John Updike is well-known for his novels for which he has received two
Pulitzer prizes. Less well-known are his poems, which reflect his commitment
to the Christian faith, as seen here in his literal acceptance of the Easter
story.
SEVEN STANZAS OF EASTER
Make no mistake: if He rose at all it was as His body; if the cells' dissolution did not reverse, the molecules reknit, the amino acids rekindle, the Church will fall.
It was not as the flowers,
each soft Spring recurrent;
it was not as His Spirit in the mouths and fuddled
eyes of the eleven apostles; it was as His flesh: ours.
The same hinged thumb and toes,
the same valved heart
that-pierced-died, withered, paused and then regathered
out of the enduring Might new strength to enclose.
Let us not mock God with metaphor
analogy, sidestepping, transcendence,
making of the event a parable, a sign painted in the faded credulity of
earlier ages:
let us walk through the door.
The stone is rolled back, not paper-mache, not a stone in a story, but the
vast rock of materiality that in the slow grinding of time will eclipse for
us the wide light of day.
And if we will have an angel in the tomb, make it a real angel, weighty with
Max Planck's quanta, vivid with hair, opaque in the dawn light, robed in
real linen spun on a definite loom.
Let us not seek to make it less monstrous, for our own convenience, our own
sense of beauty, lest, awakened in one unthinkable hour, we are embarrassed
by the miracle, and crushed by remonstrance.
Telephone Poles and Other Poems (1961)
FR. JACOBS AWAY
John & Betsy Jacobs will be visiting family in Pinehurst, N.C. from May 2-8. The Rev'd Don Clawson will officiate at services on May 7-8, and the Rev'd Lew
Gwyn will officiate at the Thursday 10:00AM healing service (and Bible Study
following).
NOTES ON THE NOTES
This week's prelude and postlude are based on our processional hymn, "Alleluia, O sons and daughters, let us sing" (Hymnal 1982, No. 206). The prelude is by French composer Jean-François Dandrieu (c.1682-1738) and is a set of variations on the tune O filii et filiae, the tune of the hymn. This style of organ work, a French Noël is usually based on French Christmas carol tunes and is meant to display the many beautiful colors of the organ. The postlude is by twentieth-century female composer Jeanne Demessieux (1921-1968). She was a student of the renowned organist and composer Marcel Dupré (1886-1971). Demessieux's work is another set of variations on O filii et filiae, but unlike the Dandrieu, is replete with twentieth-century harmonies and techniques, a more contemporary French Noël.
EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN
Please note change of meeting previously scheduled for April 28th has been postponed until Wednesday, May 11th at 11:00 o'clock in the Media Center.
Nominations for president and vice-president are open until the 11th and all interested in serving within Trinity's ECW Ministry are welcome as candidates and committee members. Please notify Nominating Chair, Rosalie Williamson at 299-5211.
Following the election of officers, we will adjourn to Cannon's Restaurant for Installation of Officers and celebration of our 57th year at Trinity. Please call Rosalie to make your reservation for lunch no later than May 5th. Spouses and guests are welcome to join in the celebration. Cannon's will serve your choices from their regular menu and yes, will provide separate checks. Rejoice! . .
Doris Mattingly
ECW President
MAY FRIENDSHIP DAY
Come join ECW as we come together in an ecumenical setting with Church Women United on Saturday, May 7th at 11:30 am at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1850 6th Avenue.
Please bring salad to serve six persons and savor the cuisine and delight of "Living Our Friendship, Passing on the Key"; sharing the same prayers , readings and songs at the same time all around the world.
RSVP for this exciting and informative program that truly is "Living Our Friendship".
Call me at 794-4600 to add your name to the list of Trinitarian friends!
Doris Mattingly
ECW President
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
APRIL 30TH, 2011
10:00 AM
The Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County
6230 77th Street, Vero Beach (772)388-3331
Service Conducted by
The Reverend Dr. John R. Jacobs
The Reverend Deacon Lew Gwyn
Music Performed by
The Vero Beach High School Chamber Strings
Under the direction of Matthew
UNITED THANK OFFERING
The United Thank Offering is a vital mission arm of the Episcopal Church, founded in 1889 by a group of women, originally supportive of women missionaries. It has grown to become a worldwide effort to significantly impact human needs throughout the world, and to expand the mission and ministry of the church.
UTO is a way for each person to express tangible thanks to God. United with the prayers of thanksgiving for our countless blessings, and providing financial support for the mission, today's UTO ministry reaches countries around the world.
Beginning April 30th, and May 1st, envelopes will be available in the Narthex of the Chapel and the Church for you to pick up. Our actual ingathering will take place the following Saturday, May 7th, and Sunday, May 8th. If you will be away, you may send a check to the church, with UTO on the memo line. Thanking you in advance for your support.
Rosalie Williamson
UTO Chairperson
FOOD DONATION TO OUR FATHER'S TABLE SOUP KITCHEN
Our Father's Table Soup Kitchen serves lunch Monday through Friday to the needy and frequently lacks various food items. Our Father's Table is only asking for opened, partially used packages of food. The food can be either perishable or non-perishable. If you are going north soon, this donation would help them with food that might otherwise not be used.
The Soup Kitchen is located at 4221 28th Ave. (the same building as the AME Zion Church). Food may be dropped off there Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 1PM or you can bring it to Trinity Church Office and they will come and pick it up from here.
FIRST SUNDAY
On the first Sunday of every month the loose offering will go to the Rector's Discretionary Fund. Please be generous!
SEASONAL MEMBERS
Please call the church office to let us know what date you would like us to change your mailing address.
