Weekly News
September 4, 2015

 

"God's love calls us to proclaim with joy the Good News of Jesus Christ,
to welcome all people into the community of faith, and to serve Christ through serving others."

 

 

This Sunday's Services
September 6, 2015

7:45am  H. Eucharist, Rite 1
10:00am H.Eucharist, Rite 2 
2:00pm Chapel on the Green


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Back to School & Goodbye to Linda Sheehan

It is back to school time! The rush of the regular routine can easily make us ache for those beautiful relaxing summer days we enjoyed at some point this past summer, even if it was just some afternoon at the New Haven beach. 
But we all know that the importance of education can hardly be overstated. Especially in church life going through our culture's secular season, brainpower is important. More than ever it matters so much for our faith life that we know why we are interested in Jesus, how the Gospel is part of the core fabric of our Western culture, and how our human development is indeed well-served by (as Christians we would say: actually depends on) the presence of Christianity. 
Our Episcopal Church has honored this learning tradition for a long time and we are strongly committed to continue the strengthening of each other, in having strong ideas that help shape strong identities. 
This Sunday Linda Sheehan will speak to us during the 10AM service about this importance of education and who her ministry in our Sunday School has been focused on this over the past 15 years as Sunday School Director. She is now retiring and passing on the button to her successor, Julia Johnson. One last time she will open our Sunday School year for us this Sunday. After the service, we will all gather to express our gratitude for all that Linda has brought to our church's Sunday school.
Luk

Church Picnic: Sunday Sept 13 - Save the Date 
The Trinity Church family picnic will be held on Sunday, September 13, immediately following the last 10:00 a.m. service for the summer. The picnic will be held on the Chapel Street side of the church-in case of rain
 it will be held in the undercroft. 
 
All are asked to bring their favorite dish according to your last name: A-H - dessert, I-Q - appetizer, R-Z - side dish; we will provide hot dogs, hamburgers, soda and water. Raffle ticket prizes for children 12 and under will be given out. 
 
Please contact Cris Sigovitch if you have questions or thoughts at [email protected]. A sign-up sheet is available every Sunday during coffee hour following the 10:00 a.m. service. 
Yoga on the Green at Trinity
Yoga is coming to Trinity. The very experienced teacher Bonnie Moeller is ready to come and teach at Trinity. We will start the class gradually, opening with Saturday classes, first of all geared towards more experienced yoga fans. Later on we hope to offer classes for beginners as well.

Level  II Classes start on Saturday, September 19, from 9-10:40 am. Please contact Bonnie Moeller if you're interested in joining!
Bonnie Moeller is a Certified Iyengar Yoga teacher and has been safely guiding students for over 15 years.    She is an avid practitioner and continues her own study with Senior Iyengar teacher.  203-606-5654 or [email protected] for questions.

Lector's Retreat: Saturday September 12, 9:30-11am

All lectors and everyone interested in being a reader during our services are invited to join our lector's retreat next Saturday  September 12, from 9:30-11am. A liturgist currently specializing at the Divinity School, Angela Wiggins, will be our retreat leader. This is a great opportunity to become a lector and learn more about this richness of this ministry. 
Sunday School Registration is open!
You may register with our new Church School director, Julia Johnson, at coffee hour following the 10am service, or online . If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Julia Johnson. 
 
Treasurer's Report
At the year's midpoint, our parish budget follows expectations established at the beginning of the year.  As budgeted for 2015, our anticipated total revenue is $1.24 million against anticipated expenses of $1.35 million for a total budget deficit of $175k before any budget actions.  Specific details about the budget are provided below. 
Revenues through the month of June were $684k compared to our budget of $1.2 million.  Pledges of $257k are running at 53% of the budget.  The budget of $485k includes the $50k fundraising goal for our Music Program developed in February 2015.  Through June we have received over $33k in pledges toward this goal and have realized over $21k in cash payments.  Endowment income of $326k is 50% of our budget of $502k plus funding of the deficit for 2015 of $145k (the $145k deficit is after budget actions). Other Income of $102k is 40% of our budget of $254k and is on track for the year noting that the Holiday Bazaar income will come in the fall.
Expenses through June were $592k which is 43.6% of our budget of $1.35 million.  Personnel expenses were $401k or 48% of our budget reflecting salaries, wages and benefits.  Program spending was $138k or 42% of our budget of $330k.  Spending is on budget for most of our programs.  Outreach spending will increase significantly in the fall as the Outreach Committee makes contributions to organizations that it approves through its grants process.  Building maintenance spending was $32k which is 22.5% of the budget of $144k.  The June results reflect a $25k rebate received from the Diocese's property insurance carrier.  The credit is one-time based on the Diocese's favorable loss experience.  Without the credit, our spending on maintenance would be $52k through June or 36% of budget.  Administrative expenses of $20k were 41% of the budget of $48k.  These expenses include telephone, internet and other office functions.  Capital spending was $34k through June reflecting spending on our security system, the sound system and some tower repairs. 
Summary:  While our revenues and expenses are tracking to budget, we are still funding a sizable deficit - $145k from our endowment.   The deficit represents a draw of 6.6% of our endowment, an amount 1.6% over our 5% endowment spending rule, after additional fundraising efforts for Music (+$50k) and delays in capital spending ($30k).  The adjustment to capital spending is not sustainable because a detailed study of parish property expenses conducted two years ago showed that expenses should run about $60k per year, excluding periodic costs for larger building repairs such as interior painting or exterior masonry work that require a capital campaign.  This year's deficit is comparable to the one experienced last year and is likely to continue in future years unless the parish undertakes a combination of budget reductions combined with revenue increases.  The Finance Committee and Vestry continue to work on these options which take time and careful consideration.
Endowment Update:  The Investments Committee successfully transferred all of our endowment assets from UBS to Vanguard before June 30th. The transition has been smooth and we are now set to receive our monthly withdrawal as well as handle donations of securities as pledge payments and gifts.  The move was motivated in part to save money on investment management fees.  We believe we should save about $75k per year going forward which is significant for Trinity, especially in a time of volatile markets.  Through June we received $30,000 of endowment gifts and will be transferring those monies to Vanguard in the third quarter.

Respectfully Submitted, David Soper, Treasurer
Budget Chart, click here
 
Jesus is Coming!
A statue of Jesus has been going around area churches and is coming to stay at Trinity. Timothy Schmaltz created this statue with the following in mind: "This sculpture is a visual representation of charity. We should see Christ in the poor and the hungry. We should see our acts of kindness to them as kindness to Him. Inspired by the Gospel of Matthew 25:40."
 
Clean the Green Day

Friends of the Green will sponsor another Clean the Green Day on Saturday September 19th from 10 am to 11:30 am, with a planning meeting on September 9th, in the church office at 5:30.  We will spend an hour and a half picking up small litter in the Upper Green, and it looks much better when we finish.  It's our Green, so let's work to keep in clean-and have fun in the process! We will meet behind Trinity Church at 10am.  Please wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. Gloves and bags are provided; rakes are welcome.  See you there.  Questions:  [email protected]
 
Book Club Meeting
Our first book group meeting will be held on Saturday, September 26 at 5pm at the home of Carolyn Gould; we will have a pot luck of appetizers and desserts. Please contact Carolyn to let you know what you are bringing so we can have a good balance of each. For address information, please contact either Jenny Briggs (203-624-2488) or Carolyn (203-288-9155). 
We will  discuss "All the Light We cannot See" by Anthony Doerr. It is 530 pages long so get reading! 
Camp Washington Weekend: Unplug, Recharge, Connect
 Camp Washington is hosting an event, for teens from 9-12th grade, from October 9-11 at their site. "A weekend of connecting with friends and joining together with youth from around the state". There will be worship, games, music, discussions, canoeing, archery and food. The cost is $75 each person and that includes all meals and lodging. Please see Rowena for details or email her: [email protected]
 
Undoing Racism / Community Organizing Workshop

Lucile Bruce and Kyle Pedersen are organizing a workshop at St. Paul's and St James, together with the People's Institute for Survival and Beyond.  

The workshop will be held September 17 - 19, 2015.  

The Just Moves website offers information and provides a link for applying to attend. This worthwhile workshop will provide attendees with insights into how to address these complex social and community issues.

To learn more, contact Lucile Bruce or Kyle Pedersen

An Updated Trinity Church Directory
A New Date Has Been Added to the Photo Sessions!
The Welcoming Committee would like to thank all staff and parishioners who have been patient as we scheduled another date to replace Friday, September 18th.  After consulting with Paul Stames, our Lifetouch Representative, we have added Monday, September 28th to our photo session dates.   Additional dates will be added as needed in October, should all of the slots for this newest date be filled.  If you go to the Lifetouch website, September 28th is currently available.  If you prefer to sign up in church, there will be members from the committee after each service this Sunday, August 30th and next Sunday, September 6th. 
 
If you chose to sign up online, go to the link on the Trinity Church website.  You will need the following information:
Online sign-ups will require the following information:
  • First and last name (s)
  • Telephone number
  • Email address
  • The total number of people in your group
  • Yes / No (Checking "yes" in this category means that you are asking for an automated phone reminder from Lifetouch.)
Paul also gave us very clear information regarding those parishioners who are unable to make any of the currently scheduled dates.  There are two options:
  • Parishioners may have their photo taken at any church that is offering Lifetouch sessions.  Your photo does not need to be taken at Trinity Church.  A list of locations and dates is forthcoming.
  • Parishioners may submit a photo to the company and it will be included in the directory. 
Each family or individual having a photograph taken will receive a complimentary
8 x 10 photograph and a complimentary copy of the new church directory.  Photograph packages will be for sale; packages include the standard wallet, 5 x 7 and 8 x 10 photographs and a variety of greeting and Christmas cards.
Cookie Baking September 19
Come join the fun of baking cookies for the Holiday Bazaar on September 19 from 9am-12pm! Each year we make over 1,000 cookies in the undercroft to be frozen and sold - you don't have to know how to bake! Please RSVP by September 12 to Gloria Hoda if you're interested in joining; when you sign up, you will be assigned specific items to bring, such as butter, flour or chocolate chips. Gloria Hoda's contact info: [email protected] , (203)430-4066. See you there!
IRIS Seeking English Tutor for Sudanese Refugee
A young man from Darfur needs an English tutor to work with him 2-3 hours per week.  He's currently taking intermediate English classes at New Haven Adult Education.  Very diligent and determined to learn English, but needs extra help, as he is recovering from a car accident that left him with a brain injury.  He is highly motivated and mobile. He can meet tutors at the New Haven library, at Trinity, or wherever is most convenient for them that is accessible by bus. No ESL teaching experience necessary.  
If interested, please contact Ashley Makar, [email protected], 917-873-9165
Grant Writing Workshop for Beginners
Join Maggie Gunther Osborn, President of the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy, on September 19, from 9am-1pm, to learn how to write grants for the causes and organizations you care about. This will be an introductory course for volunteers and all are asked to donate $25 to support Church Street Eats. The workshop participants will also receive the opportunity to submit a grant narrative for review and editing by Maggie during the month following the workshop. A lite lunch will be served. Christ Church Cathedral Parish Office is located at 45 Church Street, Hartford, CT 06103. 
Combatants for Peace Fundraiser
On October 14th, you're invited to a fundraiser for Combatants of Peace, a nonviolent bi-national activist group in the home of Bruce Barrett, founder of IWagePeace, at 47 Point Beach Drive in Milford, at 6pm. The fundraiser will focus on the personal stories from members of Combatants for Peace and will touch on topics such as the Israel and Palestine conflict and other nonviolent strategies and problem solving situations. There will be a reception and open discussion to follow. 
 
New Church School Director: Julia Johnson
We are very excited to announce our new Church School Director, Julia Johnson. She will be joining us this September to lead our Sunday School program. We're very grateful for all the work CSD search team has accomplished to welcome such a great candidate for the job. Julia will be with us this Sunday, August 16. Here is a brief message from Julia introducing herself: 

I am so excited to be starting as Trinity's Church School Director! I am moving to New Haven to pursue a Masters in Divinity at Yale Divinity School. As a recent graduate of Michigan State University in the Department of Religious Studies, my academic passions are religion, animals, and children - under the umbrella of social justice. On the track to Ordination, I hope to use my position in the Episcopal ministry to advocate for those who do not have a voice. My goldfish, along with my horse Isabel, are making the move with me from Michigan to Connecticut. I am so honored to become part of the Trinity family and look forward to forging new friendships and working with my new students!
Volunteers Needed At DESK and Columbus House
Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen (DESK): Next trinity date: September 8th (and the second Tuesday of every month) volunteers are needed from 5:00 - 7:00 pm to serve the meal and help with clean-up. DESK serves from the Center Church Parish House, 311 Temple St., New Haven. Please contact Chuck Kaywood to let him know if you are available to help.

Columbus House:
Next Trinity date: September 15 (and the third Tuesday of every month). Trinity cooks and serves the meal at Columbus House. Volunteers are needed from about 4:00 - 6:00 pm each month. Please contact Warner Marshall  or George Gillin if you are available to help or for more information.
Episcopal Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

 April 10-April 21, 2016


Join Bishop Laura Ahrens for what promises to be a deeply profound, spiritual pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2016.  This pilgrimage will seek to connect us to the biblical stories of our faith as it awakens God's story within us.  The pilgrimage will include visiting holy sites, learning about the lives of Christians, Muslims and Jews in the Holy Land today and allowing the Holy Spirit to stir up in us a deeper awareness of God's love as we connect to the land and people of the past and present.  See The Rev. Rowena Kemp for more information and to sign up. 
 
Helping Older People Remain Independent 

Dear Friends of IVC,

This is an article about Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers.  

A big thank you to donors and volunteers.  You do make a difference.

Commemorative Flowers
It has been a long tradition at Trinity for individuals or groups to request flowers on the altars that commemorate, honor, or celebrate a special person or event. And our Trinity Altar Guild orders, arranges, and coordinates flowers for all altars. The contribution for commemorative flowers is $35. Color preference will be honored if available through our vendor. There may be more than one request on a Sunday. When this occurs, the first person scheduled, is the one whose choice is followed. For requests and payments please email Erika Lindgren at our parish office or call her at 203 624-3101.
 Wednesday Club

Please come, and invite your friends, to join this informal group of people who meet to have coffee, fellowship and chat while doing what they are good at such as; hand sewing, knitting, wrapping, sorting, pricing. This group supports the Holiday Bazaar, Days for Girls, Prayer Shawls and other projects as we are able. We meet on Wednesday mornings in Trinity's undercroft from 9:15 until noon. Afterwards many of us attend the Wednesday, Eucharist and Healing service at 12:10.

 

For more information, contact Mary Ann Stroup 

 Days for Girls Collaboration with Trinity

  

Days for Girls- "Every Girl. Everywhere. Period."

Help keep girls in school by providing sustainable Feminine Hygiene Kits for girls in third world countries This year our goal is 1000+ kits to support the Chumvi DFG Sewing Center in Kenya and to assist other DFG distributions around the world. With all of the school sales happening, this is the time to help by purchasing Packages of GIRL's BRIEF panties sizes 10-16 (please no character prints). The magic number is 2000 pair.  Save the date: our next Sew-a-thon, Kit Assembly and Brunch Fundraiser is Sat Oct 3 at Trinity from 9am -1pm. Contact Mary Anne Stroup

Fourth Tuesday: Holiday Bazaar Sews and Knits
Join us for an evening of making and preparing items for the Holiday Bazaar the fourth Tuesday of the month from
5:30 until 8:00 in the Undercroft. Come and help, bring your sewing machines, extension cords, and ideas. We very much need folks to iron, to hand stitch, and assemble, and to support our machine sewist. Come learn how to knit and help create simple knitted items for the bazaar and prayer shawls for the healing ministry. Bring your friends
Dates: August 25, September 22, October 27. Contact for sewing:  Catherine Williams or Mary Ann Stroup ; for knitting:  Linda Sheehan
Church Event Calendar: Contact Sam Sigg

 

Sam Sigg, our head sexton, is now managing our church event calendar. From now on, to schedule meetings or events, via email please contact Sam Sigg. Before announcing your meeting or event to the community, make sure your date and venue are confirmed by Sam, given our limited space for meetings.

 

New Administrative Assistant: Erika Lindgren
 

We welcome our new Administrative Assistant to Trinity, Erika Lindgren. She is our new full-time parish secretary (as we used to call the position). Because Erika's particular skill-set and evolving needs of our office, Erika will work on publishing, communication (online and on paper), and management of office projects as well; hence the new title. At the end of the summer we will coordinate an opportunity to meet the staff, including Erika, on Sunday at the church. A psychology major, Erika graduated from Southern Connecticut State University. In her spare time she is an avid photographer, nature enthusiast and enjoys reading and watching movies.

Office Information
 
To contact our administrative assistant, please use this email address:
Telephone: 203 624 3101
 
Our current Office Hours are the following: 
Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

We pray for... 

 

Those who are on our parish prayer list...


Paula
Marge
Bill
Carol
Louise
Eileen
John Coady
Rich Miller
Jackie
Joanne
Kate
Bryce
John Nolan
Bob W.
Nancy
Barbara
Helen
Janet
+Dorothee
Ben 
Judi
Greta

Departed: 

 

Helen Kincaid

John Scott 

Daniel Watson Jr.

George Smith

 


Want to add someone to our prayer list? 

 

Would you like to add yourself or a member of your family to the our prayer list? Let us know about an anniversary or special occasion? Via email or telephone, contact the parish administrative assistant. 

 

Memorial flowers are also available to honor the departed.

 

NOTE: Prayer requests will remain on the prayer list for TWO weeks, please contact the Parish Office if you wish to add names that have been removed. 

Conference Call   

phone
The 10am service is available as a conference call to all of you who are unable to attend church.   
  
To access the conference call, dial 1-877-594-8353 and follow the prompts. When asked the CODE NUMBER type in 58775537 on your phone number pad.   
 
Of course, we especially welcome those of you who are unable to attend church due to medical concerns, however, if you are out of town on vacation you,  too,  can stay in touch with Trinity with the conference call!
Trinity Church on the Green

On the corner of Temple and Chapel Streets

 

Trinity Church Parish Office:

950 Chapel Street, Fl. 2 

New Haven, CT 06510-2515

 

Office Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

Phone: (203) 624-3101

Fax: (203) 624-2412

E-mail: [email protected]