1 The Rector’s Voice 2 Choir Notes Event Reminders 3 Treasurer's Report ECW 5 Anglican Churches in Perquimans County Small Church Conference 6 Birthdays and Anniversaries Remember In Your Prayers Lay Ministers 7 Calendar of Events 4 Community Sponsored Soup Kitchen What is Your Choice? May 2015 The Rector’s Voice The Very Rev. John H. Bonner, III Since November I have worked on a Conference with the Title “We started with 12: Strengthen, Empower, Sustain” and what a work it has been. We started with a very good Committee made up of Clergy and Laity in the Diocese. Our Bishop made a commitment to participate and he was our Key Note speaker. His focus was on “Connections” and their importance to our Ministries and the shape of our Congregations. I believe his words were an empowering message to the small congregations represented from all parts of our Diocese. Comments heard included “This is the first Conference like this I have attended where I left feeling hopeful.” I think that means we did a good work. Also, Jay Sidebotham, of “Renewal Works” made a powerful presentation on Monday morning. Jay was a Commercial Artist before becoming a priest and he is the one who draws the cartoons that give such meaning to our “Journeys Through Advent/Lent” each year. He is a gifted priest who travels all over the U.S. on behalf of Forward Movement talking about Leadership in Parishes of all size. He talked to us about what makes a Congregation a Vital Congregation? How do we Mobilize our Parishes? How do we measure Spiritual Growth? As you look at Holy Trinity think of what Jay calls “Best Practice Principles.” 1. Get People Moving 2. Embed Scripture 3. Create Ownership 4. Pastor the Community 5. Focus on the Heart of the Leader. We had good conversations around each of these important ‘Principles’. The afternoon was full of Workshops on Liturgy/Music, Facebook (not my favorite), Webpage formation, and Christian Formation. We spoke of Outreach in all our Parishes and how we are moved to serve in so many different ways. It is amazing! We had 56 Christians together serving God by learning more about His Church and how we can do “Church” better in East Carolina. Your Wardens and Kent and Lorraine, as leaders of the upcoming Choir Conference, all participated and made new connections that will serve us well in the future. Your Albemarle Deanery had by far the largest delegation so I hope this means we will move forward together in Ministry to each other and to Christians and those who have not yet made their commitment to Christ. Conferences are supposed to inspire us to use our ‘gifts’ as God has given us to do. I hope what we learned and experienced will help in the good ministry that Holy Trinity performs in our part of the vineyard. Pray for the growth of our Diocese spurred on by “We started with 12; strengthen, empower, sustain.” Faithfully, The Church of the Holy Trinity 207 South Church Street P.O. Box 125 Hertford, NC 27944 † 252-426-5542 www.holytrinityhertford.ecdio.org [email protected]IN THIS ISSUE TRINITY’S TRUMPET The Newsletter from the Church of the Holy Trinity Hertford, North Carolina
Transcript
1 The Rector’s Voice 2 Choir Notes Event Reminders 3
Treasurer's Report ECW
5
Anglican Churches in Perquimans County Small Church Conference
6
Birthdays and Anniversaries Remember In Your Prayers Lay Ministers
7 Calendar of Events
4
Community Sponsored Soup Kitchen What is Your Choice?
May 2015
The Rector’s Voice The Very Rev. John H. Bonner, III
Since November I have worked on a Conference with the Title “We started with 12: Strengthen,
Empower, Sustain” and what a work it has been. We started with a very good Committee made up of Clergy and Laity in the Diocese. Our Bishop made a commitment to participate and he was our Key Note speaker. His focus was on “Connections” and their importance to our Ministries and the shape of our Congregations. I believe his words were an empowering message to the small congregations represented from all parts of our Diocese. Comments heard included “This is the first Conference like this I have attended where I left feeling hopeful.” I think that means we did a good work.
Also, Jay Sidebotham, of “Renewal Works” made a powerful presentation on Monday morning. Jay was a Commercial Artist before becoming a priest and he is the one who draws the cartoons that give such meaning to our “Journeys Through Advent/Lent” each year. He is a gifted priest who travels all over the U.S. on behalf of Forward Movement talking about Leadership in Parishes of all size. He talked to us about what makes a Congregation a Vital Congregation? How do we Mobilize our Parishes? How do we measure Spiritual Growth? As you look at Holy Trinity think of what Jay calls “Best Practice Principles.” 1. Get People Moving 2. Embed Scripture 3. Create Ownership 4. Pastor the Community 5. Focus on the Heart of the Leader. We had good conversations around each of these important ‘Principles’. The afternoon was full of Workshops on Liturgy/Music, Facebook (not my favorite), Webpage formation, and Christian Formation. We spoke of Outreach in all our Parishes and how we are moved to serve in so many different ways. It is amazing!
We had 56 Christians together serving God by learning more about His Church and how we can do “Church” better in East Carolina. Your Wardens and Kent and Lorraine, as leaders of the upcoming Choir Conference, all participated and made new connections that will serve us well in the future. Your Albemarle Deanery had by far the largest delegation so I hope this means we will move forward together in Ministry to each other and to Christians and those who have not yet made their commitment to Christ.
Conferences are supposed to inspire us to use our ‘gifts’ as God has given us to do. I hope what we learned and experienced will help in the good ministry that Holy Trinity performs in our part of the vineyard. Pray for the growth of our Diocese spurred on by “We started with 12; strengthen, empower, sustain.”
TRINITY’S TRUMPET The Newsletter from the Church of the Holy Trinity
Hertford, North Carolina
May 2015
2
Choir Notes Joan Ernst, Director
♪♫ When in our music God is glorified, And adoration leaves no room for pride,
It is as though the whole creation cried, Alleluia! ♫♪
Hymn #420; v. 1
As you know, our choir is composed of singers who have been singing in churches for decades! It
never ceases to amaze me how dedicated our choir members are - especially when I call an extra rehearsal on a Saturday morning and everyone comes! WHY? Why, after all these years, do they continue to give so much of their time and energy to our music ministry?
Recently I had the privilege of attending a memorial service in the National Cathedral. The service celebrated the life of Norman Scribner, a man who had been a major force in sacred music in D.C. for over 50 years. Understandably the service focused not only on him but on the power of music. The Rev. Dr. Francis H. Wade gave an eloquent sermon and I wish to share a small portion of it.
There is something that makes music more than just sound. It is, in fact, the same thing that makes this
service more than just remembrance and liturgy. There is a reality in life and in death that moves Godward,
making all things to be more than their beginnings. The music .orman made and made happen was infinitely more than just sound because of that force in
life. You have heard it, felt it, participated in it. Something—a force or a feeling, a pull or a push, a wind or a
tide—raises sound to the level of music, music to the level of worship, and worship to the level of praise which
is the entrance to the joy of God. You know and I know it. We have felt it and been part of it. It does not
leave tracks that can be seen by science, nor does it lend itself to words, but it is as real as anything in life. � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
Event Reminders The Very Rev. John H. Bonner, III
Inquirer's Class
Also known as “Everything you wanted to know about the Episcopal Church and were afraid to
ask.” We started this Class on Sunday, April 19th after the Sunday Service. We will go until Sunday May 17th with a Dinner at the Rectory on Wednesday, May 20th before Confirmation/Reception/Reaffirmation on Sunday, May 24th at St. Paul’s, Edenton by Bishop Skirving. This Deanery Wide Celebration has become a staple in our Deanery and it is a meaningful and important day for those seeking to join our Church. It is for those who are new to the Episcopal Church and for those who are renewing/reaffirming their journey of faith. We will use as our Text Ian Markham’s new book “Episcopal Questions, Episcopal Answers”. (Come and pick up a copy) I look forward to speaking to anyone who is interested about this exercise.
Soup Kitchen
On May 20th we will have our first opportunity to serve at our Town's Soup Kitchen at the Methodist Church. The Vestry will do the first one and then it will be up to the Congregation to volunteer to serve 3 more times during the next 12 months. (It occurs every Thursday) See Barbara Kehayes if you are willing to help with this. Thanks.
Men's Fellowship
The Men's Fellowship will gather for breakfast on Thursday, May 28th at 8:00am in the Parish House. If you can help out with set-up and clean-up please let Fr. Bonner know.
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TRINITY’S TRUMPET
Deanery Confirmation Service
On Sunday, May 24th at 4:00pm at St. Paul’s, Edenton we will have our Third Annual Deanery Confirmation. Bishop Skirving will be Officiant/Celebrant and there will be Confirmations/Receptions/Reaffirmations from across the Deanery. The Service will be followed by a Reception in the Parish House of St. Paul’s. Come and join us as the Church continues to grow in the Albemarle Deanery.
Bonners Vacation
We will be traveling from May 3rd through the 11th. We are going to see old friends and making a dutiful trip to see the ‘kids’. Please contact me at 252-495-5174 if an emergency arises or call your Vestry contact.
Office Time
If you have called the Parish Office over the past couple of weeks you have noticed very pleasant ‘voices’ answer the phone. Thanks to Nancy Dougherty and all the ‘Volunteers’ (I love that term) who are manning the Parish Office phone four days a week to assist in the work of the Parish. As we slow down somewhat and prepare for our Summer come by the Parish and visit and say hello to our ‘Volunteers’. Ministry comes in many packages!
8:00 A.M. Service
Starting on Sunday, June 7th we will have an 8:00am Service for the months of June – August. We will still have the 10:00am Service but we make this addition for those who like an early start in the Summertime.
Parish Picnic
Spring into summer with our Parish Picnic, Sunday, June 7th following the 10:00am church service. Fried chicken will be provided by our Parish Life Committee. Bring your favorite side dish and join us. � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
Treasurer's Report Wes Brown, Treasurer
It seems that 2015 has just begun, but here we are at the end of the First Quarter. Total
contributions and total expenses are both approximately 9 percent over budget at this point. Utility expenses are at 60 percent of our annual budget, a deficit which is unlikely to improve. Office and computer expenses are near 30 percent of the annual budget as opposed to 25 percent, but with Easter in this quarter the performance is not alarming. We have not begun to disburse our outreach funds at this point.
Note that the remainder of the stained glass window expenses ($14,619.21) were paid in March from the Capital Fund (outside the budget).
$501 was deposited in the "Bucket" during Lent for the Diocesan Clean Water Fund.
If there are any questions or concerns, please contact me by email at [email protected] or by phone at 426-1244.
Thanks to all the women who completed the ECW questionnaire on the ECW program for 2015. We will
share the results once the questions are tabulated. The ECW courtyard sidewalk brick, remembering all unmarked children’s graves in the cemetery, will be
dedicated by Father John on May 3rd. This dedication will be the ECW meeting for May. The Episcopal Church Women of Holy Trinity will hold its annual luncheon at Patricia's Grille. Date and
2015 Operating Budget Summary March YTD View
YTD Actual
YTD Budget
YTD Per Cent
Pledges/Regular Giving $ 47,849 $ 43,923 103.0%
Other Contributions 350 500 76.0%
Total Contributions $ 48,634 $ 44,723 102.0%
Total Expenses $ 48,712 $ 44,723 114.0%
Plate Offering 435 300 112.0%
May 2015
4
times will be announced at a later date. Please join us to wrap-up this year's programs and support our new officers. � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
Community Sponsored Soup Kitchen Ann Lankford, Chairman
Several months ago, Hertford United Methodist Church initiated a weekly community soup kitchen
to minister to the homeless and needy. Initially, 12-13 people took advantage of the soup kitchen – this number has increased to 30-plus at times, demonstrating a real need for this outreach throughout our own community.
At the time the Methodist Church began this ministry, it expressed the hope that other groups within the Hertford community would join in this effort so that no one group would be obligated more than one Wednesday per calendar quarter. Your Vestry has learned that 12 of the 13 weeks per quarter have been spoken for and has voted unanimously to join in this soup kitchen ministry. In fact, your Vestry members will join together to provide the soup kitchen the third week in May (May 20). Our hope is that other organized groups (i.e., ECW, Men’s Crew, Choir, Altar Guild, etc.) within Holy Trinity will step forward for one of the other three quarters during the year, so that no one group within our Church will need to fund and perform this service more than once each year.
This is what is involved. Six to eight persons are needed to prepare and serve lunch from 11:30am to 1:30pm on the designated Wednesday; the menu may consist of a hearty sandwich and healthy dessert or soup and salad and dessert – the sponsoring group chooses the menu. Depending upon the prep time, the group may need to plan on beginning work an hour or so before lunchtime. The meal may be prepared either at the Methodist Church or in our own Church kitchen and transported to the Methodist Church for serving. Prior to the first time the group participates, its members are invited to come to the Methodist Church to be “shown the ropes” and learn the location of everything needed. Beverages (tea or water) and packages of condiments are provided by the Methodist Church. Following lunch, the sponsoring group cleans up – we are advised that the activity is concluded no later than 2:15pm.
Your Vestry feels that this will be both a rewarding and meaningful way of assisting within our community. If you are a member of a Holy Trinity church group and are interested in participating in this effort once a year, please consider prayerfully among your group members and advise a Vestry member of your decision. � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
What is Your Choice?
For the past few Sunday's the new raised kneelers at the altar rail have been in place for our
consideration. If you have not voiced your opinion to Fr. Bonner or your Vestry representative please let them know so the finish work can be completed. Ray Furnal has provided the workmanship to make it possible for the kneelers to be raised for easier kneeling and standing after taking communion. Do you want to continue to have them or do you not want them? � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
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TRINITY’S TRUMPET
Anglican Churches in Perquimans County Raymond A. Winslow, Jr.
The Church of the Holy Trinity is not the only building dedicated to Anglican/Episcopal worship
which has existed in Perquimans County. The first (its name and location unknown) was erected sometime before 1707 and was described by a missionary as "a compact little church, built with more care and expense, and better contrived than that in Chowan; it continues yet unfinished . . ." A 1711 report that the church was "never finished ready to drop down" is the last we hear of it.
In the 1730s two Church of England chapels served Perquimans. Yeopim Chapel was built on land given to the parish on 17 July 1732 by John and Elizabeth Matthias. Its contemporary, Nags Head Chapel, was established by 1736. Both ceased to be Anglican in 1776 when the Church was disestablished in North Carolina. Yeopim’s site was taken over by what soon became Bethel Baptist Church, while Nags Head yielded to New Hope Methodist Church.
Those two chapels could not have served the entire population of Perquimans County, which before 1779 extended as far north as the Virginia line. There are a few clues suggesting another chapel existed in the upper part of the county, perhaps near the property of General Joseph Riddick. Possibly it was taken over by what became Sandy Cross Baptist Church.
The better part of a century passed before Anglican (now Episcopal) churches reappeared in Perquimans. Holy Trinity parish was organized on 8 May 1848 and set about building two churches—or more accurately a church and a chapel—Holy Trinity and St. Barnabas. Holy Trinity is the sole survivor. St. Barnabas was built near Stockton plantation after May 1850 and consecrated on 16 April 1851, but it began to flounder as population shifted. Hoping that a new location might rejuvenate the church’s presence in the upper Durants Neck area, the parish purchased a lot in the village of Woodville in February 1875. In 1885 nothing had yet come of the scheme and old St. Barnabas was said to be severely decayed. In March 1895 the parish gave up the idea and sold the village lot. All traces of St. Barnabas disappeared.
Parishioners living north of Perquimans River were still intent on having a more accessible church and on 22 June 1895 a lot was purchased on Main Street in Winfall. By August 1896 a church had been erected there and it was consecrated on 31 January 1897 as the Chapel of the Good Shepherd. By the 1920s, paved roads and a new bridge at Hertford obviated the need for two churches in the parish. Good Shepherd was deconsecrated in the summer of 1935 and the property was sold in April 1940. The building, converted to a residence, still stands. Good Shepherd’s instrument of consecration and lectern bible are preserved in Holy Trinity’s archives.
Were there other Episcopal churches in Perquimans? Diocesan records of 1835 state that arrangements had been made to build a church in Hertford which might soon be ready for consecration, but there is no evidence that those arrangements came to pass. Later, evangelistic efforts in the black community led to the establishment of St. Thomas Mission in Hertford about 1915, but no mention of a church building has been found. � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
Russ & Lisa Gregor ..................... 05/07 Bob & Nancy Dougherty....05/25
Dave & Pat Smith ........................ 05/11 Brian & Sarah Hickman .....05/26
Remember in your prayers Pray for Healing and Comfort: Charlie Griffin, Andrew Mohler, Judy Andrade, Jewel Aull, Gene Cummings, Marge Ambrose, Betsy Trapp, The Rev. Nils Blatz, Laura Powell, Jon James, Courtney & Nancy Young.
Pray for our Armed Forces
Pray for the Departed: Gregory Young.
Lay Ministers
May Acolyte Eucharistic Minister Lector
Prayer Leader Usher
Offering Counters
Coffee
Host/Hostess
Altar
Flowers
3 Ed
Muzzulin Vince
Gullotta Debbie Bonner
Jane McCoy
Frank & Connie Jaklic
Dick & Carole Medford
Fran Taylor
Jerry & Annie Gehrig
10 Billy
Rowell Susan Powell
Wes Brown
Dick Mohler
Don Johnson Carlton Davenport
Carlton Davenport Carl Jonson
Barbara Ward
Barbara Kehayes
17 Robert Earl
Lane Laura Rowell
Joan Ernst
John Skinner
Harry & Jane McCoy
Barry & Daphne Marshall
Peggy West
Gene & Alice Cummings
24 Will
Skinner Kathie
Columbus John Ernst
David Smith
John & Nancy Gruner
John Sabo Billy Rowell
Regan Westra
Bob & Nancy Dougherty
31 Ed
Mueller David Smith
Jerry Gehrig
Barbara Ward
Erie Haste Russ Gregor
Proctor & Nancy Baker
Debbie Bonner At the Rectory
Bob Bose
The deadline for the June, July, August 2015
newsletter is May 17, 2015
Team 1 Team 2 Team 3 Team 4 Team 5 Team 6 Team 7
Mettha Davenport Cherry Powell Sandra Sperry
Barbara Brown Susie Romney Nancy Young
Deborah Manley Carole Medford
Peggy West
Mary Alice Brinn Nancy Dougherty Anne Lankford
Nancy Gruner Trish Ludwig
Courtney Ritzmann
Norma McMullan Pat Smith
Ann Mariani
Jean Batson Kathie Columbus Alice Cummings
2015 Altar Guild Teams (See Calendar on next page for assignment)
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TRINITY’S TRUMPET TRINITY’S TRUMPET
7
May 2015 This Month’s Schedule of Events
CHT = Church of the Holy Trinity d PH = Parish House d HUMC = Hertford United Methodist Church
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
OFFICE HOURS
8:30a—12:00n Mon–Thu, & Sat
24 hours a day, 7 days a week by appointment
Rector:
426-3914 Home 426-5542 Church 495-5174 Cell Do not hesitate to call Fr. Bonner at home when need arises!
Please check the Master Calendar on the Office wall in the Parish House for any changes.
1
Fr. Bonner’s Day Off
7:00p, PH AA
2
10:00a, CHT Altar Guild Team # 7
3:00p, PH Helping Hands
3
9:00a, CHT Adult Choir Practice
9:10a, PH Sunday School
10:00a, CHT Holy Eucharist
Inquirer's Class
4
5 7:00a, Rotary Club
6 4:30p, CHT Adult Choir Practice
7
8 Fr. Bonner’s Day Off
7:00p, PH AA
9 10:00a, CHT Altar Guild Team # 1
3:00p, PH Helping Hands
10 Mother's Day
9:00a, CHT Adult Choir Practice
9:10a, PH Sunday School
10:00a, CHT Holy Eucharist
Inquirer's Class
11
12 7:00a, Rotary Club
13
4:30p, CHT Adult Choir Practice
14
15 Fr. Bonner’s Day Off
7:00p, PH AA
16 10:00a, CHT Altar Guild Team # 2
3:00p, PH Helping Hands
17
9:00a, CHT Adult Choir Practice
9:10a, PH Sunday School
10:00a, CHT Holy Eucharist
Inquirer's Class
18 2:30p, PH Vestry Meeting
18 7:00a, Rotary Club
20
11:30a, HUMC Community Soup Kitchen
4:30p, CHT Adult Choir Practice
21
22
Fr. Bonner’s Day Off
10:00a, PH Trinity Bells Practice
7:00p, PH AA
23
10:00a, CHT Altar Guild Team # 3
3:00p, PH Helping Hands
24 Pentecost
9:00a, CHT Adult Choir Practice
9:10a, PH Sunday School
10:00a, CHT Holy Eucharist
25 4:00p, St. Paul's Deanery Confirmation Service in Edenton
