Trinitarian Online Edition

The Trinitarian
Trinity Episcopal Church December 2012 The Reverend Doctor Anthony Hutchinson, Rector
frtony@trinitychurchashland.org The Rev. Carol Howser, Deacon The Rev. Meredith Pech, Deacon

Historical Jesus/Christ of Faith ADULT EDUCATION SERIES Polishing Our New Lens
Changing, Transforming, Emerging, Rescuing, Rediscovering, Liberating; Beyond, Again, Adult, New, Authentic, MatureThese are some of the most often seen words in book titles about Christianity written in the last two to three decades. With the launching of the Jesus Seminar in 1985, hundreds of books have been written growing out of that groups collaborative, consensus-building research into the scriptures and their historical context, pushing Christian literature into mainstream publishing and churches into re-assessing old ground. Since that time, over 200 scholars have been involved in a movement that has, as Fr. Tony put it in his recent sermon, given us a much clearer and more accurate lens through which we can view our tradition. Marcus Borg is one of the early Jesus Seminar scholars and has written over 20 books, many of them best-sellers, detailing how the recent research gives us new and exciting perspectives into our 2,000 year old faith. We are lucky he lives in Oregon, has a warm spot for Oregonians, and will come visit us in March. Historical JESUS/CHRIST of Faith is our winter adult education theme leading up to Borgs visit and will include the following: December Advent Forums (9 a.m. Sundays): An Adult Christ at Christmas, by Raymond Edward Brown. (Books available at Bloomsbury.) Book reviews/informational articles in the TrinitarianDecember, January, February. Book Sale: Early December in the Parish HallBorgs most popular books at reduced prices. January Class: Embracing an Adult Faith, Wednesdays starting Jan. 9. (See details in a related article.) February/March, Lenten Soup Suppers (Wednesdays, 6:00 p.m.): The Last Week: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus Final Days in Jerusalem. (Books available at reduced price at Trinity.) February 20: Public lecture by Fr. Tony at OLLI/SOU on Progressive Christianity. March 8 & 9: Marcus Borg In Ashland, Rogue River Room, Southern Oregon University. Details of these events will be forthcoming in both weekly church bulletins and the Trinitarian. Also, call or email Carol Harvey, Phyllis Reynolds, or Fr. Tony.
Trinitarian Online Edition

Trinity worship
Sunday Mornings 8:00 AM, Holy Eucharist, Rite II 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist, Rite II with Choir, Godly Play Sunday Evenings 5:00pm Nov 4 Contemplative Eucharist Nov11 and 25: Evening Prayer Morning Prayer 7:15 AM MondaySaturday Thursdays Noon: Holy Eucharist with Healing

Special Events
Mandarin Language Eucharist Saturday, December 8, 5:30pm Christmas Worship See page 4 inside

Office Hours

Mondays Thursdays 8:30a 3:00p Fridays 8:30a 12:30p

44 North Second Street, Ashland OR 97520 (541) 201-3418 FAX 482-1260 office@trinitychurchashland.org www.trinitychurchashland.org

Trinitarian Online Edition

Father Tonys letter to the Trinitarians

Two Different Stories about the Baby Jesus
Advent, 2012

Christians at this time of the year are all accustomed to seeing nativity scenes and stage presentations showing the baby Jesus in a manger surrounded by shepherds and the three kings from afar. He is in a stable, and above the stable is the heavenly choir together with the star of wonder, star of light, floating awesomely in the night sky. Many do not realize that this scene is found nowhere in the Bible, but rather is a combination of two separate scenes described there. They appear in two different stories that actually contradict each other on several points. The combined scene was made popular only by Saint Francis of Assisi in the late Middle Ages, who started the use of crches, or carved representations of the combined nativity scene, in churches. The two stories are found in Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2. Just as it is necessary to distinguish between the two separate stories about the creation of the world (Gen 1:1-2:4a and Gen 2:4b-3:24) in order to understand them as they were originally narrated, it is helpful to look at each of the two stories about the infancy of Jesus separately to see clearly what they are trying to teach us about Jesus.

Matthews story includes the star and the strange magi. These are Persian priests or astrologers, and the word appearing in this story carries with it the shock and wonder of the English word wizards). They bring gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Notethe story does not mention specifically the number of these gift-bearers nor the fact that they are kings. The image of the three kings comes from the fact that three gifts are mentioned and that the scene seems to have in mind a prophecy in Isaiah that gentile kings would bring tribute to the ideal Israel of the future. The story is richly embroidered with allusions to the Hebrew Scriptures, and hints at the ultimate meaning that Matthew sees in Christs ministry: Jesus is the new Moses, the giver of a new Law for all people. Joseph is the main character in the Matthew story. He is a dreamer, like the Hebrew Scripture patriarch Joseph (cf. Matt 1:20, 24; 2:13; and Gen 37:5, 9, 19; 41:15). Like Joseph of old, he saves his family by going into Egypt (cf. Gen 45:4-8; Hos 11:1; Matt 2:14-15). Likewise, the magi are reminiscent of the gentile prophet Balaam of Numbers 22-24, whose prophecy speaks of the future David as a star rising from Jacob. The story of the slaughter of the innocents by Herod draws the parallel with the story of Moses in the bulrushes and hints at the passion and suffering of Jesus later in Matthews Gospel.

Trinitarian Online Edition

Trinitarian Online Edition

Lukes story is the one with the stable, the shepherds, and the angelic choirs (no star is mentioned in this story). The prophetic image of God being the shepherd over Israel caring for the errant lambs seems to lie behind the choice of images. The scene appears in a story that links Jesus and his family to the stories of the faithful righteous in the tradition of the Hebrew scriptures, such as Zechariah, Anna, Simeon, as well as with the prophet whose ministry began Jesus own, John the Baptizer. It is full of poems and hymns that draw heavily upon the Psalter, including the Magnificat (Marys song of praise), the Benedictus (Zachariahs song of thanks), the Nunc Dimittis (Simeons swan song), and even the angelic Gloria in Excelcis. Both stories agree on several points, including the fact that Jesus birth was irregular (they both agree that his conception was a marvel wrought by God and that the Blessed Virgin Mary was, in fact, a virgin), that Jesus was in some way heir to the Davidic house (though they differ on the genealogy), and that he was born in Bethlehem rather than Nazareth, the town he was publicly known to have come from. But they differ enough on details that it is difficult to see that they both come from a common story based on historical events. In Matthew, Joseph and Mary live in a house in Bethlehem (Matt. 2:9-11) and flee from it after Jesus birth to escape the slaughter of the innocents, only later to settle down in Nazareth (not returning home to Bethlehem after Herods death because his successor was equally threatening to the young child) (Matt. 2:21-23). In Luke, the couple lives in Nazareth, and must travel to Bethlehem due to a census or tax enrollment that Luke seems to have misdated (Luke 2:1-2). After a leisurely trip to Jerusalem for the presentation in the Temple, they return home to Nazareth (Luke 2:39). In addition to these contradictions, the nativity stories in Matthew and Luke seem to have little connection to the events of Jesus public ministry recounted later in each Gospel. This has led most modern Biblical scholars to the conclusion that the Nativity stories are legendary material that each of the Gospel writers have adapted, and that the truth to be found in them is not found in claims of historical details, but rather in their theological and faith claims. Elena and I have a collection of crches from all over the world that we have gathered over the decades. For many years, I would carefully arrange them so as to not confuse the two stories: the stable, the animals, the shepherds and angelic choir on one side, with the Magi, the camels, and the guiding star on the other, with the Holy Family in the middle. I thought I needed to do this to help myself and our kids to keep the stories straight. I no longer do this, and think that my earlier affectation was an expression of a sectarian urge to have correct understanding of scripture. Today I see St. Francis visual combination of the stories, as incongruous and ahistorical as it is, as yet another retelling of these legendary stories about our Lords earthly origins. I am thus not so hard on myself about niceties of which detail belongs in which story, though I am careful to respect the differences when I try to interpret and explain the stories. To truly grow spiritually, we need to let go and allow God to lead us where he will. In order to truly enjoy the holiday, we need to let go and let it lead us where it will.

Merry Christmas to All. Fr. Tony+

Trinitarian Online Edition

Trinitarian Online Edition

Calling Volunteers for annual church greening

One of the joys of Christmas is seeing the church decorated for the season. For many years we cut fresh pine and cedar boughs to hang across the interior of the nave. It was hard work and involved many willing hands but the results were wonderful and the "piney perfume" signaled the season. When dry needles in the heating vents created a fire hazard not looked upon with favor by our insurance company, we had to switch to artificial greenery. We will hang said greenery on Sunday, Dec. 23, at 2pm so if you can help and are not averse to climbing a ladder, please come to the church to help out. We especially need heavy lifters for some of the wreaths. Our live poinsettias will be up for adoption after the 10 o'clock service on Jan. 6th. Normally we'd keep them until Epiphany but we have to have room for the White Gifts on that day. Remember: 2 p.m. Sunday Dec. 23rd. to decorate the church! - Chris Amorelli

Celtic Advent Labyrinth Walk: December 13

Please join us for our annual labyrinth Advent celebration as we focus on Celtic spirituality, stories, music, food and walking the labyrinth. Celtic spirituality focuses on a world where the sacred and secular, earth and heaven, and the saints and angels travel with us in our daily lives. Father Tony will play the Celtic harp, Brian Freeman will sing and play, we will enjoy sweets and warm drinks and listen to a story or two. Walk the labyrinth either before or after the program in the beautiful light of the luminaria. Bring your family, friends to this celebration of the season. The labyrinth is open from 5:30-7:00pm, and the program begins in the Parish Hall at 6:00pm. (The labyrinth above is a celtic design. They are not as common as the Chartres labyrinth, but there are few of them locally. There is one at Grunewald Guild in Washington which is an interfaith summer art program. )

Worship for Advent and Christmas

Family Christmas Service

Monday, December 24 4:00 PM

Christmas Eve Holy Eucharist

Monday, December 24 6:00 PM

Carols with Choir

Remembrance Eucharist and luncheon

This gathering will be held Thursday, December 6th, following the regular noon Eucharist and healing service. Participants are encouraged to bring a photo of the loved one they are honoring to display while memories are shared at the luncheon. If you have lost a loved one in the past two years or feel that this event would be meaningful for you or someone you know, please plan to attend and invite others. This event is sponsored and the luncheon provided by Trinitys Pastoral Care Team. To RSVP or obtain more information call Susan Doyal or email her .

Monday, December 24 10:30 PM

Christmas Eve Holy Eucharist

Monday, December 24 11:00 PM (Incense will be used)

Trinitarian Online Edition

Trinitarian Online Edition

An Episcopal Convention Loss and the Holidays

Holidays can be special and wonderful times, but they can also be stressful especially for those who have lost someone recently or around the time of a holiday. For a grieving person the anticipation of a holiday, birthday, anniversary or other special day is usually worse than the day itself. Ignoring the day doesn't help, because the day will come anyhow and you use too much emotional energy trying to forget or cope. Make a plan. This is a wonderful time to involve friends so that you aren't alone. Remember it is ok to break with traditions. There may be some traditions you wish to keep, some to simplify, and some to drop. Take care of yourself and it is ok to allow yourself to feel sad. - Diana Quirk Parish social worker The Episcopal Church prides itself on the involvement of its lay members in leadership and governance. Vestry and the Wardens at the local Parish level are obvious. At the Diocesan level are Diocesan Council, Standing Committee, and the Board of Trustees. Filling a niche that bridges the Parish and congregation with the Diocese (precisely the whole Diocese of Oregon, not simply the Diocesan office) are the lay delegates to Diocesan Convention. Our lay delegates represent Trinity at Diocesan Convention and there contribute governance of the Diocese. Convention votes on the operating budget of the Diocese each year. Convention also discusses and votes upon changes and additions to our governing documents, the Constitution and Canons. Some Conventions (2009 for example) call new bishops. While Diocesan Council oversees many of the month to month decisions between Conventions, Council is composed of either delegates representing regions or those elected by Convention. Delegates continue to represent Trinity at several Southern Convocation Councils throughout the year. Councils may be seen as an extension or preview to Convention, as much of the business of Convention may be presented, discussed, and modified before Convention. Over the last several years, this has greatly reduced the length of Convention itself. The bishop would also like to see Convocation Councils take a greater role in regional ministry and brokering mutual ministries between neighboring congregations. Trinity is entitled to four lay delegates. At our last Convention in October, our delegates were Anne McCollum , James Johnson, Carol Harvey, and Becky Snow as an alternate for Roger Graves. Only James and Carol will be returning next year, so there is a call for two delegates and one alternate for next year. If you feel called to represent Trinity within the Diocese and among out neighboring congregations, please contact Fr. Tony, Carol, or James. Both delegates and the alternate should expect to attend the four events: three Convocation Council meetings in southern Oregon in March, usually June, and a third one month before Convention, which is November 14-15 in Eugene next year. Carol Harvey and James Johnson
Trinitarian Online Edition

Getting down to brass tax (pun intended)

All contributions eligible for the 2012 fiscal tax year must be received in the Trinity Church office by midnight December 31, 2012, or postmarked before midnight December 31. Contributions after that date will be credited for your 2013 tax deductions. This is an IRS ruling and not subject to local control or exceptions.

Time to enjoy FRIENDSHIP DINNERS

Trinity Friendship dinners are a way to get to know each other in a more comfortable manner than just a few minutes after church in the parish hall. It can be a dinner, brunch, picnic, restaurant outing, bridge, bowling, a game of cards or whatever the group decides to do. Signups are in November/ December and the groups are assigned to start in January. You have a whole year to get together. At the end of the year the group disbands and new ones are formed. A signup sheet is posted in the parish hall during November and December. For information call or email Emilie & Ruedi Vest.

Trinitarian Online Edition

OUTREACH DISTRIBUTION Where does it go?

Every year Trinitarians join together in the Party of Parties on Shrove Tuesday and in the various parties spread throughout the year to enjoy special times and activities with one another and to raise funds for outreach. What do we mean by "outreach?" As our mission statement says, the Outreach Distribution Committee "seeks to further the Mission of Trinity Church 'to care for one another and stranger alike' through compassion, generosity, and openness." So the funds raised by our good times together are given to organizations, both local and around the state, the country and the world, that feed the hungry, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, visit those in prison or otherwise serve those in need. Between the funds we raise and the funds included in the budget for outreach, Trinity has given away around $17,000 a year for the last several years. Although information about the recipients of these donations can be found on the Outreach Bulletin Board in the hall between the Office and the Parish Hall, we will be highlighting as many of these organizations as we can in the Trinitarian over the next several months. The Family Nurturing Center in Medford provides Relief Nursery support services to families in the Rogue Valley whose children have suffered abuse or neglect. The twin goals are to protect the children from the adverse impact of having been in chaotic and harmful settings, while allowing them to remain in their parents' care as the parents work to improve their family unit's functioning. The services offered a family may include enrollment in a therapeutic early childhood classroom, regular home visits, therapeutic respite childcare, parenting education and support, and connections with other community resources as necessary. Because we were able to give $3340 this year (almost 1/4 of that amount was raised by American Bandstand), our funds are being used to support services to a blended family of 5 children, from 8 months to 13 years, living with their parents (two older children are not in the home at this time). The baby has suffered brain damage from a breathing lapse; the next two youngest children exhibit language and behavioral problems from having been physically and emotionally abused by an adult no longer in the home. Our funding is expected to cover the range of services this family will need over a year's time to help the children heal and the parents provide a safe, nurturing environment for them all. For families not in need of such comprehensive services, our contribution of $500 to the Ashland YMCA contributes to scholarships for low income children and their families, whether to summer programs or after-school activities that allow the parents to work a full day or attend college classes to improve their work opportunities. Some 667 children attended one or more summer activities, with $15,876 in scholarships supported by the community. To learn more about these and other programs see the Outreach bulletin board in the hall opposite the Godly Play classroom. Becky Snow, Outreach Distribution Committee

Your VESTRY
SENIOR WARDEN Ward Wilson (2012)

JUNIOR WARDEN Milt Morgan (2012)

Vicki Gardner

(2012)

Jean McDonald

(2012)

Greg Gonzalez

(2013)

Tom Harrington

(2013)

Carol Harvey

(2013)

Donna Ritchie

(2013)

Bruce Duncan

(2014)

Norma Grenfell

(2014)

Nancy Linton

(2014)

Russ Otte

(2014)

Your Vestry meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month at the Parish Hall. Parish members are welcome to attend. Submit written proposals for Vestry action to the Rector or the Parish Clerk (Phyllis Reynolds, phyllisb@ mind.net) one week prior to the meeting.

Trinitarian Online Edition

Trinitarian Online Edition

Vestry Highlights
November 14, 2012

JUNIOR WARDENS REPORT

This has been a very busy time for your Junior Warden and the building and grounds of our beloved church. I missed reporting to you all in November because I was so busy dealing with planned and unplanned events. First the LED lights I spoke of in October are in place and the choir and altar party are very pleased with the results. Special thanks to Russ Otte for his help facilitating this and to an anonymous donor who helped with the cost. Another planned event was the replacement of the four toilets, two in the parish hall annex and two in the education wing. We now have brand new low flow (1.6 gallon per flush) toilets that recover much more quickly after each flush and save considerable water. This makes them more responsive to our use and honors Gods creation through water conservation. We had a mechanical malfunction of our sump pump in the basement under the church in October that caused considerable water damage in the basement. The pump was replaced and the damage repaired with some inconvenience to all. The repair cost was covered by our insurance with a small deductible amount. This water in the basement has been an ongoing problem since the church was built over 115 years ago on top of a stream bed and artesian springs. We have made some modifications to the sump pump system that we hope will alleviate this problem in the future. With the parish-approved use of the parish hall as a homeless shelter this winter I decided to verify that our sewer line to the city street could accommodate the increased plumbing use. I had reason to believe from 3 years experience that our exiting sewer line was in marginal condition. A video probe was sent into the sewer line and that confirmed my worst suspicions-the probe was blocked by a plug in the sewer about halfway to the street. Further investigation confirmed that the old cast iron pipe was full of roots and had significantly deteriorated and needed to be replaced. Our best guess is that this line was put in place over 60 years ago. Vestry approved the bids and as you most likely noticed the sewer line was dug up and replaced before the first homeless shelter use on Thanksgiving eve. This sewer work caused considerable mess and inconvenience but we are now good for many more years with no problems. The landscaping will be replaced in the spring after expected settling of the soil over the new pipe. Thanks to all for your understanding during the few days of inconvenience. It has been a busy time of maintenance and new projects but we are prepared for the homeless shelter, Advent season and for many more years of use of our special building and grounds. - Milt Morgan, Junior Warden
Trinitarian Online Edition

Financial Report and Stewardship: Treasurer Dick Cogswell presented a first draft of the 2013 budget with several small line-item increases made up for by the drop in DPA, and a 3% increase in salaries. The only major item included is money to be set aside for possible part time youth assistant clergy in future. Stewardship pledges are coming in ahead of where we were last year at this time. Vestry will make final decision on the new budget at its December meeting. Hurricane Sandy: Vestry approved an Outreach Committee request to send $750 to Episcopal Relief Development for victims of Hurricane Sandy. Trinity Signage Improvements: Vestry is in process of improving visibility of our church sign on Lithia Way which is now obscured. Approval was given for a second sign to be positioned so the City will accept it. Also, the historic sign in front of the church will be made more flexible in usage by insertion of large printed posters which can fit into the same space as needed for special occasions. Listening Post Training, Portland: Nancy Linton and Sara Hopkins recently did a training session for 26 people at Trinity Cathedral in Portland for developing a Listening Post Ministry there. Fr. Tony reported that there is also interest in such training from an Episcopal Church in McMinville. Parish Plumbing: Four new commercial toilets have been installed in the Parish Hall, a tree rootclogged sewer line is about to be dealt with, and a possible leak somewhere is being investigated. Changes in Vestry: Several members whose terms expire will cycle off the Vestry at the end of this church year: Senior Warden Ward Wilson, Junior Warden Milt Morgan, Vicki Gardner, and Jean McDonald, as well as Vestry Clerk Phyllis Reynolds. Nominations for new Vestry members will be taken from the Parish in December. - Phyllis Reynolds, Clerk of Vestry

Trinitarian Online Edition

Radical Christianity
Trinity Institute is an education ministry of Trinity Wall Street in New York City. Over the years it has sponsored multiple important conferences and seminars on faith in modern society. It now does these with a greater outreach via web video streaming to partner sites around the world. The nearest partner site to us is St. Marks Medford. In a 2003 Trinity Institute conference entitled Shaping Holy Lives, Joan Chittister, OSB spoke of the Benedictine principle of Holy Leisure. Unlike our (desecrated) sense of leisure as an opportunity to be mindless, leisure is holy when it is mindful. Holy Leisure reminds us that no matter how important our work may be, we must always find time to step back to ask the questions that are often neglected in our rush to productivity. Only then will our work be creative, moral, and life-giving. When people are sleeping on subway grates, it is Holy Leisure that asks why, Chittister observed. Sister Joan was scheduled to give a new conference for the Trinity Institute in November, but this was postponed due to Hurricane Sandy. It has been rescheduled and will be available at St. Marks as follows:

The Giving Tree ingathering

Sunday, December 2nd is the Giving Tree Ingathering. Please place your gifts in a bag or unsealed gift box under the tree with the original ornament-tag attached, and check off your name on the Master List so we know your childs gift has arrived. We ask that gifts be unwrapped or in unsealed gift boxes so our volunteers can double check the list and then sort and wrap the gifts by caseworker before transporting them to Jackson County Child Welfare. Questions? Contact Judy Clinton or Carol Harvey.

Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, 9 a.m. 4:45 p.m. St. Marks Episcopal Church 5th and Oakdale Medford Oregon 97501

Her topic will be Radical Christian Life: Equipping Ourselves for Social Change. She will lead us as we explore the connection at the heart of our common work: contemplation and action. All are welcome. Our task is now to be radical Christian communities in the here and now, not fossils of a bygone reality, not leftovers from an earlier golden age. Now we need new wisdom and a new kind of struggle to determine what we must be and do in the midst of these changing times. The question is then: What does it mean to be a radical Christian community in times such as these? -Joan Chittister, The Radical Christian Life

This is the online PDF version of The Trinitarian. Personal contact information has been edited out of this version. If you have any questions or need to contact someone in regards to an article, please call the Parish Office at 541-201-3418

Trinitarian Online Edition

Trinitarian Online Edition

PARTY OF PARTIES LIVE AND SILENT AUCTIONS February 12, 2013 Fall 2012 Dear Trinity Parishioners, As we begin another prime season of giving and receiving, I want to prime the pump by asking you to contemplate what you could/would donate to our Party of Parties silent and live auctions this coming February. All proceeds from the auctions go toward Trinitys outreach efforts. What are we looking for? Some of our biggest money raisers are: gift certificates for local businesses; vacation and recreation opportunities; dinners, especially Chinese with Tony and Elena; beautiful art and crafted items, such as Chris Amorellis hand-knit sweaters; and services of all kinds. Be creative! If you have something you think might sell let us know. We are always searching for new ideas! What would you like to contribute? Would you be available to solicit the businesses in our downtown area for contributions? We will have a letter prepared on church stationery that you can give to the business owner when making the ask. Would you like to pass along art, gently used items, or heirlooms that no longer fit in your space or with your dcor? Do you have a favorite service person, who might contribute a haircut, massage, Reiki treatment, chiropractic session, etc.? Do you have a second home that would be available for a getaway? How about a guest room for a B&B weekend? If all else fails, a cash contribution is always useful to complete a golf package, vacation package, or awesome gift basket. As a planner, the sooner I have a commitment from you, the better! With heartfelt thanks,

Linda Wilson

P.S. Participate! This is you contributing to Trinitys outreach.

See Reverse Side for Sign Up

Trinitarian Online Edition

Trinitarian Online Edition

PARTICIPATION

Id like to provide the following for the auction: _______________________________________________________________________________

Id be willing to help with the auctions in the following way(s) by: Check all that apply.

___ Soliciting local businesses for contributions. If you do not want to do this alone, we will find you a partner. (We will provide you names of businesses to solicit or routes to follow, so that we will not have multiple people soliciting the same businesses.) ___ Sending thank-you letters to those contributing to the auction. ___ Preparing the auction item lists (for both live and silent auction) describing items donated. These lists are sent to all parishioners on our email list and made available for the night of the auction. ___ Decorating the auction room and displaying items the day of the auction February 12, 2013. ___Noting and tracking the winners of the auctions. ___ Writing and coordinating announcements to the congregation regarding auction items.

Your Name: _________________________________

Your Phone: _________________________________

Your Email: _________________________________

Please return to Trinitys Church Office.

Thank you. You make it happen. You are the best.

Trinitarian Online Edition

Trinitarian Online Edition

A Year Later: The Listening Post

One year ago an intrepid group of volunteers began listening at Uncle Foods Diner and The Listening Post began. The volunteers from the community and from Trinity have listened faithfully every week since then. We have learned much about the lives of those in our community, their courage, resilience, fear and sadness. We have listened to people who are mentally ill, children who want someone to talk to, and women who live in their cars. Beginning in the February, we started to listen at the Ashland branch of the Jackson County Library. We have now expanded to two days a week there and listen to anyone who comes. While the atmosphere at Uncle Foods can be noisy, the library provides a place to listen for longer periods of time in a more contemplative space. In November we began to listen at Ashland Senior Center. Here we are listening to any senior who wants to talk. It is a slow start, but we know that people need to get used to the idea and a few brave souls have come to visit with us. The heart of this ministry is the hospitality of presence. Our volunteers are trained to just listen: no advice, counseling, or referrals. We let the spirit of the person come through as we hold the space. This last years work would not have been possible without many hands. First are Martha Hutchison and Nancy Linton who hold the spiritual center of this program. The Trinity parishioners who volunteer are Becky Snow, Ann Magill, Lynn Brandy, and Nancy Edwards Cogswell. The Trinity Outreach Committee funded us this year for brochures and training materials. The Diocesan Commission for the Poor and Homeless funded us last year and this current year. We were honored that they gave us an Award of Excellence as the best of all the projects they funded this year. We are also indebted to Marcia Wakeland from Anchorage, Alaska (and friend of Marthas) who started The Listening Post in Anchorage and has been the inspiration for us. In November, Nancy, Martha and I went to Trinity Cathedral Portland and trained 26 volunteers so that they could start their own Listening Post. We are honored that they are providing services at a noon meal that is served in Kempton Hall. There is something both so simple and so beautiful about this project that allows Gods presence to be with us. Thank you for your support. Sara Hopkins

Trinitarian Online Edition

Trinitarian Online Edition

Trinity Episcopal Church 44 North Second Street Ashland, Oregon 97520

Return service requested

Nonprofit org Us postage

Paid
Ashland or Permit no 74

the Trinitarian December 2012

Trinity worship Sunday Mornings

8:00 AM, Holy Eucharist, Rite II 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist, Rite II with Choir Godly Play 10:00 - 11:30 AM, Infant care

The trinity vision To be the Episcopal presence in Ashland, welcoming all who seek Christ in a parish family, where all of Gods children can find, celebrate, and grow in Gods grace.

5:00pmSunday Evenings
Contemplative Eucharist December 2 Evening Prayer, December 9 and 23

7:15 AM MondaySaturday
Chanted Morning Prayer

12:00 PM Thursdays
Holy Eucharist with Healing

5:30 PM December 8
Mandarin Language Eucharist
Trinity Episcopal Church, 44 North Second Street, Ashland OR 97520 publishes The Trinitarian monthly. James Johnson and Ann Magill, Editors. Submit articles to magill819@charter.net or office@trinitychurchashland.org at the church office by the 20th of the month. For more information, visit Trinity Episcopal Churchs website at www.trinitychurchashland.org.

Office Hours Monday Thursday, 8:30a 3:00p Friday, 8:30a 12:30p (541) 482-2656 44 North Second Street, Ashland OR 97520 (541) 201-3418 FAX 482-1260 office@trinitychurchashland.org www.trinitychurchashland.org
Trinitarian Online Edition