Christmas Time is Over....

This coming Sunday, you won't see the Christmas Tree in the Sanctuary. It is sad to see it all gone, but this past Saturday, January 10th we all got together and packed Christmas away for another year. The Nurture Committee would like to extend it's deepest appreciation to all those who came in November to "Hang the Greens" AND to all those who came back in January to "De-Hang the Greens." Thank you all so much for your help!

The Nativity Scene - Waiting to be packed up.

Getting it all packed away for another year.

It took a lot of hands - Thanks to Everyone!

Planning Session 2009

"Go Til God Says NO!" - That is the theme of Trinity United Methodist Church 2009!! Our planning session this past Friday, January 9th was a huge success! There were not very many people present, but those that were there were on fire for God! It's going to be a wild ride at Trinity Church this year! Be prepared to see lots of changes and lots of new things going on! This year, we are going to "Go Til God Says No!!" and see just how far he will take us.

Church Planning Summary:

A new year requires a new outlook and rededication for our church. We have now adopted a saying that we feel summarizes this New Year …… “GO UNTIL GOD SAYS NO!” Too many times we avoid starting a mission, event, etc. because “we” feel it won’t succeed! We need to get out of the way and allow God to direct us and our church!!

We discussed qualities and practices of fruitful (successful) congregations. Here are the 5 practices of Fruitful Congregations:

1. Radical Hospitality – reaching out to those that aren’t like us
2. Passionate Worship – actually praising God in our services
3. Intentional Faith Development – offering programs, services, guidance in order to further our personal relationship with God and spiritual growth.
4. Risk Taking – missions and services (Montana, Health Fair, Room in the Inn, etc)
5. Extravagant Giving – times are tough and extremely tough with our very own church. The bible says “…to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. If they do that, they'll build a treasure that will last, gaining life that is truly life." (I Timothy 6:7-19, The Message)

This Week at TUMC

Hey! We have LOTS going on at church this week! Throughout the week, several of the committees are meeting to make plans for 2009. If you are a member of a committee, call your committee chair to find out when your committee will be meeting.

This Friday, January 9th we are having our Church Wide Planning Session. Join us at 6:30 Friday night and help us plan events and activities for Trinity Church 2009!

Also, on Saturday January 10th, we will be taking down the Christmas decorations. We will need LOTS of help getting everything packed up and put away. We are meeting in the Sanctuary at 9:00. Call Shelly Swaringen if you have any questions!

Lots and lots to do! No time to waste! Step up and be a part!

Youth Lock-In

This past weekend, the 6th-8th grade youth were at church extremely early. They actually got to church 13 hours before it started! We played video games and board games, ate lots of junk food, and hung out at the church Saturday, January 3rd through Sunday, January 4th. At 9:00 we all enjoyed the early service, then most of us went to Sunday School, and even the 11:00 service! The kids had a blast and hope we can do it again next year!

Everyone enjoyed the Guitar Hero Tournament!

Then we all enjoyed a movie.

There wasn't really any sleeping...