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The TrinitarianJanuary 2013

Trinity worship

Sunday Mornings

8:00 AM, Holy Eucharist, Rite II

10:00 AM Holy Eucharist, Rite II

with Choir, Godly Play

Sunday Evenings5:00pm

Jan 6 Contemplative Eucharist

Jan 13 and 27: Evening Prayer

Morning Prayer

7:15 AM MondaySaturday

Thursdays

Noon: Holy Eucharist with Healing

Special EventsEpiphany and White Gifts

January 6, 8:00am and 10:00am

Mandarin Language EucharistSaturday, January 12, 5:30pm

Trinity Episcopal Church

Office Hours

Mondays Thursdays8:30a 3:00p

Fridays 8:30a 12:30p

44 North Second Street,Ashland OR 97520

(541) 201-3418 FAX 482-1260office@trinitychurchashland.orgwww.trinitychurchashland.org

The Reverend Doctor Anthony

Hutchinson, [email protected]

The Rev. Carol Howser, DeaconThe Rev. Meredith Pech, Deacon

Marcus Borg Study Groupall are welcomeWhen I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned lik

a child. When I became an adult, I put away childish things. 1 Cor, 13:11

Do you want to have a more mature understanding of God, Jesus, and salva-

tion? In a four week study group we will use Marcus Borgs guide, Embracing

an AdultFaith, as a resource to gain a richer understanding of issues in contem

porary Christian theology and practice. The group will meet in Trinity Parish Ha

January 9, 16, 23, and 30 from 4 to 5:30. Questions? Call Carol Harvey or Phyll

Reynolds.

Shelter Ministryrefuge from the coldThe Trinity Shelter Ministry

opened on Wednesday, No-

vember 21, for those in the

community who are without

overnight shelter. We had four

guests in the parish hall, one of

whom had a companion dog.

The hosts were one member of

Trinity and one community

person. On November 28 we hosted four guests and no one had a pet. Two Trini

ty members served as hosts. On December 5, we had seven overnight guests andseveral evening drop-ins who came to warm themselves and have some social

time. The hosts were two Trinity members. December 12 was hosted by another

two Trinity members and there were again seven guests and no pets.

The Shelter Ministry has received donations of blankets from S.W.A.T. Wev

received donations of instant coffee, hot chocolate, instant oatmeal, tea bags, sug

ar, etc for long term use with the guests. On Nov. 21 we received a pumpkin pie

a gallon of milk and Danish pastry from parishioners, and on Nov. 28 one of the

hosts shared a pizza. On Dec. 5, Munchies Restaurant donated seven quiches

after learning about our ministry. Some quiche was still available for Dec. 19.

Five different people have served as hosts so far and weve had 14 different

guests in the total of 22 overnight stays. Community persons may volunteer to

serve as Hosts, and you will see some of those names on the Host schedule.

We have had no difficulties that I am aware of. Continue to pray for those who

are homeless and for those who are serving in this ministry. The volunteer list

continues to be posted in the Parish Hall for anyone to see and add their name.

Russ Otte

Trinitarian Online Ed

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Father Tonys letter to the Trinitarians

January 2013 The Jesus Seminar

In preparation for the March lectures we will be cosponsoring by Professor Marcus

Borg, Parish members will be hearing a lot in the coming months about Borg, his collabo-

rator John Dominic Crossan, and their work in the Jesus Seminar. Their work is part ofwhat has been called the Third Quest for the Historical Jesus (the first started with the En-

lightenment and ended in the mid-20th century, the second was short-lived in the 1959s

and 60s).

Borg and Crossan began their work together with Robert Funk in a concurrent session

during the Society of Biblical Literature and American Academy of Religions annual

meetings during the 70s and 80s. The Salem Oregon Westar Foundation put resources

behind the effort, which came to be called the Jesus Seminar. Scholars from a wide varie-

ty of backgrounds were polled about the various sayings and acts attributed to Jesus in theGospels. They voted on whether any particular item was almost certainly attributable to

the Historical Jesus,probably so, uncertain, or most definitely notand likely the creation

of the Church after Jesus death. They came up with a view of Jesus very different than

the traditional view or even those of the previous searches. The Jesus Seminars Jesus

was a non-Apocalyptic peasant healer and prophet concerned with social justice. There

was little connection between him and the Christ of Faith created later by the Church.

Many have criticized the Seminars work, saying that it reduced subtle problems into

simple yes-or-no propositions, was too directed by theological concerns, and that it failed

to recognize the continuities between the Historical Jesus and the post-Easter Christ of

Faith. Foremost among the critics are evangelical scholars desirous to preserve a tradi-

tional faith in Jesus Christ. But scholarly critics also include Roman Catholic biblical

scholars like Joseph Fitzmyer and John P. Meier, as well as Anglican bishop N. T.

Wright, who claim that the Seminar was too blithe in its assumptions and willing to let

theological concerns give undue weight to some of their criteria.

I hope that everyone attending classes, forums, and reading articles and books will have

an open heart and a critical mind. I believe that our faith and commitment will thus be

strengthened.

Fr. Tony+

Trinitarian Online Edition

Trinitarian Online Edi

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2013 Vestry Nominees

Suzanne LangA friend tells me that I have two passions golf and the Episcopal Church. Whenever Im driving through a

new area, Im on the lookout for golf courses and church signs and buildings. And I have to admit she is correct,

especially about the church. I have been an Episcopalian all my life and a member of Trinity since 1966 and have

served on the vestry a number of times, including as senior warden. I was organist when we purchased and in-

stalled our lovely pipe organ and continue to sing in the choir. I was a member of the diocesan council and dele-

gate to convention. I am moved to take a more active part in the life at Trinity at this time and am most grateful to

be a nominee. I hope to bring continuity to the traditions of this parish as well as move forward in its mission.

Allan MilesHusband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, Allan was born and raised in Salem and Keizer. Hes lived

and worked in Walla Walla, Seattle, Bellingham, Klamath Falls, and Ashland. Though hes worked as zamboni

driver, farmhand, and prison guard, most recently he taught English and mathematics in Klamath Falls until his

retirement and move to Ashland. Allans a member of Trinity Trekkers and Worship Committee. He attends

Thursday Bible study, mens group and mens breakfast. He ushers at 8am service and keeps the coffee brewingfor coffee hour. After attending Mennonite and Baptist churches until age eighteen, he lived apart from faith and

church fellowship for forty-four years. He found Trinity during Anne Bartletts last year as rector, where hes felt

more and more welcomed and more and more devoted to worship, fellowship, and service.

Becky SnowA member of Trinity since her arrival in Ashland in 2010, Becky has been active in a variety of ministries. She

is currently the chair of the Outreach Distribution Committee, a volunteer for Listening Post, a Sunday lector,

prayer leader and greeter, and a member of Trinity Trekkers. Last year she also helped with Godly Play and at the

Ashland Emergency Food Bank. She is a member of the diocesan Committee on Constitution and Canons and has

just begun a term on the Standing Commission on Anglican and International Peace with Justice Concerns for TheEpiscopal Church. While she has much to learn about Ashland and Trinity, she brings a wealth of experience with

church governance in other congregations, the Diocese of Alaska, and The Episcopal Church.

John BukeyI was surprised, but honored, to receive the nomination to the vestry. If elected I will do my best to represent the

congregation well and help lead us into a bright future. Specifically I will work to build upon efforts to increase

our membership of young people and young families so that we can continue to see the parish thrive in order to

best serve our community. Melinda and I have attended Trinity for about seventeen years the first fourteen as

part time members while maintaining our membership and participation at Trinity Cathedral in Sacramento. Three

years ago I retired as a lawyer and Melinda as a third grade teacher and moved permanently to Ashland and to

Trinity Ashland. I currently serve on Friends of Music and as a counter and sing in the Trinity choir. Thank you.



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SENIOR WARDENWard Wilson (2012

JUNIOR WARDENMilt Morgan (2012

Vicki Gardner (2012

Jean McDonald (2012

Greg Gonzalez (201

Tom Harrington (201

Carol Harvey (201

Donna Ritchie (201

Bruce Duncan (201

Norma Grenfell (2014

Nancy Linton (201

Russ Otte (201

Your Vestry meets the 3rdWednesday of the month atthe Parish Hall. Parish members are welcome to attend.Submit written proposals foVestry action to the Rector the Parish Clerk (PhyllisReynoldsone week prior tothe meeting.

Your VESTRY

JUNIOR WARDENS REPORTThis will be my last report as Trinitys Junior Warden as I finish my three years on the Ves-

try and the same as Junior Warden. My goal as I began was to leave our cherished building

and grounds in better condition than when I began. This was difficult because our properties

have been so well cared for over the almost 120 years since first beginning. There have been

many planned and unplanned events over my three years, but overall I am proud to say that

the building and grounds are in good condition going forward with some significant improve-

ments having been made over my time entrusted by you.

This has been a very personal journey--a personal ministry--for me as well. I can honestly

say that I have become intimately familiar with our properties after many hours in and around

them. Serving as Junior Warden has given me the opportunity to get to know so many of you,

the members of our parish, so much better. That has been a delight. It has also caused me tobecome reconnected with my faith. For both of these reasons I am so grateful to have served

as your Junior Warden.

Thank you to the members of Trinity Parish for the confidence and support you have given

me. I have truly enjoyed the opportunity to care for our treasured little white church and

wonderful labyrinth on Second Street in Ashland. Thank you.

Milt Morgan, Junior Warden

Senior Wardens CommentsAs we start another year, its time to reflect on the old year, and prepare for the new. A sig-

nificant part of that preparation process at Trinity is our annual meeting, which will be held

on Sunday, February 3, following the 10am service. The election of four new Vestry members

is an important piece of business at that meeting. The Vestry nominating committee, consist-

ing of retiring Vestry members Jean McDonald, Vicki Gardner and myself, as well as Mindy

Ferris and Steve Clinton, had the great pleasure of nominating a slate of four from a list of 29

separate nominees, many of whom received multiple nominations. After a good deal of dis-

cussion, this committee came up with a list of extremely well qualified candidates, and two

equally well qualified alternates. Each of the four primary candidates has accepted the com-

mittees request for them to be slated for election at the annual meeting. Additional nomina-

tions will be accepted from the floor at the meeting, should there be any.

Our vestry election process highlights one of Trinitys greatest strengths: we have so many

committed and enthusiastic parishioners! Having 29 candidates, all of whom have important

skills and experience to bring to bear for our parish, is an uncommon luxury. It assures that

our parish will continue to enjoy a fully engaged, conscientious and effective administration.

This years group of recommended candidates, John Bukey, Suzanne Lang, Allan Miles and

Becky Snow, continues the tradition of great strength which has characterized every Vestryclass Ive seen at Trinity. We are so fortunate!

Mini-biographies of these new candidates are included in this issue of the Trinitarian .

Should you like to discuss any of them with me, please feel free to give me a call.

In Christ,

Ward Wilson



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Vestry Highlights

December 19, 2019

Repair and Maintenance: Flood problems have

been paid with reimbursement to come from the

insurance company for all but about $1,000. Other

water-related problems (sewer pipe, new toilets,

leaky roof at Patina Soul, and split in fire suppres-

sion pipe in the Sacristy) have all been corrected.

Holes in the front should be filled and graded and

tiles replaced after irrigation system has been re-

paired. Still to be completed are painting and win-

dow replacements for Patina Soul. Finally, a new

phone system is up and running smoothly.

Stewardship: Pledges are continuing to come in

with Stewardship Committee now doing follow-up

calls. The number is slightly lower than this time

last year, but average amount per pledge is higher.

2013 Budget: Vestry approved the budget as sub-

mitted so that we can proceed into the New Year.

We will move on with a deficit at this point, which,

based on funds still coming in and on past experi-

ences, should be remedied in 2013.

Overnight Shelter and City Homeless Plans: Russ

Otte reported on Trinitys Wednesday night shel-

terplease see details on front. The Ashland City

Council had voted not to proceed with opening an

emergency overnight shelter when temperatures

fall to 33 degrees even though Temple Emek Sha-

lom and the Unitarian Universalist Congregation

have volunteered to staff. City is still required to

open shelters when temperature is below 20. Other

city ideas are being considered, such as a place for

car-camping as is done in Eugene.

Investment Account Re-location: Vestry approveda recommendation by the Finance Committee to

close our relationship with Smith Barney Morgan

Stanley, move our money market account to Ash-

land U.S. Bank, and execute future trades with

Scott Trade or another reputable discount broker.

Annual Meeting: February 3, 2013.

- Phyllis Reynolds, Clerk of Vestry

REPORT FROM OUTREACH DISTRIBU-TION COMMITTEE

The funds raised by our good times together at Party of

Parties events are given to organizations, both local and

around the state, the country and the world, that feed the

hungry, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, visit those

in prison or otherwise serve those in need. Trinitys outrea

has disbursed around $17,000 a year for the last several

years. Information about the recipients of these donations

can be found on the Outreach Bulletin Board in the hall be

tween the Office and the Parish Hall. One of the

international groups we supported last year is Semilla

Nueva, an organization formally established in 2009, after

years of self-education and direct involvement by young

idealists (two of whom graduated from Ashland HS) with

Central American farmers. The group aims to stabilize Gu

temalan agricultural communities whose farmers had been

annually sinking deeper into poverty due to unsustainablefarming practices, the absence of cooperative marketing,

and the effects of climate change. Semilla Nueva personne

teach farmers scientific developments and techniques, then

encourage them to assess their results (increased yields, so

improvement, improved nutrition) and share them farmer-t

-farmer with their neighbors. A Semilla Nueva nutritionist

has promoted the pigeonpea, or gandul, as a secondary cro

that not only improves soil quality and gives farmers an ex

tra source of income; pigeonpea is also a great source of

nutrients! A pigeonpea cookbook has been created and distributed to farming communities.

In her letter to the Outreach Committee, staff member

Anne Barkett notes: Guatemala has the highest rate of

chronic malnourishment in the western hemisphere and

many of the children in Semilla Nuevas communities suff

from stunted growth and other health and behavioral prob-

lems due to this epidemic. Bringing pigeon pea into these

communities has begun the process of reversing these prob

lems, in addition to contributing to the health of the farmer

soil. Semilla Nueva also introduced the development of

forest products, and promoted the development of farming

cooperatives to increase the economic heft of Guatemalan

rural communities.

Visit Semilla Nuevas web site at http://semillanueva.org

- Jack Seybold

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New Help at Home

There is a new organization in

town called Ashland At

Home. AAH offers a broad

network of services by volun-

teers to assist with tasks that

become troublesome with age

to help you stay in your own

home.You pay a yearly fee

($500 for a single $600 for a

couple) and a case manager

will help you set up what assistance you need including

shopping, small handyman projects, daily phone check-in,

rides to appointments or local events, assistance with form

or bill paying, or care of mail, pets or plants when you hav

to be away. There will also be a referral service to paid vendors like home maintenance, home health care, and trans-

portation that is outside the scope of AAH. For more infor

mation contact Ashlandathome.org or phone 541-613-6985

or speak to the parish social worker.

Diana Quirk, Parish Social Worker

Giving TreeBranchesFlourishThank you, Trinitarians, f

your generous support of

the Giving Tree, our annu

Community Ministry to

provide warm winter cloth

ing for children in need in

our valley. This year, with

your personal shopping and donations, we were able to giv

new coats, hats, mittens/gloves and socks to 53 children pl

another 8 gift certificates for teens who will enjoy shoppin

for themselves. Special thanks also go to the many dedica

ed elves who worked behind the scenes to organize the list

of children, make tags, set up the tree, sort and wrap gifts,

and much more. Please remember these children in your

prayers. They and their families are learning to be protectiv

and trying to stay intact. Please know your gifts are needed

and will be cherished. Wishing you a blessed holiday sea-

son, Judy Clinton, Giving Tree coordinator.

Drivers Needed for Food & FriendsFor years many Trinitarians have delivered meals to those

who need our assistance. Their devotion to this important

Outreach project is much appreciated, but we are always

looking for additional drivers. Trinitarians deliver meals on

Mondays from 10:30-12 every month of the year.

This program is provided to those who are 60 years and

over and homebound. Most clients have a long-term need

for the meals but some are recuperating from a hospital stay

or a bout of bad health and require the service for a few

weeks. The hot meals are picked up at the Senior Center

near Walker School and delivered by volunteer drivers from

Trinity on Monday mornings throughout the year.

The schedule is posted in the Parish Hall next to the Li-

brary door and drivers are needed all year long. Speak to

those who have been driving and discover how easy and

rewarding it is to provide this service to our community.

Contact Stewart and Anne McCollom or Maggie and Tim

McCartney if you have any questions. Thank you!

Epiphany white giftsa chance toshare abundance

We will celebrate Epiphany Sunday on January 6, 2013,

with the annual gathering White Gifts during both morning

services. This Outreach Ministries Project focuses on thosein our community who need extra assistance during the cold

winter months. Like the Magi who journeyed to present

their exotic gifts to baby Jesus, we will travel down the aisle

to place our more practical offerings at the altar- items such

as new sleeping bags, blankets, pillows, sweaters, jackets,

non-perishable food items, and small appliances. There will

also be the option of making monetary gifts, which will be

used to purchase additional needed items. A white box will

be place at the altar to receive white envelopes containing

checks. Checks should be made out to Trinity Church withWhite Gifts noted on the memo line.

Afterwards, volunteers will be invited to help carry the

gifts to one of the classrooms. There the gifts will be un-

wrapped, sorted and transported to the Ashland Community

Food Bank and local agencies for distribution to the home-

less and other families or individuals in great need. Ques-

tions? Contact Carol Harvey.

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Speaking Christian: Why Christian

Words Have Lost Their Meaning

and Power And How They Can Be

Restoredby Marcus J. Borg,reviewed by CarolHarvey

In this recently published book Borg describes how Chris-

tian language has become misunderstood by both Christians

and non-Christians alike. Words such as salvation, savior,

repentance, sin, and redemption have acquired meanings inour modern world that have distorted their biblical and tradi-

tional meanings. Christians of today are deeply divided by

different understandings of a shared language. According to

Borg, this has come about because some Christians have co-

opted the meaning of Christian language through their lit-

eralization and interpretation in a heaven-and-hell frame-

work which diminishes and distorts meanings.

Borg provides a new way to view this language: a Histori-

cal-Metaphorical understanding. He looks at the Christian

language in its historical context (what it meant to the peo-

ple at the time it was written) and as metaphor (emphasizing

meaning, not literal factuality). To give a few examples:

Redemption: is now narrowly understood as Jesus saving

us from our sins so we can go

to heaven, but in the Bible it refers to being set free from

slavery. Savior: now refers to Jesus as one who saves us

from our sins, but in the Bible it has a rich and wonderful

variety of meanings that have nothing to do with an afterlife.

Sacrifice: now refers to Jesus death on the cross as pay-

ment for our sins, but in the Bible it is never about substitu-

tionary payment for sins.

In Speaking Christian, Borg helps the reader reclaim

Christian language in all of its richness and wisdom and

connects it to the realities we face in the twenty-first centu-

ry.

I found this book to be very readable and thought-

provoking. To those already familiar with Borgs writings,

there will be some repetition of his ideas and philosophy,but his treatment here is fresh and new. I recommend this

book to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of biblical

and Christian words and the sacred texts in which they are

embedded. The book is currently only in hardback, but it

will be for sale at a reduced price as part of the Borg presen-

tation.

Why do we have a new telephonenumber?

This is a question I am being asked fre-

quently. The old number was familiar an

easy to remember. Our telephones quit

working with a power outage one week-

end, and lost their programming. Becausof their age and unique program, there

were only a few people who knew how t

reprogram them, and they were unavaila

ble when needed. We had no bell to aler

us that we were receiving a call, and we

had no means to retrieve messages. In a search for a replac

ment system, we found we had the option of getting service

quickly with a new number, or waiting an additional five

weeks to retain the old number. It was decided we needed

telephone contact with the parish without delay, so we opte

for the inconvenience of a new number. Thank you for be-

ing patient with this transition. Personally, I find myself say

ing the new number like a mantra--repeating it over and

over to myself trying to remember it and getting it engrave

on my aging memory bank: 541-201-3418, 541-201-3418,

541-201-3418. . . .(Editors note: thanks to Huberta for thi

explanation and her patience with all this transition!)

This is the online PDF version ofThe Trinitarian.Personal contact information has been edited out

of this version. If you have any questions or need

to contact someone in regards to an article, pleasecall the Parish Office at 482-2656.



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Trinity Episcopal Church

44 North Second StreetAshland, Oregon 97520

Return service requested

Nonprofit orgUs postage

PaidAshland orPermit no 74

Trinity worship

Sunday Mornings

8:00 AM, Holy Eucharist, Rite II10:00 AM Holy Eucharist, Rite II with Choir

Godly Play

5:00pmSunday EveningsContemplative Eucharist January 6Evening Prayer, January 13 and 27

7:15 AM MondaySaturdayChanted Morning Prayer

12:00 PM ThursdaysHoly Eucharist with Healing

5:30 PM December 8Mandarin Language Eucharist

the Trinitarian January 2013

10:00 - 11:30 AM, Infant care

The trinity vision

Office HoursMonday Thursday, 8:30a 3:00p

Friday, 8:30a 12:30p(541) 482-2656

44 North Second Street,Ashland OR 97520

(541) 482-2656 FAX 482-1260office@trinitychurchashland.orgwww.trinitychurchashland.org

To be the Episcopal presence

in Ashland, welcoming allwho seek Christ in a parishfamily, where all of Gods

children can find, celebrate,and grow in Gods grace.

Trinity Episcopal Church, 44 North Second Street, Ashland OR97520 publishes The Trinitarian monthly. James Johnsonand Ann Magill, Editors. Submit articles to Ann Magill or [email protected] at the church office by the 20th ofthe month. For more information, visit Trinity Episcopal Churchswebsite at www.trinitychurchashland.org.



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