Episcopalians join celebration of first Anglicans in Virginia

The Holy VVVrinity ÿ Herald May/June 2008

P.O. Box 81 * Bonham, TX 75418 www.holytrinitybonham.org

The Vicar’s Voice: 6-3-2008

Strange things have been happening. I received a phone call about 10pm a week ago from a woman who gave her name and said that she was calling from Taipei, Taiwan. She said that she had received a phone call from an African-American priest who identified himself as Fr. William Dalton, Priest-in-Charge of Holy Trinity, Bonham, Texas and said he was in the Philippines and needed to be sent cash so he could complete his trip to Taiwan to recover the body of his father who had died while on a trip there.

He said that he had letters from Bishop Stanton to Bishop Lai (Bishop of Taiwan). He told her she could call anyone at the Church to verify that he was Priest-in-Charge but that it was in the middle of the night in Dallas and he was sure no one would want to be disturbed. Well, the lady, Catherine Lee, looked on the internet and found our web page, called the Church number and finds my cell number on the answering machine. She called. I told her that I was not black (which she already knew from my web site picture) and that I was the Vicar and I was at home in Bonham and that this sounded like a scam.

I received an e-mail from Catherine today advising me that she had called the man back in the Philippines and had him verify the name and spell it for her. She then told him that she had spoken to me. Immediate hang up. She said she thought that would be the end of it but at a Diocesan meeting Friday, she found out that he had later called the Chaplain of St. John’s University and the Dean of the Cathedral and some of the priests on their cell phones.

I have no idea who this person might be but if anyone gets a call to verify Fr. William Dalton is in charge of Holy Trinity, TELL THEM YOU NEVER HEARD OF ME. No, I’m joking, but please let me know.

Today I received a call from Carol Taylor, Bishops Assistant, in Hamilton, New Zealand with the same story. This guy is not giving up. Same story. He must be going through the South Pacific and Asia. My name is now a world traveler even though I am still sitting here. I really hope no one falls for this and sends him any money.

On another matter, the Ordination of Fr. David Petrash was a joyful event and we wish him all blessings on his ministry….. Fr. Bill+

$A:\MVC-813F.JPG$ Invitation from Bishop James Stanton to the Consecration of Suffragan Bishop Paul Emil Lambert of the Diocese of Dallas:

By the grace of God and with the people consenting, the Rev. Canon Paul Emil Lambert will be ordained at 10:00 in the morning on Saturday, the 12th day of July in the year of our Lord 2008 at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, 8011 Douglas Ave., Dallas. Reception to follow at Hilton Park Cities Hotel, Dallas, TX.

We will be organizing a pilgrimage (a.k.a. car pool) to share fuel expenses to go to Saint Michael and All Angels in Dallas to attend the consecration of Suffragan Bishop-elect Lambert. This is a unique opportunity to witness the Episcopal Church in its finest pageantry and liturgical ceremony. You will not want to miss it

A sign-up sheet is in the Parish House where you can volunteer your car and take riders or sign up to ride in someone else’s car to share fuel expenses.

Sat., July 12^th ! Departure time will be 8:00 am SHARP !!

Vestry Report – Ron Wicks

Since the last Senior Warden Report we have had two Vestry meeting, April 13^th and May 12^th. Here are few topics that were discussed: Lou Bickel, Junior Warden, reported that the lettering and electrical box on the east outside wall of the church had been removed and the wall was reconditioned. Bids for the repair of the Parish House roof were reviewed and the thirty-year roof was selected. . Father Dalton further advised that Deacon David Petrash would be ordained priest on May 29, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Luke’s in Denison.

Carrie Boron did a wonderful job preaching on Pentecost Sunday. Pat Ward advised that the monies from the Britton estate have been invested with Edward Jones (representative Randy Bowen) in Bonham.

I want to thank all the vestry members for their time, efforts and flexible during my busy work schedule: Louis Bickel, Junior Warden in charge of property maintenance, Pam Walker, Tom Long, Pat Ward, Sharon Kinkade, Secretary Linda Long and Treasurer Kim Wicks also attend Vestry meetings. Any member who has an item they would like to ask the Vestry to discuss should submit a request to address the Vestry on that issue at the next meeting of the Vestry. Requests should be submitted to Senior Warden Ron Wicks or any member of the Vestry.

Tuition Reimbursement Scholarships available to members of Holy Trinity to study for Deacon or Lay Leader Certification

– one weekend a month in Dallas.

King David Bible Study Group initiated by Barbara Ruffner and Kim Jenkins for an in depth study of biblical figures meet on Thursday evenings at the Parish House at 6:00pm with light supper brought by class members. The current study is a Beth Moore Ministries series on King David. The evening begins with a video about the week’s lesson, followed by group discussion.

The study group is planning a retreat overnight at All Saints Camp early in November. Other women of the church who wish to join us are welcome. Other study group subjects will be offered starting in the Fall. This enlightening experience of fellowship has lead to a possibility of the initiation of special interest support and discussion groups in the future.

HELP NEEDED TO FILL IN THE BLANKS

PRIESTS WHO HAVE SERVE THE ALTAR OF

HOLY TRINITY SINCE 1972

?	Fr. ? Phillips	1975	Fr. Thomas Pantle
?	Fr. Gill Greenville	1986	Fr. Clayton Holland
?	Fr. Bill Forest	1988	Fr. Ed Sholty
1970	Fr. David Erskine	1988-89	Fr. Raffolovich (sp?)
1973	Fr. George Kershaw	2000	Fr. Gene Baker
		2004	Fr. Bill Dalton

We are trying to update the list of priests who have served Holy Trinity since 1972 when Tom Scott wrote his account of the history of our historic church. The handwriting in the Sacristy Record Book is sketchy at best, and unreadable in parts. Following is information gathered thus far from parishioners from memory. Additions and corrections are invited:

If anyone has photos of any of these priests or of the church before it burned, please let Pat Ward or Father Dalton know. We would like to scan them (and give them back to you). We also want to know about significant events or occasions that have taken place since 1972.

The Holy Trinity Society of St. Francis –

Father Dalton has created the Holy Trinity Society of St. Francis for those who subscribe to the mission of our church to provide for and improve the conditions for the care of the unfortunate animals who fall into the hands of the Bonham animal shelter. Those who would like to participate in fund-raising and food and supplies collections for the local animal shelter are welcome to participate with us in this noble endeavor. Food and supplies continue to be donated by church members and individuals in the community. For the abused and abandoned animals, the food we provide could be their first meal in days or weeks. For those and others, unwanted or unclaimed within 72 hours, it could be their last meal every Thursday. Dog and cat food is available at a relatively low price at Family Dollar Store on North Center Street.

Contact Charlene Dalton or Pat Ward.

History of the Daughters of the King – Holy Trinity Bonham (by Beverly Rainbolt)

Holy Trinity was one of the first Orders of the Daughters of the King organized in the Diocese of Dallas in 1905. The original Charter is framed and on display in the Parish House. After a number of years of activity, the Order became inactive until December 2000, when Marianna Untersee, Mike Curtis, Betty Drumm, Irete Perdue, Beverly Rainbolt and Kathie Whiteside traveled to Sherman to meet with Joyce Watson at St. Stephens Episcopal Church to learn about The Order of the Daughters of the King and to Charter our New Chapter. We met twice a month in Sherman and on April 1, 2001 were admitted into the Order. Since that time, we have lost Joyce Watson, who trained us at St. Stephens, Marianna Untersee and Mike Curtis . We have admitted Victoria Hutchins, Jean Whitlock, Charlene Dalton, Pam Walker and soon we will admit Gail Porter who will finish her studies shortly. Two of the Daughters are inactive at this time.

The Order of the Daughters of the King is an international religious order for Episcopal women. Its purpose is to bring others into a living, loving relationship with Jesus, our Lord and Savior and to help strengthen the spiritual life of our parishes and missions. The requirements for membership in the Order are that a woman be a communicant in the Episcopal Church, be willing to participate in the preparation period and vow to accept the Rule of Life. Affiliate chapters may be formed in churches having a Historic Episcopate but not in communion with the Episcopal Church, such as the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches. Such chapters must subscribe to the Order’s Rule of Life.

At the Service of Admission, a Daughter reaffirms the promises she made at confirmation: She pledges herself to a lifelong program of prayer, service and personal evangelism; she dedicates herself to the spread of Christ’s kingdom and she assists in strengthening the spiritual life of her parish. She vows to uphold the two parts of the Rule of Life of the Order: The Rule of Prayer and the Rule of Service. Daughters promise to pray daily for the spread of Christ’s kingdom, for God’s blessing on all members of the Order and for the spiritual growth of their parishes. Through the Rule of Service, Daughters regularly take part in the worship, study and work of the church, undertake a personal program of evangelism in a conscientious effort to bring others into a personal relationship with Christ and work with their clergy, as directed, for the spiritual up building of the parish.

This is a wonderful group of ladies and on occasion we have supported each other in some trying situations. I personally don’t know what I would have done without my Daughters through the past several years. If you are interested in becoming a Daughter, please contact me or any of the Daughters mention above. ……..

Beverly Rainbolt, President

KING ABDULLAH II OF JORDAN GIVES THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF JERUSALEM

A PLOT OF LAND AT THE SITE OF THE BAPTISM OF JESUS

The Christian Century Magazine, May 06, 2008 http://www.christiancentury.org/article.lasso?id=4718

King Abdullah II of Jordan has given a plot of land to the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem for construction of a church and retreat center at the much-visited Bethany-bay-on-the-Jordan site, where, according to tradition, Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist took place.

In officially dedicating the two-and-a-half-acre site on March 28, Anglican bishop Suheil Dawani of Jerusalem called the gift a "privilege" that will enable the building "of a medium-sized Gothic church," according to Episcopal News Service.

"It will be a center for the entire Anglican Communion all over the world to visit and connect with what's going on here," Dawani said. King Abdullah II, in a statement, cited Jordan as an example of tolerance and coexistence between Islam and Christianity.

In addition to about 550 clergy and laity from Jordan churches, the gathering included Prince Ghazi bin Mohammed, the king's adviser on churches in Jordan. The prince was a key figure in arranging for an unprecedented letter last year from Muslim leaders and scholars inviting Christian church leaders to dialog on the two faiths' mutual adherence to the love of God and love of neighbor.

The projected construction at the baptismal site "becomes an important part of Jordan's invitation to the Christian religious community to participate in collegiality and interfaith dialogue," Prince Ghazi said.

According to Jordanian statistics, about 400,000 people visited the Bethany site in 2007, said Nichola Akei, assistant to Dawani. The diocese has 31 congregations in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine and Israel, as well as hospitals, clinics, schools and other institutions.

Welcome to our church family:

BRODY ALLEN LOWREY

22 May 2008 * 11:15 P.M.

8# 14 oz.

Son of Kayce Vernon

Grandson of Gary and Gail Vernon

Babies and Bubbles

On Sunday, June 1^st, a new tradition was initiated at Holy Trinity. The parishioners of our church, hosted by Sharon Kinkade, honored Beau Isaac Roberts, and baby-soon-to-be Madilyn Grace Mercer for a Babies and Bubbles party. Beau Isaac is the 5 month old son of Bobby and Julie Roberts. Madilyn Grace is the soon baby-to-be-seen daughter of Chad and Lydia Mercer. Piles of baby diapers, baby lotions and bathing lotions were brought to the young mothers. The Roberts live in Bonham and have three children other than Beau. The Mercers live in El Paso where Chad is in the U.S. Army. Madilyn Grace is their first child. Both young mothers are nurses. Two more young mothers are expecting babies later this year, Heather and SarahBeth. Holy Trinity is growing God’s garden, one child at the time.

Annual Feast of the Holy Trinity Barbeque celebration –

Sunday, May 18^th

The Missionary Mantra...

“Lord, where you lead me I will follow, and what you feed me I will swallow!”

On that beautiful sunny Sunday, members, friends and guests followed the taste-tempting fragrance of hickory-smoked chicken to celebrate the joy of the Holy Trinity following the 10:30 service. Pat Ward’s husband, Roger, and her guest, Mary-k Ashley Wilson, Pat Doyle and several others were present as were sisters, daughters, sons, long absent member Leslie Gibson, and many others. Some of the plates, piled to overflowing with some of the best food by the best cooks in all of Texas, were like a work of art. Every dish was a labor of love by the capable hands and kitchens of our parishioners.

This annual event is a much anticipated time of fellowship, food and fun. Rick Cowley, Chief Cook, served chicken that had been smoked for hours and members brought side dishes that were fit for a king.

EVANGELISM 101 - Carrie Boren will return to Holy Trinity on August 16th (Saturday) to conduct the Evangelism 101 course. Mark your colander. Time August 16, 2008, 10am – 2pm. Father Dalton will invite some of the other area churches to participate as well.

Evangelism 101: 77% of individuals who come to church and make a commitment to Jesus Christ do so because of personal contact with a friend or family member. Evangelism 101 explores: What is the Good news? What is evangelism? Why do we do it? How do we share our faith without being afraid? How do we tell the Gospel story? How do we tell our own story? How do we engage in evangelism within our Episcopal context? How do we practice evangelism as a congregation? What ideas can the congregation make use of to promote evangelism?

Holy Trinity’s Name Gets a Little Closer to God

NASA has collaborated with the John Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and the Planetary Society to increase awareness of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter which will be circling the moon for the next two or three years or more collecting information on the moon’s surface and subsurface. The awareness program includes a microchip holding the names of anyone requesting that their name be sent to the moon.

The deadline is June 27^th to submit a name and print out a certificate. There is no charge. It’s free.

The website address is: http://lro.jhuapl.edu/NameToMoon/index.php.

Holy Trinity Member Survey

Following is a synopsis of information from 16 surveys returned and appears to be a fair representation of the Holy Trinity population.

Some responses are paraphrased.

All responses are from communicants who are members of Holy Trinity.
Eleven are married, two divorced, one has remarried, and one is a widow or widower.
Six are retired and the others work full time or part time.
Parishioners drive from one to 24 miles (one way) to attend Holy Trinity and while 6 live in or near Bonham, others live in or near Gober, Bailey, Ivanhoe, Wolfe City and Celeste
On their way to church, parishioners pass by churches near their home: Baptist, Assembly of God, Church of the Nazarene, and Methodist churches
Those who work drive from 4 to 65 miles (one way) to work
Twelve have access to email at home and 6 have access to email both at home and at work
Living in the households of our parishioners are adult family members from 26 to 75 years of age
Parishioners have transferred their membership from the following Episcopal Churches to Holy Trinity: St. Michael’s and All Angels, Holy Nativity Plano, St. Paul’s Greenville, Incarnation Dallas, St. Peters McKinney, St. Stephens Sherman, St. David Garland, St. Mark’s Irving, TX
Respondents have been members so of Holy Trinity for 2 to 35 years, averaging 14 years
Three members have old photographs of Holy Trinity that they are willing to allow to be copied for an updated history of our church
Six are “cradle Episcopalians”. Others were raised in the Church of Christ, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Baptist, Congregational Methodist, United Methodist and Southern Baptist denominations
If activities are offered for age appropriate activities, those with children or teenagers say that the young people would attend. Most younger children are attending on a regular basis
Seven of the 15 respondents are interested in the formation of a choir at Holy Trinity.
Five of the respondents prefer to receive their newsletter by postal mail, 9 prefer email, and 2 would like to receive it via email and postal mail.
Eight respondents are interested in joining weeknight meetings to hear presentations, discuss ecclesiastical subjects or life issues, or engage in fun activities. Some suggestions for group activities on a regular schedule are: book reviews, movie viewing, meals and parties, Bible study, life issues, informational presentations, support groups for grandparents raising grandchildren, and a recovery group for those with depression/anxiety, handling grief of any kind (job, family member, crisis).
Six respondents are participating in the Secret Pal program, seven are participating in the magazine exchange, six have books or movie videos/DVDs they are willing to share with the church library
Eight of the 16 own a Book of Common Prayer, all own at least one Bible, and only 4 bring one or both with them to church on a regular basis.
Eleven of the respondents have served on a Vestry, nine are interested in serving on the Vestry either for the first time or after having already served. Two admitted that they don’t know how many or who serve on the current Vestry.
Eight of the respondents have attended a Diocesan convention, four of those as a Delegate.
Ten have attended the Ordination of a Priest but only 3 have attended the coronation of a Bishop
Ten respondents have attended an institution of higher learning and 7 have earned degrees
The profession or career path of the responding parishioners are: insurance, insurance education, Registered Nurse, sales (advertising), information technology, master auto mechanic, legal secretary, medical technology, deputy clerk District Court, psych counseling, engineering, communications, clerical analysis, news media reporter, journalism, feature writer
Other civic organizations or activities parishioners participate in are Democratic Party, Republican Party, Fannin County Rural Rail District, literary program, CASA, Daughters of the King, Altar Guild, Fannin County Ministries Food Bank, church website development and webmaster, Fannin County Historical Commission, community theatre
Three respondents are interested in teaching: Parenting, Language arts, tutoring for the GED exam
Most of the respondents are sports fans: football, basketball, baseball, soccer and hockey. They follow professional teams, some college teams, and one respondent follows high school teams
Seven respondents attend Wednesday evening services regularly, seven attend occasionally, and one does not attend because of work
Most members are satisfied with one service on Sunday and prefer the 10:30 time. One respondent would like an earlier service and one would attend Sunday evenings if offered
Ten respondents are interested in learning about other cultures and religions and would attend presentations by people of those religions or cultures.
Five respondents have been to All Saints Camp on Lake Texoma, ten have been to St. Matthews Cathedral in Dallas, the mother church of the Dallas Diocese.
Seven respondents attend church in other cities or towns when they are traveling

The following are responses to questions on the survey that invite comment:

Q1 - How do/would you describe our church to friends who might ask you to tell them something about Holy Trinity in a few words?

beautiful liturgy, great Vicar, a holy place, meaningful support for each other, a thinking congregation, close, small , intimate, loving, caring, structured, orderly, scriptural, friendly, simple, faithful, pure, wonderful, an exciting and loving relationship with God and each other; a healing oasis of spiritual growth; reverent;

Q2 – What would you like Holy Trinity to offer in the way of enrichment activities?

Classes on spirituality; meditation/Yoga sessions; quarterly guest speakers; classes in responsibility for youth as well as adults in the community that emphasizes commitment and accountability;

Q3 – What problems do you envision that we will have adjusting to a new Vicar or supply priests when Father Dalton retires this September?

Getting used to how he/she will do things; new priest should respect the way we do things; if he/she ushes for growth for the sake of growth (i.e., to increase the ‘plate’); if we are unable to secure a full time priest, there may be both Wednesday and occasional Sunday services without the Eucharist; if we don’t have a full time priest it will be difficult to attract new members; there are some strong personalities in our church who might make it difficult for a new priest to practice his/her own pastoral service.

(a) Will it ( new priest) affect whether or not you attend services?

All respondents indicated that having a new priest or supply priest will not, or probably will not, effect their attendance.

Q4 – What do you feel is the greatest obstacle to inviting non-Episcopalians to services?

Their willingness to come; service is difficult to follow; music is mostly non-traditional and hymns are unfamiliar and difficult to follow; Protestants aren’t accustomed to such formal liturgical and ceremonial procedures; don’t feel it is necessary to recruit people to become Episcopalians; our service is regarded as more sophisticated and complex than non-churched people are willing to expend the energy to learn; would prefer to encourage inactive Episcopalians to come back home to us;

Q5 – What is your vision for Holy Trinity 5 years from now?

More members; younger members to carry on the existence of Holy Trinity; more families with young children and youth; new parish house; increased member activities; achievement of Parish status; viable children’s Sunday school; adult programs; church office open daily; offering support groups for the community; to be regarded as an important presence in the community; an increase in enthusiasm and participation in projects or the work necessary to keep our house in order.

July/AugustNewsletter deadline: July 20, 2008 to HolyTrntyEditor@aol.com

Vicar: Father Bill Dalton * FatherBill@Verizon.net * 903-583-8184