TRINITY TODAY
March 2017


"...do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,..." (Matthew 6:3)
By Adrian Peetoom

I was taught this text when I was young. My "schools" were family and church, and my "teachers" were parents and clergy. I well remember the gist of this teaching, one clearly in harmony with the context in which Jesus spoke these words. Don't boast of your generosity, not even of your piety (Matthew 6:1), the way some of Jesus's generations' "hypocrites" seem to have done with abandon. "Do good and don't look back" (my translation) is a popular Dutch saying, one in harmony with these Jesus specifics. And in the rest of chapter 6 Jesus ventures  from alms giving into the realms of prayer...and fasting...and accumulating wealth (and power?). The new commandments: Be modest. Be reticent. Don't look for kudos. Be right before the face of God.

I must have met Christians who lived up to this sermon perfectly. But I'll never know for certain, do I, for having lived their lives following this Jesus blueprint simply precludes my knowledge of it. Suspicions, maybe.

I have met many Christians (at least one regularly in the mirror) who have fallen short of this mark. Sinned, in other words. Folks who, in even subtle ways, let me know that they were well on the way to heaven, given their good lives: financial generosity towards the church, ease of citing Bible verses and claims about knowing God's will, and business and career successes seen as blessings of God. As one wealthy friend once told me, he was sure to go to heaven for it was God's reward for his good life. The thing is, judging by what he did for church and church people, he had lived a good life. Alas, his whole congregation knew for he had let it hang out in ways subtle and not so.

A beautiful Jesus metaphor this text, one in line with many others in this so-called "Sermon on the Mount" (Matthew chapters 5-7). But I am so glad that a literal meaning of this phrase is nonsense, even though it is found in the Bible. Here is my story.

Because of a fall and a double ankle break my wife spent more than six weeks in two different hospitals. I had to look after myself...plus. But at least four (of our six) children and their loving spouses insisted that both old Dad and old Mom needed to be visited, and two children even came from far away to spend a week at our home. I had to cook many meals and do more than the usual laundry routine. I did so with both gratitude and pleasure. (And even caught myself slyly inviting compliments from the eaters and sleepers, temporarily forgetting Matthew chapter 6!).

But beyond the cost of those meals I paid a further price: a regularly bleeding left hand. My right hand operated the quality sharp knives and slicers needed for meal preparation. My wife has done most of the cooking in our long marriage, and she rarely has a left hand bleed. By now she must have a sixth sense, her left hand always knowing what her right hand is doing. But my inexperience showed. The (luxury) potato and vegetable slicer regularly took some left hand skin. Knives with sharp edges did the same. Twice I groped around in less than clear dish water, and cut a finger open on a knife. Of course we have bandages, high quality ones as well. But these came off when doing dishes! Often harmless new little scars became bleeding nuisances again.

I learned gradually to become more watchful, slower and more deliberate. What did I learn? To let my left hand know what my right hand is doing! It is a valuable skill, I discovered! 
Click photo for larger image.

In  Where Faith Meets Culture: A Radix Magazine Anthology , Kurt Armstrong writes about love:

"Love defies measurement, technique, and all guarantees of ease and comfort. Love is fundamentally anti-program, non-rational and impractical. Love is an untamable impediment to the march of progress; it defies the promises of professionally developed technique, creates inefficiency, and does not guarantee 'escalating returns' on 'investments.' What it does guarantee is challenge, struggle, sorrow and loss. Love is what human beings live for, and like Aslan the Lion, it is not safe, but it is good."

Photo by Llyn Madsen of Holy Trinity Church during winter 2013.
Archives: Organist Ralph Couper

Ralph Couper apparently was the organist at Holy Trinity from 1914 and then from 1955 onwards until he retired in 1987. 
Spelling his name correctly helps! It is Couper, not Cooper! 

Ralph Richardson Couper was born on October 17, 1887 in Leith, Scotland to Peter Couper and Euphemia Darling. Ralph arrived in Canada aboard the Cassandra on March 20, 1911. Ralph was an Electrical Engineer. Ralph married Marjory Jane Duncan Edward in 1911. Marjory died in Banff on February 8, 1955. Ralph died in Edmonton on August 25, 1975. They had four children: Marjory, Winnifred, Ralph, and Olive. The military was a big part of their family life. 

Thanks to Louise Perkins for doing the genealogy research! 


From: "Holy Trinity Anglican Church 75 Years 1893-1968", page 50.

Ron Fishburne 
Archives Committee 
Alfred Jongkind #makingitpossible 

Alfred Jongkind, is considered a very proud business man. In 1958 in Edmonton - Alfred started Al-Brite Manufacturing Jewellers Ltd. He has a passion for custom design jewelry, quality workmanship, exceptional customer service along with hard work and dedication.  In 1958, his business was first located in the 101 Street Kitchen Building in Edmonton for 20 years.  He then moved to the Bental Building and is currently at Enbridge Place downtown Edmonton.  Alfred cleverly named the business 'Al-Brite' because 'Al' stands for Alfred and 'Brite' means that jewelry is bright. He has been a certified gemologist  and master goldsmith  for 65 years and he has kept the same stunning work bench throughout his career. In 2002, Alfred turned the business over to his four children. Between Alfred, his wife, four children and grandson, they have a combined total of approximately 230 years of customer service in 58 years. Alfred keeps up his knowledge through reading magazines and he continues to work at the business 7-8 hours per week. Alfred and his wife Shirley married on October 29, 1951 (65 years) and have been in the same house since 1955 (61 years). In his earlier years, he enjoyed many activities with his friends; pool, lawn bowling, YMCA Member, travelling, poker and Las Vegas.

Together, with the support of their children and grandchildren, the business has now become a Third Generation Family Business of 58 years. Humbly, Alfred says 'he rarely missed a day of work in 58 years, but if he does now he has to make up the time'.
Good Samaritan Southgate Care Centre
Pastoral Care Volunteer
by Amanda Lambert
from " The Journey", Winter 2017

I am proud to be a member of the Pastoral Care Team at Good Samaritan Southgate Care Centre. It gives me an opportunity to visit with someone, offer a prayer or comforting words, or simply be quiet and gently supportive in their presence. 

What is it like to be a pastoral care visitor? It means leaving the outside world at the door of the resident whom you are visiting and making them your priority. You can have a plan but will need to be flexible. 

Taking a deep breath and going in with the support of the Lord to make someone's day a little brighter, to listen, to chat, to share stories, to pray, to be quiet and still, to sing, to laugh... 

When you visit a resident (usually recommended first by the Chaplain and/or the Volunteer Coordinator) you begin to develop a relationship and understanding with the person. It is important to take things slowly at first to get to know the person. Always smile, always acknowledge the staff, other residents and visitors, simply by nodding your head, smiling or a brief greeting (whatever feels most natural). 

Asking the resident questions is a good idea at first - not too many and never too personal. Ask about their interests, family, favourite things, and comment about things you see in their room (a photo, a special quilt). 

I always ask if today is a good day for a visit? Sometimes you have to expect that your resident may be feeling unwell or not up to a visitor. Leaving a card for them is a nice idea just to let them know you are thinking of them. Keep it simple. 

Offer simple choices of things to do: a walk to the garden, a visit in the dining room, a cup of tea or coffee, water or juice, or perhaps a snack. 

If the resident attends Sunday services, you could attend on occasion to have a group visit. You can offer assistance to others around you and join in the hymns and prayers. 

I bring along my bible and a few favourite psalms and or verses (in a folder so as to be discreet). 

I like to close the visit by asking to join in prayer; nothing elaborate but keep in mind what you chatted about during the visit and perhaps include that. It gets easier with practice. 

Just be gentle and open; share your visits briefly with the chaplain and volunteer coordinator and retain confidentiality. Email works well (initials work when mentioning your resident). 

Each visit matters; don't forget that. Short or long. Remember to take care of yourself as well. 

Practice self-care and don't be afraid to ask for a quiet prayer or chat yourself. May God bless you in his work with others. I know I am blessed.
Grindstone Theatre Events

The 11 O'clock Number!


The 11 O'Clock Number! presents 90 minutes of improvised comedy entertainment that unveils scenes, songs, and production numbers completely off the cuff to create a brand new musical based on audience suggestions.

11PM every Friday night at Holy Trinity. 
$13 tickets at the door (box office opens at 10pm)

This award winning improvised musical comedy features some of Canada's best improvisors as they make up a musical on the spot!

" Solid laughs no matter when you go!"  Orlando Sentinel
" Hilarious! The show left me laughing uncontrolably"  Edmonton Journal
" Fantastic Show!"  The Buzz Winnipeg
" ...Guffaw inducing, genre hopping, zinger-laden mess of fabulous foolishness in four and sometimes five part harmony"  CBC
" What they do seems virtually impossible!"  Breakfast Television
 
Classes 

Registration is now open for the April-June Grindstone Theatre Classes, which include: Acting, Improv, Musical Improv, and Stand-Up Comedy. To find out more about the classes or to register, click here
Scouting Trailer Request

6 th Edmonton Scouting group from Holy Trinity is looking for  an enclosed and lockable Trailer to haul and store their camping equipment.  Budget approximately $2000.  If you or anyone you know can help with this request,  please contact Scouter Linda 780-431-0036.

Opportunities at MCE Mosque 

Volunteers are requested to read to children at the MCE Daycare. Please contact Ria for more information or to volunteer. 

Two spots are also available for kids at the daycare. For more details, conta ct:  childcare@mcemosque.com , or 780-439-8738. 

Messy Church Volunteers 

Rev. Heather is looking for volunteers to help with Messy Church in various seniors homes. Adults and kids can all help. Please contact Rev. Heather for more details. 

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Holden Evening Prayer and Study

Beginning on  March 6th , you are invited to join us for Holden Evening Prayer on Monday evenings during Lent. The service will take place from 
6:00-6:30pm in the following locations: 

March 6  - Chancel
March 13  - Upper Hall
March 20  - Chapel
March 27 - Lower Hall
April 3 - Chancel

Please come tonight and join us for refreshments following the service. All are welcome! 

For those able to stay,  Evening Prayer will be followed by the Pilgrim Study from The Church of England. This course unpacks the basic message and teaching of the Christian faith, and also shows you how to pray and how to live like Jesus. If you would like to participate in the study, please contact Janette in the church office. The study is capped at 12 people, and books will cost $13 each. We hope to see you there.

Holy Trinity Lenten Concert Series


This Lent, Holy Trinity Anglican Church will host Lenten Noon Hour Concert Series on the five Wednesdays in Lent, and also during Holy Week. All concerts are free, and are open to the public. Donations in support of the artists and our organ restoration and enhancement project will be accepted at the door.
All concerts begin at 12:10, and will be approximately 40 minutes in length.

March 8  - Lorne Manweiler - Solo Organ Recital
March 15  - Jolaine Kerley, Soprano, John Brough, Organ.
March 22  - Josephine van Lier, Cello, John Brough, Organ
March 29  - Edmonton Symphony Orchestra Trombone Quartet
April 5 - Robin Doyon (Principal Trumpet, ESO),  Tammy-Jo Mortensen, (Organist, Robertson Wesley United Church)
April 12  - Julia Davis - Solo Organ Recital

The Vaughan String Quartet Presents...


The "Dark Side" of the Quartet - Viola and Cello Sonatas 

Saturday, March 11th , 7:30PM at Holy Trinity

Tickets: General $25, Student/Senior $15, Under 12 $5

A night of Viola and Cello sonatas: Connection Concert Series comes back on Saturday, March 11th presenting an evening of music written specifically for the two darker instruments of the string quartet. The program will feature the "Eyeglass" duo by Ludwig van Beethoven, the sonata for viola and piano by Rebecca Clarke, and the sonata for cello and piano by Dmitrij Sostakovic. 

Fabiola Amorim, Viola
Silvia Buttiglione, Cello
Mathew Walton, Piano 

Find out more or purchase tickets at vaughanquartet.com

ICPM Lunch at the Bissell Centre


Twice each year, Holy Trinity helps to provide lunch for those in need at the Bissell Centre, working with the Inner City Pastoral Ministry. Our next date to provide food is coming up soon on Sunday, March 12th

A sign up sheet is posted in the Lower Hall that lists the various needs, such as sandwiches, fruit, veggies, volunteers, etc., or you can make a monetary contribution by placing a donation in the offering plate, marked "ICPM March 12". We would love to have your help! Thank you in advance. 

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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.)

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)

Why Don't Anglicans Go to Confession?


Did you know you could go to confession? Should you go to confession? Is confession a sacrament in the Anglican Church? What exactly is a sacrament? What is the history of the rite of penance? If you are interested in these questions, you are very welcome to attend a talk by Marian Allen (about half an hour) and discussion (about half an hour) on  Sunday, March 19 at 12:30 . This event will take place at the church, but the exact location will be announced closer to the time. 

Trinity Players Events 

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.
March 23,24,25,26 @ 7:30pm and Matinee March 25 @ 2:00pm. 
Tickets $18 +fees at  eventbrite.com
 
Jesus Christ Superstar in Concert: Come experience the greatest musical of all time in concert with a stellar cast of Trinity Players. Featuring a full band, chorus and leads to sing you through this epic event.
Sat, April 1, 2017 @ 7:30pm. Tickets $18 + fees at eventbrite.com

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. 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
Holy Trinity Anglican Church 10037 84 Ave. NW 
Free Admission (Donations Accepted) - Refreshments - Playwright Talk Back
April 2
Deadstock - Bevin Dooley
A young girl meets a lone woman on the outskirts of a town where dark secrets are buried. Winner of the 2016 Alberta Playwriting Competition.

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: 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!

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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