Trinity’s annual Parish Picnic will take place on Sunday, September 19th at the Whippoorwill Club, north of Mt. Vernon.
There will be no Sunday morning service in the Church that day. We will meet for worship at the picnic site prior to a time a food, fun and fellowship. Beginning time will be 10:30 AM.
Arrangements are tentative at press time, and further details will be forthcoming.
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DEANERY MEETING SET FOR SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH
The annual meeting of the Eastern Deanery will take place in the Parish Hall of Trinity, Mt. Vernon on Sunday afternoon, September 19th.
Meeting time is 2:30 PM.
Representatives of the Diocese will be present to answer questions of those in attendance in advance of the Diocesan Synod, which will be held in Champaign, Illinois Friday and Saturday, October 8th & 9th.
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SUNDAY SCHOOL & BIBLE STUDY RESUME SEPTEMBER 26th
Christian education is a vital part of growing into the full stature of Christ.
To aid in this process, our two Sunday morning educational offerings, Sunday School for children, and Bible Study for teens and adults, will resume on Sunday, September 26th. Time for each of these to begin is 9:30 AM.
Mrs. Tracy Adams leads our Sunday School, and Mr. Barney Bruce leads the Bible Study.
Come and expand the horizons of your knowledge of the Christian faith, and plan to make it a habit, each and every Sunday.
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BISHOP ELECTION PROCESS CONCLUDES SEPTEMBER 18TH
The election process to choose the Diocese’s nominee to be our 11th Bishop will conclude with an Electing Synod on Saturday, September 18th.
At that time, lay and clergy delegates will choose from among the three final nominees, who are:
Fr. Matthew Gunter,
Rector,
St. Barnabas’ Church, Glen Ellen, Illinois
(Diocese of Chicago)
Fr. Daniel Martins, Rector,
St. Anne’s Church, Warsaw, Indiana
(Diocese of Northern Indiana)
Fr. Mark Stevenson, Canon to the Ordinary, New Orleans, Lousiana
(Diocese of Louisiana)
In order to be elected Bishop, the final candidate must receive a majority of the lay delegates’ vote, and a majority of the clergy delegates’ vote, each Order voting separately.
After the election, the Bishop-elect must receive the consent of a majority of the various diocesan Bishops’ approval of The Episcopal Church, and a majority of the 100-some-odd dioceses of The Episcopal Church in order to be consecrated.
If consents to the election are granted, the consecration is tentatively scheduled for mid-March, 2011.
Please keep this entire process in your prayers.
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INTERCESSORY PRAYER PLANNED DURING THE BISHOP ELECTION
Data presented in a program that we attended at the cathedral a few years ago demonstrated that Anglicans are more faithful in their Bible study and prayer lives than other Christian denominations. The members of our Trinity family have experienced the power of prayer.
The “Happy Wanderers,” in their discussion regarding the three final candidates for bishop, had the opportunity to observe Father Gene’s passion about making the correct choice—not about any particular candidate, but rather the one who will best serve our diocese and our lives over the years to come.
Stop to consider the issues facing the Episcopal Church today as well as the events over at least the past decade. There have been numerous crises in the history of the world—repetitions of problems, many of which we presently face…again. Our faith maintains us, uplifts us, and keeps us steadfast in the journey of our lives. We need a bishop who will lead this flock with live and care, following the scripture in which Jesus Christ has clearly shown us the way.
The election of the XIth Bishop of Springfield will take place on September 18th. Father Tucker, Barney Bruce and Joyce Bruce will be voting. Our responsibility is to support the clergy and laity who are voting by praying that the Holy Spirit will guide them to make the ultimate decision that is best for our diocese.
So that we may be certain that there will be continual prayer on that occasion, please sign the list in the Parish Hall making a commitment for your prayers on that day.
by Mrs. Anne Campbell
VESTRY MEETs SEPTEMBER 12TH
The Vestry will meet next on Sunday, September 12th following Coffee Hour, in the Rector’s Office.
Any member of Trinity Church may attend Vestry meetings as an observer.
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ST. ANNE’S GUILD RESUMES MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 14TH
All women of Trinity Church are cordially invited to attend the inaugural meeting of the 2010 – 2011 season on Tuesday, September 14th.
Worship will begin in the Parish Hall at 11:30 AM, with a business session to follow at Noon. Attendees are invited to bring a sack lunch to the business meeting.
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CHOIR TO HOLD AN ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26TH
Trinity’s parish choir will hold an organizational meeting after service on Sunday, September 26th.
Plans for the year will be discussed at that time.
Any one with a desire to sing is cordially invited to come and be a part of the plans for the new choir season!
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HANDICAPPED RAMP PROJECT PLANNED
The church is planning to construct a handicapped ramp for a needy family or person in the Mt. Vernon community. This project is an ongoing part of the Youth Workcamp which was held during the last week in June. As part of that event, persons or families signed up to receive the benefits of a construction project, but not all projects were able to be completed during the workcamp itself.
Trinity will receive an assignment sometime soon, and then a date for the work itself (on a Saturday) can be set.
Many parishioners have expressed a desire to be involved in one way or another.
Expect to receive definitive word about this outreach project sometime soon.
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PARISH SURVEY
Trinity is undertaking a Parish Survey, which began on Sunday, August 29 th, and will continue throughout the month of September.
Survey forms will be available on Sunday morning, and may be placed in the offering plate once they are complete.
Surveyed topics include: Sermons, worship preferences, educational offerings, etc.
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ALPHA COURSE COMING THIS FALL
A midweek educational offering will begin in October, and will feature the use of the Alpha Course.
The Alpha series features a series of video presentations which explain in easy-to-understand ways the basics of the Christian faith. The presenter is the Rev. Nickie Gumble, Rector of Trinity Church, Brompton, England.
A light supper will precede each presentation, which will take place in the Parish Hall.
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Help!
Volunteers are needed to deliver food stuffs which have been collected during the month to the Hope in Christ Ministries on South 14 th Street.
Trinity has lost the services of about four or five volunteers recently, which has increased the burden on others.
Won’t you help out with this important ministry?
Volunteers need to be willing to deliver what has been collected in the Parish Hall, so as to have it to the shelter before the third Saturday of the month. In addition, the St. Anne’s Guild provides $25.00 each month for the purchase of supplies which supplement what has been collected.
Speak to Mrs. Tami Cralley, if you can assist in this wonderful outreach ministry. Thank you!
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TRINITY-ON-THE-MOVE COMMITTEE BEING FORMED
Want to be a social director?
Trinity is planning to form a committee which would set the dates and the venues for our monthly floating dinner party, which is known as “Trinity-on-the-Move”.
The time necessary to devote to this work would be minimal. Much of the tasks involved can be accomplished by email or by phone.
If you’d like to serve in this capacity, please let the Rector know. Thank you.
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ANNUAL AUDIT COMPLETED
Each year, the parish is required to conduct a complete audit of its records.
The audit for calendar year 2009 has successfully been completed by Mr. Rolland W. Lewis and Mr. E. Minor Pace, who comprise the Audit Committee.
Trinity’s Treasurer, Mr. David Campbell, provides the records which are examined. His expertise and careful work makes the audit process go smoothly and without difficulty.
The Canons of the Diocese of Springfield require that the results of the audit be filed with the Diocese no later than September 1 st each year.
Deepest thanks go to the members of the Audit Committee and to the Treasurer for this important and excellent ministry.
The Rector’s Discretionary Fund was also audited, but separately. It’s successful results have also been presented to the Diocese.
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WHERE IN THE WORLD?
“Where in the world?” you say. The answer to this question would be: “The Holy Land!”
A committee is being formed to explore the idea of having a parish pilgrimage to the Holy Land, to walk the steps of Jesus.
Anyone who’s been to this sacred place can tell you that it is a life-changing experience. Suddenly, having been there, Scripture comes alive as never before.
If you’re interested in knowing more about these plans, or in assisting to make this a possibility, please contact either Mrs. Esther Schelosky or Mrs. Anne Campbell.
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