Andy Frazier s Farewell Sermon and Reception-June 15. Trinity Tower

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1 The Trinity Tower 7130 Kentwell Lane Lincoln, NE Andy Frazier s Farewell Sermon and Reception-June 15 Friends, This day has come so quickly. It was just two short years ago I was excitedly anticipating the start of my first pastoral appointment. Trinity United Methodist Church in Lincoln, NE, huh? It sounds like a nice place, I guess, was my first thought. I had never visited Trinity before...in fact, I had only briefly stepped foot in Lincoln once before in my life. I truly had no idea what to expect. I didn t know I should expect that those next two years would be spent alongside some of the friendliest, most rooted people I had ever met. I didn t know I should expect to be invited into the community so quickly and so deeply. I didn t know I should expect my goodbye, just two short years later, to be one that I would feel so deeply. I didn t know I should expect to be surrounded by such a gracious community that would have more than enough space for me to grow further into the pastor I am called to be. So, thank you. Thank you for being my church family for the last two years. Thank you for inviting me into your lives. Thank you for all of your grace and love, your patience and kindness, and your care and good humor. I will seek to carry with me all those good lessons I ve learned here and allow God to continue to mold me into a better person and pastor through them...my new appointment, Frontenac United Methodist Church, owes you one! I am so excited to see what this next chapter in the life of Trinity has in store! Blessings on the journey! -Andy P.S. The picture is of me and Katherine Ebling, we were just recently engaged! Volume 70 Number 11 June 5, 2014 We will have special stationery available this Sunday to write a note to Jim or Andy for their memory books. Here are some ideas to start your creative/ memory juices flowing: Dear Jim / Andy, Remember when you... I remember the first time I met you... I appreciated it so when you... The sermon that spoke to me most was... It meant so much to me when... Remember that words can not express until they are written. K J Ricketts A Look Inside: Free Medical Services Popular, Improve Community in More Ways Than One, June Is Busy for Kids & Youth... read all about it!

2 Health Ministries News: Blood Pressure Sunday s have been a great success this year. We have averaged 15 people per Sunday. This has been a great way to get to know Trinity Health needs. Thanks to all that have helped with this ministry. We are always looking for ways to keep Trinity informed with health benefits and are willing to bring education to Trinity. Our Tai Chi class would like to invite anyone who is contemplating joining us in the fall to visit our class the week of June 16 th. We meet at 8:30 9:15 am. This will allow you to experience the benefits of Tai Chi for balance. Come see your Trinity friends. Hope to hear from you soon! Marsha Dunn RN, BS, FCN Helping Hands June 21 from 9:00am - 12:00pm Keep Lincoln & Lancaster Co Beautiful Meet at Trinity at 9:00am Help us as we do our part to Keep Lincoln & Lancaster Co Beautiful! We will be assigned an area either a park or a roadway for litter cleanup near the church. For this project KLLCB offers grant dollars (funded by the state) they will give back to our church for every acre or mile that is cleaned up. This is a great opportunity for us to be stewards of our community but also to help raise funds to help support other missions projects. All supplies will be provided... we just need as many helping hands as we can get! The more hands to pick up litter the more $$ we can bring back to our church! Save the dates of the upcoming Helping Hands Volunteer Saturdays! July 19th, August 23rd, September 27th And don't forget to Like us on Facebook!

3 June Triniteers Monday, June 9th, 2014 Noon Luncheon Spirit Hall (Note change of room) Program: Marsha Dunn will present a musical program Marsha Dunn A Woman of Worth's Life in Song First time attendees please call Susan Harris at by June 5th. Susan Harris Lunch $5, Everyone Welcome! Young at Heart Young at Heart-- Fun at Lake Waconda on June 24. Meet at Sears Parking Lot to carpool to the lake at 1:30 p.m. Bring salad or dessert. Freewill offering. Reservations to Jan Brockley, Village People a Trinity Village Garden s social group for middle age folks, anyone who had a Beatles LP or 8 track, in their 50 s or 60 s, younger than Young at Heart but older than the youth group! Hosted by Village People but open to anyone at Trinity. The Village People social group is going to the historic town of Brownville to see the Brownville Village Theatre presenting the comedy "A Bad Year for Tomatoes" on Saturday, June 28. Carpool to Brownville from the church parking lot at 3:30. Visit the Brownville winery Whiskey Creek upon our arrival in Brownville. After the winery at approximately 6:00, we will go to the Lyceum, an excellent Brownville restaurant for dinner before the play. Tickets are $13.50 or as a group of 10 or more, $10.00 per person. This event is hosted by John and Marie Trayer. RSVP to Marie (trayer23@windstream.net) here or by phone ( ) by June 10 because the theatre is small and popular. Tickets will be purchased in advance through Marie so she needs your reservation and money for the tickets by June 10.

4 Donna Lamb s Turning 90! You are invited to the open house celebration on Saturday, June 21 2:00-4:00pm In Spirit Hall at Trinity aehuskerfan@aol.com cstooker@leoadaly.com

5 Trinity United Methodist Church Children s Ministries Sign Up for VBS!! Still need to register for Workshop of Wonders Vacation Bible School? Go to the Trinity web site, click on Workshop of Wonders graphic and sign up today! Questions: Contact Anne Gahn anne@trinitylincoln.org Upcoming Sunday Fun at 9:00!! June 8 Pentecost the church birthday! WEAR RED! Cupcake Decorating Bring a pair of shoes to donate June 15 We re All in this Together! Communion Lesson Bring a baggie of loose coins ($1-$2 each) Pastor Andy s Good Bye Reception after Sunday School June 22 Playground Sunday School DRESS for OUTSIDE! Wear Sunscreen & closed toe shoes! Pastor Jim s Retirement Celebration 2:30-4:30 pm June 29 Family Worship Weekend VBS Celebration Sunday Wear your VBS gear! Nursery available each Sunday for children < 4 years old. A Huge Thank You to our June Sunday School Teaching Team You are making our summer amazing for Trinity kids! Adults: Meggan Macomber, Becca Wolf, Susan Harris, Traci West, Nicki Evans, Steven Bailey, Matt Smidt & Dori Smidt Youth Star Helpers: Melissa Loos, Tylor Lemons, Michael Young, Riley West, Carter West & Cora Holt Watch for a special VBS Newsletter next week!

6 Saying Good Bye With Love As Trinity continues to move closer to our pastoral leadership changes this summer, we have been working with the kids to help them understand good byes and sharing love with our pastors as Jim prepares for retirement and Andy Frazier for his next pastoral appointment. Pastors are important companions for children so helping them say good bye with love and joy in their sadness helps them grow in their faith and character! Pastor Jim came to Sunday School two weeks ago and brought some of his favorite children's books and poems to read to them and had a great visit with the kids about what is next for him and Cheryl! Last Sunday, we covered Pastor Andy's car in love notes and blessings and filled the inside with balloons! The kids' messages were so from the heart, full of thanks, laughter, blessings, love and even one that said he has the most beautiful wife ever! Trinity Kids wish both pastors many blessings for the journey!

7 2014 Scholarship Recipients United Methodist Women Scholarship Recipient Ruth Berg Scholarship Recipient Frank and Maggie Hefner are the children of Leslie Gibbens and Brian Hefner. Frank is Graduating from Lincoln South East High School and will attend UNL in the fall. Maggie is a Biology Major at Nebraska Wesleyan on a Pre-Med Track. Recognizing Our 2014 High School Graduates (left to right) Brook Benes, Frank Hefner, Rudy Longoria, Nate Siefkes and Jocelyn Springer Youth Group Calendar June 8th June 12 End of the School Year Party Serving at the Gathering Place June 15th Youth are commissioned and leave for Norwesca for Mission Trip Questions?-contact Tommi Bolton, tommi@trintylincoln.org

8 A Time of Transition for Trinity We at Trinity United Methodist are in a time of significant transition. As we say good-bye to Jim and Andy, we celebrate our history, our traditions, and our successful transition to Village Gardens. We are a vital and dynamic congregation, poised for growth and ongoing transformation. In July, we welcome Rev. Nan Kaye-Skinner as our new pastor. Rev. Kaye-Skinner joins us with enthusiasm, energy, and an inspired commitment to our journey. As we envision our ministries to our congregation and community and plan for growth, the Staff Parish Relations Committee, the Church Council, and the Church Staff have collectively and collaboratively examined our staffing needs. Those visions, combined with staff departures, have resulted in the following transitions: Children s and Youth Ministry Anne Gahn began her ministry at Trinity United Methodist in July 2009 when she assumed the role of Director of Children s and Youth Ministry. In the fall of 2012, Anne enrolled in seminary at Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City and stepped down from her role with Youth Ministry. This fall, Anne is choosing to focus more fully on her last two years of seminary and is leaving her position as Director of Children s Ministry. We are very grateful for Anne s wisdom, creativity, and vision as she has developed a vibrant children s ministry program, fostered an engaged volunteer team, and loved each and every child she touched. We are also very grateful that Anne plans to continue her commitment to Trinity. Beginning in the fall, she will be volunteer her time to help Trinity expand its programming for adult faith development. As a result of Anne s changing roles, Church Council has approved a new full-time position Director of Children s and Family Ministry. The Director will be responsible for nurturing age-appropriate Christian discipleship, engage in relational ministry with neighborhood families and schools, and provide a ministry of care for children and their families. The Director will develop and coordinate programming that includes Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, midweek offerings, community outreach events and experiences, partnerships with neighborhood schools (including the new elementary school to be built in our neighborhood), and community service organizations that serve children, youth, and their families. The Director is responsible for recruiting, developing, and nurturing a volunteer team of leaders that is instrumental in implementation of programming and in connecting others to the ministry. We will begin advertising for this position this week, and we invite members of the congregation to apply and/or to nominate individuals they believe would be an excellent addition to Trinity s ministry. Hospitality, Membership, and Marketing The Director also will supervise the Director of Youth Ministry, Tommi Bolton Cox, in order to facilitate an integrated ministry for children, youth, and their families. Tommi joined the Trinity staff on May 1, replacing Andy Frazier as he transitions to his ministerial appointment in Frontenac, Kansas. In her part -time position, Tommi is responsible for faith formation programs for middle and high school students, including Youth Group, Sunday School, mission trips, community outreach activities, and special events. She collaborates with a team of adult volunteers, and together they are envisioning a strong program to engage youth in the life of the church and the community. As a result of Laurie Fraser s departure, several changes have occurred in the areas of hospitality, membership, and marketing. Laurie began her work as Director of Hospitality and Membership in 2011, assuming responsibility for hospitality and for guest and new member development. During her time at Trinity, she developed Trinity s presence on social media, enhanced our marketing presence in the community, and contributed her high energy and creativity to such events as Rock the Village and the Art (continued next page)

9 and Craft Fair. We are grateful for her contributions to Trinity s growth during our critical transition to our Village Gardens location. The roles of hospitality, marketing, and membership are being distributed among three positions. Jill Ricketts has been a long-time member of Trinity and began her employment as Communications Secretary in January of Jill s role in this ¾ time position has evolved over the past six years, and as of June 1, she is fulltime and has assumed the additional role of hospitality coordinator. Under her new title, Communications and Hospitality Coordinator, Jill oversees print communications, provides support for the administrative team, and coordinates volunteers for hospitality and worship. As a member of the communications and marketing team, Jill produces the bi-monthly Tower newsletter, the weekly bulletin, promotional print materials for Trinity events, and targeted communications. She maintains the Trinity calendar of events and updates web content and the web calendar as needed. In her administrative support role, Jill prepares staff meeting agendas and reports, assists callers and visitors, maintains guest and membership data, and manages the general functioning of the administrative offices. In her new role with hospitality, Jill will recruit and coordinate volunteers for hospitality and worship, including greeters, communion servers, scripture readers, lay prayer readers, and children s sermon volunteers. She will serve as the staff liaison to the Hospitality Team and assist the usher and transportation team leaders as needed. She will serve as the liaison to volunteers who provide meals for special events, such as funerals. Mollie Cox began her journey at Trinity in January as Director of Technology Ministries, a position formerly held by Andrew Wolf. Mollie produces all visual media for worship services and collaborates with staff and members to produce videos for groups, events, and special projects. Mollie s part-time work will now include all social media (Web, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), development of multi-media marketing materials, and oversight of Trinity s branding image throughout all communication and marketing. An additional part-time position is currently under development. This parttime position will oversee outreach and guest/member engagement. A primary responsibility will be outreach into our neighborhoods, identification of the spiritual needs of individuals in our wider communities, and development of experiences to reach those outside our congregation. This person will also oversee guest integration into the life of Trinity, new member classes and orientation, and membership engagement and retention. Through the development of small groups, Sunday School classes, volunteer opportunities, and various other activities, the new hire will engage adults of all ages in deepening their understanding and practice of their faith. We will keep the congregation informed as this position is created, finalized, and advertised. A Faith Formation Team including Rev. Kaye-Skinner, the Director of Children s and Family Ministries, the Director of Music Ministries (Michael Tully), the Director of Youth Ministries, the new outreach and engagement staff person, as well as other staff and members will facilitate a broad and inclusive process to set goals and develop a plan for faith formation and discipleship for all ages. Bill Eddy (Chair, Church Council): bandaeddy@windstream.net Janet Millnitz (Chair, Staff Parish Relations Committee): jmillni@msn.com Bette Olson (Staffing Consultant): bette@trinitylincoln.org Rev. Jim Keyser (Senior Pastor): jim@trinitylincoln.org

10 The Trinity TOWER (USPS ) Published twice a month by Trinity United Methodist Church 7130 Kentwell Lane Lincoln, NE Periodicals postage paid at Lincoln, Nebraska Subscription price $5 per year. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Trinity United Methodist Church 7130 Kentwell Lane, Lincoln, NE The Trinity Tower 7130 Kentwell Lane Lincoln, NE Trinity United Methodist Church Periodical For Health and Healing: Bob Stull, Shirley Marsh, Joe Botsford, Doris Wolter, Brian Clark, Julie-Jane Vice's daughter, Jennifer Young, Heather Erichson, Meggan Macomber's grandmother-pauline Macomber, Gordon Baker, and Miles Grimm. Sympathy to Max Thielbar s family on his passing, to Bruce Shear and family on Elnore s passing, to Art Curtiss family on his passing, Please let the church office know if you have a person that we should add or take off the prayer chain. Trinity Tower Deadline for the next issue is Friday June 13h. Pastor Associate Pastor Business Administrator Dir. Children Ministries Dir. Youth Ministries Children s Ministries Dir. Music Asst. Dir. of Music Pianist Dir. Trinity Infant & Child Care Dr. Jim Keyser Andy Frazier Kathy Kuna Anne Gahn Tommi Bolton Cox Bette Olson Dr. Michael Tully Shirley Deethardt Nancy Binder Deanna Turner Trinity Staff Parish Visitor Office Assistant Custodian Dir/Technology Dir/Ministries Technology Emogene Johnson Jill Ricketts John Adams Mollie Cox Andy Clabaugh Check out Trinity s website & Facebook Page