The Trinitarian

2017

A Letter from our Rector

Trinity Episcopal Church is Awesome I love Trinity Episcopal Church. It’s not a large parish. It’s not a small parish. It’s just right in so many ways. To gain an appropriate perspective, let’s look at our history, our beginning 148 years ago. Like many parish beginnings, we began slowly and small. First in Barboursville and then moving to Huntington. And then we built our existing church in the early 20th century.

And through the years, as Huntington grew, so did Trinity Episcopal Church. During the mega growth years, following the 1930’s flood, Huntington and Trinity grew with the commercial boom in river traffic, steel manufacturing, oil/gas/coal business, etc. A great time for Trinity and its community. And then in the late 1970’s, the local economy changed as did Trinity’s membership. However, this is not the end of our story.

I believe in many ways Trinity has been and always will be a destination church, a very special parish that welcomes folks, allows them to worship in a holy and sacred place. Furthermore, Trinity’s power expands well beyond its locale. Trinity continues to be connected to members even when and if they move away. I am amazed at the number of people who no longer live here but continue relations with Trinity. We get letters and notices from folks across our country. This is unique and amazing.

People forget that the most important aspect to church is our community. A sacred community of folks who pray together at Trinity. We pray on Sundays and all days at Trinity. We are a worshipping, God-loving, Christ-centered church. We take care of our own inside the church

and those outside the church. We have folks from all walks of life. And that becomes the energy and special ingredient to Trinity.

As I end this note, I have but one request. Over the next several weeks, as we approach Good Friday and Easter Sunday, ponder the many wonderful memories you’ve had here at Trinity and please share them with me. I am not a perfect priest but I have found a fantastic, one-of-a-kind parish in Trinity Episcopal Church.

God Bless,

Fr. Chip+

A Note from our Deacon

What about Lent? In the last month or so I have read three nonfiction books which covered different subjects; but, all concerned how we view, treat, and understand people with a different lifestyle than ours. The books are: Just Mercy, by Bryan Stevenson; Dreamland, by Sam Quinones; and Hillbilly Elegy, by J. D. Vance. Since everyone may not have read these books I will try to give a single sentence or two concerning the content.

The cover of Hillbilly Elegy has the subtitle of, "A memoir of a family and culture in crisis." It is about the author's journey from a troubled, addiction – torn Appalachian family to Yale law school and opens a window on a part of America close to us usually hidden from view.

The true tale of America's opiate epidemic is the cover headline for Dreamland. Naturally this book is about addiction that has devastated hundreds of cities, small towns, and suburbs across America. Often cities in Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia are prominently mentioned.

The book I just finished, Just Mercy, is subtitled a story of justice and redemption. It is a story of the author who founded a legal practice dedicated to defending the poor, the wrongly condemned, and those trapped in the furthest reaches of our criminal justice system.

While thinking about Lent, it seems to me that the content and subject of all these books point to those who, except in unusual cases, cannot or will not ask for help or help themselves to escape from their situations. You have heard me say before that a Deacon is charged to serve all people, particularly the poor, the weak, the sick, and the lonely. A deacon is also to interpret to the church the needs, concerns, and hopes of the world.

Matthew 25:35, is the Scriptures that says, "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me closing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me." When the righteous asked the Lord when it was this happened, the answer was, "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are these my brothers, you did it to me."

During the season of Lent, since Trinity has programs that do almost everything Jesus mentions: a food and clothing closet, a Saturday morning program with Marshall University medical outreach, a weekly program with a free evening meal, and at least six church services of various styles, we have the opportunity right in our own parish to help do exactly what Jesus talks about in Matthew. Whether it be time, talent, or treasure, any and all help is always greatly appreciated.

Deacon Jim

Needs of Cridlin Pantry

The following are the Food of the Month and Underwear needs: 48 Jelly, Men’s Large boxers

We are in desperate need of boys and girls’ clothing sizes 4T – 10 and men’s clothing and toys

Pentecost Kids

On Sunday March 12th in Sunday school, we had a bible scavenger hunt! We started memorizing the books of the Bible, so our Bible scavenger hunt helped us learn how to locate the books, chapters, and verses. We split into teams and raced to see who could finish the scavenger hunt first! Next week we will learn all about Lent and the meaning of Easter. Thanks to all of the volunteers who have helped in the classroom this past month!

Whitney Justice and the Pentecost Kids

Calendar of Events

Alcoholics Anonymous Alcoholics Anonymous meets Sunday at 7 PM and Thursday nights at 7 PM.

Consult http://aawv.org/site/home.htm for information.

Boy Scouts

Meets every other Monday at 6 PM in the Dining Hall. If you are interested in volunteering, please call Jeremy Reed at 304-972-9116 or nighthawkeye@yahoo.com.

Bridge Club The Bridge Club has 2 games a week – Mondays and Wednesdays at 12:30 PM. If you have

questions or need a partner, contact AJ at 646.808.7404 or huntingtondba@google.com. They are also on Facebook at Huntington Duplicate Bridge Association. Contact Mark Semanco at 304-634-3451, markinwv@gmail.com.

Canterbury Students of Marshall Meets every Monday at 6 PM in the small dining room. If you are interested in volunteering,

Please contact Fr. Chip.

Coffee ‘n Collars

Every Thursday at 9AM,your Huntington Episcopal priests will be having coffee at the River and Rail Bakery shop in the Heritage Square retail center off 11th St and Veterans Memorial

Blvd. Everyone is invited to join us for coffee and conversation. Come join us!

Dick Newman Dances

Come to a Friday Night dance party at Trinity! Dances are from 7-10 PM in the Dining Hall on the fourth Friday of the month.

Contact Dick at 301-544-5852 or dnbl@msn.com to send requests

Narcotics Anonymous Meets Tuesdays at 7 PM in the Dining Hall

Top Hat Ballroom Dancing

Top Hat Ballroom Dancing gives dance lessons on Thursday Evenings in the Dining Hall. Beginner’s class start at 6:30 PM, Intermediate Class starts at 7:30 PM. Classes are $20 per

couple per class. Contact Gail or Paul Patton at 304-412-3171 or visit their website at tophatballroom.com.

The Woodlands Service Every Thursday at 4 PM, please join Deacon Jim in a small service with communion.

Yoga Monday nights at 5:30 PM. Contact Susie Ferguson at 304-633-4953 or mamasusanne2@aol.com

Our first Lenten Dinner was on Thursday March the 9th.

Boy Scouts

Since my last article in October our Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts have been very busy in and out of Scouts and I have many achievements to share with the members of Trinity.

I have two notable achievements to mention that took place outside of Scouts.

One of our Webelos II's (5th graders) Christian G. Earned the honor of playing Tiny Tim in the Marshall production of A Christmas Carol. Christian is an amazing singer and was in the Huntington Outdoor Theatre production of Wizard of Oz last summer, playing the Mayor of Munchkinland. He will also be playing Chip this year in their production of Beauty and the Beast.

One of our Webelos I's (4th graders) Ben R. placed 1st in the State (for Elementary students) for the Governor's Minecraft Building Competition. Students were challenged to build the State Capitol in Minecraft. Ben spent around 70-80 hours building the Capitol in Minecraft. He was honored by the governor at an awards ceremony in late November.

In Scouts our boys were awarded at our annual Christmas Party in December. We had a dinner followed by an awards ceremony. Every boy in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts received at least one award for Adventure or Merit Badge completion.

February 12th, we celebrated the birthday of Scouting by attending church as a Pack/Troop at Trinity. We were all honored to share Scouts with your congregation.

February 18th, we had our annual Pinewood Derby at Trinity. This year we had 12 Cub Scouts that showed up for competition. After a tuff battle one of our Webelos II's Solomon S. car pulled out the overall Pack Championship, out racing Ben R. in the final race. (Picture included of Solomon and Ben's cars) Our boys also voted on Best in Show and we ended up with a 2-way tie going to Ben R, and Beckett.

February 27th, we had our biggest Scouting event of the year at Trinity, with our Blue and Gold Ceremony. This year we had an International Theme, with foods and

decorations from countries around the world. I'm still proud of all our parents for doing an excellent job cooking all the unique food. It was quite the menu and display of various cultures. After enjoying the tasty meal, we had an awards ceremony. All our Boy Scouts received at least one Merit Badge for their work and we had 4 boys receive the rank of Scout, the beginning Boy Scout Rank. All of our Cub Scouts received Adventure Beltloops or Pins for their achievements. We had 1 Bear, Wyatt L. receive his Bear Badge. Two Webelos I's, Ben R. and Tyson R. received their Webelos Badges. Two Webelos II's, Solomon S. and Christian G. were honored in a ceremony for receiving the highest rank in Cub Scouts, the Arrow of Light.

We have a busy Spring and Summer coming up with service projects, STEM activities, Pack Campouts, and Summer Camps. I'm very proud of all of our boys and for what they have been able to achieve so far this year. We have a great bunch of parents that work with us and make the lives of myself and other adult leaders much easier. We also appreciate everything Chip, Kristi, Bob Shields, and everyone else does for us at Trinity.

Thank you, Jeremy Reed Cubmaster Pack 61/ Asst. Scoutmaster Troop 1061

Birthdays & Anniversaries

Julie Brawn, Alexandria Rahal, Bill Bartlett, Emily Dennison, Paul Slone, Kemp Morton, Cam Brammer, Elizabeth Ray, Kristi Meadows, Cynthia Murray, David Ferguson, Ainslie McKinney, Anna Jackson

Jim & Betty Morgan

New Columbarium

Our new 32-niche Columbarium was recently finished. Once the flowers begin growing around it,

it will be beautiful!

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper 2/28/2017

We had a jazz quartet from Marshall that was amazing!

I’m not naming

names, but these 3 ladies

pictured at right are

amazing!!! Pancakes, Sausage, and traditional King Cake

Ash Wednesday Noonday Ecumenical Service 3/1/2017

Choir Members: Tyler Gibbs, Jill Treftz, Emily

Stuck, & Emily Pritchard

Receiving Ashes from Rev. Jacque Parlato of Central Christian Church and Fr. Chip

Mary Lauren and Lucas Weimer

The Millers

Welcome Spring!!

Trinity Dinner Club

Once a month members of Trinity are gathering together to enjoy fellowship and conversation. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP with Fr. Chip the week before the dinner and arrive at the designated restaurant by 6:45 PM.

04/14 - Christopher's Eats - 6005 U.S. 60, Barboursville

05/11 - Outback Steakhouse - 3417 U.S. 60, Barboursville

06/08 – Cracker Barrel – US RT 60, Barboursville

7/13 - Hwy 55 – 801 3rd Ave

Rector: The Very Rev Dr. Chip Graves Administrator: Kristi Meadows Deacon: The Rev James H. Morgan Organist: Mark A. Smith

Sexton: Chuck Hazelett

520 11th Street wvtrinitychurch.org Huntington, WV 25701 304-529-6084 Fax: 304-525-5269 admin@wvtrinitychurch.org

Facebook: Trinity Episcopal Church – Huntington, WV