September 2016 Disciple Making Through Spiritual Formation. By James C. Sprouse, Senior Pastor. The Spire

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1 Volume 17, issue 9 September 2016 Disciple Making Through Spiritual Formation T R I N I T Y U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H The Spire By James C. Sprouse, Senior Pastor Bishop Shama Lewis arrived in Richmond to assume her duties as the new episcopal leader of the Virginia Conference. She is the first African-American woman elected a bishop in the Southeastern Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church, and has been assigned to lead the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church for the next four years. She will begin her term of office on Sept. 1. Bishop Lewis will oversee the 1,169 local churches and faith communities and 327,647 United Methodists in the Virginia Conference. She follows Bishop Young Jin Cho who is retiring after leading the conference for the last four years. Additional exciting news is that Trinity s Education Team has a generous lineup of Christian education and spiritual formation offerings for the fall and winter. Keith, Harriet and others have been planning all summer for our fall Kick Off on Sunday, September 18. I am offering three adult series this fall and winter: Beginning on September 18 I ll teach the Adam Hamilton series: Half Truths, then starting around mid-october I ll offer the Marcus Borg series: Embracing An Adult Faith. Beginning in mid to late November my class will offer another Adam Hamilton series on the Gospel of John which concludes before Christmas. My classes will meet Sundays at 9:30 a.m., Mondays at 10 a.m., and Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. In addition to these the McLean Evening Bible Study will offer a Monday evening study beginning Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. This year, they plan to cover the books of Deuteronomy, Esther, Ruth, Philippians and Colossians. The Tuesday Morning Women s Study meets at McLean Family Restaurant at 6:45 a.m. They will begin Adam Hamilton's Half Truths on Sept. 6. I am also beginning a Fitbit Walk for Health Club this fall. We ll meet Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 8 a.m. There is the 1, 2 and 3-mile circuit. Each lap around Trinity s sidewalks is 1/3 of a mile. Each mile generates about 2,500 steps. The American Medical Association suggests that persons get in a minimum of 10,000 steps per day to stay healthy. We should be able to make a 1-mile circuit every 20 minutes. You re able to walk at your own pace, and walk as long as you d like. It s safe and the fellowship is terrific. Plan to join us beginning Monday, September 19 at 8 a.m. at the Fellowship Building. Your Trinity ministry team is here to serve you. From your staff here at the office, Eileen, Keith, Harriet, Jerry, Catherine, Nila, Lauren Michelle, Jose and Brooks we wish you a happy and joyous fall season of worship, spiritual development, song and spiritual exercise with us this fall and winter. Hope to see you here. Shalom, Inside this issue: Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors 2 Confirmation Crafts for a Cause 3 Music 4-5 Membership Update 6 Calendar 7 Biscuit explores the origins of storms 3 Church & Society collecting for schools 4 VBS Thank Yous 4 Book Chat kicks-off another season 6 Trinity's Authors 6

2 Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors By Eileen Gilmer, Associate Pastor As your clergy staff, Jim, Keith and I are here to be of help and guidance however we can. Keith and I also have areas of concentration. Keith s is education and mine is outreach. We spend much of our time focusing on those areas. I wanted to let you know why I feel called to this important ministry and why I need your help in fulfilling this mission. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Romans 12:13 NRSV Miriam Webster defines outreach as the act of reaching out, and as the extending of services or assistance beyond current or usual limits. The first definition might seem rather simplified, but most outreach does begin literally, with the act of reaching out. I extend my hand, reaching out to welcome those Confirmation who are visitors. The second half of the definition is what I strive my mission to be: the extending of services or assistance beyond current or usual limits. My goal is to offer a welcome to those who are new, providing a church experience that goes above and beyond. I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. Matthew 25:35 We have just a few minutes until a visitor decides whether Trinity is a good fit. That s not much time. Think about when you first came to our church. Can you remember your first impression? Odds are good it was favorable, or you wouldn't have returned. This is where you come into the equation. Whether you are relatively new to Trinity or if you are a longtime member, the request is still the same. I ask that if you see new faces in church, walk up to them and welcome them to Trinity. Think about how much greater the experience is for someone who is made to feel welcomed. Don t worry that you might not have the answers to all their questions; Jim, Keith or I can handle that. Most people just want to feel they belong. Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:1 Not everyone is called to ministry, but everyone is called to serve. One of the best ways you can fulfill that call is to show the love of Christ to visitors. Let them see the light of Christ in our hearts and minds. Who knows? Maybe we ll entertain a few angels along the way. By Keith Lee, Associate Pastor Confirmation class is open to all students in 7 th grade. Our Confirmation class will have its first meeting on Oct. 2 with a celebration of Confirmation on June 4, 2017! Classes will meet on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. During last year s confirmation classes, I noticed that mentors were not involved as much as the confirmands prefer. To make it more convenient for all involved, I have included three sessions for the mentors to meet with their confirmands. Furthermore, I will ask the mentors to consider teaching one of the sessions. Last year, one of the most memorable lessons was taught by Mrs. Jamie Loving! The schedule also includes make-up sessions throughout the year because there are many conflicts with sports and other activities. Previously we allowed three absences but that was not a satisfying solution because the student still missed valuable les- sons needed for confirmation. These make-up sessions coupled with mindful coordination with the Fairfax County Public School schedule should make it possible for confirmands to participate in most of the classes. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at or klee@umtrinity.org. DATE Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6 Nov. 13 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Dec. 4 Dec. 11 Dec. 18 Dec. 25 Jan. 1 TOPIC Introductory Meeting with Parents and Confirmands Intro Meeting for Confirmands Sin Meeting with Mentors Redemption Holy Spirit Church New Creation MAKE UP CLASS Jan. 8 Jan. 15 Jan. 22 Jan. 29 Feb. 5 Feb. 12 Feb. 19 Feb. 26 Mar. 5 Mar. 12 Mar. 19 Mar. 26 Apr. 2 Apr. 9 Apr. 16 Apr. 23 Apr. 30 May 5 May 7 May 14 May 21 May 28 June 4 Way of Discipleship Way of Salvation Wesleyan Quadrilateral Worship Sacraments Meeting with Mentors Living a Holy Life Renounce, Reject, Repent MAKE UP CLASS Accept Confess I Believe (The Creeds) Lock-in Prayers, Presence, Gifts, Service, and Witness Meeting with Mentors Going Forth/Faith Statements CONFIRMATION SERVICE AND LUNCHEON -Note due to Fairfax Country Public School Scheduling Page 2 THE SPIRE

3 Ask Biscuit: Why Can t We See God? A big hello to all the kids of Trinity Church! I hope you had an awesome summer. I took a couple of road trips with my family over the summer. It was a lot of fun. Now, it s time for school and all the activities that keep us busy. It s important to make time for God, even when we are super busy with school, sports and friends. I love to answer your questions. Here are a few that I ve been asked by a couple of friends: Why can't we see God? What does God look like? Great questions. Where do we go to find the answers when we have questions about God? Did you say the Bible? Yes! That s right. Do you have a Bible? (If you don t, just have your mom, dad or grandparent give us a call in the church office. We ll be happy to get you one.) Now, turn to 1 Corinthians 13:12. That s the book of first Corinthians, chapter 13, verse 12. It s a book that was written by a man named Paul. He wrote this as part of a letter to a church in Corinth. What we see now is like a dim image in a mirror, then we shall see face-to-face. What I know now is only partial; then it will be complete--as complete as God s knowledge of me. (GNT) Paul says trying to see the image of God is like trying to see an image in a mirror, except it s really hard to see. Pretend there s a fog that s keeping you from seeing well. But, Paul tells us one day we will get to see and understand God; it will be as clear as God can see and know us right now! We might not see God directly, but there is a way to see God in action. When someone is being nice or helpful, that s seeing God in action. When you get a hug from someone in your family, that s seeing God in action. And when you help out a neighbor or friend, YOU are God in action. Maybe you can think of some ways you can show God in action to your family. Keep the questions coming! You can send them to me at bit.ly/askbiscuit. Remember my motto: Paws for Jesus! Biscuit Church & Society Crafts for a Cause By Chris Wilbur During the months of August and September, our congregation will be collecting school and art supplies for the McLean/Falls Church Children s Center. The McLean/ Falls Church Children s Center provides daycare and a quality early childhood education to low income families. This enables those living in poverty to get jobs and have a safe place to leave their children. It also gives these oftenunderserved children the opportunity to prepare for Kindergarten. Please place all donated items in the bins located inside the entryway doors to the church or in the bins in the Fellowship Lobby. Needs: Any kind of art or craft supplies, but especially tempera paints, stickers, and glue sticks Washable markers, safety scissors, construction paper Cheerios (plain only) Cake mixes (no chocolate or nuts) 100% juice Please prayerfully consider chairing the Church & Society ministry. It is a great opportunity to be involved in the life of the church and to meet some really terrific people. Help will be provided! Believe it or not, Crafts for a Cause is already thinking about Christmas! We're making plans for our annual Holiday Bazaar, which begins Sun., Nov. 20, and we're starting work on the 50 Christmas stockings and Santa hats we make for newborns at Fair Oaks Hospital. Meanwhile, we continue to churn out the comfort items like pillows, blankets, dolls and bears which we donate every month to Fair Oaks. Our work sessions this month will be on Mon., Sept. 12, and Mon., Sept. 26 from 7 to 8:3 p.m. in Room 124. Everyone is welcome; we need help with cutting fabric, sewing and stuffing. We'll also be working on Bazaar items such as jewelry, lavender sachet bags, cat toys and the newborn stockings. If you know how to knit or crochet, we can use your help at home making the Santa hats for the newborns at Fair Oaks. Yarn and patterns are provided; we just need your basic skills at knitting or crocheting. If you can help out, contact Molly Sprouse at mollysprouse@gmail.com. VOLUME 17, ISSUE 9 Page 3

4 Vacation Bible School: THANK YOU Our Vacation Bible School would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the volunteers! Janey Bae Lindsay Boyle Bella Brooks Patty Burgess Sarah Beth Burgess Emery Conroy Lizzy Conroy Nila Curry Naty de las Alas Courtney English Megan Faust Jen Fuqua-Calsyn Jerry Fuqua Eileen Gilmer Suzanne Hamilton Jake Hensely Lauren Hensely Lynda Hensley Ann Hooton Kate Houston Stephanie Hsu Lela Johnson Kevin Kaldes Peter Kaldes Katie Kennedy Tommy Kennedy Ethan Keough Liam Keough Tatiana Landivar Harriet Latta Christine Lee Keith Lee Joyce Lee Ashley Long Eloise Lorenze Adelaide Loving Charlotte Loving Mrs. Jamie Loving Mr. Jamie Loving Allie Mansinne Brendan Mansinne Bella Marku Margie Meak Jose Nunez Cindy Oh Children sing at Friday s Pizza Party Eran O Keefe Emily Patterson Jennifer Robeson Karen Robeson Steven Robeson Jennifer Sadler Anthony Salazar Davis Sawyer Anne Schuyler Caroline Seinch Katherine Seinch Jim Sprouse Molly Sprouse Emily Summers Marci Love Thomas April Wade Turk Riley Turk Amber Westland Pippa Westland Catherine Wethington Cindy Wilson Jim Wilson Adult Choir News RING AND SING WITH OUR CHOIRS! Our adult choirs resume on Thursday, September 8: Trinity Ringers at 6:30 p.m., and Chancel Choir at 7:30 p.m. Rehearsals are in Room 115. Please join us! PROCLAIMING GOD S PRESENCE IN SONG! Our Chancel Choir will present the anthem I Have Felt the Hand of God on September 25. Pamela Martin s thoughtful text is complemented by Craig Courtney s moving musical setting. If you d like to listen to it as you read these words, here is a link: < I have felt the hand of God in your hand. Holding me, you gave me strength to stand. When I was all alone, you came and met my need. And when I lost my way, your hand was there to lead. Through your touch, God s hand reached out to me. I have felt the hand of God in your hand. I have heard the voice of God in your voice. Singing praise, you taught me to rejoice. Your voice of comfort caused my grief to end. And when my faith was gone, you called me home again. When you spoke, God s voice called out to me. I have heard the voice of God in your voice. I have seen the face of God in your face. Giving all, you shared with me God s grace. And you were faithful to guide me as I grew. I saw your love for God, and I saw God in you. When you smiled, God s love surrounded me. I have seen the face of God, I have heard the voice of God, I have felt the hand of God through you. Page 4 THE SPIRE

5 Children s Choir Begins September 21! By Catherine Wethington, Director of Children s & Youth Choirs Guess what! Children s and Youth Choirs will start back up on Wednesday, September 21 at 6 p.m.! We will meet in Langley Hall for dinner and then we ll go down to the choir room to sing. Children s choir is a fun and educational opportunity for our kids to participate in the life of our church family and to grow in their faith. Some may not know that I grew up here at Trinity and participated in the Children s Choir program (way back when). Trinity provided me with a spe- cial language, music, with which I could express my love for God and my faith in him. Into my adult life music has continued to be a vital expression of my faith. I hope that I can provide our kids with the same excitement and passion for music and God that Trinity s music program has given me. I can t wait to meet all of you and start singing! God Bless, Ms. Catherine Trustee Update Unauthorized parkers to be towed be- ginning Friday, August 12: While we welcome all with open hearts, Trinity has been plagued with the unauthorized use of its parking lot on recent weekend nights; coping with these interferes with legitimate church purposes. Without our knowledge or consent, Trinity has been listed in regular online advertisements for exceedingly "raunchy" parties being held nearby; these are not neighborhood gatherings, but party mansions where the guests pay admission & are provided with alcohol. The websites tell partiers to park at Trinity then catch a shuttle bus to the site (McLean Baptist Church faces the same problem). We have had to deal with inebriated and combative partiers who leave unspeakable waste and are a threat. We have filed a complaint with the Fairfax County Police Department, which has increased patrols. At the FCPD's recommendation, we have posted the lot with signs warning that trespassers will be towed. Beginning Friday, August 12, unauthorized vehicles left in Trinity's lot be- tween dusk and dawn will be towed, and the owners made to pay the costs. We regret any inconvenience, but the situation has become dangerous and intolerable. We have had to call the police for assistance, repeated requests to party organizers to remove our information has not been honored, and it is too costly to continue hiring private security. Thank you for your understanding, we hope the problem will soon be resolved. As printed in the Aug. 14, 2016 bulletin VOLUME 17, ISSUE 9 Page 5

6 Trinity s Authors Several Trinity members have recently published books. All of these titles are available on Amazon. You may want to check them out: Business Ethics for Executives: A Christian Decision Guide by Peet van Biljon and James C. Sprouse How can traditional Christian teachings help corporate executives make ethical business decisions? That's what Peet van Biljon and James C Sprouse address in their new book. (Description on Amazon) The Genesis Key and The Joshua Tree by James Barney Fans of James Rollins, Dan Brown, Michael Crichton, Steve Berry, David Baldacci, and Raymond Khoury, listen up: James Barney is among us! (Description for The Genesis Key on Amazon.) Real Estate Success in 5 Minutes a Day: Secrets of a Top Agent Revealed by Karen Briscoe Investing your first 5 minutes a day reading and sharpening your skills can put you on the fast track to success in your life and business. Many masters and experts have shared their wisdom through words. Learning from these experienced leaders by reading their words is how you, too, can achieve personal and professional transformation. Success is achieved by getting into action immediately and applying the principles learned. Applied knowledge leads to success. (Summary found on Amazon) Trekking Through Cancerland: Letters from the Journey by Karen Loss Reading Karen Loss's observations on battling Stage IV lung cancer, I felt that I was by her side as she was diagnosed; holding her hand as she goes through chemo; laughing and, yes, crying with her as she experiences the ups and downs of a disease no one should have to face. She does so with extreme grace and wit. An inspiring story that (thankfully) still continues. Kathy Maher, Amazon review (Kathy is a Trinity member.) Have you published something you d like to share with the congregation. Please let us know: info@umtrinity.org. Membership Update Baptisms Ryan William Santos New Contact Information John & Julie Smith Ryan & Emily Summers 6314 Mori Street McLean, VA Jason & Michelle Zenk 6632 Beacon Ln Falls Church, VA Coming Up October 11: The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend, by Katarina Bivald (2016) November 8: Bettyville: A Memoir, by George Hodgman (2015) Contact: Kathy Maher at kathyngs@gmail.com Page 6 Are you moving? Please send your new address to the church office ( or info@umtrinity.org). Thank you. This will ensure that we have all the correct information to send news and contribution statements to the correct address. Thank you. THE SPIRE

7 Schedule of Events Sept. 5 Sept. 8 Sept. 11 Sept. 11 Sept. 13 Sept. 15 Sept. 18 Sept. 20 Sept. 21 Sept. 25 Sept. 28 Office Closed Trinity Ringers & Chancel Choir resume rehearsals Sunday School program year begins Martha s Table Sandwich Sunday Book Chat: Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow Spire Deadline Bounce Back to Sunday School Potluck Trustee Meeting Children & Youth Choirs resume rehearsals Celtic Service, 6 p.m. Spire assembly Anniversaries Birthdays 1 Tim & Shannon Myers Scott Nance & Jayne Peterson Carrie & Rich Sandler 11 James Haldeman & Sally Aherne John & Rahn Kim 13 Jim & Molly Sprouse 16 Nancy & Jim Donald 19 Craig & Stacey Fontenot 23 Richard & Susan Martin 26 Owen & Sara Parrish 27 Stacie & Kevin Steinke Jeremey & Lindsey Stover 30 Bill & Kit Arthur David & Pamela Danner 1 John Sadler Raquel Saenz 2 Michelle Booth Howard Chatham Judy Ochs Calvin Summers 3 David Case Heather Haberl Margo Thorning Kathi Wise 4 Janet Therianos 5 Marsaleete Anderson Joyce Dawson Beverly Lengyel Alexander Maher Brett Martin 6 Amanda Manoogian Sue Wegrzyn 7 Jay Arnold Janet Barnes Pam Saunders 8 Evan Dunn David Marley 9 Sue Peine 10 Avery Higgins 11 Marilyn Adams A.J. Coston Zachary Gehring 12 Callie Briscoe Jack Newcomb Steven Robeson Stuart Shroff Alec Smith 13 Bryson Dodd 14 Reagan Cooley George Galloway Audrey Stover 15 Jack Bainbridge Dane Popelka Olivia Wethington 16 Charlotte Frisbie Steven Stafford 17 Christopher Gray Heather Kadel 18 Will Gottwald Emily Hunt Shelly Slade 19 Nicole Alexander Dan Moore Casey Prestidge Austin Verity 20 Samantha Betts 21 Conner Moore Steve Ochs Dylan Russell Caroline Selbe 22 Rusty Bell 23 Deryl Dobson Ashley Lawson 24 Lily Calsyn Richard Holbrook Ethan Keough Kip Laughlin Christine Lee Amy Prewett 26 Luke Burner Joseph Horn Colleen Mantel 27 Jimmy Higgins Kate Wight 28 Teddy Bluey Jackson Crow-Mickle Morgan Danner CJ Lee Randall Popelka Marvin Quinn 29 Maggie Wise 30 Mandy Coston Annie Lee Powell Isabelle Velez VOLUME 17, ISSUE 9 Page 7

8 The Spire A Monthly Publication of Trinity United Methodist Church 1205 Dolley Madison Boulevard McLean, VA Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID McLean, VA PERMIT NO. 13 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED mailed September 1, 2016 Sent in Prayer to: Trinity United Methodist Church Sunday Morning Worship Services at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sunday School (all ages) 9:30 a.m. (Sept June) Children's Education 10:30 a.m. Wednesday Communion and Healing 12 noon Celtic Evensong & Communion 6 p.m. (last Sun. of month) Here to serve Christ and you: James C. Sprouse Senior Pastor Eileen Gilmer Associate Pastor Keith Lee Associate Pastor Jose Rivera and Leslie Vorndran Lay Leaders Jerry Rich Director of Music Catherine Wethington Dir. of Children s & Youth Choirs Harriet Latta Office Manager Jose Luis Nuñez-Ruiz Sexton Janine Whitfield Director of Parents Day Out Preschool Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Phone: Fax: info@umtrinity.org Web Site: umtrinity.org Instagram: trinityumc_mclean Facebook: Trinity UMC, McLean Twitter: UMTrinity The Spire deadline is the 15th of the month. Spire Editor: Harriet Latta. Submit articles to info@umtrinity.org. The Mission of Trinity United Methodist Church is to be a vibrant, growing church home for all who seek companionship, direction and inspiration in their lives as they develop a personal, relevant relationship with God through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. We are anchored in Scripture and energized by congregational commitment. Trinity Church fosters the Christian values of joy, faith, service, hope and love. Trinity extends the opportunity to experience the Grace of God through worship, discipleship, study and fellowship in the traditions of the United Methodist Church.