The painting of the exterior church building is complete and the parish hall is almost there along with some new signage! There is nothing like a fresh coat of paint to enhance our buildings and grounds and to welcome newcomers into our parish home.  It has been a long time in coming and all of this was made possible because of an outpouring of time, talent, and treasure from the members of Trinity. 

 The process began with a vision to repaint the church and restore it to good aesthetic order.  The vestry looked over the financial viability of doing such a large job and voted to proceed.  Then came the choosing of colors.  Larry Shaw of Interior Design in Sutter Creek volunteered his time and talent to present three color pallets to the vestry.  The vestry chose two of those pallets to present to the congregation.  The majority of people voted for a "buff" color with darker accents which is the new color of the buildings.  Writing out a proposal/description, request for bids, and the hiring of the painting contractor followed.  This included checking references and making sure liability insurance was up to date.  At the beginning of the project, John Lafferty and Gerry Moore cut out plywood forms to cover the soffits.  The painter affixed the forms to the roof area while he still had the lift.  A new downspout and new signs were purchased to complete the project. 

 But before this painting project was ever envisioned, it was Emma Hogan who allowed us to "dream this dream."  Before she died, Emma left Trinity Church a significant gift in her will, a legacy that has allowed us to pursue capital improvements on our buildings over the years.  This is the money that enabled us to paint the church.  Leaving a legacy to your parish church can make a significant difference to the future life of a parish.  It is a gesture of generosity that allows the church to dream dreams rather than just survive.  Have you remembered Trinity Church in your will?  I hope so.  If you need help in planning for the future and leaving a legacy, please contact Gerry Moore who is our stewardship representative.  With your outpouring of time, talent, and treasure, Trinity can thrive into the future.  Every offering makes a difference.  "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, remember Trinity in your trust."

 Peace and Blessings,

 Pastor Karen Siegfriedt+

Vestry Briefs from the meeting of 10/23/14:

-          Discussed findings from the Church Insurance Safety Review.

-          Pledge update as of 10/23: 19 pledges for a total of $53,000

-          Scheduled a property inventory of assets at Trinity Church

-          Planned to invite prospective vestry candidates to the next vestry meeting (11/20)

-          Discussed potential future capital improvements for 2015:  re-carpet parish hall and tile undercroft walkway.

-          Heard committee reports:  Buildings and Grounds, Missio-Engage, Charter for Compassion

-         Financial Report: Treasurer reported that we are in good shape at this point.

When was the last time you attended a vestry meeting? 

Are you interested in learning more about vestry or even considering joining this ministry? Is vestry leadership a way you might be able to share your time or talent in 2015?

Please consider joining your vestry for a potluck dinner on November 20th at 6:00 pm. We'll enjoy a time of fellowship followed by our regularly scheduled vestry meeting. This meeting will include our annual mutual ministry, which is a time when your vestry members and Rector share their experiences of vestry leadership, their pulse of the congregational health, and more. 

 Please consider joining us to learn more, find out what is required of a vestry member, ask any questions you may have, then prayerfully consider whether vestry leadership is a call for you and whether you might be willing to answer that call.

COMPASSIONATE AMADOR - PARADE OF LIGHTS

On December 13, after a wonderful time of fellowship with the Missio Engage potluck and sing along, many parishioners will head to downtown to take part in the Sutter Creek Parade of Lights. 

 Compassionate Amador / Trinity, Sutter Creek, will have a float in the parade and we would love to have many people marching (or riding) together along the route. 

 Our theme (of course) is compassion. We will illustrate that by asking people to dress in a uniform or style that is unique to their occupation or lifestyle. So far we have a Priest, Colonel, Nurse, and business person. What about you? What would you like to see represented? 

 The only requirement is that in addition to your costume, each person must be "lighted." So find yourself some battery operated Christmas lights (or let me know if you need help getting some) and join the fun!