Donate a wreath in honor or in memory of a loved one

TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH November 11, 2014 Vol. 48 No. 45 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Internet Safety Series 3 Student Ministry 5 Thanksgiving Service 6 Calendar of Events 7 Sermon Series Nursery Provided Please consider bringing a non-perishable food item that will be donated to Greater Birmingham Ministries. Donate a wreath in honor or in memory of a loved one The Flower Committee will purchase live wreaths to be hung during the Hanging of the Green service on Sunday, November 30. These wreaths will remain in the Sanctuary for several weeks during Advent. The cost of each is $50. One Advent wreath will also be available for $35. If you would like to donate a wreath in honor or in memory of a loved one, please contact Lisa Elliott before November 21 at lelliott@trinitybirmingham.com or 879-1737. With the holidays approaching, some of us are already filled with joyful anticipation at the prospect of spending time with loved ones. Others of us are filled with sour dread for the same reasons. If anticipating holiday time spent with your family brings a knot to your stomach, the story of the popularly named Prodigal Son in the Gospel of Luke reveals you are not alone. But this story always witnesses to how a gracious God can heal wounds of betrayal, selfishness and estrangement. Church wide series continues November 16 and 23. All services 8:45 & 11:00 AM

PERSONAL WORD SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2014 8:45 & 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 Rev. Brian Erickson Series: Home For The Holidays MUSIC 8:45 AM Children s Handbells, Seeds of Faith, Sanctuary Choir 11:00 AM Children s Handbells, Celebration Choir, Seeds of Faith, Praise Alliance MINISTER ON CALL Bobby Scales, 746-4547 8:45 & 11:00 AM WESLEY HALL, Rev. Nathan Carden NOVEMBER 9 - ATTENDANCE 1,347 Total Worship Attendance 813 Traditional 534 Contact 773 Sunday School Tis better to give than to receive. This bit of wisdom can be found in the book of Acts chapter 20 when the Apostle Paul meets with the elders of the church at Ephesus. Where it cannot be found is in the heart of my children, ages 6 and 3. I can share this scriptural truth with them and they reject it with their eyebrows raised in distrust. Receiving gifts on birthdays and on Christmas brings them immense pleasure, at least for a while. How could giving away things that could bring us pleasure, be better than keeping it for ourselves? Learning that giving is a greater blessing than receiving is a mark of wisdom gained over time and through experience. In fact, it is a mark of Christian maturity. In the 4th chapter of his letter to the Ephesians, Paul writes and encourages them and us that We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ. This Christmas season, we have an opportunity to be reminded of this truth by our participation in our Angel Tree program. Trinity has been given 280 Angels that you, your family, or group of friends can adopt to provide Christmas for children who may not otherwise experience the joy of receiving this year. Each family has been selected by Urban Ministries, one of our United Methodist partner agencies in the West End. This Sunday, November 16, stop by the narthex of the Sanctuary or Wesley Hall, or the 2nd floor Commons Area to select an Angel. Gifts will be returned on Sunday, November 23 and Sunday, November 30, and then sent home with the families on Saturday, December 6, at the Festival of Three Kings. We are grateful for the gifted leadership of Cassie Cates (and husband Will!) for organizing this year s Festival and Trinity s sponsorship process. True joy and fulfillment come through learning to give, perhaps because in doing so we mirror the image of our Creator. This is something that grandparents know and that their grandchildren will have to learn. Trinity is growing up into Christ in all that we do. Take an Angel home and you may experience a little growth spurt this winter. With gratitude, 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 music from the CONTACT Band, children are encouraged to attend. 10:00 AM Sunday School Ages 2 yrs. 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. Questions? Call 879-1737. Andrew Wolfe - Senior Minister Brian Erickson - Senior Minister Designate Nathan Carden - Minister of Outreach, Contact Suzanne Pruitt - Minister of Christian Formation Bobby Scales - Minister of Pastoral Care David Thompson - Minister of Students Church Office: 879-1737 / Fax: 868-9714 Care Line: 868-9709 Child Development Center: 879-1749

STEWARDSHIP REPORT (as of 11/9/14) 2015 BUDGET Commitments received: 594 pledges Commitment total: $2,804,195 Average pledge: $4,720 200 pledges for 2014 have not been renewed for 2015. CAPITAL DEBT Capital Debt commitments: 142 pledges Capital Debt total: $137,107 How do I return an Estimate of Giving? If you have not had the opportunity to return your 2015 Estimate of Giving card, you may mail or deliver it to the church office or drop it in the offering plate on Sundays. You may also submit it privately online: trinitybirmingham.com/resources/pledging/ Questions about your pledge? Contact Ann Neptune in the Finance Office, call 879-1737 or email aneptune@trinitybirmingham.com. First Sunday ofadvent, November 30 HANGING OF THE GREEN SERVICE November 30 6:00 PM Sanctuary Trinity observes the first Sunday in Advent with a special service known as Hanging of the Green. This traditional evening worship service of scripture, prayers, liturgy and music will be held on Sunday, November 30 at 6 PM. It will feature the Sanctuary Choir, Trinity Orchestra and Seeds of Faith. There is no charge for the event and the public is invited to attend. Nursery provided. [ Complimentary valet parking service available. ] 3

MISSION & OUTREACH The Angels are Coming! November 9 & 16 We invite you to sponsor a child this Christmas. Angels will be distributed on Sundays, November 9 & 16. Trinity is sponsoring 40 additional Angels this season, all children are sponsored through Urban Ministry. Gifts will be collected on November 23 & 30. Volunteers are needed to help distribute Angels and help collect gift bags. To sign up, contact Cassie Cates at 205-515-9311 or email cassidy.dempsey@gmail.com. PACESETTERS DECEMBER 2 - UAB WIND SYMPHONY BAND The Symphony Band and the Wind Symphony Band of UAB will present a special concert of Christmas music in the gym from 2-3 PM on December 2. Make plans to attend! DECEMBER 11 - ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TEA The annual Senior Adult Christmas Tea will be held in the Fellowship Hall from 1:30-4:00 PM on December 11. Come and enjoy wonderful food, fellowship, music and a special video featuring our older adults at Trinity. For more info on any Senior Adult event, please contact Amy Lewis at 879-1737 or alewis@trinitybirmingham.com. Festival of Three Kings, December 6 This event is held to allow families of sponsored Angels to receive their gifts. It is a Christmas-filled day that gives Birmingham area kids in need a morning of games, prizes, shoes, snacks and more. This year s festival is Saturday, December 6. To volunteer please contact Cassie Cates at 205-515-9311 or cassidy.dempsey@gmail.com. GIFTWRAP VOLUNTEERS NEEDED SATURDAYS, December 13 & 20 The Family Promise of Birmingham (formerly BHN) Gift Wrapping Booth will open the Friday after Thanksgiving in Brookwood Mall. 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. Trinity is in charge of wrapping gifts on Saturday, December 13 & 20. 3-hour shifts are available on these dates. For specific shift times and for more volunteer details, contact Jamie Fitzwater at 205-441-4062. HOW CAN YOU SERVE THIS WEEK? Check out WEEKLY CONNECT for ways that you can plug in to ministry today simple sign-ups available now. Log on to http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0844aaad238-topten 4 If you have questions about ways to use your gifts in service, contact Laura Eanes at leanes@trinitybirmingham.com.

food & fellowship student ministry weekly update www.elementstudentministry.com Here is what is happening at Element this week: I am excited about our series for November, How to Raise Your Parents. This is proving to be a great month and we really want you to participate with us in our Sunday Night activities. Join us! 4:30-6:15 pm fellowship hall $20.00 Family Maximum (or) - $6.00 per adult - $3.00 per child (9 and under) - $5.00 per senior adult - $5.00 Salad Bar option Please let us know you are coming! Make a reservation online at www.trinitybirmingham.com menu - November 12 ADULTS: Pork roast, roasted potatoes, squash casserole, cookie KIDS: Hamburgers, chips, fruit, milk menu - November 19 ADULTS: Baked chicken, rice, steamed broccoli, roll, cookie KIDS: Chicken legs, rice, steamed broccoli, cookie, milk * Menu subject to change. note! DINNER WILL NOT BE SERVED ON NOVEMBER 26 Make a reservation & find menus at: www.trinitybirmingham.com HOW TO RAISE YOUR PARENTS Sunday Night Rundown: November 16 Sunday Night Live Featuring a parent panel November 23 Turkey Bowl at Weygand field Parents, come and cheer! November 30 Give Thanks Night A time around the table to eat leftovers with students and families. SUNDAY NIGHT LIVE, 11/16 - This Sunday, November 16 from 6-8 PM is SNL! We are so excited about this night and we hope that every student will make it a priority to be here. We will have a panel of parents to work through some questions that our students are asking. It should be a lot of fun and very informative. It is a big weekend in college football, so please encourage your students to get their homework done early so they can join us on Sunday night. ELEMENTOR AFTER PARTY - This Sunday night after SNL we are, once again, having our Elementor After-hours event. We will be meeting in the Haven Cafe from 8-8:30 PM immediately following SNL. If your student is a part of the Elementor program or you would like them to be a part of it, please encourage them to come and drink HOT CHOCOLATE with us! ELEMENT CAFÉ MEETS THIS WEEK, THURS. ONLY - Element Cafe is open on Thursday from 3-5:30 PM. This is a wonderful alternative to going home and being bored. Come hang out with us, grab a snack, play some games and hang out with our staff and friends. All candy, chips and drinks are only 50 cents! Element Cafe is always a fun time. We hope your student will join us this week! WEDNESDAY NIGHT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - A lot of our Fusion groups meet in the Haven on Wednesday nights and eat dinner in the Cafe. If you are willing and able to help serve on Wednesday nights in order to free up our staff and Fusion leaders, let David Hayes know. Email him at dhayes@trinitybirmingham.com. ARM MIDDLE SCHOOL MISSION TRIP - Registration is now open. July 19-24. Please note this is a little different than years past. It is a Sunday through Friday trip and, due to the extra day, the cost of the trip has gone up slightly. The total cost will be $235, and a $100 deposit is due by December 1 to reserve a spot. This trip is open to any middle school student and high school students are welcome to be leaders! To register go to http://elementstudentministry.com/arm/. SOS HIGH SCHOOL MISSION TRIP - It is already that time of year to reserve your student s spot for SOS. Go ahead and mark your calendars for July 5-11 and register your spot now at http://elementstudentministry.com/sos/. As always, there is limited space on this mission trip so please sign up today! In Christ, David Thompson dthompson@trinitybirmingham.com 5

Membership Database Update - Removal of Names Trinity UMC is currently in the process of updating the membership database. The following list of inactive member names will be removed this month, unless the Membership Assistant is otherwise notified. Details for the removal of professing members are found in the UMC Book of Discipline and are based on the following: Being negligent of membership vows, being regularly absent from worship without valid reason, having an invalid address - all within a period of two years or longer. If you have questions, please contact Marie Pasco - Membership Assistant - at 879-1737 or mpasco@trinitybirmingham.com. Alexander, Janet G. Alford, Alan L. Alford, Alan Taylor-Taylor Alford, Kathryn Ellis-Kathy Archibald, Alecia Archibald, John Andrew Bagwell, Wayne P. Barlow, Lynn Barlow, Robert Brandon Barlow, Jr. Robert W. Barlow, William Nicholas Beasley, III James H.-Trey Beckham, April Beckham, Nicki Bishop, Larry Bisig, Jennifer Hauser Black, Leigh Precise Bledsoe, Dianne Boehme, Paul A. Bonner, Gerry S. Bowen, Gary Cardwell Bowen, Karyn Griffin Boyken, Katherine Lee Bryan-Katie Brandino, Susan P. Brewster, Claire Martin Brier, Shannon Brown, Harold K. Brown, Jeremy Nathan Brown, Marilyn Ruth Brown, Mary B. Brown, Susan Bryan, Brandon Nickolas Bryan, Danny F. Bryan, Jonathan Alexander Bryan, Marilyn Lois Burdeshaw, Bebe Burdette, Genelle H. Burdette, Kevin C. Burdette, Ronald E. Burke, Scott T. Burnett, Steven Douglas Burton, Stephanie Butler, Celeste Butler, Scott Cambria, Carolyn M. Camp, Valerie Schreiber Campbell, Dudley Campbell, James D. Carpenter, Rebecca Jones Chambers, Karen Sue Channell, Linda W. Cohen, Adam Cohen, Andrew Coyle, Amy Forsee Cudd, T. Clarke-Clarke Datema, Rebekah Ethridge Davis, Emily Louise Davis, Phyllis Lynn Davis, III Virgil L. Davis, Jr. Virgil L. Dickerson, James Gary Dickerson, Janet S. Dowling, William Watford-Will Dubose, Ladarius Edwards, Jesse Emiliusen, Adam Emiliusen, Brooke Emiliusen, Neal Emiliusen, Ronda Ethridge, Anne Ethridge, Noah Evans, Andie Meredith Evans, Clay G. Evans, Kelly H. Forsee, William Joel-Bill Foster, II John Michael Freeman, E. Jane-Jane Gaines, John T. Gamble, Joel Mark Garner, Pam Gilbert, Julie Grace-Gracie Gily, Adrian Goldbach, Karen R. King-Candy Grant, Mark Gray, Kelly Joe Gray, Melissa Ann Green, Eleanor Greenleaf, Charles Greenleaf, Jr. Charles Rew Greenleaf, Elizabeth Griffin, Jessica Griffis, Jean Ann Griffis, Logan Brent-Brent Hagan, Phil Hamner, Joel Roger Hamner, Laura Miller Hansen, Donald R. Hansen, Helen Jane Hardin, Alan Robert Hardin, Bebe Hardin, Erin Hardin, Malcolm Harding, Jamie Kristen Harris, Reginald Walker Harrison, April Oliver Harrison, Joseph -Joe Harrison, III Joseph Donald Hatchett, Stacy Hatchett, Tara Davis Hauger, Sherri Haltiwanger Hawkins, Jr. Claude Herren, Loxley S. Hill, Jr. Daniel Wayne-Danny Hix, Vicki A. Welch Hughes, Melissa Hughes, Wes Hume, Lisa Dawn Phillips Jennings, Jr. Jennifer V Jennings, Jr. John A Jester, Denise (Robbins) Jester, Heather Leigh Joe, Johnny John, Joe Johnson, Emily Johnson, Kelly Johnston, Sue Ellen Jolley, Jessica Lynn Jolly, Lou O. Kachelhofer, Bradford Anne-Brad Karson, Kyle Kelley, Charles Dalton Kelley, Danny Kern, Virginia G. Trawick-Ginny Ketabi, Carol Mcginnis Kilgore, Heather Louise Kilgore, Michael G.-Mike Knowlton, Lindsey Laseter, Kyle Laseter, Pam Lee, Cheri Lee, Judith Goodwin Lupo, Donald Taylor-Taylor Martin, Jennifer Martin, Kristen Matthews, Shelley S. McAiley, Karen Anne McAnnally, John-Ryan McAnnally, Kim McCulley, Beth McCulley, Griffin McKee, Bonnie E. McKee, Harold E. McKee, Laura Lee McRae, Kay McRae, Rachael McRae, Tim Miller, Christopher Mobley, Debra Ann Monk, Jr. Ray William-Bill Nabors, Eric Niedermeier, Christian H. Niedermeier, Larry Wayne Niedermeier, Michael W. Oddo, Donna Marie Breeden Peerson, Leslie Elizabeth Peerson, Jr. William Wade Pettus, Nancy -Nickie Phillips, Rubye R. Reeder, Elizabeth Lee Reeder, II R. Robert Reeder, Rachael Alethea Reeder, Robert Neill Riley, Lynda Roberts, David Landrum Roberts, Kirk Roberts, Stephanie Rowell, Carson Henry Rowell, Jeffery Ernest Rowell, Karyn Horrell Rowell, Spencer Sarris, Ruth Kelly Schor, Olivia Louise Schropp, Mark Edward Simpson, Vincent Smith, Stacy Statham, Vernon A. Swartz, Jackie T. Swindle, Catherine Swindle, Clint Swindle, Edward Eugene Swindle, Leigh Swindle, Thomas Tatum, Louise Elizabeth-Libby Taylor, James Russell Terry, Elizabeth Threeton, Jeffrey Griswald Tresler, Margaret Underwood, Jerry Underwood, Lisa Vaughan, G. Allen-Allen Vaughan, Sylvia Weems, Andrew B. Weems, III James M. Williams, Dianne Wingo, Leslie Lynn Witherington, Ashley Morgan Witherington, Charlene Witherington, Connor Witherington, Kevin Witherington, Peyton Dunn Wood, Greg Wood, Sherrie D.-Dede Wood, T. W. Wooldridge, Bradley Scott Wooldridge, David M. Wooldridge, Rebecca R. Yeager, Odette Yester, Sandra Mann 6

CFT FSR CONF SANC FHALL HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS THIS WEEK Sunday - November 16 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. 225 5:00 PM Youth Choir - MS 5:00 PM Confirmation - various 6:00 PM Element - Haven 6:00 PM Adult Handbells - Rm. 225 6:00 PM Small Group Studies - various 8:00 PM Pick-up Basketball - GYM Monday - November 17 6:30 AM Men s Ministry Group - SDR 8:00 AM UMW General Mtg. - FHALL 5:00 PM UMW Executive Mtg. - FSR Tuesday - November 18 6:30 AM Element Prayer B fast - Haven 8:00 AM Senior Adult Activities - various 8:00 AM Sr. Exercise Class - FHALL 10:00 AM Mama & Me - Nursery 10:00 AM Trinity Singers - MS 11:00 AM Trinity Singers Lunch - SDR 3:00 PM Element Cafe - Haven & GYM 6:30 PM Young Adults (20 s) - NAT 6:30 PM Young Adults (30 s) - SDR Craft Room 143 Fireside Room 145 Conference Room 220 Sanctuary Fellowship Hall LIB NAT LP SP HAVEN Wednesday - November 19 9:00 AM Yoga - Rm. 315 4:30 PM Wednesday Supper - FHALL 5:00 PM Kids Bells & Chimes - Rm. 225 5:30 PM Music in Motion - various 6:00 PM Children s Choirs - various 6:00 PM Adult Studies - various 6:00 PM Men s Bible Studies - various 7:15 PM Boy Scouts - Scout Room 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal - MS 7:00 PM Contact Music Rehearsal - WHALL Thursday - November 20 8:00 AM Senior Exercise Class - FHALL 9:15 AM Adult Studies - various 3:00 PM Element Cafe - Haven & GYM Friday - November 21 8:00 AM Sr. Exercise Class - FHALL 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 - November 16 Laura Fleming, Analise Glover & Margaret Anne Schilder To volunteer, please contact Barry Smith at 879-1737, email nurseryvolunteers@trinitybirmingham.com. ST. VINCENT S: IN THE HOSPITAL Scott Robertson IN MEMORIAM We extend our love and sympathy: to Mandy and Joshua Olson on the death of her father, James Don Burgett, on November 9. He was also the grandfather of Samantha Claire Olson and James William Olson. CONGRATULATIONS to April and Daniel McKinney on the birth of their twin children, Anna Reese McKinney and Wilson Clayton McKinney, on November 4. Proud grandparents are Kristi and Larry Wilson and Angela McKinney and Mike McKinney. to Stephen Gregory Atkinson and Carla Mitchell of Montgomery on the birth of their daughter, Rachel Elizabeth Mitchell, on October 10. Proud grandfather is Doug Atkinson and proud grandmother is Joyce Atkinson. to Bart and Rachel Lary on the baptism of their son, William Strong Lary, on November 9. to David and Stacy Young on the baptism of their son, James O Neal Young, on November 9. to Phillip and Carrie Gargis on the baptism of their daughter, Charlotte Elizabeth Gargis, on November 9. TREASURER S REPORT As of November 9, 2014 Regular reporting: GENERAL BUDGET: MONTH Month to Date Revenue $135,761 Monthly Needs to Date $112,790 Balance/Shortage $22,971 Capital Debt Retirement / month $5,340 Capital Debt Retirement / to date $92,429 Note from the Treasurer: Questions about church finances, income or expenses? 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 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 WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Jonathan and Meagan Fowler 4345 Heritage View Road, Birmingham, AL 35242 The Fowlers joined Trinity by vows from another Christian denomination and by transfer from another United Methodist Church. They both work as pharmacists at UAB. Michelle, Evan and Ian Myers 3422 River Mist Circle, Birmingham, AL 35223 The Myers family joined Trinity by vows from another Christian denomination. She is a teacher at Homewood High School and has two sons, Ian (14) and Evan (15). WELCOME NEW STAFF Stuart Parker Assistant Director of Communication Trinity welcomes Stuart Parker as the Assistant Director of Communication. He will focus on graphic design and technology for the church as well as lead Audio/Visual efforts. Stuart was born in Montgomery, AL and recently married Kathleen Parker. He received a degree in Digital Media from the University of Alabama in 2006 and has been working in graphic design and Web design. Stuart is a musician and artist and has been in several bands. He also has a love of apologetics and will gladly discuss the latest discoveries in astro-physics or contemporary philosophy. Interested in Membership? 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. Questions? Contact Laura Eanes at 879-1737 or leanes@trinitybirmingham.com.