Supper with Santa - Dec. 9

Last Wednesday night the Family Life Center at Trinity UMC was FULL of wonder and cheer! Tons of kids piled out the doors of the auditorium as the firetruck pulled up in the parking lot around 6:30 on December 9th, 2009. Long Creek's finest escorted Santa Clause to our church where he sat and listened to what every last child wanted to say. Some kids stood in line for what seemed like hours, just to sit on Santa's lap for a few brief moments.

The 3rd-5th Grade Youth Group took photos of Santa and the kids and sold them for $5 as a fundraiser! They were a huge success and those kids stayed busy the whole night! Thanks to Margie O'Shields, Malcolm Miller, Cheryl Putukian, and the kids for giving us something to remember the evening by.

We look forward to seeing Santa again, this coming Sunday, December 20th at our Children's Christmas Play "A Journey to Bethlehem." Please plan on joining us for a Live Nativity, Caroling from the Choir, a medley from the Handbell Choir, and the Children's Play. Everyone has worked so hard to ensure this evening with feel as if you are truly taking a "Journey to Bethlehem"! The festivities begin this Sunday, December 20th at 5:00pm!

Here are some photos from the Supper with Santa:

Homecoming 2009

On September 20th, Trinity UMC celebrated 194 years in ministry! We enjoyed a joint service that began at 10:30am with the sounds of Cheryl & the Trinity Church Choir singing loud & proud for 15 minutes! Music was a large part of our Homecoming Service of 2009. The Praise Team from the Contemporary Service shared several songs with us throughout the service, the Handbell Choir played a resounding rendition of "Amazing Grace," and Kat McClure sang special music beautifully!

We remembered those we had lost and honored those who joined our congregation over the past year. Gary Stillwell was the only member of our congregation who received a home going service this past year. Gary past away in September of 2008 and we were honored to have his family join us for Homecoming 2009.

We were BLESSED beyond belief with 11 children born into our church family over the past year. Those who were honored include: MacKenzie Ann Helms, Hunter Caleb Taormina, Holden Garrett Taormina, Joshua Luke Wagenhauser, Reese Hayden Kidd, Rainey Cross Kidd, Henry Neal Davis, Caleb Davis McConnell, Nathan Hill Perry, Kaitlyn Rae Henson, and Melinda Kay Barth. Congratulations to the families of all these precious children of God!

After all the songs had been sung and all the babies had been blessed, we welcomed our speaker, Jimmy Howard back to the pulpit. Jimmy reminded us that those who call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. He also asked everyone "Who's your daddy?" Just check the bottom of your foot and see who's name you see. Who do you belong to? THE LORD.

CROP Hunger Walk - Oct. 4th

This Sunday, a group from Trinity UMC will embark on a short but meaningful mission trip. We will be departing from the church parking lot at approximently 1:30pm on Sunday afternoon to be a part of the Charlotte CROP (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty) Hunger Walk.

CROP Hunger Walks help children and families worldwide -- and right here in the U.S. -- to have food for today, while building for a better tomorrow. Each year some two million CROP Walkers, volunteers, and sponsors put their hearts and soles in motion, raising over $16 million per year to help end hunger and poverty around the world -- and in their own communities. And you can be a part of it! If you are unable or unavailable to walk on October 4th, don't worry! You can still help by sponsoring someone who is walking.

Be a part of the Community Responding to Overcome Poverty and make a donation today!

Summerville Miracle League

I wanted to let you all know - We finally got the date finalized for our trip to Charleston to help with the Summerville Miracle League.

We will leave Friday, Nov. 6th at 4pm and get back home Saturday, Nov. 7th at 10pm. If you are able and willing to join us, please contact Shelly Black THIS WEEK! We will be reserving the hotel rooms this week if possible and need to have our final count ASAP.

If you are unable to go with us, but still want to help, please consider making a financial contribution. No amount is too small. I have included a link to the video from the spring season of the Summerville Miracle League for those of you who haven't seen it. Please take a few minutes to watch, it will tug at your heart strings.

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

http://vimeo.com/5963248

Luke 9:23

Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."

Offering ourselves to God isn't easy because it means we must first die to our own selfish will. Like Jesus did in the Garden of Gethsemane, we face our own cross and must cry out, "Not my will, dear Father, but your will be done!"

First Day of Playschool

Tuesday, September 8th was the first day of Playschool at Trinity UMC. What a WONDERFUL sight to see all those parents and children arriving at the church!!! In case you missed it, we included a few photos for you to enjoy!

"For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." -Matthew 18:20

When are friends more than friends? When they gather in the name of Jesus and he meets with them there.

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, Iwill fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." -Psalm 23:4

Death is the ultimate profanity in today's world. We don't like to think about it, much less talk about it. However, death is that one reality that will not leave us alone. We lose friends and family members to death. At one point in our lives, we too, will face this inevitable unless Jesus comes before our passing. So what is our assurance as we face the inescapable? Our Shepherd! He will walk us through, guiding and protecting and comforting us in our journey. And as Christians, this promise is only intensified because we know Jesus as our Good Shepherd, and he has taken the walk ahead of us to insure that our walk through death's valley doesn't end in death, but in glory.

Proverbs 16:16

"How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!" -Proverbs 16:16

What are the greatest riches in life? Well surely they are not silver and gold. Of infinitely greater value is wisdom, which helps us understand what is valuable, what is true, what is worthy of our heart, and what is not.

Grandparents Day & Youth Kick-Off

Wow, we had a busy day this past Sunday! During the 10:30 service we honored our grandparents, baptized Hunter and Holden Taormina, heard some wonderful special music from Danny and Sherri Barth, and enjoyed a fabulous message from Preacher Rick! Then later that afternoon we Kicked-Off the 2009-2010 year of youth!!

Frances Whisenant was honored as having the oldest grandchild who is 43 years old... just barely beating Helen Kidd with a grandchild of 42 years! Linda Swaringen was also honored as having the youngest grandchild who is currently 3 weeks, just beating the Taormina's with twin grandchildren that are 6 months old! To all the grandparents of our congregation, we again Thank You for everything you do and for continually being a part of the lives of all the children of Trinity UMC.

Speaking of the children of Trinity, Youth Kick-Off was this past Sunday as well! We had an amazing crowd at the church on Sunday afternoon! Everyone enjoyed the 50ft slip 'n slide, ran a few water relays, ate some delicious pizza from Little Ceasars, were treated to some even more delicious ice cream thanks to Cheryl Howard, and enjoyed the fellowship of some REALLY AWESOME kids! Thanks to everyone that came out and helped! The kids had a blast!

Youth Kick-Off 09! We had a GREAT crowd!

We also had a 50ft slip 'n slide!

It was really soapy!!

Even Preacher Rick took a ride!

The High School is flocking Long Creek!

The kids had a blast!

Then we ate pizza and ice cream!

THANKS to everyone that came and to those who helped setup, serve pizza and ice cream, and clean up! You guys are the best! To find out more about the Flock Long Creek program, see Shelly Black!

Romans 6:15

"What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!" -Romans 6:15

This matching verse to Romans 6:1-2, is the great reminder that sin is no longer our master and no longer our choice. We choose to live for God with every fiber of our being and loathe the life of sin that once held us in bondage to death and defeat.

Hebrews 4:12

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than anydouble-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit,joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of theheart." -Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

What is the greatest tool to repair the human heart? ... by-passsurgery? ... angioplasty? ... artificial heart? ... transplant? Howabout the Word of God? You see, while these other techniques can beof great aid to the physical heart of people, God's tool for heartsurgery is his Word. This sharp scalpel can reach the soul andspirit as well as being a physical blessing. So how much of yourheart are you offering to God and his powerful heart-healing toolto touch? As you open God's Scripture, as you hear the message ofGod preached, why not ask for the Holy Spirit's help to help youunderstand, apply, and put into practice what is being taught?Let's offer our hearts to the Great Physician to do his work in us!

Psalm 119:105

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." -Psalm 119:105 (NIV)

So often, those of us who have received the blessings of faith and the guidelines of the Word of God don't fully appreciate them. Can you imagine what it is like to try to define ones worth, clarify ones values, and establish ones sense of purpose without a standard of truth? Imagine what it would be like to be lost without a map and without a compass? Remember what it was like to wake up in an unfamiliar place as a child in the pitch black darkness totally disoriented? We don't have to worry about that now, do we? God's Word -- both Scripture and his Son -- light our dark paths and show us the way home!

"For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of your hands." -Psalm 92:4

Gaze into the heavens on a dark night and see the wonders of the starry hosts. Think of the incredible diversity of earth's wonders. Look at your own life and see the fingerprints of God's work in your own experience (Rom. 8:28). As Jesus said, our Father is working still (John 5:17). Yes, it does make us glad to know that we are not alone in working our own life (Psalm 139; Phil. 2:13).There is a deep-seated joy at knowing that the LORD, Creator of the universe is at work in us and for us. No wonder singing praise is such a natural response for us!

Psalm 9:2

"I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High." -Psalm 9:2 (NIV)

When was the last time you made up a song? The last time you made up a song of praise to God? Worried that you can't do it? Don't think it will be good? Don't worry! your only audience is your Abba Father who longs to hear your heart sing regardless of your voice's perfection or your melody's tune. He wants to rejoice and be glad with you. So open your heart and raise your voice to praise your God.

TOWN HALL MEETING - Aug 30

Trinity United Methodist Church
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
REMODEL, REPAIR???

The Administrative Council’s Building Study Committee will make a presentation on options for the future of the Educational Wing of Trinity UMC on Sunday, August 30th. This meeting will be held immediately following the Stewardship Lunch after the Worship Service. The Stewardship Luncheon will be hosted by the United Methodist Men.

This will be your chance to hear the options suggested by the committee, but more importantly, it will be followed by a time to voice your opinions, ask questions, give us your ideas and let the Administrative Council know what your wishes are for Trinity as we continue to move into the future.

Proverbs 14: 29

"A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly." - Proverbs 14:29

Responding quickly to aggravation, threat, insult, or difficulty suggests strength to many folks today. However, responding hastily out of anger is foolish. This response seldom produces the desired long term effect and nearly always compounds the problems that need to be addressed. Patiently dealing with frustrating and painful situations shows understanding and is nearly always more fruitful in the long run.

Romans 8:28

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." -Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Bad stuff happens in life. Satan has a part to play in the bad stuff. Our own sins and their consequences also play a part. The rebellion against God and the spiritual weakness in those we love bring hurtful things into our life. Sometimes, God even disciplines us to awaken us out of lethargy or to correct some sinful problemin our lives. Yet in all these things, we have an incredible promise: If we love God and are seeking to honor his call in our lives, our Father in heaven will work out all of the things going on in our life for our good.

1 John 2:27

"As for you, the anointing you received from him [the Spirit] remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit — just as it has taught you, remain in him." -1 John 2:27 (NIV)

When we became Christians, we were not only cleansed by the Holy Spirit; we were also filled with the Holy Spirit. John speaks of this as our anointing. The Spirit helps us hear the truth about Jesus and keeps us from surrendering that truth to false teaching that would diminish either side of Jesus' identity -- Jesus, "God with us" or "God like us." We abide in Jesus when we hold on to both of these incredible truths.

Romans 8:26

"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express." -Romans 8:26 (NIV)

Isn't it incredible! Even in those times when my words are blocked and my heart is heavy, God hears my prayers. It is not because I am articulate, wise, or faithful enough to pray as I should. No, it is because God has graciously placed his Spirit in our hearts to make known what my words cannot capture and my mind cannot verbalize. God hears my groanings, my yearnings, my heartbreaks, and my heart-cries. He knows what I cannot think, but only feel. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, he answers those unuttered prayers with his presence, grace, and power.

Proverbs 3: 3-4

"Let love and faithfullness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man." Proverbs 3: 3-4

John 8: 31-32

"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8: 31-32

Summer Choir Concert & Ice Cream Social

This past Sunday was quite a busy day! In addition to Back to School Sunday, we also were able to enjoy the Summer Choir Concert & Ice Cream Social. Here are a few pictures from that night.

Don & Von played before the concert began.

The full choir sang several wonderful gospel songs!

The Wilson's sang with Rick.

(There were also several other solo artists too!)

The 2009 Trinity Church Choir

The Ice Cream Social after the concert.

Carolyn and several others helped out! THANKS!

Laura helped out too! Great job!

Sunday, Aug. 23rd

Yesterday was Back to School Sunday at Trinity Church. The Third Graders received their Bibles, Rick delivered an excellent message on "Training in Righteousness," and we blessed the backpacks of all the Trinity Students for the 2009-2010 school year!

Before the service, the children gathered out front.

Some of them played with their new school supplies!

Third Graders receiving their Bibles.

The children processed in while "Miss" Doris
sang "This Little Light of Mine"

They put their backpacks on the altar where
they were prayed over later in the service.
After the Blessing of the Backpacks,
the children (and the adults) received bookmarks and braclets
to help them start the school year off right!