advent BROCHURE PLEASE SEE INSIDE INSIDE THIS ISSUE: TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH November 19, 2013 Vol. 47 No. 47

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1 TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH November 19, 2013 Vol. 47 No. 47 DATES FOR SPRC LISTENING SESSIONS Thursday, November 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the Friendship Classroom for the Leadership Team, Finance Committee and Trustees. [Cherokee Wooley, Carrie Carter and Jim Williams will lead.] Sunday, November 24 at 4:30 p.m. in the Friendship Classroom for the Administrative Board. [John Cadden, Roy Smith and Linda Smith will lead.] Sunday, November 24 at 4:30 p.m. in Wesley Hall. Open session for all interested members. [Jim Williams, Cherokee Wooley and Ginger Brown will lead.] Tuesday, December 3 at 6:30 p.m. in the Friendship Classroom. Another open session for all interested members. [Laura McCain, Ginger Brown and John Cadden will lead.] Additional sessions will be scheduled as interest warrants. We are trying to limit attendance in the open sessions to 25, in order to promote easy conversation. Therefore, please call the church office at or droose@trinitybirmingham.com to reserve a spot. INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Donate Wreaths 2 Advent Brochure 3-6 Poinsettia Orders 7 Calendar of Events 7 Stewardship ADVENT is celebrated on the four Sundays prior to Christmas as the time of waiting and preparing for the birth of the Christ child advent BROCHURE PLEASE SEE INSIDE

2 PERSONAL WORD NOVEMBER 24, :45 & 11:00 AM Sanctuary The 8:45 AM worship service is broadcast via 15-minute delay from 9-10 AM Sundays on WAPI-1070 AM. SERMON Dr. Andrew Wolfe MUSIC 8:45 AM Sanctuary Choir, Scott Brooks 11:00 AM Cross & Flame Youth Choir, Scott Brooks MINISTER ON CALL Bobby Scales, :45 & 11:00 AM WESLEY HALL Rev. Nathan Carden Billboard Gospel Series NOVEMBER 17 - ATTENDANCE 1,387 Total Worship Attendance 999 Traditional 352 Contact 789 Sunday School In Colossians 4:2 Paul writes, Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving It sounds like an off phrase at first... being watchful in thanksgiving. We tend to think of gratitude as a spontaneous emotion. Something hits us the right way and we think, Wow, that was good! Of course, the problem with that is that it can take a lot to impress us in that way. We tend to take so much for granted. When is the last time you were grateful for a glass of clean water? (Just ask those people in the path of the typoon that hit the Philippines!) Rather than waiting for something to evoke those feelings in us, Paul contends that we need to become watchful in thanksgiving. We need to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Chris Peterson admits that he absolutely hated writing thank-you notes. A psychology professor at the University of Michigan, Peterson regularly gave his students an unusual homework assignment. He asked them to write a gratitude letter, a kind of belated thank-you note to someone in their lives. Studies show such letters provide long-lasting mood boosts to the writers. Indeed, after the exercise, Peterson says his students feel happier 100 percent of the time. (Psychology Today, March, 2006) But, what Peterson didn t tell his students was that he couldn t bring himself to write his own letters. I just thought it would be corny to do, he remembers. When he finally forced himself to put pen to paper, Peterson avoided embarrassing sentiments by cloaking it all in humor. His thanks wound up feeling insincere and didn t cheer him. When he tried again, he said, I spoke from the heart. Peterson found that expressing gratitude has a snowball effect. Not only is there an almost instant mood boost, but once you get started you find more and more things to be grateful for. Happiness levels tend to go up, negative feelings go down. In addition: Thankfulness helps us to see that we are objects of love and care. A focus on gratitude reminds us of ordinary blessings which we take for granted that get lost in the ups and downs of a busy life. Gratitude turns our attention to what we do have instead of what we don t. Gratitude helps us to feel a greater sense of connectedness to the world. Paul was onto something when he wrote that we should be watchful in gratitude. Donate a wreath in honor or in memory of a loved one. The Flower Committee will purchase three live wreaths to be hung at Handel s Messiah on December 1. They will remain in the Sanctuary for several weeks during Advent. The cost of each is $50. One large Balsam Wreath is also available for $75. If you would like to donate a wreath in honor or in memory of a loved one, please contact Mary Boyce before November 26 at or mboyce@trinitybirmingham.com C information for guests & new members Welcome to Trinity United Methodist Church! Our mission is to Gather people to Christ, Grow people in Christ, Go to serve Christ in the world and Glorify Christ. Sunday Worship Opportunities: 8:45 & 11:00 AM Traditional services in the sanctuary, offering same sermon and a variety of music. 8:45 & 11:00 AM CONTACT a relaxed, informal, service in Wesley Hall featuring praise music from the CONTACT Band, children are encouraged to attend. 10:00 AM Sunday School Ages 2 years and up. Nursery is provided during all services. Interested in Membership? Please join us the first Sunday of every month in the large parlor for Coffee with the Pastor. This is a time to meet the pastoral staff, ask questions and learn more about the core values and mission of Trinity. We also encourage you to attend Membership 101, a basic orientation prior to joining Trinity. It is offered on the second Sunday of each month. Contact Rev. Drew Holland at dholland@trinitybirmingham.com or call with any questions. Andrew Wolfe Senior Minister Suzanne Pruitt Minister of Christian Formation Drew Holland Minister of Welcoming Ministries and Young Adults Nathan Carden Minister of Outreach, Contact David Thompson Minister of Students Bobby Scales Minister of Pastoral Care & Visitation Mack Chapman Minister of Administration Church Office: , Fax Care Line: Child Development Center:

3 advent 2013 TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH ADVENT SERMON SERIES Dr. Andy Wolfe Traditional Worship 8:45 & 11:00 AM Sanctuary From the beginning, the birth of Jesus was celebrated by music. Christmas would not be Christmas without carols. The music of this season touches something deep within us. Carols of C hristmas FIRST SUNDAY of advent DECEMBER 1 ADVENT WREATH WORKSHOP December 1 4-5:30 PM Fellowship Hall Advent is celebrated on the four Sundays prior to Christmas as the time of waiting and preparing for the birth of the Christ child. Along with greenery, Advent wreaths feature a candle for each week, a scripture reading and a special prayer. All families and individuals are invited to make a wreath on Sunday, Dec. 1 from 4-5:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Come and enjoy family, friends and refreshments. Bring fresh greenery from your yard. Other supplies will be furnished. HANDEL S MESSIAH December 1 6:30 PM Sanctuary The combined choirs of Trinity UMC and First UMC Prattville and the Trinity Orchestra will give two presentations of the Christmas section of Handel s Messiah on December 1. The first performance will be at First UMC in Prattville at 2:30 PM and the second will be at Trinity UMC at 6:30 PM. Everyone is cordially invited. There is no charge for the event and the public is welcomed to attend. Nursery provided. Complimentary valet parking available. you are invited to join us. SUNDAY WORSHIP TIMES 8:45 & 11:00 AM Traditional, Sanctuary Dr. Andy Wolfe 8:45 & 11:00 AM Contact, Wesley Hall Rev. Nathan Carden 1400 Oxmoor Road Homewood, AL For Advent schedules and information:

4 children s choirs christmas programs SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 4:00 PM Sanctuary 1st - 5th Grade Choirs & Handbells All are invited to attend the annual holiday music program presented by Trinity s elementary-aged choirs. The Light Before Christmas will be performed in the Sanctuary on Sunday afternoon, December 8 at 4:00 PM. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11 6:00 PM Wesley Hall 3K - 5K Choirs All are invited to attend the annual holiday music program presented by Trinity s preschool choirs. They will present their music on Wednesday evening, December 11 at 6:00 PM. Trinity offers two Christmas Eve services designed especially for children! See times and details listed on next the page. CONTACT - ADVENT SERMON SERIES faces around the manger Join us on our Advent journey as we profile each of the characters present around the manger on the night of Christ s birth, as featured in the high-baroque style Nativity by Italian painter, Reni Guido. Rev. Nathan Carden Trey Hill, Worship Leader Contact Worship 8:45 & 11:00 AM Wesley Hall December 1 December 8 December 15 December 22 SHEPHERDS JOSEPH MARY Featuring the Contemporary Cantata Magnificat ANIMALS

5 a service of lessons&carols SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22 8:45 & 11:00 AM Sanctuary A Service of Lessons and Carols is Trinity s annual service of music and scripture for the Christmas season. It is presented by the Trinity Orchestra, Sanctuary Choir, Cross & Flame Youth Choir, William A. Gardner Handbell Choir For details on Advent schedules and special events throughout the season, log on to: holy communion HOLY COMMUNION is offered each sunday in Advent. It is served in the large Sanctuary at 9:45 AM and 12:00 Noon following the traditional worship services. All are invited to partake. CHRISTMAS EVE services TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24 CHILDREN S SERVICES 4:00 & 5:00 PM Wesley Hall These services are designed for families with young children. The children are encouraged to dress as Mary, Joseph, shepherds, angels or manger animals, and become a part of the Nativity story. Costumes available. PERSONAL COMMUNION 4:00-6:00 PM Sanctuary Come and go at any time during these two hours for an intimate time of family or individual worship and communion. CANDLELIGHT COMMUNION 7:00 & 11:00 PM Sanctuary Trinity s traditional services of Christmas with music, word, candlelight and communion. With special music by the Sanctuary Choir, Cross & Flame Youth Choir, Trinity String Quartet and Organ. ADVENT is celebrated on the four Sundays prior to Christmas as the time of waiting and preparing for the birth of the Christ child. christmas eve candlelight communion

6 christmas giving During this season, when we remember God s gift to us in Christ, there are many opportunities for us to give in ways that reach out to extend the love of Christ for all. At Trinity these opportunities include: CHRISTMAS GIFT OF JOY OFFERING This offering goes to support the church s mission and outreach efforts. This includes support for local and international mission projects such as: Firehouse Shelter, Birmingham Hospitality Network, Church of the Reconciler, Volunteers In Mission, and Urban Ministry. Offerings can be made during the Advent season using the special envelopes. ANGEL TREES Trinity sponsors approximately 250 children each Christmas. A few remaining angels will be distributed on November 24, and all gifts will be collected on December 1 & 8. Questions? Contact Cassie Cates at or cassidy.dempsey@gmail.com. YOUNG ADULT Study & Party TUESDAY EVENING STUDY Are you in your 20 s? Are you out of college? Are you not married? If so...please join Trinity s Young Professionals for an ongoing weekly study at the home of Mark & Lisa Elliott. Dinner is served at 6:30 PM and the study follows. To register, please contact Lisa Elliott at or lelliott@trinitybirmingham.com. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10-6:30 PM Don t miss Trinity s Young Professionals Christmas Party on December 10. Wear your tacky Christmas sweater and bring a $10 Dirty Santa gift. Questions? Contact Lisa Elliott at or lelliott@trinitybirmingham.com. FESTIVAL OF THREE KINGS, December 14 This is an annual event that is held to distribute our Angel Tree gifts. It is for area kids in need. A day filled with Christmas games, prizes, shoes, snacks and more while their parents get their presents secretly from Santa! This year s festival is on Saturday, December 14. Trinity is the event organizer this year. Many volunteers are needed! To volunteer please contact Cassie Cates at or cassidy.dempsey@gmail.com. GIFTWRAP VOLUNTEERS NEEDED, December 7 The Family Promise of Birmingham (formerly BHN) Gift Wrapping Booth will open the Friday after Thanksgiving in Brookwood Mall. This year, it will be located near Macy s. Trinity is in charge of wrapping on Saturday, December 7. A talent for wrapping is not required! This is a family-friendly opportunity and a great way to give back and experience the true meaning of Christmas. You may also support the cause by having your gifts wrapped at the booth if shopping at Brookwood Mall. For shift times and more details, contact Jamie Fitzwater at or jamiesfitzwater@gmail.com. SENIOR ADULT Christmas Event THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19 1:30-4 PM ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TEA Don t miss the Senior Adult Annual Christmas Tea. The Fellowship Hall is decorated for Christmas, the table is set with sumptuous holiday food. Come share warm memories of another year together with friends. Questions? Contact Amy Lewis at For details and updates on Advent schedules and special events, please log on to: Oxmoor Road Birmingham, AL Dr. Andrew Wolfe, Senior Pastor

7 CFT FSR CONF SANC FHALL highlighted events this week Sunday - November 24 8:45 AM Traditional Worship - SANC 8:45 AM Contact Worship - WHALL 10:00 AM Sunday School - various 11:00 AM Traditional Worship - SANC 11:00 AM Contact Worship - WHALL 4:00 PM Youth Handbells - Rm :00 PM Sr. Adult Bible Study - SP 5:00 PM Disciple I Study - Rm & 3:30 PM Youth Turkey Bowl - Weygand Field Monday - November 25 8:30 AM Mouat Chapel Open for Prayer 5:30 PM Hannah s Friends - SP Tuesday - November 26 6:30 AM Youth Prayer Breakfast - Haven 8:00 AM Senior Adult Activities - various Craft Room 143 Fireside Room 145 Conference Room 220 Sanctuary Fellowship Hall take note LIB NAT LP SP HAVEN 8:30 AM Mouat Chapel Open for Prayer 10:00 AM Mama & Me - Nursery 10:00 AM Trinity Singers - MS 11:00 AM Soup & Salad - SDR 3:00 PM Element Cafe - Haven 6:00 PM Young Adult Study (20 s) - NAT 6:30 PM Young Adult Study (30 s) - SDR Wednesday - November 27 8:30 AM Mouat Chapel Open for Prayer 4:45 PM NO Wednesday Supper 5:00-7:00 PM NO Children s Music Thursday - November 28, Thanksgiving Church Office Closed - Holiday Friday - November 29 Church Office Closed - Holiday Library 218 Not at Trinity Large Parlor Small Parlor 105 Youth Auditorium CHAPEL MS WHALL SDR FLC Mouat Chapel Music Suite 132 Wesley Hall Small Dining Room Family Life Center Nursery Volunteers 11/24: Anne Corhern, Laura Fleming & Catherine Rockhold 12/1: Jessica Cantu & Emily Isreal To volunteer, please contact Barry Smith at or nurseryvolunteers@trinitybirmingham.com. December 1st - Panama Presentation You are invited on Sunday, December 1 at 10 AM in Wesley Hall, Rev. Rhett Thompson will give a presentation about his extensive work in Panama. We will share how Trinity is engaging this work in a new way beginning in Please join us for this 30 minute presentation. in the hospital BROOKWOOD: ST. VINCENT S: ST. VINCENT S EAST: LAKESHORE REHAB: in memoriam We extend our love and sympathy: to Don and Norma Echols on the death of his identical twin brother, John Echols, on November 13. He was also the uncle of Dona and Gary Green. congratulations to Jennifer Beth Bacon voneberstein and her husband, Jerry voneberstein, on the birth of their daughter, Eberle Beth voneberstein, on November 5. Big brother is Rowan voneberstein. Proud grandfather is Bob Bacon and grandmother is the late, Holly Bacon. Proud uncles are David Bacon and Christopher Bacon. to Brad and Lauren Davis on the baptism of their son, Henry Mack Davis, on November 17. treasurer s report Jane Lewis Patsy Akins Bill Cary Bill Hutto As of November 17, 2013 Regular reporting: GENERAL BUDGET: MONTH Month to Date Revenue-Nov. $275,770 Monthly Needs to Date $197,246 Balance/Shortage $78,524 Capital Debt Retirement gifts this month $3,286 Capital Debt Retirement gifts to date $112,424 Note from Treasurer: Questions about church! finances, income or expense? If you wonder how funds are received or expensed, the financial books Order Your Poinsettias of Trinity for are open Christmas! to any member, contact Ann Poinsettias purchased in memory or in honor of loved Neptune ones at will be placed or aneptune@trinitybirming- the sanctuaries on Sundays, December 15 ham.com. and 22, DEADLINE: Orders must be received by Sunday December 8 (Deadline is strictly observed). Please attach your check to this form, drop in the offering plate, or bring/mail to the church office before the deadline, December 8. Make checks payable to: Trinity United Methodist Church, marked Poinsettia order. Print carefully. The information from this form is used for the bulletin listings. Please list only one name or family name for each purchased poinsettia. (Example: Jane Smith, Mr. & Mrs. Jon Smith or the Jane Smith Family.) Poinsettias are ordered from United Community Centers, Inc. (formerly the Riley Center), with proceeds aiding services for children, youth, the elderly, emergency assistance, hunger, health and disease ministries, advocacy and community development. In MEMORY of: Given By: (OR) In HONOR of: Given By: Your Name: Daytime Phone Number: Enclosed is $15.00 for each poinsettia ordered. Number of poinsettias X $15.00 ea. = TOTAL Return your order to the church office (OR) mail to: Trinity UMC, P.O. Box 19069, Birmingham, AL

8 Tidings Trinity United Methodist Church (USPS ) is published weekly, except Christmas week, by Trinity United Methodist Church, 1400 Oxmoor Road, Birmingham (Homewood), AL Periodicals postage paid at Birmingham, AL. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Tidings, Trinity United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 19069, Birmingham, AL SUNDAYS at Trinity: Worship 8:45, 11:00 & 11:15 AM Sunday School 10:00 AM Youth Activities 6:00 PM Serving Greater Birmingham from Homewood Our Mission: To Gather To Grow To Go To Glorify 1400 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL Careline: Stewardship Progress Stewardship Report: (as of 11/17/13) Comparison Commitments Received: Total Committed: $2,568,622 $2,291,848 Avg. Amount Committed: $4,810 $4, Pledge Goal: $3,024,000 You can make your 2014 Estimate of Giving by: Dropping your yellow Estimate of Giving card in the offering plate Calling Ann Neptune in the Finance Office at Mailing or returning your Estimate of Giving card to the church office Logging on to