The Trinity Times. Where Does God Show Up? By the Rev. Kenneth H. Saunders III

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1 The monthly newsletter of Trinity Episcopal Church 120 Allegheny Avenue, Towson, MD Phone ; Fax Rector: The Rev. Kenneth H. Saunders III Vocational Deacon The Rev. Diane Fadely Director of Evangelism & Formation: Kathleen Capcara Organist & Choir Director: James Wincelowicz Music Team Leader: Doris Yousfi Director of Trinity Episcopal Children s Center: Corby Pine director@tecckids.org Parish Administrator: Jan Schroeder trinityepiscopal@comcast.net Bookkeeper: Donna Blake Surprise Shop Director of Volunteers: Erin Woodward Sexton: Luis Tejeda Inside this issue: Birthdays & anniversaries Surprise Shop Narthex renovation Trinity in the community 3 Christian education for all 4 Trinity youth activities 5 TECC Opportunities for growth August Calendar The Trinity Times Where Does God Show Up? August, 2013 By the Rev. Kenneth H. Saunders III Do you ever stop and ask yourself, Where does God show up? Do you ever stop and reflect on what God may be doing in your life or in the world around you? Or better yet, do you ever stop just to think about God? It is amazing how we think we can go through life and not think about God or acknowledge God or thank God until we are in the midst of pain or crisis. But that is the trend. We start to look for God and expect God to show up when we need God the most. If we haven t ever looked for God before, we may be disappointed that we don t get the smoke and mirror magic show we were expecting. We may even feel unnoticed. This is more common than we think. We do not spend enough time in prayer and reflection to understand where God is showing up in our lives or in the world around us. God and reflections of God are all around us. We see the face of Christ every day. All we need to do is stop and realize it. Understanding where God shows up might tell us something about ourselves. It might help us understand where we can show up. If we believe God has a will and a plan for God s creation, then how might we fulfill that plan? What is our purpose? That is the challenge before us. If we are to be a community of believers fulfilling the mission of reconciliation, restoring all people to unity with God and each other in Christ, then we need to understand our role. How might we do our part? How might we participate in God s mission? How might we fulfill our purpose on this planet? It comes down to asking ourselves the question, Where does God show up? In order to participate in the mission of God, we must first be able to recognize where God is at work in the world around us. Reflecting on God at work in our lives and in the world around us, helps us understand how we have a part in bringing forth and being witnesses for God s kingdom. Trinity s leadership has a task! Within the active committees, vestry, boards and leadership of Trinity Church, we will all be asking the question, Where does God show up? This discussion is an effort to discern where we might participate in God s mission of reconciliation. Your candid responses will be valued and appreciated. There are no wrong answers to the question! Our ability to share a conversation about where we recognize God is a way of telling our story of faith. Telling our story and hearing other stories is a way we can learn and participate. It s easy, life giving, and transformative! Be on the lookout each month in the Trinity Times and e-times for a short story about where God is showing up in the lives of those Trinity Church and the world around us!

2 Page 2 August Birthdays The Trinity Surprise Shop The Trinity Times Dana Albornoz, John Bowers, Joy Shinnick Brian Mund Jennifer Liles, Michael McShane, Olivia Restelli Angela Hinson Peyton Shetler Mary Lou Bates, Marina Gavrelis, Virginia Webster Brennan McPherson John Kentch, Rowan Schell Tessa O Neil Vivian Fenstermaker Clayton Belcher, Andrew Brumfield Cole Brumfield, Lucy Brumfield, Carole Medlyn, Marcella Mwaisela Matthew Roswell Richard Patterson Cynthia Adler, Branden Grable, Lisa Manuel, Margaret Nelson, Sean Tisdale Randy Brown, Claire Hudson Cindy Patzkowsky Alexa Keiser Elvira Horne Ellen Morthole Elinor Grammes Burke Manuel The Surprise Shop, in the former Rectory next door to the church, is a consignment and thrift store, with all proceeds contributing to Trinity outreach. This summer the monthly lunches prepared and served by the Surprise Shop staff and volunteers, for the men and women connected with Prologue, will be served in honor of Surprise Shop founder Shirley "Mickey" Hutton. "Mickey," as she was known, was a beloved volunteer remembered by many at the Shop and in the Trinity community for her good works. With great pleasure we thank "Mickey's" good friend Dixie Shelhoss for her generous donation to the Prologue "Dollar for Dinner" program in her memory. The next lunch will be held Tuesday, August 20. The consignment season for spring and summer ended in June. Donations will not be accepted until we re-open August 19. Our 50% off sale will be held Monday, July 29 through Thursday, August 1. The $5.00 bag sale will be on Friday and Saturday, August 2 and 3. We will close Saturday, August 3 at 4:00 p.m. and re-open Monday, August 19. Erin Woodward, Surprise Shop Director of Volunteers August Anniversaries Charles & Janice Cottrell Linda & Richard Sinclair Allan & Jill Grimm, Claire & Thomas Hudson Matthew & Aline Hauber Joan & James Jefferys, John & Pamela Wallace Nancy & Mark Nicholson Rory Turner & Rebecca Free, Allan & Kathleen Foy Wallace Carole & Craig Medlyn Narthex Renovation Underway The redecorating of our narthex has begun! In its new form, it will continue to be a place of welcome, helping newcomers and parishioners connect with God and each other. The intention is to make it blend visually with the style of the nave and sanctuary, and to give it enhanced lighting, hardwood cabinets for informational brochures, and an area for children s worship materials. A space to hang coats and hats will be provided. Specific paint colors are being selected and work will begin soon. We plan to have the project competed by Sunday, September 8.

3 The Trinity Times Page 3 Trinity in the Community Coles Win For ACTC! Early on Saturday morning, June 1 st, 200 walkers and runners took part in the second annual Call to ACTC ion Run/Walk for Hunger Awareness benefit for the Assistance Center of Towson Churches (ACTC), on the Goucher College campus. Proceeds from the event are used for purchasing food that supplements donations received from 48 member churches and through food drives. In 2012, ACTC assisted 33,770 people throughout central Baltimore County with emergency food provisions, as well as financial aid and other services. This year, three Trinity members were among the top finishers! Zenden Cole (center) sprinted first to the finish line in the running race, followed closely by his sister Nevillia (left), first place winner of the female running division. Their dad Reginald, was first place walker. Last Call: School Supplies for Children Sunday, August 4, is the deadline for bringing fall school supplies for families in our area who are struggling financially, but whose children want and need the same new supplies as their classmates. We are partnering with Pleasant Plains Elementary School to provide the needed supplies. Now is the time to help, so we can get the supplies to school administrators in time to distribute them to the children. Please visit the Trinity web site ( for the supply lists, and bring your items to church by August 4. September Trinity s Month for ACTC The Assistance Center of Towson Churches is a combined effort of local religious communities to support those in our area who are experiencing financial difficulty. While our food contributions continue all year, September is Trinity s month to focus on providing food for the ACTC Food Pantry. Please follow the list of food needs below and place your donations in the front of the church on the pulpit side. If shopping is a problem a monetary gift will be most welcome. Write a check to ACTC, with Trinity Church Food Drive written on the check, and place it in the collection plate or mail it to Trinity Church. Food Items Most Needed By the Food Center: cereal canned fruit tuna saltines (boxes with individual packets) peanut butter jelly canned meat (beef stew, chili, Spam, etc.) canned vegetables (corn, peas, green beans, etc.) macaroni and cheese spaghetti Please- spaghetti sauce NO perishables canned tomatoes or rice home-canned food items pork and beans or institutional sized cans. pasta meals soup potatoes (canned or boxed) For Registered Nurses Faith-Based Nursing This fall, the Ecumenical Institute of Theology will offer the first of its 2-course sequence in basic Faith Community/Parish Nursing, open to registered nurses who want to integrate faith and spirituality with nursing practice, whether in their congregations as part of health ministry, or at their places of work. The courses meet one Saturday per month. At the end, 6 graduate credits and a certificate are awarded. Contact Dr. Pat Fosarelli at pfosarelli@stmarys.edu or

4 Page 4 Christian Education Christian Education is a lifelong learning process at Trinity. In addition to weekday Bible study classes for adults, Sunday morning classes for people of all ages are offered at 10:00 a.m. in the parish hall and environs. Save These Dates! Sunday, August 26 10:00 a.m. Backpack (& laptop, etc.) Blessing Sunday, September 1 8:00 & 10:00 a.m. Last day of summer service schedule Sunday, September 8 8:00, 9:00 & 11:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Return to 3-service schedule 2 nd Sunday Breakfast and Ministry Fair Sunday, September 15 10:00 a.m. Education hour resumes for all ages: Sunday School and Rite 13 Adult Forum and Parent Discussion Group Saturday, September 21 6:00-9:00 p.m. Quiz Night Sunday, October 6 9:00 a.m. Blessing of the Animals (Memorial Hall) Wednesdays, beginning September 4 7:00 p.m. Bible Study, led by the rector Tuesdays, beginning September 10 10:30 a.m. Bible Class, led by Jack Gillett August 25 Blessing Our Work Each fall, as the school year begins, comes a fresh start: new books, pages of fresh paper awaiting the pencil, a sense of anticipation. And yet, the getting of wisdom is not easy, and the challenge of learning can be daunting. Backpacks, briefcases, ipads and smart phones can be heavy burdens to bear. On Sunday, August 25 at the 10:00 service, we invite all students and adults to bring forward their backpacks, briefcases, or other symbols of work (an artist might bring a paintbrush!), so we can bless these symbols and call down God s care for all those who study and work. Trinity Church s Quiz Night September 21 Do you know things or do you have friends who know things? This fall s quiz night will be bigger than ever - hosted by the J2A youth group and led by quizmaster Dennis King. We will gather in Memorial Hall from 6:00-9:00 p.m. for dinner and the game. Questions from a variety of categories are projected on a screen as they are read aloud. Teams of 8 per table compete for the top score! Come for a roast beef and chicken dinner and test your mettle! Cost: $20/person to benefit the fund for a 2014 youth pilgrimage. Trinity Ministry Fair at 2 nd Sunday Breakfast This year, we will begin the new program year with a Trinity Ministry Fair at the 2 nd Sunday breakfast at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 8. This is a wonderful opportunity for groups to show all the work the people in their area of ministry do and gives those who want to be more involved a chance to learn about ministries in which they can best use their gifts and talents. Come to Memorial Hall for the 2 nd Sunday breakfast and see how many souls work joyfully in Trinity s parish ministries. There will be poster displays of over 20 different ministries and organizations that bring Trinity Church to life! Save the Date: October 5 Flea Market Mark your calendars! The first fall fundraiser for Journey to Adulthood (J2A), Trinity s older youth group, is being organized by vestry member Joyce Routson. Parents of youth will be needed to help with this event on Saturday, October 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. We will be renting tables to vendors interested in selling second-hand items or crafts. Hot dogs, drinks, and snacks will be available for purchase. More details to follow soon.

5 Page 5 J2A Group Urban Adventure, July 15, 2013: Washington DC On July 15, Trinity s youth went on their first urban adventure as a J2A (Journey to Adulthood) group. Leaders Cindy Adler and Mark Nicholson accompanied group members Adelfeus, Nevillia, and Zenden Cole, Tommy King, Annie Lacher, Daniel McShane, Dan Morthole, Hannah Preston, Darah Schillinger and Annie Swindell. They left Penn Station before 8:00 a.m. on a MARC train and traveled through DC and Northern VA on the DC Metro trains. Highlights included a guided tour of the Capitol building, a trip to the Holocaust Museum, and a visit to the Pentagon s 9/11 Memorial. The young people and their leaders returned knowing more about our nation s capital and more about each other. On the way from Union Station to a tour of the Capitol with Rep. Andy Harris 9/11 Memorial Tossing pennies always fun New Rite 13 Youth Group Forming This Fall Young people in grades 5-7 are eligible for Trinity s Rite 13 group, which will meet on Sundays at 10:00 a.m., beginning September 15, and one Sunday evening a month for supper and fun activities. Dennis King and Kaytlyn Saunders will be the leaders for Mason Ayotte, Connor and Ryan Cult, Isabelle and Maddie Grable, Clarissa Hauber, Claire Krisanda, Tommy Hinson, Hannah Jenkins, Matthew McShane, and Peyton Shetler. The name Rite 13, the first phase of the Journey to Adulthood program, comes from a ceremony loosely modeled on the Jewish bar mitzvah celebrated in the church near a young person s 13 th birthday. In this ceremony, the young people are charged with the responsibility of using wisely the creative power unleashed within them at puberty. The two years of Rite 13 are fun we laugh a lot, and learn a lot. Matters are treated in a lighthearted way, without avoiding serious matters. The class deals with prayer, with the ways they see and encounter God, with possessions and their importance in our lives, with trust in God in a faith journey together. Every effort is made to keep the process experiential, with a hands-on and "hearts-on" focus. All activities are geared to build community and establish trust among Rite 13 participants, and to remind young people again and again that this is their church, and that they are safe and welcome here. Trinity s Rite 13 class would benefit from expansion. Youth in the class are encouraged to invite their friends to attend. We urge members of the congregation to share information about our youth programs with people you know. For more information about Rite 13, call Kathleen Capcara at or her at Kathleen.capcara@gmail.com.

6 Page 6 The Trinity Times News from TECC Corby Pine, TECC Director As our summer camp "moved through the decades," we had guitar performers entertain the children with music of the 60's. Father Ken Saunders and Greg Gabell were a hit, as were parent John Finnegan and teacher Ms. Ruth! Camp continues to bring fun and excitement for the children and teachers. Please come see the fun! In the fall, we will offer again a part time program for our children. There will be a noon pickup, in addition to the full day program ending at 5:30. The 2 s had a visit and story time with Ms. Erika Brannock. Bishop Sutton Recommends Reclaiming the Gospel of Peace Conference, April 9-11, 2014 All are invited to attend Reclaiming the Gospel of Peace: An Episcopal Gathering to Challenge the Epidemic of Violence. This conference will explore violence in today s society, and will be held in Oklahoma City. It will include worship, plenary sessions, workshops and visits to the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. With Our Lord s gospel of peace as the basis of our work, the Episcopal Church will look closely at the violence that surrounds our lives today, said Bishop Eugene Sutton. Planners of this event include representatives from various dioceses, with the Episcopal Church s offices of Federal Ministries, Communication and Government Relations. Schedule details, speakers, workshop titles and registration information will be available in the fall of For more information, contact Mary Getz (mgetz@episcopalchurch.org). National Alliance on Mental Illness Family to Family is a free 12-week course sponsored by NAMI for close relatives of individuals with mental illness. It teaches the clinical treatment of major mental illnesses and the knowledge and skills that family members need to cope more effectively. Topics taught by other family members include: communication skills, coping techniques, brain biology, medications, advocacy and more. Classes will be offered in Kingsville, Owings Mills, Pimlico and Govans at various times during the year. For more details, call (410) Classes at the Ecumenical Institute Take classes at the Ecumenical Institute of Theology, (evening/saturday division of St. Mary s Seminary and University), for the fall semester! Courses include Orientation to Biblical Studies, The Gospels & Jesus, Understanding Judaism, Women in Ministry, Biblical Storytelling, and The American Religious Experience plus many others. Take one class, for graduate credit or as an auditor, or pursue a degree or certificate. The possibilities are many! For more information, visit or contact Patty Rath ( or prath@stmarys.edu).

7 Page 7 August, 2013 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday :00 Communion 9:00 Rector s forum 10:00 Communion :00 Tai Chi (MH) 7:00 Hosp/Evang (L) 7:00 AA (MH) 7:00 Changing Focus 11 8:00 Communion 9:00 Rector s forum 10:00 Communion :00-7:00 Tai Chi event (MH) 6:00 Tai Chi (MH) 7:00 AA (MH) 7:00 Changing Focus 7:00 TECC Bd (MH) 5:30 Tai Chi event 6:30 MSG (L) 18 8:00 Communion 9:00 Rector s forum 10:00 Communion 19 (TECC closed/cleanup) 20 (TECC closed/cleanup) 21 TECC closed/cleanup) 22 (TECC closed/cleanup) 23 (TECC closed/cleanup) 24 3:30-6:30 Tai Chi event (MH) 6:00 Tai Chi (MH) 7:00 AA (MH) 7:00 Changing Focus 25 8:00 Communion 9:00 Rector s forum 10:00 Communion :00 Tai Chi (MH) 7:00 AA (MH) 7:00 Changing Focus

8 Summer Worship Through September 1 8:00 a.m. Eucharist Lemonade on the Lawn 9:00 Rector s Forum 10:00 a.m. Eucharist Lemonade on the Lawn Thursdays 12:00 noon Eucharist Program Year Schedule Resumes September 8 (Services at 8, 9, and 11; Education hour at 10) Trinity Church 120 Allegheny Avenue Towson, Maryland Address Service Requested Time Dated Material Non-Profit Org. U. S. Postage PAID Baltimore, MD Permit No. 351 Trinity s Mission Trinity Episcopal Church is an inclusive and caring Christ-centered community nurtured by our worship and tradition. We ask God to strengthen and guide us as we live out our mission to welcome and celebrate the diversity of all people through spiritual education, growth in faith, and service in Christ s Name. The Trinity Times September 2013 newsletter deadline will be August 10 Share the good news about Trinity people, programs and events. Leave news in the church office or articles to Jan Schroeder at trinityepiscopal@comcast.net Trinity Episcopal Children s Center CURRENTLY ENROLLING! TECC is a Preschool offering full time childcare for children ages 2 through Pre-K. We are open 7:30 a.m. till 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, year round. You can visit us on the web at or contact the office for more information (410)