January 2017 Trinity Today 

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Both Leslies hard at work
by Adrian Peetoom
 
Cautionary note. The following is neither an attack on, nor a defense of, mothers having paying jobs during the years that they are also helping to raise their children. If in doubt, let my five professional daughters and mothers assure you. I am simply making a point about the nature of work.

Meet this couple, man and wife both with a first name Leslie, together parents of a quiver full of children (Psalm 127, quiver full is six I'm told). Let's call them Leslie D (for dad) and Leslie M (for mom).

In many ways a traditional couple, traditional in the sense that he earns a living traveling for some company, and she spends a lot of hours cleaning, cooking, and above all caring for the children in the ways of stay-at-home moms. Not easy sometimes, what with the husband many nights away.

But here's the thing. In the eyes of most people, including those who worry about GDP (the national sum of products and services as expressed in dollar values), Leslie D works and Leslie M does not. That is, Leslie D gets a salary or wage for his labour and Leslie M does not. She doesn't contribute to the economy by producing products and services that would take money to acquire.

Yet every day she gets up even before the kids, prepares breakfast, makes them lunches to take to school, inspects their bedrooms after they leave (and corrects the imperfections). Begins to plan and prepare the evening meal, six growing bodies and perhaps a tired Leslie D in need of sustenance and also communal conversation about the day coming to an end. Some days she shops, and on most days she cleans. Laundry of course. Baking for the never ending expectations of snacks. Mind you, she has equipment at her disposal: washing machine, dryer, vacuum cleaner, efficient stove, fridge and freezer, car for errands and recreation, and telephone to keep in touch (with friends and social groups like church). Her grandmother, and most certainly her great-grandmother, lived in more primitive manual labour days.

Some years ago that distinction work-not work began to bother some people. Studies began to appear that evaluated hours of house work and the setting of an (imaginary) wage. And more recently I have heard voices questioning whether our current understanding of GDP is defensible at all, restricted as it is to expressible monetary values. The point: why do we call what Leslie D does, work (for which he gets paid money), and what Leslie M does, not so much?

The root of this distinction goes back a few centuries, mostly to the ideas of philosopher John Locke (1632 - 1704). He wrote that human beings were workers created by God with a "dominion" task. Human beings were given an uncultivated "garden," and the responsibility to make something of it beyond the original primitive state. Human beings were to add value to the original creation raw materials. The indicator of that value was money, and monetary value would be determined by a relationship between sellers and buyers, the market in other words. Locke's seemingly simple idea has been the yeast for economic thinking ever since, a yeast that has produced an overblown confidence in (if not worship of) the Economy.

But that economic thinking is a perversion of the Genesis revelation. For even if what Leslie M does physically (clean, cook, etc.) might be expressed in some kind of monetary way, descriptions of what she does go far beyond that. She (and her husband) are raising six children, guiding them through schools, teaching them the ways of the world in some wisdom sort of way, monitoring their growing up which may be understood as keeping them on the main road when side streets often seem more enticing. They demonstrate love to their children, and constantly invite them to find their own loving ways in life, especially in service to others. Future careers are important, but not the major aim in life. And with husband often away, Mom is the anchor of it all. Confidante, negotiator, arbitrator, police officer, enabler, (household) engineer, spiritual guide, teacher, link to the larger world, consoler, fixer, chauffeur, forgiver. All of that capsuled in the word "mother," the guide to mastering various routines that will hopefully lead to well-lived lives. Well-lived lives require character, and mothers and fathers help children develop character.

Proverbs already expressed that essential point about mothers (in chapter 31). Keeping in mind the then cultural context ("husbands in the gate" indeed), here are some citations still relevant.

[A capable wife]...is far more precious than jewels...
Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her happy; her husband, too, and he praises her.

John Locke, with all your good intentions you were all wrong. Leslie D and Leslie M both go to work when they get up in the morning, and perhaps Leslie M has the more important impact!
Archives: Early Woman Parishioner: Mrs. Melros e


Mrs. W.J. Melrose was an outstanding Canadian educator and one of the first woman graduates of McGill University. For years she taught a Bible Class at Holy Trinity and was one of the first women to serve on the Vestry. She also made a substantial bequest to the church. 


From: "Holy Trinity Anglican Church 75 Years 1893 - 1968", Fig. 33, page. 27.

Ron Fishburne
Archives Committee 

Music Ministry


Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
 
We would like to update you on a number of events in the area of our Music Ministry. Last August our band ministry was impacted due to an unexpected illness of a crucial member of the band. We found ourselves poised to begin the September to June programming without the normal compliment of our Band, and although many efforts were made to find alternate ways to continue with regular band Sundays, we could not assemble a critical mass to make this happen. We needed to move forward with long term planning amidst the uncertainty of the Band's status and implemented a plan to have a choral service every week.
 
During this period we focused our energy on solidifying the Choir, including the creation of a choral scholarship program where students would benefit from experience singing in, and leading sections of our church choir, a practice that has proven successful in many church traditions. This is something we have been able to accomplish with help from the Reach campaign. Over the last few months, we have experienced a growth in our choral program, a strengthening of morale, and a renewed dedication to the choir. Some of this was due to our new choral scholars, and some with regular rehearsal and services.
 
We have recently begun to offer a number of new worship opportunities in response to community needs and the directs of our Mission Action Plan. An LGBTQ affirming service, Equally Anglican, arose out of our Pride Worship last summer.  Rev. Heather has strengthened and increased the "Messy Church" worship opportunities offered at our parish.  We are also looking forward to our Lenten services, Holy Week, Easter Vigil and some new opportunities in the summer months.
 
Through a number of staff meetings and informal conversations with wardens, it was decided that an overall review of our music ministry with an eye to mapping out our current and potential future needs would be prudent. Additionally  we need to identify the musical assets currently available to us, determine whether additional resources are necessary, and review the strengths, weaknesses and resources of our current offering.
 
The next steps will include brainstorming with a larger group of musicians, worship leaders and vestry leaders in the coming months as we seek to create an overall master plan for our music ministry.  We also welcome formal and informal input from all interested members of our community.
 
As part of this process, we decided that it would not be prudent to cancel the plan put in place for this year. As a result we will continue to have the choral worship format we have been enjoying. We will continue to review and discuss our overall needs, map assets and directions for music in light of our growth and need for stability. In the meantime we are actively planning for music ministry including band offerings during Equally Anglican, weekly Lenten worship, Holy week (Palm/Passion Sunday, Maundy Thursday) and Easter Vigil.
 
Thank you for your faithfulness and for your participation as active members of our worshipping community. Again, if you have any further questions or comments please speak to either of us at your convenience.
 
In Christ,
                                                                                  
The Ven. Dr. Christopher A. Pappas, Rector             
Dr. John Brough, Music Director

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Community Supper


On the first and third Tuesday of every month, Trinity Lutheran Church, with the support of several other congregations, including HTAC, hosts a dinner for the neighbourhood. The dinner is particularly popular among the poor and homeless in our community. Help is needed on January 17th for people to bring soup and cookies, or assist with setting up between 5-6pm. There is a sign up sheet in the Lower Hall for anyone who is able to help. Thank you! 

Henry V 


Grindstone Theatre in partnership with London UK's Malachite Theatre Presents:

William Shakespeare's "Henry V" at Holy Trinity Anglican Church. January 12 to 28, 2017. January 12 - 14, 7:30PM. January 15, 2:00PM. January 17 - 20, 7:30PM. January 24 - 28, 7:30PM. 

Tickets at TIX on the Square

More about the show: 

On the morning of October 25th 1415, a small band of English soldiers rose to face their almost certain death on the field of Agincourt. Outnumbered three-to-one by the massed forces of France, England's King Henry V is confronted with the brutal realisation that there is no glory to be found in the theatre of war, only death. 

Shakespeare's epic, complex and moving history of a young King's triumph against all odds is brought roaring back to life this winter, in a rousing new production from London, England's internationally acclaimed Malachite Theatre and Edmonton's own Grindstone Theatre. 

Featuring a fantastic gender-balanced cast of Albertan actors, an evocative new live score, and set in the stunning surroundings of Old Strathcona's Holy Trinity Church, Henry V promises to be the Shakespearean event of the year! 

This production will be the first time a female actor has played Henry V on the Canadian stage. 

Tickets are $25 for Adults and $20 for Students and Seniors, plus applicable fees. Tuesdays are Pay What You Can at the door only.

Volunteer Opportunity: 

The "Henry V" crew is looking for people to help with Front of House, box office, and concession for all the "Henry V" shows. The shifts will run from 6:15pm to 8:30pm, although some may be shorted depending on the position. All volunteers get to see the show for free! To volunteer or for more details, please contact Paula Blanco Longa

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Pub Theology


Every third Wednesday of the month, 7-9PM
Downstairs in the Underdog at The Black Dog Freehouse (101 St. & 82 Ave.)

January 18 - "Christianity is at least half Pagan": stealing spirituality
February 15 - Bringing light to unexpected places
March 15 - A priest, a rabbi, and a...: talking to each other like we mean it
April 19 - Why it's worth it to forgive (especially when we don't want to)

Ecumenical Bonfire


On Friday, January 20, please join us, and our friends at St. Thomas d'Acquin francophone Roman Catholic parish, for a bonfire in the Millcreek Ravine to celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.  We will meet at Holy Trinity at 6 pm to practise a couple of songs before heading out at 6:15 on our pilgrimage to the Ravine.  A short service of prayer and song (an interdenominational Taize group will participate too) will be followed by a snack and fellowship.  It is also possible to drive, if walking is difficult.  Please contact Heather Coleman ( hcoleman@ualberta.ca/780-435-1899 ) for more information, or to volunteer to start and supervise the fire.

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Candlemas Evensong


Please join us for Candlemas Evensong on  Sunday, January 29th at 4:30pm . On this day, we remember the presentation of Jesus in the Temple. The Holy Trinity choir together with the choir from St. George's will be joining us. The Evensong will be followed by a potluck supper. If you are able, please bring a dish to share as we join in fellowship together. All welcome! 

Equally Anglican


On  January 29th at 7:00pm , Holy Trinity will be holding its second LGBTQ affirming service called "Equally Anglican". All are invited and welcome to join us. If you can, please come early at 5:30pm to join us for a potluck supper in the Lower Hall, or come at 4:30pm for the Candlemas Evensong. All welcome! 

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Fort McMurray: Responding in Beauty


All Saints Anglican Church in Fort McMurray has invited our community here at Holy Trinity to join them during Lent in creating a low skills high sensitivity artistic response to the fire that ravaged Wood Buffalo this past May.
For more information or to get involved contact Rev. Heather at  assistantcurate@holytrinity.ab.ca

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HTAC Open Stage

Holy Trinity Anglican Church is a place of community and a place for art. We welcome all to join us for a night of music and spoken word. 

Monthly Friday Nights - 7:00 to 10:00PM at 

Holy Trinity (10037 84 Ave. NW).

Open Mic Nights are: February 3, March 3, April 7, May 5, and June 2.  

Interested in performing or have questions? Leave a message on our Facebook page, and we'll be happy to get you connected!

Script Salon: A monthly play reading series by members of the Playwrights Guild of Canada

Script Salon showcases some of the most talented theatre writers in the region with new plays ripe for production read by professional actors in the elegant setting of Holy Trinity Anglican Church. Presented the first Sunday of every month with a different play by a different playwright featured every time, Script Salon is a bounteous buffet of sizzling comedy, drama, romance, and adventure forged by the power of imagination. 


The first Sunday of every month at 7:30PM.
Free admission. Donations welcome. 
Refreshments. Playwright Talk Back. 
Messy Meet Up: February 11th 

Leaders from Messy Churches from all over Alberta will descend on Holy Trinity on February  11th for a Messy Meetup! The event will take place from 10am-4pm and include a time of  sharing, some practical take home training, and lots and lots of Christ-centred fun! All are
welcome whether they're involved in Messy Churches currently, have been involved in Messy  Churches in the past, or are simply curious about the whole thing! Cost is subject to grace  economics and ranges from $10-$40 RSVP to assistantcurate@holytrinity.ab.ca

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Winter Camping!  

It's time again to send your teenagers out into the snow covered woods! Our camp runs from  March 10-12 and costs $50/camper. The theme this year is a full moon adventure. Contact Margaret at the Synod office to register at: churched@edmonton.anglican.ca

The Music Man

Ya got Trouble! Right here in River City!
The Trinity Players present The Music Man. A tale of a traveling sales conman who convinces the small Iowan townfolk of River City that in order to keep their youth out of trouble they must keep them busy through forming a marching band. His plan of selling all his musical instruments to the local wayward youth is made more complicated as he begins to fall for the local librarian who happens also be a music teacher.
A full scaled, licensed production complete with a full orchestra and larger than life cast.
All performances at Holy Trinity: 
March 23,24,25,26 @ 7:30 pm 
Matinee March 25 @ 2:00 pm
Tickets $18 +fees at  eventbrite.com

Holy Trinity Anglican Church | 780-433-5530 
church.office@holytrinity.ab.ca | www.holytrinity.ab.ca
10037 84 Ave. NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 2G6
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