1
Inside this issue:
Message from
Father Pat 1-2
Summer Enrichment
Weekend 2
Christian Education &
Formation 3
Other Ministries 4-5
Busy Fall at Trinity 6
Important Dates in
Sept. & Oct. 7
Parish Information 8
Trinity Episcopal
Church
A message from Father Pat Sept. / Oct. 2016
NEWSLETTER
Father Pat Connell
& Tigo
Including ~ Affirming ~ Transforming
The Celebration of Discipline
The Rio Olympics was a spectacular triumph for Team USA who
brought home 121 medals. Michael Phelps dominated men’s swimming.
His 13th individual gold medal surpassed the ancient record of 12 gold
medals won by Leonidas at the Olympic game in 152 BC. At that game
Leonidas won 3 gold medals – a record that wasn’t broken for 2,168 years!
Michael Phelps is a swimming machine. He was born with “good
genes,” but he has been in training since he was 12 years old. In prepara-
tion for Rio, Phelps exercised six hours a day, six days a week. He stayed
focused, not just in competition, but in training as well. He may well be
the greatest Olympian of all time.
St. Paul is partial to sports metaphors. In 1 Corinthians 9:24, 25a
Paul says, “Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only
one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it.” Athletes
exercise discipline in all things. Disciplined exercise is the regimen for all
world class athletes – and it is the spiritual regimen for all Christians.
On many occasions I have said God’s love is unconditional. There is
nothing you can do to make God love you any more, and conversely, there
is nothing you can do that will make God love you any less. Living a spirit-
ually disciplined life isn’t going to make God love you more, but it will give
you a regimen and the necessary tools for spiritual growth. If the desire of
your heart is a deeper love for Jesus, then the spiritual disciplines become
a means of grace. They become life giving. Without a longing for Jesus, the
spiritual disciplines will become burdensome and kill the spirit.
Richard Foster’s Celebration of Discipline continues to be a
touchstone in my own spiritual journey. The book is divided into three
parts: Inward Disciplines, Outward Disciplines, and Corporate Disciplines.
In each part there are four disciplines. I will highlight one discipline from
each part. They offer a starting point for living a disciplined life.
The inward discipline of prayer
Prayer is our longing and desire for God. Sometimes it is articulat-
ed in formal prayers. Other times it is being still in God’s presence. The
Didache, a first century manual of spiritual disciplines, encourages begin-
ners to pray the Lord’s Prayer three times a day. Prayer is the foundation
of all the spiritual disciplines.
Action: Take an inventory of your prayer life. If prayer is not part of your
daily life, begin by saying the Lord’s Prayer three times a day. If you have
a discipline of daily prayer, is your prayer life drawing you into a deeper
relationship with God? If not, there are many aids for enriching your life of
prayer.
Aids for prayer:
The Book of Common Prayer
www.northumbriacommunity.org
www.missionstclaire.com
Father Pat’s message continues on Page 2
2
We had a wonderful weekend of enrich-
ment in July. We ate together, we worshiped to-
gether and we learned together. Thank you to all
of our teachers, leaders and workers. A special
thank you to Sister Cheryl Clemons from Brescia
for being our guest presenter for the adult class
and on Sunday morning.
After a full schedule on Friday evening
and Saturday morning, we were blessed on Sun-
day morning with monologue portrayals of the
Marys we studied. Jane Wedding as Mary, the
mother of Jesus, Faith Young as Mary, the sister
of Martha and Amy Beck as Mary of Magdalene
all so beautifully told their character's relation-
ship with the Christ.
Summer at Trinity (go to www.trinityec.org for more photos)
Summer Enrichment Weekend
The outward discipline of service
Service is our commitment to Christ beyond the pew. Service can be divided between the minis-
try to the church and ministry to the world. Ministry to the church are those services that take place in
house. They are many and they are varied. Service to the world is the work of Outreach. It is putting
Jesus’ teachings on justice into action.
Action: What is your service beyond the pew? Whether it is ministry inside the church or ministry to
the world, there is always a place to serve. If you are serving, thank you. If you do not have a ministry
beyond the pew, consider one of the many service opportunities within the life of Trinity Church.
Aids to service:
See ministry opportunities posted in the parish hall and in the narthex.
Parish website: www.Trinityec.org
The corporate discipline of worship
Worship is communal. We can pray in solitude, but by definition Christian worship is communi-
ty. The Didache exhorts Christians to gather every Lord’s Day [Sunday] for the breaking of the bread.
Sunday attendance at the Eucharist is not about keeping the “rules,” it is about meeting Jesus in order
that we might live transformed lives.
Action: Attendance at the Sunday Eucharist begins by cultivating good habits. We commit to good hab-
its and the Holy Spirit “baptizes” our good habits with a commitment to Jesus Christ. What is your com-
mitment to the Sunday Eucharist? Christmas and Easter? Once a month? Whenever it is convenient?
Acknowledge where you are in commitment to the Sunday Eucharist and take the next step in cultivat-
ing good habits.
Opportunities for Worship
Sundays: 8:00am & 10:00am
Wednesdays: 12:10pm
Living a disciplined life is not the goal of the Christian life – transformation is the goal. Spe-
cifically, the goal of the Christian life is to be transformed by God’s grace so that when others see you;
they see Jesus, and when you see them, you see Jesus, too!
Faithfully,
Father Pat
A message from Father Pat, continued
3
Christian Education & Formation: life-long learning
Thank you, Juanita
We have a rich menu of enrichment offerings this fall. Take a look and
join others in continuing the faith journey. Post on your Refrigerator!
On Sunday, August 14th, Father Pat presented Juanita
Sprague with flowers to thank her for 6 years of leadership
with our youth.
During her tenure, the youth not only grew spiritually,
but helped with Blessing of the Animals, launched the Trunk or
Treat community event, enhanced the Shrove Tuesday with a
talent show (Fat Tuesday Follies) and "dunked" Father Pat for
a good cause (to buy a well in Africa).
Thank you, Juanita, for your imaginative leadership.
4
Outreach Ministries
Parish Potluck Picnic—Hot August Night!
Christmas in July for Matthew 25
Service of Outreach – what might it mean for you?
The Outreach Committee thanks you for your generosity to our
annual Christmas in July for Matthew 25. Your willingness to re-
spond to community needs is so very appreciated and speaks to the
compassion of our Trinity community. You provided 17 bins and 4 gift
bags with enough money left to enhance their food bags the following
week.
Matthew 25’s mission is to support, educate, and treat those in-
fected with and affected by HIV/AIDS.
It was truly a HOT AUGUST NIGHT
when Trinity celebrated the end of summer
with a picnic at Legion Park on the 28th.
Even though it was steamy, the food, fun
and fellowship were grand. Thank you to all
who brought food, and especially our Fellow-
ship Guild for taking care of set up and
clearing.
What a lovely way to celebrate the
community of Trinity!
Father Pat talks about the discipline of
service in his newsletter message. Your Out-
reach Committee prays that you will consider
how you can provide service to Trinity’s outreach
efforts.
Our Outreach Committee is our parish’s
official avenue for reaching beyond our parish
walls with the love of Christ in tangible ways.
“Beyond our parish” means our local community,
our country and even our world.
Most of our work involves partnering with
established agencies, helping with the good work
of their specific ministries, such as Habitat for
Humanity, St. Benedict and Oasis Shelters and
the Help Office. Our relationship with other
agencies is more hands on, such as delivery of
food and hosting a support group for Matthew 25
clients.
We also have a few “home grown” out-
reach initiatives, such as utility relief and the
Loads of Love project. We go around the globe by
working with World Vision, “adopting” two chil-
dren in Africa, improving their lives and their
communities.
Trinity is blessed with dedicated volun-
teers that work with our partner agencies and
initiatives. We are also blessed with a generous
congregation and our ability to fund efforts is
strong. However, a dynamic outreach program
must continue to evolve by being sensitive and
responsive to the concerns of our parish.
We want to remain vital and current in
our church and community and need your input
and help. What are your mission passions?
What touches your heart with a wish to help?
Your Outreach Committee meets the first
Tuesday of each month at 5:30 PM. LeDonna
Rae is the committee chair. Talk to LeDonna or
any other member or just show up to the meet-
ing.
Please prayerfully consider being a part of
this important Trinity ministry.
“Thank you” to all who responded to
Father Pat’s August 21st “Loose offering” ap-
peal for the Louisiana flood victims. Due to
your generosity, more than $2,100 will be sent
to Louisiana Bishop Morris Thompson (a per-
sonal friend of Father Pat’s) to go directly for
flood relief.
Bishop Morris writes…
Dear Pat+,
Please express to the good people of
Trinity Church our gratitude for remembering
us in prayer and financial support. Your gen-
erosity will go a long way in this recovery ef-
fort. The destruction is enormous and will
take some time just to get to the point of re-
building. Thank you for your help.
Blessings,
+Morris
5
Did you know that our Holtkamp Pipe Or-
gan is 40 years old this year? In honor and cele-
bration of this lovely instrument, I will offer a
Compline & Concert this October. Music will
include works by Samuel Wesley (son of hymn-
writer Charles Wesley) whose 250th birth anni-
versary is this year. He was considered a child
prodigy (often compared to Mozart) and one of
the greatest organists of his generation. Listen
also for a lovely anthem and a setting of the Glo-
ria Patri during worship this season. Please
check your upcoming Sunday bulletins and post-
ers around church for a date and time.
Looking ahead…speaking of Compline &
Concert, we will once again be offering our Ad-
vent Compline & Concert Series this season.
Each Sunday, from November 27 through De-
cember 18 at 6 PM ,these concerts, combined
with prayer at the end of the day (compline), will
be a way to experience God’s presence and the joy
of this expectant season. Lasting no more than
forty five minutes, it’s a marvelous way to calm
your mind, body and soul during the hectic days
leading to the joyous birth of Our Savior at
Christmas. By the way, Christmas Eve is on Sat-
urday this year with Christmas Day falling on a
Sunday. To echo the theme of Advent – Prepare
Ye The Way!
I hope to see and hear each of you this
week in worship.
SOLI DEO GLORIA ~ Martin
I hope everyone has had a wonderful sum-
mer and feels rested, refreshed and rejuvenated!
For those of you that contributed to the
Favorite Hymn of the Week this past month and
enjoyed the Hymn-Sing in August, I offer a
hearty THANKS. As a church musician, nothing
is more satisfying than a congregation and com-
munity that loves to sing! We at Trinity come
from many different spiritual and faith back-
grounds and the breadth of your knowledge and
love of song is always a joy for me. Although we
only (at present) utilize one of the musical re-
sources of the Episcopal Church, the Hymnal
1982, there are two others that encompass many
of the traditions we bring ‘to the table’ of Our
Lord. They are Lift Every Voice and Sing
(LEVAS) and Wonder, Love and Praise (WLP). I
heartily encourage you to pop online and check
out these two hymnals! You will find many gems
from your musical past and new treasures as
well. Please see me if you wish us to possibly in-
clude one in our worship from time to time.
Our faithful and dedicated choir folks re-
turn in September to lead and inspire our liturgy.
If you have been a part of this talented group in
the past, or are thinking of how you might be a
leader in worship or how to contribute to our par-
ish, please give us a thought! We gather on
Wednesdays from 7:15 until 8:30 PM and on Sun-
day mornings at 9 AM. We have great conversa-
tion, convivial comradery and we hit the music
hard – not just note learning, but history, tech-
nique and ensemble singing. Of course you don’t
have to be a music reader (it sure helps though!)
but being able to hold a note and a tune is quite
important. If anyone ever needs assistance, I am
always glad to help you improve your talents.
Business of the Parish
Music Ministry (by Martin Fendley, Organist & Choirmaster)
Other Ministries
As the fall approaches, we will begin selec-
tion and recruitment of four Vestry members for
the 2017-2019 term. At Trinity, Vestry members
are not simply board members that come to meet-
ings and vote on issues. Each Vestry member
assumes a key role in the life of our parish, lead-
ing other volunteers in that area.
The first step in Vestry selection is to de-
termine the key areas that need leadership. Fa-
ther Pat provides his vision for the future as well
as where he feels our church needs greater lead-
ership involvement. We then look at who has the
gifts and willingness to take on the identified
roles and we ask these persons to consider having
their name placed into nomination. This process
is call “recruiting to task,” and is helpful in mak-
ing the Vestry member’s tenure successful and
gratifying.
If you have a ministry that you feel should
be specifically addressed in 2017, or have a sug-
gestion as to leadership, please talk to Father Pat
or Wendy Wells.
Your Vestry Members Wendy Wells—Sr. Warden
2014-2016 term:
Doug Webster, II— Junior Warden
Lori Schneider—Newcomers Ministry
Wendy Wells—Hospital Visitation
Vacancy
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
Vacancy
Trinity Choir—All are welcome!
Trinity Choir practices every Wednesday at 7:15—
8:30 and on Sunday mornings at 9:00. No need to
be able to read music, just a willingness to serve
the Lord in music.
6
Blessing of the Animals—October 2nd (rain date Oct. 9th)
Busy Fall at Trinity
World Commun-
ion Sunday is celebrated
the first Sunday in October
every year in many
Protestant churches. It
originated in the Presby-
terian Church USA in
1936. The day has taken
“Blessings” Stewardship Campaign—October 9th-October 30th
Parish Hall of Treats—October 31st
All Saints Sunday—Altar of Remembrance
World Communion Sunday—October 2nd
Parishioners, guests and their pets will
meet on the church lawn on Sunday, October 2nd
at 4:00 PM to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis
and the Blessing of the Animals. This is a favor-
ite event in the life of Trinity, a time to reflect on
the teachings of St. Francis as well as ask for
blessings for our pet companions.
Along with dogs and cats (in carriers,
please), we have had a donkey, sugar glider, fer-
rets and turtles. Please mark your calendar and
invite your pet-loving friends.
Event chair, Bev. Johnson will begin plan-
ning meetings soon. If you would like to help,
contact her at [email protected] or call
270-929-0935.
on new relevancy and depth of meaning in a
world where globalization often has undermined
peace and justice – and in a time when fear di-
vides the peoples of God’s earth.
On this day we celebrate our oneness in
Christ, the Prince of Peace, in the midst of the
world we are called to serve – a world ever more
in need of peacemaking.
Our Parish Hall of Treats (formerly Trunk
or Treat) is the event where we host the most
non-parishioners into Trinity. Last year, more
than 350 guests came into our Parish Hall, where
they were treated to candy and a light snack. It
was a bit “spooky” and lots of fun.
This year, Cora Sprague is leading this
event. She has scheduled a planning session for
Sunday, September 11th at 11:30 AM. If you are
interested in helping, talk to Cora (270-315-8101)
or just show up for
the meeting.
A sign-up
sheet for treat tables
will be posted closer
to the event.
All Saints
Sunday is Novem-
ber 6th and, as
one of the major
feast days of the
church, we will
celebrate it at our
Eucharist Service.
This year, our Stewardship Campaign
theme is “Blessings,” bringing attention to the
blessings of Trinity - in programs, in ministries,
in worship and, perhaps, most importantly, in
people.
Please take a few minutes to think about
how you and your family have been blessed by
being a part of the Trinity community. Led by
Sarah Hulsey, your Stewardship Committee may
ask you to share your thoughts as we celebrate
our blessings through stewardship.
The campaign will officially launch on Oc-
tober 9th and continue until our ingathering on
October 30th. Until then, please concentrate on
your blessings; we believe prayerful stewardship
will follow.
In preparation of All Saints, in Mid-
October, Jeff Hawks will set up an Altar of Re-
membrance in the Narthex for you to bring pho-
tos of those that have gone on into Christ’s near
presence.
Watch for dates to bring your photos and
thank you, Jeff.
7
Mark Your Calendar...
Fridays ~ DOK Prayer Breakfast (Cracker Barrel) ~ 6:00 AM
Fridays ~ DOK Prayer Coffee (Health Park) ~ 11:00 AM
Sundays ~ Eucharist Services ~ 8:00 AM & 10:00 AM
Sundays, September 4th & October 2nd ~ Potluck Parish Breakfast ~ 8:45 AM
Sundays, September 4th & October 2nd ~ Liturgy Committee Meeting ~ 11:30 AM
Sundays, September 4th & October 2nd ~ New Member Welcoming ~ 10:00 AM
Sundays, Sept. 4th & Oct. 2nd ~ Liturgy Committee Meeting ~ 11:30 AM
Tuesdays, Sept. 6th & 20th and Oct. 4th & 18th ~ Matthew 25 ~ 10:00 AM
Tuesdays ~ Staff Meeting ~ 10:30 AM
Tuesdays, September 6th & October 4th ~ Needlewomen’s Guild ~ 11:00 AM
Tuesdays, September 6th & October 4th ~ Outreach Committee ~ 5:30 PM
Wednesdays ~ Dunkin Donuts Discussion Group ~ 9:00 AM
Wednesdays ~ Noonday Eucharist ~ 12:10 PM
Wednesdays, September 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th ~ DOK Study Group ~ 6:00 PM
Weds., Sept. 14th, 21st, 28th, Oct. 5th, 19th & 26th ~ Trinity Café ~ 6:00 PM (meal at 5:15)
Wednesdays ~ Choir Practice ~ 7:15 PM
Thursdays, September 8th & October 13th ~ Matthew 25 Support Group ~ 12:30 PM
Sundays, Sept. 11th, 25th, Oct. 9th & 23rd ~ Youth & Children Enrichment ~ 11:30 AM
Thursdays, Sept. 15th and Oct. 20th ~ Vestry Meeting ~ 6:00 PM (meal at 5:30)
Sundays, beginning September 18th ~ Adult Sunday School ~ 9:00 AM
Sundays, Sept. 25th & Oct. 30th ~ Trinity Café Online Sunday Forum ~ 9:00 AM
Wednesdays, September 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th ~ DOK Study Group ~ 6:00 PM
Tuesday, September 27th ~ DOK Quarterly Meeting ~ 6:00 PM
Sunday, Oct. 2nd ~ World Communion Sunday
Sunday, October 2nd ~ Feast of St. Francis and Blessing of the Animals ~ 4:00 PM
Sundays, beginning Oct. 9th through 30th ~ Stewardship Campaign
Monday, October 31st ~ Parish Hall of Treats ~ 5:30 PM
9/2
9/4
9/6
9/6
9/10
9/10
9/10
9/14
Ethan Denton
James Alexander
Sheilah Gray
Stan Lightner
Greg Henry
Selma Lucas
Aaron Royal
Betsy Roszel
9/15
9/16
9/17
9/18
9/19
9/19
9/20
9/21
Vicki Meacham
Carolyn McKelvey
Juanita Sprague
James Hawks
Julie Jones
Bob Wahl
Aaron Johnson
Spencer Farley
9/22
9/25
9/26
9/26
9/26
9/29
9/29
Jennifer Richardson
Amy Beck
Shannon Lloyd
Kelly Skeens
Judy Willen
Shaun Brumley
Keith Sanders
October Birthdays
September Birthdays
Important Dates in September & October
Anniversaries
Most current calendar is on our website
WWW.TRINITYEC.ORG News & Calendar Calendar of Services, Events & Meetings
10/1
10/2
10/2
10/3
10/7
10/8
10/10
10/10
10/12
Brooke Obermann
Debra Barany
Kelly Fallon
Beverly Rhodes
William Knight
Matt Wedding
Jennifer Bowlds
Cher Eans
W. L. Magnjuson
10/12
10/14
10/18
10/19
10/20
10/20
10/21
10/21
10/25
Sophia Obermann
James McDaniel
Randal King
Jan Melander
Cevilla Krahwinkel
Glenn Skeens
Caroline Reddy
Mike Stuerzenberger
Dickie Byers
10/25
10/26
10/28
10/28
10/29
10/29
10/30
10/31
Zachary Johnson
Carol Reese
Darryl Richardson
Kenny Westerman
Katie Harmon
Colton Jones
Tiffany Knight
Charles Wible
9/5
9/9
Ed & Judy Willen
Kenny & Sherry Westerman
9/22
10/10
Lenora & Dennis Howard
Lori & Ben Byers
10/12 Glenn & Kelly Skeens
8
NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT # 626 OWENSBORO, KY 42301-4632
The Reverend Patterson Connell
Parish Rector
(270) 925-2273
For current parish information, visit
WWW.TRINITYEC.ORG
Our Facebook Group is
Trinity Episcopal Church Parishioners
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 [email protected] with com-
ments and/or article ideas. Thank you to our newsletter
proofers—Lori Schneider, Wendy Wells and Barbara Hinton,
and our folders—Betsy Roszel and Jan Melander.
Parish Information
Mark your calendar and invite your friends and family!
For Adults…beginning Sept. 14th
Trinity Café Wednesdays
Enrichment Opportunities Coming in September!
Class topics…
9/14 “Health & Spirituality”
by Michael Vollman
9/21 through 10/5 “Understanding Poverty”
by Kaye Castlen
5:15 PM Meal serving begins
5:50 PM Evening Prayer
6:00 PM Class
7:00 PM Compline (3-4 minutes)
Meals coordinated by Debra Barany (sign up
sheet in Parish Hall). Childcare will be provided.
Twice monthly, our Youth and Children (K-
5th grades) will meet for…
Youth will study Journey to Adulthood
Children will have enrichment with Bi-
ble Stories and Music.
For Youth and Children…beginning
Sunday, Sept. 11th at 11:30 AM
For Adults… beginning
Sunday, Sept. 18th at 9:00 AM
Ralph Barany will lead a Sunday School
Class that will study the Lectionary Scrip-
tures used in the service that Sunday.