Trinity Episcopal Church 218 East Benton Street Aurora, Il. 60505 Serving Aurora's Faithful since 1849 Volume 14 Issue 3 www.trinityaurora.org (630) 897-7283 March 2014 From Father Rosa Dear friends, Gaggles of Geese are flying North, robins are returning, days are lasting longer; all are sure signs of Springtime. Another sign for us northern hemisphere Christians is Easter; this year on April 20. You will find the schedule for Holy Week Services elsewhere in the Newsletter and in more detail in our April edition. Congregations around the diocese are filling their calendars with all sorts of events as we approach the end of the program year. Trinity Church has many special events coming that we hope you will attend for your presence is always a blessing. Music lovers will find devotional support from the work s of J.S. Bach and French Masters when guest organist, Fr. Bob Bates, is Ashes to Go: Deacon Dolan At 6 am on Ash Wednesday, three of us from Trinity were at Aurora Metra Terminal with ashes and church flyers in hand. It was cold and snowing (surprise, surprise). Our objective at that early hour was to invite travelers to have imposition of ashes and to offer an encouraging word of God s blessing as people made their way to the trains. We gave ashes to more than forty people, but this was more than ashes, it with us on 3/30 and 4/6 while Ken Baxter is traveling. A superb recitalist he retired after 20 years at 2nd Congregation Church, Rockford, Il., leading the congregation on the 68 rank, E.M. Skinner historic organ. The prelude, communion music and postlude will definitely lift your spirits along with the exciting hymn playing we have become accustomed to on our own historic 24 rank Moller Organ. Coffee hour on April 6 will be an exciting, hands-on workshop exploring the Heritage and History of our 165 years as the Episcopal Church in downtown Aurora. There will be archival displays, exhibits, and most important, a do-ityourself Timeline Scroll where you can record your own participation and ex- was an experience we will never forget. The smiles we received, the words of goodwill toward us was truly a rich experience and one that I commend to others in future years. Some highlights for me were stopping a snow plow and administering ashes through the door of the vehicle and the driver exclaiming you have made my day. The second was our Parish administrator, her face full of smiles, enjoying the experience (and supplying us with coffee). This is an example of where the church needs to periences at Trinity. Palm Sunday, April 13, Bishop Epting will celebrate Communion and confirmation with us. We are so blessed to have him; he who is in unbroken succession from the Apostles of Christ with us share with us the message of salvation. Two new members of the parish, Theresa Jones and Rene Morales will be presented. A elegant reception will follow given by the vestry. Come and join in the special ceremonies of the day and you won t be disappointed. Show our assisting bishop the love and care you have for Trinity Church and one another. And remember: VISITORS WELCOME! - MEMBERS EXPECTED! for Christ is counting on YOU! Most sincerely, Thomas+, your priest. be.out in the world, meeting and greeting people where they are, not just sitting in a building expecting God s people to always come to us; Offering encouragement to people; Letting them know that God loves all of us.the ashes merely a symbol of God s willingness to sacrifice his only son, Jesus Christ that we may be saved. What a wonderful morning, Deacon John Deacon John Dolan. Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2014 (See Pictures on Page 3) Inside this issue: Deacon John Senior Warden Financial Snapshot Recipe 10 Commandments Page 2 Pg 3 Forgiveness Pg 4 Transition News Holy Week Services From the Parish Administrator Pg 5 P6 6 Special points of interest:! Trouble with paying your- ComEd? Bill? Help is available - call 888 806 2273.. Congratulations to our own organist, Ken Baxter for his recent promotion to Senior Director, Revenue Cycle at Cadence Health On Palm Sunday (April, 13th, 2014) Bishop Epting will be at Trinity. Come meet our newest Bishop!
Page 2 Volume 14 Issue 3 From Our Deacon John Dolan My name is John Dolan and I have been a deacon in the Diocese of Chicago since 1996. In recent years I have had two books published. The first, "The Mushroom Farm", published in 2010, is a collection of life experiences woven into scripture and which were used in homilies. The second book, "The Black Dog", published in 2012, is once again based on life experience, but is focused on my lifetime struggle and ultimate victory over anxiety and depression. I would like to respectfully draw your attention to my wepage, www.johndolan writer.com. This page links to both books and provides more detailed From the Senior Warden Well it has been an interesting couple of weeks! The simple ablation of my heart to control my Arial Fibulation turned into a marathon as after they did the procedure, they had to work another 2 hours to get my stubborn heart to convert back to normal - by zapping it with electricity (Clear, zap, nothing, up the charge, zap. Etc.). Discharged me the next morning. I was feeling good until Saturday Night when it became very painful to breathe. Fought it off until Sunday morning when I had the pleasure of riding with Aurora s information on the books themselves, the author and illustrator and how to purchase the books. My experience as a deacon is that anxiety and depression is widespread, but it is not something that is openly discussed. The purpose of writing these books, most particularly "The Black Dog" is to bring these terrible conditions more out into the open, and to enable church leaders, lay and clergy to help our communities. Both books have been well received. In fact, former Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold has an endorsement in "The Mushroom Farm", while Chicago Bishop Jeffrey Lee and Archdeacon Elaine Bellis finest with lights ablaze!. Got to the ER and they started treating me for a heart attack; Morphine, X- Rays, CT with dye to look for clots, a big old dose of nitroglycerine; no abatement in the pain! Finally, my Cardiologist s associate came in and said the ER didn t have a lot of experience dealing with the side effects of the ablation procedure. He ordered an echo-cardiogram, took one look at it and said, See here (pointing), some of his heart muscles are fluttering! I can get rid of that pain in 45 minutes!. It took 30 minutes to get the shot of potent muscle relaxers, have both endorsed "The Black Dog. I just finished reading The Black Dog and wanted to say what an extraordinary book this will be. It was moving, riveting, insightful and honest. I know it will help a multitude of people who are suffering from depression today. Venerable Elaine Bellis, Archdeacon of Chicago I hope you find these books helpful as you minister to others. Peace and Blessings, Rev. Deacon John Dolan and 45 minutes after that for the pain to dissipate, but I was cured! Why waste your time with my personal struggles? Because, once again, I have been granted the miracle of health - not in a laying on of hands or divine intervention, but by the gift of healing God has granted our Physicians. Thank you for your prayers, thank you for your prayers for my brother, Fritz, who was also hospitalized with heart problems. God Bless!
Volume 14 Issue 3 Page 3 Financial Snapshot Year to Date as of 3/1/2014 Income: Pledge and Plate $ 10.623 Total Income $ 19,662 Expense Building and Grounds $ 4,102 Clergy Expense $ 2,202 Office & Admin $ 2,460 Loan Repayment $ 1,993 Capital Improvements $6,923 Total Expense $15,298 Net Income -$10,030 Amount owed on our loan against the Endowment $30,792 Endowment Balance $625,306 (3/3/14) Memorial Fund Balance $400,145 (3/3/14) Notes: The blower for the Organ has been replaced The new cushions have arrived and are very comfortable. Olsson Roofing promises that they will fix our roof as soon as spring arrives. We re looking for recommendations on licensed tree removal people - let us know if you have a positive reference. Recipe Ash Wednesday s Vinegrette Salad dressing 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar 2 Tablespoons lemon juice 2 Garlic cloves crushed 1 Tablespoon Dried Basil ¼ Teaspoon mustard powder or Dijon wet mustard ½ Teaspoon dried thyme ½ Teaspoon dried dill weed 1` Teaspoon Dried Tarragon Put all ingredients in a blender and puree Add 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil Add enough sugar or Splenda to taste to cut the sharpness of the vinegar and lemon juice. Store in Refrigerator. Fr. Rosa as taught to him by an elderly priest, Fr. John Phillips Ten Commandments to follow in life all of the time! 1 Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble, but it is a "steering wheel" that directs the right path throughout our journey. 2 So why is a car's WINDSHIELD so large and the Rear View Mirror so small? Because our PAST is not as important as our FUTURE. So, Look Ahead and Move on. 3 Friendship is like a BOOK. It takes a few minutes to burn, but it takes years to write. 4 All things in life are temporary. If they're going well, enjoy them... they will not last forever. If they're going wrong, don't worry... they can't last long either. 5 Old Friends are Gold! New Friends are Diamond! If you get a Diamond, don't forget the Gold! Because to hold a Diamond, you always need a Base of Gold! 6 Often when we lose hope and think this is the end, GOD smiles from above and says, "Relax, friend, it's just a bend, not the end!" 7 When GOD solves your problems, you have faith in HIS abilities; when GOD doesn't solve your problems HE has faith in your abilities. 8 A blind person asked St. Anthony: "Can there be anything worse than losing eye sight?" He replied, "Yes, losing your vision!" 9 When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them, and sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you. 10 WORRYING does not take away tomorrow's TROUBLES... it takes away today's PEACE.. Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly, and Leave the rest to God. AMEN!
Page 4 Volume 14 Issue 3 Forgiveness A Lenten Program presented by the Diocese of Chicago, Oak Park Deanery. The Bishops speak on the heart of the matter. Programs are at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays during Lent. March 12 th The Rt. Rev. Jeffery Lee, Chicago at Emmanuel Episcopal Church 203 S. Kensington Avenue, La Grange. March 19 th - The Rt. Rev. Edward Little II, Northern Indiana at Emmanuel, La Grange. March 26 th - The Rt. Rev. Kay Ward, Moravian Bishop at Grace, Hinsdale. April 2 nd The Rt. Rev. Steven Miller, Bishop of Milwaukee at Grace, Hinsdale. April 9 th The Rt. Rev. Wayne Miller, Metropolitan Chicago Synod, All Saints, Western Springs. April 16 th The Rt. Rev. Cate Waynick, Indianapolis, All Saint s, Western Springs. Each evening will begin with a reception with light far, followed by the lecture. An old Negative of the Altar with reredos and painted ceiling in the Sanctuary! Deacon John on the Sandwich Board Deacon Newt, In a similar vein to the communication from Joan Barr, I want to let you know of our program at Trinity Church in Aurora, "The Sandwich Board". This program has been in existence for twenty five years and in no way was started as a result of our deacons' initiative, but nonetheless falls right in with our stated objective of "Helping to Stamp out Hunger in our Diocese". Trinity has never missed a single Thursday in the whole twenty five years. Every Thursday lunchtime, as many as 150 meals are served at Trinity, not primarily to homeless folk, but to those in need of a meal. Every Thursday, volunteers from different parishes, including on occasion, fellow deacons, bring food and their good works to prepare and serve the meals. We also receive an abundance of donated food from Red Lobster and Panera Bread. Prior to the food being served, we celebrate a Eucharist, the celebrant also being from the volunteer parish. In Aurora, there is a network of churches from all denominations that provide a similar meal on the other days of the week, so in theory no one need go hungry. We are now looking at other ministries to provide at the luncheon, such as a link to no-cost healthcare services via the National University Whole Health Services program, Peace and Blessings, Deacon John This is My Church It is composed of people just like me. It will be friendly if I am. It will do great work if I work. It will make generous gifts to many causes if I am generous. It will bring others into fellowship if I bring them. Its seats will be filled if I fill them. It wil be a Church of loyalty and love, of faith and service. If I who make it what it is am filled with these, Therefore with God s help, I dedicate myself to the task of being all those things I want my Church to be.
Page 5 Volume 14 Issue 3 Transition News The next important steps towards calling a new priest will be taking place soon. On Friday, April 11, the Rev. Jim Steen, Diocesan Director of Ministries, will meet with all 14 members of the Transition Committee and Vestry. He will outline the processes available for getting ready to search and call a new rector or priest-in-charge. Trinity has already registered for the special survey called CONVERSATIONS We need to have every individual in the parish fill out the questionnaire to gather hard data about what is important to you for the future of the congregation, its ministries, and leadership. It will be available via your own computer, or coming to the church to use our computers with someone to guide you, or a paper copy which will be transferred into the computer system. When at least 80% of member have responded, results will be generated and interpreted by a consultant to everyone. From this will come the profile of the parish. It is all about who we are, what we ve done, hope to accomplish and what kind of priest we want (and need). Please begin praying more earnestly for your friends in the parish who are dedicating themselves to the tasks before us. Your Transition Committee: Alex Adams Chair Tom Herget Ken Palmquist Marilou Clohessy Pat Wilson John Dolan Holy Week Services April 13 PALM SUNDAY - Gathering in the parish hall at 9 a.m. for distribution of palm, we march into the church rejoicing that the Lord has come. Bishop Epting preaching on the Passion readings and our future as Christians of Trinity. April 15 Tuesday 5:30 pm. Holy Eucharist before the vestry meeting at 6 p.m. in the chapel April 16 Wednesday Morning Prayer with Stations of the Cross, Bible Study April 17 Maundy Thursday Commemoration of the Lord s Last Supper: Communion, Agape Dinner, and Altar of Repose in the chapel April 18 Good Friday 11a.m to Noon Sacrament of Confession will be available in the Chapel. The Liturgy of Good Friday (BCP) with communion at noon. The church will be open for private prayers until 3 p.m. April 20 EASTER DAY Festival Eucharist at 9 a.m. with special vocal and instrumental music followed by an Easter Party in the Dining room for all.
Trinity Episcopal Church 218 East Benton Street Aurora, Il. 60505 Phone: (630) 897-7283 Fax: (630) 897-8783 Web Site: www.trinityaurora.org Serving God and God s People Since 1849 Trinity is a community that strives to be a thriving, vibrant, diverse community of hope that, with God s help, heartily welcomes the stranger, joyously worships the Lord in the beauty of holiness, and lovingly serves the least of these, a church that changes people s lives for the better. From the Parish Administrator Upcoming Events April 13: Bishop Epting will be with us on Palm Sunday. He has never been to Trinity, so we are looking forward to his visitation. If anyone would like to be confirmed, received or reaffirmed in the Episcopal Church this is the perfect opportunity for it. Please speak with Fr. Rosa or Deacon Dolan ASAP. We want to make this a joyous and glorious celebration. Let s fill the church, bring your friends this is a wonderful opportunity for us. We pray for our parish friends in need: Mitch, Rob, Michael, John, Sarah, Naomi, Brian, Malcolm, Jesus, Gloria, Jackie, Fritz, Hannah, Lee, Nancy, Peter. Easter/Palm Sunday flowers: The Altar Guild has placed envelopes in the pews for flowers. If you would care to remember someone with a thanksgiving or memorial, please fill out the envelope with the name(s) and place in the offertory plate. Donations can be mailed and should be received by April 18 th to be included in the Easter bulletin. Thank you. Help: if you would like to help with the Palm Sunday and Easter decorations, please see me. I just came back from a wonderful weekend with the State Florists Association and have some new ideas to use in the church. Trinity Vestry Senior Warden: Rob Borchert Junior Warden: Alex Adams Richard Blogg Marilou Clohessy Chireen DeKing John Heath John Kuney Ken Palmquist Linda Barber, Clerk