TRINITY GIVES COMMITMENT 2018

Transcription

1 OCTOBER 2017 THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH TRINITY GIVES COMMITMENT 2018 But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.

2 Page of CONTENTS 03 CAMPAIGN GOALS Making God's Love Visible 04 BEYOND TRINITY'S WALLS Senior Pastor Pam Driesell 08 GOD'S GIFT OF COMMUNITY Rebecca Groover 10 THESE THREE THINGS June Bishop 12 WHAT CAN I BRING? David Russell 14 TEACHING OUR CHILDREN Meade Conley 16 TRINITY MINISTRIES what's happeing this month 2 TRINITY TIMES

3 2018 GOALS THINK... PRAY... RESPOND FUNDS PLEDGES INCREASE ENGAGEMENT COMMITMENT $3.9 million+ TPC'S annual budget is $4 million 675+ Each pledge is important to achieving the overall budget 10% A collective 10% increase Giving Engage children and youth in conversations about giving October 22 Pledge on or before Pledge Sunday PLEDGE: TRINITY TIMES 3

4 making God s love visible GIVE TRINITY P RE S B YT E RI A N C H U RCH Beyond Trinity's Walls Written by REV. PAM DRIESELL, SENIOR PASTOR Not long ago, I came into my office one morning to be greeted by notes of love and encouragement written on my whiteboard by some of our children. I cherish those notes. They evoke a host of images in my mind s eye. I imagine the children bounding up the stairs being en route to choir practice and deciding to stop by my office for a visit, which I encourage them to do. When they discover I am not there, I imagine them giggling as they dare to enter the empty office. I imagine them sitting on the couch and curiously examining the books and trinkets on the coffee table. I imagine them searching for m&ms. Perhaps one of them sat in my chair and giddily swirled around and around. Eventually, they find the dry erase markers and take the time 4 TRINITY TIMES to compose their notes; they write good, joyful, hopeful, loving and uplifting messages. I cherish that image young giggling children feeling at home in this place, raising their voices with the pen before raising them in song. It isn t the most significant moment in their life at Trinity at choir practice they are loved and challenged and learn about blending their voices with the voices of others to make a joyful noise to the Lord in church school they learn Bible stories and how their stories are part of the ongoing story of God s people in the world in worship they absorb the power of rituals even before they can articulate their meanings at churchwide fellowship events, they experience the joy

5 and care of adults who are not their parents or grandparents but who delight in them the same way because they are part of a family of faith in mission activities they learn about the needs of God s world and that they are called to respond to those needs. No, that giggly moment in my office is not the most significant moment in their life at Trinity, but it is one sign of the collective influence of all those other moments. Trinity is a community where their names are known, their voices are valued, their spirits are nurtured, they are surrounded by God s love, and they discover again and again what we promise to teach each other at every Baptism: that they are called to serve God s good purposes in the world. Trinity is a family of faith in which they are at home and from which they depart to love and serve, to share goodness and beauty. It is the joyful and holistic generosity of our members that makes it possible for Trinity to be that place not only for those children but people of all ages and stages of life. All through the year, Trinity members share their time, their talents and their treasure to support the mission of the church. This issue of Trinity Times focuses on our core value of Giving Generously and includes the personal stories of a handful of members. If you have been a part of the Trinity family for more than a few years, this won t surprise you. You know that in October, two things will surely happen: the leaves will dazzle us with their colorful splendor and as a church family; we will invite every member to prayerfully consider a financial pledge for the coming year, so that our church leaders can create a budget aligned with our vision, mission, and values. An investment in Trinity s mission is an investment in the well-being of our city and our world. This is why the theme verse for our campaign, Jeremiah 29:7 is so apropos. As we make God s love visible to one another in this community, we are inspired and equipped to go out into the world to make God s love visible in countless ways bearing witness with our very lives to the transforming love of God made known to us in Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for Margaret Reiser and Scott Thompson, this year s campaign co-chairs, who are inviting all of us to Think Pray and then Respond as we make our 2018 financial pledges to support Trinity s mission. I hope you will Think about the ways that your life at Trinity has inspired your service, leadership, and generosity beyond Trinity s walls, and ponder the specific ways that you have witnessed this phenomenon in the lives of your family, friends and other Trinity members. As I think about all that is going on in our city, nation, and the world, I am more convinced than ever that the world needs the church to be faithful to its mission. Atlanta needs congregations like Trinity to raise up people of all ages to seek the well-being of our city and to send agents of God s healing love out into the world. Thinking, praying and responding with you, TRINITY TIMES 5

6 What do you PLEDGE? AVERAGE PLEDGE 2018 Goal Average Pledge in 2017 was $6,135 $ $ 6,750 BUDGET 95% of the budget comes from member s pledges and gifts GIVING STATISTICS Giving Range ($) # of Pledges % of Pledges Total Percent $15,000 - $100, % $1,971,250 52% $ 6,000 - $ 14, % $ 805,120 21% $ 3,000 $ 5, % $ 650,369 17% $25 - $ 2, % $ 389,524 10% % $3,816, % *2017 giving 6 TRINITY TIMES

7 Where does it GO? EXPENSE ALLOCATIONS *from 2016 annual report 19.38% Worship & Music 24.20% Mission 14.36% Finance & Admin 12.25% Adults 8.47% Youth & Family 9.19% Children & Family 2.80% Commitment 9.34% Congregational Life/Care TRINITY TIMES 7

8 God's Gift of Community Written by REBEKAH GROOVER I believe that one of God s greatest gifts to us is the gift of community. I treasure times of worship when we come collectively to pray the same words, lift up our voices in praise as one, and together hear God s words spoken through scripture and sermons. It is when I feel connected to the community around me that I feel God s presence most strongly. This deep connection to God through community has been true all throughout my life. When I visited Israel several years ago, my most profound experience came during a visit to the Church of Pater Noster, a beautiful church built where Jesus is said to have taught his disciples the Lord s Prayer. The church and its garden walls are covered with the Lord s Prayer translated into more than one hundred languages from every corner of the world. I felt then, as I still feel now, that when I say those simple words of prayer My father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name I am instantly connected with people across time, distance, nationality, and language. In those words, together we are a community, children of God bound to each other through our faith. As a preacher s kid, my faith community was an integral part of my life growing up. Far away from grandparents and cousins, families in our church became an extension of our own. When I came to Atlanta, a fresh college graduate in a new city, I 8 TRINITY TIMES

9 sought a church that would be more than a place for weekly worship. I hoped to find a church home where I could be a part of a larger faith community. It has been almost a decade since I joined, and while so much of my life has changed, I have time and again found strength and solace in my Trinity church community. As a single young adult, I built friendships and explored my faith in a young women s small group. I met Jim in the pews of the sanctuary, and our relationship deepened on mission trips and retreats with other young adults. This fall we celebrate five years since we said our vows in Dobbs Chapel surrounded by our greater community of faith. As a newlywed, I was honored to serve as an Elder on Session and as chair of Trinity s Mission Ministries. These roles profoundly shaped my faith. I learned the true meaning of servant leadership while engaging in what it means to be the church together at Trinity and in the larger world around us. Jim and I were excited to remember our baptisms as we brought our daughter Sarah Cate to be baptized at Trinity. Now, as young parents, it is the relationships we have built at Trinity that we rely on as we navigate the balancing act of parenthood. With each new adventure of life, I have found a community at Trinity that continues to deepen, a community that celebrates with me and my family, a community that lifts us up when we need it the most, a community that challenges my assumptions and expectations of what it means to be a child of God, and a community that works each day to make God s love visible within our church and larger world. We live in a city with so many tremendous opportunities to give of our time and treasure. But I have found it hard to find a place that builds unity like a church home. As a young family, we often talk about how we want to allocate our precious resources of time and money our new home, Sarah Cate s education, social activities, vacations or family time. It is easy for philanthropic giving to fall last on our list of juggled priorities. But each year as we consider our gift to Trinity, it is clear that this is a place that plays a meaningful role in our lives. In worship and Sunday school classes, mission activities and Thursday Night Dinner, Children and Family Ministries events and gatherings with other young families, we engage deeper with our community and build our faith. It is in these activities that I feel God s love shine through. I am deeply thankful for God s gift of community, and for the role my faith communities have played throughout my life in my experiences, relationships, and faith. I give to Trinity Presbyterian Church because I am grateful for this church, its missions, and its people, and I believe our support is an important way to show our gratitude. TRINITY TIMES 9

10 These Three Things "After lots of thought then I decided my giving was in response to three things I got from the church." 10 TRINITY TIMES

11 Written by JUNE BISHOP The first time I helped with a commitment campaign after Linton and I joined Trinity it was mentioned in a planning meeting that Trinity members were leaders and major donors for many other charitable efforts. This was given almost as an excuse for difficulty raising our goal. Though it is a testament to the fine character of Trinity's members, it does make stiff competition for dollars to fund the church's operations and outreach. The same observation has been made in every campaign since and cause me to question how to prioritize my giving since like most of you I am bombarded daily by requests from dozens of worthy groups representing real needs. I could not answer my question. Then two weeks ago in a training session for this year's commitment ambassadors one of these typical community leaders among Trinity's members, Reynolds Couch, answered it for me in a way I had never thought. The extent of our members' giving too many other organizations was mentioned again, and Reynolds wisely observed that what members heard said and saw done here at church was what motivated all that giving of money and service to answer needs outside those focused on by our church. My mind went back decades to a short speech I made in another church about why I pledged. After lots of thought then I decided my giving was in response to three things I got from the church. First, the sense of security and gratitude issuing from being part of a community of loving people who shared my values and concerns. Second, education to awareness of needs in my world. Last, but most important, the inspiration which motivated desire to fill those needs gained from Jesus' teaching and life All these benefits have been multiplied many times for me since joining Trinity's family. So Reynolds made me see what was right in front of me; that when we support Trinity, we do much more than providing for what happens here on the corner of Howell Mill. Trinity is the engine and provides the fuel that sends Jesus' representatives into many corners of our society and the world. On Sunday mornings my heart fills with joy as I look around at all of you who make God's love visible and am grateful for what I can do to help keep the engine running. I know you will provide your spark too. TRINITY TIMES 11

12 What Can I Bring? Written by DAVID RUSSELL Question: Why do I give to Trinity, and gladly so? Answer: (a) My wife tells me to; (b) Sacrificing lambs has fallen out of vogue; (c) Peer pressure; (d) I get a nice tax deduction; or (e) None of the above. The correct answer is, of course, (e), although if I'm honest, I must admit that there is some degree of truth in each of (a)-(d). The whole truth is that I give to Trinity because giving enriches me beyond any measure of money. My gift is my reward. This has not always been the case. Even through my high school years, my father, a good Baptist, gave to each of his three children a check for one dollar to place in the offering plate every Sunday morning. I'm sure he gladly gave, but times were lean, and he wanted documented proof for the IRS for the current tax year and Saint Peter down the road. That practice did not instill in me a desire to give out of my pocket. At Davidson College, I attended church only in my freshman year and then only irregularly, becoming, as many youths are wont, distracted by the secular. When the offering plate was passed, I sometimes passed because my tight budget could not accommodate both tithing and less reverent ways to use my limited funds. Fast forward 20 or so years, to when Jamie and I joined Trinity, now over 20 years ago. She thereafter always gave gladly of her time and our money, for she is blessed with a charitable heart (witness her marrying me), and at first I begrudgingly went along to keep in her good graces. Along the way, I learned that some members of Trinity did not pledge or give at all, and I suggested in private and somewhat facetiously that the Session should adopt a system of initiation fees and monthly dues. If I was parting with my hard-earned money, why shouldn't everyone else be required to? Which gets me to part of the point here: you are far more blessed by choosing to give than by being required to pay. It can be the difference between the divine and the mundane. When friends invite you to their house for dinner and you accept, the next thing you say, almost automatically, is, "What can I bring?" They say, "Nothing, just yourself." "But there must be 12 TRINITY TIMES

13 something I can do." You, of course, show up with a nice bottle of wine or a bouquet of fresh flowers as a gift to the hosts. A gift, not something you are required to bring. A gift, something that you choose to contribute to the overall well-being of all who attend. And you feel good about giving, about contributing even your small share compared to the bounty your hosts have prepared for your sake. Had you not done so, and we have all been there on certain regretful occasions, you would have felt empty, not fully a part of the people congregated around the table. Trinity is a house of God with its open doors inviting all who wish to worship there--to feast on the fellowship, to join in the sacred music, to transcend the everyday, to reach deep inside pocketed souls, to look up and smile, to hope, to bless and be blessed, to serve others, to feel a tingle of joy, and to consecrate the day and the days that follow. "What can I bring?" you ask, to no one in particular, perhaps to no person at all. "Nothing is required, just you," comes the answer. "But there must be something I can do." You, of course, place a pledge card or cash or a check in the offering plate as you take it from the elderly hand on your left and pass it up to the young usher on your right. It is your gift, not required, but something you choose to contribute to the overall well-being of all who attend. And you feel good about giving, about contributing even your small share compared to the bounty your host has prepared for your sake. Had you not done so, you would feel empty, not fully a part of the congregation around the table. Back to my father, who passed away at age 81 on January 1, 2002, while the TV in his hospital room was showing his beloved UT Volunteers defeating Michigan (my mother's alma mater) in the Citrus Bowl. Among other legacies he left me (and there are plenty), I received a sealed envelope that contained a short, handwritten history of his life, beginning with humble origins in a small community in Middle Tennessee. As he summed up his life, he said that the most satisfying and enriching reward he got, beyond the Bronze Star and his leadership at his work and in his community, was from giving his time and money to people who needed help. Ironically, parting with what he had made him grow into a fuller human, a truer child of God. I have come to understand that, like love, giving defies the laws of physics: it is not a zero-sum game. The more you love and give, the more you will receive. So may it be with all of us. Gladly join in the privilege of sharing. You will have more to cherish. TRINITY TIMES 13

14 Teaching Our Children Gratitude Written by MEADE CONLEY Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6 When we hear the words commitment or stewardship at Trinity Church, what honestly comes to mind? Is it only images of serious adults in serious conversations about serious monetary commitment to continue the work of the Church? Perhaps, and with some valid basis: stewardship, of course, includes the adult gifts of treasure (and time) to foster the Church s call. But what many may not know or at least not think about on a typical day is that Trinity s Children and Family Ministries (CFM) are very intentionally striving in all facets of programming to start children off on the way they should go by defining stewardship for the next generation of the Church (and their parents) in a much broader construct that will foster not only a foundation for financial giving, but an understanding of why we give to God in many ways. Put simply, stewardship in CFM is defined as a response to God a thank you in all forms, and in all ways in which we can and should express our gratitude for the blessings we have been bestowed. 14 TRINITY TIMES

15 By defining (or maybe redefining?) stewardship as a responsive thank you to God, we render the concept of stewardship developmentally appropriate for children of varying ages. In that process, we also take what can be a complex concept (what, to a child, is a steward?) and introduce it in a manner and terminology (an instrument of thankfulness) that our children, and our families, can apply to many facets of life. As early as 3 and 4 years old, CFM children in Worship Nursery are introduced to stewardship or thank you to God in both the stewardship of financial resources (Matthew 12:41-44 the Widow) and in terms of stewardship of conserving and protecting what God has created for us (Genesis Creation). In Kinderworship, concepts of stewardship/ Thank You are embedded in lessons of thanksgiving and intercession. In Worship Enrichment (1st/2nd grade), the use of biblical stories deliver messages of Stewardship/Thank You in an engaging and multifaceted way, including how each of our gifts build the Body of Christ (Corinthians 12:12-27), the earth (Genesis 1) and the Church (Matthew 25:14-29, the Parable of the Talents). The journey of Stewardship/ Thank You continues during our 4th and 5th Graders Road Trip in which thankfulness for creation, individual talents and gifts, and the gifts of financial resources to be returned to God are explored in depth in a three-week rotation. Outside the Church School environment, CFM also uses biannual Family Mission Events to spark answers to a crucial question -- Why Do We Do This? -- and we also involve each child directly in the tangible process of expressing thanks through giving by offering children a pledge card to complete during the Church s commitment campaign. While those pledged gifts may be as simple as a promise to be in choir, a promise to help those in need, or a promise to contribute a share of their allowance over the course of the year, the simplicity allows even our youngest to lay a foundation of thankfulness and giving that, over time, they will not, as the proverb says, turn from. On a deeper level, these tangible involvements not only engage our children directly in expressing thankfulness but create points for discussion with their parents and teachers and other church members about the need for thankful expression to God of God s gifts to us. By thoughtfully combining educational and practical applications to the concept of stewardship, CFM furthers the mission of the Church now, and hopefully for the future as well. TRINITY TIMES 15

16 Celebrating 500 Years REFORMATION SUNDAY Guest Speaker: Dr. Leanne Van Dyk, President of Columbia Theological Seminary 16 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, :45 & 11:00 am Worship 9:45 am All-Adult Church School

17 On October 31, 1517, in Wittenberg, Germany, Martin Luther posted his criticisms of the practices of the Church. That simple action began the Reformation a movement that changed the world. October marks the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. We are heirs of this movement, and its principles continue to reverberate all through our lives. In many ways, at Trinity, we celebrate the Reformation every day as it informs the way we think, worship, pray, learn and order our lives together as a faith community. In October, we will also be explicitly celebrating the Reformation in worship as we explore together aspects of Reformation theology that not only shed light on our past but can help guide us now as we move into a new future. On October 1 we will begin a four-week sermon series called Upcycling Old Words, which will hopefully open up a congregation-wide conversation about some of the most vital expressions of our faith. The last Sunday in October, Reformation Sunday, we will welcome Dr. Leanne Van Dyk, President of Columbia Theological Seminary, to the pulpit. Dr. Van Dyk will also lead the all-adult church school class at 9:45 am. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29 9:45 am All-Adult Church School "The Treasure and Trouble of Tradition" 8:45 & 11:00 am Worship "Further Up and Further In" Dr. Leanne Van Dyk Dr. Van Dyk is a theologian and theological educator who has focused much of her work on atonement theology and the development of theological education. A strong proponent of theology addressing the present needs of the church, Dr. Van Dyk believes that "Theology is articulating the faith of the church for each new age. When it is grounded in scripture, responsive to the needs of the church, and open to the leading of the Holy Spirit, it fulfills its task as a servant of the church. My own call to ministry is to help students see the great beauty, drama, and strength of the gospel and then, how to express the gospel for the church today." Van Dyk has continually sought to reform theological education through a number of organizations and programs to address the current needs of the church and the world.she serves as a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Association of Theological Schools, and has served as a member of the Catechism Committee for the Presbyterian Church (USA) Office of Theology and Worship, and as a member of the Re-Forming Ministry project where she helped "forge new patterns of shared theological work, exploring ecclesiological issues from national, congregational, seminary and judicatory perspectives. Fall Sermon Series Upcycling OLD WORDS SUNDAYS IN OCTOBER :45 & 11:00 AM WORSHIP October 1 "Glory" Rev. Pam Driesell October 8 "Scripture" Rev. Dr. Richard Floyd October 15 "Christ" Rev. Pam Driesell October 22 "Faith & Grace" Rev. Dr. George Stroup 17

18 LEAD HUMBLY CLERK'S CORNER Written by CINDY FERGUSON LIFE AT TRINITY Trinity Church is off to a fabulous start to our programmatic year. Our talented staff and committed Session are energized and excited to lead Trinity forward. We are making further progress with our Trinity Forward goals, working to enrich existing programs while contemplating new ones, and embracing discussion around the remaining strategic initiatives outlined in Vision If you are not familiar with the Vision 2020 Strategic Plan, I encourage you to pick up a hard copy of the plan at church or find it on the church website under the About tab and spend a few minutes reviewing this important document. In my September Clerk s Corner, I shared with you the Minutes of our August 21st Session meeting which included an overview of Christ Church s intended purchase of the property adjacent to Trinity on Howell Mill Road. A Task Force, previously approved by the Session and comprised of Trinity staff, Session leadership, Property Committee members, and Trustees, negotiated a Redevelopment Support and Purchase Agreement with Christ Church that provides for Trinity s purchase of a small tract of land (approximately 1/10 acre) from the larger parcel that Christ Church will purchase. This strip of land will help create a buffer between the Christ Church property and the Trinity Memorial Garden. Per our Book of Order, both the Congregation and the Presbytery must approve a land purchase. Trinity held a Congregational Meeting on September 10th to present the motion from the Session for Trinity to purchase the designated land under the terms defined in the Redevelopment Support and Purchase Agreement with Christ Church. This motion was approved unanimously by voice vote. Presbytery also approved Trinity s request to make the land purchase. Trinity will purchase this strip of land for the same purchase price (pro rata) as the current buyer, Christ Church. The price should not exceed approximately $86,000, plus additional purchase fees for a total cost of no more than $100,000. The Trustees of Trinity plan to use funds from our general endowment for this purchase to help the church avoid any need for debt. The Session met on September 18 and enjoyed a meaningful devotion given by Youth Elder, Betsy Blitch. Sarah Wikle, the newly hired Administrative Assistant for Adult Ministries, introduced herself and shared her background. Sarah will be working directly with Richard and Betsy and very closely with Mission. She provided information about upcoming mission projects including the churchwide Habitat Build on October 21st and the kick off of the BCM Food Drive during the month of October. One of Pam s goals in her role at Trinity has been to increase her public presence in the community so she continues to accept opportunities to preach and participate in conferences when she can. She recently attended a conference at Ebenezer Church focused on building relationships across racial diversities. She has also been invited to attend a pastoral conference in Minnesota and is already helping to plan the Community Thanksgiving Service with leaders from other places of worship in our community. Pam shared that the October sermon series theme is Upcycling Christian Words and sermons will focus on words from the Reformation that are rarely used anymore. Since this year marks the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, Pam has invited Leanne Van Dyk, President of Columbia Theological Seminary, to preach on Sunday, October 29th, Reformation Sunday. Walt Gillikin, chair of the Finance Committee, presented a motion from Finance requesting that the Session accept the Gift Guidelines document created by the Finance Committee to address gifts offered outside the unified budget. The Guidelines acknowledge that the Church s Annual Commitment Campaign is the Church s highest 18

19 financial priority so designated gifts may only be considered provided they are of $5,000 or more and that they (1) are consistent with the then Strategic Plan approved by the Session; (2) provide incremental support to the programs outside the scope of the Church s annual budget; (3) do not compromise the member s historic support of the annual Commitment Campaign; and (4) are approved by the Finance Committee. Additional time constraints on the strategic use of the gift as well as an accompanied signed agreement noting the spend down period of the gift will be required. A commitment by the member that the gift will not impact that member s historic commitment to the Commitment Campaign will also be necessary. Walt added that gifts greater than $100,00 intended to fund long-term needs not tied to the Church s annual budget may be accepted and will be managed by the Trustees for the Church. In many cases, these gifts are multi-year pledges designed to help the Church achieve key priorities identified through the strategic planning process. The $100, 000 gift threshold may be achieved through an individual gift or collectively from several households. The Session voted unanimously and the motion to approve the Gift Guidelines was passed by voice vote. Forrest Speed, who serves on the Commitment Ministry, and Doug Reid, who chairs the Strategic Planning Committee, presented a motion on behalf of these two ministries to request that the Session allow for the establishment of a Capital Campaign Steering Committee to be organized under the joint guidance of these two ministries. This Steering Committee would be charged with exploring the need and capacity for a capital campaign and would be authorized to accept bids from consulting firms which might be available and interested in working with on this endeavor. The Steering Committee would then be required to present an additional motion to Session at the appropriate time to hire a desired consulting firm. The motion passed unanimously. PRIME TIME EVENTS Our PrimeTimers (for the 60+ crowd) is very active. We gather for various social events to have fun and deepen our relationships with one another. Sometimes we meet at the church to hear guest speakers and sometimes we travel around the area for tours, concerts, and more. PRIME TIME LUNCHEON November 7 Cost is $8 per person. More details to follow. RSVP to Diana or dpedrick@ trinityatlanta.org CHRISTMAS WITH THE ASO December 9 We only have a few tickets left! Tickets for Christmas with the ASO, featuring our own Norman Mackenzie, are on sale now!! The concert is Saturday, December 9th at 2pm. There is a limited supply. Please contact Diana Pedrick to purchase tickets. The cost is $35 which covers the ticket and the bus ride. Please make your payment at the time you make your reservation to hold your spot! RSVP to Diana or dpedrick@trinityatlanta.org FEDERAL RESERVE TOUR January 26 Save the date! Tour the Federal Reserve on January 26. GATHER JOYFULLY 19

20 CITY OF ATLANTA But seek the welfare of the city... for in its welfare you will find your welfare. Jeremiah 29:7 LIFE AT TRINITY MAYORAL FORUM 2017 WITH THE CANDIDATES FOR MAYOR OF THE CITY OF ATLANTA THURSDAY OCTOBER 19, :00-9:00 FORUM FOR CANDIDATES INCLUDING SELECTED QUESTIONS TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 3003 HOWELL MILL ROAD NW, ATLANTA, GA REGISTER TO ATTEND: SPONSORED BY 20 TO SUBMIT A QUESTION, SARAH WIKLE SWIKLE@TRINITYATLANTA.ORG

21 MAYORAL FORUM Thursday, October 19 7:00-9:00 pm, Sanctuary Written by SALLY MONTGOMERY The role of the Mayor of Atlanta is complex the structure of the City of Atlanta government is complex. To be an effective administrator of a metropolitan city with a population of over 5.7 million residents, the next Mayor must have proven leadership and management skills. We must elect a Mayor who has already demonstrated such skills to ensure Atlanta remains on course for success and effectively addresses existing problems. Most candidates promise improvements in similar categories, but offer different suggestions to implement change. The issues most frequently suggested by the candidates include: A culture of ethical, strong, and transparent leadership Increased efforts to ensure safety for all Atlantans Solutions for improving traffic congestion Target improvement for neighborhoods that have become derelict and crime-ridden Support responsible programs for affordable housing by promoting collaboration between public and private development Expand greenspace that includes parks, trails, community gardens, and more Upgrade streets and sidewalks Collaborate with the City of Atlanta Public Schools to create educational opportunities for all children to reach their full potential The budget for the City of Atlanta in 2017 is over $507 million, and the Mayor must ensure wise stewardship and use of all the funds. By Thursday, October 19, when we host the Mayoral Forum here at Trinity, we hope the congregation will have had an opportunity to understand the issues and determine which candidate best demonstrates qualities that will lead to successful outcomes. Atlanta needs a Mayor who is sophisticated yet sensitive, capable and caring, who exemplifies character and integrity and has the skills to take the city forward for the next eight years. Please submit questions you would like asked of each candidate at the Forum before October 18, by ing them to Sarah Wikle at swikle@ trinityatlanta.org. In the subject line put Question for Candidates. The Candidates for Mayor of Atlanta are: Peter Aman Keisha Lance Bottoms John Eaves Vincent Fort Kwanza Hall Ceasar Mitchell Mary Norwood Michael Sterling Cathy Woolard LIFE AT TRINITY 21

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23 BUCKHEAD CHRISTIAN MINISTRY FOOD DRIVE Buckhead Christian Ministry (BCM) is a faith-based, non-profit organization that provides emergency assistance to individuals and families of all backgrounds and faiths, treating everyone with dignity and compassion. Trinity Presbyterian Church is proud to sponsor a food drive to benefit Buckhead Christian Ministry during the month of October. Buckhead Christian Ministry provides compassionate emergency assistance to individuals and families facing hardship, and offers meaningful opportunities to serve the Atlanta community. They are our neighbors and are an extension of our ministry. Trinity Church is asking every member, class, fellowship group, and Bible study group to help eliminate hunger in our community. Please encourage your class or group to donate food or raise money for BCM. THREE WAYS TO GIVE: 1. Write a check to BCM and put Trinity Church Food Drive in the memo line. 2. Assemble what you can from the list below and place in the BCM FOOD DRIVE bins at Trinity, throughout the month of October. 3. Buy a KROGER gift card! BCM purchases groceries in bulk from Kroger each month, and your gift card will be put towards our next purchase of food just like a check. Please do not purchase family size packages. Most BCM clients have to take their food on the bus, and large packages are too difficult to carry. BCM has a critical need for non-perishable food items and hygiene items. BCM GROCERY LIST TO FEED A FAMILY OF FOUR instant oatmeal or grits - 1 box jelly - 1 small jar soup - 4 cans dried beans - 1 bag rice - 2 bags peanut butter - 2 small jars cornbread mix - 2 boxes macaroni & cheese - 4 boxes chicken broth 2 cans spaghetti - 1 medium box spaghetti sauce - 2 jars canned vegetables - 4 cans canned beans - 3 cans canned tuna - 4 cans ramen noodles- 5 packages toilet paper diapers razors feminine hygiene products shampoo soap deodorant toothpaste tooth brushes For more information about our church s food drive, contact Sarah Wikle at swikle@trinityatlanta. org. LIFE AT TRINITY 23

24 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES CHRISTMAS MARKET Calling all artists, knitters, crafters, jewelry makers, canners, bakers, and volunteers The Trinity Christmas Market needs you! A favorite event during the advent season, the Market benefits Trinity s global mission programs in Cuba, Haiti, and refugee resettlement in Atlanta. Trinity members donations of arts, crafts, baked goods, and more make a tremendous contribution to the Market, and our global mission partners. This year, the Market will be held on Saturday, December 9 and Sunday, December 10, 9 am to 1 pm. There are also a variety of fun volunteer opportunities, from serving on the organizing committee to working a two-hour shift on the Market days. To donate to the market and get involved, please contact: Catherine Long (404) or catherine.long@ comcast.net Julie Hope at (404) or julie.hope@yahoo.com AGAPE Trinity needs volunteers to serve for Trinity at the Table on Thursdays, from 4:45-6:30 pm. Please contact English Norman at englishnorman@yahoo.com. MEALS ON WHEELS Trinity needs volunteer drivers to deliver meals to seniors in our community. Please contact Sarah Wikle at swikle@trinityatlanta.org for more information. HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BUILD October 14 December 9 Trinity Day: Saturday, October 21, 7:30 am 3:30 pm Every fall Trinity helps build a home for an Atlanta family. This year our partnership will be with the Moore family. Ms. Moore has been a mail carrier for almost four years. She works long hours, but when she has free time, she enjoys swimming, and arts and crafts. She also is very active in her children s schools. Her son is in the 4th grade, and he enjoys math and science. Her daughter enjoys singing, dancing, and anything pink. Ms. Moore s extended family lives in Florida, but her mother frequently visits. Ms. Moore is very motivated to have her own home because she believes that a new home will mean stability, freedom, and a better life for herself and her children. Please join Habitat for Humanity, the NW Interfaith Partnership, and Trinity by volunteering to help build a house for the Moore family. No expertise is required, just enthusiasm! The build begins October 14 and runs through December 9. Our ALL TRINITY DAY is on October 21, and we need 40 volunteers! Breakfast and lunch are included. We also need volunteers to help provide food and water for the day. Please join the Trinity family in making Atlanta s communities thrive! Sign up online at For more information, contact John Hitchins at john.hitchins3@ gmail.com 24

25 HELP BUILD MORE THAN JUST A HOUSE You can help build not only a house but a home and a future for a family in need. TRINITY DAY SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21 7:30 AM 3:30 PM Volunteer Build Days October 14 & 21 November 4, 11 & 18 December 9 Join the NW Interfaith Partnership and Trinity. No expertise is required, just enthusiasm! Breakfast and lunch are included. SIGN UP: 25

26 HURRICANE RECOVERY IN CUBA Trinity s Cuban Partners in Mission are recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Irma that impacted the eastern tip all along the northern coast to Havana on the west. Leticia writes: Our brothers and sisters are patiently seated, without electricity, water, homes but with faith. The photos are of Matanzas, home of the Seminary Trinity supports. Leticia writes a poignant note, telling of the horrendous conditions of the most vulnerable, the disabled, blind and others whose homes and possessions were washed away by the sea. She found them sitting by the railroad track. Tomorrow I go to the area of San José de los Ramos and Manguita where I have two churches and it was DISASTROUS." However, yesterday they had a service of gratitude to God and solidarity with the neediest. She adds that they are also praying for the rest of people in other places that have been affected including the U.S. We are keeping them in our hearts and are hoping to welcome them here in mid- October. 26

27 WORSHIP CREATIVELY Be Nourished. Experience the Holy. Leave Renewed October 29, Sunday 5:00 PM Williams Hall This year 5th at Five worship is exploring how the most ordinary parts of our lives are holy places, places fit to encounter God. Join us on October 29 as we explore the theme of vocation. Is your job your vocation? What does it mean to be called? How do we live as Sunday people Monday through Friday? Come as you are, be nourished, and leave renewed! Child care is provided. 27

28 Contact Us 3003 Howell Mill Road NW Atlanta, Georgia