TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH April 16, 2013 Vol. 47 No. 16 TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Joe Dean, Jr. Trinity Men Spring Event Thursday, April 18 6 PM Fellowship Hall FEATURING GUEST SPEAKER: Joe Dean, Jr. Former Mississippi State basketball star and current announcer and Director of Athletics at Birmingham-Southern College. DINNER: Catered by The Fish Market TICKETS: $12 advance / $15 at the door Tickets available in the church office. Questions? Contact Drew Holland at dholland@trinitybirmingham.com. INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Prayer Garden 3 Choir Programs 4 Mission & Outreach 4 Senior Adult Events 6 Calendar of Events 7 Intro to Methodism WHO IS JOHN WESLEY? WHAT DO METHODISTS BELIEVE? HOW IS METHODISM DIFFERENT FROM OTHER DENOMINATIONS? WALK TO CHURCH THIS MONTH Trinity is showing commitment to stewardship of God s creation by asking our members to travel green to church throughout the month. So, if you are able, we invite you to walk, ride your bike, or carpool to church on Sundays. Stroller and bicycle parking is available in the gym. TSHIRTS T-shirts are available to support the cause. Purchase your t-shirt this week, contact Amy Mezzell, amezzell@trinitybirmingham.com. SUNDAYS April 21, 28 & May 5 10 AM SMALL DINING ROOM During the Sunday School Hour Led by Dr. Andy Wolfe New members, new Christians or those who want to know more about Methodism join us and get the answer to these questions and more. Come to Intro to Methodism to learn about Methodist history, theology and practice. Led by Dr. Andy Wolfe. Join us for one or all three sessions. Class registration is not required, but please call the church office (879-1737) if you plan on attending.
PERSONAL WORD SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013 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 & 100.5 FM SERMON Dr. Andrew Wolfe (Baby Recognition at 8:45 AM service) MUSIC 8:45 AM William A. Gardner Handball Choir, Seeds of Faith, Trinity Orchestra, Sanctuary Choir 11:00 AM William A. Gardner Handball Choir, Seeds of Faith, Praise Alliance MINISTER ON CALL Nathan Carden, 863-0765 In Matthew 25, Jesus says that acts of compassion to the least of these is the same as doing it for him. One way that Trinity has responded to this invitation to outreach over the years is by participating in a Habitat for Humanity house build every 2-3 years. We are excited to announce that this spring, our church has the opportunity to provide the labor and funds to build a house in Pratt City. The future homeowner, Ms. Marsha Aaron, and her family, have been approved for one of Habitat s 0% interest mortgages. They are currently attending the series of homeowner meetings, and they have started investing their required 350 sweat equity hours in the building process. The framing of the home will begin May 18 which will begin the 8 week building process, allowing many servant volunteers of all ages to participate by working, bringing lunches on Saturdays, supporting the project financially, and praying for the project and those involved! Here are three specific ways that we invite you to be a part: FINANCIAL GIVING - Trinity hopes to raise the $50,000 necessary to complete the build. ON-SITE LABOR - Trinity has the opportunity for individuals and groups to physically assist with the building. GIFTS IN KIND - Trinity will also ask individuals and businesses to offer materials and labor as donations. Please watch for more information in Tidings. Starting Sunday, April 28, there will be sign up sheets available in the Common s Area on second floor. WESLEY HALL 11:15 AM Rev. Nathan Carden A LOOK AT APRIL 14 1,347 Worship Attendance 845 Sunday School Attendance 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 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: 879-1737, Fax 868-9714 Care Line: 868-9709 Child Development Center: 879-1749
Trinity Prayer Garden and Columbarium Everyone is welcome to use the new Prayer Garden. It is a sacred space for reflection, prayer and remembrance. Its use should respect this purpose. Please use quiet voices in the garden and monitor children. Children should be taught that this is not a playground. They should not run, pick up rocks or place items in the fountain. Remember, the Columbarium holds the remains of departed members; children should not climb on the walls. (Instructions on how to walk the labyrinth are listed below.) Symbolism of our Prayer Garden The flowing water of the Fountain represents our baptism into Christ. The river of God s grace covers us with forgiveness and fills us with the faith to begin our ministry in the world. The winding pathway of the Labyrinth represents our daily walk with God. It signifies that our salvation is a lifelong experience in which the Holy Spirit grants sanctifying grace to renew the image of God within us. Hear yourself breathe and hear the sound of your feet walking purposefully in union with God. Pause if needed. Feel free to step around someone if they need to stop. The holy resting spaces in our Columbarium represent those saints in our lives who have loved us and have been leaders in our faith who presently enjoy the promise of our own eternal reward with God. ARRIVING AT THE CENTER: This part of the journey is about being present to your innermost self and to the power of the divine. Be still and drink in the presence of God and listen. You may stand, sit, or kneel. Pause as long as you need. Others may arrive at the center at the same time. That is not a sign for you to move on. What is a Labyrinth? There are many ways to describe a labyrinth. It is a path of prayer, a walking meditation, holy ground, a watering hole for the spirit and a mirror of the soul. It is a winding path not a maze that leads its way to the center. As you leave the center and walk the path, you will find yourself exiting where you entered. How to Walk a Labyrinth ENTERING: Begin by sitting quietly to reflect. You may want to say a prayer or just slowly breathe in and out at the entrance before you begin. The basic advice is to enter the labyrinth slowly, calmly and clear your mind. Some like to walk with their hands open as a reminder that you cannot turn things over to God or receive from God with a closed fist. WALKING THE INWARD PATH: It is a time of sharing and releasing your worries and hurts to God, confessing your sins, and lifting others in prayer. It is a time of unburdening peeling the layers that inhibit you from being fully in the presence of God. RETURNING JOURNEY: This is a time of giving thanks to God, continuing to listen, and focusing on what you will bring back into your life. EXITING: Turn and face the entrance and acknowledge the ending of your walk with an Amen or something that comes to mind. Your walk may be joyous or somber. The beauty of a Labyrinth is that each time you walk it there will be a different experience because of where you were during that moment in your life. If you have questions about the Prayer Garden, or using the prayer labyrinth, please contact Rev. Suzanne Pruitt at 879-1737 or spruitt@trinitybirmingham.com. 3
You are invited to attend Trinity Children s Choirs Spring Music Programs Cherub Choir (3 year olds) & Carol Choir (4 year olds) Wednesday, April 24 6:00 PM Wesley Hall The Story of Deborah By: Jan Hermany Celebration Choir (5 year olds) Crusader & Choralier Choirs (1st - 5th grade) & Children s Handbells Sunday, April 28 3:00 PM Sanctuary 4 mission & outreach TRINITY S HABITAT HOUSE BUILD - BEGINS IN MAY Trinity will build a Habitat for Humanity home in the Pratt City area this Spring. The framing of the home will begin May 18, which will begin the 8 week building process, allowing many servant volunteers of all ages to participate by working, bringing lunches on Saturdays, supporting the project financially, and praying for the project and those involved! Please watch for more information in Tidings. Starting Sunday, April 28, there will be sign up sheets available in the Common s Area on second floor. BOLIVIA MISSION TRIP - JULY 2013 Trinity will return to Bolivia to work for a total of 8 days. The group will carry out some light construction work and help with the children in the daycare located on the property of the Methodist Church in Montero. No maintenance or construction experience is required. Adults of all ages are welcomed. The approx. cost of the trip will be $2,000 per person, with mission scholarships available. For more information, contact Ken Stalnaker at klstalnak@bellsouth.net. Have a question about Trinity s Mission & Outreach? Please contact Rev. Nathan Carden at 879-1737 or email ncarden@ trinitybirmingham.com. Have an EXTRA ROOM around the house? Our Youth Ministry team is so blessed to be able to offer internships to college students each summer who are seeking to serve God through student ministry. This summer, we are fortunate to have one college student who not only has interned in past summers, but also does not even live in Birmingham! We want to do everything we can to make him know how blessed we are to have him dedicate his summer to our church and students, so with that, we are seeking out provided housing for him. Josh is an upcoming senior at Troy University with plans of entering the ministry following college. Again Josh has served on our intern team in past summers and is an invaluable mentor and leader to our students. If you have an extra bed, guest room, or garage apartment and would be willing to house Josh for the summer, please contact Robert Sturdivant, Middle School Director at 205.879.1737 or email him at rsturdivant@trinitybirmingham.com.
Wednesday Supper 4:45-6:15 PM (Fellowship Hall) Leave the cooking to us! Come eat and fellowship with your church family. 9/7 Menu: 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) 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) Please note... the last Wednesday Supper of the semester will be served on April 24. 4/17 Menu: ADULTS: Baked ham, fried sweet potatoes, green beans, roll, cookie KIDS: Corn dogs, french fries, fruit, cookie, milk HONDURAS MEDICAL MISSION To my Trinity UMC family, I recently went with many of my classmates (at UAB School of Dentistry), several dentists and an evangelism team to Choluteca, Honduras for a medical mission trip. This trip was such a wonderful reminder that we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ not only locally, but internationally as well. My team and I were blessed to serve nearly 400 patients in 5 days of clinic in the rural areas surrounding Choluteca. We also presented the gospel to our patients before serving their dental needs. We know that the relief from pain we were able to provide medically was only temporary, but we know that accepting Christ into their lives will change them forever. We were touched by the gratefulness, humility, and contentment of the Hondurans we encountered. Again, I am so thankful for this opportunity and hope to go back again next year. Thank you again for your continued prayers and the mission scholarship that helped make this possible! Grace and mercy, Betsy Hill 4/24 Menu: ADULTS: Taco bar & baked potato bars with all the fixin s KIDS: Cheese quesadilla, tortilla chips with cheese dip, fruit, cookie, milk Also! 24 item Salad Bar & 2 soups CANCER SURVIVOR? Or have you been affected by cancer? The Trinity Relay for Life Team would like to honor you or remember your loved one on Friday, April 26 at Homewood Park. Please email survivor names OR those you would like to remember to Laura at littlerenovations@yahoo.com. We d also love for you to be a part of our team at the event to represent our church as well as cancer research! 5
6 pacesetters news APRIL 23 - PACESETTERS LUNCH. Karla Stamps will present Alabama Icons. MAY 8 - Alabama Theater Tour and Organ Concert MAY 29 - RICKWOOD CLASSIC Baseball Game JUNE 19 - ATLANTA TRIP. Our tour will include deluxe motor coach transportation to Atlanta. We will arrive at the beautiful historic Peachtree Christian Church, where we will meet our guide and tour the church, known for some of the most beautiful stained glass windows in the country. Our guide, Jim Howe, will give us a historic tour of Atlanta, including Peachtree Street and Buchhead areas. Lunch is included at the legendary Mary Mac s Tea Room. We will complete our tour with a visit to the new and interactive Coca Cola Museum, where we will learn more about the history of Coke and Atlanta. For reservations or more information on any event listed above, contact Amy Lewis at 879-1737 or alewis@trinitybirmingham.com. Did you have your photo taken for the directory? LifeTouch complimentary 8X10 PHOTOS are here. You can pick yours up at the Welcome Center on Sunday mornings. Hannah s Friends Are you hurting because you want a baby or have lost one? Are you a friend or a loved one of someone who struggles with faith as she longs for a child? If your answer to any of these questions is yes, we invite you to join us. Hannah s Friends is a group of women who struggle with issues of infertility, just as Hannah did in the Bible. Our small group shares fellowship, prayer and Bible study as we try to discern the unique path that God has for each of us. Join us on the 4th Monday evening of each month at 5:30 PM in the Small Parlor. For more info, contact Amanda Hall at acollins24@hotmail.com. Register now for Summer Fun at Trinity Dates are online for Trinity Kids Summer Events www.trinitybirmingham.com Boy Scout Troop 97 GARAGE SALE Pancake Breakfast & Silent Auction Saturday, May 11 7 AM - 12 PM TUMC Sale Open to the Public! Pancakes $5 (Kids under 5 free) AUCTION & SALE ITEMS ARE NEEDED! Do you own a business or do you know of a business that would donate an item or service to our silent auction? Do you sew or make homemade items? Are you an artist? Do you own a lake house in Alabama or condominium at the beach that you would be willing to offer for a one week stay? Trinity s Troop 97 is hosting its annual Pancake Breakfast, silent auction and garage sale on Saturday, May 11 from 7 AM to 12 Noon in the Fellowship Hall and gym and we are in need of auction items and garage sale donations. Please contact Carole Strong at carolestrong1@gmail.com or 572-1395 for Silent Auction donations and Bert Allen at bertjudy@hotmail.com or 540-5343 for pick up donations beginning the week of the event. All donations are tax deductible! Thank you so much for supporting our Troop!
CFT FSR CONF SANC FHALL highlighted events this week Sunday - April 21 8:45 AM Traditional Worship - SANC 10:00 AM Intro to Methodism - SDR 10:00 AM Sunday School - various 11:00 AM Traditional Worship - SANC 11:15 AM CONTACT Worship - WHALL 3:00 PM Acolyte Training - SANC 4:00 PM Youth Handbells - Rm. 225 5:00 PM Sr. Adult Bible Study - SP 5:00 PM Sr. High Youth Choir - MS 5:00 PM Middle School Element - Haven 6:15 PM Adult Handbells - Rm. 225 6:30 PM Sr. High Element - Haven 7:00 PM Middle School Youth Choir - MS 8:00 PM Men s Pick-up Basketball - GYM Monday - April 22 6:30 AM Men s Bible Study B fast - SDR Tuesday - April 23 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 & Me - Nursery 3:00 PM Element Cafe - Haven Craft Room 143 Fireside Room 145 Conference Room 220 Sanctuary Fellowship Hall take note LIB NAT LP SP HAVEN Wednesday - April 24 8:00 AM Senior Adult Activities - Various 4:45 PM Wednesday Supper - FHALL 5:15 PM Children s Handbells - Rm. 225 6:00 PM Children s Choirs - various 6:00 PM Preschool Choir Program - WHALL 6:00 PM Adult Studies - various 6:45 PM Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal - MS Thursday - April 25 8:00 AM Senior Adult Activities - Various 9:15 AM Adult Studies - various 3:00 PM Element Cafe - Haven 6:00 PM Men s Ministry Dinner - FHALL Friday - April 26 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 - April 21 Blair Crabtree, Rachel Holt, Leigh Little, Jennifer Mummert, Abbey Sheehan, Shannon Stevens Nursery Volunteers - April 28 Anne Corhern, Laura Eanes, Robin Peterson, Jeremy Thompson, Stacy Whittington, Holly Young, Vaughan Holland, Amy Bickell Nursery volunteers are needed each Sunday. To volunteer, please contact Barry Smith at 879-1737 or email nurseryvolunteers@trinitybirmingham.com. in the hospital SPAIN-WALLACE REHAB UAB: Shari Calloway congratulations to Gene and Lucy Gilmore on the adoption of their daughter, Culver Fontaine Gilmore, who was born on March 28. to Ken and Melanie Riley on the baptism of their son, John Harold Riley, on April 14. to Matt and Morgan Allen on the baptism of their son, Jackson Smith Allen, on April 14. to Lauren Spalding and Mark Moran on their wedding on April 13. to Maggie Williams on being selected as the class 5A Bryant-Jordan Scholar-Athlete for the state. She is the daughter of Jim and Gwen Williams. to Courtney Brooks on making cheerleader at Mississippi College where she will attend in the fall. She is the daughter of Scott and Rebecca Brooks. treasurer s report As of April 14, 2013 GENERAL BUDGET: 2013 Month to Date Revenue: $107,799 Monthly Needs to Date: $128,639 Balance/shortage: $(20,840) CAPITAL DEBT RETIREMENT: Gifts this Month: $4,198 Gifts to Date: $65,979 LENTEN OFFERING to Date: $56,471 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. Available for your use on first floor and second floor library area. In the Middle Ministry... If you have a couple of hours in the middle of the afternoon (3-5 PM) once or twice a month...consider serving in the middle of your life with middle schoolers! Tomorrow s church is under our roof in the middle of the week each Tuesday and Thursday in the youth area for an after school program called Element Cafe. We are looking for very special volunteers in the middle of retirement or younger to serve these youngsters. All you need is a chair, a good book and a smile. We will station you in the middle of the action at Element Cafe. If you are a middle-ager and serious about making a difference, contact Robert Sturdivant at 879-1737 or rsturdivant@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 WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Lauren Elliott 226 Odum Crest Lane, Birmingham, AL 35226 Lauren joined Trinity by vows from another Christian denomination. She works as a BCBA at Milestones. Lauren is married to Trinity member Glenn Elliott. Sarah Gilmore 2000 2nd Ave., South #306, Birmingham, AL 35233 Sarah joined Trinity by affiliate membership. She is a medical student at UAB. 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. Contact Drew Holland at 879-1737 or email dholland@trinitybirmingham.com with any questions. PARKING NOTICE: Trinity members and guests should NOT park in the All Saints lot near Oxmoor Rd. Also, please do not block the dumpsters or areas that are marked as NO Parking zones. Note that the small parking lot is reserved for handicapped, elderly and families with small children on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings.