Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-22 Dear Friends, In today s language, St. Francis could be said to be something of an extreme minimalist. Having been raised in wealth, he ultimately rejected materialism to such an extent that even his brown habit was composed of sewn together remnants. While his near-starvation habits of eating may have brought him closer to God, it also took a harsh toll on his body and health. In his quest to remove all barriers between him and God, Francis embraced Lady Poverty with sincerity and dedication. I have experienced disciplines of minimalism among the Trappist monks at Our Lady of the Genesee in Piffard, New York and among the Buddhist monks of the One Drop Tahoma Monastery on Whidbey Island. Both settings are similar in that personal living quarters are very sparse and there can even be a bit of good-natured competition among monks in each community about who has the fewest things. An extra pillow or thumb drive can be the focus of some interpersonal jesting between peers, because all members of the community truly value the spiritual discipline of living authentically with less in order to focus on what is considered truly valuable. Minimalism as a spiritual practice is not so much about getting rid of stuff but about learning to let go. It s a lifelong journey that can bring a practitioner to a greater sense of personal groundedness, union with what exists beyond our self, and a peaceable relationship with our mortality. Minimalism teaches us that having material goods is not in and of its self inherently bad; some things help meet our basic hierarchy of needs for living. Rather, our relationship with things can either contribute to our freedom and health or enslave and destroy us altogether. There is a wonderful photo book by Peter Menzel and his wife, Faith D Aluisio, called Material World: A Global Family Portrait. He and sixteen other photographers took portraits of 30 statistically average families with all of their worldly possessions displayed outside of their homes. The resulting photo essay depicts a remarkable portrait of families surrounded by all of their possessions a few jars and a washboard for some, an explosion of clothes and electronic gadgetry for others. Vividly portraying the look and feel of the human condition everywhere on Earth, the photo collection puts a human face on the issues of population, environment, social justice, and consumption as it illuminates the crucial question facing the human species today. The truth is today, that not all 7 billion people currently inhabiting the planet are able to have everything they want, much less everything they need to survive with dignity and wellbeing.
In additional to spiritual values, cultural values inform our attachment to things and sense of what things we believe that we must have. Danish culture has a concept called hygge [pronounced hoo-gah], and it goes far in illuminating the Danish soul. In essence, hygge means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people. The warm glow of candlelight is hygge. Cozying up with a loved one for a movie that s hygge, too. And there's nothing more hygge than sitting around with friends and family, discussing the big and small things in life. Perhaps hygge explains why the Danes are some of the happiest people in the world. In the model of hygge, certain things, including traditional foods and warm drinks, contribute to a quality of life that enhances relationships and makes the living of life meaningful and worthwhile. In American culture, at the same that many millennials are focused on being minimalist, their boomer generation parents are struggling with how to disperse a lifetimes worth of stuff. While boomers grew up in a time of relative national prosperity post WWII, millennials grew up during the recession and often delay significant life changes and marriage due to financial hardship and underemployment. Two generations living within the same household can, therefore, have radically different relationships with things that can cause boomers to feel rejected and millennials to feel burdened. Perhaps, struggling with stuff is a uniquely First World problem. Yet, what we First Worlders consume or leave behind impacts the entire Earth and all the species and peoples who live on it. Our choices and our relationship to things fundamentally impacts life now as well as generations to come. Sustainability is more than a buzzword of our time; it is the consideration of ways of life that sustain all life. For those who believe that God calls us to be part of Christ s continuing actions of compassion, healing and new life, sustainability and stewardship are sacred words within the texts of our faith. Part of my personal sabbatical this year will include sorting through the inheritance of things that have been handed down to me, the things that I have acquired on my own journey, and the things purchased simply over the years simply to fill empty spaces. Storage spaces, garages, sheds, attic eaves all things must be sifted through, much of which I would like to let go, some of which I will continue to hold onto as touchstones to those I have known and loved as well as places that have educated and shaped me. At the end of our lives, we have no choice to let go of everything, including life itself. Until then, however, my goal is to exchange lots of stuff for greater freedom, keeping only what I need to sustain a happy and meaningful life, in peaceful relationship to those I love and with all Creation. The theme of my personal sabbatical is in part informed by Rumi s sentiment that, Life is a balance of holding on and letting go. Knowing when to do either of those is a spiritual practice in every tradition of faith. In Christ s Peace, Pastor Rachel+ The Rev. Rachel Taber-Hamilton, Rector
(Vestry Retreat 2016)
From the Senior Warden From the Junior Warden Music Program News Sunday School Service Schedule Sunday 8:00 AM Holy Eucharist Rite I With Cantor Prayer Shawl Daughters of the King Diaper Drive Food Pantry Items Needed Sunday Readings Trinity Vestry 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist Rite II With the Trinity Choir 2017 Convention Delegates Birthdays and Anniversaries Prayer List 10:00 AM Sunday School Nursery Available at 8:45 AM Calendar Contact Us
The senior warden column returns to its regularly scheduled programming! If you read my column last month, you might recall that I had a last minute change of message due to events that were happening in our country and I felt inspired to write something entirely different. For this month I m going back to what I had originally planned on sharing, which is related to many facility projects that the Vestry has been considering, the excitement around them, and also the financial implications and how we are planning to handle them. I m sure you all agree with me when I say one of the key elements that makes Trinity such a wonderful place is the beautiful spaces it has which allows us to build a relationship with God and with the rest of our Trinity family. Indeed, our sanctuary, a World War I Memorial, is a place where I can always feel at peace and where my heart and mind opens up to receive the message of our lord God. Other places such as the Narthex, the Guild Room, and Rogers Hall allow us to share time with our Trinity family and connect with each other, whether it be through coffee hour, Bible studies, ministry meetings, church events, dinners, fundraisers, etc. You might have noticed over the past year, during the rainy season, that in many occasions we had to resort to buckets in the Narthex to control the roof leaks we had been experiencing. Also this past year we had to get some significant work done on the East wall of the Sanctuary, which had been taking in outside water for a prolonged period of time. Last but not least, I m sure you can all see that as much as Rogers Hall provides to our congregation it is in need of more than just cosmetic fixes. All of these building related topics have been part of our Vestry meetings over the past few months and the team has recently made some decisions that will allow us to introduce changes which will continue to enhance the beautiful spaces at Trinity. Presented below are the major building projects that the Vestry has been considering along with the estimated costs of each one of them. This is a summarized version of what these projects entail; if you would like more specific details, please do not hesitate to contact me or anyone else in the Vestry team.
Expense Description Cost (Close Estimate) Flat roof over the Narthex and Church offices The roof over the Narthex and church offices has never been replaced since that area was first built, and during the past rainy season we had many leaking events. American Eagle Roofing was selected by the Vestry to do a full roof replacement; this is the same company who had previously done a new roof over Rogers Hall. $17,000 Additional Roof work over the Sanctuary & near Rogers Hall During the repair of the Sanctuary East Wall, various other roof issues were identified over the sanctuary and near Rogers Hall, which need to be taken care of to avoid future water issues. This additional repair includes installation of U-Shaped vents that would mitigate moisture being driven into the interior roof. $1,400 Rogers Hall and Common Area Remodel Estimation Driftmeir Architects, who consulted with Trinity to assess the East Wall repairs, will be working with a Trinity focus group and bring in sub-contractors to inspect and do evaluations of Rogers Hall and adjacent common areas (i.e. bathrooms). The ultimate result from this work will be a set of schematic drawings with a remodeling plan to modernize the facilities. These plans will also cover the necessary infrastructure to install an elevator between the upper and lower levels of our facilities. The exact details of the proposal and expected deliverables from this effort can be provided to you upon request. $33,000 Note: Cost is just for the estimation and schematics/ plans. The actual cost to do the full remodel of the facilities would need to be taken by the entire congregation through a dedicated capital campaign after we obtain all the plans and estimates. TOTAL Estimated Costs $51,400
Over the course of the past few Vestry meetings, the team has carefully evaluated each of these projects and has worked very closely with our business group and treasurer regarding the financial implications. Before I get into discussing the those financial details, let me share that there was a lot of passionate and respectful discussion among the Vestry when considering these projects, and ultimately it was a unanimous decision of the entire team to move forward with all of these projects. I m sure one of the questions through everyone s mind is where is the money coming from and how are we able to afford it when we had to take a loan from our main endowment in order to balance this year s budget? Let me break down the information for you. The following financial sources were discussed between the Vestry and the business group: Trinity s 125 th Anniversary Dedicated Fund = $13,640 available (Note 1) Facility Maintenance Endowment Fund = $176,696 available as of June 2018 (Note 2) Columbarium Endowment Fund = (Note 3) Note 1: This dedicated fund was donated by our parishioners during the 2017-2018 year as a celebration of Trinity 125 th Anniversary. 50% of the collected funds were dedicated to cover Facility expenses; the remaining balance for facility expenses is the $13,640. Note 2: This Facility endowment as its name implies is in place to cover facility expenses for the church; each year there is $9,000 allocated from the facility endowment to cover normal church facility expenses only (Not for operation expenses). The Vestry can authorize use of additional expenses from the Facility Maintenance Endowment Fund. This facility endowment is separate from the Main church endowment, from which we had to borrow $50,000 this past year in order to maintain a balanced budget. The Main endowment also has an established $20,000/year transfer to the operations budget for the church. This means that this year (2018) we will have taken $70,000 from the Main church endowment. This endowment fund will be a topic of further discussions later in the year as we get ready for our 2019 budget. Note 3: The columbarium endowment has its own set of bylaws for how much percentage of the total endowment it can provide for specific church facility needs such as the narthex and office roof. This year the percentage comes out to be $2,771. As has happened in previous opportunities, when difficult decisions such as these need to be made, the Vestry and business group find themselves being given a divine message from God, or perhaps I should call it a smack in the head from God to not waste an opportunity in front of us. In between the two Vestry meetings when all these decisions needed to be made, our church received a $50,000 legacy gift from the estate of Gerald E. Kravic; this gift had no restrictions on the use of it.
With that wonderful gift in front of us and based on guidance from our business group and treasurer, the Vestry decided to allocate the funds and move ahead in the following manner. The legacy gift would be used to cover the Rogers Hall remodel estimation, and the remaining funds ($17,000) would be kept as a safety fund to cover any unexpected shortfalls in the 2018 budget. This would allow us to cover all projects without impacting the approved 2018 budget as follows: Expense Cost (Close Estimate) Covered by Trinity s 125 th Anniversary Dedicated Fund Flat roof over the Narthex and Church offices $17,000 Columbarium Endowment Fund Facility Maintenance Endowment Fund Additional Roof work over the Sanctuary & near Rogers Hall $1,400 Facility Maintenance Endowment Fund Rogers Hall and Common Area Remodel Estimation $33,000 1. Legacy Gift from the estate of Gerald E. Kravic At the time of this writing I can gladly report that the roof replacement over the narthex and church offices has been completed. The additional work over the sanctuary is being quoted and the Rogers Hall planning work is starting to be organized and will begin in the near future. We are all in this together as a congregation and as such the Vestry, business group, and treasurer want you to be informed about the decisions being made. Once again I offer to you that if you have any questions or would like more detailed information please feel free to contact me or anyone else in the Vestry. The Vestry, business group, and treasurer are very excited about moving forward with all these projects and in particular with the Rogers Hall remodeling estimation as it will become a pillar of our future facilities and spaces that Trinity provides to our congregation and community, a place where we will continue to build and nourish the wonderful family relationships we have all come to love from our Trinity congregation. Blessings, Gonzalo Canseco
Hello Trinity Episcopal Family, Yes, our beautiful PNW summer season is now in full swing, so please remember sunscreen! :) I have an update or two that I am excited to share with you all: 1. The Leaky Roof has been replaced and she is back to her non-leaky self again. Thank you to the hardworking persons of American Eagle Roofing for the quick installation and amazing craftsmanship. No more leaks for at least 20 years! 2. The Vestry voted in our last meeting on some very exciting changes for Trinity Episcopal Church, we approved the beginning steps of a Rogers Hall remodel to bring the hall up to date and up to code! Through a generous gift and contributions, stages I & II of the process will begin shortly. This is much-celebrated news, and a long time in the making! The last several Vestry have paved the way through conversation and action to get us to today! July was another full and eventful month at Trinity, and a lot of the excitement was due to the wedding for Br. Dustin and me on July 7th, 2018! THANK YOU to everyone that was involved in making our special day just that, special! We are so honored to have such an active church community help make it such a beautiful and loving day. Especially thank you to Dianne McCormick, Charlene Rawson, the entire Baird family, Deacon Pat, Allen Hicks, Emily Malmevik and the AG team, David Spring, and Mary Lambert! From the Acolytes, Eucharistic team, and everyone in between we are truly blessed and thank you all! The Buildings & Grounds ministry has generous folks that are dedicated to keeping our parish a beautiful temple for the community it serves. The B&G ministry is always looking for some fresh helping hands! Trinity is a spiritual home to many, and like most homes, there is a lot of "housework" to be done. We meet at the church on the second Saturday from 9am-12pmish, there are donuts, fruit, and coffee provided. Are you able to donate 3 hours once a month on a Saturday morning? If yes, see you Saturday, August 11th, 2018! Yours in Service to Christ, -Br. Chris Brother Christopher D. Kennedy, OSF, Junior Warden
The Gift of Music We are blessed with some pretty awesome talent (and generous spirits!) in our music ministry. Your support of our choirs, love of energetic congregational song, and strong worship are part of what makes our parish thrive. Next to the organ, the piano is the important instrument most corporate worship settings, due to its versatility to play all styles of music from classical to contemporary. Trinity s Chickering grand (early 1900 s) is slowly deteriorating to a point where it s playability is questionable, especially with seasonal weather changes. It was made before standard tuning (A= 440) was the norm, so provides challenges accompanying instruments. Its gentle, once beautiful sound is not bold enough to fill the church when full. The treble (high) end in particular has become rather dull, requiring a heavy touch; it doesn t sing like it should, and the bass end lacks depth. Our piano technician has been concerned for several years, and we have been keeping our eyes open for a replacement, realizing that suitable late model or restored grand pianos can be $10,000 and up. Long time dedicated Trinity leader Evie Beard is willing to donate her late 1930 s Knabe grand piano, well loved and cared by Bud and Evie s family, so that it would be well loved and utilized for years to come. Piano experts regard Knabe to be one of the better grands from the golden age of piano building. Some quick internet research shows a typical piano of this age has a value ranging from $3,500- $6,000, more if completely rebuilt and restored. While a great Steinway or Yamaha grand ($20,000 +) would be preferable, I believe this Knabe has the potential to be a far superior instrument to what we have now, and will serve us for many years. However, this piano needs some work: Rebuild in technician s shop (hopefully not requiring new parts parts), including thorough cleaning, shaping hammers, action regulation, voicing, tuning: $2,500 + (plus moving two ways.) Our technician emphasized that the complete job would have to be done at some point in the next few years. But, a cheaper option could make the piano immediately useful in the short term: Light cleaning/restoration: restore low bass strings onsite at Trinity: $600.00 (plus moving one way.) I believe this is a golden opportunity to honor the contribution Bud and Evie made to Trinity in so many ways, and provide for our musical future. Is there someone in our parish community with a love of music (especially piano music) who would like to be a music angel and help with this project via a special donation? If you are interested or have any ideas to help us acquire a new piano, please contact me. Thank you for your continued support! David Spring, Music Director/Organist 206-261-0873 davespring@comcast.net
The VBS sponsored by LINC NW was out of this world! Over 23 attendees were busy creating and sharing and having a blast. Many thanks to Trinity Lutheran and our own Morgan Crosby for facilitating this program at Trinity. We return to Godly Play lessons September 9, and look forward to having Nick Fuchs help children create their own unique name tags. If any person is interested in participating in youth programs, let us know. We are looking for guest stars for the upcoming year. Share a talent, an interest, a story - we are grateful for our community at Trinity.
The year is already half way and we have knit and crocheted and blessed 150 prayer shawls. From them we have sent 150 shawls to hospice. We also have blessed 100 pocket prayer shawls, 4 hospice hospital pillow and 20 seafarer hats. On Sunday July 17th we received 2 more trash bags of yarn from Trinity Lutheran Church making a total of 6 trash bags of yarn. Marie Bond knit the 1st shawl from their yarn and donated the shawl back to Trinity Lutheran Church and invited anyone from their church to join us at our meetings on the 1st Saturday of each month. When Fr. Snow filled in for Rachel while she was at the General Convention, he talked about his sister in England who suffering from cancer. Marie Bond suggested that he send his sister one of our prayer shawls. He was unfamiliar with prayer shawls, but when he blessed the shawls from the previous Saturday intake of shawls at the 10 AM, he decided to carry one to England for his sister. Since he and his wife are soon moving, Kelly is going to mail the shawl to him when he knows his new address. He's planning to visit his sister in 3 to 4 months. Our next meeting is Saturday, August 4th, in the guild room at 10 AM-11AM. We hope to welcome everyone to help us with this rewarding ministry, not just the ones receiving a shawl but everyone who produces a shawl feels rewarded. If you don't know how to knit or crochet, someone will teach you. If not, just join for the fun of being with people and hearing about how the shawls have been welcomed and made a difference in peoples lives Sandee Wheeler A knitter
What is DOK? Daughters of the King is an order of lay women who seek to deepen their spiritual lives. Through readings, the website, diocesan assemblies and the Triennial before each General Convention of the Episcopal Church USA, members receive support from each other to fulfill God s will for her and to strengthen the spiritual life of Trinity. A rule of life is a self-imposed spiritual discipline practiced daily by an individual. It includes regular and seasonal devotions, both private and public, and is a commitment intelligently and prayerfully considered. A rule of life sets apart an order from other church organizations. (From https:// www.doknational.org/page/ruleoflife ) Business Daughters of the King held elections in May. New officers are: Nancy Smith, President, Karen McAllister, Vice-President, Leah Timberlake, Secretary. Kitti Lindusky was recognized at the June meeting. for her preceding two years of service as Acting President in the absence of Blu Turner. Meeting Content Meetings are on the first Sunday of each month in the southeast corner of Rogers Hall. Visitors and observers are welcome. Each meeting consists of prayers, business and a study. We are now using the DOK Study Guide for prospective members (in discernment). The August Study topic is What Does Christ Expect of His Daughters? We will address the reading and questions in the Study Guide (see https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.doknational.org/resource/resmgr/literature/national_study_guide.pdf Members in discernment are Linda Dixon, Nancy Stengele, Eileen Bernat and Laura Geller O Reilly. JOIN US for refreshments at 11:15 after the 10 o clock service on September 2. Nancy Smith, President
Supporting the Everett Gospel Mission The Everett Gospel Mission has been caring for people experiencing homelessness for 55 years. On any given night, up to 40 children will fall asleep in their shelter, feeling safe and warm. It takes a lot of time, money and supplies to care for so many families. Right now, diapers, wipes and other baby supplies are in great demand. The women s shelter especially needs diapers in sizes 3, 4, 5 and 6, plus pull-ups. If you d like to help supply this need, please bring these items to the Trinity narthex and deposit them in the box marked Everett Gospel Mission Diaper Drive located in Trinity s entry hall (the narthex). By donating something as seemingly basic as diapers, you will be directly benefitting homeless children and families in our area! If you have any questions, please call Mary Heileson at 425-349-4849, or ask Ron Chappell or Melody Oxley.
Items are needed for the Food Pantry that Kelly maintains in the Church Office. When bringing items in please keep the following things in mind: please do not donate food that is expired all outdated and expired foods will be thrown out this is not the time to clean out your pantry Any opened food items will be thrown out
August 5 Pent 11 Exodus 16:2-4,9-15 Psalm 78:23-29 Ephesians 4:1-16 John 6:24-35 August 12 Pent 12 1 Kings 19:4-8 Psalm 34:1-8 Ephesians 4:25-5:2 John 6:35, 41-51
August 19 Pent 13 Proverbs 9:1-6 Psalm 34:9-14 Ephesians 5:15-20 John 6:51-58 August 26 Pent 14 Joshua 24:1-2a,14-18 Psalm 34:15-22 Ephesians 6:10-20 John 6:56-69
Class of 2018 Carol Bartley Gonzalo Canseco Harry Stengele Jeff Wheeler Class of 2019 Eileen Bernat Jason Grace Nick Fuchs Janet Kowalski Class of 2020 Christopher Jennings Doug Lathom Andraya Moser Julia Vandervegt Treasurer David Kosar Clerk of the Vestry Michelle Wheeler Chancellor Sarah Mack Delegates Ray Smith - 1 year Bob Wheeler - 1 year John Heberling - 2 years Mary Heileson - 2 years Alternate Delegates Diana Baird (First Alternate) Ben Baird (Second Alternate) Gonzalo Canseco (Third Alternate) Melody Oxley (Forth Alternate) Regional Convener Leann Harrison Torgerson
Lillian Cronkhite - 8/2 William MacPherson - 8/2 Samuel Newman - 8/2 Jim Bassett - 8/4 Scott Bayles - 8/4 Susan Anderson - 8/6 Addie Barrios - 8/6 David Erbeck - 8/7 Bill Wenembisi - 8/7 Thomas McDonnell - 8/11 Mary Lynne Clark - 8/13 Ronald Zenie - 8/14 Laura O Reilly - 8/20 Collins Machyo - 8/22 Grayson Malone - 8/22 Kristen Cunningham - 8/23 Sandra Wheeler - 8/24 Elaine Zenie - 8/25 Carol Bartley - 8/26 Brett Gellar - 8/28 Nancy Stengele - 8/28 James Johnson - 8/29 Rachael Olsen - 8/31 Theresa Rose - 8/31 G. Robert & Sandra Wheeler - 8/7 Roman Santiago & Addie Barrios - 8/10 Alex Moser & Andraya LaFredo 8/11 Douglas & Elizabeth Bell - 8/14 Jane & James Johnson - 8/14 Wayne & Marie Bond - 8/17 Ray & Kathryn Bowman - 8/17 Raymond & Nancy Smith - 8/18 Donald & Kimberly Wayne - 8/19 John & Janet Hallauer - 8/25 Karl & Nancy Rabel - 8/26 Thomas & Nancy McDonnell - 8/29
Our Parish Prayer List* Let us pray for our own needs and those of others: Those who are ill or in need of prayer Larry V., Blu T., Larry K., Charise L., Louis D., Kara D., John D., Lucille D., Maliki S., Moses S., Milani S., Silas D., Kayleen S., Buzz B., Kerry S., Billie C., Barb L., Mary B., Norma H., Doris Mc., Lisa B., Genevieve E., Elaine A., Adam A., Lil C., Lee G., Julie A., Jean M., Carole., Guillermo O., Brian T., Dee R., Melissa C., Brad R., Brian C., Joel D., Nate D., Ben D., Donna L. Paul L., Omar C., Brian T., Jann S., Jamie M., Casey C., Phillip N., Helmi H., Sharon S., Brett G., Laura O., Emily V., Vonnie E., Mary T., Mary U., Liz Mc., Steve Mc., Bill B., Olivia L For the victims and families of natural disasters around the world; for those who suffer from chronic illnesses; for those who are caregivers for their loved ones and others. Our Parish Military List** For those on deployment, in the military and their families: Bryce Abbott - (nephew of Bonnie Wold) Danielle Bevans - (granddaughter of Margaret Bevans) Mark Bove Jr - (friend of Deborah & Harry Estep) Tad Carson - (son of Jerry & Carolyn Carson) Darius Crisp - (nephew of Kelly DiCicco & David Kosar) Ryan French - (great nephew of Jenny Miller) Chris Hogan - (son of Cindy Hogan) Paul Jokiel - (cousin of Pastor Rachel) John Snyder - (son of Stu & Ellie Snyder) Mark Wold - (son of Bonnie Wold) George - (friend of Janet & Jim Hallauer) Chaplain Jim Lewis - (nephew of Fr Wayne & Marie Bond) * If you or someone you know is in need of prayer, and would like to be included on the Parish Sick List, please contact the Parish Office to be included. ** If you or someone you know is in the Military, and would like to be included on the Parish Military List, please contact the Parish Office to be included.
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