Trinity Episcopal Church
128 West Hardin Street
Findlay, Ohio 45840
The Episcopal Church serving
Hancock County, Ohio…and beyond
2014
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OUTREACH
PLEASE - NEW SOCKS AND BLANKETS ARE NEEDED FOR DISTRIBUTION THRU HOPE
HOUSE. THEY ARE COLLECTING OCTOBER 22nd THRU DECEMBER 11th . YOU JUST NEED TO
DROP ITEMS OFF AT TRINITY AND NANCY AND I WILL GET THEM DELIVERED TO HOPE
HOUSE. The City Mission is need of napkins, large and small freezer/storage bags, unpowdered, large latex
gloves, and breakfast bars. Any monetary donations will be used for cheese, milk, and butter. Men's shoes and
pants are needed. All food items are greatly appreciated. Also needed are personal items such as feminine
products, toilet paper, laundry soap, etc. All of your generosity is so greatly appreciated.
NANCY AND PAUL O'SULLIVAN, OUTREACH CHAIRS
Music Notes
The choir practices in the parish hall at 8:30 on Sunday mornings.
We are hoping to gain some new members. If you enjoy singing, we
welcome you. Come join us!
Mary Brater has been installed as the new Head Sacristan at
Trinity. She will be supported in her duties by the members
of the Altar Guild. Thanks to this group for all that is
done for the church. If you are interested in this mission,
please contact any Altar Guild member.
PLEASE REMEMBER THE SECURITY OF TRINITY!
Be sure that the doors are locked tight when you leave. There are SEVEN outside doors:
1) the "front" door at the south end of the nave,
2) the east door (with a porch and steps) leading into the choir room,
3) the kitchen door,
4) the east door leading into the stairwell, the "Yellow Room" and the offices,
5) the west door at the top of the outside stairwell (the emergency exit for the children's classrooms),
6) the west door opening on the hallway between the parish hall and the offices,
7) the west door at the top of the ramp leading into the parish hall.
THANKS!!
A REMINDER
Protect family members of all ages. When visiting anyone in the hospital, a long-term care facility, or even at home
it is important to protect them and others from germs and ‘bugs’ that are spread through touch (handshakes,
sharing cell phones, etc.) or close contact (hugging and kissing). Please follow each institution’s request for
washing your hands every time you enter and leave the room. If additional precautions are needed (gloves, mask,
and/or gown) please use these supplies when entering and wash hands when you are leaving. Wipe down your cell
phone if you used it in the room or shared it with the patient or resident. These familiar practices are the best
ways to stop the spread of colds, flu, and other conditions that complicate the recovery process.
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MOMENTS WITH MERLIN
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Your hands are an amazing and well designed part of the body. Every day we put them
to work to create something, perform a task, or send a message. I’m using my hands to
type out some thoughts on stewardship.
Take a look at your hands. Make a fist. Now open your hands. Are you more like a
clenched fist or an open hand? I’ve had the experience of being both.
A clenched fist is closed off. You see the rough side of your hand. You can hide things
in it. A clenched fist can do harm to others. Clench your fist and you feel stress in your
hand. If you wave a fist it’s a threat.
An open hand is relaxed and vulnerable. It is the more tender side of the hand. One
receives and gives with an open hand. If you wave an open hand it is a sign of welcome,
friendship, or good bye to someone you care about.
Our hands are God’s hands and God’s hands are to be open to receive the abundance of
God’s ongoing generosity to us and the world. God’s abundance is overwhelming and
we are continuously in need of God’s many ways of creating and sustaining life.
The power of God’s gifts are multiplied over and over as we open our hands to give,
pass on or spend these gifts for others. I can at times be a clenched fist and at other times
an open hand. It makes a difference however when I am reminded that what I call mine
is not mine at all but God’s. Then I feel a freedom and a relief that makes giving a
joyous experience.
Generosity is a gift of the Spirit that is nurtured in those who bear the name of Christ.
Generosity finds peace and joy not in being recognized for the good it does for oneself
but in how it extends life for others.
Open hands, open hearts,
Interim Rector, Merlin Jacobs
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ITEMS FOR DECEMBER tidings
should be submitted by
Wednesday, November 19th.
THANKS!
NOVEMBER PRAYER
God our Father, as we remember those who have gone before us this November, give us the comfort of knowing
that they have gone only as far as you and you are very near. Father in Heaven, Creator of all and source of all
goodness and love, please look kindly upon us and receive our heartfelt gratitude in this time of giving thanks.
Thank you for all the graces and blessings you have bestowed upon us, spiritual and temporal: our faith and
religious heritage, our food and shelter, our health, the loves we have for one another, our family and friends. Dear
Father, in your infinite generosity, please grant us continued graces and blessings through the coming year. Amen.
TRINITY KNITTING CIRCLE
The last meeting of 2014 will be Monday, Nov. 10th at 1:00 p.m.
The Trinity Knitting Circle started seven years ago knitting 116 Prayer Shawls.
During that time we have knitted for veterans, premature babies and, for the past
two years, have knitted scarves and hats for The Seaman's Church Institute.
We meet the second Monday of the month, (except December)1:00 p.m., at 129 Second
Street.
My thanks to Anna Miller, Marjorie Weaver, Caroline Dunham, Peg Dailey, and Paula
Wolper. Thanks also to Jan Taylor for donating yarn.
If you are interested in joining this ministry, please call me at 419-424-9786.
Purls, Pat Fox
ALTAR FLOWERS
The sign-up sheet for
2015 altar flowers is
now on the bulletin
board in the parish
hall – under 2014.
CHURCH CALENDAR
As a central area of communication, there is a
monthly Trinity scheduling calendar on the
bulletin board in the parish hall. It includes all
events, activities, and facility usage. THIS IS
YOUR CALENDAR…IF SOMETHING NEEDS TO
BE ADDED, DO SO. IF THERE IS AN ERROR,
PLEASE CORRECT IT!
You may submit items to
Deborah anytime for the
upcoming calendar, but
please feel free to make
this an interactive tool
for the parish!
Please let Deborah know by noon on
Wednesday of that week what you
would like printed in the bulletin for your
gift of flowers. E-mail to [email protected]
or call 419-422-3214. When providing
altar flowers from a florist they need to be
delivered to the church before noon on Friday or between 9
and 10 on Saturday morning. The altar guild members will
leave by 10 a.m. and the church will be locked. Thanks!
WEEKLY PRAYER LIST
We all need a little prayer and Trinity
provides a prayer list each week in the
bulletin for those who could use some
extra. Would you please take a moment to
review that prayer list and help us keep it
up-to-date? If there are names which
should be removed, let Deborah know. If
there is someone on your heart, we can add
that person. Thank you!
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Come and
gobble up a
tasty breakfast
while you enjoy
fall fellowship!
Everyone is invited to the parish
breakfast at 8:30 a.m. on
Saturday, November 8th.
There are openings for helpers and hosts
for Trinity’s parish breakfasts at 8:30 a.m.
on the second Saturday of each month. If
you are able to cook or to help clean up
at any of these, there is a
sign-up sheet on the
bulletin board in the
Parish Hall. Thank you.
Trinity will have its annual Celebration Sunday
on November 23rd. Please watch for details in
the bulletin and on the web-site!
COFFEE CORNER
November coffee hour
hosts…
2nd – Bell
9th –
16th –
23rd – Celebration Sunday
30th – Baltzell
Please consider adding your name to the sign-up
sheet on the bulletin board. You don’t have to do
it alone – several families or a group may host
together.
THANK YOU for the donations of coffee and decaf!
A reminder for those with reservations
- the Lunch Bunch will meet at 11:30
a.m. on Thursday, November 6th at the
Village Cafe at the University of
Findlay. We will enjoy a Thanksgiving
Meal planned by Erica Arthur. The
cost is $9.00, payable by cash or check
only. Parking is available by driving
down the alley across the street from
the UF Village Residence Hall.
Questions? Call Joanne McPherson.
Would you like to be on a team serving
Trinity? Greeters, Gift Bearers, Acolytes,
Readers, Ushers, and Commentators are
always welcome at both services each
Sunday.
PLEASE CONSIDER helping in one or
more of these positions. Let Deborah or
Merlin know if you are interested.
THANKS TO THOSE WHO SERVE
EACH WEEK.!
WHERE DO YOU FIT??
Everyone has special gifts – share yours with
your church! Please consider lending your
skills and talents to a
committee in an area of
interest or skill. Just contact
a committee or vestry
member to join.
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Trinity Thank Offering (TTO)
Trinity has withdrawn from the UTO and created its own THANK OFFERING.
The TTO box in the sanctuary is now green, maintaining a distinctive Trinity tradition. Our parish
still recognizes the importance of thanking God for its many blessings. More members are
becoming involved and those in need locally will now benefit as these Thank offerings are
directed to the Rector's Discretionary Fund. Please continue to give thanks with offerings in the
green TTO box.
Youth Sunday School News
The Sunday School class is seeking
opportunities to serve those in our church.
We are hoping to be asked to complete
projects like raking leaves, putting summer
patio furniture in storage, snow shoveling,
etc. This work will be supervised (and
assisted) by the parents of the children. We
want to be clear that we are not seeking
payment for our work, but are hoping to
show God's love through acts of service. This
is our version of the Backyard Mission Trip on
a smaller scale. The children are eager to
help, please consider allowing them to serve
you. You may sign up in the Parish Hall or
contact Emily Boerger at 419.425.5105.
Thank you for your help!
The Sunday School
class is also working
on a project we have
named, "Books and a Blanket." We are
going to make fleece blankets for
disadvantaged and/or ill children. Each
blanket will include 2-3 books.
We hope to have a bake/craft sale in
November to help buy the supplies for this
project. We will post more information as our
plans solidify.
Trinity is on Facebook! Find our
page by searching for Trinity
Episcopal Church, Findlay, Ohio.
Be sure to ‘like’ the page to get posts
delivered to your News Feed. If
you're not on Facebook and you want to
know more about it, please call Ben Dolan
or Emily Boerger at 419-425-5105.
VESTRY COMMITTEE LIAISONS
Christian Education Jim Miller
CSG
Kent Asher
Finance
Rita Roberts
Outreach
Deke Roberts
Personnel
Terri Kempher
Property
Social
Bill Trudeau
Stewardship
Bill Trudeau
Worship
Kim Grove
IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED IN
BEING INVOLVED WITH A
COMMITTEE, PLEASE CONTACT
THE PERSON LISTED!
Are you interested
in working with
our web site?
Ben Dolan is our
webmaster and is
looking for others to work with him. Please
contact Ben to find out more.
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KEEPING IN TOUCH
NOVEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
2 – Keith & Lollie Buckingham
4 – Phyllis & Jerry Watkins
18 – Debbie & Kim Grove
24 – Merlin Jacobs & Ann Augustin
NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS
1 - Ann Augustin
3 – Asher Boyles
10 – Keith Buckingham
13 – Julie Boucher
Barb Richardson
16 – Carolyn Dunham
PERSONAL NOTES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR
AND ABOUT THE TRINITY FAMILY. IF YOU HAVE
ITEMS OF INTEREST TO SHARE, (BIRTHS,
ENGAGEMENTS, GRADUATIONS, HONORS,
AWARDS, WEDDINGS, PERFORMANCES,
ACHIEVEMENTS, ACTIVITIES, ETC.) PLEASE SUBMIT
THEM BY THE 3RD WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH
FOR THE NEXT PUBLICATION. Thank you.
If ever there is a name omitted from
one of these lists, or a date is incorrect,
please contact the church office with
the information. Thanks!
IN MEMORY
Catherine Anne Grant Schiltz
December 23, 1957 – October 20, 2014
DIRECTORY UPDATE
Trinity’s directory needs to be refreshed - update forms
are available in the parish hall and on-line at the
Trinity web site. If you have not yet turned one in,
please complete the form (both sides) and return it to
the church so everyone can be included. Thanks!
TRULY KEEPING IN TOUCH…
Some parishioners not able to attend services, or attend regularly, would enjoy calls or cards from
the rest of us, and visits especially from people who know them. Others have moved – so this is
an update on their contact information:
Betty Berlekamp – 15100 Birchaven Road, Findlay, 45840.
Marilyn Russell - P.O. Box 061600, Palm Bay, FL 32906-1600
Earline Yerger – Otterbein Portage Valley Nursing Home,
20311 Pemberville Road , Pemberville, OH 43450
Jim Speck – 15100 Birchaven Lane, Apt. 325, Findlay, OH 45840
Sarah Worthington – 172 Legacy Lane, Heritage House,
2820 Greenacre Drive, Findlay, Ohio 45840
Romelle Aldrich - 83 Harwood Road, Monroe, NJ 08831
Dr. John Wolper - Thomas More College, 333 Thomas More Parkway,
Crestview Hills, Kentucky 41017 [email protected]
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Your talents are God’s gift to you…what
you do with them is your gift to God.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
YTD THROUGH 9/30/14
Tithes and Offerings
$92,693
Miscellaneous
3,391
Investments
906
TOTAL REVENUES $96,990
Outreach
$10,447
Personnel
64,720
Operations
7,335
Property
18,332
TOTAL EXPENSES $100,834
NET TOTAL
($3,844)
198th Annual Diocesan Convention
The annual convention will take place on
November 7th and 8th in Cleveland. This year
Trinity will have 3 delegates, Beverly McCoy,
Kim Grove, and Deke Roberts, in attendance
along with Pastor Merlin.
VESTRY OPPORTUNITIES
Our church family is looking for 4 members ‘in
good standing’, (you are known to the treasurer of the
church) who would like to help lead Trinity over the
next 3 years. In this position you will be on the
forefront of the decisions that will drive our church.
We welcome ‘seasoned’ past vestry members who
have a unique skill set to offer as well as ‘rookies’
who would bring a fresh perspective to the group.
Vestry has typically met on the 3rd Monday of the
month from 7 - 8:30 p.m. but don't let that time stop
you from ‘throwing your hat in the ring’. There has
been some discussion over the last year exploring the
possibility of moving the day/time to meet the needs
of future leaders.
If you feel God is calling you to take on an active
role in the leadership of our beloved church please
share your interest with Deke Roberts, Terri Kempher
or Merlin Jacobs. We would be happy to answer any
questions you may have.
God Bless each of you and all you do to serve
God's family.
INTERIM TRANSITION TEAM AT SAIL
Members of the Trinity Interim Transition Team continue to meet regularly.
ITT
The major responsibilities are to gather pertinent data, review that
information and determine its usefulness, and create a written report to be
given to the parish and to the Search Committee.
Your comments about the church from a ‘Trip Down Memory Lane’ were compiled and provided four
statements that describe Trinity. They have been posted in several places throughout our building.
Check them out!
We are now working through the 44 surveys you submitted so we get an even better sense of Trinity –
now and future!
The Interim Transition Team needs your continuing participation and is committed to keeping you
informed and involved as we plan and dream and serve in Christ’s name for the sake of the world.
Team members include, Ruth Kay Baltzell, Ben Dolan, Jim Ellerbe, Karen Eubanks (Chair), Rob Fox,
Merlin Jacobs, Jim Miller, and Deke Roberts. If you have any questions, feel free to contact any member.
Trinity Episcopal Church is
. . . a welcoming community that is accepting of others who are different.
…a place to experience genuine relationships that help us grow.
…people who volunteer to reach out into the community.
…people who value tradition, music, and prayer in their worship.
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TALKING STEWARDSHIP
Stewardship, like life, should be celebrated all the time and not just at one time each year. Yet,
like birthdays, which are a celebration of life on a particular day, stewardship programs can help
us focus in a celebratory way on all God has given to us and all the ways our fellowship has
responded to that love.
The goal of our stewardship program is to help people grow in their relationship with Jesus
through the use of the time, talents, and finances God has entrusted to them.
The Fall Stewardship Program will be lifted up on the Sundays of November 9, 16 and 23; with
pledge cards being turned in and Celebration Sunday taking place on November 23.
A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU FOR BEING SO VERY THOUGHTFUL!
Rev. Jacobs,
On behalf of the Black Heritage Library & Multi-Cultural Center, I sincerely thank you, Rob Fox, and the
parishioners for the use of Trinity Episcopal’s parish hall and kitchen for our big BBQ Fundraiser. The
church’s support has been tremendous for numerous years. We greatly appreciate your generosity and
support! Rob has served on the BHL&MC’s Board for over 10 years. Trinity has been a true blessing and
community leader in building cultural diversity education.
Warmly and sincerely,
Nina Parker, Founder and EO
Would you or any members of Trinity be interested in serving a 3 year term on our board? Please do not
hesitate to contact me at my cell (419-429-2566) if there is any interest in the board, speaker’s bureau, or a
tax-deductible holiday contribution of art or a financial donation.
TAIZÉ PRAYER RETURNS
by Kim Grove
Sunday, November 16th is the second service in our 14th season of Taizé Prayer here at Trinity. Please join us at 5
p.m. for a service of prayer, song and contemplation. This service has developed into an important outreach ministry
for our parish to the community at large.
Taizé Prayer is based on an ancient Christian principle expressed by Brother Roger, a founding member of the Taizé
community in France: “Nothing is more conducive to a communion with the living God than a meditative common
prayer with, at its high point, singing that never ends and that continues in the silence of one’s heart when one is
alone again.” The focal point of this communion is the cross – the symbol of God’s saving presence in Jesus Christ
through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Our season of Taizé Prayer runs from October through April held the 3rd Sunday of each month at 5 p.m. We can
always use more help in setting up, decorating and clean up; musicians; and hosting or helping to host the reception
which follows each service. If you would like to help in decorating, just join us after church as we set-up on the 3rd
Sunday of the month. If you are a musician and want to join our ensemble, we meet at 3:45p.m. before the service to
rehearse – you are most welcome. If you wish to host a reception or help with same, there will be a signup sheet on
the bulletin board in the parish hall.
If you have been with us in the past, we encourage you to come again; if you have never attended Taizé Prayer,
please join us on November 16th and give it a try – we hope you will find the experience most worthwhile.
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EVENT CALENDAR
NOVEMBER 2014
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
NOV 2
NOV 3
NOV 4
NOV 5
NOV 6
NOV 7
NOV 9
NOV 16
7 p.m. Stewardship
Committee
NOV 23
NOV 10
NOV 11
11:30 Thanksgiving
NOV 17
NOV 12
Convention
NOV 13
NOV 14
NOV 15
NOV 20
NOV 21
NOV 22
NOV 28
NOV 29
11:30 Bible Study
12:05 Holy Eucharist
Lunch (optional)
6:30 ITT Meeting
1 p.m. Knitting
Circle
NOV 18
NOV 19
11:30 Bible Study
12:05 Holy Eucharist
Lunch (optional)
7 p.m. Vestry
NOV 24
CELEBRATION
SUNDAY
8:30 Holy Eucharist
9:30 Holy Eucharist
Coffee Hour
Sunday School
Worship Committee
NOV 30
1st
11:30 Bible Study
12:05 Holy Eucharist
Lunch (optional)
dinner @ U of F
8:30 Holy Eucharist
9:30 Holy Eucharist
Coffee Hour
Sunday school
5 p.m. Taizé
NOV 8
8:30 a.m. Parish
Breakfast
All Saint’s Sunday
8:30 Holy Eucharist
9:30 Holy Eucharist
Coffee hour
Sunday School
8:30 Holy Eucharist
9:30 Holy Eucharist
Coffee Hour
Sunday School
SATURDAY
NOV 1
Sunday of Advent
8:30 Holy Eucharist
9:30 Holy Eucharist
Coffee Hour
Sunday School
Flower of the month – Chrysanthemum
Birthstone – Topaz
NOV 25
NOV 26
NOV 27
Happy
11:30 Bible Study
12:05 Morning Prayer
Lunch (optional)
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving break
Offices closed