THE WINDOW A monthly publication of Trinity Episcopal Church JUNE 2017 Special Parish-wide Pentecost Service Sunday, June 4 at 8 & 10 am Remember to wear RED to celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit! (details on page 7) Page 1
Window articles due the 20 th of every month to: macdonald at trinityconcord dot org TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH 81 Elm Street Concord, MA 01742 Phone: 978-369-3715 Fax: 978-369-3716 www.trinityconcord.org trinity@trinityconcord.org TRINITY STAFF The Rev d Sarah A. Conner Interim Priest The Rev d Becky Gettel Associate Rector Carol Brady, Director of Christian Formation Robert Barney, Director of Music Anne Lynch Parish Administrator & Pastoral Care Coordinator Susan MacDonald, Publications Nancy Marshall, Bookkeeper Ted Hull, Sexton Paul Lamoreaux, Sunday Sexton Brinna Conley, Sunday Nursery INSIDE THIS MONTH S WINDOW From Your Senior Warden... 3 From Your Interim... 4 For our graduates Undercroft Blessings... 6 Kid s Word Walk Children s Activity Booklets Volunteer Pentecost Service... 7 Adults Supporting Children... 8 Potluck Social Meet & Greet Ice Cream Social Labyrinth Opportunities... 9 Music Notes... 10, 11 Choir Recognition Youth Evensong Ask the Music Director Summer Pickup Ensemble Youth Pro Musica Sunday 9 AM Forums... 12 Near-death Experiences Life Beyond Us? Christian Formation Part II Summer Happenings... 13 Tea Time Recitals Calling All Lectors Trinity Fayre Star Wars Movie Night... 14 Window of Opportunity... 15 WORSHIP TIMES Holy Eucharist Sundays 8:00 am in the Chapel Sundays 10:00 am in the Church The church office is closed on Fridays during June, July, and August Page 2 Office Hours Monday through Friday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
FROM your senior warden Thanks to all who signed up for the Sustainability Working Groups. Over 54 parishioners signed up for six groups investigating Development, Fundraising, Diocesan Affairs, Parish Growth, Renting our Spaces, and Resource Planning. These groups will be working over the next several months making recommendations to the Vestry on what we can do to make Trinity sustainable over the long term. The fact that so many want to be involved shows how much we all care about Trinity and its future. It is when we work together, with God s help, that we come up with the best solutions and build a deeper sense of community. As the Sustainability groups work on long-term solutions, we still have a shortfall in this year s budget to resolve. We have launched a Closing the Gap fundraising campaign to raise the additional $97,000 that is needed in 2017. The campaign will continue through Trinity Sunday, June 11 th. It is very important that a new Rector not have to spend his/her first months at Trinity worrying about balancing the budget. Please consider increasing your pledge for this year or making a one-time contribution to help us address the shortfall. For many this request is on top of an already generous increase you have made to this year's Stewardship Campaign. You may make your pledge or contribution through the Giving page on Trinity s website or by filling out a card and envelope found at the back of the church and chapel. I am very encouraged by the response so far. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. As our program year comes to a close, I want to thank all those who have helped to make this year successful. There are far too many to name (a sign of a healthy church); your faith and dedication are inspiring to us all. If you are traveling this summer, please keep Trinity in your prayers. If you are remaining in Concord, we ll look forward to seeing you through the summer. ~ Ernie Page 3
FROM your interim by Sarah A. Conner Dear friends, This year, in the month of June, the church year shifts from the Easter season to the long season after Pentecost. On the first day of June we are still in the Easter season, then on June 4 we celebrate the Day of Pentecost. Jesus had promised the disciples that once he was no longer with them on earth, the Holy Spirit would come to them to empower them to continue his ministry. The disciples received the gift of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost; likewise, each new disciple of Jesus receives the Holy Spirit in baptism. The Sunday after Pentecost is Trinity Sunday, and then we begin a long stretch of Sundays called Ordinary Time, the season after Pentecost. Ordinary Time lasts until the first Sunday of Advent. During this season, we re not getting prepared for Christmas, as we do in Advent; nor are we preparing for Holy Week and Easter, as we do in Lent. In the season after Pentecost, we focus on growing in our faith; appropriately, the liturgical color for this season is green, the color of new life and growth. The challenge of Ordinary Time is that it reminds us that so much of life is just that ordinary. The key to living ordinary, daily life is to see it for the extraordinary gift it is, given to us each day from the hand of God. Each day gives us the chance to strengthen our faith through our spiritual practices. And each day gives us the chance to practice our faith by being alert to the opportunities for service, both small and great, that surround us. Page 4
There is great wisdom and reassurance in one of our post- Communion prayers, in which we ask God to send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you, with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. This is a prayer for ordinary, daily life: for the peace of God, for the power of the Holy Spirit to serve God, and for the companionship of Christ in all things. I hope that this season after Pentecost Ordinary Time is a time of refreshment and growth and wonder for us all. You are in my prayers. ~ Sarah On Sunday, June 11 at 10 am, high school seniors will be presented with handmade scarves at the service. When it snows next year, may these scarves keep them warm physically, and be a reminder that they are always wrapped in our love. Plans are in progress for a few youth group gatherings during the summer be sure to join us if you are around. Have a terrific summer! ~ Becky Page 5
Undercroft blessings by Carol Brady Kid s Word Walks, for children age 4 & up, begin on June 18 and continue every Sunday through Labor Day. This year, we will be delving into the Old Testament lessons of the day and the choices made by Abraham & Sarah, Isaac & Rebecca, Esau & Jacob, Joseph & Moses! Please note that Nursery for children 3 & under is available during the 10 am service throughout the summer. During the summer, children worship with their families at the start of the 10 am service, and leave the sanctuary during the hymn before the Gospel reading to hear and respond to the Word in a different location, most often in the Undercroft. They simply follow the cross! They will rejoin their families at the Peace. New this summer are Children s Activity Booklets. Children pick one (either the PreK Grade 2 or a Grade 3 6 version), which will stay at church and be available for their use throughout the summer. Each Sunday they do the activities related to that day s lectionary readings. Be sure to put it back at the end of the service for safe keeping during the week! Two Ways to Volunteer as the Second Adult! Sign up ahead of time on the bulletin board, or pick up the Kids Word Walk Volunteer Card before the service. It will be posted at the main entrance to our sanctuary. Remember to return the card at the end of the service! Page 6
Pentecost Service Sunday, June 4 A special note to parents of children Please arrive by 9:50 am so children may receive instruction and be ready to process as a group at the start of the service. They wave streamers of red, orange and yellow while processing in with the choirs. After the processional hymn, they will sit with their families. Any time the congregation sings, the children are invited to wave their streamers in the aisles. Children will come forward to enjoy a Godly Play lesson and will return to their seats after the baptism. Hear our junior and youth choirs sing, and watch as they receive their recognition awards. A special note to high school youth Older youth, please arrive at 9:40 am to distribute the Pentecost sticks and help ready the children for their procession. Youth group members will fly the dove during the processional and recessional, as well as guide the children. At the end of the service, youth will be in the narthex to collect the Pentecost sticks in exchange for pinwheels. They will also supervise the children as they blow bubbles in the courtyard, while parents attend a brief meeting in the library. Thank you, youth! Page 7
Adults supporting children Adults Supporting Children Committee is helping the director build next year s teaching team. We advocate team teaching to give individuals flexibility with scheduling. Teachers must complete Safe Church training, accessible on-line for your convenience. If interested in Godly Play, we offer training during the summer. Potluck Social, Saturday, June 3 at 5:30 pm On the last night of the Easter season, parents and children are invited to an evening of fun and child-friendly activities (weather permitting) in our wonderful outdoor courtyard. Bring an entrée, salad, or dessert and a beverage of your choice. After dinner, an hour of childcare will allow parents an opportunity to unwind and socialize. Meet & Greet, Sunday, June 4, 11:15 am Adults Supporting Children (ASC) invite you to join us in the library during coffee hour. As we continue to plan Christian formation offerings for children and youth, come let us know how your gifts of the Spirit can strengthen and support our fall programming. Help us build a strong supportive community for our children and youth. Please join us as we bring this church school year to a close by enjoying ice cream with all the toppings, on Trinity s front porch following worship on Sunday, June 11. Page 8
Labyrinth Opportunities Many enjoyed walking the labyrinth at Trinity on Mother s Day. For those who missed it and those who seek to walk again, below are some suggestions. There are outdoor labyrinths at the West Concord Union Church and First Parish in Concord. Being outside evokes all of your senses for a fuller bodily meditation. Google virtual labyrinths and give yourself a few stressreducing moments during your work day. Saturday, June 17, in Chatham, MA - Consider attending a class on the labyrinth led by Reverend Dr. Lauren Artress (an Episcopal priest, Honorary Canon of Grace Cathedral). Register online at: http://pilgrimslandingcapecod.org/ event/veriditas-labyrinth-qualifying-workshop-earthrise-cocreating-a-more-peaceful-planet-one-step-at-a-time-withlauren-artress/ We can borrow the labyrinth again from the Church of the Good Shepherd in Acton. If you are interested in being a part of a labyrinth walking group, see Carol Brady or Shirley Blancke. Page 9
Music notes by Robert Barney Choir Recognition on June 4 at 10 am Choir members will be acknowledged for their ministry of music. The Parish Choir will be lauded for their time and commitment followed by presentations to Youth Choir members: One Year - A silver cross to wear with choir vestments Two Years The Book of Common Prayer Four years Wonder, Love, and Praise Five Years a choral CD Let us give thanks for all singers and their offering of time to learn the music to lead our worship. It is never too early to plan to participate in the fulfilling ministry of choir for next year! Youth Evensong on Sunday, June 4 at 5 pm Our Youth Choir will sing the traditional service of Choral Evensong in the Chapel. Service music includes responses by Robert Barney, canticles by John Goss and Ronald Arnatt, and anthem by Felix Mendelssohn. Many parishioners have told me how much they are moved by this service, so help spread the word by telling your friends and neighbors about this uniquely Episcopal experience. Come, support our youth and be transported! Ask the Music Director If you have comments or questions about choirs, or the music program in general, please do not hesitate to ask me. I can be reached at the church (978-369-3715 ext 20) or the church e-mail at barney@trinityconcord.org. Page 10
Summer Pick-up Ensemble 9:00 am For July and August, through the first Sunday in September, our choir becomes a pick-up ensemble. There are no weekly rehearsals and no commitment. Simply come on Sunday morning at 9:00 (SHARP!) to learn the music for that morning. This is a great way to test out the possibility of loving it and becoming a regular choir member in the fall! Youth Pro Musica Concert Saturday, June 10 at 7 pm Greater Boston s oldest choir program for young people, Youth pro Musica, will present their spring concert at the Eliot Church in Newton. Tickets are $20 ($10 students/seniors) and under 18, FREE! With Director Robert Barney, the choirs will sing music by Claudio Monteverdi, William Boyce, J. S. Bach, Johannes Brahms, Felix Mendelssohn, Benjamin Britten, Eric Thiman, and others. Please spread the word about this upcoming performance. Page 11
Sunday 9:00 AM forums June 4: Near-death Experiences Ted Stronach, PhD. is a Trinity parishioner and a practicing clinical psychologist. He has been studying near-death experiences situations in which a person appeared to be clinically dead, but recovered. He will describe what people in this situation report experiencing, and how their faith was changed by it. June 11: Life Beyond Us? Husband-and-wife team of Rev. Barbara Smith-Moran (chemist and Episcopal priest) and Dr. James Moran (Menzel Professor of Astrophysics Emeritus at Harvard and Senior Radio Astronomer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics) present the theological implications of the (possible) discovery of life out there. Seven earth -sized planets were recently detected orbiting a star 40 light-years from earth, raising the possibility of life in that solar system. We will learn how this discovery was made and what this would mean to our understanding of our place in God s universe. June 18: Christian Formation Part II Across our diocese and beyond, regular church school attendance and availability of adult volunteers to commit to leading church school are diminishing greatly. We need to re-imagine how best the church can support family faith formation and faith transmission. Carol Brady will present the ideas developed by Jon Roberto, an expert in the field of lifelong faith formation. Specifically, we will look at his new model of Christian formation and his ten strategies for congregations to explore. Page 12
SUMMER HAPPENINGS Tuesday Tea Time Recitals This summer we will begin again the series of 30-minute programs held in the Parish Hall on the third Tuesday of the summer months, followed by light refreshments. Watch the weekly announcements for more programming details. We hope to integrate a special time for children to enjoy their own program while their parents relax at the recitals. Share your ideas! June 20, our Ensemble in Residence Concordia Consort will share part of a program they will be playing at the Boston Early Music Festival. July 18, Robert Barney will play music for a small organ. August 15, soprano Harriet Bridges will be joined by Sheila Beardslee, recorder. Calling all Lectors With the current program year coming to a close, there are excellent opportunities available for reading the lessons at both the 8 and 10 am services throughout the summer, commencing on June 18. This is a great way for all to directly enrich our worship experience. Please find sign-up sheets on the bulletin board outside the Chapel. Trinity Fayre Do you plan on cleaning out this summer? Donations will be accepted all summer long. Just drop your items off on the front porch of the River Street house. More details on the Fayre will be in the July Window, so stay tuned! Page 13
Movie Night on Friday, June 9, 6:00 9:30 pm! All parishioners are invited to join our celebration of the 40 th Anniversary of the first Star Wars movie. You are welcome to bring a salad, dessert or non-alcoholic beverage to share, or just come for the pizza! (Suggested donation: $5/person) Advance signup on the bulletin board or website is appreciated. Children under the age of 12 should be accompanied by an adult. 6:00 pm The Mythology of Star Wars: A Bill Moyer s interview with George Lucas 7:00 pm Pizza (with salads, desserts, and beverages) 7:30 pm Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope We hope to have more movie nights in July and August depending upon interest. There is another sheet on the bulletin board for your suggestions, availability, and offers to help coordinate. Same Night, Same Time. Youth Lock-In! For all youth in 6 th through 12 th grade! Come to the Star Wars Movie Night, and after everyone else leaves, stay with Rev. Becky and Carol for a fun overnight! Bring $10 to cover cost for pizza, snacks & breakfast. Pick up time will be 9:30 am on Saturday, June 10 th. Page 14
WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY Make Your Own Ice Cream Sundae Sunday, June 11 during coffee hour JULY WINDOW ARTICLES ARE DUE June 20 th The Window Trinity s monthly newsletter is available at the Welcome Table or outside the church office. To receive an email when a Window publication is posted on our website, email: macdonald@trinity concord.org. Bulletin Boards Church News is posted on the bulletin boards outside the ladies room (by the nametag board). Please check to see what exciting things are happening at Trinity. Signup to do something fun this summer or next fall! Remember to bring in a non-perishable item for the food pantry. Items are blessed on the first Sunday of the month. Forward Day by Day for May/June/July is now available Page 15
CONCORD, MA 01742 W E RE ON TH E W EB! TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH 81 ELM STREET Following Christ, living our faith. J UNE 2017 www.trinityconcord.org Page 16