Leading Us into Temptation?
Lundy Pentz , Senior Warden

As I write this, Hurricane Irma is bearing down on Florida and I have already been hearing the obligatory interviews with residents who refuse to heed the evacuation orders and state their intention to stay put – it makes me cringe when I hear so many of them add that they are “in God’s hands” or the like. It reminds me of the old story of the stubborn and devout old man who attempted to ride out a hurricane and when a neighbor knocked on his door and told him there was an evacuation order, and he was welcome to come along in his car, the man replied, “God will save me because I pray to him; go on your own way.” The water came up higher and higher and he retreated to his second floor; another neighbor came up to the window in his boat and said “Climb out, I’ll save you,” to which he replied “Only God can save me; go away!” Finally he was forced up to his roof and a police helicopter came over and dropped a rope ladder and called to him to climb up, and he replied “I don’t need you; I trust in God.” Then the water rose even higher and the man drowned. God said to him, “My son, why did you throw your life away?” and he replied “I kept waiting for you to save me, and you did not!” To which God replied, “I sent you a neighbor in his car, then a rescuer in a boat, and finally a helicopter – what more did you want?” 

Why do we do this? Partly, I suspect, it is just wanting our own way and trying to sanitize the childishness of it by tying it in to some expression of piety. But I think it’s not helpful that we insist, out of a misplaced sense of “tradition,” of clinging to some very misleading words in our most cherished prayers. At Trinity, we make good use of the range of Prayer Book services except that we never, ever, use the Rite II language for the Lord’s Prayer. Familiarity makes us repeat the words without a sense of their strangeness, but have you ever had to try to explain to a skeptical person why in the world our good and loving God would have to be asked not to lead us into temptation ? (I have.) A short version of a good answer is that in older forms of English the words leave and lead had a lot of overlap in meaning. The petition doesn’t assume that God might “lead” us into temptation as we might lead a horse to water, but that God might “leave” us to be tempted (we might use the word “let” but when the King James Bible was translated that still meant “prevent” rather than “allow”.) 

The other problematic part of this phrase is “temptation” which immediately brings to modern minds the image of some little demon whispering suggestions in our ear – almost always sexual ones. The old moralists would have pointed out that we are just as likely to be “tempted” to anger or greed but these are more fashionable today, even among the religious. The original word refers not to a subtle, nasty suggestion but to a sort of stress test. We’re praying not to be “put to the test”. There’s always been good evidence of this in the Bible – the Lord’s Prayer appears in Matthew’s Gospel (6:13) and later, in Matthew’s account of the arrest of Jesus in the garden, the same term is used when he finds the disciples sleeping and prays that they not be put to the test (26:41). Obviously, he doesn’t have a whispering demon in mind but is thinking of the terrible trial of their courage and faith in the events about to unfold.

The cure for this “testing” is hinted at in another often misunderstood phrase, but in this case there isn’t a good modern equivalent. The Creed begins “I believe in one God” (or in the modern version, “We”) but the English “believe” has several meanings, famously exploited by W.C. Fields in his crack, “Everyone has to believe in something. Myself, I believe I’ll have another drink.” You couldn’t make this joke in Latin (or, I think, in Greek) because different verbs are required. “Credo” – the Latin term – is also the root of our “credence” and “credentials” and means to trust in, not to think that. (Someone once made a delightful bumper sticker that read “Don’t believe everything you think.”) Trusting in people (you can’t really “trust” in things) is in short supply just now, but every time we say “I believe in God” we are really affirming – in the words of the Baptismal Promises – that we “put our whole trust in his grace and love”. Ultimately, that trust is the glue that will keep us from cracking under the pressure of the stress tests we face, whether they are hurricanes or more ordinary tests.  

Stewardship at Trinity
Lee Beam

Within Trinity’s annual calendar, October is the month set aside for Stewardship. Some people suggest that using the word “stewardship” is one way to avoid saying “pledge drive.” But the two are not the same, although they are inherently connected.

Wikipedia defines stewardship as “an ethic that embodies the responsible planning and management of resources.” At Trinity, we are stewards of our finances and property, all the while using those finances and property to care for our parishioners, including our children; our community, especially our noon lunch participants; and our volunteers and staff. We open our doors to the wider community to use Trinity as a gathering place: for meditation, yoga, book study, musical events, and self-help, including AA. It is the wise stewardship of our resources that allows all of this to happen at Trinity.

During October, we pause within our normal worship services to invite some of our parishioners to reflect upon what Trinity means to them, or how Trinity’s mission and ministry has impacted their lives. On three Sundays in October you will hear from them. On Sunday, October 8, Lundy Pentz, Senior Warden and Tom Fechtel, Treasurer will present information about our Ministry and Mission and the budget needed to underwrite it. And yes, I’ll talk about the 2018 Pledge Drive and how each of us can financially support Trinity. 

Then on October 22, the Parish Involvement Team will present a “Ministry Fair” on Sunday morning, where the various committees and activities of Trinity will have information available in McCracken Hall on what they do, volunteer opportunities available, or how you can participate. You are encouraged to visit McCracken Hall before or after any of the 3 services, but volunteers will be available from 10 - 10:45 and 12:15 – 1:00 to answer your questions. A complete list of the displays will be made available early in October, and I encourage everyone to visit the Ministry Fair on October 22. I think you will be astounded to see how many different groups and committees are working hard to produce the programs at Trinity. Who knows, you may even find the perfect place for you to volunteer your efforts to assist Trinity in our Mission and Ministry! 


A Call for Vestry Nominations
 
Please note that current regular vestry members are not eligible for nomination. The person who was appointed for a one year term is eligible and is indicated with an *.

Term expires 12/31/2017
         
Judy Armstrong *
Lee Beam
Lilchy Huffman
Lynn Manka
Lundy Pentz
Susan Read
Matt Shreckhise

Term expires 12/31/2018

Erik Boody
Molly Brown
Ernest Holley
Jim Manchester
Pat Williams
David Wallace

Term expires 12/31/2019

Rick Chittum
Hunter Moss
Richard Obenschain
Juliette Swenson
Karen Tate
The Vestry of Trinity Church is seeking nominations for the new Vestry class of 2020. The Vestry is the main elected leadership body of the parish. T here are 18 vestry seats serving 3 year terms, 6 elected each year, and a 19th vestry member chosen at random for a single year term, to give parishioners the experience of sitting on the Vestry and adding new voices to the leadership mix, without the usual pressures of election or a three-year term.

Nomination forms are available at the back of the church and online. Your nomination may be placed in the offering plate, mailed to the parish office, called in to the office (886-9132), or you may use the online Vestry Nomination form on our website which can be found at www.trinitystaunton.org on the drop down menu under “Members”. Please send in your nominations no later than October 22.  Up to six names may be submitted. Your name is NOT required to fill out the form. Please be sure to ask your nominees if they are willing to run before submitting their names.
 
Those who may nominate candidates (and vote) are (according to Canon 14, sec. 2): “All adults (16 and over) baptized members belonging to the parish, who for three months preceding have been regular worshipers in the parish and regular contributors to its financial support by pledge, subscription, or some other method by which they shall be known to the treasurer of the parish.”

The Vestry Nominating Committee, consisting of the retiring vestry members, will prepare a slate of up to 12 persons qualified to serve on the Vestry based on nominations from Trinity’s members and selections from the committee.  V oting will occur at all 3 services on November 19, or by request of absentee ballot after November 10 (and which must be returned to the church office by November 17).

A Special Invitation to Trinity's Healing Service
Jeannie Lee
 
In the midst of a hectic week, it is so soothing to come and sit in the quiet darkness of Trinity's holy St. Columba Chapel and find serenity in healing prayer. In a ceremony led by Ginger Warrick, we pray for our own healing, the healing of friends and family, and for all who suffer from any sickness or injury. We offer traditional prayers and the option of spontaneous prayers for those who wish them. We also offer two scripture readings, silent confession, the laying on of hands, and the application of sacred oil for any who may wish to receive these ancient holy signs of healing. We understand that healing in many instances may not be the same as curing. 

We invite all who struggle with any affliction, whether physical or emotional, and all who have a friend or family member in need to join us. Please come just once or as often as you like. We meet in Trinity's Columba Chapel at 10:30am every Wednesday morning.

Almighty God, giver of life and health, send your blessing on all who are sick, and upon those who minister to them, that all weakness may be vanquished by the triumph of the risen Christ, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
Administrator Notes
Laurie Clements , Parish Administrator

What a busy summer it has been here at Trinity during the week! The Staunton Music Festival has moved in, and moved out. While they were here it was exciting to hear the talented musicians as they practiced all day in various rooms of the church. A special thank you to the very generous contribution we received from the Festival for the use of our facility.

I also want to thank Robert for helping with the coordination of moving various rooms of furniture and moving it back, and helping Deidre and myself with various little details during the carpet installation … the job is done, the new carpet is installed. It may look similar to the previous carpet in color, but this is new and clean and fresh! Let’s all try to remember to wipe our feet when entering, and clean up any spills that you may see occur so this stays looking nice!

Again, this summer has brought many visitors to Trinity during the weekdays. I, along with Deidre and Robert, always make a point to welcome them and chat with them a little bit while we invite them into the Church, even if it is earlier than the posted hours for the church to be open, or upon closing it at the end of a long day. We would never let anyone be disappointed by saying we are closed! Here is a nice thank you from one couple from North Carolina that took the time to send a handwritten note to the office today:

"Even though it was late in the day, after closing, we were invited to view the beauty of your stained glass windows and particularly the Tiffany's. We also appreciated the lovely needlepoint kneeling cushions. I like the Blue Ridge mountains and loved all the wildflowers represented. The beauty of your organ that was made locally was also very special. Thanks for your hospitality and the opportunity to experience your sacred space." - From Bob and Dottie, Ashville, NC

Office Volunteer opportunity:
Enjoy an hour or so in the office counting offering money with Laurie every few weeks!  A team of volunteers rotates this weekly task which involves counting the offering collected on Sunday mornings and received in the office by mail or in person during the previous week. The primary requirements are a cheerful disposition and legible handwriting. No math skills required, but being comfortable with counting cash and making accurate notations is helpful.  Counting generally takes place on Monday mornings, but I am very flexible to work with, and we can adjust to your availability. We could use at least two more volunteers and the rotation is every 5-7 weeks. If this opportunity interests you, please contact Laurie at her office, 886-9132, or by email,  admin1746@trinitystaunton.org .  

Choir News
Virginia Bolena , Organist & Choirmaster

Congratulations to Trinity chorister Mich Schmezwa, on his acceptance into Saint Thomas Choir School in New York City. Mich commenced 4 th grade at St. Thomas in mid-September and joins Trinity parishioner Jonathan Bolena (6 th grade) at the school.

The Choir of Men and Boys sings Choral Eucharist every Sunday at 11 a.m. and they sing Evensong four days each week on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. All Choral Services are webcast on the St. Thomas Church website at www.saintthomaschurch.org . You can learn more about the Choir School on their website at www.choirschool.org .

Photo: Mich Schmezwa and Jonathan Bolena, Saint Thomas Choir School

Boys & Girls Retreat and Upcoming Choral Festival
Trinity’s Boys and Girls Choir kicked off the year with a Retreat with choirs from Stuart Hall School on Saturday, September 16. The retreat, which took place at Stuart Hall School and Montgomery Hall Park, was a prelude to our upcoming Choral Festival at the end of October. We are thrilled that our Festival will be directed by Dr. James Litton, former director of the American Boychoir. Please join us Saturday, October 28 at 3:00 for a free concert at Trinity, showcasing Dr. Litton’s work with our choirs.
 
Sundays at 5 – November 5
Concert and Evensong for the Feast of All Saints
As we remember the saints who have gone before us, we celebrate their lives with a program of organ music and Choral Evensong. Trinity Choir will sing favorites from the Anglican repertoire, including music by Richard Ayleward, Herbert Sumsion, and C.V. Stanford. A reception will follow in McCracken Hall. 

What’s happening during the 10am Sunday School hour?
Muffie Newell , Christian Formation

The Parish Hall was humming with activity at 10am on September 17, the church School year is off and running! Here is what is happening:

Trinity Coffee Hour: Join us for Coffee Hour in the Foster Room from 10 to 10:50am courtesy of the Hospitality Committee.

What Keeps You Up At Night (WKYUAN ), the Adult Sunday School class, will meet in McCracken Hall Sunday’s at 10:00am. Grab a cup of coffee in the Foster Room and join us for heartfelt conversation. Our question will be “What do you see is a personal and/or Church (meaning Trinity) response to how a free nation deals with diversity.”Guidelines will be created by the group so that all will feel welcome to join in and participate in the discussion. No one will be allowed to advocate bringing others to see their way. No one will feel pressured to give up the ground he or she stands on. Joe Fiechtl and Gospel du Jour will join this class to show the parallels between our life today and life in the Bible. Schedule to be announced. Jim Manchester, Virginia Gillock, and/or Muffie Newell will facilitate the class. For questions or concerns please contact Muffie Newell 886-9132 or formation@trinitystaunton.org .

YCM: Youth Christian Ministry will offer several age appropriate classes for our children and youth. Godly Play for ages PreK through Kindergarten will be offered on the ground floor. The teachers are Darlene Green, Julie Jones, Krissy Jordan, and Caroline Sheridan. This curriculum is based on Montessori methods and encourages children to explore their faith through story, prayer, singing, hands-on activities and the concept of reverence for “holy space”. The Jesse Tree program will span grades 1-12 only in separate classrooms. Bj Regi, Wendy Diment, Sue Read, and Shannon Riley will teach 1st through 5th grades meeting on the ground floor. Erik Boody, Susanna Larner, and Richard Tankard will teach 6-12 th grade meeting on the 2 nd floor in the Gooch Room. This program, developed by BJ Regi, based on the book The Advent Jesse Tree by Dean Meador Lambert will enable a clear understanding of the Old Testament as it is slowly revealed and explained by the coming of the Christ Child. This curriculum combines conversation, devotions, crafts, and food. In addition Graham and Leslie Tate will meet once a month with grades 9-12 in 2018 using a curriculum called The Living Compass. This  program will help this age group look at the myriad of decisions they are making in their lives and help them wonder whether these decisions will help them create the abundant life that God dreams of for them. This will encourage our teens to feel known, connected and respected as vital members of our community. Throughout the Church school year, Middle and High School students will also meet once a month for Youth Group with extra activities that promote fellowship within the group and outreach to the broader community. Youth Group leaders are Sascha Wallace, Brooke and Rick Cason. A Youth Group Schedule is in the works; stay tuned for activities and fun! Many thanks to YCM committee and all our wonderful teachers/leaders, it’s going to be a great year!

If you have any questions please contact: Muffie Newell, Assistant for Formation and Pastoral Care at 886-9132 or formation@trinitystaunton.org .

Chronic Pain/Illness Support Group
Muffie Newell , Christian Formation

Beginning Thursday October 5 from 10 to 11am in the Board Room of the Public Library, a support group will be formed for those who live with chronic pain/illness. The purpose of this group is to discover our kind and loving God in the midst of pain and suffering. In this seven bi- monthly study we will use the book A Reluctant Journey: Finding God through Chronic Pain by Kristen Grathwol, (a native of Harrisonburg). We will explore five topics: trusting God, surrendering control, praising God in the midst of suffering, learning how to rest and grieve, and the importance community. This group is available to Trinity, Emmanuel, AME, the Temple House of Israel, and the Islamic Center of the Shenandoah Valley in Harrisonburg. Meeting dates: The first and third Thursday of each month: October 5, 19, November 2,16, and December 7 and 21. f you are interested in joining this group, please contact Muffie Newell at formation@trinitystaunton.org or 255-3152. 

Novel Theology
Novel Theology meets throughout the year on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 7pm in the Foster Room. Everyone and anyone is invited to attend. The only rule is you must read the book for that month. Come and bring your friends and acquaintances. We have lively discussions.
 
October 24 -  Here I Am: A Novel    
by Jonathan Safran Foer: In the book of Genesis, when God calls out, "Abraham!" before ordering him to sacrifice his son, Isaac, Abraham responds, "Here I am." Later, when Isaac calls out, "My father!" before asking him why there is no animal to slaughter, Abraham responds, "Here I am." How do we fulfill our conflicting duties as father, husband, and son; wife and mother; child and adult? Jew and American? How can we claim our own identities when our lives are linked so closely to others'? These are the questions at the heart of Jonathan Safran Foer's first novel in eleven years, a work of extraordinary scope and heartbreaking intimacy. 
Led by Bill B igelow.

November 14 –   Signs Preceding the End of the World  by Yuri Herrera: This is one of the most arresting novels to be published in Spanish in the last ten years. Yuri Herrera does not simply write about the border between Mexico and the United States and those who cross it. He explores the crossings and translations people make in their minds and language as they move from one country to another, especially when there’s no going back.  Led by Oakley Pearson.

Nursery During Sundays at 5 Concerts and Evensongs
Laurie Clements , Parish Administrator

Our Nursery caregivers, Gloria and Bettijo, have been enjoying the new surroundings in the Nursery. These ladies on our staff have been with us, caring for our children, for over 20 yrs. Did you know we offer nursery care for children during our Evensong concerts? Let Bettijo know the Sunday in advance if you would like your children to enjoy pizza – they offer that at a contribution of $1/slice – for those that like to have a snack at this time of day, during the Evensong service.

Baptismal Banners near Extinction!

Our Baptismal Banners are handmade for each child being brought into our community of faith. The banner is a lovely addition to the ceremony, as well as a reminder of this precious moment that the family takes home. So, the banners require someone to make them and that current someone is planning to move to South Carolina. If we want to continue presenting the baptismal banners, we need one person to sew and one person to cut the felt decorations and letters. OR, maybe someone would like to design a brand new banner. If you are interested, please call Carrie Tucker at  540.230.0787 , or email  ctucker59@gmail.com
Godly Play Room Makeover
Laurie Clements , Parish Administrator

If you have not noticed, the Godly Play room downstairs has gotten a makeover. This has all been done by a very dedicated volunteer, B.J.Regi. Most fascinating is how she has replicated the altar windows from the sanctuary onto the wall above the children’s altar in this room. B.J. is so creative and talented in many ways – we are so fortunate to have her in our midst caring for our children. 


Trinity Historical Highlight
Lilchy Huffman

You may view photos of most of the windows on our website: www.trinitystaunton.org.

The Communion and Vestibule Windows
The Hon. George Moffett Cochran, Jr. was born at Elks Run in Augusta County February 26, 1832. Educated at UVA, he was considered to be one of most logical lawyers in the state. He married Margaret Lynn Peyton of Montgomery Hall on October 4, 1866. and lived in Stuart House on Church Street. He served in the Confederate army but was detailed to the commissary service because of his eyesight. The Diocese of Southwest Virginia window in the Vestibule is given In Memory of their son Peyton Cochran while the Diocese of Virginia window is given for Peyton's wife Susie Baldwin Robertson Cochran. Peyton and Susie's son, George Moffett Cochran IV was a Justice of The State Supreme Court. He died in 2011 and is survived by his wife, Lee. Their son and wife, Stuart and Emily live in Stuart House on Church Street and are the 6 th generation of the Cochran family to worship at Trinity.  

The Diocese of Virginia Window
Trinity was one of the charter churches of this Diocese in 1785. This window, from the Wippell-Mowbray Studios in London, was installed in the Vestibule in 1970.

The Diocese of Southwestern Virginia Window
Trinity was also one of the charter churches of this Diocese in 1919. The 1st Bishop of SW Virginia, The Rt. Rev. Robert C. Jett, was ordained at Trinity in 1920. This window is also from the Wippell-Mowbray Studios in London and was installed in 1970.

The Faith and Good Samaritan Windows
Faith Window
Jane Aurora Carpenter Druyea, wife on John Druyea, was born in New York in 1825 and died there December 6, 1892. She and John had one child, Emma Jerome Duryea. Emma married Frank George Walter and lived in Staunton at Montgomery Hall, which she had purchased from H.D. Peck in 1902. Jane is buried in the Duryea family plot at St. Paul's Episcopal Church Cemetery at Glen Cove, Nassau County, New York. This Tiffany Window was given by Emma and installed at Trinity in 1912. In the 1910 Tiffany Windows Book, this window is called “Faith” and not “Angel of Praise”.

The Good Samaritan Window
J ohn Duryea was born in Glen Cove, New York January 14, 1827. He became a multimillionaire by owning the world's largest corn starch company which was a major employer in Glen Cove, located on Oyster Bay, Long Island. Sometime after Jane died, John came to Staunton to live with his daughter and son-in-law, Emma and Frank, and their 9 children. He died May 12, 1907 at Montgomery Hall where his memorial service was held. He is buried beside Jane in the Duryea family plot in Glen Cove. This Tiffany was also given by Emma and installed at Trinity in 1912 along with the Faith window.

Montgomery Hall in Staunton (image above)
Built by John Howe Peyton and completed in 1824. Birthplace of Margaret Lynn Peyton Cochran, daughter of John Howe and Ann Montgomery Lewis Peyton. Purchased by Emma Jerome Duryea Walker in 1902.
Don’t miss the 5th Annual Harvest Breakfast and Fair Trade Gift Market

The 5th Annual Harvest Breakfast and Fair Trade Market will take place on  NOVEMBER 11  from 8 – Noon in Trinity’s McCracken Hall.
 
Come and enjoy: A fabulous pancake breakfast; Pre-holiday shopping with fair trade merchandise from Ten Thousand Villages, which supports artisans and collective producers from all over the world; Home-made biscotti, Tom’s Terrific Toffee, Equal Exchange chocolates, freshly-baked scones, and San Rafael shade-grown coffee direct from the grower; and ECW gift items.  Breakfast  is served from 8 until 10:30. Scones with jam and cream and coffee or tea served 10:30 until noon. Contact Margaret Pearson if you have questions and/or would like to join the volunteer crew. Her email is  mephome@gmail.com .

New Printed Newsletter Format Feedback
For the past several years, I've been formatting both the printed newsletter and the online newsletter separately. In order to streamline the newsletter process, the hardcopy newsletter will be a printed version of the online newsletter. We will test this format for several months and make a decision at the end of the year whether or not the new format works. We thank you for your patience and please send your feedback to Deidre at communications@trinitystaunton.org.


NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet
The Staunton Branch of the NAACP annual Freedom Fund Banquet is scheduled for 4pm on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at Covenant Presbyterian Church. If you would like to purchase a ticket, $40 per person, please contact Diane Kent at  dianeknt3@gmail.com .

Calendar
If you open the following link, you will see our current Trinity Church calendar. You may wish to bookmark this page as it will automatically update with any changes.



Birthdays

When we switched database systems, the new system did not keep on file anyone's birthday that lacked the year. Therefore, if your birthday is not listed below please contact the office with your birth month, day, and year to be added into our system. Thank you.

3
Lilly Crigger
Bizzy Lane
 
4
Margaret McElroy
 
5
Deborah Oldman-Brown
 
6
Paxton Carver

7
Elizabeth Amato
Tom Cracas
Ellie Lockridge
John Maugans
Carolyn Sellers
 
9
Bruce Bolding
Mary Brown
Betty Carpenter
Lawrence Tankard
 
10
Adrienne Fiechtl
 
13
Ken McAllister
Carol Taylor

14
Dennis Finnegan
Cal Thomas
 
15
Glendon Gill
Lucy Ivey
 
18
Nancy Armstrong
Jan Coleman
 
21
Henry Kivlighan
 
22
Mike Amato
Mary Beirne Nutt
Juliette Swenson
 
23
Charlotte Shell
 
24
Laura Gonzalez
 
25
Susanna Larner
 
26
Max Einselen
Todd Lockridge
 
27
Ted O'Neill
 
28
Kathleen Garcia
 
29
Ken Keller
Charles Otteni
 
31
Wally Anderson
Jordan Kyler
Graham Tate