TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH July 30, 2013 Vol. 47 No. 31 Habitat House Completed Dedicated on July 27, 2013 Inside this issue: Fall Studies 3 Honors & Memorials 3 Share Your Story 5 Senior Adult Events 6 Calendar of Events 7 The Trinity family graciously supported, physically, financially and prayerfully, the house that was built in partnership with Habitat for Humanity for Kim Toler and her family. More than 400 volunteers participated by swinging hammers, painting walls, laying floors and encouraging each other in Christian love. The new home was dedicated with a special ceremony on Saturday, July 27 at 9:00 am. Fifth Annual Senior Ball The youth will once again be hosting their annual Senior Adult Ball for Trinity s Pacesetters! There will be a swing band, food, and lots of dancing, so bring your dancing shoes! This Thursday, August 1st 5 pm- 7:30 pm Who? Completed 3rd - 5th grade students Fellowship Hall What? Three awesome nights designed especially for older elementary students to venture into God s word with fun music, Bible stories, service activities and recreation. [ Cost: $10 per student ] When? NEXT WEEK, August 5-7 (Mon-Wed) from 6:00-8:30 pm (Dinner will be served) Register now! Forms available online at www.trinitybirmingham.com/kids/ summer-programs-2013/ For questions or to volunteer to help, contact Jeanne Baswell at 879-1737 or jbaswell@trinitybirmingham.com. Semi-Formal Attire is Requested but not Required Contact Amy Lewis with any questions at 879-1737.
PERSONAL WORD Sunday, AUGUST 4, 2013 FULL COMMUNION 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 Sermon Series: Good to Great Take Great Risks MUSIC 8:45 AM & 11:00 AM Sanctuary Choir MINISTER On call Nathan Carden, 863-0765 On Saturday, we dedicated the Trinity Habitat House for the Toler family. In total, you gave more than $45,000 to this project, and more than 200 of you provided your time and labor. This family was so overjoyed and gracious in their gratitude to Trinity. This was our sixth Habitat build. This particular build was even more special, because we did it in memory of Ken Johnson, our Trustee chair, who had such a wonderful servant heart and set an example of ministry for all of us. Ken passed away suddenly, not long before this project was begun. His family was there working along side many of you nearly every week. Ken s spirit inspired us and will continue to do so. One of the scriptures that guide us at Trinity is Matthew 25, where Jesus says even as you have done it for the least of these, you have done it for me. This church has lived out that scripture in so many visible ways over this summer in particular: We have sent two mission teams to Panama where they worked on construction projects (building houses for native Panamanians), held VBS, and provided medical care. Another mission team traveled to Bolivia where they also participated in a variety of projects from medical to construction. More than 150 students and adult workers were involved in doing home repair projects through SOS in Memphis. I had the privilege of visiting with these teams one day last week and I can testify that they worked hard! There are a host of families in Memphis whose homes are now drier and safer because of them. Another student team made up of mid-highs participated in missions at ARM Alabama Rural Ministries in Tuskegee, where they also did home repair and worked in a daycare. wesley hall 11:15 AM Rev. Nathan Carden Sermon Series: You. Me. We. Called A look at july 28 857 Worship Attendance 574 Sunday School Attendance All of these were ministries outside our walls. In trying to put a dollar figure on what Trinity does to share the gospel of Christ through missions that reach into the world, we estimate that 17% of our total giving goes to missions. The average nationwide giving in churches that goes to missions is less than 1%. We want missions to be a part of our spiritual DNA. It is a part of our total mission, which to remind you is to: Glorify God as we Gather people to Christ, Grow people in Christ, and Go to serve Christ in the world. 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
Fall Studies 2013 If you make my word your home, you will indeed be my disciples. John 8:30 (NJB) Let s Journey Together Commit to the vision: To see people, from the long-time members to the first-time visitors, come together in a healthy small group to grow into disciples, and to go inspire others to do the same. Register for a Fall Study! Please visit www.trinitybirmingham.com/adults/studies-small-groups to view full class descriptions/times/dates and to register beginning August 1. An insert with class descriptions and a printed registration form will be mailed in Tidings the week of August 13. Registration tables will be in the narthexes on Sundays, August 11 & 18. (Registration Deadlines: Disciple Bible study, August, 18; Short-term studies, August 25) gifts to glorify god & to remember those we love HONORARIUMS June 26 - July 26, 2013 THE JOHN WESLEY BIBLE CLASS Don & Norma Echols TRINITY S CHILDREN S MINISTRY Music Maestros Camp MEMORIALS June 26 - July 26, 2013 WALTER ANDERSON Friendship Class Craftsman Printing, Inc. Janie Mashburn Margaret and R.G. Dawson, Jr. Jim and Mary Farlow John C. Whiting The Tapscott Family The Morton Family SADIE MAE BLUEMLY WILLIAM BURKETT EULETTE CARTER PAT CHISOLM Rev. Suzanne Pruitt Ann Morris Smith Jim & Debbie Fly Don & Melinda Hurd MARGARET DALE Barbara Morgan Perry & Elaine Morgan David & Dale Miller Betty Johnson Friendship Class JASON GREEN Duane & Terrie Shroyer Don & Norma Echols Brian & Lynn Luckianow Ted & Donna Roose Johnny & Marilyn McGeever Mitch & Donna Nelson The John Wesley Bible Class BETTIE JACKSON Mary Harris ANNE JEFFRIES KEN JOHNSON Jerry & Jane Smith MARCUS WILSON 3
CONTACT Sermon Series July 21 - Committed July 28 - Connected August 4 - Called Whether you are single, married, or divorced, we all need God s Spirit to help us learn how to love unconditionally - mirrored after the love Christ has for his bride, the Church. In this Contact Worship series, we will look at how God s Spirit can help us live out our faith first in the relationships that define us most intimately. For the next three Sundays, plan to join us for a look at how our faith can define our relationships, moving us from You and Me, to We. wesley hall 11:15 AM Rev. NATHAN CARDEN Handel s Messiah December 1, 2013 Combined Chancel Choir from FUMC, Prattville Sanctuary Choir from Trinity United Methodist and the Trinity Orchestra 2:30 PM First United Methodist Church, Prattville 6:30 PM Trinity United Methodist Church, Birmingham It has been many years since the Sanctuary Choir performed Handel s Messiah (Part. 1 Christmas Section). On December 1, the Sanctuary Choir from Trinity will join with the Chancel Choir from First United Methodist, Prattville to perform Messiah. For this very special occasion, we want to encourage all of those within our congregation who would like to participate to do so. There will be two joint rehearsals (one in Prattville and one here in Birmingham) to prepare. The other rehearsal time will be done separately by each of the choirs in their respective churches. For those of us here at Trinity, the weekly preparatory rehearsal time will be done during the regularly scheduled rehearsal tome for the Sanctuary Choir on Wednesday evenings. Please consider joining the Sanctuary Choir and participating in this event. Even if it is only for this period of time between August and December 1. Rehearsals for Messiah will begin on August 21. Please contact Scott Robertson or Jodi Haskins at 879-1737 for more details. H Save the date for Grow Sunday! Sunday, August 18 Grow with us! under the Big Top H Children - 10 AM in the Gym Youth - 10 AM in the Haven H 4 Want to be part of a Children s Sunday School Team? TEACHING TEAMS ARE FORMING NOW...DON T MISS OUT. HERE S YOUR CHANCE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Be part of Children s Ministry by joining a Sunday school team. Opportunities in several Preschool and Elementary classes. Lots of support, resources and the joy that comes from learning, laughing and sharing with children! CHILDREN ARE COUNTING ON US! Call Linda Whatley or Jeanne Baswell at 879-1737. You may also email: lwhatley@trinitybirmingham.com (or) jbaswell@trinitybirmingham.com
ARM - Alabama Rural Ministries We want to hear what God has done in your life and how Trinity has been part of that. Your stories encourage all of us. To submit your story, go to www.trinitybirmingham.com and click on Stories. I Finally Found A Place To Call Home By: Elizabeth Pettey They say you don t truly learn the true magnitude of God s love until you ve hit rock bottom. When I moved to Birmingham, I was leaving the small, comfortable southern town where I attended the big Methodist church on the corner and stumbled into a college campus where spiritually, I didn t know where to turn. My peers, professors, and papers (academics), on the whole, didn t share the same zest for a life on the narrow path as I had, so the path began to widen. You never expect to become a lost sheep when you ve been raised with such a strong foundation, but without a church family, the Sophomore Slump hit twice as hard. I attended a handful of churches in spurts (including one in a bar downtown, bless) and felt helpless, alone, and 100% discouraged. It wasn t until Brittany Arias convinced me to try out Trinity that I finally found a place to call home, a place where I felt like me again, and a church that has blessed me in a can teven-put-it-into-words way. All I can say is that this church is life changing. Trinity has become not only the reason I am still in Birmingham today, but also where some of my most precious relationships have been formed. I find myself more excited for Contact worship, more excited to hear the pows and wows of my 11th grade Fusion girls, and more excited to venture into the muddy jungles of Panama with a Trinity team than just about anything in the world. Plugging in was effortless with a group of believers who truly cared about my walk with the Lord. Elizabeth plays with a Panamanian child while on a summer mission trip to Panama with Trinity Young Adults. I hate to sound so cliché, but this church has changed my life. Where I am today a year and a half after my first visit is just the beginning of an amazing story that showcases the grace, sovereignty, and love of God with Trinity United Methodist holding my hand every step of the way. Elizabeth Pettey 5
Trinity Prayer Garden and Columbarium Did You Know? July 30, 2013 Trinity s Prayer Garden and Columbarium is a completely self-funding project through the sale of columbarium niches. The Prayer Graden & Columbarium has a special memorial wall. If loved ones are buried or inurned elsewhere, there is still an opportunity for them to be remembered by listing their names permanently on the Memorial Panel. Niches may be purchased for $3,200 each if purchased in full. Niches are $3,400 each if the installment option is chosen, with a deposit of at least $250. If you are interested, or would like more information on the purchase of niches or Memorial Panel inscriptions, please contact Ann Neptune in the church office at 879-1737, or email aneptune@trinitybirmingham.com. 6 pacesetters news AUGUST 1 - ANNUAL SENIOR ADULT BALL Grab your dancing shoes and join us for the annual Senior Adult Ball that is hosted by Trinity s youth. The event will feature a swing band, dancing and food! It will be held this Thursday, August 1 from 5-7:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall. All are invited to attend. AUGUST 7 - TUSCALOOSA DAY TRIP On Wednesday, August 7, we will enjoy a day trip to Tuscaloosa to tour Bryant-Denny Stadium and UA campus. Lunch will be at Cypress Inn Restaurant. We will leave Trinity at 9 AM. AUGUST 27 - PACESETTERS LUNCH RESUMES SAVE THE DATE! Pacesetters Lunch resumes on August 27 with a special program. Watch for details in Tidings. For reservations or more information on any event listed above, contact Amy Lewis at 879-1737 or alewis@trinitybirmingham.com. New Outreach Opportunity Coming in September In Matthew 19:14, Jesus commanded his disciples to Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. Then in Matthew 25:35, Jesus says When I was a stranger, you welcomed me in... Both of these references can lead us to believe that foster care is an incredibly appropriate way for Christians to embody the Gospel. We are excited to announce a new Outreach opportunity here at Trinity, beginning in September. Because of the vitality of our church life and the quality of our family ministries, we felt as though Trinity would be well positioned to host this ministry for our membership and any other adults who may be interested. We are partnering with the Babies First office of the United Methodist Children s Home (UMCH) to offer free foster parents training. This new training will help families or individuals understand what foster care looks like and discern whether it would be a good fit for them. This training process will qualify participants for Therapeutic Foster Care (a qualification that equips for caring for children with emotional trauma), Standard Foster Care, and Respite Care (caring for children on a short term basis to give rest to their primary foster parents). Here is basic information about the offering: What is the program? UMCH Babies First Therapeutic Foster Care Program Where? Held at TUMC When do we meet? Instructional sessions will begin on Wed. night, Sept. 4 and meet each week for 10 weeks. The classes will be held from 5-8 PM each week and childcare is provided. What do we do about dinner each Wed. night? Our Fellowship Dinners are available to all participants for $6 per plate (this includes water, tea and coffee). How Long? The course will be 10 weeks of instruction with some additional training and requirements to be completed beyond this time. How much does it cost participants? There are no fees for this training. All costs for background checks and other requirements will be covered by UMCH. Am I obligated to complete the 10 weeks if I feel it is not for me or my family? No, participants continue in the program by their own choice. If I complete the training, am I obligated to accept a child if contacted by DHR or UMCH? No, you have complete discretion in the decision to foster or offer respite care. What about costs involved with fostering a child? The State of Alabama provides a monthly amount to help with expenses. Will you prayerfully consider how God might call you to provide a loving and safe home for a child in our state? What better way to model the love of God before our friends, family and children than to welcome a child to be a part of your family for a time? If you were unable to attend the informational presentation by Moniko Lawson, Director of Babies First (UMCH) on Sunday, July 28, please contact Karen Smith at 879-1737. I hope you will join us to learn more about this exciting new ministry. In Christ,
CFT FSR CONF SANC FHALL highlighted events this week Sunday - August 4 8:45 AM Traditional Worship - SANC 10:00 AM Sunday School - various 11:00 AM Traditional Worship - SANC 11:15 AM CONTACT Worship - WHALL 4:00 PM Youth Handbells - Rm. 225 5:00 PM Sr. Adult Bible Study - SP Monday - August 5 6:30 AM Men s Breakfast Study - SDR 8:00 AM Senior Adult Activities - Various 8:30 AM Mouat Chapel Open for Prayer 6:00 PM Venture - FHALL & GYM 6:30 PM SPRC Meeting - LP Tuesday - August 6 8:00 AM Senior Adult Activities - various 8:30 AM Mouat Chapel Open for Prayer 10:00 AM Mama & Me - Nursery Craft Room 143 Fireside Room 145 Conference Room 220 Sanctuary Fellowship Hall take note LIB NAT LP SP HAVEN 10:00 AM Trinity Singers - MS 5:30 PM Trustees Meeting - Rm. 310 6:00 PM Venture - FHALL & GYM Wednesday - August 7 8:00 AM Senior Adult Activities - Various 8:30 AM Mouat Chapel Open for Prayer 9:00 AM Yoga - Rm. 315 6:00 PM Summer Adult Study - various 6:00 PM Venture - FHALL & GYM 6:30 PM Sanctuary Choir - MS Thursday - August 8 8:00 AM Senior Adult Activities - various 9:00 AM Summer Adult Study - Rm. 311 Friday - August 9 8:30 AM Mouat Chapel Open for Prayer 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 August 4 Jessica Cantu, Meredith Daniel, Alison McKinnon & Mandy Olson Nursery Volunteers August 11 Lori Cracraft, Meredith Daniel, Laura Fleming & Rachel Holt Nursery volunteers are needed each Sunday. To volunteer, please contact Barry Smith at 879-1737 or email nurseryvolunteers@trinitybirmingham.com. Like most of us, the disciples of Jesus didn t want to settle for mediocrity, they wanted greatness. They wanted to do great things. And note, Jesus does not berate them for their desire for greatness. What he does instead is give them a new paradigm of how to achieve greatness and of what greatness looks like. The disciple s story, along with many others in the Bible, is the story of how God took rather ordinary, good-enough folks, and did extraordinary and great things with them. You are invited to join us in traditional worship at 8:45 & 11:00 AM for a series of sermons from Andy Wolfe on Good to Great. Aug. 4 Good To Great: Take Great Risks Aug. 11 Good To Great: Practice Great Love in memoriam We extend our love and sympathy: to Erin and Scott Stephenson on the death of her grandmother, Margaret Boothe Kendrick, on July 25. She was the great-grandmother of Reid and Conner Stephenson. congratulations to Susan Clemmons Smith and husband, Lee Smith, on the birth of their daughter, Clary Katherine Smith, on July 12. Proud grandparents are Ron and Nancy Clemmons. to Wes and Merrick Wilson on the birth of their son, Colten Gant Wilson, on July 20. to Madelyn and Andrew Snow on the birth of their son, Hudson Runnels Snow, on July 22. Proud grandparents are Dean and Elaine Snow and proud great-grandparents are Helen and Hubert Snow. Proud uncles are Ian and Hugh Snow. to Guy and Phella Patterson on the birth of their grandson, William Timothy Patterson, on July 24. Proud parents are Michael and Laura Patterson. Proud aunts and uncle are Amy Patterson and Christi and Chris Patterson. to Jason and Molly Heathcock on the baptism of their daughter, Mae Elizabeth Heathcock, on July 28. to Andy and Amy Cook on the baptism of their son, Andrew Thompson Cook, on July 28. to Kelly Rush and Tracy Watkins on their marriage on July 27. treasurer s report As of July 28, 2013 Regular reporting: GENERAL BUDGET: MONTH Month to Date Revenue-July $190,822 Monthly needs to date (month) $257,277 Balance/shortage $(66,455) Capital Debt Retirement gifts this month $4,262 Capital Debt Retirement gifts to date $88,131 Gifts to Date: $85,907 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 WELCOME NEW MEMBERS David and Elisabeth Kindred 914 Summit Place, Birmingham, AL 35243 The Kindreds joined Trinity by vows from another Christian denomination and by transfer from another United Methodist Church. David works for Regions Bank as a business analyst. Elisabeth is the communication specialist for the United Methodist Children s Home. Register now for Senior High Discovery Weekend! August 24 & 25 John and Rhonda Montgomery 2917 Parkside Drive, Homewood, AL 35209 The Montgomerys joined Trinity by transfer from another United Methodist Church. They are retired. The weekend will kick off at 8 AM on August 24 with breakfast in the gym and fellowship hall at. Shortly after we will be heading to Springville Camp, outside of Odenville, for the remainder of the weekend. For more info & to register, visit elementstudentministry.com/hsd2013 Questions? Contact Caroline Hare at chare@trinitybirmingham.com. 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. Mamma Mia! UMW Spaghetti Supper Save the Date! Thursday, August 22 3:30-6:30 PM Fellowship Hall Dine in or take out $8 per plate (3 courses) Proceeds go to missions supporting women and children