Volume 89, Number 2 • February 2015 TrinityEnglish.org “Working Together to Change the World Through Jesus” Former King’s Singer, Philip Lawson, to be Featured at Trinity English E nglish composer, Philip Lawson, will be guest of honor as he joins the Chancel Choir for a special choral concert on Saturday evening, February 21, at 7:00 p.m. Lawson traveled extensively around the world as an 18year member of the famed King’s Singers, while also distinguishing himself as a choral composer—writing in every genre, from sacred to folk to pop music. Ten of his arrangements for the King’s Singers appear on the group’s CD, “Simple Gifts” which won a grammy in 2009, and he will be in the U.S. for another premiere of his work by the ensemble days before his visit to Fort Wayne. The first half of the program will consist of Mr. Lawson conducting the Chancel Choir as they sing beautiful sacred music from the English tradition by composers Britten, Parry, Stanford, and Vaughan Williams. The featured piece on this half will be Vaughan Williams’ Five Mystical Songs. The baritone solos in this work will be sung by another special guest: gifted vocalist, John Whittlesey, who will be in Fort Wayne from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for the concert. The second half of this exciting program will include several sacred pieces of Mr. Lawson, followed by his folk arrangements for choir on “Down to the River to Pray,” “O Danny Boy,” “The Water Is Wide,” and his settings of pop hits “Africa,” and “Everything I Own.” John Whittlesey, baritone, performs regularly in opera, concert, and recital, having appeared with Boston Lyric Opera, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, New England Light Opera, Cape Cod Opera, Longwood Opera, the Masterworks Chorale, Wellesley College, Trinity College, the Salisbury Singers, the Quincy Choral Society, the Stow Festival Chorus, the Chorus North Shore, the Louisville Master Chorale, and the Middletown Civic Chorus. John’s operatic roles include Count Almaviva in Le Nozze di Figaro, the Father in Hansel and Gretel, Melchior in Amahl and the Night Visitors, Silvio in I Pagliacci, Sam in Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti, Robert Mission in Romberg’s The New Moon, Ben in Menotti’s The Telephone, Aeneas in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, and the Traveler in Britten’s Curlew River. John has also cre- Saturday, February 21|7:00 p.m. ated several roles in operas by Brian Hulse, Jeffrey Brody, David Paul Gibson, Roger Rudenstein, Thomas Oboe Lee, Charles Shadle, and James Yannatos. Recent performances include Handel’s Messiah, Barber’s Dover Beach, the Brahms Requiem, the Fauré Requiem, Dominick Argento’s The Andrée Expedition, Bach’s Ich habe genug, and Handel’s Jephtha. You won’t want to miss this concert which promises to be both moving and fun. It is open to the public; a free-will offering will be taken. INSIDE THIS ISSUE Ash Wednesday & Midweek Services......... 5 Book Club.................................................... 3 Children, Youth, and Family........................ 4 Choir Retreat............................................... 6 ChocolateFest and Game Night.................. 4 Christians in Action...................................... 4 Evening Prayer Service............................... 2 Frigid Week—Trinity English Responds...... 5 Music and E3................................................ 5 Mission Trips—Middle and High School...... 4 Pastoral Letter............................................. 2 Scholarship Opportunity.............................. 4 Souper Bowl of Caring................................ 4 Study Connection Goes to the Zoo............. 3 Women of the ELCA Events........................ 3 Young Adult Ministries Coffee Hour............. 3 Parish Visitor  TRINITY ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH  Page 1 Evening Prayer Sunday, February 8 4:00 p.m., Nave + Scripture + Prayer + Candlelight + Silence + E vening Prayer will be offered on the second Sunday of February. The Youth Choir will sing. Evening Prayer is a reflective way to complement Sunday morning services. And, if you are not able to be present for morning liturgies, consider attending this “peaceful” service, officiated by Pastor Erdos, Senior Pastor. TRINITY ENGLISH PARISH VISITOR Volume 89 • No. 2 • February 2015 Trinity English Lutheran Church 450 West Washington Boulevard Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802-2916 (260) 426-3424 • www.TrinityEnglish.org The vision of Trinity English Lutheran Church is to be a caring, worshipping, and serving family of God, so led by the Holy Spirit that all may be baptized and know Jesus Christ as their Savior. PV COPY DEADLINE—The deadline for submitting articles and photographs for the next issue of the Parish Visitor is the 15th of each month. All submissions are accepted subject to editorial review and changes. Send information to Sandra Schmidt, Director of Communications, at SSchmidt@ TrinityEnglish.org. YOUR PARTNERS IN THE GOSPEL SENIOR PASTOR Gary M. Erdos ASSOCIATE PASTORS Kathleen W. Haller Daniel W. Fugate Benjamin J. Sloss ASSOCIATES • Robert A. Hobby & Mitchell A. Rorick, Music • Janet J. Altmeyer, Caring Ministries • Mary Ann E. Parker, Faith Formation • Sandra R. Schmidt, Communications • Richard G. Frazier, Pastor Emeritus • Frederick E. Hasecke, Pastor Emeritus • Daniel L. Hamlin, Pastor Emeritus B e sure to “like” Trinity English’s Facebook page. You can find it at www.facebook. com/TrinityEnglish. Pastoral Letter W henever I’m reading a new book or watching a movie for the first time I find that almost without exception the part I like the most happens somewhere in the middle. Sometime after all the characters and settings have been introduced, just as the main plot point is starting to develop there’s a moment or two where you can see that something big is going to happen but we don’t quite yet know what that is or what it will look like. There’s something about that moment that is so exciting and full of possibility. There’s the sense that something big is about to happen and with every passing moment we see just a little clearer what it is. In February we find ourselves in the church telling the story of Jesus that takes place midway between Christmas and Easter. It’s this part of the story, sometime between Epiphany which remembers the wise men appearing to the baby Jesus and the beginning of Lent later this month that we reach that moment where the final plot and climax of the story just starts to become clear. As we move through the month of February we will hear stories that hint at Jesus’ death and resurrection, and watch as the disciples struggle to figure out exactly what is supposed to happen next. Preparing for this part of the story, the in-between time that falls between Christmas and Easter makes me wonder if we aren’t in a similar spot in our life as the church. Trinity English is incredibly fortunate to have a beautiful historic building (and the resources to care for it), an incredible music program, and a long history of excellent traditional worship and liturgy. While these things are wonderful and incredible gifts to have as a church I can tell you that in the few months I’ve been here at Trinity English I have been blown away by the sheer number of things that happen in this place just below the surface. In just the last few months there have been fall festivals, fund raising campaigns raising tens of thousands of dollars each for our neighbors in need locally, nationally, and internationally. We’ve had concerts, mission trips, and every form of youth event you can think of. Getting to know Trinity English and becoming a small part of what happens just under the surface has been an amazing experience. But I can’t help but wonder if in spite of the fact that we’ve been a church here in this place for more than 150 years if we’re still only at the beginning of our story. Sitting here at Trinity English today feels a lot to me like diving into chapter two of a good book. The scene is set the characters have been introduced; there’s just a hint of where the plot might take us, and almost limitless possibilities. So as we sit here in the beginning of 2015 perhaps sitting on the edge of something totally new I wonder, what do you see? Blessings! Pastor Ben Sloss Photographers . . . Join Senior Men . . . Y ou are invited to join Senior Men on Thursday, February 12, and Thursday, February 26, 2015, at 9:00 a.m.—for breakfast and fellowship—all are welcome! W e are in the process of developing a list of individuals to assist with taking high-resolution photos at Trinity English services/events. Send an email to [email protected] if you are interested. Photos will be used for website, newsletter, and/or other communication pieces. Parish Visitor  TRINITY ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH  Page 2 Mary Ann Parker, takes on new roll of Director of Faith Formation Young Adult Ministries Coffee Hour A M onthly young adult ministries coffee hours continue in February. Stop by the Firefly Coffee house on 3523 North Anthony Boulevard between 10:00 a.m. and Noon on Saturday, February 21, to have some coffee and chat with Pastor Ben and other young adults. Come by to talk about God, Life, student loans, or just to get some free coffee! s our Children, Youth, and Family Ministries continues to grow, we have recognized for some time a need to add more support to this important ministry. Mary Ann Parker has moved into this role and is beginning to work with Pastor Fugate to expand this area of our ministry. As many of you know, Mary Ann has worked on the “business” side of our ministry for quite a long time. Before serving as Business Administrator Mary Ann had worked with Sally Lawson on Sunday School programs. She will bring some of this experience back with her, along with the experience of having volunteered for a number of Children, Youth, and Family Ministry activities over the past few years. Katie Parks, who did some part-time work in this area, completed her work this past month and we wish her well in her new endeavors. Mary Ann no longer serves Trinity English as Business Administrator. A search will be made for a new person early this spring. Study Connection Goes to the Zoo T T he Book Club will meet on Thursday, February 12, 2015; to review “Echoes” by Danielle Steel (2004) with host Lois Snouffer—Historical epic of three generations of women through love, loss, war and survival. Everyone is welcome to join the group! hank you to Nancy Carlson Dodd for regaling our young Study Connection students with her talents as a playwright. The children actively participated in a play, penned by Nancy, which was set in a Chicago zoo where a humorous cast of characters attempts to respond to an unexpected emergency: an escaped lion! Trinity English’s Study Women of the ELCA—The Gift of February T he Women of the ELCA at Trinity English will again meet in the month of February. On Thursday, February 5, at 10:30 a.m. our first Bible Study for 2015 will be held in the Fireside Room. The topic for the day is: “Sisterly Love and the Choices We Make.” Phyllis Thompson will lead the discussion. At noon enjoy lunch at Club Soda. Everyone is invited to attend the Bible study and lunch. On Monday, February 9, at 2:00 p.m. Trinity English women will join with Church Women United to assist with Bingo and snacks for residents of Byron Health Center. If you would like to help, please contact Sandra Barleben at 260-432-6893. During the month we will sell Justice Bread (Sunday to be determined) and prepare ourselves for the Lenten Journey which begins with Connection program is unique in our approach to mentoring students; not only do our children receive compassionate tutoring assistance, but they are privileged to gain insight into various professions, develop strong interpersonal skills, and improve critical thinking thanks to our periodic speakers, such as Nancy, who share their experience, wisdom, and passion. the observance of Ash Wednesday on February 18. The Quilting Group will meet in Wagenhals Hall on Thursday, February 26, from noon until 4:00 p.m. Questions, please contact Cindy Goshert at 260-672-3737. Come join us, let us remember as we join together the verses from Galatians 5: 22-23, The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness gentleness, and self control. Parish Visitor  TRINITY ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH  Page 3 Children, Youth, and Family Events and Activities Scholarship Opportunity T P lan now to join us on Super Bowl Sunday, February 1, 2015, immediately following the 11:00 am worship service, for a soup and salad luncheon. There is no cost, although a freewill offering will be received for ELCA World Hunger. We will also be collecting canned goods for Wellspring. Trinity English’s youth join this nationwide effort to raise money for hungry people in the United States and around the world each year. Please join us for lunch and help our efforts to feed hungry people! ChocolateFest and Game Night J he R. Frank Miser and Ruth Miser White Scholarship, a one-time $1000 award, is offered to a Trinity English high school senior who will be attending a college, university, or technical school next year. Applications are being mailed to high school seniors and are also available from Mary Ann Parker. Applications must be postmarked on or before April 15, 2015. Sunday School S unday school for students age 3 through grade 5 is offered weekly at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. during the school year. Elementary students begin with activity centers, a time when they choose the activity they’d like to try. Upcoming themes: February 1 Teaching and Healing, Mark 1:21-28 February 8 Jesus Heals, Mark 1:29-39 February 15 The Transfiguration, Mark 9:2-9 February 22 Noah’s Ark, Genesis 6-9 March 1 Abraham and Sarah’s Visitors, Genesis 18:1-15; 21:1-7 oin us on Sunday, February 8, 2015, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, in the Youth Center, for our annual ChocolateFest and Game Night. We will play a variety of board and card games while enjoying dinner and chocolate desserts. There is no cost to attend, although a freewill offering will be received for the cost of the dinner. We’ll also have our chocolate fountain. You are invited to bring a chocolate dessert to share. Everyone is welcome! For more information, contact Pastor Dan Fugate at (260) 426-3424 or DFugate@TrinityEnglish. org. High School February 1 Souper Bowl of Caring Lunch, Noon, Wagenhals February 8 ChocolateFest and Game Night 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Youth Center February 15 Christians in Action 10:00 a.m., Youth Center High School Youth Group 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. February 22 High School Youth Group 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mission Trips We have two mission trips planned for this summer: High school students, those who completed grades 9, 10, 11, or 12, will travel to San Francisco, California June 20 through 27, 2015. The destination for middle school students is Charleston, West Virginia, July 5 through 11, 2015. The deadline to register is April 15, 2015. Contact Pastor Dan Fugate at [email protected] or Mary Ann Parker at [email protected] or call them at (260) 426-3424. Middle School February 1 Souper Bowl of Caring Noon, Wagenhals February 8 Confirmation Learning Event 10:00 a.m. to Noon, Youth Center ChocolateFest and Game Night 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Youth Center February 15 Christians in Action 10:00 a.m., Youth Center February 22 Confirmation Learning Event 10:00 a.m. to Noon, Youth Center Middle School Youth Group Noon to 2:00 p.m. C hristians in Action, our monthly cross-generational hands-on service opportunity, will meet on Sunday, February 15, 2015, at 10:00 a.m., in the Youth Center to put together Hygiene Kits. Please join us as we work together on this special project. Everyone is welcome! Parish Visitor  TRINITY ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH  Page 4 A Frigid Week in Fort Wayne and Trinity English Responds A s temperatures dropped below zero, a number of requests for emergency assistance from local schools, shelters, and nonprofit agencies circulated around our community. What a blessing in one day to send blankets, coats, soap, clothing, and prayerful support to those in our immediate area who were struggling to stay warm. Nancy Sweet from Fort Wayne Community Schools, our Study Connection liaison, picked up over twenty coats for children, and filled her vehicle with young adult and children’s clothing. Jennifer Harvey from Blue Jacket Industries could barely shut the doors on her car because of the numerous adult clothing donations from Trinity English, including several winter coats, dozens of suits, and other professional items. In the same morning, Lisa Graham from Fort Wayne’s Homeless Team collected over twenty-five blankets, dozens of toilet paper rolls, towels, wash cloths, over 200 bars of soap, shampoo, lotion, men’s razors PreK to Grade 6 Schedule Rehearsals and hygiene items to deliver to the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission just a few blocks away. Thanks to the generous Sharing Care In-Kindness donations from our congregation we could respond to the cold weather crisis in a timely manner and distribute the items where they were needed most. This could not have been accomplished without significant assistance organizing and preparing the items for pick-up by sextons, Melissa Joseph and Mike Phillips, and “Professional Volunteer, “Charlene Wiles. We remain grateful for your “cheerful giving” (2 Corinthians 9:7) and ask for your continued support of Trinity English’s Sharing Care In-Kindness with your prayers, volunteer hours, and in-kind donations. Watch the announcements for additional details. A lunch will be provided at each “noon” Discussion/Study in Wagenhals Hall for $5.00. March 11 ASH WEDNESDAY—February 18 12:05 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Nave March 18 Services of Holy Communion March 4 Jump on Time February 11—Steel Drums Worship Service February 8 9:00 a.m., Service—3rd-6th graders 8:15 a.m., Junior Choir (3-6) Warm-up and Liturgical Drama (3-6) Prep, Theater 9:00 a.m., Junior Choir (3-6) Sing and Liturgical Drama (3-6) Pickup in Theater following the service 11:00 a.m., Service —PreK-2nd graders 10:30 a.m. Liturgical Drama (PreK-2) Prep, Theater 11:00 a.m. Liturgical Drama (PreK-2) 1st part of service 11:20 a.m., Pick up in Theater Grades 7-12 Schedule Rehearsals Wednesdays, February 4, 11, 25 5:45-6:15 p.m.—Youth Supper 6:15-7:15 p.m.—Youth Choir 7:15-8:00 p.m. Wednesday Steel Drum Ensemble 8:15-9:00 p.m.—Celebration Ringers Ash Wednesday, February 18—Special Schedule 5:30-6:00 p.m., Youth Supper 6:00-6:30 p.m., Youth Choir 7:00 p.m., Ash Wednesday Worship Worship Services Ash Wednesday Worship Services and New Midweek Lent Discussion/Study WEDNESDAYS IN LENT DISCUSSION/STUDY 12:05 p.m. | Wagenhals Hall February 25 Wednesdays,February 4, 11, 18, 25 4:20-4:40 p.m. Brief Snack Time for Pre-K to 6 4:45-5:30 p.m. 3-6 Arts Component PreK-2 Children’s Choir/Music 5:30-6:15 p.m. 3-6 Junior Choir/Music PreK-2 Arts Component 6:15 p.m. Pick-Up Time for PreK-6 March 25 DAILY LENTEN DEVOTIONS A regular or large-print devotional to use during your Lenten journey will also be available. Sundays, February 1, 15, 22 8:30 a.m., Warm up 9:00 a.m., Sing for Worship Service Sunday—February 8 Youth Choir will not sing for morning worship 3:30 p.m., Warm up 4:00 p.m., Youth Choir sings for Evening Prayer Facebook Check out the “Trinity English Music & Arts Ministries” Facebook page at www.facebook.com/trinityenglishmusic. Besides information about upcoming events, we have pictures and videos from many of the happenings in the music and arts ministries of Trinity English. Parish Visitor  TRINITY ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH  Page 5 Book of Life Non-profit Org. US POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 55 Fort Wayne, IN Funerals “May the Faithful departed, by the mercy of God, find peace.” Donna E. Gronauer died December 22, 2014 Deloris D. Pfeiffer died January 6, 2015 450 West Washington Boulevard Fort Wayne, IN 46802-2916 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED James A. Bloom died January 2, 2015 Donald R. Wolf died January 10, 2015 Jean M. Pittner died January 16, 2015 Baptisms “For such is the Kingdom of Heaven” Isaac Paul Pape baptized January 11, 2015, son of Jeffery A. and Yun Ah (Lee) Pape Chancel Choir Enjoys Retreat In January, Chancel Choir members went on a retreat to prepare for the upcoming Philip Lawson concert in February. It was an enjoyable time of fellowship and also a productive gathering at Camp Lutherwald. General Operating Fund 2014-2015 For Nine Months Ending December 31, 2014 December 2014 December 2013 Favorable (Unfavorable) $ 816,152 $ 794,216 $ 21,936 Other Offerings and Income 121,048 96,272 24,776 Endowment Income 210,805 200,659 10,146 REVENUES Regular Offerings Total Revenues $1,148,005 $1,091,147 $ 56,858 $ 85,320 $ 85,320 $ –0– 959,361 847,377 ( 111,984) $1,044,681 $932,697 ($111,984) EXPENSES Benevolences Operating Expenses Total Expenses PLEDGES RECEIVED 2014-15 2013-14 # of Pledges* 382 368 Pledged Amt.* $ 875,940 $ 871,386 Offering Budget $1,106,020 $1,061,239 * Reflects monthly increases and decreases due to changes in membership giving status. Parish Visitor  TRINITY ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH  Page 6