Trinity Together | June-July 2018

AUGUST 12, "better together": Being the church

BY joe magri, pastor for mercy

The events of last summer rocked our community. The images and stories of the tensions that prevailed here reverberated throughout the nation and the world. It was shocking because in many ways it was unexpected. The narrative of anger and hatred just did not seem to fit with our little town. Charlottesville had become known not only for its physical beauty, but also as a welcoming community with much to offer. The specter of angry mobs clashing and the violence that ensued cast a dark shadow across our community that still lingers.

In the aftermath, a group of pastors from across the community began meeting intentionally to build unity with one another and with churches. Since last fall the group has met monthly with the vision of being a faithful presence and speaking hope and truth as the church together. This led to a planned event for August 12 at 6:00pm at the downtown pavilion.

The event is being called "Better Together," and you are invited to attend and join with many churches as we, together, lament, repent, and rejoice. The theme for the event is from Psalm 133:1: "How good and pleasant it is when God's people dwell together in peace." The main speaker for the event is Jay James. DJ Carter will lead and introduce various aspects of the service, and Isaac Wardell and Paul Zach will coordinate and lead musicians from many churches.

If you plan to come, please register ahead of time by emailing bettertogether@trinitycville.org. This will enable us to send any notices or instructions as the day arrives. Please note that there will be a security team at the pavilion that day, and parking vouchers will be available. Plan to attend that day and join with other voices as we worship and seek peace for the city. Questions? Contact Joe Magri.

Servant leaders: our church officers

BY susan prindle

Following election, ordination, and installation of new officers earlier this summer, a total of 25 deacons and 29 ruling elders serve our congregation. (Click here to see their names and, where there is a link, their profiles.) Soon a few men from each group will move to emeritus status for reasons of age, disability, or having served for many of Trinity’s 42 years. We honor these servants, giving them a rest from their labors. Given these and other transitions, such as people moving, church members are asked each spring to help identify men who might serve well as church officers after a period of training and preparation.

The leaders installed this summer began the process a year earlier when at least three church members nominated each for the office he now holds. One often-asked question is why only men may be nominated. The simple answer is that as a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in America, we follow the policies its leaders have established based on their collective interpretation of the teaching of Scripture. That includes a call exclusive to men to serve in these elected offices defined in 1 Timothy 3. Trinity also follows the practice of other PCA churches by establishing the local role of deacon assistant to which both men and women may respond. Such assistants are described in the PCA’s Book of Church Order. Five currently serve, and this fall we will again open this opportunity to any adult church member.

As Trinity prepared to elect its newest officers in May, nominations were again opened for deacons and ruling elders. Over a period of three weeks 44 church members submitted 95 individual nominations. Those men who received at least three nominations were offered the opportunity to consider entering the time of training and discernment in the fall. Currently six elder nominees and ten deacon nominees are participating, praying, and being advised by a current officer. Trinity members are also encouraged to pray for wisdom for these men and their families.

In 2011 our Session established the Officer Development Ministry Team to help our church move through the identification and preparation process for church officers. The team includes a representative ruling elder and a representative deacon, as well as church staff and members of the congregation. ODMT does not vet prospective officers but helps them, the Session, and the congregation determine God’s will together. Of the three at-large congregation members, two must be women (though not wives of current officers). ODMT is seeking women to fill this role. To inquire or suggest such a woman, contact Susan Prindle.

All church members are encouraged to pray regularly for our church officers that they may serve with wisdom and grace and lead us well. To help us always be prepared for adding new officers, small groups are encouraged to talk and pray periodically about whom you see around you that might be considered for the next nomination cycle. Joyce Field is the staff assistant who works with our officers and ODMT. Please contact her with any questions or suggestions.

VBS 2018 a blessing for many

At Vacation Bible School 2018, 220 children from our congregation and the community heard the gospel presented. Joe Magri pick up children of refugees in the Prospect neighborhood each morning, so they could hear the good news of Jesus at our Marketplace VBS. Seventy-five adults and 35 youths acted in skits, ran a Lord's Prayer obstacle course, made bricks, and created amazing food experiences—all in the name of Jesus.

"So many people came up and were in awe of the magnitude and beauty and the amazing way the gospel was presented."—Carol Ward
"Thank you, thank you for VBS 2018! It was the most beautiful VBS I have ever attended. My eyes filled with tears as we sang the 'Our Father' each morning. What a great way to learn/reinforce that timeless prayer. My four grandchildren loved it!"—Mary Hellman
"When I signed up to help, I thought I was going to be serving the kids and teaching them about healing in the Apothecary tent. As I prepared, I found the Lord actually taught ME, and I was incredibly blessed by the kids and the entire experience."—Ashley Steele

session summary: MAY/JUNE

In our May and June meetings we had the pleasure of welcoming 30 new members while transferring memberships of a few friends who have left us.

In May we talked about the memorable Faith Seeking Understanding forum on race relations held in April. After discussing it at some length we approved the following motion:

That a Task Force be created to prayerfully consider a strategy of next steps for our congregation following from the recent Faith Seeking Understanding Forum, “Race: Unity in Diversity.” That Walter Kim chair the Task Force and people it with members including both Elders and Deacons as well as parishioners of diverse age, both men and women. That the Task Force consider steps which include, but go beyond, teachings and further education. That the Task Force report back to the Session by Advent 2018.

The Officer Development Ministry Team told us about the great new group of deacon and elder candidates who are beginning their discernment and training process. Thanks for taking so much interest in nominating these men.

The June meeting featured an important discussion about Hospitality and Evangelism. The objectives were to assess ways we might make Trinity more hospitable to visitors and to address questions of what a commitment to evangelism might look like. We have just begun considering this and would love to hear your ideas.

And finally, something for singles to consider: Pastor Wade presented his ideas about providing an opportunity for groups of young adults to live together for a season, under the practices of the Rule. Two young people in our congregation have already tried this idea, living together and learning faithfully to follow the Rule’s spiritual practices, while being mentored by Wade. We heard a rousing testimony of the personal benefit it had provided.

Going forward Wade envisions two houses, one each for men and women, where young adults could live in community this way. We prayed that the Lord would make these houses available. Wade believes this environment has the potential to allow for significant spiritual formation for the participants. You should let him know if this sounds interesting.

Have a question about our Session? Email session@trinitycville.org.