I am writing to share with you the news that I have accepted a call to be the interim rector of St. James Church in Jackson, beginning on May 1st. While this turn will be a good fit for me in this season of my life, the decision comes with no small amount of sadness at the thought of leaving Trinity. We have now shared almost ten years together, a remarkable time, and one for which I am deeply grateful when I consider our milestones. Among them, these come quickly to mind:

A P R I L 2 0 1 9

Inside this IssueA Letter from the Senior Warden: p. 2-3 Events and Updates: p. 4Treasured Trinitarian: Dabney Helms, p. 8

Trinity History: p. 5 Reminder: Tuesdays at Trinity April 2 & 9 Reminder: Holy Week April 14-21

T h e R e v . M a r i a n D . F o r t n e r

Celebrating the centennial of Trinity’s location at First and Pine (2012)The collaborative work of A History of Trinity Church (2012)The blessing of same-sex unions (2014)Raising $800,000 toward a $1.5 million dollar building campaignTwo curacies with The Rev. Van Bankston and The Rev. Alex AllainThe ordination of The Rev. Jan Moore to the diaconateSustaining the existing outreach of Trinity Play School, Teach Them To Fish, Breadbasket and the AIDS Service Coalition, while adding new projects such as Scout Reach Troop 448, our Girl Scout Troop, Earl Travillion and Hattiesburg StringsNumerous parish activities, crawfish boils, and one garage saleCommunity rebuilding and support through two tornadoes (2013, 2017)Establishing Hattiesburg Contemplative Fellowship with ecumenical partnersThe continued community offering of Tuesdays at Trinity and an excellent music programAdding the St. Cecelia’s Children’s ChoirHosting the Diocesan Annual Council (2019)Establishing a sustainable, weekly EYCEstablishing Canterbury-ECUSM with weekly services and supporting the recent pilgrimage to Canterbury, England, just last week

Continued on page 2

A Letter From Marian

This work, you will recognize, is not my own, but the work of many members willing to work alongside each other to stretch the kingdom of God. Through it all, it has been my privilege to work with a staff of high integrity and professionalism, currently, Jane Butler, Jan Moore, Kristin McNair, and Alex Allain. I am deeply grateful for this small band of dedicated Christians, who inspire me daily. I believe that there is much more to come in the life of Trinity, and that it is time for her people to discern that next step in due time with new leadership, a proposition that is exciting for a church with a mighty spirit. While I must step back in order to allow that to happen in a healthy way, Hattiesburg will continue as our permanent residence as Tom continues his law practice. In the meantime, I rejoice in our time together. I am grateful for the many ways that you have embraced my family and allowed us into yours. It has been good, rich, and full. I close this letter with a profound sense of gratitude for each and every one of you. Thank you. Faithfully and gratefully, Marian+

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A Letter from Marian Continued

A Letter from Senior Warden Ward Conville

Over the last few weeks, Marian has shared with me her thoughts about her opportunity of an interim job in Jackson.  During those conversations she and I reflected on her nearly 10 years as our Rector.  Although I did not welcome her decision and will greatly miss her leadership at Trinity, I do understand that a decade is a very long time to be the head of any institution, especially a church.  As she approaches her retirement years an interim job will be a nice fit for her to decide how she wants to ease into another stage in life for her and Tom.     Periods of transition and  and change can breed uncertainty and doubt, but they can also be a welcome time to pause, reflect, and determine the best path forward to spur renewal, growth, and new ways of looking at our life together.  I am choosing the later and will focus on all that is positive at Trinity.  I am thankful we will be starting the rector search process on a solid foundation with the benefit of the mutually strong relationship we have had with Marian. I am confident that this will make Trinity a more appealing option for potential candidates and puts us in a better mindset to find the next priest to lead us forward. I spoke with Rev. Canon Paul Stephens with the Dioceses a few days ago.  He gave me

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Liturgy Commission             April 1                     1pm Finance Committee              April 7                     9:15am Daughters of the King          April 10                   4:30pm Vestry Meeting                      April 10                   5:15pm  Heavenly Hands                   Wednesdays           3:00pm Teach Them To Fish            Wednesdays           5:30pm EYC                                         Sundays                  4:30pm Newsletter Folders               April 24                  10:00am

Commission and Guild Meetings

comfort that we can expect much assistance from the Bishop’s office with the possible placement of an interim and assistance with the search process.  After my conversations with Rev. Stephens, Marian and Alex, I am convinced that both Trinity and Hattiesburg will be strong draws for prospective candidates.   My message is Fear Not.  I remind all that Trinity has been on the corner of Pine and First for over 100 years and good priests have come and gone.  We are an enduring parish that provides a unique place of worship and a beacon of light in downtown Hattiesburg.  I look forward to you sharing your thoughts with me and the rest of the vestry as we move into this new phase.   Yours in Christ, /s/ Ward

Congratulations Congratulations to The Rev. Alex Allain and his fiancé Kelly on their recent engagement! They've made plans to be married in Raleigh, NC and have set a date for July 4, 2019. Many blessings to them both!

Events and Updates

April 2 and 9 Tuesdays at Trinity Lenten Concert &

Luncheon Series, 12 pm

April 14-21 Holy Week Services

April 20

Baptismal Date: Easter Vigil

April 23

Bishop visits ECUSM

April 28 Marian's last Sunday,

reception between services

Last Wednesday of

each Month Need Newsletter folders!

Event Highlights

April 2 and April 9 Tuesdays at Trinity The annual Tuesdays at Trinity concert/luncheon series continues on April 2 at noon with a 30 minute concert featuring the Larry Panella Jazz Trio, and the last program on April 9 will be a string trio recital by Zully Morales Orret et al. The Merry Marthas will provide a delicious lunch at 12:30 for $10 a plate.   If you have never attended one of these concerts/lunches, please try to come to at least one of them.  We have so many friends from the community who come every year but so few from Trinity.  Please support the effort by the Merry Marthas, who work so very hard to provide their wonderful lunches. April 13 Quiet Day Hosted by Daughters of the King Rev. Deacon Jan Moore will lead a Quiet Day on Saturday, April 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Additional details on page 9. April 28 The Bishop will visit Canterbury at ECUSM at Trinity and will hold a service here at Trinity.  April 28 Marian's last Sunday, we will have a reception in between services. April 14 Palm Sunday services at 8:30 am and 10:30 am April 15- 17 Holy Week services Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at        5:30 pm April 18 Maundy Thursday Service at 5:30 pm April 19 Good Friday service at noon April 20 Holy Saturday       Blessing and Dyeing of the Eggs, 10:00 am in chapel       The Great Easter Vigil of Easter, 7:00 pm April 20 Easter Vigil and Baptismal Date    April 21 Easter Day       Festive Eucharist, 8:30 am & 10:30 am       Easter Brunch, 9:30 am       Easter Egg Hunt, 10:00 am                                 

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Holy Week Services

Nursery to Age 3 Nursery

Caroline Ratliff Katelyn Carmichael

Ages 3 to 7

Atrium Jennifer Landry

Ages 8-11 Room 7

Ward Conville

Ages 12-17 Room 5

Tiffany & Marshall Wall

Lectionary Class Alex's Office Tom Fortner

Richard Rohr

Discussion Group Room 2

Cathy Hopkins Ellen Ruffin

Adult Forum

Chapel The Rev. Alex

The Rev. Marian The Rev. Deacon Jan

Sunday School

Information

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Trinity History Shared by Meg Paul

Below is an article that appeared in the Hattiesburg American and mentions The Rev. Dr. Simpson-Atmore, Trinity's priest when the church was originally built. The article is transcribed below.

Will be Secretary at Episcopal Hut      Announcement was made today by Dr. Simpson-Atmore, civilian chaplain in charge of the work of the Episcopal church at Camp Shelby that John Toler of North Carolina, would come shortly to the camp to be secretary of the hut.      Mr. Toler is a member of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, the organization which has the Episcopal work at the camps in hand and has wide experience in work at camps.      The appointment of Mr. Toler was made as the result of a request of Dr. Atmore to the heeds of the Brotherhood to send a man to Camp Shelby. Mr. Toler is expected to arrive within two weeks.

Vestry NotesM a r c h 2 0 1 9 M e e t i n g

Vestry Members

Senior Warden Ward Conville

Junior Warden

Greg Brett

Treasurer Michael Watkins

Clerk

Ryan Holt

Vestry Scott Blackwell Beejee Dickson Carol Fletcher Sherman Hong Cathy Hopkins Betsy McIntire

Ellen Ruffin Tom Puckett Susan Smith

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Michael noted that insurance covered the replacement of the boiler less the thousand dollars needed to pump the basement from the original pump failure.Pledges and other plate offerings for the first two months of the year have almost matched to the budget.Michael was optimistic in reporting that if pledges/offerings for March and April continue at pace, there may not be a need to take the quarterly draw from the Burkes Estate. Restricted and unrestricted accounts and noted that they were all in good shape.Alex and Marian both reported full schedules of visits to the home bound and hospitalized for the month.Alex told of the EYC group’s trip to Canterbury England over Spring Break. A total of 13 students traveled to various parts of England.Ellen reported that her Sunday School group will be studying Richard Rohr’s new book, ‘The Universal Christ’. All are welcome to join.Sherman reported that Cindy Blackwell is asking for recipes to publish in the newsletter. She is looking forward to getting contributions to share.Marian says that the 8:30 service is going well so far and will continue for another 5 months at that hour.Jan reported that there is a joint pot luck with Temple B’Nai upcoming.  She hopes to build a continued relationship with them.Jan also let the Vestry know that Earl Travillion Elementary is looking for volunteers to read with the students.  Please contact her for details.Stacey Ready and Lindsay Slawson were recommended to be (continue as) Lay Eucharistic Ministers.Ward and Marian informed the Vestry that Marian has accepted a new position as the Interim Rector of St. James Episcopal Church in Jackson starting in May.  There was discussion of what the transition will look like and how we will go about finding a new Rector.Ward laid out a few options and will be actively working with The Rev. Paul Stephens, Canon to the Ordinary. He will communicate with the Vestry and the Parish as the process unfolds.All were in agreement that although Marian will be missed, Trinity is in a very strong position for a smooth transition. The Vestry thanked Marian for her 10 years of faithful service and wished her all the best in her new position.

Music NotesApril HymnsApril 7 9  Not here for high and holy things 382  King of glory, King of peace 441  In the cross of Christ I glory 679  Surely it is God who saves me 149  Eternal Lord of love, behold your Church April 14 154  All glory, laud, and honor 158  Ah, holy Jesus, how hast thou offended 168  O sacred head, sore wounded April 21 175 Hail thee, festival day 180  He is risen, he is risen 210  The day of resurrection! 213  Come away to the skies 305  Come, risen Lord, and deign to be our guest 207  Jesus Christ is risen today April 28   432  O praise ye the Lord 435  At the Name of Jesus 203  O sons and daughters, let us sing 178  Alleluia, alleluia!  Give thanks 205  Good Christians all, rejoice and sing Congrats to our student choir members who will be performing in the production of L’Elisir d’ Amore by Gaetano Donizetti on April 4th and 6th!                                             O’Neil Jones                                            Olivia Morrow                             Phitchaya (Plang) Muangsukham                                         Danielle Watson                                           Matthew Aiken

Choir  Members

Organist Choirmaster Jane Butler

Choir Members Matthew Aiken Gus Bowering Cindy Bivins

Kathy Carmichael Linda Foshee Hal Halvorson

Alice Carol Gray Sandy Gunter Pamela Jones O'Neil Jones Diane Key

Debbie Kreiser Michael Matrick

James McCormick Betty Moore Tom Puckett Jane Walker

Danielle Watson Mary Gail Wildman

St Cecilia Children's

Choir Members Rick Conville Erin Kreiser Sam Line Ellie Line

Caedmon Line Brantley Powell Emery Powell

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Treasured  Trinitarian

S u s a n S t e a d m a n

Dabney Helms Sometimes we remember the exact moment we meet someone. I was my mom’s designated driver to a Merry Martha meeting where the plans for a new season of Tuesdays at Trinity were in the making. The infamous Coco Sutherland was the mastermind and master chief and my mom was her dedicated publicist. Sitting at our table was a vivacious new addition to Trinity, Dabney Helms. I remember the moment like it was yesterday. Now as Dabney is featured as this month’s Treasured Trinitarian, it’s good to learn a little of what brought her here to begin with.

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What is your first memory of Trinity? We moved to Petal from South Texas. We came here because our daughter lives here with her husband and three children, and we were very involved with a small Episcopal church in Port Isabel. When we came here we visited several churches in Petal and Hattiesburg, I was specifically looking for a self-directed Bible study group. I made an appointment with Rev. Fortner, and she said she would see what could be done about that. What made Trinity your place to land? Since none of the other churches had a Bible study, we decided to stick with Trinity and see what comes up that was when a most incredible person entered the picture, Mrs. Coco Sutherland. The group is now five or six ladies and we have been together for about four and a half years. The are my rock and support group when needed. So therefore, I am very involved with Trinity. What makes Trinity special? Of course, the people of Trinity are what make the difference. What is your prayer for Trinity? My prayer for Trinity is to increase the membership.

Treasured Trinitarian continuedWhat activities have nurtured you spiritually? I love Bible Study, but I also love Bread Basket. I like serving at mass on Wednesday. I am on the Altar Guild, Usher, Chalice Bearer, and Eucharistic reader. Another thing Miss Coco got me involved in was the Merry Marthas. I love that group of people. Favorite Hymns? We attend the early service so there is no music, but I have always liked “Welcome Happy Morning at Easter.” While thinking about my first encounter with Dabney, it also stirred a sense of destiny. Jane and I were being trained at that very moment in time to carry on the work of our mothers, and here we are four years later carrying on their legacy with our lives. It makes it all worthwhile.

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Daughters of the King S u s a n S t e a d m a n

Quiet Day Planned to prepare for meaningful Holy Week Be Still, Listen…. Looking for a meaningful way to prepare for a somber Holy Week? Trying to discover a way to make sense of your Lenten journey? Rev. Deacon Jan Moore will lead a Quiet Day on Saturday, April 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. giving us moments to reflect on our own spiritual journey as we prepare for Holy Week and the glorious Light of Easter Sunday. Hosted by the Daughters of the King, everyone is invited to experience quietness, walk around the beautiful grounds and listen to the words of Deacon Jan that will prompt reflection. No registration is required. Light refreshments will be served. Participants are asked to bring a brown bag lunch to enjoy. It is in stillness that we can truly hear, come be still and listen.

Outreach Opportunities

Girl Scouts

Meets every other week

Teach Them to Fish Meets every Wednesday

Heavenly Hands

Prayer Shawls and Lap Blankets

Earl Travillion and Mary

Bethune Schools Supplies & Volunteers

AIDS Services Coalition

Toiletries & Volunteers

Breadbasket Volunteer to help

give out food baskets

Scoutreach Troop Meets every other week

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While my heart is broken, it is full because of the many acts of caring you have shown me recently. I know first-hand how much a phone call, a note, a flower, a knock on the door, a hug, a note, any act of kindness can do to numb the drama of a horrendous loss. We never know what loss will hit us the hardest or cause a tsunami of sorrow, but I have never – gratefully so – been impacted firsthand by an act of violence and the pain cuts far into my soul. I am more committed to show light in a world of darkness, to offer encouragement, to do unto others like I want to be done unto, and to be more like all of you. During this Lenten journey, it is only appropriate to look deeply into the darkness in our hearts and hope for the light of the upcoming resurrection. I ask each of you to think of our homebound and nursing home residents during the Easter season. Give them a call or write a note. If anyone needs a list, please ask me and I would love to share. Be aware of the unspoken needs of others. I am so humbled by all the good I see each of you doing. The sparks of love are everywhere. We are all called to care – and thank you again and again for all you do. Onward.

Calling and Caring Susan Steadman

Coffee Hour Recipe From Make Ready the Feast - The Episcopal Church

1 package of large marshmallows.             Sugar 1 package of dinner rolls                             1 tsp. Vanilla Cinnamon                                                     1-2 sticks of butter, melted

Create a bowl of cinnamon sugar (make it to your liking…smaller kids, less cinnamon usually works well). Put the melted butter and vanilla in another bowl. Take one of the dinner rolls and flatten it out. Place the marshmallow in the middle and form the dough back around it. Make sure no marshmallow is exposed. Dip the roll into the butter and then into the cinnamon sugar.Bake according to the package instructions. Make sure they aren’t too close together. I’ve also baked them in muffin tins with success.Let cool completely. There will be marshmallow-ooze when you take them out, and it is very hot.

Resurrection Rolls

Church OfficeOffice Hours

Monday - Thursday 8:30 to 4:30 Friday 8:30 to 12:30

Closed daily for lunch

Phone: 601-544-5551 Email: trinity.hburg@gmail.com

Website: www.trinityhattiesburg.dioms.org

Get the latest Trinity news on our Facebook Business Page:  Facebook.com/TrinityHattiesburg

Join the Trinity Facebook Group & chat with other parishioners!

facebook.com/groups/TrinityHburgGroup/

Sundays 8:30 am and 10:30 am

Wednesdays

9:30 am

Trinity Staff

Newsletter Information

To request content for the announcements inserted into the Sunday bulletin:

Email your announcements to trinity.hburg@gmail.com Deadline each week is Monday.

Deadline for the May newsletter Wednesday, April 12, 2019 at Noon.

Please note earlier date due to Holy Week!

We will fold the newsletter Wednesday, April 24, at 10 am

Email content requests to trinity.hburg@gmail.com

Weekly Bulletin InformationWorship  Services

Rector The Rev. Marian D. Fortner

Associate Rector

The Rev. Alex Allain

Deacon The Rev. Deacon Jan Moore

Parish Administrator

Kristin McNair

Bookkeeper Jan Moore

Organist & Choirmaster

Jane Butler

Sexton Larry Smith

Nursery Workers

Caroline Ratliff Katelyn Carmichael

EYC Leaders

Jamie Massengale Abby Alford

Trinity Playschool

Jessica Shemper, Director Judy Haydel, Assistant

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Prayer List RequestPlease add the following individual to the prayer list:

Post Office Box 1483  Hattiesburg, MS 39401 www.trinityhattiesburg.dioms.org

trinity.hburg@gmail.com 601-544-5551

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Hattiesburg, MS 39402

PERMIT NO. 131

Electronic Service Requested

Submitted with permission from the above named person, by: 

Please provide a brief explanation (family member, friend, military deployment, etc.) 

Please return this form to the church office or place in the Sunday collection plate.As a reminder: We update our prayer list monthly. If continued prayers are desired for an extended period of time, we can transition names to the long-term list of ongoing prayers. Call the church office to speak with The Rev. Deacon Jan Moore with additions, removals, and transitions to the prayer list. We are always willing to pray for those in need.

APRIL 2019 NEWSLETTER