September 2015 TRINITY NEWS Trinity Episcopal Church 1200 Main Street, P.O. Box 484 Fishkill, NY 12524 www.trinityfishkill.org trinityfishkill@verizon.net 845-896-9884 Please Welcome Trinity s Interim Pastor The Reverend Garrett M. Mettler Your Vestry has selected Father Garrett Mettler to be Trinity s part-time Interim Pastor based on discussions with him, approval from the Canon for Transition Ministry, and his reference from St. John s in Pleasantville, N.Y. In contacting your wardens, Fr. Garrett wrote that he was seeking a faithful, motivated and optimistic congregation to serve as its priest. I bring strengths of inspirational preaching, lay ministry development, enthusiastic teaching with both children and adults, and a love for God s people in the ordinary and extraordinary times of their lives. My motivation in ministry is to create space for people to have genuine encounters with God through worship, prayer, scripture, fellowship and service. Fr. Garrett has described his liturgical style and practice by saying that he believes strongly that our worship practices need to help us realize a connection with God. While that should be a given, the printed Rites, lectionary and musical resources we draw from to prepare a service bulletin for worship are only the starting place for helping that connection to occur. Knowing the why behind the liturgical choices a congregation experiences and approaching the worship time with an attitude of reverence and expectancy is the life we need to bring to our liturgy, allowing God to inspire and convict us. While I have the most experience with a broad church liturgical style, Fr. Garrett continues, I have seen each of the multiple strands of our liturgical traditions become enlivened, transporting and creative OR mechanical, joyless and cold. Liturgical style is definitely a central part of the identity of each parish, and I have honored the styles of the churches I have served, but for me, the form that our liturgy takes is less important than the intention we bring to practicing it. He sees his role as a priest as a facilitator of ministry. We know that our baptismal covenant outlines the calling we all share to engage in ministry. Therefore, if I am being faithful to my particular calling, I am creating as much space as possible for as much worship, prayer, study, fellowship and service to take place, involving as many people as possible. I have been very motivated to engage people in conversations about their gifts for ministry, teach people how to discover their own callings, encourage people to take risks in engaging in ministry they have not done before, and also take sabbatical time from ministry service when they are showing signs of getting burned out instead of being nourished by their activities. I have taught a course in four different churches entitled Network: The Right People in the Right Places for the Right Reasons specifically designed to develop lay ministry. The same few stalwarts doing all of the church's ministry year after year is a recipe for a tired and devitalized congregation. The church I want to serve in is one where each person serves according to their ability and each is served according to their need.
T r i n i t y N e w s S e p t e m b e r 2015 P a g e 2 Fr. Garrett was born in Santa Barbara, California and grew up in San Diego. He moved to New York four years ago in support of a career opportunity for his former wife. Fr. Garrett has two daughters. Morgan has just started her senior year in high school and is in the thick of college discernment. She is a lifeguard, the co-captain of her Varsity cross country team, a member of the Varsity tennis team, and is hoping to pursue an undergraduate degree in the biological sciences. Natalie has just begun Kindergarten and has an insatiable curiosity and love of new discoveries. Fr. Garrett enjoys many outdoor activities including trail and back country hiking, bicycling, tennis and skiing. Being a Californian he has had a rough time of it during the winters here but makes the best of his indoor time cooking an expanding variety of cuisines including his favorite Mexican, and reading about social trends, foreign affairs, history and social justice issues. He is close to finishing a goal of attending games in every professional baseball stadium. If you would like to contact Fr. Garrett you can do so at garrettb2bo@gmail.com. The b2bo stands for "blessed to bless others". In welcoming Fr. Garrett, please join us in the following prayer: Dear Lord, the people of Trinity thank you for this time to examine our commitment and ourselves. We ask your guidance during this time of discernment and searching. May our congregation be supportive of our interim priest, Fr. Garrett. May our parish members have the courage to express their needs and hopes. May Trinity s search committee be open to listening to the congregation. As we go about our work, may you guide our new priest to Trinity. Keep us ever mindful that it is our responsibility to continue doing your work. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Based on a prayer written by Linda Huls The following provides some background information about Fr. Garrett: Education 1997 B.S. - Journalism, California Polytechnic State University 2000 Art of Preaching, College of Preachers, Washington D.C. 2002 Master of Divinity, Virginia Theological Seminary Continuing Education 2014 American Heart Association Certification 2013 Safeguarding God s People Training for ministry with children and adults 2011 Anti-Racism Training 2010 Holy Lands Pilgrimage through Israel and Palestine 2006 CREDO Ministry Reflection and Goal Setting Conference Work Experience Chaplain at Wooster School in Danbury, CT from July, 2012 June, 2015 Interim Priest at St. John s Episcopal Church in Pleasantville, NY from March, 2011 May, 2012 Rector of St. Timothy s Episcopal Church and Preparatory School in Apple Valley, CA from January, 2005 February, 2011 Associate Priest and Chaplain at St. George s Episcopal Church and Academy in Laguna Hills, CA from July, 2002 December, 2004 Prior to ordination, Fr. Garrett worked as a reporter and editor at newspapers in the San Luis Obispo, California area.
T r i n i t y N e w s S e p t e m b e r 2015 P a g e 3 The Role of an Interim Pastor The Interim Pastor plays a pivotal role in the life of a congregation. He is called to provide leadership during the time of transition, from the departure of the former Rector to the coming of the new Rector. The transition period can be six to eighteen months or more. The pastoral transition is a time to promote parish health by offering a safe bridge between challenging times and the selection of the next rector. In addition, this interim period can be the most effective time in the life of the parish for prayerfully refocusing on who we are and our mission, solving problems, determining the type of pastor we need, and preparing for Trinity s call. More specifically, the Interim Pastor will: Work with the Vestry and other lay leaders to maintain the regular schedule of worship services and preaching, pastoral calling on the sick and shut-ins, pastoral offices (weddings, funerals, baptisms) and visiting newcomers. Help the congregation deal with its grief and any other unresolved issues arising from the Rector's departure. Deal with internal conflicts and help heal any divisions within the congregation, working with a Diocesan consultant as appropriate. Help Vestry and lay leaders bring about such change as may be needed to align parish life and administration with generally accepted standards in the diocese. May we make the most of this interim time to grow and strengthen our congregation with God s help and that of our Interim Pastor, Fr. Garrett. Assist with the ongoing administration duties, including the supervision of all parish staff. The Vestry is ultimately responsible for all staff decisions. Support the Vestry in its role and responsibilities. Work not only in this congregation, but also on behalf of the Diocese, the Church at large, and the community. Working closely with the Wardens, Vestry and other parish leaders, with the Bishop and his staff, the major role of the Interim Pastor's ministry is to prepare the congregation for the coming of the new Rector. The Food Pantry s requested grocery items for the month of September are: September 6 canned corn September 13 Spaghetti-O s September 20 tuna September 27 peanut butter Cash donations are always welcome so that we can purchase on-sale items in bulk.
T r i n i t y N e w s S e p t e m b e r 2015 P a g e 4 Trinity Episcopal Church 1200 Main Street P.O. Box 484 Fishkill, NY 12524 Phone: (845) 896-9884 Fax: (845) 896-9170 Email: trinityfishkill@verizon.net Web: www.trinityfishkill.org Like us on Facebook: Trinity Episcopal Church - Fishkill, NY Worship Schedule: Sundays at 8AM and 10 AM Church School: Sundays at 9:50 AM during the school year. Parish Office Hours: Monday Friday, 10 AM to 2 PM Church School Meeting Prior to the start of Church School on Sunday, September 20, 2015, we would like to meet with all parents and teachers on September 13th after Coffee Hour to discuss the curriculum and to plan for the number of students that will be in attendance. As we go forward, we are considering "Lessons that Work" available from http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/lessons/. These are the lectionary-based lesson plans for various age groups that were used last year. Any questions, please contact either Bob Beattie or Susan Quade. What Does Trinity Church Mean to You? Father Garrett Wants to Hear It is a true privilege to be asked to join you in service to God and one another. Among the many new beginnings of joining a congregation, I am especially looking forward to the opportunity to hear stories, learn what you value about being a part of Trinity Church and know what you are wanting to see happen during this interim period of time. Opportunities for us to get to know one another include Sundays after the 10 o'clock service as well as Mondays and Wednesdays for coffee or lunch. I also have a few evening times when I would be glad to meet you at your home. Although sitting down and sharing in person is always best, please don't let a hectic life stop us from being able to connect. If none of the above works easily, let's chat by phone or Skype. You can contact me directly at garrettb2bo@gmail.com or Linda, in the church office, can help in reserving time on my schedule. One way or another I hope to be able to get to know you as soon as we can. Father Garrett
T r i n i t y N e w s S e p t e m b e r 2015 P a g e 5 Cursillo Weekend N.Y. Number 102 The word, CURSILLO (pronounced: coor-seeoh), comes from the Spanish and means "a short course" - that is, a course such as the one would run in a race. The full title, CURSILLIOS IN CHRISTIANDAD, has been translated as, "short courses in Christian living." Cursillo attempts to: help Christians measure the depths of their faith to find its reality and richness; inspire Christians to get on with their mission in the world by hearing and heeding God's call; connect Christians in networks that will enable them to carry out their mission; hold up examples of everyday Christians who are acting as apostles in their ordinary life settings. The fall Cursillo weekend will be held on October 1 4, 2015 at the Mariandale Retreat and Conference Center located in Ossining, NY. Mariandale has a chapel, labyrinth, Peace Garden, tranquil nature trails, and a truly breath-taking view of the Hudson River. There is no charge for attending this weekend. Cursillo begins with a 3-day weekend (Thursday evening to Sunday afternoon), which is not a traditional retreat but rather a gathering of clergy and laity from the diocese who are seeking to strengthen their faith through shared prayer, worship, music, study, discussions, fellowship, laughter and love. The three day weekend begins at 7 o clock on Thursday evening with introductions and an explanation of what is to come. There follows a short period of silent retreat, a time during which participants focus on where they are in their Christian walk. Over the next three days participants will hear a variety of talks on many aspects of the Christian life, presented by both laity and clergy. Each talk is followed by a discussion amongst participants, or an activity that relates to the message of the talk. For more information, please contact: Deana Hartung, Nancy Lecker, or Fran and Bob Beattie. Rummage & Bake Sale Coming in October Mark your calendars now for our Fall/Winter Rummage and Bake Sale. We will be collecting our usual list of items: fall and winter clothing, household items, dishes, glasses, jewelry, pots, silverware, utensils, vases, candles, linens, blankets, towels, lamps, radios, small appliances, DVD s, CD s, videos, cassettes, holiday decorations, tools, toys, books, magazines, puzzles, games. Please do not donate broken items, electrical items that do not work, or dirty/damaged clothing. Also, we do not accept TV s, microwave ovens, large furniture or tires. Please mark appliances, Item works. If you have questions call Rosemarie Waian at 297-5572 or Mary Kalan at 896-9596. Fall/Winter Rummage & Bake Sale Friday, Oct. 30-9 AM to 5 PM Saturday Bag Sale, Oct. 31-9 AM to 2 PM
T r i n i t y N e w s S e p t e m b e r 2015 P a g e 6 All are invited to stay after the 10 AM service on Sunday, September 13 for a special Coffee Hour to welcome our new Interim Pastor, Father Garrett Mettler. Michelle Iacuessa September 4 Evelyn Bentley September 7 Leslie Quade September 9 Jay Anderson September 12 Jacob Dusavage September 13 Dylan Hamilton September 14 Lois Dougherty September 15 Mark Hamilton September 15 Lily Martin September 17 Rosemarie Waian September 17 Marilyn Sullivan September 18 Nancy Bitteker September 20 Jeanne Mierzwa September 27 Reggie Bentley September 28 Financial Peace University Classes Begin in September Financial Peace University classes will be held at Trinity in the Parish Hall on Thursdays at 7 PM from September 17 to November 12. A special preview class, open to everyone at no charge, will be given on Thursday, September 10 at 7 PM in the Parish Hall. Trinity parishioners who sign up now will receive membership materials for $75, a discount of over 25%! A limited number of discounted kits is available and will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact Class Coordinator Joe Bird at smithbird845@yahoo.com for more information and to purchase discounted kits. Newsletter Mailing List Trinity s monthly newsletter can be viewed on the News page of our website at www.trinityfishkill.org. Printed copies are available in the church narthex and in the Parish Hall. If you would prefer to receive the newsletter in the mail, please let us know.
T r i n i t y N e w s S e p t e m b e r 2015 P a g e 7 Join Us In Prayer One of the shortest verses in the Bible is Pray without ceasing from 1 Thessalonians 5:17. While just three words, it is one of the most powerful keys to our Christian Life. To increase our faith, we need to increase our prayerful communication with God! As Trinity proceeds on the path to calling a new rector, regular and seeking prayers from all of us will be essential to our ability to hear God s voice clearly guiding us. God not only offers you wisdom and strength from spending time reading God s Word in scripture each day, God also wants you to learn the practice of communicating with Him/Her in prayer throughout the day. If you are able to think while doing other things, then you can also pray while doing other things. While we are in the Discernment Process, we ask that you include one or more of the following prayers during your prayer time -- such as in the morning, at meal times, or at bed time. Discernment is really about listening with our whole selves for God's leading: Listening for that voice within us, sometimes small and quiet, sometimes loud and clear, which is the spark of the Holy Spirit speaking through insight and deep-knowing; listening for the wisdom of God speaking through the voices of others; listening for God's word to us in the scriptures and stories of those who came before us. In addition to asking for your daily prayer for Trinity, we will incorporate one of the following prayers in our worship each Sunday. For Discernment Dear Lord, the people of Trinity thank you for this time to examine our commitment and ourselves. We ask Your guidance during this time of discernment and searching. May our congregation be supportive of our interim priest, Fr. Garrett. May our parish members have the courage to express their needs and hopes. May Trinity's Search Committee be open to listening to the congregation. As we go about our work, may you guide our new priest to Trinity. Keep us ever mindful that it is our responsibility to continue doing your work. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on Trinity, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a rector for this parish, that we may receive a faithful pastor, one who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Gracious God, we pray for Trinity Church, that your strong love and gentle strength guide us through our time of transition as we search for a new rector. Allow our imaginations to be empowered by your life giving Spirit, that your vision of who we are may become incarnate through us at this time and in this place. We pray for the Search Committee, that you kindle our courage to awaken the dream and vision that is Yours for us; for the priest whose name is known to you alone, that she or he will be open to your call, and for grace to follow where you lead us. Amen.
T r i n i t y N e w s S e p t e m b e r 2015 P a g e 8 For Guidance O God, you guide the humble of heart to a right judgement in all things, and you dispel the ignorance of godly people by the light of Your truth. In calling a new priest to Trinity, grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to seek your will, and the strength to follow it. Amen. For Our Next Rector and Our Parish Pray that God would increase our next rector's passion for preaching the Word of God. Pray that God would give her or him a love for Trinity and the strength and sure calling to leave any current position. Pray that God would prepare our next rector to better shepherd our flock through the trials and blessings she or he currently faces. Pray for the people in our church. Pray for patience. The search process can go on longer than expected. It is hard for people doing the work. It is also difficult for those who must wait without knowing exactly what is going on. Pray for trust among and within our congregation and our leadership as the process takes place. Pray as if everything depends on God, work as if everything depends on you. October Newsletter Deadline The October Newsletter will be published on Sunday, October 4. If you would like to submit an article for the newsletter, please send it to trinityfishkill@verizon.net by Sunday, September 27. Search Committee News We are beginning a search for a new Rector to lead our parish. A Search Committee is now being formed; I will be serving as committee chair. If you are interested in serving on the Search Committee, please let me or the wardens know. (I will return from vacation September 14.) The committee should represent different facets of the parish (for example, Sunday school parents, young adults, seniors, musicians, acolytes, vestry to name just a few). In other words, we need you. The first part of the search process is called the self-study period, where we consider our mission, how we do ministry, our particular gifts and needs, and how we want to move forward as a community. We will use our self-study and reflection to prepare a parish profile, which then will be made available to priests considering coming to Trinity. Please pray for the Search Committee as it begins its work. Jay Anderson Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who will choose a rector for this parish, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord.