TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH November 25, 2014 Vol. 48 No. 47 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 music by the Sanctuary Choir, Trinity Orchestra, Children s Choirs and Seeds of Faith. There is no charge for the event and all are invited. NURSERY PROVIDED Complimentary valet parking service available INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Worship Info 2 Advent Brochure 3-6 Poinsettia Orders 7 Calendar of Events 7 HOW CAN YOU SERVE THIS WEEK? Visit WEEKLY CONNECT for ways that you can plug in to ministry today simple signups available now. Log on to http://www.signupgenius. com/go/30e0844aaad238- topten If you have questions about ways to use your gifts in service, contact Laura Eanes at 879-1737 or email leanes@trinitybirmingham.com. ADVENTatTrinity This Advent season we will look to how the names of Jesus express God s desire to meet us where we are and give us what we need. Join us each Sunday as we look to a different title for the Son of God in our church wide sermon series, what do we name the baby? Advent is celebrated on the four Sundays prior to Christmas as the time of waiting and preparing for the birth of the Christ child. see inside for the advent brochure
PERSONAL WORD FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014 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. SERMON Andrew Wolfe SERIES: What Do We Name The Baby? Jesus MUSIC 8:45 AM Kyle Bass, Sanctuary Choir 11:00 AM Kyle Bass, Praise Alliance MINISTER ON CALL Bobby Scales, 746-4547 At a former church, we were celebrating the Advent season, talking about the coming of Jesus. We went carefully through the season, week by week, in worship lighting an Advent candle one at a time, and talking about preparing for the birth of Jesus. Getting ready. What a big day it was! Finally, one little guy, who was about five years old, in the congregation grew frustrated, he asked his dad, Will I be alive when Christmas gets here? We all recall those times of innocent anticipation the yearning, the looking forward to something important. My first Christmas memory is of lying in my bed in the room with my brother unable to fall asleep because we were so excited. We listened for Santa s sleigh to land on our roof, at one point jumping up and looking out the window. Finally, we went to sleep and awakened to our mother calling us into the living room. And there it was, the model train I had asked for! My hopes were fulfilled. There is something wonderful about the innocence of childhood, the adrenaline of anticipation, the hopeful expectancy. That is the mood of Advent. As the years go by, our yearning is tempered by life s setbacks and disappointments. We don t get what we want. People let us down, we let ourselves down. We stumble, we fall, and we grow weary. The light of hope dims. Our yearnings change. No longer do we want trains and things we yearn for forgiveness, for new courage, for healing, for hope, for joy reawakened, for newness of life and spirit. In short, we yearn for what really lies behind this season, something more than something we can buy and wrap in a package. We yearn for someone who can unwrap the mess of our lives. Someone whose love we cannot buy, but will love us without counting the cost. Someone to light the fires of our hearts. We yearn for a Savior. For that one who does what we can t who loves when we can t, who heals what we can t. In this season of yearning, may we listen for that name that charms our fears, and bids our sorrows cease. 8:45 & 11:00 AM WESLEY HALL, Rev. Nathan Carden SERIES: What Do We Name The Baby? 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
celebrate ADVENT sermon series hanging of the green 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 WHAT DO WE NAME THE BABY? Beginning Sunday, November 30 8:45 & 11:00 AM Traditional & Contact Worship Parents expecting a baby know that one of their first responsibilities is to give their child a name. The child receives this life-long identifying title without their consent. Their name is a gift to them, given to them by ones who love them. Parents carefully mull over the question - should the baby be named for a saint or for a beloved relative or friend? Wherever the name comes from, we know that names are important because they have power. SUNDAY WORSHIP TRADITIONAL, 8:45 & 11:00 AM Sanctuary Dr. Andy Wolfe & Rev. Brian Erickson CONTACT, 8:45 & 11:00 AM Wesley Hall Rev. Nathan Carden WEEK 1 NOVEMBER 30 jesus SEE INSIDE FOR MORE... WEEK 2 DECEMBER 7 emmanuel WEEK 3 DECEMBER 14 prince of peace WEEK 4 DECEMBER 21 the son of god CHRISTMAS EVE the word made flesh
children s choir programs All are invited to attend the annual holiday music programs presented by Trinity s elementary-aged choirs, handbells and preschool choirs. DECEMBER 7 4:00 PM Sanctuary 1st-5th Grade Choirs & Handbells bethlehem night DECEMBER 10 6:00 PM Sanctuary 3K - 5K Preschool Choirs what do we name the baby? CONTINUED... When God assumes human flesh in Jesus, he isn t just given one name. Jesus is also called Emmanuel, Messiah, The Word, and many others. The beauty of Jesus having many names reflects God s knowledge of what and who we need God to be for us. This Advent, you may be looking for a Prince of Peace or perhaps you seek the guidance of a Teacher. Maybe at this time in your life you need God to be a Savior for you. This Advent season we will look to how the names of Jesus express God s desire to meet us where we are and give us what we need. Join us each Sunday as we look to a different title for the Son of God in our church wide sermon series, What Do We Name the Baby?
a service of lessons and carols christmas eve services SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21 DECEMBER 24 A Service of Lessons and Carols is Trinity s annual service of 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. CHILDREN S SERVICES 4:00 & 5:00 PM Wesley Hall 8:45 & 11:00 AM Sanctuary young children. 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 s? These brief services are designed for families with 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. contact worship TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23 CHRISTMAS EVE eve SERVICE 7:00 PM Wesley Hall On Tuesday evening, December 23, Contact will hold a special evening worship service. What Do We Name The Baby?: the word made flesh With special music by the Sanctuary Choir, Cross & Flame Youth Choir, and Trinity Strings. holy communion 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. All are invited to partake.
Tuesday, December 23 CHRISTMAS COOKIE CONNECTION 10:00 AM Fellowship Hall christmas giving Recreate a holiday tradition! Enjoy an hour of Christmas joy with your family and share treats with homebound members. During this season, when we remember God s gift to us in Christ, there are many opportunities for us to give in ways that reach out to extend the love of Christ for all. At Trinity these opportunities include: CHRISTMAS GIFT OF JOY OFFERING This special offering goes to support our mission and outreach efforts. This includes support for local and international mission projects such as: Firehouse Shelter, Family Promise of Birmingham, Church of the Reconciler, and Urban Ministry. Offerings can be made during the Advent season using the special Gift of Joy envelopes found in the pews. ANGEL TREES Trinity has sponsored approximately 280 children this Christmas. All gifts will be collected on November 23 & 30. Questions? Contact Cassie Cates at 205-515-9311 or cassidy.dempsey@gmail.com. SENIOR ADULT christmas events DECEMBER 2 - HOLIDAY CONCERT The UAB Symphony Band and Wind Symphony Band will present a special concert of Christmas music in the Gym from 2-3 PM on December 2. Make plans to attend! DECEMBER 11 - 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, and music. YOUNG ADULT advent study Not A Silent Night by Adam Hamilton 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 night at 6:30 PM at the home of Mark and Lisa Elliott. (4168 Memorial Park Circle Hoover, AL 35226) A free home cooked dinner is served at 6:30 PM. Bring a friend! Questions? Contact Lisa Elliott at 879-1737 or lelliott@trinitybirmingham.com. FESTIVAL OF THREE KINGS, December 6 This is an annual event that is held to distribute our Angel Tree gifts. It is for area kids in need. A day filled with Christmas games, prizes, shoes, snacks and more while their parents get their presents secretly from Santa! This year s festival is on Saturday, December 6. Trinity is the event organizer this year. Many volunteers are needed! To volunteer please contact Cassie Cates at 205-515-9311 or email cassidy.dempsey@gmail.com. GIFTWRAP VOLUNTEERS, December 13 & 20 The Family Promise of Birmingham Gift Wrapping Booth will open the Friday after Thanksgiving in Brookwood Mall. This family-friendly opportunity is a great way to give back and experience the true meaning of Christmas. Please support the cause by having your gifts wrapped at the booth. Volunteers needed (3-hour shifts) on Saturday, December 13 & 20. To sign up, contact Jamie Fitzwater at 205-441-4062. TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1400 Oxmoor Road Homewood, AL 35209 For Advent schedules and special event info, visit www.trinitybirmingham.com
HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS THIS WEEK First Sunday of Advent - November 30 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 2:00-4:00 PM Youth Basketball - GYM 4:30 PM Youth Handbells - Rm. 225 5:00 PM Youth Choir - MS 6:00 PM Element - Haven 6:00 PM Hanging of the Green - SANC Monday - December 1 6:30 AM Men s Ministry Group - SDR 6:30 PM SPRC Meeting - CONF Tuesday - December 2 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 2:00 PM UAB Holiday Concert - GYM 3:00 PM Element Cafe - Haven & GYM 6:30 PM Young Adults (20 s) - NAT 6:30 PM Young Adults (30 s) - SDR Wednesday - December 3 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 - December 4 8:00 AM Senior Exercise Class - FHALL 9:15 AM Adult Studies - various 3:00 PM Element Cafe - Haven & GYM Friday - December 5 8:00 AM Sr. Exercise Class - FHALL Saturday - December 6 9:00 AM Festival of Three Kings - NAT CONGRATULATIONS to Edward and Kennedy Walker on the baptism of their son, James Reid Walker, on November 23. Have you returned your 2015 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. CFT FSR CONF SANC FHALL Craft Room 143 Fireside Room 145 Conference Room 220 Sanctuary Fellowship Hall LIB NAT LP SP HAVEN 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 Order Your Poinsettias for Christmas! Poinsettias purchased in memory or in honor of loved ones will be placed in the sanctuaries on Sundays, December 14 and 21, 2014. DEADLINE: Orders must be received by Sunday December 7 (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 7. Make checks payable to: Trinity United Methodist Church, marked Poinsettia order. 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.)! 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 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 Interested in joining Trinity? Join us... Coffee with the Pastors Sunday, December 7 10 AM LARGE PARLOR This is a casual time for guests to meet the pastoral staff. During this hour, you will learn about the mission statement of the church as well as Trinity s core values. This is also an excellent time to ask general questions and learn more about the church family. CWP is held the first Sunday of the month at 10 AM in the Parlor. Sunday, December 14 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!