From the Rector

The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone;

this was the Lord’s doing. Dear Friends in Christ, I would like to share with you the following reflection written by a friend of mine, The Rt. Rev. Mary Gray-Reeves. She is the Bishop of the Diocese of El Camino Real in California. –Eric+ Matthew 21:42 has Jesus teaching from the Parable of the Wicked Tenants, where the workers reject the son of the vineyard’s owner so they may take the land for themselves. An unthinkable act if they wished to keep their jobs — indeed their lives.

Jesus recalls Hebrew scripture: “Have you not heard? ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is amazing in our eyes (Psalm 118:22-23).’”

Jesus calls out the need to always be mindful of God, learning naturally to live peacefully with God’s presence. Jesus reminds his listeners of what they

already know. As Christians, we know too. We may stumble over our cornerstone — look at it, ponder it, reject it, embrace it, build on it, or leave it sitting alone with no associated structure — but it would be unwise to act as though it did not exist. We must consider how we shall live with its presence.

Cultivating an intentional awareness of God’s presence, our cornerstone, is a Christian practice that has its roots in the early monasticism of the Desert Fathers and Mothers. It is not always easy, but is essential to following The Way. It was said about Abba Agathon, a Desert Father, that “for three years he carried a pebble around in his mouth until he learned to be silent.” Perhaps this was his way of noticing the cornerstone and learning to be in God’s presence more consistently!

The season of stewardship is filled with talk about money: what is needed, what we should do, what the church wants to accomplish, those we serve and the projects we must sustain. It is all of such value. In order to communicate its importance, we make the conversation urgent, loud and grand, perhaps helping us feel our value about our offering. But when we are silent — and I mean really silent, with not even internal chatter, arguing, rationalization or justification — we can sense God holding us.

The longer we remain in that embrace of unconditional love and mercy, the more deeply we are aware that this grace meets every need the world has. We are aware that it meets every need we have. We are able to give freely from our abundance, sharing that gift with others. Silence is a spiritual practice of relaxing into the stillness of God, noticing grace as a constant presence rather than as fleeting and random moments. It is counter-intuitive in our chatty culture to think that stillness and silence can move us so profoundly, but indeed it is so.

Perhaps the ‘pebble in our cheek’ teaching of Abba Agathon could serve as a metaphor for the cornerstone in our lives. Let its power cause you to stumble over your words, even silence you. Spend time with the cornerstone in this stewardship season. It will make you strong and you will know what to build — what to give — to make your church and the places in the world for which you are prayerfully passionate, locations where

The Vine…

Connecting the Body of Christ Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Essex, 1131 Mace Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21221

(410) 687-5531 www.holytrinity.ang-md.org/ htessex@verizon.net

October 2014

God’s grace is stronger through your generous and overflowing heart. Bishop Mary Poses the following questions for our reflection How do you rest in God?

How does cultivating the practice of God’s presence change you?

How does God’s grace meet you?

FROM THE SENIOR WARDEN In 2008, Charlyn took the lead in updating the Holy Trinity Mission Statement that is posted on the wall in the Schutte-Regester Hall. For a few months, Charlyn, with support from Dianna, Leah and me, did a lot of research and reading before the first draft of a new Statement was ready for review. Anything worthwhile takes time and effort. Each month when the Vestry meets, new ideas and challenges arise. At the August Vestry meeting, Jason read our Mission Statement and reminded us how important it is to keep these eight items in mind as we attempt to make decisions that will impact the parish. As a group, we spend a lot of time and expend a lot of effort not only at our meetings but also between meetings preparing to deal with issues raised by parishioners. We cannot succeed as a Vestry unless the entire parish works with us. Many parishioners use their time and talents in so many ways that keeps our parish vibrant. Father Eric has led us from a Mission to an Independent Parish, through a Jubilee year, and is always looking for new ways to help strengthen our relationships with our Lord and Savior Jesus, as well as improving our relationships as a community. Everyone is asked to read the Mission Statement then pray and see me if you can find a way that you can help us improve. Ron Mardaga

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

There will be a Blessing of the Animals service on St. Francis Day, Saturday, October 4 at l:00 pm. All pets are welcome but they must be in a carrier or on a leash. If the weather is nice, the service will be held outside by the St. Francis statue. If not, we will find a space inside. Please contact Chris Kinard (410-382-6928) with any questions you might have.

A LITTLE CHURCH HUMOR

Nine year old Joey was asked by his mother what he had learned in Sunday School. “Well mom, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. When he got to the Red Sea, he had his army build a pontoon bridge and all the people walked across safely. Then he radioed headquarters for reinforcements. They sent bombers to blow up the bridge and all of the Israelites were saved.” “Now Joey, is that what your teacher really taught you?” his mother asked. “Well no mom, but if I told it the way the teacher did, you would never believe it!”

OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS

Shaun Therres – 10/4 Kim Hagner – 10/5 Evelyn Preisinger – 10/7 Jennifer Black – 10/9 Alex Hearn – 10/10 Leah Seay – 10/14 Darlene Wilson – 10/15 Amanda Barringer – 10/15 Grace Waddell – 10/21 Mitch Kile – 10/21 Jackie Huber – 10/23 Jason Kamrath – 10/24 Deborah Pirog – 10/24

OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES

Charles & Beverly McCormick – 10/9 Dave & AnnMarie Sample – 10/9 Daron & Darlene Wilson – 10/21 Charles & Nancy McDougall – 10/23 John & Lorry Nines – 10/28 IF YOUR BIRTHDAY OR ANNIVERSARY IS MISSING OR THE DATE SHOWN IS INCORRECT PLEASE SEE JANICE BARBER

PRAYER LIST

MelodyMagin (Mary Bogert’s Daughter) Charlotte Nicholson (Janice’s Sister) Luke Metz (Millie’s Gr. Grandson) Diane Leimbach (Teresa’s Daughter) Debbie Salamone ( “ “ ) Todd Metz (Bob’s Son) Bill Collins ( “ “ ) Christopher Anderson (Joan’s Son) Amy Stevens (Jeannie’s Niece) Margaret Vollerdt Bev McCormick Barbara Jayman (Chris’ Friend) Ruth Mumford (Chris’ Mom) Brenda Williams (Lorraine’s Friend) Allen Barr, Jr. (Leah’s Cousin) Agnes Evans (Leah’s Aunt) Jadin Shipley (Alice’s Grandnephew) Danetta Riedel (Leah’s Friend) Betty Coursey(Joanna’s Cousin) Marian “Butch” & Stu Robinson (Brett’s Grandparents) Donna Jacoby Heather Hilldebrand(Jeannie’s Friend) Father Eric & Cindy Debbie Bindeman(Joan A. Daughter) Jeff Bindeman(Joan A. Grandson) Karen Allen (J. Znovena Friend) Joe Reichert Ruth Acly PLEASE LET JANICE BARBER KNOW WHEN ANYONE IS TO BE ADDED OR DELETED FROM THE PRAYER LIST

REMINDERS

Flower Memorial/Thanksgiving forms are on the table in the Narthex. Completed forms should be given to Teresa Schutte-Regester along with your check for $30.00 payable to Holy Trinity. Oblations should also be ordered through Teresa. No flowers during Lent. The following dates after Easter are still available for altar flowers: October 12, 26, November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, December 7, 14, 21, 28. Remember to sign up on the form in the hall to host a Sunday coffee hour. If you have questions, please see Millie Reichert.

Serving the Community, the Nation, and the World!

An important part of our mission here at Holy Trinity is to, “communicate to the community the life-changing power of Jesus Christ.” A later statement in our mission further extends “the community” to the rest of the nation and world. The first place to start is by having a great and up-to-date website. Thanks to much work by Dan Barber, our website is a model for other churches in the Diocese and can be found at http://www.holytrinityessex.org/. Did you know that our 10:00 am worship service is currently available to be seen by the entire world? Dan Barber and Brett Robinson spend hours each week videotaping, editing, and posting each liturgy to our You-Tube Channel located at www.youtube.com/user/ TheHtvideos. Each week anywhere from 30 to over 100 people view our

worship service online. By visiting this site you can see all of the homilies and worship services going back to May 13, 2012 when we began this ministry. You can also find our church on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Holy-Trinity-Episcopal-Church-in-Essex/155883704421696 We also post the weekly liturgies and other items relevant to our Parish there also. There are so many GOOD things happening at Holy Trinity and we are fortunate to have many ways of sharing the GOOD NEWS!

HOLY TRINITY ENDOWMENT FUND

We are pleased to announce that the HTE Committee is now at full strength, with the addition of three new members, Chris, Dianna and Terri. Now that the fund is over five years old, the committee has voted to make our first disbursement of $500 to the Dominican Republic Scholarship drive. Our current theme for HTE is as follows: If ye have faith the size of a mustard seed, • when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the

seeds . . . but when it is grown, the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. (KJV)

• Your gift, no matter the size, will help others reach the potential God has for them.

• The Holy Trinity Endowment Fund is for Educational Outreach to help accomplish this goal.

Please consider giving a gift of any size to this fund. Teresa and Dan

OUTREACH UPDATE

Sandalwood Backpack Ministry We need donations to fill the bags for the children at Sandalwood especially nonperishable foods such as juice boxes, milk boxes, cereal, pop tarts, oatmeal, tuna/chicken, macaroni & cheese, Ramen noodles, soups, spaghetti, fruit cups, raisins. We also need help filling the bags each Sunday. International Seafarer’s Mission We are collecting items until October 26 to fill Christmas boxes for the seafarer’s. Needed items include shampoo, shaving cream, razors, lip balm, hand cream, warm hats, gloves, socks, small writing pad/pens/pencils, CD’s, New Testaments or other inspirational reading materials. We already have enough soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs and playing cards. Thanks. Denise Thatcher

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

For some time now, I have been writing about new parishioners at Holy Trinity. This month, I am writing about “coffee hour” where you get to meet and greet these newcomers, as well as those who have been at Holy Trinity for many years. There are many diverse and interesting people here at Holy Trinity and coffee hour is a wonderful

opportunity to get to know the people with whom you worship. Coffee hour had its beginning at our old church on Eastern Blvd. when Father Holland B. Clark was our Vicar and who thought this would be a great idea. Amy Joy Donuts had a shop in Middlesex and they sold us donut holes very reasonably. A very simple idea; coffee, donut holes, and conversation and it worked! The tradition still carries on here at Mace Avenue but with a more elaborate refreshment table. It is good fellowship and some parishioners are still talking on Sunday when the lights in the hall are turned off. Come join us after the 10:00 am service. See Millie Reichert about hosting coffee hour some Sunday. Hope to see you there soon. Teresa Schutte-Regester Roving Reporter FINAL THOUGHT – You cannot do a kindness too soon, because you never know how soon it will be too late.(Ralph Waldo Emerson) FINAL WORD FROM THE EDITOR Items for the November Newsletter are due to me by October 19. Email me at jmbarber@netzero.com or place them in my mail tray in the Library. Janice Barber Newsletter Editor

DOLLAR$ AND SENSE OctoBER 2014

Friends,

The treasurer’s summary through August can be found below:

Year-to-date revenue of $151,470.40 exceeds budget by $11,470.40 ($6,200 is Mary Edwards funds and $5,270.40 is budget surplus). Pledge and plate giving remains strong year-to-date. Total expenses year-to-date of $139,299.16 on a budget of $140,000.00 (large outreach expenditures come later in the year). This total includes unbudgeted expenses of $5,000 for carpet replacement and $1,000 for a social ministry laptop. The total approved operating budget for 2014 is $210,000 or $17,500 per month or $4,038.46 per week.

Account balances as of August 31, 2014: Checking account: $9,017.29 (includes Mary Edward’s bequest) Petty Cash: $200 Memorial Fund: $1,347.38 (pending reimbursement of $620.99) Temporary Bond Fund: $13,391.20 ($10K 2013 Gift + $2,925 insurance from rectory damages) HT Outreach/Education Endowment: $23,221.81 Mary Jackson Bonds: $33,446.48 Mary Jackson Stocks: $80,069.48 Total Mary Jackson Fund: $113,515.96 Total Fidelity Portfolio: $151,476.35

Domincan Republic Scholarship Fund: ($56.66) (funds sent in August)

Please keep an eye on the wall in the Schutte-Regester Hall where the Vestry minutes are posted for more detailed financial information. Finally, in an attempt to stay sane, I would like to fully devote my Sundays to music and worship. Please contact me at 410-254-3453 (evenings) or 443-997-5741 (days) or by email at jkamrat1@jhmi.edu to discuss any Parish financial matters. All check requests and invoices can be left in my mailbox in the library and they will be processed weekly. There are also check request forms and tax exempt cards available in my mailbox.

Keep the faith! Jason E. Kamrath

☺STEWARDSHIP HUMOR☺

Top Nine Reasons We Should Tithe 9. Your church started a new stewardship drive: every time you give your chances of winning increase! 8. There’s no money for new choir robes, so the choir has started wearing their bathrobes during the service. 7. The last few Sundays the Treasurer has gotten up half way through the service and turned the heat/air-conditioning off. 6. The Priest has worn the same suit every Sunday for the past three years. 5. The Ushers are starting to drool and growl as they collect the offering! 4. The Treasurer has started wearing sackcloth and ashes! 3. You tried to call the Church Office last week but found that the phone has been disconnected! 2. Parking meters had to be installed in the church parking lot.

And, the Number One Reason to Tithe... 1. As a Christian you understand the privilege it is to have a partnership in the Gospel! See Malachi 3:8-10

Music Notes October, 2014

Gracious and loving God Our souls are filled with the power and joy of your song of Creation Our hearts dance to the beat of your rhythm as we raise our voices in response to your call Wrapped in the arms of your sustaining and eternal Love, we offer our gift of music In the presence of your Holy Spirit, hearts are stilled to hear, minds are stirred to action, lives may be transformed... We pray that all who listen will hear with understanding, and open themselves to feel your presence through the joy in our voices and the passion in our hearts We pray that all who listen will feel their spirits touched by the wonder of your mystery, and add their own voices to our joyful noise May we ourselves continue to be uplifted in knowing our singing touches and uplifts many others in our faith community May we cast off the burden of impossible perfection, and let our souls soar on the wings of heavenly music May we sing always with hearts open to your presence and your power ♥ Hallelujah and Amen!

Sunday, Oct 5 – Warm-up @ 9:30/Worship @ 10:00/Choir Practice @ 11:45 Sunday, Oct 12 – Warm-up @ 9:30/Worship @ 10:00/Choir Practice @ 11:45 Sunday, Oct 19 – Warm-up @ 9:30/Worship @ 10:00/Choir Practice @ 11:45

Sunday, Oct 26 – Worship @ 10:00 (NO CHOIR PRACTICE BEFORE OR AFTER) (There will be no All Saints’ service on Saturday, Nov 1)

Sunday, Nov 2 – Warm-up @ 9:30/Worship @ 10:00/Choir Practice @ 11:45 Sunday, Nov 9 – Warm-up @ 9:30/Worship @ 10:00/Choir Practice @ 11:45

Sunday, Nov 16 – Warm-up @ 9:30/Worship @ 10:00/Choir Practice @ 11:45 Sunday, Nov 23 – Warm-up @ 9:30/Worship @ 10:00/Choir Practice @ 11:45

Wednesday, Nov 26 – Warm-up @ 6:30/Worship @ 7:00 Sunday, Nov 30 – Warm-up @ 9:30/Worship @ 10:00/Choir Practice @ 11:45 Sunday, Dec 7 – Warm-up @ 9:30/Worship @ 10:00/Choir Practice @ 11:45

Sunday, Dec 14 – Warm-up @ 9:30/Worship @ 10:00/Choir Practice @ 11:45 Sunday, Dec 21 – Warm-up @ 9:30/Worship @ 10:00/Choir Practice @ 11:45

Wednesday, Dec 24 – TO BE DETERMINED

MINISTRY SCHEDULE OCTOBER, 2014

5 12 19 26 8:00 A.M. Chalicist Dave S. R.Ross Sylvia Sylvia . Lay Reader AnnMarie R.Ross AnnMarie R.Ross

Intercessor Jackie R.Ross Jackie R.Ross 10:00 A.M. Thurifer Server Kaitlyn Alyssa Alexis P. Tyler Crucifer David Alexis B. Mason Kaitlyn Torch Torch Gospeler Kaitlyn Alyssa Alexis Tyler Chalicist Teresa Frank P. J.Bowen Frank P. Chalicist Janice Regina Chris John M. Intercessor Teresa Chris Regina Denise Reader (OT) Charlyn Michele Jason Susan Reader (NT) Dianna Mary L. Chris Charlyn Usher Joe J. Bowen Brett Chris Usher Millie Mary D. S. Raum Gary P. Teller J.Bowen Don A. Randy Chris Teller Millie Brett Anne K. Mary D. IF YOU KNOW IN ADVANCE THAT YOU CANNOT SERVE FOR CERTAIN DATES, PLEASE DROP A NOTE TO ME (JANICE BARBER) GIVING THE DATES AND I WON’T SCHEDULE YOU. IF SOMETHING UNEXPECTED COMES UP AFTER THE SCHEDULE IS PRINTED THEN IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO FIND AN AUTHORIZED REPLACEMENT. MY MAIL FOLDER IS LOCATED IN THE OFFICE. THANKS FOR YOUR COOPERATION.

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 Service – 6:00 pm Al-anon – 6:30 pm

2 Bible Study-7:00 pm

3 4

5 Baptism 8 AM Holy Eucharist II 10 am Sunday School 10 am AA – 7:00 pm

6 Al-anon – noon

7 The Woodland’s l:00 pm AA – 7:30 pm

8 Service – 6:00 pm Al-anon-6:30 pm

9 Vestry – 7:00 pm

10

11 Hall Rented

12 Services 8 & 10 am Sunday School 10 am Hall Rented 1:00-5:00pm AA-7:00 pm

13 . Al-anon – noon

14 The Woodland’s 1:00 pm AA – 7:30 pm

15 Service – 6:00 pm Al-anon-6:30 pm

16

17

18 Hall Rented

19 Services 8 & 10 am Sunday School 10 am AA-7:00 pm

20 Al-anon – noon

21 The Woodland’s 1:00 pm AA-7:30 pm

22 Service – 6:00 pm Al-anon-6:30 pm

23

24 Wedding – 4:00 pm

25 Bonfire-5:00 pm

26 Services 8 & 10 am Sunday School 10 am AA-7:00 pm

27 Al-anon – noon

28 The Woodland’s 1:00 pm AA-7:30 pm

29 Service – 6:00 pm Al-anon-6:30 pm

30

31

OCTOBER, 2014