Trinity Newsletter for May 12, 2021

May 12, 2021

The mission of Trinity Church is to share Christ's love and grace in a vibrant community whose joyful spirit empowers people to do God's work.

A NOTE FROM MOTHER CYNTHIA

Beloved Trinitarians,

We have received some exciting news from the Bishop’s office regarding our communal life. Here are the updates:

Othering – The Church is not a place where “us vs. them” is okay. We value inclusivity and are actively working to stop discrimination. We will not distinguish between “vaccinated” and “unvaccinated” in any church plan or gathering.
Masks – Masks will be worn both inside and outside for all gatherings and services, and physical distancing will be maintained.
Congregational singing – We can sing outside, with our masks on!
Soloists and Small Ensembles - can sing inside or outside.
Choir rehearsal - masked and distanced, choirs can rehearse for 30 minutes.
Gathering - Each ministry, bible study, book group should consider whether or not regathering makes sense for your group. Your group can gather if you maintain distancing, masking, and wipe down your surfaces at the end of your time together. Please contact me with your intent to regather cmckenna@trinity-freddericksburg.org.
Worship Services - Vestry, ushers, digital ministry, lay readers, and clergy check temperature before you enter the sanctuary.
Children’s formation and vacation bible school – can meet with masks and physical distance. This one is a little tricky and Sam Burton, Children’s Formation Director, and I are working through how this might work best for our children this summer.

Our opportunities are expanding, and for that we give thanks! And we know we aren’t yet to that place of no restrictions; however, we are getting some traction. I’m excited and deeply honored to walk with this community of faith and hope and love. You remain in my prayers.

Blessings and love,

Mother Cynthia+

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You must register to attend either service. Registration allows us to know how many people are attending and provides a record for contact tracing.

link: https://bit.ly/3b6X402

Please plan to arrive at check-in at least 15 minutes early so the ushers can seat you. If your mobility needs require extra time, please be at check-in by 20 minutes early.

Masks will be required. You will also need to print the bulletin or bring your phone or tablet to follow along.

Please bring your own lawn chair for the outside service. If you need assistance with your chair, there will be people able to assist you. You will be sitting with people in your own “germ bubble”, and spaced six feet apart from others. You might want to bring a hat, sunscreen, or a blanket.

If we need to cancel Church on the Lawn because of cold temperatures or precipitation, we will notify you via email, and will post a notice on Facebook by 6:00 am.

The REVEREND DAVID P. CASEY, OP will celebrate the Eucharist on Sunday May 16, 2021.

On May 30th, from 12 Noon - 2:00 pm, you are invited to say goodbye to Fr. David on the church lawn - masked and distanced. Watch for more information.

May 23rd is PENTECOST SUNDAY. The liturgical color for Pentecost is red. Please wear red on the 23rd to celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit.

PARENTS OF GRADUATING SENIORS – Graduating Seniors will be recognized at the 10:30 service this Sunday, May 16th. Please try to attend. Senior bios and pictures will be posted in next week’s newsletter. If you have not submitted your senior’s information and/or picture please do so as soon as possible. Thank you for helping us recognize the achievements of our youth.

CAREGIVERS' SUPPORT GROUP will meet on Thursday, May 13th, 10:00-11:30 am at Trinity. We will meet outside if the weather permits (bring chairs) or inside if it does not. Should the COVID numbers worsen a link to Zoom will be sent out to those persons who have attended or expressed interest in the meeting.

Men and women who are caregivers for a disabled or ill adult or child are invited to participate. If you are interested in joining the group or have questions about it please contact Randall Clingenpeel (540-207-0600), Brenda Chase (540-226-2628), or Claire Curcio (540-479-6988).

Trinity’s Monthly DROP-IN GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP will hold its May meeting on Monday, May 17 on ZOOM, from 10:30 a.m. – noon. Hopefully in person meetings can resume in June. “Making Major changes After Loss” will be one of this month’s discussion topics. Contact Randall Clingenpeel at 540-207-0600 or Ruth Brancolini at 540-898-0689 for the ZOOM contact numbers and with related questions and/or concerns.

BOOK REVIEW by the Task Force to

Plan to Dismantle Racism

My First American Friend, Sarunna Jin, grade 2-3

This delightfully illustrated book is an autobiography written by Jin when she was only eight years old. She had been speaking English for just a little over two years at the time. She writes about her experiences of traveling from China to America and how hard it was to fit in because of language barriers. She describes how her difficult adjustment was made more endurable when she made her first American friend.

Front Desk, Kelly Yang, grades 4-6

This is the first of a three book series. Autobiographical content is woven into a powerful story about a young girl and her family who immigrated to the United States in the 1990’s. The book describes what the life of a Chinese immigrant was like at that time. It will help foster empathy for the immigrant experience for young readers, while for immigrant children, it is a much-needed and validating mirror. The themes of racism, prejudice, and activism make it relevant to 2021 America. The book is the winner of several awards, including the 2019 Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature.

A LABYRINTH FOR TRINITY

Several years ago the Vestry, at the request of the Labyrinth Committee, approved the construction of a labyrinth on our church grounds. Construction has now begun on our labyrinth which is located near the Memorial Garden. If you are in the vicinity of Trinity during the week, you may enjoy stopping by to watch our contractor Mac Drane build the labyrinth. Mac, who is a member of Trinity, designed the labyrinth, and he has spent numerous hours over the last few weeks placing all the stones by hand to make that design a reality.

Parishioners who have seen the construction activity, generally have two questions:

What is a labyrinth?

A labyrinth is often described as a walking meditation or a prayer path that connects the mind, body, and spirit. Walking the labyrinth path can reduce stress, quiet the mind, and open the heart. It is a place where one can experience a sense of spiritual, mental, and physical well-being in their life.

Why is Trinity constructing a labyrinth?

A labyrinth on the grounds of Trinity Church will provide:

a place where individuals will have an opportunity to calm their mind, reduce stress, and enjoy peace, quiet, and time for prayer and reflection. For many it could become a spiritual practice to enhance their prayer life. The use of the labyrinth will help members of our congregation grow spiritually, and thus, increase the spiritual vitality of our congregation as a whole.
a wonderful opportunity for our children and youth to develop a prayer life that will help them grow spiritually throughout their lives.
a place of meditation or prayer for all in our Fredericksburg community (e.g., Fredericksburg Region churches, other churches in the area, UMW students). Many Episcopal churches that have labyrinths describe them as gifts to their communities.
An outward and visible sign of the importance of prayer at Trinity Church. It is good stewardship to use the land with which we have been blessed to provide a place where everyone in our community can come for comfort and peace or for prayer and meditation,