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1 , 2008 J u ne 9, 2009 June 23, 2009 Dear Friends, Yet another Annual Conference has come and gone (June 14-17, in beautiful, hospitable Rogers). It never ceases to amaze me, especially as I grow older, just how quickly time is passing. I am officially entering my third year as the Senior Minister at Trinity, and Rev. (Candace) Barron is beginning her second year as your Associate Minister. Conference, particularly since the two merged into one a few years ago, feels huge: the crowds, the buzz, the energy, the eruptions of laughter. It s always wonderful to touch base with friends I almost never get to see otherwise, and to have an opportunity to make new friends. Then there is the business: the proposals, the amendments to the proposals, the voting, the speeches, the awards and recognitions, and of course, the worship. This was a particularly sweet Annual Conference for Candace, as she was commissioned as a Provisional (formerly known as Probationary ) Member of the Conference, and is now entering into her two-year residency period, which will culminate with her Ordination. Those less familiar with the United Methodist system might not know this, but the process of becoming ordained in our denomination takes about ten years from beginning to end, and there are many, many milestones along the way. This was a very important milestone for Candace, and I hope you ll take a moment in the coming weeks to congratulate her. On the first full day of meetings (Monday), the Bishop gave his traditional Episcopal Address (something akin to the State of the Union). I thought you might be interested in knowing how we did in 2008 (for a transcript, read the next AR UM newspaper). For instance: During the last year: Arkansas United Methodists have sent 11,054 people on Volunteers in Mission trips; we have offered financial and hands-on help to storm-ravaged areas of our state, we have raised much-needed funds for the UM Church in Russia and the Congo, and we began five new churches. But even with local church expenditures increasing in 2008, United Methodism in Arkansas has lost ground. Virtually every measurable statistic is lower than the year before. Bishop Crutchfield was careful to remind us though, that the church is not about the past, but about the future. We must continue to move forward; to focus on what can be and to concentrate on how we might do church so effectively in the state of Arkansas that those statistics will turn around in grand fashion. Worship 8:30 & 10:45 am Solid Grounds 9:00 am Sunday School 9:30 am Lectionary Readings: June 28 2 Samuel 1: Psalm 130 I Peter 2:20b-25 Mark 5:21-43 July 5 One Service 10:45 am 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 Psalm 48 1 Peter 1:17-21 Mark 6:1-13 (continued in insert)

2 The SPR Committee is pleased to announce that at Annual Conference Dr. Robin Moore was reappointed to Trinity United Methodist for the upcoming year and Candace Barron was commissioned as a Provision Elder. These actions, combined with those recent developments for Jamey Bentley and Canvas are certainly positive and will help continue to shed the Light of Christ as we all go forth. Sincerely, Joe Carter, Chair THANKS On behalf of the Ark. State Dental Assoc., I would like to thank the following members of our Trinity family who volunteered their time and energy at the Ark. Mission of Mercy free dental clinic in Springdale last month: Candace and Maryssa Barron John Bassett Jamey and Sheri Bentley Alice Browning Charles and Cindy Crone Mike and Becky Matthews Mike and Sylvia McWilliams Candy, Paige, and Ross Murphy Steve and Amy Oury Eileen Turner Sue Walls Forgive me if I inadvertently omitted anyone. This year's clinic was the most successful yet with 1,970 patients seen (including 3,015 teeth extracted and 1,480 fillings placed). Of the almost 900 dental and lay volunteers who participated, Trinity sent one of the largest volunteer groups (THE largest group outside of Northwest Arkansas!) to the clinic. This greatly needed project absolutely could not have been possible without our volunteers! Mark your calendars now for AR MOM 2010 (May 20-23) in Monticello--we'll be calling on you!--mark Murphy, DDS AR MOM Lay Volunteer Coordinator From the Brady Team As you go through your child s school uniform pieces this summer please remember the children at Brady Elementary. Bring any good, gently-used items to the church office. Larger sizes are particularly needed. All colors except red are acceptable. Because of the congregation s generosity last year we will not be holding a school supply drive this year. We have leftover supplies and money to purchase the other items needed. If, however, you just cannot resist buying school supplies, wide-ruled spiral notebooks and washable markers are needed! They can be left in the church office also. We support TUMC by our Prayers Moise Seligman, Bill Trickett, Dan Cowling, Deanna Etheridge, Reid Hill (daughter of Kie and Jeff Hill), Sean Elkins (nephew of Christy Bolling), Gerard Sangster (father of Mike Sangnster), Virginia Faubel, Rubye Glaze, Will Parker (grandson of Judy and Mayne Parker), Sally Kenworthy, Joe Baskins (father of Beth Tunnell), Charlotte Epps (daughter of Wayne and Sharon Marrs), Sympathy is extended to Frances Price and family in the death of her mother, Frances Morris; to Sandy Miller and family in the death of her sister, Debbie Gilcrest; to Beth King and family in the death of her husband, Don Presence Week of June 14, 2009 Sunday School 255 Worship 365 Visitors 19 Week of June 21, 2009 Sunday School 241 Worship 396 Visitors 15 Gifts and Service Christian Network ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Contacting your Church Staff: Dr. Robin Moore Rev. Candace Barron David Glaze Paul Owen Jamey Bentley Laura Hales Judy Gribble Jessica Skelton Tammy Childress DRNRMoore@tumclr.org cbarron@tumclr.org DAGMusic@tumclr.org powen@tumclr.org jbentley@tumclr.org laurahales@tumclr.org judy@tumclr.org jskelton@tumclr.org tammyc@tumclr.org Dr. Moore s emergency # Rev. Barron s emergency #

3 Promotion Day 2009~Trinity's Children As is a tradition at Trinity, our children are promoted to the next grade level on the first Sunday of June. We welcome to Believers' Village the following new 1st grade "citizens": Cade Barnett, Olivia Chambers, Carter Collins, Lorelai Daniel, Ethan Dobing, Arden Elliott, Jackson Gilbert, Jay Jolly, Nicholas Schaefer, and Ashlyn Sorrows. These citizens are traditionally presented with a fish necklace <>< to show that they are part of our Christian society. In addition, the following Angels from our preschool God's Garden of Angels who recently received good attendance certificates for the spring quarter include Cherubims (Nursery 2's) Griffin Daniel, Sarah Hampson, Ray Elizabeth Wright; Raphael's Angels (Nursery 3's) Audrey Bryant, Luke Carter, Caleb Collins, Rebekah Jackson; Gabriel's Angels (Nursery 4's) Hope Burnett, Joe Carter, III, Rich Castleberry, Audrey Hampson, Trey Lazzari, Jake Muse and Michael's Angels (Kindergarten) Olivia Chambers, Carter Collins, Lorelai Daniel, Arden Elliott and Jackson Gilbert Our "graduating seniors" who represent the new 6th graders in the fall include Maddie Burke, Lynley Childress, Calvin Dudley, Peyton Epps, Max Gee, Reagan Hindmon, Oliver Holt, Patrick Jaros, Katie Kumpuris, Lauren Oury, Riley Sangster, and Connor Steely. These citizens of the Village are awarded gold and red cross trophies and a signed certificates. Mail to Trinity's Campers Every camper likes to receive letters or cards "from home" while they are away at camp. How fun it always is to have your name called during "mail call" for a special note. If you have a grade school camper away from home, I would love to send him/her a card from their home church. Just contact me at the church office ( ) or by powen@tumclr.org with the camper's address, and I'll get that card in the mail. It might even have a dollar in it for the next camp store treat! Just remember, camp mail sometimes runs a little more slowly than regular mail, so get those addresses to me before the camper leaves, if possible! Mr. Paul

4 (continued from front page) Our culture has changed. Whole generations are turning away from organized religion, in part because they see it as irrelevant and partly because they see Christians as narrow and judgmental. The Bishop is encouraging us to Re-think Church. He wants us to take a good, hard, honest look at ourselves: how we worship, how we relate to our society, and if there is a difference between the message we think we re spreading, and the message that is actually being received. Are we narrow and judgmental? United Methodism is a denomination founded in grace. As a whole, while we certainly recognize that there are parameters necessary to our faith, ours is neither a narrow nor judgmental denomination. But most people don t know that. It s time we be intentional about taking the message of grace as found through United Methodism out there. If you aren t confident of your ability to do so effectively, let s change that. Beyond Bob Lane s (terrific) Methodism 101 class offered periodically, we can organize a forum for informal discussions. If we re excited about our uniqueness, others will be too! Are you interested? Let us know! Is our worship effective? Meaningful? Spirit-filled? I m convinced: no one does traditional worship better than we do. But while we who lead and currently attend may find great comfort in our traditions, we might consider offering an alternative to those traditions through another style of worship, as well. Canvas has offered that for us, but with the canvas community launching off campus at the end of the summer, perhaps it s time to discuss the possibility of a new informal service. Are you a musician? Do you like to sing a variety of Christian music genres? Let us know! Our peculiar brand of Christianity is worth keeping. I know I certainly want my grandchildren and greatgrandchildren to grow up experiencing it. We can help Christ build a bridge between his Church and our culture, and we can work together to build United Methodism in the state of Arkansas. Together we can show the unchurched just how relevant church can be! Please keep our denomination and its leadership in your prayers. Please pray that Trinity will be effective in the call to turn the tide, moving United Methodism back into the forefront of a very long line of Christian choices. Blessings, Children's Library Adds Classics for Summer Reading! We have added three classics to our mobile library for the month of June. Thanks to the selections chosen by our resident Children's Librarian, Judy Johnson, we now have some of the following great titles to be read to or by your children. Aesop's Fables Grimm's Fairy Tales The Classic Treasury of Hans Christian Andersen We have a wonderful growing library filled with all types of children's books. Remember, books may be checked out anytime during regular church office hours throughout the week or during the Sunday School hour in Believers' Village. We do ask that books, movies, and music be returned promptly so that all of our children have a chance to experience our library offerings. Mr. Paul

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6 Trinity United Methodist Church Finance Committee Report to Church Council June 10, Year-to-Date Results Considering the current and on-going overall economy, TUMC has not fared as badly as it could have as we go into the slower summer months. Total Income for May was $77,513 versus a monthly budget of $75,000. Net Income after Expenses was $16,709 (excluding monthly Apportionment requirement of $9,152). Total Income for the five months ending May 2009 was $358,918 vs. a required budget of $375,000, leaving an approximate shortfall of $17,000. Church Staff has continued to do an outstanding job of holding the line on expenses which has allowed us to reduce the cumulative deficit, but this belt-tightening can only continue for so long before impacts are felt. Reporting to the Congregation The Finance Committee has taken a determined effort to better inform the Congregation as a whole on the financial requirements and results of Trinity. Our goal is to give the Congregation a detailed picture of their tithing without making church attendance a weekly fund-raising event. We have included each week in the Church bulletin the previous week s total collections as well as year-to-date collections. We have implemented a monthly revenue/expense chart insert for the Newsletter (enclosed for your review) that will continue to track the Excess/Deficit to Budget. We reviewed multiple variations and concluded this would give the Congregation as a whole the most informed approach. Laura has informed the Committee that she has seen a positive impact of this approach with weekly giving. We hope the trend continues!!!!! Mortgage Refinance The refinance of both the primary and second mortgages was completed since last Council meeting, saving $1,226 per month in interest expense. As an added bonus, the final payment of the loans was not extended, with the 2 nd mortgage retiring a year from now, which will free up $1,879 per month, or $22,548 per year. Roof Repairs The much-needed roof repairs to the Fawcett and Taylor buildings was completed in time to avoid much of the heavy raise we saw the last month. The cost was $29,836 and will be paid within the week. Re-Key of Buildings For security reasons, it was decided to re-key all of the TUMC facilities, costing approximately $2,245. Apportionment Payments TUMC has budgeted to pay the full amount of Apportionments for 2009 in the amount of $109,823. We have had many discussions of our responsibilities on Apportionments versus our current economic condition. We voted to pay $6,488 last month which was the District portion of our commitment and plan to make a payment of at least $8200 this month, with discussions to ensue to increase that payment. Finance Committee is determined to continue to make our required payments in order to meet our required Apportionments.

7 canvascommunity invites any and all to join us for worship each week -- Mondays at 7 pm in Martin Hall Building authentic relationships through shared experience, celebration and service ****************************************************************** United Methodist Men Fellowship Fish Fry, June 16

8 Miracle Team Update Trinity groups continue serving Second Sunday Dinners to Our House Residents. Servers noticed the need for more food trays and beverage glasses and Trinity stepped up to donate both. Thanks! A special thank you goes to New Beginnings (May) and Earthen Vessel/Boanergies (June) Sunday School Classes for the most recent dinners. Open Door is scheduled for July. There are openings for dinner service in August, September, and December. If your small group is interested, sign up at Miracle Team Bulletin Board outside Martin Hall or contact Cindy Crone. You ll be glad you did! The Miracle Team made a $750 donation to Arkansas Rice Depot following the winter s ice storms, allowing them to provide food, water, new clothing, personal and household items and compassion to families affected by the storms. You also generously donated $ through the May Communion Rail Offering to UMCOR tornado relief for Mena. These special donations mean a lot! Thanks, again. Food Boxes are now available in the Office for walk-ins in need. This was made possible by a partnership between Trinity and Arkansas Foodbank Network. The June communion rail offering went to help fund Trinity s Youth Mission Trips. July communion rail offering will be donated to Quapaw Quarter UMC Food Pantry. Rather than canned goods this summer, QQUMC is requesting we donated UMCOR Health Kits due to the needs of homeless families. Consider compiling kits through your Sunday School Class or other small group. Kit needs include: 1 hand towel (15" x 25" up to 17" x 27", No kitchen towels); 1 washcloth, 1 comb (large and sturdy, not pocket-sized); 1 nail file or fingernail clippers (no emery boards or toenail clippers); 1 bath-size bar of soap (3 oz. and up); 1 toothbrush (single brushes only in original wrapper, No child-size brushes); 6 adhesive plastic strip sterile bandages; toothpaste. Keep purchasing Equal Exchange Products to help fairly traded farmers. Let Becky Matthews or the Office know if you have special orders. The Miracle Team is planning a special educational offering about The CALL (Children of Arkansas Loved for a Lifetime) on Sunday, October 4 th. The CALL is recruiting Christian foster/adoptive/respite homes for children in Pulaski County. There are many ways churches can help. We plan to have a photo exhibit named The Heart Gallery, an educational program during the School Hour (all are invited), and will be donating our October Communion Rail Offering to the CALL. Look for more information. Camp E.D.G.E.(Experience and Discover God Everywhere) Trinity's 2009 Extreme VBS Camp Counselors needed! Our process of staffing rotational leaders and crew leaders is well underway for this year's VBS Day Camp, which will be held Monday, July 13th-Friday, July 17th from 8:30-11:30am daily. The following positions are open and urgently needed to assure our children's continuing faith journeys. Please consider volunteering your time and ministry for the entire week or even for just one day! We need you in so many ways! We even need volunteers who can work on special projects from home. All lesson plans follow the daily scripture and devotion and are provided. Please invest some time in our children! Needed Recreation Leader Snack Bar Leader 5 Crew Leaders Please contact Camp Counselor Paul at the church office ( ) or by at powen@tumclr.org You may also contact Camp Counselor Tina Collins, Alison Chambers, or Tamara Hindmon!

9 Calendar of Events Thursday, June 25 Noon DMA (M.Hall) 6:00 pm canvas Praise (Sangster) Friday, June 26 Sunday, June 28 8:30 am Worship 9:00 am - Solid Grounds Coffee Fellowship (Martin Hall) 9:30 am Sunday School 10:45 am Worship* Noon Pot Luck Luncheon 1:00 pm Youth Depart 4:00 pm All youth 5:00 pm VBS Meeting Monday, June 29 5:30 pm Finance (Searchers) 7:00 pm canvas (M. Hall) Tuesday, June 30 6:30 am Men s Bible Study 6:00 pm Methodist Men (M. Hall) Wednesday, July 1 7:00 pm Chancel choir Thursday, July 2 6:00 pm canvas Praise (Sangster) Friday, July 3 Saturday, July 4 Sunday, July 5 9:00 am Solid Grounds Coffee Fellowship (Martin Hall) 9:30 am Sunday School 10:45 am Worship Monday, July 6 Office closed for 4th of July 7:00 pm canvas (Martin Hall) Tuesday, July 7 6:30 am Men s Bible Study Wednesday, July 8 7:00 pm Chancel choir Thursday, July 9 Noon DMA (M. Hall) 6:00 pm canvas Praise Team (Sangster) POT LUCK LUNCHEON TO BE HELD You are invited to a pot luck luncheon honoring Dottie Fulmer and her years of service to Trinity. It will be held in Martin Hall after the 10:45 Worship service on Sunday, June 28. RSVP in the Church Office A - H (Vegetables) I P (Salads) R Z (Desserts) Meat Furnished Sponsored by the Garden Guild and Family Life PLASTIC BAGS AND THE WASTE THEY CREAT Plastic bags have only been used in the mass market for the past 25 years, yet they will be with us for the next thousand or more in our landfills. Here are a few interesting facts about plastic bags that should stop and make you think: The Wall Street Journal shows that over 100 billion single-use plastic bags are used in the U.S. per year. Approximately 12 million barrels of oil is used to make this number of bags! The average family of four accumulates 60 bags in just 5 shopping trips. Plastics are forever. They do not biodegrade, but photodegrade which means that sunlight breaks down the plastic into smaller and smaller pieces. Plastic bags are the cause of over 100,000 marine animals deaths annually when the animals mistake them for food and either ingest them themselves, or feed them to their young. Each reusable bag that you purchase will save approximately 1,000 plastic bags from being used and thrown into a landfill over its lifetime. Come into the church office and purchase your Trinity UMC reusable bags and show others throughout the town that we at Trinity care for our Earth. The bags are $3.00 for one or 2 for $5.00. In addition, if these are used at Kroger you will receive a 3 cent credit per bag used. ******************************************* The management of Cantina Laredo, in the Midtown Mall, came by the church office to extend an invitation to visit their restaurant. With a copy of the church bulletin, guests will receive 20% off their check on Sundays only.

10 John Wesley: IT S A FACT Before John ( ) and Charles Wesley went to Georgia as missionaries in 1735, they consulted their mother Susannah, who said, If I had twenty sons, I should rejoice if they were all so employed, though I should never see them more. Trinity United Methodist Church 1101 N Mississippi Little Rock, AR Living as the Light! Office Hours: M-Th 8:30-4:30 Friday 8:30-4: Dr. Moore s emergency # Rev. Barron s Emergency #