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just for a theme or a season, but truly
decorate for a purpose.
The soapbox that I usually get on this
time of year is really meant to ques-
tion our intentions. Why do we deco-
rate? What kind of feelings or emo-
tions do we intend to conjure? How
does it make us feel? Are we aware of
the joys and sorrows? I feel that the
time between All Saints’ and the New
Year has been hijacked by secular so-
ciety in the name of retail sales. Is this
something that we need to lament or
celebrate?
You will see some of the churchy-
types like myself that are all wrapped
(Continued on page 6)
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Well, this is the December newslet-
ter, and no doubt you are already try-
ing to decide when and if to “deck the
halls.” Why not? Towson already has a
holiday tree (I assume Christmas) in
the park next to the round-a-bout! I
know that it’s always a point of discus-
sion in our house. Kelly wants to put
up the tree and I put on my best im-
pression of the Advent Grinch, think-
ing somehow that decorating early is
some kind of theological travesty! I’m
not sure that anyone will be doomed
to the darkest pit for decorating his
or her home early. (sigh of relief!). But
I would think that the intent is to dec-
orate with a purpose. I’m not talking
Rector’s Ramblings — The Rev. Kenneth H. Saunders III, Rector
We welcome the Rev. Deacon Robert
Runkle (AKA Deacon Bob) who will be
in residence at Trinity as our Deacon
Associate. Bob is a Deacon in the Epis-
copal Church and is retired most re-
cently from the Diocese of Spokane
(Washington State) where he was the
director of Trinity House, a group
home for those with developmental
disabilities. Deacon Bob will help in
many aspects of Trinity’s ministry in-
cluding pastoral care and outreach.
Please give Deacon Bob and his wife
Mary Beth a warm Trinity welcome!
Bob and Mary Beth are "back" in Mar-
yland now so that they can be closer
to grandchildren and family!
Trinity Episcopal Church
December 2015
Volume 1, Issue 5
Trin i ty T imes
Inside this issue:
Parish Life News 2
Prayer Requests 3
Outreach News 4
Christmas Services &
Flowers 5
9:00 Service News 6
Treasurer’s Update 7
Music Notes 7
Surprise Shop Happen-
ings 8
Preschool News 8
December Birthdays,
Anniversaries & Calendar
Trinity News — Welcome Deacon Bob!
Issues for Parents: Sunday Morning Dis-
cussion Group
No matter what your parenting circumstanc-
es or the age of your children, this group is a
place for you to talk about the challenges and
concerns you face in raising children right
now. We meet from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. in a
partitioned room off Memorial Hall. Grab
some coffee, tea, and a snack at coffee hour,
and join us as you can. Joanne Chapline, As-
sistant Principal at The Lutherville Lab
School, is our facilitator
Dec. 6: Surprise Shop Open House – find in-
expensive, meaningful gifts for those on your
list.
Dec. 13: 9 a.m. WorkShip for US Veterans
followed by the Second Sunday Breakfast
Dec. 18: Managing Schedules in the Holiday
Season: Keeping a Spiritual Perspective
Dec. 27 – No meetings
Trinity’s Christmas Pageant: Memories
for a Lifetime
It will soon be time to get ready for the annu-
al Trinity Christmas Pageant. Your child’s
participation can be an important part of
their adult Christmas memories. Rehearsals
will be minimal and take place during Decem-
ber Sunday school time from 10 -11 a.m.
Sign your children up for this year’s award-
winning pageant during Sunday school. Your
child’s teacher will approach you with a sign-
up form. Don’t let your angels and shepherds
miss participating in this heart-warming per-
formance on Christmas Eve.
If you would like to volunteer to lead or help
with the Christmas Pageant this year please
contact Kathleen Capcara at 410.963.3773 or
2015 Christmas Pageant Schedule:
Pageant is at 4 p.m., Thursday, December
24
Brief music rehearsals for all at 10 a.m.
Sunday mornings in Preschool Activity
Room.
Rehearsal in church from 10 – 10:40 a.m.
Sunday, December 20.
*Last-minute walk-ins for angels, shep-
herds, and sheep welcome. Costumes
provided.
Pageant Participants please arrive at 2:30
p.m. on December 24 for costume fitting
and final rehearsal.
(Continued on page 3)
Parish Life News — Kathleen Capcara, Lay Associate for Parish Life
Page 2 Trin i ty Times
December 13 Regional Youth Event
Have you seen a Christmas tree made entirely
from hubcaps? Or lights strung across a city street
to connect the houses on both sides? Youth from
6 congregations in the Diocese of Maryland will
gather at St Mary’s Outreach Center in Hampden
from 5:00-7:30 p.m. on Sunday, December13 to
have supper and take a walking tour of the famous
Christmas lights on 34th street in Hampden.
This is an opportunity to rekin-
dle friendships with youth who
attend the annual regional re-
treat at The Bishop Claggett
Center in January. (This year
from January 22 – 24, 2016).
RSVP to Kathleen Capcara
or 410.963.3773) by Sunday, December 6 to let
us know that you’re coming! We are asking par-
ents to drop off and pick up their children at St.
Mary’s (3900 Roland Avenue, 21211) and to bring
$5 towards the cost of dinner.
Prayer Requests
Bob Denison
Corey Dreiger
Steve Einig
Mini Gillett
John
Kate Leakfeldt
Janet Powell
Janet Radcliff
Bill Scarborough
Pam Sloane
Mike Szilagyi
Dan Venedam
Vicki Washburn
Dick Yates
Beatrice Amoah
Keith Beyland
Tom Bias
Robert Buck
Pres. Jimmy Carter
Rick Chapline
Patrice Cromwell
Page 3 Volume 1 , Is sue 5
Sunday Dec. 20: The Story of
Jesus in Paper Bags
As the sermon during the 9 o’clock
service on Dec 20, we will get
ready for the Mystery of Christmas
by remembering the story of the very first Christ-
mas. It is a story we tell over and over again. Every-
one in the service will have a part in telling the story
of Jesus’ Birth on the Fourth Sunday of Advent.
This is not a Christmas Pageant, but we will be tell-
ing the Christmas story together. We hope that
some Trinity members who are out of town on
Christmas Eve will now be able to participate with
their parish family in making the story of the first
Christmas come alive.
Some people will be given paper bags containing
simple costumes. They will come forward and act
out the parts of the story of Jesus’ birth. Some
groups in the congregation will be asked to say a
simple phrase or make a gesture together from their
seats in the pews. Together we will tell one of the
most important stories of God’s people.
Please notify the church office ([email protected] or 410-823-3588) of any changes to the prayer list.
Parish Life News — Continued from page 2.
Page 4 Trin i ty Times
Outreach News — Christmas Care Kits for U.S. Veterans
Be a Christmas Angel to Veterans!
Trinity’s second WorkShip will take
place in Memorial Hall on Sunday, De-
cember 13 at 9 a.m., before the Second
Sunday Breakfast. How can you help?
Before the event – purchase sup-
plies for our veterans in need at the Loch
Raven Care Center.
Look for the Angel Trees in the back of
church or in the entryway to Memorial
Hall. These displays show items requested
for the veterans and lists that you can take
to help you shop.
Buy any items listed on the card . Kits will
be assembled during the WorkShip service
so purchase as many of the items as you
would like to donate.
If possible, bring your donations to
Trinity Church by December 6. Dona-
tions must be here by 9 a.m. on Decem-
ber 13.
Body wash Deodorant
Rubber boots/totes Alcohol free mouth-
wash
Gloves Shampoo
Hats Brushes
Scarves Baby/talc powder
Socks Hand/body lotion
Washable adult bibs
with backing
Triple edge disposa-
ble razors
Battery operated radi-
os or CD players with
headphones
Paperback crossword
puzzles and search
puzzle books
Alcohol free shaving
cream in small plastic
containers
Electronic hand-held
games found at dollar
stores
Washable lap robes
Once again, Trinity and other churches in the
Towson community, supported the ACTC’s
Thanksgiving Basket project. Over 2200 bags
were dropped off at Trinity’s Memorial Hall
and distributed to local families in need. 1400
bags were given to community agencies and
approximately 800 were picked-up at Trinity
by individual families . Thank you to everyone
who contributed bags to make Thanksgiving
brighter for those in need.
A big Thank You to Trinity’s Pat Shaw and
Cindy Patzkowsky for their time and effort in
supporting this project.
ACTC Thanksgiving Baskets
Page 5
Volume 1 , Is sue 5
Thursday, December 24 Christmas Eve services
4:00 p.m. – Christmas Children’s Pageant and Holy Eucharist
8:00 p.m. – Christmas Vigil, Choral Service with Holy Eucharist
Friday, December 25 Christmas Day service
10:00 a.m. – Holy Eucharist
Poinsettias and 2016 Altar Flowers
Dates for 2016 Sunday Altar Flowers
Please indicate your date choice for a memorial or thanksgiving dedication:
Barbara Wunderer will contact you during the week before your date for your dedication details.
Name: _________________________ e-mail : _______________________ Phone #: ___________________
Poinsettia plants may be donated during the Christmas season, in honor or in memory of someone
you love. Please print names clearly below for inclusion in the Christmas bulletin, and send a check to
Trinity for $12 per plant. Poinsettias will be around the altar December 24 through January 3.
Memory: __________________________________________________________________
Thanksgiving/Honor: _________________________________________________________
Sunday altar flowers are contributed by parishioners in memory of, or in thanksgiving for loved ones
or ministries they wish to honor. You may choose ANY 2016 date. You will pay Trinity directly ($75)
and your dedication will be listed in the bulletin, with others who have chosen to give on that day. Look
at the chart below, record your choice of date, and place the flyer in the offering basket.
January 3 April 17 June 12 July 31 September 18 November 6
January 10 April 24 June 19 August 7 September 25 November 13
January 17 May 1 June 26 August 14 October 2 November 20
January 24 May 8 July 3 August 21 October 9 November 27
January 31 May 15 July 10 August 28 October 16 December 4
February 7 May 22 July 17 September 4 October 23 December 11
April 3 May 29 July 24 September 11 October 30 December 18
April 10 June 5
Christmas Service Schedule
Page 6
Trin i ty Times
For several years, Trinity’s 9 a.m. Sunday service,
which was originally designed to be particularly
“family friendly,” has been wavering between
identities. Some people say the “9 o’clock” has
become a Prayer Book service with some con-
temporary music.
Father Ken is in the process of assembling a group
of people to work with Lay Associate Kathleen
Capcara to retool the service to make it more
accessible to children and families.
Beginning on the First Sunday of Advent
(November 29), you will notice some changes in
the way we worship at 9 a.m. on Sundays.
Before the service begins, adults and children will
be given confession stones and invited to add
names to the prayer walls in the narthex. On one
side, we will give thanks to God for all of the
blessings of this life. On the other side, we will
ask God to help us help others in need. These
prayer walls (easels) will be brought to the front
of the church and incorporated into a less
formal, but heartfelt “prayers of the people.”
Children will be invited to read more fre-
quently. They will serve as greeters. Children
will be asked to come forward for the mes-
sage and to help set the table for Commun-
ion.
Our music will be chosen with an aim to-
wards more “sing-able” songs and hymns –
accompanied by rhythm instruments when
appropriate.
We will try to develop a consistent routine,
but also include other approaches to worship
as the church year progresses.
Please consider being part of the planning
group that works to make the 9 a.m. Sunday
Service come alive in a new way for all of us.
We will be asking for your feedback and ideas
in the weeks ahead.
Trinity’s 9 a.m. “Family” Service – What is It, Exactly? — Kathleen Capcara
up in the war on retail. I will admit, sometimes I
get pretty bad myself, sometimes completely irri-
tating my family! That’s not what any season of joy
and thanksgiving is about. It was never my inten-
tion to hurt or badger, but to teach. To make us
ask the question, “why do we do what we do and
when we do it?”
So, I will put forth the questions for you and your
family. “How do you prepare for the day of Jesus’
coming again?” I’m not talking about just the Ad-
vent Wreath that may or may not be on your din-
Rector’s Ramblings — Continued from page 1
ing room table. I am talking about how we
prepare our souls and our minds. How do
we anticipate the coming of the Kingdom
of God?
My challenge to you this Advent Season is
to try to be “countercultural.” Go against
the grain of society a bit and be intentional
about celebrating the mystery and anticipa-
tion of Advent. It just might help you have
a Merry Little Christmas!
Blessings! Ken+
Volume 1 , Is sue 5 Page 7
We hope everyone has heard that all of our Trini-
ty handbells will be delivered to the factory in
Hatfield, Pennsylvania on January 6th for complete
refurbishment. The work will take six to eight
weeks to complete. We are able to make this
happen due to the generosity of many Trinitarians
who have joined forces and contributed. At this
moment we have $3,210 in hand. A few pledges
have yet to be paid. Please see Stephanie Foy to
pay your pledge if you have not done so already.
We will publish the complete list of donors in the
next newsletter. Thank you again for your sup-
port.
Canticle Singers Concert
The Canticle Singers will perform Songs of the Sea-
son at Trinity Church on Sunday, December
13th at 4:00 p.m. A free will offering will be
taken to support the Canticle Singers programs
and scholarships.
Caroling at Edenwald
Trinity’s choir will carol at Eden-
wald on Saturday, December 12.
Meet at Trinity at 6 p.m. for a light dinner fol-
lowed by caroling at 7 p.m. Please RSVP to Jim
Wincelowicz at [email protected] by
Tuesday 12/8 if you will be attending the dinner.
All are welcome!
One of the most uncomfortable things to talk
about in a church setting is money. We come to
church on Sunday and we see the church lit,
warm and clean as we carry out our mission here
on a daily basis. There is also the important work
that goes on throughout the week: feeding the
hungry, educating preschoolers, bible studies and
AA meetings. All of these activities are supported
with the pledges that we submit each November.
The vestry asks for pledges in the fall of each
year, and then plans the upcoming year’s activities
based on the generous response of the congrega-
tion. Like many churches, the needs of the con-
gregation and the mission of Trinity exceed the
funds that have been pledged. The vestry discuss-
es at length as to how to fulfill the church’s mis-
sion and to carry God's message outside the walls
of the church within the confines of the pledges
and other income.
Currently in 2015 we are facing a $22,000
shortfall in pledges, which is 10% of the
pledges. In order to balance this year’s
budget, we have had to borrow from the
endowment. Please review your recent
pledge statement to see if you are able to
bring your commitment up to date.
If you are planning to make a pledge for 2016,
please take the time to contact the office at your
earliest convenience. Your continued support is
important for the church’s mission in the upcom-
ing year.
Music Notes
Adopt a Bell—Update
From our Treasurer — Greg Gabell
120 Allegheny Avenue
Towson, MD 21204
Phone: 410-823-3588
Fax: 410-583-3589
www.TrinityChurchTowson.org
Trinity Episcopal Church
The Surprise Shop is packed to the brim with
holiday decorations and apparel including holi-
day sweaters! Come get an early start on your
holiday shopping. Fresh Georgia Pecans have
arrived!!
We are looking for volunteers to write con-
signment on Monday and Thursday mornings.
If interested please contact Erin at the Shop
The Surprise Shop Holiday Open House is
on Sunday December 6th, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Lots of Holiday Goodies will be served.
Come join us!
Surprise Shop Happenings
Trinity Episcopal Church
Faith Community Action
Share the Trinity community
with a friend!
Trinity Preschool News
www.TrinityPreschoolTowson.org
Lots of excitement and happy students at Trini-
ty’s Preschool the past few weeks. The stu-
dents enjoyed celebrating Halloween, their visit
to Rodger’s Farm, picture day and a Thanksgiv-
ing feast (which they helped prepare!) Thank
you to all who contributed to the Preschool’s
fundraiser.
The Surprise Shop of Trinity Church
122 Allegheny Avenue, Towson
410-828-9343
www.SurpriseShop.org
