TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH December 4, 2012 Vol. 46 No. 49 Journey back to the night that Jesus was born... This Sunday, December 9 5-7:30 PM GYM Experience the sights and sounds of the city of Bethlehem. One Night Only! This Sunday, December 9 from 5:00 7:30 PM. Entrance will be located at the Fellowship Hall patio doors. Stroll through the marketplace of Bethlehem. There you can make holiday decorations, play games, sample bread in the Bakery, hear stories in the Storyteller s tent and enjoy many more wonderful activities. End your stroll by visiting the live Nativity with baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph and live animals. INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Mission Opportunities 4 Wednesday Supper 5 Honors & Memorials 6 Calendar of Events 7 The event is free and the public is welcome! Invite your friends and neighbors... it will be a memorable event for the entire family. This Wednesday, December 5 Children s Choirs and handbells Christmas Program 6 PM, Sanctuary All are invited. NOTE: Wednesday Supper will be served on December 5 before the program beginning at 4:45 PM. Order Your Poinsettias for Christmas See inside on page 3 for details and an order form.
A PERSONAL WORD SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2012 SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT 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 Dr. Andrew Wolfe Christmas From the Back Side Series MUSIC 8:45 AM Men s Chorus, Kathryn Fouse 11:00 AM Sanctuary Choir MINISTER ON CALL Andrew Wolfe, 871-1309 Ronald Klug has written a piece in which he confesses that he is an Advent Christian. Some people are Christmas Christians, he says. Faith for them is all about Emmanuel, God is with us. Others are Lenten Christians whose faith tends to revolve about sin and forgiveness. Still others are Pentecost Christians, on fire with the Spirit. But he has a different way of experiencing faith. He writes: Advent Christians believe Christ came, but still we sing O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. We believe that in Christ the kingdom of God has dawned, but still we eagerly pray thy kingdom come because we long for a world that is still to come. Exile, longing, watchfulness and waiting resonate with us. For Klug and those like him, there is an already, but not yet, quality to faith. Already, we know that Christ has come, God is with us. But, we look around and it seems like nothing has changed. Wars and rumors of wars continue. Injustice and oppression are still very much with us. For Advent Christians, then, there is a kind of divine discontent. We long to be what we are not yet. There is a longing and a hope for the world to be what it is not yet. And that is as it should be. The coming of Christ brings joy and hope to a weary world. We rejoice that which God has done in Christ. But we also yearn for that work to be completed. We don t settle for what is. Mindful of the reality around us, we can sing, hope, work and pray for the reality to come. O come, O come, Emmanuel and ransom captive Israel. WESLEY HALL 11:15 AM Contemporary Christmas Cantata A LOOK AT DECEMBER 2 2,084 Worship Attendance Includes Hanging of the Green Service 844 Sunday School Attendance ADVENT HOLY COMMUNION Communion will be offered each Sunday in Advent. It will be served at 9:45 AM and 12 Noon in the Sanctuary following the traditional worship services. 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
Advent Series Dr. Andy Wolfe Traditional Worship, Sunday 8:45 & 11 AM Christmas from the Back Side The Christmas story has become all too familiar. We think we know it inside out. There is nothing there that surprises us, shocks us, challenges us which is a far cry from the original implications of this story. The very idea that the word would become flesh was shocking to those who first heard it. To really hear this story, author Ellsworth Kallas has suggested that we enter Christmas from the back side. Seen through the eyes of some minor, unsympathetic characters, or from a different overlooked detail the Christmas Story reveals that there is more than we usually imagine. We may not know what we think we know when it comes to Christmas until we have seen it from the back side. Join us for the Advent season, as we look at Christmas from the Back Side. a service of lessons&carols SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16 8:45 & 11:00 AM Sanctuary A Service of Lessons and Carols is Trinity s annual service of music and scripture for the season. It is presented by the Trinity Orchestra, Sanctuary Choir, Cross & Flame Youth Choir, William A. Gardner Handbell Choir and other Trinity vocal ensembles. Order Your Poinsettias for Christmas! Poinsettias purchased in memory or in honor of loved ones are placed in the sanctuaries on Sundays, December 16 and 23, 2012. DEADLINE: Orders must be received by Sunday December 9 (Deadline is strictly observed). Please attach your check to this form, drop in the offering plate, or bring/mail to the church office before the deadline, December 9. Make checks payable to: Trinity United Methodist Church, marked Poinsettia order. Please print carefully. The information from this form is used for the bulletin listings. Please list only one name or family name for each purchased poinsettia. (Example: Jane Smith, Mr. & Mrs. Jon Smith or the Jane Smith Family.) Poinsettias are ordered from United Community Centers, Inc. (formerly the Riley Center), with proceeds aiding services for children, youth, the elderly, emergency assistance, hunger, health and disease ministries, advocacy and community development.! In MEMORY of: Given By: (OR) In HONOR of: Given By: Your Name: Daytime Phone Number: Email: Enclosed is $15.00 for each poinsettia ordered. Number of poinsettias X $15.00 ea. = TOTAL Return your order to the church office (OR) mail to: Trinity UMC, P.O. Box 19069, Birmingham, AL 35219-9069 3
mission & outreach CHRISTMAS GIFT OF JOY OFFERING This special offering goes to support the church s mission and outreach efforts. This includes support for local and international mission projects such as: Firehouse Shelter, Birmingham Hospitality Network, Church of the Reconciler, Volunteers In Mission, and Urban Ministry. Offerings can be made during the Advent season using the special envelopes. FOOD DRIVE FOR LOCAL MISSIONS, DECEMBER 9 The Outreach Team is conducting a food drive to supply pantries at Restoration Mission and Urban Ministry. The pantries need canned meat, fruit and vegetables. Urban Ministry serves lunch everyday to about 200 people, so they use commercial size cans. Urban also gives a bag of groceries to individuals who qualify, which would require family size cans. Each serves in excess of 150 families as food is available. Food Drive bags will be in the Narthexes at all services on Sunday, December 2 & 9 and are due back to the church on December 16. Call or email Ken Stalnaker with any questions! 283-5682 / klstalnak@ bellsouth.net HABITAT FOR HUMANITY, DECEMBER 15 WORK DAY Habitat for Humanity has begun ADVENT BUILDS! These houses are started at the first of the Advent season then are completed and dedicated close to Christmas Day, which means the homeowners start 2013 in a new, affordable home! Remember, these homes are built mostly by volunteer labor using building materials purchased at a discount, all helping to keep the carefully selected homeowner s cost lower and more affordable! They are, none the less, terrific houses which turn into warm, laughter-filled homes! If you would like to be a part of this early Christmas giftgiving experience by serving as a volunteer, we ll be working on a home DECEMBER 15. Call or email Laura McCain for directions and/or information, 870-4550 / lamccain@bellsouth.net Have a question about Trinity s Mission & Outreach? Please contact Rev. Nathan Carden at 879-1737 or email ncarden@trinitybirmingham.com. GIFT WRAP VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED Gift Wrap for the Homeless! The Birmingham Hospitality Network (BHN) gift wrap booth will open the Friday after Thanksgiving in the Brookwood Mall food court. It will be open during regular mall hours. WE NEED YOUR HELP ON: Saturday, December 15 (all shifts) Monday, December 17 (12 Noon-3 PM & 3-6 PM shifts) A talent for gift wrapping is not required to volunteer because we need folks to work the front desk and take money, too. This is a family-friendly opportunity and a great way to give back and experience the true meaning of Christmas during the holiday season. Please contact Greta Hogg at 936-2095 or email gjhogg@bellsouth.net Dentists and Young Adults Needed for Panama Mission From June 8-16, 2013, Trinity will send a team of young adults (20 s and 30 s) to Panama for mission work. The work will include a dental ministry, construction, and Bible study for children. We are also in need of a dentist (any age) to join us on our trip. For questions and more information, please contact Martha Furio at jmrfurio@charter.net. For the Saint Junia NEW CHURCH UPDATE from Dave Barnhart log on to http://saintjunia.onthecity.org UMW SPECIAL MISSION RECOGNITION The 41st annual evening of mission recognition, sponsored by Trinity s United Methodist Women, was held on November 26 in the Fellowhip Hall. The following five Trinity members, pictured right, were recognized for their service to ministry: Elizabeth Rogers, Martha Thompson, Wesley Walker, Hollen Terry, Yvonne Self 4
Trinity Prayer Garden and Columbarium Revised Rendering 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. Construction on the Prayer Garden and Columbarium has begun. It is 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 interment option that is holy, respectful and economical. The 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. The cost is $500 per name. If you are interested in placing a name on the panel, please contact the church office for an application. Tuesday Night YOUNG ADULT Opportunities! - YOUNG ADULTS, MARRIED, 20 S & 30 S Tuesday night small group for young couples without children. Meet at various homes on a rotating basis. Begins at 6:45 PM. Contact Drew Holland at dholland@trinitybirmingham.com for more info. - YOUNG ADULTS, SINGLE & MARRIED, 30 S Tuesday night small group for young adults in their 30s (single and married). Meet in Trinity s small dining room (first floor near the fellowship hall) at 6:30 PM for a free meal, followed by study. Contact Eric Rogers at eric@ progressiveal.com for for info or nursery reservation. - YOUNG PROFESSIONALS, 20 S Tuesday night small group for those in their 20 s who are out of college and not married. Meet at the home of Mark & Lisa Elliott at 6:30 PM for a free home cooked dinner. Studies/mission projects begin at 7:10 PM. Contact Lisa Elliott at lelliott@trinitybirmingham.com for more info. 12/5 Menu: ADULTS: Baked potato bar with Barbecue or Chili, salad & cookie (Or) Regular salad bar & cookie KIDS: Grilled cheese, tomato soup, fruit, cookie & milk Also! 24 item Salad Bar & 2 soups PLEASE NOTE: The last Wednesday Supper of the semester will be served on December 5. ATTENTION TRINITY MEN! Study of Luke All men are invited to participate in the Monday morning Bible study of Luke, beginning this month. Come join us at 6:30 AM every Monday morning in the small dining room. For questions, contact Brad Hilsmier at bhilsmier@southernco.com. 5
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6 ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TEA The Fellowship Hall is decorated for Christmas, the table is set with sumptuous Christmas Tea (more like a Christmas Feast!). Come share warm memories of another great year together with Trinity friends. Fellowship Hall, 2:00-4:00 PM. pacesetters news WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12 LUNCH BUNCH Join us for a Lunch Bunch Christmas Lunch trip to Ross Bridge! For reservations or more information on any event listed above, contact: Amy Lewis at 879-1737 or email alewis@trinitybirmingham.com. gifts to glorify god & to remember those we love 6 HONORARIUMS (November 4 - November 29, 2012) THE JERRY McINTOSH FAMILY Anonymous DALE MILLER Circle 8 MEMORIALS (November 4 - November 29, 2012) BILLIE BELMONT Trinity UMC Friendship Sunday School Class The Family of Richard & Cole Truss Marty & Bob Snow HULON CLANTON Marvin Claytor WINT GILMORE BEVERLY HAPGOOD Ann & Ken Damsgard Carol & Jack Reamey Carole McIntyre Anne & Jim Summers Dot Aycock Jo Ann Brazelton Dana & David Nolan Dale & David Miller Norma & Rip Harmon Sue & Floyd Hair Theodore R. Pfrimmer Amy & Joe Lewis Betty & Jim Moon SANDRA HARLESS MARY McKIBBIN Circle 7 Dale & David Miller Eulette Carter BEVERLY McKOY Ann & Ken Damsgard JOANN RAINEY Trinity UMC Friendship Sunday School Class Amy & Joe Lewis Bettie Jackson Martha Click & Robert Click SHERRY REED Donna & Ted Roose ANNIE ROUTON Trinity UMC MILDRED SHAW Jennifer Brandt ANDREW SMITH Claudia & Doug Hope BUTCH SMITH Trinity UMC Sue Frazier Anne & Jim Summers Lynn & Brian Luckianow Donna & Ted Roose Amy & Joe Lewis Ann Neptune Mimi Harmon Brunson Norma & Rip Harmon Bettie Jackson Mimi Cook Carol & Jack Reamey Debbie & Jim Fly Merry Lynne & Brooks Johnson AIMS Sunday School Class Elizabeth & Rich Myers Annie Ford & Glynn Wheeler Kay & Doug Marsh Margaret, Susan & Lewis Williams Marty & Bob Snow Belinda & Tim Lacey Jennifer Brandt Betty & Jim Moon Bessie, Tina, Tykie & Johnnie Sfakianos Marilyn Matthews Janie Mashburn Norma & Jim Rice Suzy & Larry Johnson Alys & Larry Wilson Barbara & Peter Sfakianos Pat & Al Berst Sarah Baker Laura & Allen McCain Lisa Robinson & Desyree Dixon Martha Click & Robert Click Norma & Don Echols Mrs. Perry Morgan, Jr. Donna & Mitch Nelson Susan & Mark Rohrer Diane & Fred Azbik & Family Donna & Ken Johnson Carolyn Johnson Lynell & Joe Bolen SARAH WADE Creative Inspirations, Inc. (Sharon & Michael Garrett) MILTON FLOYD WATTS Norma and Rip Harmon
CFT FSR CONF SANC FHALL highlighted events this week Second Sunday of Advent - December 9 8:45 AM Traditional Worship - SANC 10:00 AM Sunday School 10:00 AM Membership 101 - LP 11:00 AM Traditional Worship - SANC 11:15 AM CONTACT Cantata - WHALL 12:15 PM Youth Handbell Choir - Rm. 225 5:00 PM Cross & Flame Youth Choir - MS 5:00 PM NO Confirmation 5-7:30 PM Night in Bethlehem Event - GYM 6:00 PM NO Element Monday - December 10 6:30 AM Men s Bible Study B fast - SDR 8:00 AM Senior Adult Activities - Various Tuesday - December 11 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 11:00 AM Soup & Salad - FHALL 3:30 PM Element Cafe - Haven 6:30 PM Young Adults 30 s - SDR Craft Room 143 Fireside Room 145 Conference Room 220 Sanctuary Fellowship Hall take note LIB NAT LP SP HAVEN Wednesday - December 12 8:00 AM Senior Adult Activities - Various 9:00 AM Yoga - Rm. 315 4:45 PM NO Wednesday Supper 6:00 PM Adult Studies - various 6:45 PM Sanctuary Choir Practice - MS Thursday - December 13 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 - December 14 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 December 9 Lindsay Booker, Grant & Caroline Davis, Martha Fowlkes, Kennedy Walker Nursery volunteers are needed each Sunday. To volunteer, please contact Barry Smith at 879-1737 or email nurseryvolunteers@trinitybirmingham.com. Registration for PDO & TCDC 2013-2014 Note important dates: 12/5 (TCDC only) Registration for curent enrolled students returning to same program 12/12 Registration for currently enrolled students and siblings 1/9 Registration for Trinity members 1/23 Registration for the community Questions about PDO, contact Barry Smith at 879-1737. Questions about TCDC, contact Kim Wood at 879-1749. in the hospital BROOKWOOD: Dick Scholl in memoriam Annie Routon November 27 We extend our love and sympathy: to the family and friends of Annie Routon, who died on November 27. to Austin Farley (grandson of Norma and Dixon Aldridge and son of Kim Farley) on the death of his grandmother, Virginia Sharon Farley, on December 2. congratulations to Mandy and Brad Milsmier on the birth of their daughter, Ella Claire Hilsmier, on November 14. Big brothers are Matthew Bradley Hilsmier and Andrew Strong Hilsmier. treasurer s report As of November 30, 2012 GENERAL BUDGET: MONTH: YTD: Given Month to Date: $312,782 $2,464,322 Avg. Needs to Date: $257,277 $2,830,049 Balance/shortage: $55,505 $(365,727) Say Amen: Gifts this Month: $46,015 Gifts to Date: $441,800 Note from the 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. PLEASE NOTE: Tidings publishes each week on Tuesday (except for the week of Christmas). The deadline for submitting information to be included is on Thursday, the week prior to the publish date. Please submit info via email to Haley Smith at hsmith@ trinitybirmingham.com. Tidings is delivered to the printing company each Monday at Noon. It is printed and mailed on Tuesday afternoon. Should you not receive your copy in a timely manner, please contact your postal carrier. The online version of Tidings is available each week on Tuesday at: www.trinitybirmingham.com/news/tidings 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 Megan Bennett 1020 Edgewood Blvd., Homewood, AL 35209 Megan joined Trinity by transfer from another United Methodist Church. She works as an account executive for AmWaste. 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. Sunday, December 9 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! CHRISTMAS EVE services MONDAY, DECEMBER 24 CHILDREN S SERVICES 4:00 & 5:00 PM Wesley Hall These services are designed for families with young children. The children are encouraged to dress as Mary, Joseph, shepherds, angels or manger animals, and become a part of the Nativity story. Costumes available. PERSONAL COMMUNION 4:00-6:00 PM Sanctuary Come and go at any time during these two hours for an intimate time of family or individual worship and communion. CANDLELIGHT COMMUNION 7:00 & 11:00 PM Sanctuary Trinity s traditional services of Christmas with music, word, candlelight and communion. With special music by the Sanctuary Choir, Cross & Flame Youth Choir, Trinity String Quartet and Organ. Nursery Not Available On Christmas Eve.