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PARISH POST

AUGU S T 2 0 1 4

the magazine of holy trinity episcopal church • (336) 272-6149 • www.holy-trinity.com

We hear you: emc survey results are in BY HARRIETTE KNOX Holy Trinity parishioners are an opinionated lot. And that suits the Stewardship Committee just fine. In May, the Committee sent a survey to every Holy Trinity household (1,070 in all) asking what parishioners thought about last fall’s Every Member Canvass. The annual pledge campaign, which accounts for 90 percent of the Church operating budget, runs for six weeks and begins in midOctober. Stewardship Committee members were Hattie Aderholdt, Scott Brewington, Cameron Cooke, Harriette Knox, Steve LaFrance, Frank Lucius, Mark Lile-King, Hilburn Michel, Cissy Parham, Tim Patterson, Wanda Poole, Ann Shepherd, Annie Slaughter, Robin Vaughn, and Tom Wagg. “In all, the EMC was a successful pledge campaign. We raised about $122,000 more than the previous year, and we got very close to our goal,” said Hattie Aderholdt, EMC chair. “We had hoped for a total of $1.75 million, and got pledges for $1.69 million, so we’re very grateful. But only about 50 percent of parishioners made a pledge, so we wanted to try to find out how people decide to make a pledge and what additional information we could have given them.” The survey generated 319 responses — a return rate of 29.8 percent. Of the respondents, 92 percent had made a pledge to the church; eight percent had not. Asked their motivation for making a pledge, respondents ranked, “I give in gratitude for all that I have” highest followed by “I want to do my fair share to support the Church.” The option “I give to support the spiritual programs

of the church (our inward journey)” was next, followed closely by “I give to support what Holy Trinity does in the community (our outward journey),” and “I believe pledging is a form of spiritual discipline.” For the eight percent of respondents who said they did not make a pledge, the top two reasons were, “I put money in the collection plate” and “other.” The majority of comments under “other” were related to having a limited income. “We are very grateful for everything that people give to Holy Trinity, and that includes money in the collection plate,” said Wanda Poole, Stewardship and Planned Giving Coordinator. “Pledging is important because the staff bases the coming year’s budget on pledges, and because we can’t anticipate one-time or special gifts. If someone puts $1 in the collection plate every week, he or she could pledge $52 a year, and that would allow the Church to include it in the budget. A gift of $1 per week, will enable us to prepare fortyfive burritos to be distributed to the homeless. Only $52 will feed 45 people — which is a wonderful gift to Holy Trinity and to our community. Pledging isn’t about the amount, but the commitment.” Wanda noted that people with unpredictable incomes could be hesitant to make a pledge they might not be able to keep. “The Church understands that, and if someone needs to change their pledge partway through the year they can,” she added. “It’s important for the staff to be able to predict church income based on pledges. That allows Holy Trinity to continue to meet the spiritual needs of the congregation and our commitment to serve others through outreach.” continued on page 2

EMC SURVEY (continued from page 1) When asked in the survey how Holy Trinity could encourage people who don’t pledge to make the commitment, a significant number of people suggested going back to making personal calls. EMC Co-Chair and committee member Mark Lile-King said the Stewardship Committee will look at all the suggestions made. Parishioners were asked to rank in importance the type of information they needed when deciding about a pledge. The top answer was “Financial health of Holy Trinity” followed very closely by “How Holy Trinity will use the funds/information on the church budget.” The thirdhighest answer was “Clergy vision for Holy Trinity.” Cited much less often were, “Scriptural guidance on proportional giving” and “Where my pledge falls in the range of all pledges to Holy Trinity.”

The beauty of Holy Trinity’s worship services – along with every other facet of Parish life – is dependent on parishioner participation in the Every Member Canvass. The Church staff predicts income and bases the church budget on pledges. This summer, the Stewardship Committee surveyed parishioners about whether they make a pledge to the Every Member Canvass, and what motivates them. The findings will help the committee run a more effective campaign this fall. Artwork: Prayer flag made by child at Partnership Village.

This year, the Stewardship Committee decided to publicly thank parishioners who made a pledge by listing names in the Sunday Bulletin during the campaign. Names were listed alphabetically. Pledge amounts are known only by the staff treasurer and the Rector. The EMC chairs do not see pledge amounts. Seventy percent of those who responded agreed with the decision to thank people in this way. The 30 percent who disagreed with the decision most often commented that they felt that whether someone pledges should be anonymous and that the recognition was an effort to shame people. “We wanted to thank people who help the church maintain good financial practices through planning a budget,” Wanda said. “The Stewardship Committee discussed that plan for a long time. We got the idea from other Episcopal Churches who do that and found it to be a successful way of thanking and recognizing people.” Most of the people who responded (27 percent) were age 66–75. The age groups 75 and over and 56–65 accounted

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for 23 percent of respondents each. Six percent were age 36–45 and three percent were 26–35. No one younger than 25 responded. The last question on the survey gave people a chance to make comments or suggestions. “The comments were overwhelmingly positive,” Wanda said. “We always want to do more to connect people, so we will look at ways to continue to do that. There were a handful of negative comments, too. Every comment and suggestion will be considered.” The Stewardship Committee now has a better idea of what parishioners want. “We need to better educate people on the church budget, on the importance of pledging in helping the Church make responsible financial plans, and on the idea that pledging isn’t about a dollar amount, but a commitment,” Hattie said. “Making a pledge is about listening to what God is calling us to do in the world and deciding to be a part of it through Holy Trinity,” Mark said. “We want every parishioner to be engaged and be a part of the Church in every way.”

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EfM Answers Spiritual Questions BY LIBBY HAILE around our readings are always thoughtful and often amazing in their breadth and depth. EfM truly feeds the spirit.” In years one and two, group members also read selected chapters of the Bible, and share what they thought were the most interesting or most challenging points from the reading, then discuss the issues raised. They then use a process called Theological Reflection to lead them more deeply into the way the lesson resonates in their lives. Halfway through the semester, the whole group reads and discusses two books.

Current and former participants in the Holy Trinity EfM. First row (from left): Joan Decker, Marion Obrien. Second row: Bonnie Cornwell, Libby Haile, Cindy Robbins, John Compton. Third row: Linda Cummer. Fourth Row: Suzan Bly, Ninevah Murray, Sandy Akers, Monnie Compton. At some point, nearly everyone wonders, “What does life mean in relationship to God and my neighbor?” Education for Ministry (EfM), a four-year program produced by the School of Theology of the University of the South at Sewanee, Tenn., can help participants answer this spiritual and ethical question. Designed for lay people to explore a deeper understanding of scripture, church history, and theological thought, EfM helps people define their personal beliefs and identify their unique calling. Holy Trinity has hosted an EfM program for seven years, has had five Holy Trinity members graduate and has six who will be in next year’s program. Spaces are still available for the 2014–2015 year. The course of study consists of the Old Testament, the New Testament, Church history, and theological thought, in that order. Students study a text book along with a guide to the lessons and theological reflections. Discussions are designed for each member to expand his or her understanding in a supportive setting. One EfM student noted, “EfM is an opportunity to get together on a weekly basis with people who care about the truly important things in life — things that transcend our everyday concerns and take us to a broader understanding of ourselves and our world. The conversations that we have

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“Childhood images of religion and long held religious beliefs and assumptions are completely rearranged and expanded providing a new faith walk with ‘eyes wide open’,” remarked another participant.

“EfM adds a real depth to worship, scripture, and everyday life experiences. Being able to share beliefs and doubts in a supportive group is truly a blessing. It has made my life much richer. Before EfM, I rarely read a spiritually-oriented book on my own and even more rarely felt I got the author’s message. Now I not only find these writings meaningful but enjoyable!” said a third student. There is no teacher; a mentor facilitates discussion of readings and the issues raised within the group. Participants commit to complete one year at a time and can take a break between years if needed. Those who complete all four years receive a certificate from Sewanee. EfM requires a significant time commitment, but the participants feel that this is definitely worth the effort. “Since completing EfM, I personally feel more engaged in the worship and outreach programs. Once I have a couple years of mentoring under my belt, I want to return to the Servant Leadership classes and I think I’ll get a lot more out of them this time around,” remarked one graduate. The cost is $350 per year which includes the cost of the textbook, the interim discussion books and the Reading and Resource Guide. Holy Trinity’s group meets on Tuesday mornings, from 9:30 a.m.–noon, September through May, with time off for Christmas and Easter. More information is available from the website: www. sewanee.edu/EFM or from Libby Haile at hailemartin@aol. com. 

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triad health project partnership is love in action BY KEN KEETON “Our Church Has AIDS” is the tagline for the National Episcopal AIDS Coalition, but it is also a reality, a call to action, and a call to love. Holy Trinity answers the call in many ways. The Parish has a long history of involvement in HIV/ AIDS ministries, particularly through Triad Health Project (THP), Guilford County’s HIV/AIDS service and support organization. For more than 28 years, THP has provided HIV-positive people with comprehensive care and support services that help ensure the best possible health outcomes and quality of life. THP also provides free and confidential testing, counseling and prevention education programs for the entire community. This year, THP will serve nearly 600 HIV-positive clients, and its testing and education efforts will reach more than 2,500 additional people in the community at-large. On June 12, Holy Trinity hosted its second annual Fine Dining for Friends party to raise awareness and funds for THP. The host committee of Terri Cartner, Sarah Chowning, Mebane Ham, Nina Heard, Ken Keeton, Ann Lineweaver, Dan Murray, and Ninevah Murray worked for months to

organize the evening, which featured a gourmet meal prepared by Holy Trinity’s Chef Walter Henry, wines selected by The Rev. Tim Patterson and Mark Lile-King from Rioja! A Wine Bar, and the music of a string quartet. A small army of volunteers from Holy Trinity’s staff and Unitas young adult group served the meal. A generous group of Holy Trinity members underwrote the entire affair. Seats at the dinner have sold out both years. Last year, the event raised $8,500 for THP, and this year’s party raised more than $9,000. Next year’s Fine Dining for Friends is already on the books for May 21, 2015. HIV/AIDS seldom makes the headlines anymore. But the Centers for Disease Control estimates that 1.1 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV disease, and one in six is unaware of his or her infection. Nearly 50,000 Americans are newly infected every year. They are people of every gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, belief and age. They are people in our community and people in our pews. There is still no cure for HIV/AIDS, but miraculous treatments mean that HIV-positive people in care can often

Fine Dining for Friends is truly a labor of love for the planning and host committee (from left): Dan Murray, Mebane Ham, Ninevah Murray, Sarah Chowning, Ann Lineweaver, Ken Keeton. Not pictured: Terri Cartner and Nina Heard.

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Guests enjoy fun, fellowship, and great wine as they await the arrival of their gourmet entrees prepared by Chef Walter Henry. Inset: The National Episcopal AIDS Coalition (NEAC) advances the work of the church in HIV/AIDS ministries through education, advocacy, pastoral care, and furthering the engagement of HIV ministries throughout the Episcopal Church and the world.

live very normal lives. Unfortunately, there is an alarming emergence of new infections, particularly among teenagers, young adults and minorities. Testing and prevention education are essential to turning the tide on this trend. And there’s love. An HIV diagnosis, or even the open discussion of risks, often carries with it tremendous stigma, fear and shame. Churches have not always been places of welcome or refuge for many who have felt marginalized, judged or rejected. God’s people have the power to change that — and we must change that, in our hearts, in our pews and in our community. When the circle grows wider to

include all and exclude none, there — smack in the middle — we’ll surely find God, smiling. When it comes to making a real and lasting impact with HIV/AIDS, I hold fast to the belief that it will be the people who get on their knees and pray to God; and then get up and be God’s hands, God’s heart, and God’s feet. Love in action — the perfect answer to God’s great call, and the pathway to a cure. And let it begin with me. Ken Keeton is Director of Development and Community Involvement for Triad Health Project, Treasurer of the National Episcopal AIDS Coalition, and a Holy Trinity member.

TEACH CHILDREN TO SLOW DOWN BY RUTH D. ANDERSON, PH.D., DIRECTOR, THE SERVANT LEADERSHIP SCHOOL OF GREENSBORO The end of summer and the beginning of the school year can be hectic times for families. But even young children can learn to slow down and be more present to what is happening within themselves and among others. Parents can help their children learn to pause, take a few deep breaths, and respond to any situation in a more caring way. In the Servant Leadership School of Greensboro, we begin many of our classes with three deep breaths. With one breath we let go of all our busy thoughts; on the second breath we come into the present moment — open to God’s love within us and among us; and on the third breath we wonder what God might have in mind for us as we enter into this new moment. During a busy day in the life of a family, practicing three deep breaths several times a day can be a “mini retreat” for parents and children.

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Just before opening the door to leave for school or work in the morning, stand together and take three mindful breaths. Take three mindful breaths as a family before eating so that you begin the meal mindfully, open to tasting and seeing the food in new ways. Go for a walk with your child and together take three breaths then pay attention to what you both notice around you, what you see, hear, smell, and touch. Before you start the car, simply sit for a moment, take three deep breaths, and ask for God’s blessing on the rest of the day. Before bed, take three deep breaths together and then share something that you are grateful for that happened that day. Have your child do the same. continued on back cover

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“pil·grim – /`pilgrəm/ – (from the Latin peregrinus) — a traveler (literally one who has come from afar) who is on a journey to a holy place.” On June 19, our group of 27 youth and adult leaders stepped into Greensboro airport to begin an incredible trip of a lifetime. It was the start of our youth pilgrimage to Spain where we would hike a 117 kilometer section of the Camino de Santiago. This ancient pilgrimage has been walked by spiritual seekers for over a thousand years. The trip would take us from the border of Portugal, through coastal towns and countryside to the beautiful cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. The ancient Celtic Christians talked about “thin places” where the boundary between heaven and earth seems particularly porous. In these spaces, the truths and beauty of God seem to flow through with greater abundance. Walking the Camino was a thin place for all of us. Here are some reflections from a handful of our youth and leaders.

–Greg Farrand

“IT WAS INCREDIBLE” is what I tell those who ask about the trip and even those who don’t. I just can’t keep quiet about it. I have to share! Like Glory Ridge, the Camino was a thin place where the spirit of God enveloped us all in beauty, love, and happiness. It was in the faces of the kids, the advisors, the strangers we met along the way, and all of the immense beauty that surrounded us. It was everywhere!!! Feeling loved and supported by my fellow pilgrims as they pushed and pulled me up steep hills, learning the special gifts of each person through long talks on long walks, hearing laughter and laughing myself until my stomach hurt, and physically walking through that beautiful country was such a blessing for me. This incredible trip, the experiences, the feelings, what we all shared together made me realize the gift of living in the present and how important it is to be conscious of that fact. To be in the moment, to see the beauty in our surroundings and feel the love of our fellow pilgrims, gives

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journey of

Holy Trinity Pilgrims Wal

me a full heart and a new way to experience my daily life. It’s now a “Stop and smell the Spanish roses” kind a life. Whether just going through the usual day, having a magnificent day or facing something really tough, I’ve learned to be present in the moments I am given. To live with it, learn from it, and go on to face whatever comes next, makes me a better person for myself, my family and others in my life. I truly loved every minute of this trip and am so grateful to have been a part of this incredible experience and amazing group of Holy Trinity Camino Pilgrims!!! So… if you ever get the chance to walk the Camino de Santiago, take it!!!

–Meredith Scott, Leader

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Photo (left): Pointing the way to Santiago De Compostela.

beautiful vineyard with a foot tub, fountain, and a majority of our group soaking their feet in the tub.

1,000 miles

lk the Camino de Santiago

Day 4: feet aching (more like throbbing within the confinement of blister pads and ACE bandages), bodies exhausted, and minds excited with each new step, I walked along the Camino with two of my fellow pilgrims. After a hearty lunch of a Mixto (ham and cheese sandwich) and a Coca-Cola, our mighty three, which once consisted of five, was beginning to feel the 23K from the beginning of the day weigh onto our feet. We collectively decided that a break was desperately needed, and almost sat down on the side of the road, when we figured that we could probably find a better place to rest if we walked a little further. Not even 50 feet later the narrow path opened up onto a

Though this was a literal turning point on the Camino, it was then that I was able to feel like a true pilgrim; knowing that others before me had soaked their feet in that same tub, aching, bruised, blistered, though they might have been, the bigger picture is what allowed us all to take our feet out of the soothing water and walk just a little more. It was the small surprises along the trail, words of encouragement, conversations, and relationships that got us all to Santiago. Yes, the sturdy boots and hiking polls certainly helped along the way, but without the people, both physically around us and those who have already traveled the road, we were all able to walk into Santiago 115K later.

–Christian Hicks, Youth Pilgrim

I recently returned home after a trip of a lifetime with the church youth group here at Holy Trinity. All 27 of us backpacked 117 km on the historic Camino de Santiago and made it to the amazing Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. But while the cathedral was breathtaking and the botafumeiro swing was unlike anything I had seen before, the most lasting and memorable parts of the trip came from the friendships that I made along the slopes of northern Spain. continued on next page

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Above, from left: B.T. Neale and Robert Payne help each other stretch before a long day of hiking. A group shot of all the pilgrims outside the Cathedral of Santiago. One of many markers guiding the group on their pilgrimage.

(continued from page 7) The trail was long and, for the most part, uphill and as each day came to an end my body was more and more tired. On the third day, we hiked some 12 km to a city called Pontevedra. It was our shortest hike of the trip and was supposedly our “rest” day, but for me it was one of the hardest hikes of the trip. I was sore from the previous day, and with the expectation of an easy hike, my mind was not prepared. When we saw the sign for the city limits, I excitedly thought, “Finally, we made it!” As we trudged on further into the suburbs of Pontevedra, I soon began to realize that it would be a while before we made it to the center of the city. So I looked for a way to distract my mind from the soreness of my body, and with an air guitar and some key notes, Selena, who I had caught up with on the trail, and I began to

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sing “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey. As we began to sing, we finally made it to the inside of the city. Strikingly, it is this moment that I will remember most that day. Our trip was full of experiences just like this one, and in the end the walk, and the friendships that I made along the way will last me a lifetime.

–Stewart Pritchard, Youth Pilgrim

The first few days, I was sad to be home. Life was so incredible in Spain that I was simply disappointed by life in Greensboro, and I missed the Camino terribly. But then, I asked myself some questions. Why do I miss Spain? Why was life better there than here? It didn’t take me long to figure out why. Every day on the Camino, you spend countless hours with your friends, you have valuable and memorable interactions with everyone you see, and you build inside of yourself an unexplainable, intense appreciation for every single thing the universe presents you with. On the Camino, every day was an adventure. The following days, I realized something remarkable. Greensboro is PARISH POST | AUGUST 2014

no different than Spain. El Camino, The Walk, is not exclusively available to people in Europe. Why should I abandon the astounding way of life that 27 of us experienced together across the Atlantic Ocean? For me, the Camino did not end in Santiago. I have chosen to see every day of my life as an adventure. I have chosen to appreciate every interaction I have with fellow humans and with the world. I have chosen to stop missing the Camino, and instead continue walking it. For the rest of my life, the rest of my Camino, it will help me to never forget that I am a Pilgrim.

–Stirling Carter, Youth Pilgrim

There are three journeys as a pilgrim. The physical journey. The emotional journey. And the journey when you return home. In the moment, the physical journey can be the most challenging. It’s present and obvious and the aches and pain and task at hand can consume. And then you reach physical exhaustion. And the beauty at that point, is that every emotion is bright and in your face and so, so present. Sometimes those

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pure, raw emotions translate into giggle fits and belly laughs. Sometimes into sarcasm and harshness. And sometimes into tears. But it is in those raw moments that you can so clearly find what you need; what the pilgrimage can offer you as an individual. And you find it and you feel whole and you make promises to yourself of how you’ll be different and what you’ll do better and then suddenly your plane lands and you’re home. And life starts again. Then there is the best part, the third journey, the challenge of living every day like a pilgrim. The continuation of that journey of grace, faith, love and hope and an openness for all experiences that come your way. Buen Camino!

– Shannon Walters, Leader

Below: A fountain built in 1758 — perfect for soaking tired pilgrim feet.

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Commission ShapeS Christian Formation BY MARJORIE DONNELLY, DIRECTOR OF CHRISTIAN FORMATION Holy Trinity has long been committed to the spiritual development of children and youth. Our goal is that the formation experiences of Sunday school, worship, service opportunities, and special events deepen the faith of our children and teens and help them to grow into the people that God created them to be. Last summer, a Christian Formation Commission was formed to shape Holy Trinity’s formation program by providing support, insight and vision. In January of 2014, the Commission asked parents and Sunday school teachers to share their hopes and dreams for Holy Trinity’s children, youth and families through listening groups. These groups addressed the strengths and challenges of our current ministries and identified possibilities for growth. The information gathered is being used as we plan future programs. The report highlighted Holy Trinity’s many assets including the Godly Play curriculum for children ages three – fourth grade. Teachers and parents like the familiarity, comfort and rituals. Teachers did share ideas for tweaking the curriculum to better meet the needs of our 3rd/4th graders. This year, we added a time of singing at the beginning of Sunday school, which helped burn a little energy so children can better focus as they transition from worship to their classrooms. For the youth, many pieces make the Sunday morning experience fun and meaningful. They include the breakfast/ gathering time; pows and wows; the curriculum; and the youth space. Youth Sunday school continues to face the challenge of smaller numbers (as do churches across the nation). Teachers met with Marjorie Donnelly to brainstorm creative ways to engage youth while being aware of the many competing demands on their time. Marjorie also met with a national Episcopal curriculum expert at the Christian Formation Convention in June. She received advice about the most up to date and engaging curriculum, which we will implement into our programs in the fall. Probably our most tremendous asset is the fabulous team of Sunday school teachers, volunteers and staff who are dedicated to lead on Sunday mornings and at special events. However, there is always a need to recruit more dedicated adults, and the Christian Formation commission is in the process of doing so for the fall. Our hope is to offer bi-yearly trainings for these volunteers. Many participants spoke of the variety of the monthly Wednesday special events for families. It seems to be just the right frequency and a good length of time for the program, and families love the variety of activities. Vacation Bible School is another special event that parents, volunteers and children look forward to each summer. This

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year we had a record number of children (80+) and adult and teen volunteers (50+) participate. It was clear from the listening groups that we have a great formation program, but there are also areas to be strengthened. Parents desire to know how all the pieces of the children’s and youth ministry fit together for an overall formation plan. The priests, staff and several lay persons began serious work on addressing this need in the spring. We are working on a spiritual formation arc that tracks children and youth from birth – 12th grade. We are exploring many components of Holy Trinity’s spiritual formation: mile markers, such as Rite 13 and confirmation; areas to support/care zones, such as when there is a divorce or death; resources (we plan to develop a parenting resource library); and bridges from one stage to another. Parents and teachers are craving more outreach projects for children and families and the Formation and Outreach Commissions are working together to provide greater opportunities to serve. Eventually, we plan to develop a written resource that will spell out all the components of spiritual formation that parents can expect as their child grows and matures in the faith. Parents expressed their desire to strengthen the parent connection. They are looking for a community of support, for resources and for parenting Sunday school classes. To this end, there will be a new parenting Sunday school offering this fall with both large group teaching and small group discussions. “Parenting as a Spiritual Practice” will begin with information on the biological, psychological and spiritual development of children and youth. The Christian Formation Commission is committed to sponsoring a variety of other events to support and encourage our parents. As in any large organization, communication is a challenge. Feedback about communications was inconsistent. Some parents said they got enough information while others felt they needed more. We look forward to the new Holy Trinity website in the fall, foreseeing that this will be the “go to spot” for information and registrations for events. In addition, we plan to provide weekly information about your child’s Sunday school classroom, so parents can incorporate what their children are learning and experiencing on Sunday mornings into their daily lives. We are excited to implement new formation initiatives and to maintain the ones that are presently serving us well. The report from the listening groups challenged us to create a process for engaging the majority of parents in the ministry in some way during the 2014-15 school year. We look forward, with God’s help and your help to making that a reality at Holy Trinity.

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BRYSON CARTER RECEIVES PRICE SCHOLARSHIP BY JANE CUNNINGHAM Bryson Carter is this year’s recipient of the Francis O. Price Scholarship, which is awarded each year to a senior who has been active in the life of Holy Trinity. The scholarship was established by Francis and Cynthia Price, who were members of Holy Trinity, to help promising and deserving young members of Holy Trinity defray the expensive costs of a college education. Bryson will receive $1,000 a year for four years. Bryson, who graduated from Grimsley High School, will attend the University of the South. “Bryson was considered the best candidate for this award because of his commitment to the youth group, including Glory Ridge and the pilgrimage, and his work in assisting our Choirmaster Ben Brafford with children’s music,” said Scott Brewington, who served on the scholarship selection committee. Ben, who has known Bryson since he began piano lessons 10 years ago, said, “Bryson is a passionate and talented student who responds to challenges with focus, inquiry, creativity, and productivity.” An accomplished musician, Bryson recently composed six diverse pieces including compositions for strings, winds, percussion and some electronic instruments. Ben believes Bryson has great potential as a composer of traditional repertoire as well as electronic and computer music. “He moved through several instruments and several successful, productive years in performance at school and church,” Ben said. “He has several original pieces and has taught himself sequencing while producing his works.” In September, several of Bryson’s computer-generated pieces were played at Holy Trinity and were well-received. Scott said that as part of his application, Bryson wrote and spoke of his faith journey and how he had evolved from “being made to go to church” to wanting to attend church because of the community he had established. “Bryson also credited his involvement at Holy Trinity with drawing out his personality and creating a drive to assume leadership responsibilities,” Scott said. “Bryson was chosen because he represented the qualities of a student and Holy Trinity member that Dute and Cynthia Price would have desired in a recipient.” The scholarship was established by the Trust of Francis O. “Dute” Price and Cynthia Vaughn Price. Following the death of Mr. Price in 1993, a fund was established for the scholarship as envisioned by the Trust. Given that the Trust would fund the scholarship upon the death of both parties, Mrs. Price, in July of 1994, went ahead and established the

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Bryson Carter is the recipient of this year’s Price Scholarship. Scholarship as a way to honor her husband and requested memorial gifts be made to the fund. She continued to make contributions to the fund as well. The first recipient of the Price Scholarship in 1994 was Bo Tyler. Scott said that the Prices didn’t have children of their own but recognized the high cost of a college education and wanted to help make college possible for deserving young members of Holy Trinity. Originally, the Trust was established to benefit students attending Davidson, Sewanee or University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, but Mrs. Price changed it to allow students to benefit from the Price Scholarship at the college of their choice. Contributions and a market growth increased the Price Scholarship Fund over the years. Following the death of Cynthia Price in 2012 and per the Trust agreement, the original proceeds of the Trust were transferred to the Price Scholarship Fund. Given the increase in the principal of the fund, this year the Holy Trinity Foundation appointed a committee to study the Scholarship Fund and make suggestions about the application process and award amount. The requirements were refined and a more indepth application process established. In addition, the amount of the scholarship was changed from $1,000 per year per recipient to an amount up to $4,000 per year per recipient. High school students can apply for the scholarship in the spring of their senior year.

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607 N. Greene St. Greensboro, NC 27401 (336) 272-6149 • www.holy-trinity.com The Rev. Timothy J. Patterson Rector The Rev. Ginny Bain Inman Associate Rector The Rev. Susan Sherard Associate Rector The Rev. Stewart M. Tabb Associate Rector

SLOW DOWN (continued from page 5) Even a pre-school child can learn to slow down and use his or her breath as an anchor in the present moment: Have your child lie down on the floor or the bed and place a favorite stuffed animal on his or her belly. Have the child rock the stuffed animal to sleep with the movement of the belly as the child breathes in and out. This is how a child begins to learn how to pay attention to breathing. Don’t under-estimate the power of teaching these simple practices to children. When we slow down, take some deep breaths, and become open to another way, we are more likely to grow into more compassionate, loving human beings. For more information on conscious parenting, read The Mindful Child by Susan Kaiser Greenland and Child’s Mind by Dr. Christopher Willard. In addition, Kerry Lee McLean’s picture books are great for younger children.

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