The Trinitarian - Trinity Episcopal Church

The Trinitarian
May 13, 2015
A Note from the Rector
My Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Come
for
the
music…
stay
for
the
Grace.
Readings for 5/17
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26
Psalm 1
1 John 5:9-13
John 17:6-19
I am in Washington, DC with the 5th graders from Trinity’s school and a
number of their parents serving as chaperones. We are having a wonderful time on this trip. The students are learning many things about our
country’s history, government, geography, food, science and many other
things. We are visiting some of the Smithsonian museums, several war
memorials, and touring the Capitol and White House. While they learned
much from the books and articles they read to prepare for the trip, they
are learning much more by seeing these places, asking questions and
gaining knowledge in many different ways. The students worked hard to
raise money for the trip and are setting a wonderful example for the
younger students at our school.
I often say this, but truly do not believe I can say it often enough: our
children are not simply our future, they are an important part of who we
are now as a church and a community. Children are taking greater roles
in some of our worship services, serving as ushers and acolytes. They are
eager to help with our worship and other events. As we begin planning
the paths our existing ministries will take and what ministries we may
want to start, I encourage you to pray about both new ministries for our
children and youth, and also how we might encourage our children and
youth to participate in existing ministries.
Blessings,
Trinity Episcopal Church
3552 Morning Glory Ave.
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
(225) 387-0396
www.trinitybr.org
The Rev’d Sharon A. Alexander
The Trinitarian
Page 2
2015 Graduate Profiles
Day School Graduates
Presley Ainsworth, Aaron Boyce, Colin Clark, Jackson Dammers, Nancy Grace Duncan, Nina Embaugh,
Tyler Estes, Jacob Fontenot, Savannah Giron, Christian Granger, Skyler Hecht, Mary Shelton, Houston
Sullivan, Emma Tsai, James Van Hook, Jack Walker.
High School Graduates
Elizabeth Armstrong is the daughter Mary Beth and Keith Armstrong. She will graduate from University Laboratory School this month. Elizabeth plans on attending Louisiana State University in the fall where she will study biology (pre-medicine).
Elizabeth was a varsity cheerleader, president of the National Honor Society, a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Spanish club, tennis team, where she has
earned a varsity letter for the last five years, was the Division III Girls State Tennis
Doubles Runner up this year, and was on homecoming court in ninth and twelfth
grades.
Elizabeth has earned the Director’s award for straight A’s in grades 9-12 and is the recipient of the Superior Certificate for outstanding performance in Health, Biology
IIIB, Chemistry AP, and English III. She also earned a place on the LHSAA Academic Composite girls’ Tennis team.
Her favorite memory at Trinity is confirmation class with Deacon Charlie DeGravelles.
Erin Gleason is the daughter of Laura and David Gleason. She is a 2008 graduate of
Trinity Episcopal Day School and will graduate from Runnels High School this
month. Erin plans to complete volunteer work during the fall semester in Thailand and
plans to attend Baton Rouge Community College next spring. Erin’s artwork has been
featured in art shows throughout Baton Rouge, including Baton Rouge Gallery’s juried
art show. Erin also served as the President of her school’s Nature Club and she is a
TOPS Scholarship recipient.
Her favorite memory at Trinity is the fifth-grade trip to Camp Highlander.
The Trinitarian
Page 3
2015 Graduate Profiles
Julia Johnson is the daughter of Jennifer and Bruce Johnson. She will graduate from
Episcopal High School this month. Julia plans to attend University of Louisiana at
Lafayette in the fall where she will study music.
Julia was a member of the EHS girls’ powerlifting team where she served as team manager this past year and was awarded the honor of individual state runner-up in 2013. She
also participated in her school’s Praise Band, Jazz Band, Concert Band, Select Choir,
Concert Choir and Wind Ensemble. Julia served as Section Leader of the Concert
Band and of the Wind Ensemble. She was also recognized as this year’s outstanding
Praise Band member and last year’s Most Improved Band Member and Outstanding
Soloist. Julia served as an EHS Peer Leader and currently serves as an EDOLA Diocesan Youth Leader. Julia has also served as a section leader for the Greater Baton Rouge
Children’s Chorus and as a member of LMEA District IV’s Honor Chorus.
Julia is a recipient of an ULL Academic Scholarship and Distinguished Freshman Housing Scholarship. She will participate in the Service and Leadership Living Learning Community at ULL which focuses on doing on and off-campus community service activities.
Her favorite Trinity memory is, “The time that only Emory and I showed up for EYC, and Sarah took us
to go get snowballs!”
Maxwell “Max” Merchant is the son of Mary Kathryn and Matthew Merchant and the
grandson of Nancy Albritton. He is a 2008 Trinity Episcopal Day School graduate and
will graduate with honors from Episcopal High School this month. Max plans to attend
Louisiana State University in the fall where he will major in Mass Communications.
While at Episcopal, Max was a founding member of the Debate Club and he was recently honored with an invitation to speak at the Popular Culture Association’s National Conference in New Orleans. Max was also a member of the Honor Society.
His favorite Trinity memory is when he was a student at the Day School, “Winning
the handmade quilt in the third grade…”
Andrew Grant Seba is the son of Kate and David Seba and the grandson of a founding
parishioner, Lydia Grant. He is a 2008 Trinity Episcopal Day School graduate and will
graduate from Parkview Baptist High School this month. Andrew plans to attend Louisiana State University in the fall where he will study Mechanical Engineering.
While at Parkview, Andrew served as a student government officer for four years, CoEditor-in-Chief and Staff Photographer of the school yearbook, robotics team, and Key
Club treasurer and historian. His academic accomplishments include National Honor
Society, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, National Society of High School
Scholars, Beta Club, district literary rally, and Duke Talent Identification Program
(since 2008). He has received Honors TOPS and an Honor scholarship. Outside of
school, Andrew participated in many community endeavors; Boy Scouts, Elan Cotillion of Baton Rouge, Children’s Carnival Club, Baton Rouge Green, Bishop Ott Men’s Shelter, LSU’s Rural Life Museum and many more. He has served Trinity Episcopal Church as an acolyte since 2005.
His favorite Trinity memory is when he was a student at the Day School, “When we had to eat lunch in
the classroom when the gymacafetorium was closed. It felt like we were doing something wrong!”
The Trinitarian
Page 4
2015 Graduate Profiles and News
Graduate Profiles
Sicily Wafer is the daughter of Missy and Tom Wafer. She is a 2008 Trinity Episcopal
Day School graduate and will graduate from Episcopal High School this month. Sicily
plans to attend Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee in the fall where she will
study music.
While at Episcopal, Sicily thrived in the world of performing arts. She performed in all
plays while at Episcopal. Sicily also participated in the BRMS Blues Project Band and
performed in many regional festivals; Fest for All, Baton Rouge Blues Festival, and the
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.
Her favorite Trinity memory is when she was a student at the Day School, “I loved to
go up and read and hang out there (Ms. Ruiz’s Reading Loft).”
Other Graduates
Chris Ostman attend Trinity Episcopal Day School many years ago. He will graduate from Santa Clara
University’s School of Law this month.
Ross Wafer is the son of Missy and Tom Wafer. He is a graduate of Trinity Episcopal
Day School, Episcopal High School, and Clemson University. This month, he will
graduate from Cornell University with his Master’s in Systems Engineering.
His favorite Trinity memory is playing pickup football on the playground.
News
History Makers Honored at EHS Upper School Band Awards Banquet
Members of the Episcopal High School Band were honored at the Annual Band Awards Banquet last
week. This year’s high school band not only won Sweepstakes by receiving all Superior ratings from all
judges in performance and sight reading, but also scored the highest marks in each subcategory of any
band in EHS history. Trinity parishioners receiving Sweepstakes medals at the banquet were Kyle
Soonthornsima (euphonium), Bailey McLaughlin (trombone), Henry Stater (tuba), and Julia Johnson
(clarinet). In individual awards, Julia Johnson (vocalist) also received this year’s Outstanding Praise
Band Member Award. Congratulations to these talented young musicians.
Is there a DOCTOR in the House? Yes, there is!
Congratulations to Susan Shelton for earning her PhD in Nursing from Georgia
State University this week.
The Trinitarian
Page 5
Ministry News
Worship Ministry
PLEASE NOTE: A VERY IMPORTANT CHANGE
Starting June 7, the worship schedule will change to create a block of time for Sunday
School/Christian Education. The new schedule is as follows: 7:30 a.m. Rite I, 9:00 a.m.
Morning Glory, 10:00 a.m.– 11:00 a.m. Sunday School (Clergy Coffee Talk during the Summer), 11:00 a.m. Rite II, and 5:00 p.m. Rite II.
Mark Your Calendar Today
Sunday, May 31, we will have A COMBINED service at 10:00 a.m. 7:45 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. remain scheduled.
Jesus’s Ascension-Tomorrow!
Tomorrow’s 6:30 a.m. Eucharist will commemorate Jesus's Ascension.
Do You Speak a Language other than English? If so, we need you on Pentecost, May 24
Volunteers are needed to read in languages other than English for the 9:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. services on
Pentecost. Please contact Janie (387-0396) if you are willing to serve.
Journey in Faith
May 2015 Trinity Church’s Introduction to the Episcopal Church and its Faith especially as Preparation
for Confirmation, Reception, Adult Baptism, or Just a Good Refresher
May 17, 12:30-2:30pm – The Sacraments of the Church
The Rev. Stephen Crawford will teach about these central practices of our life together as the Church.
May 24, 12:30-2:30pm – The Book of Common Prayer
Deacon Charlie DeGravelles will teach us more about the book that orders our common life in prayer, followed by a tour of Trinity’s campus.
May 31, 12:00-2:00pm – Confirmation and Life at Trinity
Fr. Stephen Crawford will walk us through the Confirmation liturgy, which most course participants are
preparing for. Also, we’ll learn more about how to get involved here at Trinity and so to share more fully
in the life of the Church. Time is changed due to Trinity Sunday.
June 8 through 12 – Trinity and the Holy Grill
Participants in Journey in Faith are strongly encouraged to be among Trinity Church’s volunteers on one
of these days, helping to serve lunch in an impoverished neighborhood—as friendship with the poor is an
essential part of mature Christian discipleship. If none of these days work, we can explore other options
for enjoying the company of “the least of these.”
Page 6
Ministry News
Parish Life Ministry
Graduate Recognition Sunday
Trinity fifth graders and those graduating from their institutions of learning will be recognized during the 10:45 a.m. service THIS SUNDAY! A reception will follow.
Pentecost
Start digging in your closet for your favorite RED threads. We encourage all of you to wear RED on Sunday, May 24.
Christian Education
Children’s Chapel
Our last Children’s Chapel for the 2014-2015 school year will take place this Sunday. Many thanks to
Missy Wafer and her dedicated group of volunteers who helped make Children’s Chapel such a treasured
ministry for our youngest group.
WOW Book Study
WOW will resume its study and discussion of In the Name of Jesus by Henri Nouwen on May 17th in
the Common Room at 3:30 pm. We will be discussing material through the end of Chapter 2. All are
welcome to participate as we share our love of Christ, each other, and reading.
Pastoral Ministry
We Need YOU!
You, yes, you! You read that correctly, you. We need your help. Are you a church member or maybe a
school parent who wants to help minister to others, but does not have all of the time in the world to touch
lives? Well, we’ve got the ministry for you. It is our newly created College Care Ministry. It is not a time
consuming endeavor as you will only have to meet and gather care package materials quarterly under the
guidance of a very organized church volunteer. The ministry will send notes of encouragement to our
older students four times each year and send care packages filled with goodies and love during the stressful times of students’ lives. Members of this ministry will have a jolly good time assembling packages
over wine (or sparkling cider if wine is not your cup of tea) and enjoy savory munchies. If this piques
your interest, please contact news@trinitybr.org to participate. It will be fun, we promise. If not, we will
make it fun.
(Pastoral Cont. on Next Page)
Page 7
Ministry News
Pastoral Continued
Prayer Shawl– Tomorrow
Two prayer shawls and one baby blanket were blessed and prayers added by our congregation at last Sunday’s worship services. These items will be brought to parishioners with pastoral needs. The prayer
shawl ministry is also making some items for Rev. Sharon to deliver to children at the Amistad Mission
in Bolivia when she visits later this year. A restricted fund has been established to help defray the cost of
yarn and supplies needed to make all of these beautiful items. Please contact Aminta if you would like to
support the prayer shawl ministry with a donation to this restricted fund.
Weekly Grief Support
Rick Pitcher, chaplain at Hospice of Baton Rouge, facilitates the meeting at Trinity every Tuesday from
6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the Common Room. This group is for anyone experiencing any type of grief.
Outreach Ministry
Grace Notes– Donations Accepted
The Grace Notes ministry sends handwritten notes to parishioners and their families in need as well as to
Angola inmates celebrating birthdays. Therefore, Grace Notes is always in need of donated correspondence cards and new writers. If you would like more information or would like to join the group, please
contact Jennifer Johnson.
Hope House
We will be collecting personal items including: shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, hand sanitizer, cold
medicine, Advil/Motrin/Tylenol, body sponges, face wash, face moisturizer, brushes, combs, hair dryers,
straighteners, hair ties, hand soap, feminine hygiene products, underwear/bras.
Youth Oasis– THIS SATURDAY
Our monthly visit will occur this Saturday, May 16th from 10:30 to 12:30. Come on out and spend a couple
of hours talking with the teens, playing games or shooting some hoops. It is guaranteed to be uplifting for
your weekend.
Holy Grill
Trinity’s Days for serving at the Holy Grill are June 8-12. Four people are needed to volunteer each day.
Serving begins at noon and is over about 1:00 p.m. If you are interested in serving please sign-up in the
Blue Book for this wonderful ministry.
Around the Diocese
“Vive la Renaissance” EDOLA’s ECW’s 128th Annual Gathering in Houma
The ECW’s gathering will be held at St. Matthew’s in Houma this weekend, May 15-16. The event’s keynote speaker is Rev’d Sharon. Please contact Trinity’s ECW President, Molly Phillips, if you have any
questions or if you would like to participate.
(Continued on pg. 11)
Page 8
Ministry News
Trinity Episcopal Day School

The fifth grade students, parents, Mrs. Gusky, Mrs. Jones, and Rev’d Sharon are in Washington, D.C.
for the Fifth Grade Experience. They are having a great time learning and bonding.

Last week was filled with the not so pleasant formaldehyde-like aroma, tea with moms, field trips, and
plenty of learning.

The first grade dissected squid in the Science Lab while the second grade dissected sharks beneath
the oaks.

Mrs. Ginn’s third graders trekked to New Orleans to view a real lighthouse. The trip ends their
year-long study of lighthouses.

Baby chicks have hatched in Mrs. Stoltzfus’s classroom. The PreK and Kindergarten students have
enjoyed learning about the life cycle of chickens and hearing the delightful, “Peep, Peep, Peeps,” in
the hallway.

The PreK3 classes savored muffins with their mothers and special mother friends on Friday. Mrs.
Dore’ and her new baby girl, Mary Cynthia, visited Mrs. Dore’s former PreK3 class during the
gathering. It was an added treat to have the Dore’ ladies join the party.

Mrs. McRae has provided a review of Godly Play. It is on the following pages.

Join us for the Fifth Grade’s Closing Ceremony on Friday, May 22, at 9:00 a.m. in the Church.
Page 9
Ministry News
Trinity Episcopal Day School– Godly Play with Mrs. McRae
I was so thrilled when Kim and I talked about me teaching religion this year, but I could not even begin to
imagine how God was going to bless my life. It has been a year full of God’s love and I never dreamed
that the students would be the ones to teach me so much!
I was trained to teach Godly Play at Christ Episcopal Church in Covington last spring and quickly knew
that this curriculum was going to reach the children at Trinity in a very powerful way. Godly Play focuses
on the truth that children are born with a strong spiritual connection to God. In order to foster that spirituality, they need to be given the right language and freedom to continue their growth. It leads children to
know God instead of just knowing about God.
Godly Play allows children to enter into a story through the use of wooden figures and props. After hearing the story from the storyteller, they are invited to answer “wondering” questions. Then they have time
to create personal meaning from the story, through artistic expression or “work.” As an added bonus, Father Stephen incorporated our Godly Play stories into his sermons told on Thursdays during chapel. Every week, he thoughtfully chose scripture readings to expand on the same story being told in religion.
There wasn’t a day that went by at Trinity that I doubted God’s presence at our school. The students felt
His presence too and knew that religion was a safe place for them to share and grow. Many times I was
overwhelmed with emotion as the children amazed me with their faith. After a class would leave, I would
often grab a pencil to write down some of the precious and profound comments made.
Here are some things that the students reminded me of this year....
Coming close to God is a sacred experience.
As I was introducing the Holy Baptism story to a Pre K 3 class, one little boy asked me, “Mrs. McRae, do
we need to get dressed up to hear this?”
A first grader’s mother told me that her daughter sets her favorite socks out to wear to religion on Tuesdays.
God is always with us.
“With the stories this close to us, it feels like God is right here, actually talking to us.” (1st Grader)
“Every time I come in this room, I remember my Papa in heaven and know he’s doing something fun
with God.” (Pre K 4 student)
“I feel like God is right here in our room and loving us a lot.” (1st Grader)
God is alive!
“I’m so thankful God is alive, because if He wasn’t, we wouldn’t be alive! There would be no creation,
volcanoes, or cute babies. The whole city would just be white.” (Pre K 4 student)
“This morning, I looked up and saw a bright light shining through the ceiling in church. It was Jesus’ and
God’s face! He is ALIVE!” (Kindergartener)
Page 10
Ministry News
Trinity Episcopal Day School– Godly Play with Mrs. McRae
God calls us to love our neighbors.
We recently had a Diaper Drive at Trinity to help stock the shelves at The Shepherd’s Market. While the
3rd and 4th graders were sorting diapers to pack up, one 4th grader said, “I feel like I’m in heaven since
we’re all doing good for others.”
While working on cards for the Kairos team to take to the prisoners at Angola, one fifth grader said, “It
seems funny we’d be doing something so nice for someone who has done something so bad.” I waited to
hear what would be said in response. Another fifth grader across the table kept coloring and said, “Well
they are God’s creation just like us....they deserve this love too.”
Spending time alone with Jesus helps strengthen our relationship with Him.
When I asked the first grade class what it means for other people to see Jesus in us, one response was,
“That’s easy....when they see us, they know we’ve been with Jesus.”
“I love to learn about Jesus. He always helps me get back on track.” (2nd Grader)
“When I was home sick with the flu, I dreamed that I was back at school getting to hear a story in religion.” (Pre K 4 student)
Always listen to children because they have so much to teach us!
After the 3rd grade heard the story, The Good Shepherd and World Communion, we began the wonderings. I asked, “I wonder where the table of the Good Shepherd really is?” One student said, “I think the
table is in poor countries where they don’t have much, but they praise God anyway.” Another one said,
“If we believe in Jesus and God, then the table is really in our hearts.”
I thank God for my job every day. To be able to learn the stories of God, teach them to children, and
watch the fruit grow, is quite possibly the greatest blessing ever. Sometimes the stories are just so good I
have to take them home and tell them to my family. One night after dinner, I shared The Good Shepherd
story with my own kids and husband. Afterwards, my 15 year old daughter, Annie, said, “Mom, you have
the sweetest job on earth.” And I couldn’t agree more. I am blessed every day to love on these students
and encourage them in their walks with Christ. I thank God for the blessing of Trinity Episcopal Day
School!
Page 11
News, Notes and Prayers
Around the Diocese Continued
Summer Sounds Concert Series Returns for Sixth Season!
The St. James Center for Spiritual Formation is pleased to announce the return of the popular Summer
Sounds at St. James series of musical concerts. Concerts are scheduled each Wednesday evening in July at
7:00 p.m., at St. James Episcopal Church, at the corner of Convention at N. Fourth Street in downtown
Baton Rouge.
Admission for each concert is $10; college students with a valid ID will be admitted free. A reception follows each concert. Click here for more information.
Notes
Friday by Midnight
Please direct all news (good, bad, happy, or sad) to news@trinitybr.org. Please note, articles are due the
Friday prior to publishing.
The Server Schedule and Parish Calendar
Click here to view the server schedule. Click here or visit www.trinitybr.org to view the Parish Calendar.
Prayers
Pray for Those Serving Our Country
Jeff Argrave, Stefan Arnold, Ronnie Brooke Atkins, Barrett Ball, Kyle Baumann, Michael (Benson), Ray Blanchard,
Bryan, Trevor Buban, Clark Cavalier, Chris, Sean Coco, Cpl. William P. Dunn, Lt. David Durr, Specialist Don
Ellen, Eric, Wayne Fergerson, Ken Green, Warren Green, Bill Herbert, Sgt. E. Walker Herlitz, Tim Hill, J.D.,
Ken, Kirby, Bryce Landry, Caroline Lane, Brien Leblanc, Captain Ollie Lewis, Daniel M., Franklin McAnally, Ty
Manson, Kernaa D. McFarlin, Kyle McKemy, Brant Mitchell, Jason Moore, Scott Poitevent, Branson West Rivett,
David Sandridge, Adam Shilling, Karl Smith, David Stockinger, Capt. Travis Stutes, Steven Tackett, Peter Tobin,
Steve Vargo, Chris Vidrine, Jason Webb, Charlton Williams, Tyler Williamson, and John Yaew.
Parish Prayer List
If you would like to add or remove a name, please contact the church office by email or phone, 387-0396.
Helen, Pierre, Tracey, Mahlon, Fay, LuAnn, Meg, Emily, Wilbert, Verna, Peyton, Lola, Sam, Emory,
Carol, Elise, Louis, Eric, Frankie, Pedro, Felton, Frederick, Richard, Reginald, Willie, Jorge, Thomas, Lydia, Maria, Aric, Wade Family, Perry, Meme, Patrick, Amy