1

Inside this issue:

Message from

Father Pat 1

What’s going on... 2-3

Coming this winter… 3

Christian Education

& Formation 4

Outreach Ministries 5

Other Ministries 6

Important Dates in

Jan. & Feb. 7

Parish Information 8

Trinity Episcopal

Church

A message from Father Pat Jan. / Feb. 2017

NEWSLETTER

Father Pat Connell

& Tigo

Including ~ Affirming ~ Transforming

The Story of New Birth

On December 25th we celebrate the birth of Jesus. It is his birth that

sets the stage for our new birth through the waters of Holy Baptism.

Sunday, January 8, 2017, the first Sunday after the Epiphany

(January 6th), is the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is an auspicious

occasion for baptisms and an opportunity for you and me to renew our own

Baptismal Covenant.

If you have read this far into the article you probably are letting out

a big yawn and thinking, “Fr. Pat is beating the bushes to increase the

number of baptisms on the parochial report.” Not true. I don’t think anyone

pays much attention to the parochial report, other than the financials. At

least, no one in 35 years has ever had a conversation with me about the pa-

rochial report, but they should, because baptisms reflect the life and vitali-

ty of the church.

Mainline Protestantism has been in free fall for the past two dec-

ades. Liturgically, the Episcopal Church has put the sacrament of Holy

Baptism at the center of our congregational life. Nevertheless, we need to

be crystal clear as to what is central to baptism. It is our new life in Jesus

Christ! Without Jesus, baptism is nothing more than ecclesiastical mem-

bership. Without Jesus, church is no different from any other civil group.

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry is fond of saying, “We are the Epis-

copal branch of the Jesus Movement.” What Jesus was by nature, you and I

can become by grace: men and women filled with the love of God. This is

what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Discipleship is living the trans-

formed life promised by Jesus. “I have come that you may have life abun-

dantly.” John 10:10

Sunday, January 8th we will renew our commitment to follow Jesus

as faithful disciples. Wednesday, January 18th begins Trinity Café. Our

cafe offering each Wednesday will be an in-depth look at baptism and what

it means to be a follower of Jesus in order to live the abundant life.

The Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday, January 8th is an

auspicious occasion for baptism. If you desire to be baptized and become a

follower of Jesus or if you wish to have your child baptized on Sunday, Jan-

uary 8th, please call me at the parish office, 270-684-5326. I look forward to

hearing from you.

Faithfully,

Fr. Pat

Holy Baptism is the sacramental rite of full initiation,

by water and the Holy Spirit, into membership in the

Christian church. At the service all members of the

congregation renew their own baptismal vows and

welcome the newly baptized into the community of faith.

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What’s going on at Trinity (go to www.trinityec.org for more photos)

Love your neighbor as yourself - Trinity stands with others at Islamic Center

On Thanksgiving Eve, Trinity invited

Faith Lutheran Church to participate in a joint

service. Members from both congregations en-

joyed the sermon from Faith’s Pastor, Jane Roth-

man and joined together for Holy Communion.

Following Faith Lutheran’s tradition, Trinity

hosted a Pie Social after the service. It was a

lovely way to give thanks for our many blessings.

Thanksgiving Eve Service & Pie Social

A Busy Sunday on November 13th

The Daughters of the King met on December 6th to celebrate

Christmas. The Daughters are delighted to share that there will be

four new members joining the order. Juanita Sprague, Anice Cooper,

Amy Heidel and Dora Grandy will be installed at the 10:00 AM ser-

vice on January 15th.

November 13th was a wonderful Sunday

in the life of the Trinity community. We had the

joy of hearing our 1st Journey Kids sing to us

about giving "God the Glory, Glory."

We also welcomed new members, Jim

Horst and Wayne Bowen. And we were given the

opportunity to celebrate Veterans Day, showing

our appreciation and respect to the veterans in

our Parish. All that, plus a great sermon and

sharing in the Eucharist. A Great Sunday!

Our sanctuary is always beautiful during Christ-

mas. That is because volunteers are willing to fluff and

hang garland, test and replace lights and climb ladders.

Led by Ralph Barany, our Trinity elves do a wonderful

job. Thank you Ralph,& Debra Barany, Larry Mansfield,

Barbara Hanselman and Juanita, Cora & Mallory Spra-

gue!

After the Islamic Center of Owensboro

was vandalized in November, Father Pat en-

courage Trinity parishioners to join other peo-

ple of good will to gather and stand in solidari-

ty, giving a clear message that the City of Ow-

ensboro is a place where all people are respect-

ed, regardless of race, color, ethnicity, or reli-

gion. Several joined Father Pat as a true testimony to Christ’s command

to love your neighbor as yourself.

Daughters of the King Christmas Party

Wayne Bowen & Jim Horst

Christmas Elves at Work

Ralph & Larry,

risking life and limb

Girls just gotta have fun!

Fr. Pat and Pastor Jane

3

Coming this winter at Trinity (mark your calendar)

Preparing for Lent

Lent begins the 1st of March. In prepara-

tion, please consider leading and/or taking part

in one of the Lenten Book Studies. The book cho-

sen is Unearthing My Religion, recommended

by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry.

In this book, Episcopal Bishop Mary Gray-

Reeves takes six words related to Christian faith

and translates them so they speak more broadly

to those who proclaim themselves

“spiritual but not religious.” Tying

together Jesus’ parables and life

today, this engaging title promises

to help non-Christians explore

faith and spiritual practice and

train Christians to speak clearly

about the things that matter most.

Valentine’s Luncheon

Sundays of Advent

What’s going on at Trinity, continued

Christmas Eve

Trinity Café will be one opportunity for

the Book Study. If you are willing to lead an ad-

ditional group, please talk to Father Pat.

Daughters of the King

invite all seniors and singles to

a Valentine’s luncheon on Sat-

urday, February 11th at Noon.

You will be treated to a “sweet” time of food,

music and games.

A sign up sheet will be post-

ed in late January so they

will know how much food to

prepare.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner

Mark you calendar for the annual Shrove

Tuesday Pancake Dinner on February 28th, host-

ed by our Journey to Adulthood youth group.

The name Shrove Tuesday comes from

shrive, meaning absolution for sins by doing pen-

ance. The day gets its name from the tradition of

Christians trying to be 'shriven' before Lent. Pan-

cake came much later as a way of using up rich

foods, like eggs, milk and sugar before the 40 days

of fasting - Lent.

Trinity prepared for the birth of

Jesus by special recognition during Ad-

vent. Each Sunday morning, individu-

al families lit the Advent Wreath, ac-

companied by music from the choir and

congregation.

Led by Martin Fendley, musi-

cians presented a beautiful Compline & Concert each Sunday night of

Advent.

Christmas Pageant—the story of our Savior’s birth, as told by our children...

Who’s that Valentine?

More photos on website

www.trinityec.org

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Christian Education & Formation: a life-long journey

For Children, our 1st JourneyKids

For our Youth the Journey to Adulthood

For our Adults, the journey continues

For Everyone on their faith journey

Our Trinity Café Online has

provided an excellent opportunity

for parishioners, new and veteran,

to grow in faith and knowledge.

Harlan Melander says, “It was easy to find and

log on. The lessons were short and easy to under-

stand.” A recent visitor told Father Pat that it

was the online classes that allowed a greater

knowledge about beliefs of the Episcopal Church.

He is now planning to take part in the Welcoming

Service in January.

Trinity Cafe Wednesdays has been closed

for the Holidays, but will reopen on January

18th. Then, for the next 6 weeks in the new year,

the adult class will study and discuss the Book

of Common Prayer and the Baptismal Cove-

nant. What does it really mean to the community

and to each individual? The emphasis will be on

"prayer," "study," and "action." Father Pat and

Vicki Meacham will be preparing and presenting

these lessons.

Our elementary aged members

continue to meet every other Sunday

to learn more about God, Jesus and

our faith. The past two months, they

have been talking about the meaning

of Advent and learning new songs,

which they share have shared at the

10:00 service on November 13th. (see

page 2 for photos).

Thank you Wendy Wells, Amy Beck and Norma Beck for

teaching our young members. Your efforts are very appreciated.

Journey to Adulthood (J2A)

is the church youth program for chil-

dren in grades 6 - 12. It is led by

Barb Tipmore and Brian Thomas.

The class meets twice a month after church

until about 12:15.

The J2A curriculum emphasizes the

two guiding principles of the program:

1. Manhood and womanhood are free gifts from God.

2. Adulthood must be earned.

Recently, J2Aers practiced their interper-

sonal skills by playing a communication game. In

another session, they explored the distinctions be-

tween aggressive and assertive behaviors.

On Monday, December 12, the youth hosted

a spaghetti dinner and game night for their par-

ents. They prepared the entire dinner without su-

pervision, feeding a total of 18 people, in order to begin an examination

of group roles.

Trinity Café Online Coordinator, Vicki

Meacham, will soon be sharing a new list of sug-

gested classes for 2017. We will post the list on

the bulletin board as well as on our website. You

can then just make a selection and e-mail Vicki

at trinitycafeonline@gmail.com. She will send

you the link for your chosen course.

1st JourneyKids and

Journey 2 Adulthood

Sunday Classes on

January 8th

January 22nd

February 12th

February 26th

11:15 AM

Lunch is provided

Also, for our adults, don’t forget that

Ralph Barany teaches a Sunday Class at 9:00AM

each Sunday morning, using the lectionary scrip-

ture.

Another opportunity is joining Faith Lu-

theran Church on Tuesdays at 9:30 AM to read

through the Bible. No preparation is needed, just

come and read.

Adults played Bunko

Youth prepared the meal

Each received a Prayer Book

5

Outreach Ministries Service—what might it mean for you?

Parish Hall of Treats—a different kind of outreach

Spring Forward for Outreach is coming

More photos on website

www.trinityec.org

Monthly Ministry Focus for 2017

2016 Outreach Ministry Financial

Support (as of 12/27)

Utility Relief ~ $2,027

World Vision ~ $1,186

Loads of Love ~ $1,940

Matthew 25 ~ $1,750

Salvation Army ~ $1,000

Oasis Shelter ~ $1,160

Help Office ~ $3,500

Mentor Kids ~ $500

St. Benedicts Shelter ~ $500

Habitat for Humanity ~ $350

CrossRoads Shelter ~ $5,681

Trinity is involved in many Outreach

ministries simultaneously! And while there is

not competition, there is occasional confusion. In

order to help the parish to better understand our

ministries, Outreach will be highlighting a

different ministry each month. This will give the

congregation an opportunity to know more about

that ministry and learn how they might help

with time, treasure or talent. Father Pat has

agreed to designate the loose offering to the

ministry at one Sunday of the month. Watch for

list of 2017 monthly ministries.

The weather

may be blustery

and snow may be in

the forecast, but

spring will surely

come, and with it

will come our

Spring Forward for

Outreach Cam-

paign. We use the

time change Sun-

day to gather

pledges for our

Trinity outreach program, which will be on

March 12th in 2017.

Beginning in 2014, this “outside the regu-

lar pledge” effort has brought in more than

$37,000 in the past 3 years. This infusion of

funds has enabled our Outreach Committee to

continue to support established efforts, such as

the Help Office, as well as provide for emerging

ministries, such as Crossroads Shelter. A list of

2016 Ministry support is in the box to the right.

However, it is important to understand

that Outreach is more than money, it is people

helping people. Over the next few weeks, please

consider how you can be a part of Outreach min-

istry. Where is your passion to help? Is it with

the homeless… those needing food and supplies…

those sick with HIV/AIDS...children in need, local

or overseas...those needing help with basics such

as laundry? Let our outreach committee use your

passion to make lives better in our community.

Also, pray and think about how your 2017

Spring Forward pledge can make a difference in

someone’s life.

While not a part of Outreach Ministries,

our Halloween Trunk or Treat shares goodwill

and the love of Christ to our Ford Avenue com-

munity. We had nearly 200 families come

through our Parish Hall, some that had never

been here before and if just one person comes

back and worships with us, then it's all worth

it!

Thank you so much to everyone who

came and set up a table, everyone who stopped

by and dropped off candy, those who prepared

hotdogs, those who helped clean up and those

who came to "trick or treat."

- Cora Sprague, Parish Hall of Treats Chair

Outreach wants you to know that if you

have a specific organization that you feel Trinity

should support, and you are willing to take the

lead, that ministry would certainly be considered

for support. Talk to LeDonna Rae, our Outreach

Committee Chair.

Our January 6th Epiphany Service is

traditionally when a special offering is

made to World Vision. With these funds, we

will support our two children in Africa.

Please give generously.

6

At our Annual Parish Meeting in Novem-

ber, four new members were elected to our Vestry

(the governing body of our church). Unlike many

boards, Vestry members take on responsibilities

above “advise and consent.” Each member is re-

sponsible for leadership in a particular ministry

area. At the right you can see each member and

their area of focus. The Senior Warden will be

elected at the first meeting in 2017.

It is important to realize that these dedicat-

ed parishioners are only a few of the many volun-

teers involved in Trinity ministries. Please take a

look at the bulletin board in the Parish Hall for a

list of current areas of service and prayerful con-

sider where your ministry might lie. The strength

of Trinity is truly faithfulness to God through ser-

vice to others.

A more detailed Organization Chart is post-

ed in the Parish Hall (as well as on our Website).

Our chart is simply a framework, allowing for flexi-

bility. It is never truly complete, nor is it “set is

stone” as we strive to meet needs as they arise.

A Working Vestry

Other Ministries

Your Vestry Members

2015-2017 term:

Sarah Hulsey—Secretary & Stewardship

LeDonna Rae—Outreach Ministry

Vicki Meacham—Great Commission

Judy Willen—Missed You Ministry

2016-2018 term:

Cheryl Parker— Education & Formation

Ralph Barany—Parish Treasurer

Kevin Brown—Fellowship Ministry

Doug Webster, II— Junior Warden

2017-2020 term:

Pamela Reddy—Pastoral Care Coordinator

Brooke Obermann—HR and Nursery Director

Larry Mansfield—Vice Jr. Warden (grounds)

Shirley Jones—Liaison to Liturgy Committee

Vestry meets the 3rd Thursday of each month. Sr.

Warden will be elected at January Vestry retreat.

Music Ministry (by Martin Fendley, Organist & Choirmaster)

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!

The rush of the holidays is ending and

now we can all breathe a little bit easier and re-

lax into the new year! Many thanks are due to

our faithful and talented Trinity Choir and musi-

cians for their efforts and gifts throughout the

holiday season. Each Sunday you help to aurally

paint a musical landscape that illuminates the

Word and Sacraments here at Trinity Episcopal

Church – thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU!

Great words of appreciation also go to all

the folks who helped make our second annual Ad-

vent Compline & Concert Series a success. From

the delicious food and drink to the flickering can-

dlelight, each Sunday evening was made even

more special by your presence. We are a blessed-

parish to have such dedicated and giving people.

Bless you all!

Finally, to all who have expressed condo-

lences and support through this time of my moth-

er’s passing, I can only say that I am one blessed

and lucky fellow to be surrounded by such a car-

ing congregation. Thank you for inviting me into

your midst two years ago for this musical and life

journey.

As always, I hope to see and hear each of

you, this and every Sunday of the coming New

Year!

SOLI DEO GLORIA ~ Martin

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Mark Your Calendar...

Sunday, January 1st ~ New Years Day Sunday (one service only) ~ 10:00 AM

Monday, January 2nd ~ New Years Day observed ~ Office Closed

Tuesdays, Jan. 3rd & 17th and Feb. 7th & 21st ~ Matthew 25 ~ 10:00 AM

Tuesdays ~ Staff Meeting ~ 10:30 AM

Tuesdays, Jan. 3rd & Feb. 7th ~ Needlewomen’s Guild ~ 11:00 AM

Tuesdays, Jan. 3rd & Feb. 7th ~ Outreach Committee ~ 5:30 PM

Wednesdays ~ Dunkin Donuts Discussion Group ~ 9:00 AM

Wednesdays ~ Noonday Eucharist ~ 12:10 PM

Wednesdays ~ Choir Practice ~ (6:00 PM on Jan. 4th & 11th, all others at 7:15 PM)

Fridays ~ DOK Prayer Breakfast (Cracker Barrel) ~ 6:00 AM

Fridays ~ DOK Prayer Coffee (Health Park) ~ 11:00 AM

Friday, January 6th ~ Epiphany Service & 12th Night Celebration ~ 6:00 PM

Sundays ~ Adult Sunday School Class ~ 9:00 AM

Sundays ~ Eucharist Services ~ 8:00 AM & 10:00 AM

Sunday, Jan. 8th ~ Rite of Baptism ~ 8:00 AM & 10:00 AM Services

Sundays, Jan. 8th & 22nd and Feb. 12th & 26th ~ Youth & Children Classes ~ 11:45 AM

Thursdays, Jan. 12th & Feb. 9th ~ Matthew 25 Support Group Lunch ~ 12:30 PM

Sundays, Jan. 15th & Feb. 12th ~ Liturgy Committee Meeting ~ 11:30 AM

Sunday, Jan. 15th ~ Daughters of the King Installation ~ 10:00 AM Service

Wednesdays, beginning Jan. 18th ~ Trinity Café Wednesdays ~ 6:00 PM (meal at 5:15)

Saturday, January 21st ~ Vestry Retreat ~ 9:00 AM

Sunday, January 22nd ~ New Member Welcoming ~ 10:00 AM service

Tuesday, January 24th ~ Habitat for Humanity Meeting ~ 5:15 PM

Sunday, February 5th ~ Potluck Parish Breakfast ~ 8:45 AM

Saturday, February 11th ~ Valentine’s Luncheon ~ Noon

Thursday, February 16th ~ Vestry Meeting ~ 6:00 PM (meal at 5:30)

Tuesday, February 28th ~ Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper ~ 6:00 PM

1/3

1/4

1/6

1/8

1/9

1/13

1/14

Justin Magnuson

Brandon Lucas

Mark Wheeler

Larry Mansfield

Joe Milazzo

Warren Byerly

Paxton Harmon

1/16

1/20

1/20

1/22

1/23

1/24

1/25

Richard Rue

JoAnn Burgess

Teri Wolfkiel

Dan Bradshaw

Paula Tichnor-Wheeler

Bob Burgess

Jada Mansfield

1/27

1/28

1/29

1/29

1/30

1/31

Mary Kay Horton

Mallory Sprague

Pat Borjesson

Susann Warnock

Pamela Reddy

George Worley

February Birthdays

January Birthdays

Important Dates

Anniversaries

Most current calendar is on our website

WWW.TRINITYEC.ORG News & Calendar Calendar of Services, Events & Meetings

2/1

2/1

2/1

2/3

2/4

2/4

2/5

2/6

2/7

Nancy Bradshaw

Harlan Melander

Will Skeens

Teresa Byers

Winston Hulsey

Diane Wible

Isaac Obermann

Luke Reddy

Cole Crews

2/11

2/12

2/12

2/12

2/13

2/14

2/14

2/16

2/16

Lucy Wedding

Calvin Beck

Bonnie Howard

Rafe Owen

Janet Estes

Sarah Hulsey

Ken Medley

Irene Alexander

Laura Muhlenberg

2/18

2/21

2/21

2/21

2/24

2/24

2/26

2/26

2/28

Barbara Hanselman

Waymond Morris

Brian Thomas

Faith Young

Oliver Owen

Easton Richardson

Abbie Howard

Colman Truett

Peggy Gleason

1/3 Brian & Wendy Wells 1/31 Bob & Peggy Gleason 2/25 Philip & Beverly Bosley

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NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID

PERMIT # 626 OWENSBORO, KY 42301-4632

The Reverend Patterson Connell

Parish Rector

(270) 925-2273

georgeconnell@bellsouth.net

For current parish information, visit

WWW.TRINITYEC.ORG

Our Facebook Group is

Trinity Episcopal Owensboro

Please join this “electronic coffee hour”

and get to know each other!

Trinity Episcopal Church

720 Ford Avenue

Owensboro, KY 42301

Address Service Requested

Including ~ Affirming ~ Transforming

Weekly Services:

Sunday Eucharist Services at

8:00 AM & 10:00 AM

Wednesday Noonday Eucharist at

12:10 PM

Vision Statement for the Parish

Trinity Episcopal Church is a Eucharis-

tic and liturgical community in the Anglican

tradition that values and encourages ongoing

Christian education and spiritual formation,

diversity of people and ideas, fellowship and

radical hospitality, and works of justice and

mercy as gospel imperatives.

Church office hours are

8:00 AM—Noon

Monday through Friday

Church phone # (270) 684-5326

This newsletter is developed by Janet Estes, communications

volunteer. Contact her at jestes429@gmail.com with comments

and/or article ideas. Thank you to our newsletter proofers—

Lori Schneider, Wendy Wells and Barbara Hinton, and our

folders—Betsy Roszel, Anice Cooper and Jan Melander.

Parish Information

Come, let us worship him...

Invite your family,

friends, coworkers and

neighbors…

Epiphany Service

&

Twelfth Night

Celebration

Friday, January 6th

6:00 PM