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Annual Parish Meeting Sunday, January 26, 2020

Trinity Pro-Cathedral Williamsport, PA

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Please note: The Parochial Report, Diocesan Pooled Investment, 150th Anniversary Campaign,

and Total Assets will be available on or before January 26, 2020.

Agenda • Prayer

• Call to Order

• Appoint a Secretary

• Welcome New People

• Approval of 2019 Parish Meeting Minutes

• Rector’s Report

• Thanks to Vestry members who rotated off Vestry:

Linda Loehr, Nicole English, Darlene Baclawski, Lisa Greenhouse

• Election of new Vestry members:

Phillip North, Scott Harris, Dustin Guillaume, Daryl Bixler, Jeff Walburn

• Diocesan Convention – Election of 3 lay delegates and 2 alternates

• Commissioning of Vestry and Diocesan delegates

• 2019 Parochial Report & Financial Reports

• 2020 Budget

• Annual Reports

• Shaped by Faith

• Other business

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Parish Meeting Minutes 27 January 2019

Father Ken opened the 2019 annual meeting showing a slideshow of activities through the year, with about 40 people attending.

Gretchen Weaver was approved as secretary of the annual meeting.

Christy Lassiter made a motion to approve last year’s annual meeting minutes, seconded by Linda Loehr. The motion carried.

Father Ken reported that Sherri Hartshaw has been the parish administrator for 21 years. Marc Garside, sexton, has been working for 1 year. He will begin supervising community workers once a week.

Vestry/Annual Diocesan Convention

Father Ken thanked the vestry rotating off this year: Bill Bubb, Kevin Drewencki, and Daisy Thomas. Nominees for this year include Jen Ayers, Dan Llewellyn, Delores Loner, Gretchen Weaver, Suzan McGary (continuation for 2 years) and Lisa Greenhouse (continuation for 1 year). A motion was made by Greg Smith and seconded by Linda Loehr. The motion carried.

Tentative date for the Diocesan Convention is October 18-19, 2019 in Harrisburg. Trinity’s delegates will be Linda Loehr and Gretchen Weaver, with Daisy Thomas and Becky Wagner-Pizza as alternates. [Suzan McGary volunteered after the meeting to be the third delegate.]

Ken offered commissioning prayers and presented pins to incoming vestry member and delegates.

Annual Report Highlights

Father Ken reviewed the parochial report. There was a net increase in membership in 2018. Average Sunday attendance in 2018 was 82 and today’s total attendance was 83. Total church assets are $1,206,716. He also remarked that he and Sherri estimated that 500 use the building on a weekly basis. This includes Sunday services, recovery groups, karate, EPIC Percussion, etc.

For the operating account, pledged income received was about $4,700 over budgeted pledged income. Meeting room rentals cover most of the utility costs.

The Endowment Fund name was changed to The Trinity Growth Fund. Assets were down in 2018 because of market conditions. An observation was made that based on the market performance between 10/1/2018 – 12/31/2018, having a balance of $1.2 million seemed good.

Father Ken reviewed other reports in the booklet.

Fundraising will hold the Victorian Tea on April 28, 2019.

There was a discussion of using social media and marketing more efficiently to engage younger people by maybe using short video materials from parishioners promoting lasagna dinners, strawberry festival, etc. Father Ken also brought up First Fridays and if there is something we could do in conjunction with this.

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Ken stated that there will be a meeting on March 3, 2019 to discuss the Greater Williamsport churches looking to the future as requested by Bishop Audrey. Jersey Shore has 1/2 minister and GLEAM has 1/2 minister and this may not be sustainable. Ken also talked about the “Pro Cathedral” status and name. Should we have a different tagline than “Pro Cathedral of the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania”? He also spoke about the cathedral ministry and smaller churches in the diocese being chapels of a main church as an older model that could take on a new form as one possible future way forward.

Oxford House is thankful for the support from congregation and Vestry. They continue to meet monthly and feel there are 10-11 steps needed to get it operational, hopefully during the Easter season.

Stewardship (Time, Talent, Treasure) reported that the pledged amount was up about 3% from the prior year, but 7% down in pledging units. We should be looking at other ways of planned giving. The Bishop’s initiative of Way of Love, through hard work, we can continue to grow. The cathedral model will need additional time and talent, which hopefully will lead to growth and have more people coming and continuing to grow.

There was a concern about using the Growth Fund as a source of money to operate the church and what percentage is being withdrawn. We should be looking at cutting costs and getting more members so as not to use the fund up. Greg Smith said a prudent withdrawal rate is between 4% - 5% of the balance of the account.

Growth Fund is managed by State Street in the Diocesan Pooled Investment. Guidance from State Street said that the funds are diversified and on the conservative side but cannot say what tomorrow will bring.

$2 million by 2025 is looking at changing the mindset from a bequest that may be given before death to help shape the bequest and see your money in action.

There was a motion by John M. Young and seconded by Georgia Burch to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Gretchen L. Weaver

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2019 Rector’s Report

As we finished out the teens and moved into the 20’s of this century, it is a blessing to be in my twelfth year at Trinity as we begin our 154th year as a parish.

I first want to thank those who are retiring from vestry and various ministries--for all your prayers, hard work of leadership, and, most importantly, your presence. I will personally miss those who are going off vestry and various ministries, but I know you will continue to do the work of our loving God in your continued and new ministries.

Our staff continues to serve us well. Sherri, starting her 22nd year, continues her responsibilities with grace, with help from Mary Ann Stine. Marc is still around with the growth of EPIC Percussion, but he has resigned as Sexton. We were happy to welcome Sondra to the position. She is easy to work with and is willing to be flexible in her hours. Ryan and Leatha continue to provide faithful musical leadership along with our Choral Scholars from Bucknell and Lycoming College.

In the fourth year of our 150th anniversary five-year campaign we have supported our music program, including our fifth annual Lessons and Carols, and we made repairs to the chapel organ. This will continue in the final campaign year during 2020. There will be an addition of an electronic lock system and a donation to the new Habitat house. We are still working on finalizing a less expensive option for an improved handicapped entrance at Trinity Place and the building of the Trinity Growth Fund should help in the future with such projects. We will also have a grant chairperson on vestry in 2020 to help applying for grants.

I am pleased to say that we made good progress in these goals from last year as you will see in the reports that follow:

1) Oxford House is open and is in the process of getting an official charter!

2) We worked on branding/marketing, especially a more visible and effective digital presence to enhance our evangelism and communication externally and internally. This is never-ending.

3) First Friday offerings, possibly special music programs (traditional and non-traditional) like an evening compline, perhaps as part of our cathedral ministry with the diocese and other churches. This will be starting this April after much discernment and prayer.

4) The Blessing Box was a nice addition to these goals and our outreach ministry!

At the parish meeting this year, vestry will help us discern more goals as a parish for 2020 as we are “shaped by faith.” These will build on last year’s goals, in addition to the following:

1) First Fridays at the Pro-Cathedral 2) A new Bible Study at Backhouse Café Coffee and Tea on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday on the

Gospel of John ---Good Book Club 3) Habitat House: Habitat is breaking ground on a new home this spring and they hope to

participate in several workdays. We will be giving a planned donation from our 150th Anniversary campaign.

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(This summer we are planning a possible summer rotation of a few weeks of worship, fellowship and outreach with our Episcopal neighbors. A kind of flash mob of filling the pews!)

While we explored “The Way of Love” last year and are always growing with God, I look forward to more work, ministry, and prayer as we are continually “Shaped by Faith.”

Please read through the reports contained in this packet as you discern your future and “shape” in our part in the Body of Christ.

Thank you all for your ministries!

Peace,

Fr. Ken+

P.S. - As this is a “Parochial Report,” below are ministries beyond our parish family that I participated in--representing all of you during 2019. Thanks to your support!

• Canon and Provost for our Pro-Cathedral

• Bishop’s Cathedral/Pro-Cathedral Study Group.

• Clericus

• Clergy Wellness Group Coordinator

• Nursing Home Mid-Week Services

• Quarterly Sunday services at the nursing homes

• CROP Walk Chair for greater Lycoming County

• United Campus Ministry at Penn College Board (meets quarterly and I usually lead one or two of the weekly pastor Bible studies each year.)

• Newspaper article and one week of devotions for United Churches

• Co-Convener of the Williamsport City Ministerium

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Milestones in 2019

Baptisms Landon Everett Freas—April 28, 2019

Liturgical Welcome June 9, 2019

Lauren Walker Phillip North

Weddings Tonya Rupert & Michael Woytowich—June 29, 2019

Lauren Walker & Douglas Zehner—July 13, 2019 Natali Prindle & Brandon McMahon—November 2, 2019 Morgan Luke & Anthony Gotshall—December 28, 2019

Deaths

Dale Gaffney—January 18, 2019 Donald F. Daniels—March 12, 2019

Delores A. Loner—April 25, 2019 Constance M. Snyder—May 1, 2019

Betty M. Wagner—June 4, 2019 Shirley A. (Yaw) Keiser—June 9, 2019 Leona R. Martinozzi—June 21, 2019

Lee Hays—July 8, 2019 James B. Haymes, Jr—July 11, 2019

Lois N. Young—August 9, 2019 Laurence Page Maynard, Jr.—August 18, 2019

Yvonne Helen Stuart Campbell—August 25, 2019 Carl Eugene Lucas—September 11, 2019

Martin J. “Marty” Marshall—October 17, 2019 Elizabeth E. “Betty” (Clark) Way—November 16, 2019

Burials at Wildwood William & Janice Edwards—April 27, 2019

Charles & Ann Hellie—May 15, 2019 Richard & Julia Eschenbach—October 21, 2019

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2019 Fair Share commitment was paid in full on 1-16-20.

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Rector’s Discretionary Fund

Beginning balance - 1/1/19 2,287.41

Income

From operating budget 1,000.00

Funeral & wedding donations 2,750.00

Donations 1,325.00

Interest 0.89

Total income 5,075.89 Expenses Christmas gifts - staff, leaders, community families 1,518.65

Rent 1,490.00

Food 1,054.68

Vestry Christmas Dinner 2018 521.74

Hotel 444.47

Beds 400.00

Family Dollar 300.00

Transportation - gas 248.36

Ordination gift 200.00

Walmart 75.00

Eye care 55.00

Car repairs 50.00

Liberty House 50.00

Non-driver's ID 31.50

Misc. 220.41

Total Expenses 6,659.81 Ending balance - 12/31/19 703.49

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CHURCH MINISTRIES

Acolytes Amy Lingg

Acolytes serve God and the Church by assisting the priest during worship services. Acolyte responsibilities include serving as crucifers, torch bearers, serving the altar and carrying the Gospel book. Acolytes generally serve about once a month and any child (over the age of 8) or adult may become an acolyte. If interested, please contact Amy Lingg or Father Ken.

Adult Education Becky Wagner-Pizza

ADULT FORUM -Adult Forum is scheduled from time to time with topics such as the Shaped by Faith survey. Anyone is welcome to join in with “Crafts & Conversation” on Sundays during Coffee Hour when we chat and make crafts to sell at the Victorian Christmas Soup Luncheon and throughout December.

BIBLE STUDY - A Bible Basics ecumenical study is led by Chris Wright, and it usually meets on the 2nd & 4th Fridays from 9:30-11 am. The group also meets for service projects and breakfasts, as well as a Christmas party at the end of the year. New ladies are always welcome—just show up!

NEW BIBLE STUDY - Join us on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month beginning in 2020 to study the Gospel of John using materials from The Good Book Club. We meet from 5:30-6:45 pm at the Backhouse Café.

Altar Guild Daisy Thomas

The Altar Guild is comprised of parishioners, who are committed to the caring and set-up of the altars in the Chapel and Main Sanctuary, for the Holy Eucharist on Sundays. We currently have 10 members on the Altar Guild. Our members work in pairs, and each pair is scheduled about once every 5 weeks.

Our duties include setting up for communion every Sunday, cleaning and storing the communion vessels appropriately after service, washing and ironing the linens regularly, as well as altar cloths and fine linen, as needed. Also, the candles are filled every week. We decorate the altar and arrange flowers seasonally — palms, lilies, geraniums and poinsettias. We are also called on to set up for other occasions such as baptisms, weddings and funerals, as needed. We would love to have you join us. We will train you and place you on a team with an experienced guild member. Please talk to Fr. Ken or Daisy Thomas.

Caring & Calling Caring & Calling Ministers volunteer to visit our shut-ins. We try to match a visitor to everyone who requests one. If you are interested in this ministry, contact Fr. Ken. Special thanks to Mary Ann Stine who calls parishioners on their birthdays and mails cards to couples on their anniversary.

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Chalice Bearers Chalice Bearers (also called Eucharistic Ministers) assist the presider in the Holy Eucharist by serving the Eucharistic cup. Training is provided, and any baptized member may serve. The chalice bearers are scheduled approximately once a month depending on how many people are available. Contact Fr. Ken if interested.

Church Ladies

Suzan McGary

The “Church Ladies” is a social group with a mission of fostering community and friendship among the women of Trinity Church. The idea for the group sprang from conversations during various committee meetings and fundraising events which centered on the desire to get to know one another as people outside of the important, but often stressful, work of committees and fundraisers. 2019 was the fourth year for the group.

Church Lady gatherings tend to revolve around a shared meal at the home of a volunteer hostess or an informational or fun activity. We have no set agenda for these gatherings, but smaller groups within the Church Ladies form when common interests arise, or a community need is identified. This year we gathered at the local theater for showings of Downton Abbey and Little Women. We played Quizzo to help support the Taber House museum in April, Barb Velez coordinated a dinner gathering at Ichiban, and we met again this year to decorate gingerbread houses before Christmas.

The group is open to all women of Trinity as well as any women outside the congregation who might enjoy some "girl time" with our community. Ideas are welcome for “themed” gatherings and volunteer hostesses are encouraged! Feel free to contact Suzan McGary or Miki Rebeck if you have suggestions for gatherings.

Diocesan Committees

Several of Trinity’s parishioners serve on Diocesan Committees, in addition to those who serve as delegates and alternates to convention each year. Sarah Reid serves on the Commission on Ministry, Greg Smith serves on the Diocesan Opioid Task Force, and Greg Smith and Miki Rebeck serve on the Cathedral Committee.

Docents

Linda Lynn

Tours of the church are given two times a year. Docents are available for the Strawberry Festival in June and Victorian Christmas in November. The committee always welcomes new docents who love to share the history of our beautiful church.

During the Victorian Christmas, there are visitors from many states and even Canada. Hot beverages and snacks are offered in the Fourth Street entrance area to welcome those who are touring the church. Beautiful organ music greets those who enter, too.

If you would like to be a docent, contact Linda Lynn.

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Eucharistic Visitors Daisy Thomas

Eucharistic Visitors are a team of dedicated parishioners, who are sent out, immediately following the 10 o'clock service, on the third Sunday of each month, to take communion to our parishioners in the nursing homes, or, who for any reason are unable to get to church on Sundays. This ministry, however, does not take the place of Fr. Ken's Home Communions.

We currently have 3 parishioners on the EV team, who are trained and commissioned by the Bishop, for this ministry. We visit 8-10 parishioners on a regular basis and a few non-parishioners who have expressed their desire to receive Communion from us, with Fr. Ken's approval. This spiritually fulfilling ministry will take very little of your time, once a month, after church. Anyone interested, please talk to Fr. Ken or Daisy Thomas.

Flower Delivery Our altar flowers are delivered to two of our parishioners after church each Sunday. They are sent to celebrate a happy event, to comfort in difficulty, to thank people for special work in the church, or to welcome new members. Our flower deliverers serve about once a month.

Fundraising Debbe Sakash

2019 was a good year for fundraising; we exceeded our goal of $12,000 by almost 30%! Both the congregation and the community support our events, and many people look forward to them. I'm frequently asked “When is the next ….? when people discover I'm a member of Trinity, and I'm sure you are as well.

The following is a list of this year's fundraisers with the amounts raised and the names of those hardy souls who coordinated them.

Fundraiser Amount Raised Coordinators

Lasagna Dinners $7,071.21 Eva Marshall & Linda Lynn Strawberry Festival $2,502.16 Matt & Miki Rebeck Victorian Tea $1,886.67 Becky Wagner-Pizza Soup Luncheon $1,264.08 Sarah Reid Yard Sale $ 986.86 Staff Little League Parade $ 681.25 Cris Loner Craft Sale $ 639.75 Becky Wagner-Pizza Clothing Shed $ 524.15 Amazon Smile $ 25.80 TOTAL $15,581.93

None of these would have been as successful without the dedication of those who volunteered their time and effort to ensure that all events we held ran smoothly. Also, the participation of those who utilized Amazon Smile and donated to the Clothing Shed added to the totals earned by the various food-related happenings and the Yard Sale. I'd especially like to thank the women and men who

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coordinated the various fundraisers. Unless you've been in their shoes, it's difficult to appreciate the work involved in getting everything together.

To aid the kitchen staff who work many of the fundraisers, we are planning to purchase a Water Heater Booster for the commercial dishwasher to improve its efficiency. This should be installed before the next Lasagna Dinner, but donations are needed to help pay for this $2,500 upgrade.

Greeters Greeters stand near the doors, greet people coming in, and hand them a bulletin if the ushers are busy. Greeters have the special responsibilities of welcoming all to our fellowship, directing new people and visitors, and introducing new people to both clergy and parishioners. They also welcome visitors to join us for Coffee Hour after the second service.

Healing Services A full Healing Service, including laying on of hands and anointing with holy oil, is held at both Holy Communion Services once a quarter.

Hospitality Cris Loner

Hospitality has had numerous funeral receptions this year. We had a fundraiser (the Little League parade.) We opened the kitchen for West Branch School. We did the reception for Lessons & Carols, the annual parish meeting, the Christmas Luncheon where we provide the meats, drinks and desserts. Thank you to all that have provided desserts for the different occasions, to all who do coffee hours, and for all your time and effort to all the hospitality events.

Human Resources/Personnel Lisa Greenhouse

There was a staffing change this year as Marc Garside resigned as sexton in order to devote more time to the growth of EPIC Percussion. Trinity hired Sondra Singh as sexton beginning June 3, 2019. With the assistance of a few community service workers she has been doing a fine job of maintaining the facility.

Fr. Ken and Vestry representatives conducted performance reviews with Sondra, Sherri Hartshaw, and Ryan Malone, focusing on their dedicated service to Trinity, and goals and objectives for the future.

Lectors Lectors share the Word of God by reading the Old Testament, Epistle, and Psalm, as well as leading the Prayers of the People. As we are a lectionary church (that is, we follow a set rotation of Bible readings in our services), the assigned readings are also available at any time for study and preparation. At Trinity we follow the Revised Common Lectionary.

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Liturgy Linda Loehr

The Liturgy Committee met three times in 2019 to discuss worship services and calendar events for Trinity.

On January 26 no changes were made, and feedback was positive for the Advent services. People especially enjoyed Lessons & Carols, which was well attended.

On April 24 no changes were made to the calendar, and we received very positive feedback from the Lenten services. As Bishop Audrey was with us for Palm Sunday and per her request, the Passion was done at the end of the service. Many people felt this was a nice change and good beginning for Holy Week.

The next meeting was held on September 4th. We discussed the summer worship. Father Ken received a comment that someone liked the wording used in the summer so those responses and other aspects of the summer services will continue to be used.

A new acolyte will be joining the rotation, and Amy Lingg will continue to work with all the acolytes to instruct them for the enrichment of our services. Announcements will return to the previous placement after the Peace. As per requests, Father Ken will choose the shorter versions of the weekly readings and Psalms. Choir will try to finish rehearsal by 9:45, so that the service may start promptly at 10:00.

Sunday School will return to the previous time between services for kids through 5th grade. Youth Group will try combining with New Covenant, St. Mark's, and St. Luke's this fall, and meet at 6:00 on Sunday evenings.

We discussed the lighting of the Advent Wreath during the Children’s Time during the services as a possible teaching tool. There are no specific rubrics for this, so we can be flexible. Children's service will be December 22, along with the luncheon. Christmas Eve services will again be at 5:00 and 9:00 pm.

Next year’s events and calendar were reviewed.

We appreciate the congregation’s input and will endeavor to adopt suggestions as able.

Music Dr. Ryan M. Malone

I’m pleased to offer the following account for the ways in which Trinity’s music program has thrived since January 2019. As always, the core of Trinity’s music ministry is the dedication of the talented volunteer choir members who offer their musical gifts on a weekly basis. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with these individuals as we continue to explore challenging choral repertoire.

I’m also grateful for the church’s continued support of our Choral Scholar Program. This program strengthens Trinity’s music ministry by funding several positions for college-age students to rehearse and perform with Trinity’s choir during the academic year. While students benefit from the opportunity to develop their current skill sets in a professional setting, they also weave important

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threads of support and beauty through the fabric of Trinity’s music program. Although this program was initially conceived as a strengthening mechanism, it has been critical to the choir’s vitality.

Several musical offerings this year deserve particular attention:

• Candlemas – The choir sang Philip Moore’s Nunc Dimittis

• Holy Week and Easter – The choral scholars performed several motets, including Chilcot’s God So Loved the World, Duruflé’s Ubi Caritas, and Healey Willan’s Rise Up, My Love.

• Easter 2 – The church bade farewell to one graduating choral scholar and sang Philip Stopford’s Be Not Afraid

• Remembrance Day – The choir presented Daniel Gawthrop’s Sing Me to Heaven

• Lessons and Carols – This year Trinity celebrated its fifth Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols modeled on the traditional service celebrated annually at King’s College, Cambridge. I’m pleased that this service continues to gain notoriety within the community as was evidenced again by this year’s attendance. This year, the choir expanded its repertoire and presented six anthems, including Arvo Pärt’s “Rejoice of Virgin Mary” (text from the orthodox vesper service). Much effort and hard work were poured into this short work as the choir became more familiar with church Slavonic.

While all of these offerings represent significant contributions to the liturgical life of the parish, each builds upon the choir’s continued efforts to carefully prepare challenging anthems and prayerfully lead service music on a weekly basis. Future choral music seeks to do the same.

Lastly, I ask the congregation to again join me in expressing sincere gratitude to Leatha Kieser for the many ways she contributes to the music program at Trinity. Leatha graciously filled in at various points throughout the academic year as I attend to research, professional obligations, and family obligations. Leatha’s also provided accompaniment to many choral anthems and is responsible for preparing and directing the Children’s Choir. Thank you, Leatha.

Our historic organ continues to thrive. Although recent servicing by Jim Konzelman (Hoboken, NJ) has helped to stabilize the tuning, temperature fluctuations this January have already impacted work done in December.

I look forward to building upon these successes in 2020 and thank you for your continued support of this ministry.

Outreach Jen Ayers

2019 was another successful year for Outreach at Trinity. Not only were Trinity parishioners generous with their funds, but also with many material donations. We collected backpacks and school supplies, food for the Food Pantry, used glasses for North Central Sight Services, and coats and blankets. We continued our ministry of the Oxford House in the rectory (see separate report). In 2019 we added a Blessing Box outside on West Fourth Street which has been supported by our parishioners and the community. We have been approved for a $1,200 grant from the diocese to help buy supplies. However, we continually need donations from our parish to keep it well stocked.

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Our congregation participates in the Angel Tree through the Salvation Army. In early November, a Christmas Tree complete with a beautiful angel on top, holds 35 tags for children under 12 years who have special requests for gifts. It’s an outreach tradition to provide gift bags full of toys, hats and gloves. Special thanks to Linda Lynn for coordinating this each year!

2019 Missions of the Month and other mission giving

AIDS Resource/West House (JAN) 261.50

Oxford House (FEB) 197.75

Episcopal Relief & Development (MAR) 244.81

Operation Understanding (APR) 362.53

United Thank Offering (MAY) 137.50

Liberty House (JUN) 260.55

Backpacks (JUL) 160.49

Habitat for Humanity (AUG) 185.03

CROP Walk (SEP) 181.06

Coat Drive (OCT) 172.88

Episcopal Home (NOV) 184.06

Food cards (DEC) 201.76

Souper Bowl of Caring 178.45

Good Friday offering – Church in Jerusalem 27.00

UTO – fall ingathering 116.66

Bishop’s gift – Sri Lanka 100.00

Kyle Murphy’s Discretionary Fund (ordinations)* 1,114.50

TOTAL MISSION GIVING 4,086.53

*Does not include ordination gifts to Fr. Kyle for his vacation. Gifts to Fr. Ken’s discretionary fund are included in the financial reports earlier in this booklet.

One half of the loose offering each month, plus any designated gifts, goes to the Mission of the Month. We will be using the same Mission of the Month rotation for 2020.

Oxford House Greg Smith

As the “Oxford House”/ Rectory at Trinity Episcopal Church has now become the temporary home to the women who are able to apply for their own charter to become an official Oxford House location, the Oxford House Committee members wanted to thank the parishioners for their ongoing belief and support in this outreach endeavor. We thought it would be beneficial to share some information about what an Oxford House is and why having an Oxford House in our community is so important.

First, Oxford Houses are called “Oxford” in tribute to a religious group, Oxford Group, who influenced the founders of AA. (CBS 60 Minutes even did a feature story about Oxford Houses.)

According to the Oxford House website (https://oxfordhouse.org/), the self-help, independently run recovery houses started in 1975 in Maryland, with over 2,000 houses in the United States today, including 31 in Pennsylvania. Houses are devoted to recovery and sobriety of their residents. Each house is independently and democratically run, with some houses for men, some for women, and

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some for women with children. At Trinity, the three years’ endeavor of renovating the rectory to become this area’s Oxford House has been devoted to women in recovery.

Women in recovery in Lycoming County were in need of such a house as the Oxford House concept. It became clear very quickly that women in this county earnestly needed a safe, independently- run place on a bus route, close to town, and near other services that would contribute to their continued sobriety. The location of the rectory at Trinity proved to meet a very important need for women in Lycoming County. Several agencies and service providers were contacted during the exploratory, developmental, and restoration process. Some contacts continue to serve on the board to provide vital information in the understanding of the needs of the women who need such safe housing.

A recovering individual can live in the Oxford House as long as she remains sober, pays her equal share of the rent and utilities, and needs a place to live. The average stay is typically one year.

The women who now live in the Trinity Episcopal “Oxford House” are ready to apply for their charter. Once the charter is secure, the residents will establish their own rules by which they, and all future residents, will agree to mutually respect. Ample support is available in the acquisition of the Oxford Charter. A couple of the residents of the future Oxford House at the rectory have spearheaded the efforts to secure the charter for the house.

Residents have begun to pay rent for the Oxford House location to Trinity Episcopal Church, where in the future, all remaining expenses and utilities will be divided equally and paid equally by the residents.

Members of Trinity continue to be here as a resource as needed by the women who now live next door. The initial residents have participated in the interviews for new residents and have taken it upon themselves to help advance the success of the Oxford House endeavor!

To help you further understand the Oxford House concept and what our house provides, you could talk with any of the “Oxford House”/rectory committee members: Rev. Ken Wagner-Pizza, Greg Smith, Jen Ayers, Linda Loehr, Linda Lynn, Georgia Burch, Daisy Thomas, Daryl Bixler, Dan Llewellyn, Susan Anderson, or Sarah Reid. Community members are Rosann Peleschi and Karen Miller.

Anyone who would like to read any of the peer review research articles or learn about the books written about the Oxford Houses can do so by visiting the Oxford Website (https://oxfordhouse.org/).

Rectory/Oxford House - 2019

Beginning Balance 1/1/19 5,852.75

Income

Donations 1,727.75

Advancement Society grant 3,952.00

Rental income 1,200.00

Total Income 6,879.75

Expenses

Gas 2,070.88

Electric 1,488.74

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Phone (for alarm system) 587.26

Water/Sewer 798.40

Alarm monitoring and repairs 493.75

Painting 1,003.04

Flooring 2,212.00

Window blinds 1,043.27

Plumbing, heating, AC repairs 9,955.03

Dryer 732.40

Electrical upgrades 3,206.50

Duraclean 2,000.00

Squirrel trapping 375.00

Bed covers and smoke detectors 253.00

Building permits and rental inspection 220.50

Fire extinguishers 96.05

Locks 323.27

Misc. 144.95

Total Expenses 27,004.04

Net profit/loss (20,124.29)

Ending balance 12/31/19 (14,271.54)

Parish Partners Linda Lynn

Our Trinity congregation prays for our Parish Partner, St. Magnus of Lerwick Islands, Scotland, each Sunday. In the middle of December 2019, I sent an envelope to St. Magnus containing newspaper articles showing wildlife found in the Williamsport area. Eagles, and Pennsylvania’s first official state amphibian, the Eastern Hellbender, were included. Moreover, an Elk article from Elk County showed a bull with a 40 lb. rack on its head. These articles should make for interesting reading. I did include pictures of the “150th tea towel” now appropriately framed and hung in our sanctuary, and pictures of our gingerbread decorating event and other pictures, too. Trinity Chimes were among religious readings.

St. Magnus is a functioning church located in an area near the Arctic Circle. This beautiful church has stained glass windows dedicated to the memory of someone important from the parish.

Please enjoy the following email from Rev. Neil Brice, the parish priest.

May God bless our Parish Partner, St. Magnus, Lerwick Islands, Scotland.

1-6-2020

Our greetings Linda,

Yes, the envelope arrived wonderfully in time and I opened it in front of those gathered on Christmas day for the Eucharist. It was lovely to spend a few moments exploring the contents and opening the Christmas cards and looking at the pictures you sent.

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We had a good Christmas here and the weather was reasonably kind to us too. The long dark days here at this time of the year can be quite difficult for a lot of people. Some days it could hardly be said to get light even, especially with heavy skies overhead.

January has started with storms affecting the transport system and the shops have struggled to get supplies. Last week the supermarket was fairly empty in fact! We have more heavy winds forecast this week too so the same may happen again.

We are now beginning to get some thoughts together to be able to send an envelope back to you all. I asked yesterday for people to think of things to include.

The Fire Festival “Up Heily Aa” is on the Last Tuesday in January as always, and is available live online, don't forget.

Meanwhile we send our New Year greetings to you all. We hope and pray that blessings will be felt as 2020 moves forward.

With our prayers, St Magnus Lerwick Neil Brice

Prayer Chain Mary Ann Stine

The Prayer Chain is an important ministry of the church and anyone can do it, even if you are homebound. Participation in the Prayer Chain requires only a regular prayer habit and the belief in the power of prayer. It’s always encouraging when we hear answers to prayer. Members of the Prayer Chain pray for needs and concerns that are made known to us. Pastoral Concerns are listed in the newsletter. Please contact Mary Ann Stine or the church office with names to be added to the prayer list.

Property Approval The Property Approval Committee is made up of the Rector, Wardens, Secretary, Treasurer, Outreach, Property and Hospitality Chairpersons. The committee, on behalf of the Vestry, takes requests for non-church activities to be held in our facilities. This includes one-time events like the use of the Parish Hall for a baby shower to longer term use such as karate and support groups.

Here is a listing of groups meeting in 2019:

• EPIC Percussion – rental of downstairs classrooms and offices and use of gym once a week

• Drumming for Special Needs (EPIC)

• Karate (3 days/week)

• Next Step Nutrition (2 days/week)

• Fencing (once a week and tournaments)

• 6 Narcotic Anonymous Groups

• 3 Alcoholic Anonymous Groups

• NA Convention Committee (once a month)

• AA Speaker and meal

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• Horological Society Dinners (6 x year)

• Bethany Christian Services - adoption and foster care training (7x year)

• Red Cross Blood Drive (2 x year)

• Rebeck Voice Studio

• Studio 570 performance

• Recovery Community Connection

• American Guild of Organists

• Victorian Christmas Transportation presentation

• West Branch School Fair – food preparation for spring fundraiser

• Baby Showers, Bridal Showers, Birthday Parties, etc.

Property Dan Llewellyn

Dan was able to keep ahead of repairs at the church this year. He replaced the weather stripping on Trinity Place door, installed a handrail where the stair glide was removed, repaired the hinge on the swinging doors between the parish hall and kitchen, replaced ceiling tiles near Trinity Place entrance after a leak was repaired, and installed jumbo toilet paper holders in all restrooms, among other projects.

Jim Zerfing, and members of the Horological Society (which meets at Trinity), tightened the east facing clock face of the bell tower that was in danger of falling out. Bower Electric repaired the generator and charger. Jim Mazzante replaced all the emergency exit signs and replaced the tower floodlights with LED lights. Plumbing Masters added quick recovery heating coils to the dishwasher water heater and repaired several leaks.

The stops on the chapel organ were replaced and the hole in the organ pipe room was repaired. Minor repairs were made to the roof, heating system, fire suppression system, and alarm system. The leaf blower and mower were repaired. A used washing machine was purchased for the upper kitchen and a vacuum cleaner was purchased. The changeable road sign was replaced as well as the parking lot sign.

These items remain on our “to do list.” If you can help complete any of these items, please talk with Dan Llewellyn or Fr. Ken.

Outside

Fix iron handrailing and remove dove at office entrance Josh Dunn quote

Replace handicap ramp sign In process

Clean gutters every spring and fall Larry Clark

Clean window wells Dan

Edge, mulch and trim plants (yearly); rake leaves

Paint deck (every 2 years) Dan

Repair sidewalk on 4th St Wait for city

Change all downspouts in ground to surface level Larry Clark or R & R Spouting

Corner of Chapel – gutter deflectors or cement at ground

Repoint bricks at office entrance

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Repoint bricks at west wall outside offices

Bracing under back deck In process - John M. Young

Lower level

Repair outside steps to boiler room and boiler room door Josh Dunn quote (not door)

Finish hallway trim outside office and cover old glue baseboards in stairwells with wooden trim

Take down and dispose of loose ceiling tiles in Boiler Room Dan

Water leak in Sunday school office (from window well?) Dan

Main level

Remove middle handrail and install side handrails in rear entrance to church from hallway (will require removing inside hallway doors)

Paint windowsills in kitchen and area between kitchen and Parish Hall

Dan

Clean carpet in main hallway and Sherri’s office

Clean wax off pew pads and carpets

Clean all blue padded folded chairs, stain remover

Tighten cap on handrail on east end stairs Dan

Loose outlet in parish hall and library, light in choir room Jim Mazzante

Dishwasher – need water heater booster ordered

Restock first aid kit (yearly) Nicole English

Gym level

Repair missing glass in swinging door Josh Dunn quote

Touch up paint in youth bathroom; trim on floor

Repair wooden panels near steps to bleachers by closet

Broken light fixtures in gym, quote for exhaust fan

LONG TERM PROJECTS Ramp on Trinity Place Parish Hall floor (applying for grants) Repointing brick – southwest corner and sides Elevator Projection screen behind rood beam Upgrade sound system Flat roof between church and Parish Hall

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Stewardship/Planned Giving Gregg Shimp

We are blessed with many resources at Trinity, the most important being our parishioners! This year we have been asked to be Shaped by Faith as we learn more about ourselves and our community. Our loving congregation at Trinity works hard to spread the word of Jesus’ Love in our local area and to support Episcopal efforts across the world. The only way we can do this effectively is through raising money and volunteer talent to fund and complete these missions. It is the prayers, support, and participation of all our people which enable our church to be the Body of Christ in this place.

Our parishioners were very engaged in sharing of their time, talents, and treasures in 2019. We began the year with 89 pledging units for a commitment of $182,934. Unfortunately, we fell short of our goal, ending the year with received pledges totaling of $166,806. In 2020, we received $10,986.80 in late pledges, bringing the total to $177,792.80. Our pledge campaign for 2020 has been very positive and has resulted in 91 pledging units for a commitment of $173,074, which has helped to allow the Vestry to develop a balanced budget for the year.

This year we also began a campaign to help grow our Trinity Growth Fund towards $2 million by 2025. This is a long-term campaign as we realize that major contributions may take a long time to plan. This fund is critical to our ability to plan for the future and to make major enhancements to our mission and church, and also helps us meet annual operating expenses. The vestry pledged to provide matching funds from the Konjevoda Estate Funds up to $125,000 to help get this drive moving forward. We got off to a good start in 2019 with $18,957 given in donations, estate, and memorial funds to the Trinity Growth Fund, with this amount to be matched by the Konjevoda Estate funds. The plaque in the church hallway is also being updated by volunteers Debbe Sakash and Sarah Reid and will have the names of all who have given $1,000 or more to the Trinity Growth Fund.

As we head into 2020, we want to thank all of you for your support of the parish’s efforts to be Shaped by Faith through your commitment to giving deeply of your time, talent, and treasure to support our congregation’s efforts to share our faith in the community.

Sunday School Cris Loner

Sunday School is back to meeting at 9 am with music with Leatha Kieser. Our Sunday School children range in age from 5 years to 5th grade. We have seven children on a relatively regular basis. This year we have been trying different lessons to see which will work best for the children. We have decided to go back to the Children’s Episcopal curriculum as we feel for the ages this will meet the best needs of the children. Thanks to Leatha for working with the children. The Christmas program turned out great again.

Ushers Geoffrey Knauth

Ushers hand out bulletins, seat the congregation, collect the offering, deliver the offering to the altar, and help direct the flow of people during Communion. More ushers are needed at the 10 am service. Please contact Geoffrey Knauth with any questions about the duties of the ushers.

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Vacation Bible School We helped with the VBS at New Covenant United Church of Christ in 2019. The theme for next year is “Rocky Railway” and it will be held on July 12-16, from 5:30-8:30 pm (starting with dinner) again at New Covenant UCC. We have been coordinating with New Covenant as well as St. Luke and St. Mark’s Lutheran churches and First Church of Christ Disciples.

Youth Group Ken Wagner-Pizza and Matt Rebeck

We started the year with youth group meeting on Sundays from noon to 2 pm, as well as holding special events and activities throughout the year. 2019 events included Souper Bowl of Caring, Easter Egg Hunt, CROP Walk, Bowling, Hayride, Game Nights, and Christmas Caroling. In the fall we began meeting on Sundays from 6-8 pm at New Covenant United Church of Christ with a combined youth group also including Church of Christ Disciples and St. Luke Lutheran. We plan to continue this in 2020 with the modification that on the 3rd Sunday of each month each church will have their own youth meeting. At Trinity, we will meet at 9 am on those weeks. Several youth and friends also attended diocesan youth retreats. Special thanks to Matt Rebeck for his work with the youth!