January 6 - Trinity Episcopal Church

The Trinitarian
This Week
Page 1
 Rector’s Note
Pages 2-3
 Vestry Nominees
Pages 4-5
 Vestry Nominees
and the Shortess
Letter
Pages 6-7
 Ministry News
Page 8
 News, Notes,
and Prayers
Sunday
Readings
Isaiah 43:1-7
A Note from the Rector
My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The 12 Days of Christmas have come and gone, and today we celebrate the
Feast of the Epiphany (or as we call it in this part of the country, the beginning
of Carnival season). Epiphany means “manifestation” or “revelation” – when
Jesus was revealed to the gentiles through the magi (or wise men) as the messiah. It is important that Jesus identity was first revealed to Mary and Joseph,
then to shepherds tending their flocks the night Jesus was born and then to the
magi, who were likely Zoroastrian astrologers from Persia. King Herod and the
high priests of the Temple were not among the first to know and it was the magi
who revealed it to them. God reveals many things in unexpected ways.
One of the wonderful things that our Postulant for the Priesthood, Stephen
Shortess, has revealed is that he and Jennifer are expecting a second child, due
at the end of July. Stephen is starting his second semester at Virginia Theological Seminary and is doing very well. He has written a letter to the Vestry and
has asked I share it with the congregation. The letter is included in this newsletter.
Trinity’s Annual Meeting will be January 31. We will have a combined worship
service at 9 am with music by the Morning Glory Band. The Annual Meeting
will begin at 10 am, and then food and fellowship after the meeting. Please join
us.
Blessings,
Psalm 29
Acts 8:14-17
Luke 3:15-17, 2122
T r i n it y E p is c o p a l
C h u rc h
3552 Mo r ni ng G lo r y A v e .
B a to n R o u g e , L A 7 0 8 0 8
(225) 387-0396
w w w . t ri n i ty b r. o rg
January 6, 2016
The Rev’d Sharon A. Alexander
The Trinitarian
Page 2
Vestry News
Vestry Nominees
Vestry Election
Vestry elections will be held at Trinity’s upcoming Annual Meeting on January 31, 2016. We will have one
combined service in the Church at 9 am, the Annual Meeting at 10 am, and food and fellowship in the Activities Building after the Annual Meeting.
The candidates for the Vestry positions are: For an unexpired two-year term, Andrew Olinde and for the
upcoming three-year term, Kim Ford, Jennifer Johnson, Sean Sperry, and Aub Ward.
Kim Ford– Three Year Term
Kim Ford has been employed by Community Coffee since 2000 where she provides sales analytics for the Grocery Division. She previously served as Senior Analyst for Strategic Business
Support, developing five year strategic plans, annual operating plan, and current year forecasts.
Kim and her husband, Bennett, have two children, Jackson (11) and Elise (9), and they regularly attend the 11 am service. Kim joined Trinity over 15 years ago and she currently serves on the
Trinity Finance Committee where she helps prepare Trinity’s annual budget. Kim’s past Trinity service
includes serving as the ECW president and as a Sunday School and Children’s Chapel teacher. In her
spare time she enjoys running, watching her children play soccer and other sports, and making photo
books. When asked how she would serve Trinity as a member of the Vestry she responded, “I would love
to see Trinity resume a children's Sunday School program. We offer an excellent ministry today through
our Day School and I would work to further enhance interactions between church and school. I am also
excited to see us partnering with St. Luke's for youth activities and would support continued development
of our youth program.”
Jennifer Johnson– Three Year Term
Jennifer Johnson retired in 2001 after 16 years of process engineering/management in the
chemical manufacturing industry to raise her children. She is a registered Professional Engineer, licensed in Environmental Engineering and Chemical Engineering in Louisiana. Jennifer
and her husband, Bruce, have two daughters, Julia (18) and Abby (14). Their family regularly
attends the 11 am service. Jennifer also attends the 6:30 am Thursday service. Jennifer started
attending Trinity in 2005, and was formally received into the Episcopal Church in 2007. She currently
serves as the chair of several ministries; Trinity College Care Package Ministry, Trinity Prayer Shawl
Ministry, Trinity “Grace Notes” Ministry, “Trinity Table” Grocery Ministry, and Trinity “WOW”
Christian Education Book Study. She also serves on many committees; Trinity Building and Grounds
Committee, Trinity Altar Guild, Trinity Finance Committee, Trinity Caring Committee. Jennifer also
enjoys helping each year with Vacation Bible School. She represents Trinity by serving on two boards;
EDOLA Executive Board, 2015-present, and Interfaith Federation of GBR Board of Directors, 2015-present.
(Cont’d on next page)
Page 3
Vestry News
Vestry Nominees
Jennifer Johnson– Continued
Jennifer’s past Trinity service includes serving on the Vestry. In her spare time, she enjoys playing tennis,
reading, doing needlework, researching family history, and collecting Lladro figurines. When asked how
she would serve Trinity as a member of the Vestry she replied, “As a member of the Vestry, I would energetically support and participate in clergy and lay leadership efforts designed to satisfy the spiritual needs
of our adults, youth, and children so that we can meaningfully worship and serve the Lord as a community united in its love of Christ.”
Sean Sperry– Three Year Term
Sean Sperry has been with IBM for twenty years where he serves as a computer consultant
and educator. His past work experience involves software management systems and work as a
Certified Public Accountant. Sean and his wife, Rose Mustain, have one dog, Camille, and
they regularly attend the 9 am service. Sean also attends the 6:30 am Thursday service. Sean
has been attending Trinity for over nine years. He currently serves at a LEM and AV operator
during the 9 am services and as a lector during the 6:30 am service. His past service to the
church includes chairing the Parish Life Committee. Sean enjoys traveling, good food, and live music.
When asked how he would serve Trinity as a member of the Vestry he responded, “ I would promote ideas for openness, worship, and recruitment of younger people to the other members of the Vestry and the
rest of the congregation. At the same time, I would pursue stability of the leadership of our congregation.”
Aub Ward– Three Year Term
Aub Ward is an attorney practicing personal injury law in Baton Rouge with the firm of
Naquin & Ward. He is the father of two grown children, Grayson and Taylor. Taylor attended the Day School. Aub and his wife, Jennifer, are raising her two children, Henry and Abbe,
and they regularly attend the 9 am service. Aub joined Trinity over twenty years ago, and he
has served in various roles; Fr. Ritter’s Search Committee and a term on the Day School
Board. Outside of church activities, Aub has been involved with the building of two homes for Habitat for
Humanity in conjunction with First Presbyterian Church. In his spare time he enjoys fishing, hunting,
building and using kayaks for recreation, and stand up boarding. When asked how he would serve Trinity
as a member of the Vestry he responded, “Having served on numerous boards in my career and a few with
this church I am fully aware of the commitment of time and resources such service requires. I am capable,
calm, thoughtful and fully committed to serve and work on the many issues and problems that will undoubtedly arise while a vestry member. I promise openness and acceptance of all people to attend and worship at Trinity.”
(Cont’d on next page)
The Trinitarian
Page 4
Vestry and Ministry News
Vestry Nominees
Andrew Olinde– TwoYear Term
Andrew Olinde is a manager at Olinde’s Furniture and Olinde’s Mattress Superstore. Andrew and his wife, Mary Shortess Olinde, have a daughter, Brooke (6 months). Andrew
joined Trinity three years ago and he currently serves as a lector during the 9 am service;
which he and his family attend. Andrew served as an usher in the past. In his spare time he
enjoys writing, golfing, exercising, and reading. When asked how he would serve Trinity as a
member of the Vestry he responded, “I am open to serving Trinity anyway I am able.”
A Letter from Stephen Shortess
Dear Members,
Merry Christmas! I pray you had a wonderful Christmas Day with all your families and are prepared to
have a wonderful New Year.
Well, it is half time of game one…another half and two games to go! I suppose it would be safe to say it
feels like we have been gone for years and at the same time these past few months have been no longer
than the blink of an eye. I have learned a lot and not simply the historicity of our Christian faith, also
how to navigate through and be a member of a very dynamic community as well.
Nevertheless, this new journey did not come without trials. Our first day here our oven caught fire and
we had to call the fire department! That was fun. Moreover, settling down as a family unit into a new
culture is just challenging in its own right. Yet, through all the challenges, the doubt that has struck us,
missing our families, and wondering through church parishes, the comfort the Lord provides soothes the
worries and stills the uneasiness.
Academically, the best achievement was a paper I wrote about my personal experience with the entire
Trinity when I was injured, healed, and the parent I became after falling from the roof. It was not my
best grade, however it was the best job I did at portraying the importance of rendering everything to God,
fear, doubt, weakness, joy and waiting patiently for the reward.
Spiritually, my best achievement has been setting limits for myself. Specifically when to stop studying
and be with family and friends. This was a challenge because there is so much to study and the temptation to be a perfect seminarian is real. Bishop Thompson graciously responded to an Ember Day letter of
mine where I wrote of the struggle to balance family time and being a seminarian was a concern of mine.
(Cont’d on next page)
Page 5
Ministry News
A Letter from Stephen Shortess Continued
He shared his thoughts on how important it is to be intentional in stopping work to be with my family.
Really, I knew what was right in my heart. Yet, the reassurance of not being expected to be some sort of
seminarian robot was greatly appreciated.
Truly, the most challenging part has been not having a consistent parish to worship. We miss Sundays at
Trinity. Trinity has been through a lot since we left and being geographically distant leaves us often feeling helpless. Prayers are powerful though, and we have been praying for Trinity through the good and
difficult times.
Jennifer has been rock solid for me. She has done such a wonderful job in finding work, making friends,
and finding purpose in such a temporary situation. To have that availability and determination I believe
she well understands this journey as a calling for her as well.
Abigail attends the Caterpillar Club daycare on the seminary campus and she has a blast there. Every
now and then, the teachers take Abigail and her classmates for a stroll around the campus. It is very nice
to be able to see her experiencing a day at school. She has grown so much since we left. She is walking,
and talking, a lover of every animal, and can color for days!
Finally yet most importantly, Jennifer and I are excited to announce we are pregnant with our second
child! It surely is a blessing to think about our family growing. We ask for all prayers we can get as we
journey through the next six months. Jennifer’s due date is July 28!
There really is so much to tell, but I have the rest of my career to be long winded! Our journey so far has
been hard and challenging, exciting and adventurous, we thank you for all the support and the prayers that
Trinity has given us. Thank you for all your work as members of the vestry at Trinity. It is and you are a
blessing!
God Bless,
Stephen, Jennifer, and Abigail
The Trinitarian
Page 6
Ministry News
Worship Ministry
Annual Meeting Combined Service– January 31st
9 am– ONE Service in the Church
10 am– Annual Meeting
11 am– Food and Fellowship
Holy Matrimony
Mae Elizabeth Mouk and Andrew John Christie were united in holy matrimony during a lovely afternoon
service this past Saturday, January 2, here at Trinity.
Music Notes from Elvia
Choir will begin practice again on Wednesday evening at 7:30 in the music room. We are starting a new
season with new music, so now is a good time to join us if you have any interest in singing. We need
singers on all voice parts and we welcome newcomers happily. We have a spot for you!
Pastoral Ministry
Prayer Shawls
The next meeting of Trinity’s Prayer Shawl Ministry will be Thursday, January 7th at 9:30 AM in the
Common Room. We are currently working on prayer shawls and baby blankets. Please bring your recently completed items so that these may be blessed at an upcoming worship service.
Christian Formation
WOW Book Study
All are welcome to join the next WOW gathering to be held on Sunday, January 10th at 12:15 pm in the
Howe Conference Room when we will begin our discussion of Learning to Walk in the Dark by Barbara
Brown Taylor. We will discuss the Introduction and Chapter 1, “Who’s Afraid of the Dark?”. Taylor,
who spent fifteen years in as an Episcopal priest before becoming a Butman Professor of Religion at Piedmont College, guides the reader through a spirituality of nighttime in this book, teaching us how to find
our footing in times of uncertainty and giving us strength and hope to face all of life’s challenging moments. Copies of the book are available in the church office.
Christian Formation
Christian Formation at 10 am will take place in the Conference Room. Dr. Victor Stater will continue the
Tudor period discussion.
(Cont’d on next page)
Page 7
Ministry News
Christian Formation Continued
Children’s Chapel
Children’s Chapel resumes this Sunday during the 9 am and 11 am services. Volunteer leaders and helpers
are needed. Please contact the church office or Missy Wafer if you are willing to help.
Outreach
Interfaith Federation of Greater Baton Rouge
The Interfaith Federation’s Annual “January Thaw” events and programs, designed to melt away interfaith understanding and cultivate peace, will take place at various venues around Baton Rouge from January 13-18, 2016. Events include the Baton Rouge Jewish Film Festival, World Religion Day, a Week of
Prayer for Christian Unity, a program on “Cultivating Love in a Violent World”, and the Martin Luther
King Day Service at Mt. Zion First Baptist Church followed by the March for Peace. More details regarding the specific places and times of these events can be found here.
Parish Life
Trinity’s Inaugural N.O.P.U.S. (NOT Older People Up to Something) Gathering
Calling all Trinitarians who are old enough to vote, but young enough to not receive AARP fan mail!
Gather your fellow Trinitarians and friends of Trinitarians to enjoy pizza, conversation, and play trivia
games at Mellow Mushroom on Wednesday, January 13, starting at 6:30 pm. Trivia begins at 8. For more
information about the event and/or Trinity's N.O.P.U.S. group, please contact Brad Jacobs. For information about Mellow Mushroom's Trivia Night and the menu, click here.
Annual Meeting
If you would like to help with the food presentation and cleanup for the celebration following the Annual
Meeting on January 31, please contact the church office or Cheryl Delafield.
EYC (Youth) News
Upcoming Events
January 10, 2016 4pm - 5:30pm Combined Service Event: Nursing Home Details TBA
Senior High Rally– January 22-24
Youth Rally is a retreat weekend for youth in grades 9-12. Rally is designed to be a fun, relaxing retreat
weekend that combines presentations by youth, small group discussion, and worship with games, activities, music, and fellowship. For more information click here. Deadline to register is January 11th.
Page 8
Notes and Prayers
News and Notes
Friday Deadline
Direct all news to [email protected]. Please note, articles are due the Friday prior to publishing.
The Server Schedule
Click here to view the server schedule.
Parish Calendar
Click here or visit www.trinitybr.org to view the Parish Calendar.
Church Leaders
Vestry
The 2015-2016 Vestry members are Will Landry- Senior Warden, Kyle Viator- Junior Warden, Jenny HastingsSecretary, Bill Silvia- Treasurer, Sandra Adams, Bill Wilson, Susan Newman, Laura Dallam, Gay Bruser, Matt
Lynch, Andrew Olinde, and Nancy Stich.
Finance Committee
Bill Silvia-Chair, The Rev. Sharon Alexander, Jennifer Johnson, Skip Smart, Louise Bruce, Aminta Dupuy, Dan
Stari, Kim Ford, Clay Flournoy, Jenny Hastings, Kyle Viator, Will Landry, Warren Ber, Tracy Rutledge, Bill Wilson
Prayers
Pray for Those Serving Our Country
Jeff Argrave, Stefan Arnold, Ronnie Brooke Atkins, Barrett Ball, Kyle Baumann, Michael (Benson), Ray
Blanchard, Bryan, Trevor Buban, Clark Cavalier, Chris, Sean Coco, Cpl. William P. Dunn, Lt. David
Durr, Specialist Don Ellen, Eric, Wayne Fergerson, Jaelyn Gambrel, Ken Green, Warren Green, Craig
Henderson, Bill Herbert, Sgt. E. Walker Herlitz, Tim Hill, J.D., Ken, Kirby, Bryce Landry, Caroline
Lane, Brien Leblanc, Captain Ollie Lewis, Daniel M., Franklin McAnally, Ty Manson, Kernaa D. McFarlin, Kyle McKemy, Brant Mitchell, Jason Moore, David Palmer, Scott Poitevent, Branson West Rivett,
David Sandridge, Adam Shilling, Karl Smith, David Stockinger, Capt. Travis Stutes, Steven Tackett, Peter Tobin, Steve Vargo, Chris Vidrine, Jason Webb, Charlton Williams, Tyler Williamson, and
John Yaew.
Parish Prayer List
Please send all prayer requests and other prayer related information to the church office, [email protected]
Helen, Pierre, Tracey, LuAnn, Meg, Verna, Peyton, Lola, Hunter, Melissa, Lydia, Maria A., Sherrill,
Branson, Michael, Jacob, Larry, Lewis, Emily, Desiree, Kate, Frances, Ed, Will, Lucy, Tracy, Pedro, Kenneth, Larry, Vincent, Harry, Myron, Euell, Bill, dale, Mike, August, Remy