Our Activities
Listed below are the news articles for the month of November.
November 10, 2005
Adult Forum at 10 Continues
I'm happy to announce that the Adult Forum at 10
o'clock has been such a success that we will continue
to get people together at that time in the library
over the next few weeks.
THIS SUNDAY, November 13, we'll be meeting with Mother
Frannie and Father Fred to discuss the Family Service
itself, what is working and what isn't, and some ideas
about changes that we might try during the season of
Advent. YOUR participation is crucial--we rely on
your feedback to help us improve your family's worship
experience.
Speaking of Advent, the following four weeks (11/20,
11/27, 12/4, and 12/11), I'll be offering the UNPLUG
THE CHRISTMAS MACHINE workshop. This is a practical
approach to making Christmas and the weeks leading up
to it less stressful and more meaningful for you and
your whole family. You can come for one, some, or all
of the 45-minute sessions, as your schedule permits.
We don't have Sunday School on 11/27 (we like to give
our hardworking volunteer teachers a break over
Thanksgiving weekend), but we will provide some kind
of childcare at that time so that you can attend the
"Unplug" session if you're in town.
Pamela Dolan
Trinity Family Ministries
November 12, 2005
Women of Trinity Updates for Advent
1.
CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE. The Women of Trinity (WOT) are sponsoring this year's Family Giving Tree. Gifts will be going to families from Clara Mateo and Haven House. The Commission is meeting at 8:15 Saturday morning, Nov 19th in the Library to make gift tags for the Tree and encourages everyone who is interested in helping with this project to come. We'll provide coffee, snacks and all art materials.
The Giving Tree will be on display at Third Sunday Supper Nov 20th. There will be a small tree in the Parish Hall wearing gift tags. When the large tree comes to the Parish Hall, the smaller tree will be at the back of the church. For more information call Pat Solari at 408-773-0178 or email phsolari@sbcglobal.net
2.
WOMEN OF TRINITY MEETING. Ladies, mark your calendars now for the monthly WOT meeting on Tuesday, Dec 6th. We will be honoring Pamela Dolan as she and her family prepare to move to Kansas next month. Since this will be a festive evening of socializing, we thought it would be appropriate to tie in gifts for the Giving Tree as well as have an old-fashioned Cookie Exchange. Now's the time to search out your favorite Christmas Cookie recipe(s)! More details later.
November 16, 2005
Matching Funds for Earthquake Relief
Social Ministries (Outreach) offers a monetary match for your charitable cash donation or donation of volunteer hours made in 2005.
Currently there is an urgent need for tents, warm clothes, and supplies in Pakistan due to the recent earthquake, which has left 80,000 dead and 4 million displaced. If you have donated or plan to donate, Social Ministries has allocated $5,000 to match parishioners’ donations up to $250 each parishioner. Please email Alecia to obtain forms at office@trinitymenlopark.org, download a form from www.trinitymenlopark.org, or pick up a form from the rack by rector’s office in Montgomery Hall. Fill out the form and return it to the office.
To donate cash, we recommend Episcopal Relief and Development Fund at http://www.er-d.org/, or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to Episcopal Relief and Development, Emergency Relief Fund, PO Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101.
If you have blankets, sleeping bags, tents, and warm clothing you can take it to the Hidaya Foundation in Milpitas. They are receiving donations to be shipped to Pakistan seven days a week from 12:00 –4:00 at 91 Montague Expressway, Milpitas, CA 95035. For more information call 408-244-3282 or go to www.hidaya.org.
November 20, 2005
SHELTER NETWORK NECESSITIES
SHELTER NETWORK NECESSITIES.
It has come to the attention of the Women of Trinity through Social Ministries that Shelter Networks has some Christmas wants that really amount to year-round needs, such as:
• Towels • Warm coats for all ages
• Twin and full blankets • Wallets, socks, watches
• Twin and full sheets • Lotions, skin care sets
• Standard pillows, pillow cases • Electric razors
Beginning with Christmas, we are asking for little-used, clean and appropriately wrapped items you no longer want (or may wish to buy) for these individuals. We will have a box at the back of the church where you can leave these special gifts. Some will be given for Holiday Gifts.
November 23, 2005
Vestry Minutes Summary - October
Trinity Vestry Meeting minutes – Tuesday 25th October 2005
From the Clergy: Anne Jensen
From the Vestry: Howard Smith, Debbie Eastburn, Peter Bostock, Anne Murghia, Margie Stehle, Harry Hagey, Jeff Cunningham, David Arscott, Elaine Hammond, Frances Nuelle, Nancy Grove
Absent: Jess Love
Guests: Jeannie Thomas, Jennifer Fitzmorris
Vestry meeting summary Tuesday 25th October 2005
• Interim Rector’s Report – Rev Anne opened her report with the announcement the Reverend Frannie Hall-Kieschnik will join Trinity 11/1/2005. She then spoke of last Saturday’s Diocesan Convention at which delegates met at Grace Cathedral. Father Fred, for example, attended a session on the issues facing the Anglican Communion and he will have a report on this topic. This was Bishop Swing’s last convention and Anne said the standing ovation the Bishop received was especially moving. Rev Anne stressed the important roles of Diocesan Delegates especially as we go into the election next year of a new bishop. Anne pointed out that the Vestry can elect up to 14 delegates, certainly up to 7 with 3 or 4 alternates sounds reasonable. Delegates, along with all members of the congregation, will have a chance to meet with candidates the second Sunday after Easter as those candidate bishops have their “walk-around” the diocese. Delegates will be elected at the annual meeting and the entire Vestry was encouraged to approach people who may be interested in serving in this capacity.
Rev Anne next turned to the pressing topic of a search committee for a replacement for Pamela Dolan, in family ministries. Anne had spoken with Sally Mancini who has kindly offered to lead this search. Rhonda Smith will be working with her. That being said it is unlikely we will have a replacement this side of Christmas and various steps are being planned to ensure continuity through this transition. Father Fred for example will take the responsibility for Christian education (including overseeing the Sunday School) through the transition and care will be taken to ensure we understand the important components and resources needed in all of Pamela’s activities. Father Fred’s role will be to ensure the curriculum stays on track and fortunately Pamela has done a good job of communicating the program over the next couple of months. Rev Anne suggested that families from the 9.10 may themselves know of good candidates.
Rev Anne reminded the Vestry that on Sunday 6th November, All Saints Day there would be a combined 9.10/10.00 service starting at 9.30 a.m. Children would be taken into the chapel for liturgy and rite III Eucharist. Rev Anne also commented on adult education saying that the 10.00 a.m. activity was a great success. With respect to the program of services Rev Anne said that moving the Sunday 5.00p.m. service to the chapel was being considered as were 5.30 p.m. Eucharist Wednesday evenings in the chapel during Advent. The final topic in Rev Anne’s report was the possible use of the rectory, during the new rector search, for ministry. This could be along the lines of housing for parents with children at Ronald McDonald House or other worthy cause. Furnishing and possible improvements to the rectory may be required before this is possible.
• Financials – Jennifer Fitzmorris provided us with an overview of September financials. Income for September was ~$33k (90% of budget) and YTD now stands at $498k (96% of plan), representing 71% of the annual budget income. The average YTD% for the last 3 years is close to 73%. Expenses were ~$56k, $1k under budget, despite expenditures on maintenance to Montgomery house being billed in the month. Total expenses YTD are 91% of budget and reflect good expense control. Expenses exceeded income in the month by ~$23k, as planned, and we are at a YTD deficit of $15k.
Assets continue to be strong. R4J received $258k income from the final two CFI payments plus change order add-ons from Trinity School and CFI. R4J spent $17k in the month but checks for $350k were signed in the last 24 hours so October will show significant expenditures. Jennifer continued her report saying that the number of months of reserves is now 4.0 and things are looking quite positive for the end of the year.
Pledges stand at $568k compared to the $550k goal. With respect to year-end items, Trinity traditionally donates 1% of their income to “religious education” split 50/50 between the seminary of the rector and CDSP (our Diocesan seminary).
A decision should be made on this in November/December. On the upcoming budgeting process, Jennifer presented a budget-planning sheet showing various scenarios for income, and endowment draw, together with alternative expenditure profiles. The objective is to present a budget at the AGM in January. The stewardship tri-fold will show that in order to maintain programs with modest COLA we need a 10% increase in pledges. Discussion ensued as to the setting of the vision tied to the budget process. It was suggested that this topic be included in the Vestry Retreat.
• New Vestry Members – Elections were held for the incoming Vestry class for 2006 at services on Sunday 20th October. The following candidates were elected Jay Dean, Jeannie Thomas, Carl Ditmore and John Crevelt.
• New Rector Search Committee – We are now ready to move forward in the creation of a new rector search committee (NRSC). The Vestry will set the criteria for appointment to that committee and will seek to ensure wide representation across the congregation and across the various services. Most likely the committee will comprise 2-3 people from the Vestry and 7-9 people not on the Vestry. Thus far we have 9 candidates for the NRSC and it is likely that we will have at least 11 candidates. Cannon Hansen has suggested that we have as many as 12 people on the committee as this enables best sharing of the considerable workload.
As part of our search for candidates on the NRSC the Vestry will ask those who have served on previous NRSCs to provide testimonials as to the importance of this role in the life of the parish. Debbie said that the deadline for applications for candidates for the NRSC is November 14th, ahead of the executive meeting on November 16th.
• Connectedness – Rev Anne said that as an output of recent connectedness committee meeting, listening meeting would be set up in November in which parishioners would be able to express their concerns. Vestry and clergy would participate in these meetings. Rev Anne felt it was important that this process was started ahead of the Parish Profile meetings.
• Consent agenda – Frances presented two items for approval on the consent agenda. The first was for $2k for trimming of redwood trees allowing more light into the church and the second was for $600 for a new printer for Larry Hancock. Both items were MSA.
• Trinity School agreement – Howard explained that as part of Trinity Schools participation in R4J, Trinity School would raise their usage fee to a level similar to that paid to St Bede’s, i.e. around 7% of school fees. This arrangement has been formalized in a rolling three year Agreement which will result in an increase of the use fee from it’s current level of ~$11k p.a. to approximately $33k p.a. over the period of the agreement. These monies are in addition to Trinity School’s contribution of ~$90k to playground construction costs. The proposal to accept the proposed Agreement was MSA.
Full meeting minutes are available in the church office.
November 27, 2005
Amazon.com links
Here's a new way to contribute to Trinity. When you do your shopping at Amazon, start here at TrinityMenloPark.org and click on one the Amazon links on the front page or the links to books or music reviewed on the site. Any purchases you make on that visit, or any visit that begins with a link from our site, will earn a commision for Trinity Parish.
The "Amazon Associates" program has been around for some time but it is new to Trinity Parish. As we are a serious group of book readers, in general, we were attracted by Amazon's famous book selection, but the program works for any category. Whether you are buying music, clothing, jewelry or electronics, commisions of 4% up to over 8% will accrue to the Parish's account.
If your holiday shopping includes purchases from Amazon, please start your shopping trip at Trinity!
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November 29, 2005
CAFE MOMUS UPDATE
Tickets are now on sale for this community-wide event at $50 per person. Join us for hors d'oeuvres, silent auction, French dinner, excerpts from La Boheme sung by principals of Opera San Jose, and a live auction. You won’t want to miss David Arscott and Jonathan MacQuitty, co-auctioneers. To reserve tickets call Cindy Brinkmann at 650-327-8492. Download Ticket Request form here.
Save the date:
Saturday, January 28, 2006
5:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
Child care provided
Social Ministries’ goal is to raise $25,000….that’s 25 donations of $1000 or 250 donations of $100 or…… Money will be raised from ticket sales and silent/live auction items. Social Ministries is raising money for its 2006 programs with local organizations such as Ecumenical Hunger Program, Urban Ministry and Clara Mateo, Shelter Networks and Interfaith Hospitality Network and international charities such as Heifer International and Ecosystems – Bridges of Nepal. This money is to replace funds already donated from the R4J Outreach Fund.
You won’t want to miss the company, fun, and opportunities to bid on vacation homes, tickets to sports events, theater and opera tickets, restaurants, services by Trinity parishioners including upholstery and massage, original artwork, objects d’art from Nancy Hood’s estate, wine, adult dinner parties, and children’s theme parties. If you haven’t donated yet, please do.
We still need volunteers to decorate, cook, set up auction tables and accounting and make ord’heuvres and desserts. Call Dori Ives at 650-592-6698 or Lucy Strandberg at 650-322-9820 for more information.
Reflections from Pamela
Trinity Parish has been an extension of my home and family for five years now, and the experiences I have had here, the ways I have grown and changed, will stay with me always. I have received many wonderful gifts in my time with you, but there is one gift that stands out above all: you have given me the gift of compassionate presence. You have stood by while I learned on the job, made mistakes, changed my mind, reached the end of my rope, and started all over again. You have entrusted your children to my care—a precious trust that continues to humble and inspire me—and what wonderful children they are! You have allowed me the space and the freedom to “practice imperfection,” perhaps the most challenging and necessary spiritual discipline of all for a former academic and recovering perfectionist.
As a community, you seemed to recognize that there is no way to get this job right all of the time; your helpful feedback and support encouraged me just to keep focused on the process and to leave the outcome to God.
Advent seems a strange and difficult time to be saying goodbye. Christmas looms closer every day and my instinct is to hunker down, to nest, almost to hibernate. I am naturally a homebody, not a person who easily sets off on adventures—especially not at this time of year, when I most yearn for the comfort to be found in the routine and familiar. However, neither our scripture nor any authentic religious tradition promises that life will be without challenges.
The Old Testament is full of stories and poetry depicting people in exile, people on the move, people whose circumstances have forced them to realize that the only true refuge to be found is trust in the Lord. Psalm 91 reminds us that the person “who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, who abides in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord: ‘My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.’” God in turn will respond: “When you call to me, I will answer; I will be with you in trouble, I will rescue and honor you. With long life I will satisfy you, and show you my salvation.”
John, Annabel, Kathleen and I know we are extremely fortunate to be moving to a lovely part of the country, where we will be surrounded by a large and loving extended family. We will never forget our time here and hope that from time to time we will find a familiar face from California on the doorstep!
Maybe Advent is exactly the right time to say goodbye. It is the beginning of the church year—the perfect moment to make a new start. In every end there is a beginning; as T.S. Eliot puts it:
“At the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time…”
All God’s blessings, Pamela
FOOD of the MONTH:
Trinity Parish provided 14 bags of food, Third Sunday Supper leftovers, and a “trunk-full” of groceries to the Ecumenical Hunger Program in October! This month, Trinity parishioners have an opportunity to brighten the holidays for families in need in the Mid-Peninsula area. The Social Ministries Commission encourages you to leave your food donations in the receptacle at the rear of the sanctuary or the designated container in Trinity Hall.
For December, the Food of the Month program is looking for:
RICE, BEANS, NOODLES, INSTANT POTATOES, & STUFFING MIX
In addition to donating food, Trinity parishioners have the opportunity to be involved in these upcoming events focused on feeding the homeless in our community: