Trinity Tidings. Hope for the Holidays - Coping with Grief During 'The Happiest Time of the Year'

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Trinity Tidings Page Trinity Tidings TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH December, 2017 Hope for the Holidays - Coping with Grief During 'The Happiest Time of the Year' Loss, grief, sadness, loneliness -

As the Christmas season emphasizes happiness and joy, we feel acutely the absence of loved ones far from home, or the strain of job loss and financial uncertainty, the death of loved ones, or the

1 Trinity Tidings Page Trinity Tidings TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH December, 2017 Hope for the Holidays - Coping with Grief During 'The Happiest Time of the Year' Loss, grief, sadness, loneliness - holidays heighten our emotions, especially these difficult experiences. As the Christmas season emphasizes happiness and joy, we feel acutely the absence of loved ones far from home, or the strain of job loss and financial uncertainty, the death of loved ones, or the unsettledness of a newly downsized life. Family traditions, Christmas music at church, in stores, on the radio, lights and decorations, and festivities may bring heaviness of heart rather than giddy joy. How may you deal healthily with the heaviness of the holidays? Jim Clifford, a retired pastor and hospice chaplain, now living in Fairhope, AL suggests a few steps in a recent article in The Gulf Coast News Today by Whisper Edwards. Each of us is unique and what work for works for someone else may not work for you, so be nice to yourself; do that which works for you and disregard the rest. Clifford suggests 4 'P's: Plan, Permission (to be oneself), Pace (yourself), and Practice (spiritual disciplines). I summarize and paraphrase Clifford below. To see the full article go to: stories/hope-for-the-holidays-coping-with-grief-during-the-happiest-time-of-the-year, PLAN: Gather with family and loved ones and talk about the holidays. Share needs and wants, discuss what traditions can stay and what should be done differently. Explain why things need to be different and tell everyone in advance. Don't be afraid to change or stop anything that is not helpful. PERMISSION: Give yourself permission to feel whatever you feel and permission to cry. Emotions are just that emotions, not rationale thought, and they are not signs of weakness or lack of faith. Displaying emotions is part of being human and caring for those we miss. Appreciate those you have lost and what they mean to you. It is okay to put yourself first. Set limits on what you can physically and emotionally do. PACE: TEMPO (Time, Events, Money, People, Ordinary). Don t wear yourself down, use TIME wisely, give yourself time. Plan on doing fewer things. Moderate your EVENTS, including exercise, eating, drinking, partying. MONEY: Don t overspend. It is okay to let people know what you can and can't afford. After all, it isn't the actual gift, but the act of giving that is most important. Your loved ones will understand and be touched by the mere thought of a gift in such a terrible situation. Live within your means. PEOPLE: Some loyal friends may not be around, and you may be surprised at who does come around. Clifford advises, Feel free to avoid anyone who believes themselves to be helpful, but prove to be a hindrance in their actions or words. Those who are quiet, offer love and affection, recognize your needs and limits and do not advise or tell you what to do without being asked are generally more helpful in your current state of being. ORDINARY: Maintain order in your life; reestablishing routines may help bring a new order back into your life after a loss. You may have to do some things differently or in a different place or time, but try to keep some new routines to create a new 'normal' for yourself. PRACTICE: What religious practices have helped you through tough times in the past? Your faith, your beliefs, your faith traditions can help you again. Give yourself permission to ask God your Why questions, or to question, blame, or even get angry with God. Be honest and frank in your prayers to God. Talk with pastors or trusted friends about your needs, wants, and concerns or even go on a spiritual retreat. Set a place at the dinner table for the person you miss, along with a picture and share fond memories or stories. Make and hang an ornament with the person's name on it on your tree. If decorating a tree proves to be too much, have a simple tree or none at all. Donate time and/or money to a charity or cause in memory of the your loved one: you will honor them and help heal your grieving heart. Attend a Blue Christmas or Longest Night Service at an area church in December: these services are designed to soothe your struggle with darkness, loss, and grief and are attended by people sharing your. Source: Whisper Edwards. Hope for the Holidays. Gulf Coast News Today. November 17, I pray that you all experience God s love and strength sustaining you, enriching you, lifting you, renewing you in this Christmas season and that the Peace of God may reign in your heart, your life, your joy in the coming year. Merry Christmas!

2 Page 2 Trinity Tidings Our youth had a busy and eventful November! We started the month with an evening of fellowship and fun at our home. We played volleyball, ate pizza and cupcakes, and enjoyed a beautiful evening near the bay. Tasha and I relished the opportunity to give back following the generous reception in honor of our wedding. The following week was another Fellowship & Teaching night at Trinity. We focused on encouragement and how Christians receive encouragement from God and encourage one another through the Gospel. We had a fantastic turnout with many adult mentors, so thank you to all who made the evening possible. The following week was Rise Against Hunger, which was a great success. Thomas Prettyman, Stephen Hendrix, Ryan Obray, and myself set an unofficial record for most meals packed! As many told me beforehand, the evening was full of fun, laughter, and great service. A big THANK YOU to all the youth and their parents who gave time and energy to make the event happen. As we move into December, we have several events on our calendar. We ll travel to see the Christmas lights at Bellingrath Gardens on December 3 rd. Our Christmas party will be the following week, and we ll finish the year with a Fellowship & Teaching night on the 17 th. As we approach the end of our semester, please continue praying for our youth and our ministry. Here are some specific ways we can pray for them: 1. Pray for focus and energy during the final weeks of school before Christmas break. 2. Pray for the upcoming summer trips: Mission Trip, Mo-Ranch, and Montreat. Planning is underway, so pray for our adult leaders and all those who will attend. 3. Pray for greater openness and trust among our youth group. Conversations about God and our faith can be awkward and difficult, so pray that our youth group will be characterized by trust, compassion, and spiritual maturity. Thank you for the countless prayers and unending support from this congregation. After only a few months here, I am confident that our youth program will continue to grow in meaningful ways, all to the glory of God. In Christ, Brian Come and join us for our 2017 Senior Aging Educational Programs Trinity Presbyterian Church 3400 Bayou Blvd Pensacola FL (850) December 12 th 6 pm Room D Film- Alive Inside -Music s capacity to reawaken memories (Facilitator-Sharon Oakes/Assisted Living Locators) RSVP to Sharon Oakes at or Marte Picker at

Page 3 Trinity Tidings Dear Friends: Toys for Tots fulfill the

anything it has increased. Put a smile on a deserving child s face.

3 Page 3 Trinity Tidings Dear Friends: Toys for Tots fulfill the Christmas holiday dreams of over 7 million of our nations neediest children. The number of children living in poverty has not diminished, and if anything it has increased. Put a smile on a deserving child s face. If you wish to donate, please place a NEW, unwrapped toy in the collection box located in the Narthex. Contributions will be accepted from Nov. 5th through Dec. 10th. Every contribution will make a big difference in the life of a less fortunate child. Thank you! TRINITY SERVICE TEAM

Page 4 Trinity Tidings Thank you for all your prayers and get well wishes. I am at home now doing rehab and hoping to get stronger. Thank you all for your support.

4 Page 4 Trinity Tidings Thank you for all your prayers and get well wishes. I am at home now doing rehab and hoping to get stronger. Thank you all for your support. Rosemary Mika Dear Prayer Circle, I m writing to let you know Chip Lea will be coming home from his dangerous assignment in Mosel on December 15th. Than you so much for keeping this wonderful young man in your prayers this year. You all have been a blessing to him and his parents. Thank you, Jan Beck Dear Prayer Group Our Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Thank you and God bless you all for your spirit filled prayers for my brother, Bill Griggs. He is feeling so much better lately and has been taken off the chemotherapy treatments. We pray that he will soon be cancer free. When we pray without ceasing, as Apostle Paul suggested, prayers are answered and miracles happen. The Bible says, be patient and wait upon the Lord. May God pour out His richest blessing upon you all! Sylvia Billups Dear Church Family, Thank you for the beautiful flowers to welcome our little Emily to the world! We look forward to introducing her to the congregation soon! Fondly, Katie and Jay White FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITY Here are just two opportunities for fellowship with friends and members of our church family this month: Attend the PW annual Christmas luncheon on Dec. 5th(buy ticket today) and join the Christmas "helpers" in decorating the church for Advent and Christmas on December 2nd at 9:00 am. Both events are times that we can spend together building new relationships with members we may not know well. A word from our friends at: Happy December Birthdays Freddie Prettyman 1 Susan Clark 2 Mallory Lawrence 2 Aline Nicholson 3 Ted Nickinson 4 Eileen Crabtree 5 Donna Moates 6 Gail Childs 6 Maren Fox 6 Diane Snyder 7 Craig McFarren 9 Noah Murray 9 Marianne Palmer 10 Debbie Ritchie 10 Beverly Patteson 12 Amy Alumbaugh 14 Joanne Faddis 15 Pat Patterson 16 Melinda Beckett 17 Jake Renfroe 19 Thomas Prettyman 19 Dawn John 20 Melanie Haupt 20 Mandy Stevens 22 Sue Coleman 23 Cam Massengill 23 Angie Shehee 24 Natilee Martensen 24 Jean Wiedenbeck 27 Dot Young 29 Sydney Ryon 30 Phillips Nickinson 30 Area churches, I m writing to ask for your help! Waterfront Rescue Mission is a beacon for the lost and hurting in Pensacola, but we can t do it without your help. We need your help with: 1. Toiletries. Specifically deodorant, razors, toothbrushes, shampoo Those we serve in our Day Resources are in particular need of these items. These are people we are working hard to connect with services and help get into a new, productive and sustaining lifestyle. All donations should come to 380 West Herman Street, Pensacola FL (easy to punch into Google Maps!) 2. Donations: We re experiencing a $255,000 shortfall. That translates to thousands of meals we can t serve, hundreds of nights of shelter we can t offer, and dozens of men who can t go through our Recovery Program and Career Development Program. All you have to do is go to WaterfrontMission.org/donate to change lives immediately. Thank you all for your partnership and prayers. Pray that we may continue to be a blessing to those who are hurting and lost. Thank you! Paul Stadden Public Relations Associate Desk Cell

Page 5 Trinity Tidings Rummage Sale Storage is available! Call for directions to the warehouse, and come sign out the key! Don t forget your gift for the optional Dirty Santa exchange ($20 max).

This is an opportunity for communities of different faiths to unify under the common goal of providing shelter for a family in need.

This year we expect to see even further diversity as many different faith communities have expressed interest. This event is to be held May 5th 12th, 2018.

As you make plans for the upcoming year, please consider including Pensacola Habitat s 2018 Interfaith Build.

5 Page 5 Trinity Tidings Rummage Sale Storage is available! Call for directions to the warehouse, and come sign out the key! Don t forget your gift for the optional Dirty Santa exchange ($20 max). An Invitation From: Trinity Presbyterian Church is invited to join Pensacola Habitat for Interfaith Build 2018 celebrating the rich religious diversity found throughout our area. This is an opportunity for communities of different faiths to unify under the common goal of providing shelter for a family in need. Last year s build brought together teams from over 15 local faith communities including volunteers representing Buddhist, Jewish, Christian and Baha i faiths. This year we expect to see even further diversity as many different faith communities have expressed interest. This event is to be held May 5th 12th, Join them December 7th at 6:30 for a dessert mixer and viewing party as they begin planning for the Interfaith Build. They will also show a short video on the state of housing in America. As you make plans for the upcoming year, please consider including Pensacola Habitat s 2018 Interfaith Build. If you would like to RSVP for the dessert mixer or participate in next year s event, or if you have any questions, please contact Kevin Thomas at kthomas@pensacolahabitat.org Beyond Words: The ART of Prayer Winter Retreat Registration will begin after the holidays Dr. Vickie Caro Dieth, spiritual leader Registration for the Trinity Presbyterian Women's Winter Retreat opens Tuesday, at our Christmas luncheon on December 5th. Dr. Vickie Dieth, our spiritual leader, will use the theme "Beyond Words: The ART of Prayer" for the February 17th day-long retreat at Pensacola Beach. This year, the Hilton Garden Inn on DeLuna Drive, will be the setting for this memorable gathering. Retreat registration is $65, and related information sheets will be available at the registration desk. Dr. Dieth received her doctorate in Educational Ministry from Columbia Seminary in She has strong roots in the Pensacola area, and a refreshing way of relating her path to the ministry. Here's a brief glimpse of Vickie's bio: Vickie, an ordained ruling elder, describes her first experience working in ministry as a "comedy of errors, complete with a rental house that burned to the ground, navigating Atlanta traffic in a church van with a broken speedometer, and waking up on Youth Sunday, not really sure what she would be preaching that day." She notes that her father, Paul Caro, told her, "If you still think you want to work in the church, there might be something to this. And he was right." Oh, so right. Move the calendar forward another 20 years, and Vickie relates that she is still in "educational ministry, and currently serves Christ Presbyterian Church in Tallahassee, focusing on ministry to and with children and their families, and adult faith formation." Vickie's husband Danny is the pastor of Christ Presbyterian, and they have two teenage daughters, Hannah and Abby. Vickie's background of strong commitment to her faith in a dynamic society should speak to women of all ages. We hope you will make plans to join us at our Winter Retreat, sponsored by Trinity Presbyterian Women. Sandy Edwards is serving as chairman of the 2018 Retreat committee.

6 Page 6 Trinity Tidings Advent Activity If your elementary age child or grandchild has not received the Advent Chain activity in Sunday School, please stop by the Information Booth and pick one up. It is a gift from the Worship Team to help your family countdown to Christmas by reading Scripture and making a decorative paper chain.

PRAYER CONCERNS Page 7 Trinity Tidings TRINITY MEMBERS Betty Burrows Eileen Crabtree Norma Crooke Dilver Fellers Jeanne Franz Kenny Heffner Lucy Maver Carl Meyer Betty Nickinson John Opdyke Ray

7 PRAYER CONCERNS Page 7 Trinity Tidings TRINITY MEMBERS Betty Burrows Eileen Crabtree Norma Crooke Dilver Fellers Jeanne Franz Kenny Heffner Lucy Maver Carl Meyer Betty Nickinson John Opdyke Ray Palmer Joyce Pate Melba Powell Al & Martha Pulford Dottie Schwatka Ed Shehee Marge Shimmin TRINITY FRIENDS & FAMILY Rose Baber (mother of Barb Martensen) Gretchen Barron (daughter of Jon & Karen Nagel) Chad Baxter (request of John & Mary Green) Mary Becham (request of Mary Black) Rod & Judy Benton (request of Dan Prettyman) Teresa Bradley (request of M. & S. Ridlehoover/Rita Hawthorne) Cara Brierton (request of Brian Yount) Bill Briggs (request of Joe & Mary Black) Dale Brown (request of Marshall Arrich) Danny & Peggy Cain (request of Dan Prettyman) Bambi Carter (request of Martha Hauck) Irene & Chris Christian (request of Freddie Prettyman) John Connell (friend of Rita Hawthorne) Grant Davids (request of Jim Patteson) Joey Davidson (son of Patty & Gary Davidson) Extended Family of Jim Dobie (brother of MR Dobie) Ann & Walter Dobie (request of MR Dobie) Jerri Elder (sister in law of Martha Hauck) Ann Eyrich (stepmother of Elizabeth Massengill) Pete Franklin (regular attender) Marianne Fortuna (request of Jonathan Fortuna) Carol Fuller (friend of Carol & Charlie Gilroy) Olivia Goodman (friend of the Lawrence Family) Kimberly Graab (niece of Mary Anne Meier) Marianne Grant (request of Sandra Holman) Gloria Grenn (cousin of Bill Brogdon) Bill & Sue Hamer (request of Colette Obray) Greg Hess (son of Joan Bost) Fred & Jana Hole (request of Leah Franko) Barbara Isiminger (request of Mary Green) Linda Jewett (request of Sara Akerman) Chris and Linda Jones (nephew of Sandy White) Steve Landsgaard (son of Barbara Landsgaard) Jerry Lolli (father of Ginnette Lolli) Karen McLeod (request of Lori & Jody Skelton) Rosemary Mika (request of Marge Shimmin) Julie & Jeremy Miller (request of Mary Ruth Dobie) Sherri Mims (request of Leslie Reeves) Carolyn Mueller (request of Sandra Holman) Bonnie Nock (friend of Kelly Slorahn) Brett Norman (son of Jean Norman) Lyn Nutt (request of Freddie Prettyman) Capt. Jeff Philbin deployed (request of Meg Clark) Robin Ritchie (request of Hugh Hamilton) David & Cheryl Robatzen (request of Jean Norman) Addison Roselli (niece of Sheree & Christian Garman) Roger Satterfield (request of Carl Williams) Laura Sherard (request of Hugh Hamilton) Angelia Smith (request of Dan Prettyman) Miss Patsy Solis (Trinity Nursery) Barbara & Gerald Spriggins (request of Marge Shimmin) Susan Stokes (request of Dale & Sally Zorn) Bettie Stout (sister of Carl Williams) Logan Tan (request of Rita Hawthorne) David Tanner (request of Cheryll Mullin) Mary Lou Thayer (former Trinity employee) Charles Voss (friend of Martha Hauck) Melissa Vekasy (niece of Karen Nagel) Dr. Riley Walker (friend of Dan Prettyman) Mary Nell Wells (cousin of Gerry Smith) Miriam Westberry (granddaughter of Cindy & John Westberry) Katie Willenborg (request of Melanie & Peter Haupt) David Williamson ( request of Peggy Watson) Elizabeth Williamson (request of Peggy Watson) Tracy Yepello (request of Sue Coleman) Irene Zubrowski (grandmother of Colette Obray) When you make a prayer request, please include an address of the individual being prayed for and your name, too. Thank you, Prayer Group. Please stop by to say a prayer and sign cards in the Prayer Room from Monday 3:00 pm to Thursday 9:00 am. ARE YOU, OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW TOUCHED BY CANCER? Join us for Cancer Support Group the first Monday of each month at 5:30 pm in the Prayer Room.

Trinity Presbyterian Church 3400 Bayou Boulevard Pensacola, FL 32503 (850) 432-3505 www.trinitypcola.org FAX (850) 434-1172 Page 8 Trinity Tidings December, 2017 Please visit us at www.trinitypcola.org Senior Pastor The Rev.

8 Trinity Presbyterian Church 3400 Bayou Boulevard Pensacola, FL (850) FAX (850) Page 8 Trinity Tidings December, 2017 Please visit us at Senior Pastor The Rev. Dr. Hugh Hamilton hughhamilton@trinitypcola.org Associate Pastor for Discipleship The Rev. Brian Yount brianyount@trinitypcola.org Music Director Wayne Millet waynemillet@trinitypcola.org Organist Margie Sanders margielovesnotes@gmail.com Administrator/Controller Sharon Robbins sharonrobbins@trinitypcola.org Trinity Learning Center (850) Anna Kay Shirah, Director anna@trinitypcola.org Administrative Assistant Wendy Davies wendydavies@trinitypcola.org

Trinity Tidings. Page Trinity Tidings CHURCH PRESBYTERIAN TRINITY. April, 2018

Trinity Tidings. Page Trinity Tidings CHURCH PRESBYTERIAN TRINITY. April, 2018 Trinity Tidings Page Trinity Tidings TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH April, 2018 Page 2 Trinity Tidings Dear Friends, April is a BIG month for Trinity s Youth. Beginning in January Tommy Bucco, Tyler De- Jong,