Knowing, loving and serving God

Transcription

1 Knowing, loving and serving God MESSENGER TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH LITTLE ROCK, AR Vol. 3, Issue 1 January 15, 2015 Calendar of events january Rev. Betsy in Israel January 18 3:00 p.m. TriniKids Music Volunteer Meeting january 19 8:30 a.m. MLK Marade January 20 9:00 a.m. Tuesday Morning Bible Study Resumes January 25 4:00 p.m. Cokesbury Hymn Society Resumes 4:00 p.m. Church Council Meeting-Open Door january 26 6:00 p.m. Gospel of Luke Bible Study Begins february 8 5:00 p.m. Church-wide Low Country Boil February 19 11:30 a.m. OASIS Meeting tuesdays 9:00 a.m. Tuesday Morning Bible Study 6:30 a.m. Men s Bible Study 7:30 p.m. AA Meetings wednesdays 6:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal sundays 3:00 p.m. Cherubs Singing and Bells 3:30 p.m. MiniTone Bells & MiddleTones Hand Chimes 4:15 p.m. Musical Rehearsal Worship times 8:30-10:30 AM Coffee and Fellowship 9:00 AM Solid Grounds Worship-Relaxed Fit* 11:00 AM Worship-Updated Traditional* 10:00 AM Sunday School* *child care available **child care by request office HOURS MON-THURS 8:30-4:30 Friday 8:30-12:30 Emergency numbers Rev. Betsy: Gayle Fiser: Becoming more intentional Strengthening spiritual lives, discipleship & the church community Dear Trinity Family, I have some goals this year. They are based on my roles as pastor and as a mother and wife. I guess you could call them New Year s resolutions, or we could just say that I m deciding to be more intentional about certain areas of leadership and spiritual development. We could also call it my Continuing Education/ Spirit Direction plan. First, I plan to spend more time with my family this year. Even though we don t have an associate pastor, there are very capable people in and beyond our church to regularly fill the pulpit. I made myself sick last year by too little time off. Too little time with my family was not healthy either. I encourage you to do the same. If you re always on Facebook, you might consider spending more time in people s less virtual presence, and more in their actual world. Consider the radical idea of turning off your phone for hours at a time. Second, I m starting a Rev. B s Rev. B s book club Book Club. I m taking a page from the idea a few years ago in which large group of people were encouraged to read the same books together. I will be telling you what I m reading, and I encourage you to consider reading it. Perhaps your small group would like to tackle one or more of the selections. These selections will be varied: sometimes theologically historical, evangelistic, pastoral all will have something to do with strengthening spiritual lives, discipleship, and the church community. In January, I encourage you to read Adam Hamilton s Love to Stay and/or John Gottman s The Seven Principals for How to Make a Marriage Work. If you want to improve relationships on the whole (home, work, friends, enemies), I suggest Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson. In February, I suggest reading Revival: Faith as Wesley Lived It by Adam Hamilton. If you are new to Methodism, have forgotten our roots, or never really understood where the Methodists came from, you need to read this book. My sermon series for Lent will be based on this book, in part, but will be titled, Ignite: How the Methodist Movement Set Christianity on Fire February 22 - March 29. In March, I suggest Me and We: God s New Social Gospel by Leonard Sweet. Sweet believes God is birthing a new Social Gospel, meant to reclaim mission and justice ministries as prime directives for the Church, leaving behind 19th and 20th century thinking that says we do mission to feel good about us or for our own growth. What if it s not really about me? More to come! In the meantime, pray for me as I travel to Israel Jan Simon Bookout, former Minister for Congregational Care, will be preaching in my absence on the 25th, continuing our series, Modern Family. Rev. Betsy 1 Trinity united methodist church 1101 North Mississippi little rock, AR Phone fax tumclr.org

2 STAFF Senior minister Rev. Betsy Singleton Snyder Minister Of music David Glaze Children s minister Paul Owen powen@tumclr.org Youth minister Jay Sweningson jay@tumclr.org Communication Minister Judy Gribble judy@tumclr.org Pledges received after 11/20/14 Allen, Kay Barnett, James Berthiaume, Mary Blake, Jason & Laura Blaylock, Luanne & Len Bonds, Steve & Barbara Brumback, Jim & Diann Burton, David & Elaine Caffey, Kay Cormack, Brian &Caroline Carroll, Diane Carter, Jojo Chambers, Brad & Allison Colclasure, Joe & Judith Cole, Dr & Mrs Charles Cole Collins, Chad & Tina Craig, Bill Cummings, Stan & Kay Darling, Justin & Kara DeWitt, Jo Durham, Mitch Ferstl, Linda Gilbert, Ben & Pam Glancy, Sean & Mary Herring, Hyland & Jaime High, Bill Holman, Jennifer & Brock Kumpuris, William Gordon Lane, Bob & JoAnn Lessenberry, Jack & rhonda Lundy, James (Jim) Marrs, Wayne & Sharon Marshall, Wilks & Susannah Oury, Lauren Palmer, Shanna Ricketts, Brandon & Carol Riordan, Geoff & Kathy Shields, Linda McCargo Shirkey, Dorothy Speed, Mark & Brenda Steely, Don & Barbara Stocks, Randy & Anne Swesey, Barbara Tarkington, Bill Terry, Doug Trice, Nancy Tunnell, Dr & Mrs Travis Turner, Tom & Eileen Wagoner, Jack & Corraine Walters, David & Amy Yetley Westbrook, Anita Wilkerson, O.H. & Margaret Williams, Brad & Walker Williams, Katherine Wills, Scott & Sandra Director of Worship Arts with Children & Youth Charles Stanley charles@tumclr.org Minister for Congregational Care Gayle Fiser gayle@tumclr.org Trinity preschool director Tammy Childress tammyc@tumclr.org Financial secretary Susan Garner susan@tumclr.org Office manager Kim Mills kim@tumclr.org Oasis luncheon FEBRUARY 19 11:30 am Mark your calendar for the February 19 OASIS Luncheon at 11:30 in Martin Hall. Jason Hooks from the AR Game and Fish Commission with talk about the birds of Arkansas. The luncheon is $9.00 and reservations need to be made by February 15 by signing up, calling or ing Gayle Fiser at gayle@att.net. changing lives through missions Martin Luther King Marade January 19 8:30 am Trinity will participate in the MLK Marade for the first time this year. We will need lots of candy to pass out along the parade route. Plan on gathering at the church at 8:30 a.m. so we can leave together to assemble at Interstate Park. This will be a good family activity, especially since schools will be out that day. Contact Gayle Fiser at or gayle@tumclr.org for details. Books for Brady Campaign Thank You Trinity for another very successful Books for Brady campaign. Once again we exceeded the quota for the students at Brady Elementary. Journey s Sunday School Class appreciates every ones generosity in making this effort a success. The books were distributed to the students to have over the Christmas break, reported by Mary Lawson at Brady Elementary. Thank you for your service Solid Grounds founder and leader Greg Phillips is stepping down from his leadership position after almost a decade of service. We, at Trinity UMC, would like to acknowledge Greg s tireless service and thank him for such heartfelt hospitality. Many thanks, Greg, and many blessings in the new year ahead! If you are interested in leading or helping out with this ministry please contact Kim at kim@tumclr.org

3 Ministries NEW YEARS RESOLUTION: MAKE TIME FOR BIBLE STUDY! Beginning Jan. 26 6:00-7:30 pm How about a Gospel? Why not Luke? Did you know: The Gospel of Luke has been called the loveliest book in the world? Luke is our only source for the stories of the good Samaritan and the prodigal son? Luke was a physician, an artist, and a gentile? Luke tells us about the universality of God s love and mercy? Luke teaches us about Jesus s compassion for women, minorities, and social justice? Join Rev. Adam Kirby and George Harper for an 8-week class on Luke s Gospel beginning January 26, 2015 Monday evenings from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Sign up in the church office, in the Sunday bulletin or adamakirby@gmail.com or harper4188@comcast.net tuesday morning bible study resuming january 20 9:00 am The Tuesday Morning Bible Study will resume January 20 at 9:00 a.m. in the New Day Classroom. Our book this session is The Resurrected Jesus by Kwasi Issa Kena. This book examines the narrative studies on the discovery of the empty tomb and the power of remembrance, the appearance on the way to Emmaus and who he was in the breaking of bread, Jesus appearances, Thomas s opportunity to see for himself, Peter s transforming reunion, Saul s conversion, an explanation of the resurrection by those who believed and those (the Sadducees) who didn t, and an exploration of the meaning of the Crucifixion and the Ascension for disciples through the ages. We expect to meet through the end of April. The books will be available at the first session and will cost between $7 and $8. Everyone is welcome to join our group. Contact Georgiana Soderberg for more information at or at georgiana.soderberg@gmail.com confirmation class beginning january am Sixth graders join other Confirmands and become a part of the 2015 Confirmaiton class. Classes meet during the Sunday School hour 10:00-11:00 a.m. beginning Sunday, January 11 in Belivers Village. Confirmation is scheduled for Sunday, May 17, Music TRINITY COKESBURY HYMN SOCIETY resuming january 25 After a holiday hiatus, we ll be back on our regular schedule of the last Sunday in each month, beginning January 25, If you enjoy singing the old time hymns, come join us from 4:00-5:00 p.m. in the Open Door Classroom. Lew Elmore directs and Martha Ann Edwards is our pianist. Sometimes we even learn a nugget or two about a writer/composer and/or the story behind a certain hymn. Invite a friend to come with you and join us as we make a joyful noise unto the Lord! piano lessons Diana Brandon, organist and choir director at Quapaw United Methodist Church, teaches piano lessons at Trinity on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday after school. If you or your child has an interest in learning piano, she has a few openings. Call Diana at or Diana at brandon@sbcglobal.net Low country boil: schedule change The church-wide Low Country Boil has been rescheduled for February 8 at 5 p.m. We hope you and your family will join us. Prayer requests for the church & community: Please remember the following church members, families and guests in your prayers: Illness: Stacy Duckett, Jim Hall, Dan Cowling, Jerry Sullivan, Loree Treat, Sharon Martin, Barbara Douglas, Ruth Gibson, Gabe and Mary Hunter, Nancy Clark, Greg Bland, Sharon Martinto, Mary Frances Hodges, Lois Looney, Karen Verser, David Swift, Patti Pieroni, Nina Pieroni, Jim Trickett, Anne Hunter, Regina Wilson, Whitney Bordelon, Willis Bell, Luann Lewis. sympathy: On the death of Wallace Hurley to his wife, Nell Hurley; on the death of Melissa Owen, to parents Becky and Paul Owen, son Wesley Latham, brother Jeffrey Owen. Homebound: Offie Lites, Dottie Fulmer, Clay Price, Bill Elmore. Military: Patrick Taylor, Will Goggans, Derek Hays, Nick Price, Matthew Knef, all veterans. expectant parents: Courtney and Paul Kelly, Katherine and Charlie Williams, Rachel and Chris Stevens, Marlena and Patrick Wilson, Rachelle and Rob Maass, Kara and Justin Darling. Trips: Tour of the Holy Land, Disney Other Concerns: Family and friends of Air Asia 8501, peace and healing for Ferguson, MO, for all caregivers, for our leaders, the church and the world, Peace in Middle East, ebola outbreak, displaced and hungry children. Please send your prayer request to Judy Gribble at judy@tumclr.org or call It will appear in the next newsletter and on screen during our worship services. Attendance totals January 4 Worship 392 Online 36 Sunday School 238 January 11 Worship 274 Online 89 Sunday School 154 3

4 Believers Village Winter rotation Everest: Conquering Challenges with God s mighty power Are you up to climbing new heights on your faith journey? First through fifth grade citizens of Believers Village will have the opportunity to embark on an icy mountain adventure right here at Trinity at our winter rotation-- Everest: Conquering Challenges with God s Mighty Power. Learn how God has the power to provide, to comfort, to heal, to forgive, and to love us forever during our six-week discovery of God s mighty power. Grab your gloves, caps, and hiking boots and join the team each Sunday from 10:00-10:50am in the Village! VOLUNTEERS needed The TriniKids Music Program is looking for volunteers to assist with the children s music activities, especially with the spring musical presentation. Help is needed with set design/build, costume design, audio/ visual, organizing special events, and teacher assistance. No experience is necessary, just the will to be creative. If you are interested please contact Charles Stanley at charles@tumclr.org or the church office. A volunteer meeting will be held on January 18 at 3:00 p.m. at Cinema on the Mount in the Believers Village to discuss the spring 2015 children s music offerings and needed volunteer roles. Child care will be provided. spring TriniKids Music Program This spring, TriniKids Music Program will present The Big Fish: Jonah s Whale of a Tale. This presentation is for all children in grades K through 5. The story of Jonah and the Whale is uniquely told through a film-noir style, like an old-fashioned detective movie. This new musical, written by Grace Hawthorne and music by Ken Medema, is a fresh approach on the Biblical story. Children and adults alike will find both humor and truth in this creative musical. Presentation Dates: Saturday, May 2nd: TriniKids Family Dinner and Presentation Sunday, May 3rd: Presentation in both worship services spring music activities Cherubs Singing and Bells (ages 2-5) Sundays 3:00-3:30 p.m. Starting February 22 MiniTones Bells (grades K-2) Sundays 3:30-4:15 p.m. Starting January 11 MiddleTones Hand Chimes (grades 3-5) Sundays 3:30-4:15 p.m. Starting January 11 Whale of a Tale Musical Presentation Rehearsal (grades K-5) Sundays 4:15-5:00 p.m. Starting January 11 TUMC MEMORIALS & HONORARIA memorials Melissa Owen (Children s Ministry) by Karen Baldridge, Helen Baldwin, Jeff and Laurie Barber, Mary Berthiaume, Simon and Paula Bookout, Shari Brown, Jim and Diane Brumback, Mary Frances Damour, Jim and Linda Davis, Vida Day, Robert Dudley and Vada Berger, Bob and Katsy Brockman, Phyllis Cullen, Judy Gribble, JoAnn Guresky, Carol Isom, Becky and Jerry Kossover, Pat Kumpuris, Karen Lacewell, Arlene and Mitch LaGrone, Marcia Lanier, Pete and Dana Lazzari, Lois Looney, Mike and Becky Matthews, Lisa McGee, Mike McWilliams, Chris and Paula Newell, Open Door Sunday School Class, Patrick and Teresa Osam, Mayne and Judy Parker, Carol Patterson, Charles and Shirley Price, Ben and Allison Richardson, Robert and Mary Richardson, Yvonne Sammons, Louis and Dorothy Segalla, Janie Shirey, Phillip and Lindsey Simmons, Tom and Elizabeth Small, Emily Ann Smith, Jeremy and Jenny Teeter, Travis and Anita Tunnell, Ruth Vanderveen, Joe and Nancy Wall, Sue Walls, Susie Warren, Barbara Webb, Karen Webber, Charles and Glenda Young, Lyle and Susan Jackson (Bell Choir) Wallace Hurley by Charles and Judy Barton, Phyllis Cullen, JoAnn Guresky, Arlene and Mitch LaGrone, Patrick and Teresa Osam, Paul and Becky Owen, Carol Patterson, Jeremy and Jenny Teeter, Mary Frances Damour Georgeann Osam by Linda Butler Bishop Hank and Marty Mitchell by Michael and Kathy Mitchell Rainwater Dennis Fureigh by Deborah Stancil Honorariums Georgiana Soderberg by Barbara Swesey (Brady School) Dan Dowling by Triune Class (Van Fund) Ruth Gibson by Triune Class (Van Fund) Jane Price by Triune Class (Van Fund) Rick Pruitt and Baxter Sharp by Bob and Rhonda Bolls Nell Hurley by Mary Frances Damour 1

5 Worship & Events worship arts summer camp: save the date august 2-7 grades 1-6 Trinity s first Worship Arts Summer Camp will be held August 2-7, 2015 from 5-8 p.m. (meal provided) for students entering first through sixth grades. Cost is $75 per child; $50 each additional child. Scholarships are available. The goal of this camp is to expose students to as many aspects of worship as possible. We provide opportunities for campers to try new things and hope to enhance the skills and talents they have already. Some of the areas will be art, dance, vocals, piano, hand bells, hand chimes, set design, and audio/video technology. The main focus of the camp will be the presentation iam: The Real-Life App for All That. We re living in a world of smartphones, tablets, apps and games, but the same God who spoke to Moses from a burning bush still wants to communicate with us today! In fact, with all of our distractions and entertainment, the most exciting thing in life is getting to know the God who made us. The musical presentation takes you on a journey with super-app designer Solomon and the amazing creative team at the App Factory, where you not only play the games, but you get into the game, and discover the real-life app for all that! A link to registration will be up on the church website soon. Contact Charles Stanley at charles@tumclr.org or the church office for more information. shoes for Water ministry Our 6th grade Confirmation class is continuing our Shoes for Water ministry project through the Ozark Water Projects outreach and is collecting shoes of any size or style. The organization receives 32 cents per pound of shoes to purchase and install water purification systems in schools and villages in Haiti. Please bring shoes to the church office for distribution to our 6th graders. Arkansas Cares Christmas luncheon brady elementary annual christmas party Elf Rachelle and Santa visit Ms. Gray s kindergarten class at Brady for the annual school Christmas party. 5th graders and friends from Believers Village help with ar ts and crafts and games at the Arkansas Cares Christmas lunch held in Mar tin Hall. Toddler Bed Donations baptismal font Lee and Georgiana Soderberg load up toddler beds, mattresses, and bedding purchased through the Trinity children s Panera Bread fundraiser and those furnishings donated by Trinity families and friends for Angel Tree distribution. Worship arts Youth/college helpers Allison Speed and Fran Delacey assist in Legend of the Candy Cane candle-making craft led by Rachelle Maass during Worship Arts. electronic donations Technology is an amazing educational tool for all of us-including our children! Their classrooms are now filled with computers, electronic white boards, and ipads. Were you on Santa s nice list this Christmas? Did you receive or upscale This James Hayes created baptismal font was consecrated on Sunday, January 11. This beautiful gift was given by Mimi and Wade Wilson in honor of their children, Mia and Bryce. Child of the Light Sunday, January 7 children s Christmas presentation Child of the Light directed by Mr. Charles and Ms. Rachelle, with musical assistance from Patty Tanner and David Glaze. your laptop or iequipment recently? Please consider a donation of any good, usable technological equipment to the children at Trinity in Believers Village and God s Garden of Angels. So much of our Christian education curriculum is now available for these devices. Please contact Mr. Paul if you have an item to donate. Donation letters may be obtained through Susan in our finance office.

6 TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1101 North Mississippi Little Rock, AR NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID LITTLE ROCK, AR PERMIT #2043 Address Service Requested Stay connected facebook.com tumclr.org OUR PURPOSE To build a Christian community where non-religious and nominally religious people are becoming deeply committed Christians. lenten sermon series FEBRUARY 22nd - MARCH 29 Ignite: How the Methodist Movement Set Christianity on Fire Who are the Methodists and where did they come from? More importantly, why does Christianity still need this historically important group of Christians? Join us for six weeks, beginning February 22, as we trace Wesley s message and his faith journey that ignited a Christian revival in England and beyond. Let s discover why the Methodist message continues to speak to 21st-century Christians calling for a revival of our hearts and souls so that our world might be changed. We ll explore the defining characteristics of a Wesleyan Christian. Wesley s story is our story. It defines our faith and it challenges us to rediscover our spiritual passion. For more study, read Revival: Faith as Wesley Lived It by Adam Hamilton.