News
Rising From the Ashes
May 17, 2022
In the late evening of August 8, an arsonist started a fire in the vesting room of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Little Rock, Arkansas. The fire devasted not only the vesting room but burned and smoked damaged most of the vestments held there. Personal clergy vestments were lost as well as the Cathedral’s heritage stoles and chasubles that had been worn for decades by Trinity clergy. These beautiful garments in seasonal colors of purple, red, green, blue, white, and black were worn by clergy at services and imbued with blessings of countless communions, baptisms, weddings, and memorials. The clergy were heartsick and the community was saddened and angered, but one parishioner was inspired.
Fabric artist, Lisa Thorpe, decided that she could make something beautiful rise from the ashes. Remnants of burned vestments were dragged to the Trinity garth to catalog for insurance and then were bound for the dumpster. Thorpe intervened and proposed salvaging some of the damaged material to make new vestments to mark the fire and bring beauty out of the ashes. After cutting away the burned and smoke damaged fabric, Thorpe set about the renewal process.
She washed the remnants multiple times to remove the smell of smoke, then set to work sorting the pieces into color piles. The artist said, “I wanted to use all the colors and patterns that I was able to retrieve; it was important to me that all the vestments be revived and represented if even in the smallest way. The trick was to create something beautiful and meaningful out of the mishmash of colors and textures.”
Thorpe immediately set on the theme of resurrection and the imagery of a phoenix rising from the ashes. “I wanted to represent the paradox of growth from devastation.” She chose to use the classic image of the descending dove to represent rebirth and used that same dove shape in red to represent the spirit rising from the flames. In the end, a stunning set of vestments was created: four clergy stoles, two banners, and insets on the front and back of a new red silk chasuble.
Thorpe says, “When I volunteered, I really didn’t know what I would have to work with or how I would make something from the burned pile, but I jumped in with the Holy Spirit on my side. What I made was so gratifying, and I think is a beautiful representation of the church’s past and now its future, too.”
The new vestments and banners will be blessed and dedicated on Pentecost Sunday, June 5th.
The banners and vestments will be on display in the Morrison Hall foyer between May 19 and Pentecost Sunday, June 5.
May Youth Group Sampler Platter
April 21, 2022
Here's what's happenning
During the month of May, all youth in Little Rock area Episcopal churches are invited to participate in a youth group sampler platter.
- On May 1st, we begin with a picnic on the west summit side of Pinnacle Mountain from 4:00 – 6:00. All youth should bring a picnic dinner. Desserts will be provided.
- On May 8, 15, and 22nd, from 4 – 6 p.m. the youth will gather at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church (20900 Chenal Pkwy.) for more fun and fellowship. Annika Warrick, along with other adults from host parishes, will provide the leadership. All 6th – 12th graders are welcome to “Taste and see that the Lord is good!”
Mother's Day Purse Drive
April 13, 2022
The Matthew 25 Outreach Committee is happy to bring back our wonderful annual Mother’s Day Purse-giving project this year that benefits so many mothers who, unfortunately, miss out on their special day. Last year we had just over 130 wonderful purse gift bags and we want to top that! Please bring your gifts to the Cathedral on Sunday, May 1 for a special blessing of this ministry, or drop your gifts by the Cathedral office if you are unable to attend before May 1.
Who receives the purse gifts?
The purse gifts will be distributed to the children of Our House, Dorcas House and Arkansas Children’s Hospital so they have a special gift to present to their mothers on Mother’s Day.
You Can Help!
- Purchase a new or donate a very lightly used ladies’ purse.
- Fill it with some nice goodies for “Mom,” such as: lip gloss, hand lotion, hand sanitizer, perfume, scarf, small jewelry pieces, mirror, candy…use your imagination!
- Place your purse and goodies in a gift bag with decorative tissue, ribbon and a Happy Mother’s Day card.
- OR, if you’re not a shopper: A monetary gift is welcome (note for Purse Gifts). Send to Trinity Cathedral, 310 W. 17th Street, LR 72206; or, place in the offering, or give online.
Art Exhibit at Christ Church
April 07, 2022
Parishoner, Sandra Graves, who paints under her maiden name, R. S. Perry will be featured in an art exhibit at Christ Church. The opening reception is Friday, April 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. Trinity folks are invited.
The Message - Lent 2022
March 30, 2022
Download the latest issue of our newsletter, The Message - Lent 2022
We're Hiring a Director of Children, Youth, and Families
March 28, 2022
Ministry: Minister to children, youth, and their families at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Little Rock, Arkansas
Reports to: Dean and Rector
Supervises:
- Youth Minister and/or Interns
- Children Ministers and/or Interns
- Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program
- Sunday school volunteers
Committee: Children, youth, and families ministry
General Job Description: Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Little Rock, Arkansas is a downtown, urban parish reaching several hundred active parishioners weekly. We are also a resource for the Diocese, supporting the Bishop and other congregations. This minister builds relationships with and programs for children ages 0-18 and their families, including Sunday school, convocation collaboration on VBS, diocesan youth retreats and other youth group activities. This also includes attending activities where Cathedral and Diocesan families are present like school plays, athletic events, and Camp Mitchell. This is a full time, salaried position with benefits. For more information or to submit your resume, please contact amy@trinitylittlerock.org
Responsibilities:
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Build relationships with members of all ages, focusing on members ages 0-18 and their families.
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Support, maintain, and develop Sunday morning opportunities for the spiritual well being and formation of children, youth, and their families, including oversight of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
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Lead and coordinate Youth ministry opportunities for the Cathedral, with the Convocation, and the Diocese.
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Develop strong volunteer leadership for this ministry, including members of all ages.
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Participate in the preaching ministry of the Cathedral.
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Support active ministry opportunities that involve children, youth, and their families including acolytes, children’s choir, and community ministry.
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Develop intergenerational opportunities.
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Attend activities where Cathedral and Diocesan families are present including dance, theater, and athletic events.
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Develop, support, and maintain a partnership between this ministry and the ministry of ECEP (Early Childhood Education Program), including special programs like VBS, Christmas pageant, and other celebrations.
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Support, maintain, and develop cooperative programs with the Diocese, Camp Mitchell, Central Convocation churches, and Bethel AME.
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Attend weekly staff meeting
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Make a report to Vestry when requested.
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Maintain confidentiality within & outside the Cathedral.
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Other duties as assigned.
Skills and Aptitude: A Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field is required for this position; however, higher degrees are preferred. In addition, this position requires extensive experience in parish ministry, including knowledge of children and youth faith formation. Experience in the Episcopal tradition is preferred, along with ministry training and preaching. All staff are expected to have strong organizational and communication skills, ability to attend to details, lead within the congregation including training volunteers, and listen and adapt to their community. Qualified candidates must have the ability to work independently and as a team member, exhibit emotional maturity, and a teachable spirit.
Continuing Education: This position includes a provision for Continuing Education with a budget for those expenses.
Compensation and Benefits: The salary range for this full time position is $50,000 to $55,000. The position includes health insurance and pension for the employee.
Vacation: There are two weeks of vacation the first year; three weeks beginning the second year, and four years the third year and following.
Prior experience: Minimum 3 years in a relevant field.
Interested candidates should email their resume to Rev. Amy Daveler Meaux: amy@trinitylittlerock.org.
Ringing For Ukraine
March 22, 2022
The bells of our cathedral will speak for and to the Trinity community on Palm Sunday, April 10, during a 20-minute performance by the Trinity Ringing Society in support of the people of Ukraine. The program will begin immediately following the 10:30 a.m. service. All are invited to watch this special performance, and donations for humanitarian aid will be accepted, to be forwarded to Episcopal Relief & Development’s Ukraine Crisis Response Fund. Donations will help meet critical needs for people fleeing the violence, including food, cash, blankets, and hygiene supplies.
If you would like to donate now please make your check payable to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral and include “Ukraine” in the memo line. Checks should be mailed to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 310 West 17th Street, Little Rock, AR 72206, Attn: Jeanie Toombs. You can also donate using a credit card on the church’s REALM website.
For more information about this special musical service, please contact Julie Keller at 501-454-8369 or juliekeller2@me.com.
Vocal Recital
February 21, 2022
Friday, March 11th at 7 pm
Connor Lidell in Concert
Come hear award-winning baritone singer Connor Lidell in a free concert at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. Connor is in demand for operatic roles nationwide, and also enjoys an eclectic musical career including musical theatre, choral music, session singing, and teaching a large vocal studio. An accomplished pedagogue, his students have gone on to receive professional theatre contracts and have been on national tours. While in Little Rock, the Trinity Choir will have the opportunity to benefit from Connor’s expertise in vocal technique and vocal health; he will lead our choir in rehearsal on Thursday, March 10th and will conduct the choir at eucharist and evensong on March 13th. Dr. Stephen Dubberly will accompany this recital.
Lenten Retreat
February 16, 2022
Lenten Reflection Day at Trinity Cathedral
Artist and educator Lisa Thorpe will lead this workshop on Saturday, March 5, 12–4 p.m., for adults and teens — no art experience necessary, just an open heart and mind! Participants will make 40 Lenten cards with torn paper collage, an accessible technique for all levels. The registration fee of $60 includes all materials. Learn more and register.
