Trinity Tidings July 2016

trinitytidings@hotmail.com

The Dioconate and Kanuga

As part of my diaconate training, I was assigned to choose a summer project

that would ‘stretch’ me and allow me to minister in an area in which I’m

unfamiliar. I chose to work with AIDS Services Coalition. Kathy Garner and

her staff were extremely welcoming and I was invited to start my work by

accompanying Kathy, two of her staff members, and 24 other people from

Mississippi to the 25th Annual HIV/AIDS retreat at Kanuga. There we joined

about 220 more people, almost all of whom were HIV positive. I was a little

fearful about my role on this trip and had never been to Kanuga before. It took

about thirty minutes after we arrived to find myself at a staff meeting, signing

up to help with Sunday Eucharist, and putting batteries in flashlights to give out

during one of the meditations. I helped register people, showed them where

their cabins were, got them water and tea, helped them carry their belongings,

and a myriad of other tasks that made the four days fly by. I can’t remember a

time when I had as much fun at a retreat as I had there. The people were just

amazing. I never imagined that I would be a backup singer to Kathy’s guitar

rendition of Purple Rain during a talent show or watch my life flash before me

as I held on for dear life on the back of a golf cart Kathy was driving. I never

thought I would have the chance to sit for hours listening to story after story as

people told the details of their lives and how they had contracted HIV. We had

an amazing healing service, a dove release, arts and crafts, an ice cream social, a

dance, a jazz fest, and many more activities that allowed the participants a

chance to relax, put their feet up, get fed spiritually and physically, and be in

community with others going through the same life experiences they were.

My eyes were opened to the discrimination these people face every day and to

the painful side effects of the medicines they take. The words ‘stigma’ and ‘disclosure’ came up again and again. Most of them had hopes and dreams for the future, even with the uncertainty of HIV hanging over them. At some point, I forgot they were HIV positive and just started to see them as people just like me, trying to live life the best we can with what we have been given. I forgot my fears of what my role would be and just ‘did’. The theme of the retreat was ‘let your light so shine’ and these people were living examples of doing just that. I was a changed person when I got off the bus back in Hattiesburg. I felt richer just for having spent time with the people at the retreat. On our last Sunday service, the participants were told during the sermon about the shootings in Orlando and also that this would be the last retreat of this type for them. It was a very sad time but one that I was glad to be a part of. We are all in this life together, all on the same journey. I will always wonder what happened to this one or that one that I met at Kanuga.

Would I go back? Most definitely!

God’s peace to you,

Jan

_______________________________________________________________________________________

**Treasurer’s Note**

If paying your pledge or contribution in cash and you want credit for it, please put your cash in an envelope with your name so that we can apply it appropriately.

You can also donate online at www.tr inityhattiesburg.dioms.org or through your own bank bill pay. If you need account information, please call Jan Moore at 601-549-7206.

Giving Statements & Directory Info Update

The giving statements are going out next week and will include a printout of info we

have listed for the family. Please make sure you’re contact info is correct for the

online directory! You can make cor rections and return it to the office or email

Jan Moore at jmoore4293@gmail.com.

Christmas in July to

Benefit 1-2-1 Haven House and 227 Place

During the month of July, we will receive contributions specifically

for these two facilities. Please leave your donations under the tree in

the Parish Hall. Hygiene products for women as well as household

cleaners and food would be greatly appreciated. Some suggestions

are: canned meats, veggies, and fruits; pasta, rice, cereal, coffee,

creamer, sugar, teabags, granola bars, paper towels, laundry

detergent, toilet paper, dish detergent, bleach, Lysol spray, shampoo,

deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, and soap. Let’s make this

July a very special month for those who are less fortunate!

______________________________________________________________________________________________

THE WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY GROUP

Is reading

Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White Wednesdays, 10:30 to 11:45 in the Library

We welcome you to join us at any time. ____________________________________________________

Updating Church Directory!

It’s that time again to update the church directory! If you’ve already joined the online church directory, you can change

your info right on the website or in the app. If not, please call or email the church office to update your contact info!

P. 3

Vestry Highlights June 21, 2016

The window awnings have been installed. Clark tabled the discussion on

architects until a future meeting. James McCormick and Clark repaired the

bell in the bell tower.

The Outward and Visible Signs event was well received. The team will

brainstorm for a future event. Jim Friedrich gave a wonderful homily on

the Sunday after the event.

Jan will meet with the Membership Development team in July. Team lead-

ers will discuss how best to serve our current and potential members and

will then recruit parishioners to help them with their specific areas of minis-

try. The member database is being updated. Several parishioners are now

using Access as well as the phone app to update their information and to see

calendar events and contributions. Kristin is working on a new visitor card

and is also planning a meeting about signage when Meg returns.

Christmas in July contributions will be taken for 1-2-1 Haven House and

227 Place. Food items, household cleaners, and women’s hygiene products

are needed. There will be a tree in the parish hall during the month of July

for donations.

Quincy held a day camp with the scouts last week. They went to Black

Creek, the zoo, and also had activities on the grounds. He plans to take the

scouts to Camp Tiak next week for two nights. The Eagle Scout will have

an award ceremony as soon as the paperwork gets completed.

We are looking good financially. Supply clergy is over-budget for the

month but not for the year.

Discussion was held on status of the church van. Clark had to replace the

battery but it still has ignition issues. It needs to be painted, it is rusted, and

an armrest has been torn off. Members voted to sell the van and then rent a

van for the few times we need one during the year. Jan will check on the

insurance and title and also see if we need permission to sell from the do-

nor. P. 4

EFM at TRINITY Education for Ministry

Tom Fortner and Patty Bomboy will begin a first year EFM group in the fall. EFM is a program of theological education-at-a-distance of the School of The-ology of the University of the South. Participants sign up for one year at a time for this four-year program. It covers the basics of a theological education in the Old and New Testaments, church history, liturgy, and theology. The goal of the program is to help prepare participants for lay ministry within the diverse con-texts of contemporary life and to have fun in the process! The group will meet on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 to 8:30 and will begin September 13, 2016 and continue until the end of May. If you are interested in learning more or receiv-ing an application, contact Tom..601-467-4535 or Patty..601-310-5797, dpbomboy@comcast.net or simply speak to us at church. Enrollment will close July 10, 2016 and space is limited.

__________________________________________________________

Monday Night Book Group

Presently meeting at Patio 44, 6 p.m.

Now reading: Henri Nouwen

The Return of the Prodigal Son

Next: Clayton Sullivan’s

Jesus and the Sweet Pilgrim Baptist Church

(The group will not meet July 4.)

________________________________________________________

SCOUT REACH CAMP

July 11—15

P. 6

DEADLINE FOR THE JULY TIDINGS

Friday, July 22, 10 A.M.

WE WILL FOLD THE TIDINGS WEDNESDAY, July 27 EMAIL TO: trinitytidings@hotmail.com

_____________________________________________________________________

The Weekly Grail

our weekly announcements inserted in the Sunday Bulletin

DEADLINE each week is Monday. The Weekly Grail is approved on Tuesday

and printed on Wednesday. Email your announcements for “The Weekly Grail” to: trinityadm@aol.com

Please put in the subject line: Weekly Grail.

____________________________________________________________________

OFFICE HOURS: Monday – Thursday 8:30 to 4:30

Friday 8:30 to 12:30

Web Site: trinityhattiesburg.dioms.org

TRINITY CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED Monday, July 4th

________________________________________________________

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES

Nursery – Up to Age 3 Faynaisa Loner, Nursery Manager

Caroline Ratliff, Assistant

Lectionary Class, Library Stan Hauer and Tom Fortner

Youth Sunday School will not meet in the summer.

Hymns for July July 3 718 God of our fathers 531 O Spirit of the living God 498 Beneath the cross of Jesus 178 Alleluia, alleluia, give thanks to the risen Lord 541 Come, labor on July 10 392 Come, we that love the Lord 8 Morning has broken 659 O Master, let me walk with thee 344 Lord, dismiss us with thy blessing 657 Love divine, all loves excelling July 17 401 The God of Abraham praise 377 All people that on earth do dwell 499 Lord God, you now have set your servant free 488 Be thou my vision 414 God, my King, thy might confessing July 24 47 On this day, the first of days 635 If thou but trust in God to guide thee 615 “Thy kingdom come!” 581 Where charity and love prevail 397 Now thank we all our God July 31 594 God of grace and God of glory 533 How wondrous and great thy works 302 Father, we thank thee who hast planted 701 Jesus, all my gladness 665 All my hope on God is founded P. 8

Hey Kids, Guess What Time It Is? (Almost)

Annual Ministry Market Day Sunday, September 11, 2016

In just a little over two months, we will be celebrating our Annual Ministry Market. Yes, we can hear the groans now that it’s too early to even start thinking about it. However, it’s precisely at this time that we must start thinking about it because there is so much to be done to ensure a successful day for all.

As you know, our Annual Ministry Market Day lets Trinity provide our membership with the opportunity to visit with our various committees and guilds to learn firsthand how they support Trinity, bringing wonderful ways of involvement and enjoyment to our parish community. If you have questions about what a guild or committee’s purpose and what is required to be a member, they will have the answers for you.

We will again offer raffle tickets at the low, low price of just $1.00 for various door prizes that we are starting to collect. We will also have a silent auction for our more valued/upscale items. This is where we need your help. Our church is blessed with an abundance of members whose donation of time, talent or treasure would be greatly ap-preciated. Whether it is a gift certificate to a business you have involvement with, an item from a business you own, a piece of art from your handwork/craft, etc., all will be appreciated. A donated item doesn’t have to be tangible. Do you have a talent for cook-ing, flower arranging, gardening, sewing, computer skills, music, etc.? Please consider giving a gift certificate for your specific expertise. Could you prepare a specialty meal for a group, provide a fresh flower arrangement every so often to an individual, give someone music lessons, or help someone in their gardening efforts? The possibilities are many.

All this and we will feed you, too. Hamburgers and hot dogs with all the trimmings, plus chips, cookies, soft drinks, tea, lemonade and water will be provided.

Please give this request your consideration. We need you to help us be successful in continuing Trinity’s worship and fellowship.

We will be issuing more information in the coming weeks through The Weekly Grail, our website, and the August Tidings regarding where and when to bring your donations.

Thank you.

Your Ministry Market Committee,

Mary Deane McInnis, Dabney Helms, and Jan Housley

.Treasured Trinitarians: Cathy Hopkins

By Susan E. Steadman

Sitting at my computer thinking about this month’s Treasured Trinitarian, I am listening to a podcast. Podcasts before meeting this month’s featured church member was an app on my phone that I hadn’t discovered. Now I find

myself listening to them incessantly, thanks to Cathy Hopkins.

Cathy Hopkins has spent the past four years being a beacon of light at Trinity. “My first memory of Trinity was four years ago when I came with a friend. I remember taking in the beauty of the sanctuary and meeting the ever cheerful Henry Bivins. What a great greeter Henry is for Trinity.”

What makes Trinity special? “It has a physical sacredness in the mortar and bones of the church. You can feel that meaningful events have happened over the last century in this parish. The tapestry of families and friends that are interwoven within this church are what makes it special. It is being connected to this deep spiritual movement that makes me feel embraced.”

“My one prayer for Trinity is that it continues to be a proponent of the mantra that “Love Wins.” I hope to see Trinity doing big things in the future, that our love of God seeps over to create something meaningful in the lives of our community and the lives of others. I know I want to do something BIG. I hope this spirit catches on and is contagious. I am all for affecting change on a local level.”

When asked what activities nurture her spiritually, she replied, “Any activity I have participated in has blessed me exponentially. I have truly enjoyed getting to know the people of Trinity. People to people connection is very important to me, whether its chalice bearing, verging, or drinking coffee between services. I love being present and connecting with others. Learning what is unique about every person is a joy for me. I think that is what we are called to do, to connect. Hands down, the book club on Monday has been the most special activity for me. The ladies in the book club are truly precious to me, and I feel grateful for their friendship.”

P. 10

Favorite hymns? “I like anything that Jane Butler plays. I feel honored to be in her musical presence (isn’t she amazing?). My favorite hymns stem from Cursillo. I feel most moved by those types of songs.”

And finally, what made Trinity her place to land? “I feel like I started a journey four years ago, a maturation of my faith. I like participating in the Eucharist with the people of Trinity. It is a beautiful thing. I feel like I can grow and evolve within my faith and the ideals of this church will not stifle my growth and evolution but will simply foment my journey.”

And all I can say at the conclusion to this interview is WOW. Cathy Hopkins has reached out and touched the lives of so many of us who need the connection, that spark of life. A real gift among the treasures in our congregation. She makes me want to renew my conviction to love and encour-age, express gratitude, and listen to podcasts.

————————————————————————————————

Commission and Guild Meetings

Finance Committee July 25 5:15 p.m.

Vestry July 26 5:15 p.m.

Daughters of the King July 20 5:30 p.m.

Heavenly Hands Wednesdays 4:30 p.m.

Teach Them to Fish Wednesdays 5:30 p.m.

P. 11

PRAYER LIST REQUEST FORM Please add the following individual to the prayer list. Date_________________

Name_________________________________________________________________

Submitted, with permission from the above named person, by____________________________________________________________________

Brief explanation (family member, friend, military deployment, etc.) ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________

Please return this form to the church office or place in the Sunday collection bas-ket. Names will remain on the prayer list monthly. Those who continue to need our prayers may be resubmitted for one month from the date submitted.