Joy of Giving Online Auction

JOY OF GIVING ONLINE AUCTION

Inspired by our new rector, we welcome Trinity Church’s first Joy of Giving Online Auction, accessible from the church website and running from December 13 to December 20, 2020. Proceeds to benefit local outreach projects in this year of exceptional need. 

The entirely virtual auction will feature many new wonderful items;

• Exquisite flower-shaped stud earrings in 14K white gold with pave diamond petals and turquoise centers

• Two-day stay at the five-star Inn at Perry Cabin on Maryland’s Eastern Shore including gift certificates for local restaurants in St. Michaels

• One-week stay at beachfront condo on Gasparilla Island, Boca Grande, Florida

• Many fun dinners and very special events hosted by parishioners

• Festive tabletop arrangements, wreathes, Christmas puddings and a wonderful doggie treats/toys basket, all crafted by parishioners

2020 is different in so many ways. We cannot hold the Christmas auction as we have traditionally, but we can provide a new online experience. You can take part in the Joy of Giving and support Trinity's varied outreach activities in the local community.

The auction can be accessed from any device (computer, Ipad, tablet, or smart phone). Once you get to the link you can browse the various items. The auction goes “live” at 12:00am December 13 and closes at 7:00pm on December 20. To bid and purchase items follow the prompts to sign in and provide credit card information. Further questions, call Laurie Volk or Betsy Crenshaw.

Christmas at Trinity 2020

As we continue to monitor the weather we have decided to switch up the Christmas Eve plans. The weather coming in is going to be nasty and rainy all day long so here is what we will do:

Christmas Eve 12/24/20 - The Holy Eucharist and Blessings will be distributed from 2-4pm in the church. Please don't all come at 2 but plan to space your selves out across the 2-hour window. We will have an Usher at the door giving you instructions on how to come in, receive, and exit.

Christmas Eve Virtual Service with music 12/24/20 - will go live at 5 pm. You will receive an email direct to your inbox at 5 pm (if you're on our list. DM us your email address if you'd like to be added). You can also find the service on our website, Facebook, and Youtube.

Trinity Kids Christmas Eve Service 12/24/20 - will also go live at 5 pm. You will receive an email direct to your inbox at 5 pm. You can also find the service on our website, Facebook, and Youtube.

First Sunday of Christmas 12/27/20 - We will celebrate the first Sunday of Christmas at 10 am with our Children's Christmas Pageant. If your children are in the performance (or would like to be) have them at the church no later than 9:30am so they can line up and be ready to go. We will also distribute Communion after the pageant at the front doors of the church (instruction given during the service).

I look forward to seeing you all at these different options! This may not be the Christmas Eve we wanted but it's certainly the one we need. I hope you all feel blessed by the offerings and know that I am praying for you tonight. If you need me don't hesitate to call or email me.

Grace, Peace, and Merry Christmas!
Jonathan

Live Zoom Adult Forum Class

For this week, I’ve got a surprise for everyone… We will be joining David Zahl LIVE at 10 AM for the last Holy Spirit class. You'll be able to join by following the link directly to this Zoom meeting, on Sunday the 29th. There will be a time for Q&A so get your questions ready… If you miss the 10 AM live class you will be able to watch it at a later time. Buckle up it’s going to be a Holy Spirit ride!

David is on staff at Christ Church Episcopal in Charlottesville you can read more about David by visiting: https://mbird.com/about/staff/

You can access the Zoom class at this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85902858563?pwd=T1Z3UVNiWWhYUXprYytmclgwZUM1dz09

Grace and peace!

Jonathan

Music Notes from Christian

For the first time ever, in the ninth month of a year that starts with 20, I will not publish on these pages a list of Trinity's choirs complete with dates and times that rehearsals will begin for the Fall. As the safety of singing in groups is still in serious question, our choirs for all ages will continue to be on hold indefinitely. As difficult as that is to put in print and as much as we all miss the connection of meeting in person, I will instead take this opportunity to recognize some of the ways that worshiping via recorded video services has provided new forms of connection that may not be immediately apparent, beginning with the notion that each week, with the click of a button (and the patience of Job while uploading) our clergy, musicians, lay readers, and video editors, all in different places, come together in a shared Google Drive folder labeled Trinity to create these video services.

In much the same way that I was initially resistant to cell phones, email, and self checkout at the grocery store (actually still not sold on that one), I have slowly found that the medium of video services does offer some inspiring possibilities not easily accomplished in live worship. For example, just this past Sunday, we were able to incorporate an image of the Apostle Peter from one of the stained glass windows into the video of an anthem about Peter. Similarly, being able to record children's sermons in different locations has opened up many options not possible in the basement of the church.

Yet another silver lining of video services has been the ability to see my colleagues at other churches in action. Both musicians and clergy rarely get the opportunity to attend worship at other churches but now, along with everyone else, we can watch any number of services in any number of places at any number of times. The connections are endless and also work both ways, increasing our own expo-sure. Several of our recorded musical selections have been viewed thousands of times, far more than we could ever hope for in person. I expect we have all had the experience and joy of being able to watch our extended family's and friend's churches, and have them see ours, to an extent never before possible.

Being witness to so many services has also given me a renewed appreciation for our beautiful Episcopal liturgy. Dating back to Thomas Cranmer's original Book of Common Prayer, the Roman Rite before that, and even the pre-Christian Jewish tradition, the interconnectedness of our common worship is much more apparent when we can so easily see it in action in so many different places. From the lips of a retired Bishop with a British accent to a new Rector with a southern one, the same reassuring words of our liturgy, with their ancient origins and order, are repeated in many more accents and languages around the world. Whether it be in the back yard or on the computer screen, our liturgy connects us to the countless generations of Christians who have come both before and after us and, in the present, helps bind us all together in the body of Christ.

There is no doubt that a video service cannot replace the sense of family we have when worshiping together in person. But perhaps the immediate connections we are sacrificing are allowing for more far reaching ones. Just maybe, as Christians around the world attempt to squeeze the depth of our liturgy and the breadth of Jesus' love through the lens of a camera, it might give all of us the opportunity to see more clearly that our common prayer is far greater than our differences and that we can rejoice in the knowledge that our God is alive on Google Drive.

Christian

Sundays and Meetings

In all that we do, safety protocols will be of utmost concern. Please remember to wear your masks and maintain social distancing.

Our Sunday’s at Home on-line service will be posted by 6:00am every Sunday.

Sunday Morning Prayer continues at 9:00am in the Bishop’s Garden.

Committee meetings can now meet in person, and ZOOM is still an option for those who prefer it. Many of these committees are in need of volunteers. If you would like to help please contact Betsy at the church office 540-592-3343 or any of the following individuals.

Ushers: Jolly de Give 540-592-3889 jdegive@gmail.com
Readers: Joe Fluet - joefluet@icloud.com
Flowers: Gina Hammond - hammond.gina@gmail.com and Sandra Markus - sandramarkus1@aol.com
Healing Ministry: Ginny Fluet - vfluet@icloud.com
Altar Guild: Becky Hoecker - rehoecker@me.com

More volunteers will be needed once we resume full activities so stay tuned.

Slater Run Vineyards 4th Annual Crabfest

Rev. Jonathan Adams enjoying a delicious crab dinner!

Thank you Slater Run Vineyards for sponsoring the 4th annual CRABFEST to benefit the Churches of Upperville. It looks like our Rector was enjoying himself.

The Churches of Upperville Outreach Program (CUOP) distributes baskets of food (actually overflowing, large cardboard boxes) to families who need help that live in Upperville and the surrounding community or that have close ties to it. Baskets are distributed four times a year, at the three major winter/spring holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter) and around Valentine’s Day.

Members of CUOP meet to talk about the needs of families, discuss any changes in their situations, and identify any families that should be added to the program.

Piedmont Child Care Center (PCCC) Protocols

The Piedmont Child Care Center again reopened back in June, albeit, with some different rules. We are accepting applications for children from 6 weeks to 12 years of age. We do not allow any family members into the building. The children are met at the front door, their temperature is taken, their hands are washed and then they are escorted to their age appropriate classroom. 

They play, eat and sleep with the same group throughout the day. They don’t interact with other classrooms.  

We like to have the children in place by 9:00am, the front door is locked, until

pickup time 4:00pm to 6:00pm. The children must bring their own lunches and PCCC supplies prepackaged snacks and juice. It’s the same wonderful enriching place for children, just with a Covid-19 slant to it.  

We are also making available desks & internet for school agers - who can’t go to school and their parents are working. 

Do give us a call, 540 592-3908. Looking forward to seeing you at Piedmont.  

Vestry Nominees Class of 2023

Who is Eligible to Serve on the Vestry?

According to the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, Canon 11, Section 4: Only lay persons who are confirmed adult communicants in good standing of the church, as defined in General Convention Canon 1.17., shall be eligible for election as Vestry Members of such church. However, regardless of eligibility of a person for election, no person shall be elected at a duly convened congregational meeting to consecutive full terms on a congregation’s Vestry or Vestry Committee.

So what does this mean in plain English?
“Confirmed Adult Communicant in good standing” means the following:

• You are age 16 or older.

• You have been baptized and confirmed in the church, and we have your baptism and confirmation duly recorded.

• You are active in worship, and have received communion at least 3 times this year.

• You have been faithful in working, praying, and giving for the spread of the Kingdom of God (meaning you are active and intentional about your participation in the life of the church and are known to the treasurer of the church). Furthermore, this Canon states that you can only serve one consecutive full term (3 years) on the Vestry.

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Alix Coolidge
I was born and raised in North Carolina but the Middleburg area has been my home for over 23 years. I am a cradle Episcopalian, married to Richard. Our children Sam and Sophie were raised at Trinity Church. I have served on the Trinity Vestry, Stewardship, Altar and Flower Guilds, headed up Outreach and served twice on the Trinity Search/Discernment Committee.

I am a full time mom and sell Real Estate locally when I have time, as well as serving as President of the Middleburg Library Board. I love my church and my church family and am humbled to be asked to run for Vestry. It will be an honor to continue to serve Trinity as we move forward into a new chapter with Jonathan at the helm. I am excited for our future!

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Daniel Leger
Daniel lives and resides in The Plains, Virginia with his twin daughters, Emerson & Finley, who attend eighth grade at Powhatan School. He has been an active parishioner at Trinity since shortly after moving to the region from New York 7 years ago. Daniel makes his career in the asset management business where he works as a Managing Director for MGG Investment Group, a private lending firm based in New York. Prior to joining MGG, Daniel worked at Akre Capital Management in Middleburg, Virginia beginning in 2013. Daniel received his doctorate in political philosophy and international relations from The University of Notre Dame in Indiana and his BA from Concordia University in Montreal, Canada.

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Laurie Volk
I am honored to be considered for the vestry of Trinity Church. I have been a member of Trinity for over thirty years and attend the eight o’clock service. Over the years I have been involved with various Church activities. Most recently, I was the 2020 Stable Tour Chairman, the first year the Stable Tour was to be cancelled because of a pandemic. Last spring I completed the four-year Education for Ministry (EfM) program at Emmanuel Church, Middleburg. I also was a member of the recent Discernment Committee and am delighted that Jonathan Adams and his family have joined us at Trinity.

If elected, I will have the time and energy to devote to vestry duties. Professionally, I am winding down my private law practice devoted to international horse sports. My 24-year old daughter, Letitia, was home for the Covid-19 quarantine period, but now is off to work with Teach For America in Las Vegas so my nest is empty again. Outside of church, I serve on the board of an organization devoted to the protection of open space land and the environment and provide pro bono legal services with a non-profit, Kids in Need of Defense.

Because I have been a member of Trinity for many years, I believe I have a good sense of who we are as a Church family. After working with the Discernment Committee to analyze the results from the parish survey, I developed an understanding of what our church wants and needs today. This is a critical time for Trinity and I would like to be a part of welcoming our new rector, assisting with the transition and helping our Church set a course for the future.

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Ed Moore
I’m delighted to be asked to serve on Trinity’s vestry. I look forward to working with other members to meet the many new challenges of today as well as supporting our new minister as he and his family begin making Trinity their home.

I have been an active member and volunteer at Trinity for over 23 years. During my time here, I’ve enjoyed teaching Sunday School and volunteering with many children related activities, including renovating the nursery when our children were younger. I was even a guitar player in our own Trinity Rock Band! Having previously served on the vestry, I understand the many jobs and challenges that are required. Professionally, I work as a content analyst for SAGE Publishing in DC., previously from the city but from home for now.

My wife (Margaret) and I were both born and raised in the Mississippi Delta and have made Upperville our home since 1997. Our two sons, Charles (now 23) and Robbie (21), have been baptized and confirmed at Trinity as well as participated as acolytes, and in the Sunday School and Youth Group.

I look forward to serving and can’t wait to see where Trinity’s next chapter takes us.

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Richard McPherson Retiring

Perhaps it is divine providence, or maybe just dumb luck, but sometimes you are just in the right place at the right time. And so it was in the Fall of 2013 when Trinity Church found itself in need of a new organist on somewhat short notice. There was no need for extended study or a lengthy search process because the best organist in the area just happened to be immediately available and was willing to come here. We hired Dr. Richard Mcpherson on the spot as the interim with the understanding that if all went well, of which there were no doubts, he would move into the permanent position. This was not a typical way of filling such a position but all involved were completely comfortable with it because of who it was. Richard was widely known in the community, was a friend of Trinity church having played here for special events, and we all knew that of all the organists in the area, available or not, he was quite simply and undeniably, the best.

Richard McPherson, Organist mcpherre@comcast.net

For the past seven years Trinity Church has not only been blessed with Richard's immense skill but also his thorough humility. Week in and week out Richard has quietly prepared and presented concert quality music for Sunday services, weddings and funerals, and major church festivals. His voluntaries are thoughtfully chosen to fit with the themes of the day, his leadership of congregational singing is inspiring, and his accompaniments of often difficult choral anthems are always perfection. Along the way he is completely reliable and conscientious, a team player, supportive of the total ministry of the church, modest beyond measure, and just an all around wonderfully nice guy with a great spirit.

Back in January Richard told me it was time for him to retire. He and Michael had bought a house in Rehobeth Beach and were planning to split their time between there and Winchester which would not allow for his continued commitment to the church. Just as we were beginning to make plans for both his departure and replacement, the lock-down started bringing things to a standstill. As things started to open up in May we were far behind being prepared for his intended last Sunday of June 7. With his usual grace and dedication, Richard has agreed to continue through as much of the summer as we need. Plans are again underway for his replacement but, most unfortunately, current circumstances will not allow for the kind of send off Richard deserves. Of course, Richard, with his usual modesty is happy to go without fanfare, but since most of us will likely not see him in person, I hope we might all take a few minutes to send him a note of appreciation.

For the last seven years it has been the greatest honor and privilege to work with Richard and share in his tremendous artistry. He has been an inspiring collaborator, trusted colleague, and dear friend. Richard, we will miss you greatly and wish you the very best in your well deserved retirement.

Thank you ,with all our hearts, for your years of dedicated service to Trinity Church.

Piedmont Child Care Center (PCCC) Updates

As of June 8th, 2020, the Piedmont Child Care Center is open again. Albeit, with some different rules, we are accepting applications for children from 6 weeks to 12 years of age. We do not allow any family members into the building The children are met at the front door, their temperature is taken, their hands are washed and then they are escorted to their age appropriate classroom. They play, eat and sleep with the same group throughout the day. They don’t interact with other classrooms.

We like to have the children in place by 9:00am, the front door is locked, until pickup time 4:00pm to 6:00pm. The children must bring their own lunches and PCCC supplies prepackaged snacks and juice. When Gov. Northam opens the state to Phase 3, we will be able to have more children per classroom. It’s the same wonderful enriching place for children, just with a Covid-19 slant to it.

Do give us a call, 540 592-3908. Looking forward to seeing you at Piedmont.

Drive By Welcome Parade

On June 28th a Drive-By Welcome Parade was held for Jonathan and his family. Drivers met at the Upperville Farm and Feed and drove through the overflow parking lot to greet the Adams family. They were thrilled and truly felt loved. Thanks to Martha Williamson, our Parish Life Chair, for making this happen in a safe, social distancing manner.

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Join Our EfM (Education for Ministry) Class

Want to dig deeper into the Christian faith, study the Bible with greater intellectual integrity, learn more about church history, theological ideas and, most importantly, connect your faith (and doubts) more strongly to your own life experiences? Then consider enrolling in Education for the Ministry – or “EfM. EfM is a unique four-year distance learning certificate pro-gram in theological education based upon small-group study and practice. EfM helps the faithful encounter the breadth and depth of the Christian tradition and brings it into conversation with their experiences of the world as they study, worship, and engage in theological re-flection together.

The class convenes once a week on Tuesdays from mid-September through May for 3 hours (11AM—2PM) at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Middleburg. Studies include

Year 1 - the Hebrew Testament,
Year 2 - the Christian Testament
Year 3 - Church History
Year 4 -Theology and Christian Spirituality

The class includes students in all four years and does require weekly personal study. Created by Sewanee Seminary and administered locally via the Diocese of Virginia, the tuition is $375 per year and scholarships are available. You only need to commit to one year at a time.

Feel free to contact EfM Mentor Gina Hammond (540-655-5744) or graduates Sandra Markus (540-878-5577). Laurie Volk (540-539-1734), Jolly de Give (540-592-3889), Melissa Neal (540-255-8596), or Joe Fluet (540-496-8999 for more information and their personal experiences with the program.

Outreach Updates

Trying times indeed, with an un-certain duration - especially inso-far as a return to jobs and normalcy. Trinity Outreach has managed to keep the faith and show our love for the community through a strategic alliance with Mobile Hope - where a growing movement is showing great promise in our local area.

COVID-19 and the economic turn-down has hit vulnerable families extremely hard and continues to do so. Mobile Hope has responded by delivering food and vital supplies to families affected by job loss, poverty, food insecurity, health issues, limited language proficiency, and lack of transportation. Trinity Upperville provided a leased refrigerated truck for 3 months to Mobile Hope to expand their ability to deliver fresh, perishable food to those with food insecurities through their outreach program; Listen For The Honk.

To date, Mobile Hope has served 67,393 family members with over 36,000 food bags. The Reefer Truck Rental is helping the cause directly and with positive impact, but we only were able to sign up for a 3 month lease. There is much more to do here.

As a further tie to an end-to-end temporary stop-gap for those in need of quality sustenance, JK Community Farm will distribute fresh produce at the Mobile Hope, Sterling bus stops , on July 8,2020. JK, as food producers, will continue to explore options for an on-going partnership with Mobile Hope facilitated by Trinity Outreach. The need is great and expected to increase in the coming months. Mobile Hope is expanding its service and Trinity is looking at ways to directly help those closest to our parish, but for now the over-whelming need is Eastern Loudoun and Fairfax Counties. We (Mobile Hope /JK /Trinity) are looking at opportunities in Warrenton and Front Royal to provide the Outreach that we are obligated to deliver.

I encourage you to come out to Sterling (Eldon N of Dulles Tollway) on one of the Listen for The Honk Stops and see for yourself how important this is.

We are all in this together.
God's Grace, Jennifer Moore, Outreach Chair

Dear Trinity Family...

Dear Trinity Family,

Wow, it feels good to finally say that! I am so glad to be here in person in the great state of Virginia as the Rector of Trinity Upperville. Your kindness and hospitality in the midst of the Coronavirus has been beautiful. I would like to say thank you to the many of you who have provided meals, wine and cheese, cards, emails, calls and especially the Gow’s who opened up their guest house for us while we were moving in. We have been blown away… the parade last Sunday was over the top!!! WOW thank you to all who pulled that together. When we left, my son said, “Dad, I think these people like you”. Indeed that is true.

As we enter this new relationship with one another, I want you to know that first and foremost I am your priest… I am here for you and my phone is always available to you. I want to walk with you in the good and the bad, the celebrations and the heartaches, the joys and the trials. That is my calling and commitment to you.

Second, I want you to know that I’m here to be your pastor. I’m here to preach the good news of Jesus every week. I’m here to offer a time of confession and absolution, and I’m here to put the bread in your hand and the wine to your lips. I will be faithful to that calling, and I will remind you that you are loved, forgiven and in the family of God, not because I say so but because Jesus says so. You might wonder why the gospel every week (A.K.A the good news)… Martin Luther was once asked that question by a class of seminarians and he said, “I preach the gospel to you every week because you forget it every week”. We humans tend to think the gospel is the thing that gets us into heaven and that is true, but it’s also the thing that keeps us in His grace. Tim Keller once said, “The gospel is not the ABC’s of our faith but the A-Z’s of the faith”! It’s the beginning, the middle and the end! And so, you will hear the “good news” proclaimed week in and week out.

Finally I’m here to be your Shepherd. I’m here to listen to God and lead the congregation spiritually toward Him. This means I will spend a lot of time praying and reading the scripture. In my prayer time, I will be praying for you so please keep me up to date on how I can pray for you. Trinity is a wonderful place and we have so much potential. I truly do believe the best years are ahead! We will get through this season of Pandemic, and we will come together soon.

In fact, I have asked the re-opening committee, with advisement from the worship committee to roll up their sleeves and get us back together ASAP! This means we may have to add a new service so that we all can come together. In so doing, I want to ask that you begin to pray for the committee, that they would have wisdom as they advise me in making the best decisions we can for the community. It may also mean we will have to be creative in how we meet, which may mean we need to adjust the budget. Your faithfulness in giving allows us to move in that direction without budgetary restraints. So let me thank you in advance for praying, being creative, and giving not to me, not to Trinity, but to GOD.

I can’t wait to meet you FACE-TO-FACE! This will happen soon. Until then…
Grace and Peace to you
JA+
The Rev. Jonathan V. Adams 

Music Notes from Christian

Almost exactly thirteen years ago was their last, last Sunday at Trinity. What are the odds that the same Interim Rector would save us twice? Words alone cannot express the depth of our gratitude. Deep Peace to you, Martin and Barbara. Deep Peace to you.

From the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia

A Message from Bishop Goff and Bishop Brooke-Davidson on National Day of Mourning

To view their message go to: http://www.thediocese.net/news/a-message-from-bishop-goff-and-bishop-brooke-davidson-on-national-day-of-mourni/

St. John's Episcopal Church in Washington, DC has been in the news.

For responses from the Presiding Bishop and news updates please go to: https:www.episcopalnewsservice.org/2020/06/01/episcopal-leaders-step-up-opposition-to-racial-injustice-amid-anger-over-george-floyds-killing/

Praying is not the only thing we can do, it is the BEST thing we can do. Never underestimate the power of prayer to heal our nation!

Honoring our 2020 Graduates

Hello Graduates of 2020.

First, congratulations. Whether you are concluding grade school, high school, college or graduate school, you are at a major turn in the journey that is your life. And that means you cannot be sure of what is around the corner. There will be surprises and challenges in the next stage of the journey; may the accomplishments that this graduation honors give you confidence as you meet new opportunities. You can know one thing at least – that your parents and families are proud of you and what you have accomplished and are full of hope for what is next.

And we, your church family, wish you happiness and a clear focus for whatever lies ahead. Well done for all that is in the past, and blessing and excitement for what lies ahead. We wish you God’s good companionship as you celebrate, as you give thanks, and as you dream your way into your own future.

On behalf of the People of Trinity Church, grace and courage,
Bishop Martin Townsend
Interim Rector

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Congratulations Graduates!

Claiborne Van Voorhis,

son of Chandler & Heidi, has graduated from Woodberry Forest School. He will be attending the College of William & Mary in the fall. Below is his recently released Senior Project Video. https://youtu.be/t_gG2XdYMKE 

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Lilly Gable,

daughter of Brad and Melinda Gable. Attended Loudoun Valley High School, Purcellville, VA and will attend University of Georgia, in Athens Georgia. Participated in Trinity's children's choir, youth program and was an acolyte.

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Roman Whipp Gravely,

son of Page & Donna, has graduated this month from Woodberry Forest School. He will be studying bioengineering at the School of Engineering at NC State University in the fall.

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Jessica Ewing Barranco,

granddaughter of Ray Ewing, Bachelor of Science, Community Health College of Health & Human Sciences George Mason University

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Adam Demaree,

grandson of Di Demaree, graduated from Patriot High School in Bristol, VA. He will be attending the University of Tennessee, majoring in Architectural Engineering.

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Kelley Connelly,

daughter of Chip & Judy Connelly, graduated on May 16th with a Masters of Divinity from Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Virginia.

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Brandon Dodson,

son of Tom & Brie, graduated from Rappahannock County High School. He plans to spend the first two years of college studying at Lord Fairfax Community College and then transfer to a state university.

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Charles Moore,

son of Ed & Margaret, is a Clemson University 2020 graduate with a degree in marketing and management. Mom, Dad, and Robbie are very proud! GO TIGERS!

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Trinity Outreach Continues

As the COVID-19 crisis and the resulting economic hardship is shaping the new normal, Trinity Outreach sought out local programs that could make the maximum positive impact with limited resources and an uncertain budget. It is with great pride that we have targeted Mobile Hope, a program that has received Outreach assistance in the past, as the recipient of our collective support. Specifically, Mobile Hope sought a solution to delivering fresh, perishable food to those in need. Trinity Outreach enabled Mobile Hope to rent a refrigerated van for a period of three months to move toward better living conditions. This is a singular event with no long-term agreements, but a major factor in shaping what could be a long recovery for our local community.

This was a coordinated action voted on by the Outreach Committee and Vestry and it points to our stewardship of donations that are executed in the spirit that they are made. The Outreach Committee is looking at more targets of opportunity near-term that embrace not only the funding aspect, but the physical participation by the congregation.

In an effort to support the community and to help all families receive the essential tools for learning during this unprecedented time, a bus has been parked in our overflow parking lot that is equipped with a hotspot.

This means that parents can pull into the parking lot and access internet service allowing their children to do online classes. This will be exclusive to the families that have the password.

Announcing our New Rector-Elect

On behalf of the Vestry, the Discernment Committee, and the Diocese of Virginia, I am pleased to announce The Rev. Jonathan V. Adams accepted our call as Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, Upperville. Jonathan’s official start date is July 1, 2020.

Jonathan comes to us from Houston, Texas where he has served as Associate Rector for Pastoral Care and Outreach at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church for over three years. He has had an exciting and varied career serving God overseas, leading student ministries, planting a church in Georgia, and developing new outreach activities at St. Martin’s. The Discernment Committee found him energetic, warm and keenly pastoral, and the Vestry wholeheartedly concurred. We are eagerly anticipating his arrival and the chance for our fellow parishioners to meet him and his family.

The Rev. Jonathan V. Adams

Jonathan is married to Jana and they have three children, Noah, Lily, and Caleb. I know we will welcome them to our church and community.

You will learn more about Jonathan in the next few days. The Vestry already is organizing mailings and social media announcements in an effort to help you get to know him. Jonathan is eager to reach out to all of you and begin to know you as well.

The success of these many months of searching is due to the commitment of the members of the Discernment Committee, the willingness of the Vestry and Jonathan to explore the call in the middle of the pandemic, and the patience of the entire congregation. Louise Crane, Matt Blunt, and I are deeply thankful to all who worked so hard. We are delighted to begin the next chapter in our life at Trinity with The Rev. Jonathan Adams.

Johanna Jackson
Senior Warden

Notes from Christian

In responding to the query about positive experiences during the pandemic, it occurs to me that I can't possibly do so without being mindful of the many people who are struggling mightily with the very things that I am not. I have no immediate connection to anyone who is sick or on the "front lines". I have an understanding boss, am able to at least partially work from home, and, so far, my income is secure. Thanks to some Trinity Church angels, I have plenty of delicious food and am fortunate to live in a beautiful place with enough space that I can be outside and enjoy the Spring without a mask or fear of infection. I am very blessed in these ways as I imagine most of our Trinity Church community is as well.

However, I also have the possibly less common advantage of rather enjoying the isolation of quarantine. I have taken the Myers-Briggs test several times in my life and always come out the same. I am straight down the middle on three of the four dichotomies but all the way to the introvert side on that one, so not having to interact with so many people all the time suits me just fine. Actually though, it is even more than that. I have never fit in well with the conventions of normal society. Eight hours a night, early mornings, nine to five, three meals a day just does not work well for me. Relieved of the social interaction and schedule of everyone else's normal, I have found that I am thriving. I sleep when I am sleepy, eat when I am hungry, exercise much more, and am not constantly concerned about meeting everyone else's expectations. As a result, I am better rested, less stressed, have managed to lose a few pounds and generally feel more at peace than I have in a long time.

Of course, even my idyllic version of pandemic life is not without frustrations. I struggle greatly with the technology required to work from home and, of course, there is the toilet paper situation. I have tried not to question my spiritual calling but must admit that this period of solitude has made me wonder if God didn't get a little confused and some where there is some poor guy working in a remote fire tower or distant lighthouse with a crazy feeling he should be a church musician.

As we begin to see tiny glimpses of light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, and I feel the mild anxiety about returning to normal, I am reminded that there are many people for whom the world is just not a good fit and for reasons far more significant than my comparatively trivial ones. If something good is to come of all this perhaps it might be that we carry the experience of being out of our comfort zone forward into our new life and be more sympathetic to those who struggle in regular times. Perhaps we might have new eyes to see those who are in need and new minds open to those who are different than us. Perhaps we might welcome God's love into our hearts more fully and practice it in the world more completely. That would be a normal I could look forward to returning to.