. If you want to purchase an item, please sign your name after it and check the date it is needed. The donations will be brought to the Cathedral of the Incarnation for distribution. Thank you for your anticipated generosity. Outreach Committee

7 MORE PARISH HAPPENINGS On October 19 Mary LaSala and Joanne Gentile invited everyone to a Celebratory Coffee Hour to thank all for the good wishes and wonderful support they received on the occasion of their marriage. Trinity parishioners were treated to an elegant brunch and a toast was made to Mary & JoAnne s union. Trinity s former Rector, the Rev. Nils Blatz, was presented with the Camp DeWolfe Lifetime Achievement Award on November 22. Trinity Roslyn had 2 tables.

8 NEIGHBORHOOD PRAYER WALKS Our Episcopal Diocese Office of Missional Vitality asked all churches to do some Neighborhood Prayer Walks in the vicinity of their own church. The goal was to "see signs of hope and signs of need, and how God calls you to be present to both". Trinity folk did several walks. We will be sharing our observations with the Outreach Committee. The first was done on a Sunday right after church. The area explored was up by the Roslyn train station plaza. It was surprisingly busy for a weekend with many people coming and going to a laundromat. Inside were many small items for sale hung on a pegboard. They were the type of things that you'd find in a hardware store. One man arrived on his bike with his bag of clothing over his back. Several others carried their bags likewise, but came walking from across the tracks. Right in the same strip was a nail spa with well-dressed ladies entering. Up from the stores was a bus stop with a few people waiting. Just beyond was an extended day learning center. Around in back of the firehouse was a small synagogue. Also in the neighborhood was a nursing home and two mixed income apartment complexes. In a second walk, men waiting for work on Willis Avenue in Roslyn Heights said they come daily from 7-10 am. Almost all get work eventually. They come by bus, carpool and bike, from nearby, Hempstead, Queens. There are between 12 and 20 of them who come daily looking for work at whatever pay is offered. They are from teenage to senior in age. They were encouraged to contact Trinity as needed. Perhaps more Trinity folks would like to participate in future Neighborhood Prayer walks. Please see Barbara Holzkamp or Ann Mingorance for further info. MORE BOOKS FOR OUTREACH On November 22, I attended the St John s Church, Cold Spring Harbor s Annual Christmas Fair. They not only have the usual Christmas items but also food, a tag sale and used books for sale. Last year a friend collect a few children s books for me, but this year I went at closing time (3 pm) and was able to have as many children s books as I could carry to give to our Laundromat project of Outreach. I was able to collect about 200 to give to Dawn Weill. The parishioner in charge of the book sale was very nice and pleased to learn about our project. Sarane Ross THIRD ANNUAL TOY DRIVE Unwrapped toys for ages 1 thru 16 can be dropped off in the box set up in the back of the church, up until Sunday December 7 th. On December 8th we will deliver the toys to the cathedral. St John s Episcopal Hospital will welcome our contribution and distribute the toys at the children s Christmas party. Thanks to everyone for their generosity, The Outreach Committee Joanna McCloskey is looking for an apartment with a May occupancy. If you know of any available rentals, please contact Joanna at

9 BURNING BOOKS Burning Books will meet next on January 15, 2015, 7:30 pm at the home of Barbara and Bill Holzkamp. The book selection is Lynn Olsen's Citizens of London, a fascinating story about three Americans who were instrumental in getting the United States into World War II. While it covers a lot of history, it is also spiced with personal insights and a bit of gossip about its characters. Please call the Holzkamps at if you d like to attend. New members are always welcome! We meet either at Trinity Church or someone's house about every six weeks. The following is a list of book selections for 2015: Jhumpa Lahiri s Lowland B.A. Shapiro s The Art Forger Jojo Moyes Me Before You Isabel Wilkerson s The Warmth of Other Suns Jean Henning We are pleased to announce that a generous parishioner has agreed to match, on a 1 for 2 basis, any donation to the Day Care received after January 1, So for every ten dollars raised it will be matched by a five dollar contribution. So keep those donations coming in! Tom Cammisa New ramp leading into the nursery area of the Daycare DAYCARE Things are moving forward on the Day Care front. We have a new set of architectural plans in. If anyone is interested in looking at the plans there is a copy for review in the Fireplace room. We will soon be meeting with the safety inspector from NYS Office of Children & Family Services to get his preliminary approval before any construction begins. We have obtained the plumbing permit from Roslyn Village and that work will soon be started. Mike Callahan has reached out to our stained glass experts at Bovard to inquire on the best way to cover and protect the windows in Penson Hall. Bill and Erik Holzkamp will soon start work on that project. Mother Margo, John Platt, Jeff Price and Ruth Fick are beginning work on the first marketing phase, including drafting a mission statement, designing a logo and contracting with a website developer. Fenced-in area where Daycare playground will be NEW ADDRESS FOR MARGUERITE HOLLMAN: Sunrise Senior Living 39 Forest Ave. Glen Cove, NY Drop her a note or card!

10 A WINTER WARMTH FESTIVAL Sponsored by Outreach- Nov. 22 As the confetti of the Golden Fall rained down its masterpiece of color upon us and the first frost of winter nipped at our fingers and toes while snow and freezing temperatures blanketed most of our country, we prepared for winter and what better way than with a Winter Warmth Festival for our community. After a generous donation from Ken Bongort, Jr. was made to Outreach and matched by his company, Google, we were inspired to do something new and different for our community with these funds. After much deliberation, we came up with a winter warmth festival where we would welcome new families with children from our local areas into our church and give free hats and gloves to approximately 130 children. We decided to have healthy snacks and treats, music, a Karate Expo, a magic show and free raffles of holiday baskets. We prepared and met for weeks and advertised in The Roslyn News, The Gold Coast Gazette, and the Glen Cove Record Pilot for FREE. We also brought flyers and advertised at the local schools, the Roslyn RR station, many bus stops, soup kitchens, Laundromats in Glen Cove, Sea Cliff, and Roslyn, the Glen Cove and Sea Cliff Libraries, CAC in Port Washington, Guardian Angels in Glen Cove and many other locations. Unfortunately, the attendance was not good. Although we knew this could be the outcome from the start, we were nonetheless disappointed. However, we did learn much from the experience, and the children and parents who did come had a spectacular time and enjoyed all we had to offer. We had a plan to donate extra hats and gloves to the Inn in Hempstead as they are collecting them in lieu of toys this year. We will also send some to St. John s Episcopal Hospital in the Rockaways, Mercy First in Syosset, the Glen Cove Hospital and Guardian Angels in Sea Cliff. We would like to thank Kenny for his very generous donation, Ruth Fick for her help in advertising the event, Martha for her contribution of music, Aleta Crawford for the Welcoming sign, Helen Bongort and John Orrantia for helping at the event, Harry for his precision-crafted, award-winning Karate expo, Evan the Magician who did a spectacular job and even turned $4.00 into $80, Alexis Alexander for her donation of 4 beautiful holiday baskets, Mike Callahan, Philip Kaye, Christopher Alexander and Thomas Cammisa for all their help in preparing the church, and Ronit who gave us wonderful suggestions, such as the magician, wrote letters and let us commandeer her office and store everything. I would like to personally thank the Outreach committee who worked so tirelessly to make this a success and had wonderful ideas and input. They spent countless hours planning and preparing. They are Mother Margo Clark, Barbara Holzkamp, Laura Kavanagh, Mary LaSala, Brigitte McConnell, Allen Miller, Jeanne Millspaugh, and Charlotte Orrantia. Thank you so much for your support, guidance and many talents. Warmest Regards and Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas to all, Dawn Weill In Port Washington, needy students in the English-asa-Second Language Program were identified and given winter jackets. In Glen Cove, a family in need was identified by an Outreach committee member, and supplied with jackets and children s clothes. They were overwhelmed. (This is the family which came to the Winter Warmth event on November 22nd.) Another young mother in Glen Cove has also been given winter jackets, for which she is very grateful. And four young children of a local cleaning woman were very appreciative of the winter jackets they received. Ann Mingorance

11 Your ad could be here or here or here ($150- small ad; $200- large ad) The$Mission$Statement$of$Trinity$Episcopal$Church$!Trinity!Church!is!a!community!where!all!are!welcome.!!We!seek!to!love!God,!to!learn!and! practice!jesus'!teachings!and!to!answer!the!call!of!those!in!need.! THE DIFFERENCE IS IN THE DETAILS! For over 70 Years families have called our family for help with their loss! Customized Arrangements to meet every family s need! Price guaranteed Prearrangements- Monuments- 100% service guarantee! Complimentary Tribute Video & Memorial Page to honor your loved one Mineola Ave. Roslyn Heights, NY Conveniently located 5 blocks no. of LIE, Exit 37 Willis Ave & ¼ mi no. of No. St. Pkwy Joseph M. Velotti- Jean Tucholski Limbach- Linda Hogan Florenzie RoslynHeightsFH.com

12 Sunday Services 10:00 Eucharist with Choir every Sunday 8:00 & 10:00 Eucharist- 2nd Sunday of month The Rev. Margaret A. Peckham Clark, Rector (516) Martha Regelmann, Organist and Choir Director Michael Callahan, Sexton Ronit Meyers, Office Mgr. Office Hours: Mon - Thurs, 10:00-2:00 (closed Fri) Vestry Wardens: Tom Cammisa & John Platt Alexis Alexander Michael Callahan Michael Evans Kathy Mendall Helen Oehrlein Charlotte Orrantia Sheila Platt Jeffrey Price Sarane Ross Hospitality- Maryellen Hansen ( ) Buildings and Grounds- Karl Hansen ( ) Outreach- Dawn Weill ( ) Finance- Ted Weill ( ) Trinity Episcopal Church 1579 Northern Boulevard Roslyn, NY Wishing all our families, friends & neighbors a very Merry Christmas!