Trinity Alive! The Newsletter of Trinity United Methodist Church I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ… Ephesians 3: 17-18 Sunday Mornings Worship 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Greetings from Pastor Mark Vol. 8 Issue 11 November 2014 Trinity Family and Friends, November is here. Are you ready? College football is at its prime. College basketball starts. Thanksgiving plays and events are happening in school. Thanksgiving dinners later in the month lead us to traveling or hosting houseguests. Christmas shopping gets done. This November Advent begins on the last Sunday as well, so the Christmas season is even starting this month! With so many fun and exciting things happening, with so many responsibilities and tasks to accomplish, it is easy to fly through these times without reflecting on what makes this time of year so special. When I find myself running and running, the first thing I try to do is to stop and reflect on good things. It is a sort of thankfulness inventory. It really fits this time of year, so I thought I’d share some things for which I’m thankful. I’m thankful for being able to coach elementary basketball. I love coaching, and I haven’t had the opportunity to coach a team since we moved here. Sports are fun, but they are also events that refine us and help us grow as human beings. I like teaching students about doing your best while disciplining your mind and body. Sports aren’t about winning; they are about life. I’m thankful for a job, a home, and food. I see so many people weekly who do not have these things. I would call them necessities for life, but sadly they are luxuries for too many people. To reflect on this, reminds me that my ‘troubles’ are considerably less than others experience. I’m grateful for what I have. I’m thankful for a church family who loves me and my family. I’m thankful for a church family that supports our common ministry. I’m thankful for a church family that knows how to love. We are so blessed to be a part of the Trinity family. By the way, thank you all for the lovely Pastor Appreciation gifts. We appreciate your kindness, and please know that your loving spirit and faithfulness to God is what makes me feel appreciated as your pastor. Nothing pleases me more than when I see you live out your faith in Christ! I’m thankful for my wife. She is my right hand…and my left. She is my partner, my friend, and my love. She understands ‘church’ better than I do (she grew up a PK), and she helps round my edges. She’s always there to bail me out when I need help. Most of all she loves me unconditionally because she knows the unconditional love of God. I am also thankful for our children. Those little smarties that giggle, run around, cause chaos, and create interesting life moments have needled their way into my heart. The favorite part of my day is when we see each other again (after being at school, work, etc.), and they give me great big hugs. It reminds me what love really is… Most of all I’m thankful for God’s love in my life. I don’t deserve it. I haven’t earned it. I’m not even that good at receiving or sharing it. Yet, God loves me. He has shown it through the Cross of Christ, and God has proved that love over and over in my life experiences. I have much to be thankful for in my life. Now, it’s your turn: Take some time to be thankful. It can change your outlook. Serving Together, Mark Left blank for Church Calendar The December Newsletter Deadline is: November 15, 2013 The Church Office will be closed on Thursday, November 27th. Have a safe & Happy Thanksgiving! Please turn your information in to the church office by hard copy or email to [email protected] Office hours are: Monday - Thursday, 8:30am - 12:30pm and 1:00pm - 4:30pm Closed on Fridays. Phone: (574) 936-2519 Ladies! You are invited to a Baby Shower In honor of Josh & Rachel Stewart Saturday, November 8th, 11:30am 14384 Nataka Trail, Plymouth RSVP by Nov 6th @ 574-780-0823 WANT MORE UMC NEWS & INFO? Trinity is part of the Indiana North District UMC and access to district information such as Newsletters, Upcoming Events, and more can be found online at: www.inumc.org/northdistrict November Committee Meetings 3rd, COM Meeting Night, 6:30pm 11th, Finance Meeting, 7:00pm 17th, Ad Board Meeting, 7:00pm 18th, Staff Parish Meeting, 7:00pm 25th, Trustees Meeting, 7:00pm Telephone Prayer Chain If you would like to start the Telephone Prayer Chain for a specific prayer concern, please call: Nancy Ferris (935-5617), Sue Read (936-2672), or the Church Office (936-2519). “LIKE” our page and get up-to-date information about Trinity events. 3 Dear Trinity Family, I'm happy to report our launch was successful and the children are enjoying the new program! They are learning strong messages and precepts through biblical stories, which is of utmost importance to me, and I'm sure to you as well. Our first Sunday worship with our new program and media additions captured the attention of the children, and they continued to be engaged by questions and discussions. Behind the scenes, it was quite an ordeal to get there, but so worth the challenge. I appreciate the initial troubleshooting assistance by Mark Sutter, who helped get our projector connected properly. Next, I had many obstacles to conquer with our media program (I am not a "techie" so I need ongoing help in this area). I was blessed to continue with expert guidance by Josh Walker (a professional audio engineer), who is making our media-rich program a big hit with the children. One child summed it up this way: "I love, love, love this!" Our biggest need at this time? Adult volunteers to run media. (high school students with experience also welcome!) If you are familiar with computers and media (and many of you are), we will train you to work our user-friendly program- downloads are prepared for you, so you only need to follow the program guide. However, there is some knowledge base needed in case of troubleshooting unforeseen glitches. You are needed on a rotating schedule on Sunday mornings from 9:50am (to rehearse/run through the program), and then throughout the Children's Church worship time (until about 11:35am). Thank you for your ongoing support and prayers. This new program is a work in progress and we covet your prayers and your help with volunteering. To God be the glory! In Him, Geri Kid’s Club All children are welcome! Bring a friend! VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Nursery – 4th grade We have a LOT of AMAZING things going on with Trinity Kids ministries. But we need YOU to help make an impact on the lives of children. If working with children one-on-one isn’t your thing, we have many other areas you can serve – at your convenience through the week. Teens/young adults welcome! Contact Geri at (574) 936-2519, or by email at [email protected] Wed. 6:00 – 7:00pm Children’s Church Sundays 10:30-11:45am (except the 1st Sunday of each month) NEW! Kid Check-in System Parents, Your Child’s Registration is Required… We are happy to announce a new check-in system. Safety of our children is #1. ALL children must be SIGNED IN AND OUT by an adult (for all classes/events). Look for a notice (your child will bring home) and instructions how you can register your child from the convenience of home – this will ensure a quicker and hassle-free check-in experience. Please check in at the Gateway area, and then bring your child to class. But, please do not drop off your child to the Trinity Kids sanctuary until 10:20 or later. Our team is busy working through our programs and preparing for our worship time. You may check-in your child earlier in the lobby (entrance area), but there is no one to watch your child until 10:20, so please keep them with you until then. Thank you! 4 United Methodist Women Events Nov 5 8:30a.m. Nov 6 11:00a.m. Nov 13 6:30p.m. Nov 15 10:00a.m. Nov 20 1:30p.m. Continue to save those cancelled postage stamps. They are valuable to stamp collectors. Funds received goes to provide shipping cost to send food, medicine and other supplies to Zambia, Africa where our church supported missionaries, Ken and Debbie Vance, minister through World Missions. Place them in the basket by the mail boxes or give them to Eileen Quivey. Be sure to leave 1/4 of an inch around the stamp! Thank You! New Donation Center! (Basement level close to the elevator) Bring your items for Bread of Life food pantry to place in the grocery cart • Executive Board Meeting Retired Teachers Luncheon A.C.T.S./Stamping North District Officer Training At Trinity. All 2015 elected officers need to attend. Leah & Rebecca Circle Hostess: JoAnn Meckstroth Leader: Barbara Kirby Attention Ladies: All ladies of the church are invited to attend the Circle meetings and are encouraged to do so. The theme for 2014 is “A Calling for This Time” Join us! CHECK OUT OUR LIBRARY BOOKS! The UMW have several books in the church library. All are welcome to share them. Labels for Education and Box tops for Education in separate bins in the drawer of the in the "up-cycled" dresser. Other items can be placed there as needed. (Heminger House,etc.) • • Continue to bring old batteries, cell phones, electronics, cfl light bulbs, and empty cleaning supply containers, and printer ink containers to the recycling shelves UMW postage stamps can still be placed in the little basket by the mailboxes (main level). • Help take care of others & the earth by donating Poinsettias It’s time once again to make plans for your Christmas flowers! Would you like to order a Poinsettia in honor of or in memory of a loved one? Deadline to order is 11/23. Order forms will be available in the 11/9 bulletin and in the Sanctuary Overflow area. 5 Upcoming Events...Mark your calendars! Nov. 30 - Movie Night Dec. 12 - Open Mic Dec. 21 - Laser Tag For more information about our youth programs or events, contact the following: Director of Youth & Young Adults - Nate Crawford (574)807-5467 or [email protected] The Youth Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/126325467455844/ SALT N' LIGHT!!!! Plan to spend Wednesday nights at Trinity! We begin each night with a family meal or you can come later for our many faith growing activities! Small groups will include Disciple Bible Study, Vital Pursuits (developing your spiritual life), Kids Club, Handbells, and Choir! We invite everyone to join us as we grow in God and faith together!!! Family Meal: 5-6pm Adult Small Groups: 6-7pm Kids Club: 6-7pm Handbells: 6:30-7:30pm Choir: 7:30-8:30pm LOOK! Reminder: Please check your mailbox at the end of the main floor hallway. COOKIE WALK Last year most of the people that we served were elderly in the community, an often overlooked group of people in need. COM will work with Real Services this year to identify residents in need of fully prepared Thanksgiving meals. The families that we provide meals for this year will also be our Elves for Elders recipients instead of having our traditional Christmas families. In this way, it is our prayer that we might develop relationships with those in need that allow us to share the love of God in our community. Saturday, December 13, 2014 8-11 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall This is your chance to make a special, favorite, or a variety of Christmas treats to be sold at this year’s Cookie Walk. Sign-up sheets will be in the Sanctuary overflow so that we have an idea about what goodies we will have to offer. Most items will be sold for $4.50 a pound. Proceeds will be going into the Missions Fund Let Trinity’s Cookie Walk provide your Christmas treats! 6 Bread of Life November Items needed: Non-perishable items November: Bread of Life is so pleased with your continued generosity and support. Monetary gifts are always accepted. If you can volunteer at the pantry, please call Donna Schwartz at 936-3269. Thank you so much! 16 Pastor Mark Need 1 Sandy Read 19 Larry Anglin 1 Don Ecker 20 Marcus Ruggles 7 Carolyn Bennett 20 Michael Ruggles 8 Dave Hileman 22 Donna Schwartz 8 Jill Sweet 22 Etha Bradley 10 Ilah Hebner 22 Paul Bailey 10 Cory Keyser 22 Elyse Oliver Looking Ahead! 11 Samuel King 23 Iris Snyder 12 Marlene Jo Ousnamer 24 Greg Woods 12 Allison Garmon 26 Nancy Ferris 12 Daniel Jefferies 26 Robert Halling 13 Daniel King 27 Adam Nunemaker 13 Brett Holcomb 27 Thomas Hammel 14 Carol Faber 30 Isaak Holcomb December Dec 5 Dec 7 Dec 13 Dec 14 Dec 24 14 Charlotte Bender Dec 25 Parent’s Night Out Children’s Christmas Program Trinity’s Cookie Walk Chancel Choir Christmas Cantata Christmas Eve, Church Office closes at 12:30pm Christmas Day, Church Office Closed January Jan 1 New Year’s Day, Church Office Closed November: 1 Bill & Carolyn Bennett 14 Tim & Patty Grace 15 James & Nancy Baldwin FINANCE REPORT as of October 15, 2014 20 William & Evy Wenino 22 Bob & Carol Beeker 26 David & Karen Oberly Income Year to date: $256,230.56 Budget Year to date: $246,201.48 General Fund Balance: $(1058.84) HANGING OF THE GREENS SCHEDULE 11/23 - Help carry decorations down from storage after the second service 11/24 - Decorating 4:00pm-8:00pm 11/25 - Decorating 3:30pm until done 7 Non profit US Postage PAID Plymouth IN Permit #119 Trinity United Methodist Church 425 South Michigan Plymouth, IN 46563 Phone: 574-936-2519 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED At the corner of Michigan & William Streets Label Open hearts, Open minds, Open doors The People of The United Methodist Church THE MISSION OF TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: Living as passionate followers of Jesus to change the world. The Vision God has for Trinity United Methodist Church is to be a missional community in love with God, serving our neighbors, and accomplishing these tasks by 2015: • • • • • • forming at least 10 new followers of Jesus each year. ministering to at least 30 youth per month. ministering to at least 30 children per month. intentionally serving our community in 5 visible and inviting ways per year. creating an inviting faith community for young families. nurturing intentional, intergenerational faith development experiences.