TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

November 6, 2012 • Vol. 46 No. 45

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Hanging of the Green 3

Prayer Garden Info 3

Angel Trees 4

Wednesday Activities 5

Honors & Memorials 6

Calendar of Events 7

Growing

Growing in Grace & Generosity Report • Positive Trend! Results from Growing in Grace & Generosity continue to come in and show a positive trend. Thus far, there is a 5.1% increase in estimated giving from the same commitments compared to last year. 44% (or 192) of the 2013 Commitments are for an increase. The following numbers show were we presently are, compared to our final totals for 2012: 2013 2012• Number of Commitments 437 657• Total Amount Committed $1,910,975 $2,684,324

In addition to the general budget total, there have been 81 commitments made totaling $94,768 to the Capital Debt Retirement Fund (to pay off the remaining debt on our new facilities). There are approximately 278 outstanding commitments which represent $1,004,745 that have not been received. A follow-up letter was mailed last week, as well as email reminders. Our Stewardship Team encourages you to take time to prayerfully consider your response in a timely manner and wants to thank all who have responded in such a generous way. Your response is important! You may submit your Estimate of Giving by: • Contacting Ann Neptune in the Finance Office: 879-1737, aneptune@trinitybirmingham.com • Returning the Estimate of Giving card that was mailed to you • Logging on to www.trinitybirmingham.com/resources/general_fund/

All are invited!

The firstSunday

of Advent is December 2.

Watch Tidings for details

on upcomingseasonal events.

UAB Christmas Concert Tuesday, December 4 - 2 PM, SanctuaryThe Wind Symphony and the Symphony Band of UAB will present a free concert of Christmas music at Trinity on Tuesday, December 4 at 2 p.m. in the main sanctuary. The band will be directed by Dr. Sue Samuels, Director of Bands at UAB, and Dr. James Zingara, Assistant Director.Everyone is cordially invited to attend.

I ran across this story recently... It seems that a pastor in West Virginia had preached his heart out on Commitment Sunday for the annual stewardship emphasis. But by the end of the following week, the secretary told him that the money just wasn’t coming in. The minister was in a hurry on his way to lunch, so in frustration, he told his secretary to write a letter to the entire congregation and to sign his name. “I’ll leave it up to you,” said the preacher, “Just make it a strong and forceful appeal.”

By the end of the next week, he received a letter in response from a prominent doctor who apologized for having missed Commitment Sunday because he was on call, and enclosed was his check with a promise that the doctor would try to be more faithful in attendance. The doctor signed the letter, and added a postscript at the bottom:

“Please tell you secretary that there is only one ‘t’ in dirty, and no ‘c’ in skunk.

Don’t know if that is a true story, but there is a ‘t’ in thank you. So let me say a huge thanks to those who have already responded to Growing in Grace & Generosity, by making your commitment to the Ministry Budget for 2013. To those who have not had the opportunity to respond as of yet, a gentle reminder – we hope to hear from you soon. God will multiply the seeds of our faithfulness and generosity into marvelous ministry in the coming year. Some seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, and some a hundred time. - Mark 4:8

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 20128:45 & 11:00 AM • Sanctuary

SERMON

Rev. Drew Holland

•

MUSIC

8:45 AM

William A. Gardner Handbell Choir,

Trinity Gospel Quintet, Men’s Chorus

11:00 AM

William A. Gardner Handbell Choir,

Trinity Gospel Quintet, Sanctuary Choir

•

MINISTER ON CALL

Andrew Wolfe, 871-1309

WESLEY HALL • 11:15 AMRev. Nathan Carden

A LOOK AT NOVEMBER 4

1,247 • Worship Attendance

836 • Sunday School Attendance

A PERSONAL WORD

The 8:30 AM worship service is broadcast via 15-minute delay from 9-10 AM Sundays

on WAPI-1070 AM.

information for guests & new membersWelcome 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 MinisterSuzanne Pruitt – Minister of Christian FormationDrew Holland – Minister of Evangelism, Young AdultsNathan Carden – Minister of Outreach, ContactDavid Thompson – Minister of StudentsBobby Scales – Minister of Pastoral Care & Visitation

•Church Office: 205-879-1737•Fax: 868-9714•Care Line: 868-9709•Child Development Center: 879-1749

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Trinity Celebrates Hanging of the Green Sunday, December 2 Trinity will observe the beginning of the Advent season on Sunday evening, December 2 at 6 PM with a worship service of

Hanging of the Green and a program of sacred music of the season led by Trinity’s Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra.

Featured artists, Dr. Won Cho and Dr. Kathryn Fouse. All are invited. Free Valet Parking Service & Nursery Available.

Construction on the Prayer Garden and Columbarium has begun. It is located in the empty space between the East Narthex and Wesley Hall. Niches in the Colum-barium are available for current and former members of Trinity and their families. We believe this service enhances our spiritual lives, provides a sacred place for meditation and remembrance, in addition to providing an intern-ment option that is holy, respectful and economical. The Trinity Prayer Garden and Columbarium is a completely self-funding project through the sale of Columbarium niches, memorials and contribu-tions by interested persons.

Revised Rendering

Trinity Prayer Garden and Columbarium

As a part of the design for the Prayer Garden and Columbarium, a Memorial Panel will be included. This will provide a place to honor and remember those faithful deceased members and loved ones who have served this church, but who are interred elsewhere. The

Memorial Panel will be located inside the columbarium. The material will be limestone with the names etched into the stone. If you are interested in placing a name on the panel, please contact the church office for an application. The cost is $500 per name and available at a discounted cost of $400 per name from now until November 30, 2012. This is a beautiful fitting way to remember those who have faithfully served this Church through the years and who are now a part of that great cloud of witnesses who surround and whose examples inspire us.

Gift PossibilitiesThere will be several special features in the garden which are gift possibilities for honorariums or memorials. Among these are the fountain, two hand carved scripture tablets, and the prayer labyrinth. For more information about these gifts or more information about purchasing a Columbarium niche, contact Ann Neptune, Business Administrator at 879-1737 or email her at aneptune@trinitybirmingham.com.memorial Panel

mission & outreachHURRICANE SANDY RELIEFThe damage Hurricane Sandy inflicted upon areas of the east-ern seaboard surpassed any predictions. Thankfully, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) continues with dedi-cation and compassion to bring relief to those affected. If you would like to make a gift, you may submit a check marked “Hur-ricane Sandy Relief: UMCOR #3021787” to TUMC, and it will be forwarded to the North Alabama Conference. For updates about our relief work, visit www.umcor.org.

FESTIVAL OF THREE KINGS, DECEMBER 1 (the event where Angel Tree gifts are distributed to area families) is Saturday, De-cember 1 and volunteers are needed! If you would like to help with the annual Festival, please contact Kristie McCullough at mccullough.kristie@gmail.com.

COR SERVICE OPPORTUNITYLooking for an opportunity to make an meaningful impact in someone’s life? We have an Outreach opportunity for your Sunday School class, small group, or circle of friends on the 5th Thursday of this year, November 30, serving breakfast at (COR) Church of the Reconciler to our homeless neighbors. The re-sponsibilities include purchasing the food (the church covers the cost), preparing the food on-site, and serving it. For more infor-mation, contact David Miller at dmiller5@bham.rr.com. Please prayerfully consider if God might be calling your group to join God’s work at Church of the Reconciler.

Have a question about Trinity’s Mission & Outreach? Please contact Rev. Nathan Carden at 879-1737 or email ncarden@trinitybirmingham.com.

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THE ANGELS ARE HERE NOVEMBER 11

Each year, our church provides Christmas gifts for hundreds of area children.

Trinity’s Angel Trees will be available in the Main Narthexes and at Contact again this

Sunday, November 11.Gifts should be returned to Trinity on

Sunday, November 18 orSunday, November 25.

Please pray for Trinity’s sponsored children throughout the season.

And thank you for making Christmasspecial for God’s children!

You are invited...UMW’s Annual Mission Recognition NightMonday, November 26 • 6-8 PM, Fellowship HallYou are invited to a family-friendly fellowship supper and communion service. Join us for Trinity’s annual evening of mission recognition, sponsored by theUnited Methodist Women. This year we will recognize five Trinity members of all ages and the ministries in which they serve. Dinner will be served. ($6adults/$3 kids/$20 family max) For questions or to make a reservation, contact Laura Eanes at littlerenovations@yahoo.com or 243-8162. * Nursery available by reservation.

WednesdaySupper

9/7 Menu:“BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT”

Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Fries

Also! 24 item Salad Bar & 2 soups

Dessert: Ice Cream Sundaes

•••••

$6/person • $3 /child (9 and under)

$5 Salad Bar

$20 Family Max. (immediate family only)

4:45-6:15 PM(Fellowship Hall)

Leave the cooking to us! Come eat and fellowship with your church family. Great meals at incredible prices! Meal Prices:• $6/person, $3 /child (9 and under) • $5 Salad Bar option• $5 Senior Adults• $20 Family Max.(immediate family only)

Let us know you are coming...make online reservations, and find weekly menus at:www.trinitybirmingham.com.

11/7 Menu:ADULTS: Chicken Divan, rice,

small tossed salad, cookie

KIDS: Pizza, fruit, cookie, milk

•••••

Also! 24 item Salad Bar & 2 soups

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Tuesday Night YOUNG ADULT Opportunities! - YOUNG ADULTS, MARRIED, 20’S & 30’S • Tuesday night small group for young couples without children. Meet at various homes on a rotating basis. Begins at 6:45 PM. Contact Drew Holland at dholland@trinitybirmingham.com for more info. - YOUNG ADULTS, SINGLE & MARRIED, 30’S • Tuesday night small group for young adults in their 30s (single and married). Meet in Trinity’s small dining room (first floor near the fellowship hall) at 6:30 PM for a free meal, followed by study. Contact Eric Rogers at eric@progressiveal.com for for info or nursery reservation.

- YOUNG PROFESSIONALS, 20’S • Tuesday night small group for those in their 20’s who are out of college and not married. Meet at the home of Mark & Lisa Elliott at 6:30 PM for a free home cooked dinner. Studies/mission projects begin at 7:10 PM. Contact Lisa Elliott at lelliott@trinitybirmingham.com for more info.

11/14 Menu:ADULTS: Chicken pot pie, fried okra,

corn pudding, slaw, cookieKIDS: Macaroni & cheese, chicken

nuggets, fruit, cookie•••••

Also! 24 item Salad Bar & 2 soups

A Night in Bethlehem event returns to Trinity on December 9.

Mark your calendar, and plan to attend this special holiday event.

If you missed the all-volunteer meeting on October 22, but want to be a part of theNIB team, contact Karen Smith at 879-1737 or email ksmith@trinitybirmingham.com.

A Night in Bethlehem is a fun-filled Christmas event for all ages.

Element Cafe Is GrowingPlease help us continue to provide a safe haven for our students!One of our greatest youth outreach ministries, Element Cafe, has seen an

enormous increase over the past year! Element Café is a time where students come after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays to participate in

games and fellowship, all the while providing them a safe space within the church to grow in their faith. Please help us continue to provide this safe ha-

ven for our students! We offer two shifts, 3-4:15 PM and 4:15-5:30 PM to serve at the front desk, game room, or concession stand.

If would like to volunteer on any Tuesday or Thursday, please contact Robert Sturdivant, Director of Middle School Ministries, at

rsturdivant@trinitybirmingham.com.

For the Saint Junia NEW CHURCH UPDATEfrom Dave Barnhart

log on to: http://saintjunia.onthecity.org

pacesetters newsWEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14 • LUNCH BUNCHLunch Bunch will enjoy a surprise lunch on Wednesday, Nov. 14 at a local restaurant. Details to be announced in next Tidings. Save the date!

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • DILL PICKERS CHRISTMAS Join us for a Dill Pickers Christmas Performance at Virginia Samford Theater. This performance is sold out. We will leave the church at 2:00 PM.

NOVEMBER 27-29 • CHRISTMAS IN NASHVILLESign up now for the Trinity Travelers Christmas Trip.Highlights: Wildhorse Saloon, Barbara Mandrell’s Fontanel Mansion, Upper Room Chapel/Night of the Child Nativ-ity, Nashville Tour, Opryland Hotel, Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes, Nashville Nightlife Dinner Theater, Chaffin Barn Theater (Lunch and Holiday Musical). There is still time to sign up for this great Nashville adventure.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4 • UAB ORCHESTRA EVENTThe UAB Symphonic Orchestra Christmas Concert will be held on December 4 in the Sanctuary at 2:00 PM. This is always a wonderful performance by the UAB music students. All are invited.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6 • ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TEADon’t miss the Senior Adult Annual Christmas Tea. This is always a festive event. The Fellowship Hall is decorated for Christmas, the table is set with sumptuous Christmas Tea (more like a Christmas Feast!). What a wonderful time to fellowship with friends and enjoy food and music. Come share warm memories of another great year togeth-er with Trinity friends. Fellowship Hall, 2:00-4:00 PM.

For reservations or more information on any event listed above, contact: Amy Lewis at 879-1737 or email alewis@trinitybirmingham.com.

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gifts to glorify god & to remember those we love

HONORARIUMS(September 26-November 1, 2012) GRANDCHILDREN OF AIMS CLASS MEMBERS Aims Sunday School Class

CHEROKEE & LANE WOOLEY Horizon Sunday School Class

MEMORIALS(September 26-November 1, 2012) WINT GILMORE Jane & Neil Shelor

CHARLOTTE McBRIDE HALL Lynell & Joe Bolen

BEVERLY HAPGOOD Ginger Trawick Martha Davies Ann Neptune

Al Berst Janie Mashburn Becky & Bill Hutto Lynell & Joe Bolen Donna & Ted Roose Alana & Danny Bass Olivia & Jack Wells Phella & Guy Patterson Carolyn Johnson Susan & Philip Norton Ann & Dave Fischer Dr. Andrew Wolfe Rhetta Wright Mimmi Stanton Merry Lewis Connie Frazier Joanne Rixey Mary Whatley Carolyn Thomas Bettie Jackson Frances David Aldersgate Class Donna & Tom Himes

PETE LURIE Donnette Lurie

MARY McKIBBIN Martha Davies Maurice Neptune Ann Neptune Bettie Jackson

MARGARET STREET Trinity UMC

AMY LURIE TODD Donnette Lurie

MAURICE YARBROUGH Becky & Bill Hutto

Seniors enjoyed a fall color trip to Blount county last week. They visited 3 covered bridges

and saw magnificent vistas from inspiration point in Palisades Park, near Oneonta.

Don’t forget to wear your name tag...

on Sunday mornings or anytime you are attending or representing Trinity!

This is a great way to provide hospitality to our guests, and to help us get to know

one another better. If you don’t have a name tag, contact Lisa at 879-1737 or

lelliott@trinitybirmingham.com.

Sunday - November 118:45 AM Traditional Worship - SANC10:00 AM Sunday School 10:00 AM Membership 101 - LP11:00 AM Traditional Worship - SANC11:15 AM CONTACT Worship - WHALL4:15 PM Youth Handbell Choir - Rm. 2255:00 PM Confirmation (away on retreat)5:00 PM High School Youth Choir - MS5:00 PM Middle School Element - Haven6:00 PM Youth Snack Supper - Haven6:30 PM High School Element - Haven6:00 PM Adult Studies - various6:15 PM Adult Handbell Choir - Rm. 2257:00 PM Middle School Youth Choir - MS8:00 PM Men’s Pick-up Basketball - GYMMonday - November 12, Veteran’s Day6:30 AM Men’s Bible Study B’fast - FHALL8:00 AM Senior Adult Activities - Various8:30 AM Mouat Chapel Open for Prayer5:30 PM Finance Meeting - SDR6:15 PM Admin. Board Dinner - FHALL7:00 PM Admin. Board Meeting - WHALLTuesday - November 136:30 AM Youth Prayer B’fast - Haven8:00 AM Senior Adult Activities - Various8:00 AM Sr. Exercise Class - GYM8:30 AM Mouat Chapel Open for Prayer10:00 AM Trinity Singers - MS10:00 AM Mama & Me - Nursery

11:00 AM Soup & Salad - FHALL3:30 PM Element Cafe - Haven6:30 PM Young Adults 30’s - SDRWednesday - November 148:00 AM Senior Adult Activities - Various8:30 AM Mouat Chapel Open for Prayer9:00 AM Yoga - Rm. 3154:45 PM Wednesday Supper - FHALL5:15 PM Children’s Handbells - Rm. 2256:00 PM Children’s Choirs - various6:00 PM Adult Studies - various6:45 PM Sanctuary Choir Practice - MSThursday - November 158:00 AM Senior Adult Activities - Various8:00 AM Sr. Exercise Class - GYM8:30 AM Mouat Chapel Open for Prayer9:00 AM Adult Studies - various 3:30 PM Element Cafe - HavenFriday - November 168:00 AM Sr. Exercise Class - GYM8:30 AM Mouat Chapel Open for Prayer11:00 AM TCDC Thanksgiving Feast

Nursery Volunteers November 11Lauren Gwaltney, Lindsay Booker, Hunter Chapman

•••Nursery volunteers are needed each Sunday. To volunteer,

please contact Kim Skelton at 879-1737 or email nurseryvolunteers@trinitybirmingham.com.

take note

highlighted events this week in memoriamWe extend our love and sympathy: • to Ann and Mack Chapman on the death of her mother, Mrs. Beverly McKoy, on November 2.

congratulations• to Janet and Robert Cox on the recent birth of their grandson, Dylan Trace Keracik. Proud parents are Paige and Erik Keracik and proud aunt and uncle are Sarah Cox and Robert J. Cox. Big sister is Addison Keracik.• to Maggie Williams who was selected to be a member of the U. S. Army All-American Marching Band. Maggie is a Senior at Homewood High School and is the daughter of Jim and Gwen Williams.

CFT Craft Room–143FSR Fireside Room–145CONF Conference Room–220SANC SanctuaryFHALL Fellowship Hall

LIB Library–218NAT Not at TrinityLP Large ParlorSP Small Parlor–105HAVEN Youth Auditorium

CHAPEL Mouat ChapelMS Music Suite–132WHALL Wesley HallSDR Small Dining RoomFLC Family Life Center

PLEASE NOTE: Tidings publishes each week on Tuesday (except for the week of Christmas). The deadline for submitting informa-tion 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 com-pany 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

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As of November 4, 2012GENERAL BUDGET: 2012Given Month to Date: $60,330 Avg. Needs to Date: $59,209 Balance/shortage: $1,121

SAY AMEN Gifts this Month: $5,915SAY AMEN Gifts to Date: $401,700

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.

treasurer’s report

TRINITY BOOK GROUP • Wednesday, November 28 Do you like to read, share, discuss, even question? Join us on Wednesday, November 28 to review The Beginner’s Goodbye, a novel by Ann Tyler. Leo Wright will lead this session. Read and meet on Wednesday evening, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM in the Small Parlor.

Tidings Trinity United Methodist Church (USPS 0641-120) is pub-

lished weekly, except Christmas week,

by Trinity United Methodist Church,

1400 Oxmoor Road, Birmingham

(Homewood), AL 35209-3998. Period-

icals postage paid at Birmingham, AL.

POSTMASTER: Send address chang-

es to: Tidings, Trinity United Method-

ist Church, P.O. Box 19069, Birming-

ham, 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 Glorify1400 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL 35209 • 205.879.1737 • Careline: 205.868.9709

www.trinitybirmingham.com

Interested in joining Trinity? Join us...

Sunday, November 1110 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!

Tree of remembranceA Christmas tree was placed in the large parlor

on All Saints Sunday, November 4. All Trinity Saints who passed away this year

are remembered through ornaments. The tree will remain in the parlor

through Christmas. If you have a family member you would like to remember, please contact the church office.

879-1737