Growing as Disciples of Jesus Christ February 2014 Through Worship, Learning, Fellowship and Outreach The Messenger OF TRINITY ANGLICAN CHURCH Growing As Disciples of Jesus Christ Fellowship We conclude our exploration of our Mission Statement this month as we consider how it is that we experience transformation through fellowship. As with all the spiritual disciplines we have been exploring, fellowship does not, in and of itself, change us. Fellowship, as it serves to keep us united to Christ, keeps us connected to the One who can and does change us. With that said, fellowship is perhaps the most neglected of the spiritual disciplines. Fellowship, in Greek, is the word koinonia. It means something like the sharing of life. To have fellowship with another Christian is to share life with them. That means that fellowship is far more than being acquainted with someone or enjoying coffee hour together. The sharing of life means that we enter into one another s journey with Jesus. We walk together. We laugh, cry, rejoice and mourn together. We encourage each other and hold one another accountable. To hearken back to our early ancestors, we answer Cain s question, Am I my brother s keeper? with a resounding Yes! One of the reasons fellowship is so neglected is that it takes both time and vulnerability. But that is also why it has such power to bring change into our lives. When we are willing to spend time with brothers and sisters in Christ, we reap great benefits. Fellowship is perhaps the most neglected of the spiritual disciplines One spiritual benefit of fellowship comes from the fact that Jesus promised that where two or three are gathered in His Name, He will be in the midst of them. When we are in true fellowship with others, Jesus is present to act in a particular way. Many times we want Jesus to act in our lives directly when He is, instead, attempting to act in our lives through others. The old story is told of a child afraid of the dark, when, being consoled by his parents and told that Jesus was always with him, said, but I need Him to send someone with skin. Parents, children, spouses, and friends are frequently bringing the Lord s voice, comfort, and presence into our lives. But in order to hear the Lord speak, we need to spend time truly sharing our lives with them. A second benefit of fellowship is accountability to Christ. We were not meant to live our journey with Jesus alone. We need each other. Spiritual self-sufficiency is a myth. One of the reasons people struggle to overcome habitual sins is that they will not be vulnerable enough with someone else to admit that they have a problem. But when we admit our struggles and failures to a trusted brother or sister in Christ, we will often find that the power of that temptation is weakened. Knowing that someone else knows, still loves you, and will ask how you are doing is a powerful tool in our struggle to crucify the flesh. But fellowship is not easy. In fact, fellowship can really only take place with love and humility. We have to humble ourselves enough to admit that we are not perfect or complete, that we need others. In fact, the more Continued on page 3 1
The Glory of God Trinity Family Ministry Last month I wrote briefly about conflict. I made the point that relational conflicts are one of the givens of life along with death and taxes. And most of us either withdraw or enter attack mode when they spring up. This month I want to talk about how the gospel provides us with a different way to approach conflict. In fact we can view conflict as an invitation to something better. Growing Together in Christ Sunday School (11a.m.) PreK-8th Grades meet in Bldg. 3 Let s imagine a friend has said some unkind words about you in a public setting. Upon hearing this, do you feel the need be right and argue your case, or do you seek to avoid engaging the conflict and deny it upset you? The first approach (attacking) seeks after selfprotection to feel safe, and often results in divisiveness. The second approach (withdrawing) seeks after a false peace to avoid pain, and often results in bitterness. Youth Group - Sunday 5:30-7:00 p.m. in Bldg. 3 2/2 - Teaching, Lunch, & Games 12:30 2:00 pm 2/9 - Teaching & Games 2/16 - No YG 2/23 - Visit Westchester Gardens 12:30 2:00 pm Contact Fr. Mark with? s at mark@trinitybakersfield.com Both attacking and withdrawing approach conflict with self at the center. This means that we engage conflict without relying upon the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us. Our pride gets pricked, or our fears are triggered, and we are off to the races. Instead of conflict being an invitation to something better, we settle for the old worn out ruts that we know. Mt. Pinos Youth Group Mystery Day Before we look at how the gospel provides us a better alternative, I want to say a word about these ruts. For most of us withdrawing and attacking come so naturally we don t even realize that we are doing it. This means that just to begin to recognize the pattern is a sign of God s grace. This means that we need to pray for the Spirit to help us first see the ruts, and then to guide us out of them. Saturday, Feb. 15th 10am - 5:30pm The mystery is whether or not we will actually have a snow day or hike to the top of Sawmill (the tallest mountain in Kern County). Students need to bring a sack lunch, drink, appropriate clothes, and $5. So what s the alternative? It begins with viewing God s glory and the other person s good as the goal in the conflict, rather than our protection or peace. It means embracing the Holy Spirit and facing the challenge involved, rather than seeking a painless or safe approach. This means being committed to understanding the person and conveying your thoughts and feelings. By putting God s glory first, the invitation for healing is present. Please RSVP to Fr. Mark by Tuesday Feb. 10th. Save the Date Saturday March 29th Much more could be said, but let us conclude with a reminder: true, lasting change takes time. There will be starts and spurts. Our goal is to keep in step with the Spirit as He leads us into something better; from ruts to new paths. In Christ s Love & Service, Fr. Mark 1:30-4:00 PM 2
In The Parish Family Congratulations to Lynne Hall upon her induction to the CSUB Hall of Fame. With Sympathy to Susan DeNatale and her family on the death of her mother, Nellie Mae Lehan. Thank you from Patty Smale - My deepest gratitude and thanks for all the prayers, cards, and support for my surgery. to the Stubblefields and all the volunteers who put on such a wonderful luncheon for the Annual Meeting. to all the members of the Preliminary Study Committee for their hard work and service to our church family. FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS Dale Hankins Elijah Partian Susie Dietze Michael Longbottom Sandy Roper Kelly Ludwin Madeline Ming Kevin McEwen Continued from page 1 Eden Carroll Tom DeNatale Ben Fitzgerald Merry McCalley Solomon Poon Carlie Foster Elaine Kelly Bob Yerry Jacob Longbottom Mildred Woods we grow spiritually, the more we recognize that God created us to be one indispensable part of the many indispensable parts of the Body of Christ. We were created to be interdependent with one another. It takes humility to do that. And it also takes love. If we are going to live in fellowship with others, we have to love them enough to spend time with them, be honest with them, and seek God s best for them. We have to love them enough to let them into our own lives and allow them to at times speak hard things into ours. Fellowship is perhaps one of the most neglected spiritual disciplines because it costs us dearly. But it is also one of the richest as it not only keeps us closer to Jesus, but blesses us with deep relationships at the same time. As we grow as disciples, don t miss the many opportunities through classes, events, and small groups to share your life in a way that keeps you connected to Jesus. Yours in Christ, Fr. Karl+ THE ALPHA COURSE Click here to register Are you Looking for more in life and don t know where to find it? New to the faith and want to learn more? In need of a refresher on the essentials of Christianity? Wanting to plug in deeper at Trinity Anglican Church? COME TO ALPHA! The Alpha Course covers the basics of Christianity. It answers questions like: Who is Jesus?, and Why did he die? The Alpha course lasts 10 weeks, with a Saturday retreat in the middle. Each week, guests gather for about two hours. They share an informal meal, listen to a talk on how Christianity approaches the question at hand, then gather into small groups for discussion. The talks each week act as a springboard for small group discussions. Tuesday Evenings ~ 6-8pm Course begins February 4 Trinity Anglican Church ~ Building 3 For more information or to join the Alpha Team, call Fr. Karl (861-6020) 3
ANGLICAN CHURCH WOMEN (ACW) Our ACW is looking for someone to chair the ACW annual Rummage Sale. For more information, please call Debbie Gibson at 397-7288. They are also in need of refreshments for our Coffee Hour after the 11 o'clock service. There will be a sign-up sheet on the table during the coffee hour. VALENTINE S BAKE SALE Mark your calendars for Sunday, February 9th for our Bake Sale. All members are encouraged to bring home-made baked goods for us to sell. Please give Debbie a call if you have any questions. KAIROS INTERNATIONAL PRISON MINISTRY Kairos International Prison Ministry is scheduled to conduct a meeting here on the Olive Drive Church campus on Saturday, February 1, 2014. This prison ministry is eager to put together a team of volunteers from the men of our local churches in Bakersfield. If you are interested in learning about this ministry project, or if you have questions, please contact Dcn. John La Mar. To those women who might be interested in learning more about Kairos women s prison ministry work, please contact Christine Miller. New Ministry Opportunities Please pray about whether God might be calling you to serve in one of the ways listed below. ALPHA SMALL GROUP FACILITATOR Help facilitate a small group for Alpha for 10 weeks on Tuesday nights beginning February 4th. One evening training is required. ALPHA SERVING TEAM Help prepare and serve meals for the Alpha course. Also help set up and break down for the evening. DISCIPLESHIP GROUP COORDINATOR Serve as a liaison between group leaders and the clergy. Ensure that information is disseminated to groups, help start new groups, and visit groups regularly. SUNDAY SCHOOL VOLUNTEER Help out with teaching and doing crafts for students Pre-K through 5th grade, or help teach Middle School. TRINITY TECHNOLOGY TEAM Many people struggle to live with technology that youth, especially, utilize so well. We want to develop a team of tech-savvy folks who can help others with basic technology needs like setting up a smartphone, computer, or printer. If you have any questions or are interested please contact the church office. TRINITY STATS Attendance Dec. 29th 197 Jan. 19th 250 Jan. 5th 217 Jan. 26th 213 Jan. 12th 287 Giving December Year-to-Date Actual Budget Actual Budget Income 80,596 44,333 544,354 532,000 Expense 48,281 44,186 524,092 530,232 ASH WEDNESDAY MARCH 5 DISTRIBUTION OF ASHES 7 a.m. (Building 3) 12 noon (Celebration Hall) 7 p.m. (Celebration Hall) 4
PRELIMINARY STUDY REPORT Identification of suitable Property for cost estimate purposes. The following parameters were developed to facilitate identification of property for Trinity Anglican Church using information from the October 2013 Parish Questionnaire and the Phase 2 Needs Assessment. located outside a two mile radius from other Anglican parishes in respect for our fellow Anglicans approximately 5 acres of "developed land" for a sanctuary seating 350 + worshipers, sanctuary party-50 +/- (clergy, choir and acolytes ), as well as a parish hall, chapel, classrooms, administrative space and grounds with space for onsite barbecues and children's playground (See note below for difference between "developed" and "raw" land) consider properties with and without existing buildings if other parameters are met access that is easy and safe good visibility from road in price range of $3.50 - $5. a sq. foot ($217,800 an acre - $1,089,000 for 5 acres) NOTE: "developed land" means that roads, utilities and sewers are in and ready for hook up. "Raw land" means that sewer line, utilities, roads and curbs/gutters need to be installed before land can be used. The average cost for preparing "raw land" is between $4.00 - $7.00 a square foot in addition to cost of "raw land". Buildings and furnishings: Space requirements to carry out our mission were identified after the needs assessment. Using building code standards the minimum requirements for square footage were determined. We need a minimum of between 16,000-17,000. square feet. A reasonable cost for construction of our facilities utilizing a construction management firm would be $165 to $210 a sq. foot. ($2,750,000 - $3,000,000 for buildings). An additional $1,000,000 is allotted for landscaping, parking lots, organ and furnishings. Furnishing costs vary greatly depending upon choices of material and physical layouts. We used replacement costs for a traditional church with wood pews and kneelers and risers, mid range office furnishings and classroom/meeting room tables and chairs. Total estimated costs - $5,250,000. Challenges: Stark reality regarding property: Selection is not driven by "where we want to go", but rather by "Where can we go?" This is the reality we face. Master Plan limitations, property costs and our needs greatly limit our options. Ultimately God will show us where we are to go. We can't move forward to negotiate property acquisition seriously until our down-payment is in place, $250,000 minimum. Moving forward in the development of our building plan is dependent upon the physical realities of the property we will be building upon. Recommendations for Board of Directors: Identify funding for property down payment and move forward in property selection and purchase Utilize a construction management firm to facilitate the overall process Approach building construction in phases based on master plan for entire project Utilize rented/leased portable buildings for interim administrative, classroom functions and/or worship activities when and where necessary Authorize a capital campaign to fund our master plan in its building phases Recommendations for the Trinity Family Continue to pray for God's guidance as we move forward in locating a home for Trinity Anglican Church. Email Scott Underhill with any contact information and first hand information you may have regarding property meeting our parameters. but not currently on the market, that may potentially be available to the Church - (sunderhill@bak.rr.com). 5
Trinity Anglican Church 5500 Olive Drive, Bldg. 3 Bakersfield CA 93308 Trinity Anglican Church WORSHIP SERVICES 5500 Olive Drive, Bldg. 3 Bakersfield CA 93308 661-861-6020 Office 661-399-3615 Fax office@trinitybakersfield.com www.trinitybakersfield.com Sunday Morning 8 Holy Communion (1928 Prayer Book) 11 Holy Communion (Rite II) Thursday Morning 10 Healing Service February, 2014 Our Clergy The Rev. Karl E. Dietze, Rector The Rev. Mark Hall, Assistant The Rev. John M. Wilcox, Retired The Rev. John LaMar, Deacon The Messenger 6 Our Staff Sue Wagner, Director of Music Tara Michaels, Office Manager Kendi Miller, Bookkeeper