TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH December 8, 2015 Vol. 49 No. 49 TRINITY MANGER OFFERING Christmas Gift of Joy ADVENT 2015 ALTERNATIVE GIFT CARDS New this year! This Advent Season, we are providing Alternative Gift Cards to coincide with our Manger Offering. These Gift Cards can be mailed out with your annual Christmas card, tied to a package, or placed inside a stocking. INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Personal Word 2 Oakmont Update 3 Christmas Eve 5 Next Steps 6 Calendar of Events 7 We have created five different Gift Cards. Pictured right, is an example of one of the five card options. Each represents, through word and image, a different need our Manger Offering supports. Examples include transportation, shelter, nutrition. You can pick up the Alternative Gift Cards at the church office during the week, or in the 2nd floor commons area on Sunday mornings in December. See inside on page 2 for this week s Personal Word detailing this special, second-mile giving Manger Offering Christmas Gift of Joy. CONFIRMATION NOTES Forty-nine youth are nearing the end of their Confirmation journey and need to hear words of love and affirmation not just from their parents but from their church family. Please take a moment and write a note and drop it in the individual large white envelopes hanging on the two Bulletin Boards on the 2nd floor office hallway outside Wesley Hall. There is even paper and writing utensils on the bulletin boards for you to use. Deadline is Sunday, January 3 at noon. They will receive their notes that afternoon. Confirmands 2015-2016 Mary Raines Alexander Cullen Blanton Lily Blish Virginia Kate Brandt Haley Callaham Mallory Chewning Riley Clark Mason Cooper Kate Denver Cary DiNella Henry Erickson Connor Fagan Charlie Farrell Jack Farrell Lily Fry Mary Hunter Geer Spencer Green Ella Haywood Chase Hoover Rika Kellen Luke Keown Cate Kramer Spenser Lamb Bailey Levering Zach Lightfoot Lilly Lowery Sam Malone Ellie Maxfield Chloe Mayer Graham Miner Hunter Nelson Emma Grace Nix Ella Owen Laine Owen Lauren Paliescheskey Paige Phillips Lily Prewitt Mitch Prewitt Jack Rodgers Rachel Roth Gus Skelton Lane Stephens Alex Swaika Charlie Teel Mary Claire voneschenbach Kate Waldsmith Henry Watson Miles Williams Cherokee Wooley Have you returned your 2016 pledge? If not, we urge you to do so by December 31, 2015 in order for it to be budgeted for 2016 ministry! You may submit your 2016 pledge by contacting the finance office at 879-1737 or online at: www.trinitybirmingham.com/ love-does-stewardship-2016/ Year-end Giving As we enter the final days of 2015, please consider completing your pledge as soon as possible or no later than 12/31/15. Your tax deductible gifts must be received and/or postmarked by 12/31/15. The finance office will remain open until 4 PM on 12/31/15. If you need clarification of any amounts owed, please call the finance office. 879-1737.
Dear Trinity Family & Friends, PERSONAL WORD DECEMBER 13, 2015 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT 8:45 & 11 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 Advent Series: Lullaby For A Savior MUSIC 8:45 AM - Seeds of Faith, Men s Chorus 11:00 AM - Seeds of Faith, Sanctuary Choir MINISTER ON CALL Rev. Reid Crotty, 305-1591 8:45 & 11:00 AM WESLEY HALL Rev. Nathan Carden Advent Series: Lullaby For A Savior DECEMBER 6 - ATTENDANCE 1,742 Total Worship Attendance 1,131 Traditional 484 Contact 127 Nursery 753 Sunday School Attendance This year, as in previous years, we may feel as if we are surrounded by darkness. We may question our flickering flame s ability to last until dawn wondering if it would be wise to turn inward. However, if we pause, we will notice that our neighbors flames flicker, as well. During Advent, we keep watch together, knowing that the light s source is visible for those who seek. Jesus is described in the opening verses of John s Gospel as the light for all people a light that shines in the darkness and will not be overcome by it. This light is ignited in a filthy place and in the midst of shady circumstances. Repeatedly, the light is found amongst those who are called broken, cursed, or weak. The masses are drawn to the light, each person recognizing an inner desire to be exposed to the brightness. The light is then shared and those who were once forgotten become light bearers. The brightness is not diminished, even in storms and especially when divided or borrowed. Unrelenting, foolish, light for all is born. This Advent season, as in years past, light bearers at Trinity are going to continue the work of Jesus and show up amongst those who have been forgotten. The listed ministry partners will receive all of the contributions given to the Manger Offering, previously called the Christmas Gift of Joy. We lay our gifts in a manger, signifying that Jesus was born on the margins of society and is the light for all. Previous Advent offerings have supported afterschool programs and a community garden in West End; transportation ministries for those unable to access city buses; health care for those who cannot pay; shelter for individuals and families who have no where else to turn; regular nutritious meals for children and adults who experience food insecurity; and supportive services for vulnerable persons like children in foster care, adults with addictions or disabilities, and families in poverty. Together this Advent, we can raise $50,000 to continue this light bearing work with our local ministry partners. We do this because our purpose is to provide evidence that hope is present in Birmingham and throughout Alabama, and so that no one will be found standing alone. Come join us. Your fellow light bearer, Kristan Walker Director of Outreach WELCOME TO TRINITY 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 sermons, a special moment for children and a variety of music. 8:45 & 11:00 AM CONTACT relaxed, informal, services in Wesley Hall featuring music from the CONTACT Band, children are encouraged to attend. Sunday School & Nursery: 10:00 AM Sunday School Ages 2 yrs. + Nursery provided during all services Contact Us: Church Office: 879-1737 Fax: 868-9714 Care Line: 868-9709 Child Development Center: 879-1749 www.trinitybirmingham.com Brian Erickson Nathan Carden Suzanne Pruitt Jack Hinnen Bobby Scales Reid Crotty David Thompson Senior Minister Minister of Contact Worship and Young Adults Minister of Christian Formation Minister of Oakmont Campus Minister of Pastoral Care Minister of Pastoral Care Minister of Family & Youth Robert Sturdivant Minister of Students
You are cordially invited to attend a Retirement Tea Honoring Ann Neptune on Sunday, December 20 10 am (During the Sunday School hour) Large Parlor MODERN FAMILY FORUM: This Sunday, December 13 10 AM - Wesley Hall Come and hear from real Trinity families who answered God s call in building their families. Listen to stories on how God s people are caring for orphaned children. Let s start a conversation about orphan care ministry at Trinity and where God might be leading us as a church family! Oakmont Update Trinity West Homewood Church is about family. When we gather to worship together we bring our whole selves and often that means bringing our loved ones! Many people have expressed a desire to be on the seed team or come to Oakmont, but aren t clear about what will be available for their family. Let me share some information: There will be two worship services at Trinity West Homewood after we launch. Currently they are scheduled for 9:30 AM and 11 AM. The early service will be a contemporary service and the 11 AM, a traditional service. During both services we will have programming for children and youth. Regardless of age, families can either worship together or send the kids to programming designed for their age group. Eleanor Christiansen (Children s Ministry) and Robert Sturdivant (Youth Ministry) are working to make sure Sundays are enjoyable, educational, and safe for our families. C mon! Bring the kids! See a tentative Sunday morning schedule below. Church may be about family but sometimes God stretches our notions of who that may be. Recently I saw a quote that said, Blood makes you related, loyalty makes you family. So to help us grow the family and be loyal to those in our community. Every Sunday we will have a mission moment after the contemporary service. We haven t thought of a catchy name yet, so bear with us. We do know this time will be family friendly and will help us broaden our notion of family by meeting the needs of folks in West Homewood. If you are looking for an an accessible way to make service a regular part of your week, then this may be it. It can be easy for us to stay in our routines. The holidays are often precisely about doing those things we have always done despite the fact Advent is a season about God doing something radically different and unexpected. The best traditions, of course, are not done for their own sake but because of some underlying connection they create with God or family. They also, despite what your grandma told you, ebb and flow to meet the needs of those they serve. Babies come along, loved ones pass, and we are challenged to face a different world. Let s break out of our routines. Let s form new traditions and welcome new family. Come help us build a church that looks like the Kingdom of God in West Homewood. Blessings! Rev. Jack Hinnen Trinity West Homewood: Oakmont Campus Sunday Morning Schedule (tentative) 9:15 Nursery wing opens 9:30 Contemporary worship begins 10:00 Children currently in Contemporary service (who would like) depart and head to Children s wing (following Children s moment) 10:00 Kids Programming 10:30 Parents pick up kids from Children s wing 11:00 Mission Time begins in the Fellowship Hall 11:00 Traditional Service begins 11:30 Following Children s moment, kids will be invited to kids wing 12:00 Worship ends & children are picked up 12:15 Nursery closes 3
Small Group for Moms with kids of all ages! DECEMBER 10 Topic: Less Stress = More Christ(mas) Speaker: Cheryl Hinnen JANUARY 14 Topic: Fitness For All Levels Speakers: Mollie Erickson, Samantha Ebert and Erin Hamby JANUARY 28 Topic: Organizing in the New Year Speaker: Amanda LeBlanc, from the Amanda s Orgazized Affair The group meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month from 10-11:30 AM in Room 111. Childcare provided in the nursery at no cost. Questions? Contact Sarah Paulk (205)478-2666 or spaulk1@gmail.com. YOUNG ADULT advent study ADVENT CONSPIRACY Are you in your 20 s (ish)? Are you out of college? Are you not married? Are you interested in a small group study? If so, join us on Tuesday nights at 6:30 PM at the home of Mark and Lisa Elliott. (4168 Memorial Park Circle Hoover, AL 35226) For more details, contact Lisa at 879-1727 or lelliott@trinitybirmingham.com. Christmas Open Play Sponsored by MOMentum! Monday, December 21 10 AM -12 Noon Crafts, Bouncy House, Free Play with friends GYM All ages A great way to spend the morning with other moms! The United Methodist Women recently held their annual Special Missions Recognition Awards Dinner where seven Trinity members were recognized for their extraordinary mission work in the church and community. 2015 UMW Special Mission Honorees pictured left to right: Ted and Jane Hagler, Laura Williams, John and Frances Peterson and Sonny and Patti Peterson. ALSO! Thank you to all those Trinity members who bought soup and baked goods to support the UMW s Soup for the Soul Fundraiser. Over 325 quarts of delicious soup were purchased in addition to the delicious treats and homemade breads. More than $3500 was raised to support womens and children s charities. 4 Questions about UMW? Contact Cel Bailey at umwpresident@trinitybirmingham.com.
A Service of Lessons and Carols SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20 8:45 & 11:00 AM Sanctuary A Service of Lessons and Carols is Trinity s annual service of traditional music and scripture for the Christmas season. It is presented by the Trinity Orchestra, Sanctuary Choir, Cross & Flame Youth Choir, William A. Gardner Handbell Choir and other Trinity vocal ensembles. CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24 CHILDREN S SERVICE 3:00 PM Sanctuary This casual service is designed for families with young children. Communion will be served. Note new time and location! PERSONAL COMMUNION 3:00-5:00 PM Wesley Hall Come and go at any time during these two hours for an intimate time of family or individual worship and communion. CANDLELIGHT COMMUNION 5:00, 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, and Trinity Strings. December 23 5:30 & 7:00 PM HOLY COMMUNION is offered each Sunday in Advent. It is served in the Sanctuary at 9:45 AM and 12:00 Noon following the traditional worship services. It is served every Sunday in Advent during all Contact worship services. All are invited to partake. 5
MISSION & OUTREACH TRINITY MANGER OFFERING, CHRISTMAS GIFT OF JOY This special offering goes to support the work of our local ministry partners: Urban Ministry, Church of the Reconciler, Firehouse Shelter, Family Promise of Birmingham, and many other local organizations directly benefit from your generosity. Offerings can be made during the Advent season using the Gift of Joy envelopes found in the pews. SHARE THE WARMTH: COAT DRIVE Trinity is holding a winter coat drive this Christmas, because we believe everyone should have a warm coat. Bring gently used or new adult and children s coats to the 2nd floor commons or outside the church office. Donations will be accepted through December 27. Coats will go to ministry partners, Firehouse Shelter and Church of the Reconciler. FESTIVAL OF THREE KINGS, December 12 Trinity along with other local UMC s, will distribute Angel Tree gifts to families at Birmingham-Southern s campus. We need volunteers to help set up (10am-Noon), distribute the gifts (1-3pm), and clean up (3-4pm). To volunteer please contact Cassie Cates at 205-515-931. FAMILY PROMISE GIFT WRAP VOLUNTEERS, December 12 & 19 This wrapping booth will open December 1-24 at Brookwood Village. This is a fun, family-friendly opportunity. It is also a great opportunity for teen service hours. Support the cause by having your gifts wrapped at the booth. Volunteers needed (3-hour shifts) on Saturday, December 12 & 19. Email Jamie Fitzwater to sign up, jf2208@yp.com. FAMILY PROMISE, December 13-20 Every quarter of every year, Trinity opens its doors to local families who need a place to rest their heads. This year we have the joy of hosting families the week before Christmas. We need volunteers to simply play games with children, break bread with these amazing families, and spend the night with them to make sure all is well. Interested volunteers can contact Laura McCain at lamccain@bellsouth.net. Questions about Trinity s Mission and Outreach programs? Please contact Kristan Walker, Director of Outreach Ministries at kwalker@trinitybirmingham.com or 879-1737. Next Steps A new track for our guests and new members held every Sunday at 10 AM in the Fellowship Hall. Join us! EVERY 1ST SUNDAY of the Month Meet Enjoy breakfast in a casual setting with the pastoral staff. 10 AM, Fellowship Hall EVERY 2ND SUNDAY of the Month Belief Enjoy a discussion to remember your baptism, learn about infant baptism, or explore adult profession of faith. We will also discuss communion and the sacraments of our faith. 10 AM, Fellowship Hall EVERY 3RD SUNDAY of the Month Methodism Learn about the history, theology, and practices of the United Methodist Church. 10 AM, Fellowship Hall 6 Panama Mission Trip, July 16-24, 2016 Team Leaders: Martha and Jim Furio Construction/Dental Trip / 15 spots available Ages: 14 years and up (parents must participate if youth is under 18 years of age) Cost: $1,200-$1,500 For more information, contact Julie Adams at jadams@trinitybirmingham.com or Martha Furio at marthajimfurio@gmail.com LISTEN TO SERMONS ONLINE Weekly sermons from both traditional and Contact worship services are available on the church website at: www.trinitybirmingham.com/worship/sermons/ EVERY 4TH SUNDAY of the Month Belong Hear from staff and lay ministers on the membership vows and how to find your very own place of ministry at Trinity. 10 AM, Fellowship Hall EVERY 5TH SUNDAY of the Month Tour Join a Trinity member and others for an informational tour around the church campus. 10 AM, Fellowship Hall We would love for you to join us. if you have questions, please contact Shelley Brockwell at 879-1737 or sbrockwell@trinitybirmingham.com.
HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS THIS WEEK Third Sunday of Advent - December 13 8:45 AM Traditional Worship - SANC 8:45 AM Contact Worship - WHALL 10:00 AM Sunday School - various 10:00 AM Next Steps - FHALL 11:00 AM Traditional Worship - SANC 11:00 AM Contact Worship - WHALL 4:15 PM Youth Handbells - Rm. 225 5:00 PM Youth Choir - MS 5:00 PM Confirmation - various 6:00 PM Adult Handbells - Rm. 225 6:00 PM Element - Haven 8:00 PM Men Pick-up Basketball - GYM Monday - December 14 7:45 AM Yoga - Rm. 304 12:00 PM Senior Adult Activities Tuesday - December 15 6:30 AM Youth Prayer B fast - Haven 8:00 AM Senior Adult Activities - various 9:00 AM Trinity Studio - CFT 10:00 AM Trinity Singers - MS 11:00 AM Senior Adult Lunch - SDR 3:00 P M Element Cafe - Haven & Gym 6:00 PM Young Adults (30 s) - SDR 6:30 PM Young Adults (20 s) - NAT CFT FSR CONF SANC FHALL Craft Room 143 Fireside Room 145 Conference Room 220 Sanctuary Fellowship Hall LIB NAT LP SP HAVEN Wednesday - December 16 8:00 AM Senior Adult Activities - various 9:00 AM Yoga - Rm. 304 6:00 PM Men s Study - Rm. 310 6:00 PM Small Group Studies - various 6:00 PM Reasonable Faith - Rm. 219 7:00 PM Contact Music Practice - WHALL 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir Practice - MS 7:15 PM Boy Scouts - Scout Room Thursday - December 17 8:00 AM Senior Adult Activities - various 9:00 AM Trinity Studio - CFT 9:15 AM Small Group Studies - various 11:00 AM Senior Adult Lunch - SDR 3:30 PM Element Cafe - Youth Area Friday - December 18 8:00 AM Senior Adult Activities - various 9:00 AM Trinity Studio - CFT 6:00 PM Holiday Movie Night - Gym Trinity will host families from the Family Promise of Birmingham program this week, 12/13-12/19. 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 IN THE HOSPITAL UAB HIGHLANDS Pearl Thrash CONGRATULATIONS to Joel and Jessica Everest on the baptism of their daughter, Elizabeth Jane Everest, on December 6. to Jess and Brittany Mann on the baptism of their daughter, Amelia James Mann, on December 6. TREASURER S REPORT GENERAL BUDGET: As of December 6, 2015 Month to date revenue $92,710 Monthly needs to date $71,393 Balance/shortage $21,317 Capital Giving this month $9,203 Capital Giving year to date $139,912 Balance owed on Debt / Prayer Garden $298,500 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, aneptune@trinitybirmingham.com. PACESETTERS DECEMBER 10 - CHRISTMAS TEA The annual Senior Adult Christmas Tea will be held in the Fellowship Hall from 1:30-4:00 PM on December 10. Come and enjoy wonderful food, fellowship, and music. DECEMBER 11 - GAITHER EVENT Trinity Seniors will attend The Gaither Homecoming Christmas Spectacular event at Legacy Arena (BJCC). This performance will benefit Urban Ministry of Birmingham. 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 DECEMBER 12 - MOORESVILLE HOLIDAY TOUR You are invited to join us on Saturday, December 12, for the Mooresville Holiday Home Tour and Progressive Dinner. We will leave from Trinity at 12:00 Noon / Arrive at 2:00 PM at the 1821 Stagecoach Tavern in historic Mooresville. Cost is $90 for dinner, tour and transportation. Contact Amy Lewis for reservations. 879-1737 / alewis@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 Join us on the Sunday after Christmas for a casual morning of fellowship and family worship. 9 AM Donuts and Coffee Fellowship Hall 10 AM Traditional Worship 10 AM Contact Worship Come as you are! Cozy, comfortable pajamas welcome. SUNDAY After Christmas December 27 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://bit.ly/tumcvolunteer