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BRAINSTORMING FOR JESUS
Our Vestry met on Sunday, July 17. In the section below this one, you will find a brief update on the business of the day, but here I want to outline a little bit of what we discussed after the business was concluded.
At this year's annual meeting I suggested that Trinity is at a moment of time where we can look to the horizon of ministry anew. Building upon the existing foundation we can consider our values and principles, a vision for our future, and a mission and strategy for the present.
What this meeting was NOT, was an attempt to do any or all of those things. Instead, this was the opportunity to make a start along the way of what will be an ongoing process.
We talked about the life of the church and the community of the faithful, touching on the notion of Rule as shaping community. We contemplated the life cycle of the church, its members, and its programs by considering the various facets involved. And we talked about how to offer the best we can by connecting what we bring to the table with that which motivates us in order to do the work God has given us to do.
We did not seek to answer questions so much as to pose them so that in the coming days we might ruminate on them. Having opened the conversation and considering what it all might mean for us, we will by prayer and preparation be ready in the coming months to discern that which defines who we are, where we are going, and how we will get there.
At the conclusion of our time of teaching and reflection, we still took the opportunity to look at what we are doing now and in the coming months. I share the following to invite you into the process and to ask for your prayer and discernment on them. Some may come to pass, others may not, and some may take on a shape we could never imagine. It is a process, as all of this is, in which I pray that we will open ourselves to the will of God and then pursue it with all that we are and all that we have.
Brainstorm Possibilities:
- Discipleship & Evangelism Training
- Family Night - games, movies, etc.
- Expanded community interaction
- Updated and instructive bulletins (including bigger print materials)
- Men's ministry
- Renewed budget process
- Broader ministry across the deanery and diocese
- Greater incorporation of Scripture, teaching, and study into the Vestry as a part of regular meetings and on mini-retreats
If you find yourself curious or passionate about one of these ideas or if you have something else for our consideration, please share it with us. The Vestry and Fr. Ben are open to considering the possibilities as we discern the way forward together.
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VESTRY BUSINESS ROUND-UP
Our Vestry met on Sunday, July 17. Here is a brief update on the business of the day:
Treasurer's Report Summary (Minus Roof Expenses)
- Receipts
- January - April: $32,376.35
- May: $9,920.00
- June: $12,446.00
- Year to Date: $54,742.35
- Disbursements
- January - April: $33,612.60
- May: $7,079.89
- June: $8,857.33
- Year to Date: $49,549.82
Upcoming Ministry Opportunities
- Trinity is once more hosting a Cooking School put on by U. of I. Extension Office, July 25-28
- The Eastern Deanery clergy are having conversations about youth ministry opportunities. We are very excited to see how God will lead us in our upcoming discernment together.
Business Old and New
- Despite more damage than previously expected, the roof work came in at budget. Many thanks to Alan Owen and the folks at Depew and Owen Builders!
- Once more, our parish hall air conditioner had impeccable timing when it decided to go on vacation this year. It has since been repaired, and not a moment too soon.
- Saturday, July 9, we had standing water in the basement of the church. After assessing the situation and replacing the sump pump, Paul Coats got the water out and the floor dry. We are still looking into the source of our water, but are glad to have a dry floor again.
- If you have things in the basement that are not for church ministries, please take some time in the coming weeks to remove them. We will be cleaning out some of the items down there and don't want to discard someone's belongings.
- And speaking of rummage, a reminder that we no longer collect rummage. Please do not leave items in the basement.
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PARISH NOTICES
Upcoming Feast Days: This Friday, July 22, we will celebrate the feast of St. Mary Magdalene, and on Monday, July 25, we will celebrate the feast of St. James. Join us for Holy Eucharist at 5:30 p.m. on both days.
Ministry Training: At least every three years, those who are licensed to minister in the Diocese must renew their licenses. In addition to our licensed ministries, there are others for which it is a good time to likewise refresh their training and skills. It is also an opportunity for those interested in joining or even simply exploring a ministry to participate as well.
If you are interested in serving as: Acolyte, Lector, Lay Eucharistic Minister, Lay Eucharistic Visitor, or Worship Leader, please contact Fr. Ben. Training will occur in August with more details in coming weeks.
Cooking School, July 25-29: Next week 20 area youth will descend on Trinity to develop their culinary prowess. Sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension Office, this is the second year that we have welcomed this ministry to our parish, and we hope that it is a fruitful week for all those involved.
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PARISH SCHEDULE
Wednesday, 7/20
5:30 PM - Holy Eucharist
Friday, 7/22
St. Mary Magdalene
5:30 PM - Holy Eucharist
Sunday, 7/24
Proper 12
10:00 AM - Rosary
10:30 AM - Holy Eucharist
Coffee Hour following
Monday, 7/25
St. James
5:30 PM - Holy Eucharist
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
7/25-28: Cooking School presented by U. of I. Extension Office at Trinity
7/31: Youth at Lifeboat Shelter
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MINISTRY SCHEDULE
Sunday, July 24
Acolytes
Will Adams
Abby Bruce
Jacob Bruce
Altar Guild
Tracy Adams
Joyce Bruce
Coffee Hour
Don and Linda Welch
Flowers
Goff and Sheila Thompson
Greeter
Tracy Adams
Intercessor
Anne Campbell
Lay Eucharistic Minister
Jim Adams
Lector
Kathy Lewis
Organist
TBA
Monthly Ministry Schedule Here
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