About Us
Leadership
Interim Rector's Report
Report for February, 2010
| 2006 | 129 | |
| 2007 | 124 | |
| 2008 | 120 | |
| 2009 | 121 | |
| 2010 | 103 |
| Regular | 5 | |
| Homebound | 5 | |
| Hospital | 1 | |
| Crisis/Emergency | 2 | |
| Other | 3 | |
| New | 0 | |
| TOTAL | 16 |
| Holy Eucharist | 6 | |
| Morning Prayer/Holy Eucharist | 1 | |
| Litany/Holy Eucharist | 2 | |
| Private Home Communion | 7 | |
| Marriage/Holy Eucharist | 1 | |
| At Time of Death | 1 | |
| Burial/Holy Euchairst | 1 | |
| Imposition of Ashes/Holy Eucharist | 3 | |
| Stations of the Cross | 2 | |
| TOTAL | 24 |
This was a very wild and busy month and the attendance reflects the snows.
This month I did the Hilltop midweek service with 7 Episcopalians.
We also celebrated the marriage of Kyle Bolles and Lisa Ingraham. The rehearsal dinner, and the reception were also hosted here at Trinity. It went well (200 +), and was the last service for the organ until the renovation is complete.
As the snow storm gained in strength we had the service for Ed Creagh. Trinity really came through with Peter Browne being creative with the music, Jeff Fellows overseeing the kitchen, JoAnne Maniago calling for the reception, and Bill Palmer, Jim Albert, Jill & Michael Bolles, Marcy & John Keeler as ushers, Tom Harding as crucifer, Bobbie Johnson, Martha Colgan, Sue Carpenter, John & Marcy Keeler as eucharistic ministers, Marcy set up the bulletin, Bill Palmer as lector, and Bobbie, Sue, Martha, and Robin helping with the reception. It was a wonderful show of support for the Creagh family.
There were three weeks this month out of four when the facilities needed to be cleaned twice rather than the usual once. Many thanks to Jeff and all his helpers for making it happen.
Reviewing History
The Frances Jennings Building Fund Dinner was a wonderful new event for the Trinity calendar. Jim Albert,with a whole host of allies, organized an enjoyable evening for the over 70 members who attended. The Trinity Gourmet Chefs prepared a wonderful meal that was enjoyed by all. Paul Stapel shared recollecions with us about Frances, and the Rhythm Method, an a cappella singing group from Binghamton University, entertained us with lively song. It is great to hear about the days gone by here at Trinity. As I am thinking about future dinners, this was the first annual; it would be worth considering this as a time to invite former clergy and others to return to Trinity for an enjoyable evening. It is likely that Art Doersam and Noreen Suriner would also have some interesting stories to share about Frances and her contemporaries.
It is also interesting that as we are using the oak altar that people are sharing about the first time it was used on the platform, and the conversations that ensued at that time. So far all I have heard is how people enjoy being closer to the altar, although a few have commented that they miss kneeling for communion.
Reviewing Identity
The Frances Jennings Building Fund Dinner also reminds us that Trinity is a congregation composed of generous people, hence the addition of the term “memorial” to the original name of Trinity.
The use of the oak altar also illustrates some flexibility in worship although the renovation of the organ did not leave us many alternatives. The organ work also highlights the creativity of our Church Musician, Peter Browne as he has moved to the keyboard and the harpsichord. Worship continues to remain strong in the midst of these changes.
Strengthening Relationships with the Bishop
and Bishop's Staff
We are well on our way in the discernment part of the work toward the 10th rector. On Sunday, the 28th we will finalize the candidates that members of the team will visit during the month of March. Once this list is complete I will be in touch with the diocese to initiate the Oxford background checks on these candidates. The expectation is that these checks will be completed before our finalists come to Binghamton for their visits following Easter. We are keeping Judy Fried informed as we move forward.
Reviewing Leadership
In addition to the special events noted above, the ongoing leadership of the parish has been busy this month. I attended meetings of the Construction Team, the Canteen Board, the Executive Committee, the Haven Board, the Music & Worship Commission, four staff meetings, Christian Education Commission, the Finance Commission, two Discernment & Search Team meetings, two Lenten study group meetings, the Trinity Lunchers, and a District Clergy meeting. And there were other meetings that I did not get to.
With the resignation of JoAnne Maniago from the Hospitality Commission, we have the opportunity to invite another into leadership. The Executive Committee and I will be discussing this at our meeting prior to the meeting of the Vestry.
The staff has been stretched this month beyond what is healthy. Jeff was involved in the Jennings Dinner, the Bolles-Ingraham marriage, the Creagh funeral, and all the snow. He has also been here for all the electrical work which is progressing well behind the scenes. We are very fortunate to have Jeff on our staff.
Kathy Luce says she is tired of winter, so the Hoyt Room has a look of spring.
Building Commitment to New Possibilities
and New Clergy
At the last Finance Commission meeting, it was decided to move on the transition of the Stafford Fund from loaning to granting. Judy Peckham, Sandy Michael and John Keeler will work on this so it is operational in its new mode in the near future. The outstanding loans will follow their schedule, and grants may be possible with the balance that currently exists. We have talked about this being available for active members of Trinity.
Other
The Second Sunday ice hockey event at the Arena was enjoyed by the 10 of us who attended.
I am enjoying the new-to-me laptop set up by Rick Shumaker. My waiting time is much reduced and so is my frustration level.
This month I noted 260 hours or 65 hours per week.
Respectfully submitted,
Paul C. Donecker, interim rector