Trinity News
October 03, 2006
"FOOTE-PRINTS" from Beth Foote, Family Ministries Director
My first two weeks at Trinity Parish have been eventful and full of learning. I would have been happy to pass on the fender bender I had on 880 on the way to my first staff meeting. At the other end of the spectrum, narrating “Jesus’ Day Off” at the JoyFest Service was a real source of joy for me.
There are so many names and faces to put together when joining a new faith community. And much institutional culture and history to absorb. In addition, I’m learning Godly Play from the ground up as we put together the program for the 2006-2007 Sunday School year. I’m looking forward to being conversant in this very rich curriculum that values the spirituality of children.
I will also be storytelling at the 9:10 service, and will preach at the 8:00 and 10:00 services on October 8th. I’m planning to be on campus for most of the day on Tuesdays, Sundays, and may cross the Bay on other days as needed. Please contact me anytime by e-mail or through the church office.
Sunday School has started at Trinity! Registration is ongoing on the Trinity website, and forms are always available in Trinity Hall. If you would like to become more involved with Sunday School, please contact me. There are always opportunities for parents to help with supporting roles as well as training to be Godly Play storytellers and doorkeepers.
Last month I mentioned three themes for Family Ministries: STORY, CHRISTIAN PRACTICES, and COMMUNITY. How can we integrate these themes in our daily lives?
In terms of STORY and CHRISTIAN PRACTICES, I’d like to share something simple that has been very helpful in my spiritual growth: the “Day by Day” devotional booklet published by the Episcopal Church. For each day there’s a short one-page meditation based on one of the readings of the day, which are also listed so you can go to your Bible, and read and reflect on them yourself. Copies of “Day by Day” are available in the church office. You can also subscribe to it on line so that the daily meditation magically appears in your email inbox everyday. Taking a little time each day to read a passage of scripture and using that occasion to pray, helps us remember God’s role in our daily lives. I invite you to give it a try, and share your impressions of this simple Christian practice with me.
In terms of COMMUNITY, our Family Ministries Commission has met several times now in preparation for the fall, and we have a number of events planned:
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1ST, BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS AT 11:30 AM IN THE COURTYARD
In the tradition of St. Francis, pets and stuffed animals will be blessed. Bring a picnic lunch and stay awhile for social time. We’ll provide drinks, dog and cat treats.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, FAMILY MINISTRIES FALL POTLUCK AT 6 P.M.
We will gather in Trinity Hall for family social time and a potluck dinner. Wear a costume and bring pumpkins to paint! We will have more details forthcoming soon.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, ALL SAINTS DAY FESTIVAL AT 10:45 in Trinity Hall (after Godly Play Sunday School). There will be food and multiple activities for all ages in Trinity Hall to celebrate All Saints.
“PASSING ON THE FAITH” CONFERENCE, NOVEMBER 17 AND 18TH
Our Parish is honored to be the host for “Passing On the Faith”, Friday November 17 and Saturday, November 18. Internationally renowned Christian educators will help us explore how we can “pass on the faith” to the next generation, primarily through faith practices in the home. We expect over a hundred participants.
For information on the Conference online, paste the following link into your browser: http://episcopalbayarea.org/joomla/content/view/339/237/ . We will be assembling a congregational team to attend and will also be requesting help with hospitality.
Blessings to you all as we walk together in faith into fall,
Beth Foote