Let`s 1. - Trinity United Methodist Church
Transcription
Let`s 1. - Trinity United Methodist Church
November 2, 2010 Dear Friends, Prior to the launching of Canvas over a year ago, a number of members who attended that service but who had no intention of leaving with it requested that I look into the possibility of forming a weekly non-traditional worship service to replace it. I called together a study group to talk about our options and through that experience, as well as my informal discussions with many of you, I began to recognize that because there was lingering angst surrounding Canvas, considerable time would need to pass before a serious discussion of such an option would bear healthy fruit. Throughout the year a number of you continued to voice your interest in bringing an alternative worship event into the Trinity line-up. At the church-wide “Let’s Talk” session on September 1st of this year as we discussed the fact, because kids’ sports’ schedules today demand it, but for whatever reason, because so many of you regularly miss Sunday morning worship, it was suggested in one of your small group discussions that we create an alternative choice to the Sunday morning time slot. As a direct result of your continued requests and your suggestion at “Let’s Talk,” at the beginning of October I decided to bring the issue before the congregation again. I created a simple 8-question (anonymous) survey and had the web link attached to our Facebook page and Trinity website. I included hardcopies of the survey in the Sunday School packets several weeks in a row for those of you who don’t have access to a computer, and once the capability was established (a couple of weeks later), I had an email sent to all of you for whom we have email addresses, asking for feedback. I ended the survey with a space for you to ask questions or offer comments. Because so many of you expressed such strong opinions about this, I thought it important that I personally address them. Given the space limitations in this newsletter, I will discuss one or two representative comments for each category. I will post the final results of the survey, all of your comments and my answers (in full) on the website and through our Facebook page. If you want a hard copy of the information, let me know. Blessings, Worship 8:30 & 10:45 am Solid Grounds 9:00 am Sunday School 9:30 am Lectionary Readings November 7 Haggai 1:5b-2:9 Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5,13-17 Luke 20:27-38 November 14 Isaiah 65:17-25 Isaiah 12 or Psalm 118 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 Luke 21:5-19 CANVAS November 21 Jeremiah 23:1-6 Luke 1:68-79 Colossians 1:11-20 Luke 23:33-43 1. “Trinity has gone through one bad experience with attempting such an interruption of the traditional worship service. Have we not learned lessons from that very costly experience? It splintered the congregation, it took away from the choir and became a financial liability. It’s unfortunate that the minister(s) are engaged in this, yet another distraction.” 2. “Why are we trying to compete with Canvas?” November 28 Isaiah 2:1-5 Psalm 122 Romans 13:11-14 Matthew 24:36-44 (Continued on page 4) WEDNESDAY FAMILY NIGHT Please remember to make reservations for each Wednesday night unless you are on the standing reservation list. Come join us for dinner on November 10th then stay to hear Dr. David Lipschitz at 6 pm in the sanctuary. The menu for November 10 is Bar-be-que, Slaw, Potato Salad, Beans and Dessert. Check the bulletin insert for menus after the 10th. The Prayer Shawl Guild would like to thank the congregation for their very generous Communion Rail Offering. These funds will be used to purchase the yarn used in the knitting/ crocheting of the shawls. Come join us on Wednesday nights at 6 pm in the Searchers classroom. Save Those Box Tops for Brady The Math Coach at Brady has begun collecting Box Tops for Education to raise money for the school and to practice math skills with the students. These specially-marked box tops are on hundreds of products that we use in our kitchens and offices. The school gets 10 cents for each box top. Students will be collecting, sorting, and calculating their earnings. Begin saving the box tops now! A collection box will be available in the church office. Go to www.boxtops4education.com/ for a complete list of the participating products. On behalf of the United Methodist Women I want to thank Dr. Moore, UMW members, friends, youth girls (Ellen, Bennett, Hope & Lauren O), who helped create some of the best looking pumpkins in the patch. Thanks to the Foundations SS class for the use of your classroom, and a special thank you to all those Trinity folks who purchased the works of art. Approximately $600 was raised to help support the programs of Trinity’s United Methodist Women. Alice Browning Lord, Save Us From Your Followers This study has been completed in the Journey’s Sunday School class and is now available for other classes to use. You may find this resource in the Rogers Library. If you have not turned in your Covenant Card, you are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. If you have misplaced your card, you may find one in the office or at the Welcome Center. You will soon be receiving by mail a calendar of Advent Activities, but please save the date of November 28 for the Charge Conference to be held in the sanctuary and “Soup”er Supper immediately thereafter. There will be additional information about “Soup”er Supper in the Sunday School Packets. We support TUMC by our Prayers… Tommy Landfair, Jan Barnett, Harper J. Sasser (father of Arita Jewart), Lew Elmore, Tynse Bassett (mother of Richard Bassett), Hardin Bale, Charlotte Epps (daughter of Sharon and Wayne Marrs),Georgeann Osam, Mary Ann Ewald (mother of LuAnn Blaylock), Mary Dellis (cousin of Charles Holmes), Walt Jeffus, Reba McDaniel, Deanna Etheridge, Virginia Faubel, Orval and Tacy Reed. Trinity Members active in the Military: Dylan Blancett, Will Goggans, Derek Hays Presence… Week of October 24, 2010 Sunday School 233 Worship 296 Visitors 8 Week of October 31, 2010 Sunday School 249 Worship 297 Visitors 11 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Holy Communion is offered in the Prayer Chapel immediately following each service on Sunday morning except on the Sunday Communion is served in worship. In an effort to reduce the spread of viruses, all communion servers use hand sanitizer before serving. In addition, we have placed bottles of sanitizer throughout high traffic areas and you are welcome to use it. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please remember to wear your name tag each Sunday. If you don’t have one or need to order one, please call the church office. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Arkansas Rice Depot is in need of volunteers to help with the sorting and labeling foods and delivering food to seniors. Any churches interested can contact Joe Rogers at 501-565-8855. EARLY CHRISTIAN AWARENESS IMPLEMENTED IN GOD’S GARDEN OF ANGELS Palmer Hopkins was overwhelmed after her first lesson of the Early Christian Awareness program taught each Sunday morning by Alice Browning of the Nursery Staff. This Christian Education program Is for children beginning at age 6 months till 2 years. The little ones listen and learn songs about God’s creations; trees, frogs, pumpkins, bunnies and other things associated with self awareness and nature. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Rev. Dede Roberts, Central District Superintendent At Annual conference held, June 6-9, 2010, it was announced that Rev. Dede Roberts was appointed the Central District Superintendent. Rev. Roberts began her service in pastoral ministry as a probationary member in 1985 in the North Indiana Conference. She joined the former North Arkansas Conference as a probationary member in 1989 and was ordained an elder in full connection in 1991. She has served the congregations of Russellville First, Dover, Gardner Memorial, St. Paul Fort Smith, North Little Rock First and Sherwood Good Shepherd United Methodist Churches. She was an associate pastor at the 2,134 member First UMC in Conway where she preached each Sunday. She also has served on the Arkansas Conference Staff. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2nd Annual "It's an Arkansas 1st Down" Tailgate Party Brings in the Cheers! So, it doesn't really matter who wins when we are all together in fellowship~right?! What a great time of tailgate snacks and Calling Those Hogs we all had on Saturday, October 16th. Trinity Razorback fans cheered as we sat and watched the Hogs in their attempt to dethrone the #1 Auburn Tigers. Martin Hall Hawg Trough was ready for the action with tables full of fan "power food" and team colors of red and white. A bounce house set up on the patio provided a place for our youngest Razorback fans to play as "tailgatin' "sling chairs placed on the 50-yard-line of the big screen boasted our cheering crowd. All had a great time despite the outcome of the game. We know those mighty Razorbacks are bowl bound this year~could it be Cotton? That Dallas Cowboy Stadium would be a great January setting for Tusk and his team! Coach Paul (continued from page 1) I personally learned a great deal from the Canvas experience, and when all is said and done, I am very proud of Trinity for making Canvas possible – because it means we did what we are called to do in a very significant way. For anyone to lament Canvas as a “loss” for Trinity would be like the church in Jerusalem lamenting their “loss” of people and financial resources to the church in Corinth or Ephesus or Philippi. We gave birth to a new church; one that offers ministry to people who aren’t likely to ever cross our threshold. I don’t grieve over Canvas, I CELEBRATE Canvas. Did they take members from the choir? 3 chose to use their musical gifts for Canvas, and because of the heavy time commitment, 2 of them left the traditional choir. But our choir – and the Music Ministry at Trinity – has not faltered from the loss of those voices. It continues to be the best I have ever heard in any UMC in Arkansas. If we bring a new service to Trinity and someone from the choir chooses to move into the new venue, Christ will still be served and the choir will continue to excel. Was Canvas financially costly to Trinity? Beyond the salary issues while Jamey and Sheri were on campus, because of a recommendation from me and the Finance Committee when they left, the Church Council voted to give them the equipment and Special Funds given to Trinity for them (about $30,000). From my perspective, it was theirs to take. Did we lose a lot of members to Canvas? In midOctober we finally received an official request from Jamey for transfers from the 13 full members who helped them begin. I always regret losing members for any reason, but I was very intentional about never putting anyone in a position of having to choose “us” or “them.” I am very glad that those who joined Canvas did so because they were called by Christ. How can anyone find fault with that? We still have members here who support Canvas – financially, by their attendance and through the use of their gifts. I am very glad they feel free to do both. The issue of competition: Before they ever left Jamey was insistent that Canvas be independent of Trinity, and they are. There will always be some who see us as competing with every church I suppose, but I would encourage us instead to see ourselves as serving on the same team. Beyond that general scenario, there is absolutely no area – day, time, purpose, focus, style, audience, leadership -- in which we would be competing with Canvas. We are looking to fill a need at Trinity. That doesn’t make us selfish or self-focused any more than the fact that Canvas is downtown ministering makes them more faithful to Christ’s mission. There are no sides to take in this. We are filling different niches. That is all. It is interesting to me that several of you have expressed the opinion that I did not support the “last attempt” (meaning Canvas). It may surprise you to know that I actually see myself as having been supportive of Canvas. I gave the Bentley’s considerable freedom to explore the possibilities because after time spent in prayer, I fully believed God might use them in a powerful way. I could not allow Canvas to become the center of ministry here when there were so many other worthy groups and projects that cried for my attention and our financial support. I did however attend every service possible for the first several months after Canvas began as a weekly offering on campus. The bottom line is, Canvas would not exist today had Trinity—and I, as Senior Minister -- not allowed them to organize, or had I not encouraged Trinity’s support -- both financially and through our member-participation. Jamey would not be a Local Pastor had Trinity not sponsored him in that endeavor, nor would he have been given the kind of District and Conference support he received upon launching had I been opposed. It is most interesting to me that anyone can possibly see me as having been unsupportive at all. I believe to this day that Christ worked through us to bless a segment of our society that otherwise might never have personally understood the love and grace of God, and I encourage you to be proud that we were able to play a part in whatever God is blessing through them. As far as the survey – and the purpose of it – being an unfortunate distraction for the ministers of this church, it won’t be of any surprise to you that I disagree with your assessment. As long as there are any of you asking for my attention regarding a need or interest, I am going give you honest consideration. LIMITED RESOURCES “We already have a sparsely attended first service that is nearly a duplicate of the second service and I question further stretching the limited resources (staff and dollars) of the church at this time.” 2. “Trinity’s strength is its traditional style of worship and its music program. Nothing should be done that would jeopardize either of these. Particularly during the current bad economic conditions, Trinity should focus on building up its strengths instead of spreading itself thin with experiments for which there are undocumented needs.” (continued on page 5) (continued from page 4) The survey was a way of documenting needs; of gauging interest and support. Would it cost money to begin? To do it well- -which is the only way I would consider doing it– yes. That having been said, you should know that much of the equipment that would be needed for such a service would benefit our traditional services, as well. Most modern churches our size already utilize screens and projectors in worship. When young folks in this society are searching for a new church, modern technology is one of the things they look for. Another is well-executed contemporary music. Beyond those very simple facts, you need to know how important I think it is that (1) we not allow fear to be the deciding factor in preventing us from moving forward in ministry, and that (2) we never limit ourselves to what IS, if there is something MORE God might be asking us to do. The Staff: Considering how low revenue has been, our staff pulls rabbits out of hats every single day in order to insure that the ministry doesn’t suffer at Trinity. I thank God for them, and I will never take advantage of their devotion to Trinity or their trust in me. If it becomes evident that there is not a hungry enough volunteer force ready to commit to a new worship event, it will not happen. If we implement a new service will traditional worship suffer? I am glad there are those who appreciate the work we put into our traditional services, and I can assure you that nothing will jeopardize their quality as long as we who are currently in leadership continue in that stead. The same excellence would go into the planning and execution of a non-traditional service. Does it make sense…when we have such sparse crowds? We are currently discussing creative ways to give each traditional service its own distinctive personality, hoping to build attendance. Beyond that, you might be interested in knowing that statistics show that when worship attendance is waning, the launching of a new worship event – at a different time, on a different day, in a different style – will generate excitement and breathe new life into a congregation. Statistics also show that churches that offer a variety of worship styles – provided they are quality efforts – grow more readily than those that offer one style or one service. MISCELLANEOUS 1. a) You are surveying the wrong group. Our current members are satisfied and have their preferences met. It’s outreach that a non-traditional service would add. Talk to the neighborhood. b) It won’t fly without support from our Senior Pastor, which was lacking in our last attempt at this. c) We can’t even meet our current financial needs so I struggle with the timing. However, we’ve simply got to do something different. d) Who’s driving this? I can’t find a member that can answer this question. We need to stop wandering in the wilderness and get to some serious strategic planning and stabilized leadership that is committed to seeing the plan to fruition. MY ANSWER: Am I surveying the wrong group? I wanted to first see if there was enough support at Trinity to seriously consider developing the idea. While looking for folks who will support a non-traditional service through their attendance and their finances, I am also looking for folks who are willing to commit to helping start it, and even to lead it long-term – through their musical talents or their understanding of technology (etc). I probably won’t find people in the surrounding neighborhoods who are willing to immediately lead a service, and I didn’t want to approach them if there was no interest here. As far as the comment about “needing some serious strategic planning and stabilized leadership committed to seeing the plan to fruition,” perhaps you are unaware of the 3-Year EnVision Plan. The leadership in this church has been committed to the completion of that strategic plan, and we are almost – in two years – entirely finished. The EnVision Team will come together to discuss the next step shortly. (The remaining comments from the first question were answered elsewhere.) I will admit freely that am a traditional girl who loves traditional worship, and I will always want to be a part of a traditional program. But I am willing to do whatever it takes to help Trinity flourish. This concept may or may not come to fruition, but I would encourage everyone who feels strongly about it to make yourself known to me so we can discuss it further. If are interested, and willing to take a leadership role in developing such a service, let me know. If you are firmly against the formation of such a service, I ask you to help me find alternative solutions to our situation. Thank You! Miracle Team Update Communion Rail Offering Thanks for your generous Communion Rail Offering of $544 in October. Your gifts were donated to Trinity’s Prayer Shawl and Scarf Ministry to assist volunteers with purchases of yarn and other needed materials. Thanks is also extended to Barbara Steely for providing leadership for this group and for sharing the many successes of this ministry with us. If you’re interested in knitting, together on Wednesday nights following Wednesday Night Fellowship or independently in your home or other special place, feel free to contact Barbara or dropin on a Wednesday evening. November’s Communion Rail Offering will assist with purchase of bulk items for Cleaning Buckets to be delivered as part of this year’s Ingathering. Ingathering This year’s Ingathering is November 20th. We will be collecting (and purchasing – see November Communion Rail offering above) bulk supplies for Cleaning Kits. The deadline for brining bulk items is November 14th. What would your small group like to donate? Items needed are: • 5 gallon buckets with re-sealable lids • Bleach (two 1 quart or one 82 oz bottles) • Scouring pads • Sponges • Scrub Brushes • Cleaning Towels (reusable wipes) • Liquid laundry detergent (two 25 oz. or one 50 oz bottles) • Household Cleaner (12-16 oz. bottles) • Disinfectant dish soap (16-28 oz. bottles) • Clothes Pins (packs of 50) • Clothes Lines (two 50 ft. or one 100 ft) • Dust Masks • Latex Gloves • Work gloves • 24-bag rolls of heavy-duty trash bags, 33-45 gallon • Insect repellant spray, 6-14 oz cans (if aerosol, must have protective cap) • Air freshener, 3 or 9 oz can (if aerosol, must have protective cap) If the requested item size is not available, go down to the next available size. Food Ministries Thanks to Serendipity Sunday School Class for November food preparation and serving at Our House homeless shelter for the employed. New Beginnings will provide Our House dinner in December. We always have a great time doing this service and will soon begin sign-up for small groups wishing to provide dinner on the second Sunday evenings in 2011. Be thinking about which month you’d like to serve. Did you know that Trinity (thanks to Lu Elliott and Anne Watson) routinely donates food remaining after Wednesday Night Fellowship dinners to the Compassion Center? Trinity Pre-School children and families will be collecting canned goods for a Thanksgiving donation to Quapaw Quarter UMC Food Panty through November 12th. It would be great for TUMC congregation at large to help expand this ministry by bringing canned goods. Canned hams would be great for persons who are homeless. There will be collection boxes. Deadline for canned good donations is November 14th. Brady Elementary School Children are collecting funds through their Casual for a Day project to “give back to Trinity UMC” by donating to a Trinity ministry to address hunger. The Miracle Team plans to match what the Brady Bulldogs raise dollar-for-dollar and donate to Arkansas Rice Depot. (continued on page 7) (continued from page 6) Nurses needed for Health Clinic at Oak Forest UMC We are looking for licensed nurses willing to volunteer one evening every three or four months at the free health clinic at Oak Forest UMC. The clinics are on Tuesday or Thursday evenings. If we recruit four nurses and choose one evening a month for coverage by Trinity UMC, volunteers would need to serve no more than once per quarter. If you are interested, or can recruit a friend, please contact Cindy Crone at 501-993-1189 or [email protected]. Advent Opportunities Watch for Advent Opportunities to serve such as: Salvation Army Angel Tree (Mall or Warehouse service), collection of mittens, hats, and coats for those in need Gifts for foster children, Gifts for children/families at Methodist Family Health and Others to be determined Other Trinity UMC recently joined other UMC congregations in donating to Casa de Dios ministry in Elaine, AR. Casa de Dios has a volunteer minister. Funds will be used as “gap salary coverage” for a Spanish interpreter for farm workers until AmeriCorp funds are received. Trinity continues in a supportive relationship with Lonoke’s St. James UMC. We will continue with repairs/ update work there. We are also donating UMC directional road signage to lead potential visitors to St. James. Please remember our African Missionary, Nurse Practitioner Suzanne Porter, in your prayers. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Trinity could not do all we do in service without everyone’s participation with your gifts of service, funds, and prayer. THANK YOU! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Believers' Village Medals of Honor Awarded Sixteen citizens of Believers' Village were awarded the Believers' Village Medal of Honor on Sunday, October 24, 2010, during the 10:45am Worship service. Prayers, Bible verses, and an assorted of other items common to Christianity are all included in the memory work options. Examples of the 15 memory work options include "The Lord's Prayer", "The Apostle's Creed", the Five Types of Prayer, Psalm 23~Verses 1-4, Doxological Stanza #95, the Books of the Bible, and the names of the 12 Disciples. Each grade level has specific requirements as to what is required for this voluntary program.The following citizens are our 2010 recipients of this medal: First year recipients~Hope Burnett, Jake Muse, Joe Carter, Trey Lazzari, Audrey Hampson, Jackson Gilbert, Nicholas Schaefer, Emily Brackeen, and Sidney Hyatt--Second year recipients~Carter Collins and Sean Oury--Third year recipients~Emma Jackson, Ashlyn Tunnell, Ty Lazzari, Anna Hampson, and Haley Burnett. Congratulations to all of these young citizens! Mr. Paul Treats Abound at 6th Annual "Trick or Trunk" and "Not So Scary" Halloween Party! Superman, Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, a mummy, a cowboy, a cute little pink pig, and Buzz Lightyear were just a very few of the creatively costumed characters to be found visiting Trinity's 6th Annual Trick or Trunk! on Saturday, October 30th. What a wonderful, bright blue Halloween day to celebrate the holiday and have lots of fellowship--and CANDY! A crowd of at least 100 children joined our EIGHTEEN Trick or Trunk! decorated cars, Marty the Balloon Man from Conway, ten age-appropriate games managed by our youth and members representing our 6th grade Confirmation class, "not so scary" reptiles from the Museum of Discovery, Halloween pictures by Melissa Muse, and the most wonderful pink "Spider Web" cotton candy created by Mike Steely. Candy and surprises filled Halloween sacks as Winnie the Pooh (Laura Hales) registered our little "trick or trunkers." We even had a special visit from Thomas the Train, thanks to the craftsmanship of Jim Brumbeck, plus extra volunteer support from Trinity Preschool teachers Melinda Trickett, Alice Browning, Marcelina Gutierrez, and Tracy Wray. A big cup of witch's brew is raised to the following "trunksters" who supported our event with their decorated cars, vans, and truck: Carson and Kathy Hampson, Robert and Tara Wright, Shauna Hopkins and clown Hunter H., Laurie Norman and wrapped up ever-so-warmly daughter Erin, Vicki and Doug Lane (daughter Tara, too!), Susan Jackson, Bill and Margie Brackeen, Tim Muse, Rev. Candace, Jay Sweningson, Marcia and daughter Samantha Buxbaum, Dean Hicks, Becky Owen, Indian Paul, John Hofman and Laura Hales, Anita and Travis Tunnell, and Tina Collins. We all had a frightfully good time! What a great ministry for our children! Mr. Paul Tunnell; and Fifth graders~Henry Dudley, Grant Elliott, and Julia Greer. We also tip our Skipper's Cap to that great group of mates who steered the course during this High Seas Expedition: Susan Jackson, Tom Burnett, Tina Collins, Tamara Hindmon, Dana and Pete Lazzari, Laurie Norman, Melissa Muse, Alison Chambers, Shauna Hopkins, Jeff and Tricia Bell, Bill and Margie Brackeen, Astrid Elliott, Mimi Hyatt, Suzanne and Wes Trussell, Ben and Pam Gilbert, and Vada Berger and Robert Dudley. Captain Paul kidNight at Trinity High Seas Expedition Returns from our Bible Story Cruise Our crew of Believers' Villages sailors have returned from their fall rotation expedition on the High Seas of Jesus. Adopting animated characters as their mascot, our Villagers learned that God's Word is true, comforting, surprising at times, life-changing, and for everyone! Bible stories and related crafts were used to relate each of these themes to our ship mates. Six weeks on the seas made for a great time of fellowship~especially in the hunt for the graded mascots and treasure chests. White on the cruise, our Villagers charted four areas of stewardship to compliment this year's campaign. We learned about those who are hungry in our world, those who have been through natural disasters, helping out older or sick people, and taking care of our Earth. As special projects, citizens of the Village collected specific items to fill five UMCOR disaster relief buckets as well as distributed five "care packages" for five of our most special Trinity members. New for the Village was our first-ever Communion service to reinforce "God's Word is for everyone." Led by some of our older citizens, we all came forward to a newly created Communion table, received Communion, and closed with a group prayer. Watching young children providing Communion for other young children was a wonderfully moving moment. Twenty-three citizens were presented with official "Skipper" plush mascots as an award. These citizens include First graders~ Hope Burnett, Audrey Hampson, Trey Lazzari, and Jake Muse;Second graders~Carter Collins, Arden Elliott, Jackson Gilbert, Kirby Keel, and Nicholas Schaefer; Third graders~Katie Hindmon, Elizabeth Hofman, Emma Jackson, Sean Oury, and Simon Trussell; Fourth graders~Emily Brackeen, Haley Burnett, Anna Hampson, Hunter Hopkins, Sidney Hyatt, Ty Lazzari, Josie Switzer, Benjamin Trussell, and Ashlyn As a companion to our newly-formed kidSing program (singing and crafts) on Sunday afternoons at 4:30pm, a Wednesday evening kidNight from 6:00 to 7:00pm has been formed for our children. Each Wednesday night following the Wednesday Family Meal, children from kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to attend a kidfriendly series~kidLearn (the Museum of Discovery), kidAct (theatre and improvisation), kidFit (youth yoga/ exercise), kidMagic (instruction in basic magic and the art of making balloon animals), and kidCelebrate (seasonal parties). All of these activities are free to our children. We do ask that reservations be made for the family meal so that everyone has plenty. Next on the schedule is kidMagic (November 3), kidLearn (November 10), and kidFit (November 17). We will have no Wednesday Family Meal or kidNight on Wednesday, November 24th; Mr. Paul Believers' Village Medals of Honor Awarded Sixteen citizens of Believers' Village were awarded the Believers' Village Medal of Honor on Sunday, October 24, 2010, during the 10:45am Worship service. Prayers, Bible verses, and an assorted of other items common to Christianity are all included in the memory work options. Examples of the 15 memory work options include "The Lord's Prayer", "The Apostle's Creed", the Five Types of Prayer, Psalm 23~Verses 1-4, Doxological Stanza #95, the Books of the Bible, and the names of the 12 Disciples. Each grade level has specific requirements as to what is required for this voluntary program.The following citizens are our 2010 recipients of this medal: First year recipients~Hope Burnett, Jake Muse, Joe Carter, Trey Lazzari, Audrey Hampson, Jackson Gilbert, Nicholas Schaefer, Emily Brackeen, and Sidney Hyatt--Second year recipients~Carter Collins and Sean Oury--Third year recipients~Emma Jackson, Ashlyn Tunnell, Ty Lazzari, Anna Hampson, and Haley Burnett. Congratulations to all of these young citizens! Mr. Paul Calendar of Events Sunday, November 7 8:30 am—Worship* 9:00 am - Solid Grounds Coffee Fellowship (Martin Hall) 9:30 am - Sunday School* 10:45 am - Worship* 4:30 pm—kidSing (B. Village) 5:30 pm—Youth Tuesday, November 9 6:30 am—Men’s Bible Study 8:00 am—Disciple One Study 9:00 am -Tues. am Bible Study 6:15 pm –Miracle Team (Friends in Faith) Wednesday, November 10 5:15 pm—Wednesday Family Night 6:00 pm—Prayer Shawl Guild 6:00 pm—Dr. David Lipschitz* (Sanctuary) 6:00 pm –kidNight (B. Village) 7:00 pm - Chancel Choir* Sunday, November 14 9:00 am - Solid Grounds Coffee Fellowship (Martin Hall) 9:30 am - Sunday School* 10:45 am - Worship* 4:30 pm—kidSing (B. Village) 5:30 pm—All youth Monday, November 15 5:30 pm— Sarah Circle to Jason’s 5:30 pm—Finance (Searchers) 6:30 pm—Sarah Circle (Serendipity) 7:00 pm—Esther Circle (Geisler) Tuesday, November 16 6:30 am—Men’s Bible Study 8:00 am—Disciple One (Library) 9:00 am—Tues. Am Bible Study 10:00 am—Pearle McCain (O.Door) Wednesday, November 17 5:15 pm—Wednesday Family Night 6:00 pm—kidNight (B. Village) 6:00 pm—Prayer Shawl Guild 6:00 pm—Acts Bible Study 7:00 pm—Chancel Choir* *childcare available **childcare available by request Check out our updated website: www.tumclr.org for more information about activities and events at Trinity. CD’s and cassettes of the entire worship service are available in the church office, or go to the listen on line section on our website. IT IS “BOOKS FOR BRADY” TIME! Trinity’s Third Annual Books for Brady Campaign kicks off November 28, the first Sunday in Advent. This initiative provides a new book for Christmas for each child at Brady. The Crossroads class is coordinating the project this year. Our goal is 350 books! You can help by purchasing a new children’s book or contributing funds for the purchase of a book. These do not have to be expensive books and paperbacks are fine. Any book you and your children enjoy or you think is a “good read” would be appropriate. Brady’s students range in age from 4 to 12 and have all levels of reading skills. Each child will choose a book from those we deliver with the help of the teachers and reading coaches. To accommodate the school holiday schedule our deadline is Sunday, December 12 to have all the books and funds collected. If you choose to contribute books, a Christmas tree will be in the Narthex beginning Sunday, November 28, or books can be left in the Crossroads classroom. If you choose to make a monetary contribution and have the “Book Elves” purchase books for you, please send the donation to the church office and indicate it is for “Books for Brady”. If you have questions, please contact Stacy Duckett (753-9467 or [email protected]) or any member of the Crossroads class. A Powerful Way to Help Your Church The Church teaches that faithful stewardship of your possessions is an important part of discipleship. You work throughout your life to be a good steward of all that has been entrusted to you by God. One of the most powerful and lasting ways of furthering the Church’s mission is by making a gift through your Last Will and Testament. Your will becomes a continuation of the support you gave as a Christian disciple during your lifetime. But making a gift through your will requires planning now to ensure your wishes are carried out. The United Methodist Foundation of Arkansas exits to assist you in giving to your local church or other United Methodist institution. For a brochure on wills, contact Foundation Vice President of Development Janet Marshall at 501-664-8632, toll-free at 877-712-1107 or [email protected]. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ OCTOBER FINANCIAL REPORT Operating Fund Month to date pledged giving Month to date non-pledged giving Month to date loose plate Month to date totals $ 55,962 6,519 496 $ 62,977 Building Fund $ 9,602 --- Total Year to date total receipts $599,279 $88,753 Year to date budget needs $743,750 $76,629 Year to date surplus (deficit) ($144,471) $ 12,124 Contacting your Church Staff Every Perfect Gift A gift is a generous act of the heart. Your gifts may be presented in a wrapped package for a special occasion or might be a kind word, a gesture or a donation. Whatever the form, the scriptures tell us that every generous gift is from God, through God’s own holiness and spirit, unchanging and enduring. With every offering a portion of your monetary gifts have the effect of multiplying God’s love in a multitude of ways. Our individual efforts blend with the work of others to be more powerful than any single effort alone. Through your generosity, people the world over are touched by God’s word. Dr. Robin Moore Rev. Candace Barron David Glaze Paul Owen Jay Sweningson Laura Hales Judy Gribble Tammy Childress [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Dr. Moore’s emergency # 349-9505 Rev. Barron’s emergency # 251-7492 www.tumclr.org Trinity United Methodist Church Living as the Light!