Trinity. hristmas at. services TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24. a service of lessons&carols CHRISTMAS EVE. christmas gift of joy

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1 TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH December 17, 2013 Vol. 47 No. 51 C hristmas at Trinity INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Finance Report 3 JOY in Serving 4 Senior Adult Info 5 Calendar of Events 7 CHRISTMAS EVE services TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24 CHILDREN S SERVICES 4:00 & 5:00 PM Wesley Hall These services are designed for families with young children. The children are encouraged to dress as Mary, Joseph, shepherds, angels or manger animals, and become a part of the Nativity story. Costumes available. PERSONAL COMMUNION 4:00-6:00 PM Sanctuary Come and go at any time during these two hours for an intimate time of family or individual worship and communion. CANDLELIGHT COMMUNION 7:00 & 11:00 PM Sanctuary Trinity s traditional services of Christmas with music, word, candlelight and communion. With special music by the Sanctuary Choir, Organ, Cross & Flame Youth Choir & Trinity String Quartet. Nursery Not Available on Christmas Eve a service of lessons&carols SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22 8:45 & 11:00 AM Sanctuary A Service of Lessons and Carols is Trinity s annual service of music and scripture for the Christmas season. It is presented by the Trinity Orchestra, Sanctuary Choir, Cross & Flame Youth Choir, William A. Gardner Handbell Choir and other Trinity vocal ensembles. christmas gift of joy This special offering goes to support the church s mission and outreach efforts. This includes support for local and international mission projects such as: Firehouse Shelter, Family Promise (formerly BHN), Church of the Reconciler, Volunteers In Mission, Urban Ministry, and Camp Sumatanga. Offerings can be made during the Advent season using the special envelopes found in the pews.

2 A Service of Lessons & Carols DECEMBER 22, 2013 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT 8:45 & 11:00 AM Sanctuary The 8:45 AM worship service is broadcast via 15-minute delay from 9-10 AM Sundays on WAPI-1070 AM. COMMUNION FOLLOWING SERVICES SERMON Dr. Andrew Wolfe - Carols of Christmas Series MUSIC 8:45 AM & 11:00 AM Sanctuary Choir, Cross & Flame Youth Choir, William A. Gardner Handbell Choir, Cross & Flame Youth Handbells, Trinity Orchestra, Amy Johnson MINISTER ON CALL Bobby Scales, PERSONAL WORD In Sunday s sermon on the carol O Little Town of Bethlehem, I shared the significance of the fact that Jesus was born in a real place that we can find on a map. Christian faith is not some vague spirituality, and it is not about escape to another realm. It is about God coming here to where we are. Ours is an earthy, incarnate God with us faith. God is redeeming and transforming the world and inviting us to join him. Part of the reality that we face as a church is funding the truly remarkable ministry that goes on here. It sometimes surprises people to learn that we have to pay a power bill! That doesn t sound very spiritual, but it is a part of the cost of making Christ real and present. So, in that light, let me be real. First coming into the month of December, we have collected 81% on the commitments made to the church for Out of a budget of $3.2 million, we have collected $2.6 million, leaving $582,000 still outstanding. This is our Ministry Budget that pays the light bills, provides all of our ministry programming from church nurseries, to youth ministry, to music, and to outreach. Second our commitment goal for 2014 is $3 million. Thus far, we have received commitments of $2,823,278 from 601 families and individuals. There are still 140 families and individuals who made a commitment in 2013, who have not yet replied with a commitment for Our plans for ministry are totally dependent upon the commitments we receive. As it stands currently, we are faced with difficult choices about what level of ministry we can realistically fund. I share this because I believe we need to be real, tell the truth and trust that those who participate are blessed by our ministry. I trust that those who participate will provide the financial support to make it happen as a part of their spiritual discipline. Here is what we can do to provide for these ministries through which lives are being transformed: 8:45 & 11:00 AM WESLEY HALL Rev. Nathan Carden Advent Series: Faces Around the Manger DECEMBER 15 - ATTENDANCE 1,504 Total Worship Attendance 1,043 Traditional 461 Contact 895 Sunday School Recently you should have received a Statement of Giving in the mail. If you have not completed paying your financial commitment for 2013, please do so in the next two weeks. If you have questions, Ann Neptune, our Business Administrator, can answer them. ( ) If you have not made your 2014 commitment, I urge you to do it online at or by calling Ann Neptune ( ). Your commitment really makes a difference! The reality is that we need everyone who shares in this ministry to share in the financial support that makes it possible. Every gift or commitment of every size has a direct impact on our ministry. information for guests & new members Welcome to Trinity United Methodist Church! Our mission is to Gather people to Christ, Grow people in Christ, Go to serve Christ in the world and Glorify Christ. Sunday Worship Opportunities: 8:45 & 11:00 AM Traditional services in the sanctuary, offering same sermon and a variety of music. 8:45 & 11:00 AM CONTACT a relaxed, informal, service in Wesley Hall featuring praise music from the CONTACT Band, children are encouraged to attend. 10:00 AM Sunday School Ages 2 years and up. Nursery is provided during all services. Interested in Membership? Please join us the first Sunday of every month in the large parlor for Coffee with the Pastor. This is a time to meet the pastoral staff, ask questions and learn more about the core values and mission of Trinity. We also encourage you to attend Membership 101, a basic orientation prior to joining Trinity. It is offered on the second Sunday of each month. Contact Rev. Drew Holland at dholland@trinitybirmingham.com or call with any questions. Andrew Wolfe Senior Minister Suzanne Pruitt Minister of Christian Formation Drew Holland Minister of Welcoming Ministries and Young Adults Nathan Carden Minister of Outreach, Contact David Thompson Minister of Students Bobby Scales Minister of Pastoral Care & Visitation Mack Chapman Minister of Administration Church Office: , Fax Care Line: Child Development Center:

3 CONFIRMATION NOTES... Please take a moment and let our Confirmands know their church loves them. Write a note and drop it in the individual envelopes hanging on bulletin boards on 2nd floor near both Wesley Hall entrances. Hurry! The envelopes will be available until January 2. Anna Kate Adkins Eliza Angelo Isabel Blish Henry Brooks Davis Bunn Danielle Eggers Hannah Farrar Hannah Hensarling Celie Jackson Allison Kachelhofer Sarah Kachelhofer Gretchen Kellen Laura Kemper David Kirk Christian Krehl Harrison Lowery Ella Malek Lily Kate Necaise Jake Nequette Pate Owen Benjamin Reynolds Will Ryan Edie Smith Walker Smith Sloan Squires Avery Stansell Nick Swaika Abby Terrell Madden Terry Caleb Walker Maggie White finance report YEAR END GIVING REMINDER Thank you for your faithful giving to Trinity UMC in As the year draws to a close, this is a reminder that any and all gifts that need to be applied to 2013 must be received in the church office by Tuesday, December 31, The church office will be open until 4:30 p.m. that day. If you mail your gift, it needs to be postmarked by December 31, 2013 in order to qualify and meet all IRS tax guidelines and codes. (This means any gifts received on January 1, 2014 will be posted to 2014 giving.) If you would like to submit an Estimate of Giving for 2014, you may do so privately online at or by calling Ann Neptune ( ) Stewardship Progress Stewardship Report: (as of 12/16/13) Comparison Commitments Received: Total Committed: $2,823,278 $2,538, Pledge Goal: $3,024,000 Please make your 2014 Estimate of Giving by: Dropping your yellow Estimate of Giving card in the offering plate Calling Ann Neptune in the Finance Office at Mailing or returning your Estimate of Giving card to the church office Logging on to 3

4 GIFT CARD FUNDRAISER To help families from Family Promise of Birmingham (formerly BHN) We are holding the annual gift card fundraiser for our Greater Birmingham United Appeal Fund which supports our sales tax exemption. These gift cards will be used for families that come through the program. We need gifts of $25 to purchase Wal-Mart gift cards. (You may donate by cash, check, or Wal-Mart gift cards) Checks need to be made payable to The Greater B ham UM UAF. Questions? Contact Ann Neptune at or aneptune@trinitybirmingham.com. CHILDREN S MINISTRY - OPERATION OUTREACH This Advent season, Children s Ministry will participate in Operation Outreach: Soldiers in Afghanistan helping the people of Afghanistan. This is organized by Cpt. Ben Traylor, Trinity member and father of Alyssa and Emma. We will be collecting winter clothing items for the children of Afghanistan. Winters in the desert mountains are very cold and we want the children there to stay warm. Please have children bring items such as gloves/mittens, winter hats, scarves, heavy socks to Sunday School by December 22. Questions? Contact Jeanne Baswell at or jbaswell@trinitybirmingham.com. PANAMA MEDICAL MISSION TRIP March 8-15, Trinity will join with representatives from other area United Methodist churches for a medical/dental mission trip to Panama. There remain several slots available. The team is looking for pharmacists, dentists, physicians and other medical professionals. If you are interested in attending, please contact Dr. Ruth Atkinson at rca54@aol.com or Nathan Carden at ncarden@trinitybirmingham. com. Scholarships are available for Trinity members. WEEKLY OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY Every Thursday morning, different individuals and groups at Trinity cook breakfast at Church for the Reconciler for approximately 125 men in homelessness. There is currently a need for an individual or group to cook and serve on 5th Thursdays. The commitment is for approximately 1.25 hours to set up and serve the meal. The cost of the food and supplies are covered by Trinity. If you or your small group would be willing to take on this commitment for 2014, please contact Nathan Carden at ncarden@trinitybirmingham.com or David Miller at dmiller5@bham.rr.com. CHRISTMAS GIFT OF JOY This special offering goes to support the church s mission and outreach efforts. This includes support for local and international mission projects such as: Firehouse Shelter, Family Promise (formerly BHN), Church of the Reconciler, Volunteers In Mission, Urban Ministry, and Camp Sumatanga. Offerings can be made during the Advent season using the special envelopes found in the pews. Gifts may also be delivered to the church office, please mark your check Gift of Joy. 4 JOYFULLY OFFERING YOURSELF in Serving in Trinity s Holiday Mission Program This is a season of giving and serving. There are many opportunities available to connect directly with one of Trinity s mission ministries. Plug in now, and continue to serve throughout the year. FEEDING: Sign up to serve meals at Urban Ministry, Church of the Reconciler, and Firehouse Shelter. Contact Brittany Arias ( or barias@trinitybirmingham.com) for more info about dates available, ages 9 and up. GIFTING: Buy a gift card for the Restoration Academy Christmas Blessing to teachers and students! For details Brittany Arias at barias@ trinitybirmingham.com. Donate used toys, linens, and furniture to the Community Furniture Bank (tax donation). Talk to your neighbors, co-workers, friends, and family and see if they have a used laptop to donate to the Community Church Without Walls (tax donation) for some individuals in pursuit of higher education. They are in need of 12 laptops. To volunteer for one or all of these ministries and to learn more information about these great opportunities to serve, contact Brittany Arias at barias@trinitybirmingham.com FESTIVAL OF THREE KINGS - On Saturday, December 14, Trinity volunteers participated in this annual event that is held to distribute our Angel Tree gifts. JOY IN SERVING

5 Gifts for the Newborn King! On Monday, December 16, students from Trinity s PDO and TCDC programs brought gifts to give baby Jesus. These gifts, such as diapers, blankets and baby supplies will go to benefit children in local missions. pacesetters news DECEMBER 19 - CHRISTMAS PARTY The Pacesetter Christmas Party will be Thursday, December 19 in the Fellowship Hall from 1:30-4 PM. No Reservations Needed! There will be even more holiday fare this year, with a special pasta bar and crab cakes cooked to order. Of course, we will have fresh shrimp, roast beef and lots of finger foods, including great desserts. The tables will be set with festive Christmas décor as we enjoy a special time of fellowship during this wonderful season. All are invited! LUNCH FOR SENIOR ADULTS, TUESDAYS A hot lunch is served every Tuesday from 11 AM 12:15 PM in the Small Dining Room. This is a delicious hot meal with meat and 4 or more vegetables, dessert, drink for $4. Join us for food and fellowship. EXERCISE FOR SENIOR ADULTS Latest research shows dance as the most effective prevention of dementia. Our Tempo dance/fitness program meets Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. These classes may now be available to you FREE! They are part of the Silver Sneakers FLEX program covered by many Medicare C plans. Find out today if you are eligible by calling our instructor, Suanne Ferguson at or visit her website: For reservations or more information on any event listed above, contact Amy Lewis at or alewis@ trinitybirmingham.com. Small Group Studies 2014 Mark your calendar... the small group course offerings for Winter 2013/Spring 2014 will be available December 31. Log on to after December 31 to view the course offerings. You may register online at that time, or wait until the course description/registration form is mailed in Tidings. Registration tables will be available in the East and Main Narthexes during the first two weeks of January, and the deadline for course registration is January 13. Questions? Contact Suzanne Pruitt at or her at spruitt@trinitybirmingham.com. Don t forget your name tag... on Sunday mornings or anytime you are attending or representing Trinity! This is a great way to provide hospitality to our guests, and to help us get to know one another better. If you don t have a name tag, contact Lisa at or lelliott@trinitybirmingham.com. 5

6 student ministry weekly update We had a wonderful SNelf last night and it reminded me how thankful I am to serve at such an amazing church with awesome students and adult volunteers. Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your students lives. Here is what is happening at Element this week: NO ELEMENT SUNDAY NIGHT We will not have Element this Sunday, December 22 or December 29 due to the holidays. ELEMENT CAFE We re open Tuesday ONLY this week from 3-5:30 PM. It will be our last day of Doughnut December! Parents - please remember that you can sign up for volunteer shifts at Element Cafe by going to ELEMENT PRAYER BREAKFAST Prayer Breakfast will be this Tuesday morning at 6:30 AM in the youth café. We will be serving breakfast from Chickfil-a and Matt Collins will be our speaker. Breakfast is just $3. DISCOVERY WEEKEND REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN We have a super early bird special for those that register their student in If you know your student is going then you want to take advantage of this time. Visit the website today and sign up at: ONLY 16 DAYS LEFT for super early bird rate! SOS, HIGH SCHOOL MISSION TRIP SOS registration is open! This year, SOS will be July 6-12 and we will have limited spaces available. If you know your student is going to attend and they have not signed up yet please let us know. We want every student to be able to attend this amazing week. ARM, MIDDLE SCHOOL MISSION TRIP This year, ARM will be July We have only 7 student spots available!! Log on to to register. Parents, if you are interested in going as a chaperone, please Robert at rsturdivant@trinitybirmingham.com. Birmingham resident, Sophie Hudson, is the author of A Little Salty to Cut the Sweet. As always, if there is anything that we can be doing to better support your student or family please let us know. Merry Christmas, David Thompson, Student Pastor dthompson@trinitybirmingham.com 6 10th Grade Boys Fusion Group... Enjoyed fellowhip and a Christmas dinner night out with their adult leaders Wednesday evening. Youth Volunteers... Played basketball with children at Festival of Three Kings on Saturday.

7 CFT FSR CONF SANC FHALL highlighted events this week Fourth Sunday of Advent Sunday, December 22 8:45 AM Traditional Worship - SANC A Service of Lessons & Carols 8:45 AM Contact Worship - WHALL 10:00 AM Sunday School - various 11:00 AM Traditional Worship - SANC A Service of Lessons & Carols 11:00 AM Contact Worship - WHALL 5:00 PM Sr. Adult Bible Study - SP 5:00 PM Disciple I Study - Rm :00 PM NO Youth Choir or Handbells 6:00 PM NO Confirmation 6:00 PM NO Element Craft Room 143 Fireside Room 145 Conference Room 220 Sanctuary Fellowship Hall take note LIB NAT LP SP HAVEN Monday - December 23 8:30 AM Mouat Chapel Open for Prayer Christmas Eve Tuesday - December 24 4:00 PM Children s Service - WHALL 4-6:00 PM Come-and-Go Communion - SANC 5:00 PM Children s Service - WHALL 7:00 PM Candlelight Communion - SANC 11:00 PM Candlelight Communion - SANC Wednesday - December 25 Church Office Closed Thursday - December 26 Church Office Closed Friday - December 27 8:30 AM Mouat Chapel Open for Prayer Library 218 Not at Trinity Large Parlor Small Parlor 105 Youth Auditorium CHAPEL MS WHALL SDR FLC Mouat Chapel Music Suite 132 Wesley Hall Small Dining Room Family Life Center Nursery Volunteers - December 22 Dan & Carrie Carter, Meredith Daniel, Noelle Limbaugh, Ana Moore We are still in need of volunteers for the late service on 12/22! Nursery Volunteers - December 29 Lori Cracraft, Laura Fleming, Vaughan Holland & Rachel Holt To volunteer, please contact Barry Smith at or nurseryvolunteers@trinitybirmingham.com. Tidings will not be published next week. Look for the next issue on December 31, Merry Christmas! Registration for PDO & TCDC Note important dates: 12/11 Registration for currently enrolled students and siblings 1/8 Registration for Trinity members 1/22 Registration for the community Questions about PDO, contact Barry Smith at Questions about TCDC, contact Kim Wood at BROOKWOOD: ST. VINCENT S: in the hospital Carolyn Robinson Lynn Luckianow in memoriam We extend our love and sympathy: to Linda Gaulden and family on the death of her mother, Mary Poole, on December 14. She was also the grandmother of Clay Gaulden. congratulations to Rachel Lary and her husband, Bart Lary, on the birth of their son, William Strong Lary, on December 2. Big sister is Anna Barton Lary and proud grandparents are Frank and Becky Lary and Beth McCulley. to Jeremy and Jamie Wilson on the birth of their son, Beckham Lance Wilson, on December 12. Big sister is Charlee Kate Wilson. to Stephen and Mindi Perlis on the baptism of their son, Benjamin Henry Perlis, on December 15. to Marty Donaldson on graduating from Auburn University with a degree in Business Management and a minor in Finance. He is the son of Claire and Gene Donaldson. treasurer s report As of December 15, 2013 Regular reporting: GENERAL BUDGET: MONTH Month to Date Revenue-Dec. $210,276 Monthly Needs to Date $149,387 Balance/Shortage $60,889 Capital Debt Retirement gifts this month $6,859 Capital Debt Retirement gifts to date $128,683 Note from the Treasurer: Questions about church finances-income or expense? If you wonder how funds are received or expensed, the financial books of Trinity are open to any member. Contact Ann Neptune at or aneptune@trinitybirmingham.com. PLEASE NOTE: Tidings publishes each week on Tuesday (except for the week of Christmas). The deadline for submitting information to be included is on Thursday, the week prior to the publish date. Please submit info via to Haley Smith at hsmith@ trinitybirmingham.com. Tidings is delivered to the printing company each Monday at Noon. It is printed and mailed on Tuesday afternoon. Should you not receive your copy in a timely manner, please contact your postal carrier. The online version of Tidings is available each week on Tuesday at: 7

8 Tidings Trinity United Methodist Church (USPS ) is published weekly, except Christmas week, by Trinity United Methodist Church, 1400 Oxmoor Road, Birmingham (Homewood), AL Periodicals postage paid at Birmingham, AL. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Tidings, Trinity United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 19069, Birmingham, AL SUNDAYS at Trinity: Worship 8:45, 11:00 & 11:15 AM Sunday School 10:00 AM Youth Activities 6:00 PM Serving Greater Birmingham from Homewood Our Mission: To Gather To Grow To Go To Glorify 1400 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL Careline: WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Kaylin Matthews Wolfe 115 Riviera Road, Homewood, AL Kaylin joined Trinity by vows from another Christian denomination. She is a nurse and is married to Trinity member, Matthew Wolfe. (Note address correction.) Sergei Katliarou Lena Krendelchtchikova 629 Meadow Ridge Drive, Birmingham, AL Sergei and Lena joined Trinity by vows from another Christian denomination. Sergei is a teacher at Jacksonville State University and Lena is a RN at UAB. They are engaged to be married. Bruce and Sherry Holcombe Anna Holcombe (not pictured) 2845 Vestavia Forest Drive, Vestavia Hills, AL The Holcombe family joined Trinity by transfer from another United Methodist Church. Bruce is employed by Gerdau and Sherry is a retired teacher. They have a young adult daughter, Anna. Wilbur Clyburn 1412 Saulter Road, Homewood, AL Wilbur joined Trinity by vows from another Christian denomination. He is retired. PARKING NOTICE: Trinity members and guests should NOT park in the All Saints lot near Oxmoor Rd. Also, please do not block the dumpsters or areas that are marked as NO Parking zones. Note that the small parking lot is reserved for handicapped, elderly and families with small children on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. Do not park in marked handicap spaces if you do not have an official handicap permit. Thank you.