Wreaths Across America

The evergreen wreath is an emblem of perfection and unity and also the warmth of the sun. It represents victory of the eternal spirit over death. Long used at funerals, a wreath represents eternal life.

Wreaths Across America is a wreath laying ceremony during which wreaths are laid at a grave or memorial site, done as a formal sign of respect towards our fallen heroes and in recognition of the sacrifices veterans have made in wars since the American Revolution. Their moto is:

REMEMBER

Our Fallen U.S. Veterans

HONOR

Those Who Serve

TEACH

Your Children the Value of Freedom

This year Trinity Memorial Garden will join Wreaths Across America on December 17, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. for a wreath laying ceremony. All are invited to attend and show respect for those who served and have gone before us.

If you have questions, please contact Linda Springer

Trinity Housing Corporation Announcement

Trinity Housing Corporation owns the Island Grove Village.  Dick Maxfield was retained to manage the Island Grove Village on behalf of the Trinity Housing Corporation. Dick has held that title since 1988 or nearly 34 years.  When he took the reigns the apartments were in  bad shape-they had been neglected and required extensive rehabilitation. Dick ,with prayer, methodically and systematically brought the property up to and surpassing all expectations of the Feds , city and Trinity Housing Corp.  His Christian driven management is reflected in everything he did for the residents living in the development.   Unfortunately he has decided to retire as of April 1, 2022.  While we are happy for him starting his new chapter we are sadden to loose his spiritual and managerial leadership. 

The board of Trinity Housing Corp sought out a firm to manage the property in the manner we have become accustom to. Dick helped with the selection of the management firm selection process which helped the board tremendously .The firm that was contracted is Ross/Envolve,  they have extensive background on managing low income housing .  They have computer , human resource, legal and management expertise that we do not have the scale of size nor  the expertise and professionalism that Ross/Envolve bring to the table.  Ross/Envolve has a presence in Northern Colorado, the firm has an office in Denver and finally Dick has known the founder of Ross for years.   The board signed a 1 year agreement to give more time to evaluate the effectiveness of the new management firm.  Although Dick will no longer manage the property he will continue as a board member.

Respectfully submitted by Brian Larson

Behind the Organ Façade

If you were in church this past week and happened to look up at the choir loft, you noticed that the entire organ façade is missing.  The 16’ Violon pipes have been removed and the 8’ Principal pipes have been packed up to be delivered to A. R. Schopp pipe makers in Alliance, Ohio. With the façade gone, the pipes behind are exposed so that you can have a much better idea of the real size and construction of Trinity’s Casavant pipe organ.

When you look into the pipe chamber, you see the shorter pipes of both the Great and Pedal division. In the middle at the back are the 16’ Quintaton pipes of the Great. The Quintaton pipes are capped with red felt lining. The Quintaton stands in front of the two expression boxes.  The one on the left (North side) is the Swell division. The one on the right (South) is the new Choir expression box.

Last week all the flue pipes (flutes, principals, mutations, mixtures) were unpacked and returned to their respective wind chests. This week and next, Burton Tidwell is voicing each of the pipes. What is voicing?

It is the skill of manipulating an organ pipe to make it sound. Each pipe must be made to play with the proper onset of sound (known as speech), sustained tone, and volume. This is distinct from tuning, which sets the pitch. Mr. Tidwell worked with Lawrence Phelps, the tonal designer of our organ, for seven years, so we are extremely fortunate to have a voicer who knows Phelps’ tonal aesthetic.

Another startling sight is to see the majestic Festival Trumpet mounted atop the Swell expression box and almost touching the ceiling. This organ stop was previously mounted behind the Choir box, where its sound was buried. The Festival Trumpet will now be able to produce a commanding, brilliant sound. This special organ stop was a generous gift of the Lyster family.

Other additions to the organ include a Sesquialtera II (2 2/3’, 1 3/5’) that has been mounted in the Swell chamber. This stop, used in combination with Flutes 8’, 4’, 2’, will create a Cornet (pronounced core-nay) which is called for in much organ literature to dialogue against the Cromorne reed stop.  A Larigot (1 1/3’ flute) has been added to the Choir. This high-pitched fifth-sounding stop is used to create a bubbly, shimmering effect in organ literature. A new Flute 4’ has been added to the Swell and the former Swell Flute 4’ has been moved to the Pedal division.

The Spencer Organ company will return at the end of March to install the organ console. At that time the organ will again be playable. The organ is expected to be ready for Easter Sunday services.  Please reserve the date May 22 for the Dedication Service of the organ, when the organ will be dedicated in the name of Glennes Garlick, Trinity’s long serving organist, who was responsible for obtaining the Casavant organ. Professor David Higgs, Chair of the Organ Department at Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY will be the organist for this occasion. Professor Higgs is an internationally known organist, and he will be playing a concert program designed specially to showcase our organ’s beautiful, restored sounds. Professor Higgs appears courtesy of Karen McFarlane Artists, Inc., Cleveland, OH.

Respectfully submitted by Ray Quick

JUAREZ MISSION REPORT

Once again God’s hands are apparent in our involvement with the Community of The Holy Spirit, the Mission in Juarez.  Because of changing conditions including; truck availability, fuel costs and border issues, we changed our emphasis to less food and more funding.  And God touched the hearts of the generous brothers and sisters of Trinity Episcopal, Our Savior’s Lutheran and individuals of Northern Colorado.  2,000 pounds of dried milk and 1,000 pounds of beans and other donated food were loaded and delivered to El Paso December 1st. 1650 pounds of dried milk was donated by a church member, and God multiplied his donation with and unexpected gift of 6 extra bags donated by the milk supplier. Northern Feed and Bean supported our effort again this year with 750 pounds of beans as they have for years. 

The funding effort was amazing again this year and totaled $31,640.  This was from both churches but also from donors that are nonmembers.  A number of donations were sent directly to the Mission last summer, and those gifts provide a grand total $33,340.  These funds will be used to feed the children at the mission dining room and in the community served by the mission through food boxes. What a blessing to the children in Juarez, but also how blessed are we to be able to help our brothers and sisters who are in a place of struggle.  Even with the vaccine being available, the pandemic is still active in Juarez and seems to be increasing.  The mission is opening and children are again being fed there.  Your response not only provides food for their bodies, but it also provides food for their souls and lets them know they are remembered and cherished members of the body of Christ. In gratitude we thank you for your continuing involvement and support.

Ian Percy and Steve Teksten

Christmas Blessings from Trinity

Sign up by December 12 to provide a gift for one or more children on our gift list:

We are currently serving 40+ families and have included 56 children on our Christmas Blessings Signup list. We plan to add up to 20 more children in the next day or two, as we get a few more details. We hope you will sign up to provide a small gift for one or more of these children, shop for your “adopted” child(ren) and bring your wrapped gift – labeled with the name and family number of the child – to Trinity, no later than Wednesday, December 15.  It’s a short turn around, so if you need help shopping, you can indicate on the signup form that you want us to do the shopping for you. Please keep your gift in the $25 range. This helps to make sure gifts are fair for all the children in a family. If you signup, but need us to shop for you, you can pay by check to Trinity, with Christmas Gift in the memo line, or give online, using the instructions for a special purpose contribution.

Contribute to Holiday Food Boxes:

The holidays are a special time for families to gather and share a meal.  Unfortunately, not everyone in our community can afford a festive meal at Christmas.  As we do every year, we are preparing Christmas food boxes for families in need. To supplement what we are able to get from the Weld Food Bank, we will be buying produce, meat, and canned goods to fill out the boxes.  Your monetary donation will go a long way in making this Christmas special for a needy family. You can contribute to Christmas Food Boxes by check (made out to Trinity with food boxes in the memo) or online, following the instructions to give for a special purpose.

If you have questions, please contact Terrie (970-576-8288) or Karoline (970-381-6697).

Organ Article Thanksgiving Week

Dear Ray,

Thank you for your letter of November 3, 2021. What a wonderful tribute to our mother that you will dedicate the renovated organ to her memory! Carl and I are happy to contribute to the dedication ceremony, both in terms of a small amount of money and also in a few memories of our mother’s life as an organist….

Carl has a picture of our mother as a young woman sitting at the organ at the church. He will make a copy of that to send with some of our memories. You will probably see the photo and remember when you studied with her, because that was her age when she was most active as a teacher and as a performer.

As to memories, Carl and I both have plenty of those. We will put together what we remember of her from our earliest days when she was an organ student at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York until the time of her final retirement from a small church in California shortly before she died at age 98.

She loved the Garrison Keillor skit about the church organist who retired only to be called back again and again when the replacement organists didn’t work out. Although it was a bit different for her, it seemed like after every “retirement” (Greeley, Key Largo, Estes Park, Escondido) there was another church with need for an organist.

Carl and I will assemble something and send it to you.

Best regards,

Glenn

For anyone who didn’t know Mrs. Garlick, she was a student of Harold Gleason at Eastman School of Music, one of America’s most esteemed organ teachers. She and her husband, Don, moved to Greeley where Don was Professor of Music History and Cello at UNC. Besides playing the organ, Mrs. Garlick was also an accomplished violist. She and Dr. Garlick were members of the Greeley String Quartet along with Dr. Henry Ginsburg and Blanche Ginsburg. This popular foursome often played for special services at Trinity and throughout the community.

I have great news today that, thanks to your many generous financial gifts, we have raised $39,520 towards our challenge goal of $40,000. We also have a further pledge of $1800, which puts us over the top. I want to thank each and every one of you now and in person for tangibly demonstrating your love of the organ, of music, and of Trinity parish. Even during these difficult times, you have made an enduring gift to the spiritual life of Trinity and the musical life of the Greeley. May God bless each and every one!

Ray Quick

Only 12 Days Remaining to Reach $40K Challenge Goal

Only 12 more days remain to reach the $40K challenge goal from the Shaeffers by the December 1. As of today, we have received exactly $25,520 with promises of $2,250 more before month’s end.  I must ask everyone who is able to consider helping us obtain $12,230 more in order to reach the $40K goal. Every gift received is doubled and enables us to achieve this milestone for the organ restoration project. Thank you to everyone who has already made an enduring contribution to Trinity’s Casavant pipe organ. This is a once in 50+ year opportunity. Importantly, know that some of the problems being resolved now will not need to be repeated in future years. Only perishable materials and voicing will be necessary approximately 50+ years from now.

            The latest progress update from Joseph Rotella of Spencer Organ Company is that the Swell division reed stops are now completely restored and re-voiced. The Swell reeds include an 8ft. Trompette, 4ft. Hautbois (Oboe), and 16ft. Basson (Bassoon), 61 notes each. The Festival Trumpet, (the gift of Norman and Elizabeth Lyster in memory of their family) is also finished. The 16ft. Soubasse pipes (square, stopped wooden pipes) have been wiped down and waxed.  The wooden stoppers at the top of the Soubasse pipes have been re-leathered as the leather deteriorated and no longer held the stoppers in place for tuning purposes. The layout for the console stop knobs and coupler rail is now agreed upon, which was necessary for the next step in rebuilding the console. The new solid-wood shade fronts for the Choir Division are enroute to Jim Steinborn for final assembly. Clearly, we are accomplishing established goals, and it is gratifying to know the step-by-step improvements and repairs to the organ are resolving long-term problems and returning the organ to a like-new state.

Note the following corrections have been made, the correct spelling of the last name our donors of the $40K Challenge gift is Shaeffer, vice Schaeffer. Our angels are Charles and Thelma Shaeffer.  Also, in a prior article I wrongly stated the year of Trinity’s explosion and fire downtown. The correct year is 1964, vice 1966.  Thank you to Thelma for noting these mistakes.

-Ray Quick

What Makes Pipe Organs and their Music Unique?

Because of its location high up in the loft at the back of the church, many of us have never actually seen our organist playing the instrument. That is really unfortunate, because the performer is like a musical magician, switching between two or more keyboards for the hands while simultaneously playing another part of the music with his/her feet. Wait! There’s more! The organ has many sounds, which can be combined or played separately, and this is accomplished by pulling stop knobs and tapping toe pistons to select the desired combination. All these options create complexity, allowing a pipe organist to play music from different countries, time periods, styles and for different occasions. The range of sound is equally impressive, because as long as a note is held, the organ sounds without diminishing in volume, so the listener might hear a powerful blast of sound or a soft, intimate melody.

Another interesting fact about pipe organs is that every one of them is custom-built for the room in which they live. They are not portable. No two organs are exactly alike, so the organist must understand the characteristics of that particular instrument in order to play music that is appropriate and inspirational, and which, above all, enhances our corporate worship. When our organ renovation is complete, we will have an instrument that is well-positioned to play any literature, past or future, with integrity and beauty of sound.

-Philana 

What is Organ Music?

Have you ever asked yourself why does the church have an organ? What makes “organ music” unique. What was organ music written for?  Before we can answer any of these questions, we have to consider music itself. Lawrence Phelps, the tonal designer of Trinity’s Casavant, eloquently wrote about music saying:

“Music is complex- we hear sound vibrations with our ears, but it's much more than mere sound. Sound is from the outside in, music, from the inside out. It transforms our mood, our view of the world. Music is universal; it is not bound by spoken language. We respond to it from infancy, we strive to fill our lives with it. To live without music is to live impoverished. So tightly knit to our spiritual core, music can run the gamut of our emotional spectrum, from joy to anguish and everything in between. Music can not only move us but can cause our voices to sing and our feet to dance. It is not limited to the domain of man- other creatures such as birds join in chorus. Perhaps the most powerful and pervasive force on earth, neither is it limited to earth, for heaven itself is filled with music. Music, then, is the best way that creation has to express outwardly its inner spiritual being. Music, the most sublime of the arts, draws its word meaning from muse, to reflect and meditate about something in depth. That's why thoughtful, attentive listening is a skill worth developing.”

Why does church have an organ? What is organ music? Check back next week as we answer the questions posed above.

-Ray Quick

2021 Juarez Mission Annual Food & Fund Drive

While Covid-19 is less of a worry this fall, unfortunately problems are still with us here in Colorado and also at the Mission in Juarez. But the mission dining room is open, daycare and preschool are again serving the families, and the medical, dental and eyeglass clinics are slowly beginning their services.

The border has become more difficult to navigate, so the economic impact due to loss of employment across the border is still severe. While conditions are improving in Juarez, food is the primary need, as hunger continues. Pilar is still handing out food boxes to help those who are struggling.

Due to the difficulty transporting the food across the border and the decreased availability of a large truck to transport the food, our food drive is making some adjustments;

• We will still transport food to El Paso, but we will use a personal vehicle and a trailer

• If you are in a position to obtain a Costco or a Sam’s Club gift card, this can be used by the mission to purchase food

• The food and fund drive began November 1st and run through November 28th

• Food suggestions include peanut butter, oatmeal, rice and beans

• Food may be placed in a designated tub in the Narthex, dropped off at Steve Teksten’s home at 1603 37th Ave. or call him, and he will pick it up at your convenience

While the food we gather is very important, the funds are equally so. Some food must be purchased locally. Checks should be made out to Hands for Christ and sent directly to Steve. All money collected will be delivered with the food. Hands for Christ is a 501 C3, and you will receive a receipt for your taxes.

We will be taking the supplies to El Paso on the weekend of December 3rd. Trinity has been a wonderful friend of the Mission for many years, and we hope you will hear God’s call to help your less fortunate brothers and sisters in Juarez again this year. Your support over the years has been remarkable, and you have our heartfelt gratitude and also the gratitude of the people you serve at the mission and the dump community. We continue to thank you.

Steve Teksten 396-5304

Trinity Youth Group in November

Wednesdays – TYG Coffee Time, Middle School and High School, from 6-7pm at Ziggy’s Coffee located 5011 W. 10th Street, Greeley, CO.

Sunday, Nov. 21st, 4-6pm, Middle School and High School, we will meet outside weather dependent. Dress Warm! We will continue I Have Questions looking at If God is good, Why do bad things happen?

Sunday, Nov. 28th – Outreach opportunity. Wrapping presents for Santa Cops, from 2-4 pm. Meet at Greeley Rec Center Downtown, 651 10th Avenue, Greeley. We will be working in the basement of the rec center. Meet at the front entrance at 1:45pm. Space is limited, please RSVP to Lynette (970)250-2336 by Nov. 21st!

Save the date: Sunday, Dec. 12th TYG Xmas Party – time and place TBD.

Meet Adeo - Trinity Outreach Grant Recipient

Adeo, formerly known as Greeley Center for Independence, was founded by Hope Cassidy in 1978. The nonprofit was originally staffed by volunteers, and was created to provide people with disabilities an alternative to life in a nursing home. Adeo’s mission is to support people with disabilities by providing services tailored to meet individual needs. The organization is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment in which both the people they serve and their staff can thrive.

Today, Adeo’s services for people with disabilities include affordable housing at Hope Apartments, Home Health services, and a residential program for adults with brain injuries at Stephens Farm. The brain injury program is the only one of its kind in all of Northern Colorado and currently has a waiting list greater than 70. Trinity’s Outreach Grant supports the residents at Stephens Farm by providing them with resources for personal needs, such as eyeglasses or haircuts, that aren’t covered by the small Medicaid allowance these individuals receive.

Adeo also serves the general public through two programs:

Adeo Physical Therapy (APT) offers both land-based and pool therapy for people of all ages. APT recently began to offer treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction and aquatic therapy focused on weight loss.

Adeo Athletic Center (AAC) is an inclusive workout space for people of all abilities. Residents of Stephens Farm regularly participate in classes or receive personal training at AAC. Members of the general public may also sign up for classes or personal training.

More information about all that Adeo has to offer is at www.adeoco.org. Please consider supporting their mission by donating, choosing Adeo Physical Therapy for your physical therapy treatment, or becoming a member of Adeo Athletic Center.

Juarez: Hope and Blessings in the Time of the Pandemic

In a time of fear, worry, struggles, and separation from friends and family, we have found a time of blessing in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. This blessing has many parts and sources. The recently completed food/fund drive included many blessings. This year we lost the support of a large donor of many years, but the loss was replaced by others who were in a position to join the effort or increase their donation. Both Trinity Episcopal and Our Savior’s Lutheran congregations were again solid in their support of the Mission in Juarez. The food included 4,000 pounds of beans donated by Northern Feed and Bean and by a couple of members of OSL. Others donated 2,000 pounds of rice. Another family donated 1,650 pounds of dried milk. Onions were again donated by Sakata Farms of Brighton and Fagerberg Farms of Eaton and carrots by Hungenberg Produce of Greeley. A new supplier was Strohauer Farms of LaSalle who donated 800 pounds of potatoes. A total of 11,050 pounds was loaded December 3rd and driven to El Paso the next day. We arrived by 7:15 pm, quickly unloaded and began the journey back to Greeley.

The community served by the Mission has more struggles than normal due to the Pandemic. Jobs have been lost, and the financial struggle is serious, resulting in increased privation and hunger. Even though the mission is temporarily closed by local government rules, the donated food is still feeding the children. Pilar is preparing food boxes which are collected by those in need or delivered to those who are unable to get to the mission. This is a blessing to those who are hungry and gives them hope.

The funds donated were even more dramatic. Many families and individuals were part of the blessing with their donations. Both congregations along with others who are not members donated a total of $27,095. These funds allow Pilar to pay ongoing operational costs and obtain additional foodstuffs such as eggs, flour, cooking oil, and dish detergent to complete the food boxes. The only way this is possible is with the involvement of God. This is a blessing both to those who donate and those who receive. We are overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of these blessings.

A few years ago, at the end of a visit to the Mission, Pilar, the Director of the Mission, said to us, “Do not forget about us.” Thanks to all who have made this food/fund drive such a success, they are not forgotten. Your gifts have blessed them and given them hope.

From the depths of our hearts, we thank you.

Ian Percy and Steve Teksten