TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH October 23, 2012 Vol. 46 No. 43 lauren green group pi Seeds of Faith are Growing at Trinity INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Stewardship 2013 3 Mission Info 4 Wednesday Activities 5 Prayer Garden Info 5 Calendar of Events 7 Some of you have sent me pictures of the lettuce plants growing from the packet of seeds we sent out a couple of weeks ago. It is not something we think much about, but the whole process of growth is truly amazing! There is a large old pine tree in my front yard that grew from a single seed which found its way into good soil at some point! All of us can point to people in our lives who planted seeds... Continue Andy s Personal Word on page 2. Pictured: Lettuce from the stewardship seed packets growing at the home of Ann and Ken Damsgard. Growing Please prayerfully consider your commitment to fund ministry in 2013. To pledge online, please visit: www.trinitybirmingham.com/resources/general_fund/ Celebration Sunday, October 28 You are invited to lunch! We will consecrate our gifts and commitments during worship on Sunday, October 28. After services, we will celebrate with a churchwide luncheon. Two lunch seatings available: 11 AM & 12 Noon Please make a reservation through your Sunday School class or online at: www.trinitybirmingham.com/reservations/celebration In Grace & Generosity Stewardship 2013 Still other seeds fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times. Mark 4:8 See inside on page 3.
A PERSONAL WORD SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2012 CELEBRATION SUNDAY 8:45 & 11:00 AM Sanctuary The 8:30 AM worship service is broadcast via 15-minute delay from 9-10 AM Sundays on WAPI-1070 AM and 100.5 FM. SERMON Dr. Andrew Wolfe Growing in Grace and Generosity MUSIC 8:45 AM Carol Choir, Trinity Orchestra, Scott Brooks, Jodi Haskins, Anna Underwood, Sanctuary Choir 11:00 AM Crusader & Choralier Choirs, Trinity Orchestra, Scott Brooks, Jodi Haskins, Anna Underwood, Sanctuary Choir MINISTER ON CALL Suzanne Pruitt, 230-3362 WESLEY HALL 11:15 AM Rev. Nathan Carden A LOOK AT OCTOBER 21 1,024 Worship Attendance 794 Sunday School Attendance Some of you have sent me pictures of the lettuce plants growing from the packet of seeds we sent out a couple of weeks ago. It is not something we think much about, but the whole process of growth is truly amazing! There is a large old pine tree in my front yard that grew from a single seed which found its way into good soil at some point! All of us can point to people in our lives who planted seeds a parent or relative, a friend, a teacher, a mentor. The Associate Pastor in my home church when I was a teen, planted the seeds of ministry in me. He passed away several years ago, but I still remember him and think of him often. Where would I be without him? Think of Trinity United Methodist Church of all the seeds that have been planted here through the years! Off the top of my head, I know of five effective pastors in our Conference who got their start at Trinity...two of them within the past three years! Think of all the seeds that these pastors will plant and the influence they will have. Over the past weeks we have been talking about the growth in our ministry here at Trinity, which has been remarkable just like pine trees from tiny seeds. I won t bore you with statistics again, but how about a 300% increase in our Sunday Night Student Ministry participation in the past five years. Or a 41% increase in the number of children on roll. God causes the growth. God s grace is always prior, nurturing, supporting, empowering. But someone had to plant the seeds! God s Grace + Our Generosity = Growth! This year, we are asking that all of us consider increasing our 2013 commitments by 5-10% or more so that our ministry and outreach can continue to grow! If you have never made a commitment, prayerfully consider doing so this year. You received a letter and a commitment card in the mail this week. Please notice the separate line on your Commitment Card for Capital Debt Retirement. This is new. There is the opportunity to make a separate commitment to Capital Debt retirement. Our new facilities are 95% paid off but we still have that 5% to go. If all of us can help some, this debt will be quickly out of the way. This Sunday is Celebration Sunday, October 28. Make worship a priority! Prayerfully consider what God is leading you to give in 2013. Bring your card with you, and together we will dedicate them in an act of worship. Still other seeds fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times. - Mark 4:8 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. 11:15 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 879-1737 with any questions. Andrew Wolfe Senior Minister Suzanne Pruitt Minister of Christian Formation Drew Holland Minister of Evangelism, Young Adults Nathan Carden Minister of Outreach, Contact David Thompson Minister of Students Bobby Scales Minister of Pastoral Care & Visitation Church Office: 205-879-1737 Fax: 868-9714 Care Line: 868-9709 Child Development Center: 879-1749
Growing in Grace & Generosity A note from a member... People say that successful gardeners must have a green thumb as if there is something magic about it. In reality, is it quite simple to grow a garden. That does not mean it is easy, but with hard work, dedication, and the realization that the payoff justifies the investment; anyone can do it. The same is true for growing a church. It is simple, but not easy. Let s not over think this. It is not a WBHM pledge drive. It is not about getting a free coffee cup. The Bible is not ambiguous on the topic; it is clear on what is expected of us, and on the benefits that will come. God has been very generous. We have seen all three of our daughters baptized at Trinity s altar. All three received their first Bible there, and one was married there. If we were to place a monetary value on all we ve been given, it would be in the billions. We cannot pay our debt but we can pay it down. What remains for us to do is to give so that the blessings can continue to flow and God s work can go on. Pray about it if you feel the need, but no epiphany is required. Consider all God has given to you and what he expects from you and give. It is okay if you don t tithe, that can be a future goal, but give something. The payoff justifies the investment. - Jim Williams Please prayerfully consider your financial commitment to fund ministry in 2013. To pledge online, please visit: www.trinitybirmingham.com/ resources/general_fund/ You are invited to lunch! Celebration Sunday OCTOBER 28 We will consecrate our gifts and commitments during worship on Sunday, October 28. After services, we will celebrate with a churchwide luncheon. Two lunch seatings available: 11 AM & 12 Noon Please make a reservation through your Sunday School class or online at: www.trinitybirmingham.com/ reservations/celebration Stewardship Spotlight: Music Ministry Did You Know? The Sanctuary Choir has experienced a 20% increase in growth over the past 6 years. The choir is currently 85 members strong. Trinity s Sanctuary Choir has finished as a finalist every year since 2008 in The Birmingham News, Birmingham s Best Church Choir category. Since 2002, the Cross & Flame Youth Choir has been in ministry in 15 states including Washington D.C. They have also sung the National Anthem at Fenway Park in Boston and Turner Field in Atlanta. The total cost of Music Ministry is more than $210,000 per year. Trinity s Music Ministry has experienced a 57% increase in total participating members since 2006. 297 468 Growing in Faith... I had never experienced worship in its truest sense until I started singing with the Sanctuary Choir. There are no words to describe what it s like to be surrounded by these talented people this family of faith as you lift your voice with them in praise. You can only experience it for yourself and, believe me, it is a transformational experience. Matt Hooper Music is such an important aspect of our worship here at Trinity. The words, melodies, and variety of styles are blessings to me and it is a privilege to be a part of this ministry in our church body. The Holy Spirit speaks to us all in special ways through music as we glorify God through gathering, growing, and then going to serve Christ in the world. Amy Broeseker Total Participating Members: 2006 2012 3
Lil Lambs for Lauren! On Sunday, October 14, Trinity s elementary kids spent the Sunday School hour supporting a great cause in honor of their classmate Lauren Green. Lauren is May and David s daughter and Lexi and Luke s sister. She had a team for the recent the Light the Night Walk sponsored by the Leukemia Society. Lauren, age 7, will be continuing her therapy for another year or so. Lauren designed her team s tee shirt and Trinity s Lil Lambs Ministry purchased shirts for all the elementary kids. Pictured are the children in the Gym wearing their Team Lauren shirts. What a wonderful way to show our support for TEAM LAUREN and Light the Night Walk. mission & outreach THE ANGELS ARE COMING! NOVEMBER 4 & 11 Each year, our church provides Christmas gifts for hundreds of area children. Trinity s Angel Trees will go up in the Main Narthexes and at Contact on Sunday, November 4. Angels will be available that day and on the following Sunday, November 11. Gifts should be returned to Trinity on Sunday, November 18 or Sunday, November 25. FESTIVAL OF THREE KINGS (the event where Angel Tree gifts are distributed to area families) is Saturday, December 1 and volunteers are needed! If you would like to help with the Festival, please contact Kristie McCullough at mccullough.kristie@ gmail.com. Please pray for your sponsored child throughout the season. And thank you for making Christmas special for God s children! COR SERVICE OPPORTUNITY Looking for an opportunity to make an meaningful impact in someone s life? We have an Outreach opportunity for your Sunday School class, small group, or circle of friends on the 5th Thursdays of this year, August 31 and November 30, serving breakfast at (COR) Church of the Reconciler to our homeless neighbors. The responsibilities include purchasing the food (the church covers the cost), preparing the food on-site, and serving it. For more information, contact David Miller at dmiller5@ bham.rr.com. Please prayerfully consider if God might be calling your group to join God s work at Church of the Reconciler. 4 Have a question about Trinity s Mission & Outreach? Please contact Rev. Nathan Carden at 879-1737 or email ncarden@trinitybirmingham.com. Thursday, November 8 6-9 PM at B & A Warehouse 1531 1st Avenue South Tickets are $50 per person. To purchase tickets or for more info, contact Donna Burgess at donnaburgess@bellsouth.net Available for your use on first floor and second floor library area.
The Trinity Prayer Garden and Columbarium Construction on the Prayer Garden and Columbarium has begun. It will be located in the empty space between the East Narthex and Wesley Hall. Niches in the Columbarium are available for current and former members of Trinity and their families. We believe this service enhances our spiritual lives, provides a sacred place for meditation and remembrance, in addition to providing an internment option that is holy, respectful and economical. The Trinity Prayer Garden and Columbarium is a completely self-funding project through the sale of Columbarium niches, memorials and contributions by interested persons. Gift Possibilities There will be several special features in the garden which are gift possibilities for honorariums or memorials. Among these are the fountain, two hand carved scripture tablets, and the prayer labyrinth. For more information about these gifts or more information about purchasing a Columbarium niche, contact Ann Neptune, Business Administrator at 879-1737 or email her at aneptune@trinitybirmingham.com. MEMORIAL Panel As a part of the design for the Prayer Garden and Columbarium, a Memorial Panel will be included. This will provide a place to honor and remember those faithful deceased members and loved ones who have served this church, but who are interred elsewhere. The Memorial Panel will be located inside the columbarium. The material will be limestone with the names etched into the stone. If you are interested in placing a name on the panel, please contact the church office for an application. The cost is $500 per name and available at a discounted cost of $400 per name from now until November 30, 2012. This is a beautiful fitting way to remember those who have faithfully served this Church through the years and who are now a part of that great cloud of witnesses who surround and whose examples inspire us. Wednesday Supper 4:45-6:15 PM (Fellowship Hall) Leave the cooking to us! Come eat and fellowship with your church family. Great meals at incredible prices! Meal Prices: $6/person, $3 /child (9 and under) $5 Salad Bar option $5 Senior Adults $20 Family Max.(immediate family only) 9/7 Menu: BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Fries Also! 24 item Salad Bar & 2 soups Dessert: Ice Cream Sundaes $6/person $3 /child (9 and under) $5 Salad Bar $20 Family Max. (immediate family only) Let us know you are coming... make online reservations, and find weekly menus at: www.trinitybirmingham.com. 10/24 Menu: ADULTS: Beef tips, rice, pinto beans, slaw, cornbread, cookie KIDS: Baked chicken legs, macaroni & cheese, green beans, fruit, milk, cookie Also! 24 item Salad Bar & 2 soups Dinner will not be served on October 31! Childrens Choirs will not meet on October 31. 5
SAVE THE DATES FOR HOLIDAY EVENTS! December 4 UAB Christmas Concert December 6 Senior Adult Christmas Party WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31 DAY TRIP: Alabama Fall Color Trail. We will follow color trail through Blount County and surrounding areas and see some covered bridges and other sights. Leave Trinity at 8:30 AM. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4 BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM OF ART: HYDOCK RETURNS FOR ROCKWELL Behind The Covers: Norman Rockwell as Storyteller an original performance by Dolores Hydock. $15, includes exhibition admission. pacesetters news NOVEMBER 27-29 CHRISTMAS IN NASHVILLE: Sign up now for the Trinity Travelers Christmas Trip. Highlights: Wildhorse Saloon, Barbara Mandrell s Fontanel Mansion, Upper Room Chapel/Night of the Child Nativity, Nashville Tour, Opryland Hotel, Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes, Nashville Nightlife Dinner Theater, Chaffin Barn Theater(Lunch and Holiday Musical). For reservations or more information on any event listed above, contact: Amy Lewis at 879-1737 or email alewis@trinitybirmingham.com. A Night in Bethlehem event returns to Trinity on December 9. Mark your calendar, and plan to attend this special holiday event. Save the date... A Homewood Community Thanksgiving Service Sunday Evening, November 18 6 PM Hosted by Trinity United Methodist Church If you missed the all-volunteer meeting on October 22, but are interested in being a part of the Night in Bethlehem team, please contact Karen Smith at 879-1737 or ksmith@ trinitybirmingham.com. Temptations Cookbook is now online: temptationscookbook.com A new recipe from the book is added every Monday and Thursday morning. Check it out! This unique cookbook is a project of the Asbury Sunday School Class and is a labor of love. Proceeds are used to fund projects and missions. The cookbook is $25 if ordered online, and $20 if purchased through the church office. 6
highlighted events this week Celebration Sunday - October 28 8:45 AM Traditional Worship - SANC 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Traditional Worship - SANC 11:00 AM Church Lunch 1st seating - GYM 11:15 AM CONTACT Worship - WHALL 12:00 PM Church Lunch 2nd seating - GYM 4:15 PM Youth Handbell Choir - Rm. 225 5:00 PM NO Confirmation 5:00 PM Cross & Flame Youth Choir - MS (Senior High & Middle High combined) 6:00 PM Youth Snack Supper - Haven 6:00 PM Adult Studies - various 6:15 PM Adult Handbell Choir - Rm. 225 6:30 PM Element Pumpkinfest- Haven (Senior High & Middle High combined) 8:00 PM Men s Pick-up Basketball - GYM Monday - October 29 6:30 AM Men s Bible Study B fast - FHALL 8:00 AM Senior Adult Activities - Various 6:00 PM TCDC Board Mtg. - CONF 6:00 PM Strong Fathers Study - Rm. 301 Tuesday - October 30 6:30 AM Youth Prayer B fast - Haven 8:00 AM Senior Adult Activities - Various 8:00 AM Sr. Exercise Class - GYM 10:00 AM Trinity Singers - MS 10:00 AM Mama and Me - Nursery 11:00 AM Soup & Salad - SDR CFT FSR CONF SANC FHALL Craft Room 143 Fireside Room 145 Conference Room 220 Sanctuary Fellowship Hall take note LIB NAT LP SP HAVEN 3:30 PM Element Cafe - Haven 6:30 PM Young Adults 30 s - SDR Wednesday - October 31 8:00 AM Senior Adult Activities - Various 9:00 AM Yoga - Rm. 315 4:45 PM NO Wednesday Supper 5:15 PM NO Children s Handbells 6:00 PM NO Children s Choirs 6:00 PM Adult Studies - various 6:45 PM Sanctuary Choir Practice - MS Thursday - November 1 8:00 AM Senior Adult Activities - Various 8:00 AM Sr. Exercise Class - GYM 9:00 AM Adult Studies - various 3:30 PM Element Cafe - Haven Friday - November 2 8:00 AM Sr. Exercise Class - GYM 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 October 28 Suzanne Mills, Shelby & Martin Smith Nursery volunteers are needed each Sunday. To volunteer, please contact Kim Skelton at 879-1737 or email nurseryvolunteers@trinitybirmingham.com. TRINITY BOOK GROUP Wednesday, November 28 Do you like to read, share, discuss, even question? Join us on Wednesday, November 28 to review The Beginner s Goodbye, a novel by Ann Tyler. Leo Wright will lead this session. Read and meet on Wednesday evening, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM in the Small Parlor. BROOKWOOD UAB GOLDEN LIVING in the hospital Ted Roose Pat Farrell Evelynne Dupuy in memoriam Margaret Street October 12 We extend our love and sympathy: to the family and friends of Margaret Street who died on October 12. to Lisa Hapgood on the death of her mother, Beverly Hapgood, on October 16. to Sammy and Jill Seals on the death of his brother-in-law, Gilbert Gib Haney, on October 17. to Scott and Katie McKibbin and Rick and Candice McKibbin on the death of Scott and Rick s mother, Mary McKibbin, on October 13. Also to Katherine Duffey on the death of her daughter, Bill Duffey, Jr. on the death of his sister, and to Andrew and Claire McKibbin on the death of their grandmother. congratulations to Bruce and Debbie Limbaugh on the birth of their granddaughter, Juliana Phyllis Limbaugh, on October 17. Proud parents are Brian and Amanda Limbaugh. Proud aunts and uncles are Matt and Noelle Limbaugh and Amy and John Paul Strong. to Andreas and Jennifer Ogger on the baptism of their daughter, Sophie Anne Ogger, on October 21. to Bettie Jackson for being a recipient of the Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing Living Legacy Award. treasurer s report As of October 21, 2012 GENERAL BUDGET: 2012 Given Month to Date: $150,613 Avg. Needs to Date: $194,544 Balance/shortage: $(43,931) SAY AMEN Gifts this Month: $18,180 SAY AMEN Gifts to Date: $375,455 Note from Treasurer: Questions about church finances, income or expense? If you wonder how funds are received or expensed, the financial books of Trinity are open to any member, contact Ann Neptune at 879-1737 or aneptune@trinitybirmingham.com. 7
Tidings Trinity United Methodist Church (USPS 0641-120) is published weekly, except Christmas week, by Trinity United Methodist Church, 1400 Oxmoor Road, Birmingham (Homewood), AL 35209-3998. Periodicals postage paid at Birmingham, AL. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Tidings, Trinity United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 19069, Birmingham, AL 35219-9069. 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 35209 205.879.1737 Careline: 205.868.9709 www.trinitybirmingham.com Interested in joining Trinity? Join us... Coffee with the Pastors Sunday, November 4 10 AM LARGE PARLOR This is a casual time for guests to meet the pastoral staff. During this hour, you will learn about the mission statement of the church as well as Trinity s core values. This is also an excellent time to ask general questions and learn more about the church family. CWP is held the first Sunday of the month at 10 AM in the Parlor. Sunday, November 11 10 AM LARGE PARLOR This class is strongly suggested for visitors who are considering membership at Trinity. During this hour, prospective members and those interested will review the membership covenant one makes when joining the Trinity Family. Ask a Greeter to direct you! CONSTRUCTION SAFETY NOTICE: Construction has begun on the Prayer Garden. Please do not use the front, inner sidewalk between Wesley Hall and the Sanctuary. This area, as well as the center front lawn should remain clear and an alternative route should be used due to safety. PARKING NOTICE: Please do not block the dumpsters or areas that are marked as NO Parking zones. Also, please note that the small parking lot is reserved for Handicapped, elderly and families with small children on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. Thank you.