Greetings from Pastor David - Trinity United Methodist Church

Trinity In Touch
Trinity UMC is an inclusive, progressive community of faith in which persons grow in faith, love and service in the spirit of Jesus Christ.
October
Worship
& Events
Sunday, Oct. 5
Worship at 8:30 and
11am
Sunday School &
Adult Ed- 9:30am
Youth Group-1:30pm
Sunday, Oct. 12
Worship at 8:30 and
11am
BP Clinic– 9:30am
Sunday School &
Adult Ed- 9:30am
Youth Group-1:30pm
Sunday, Oct. 19
Stewardship Sunday
Worship at 8:30 and
11am
Sunday School &
Adult Ed- 9:30am
Youth Group-1:30pm
FOM Concert– 7pm
Sunday, Oct. 26
Worship at 8:30 and
11am
Sunday School &
Adult Ed- 9:30am
Membership
Exploration– 12:15pm
Youth Group-1:30pm
Greetings from Pastor David
Dear Friends,
My time away on renewal leave was wonderful. Thank you for allowing me this gift of
time. It was time well spent with my family, especially my wife, Glenys.
The whole theme of my leave was
“journeying.” In preparation for this “time
away,” I began to re-study Paul’s letters to
the churches, in particular Galatians,
Ephesians and Philippians. My journeying to
different places- Portland, Oregon; the Erie
Canal in Upstate New York; London,
England, reminded me of Paul’s journeys to
Ephesus, Philippi and Galatia. Our clothes
and technology may have changed from
the first century, but our needs remain the
same. We still need faith, hope, love, and a
belief in Jesus Christ to help us through
each day.
The month of September has been Welcoming Month, and on Sunday, September
28, we welcome Dustin Dwyer from local public radio, along with Brigit Cheney,
Principal of Congress Elementary. The 28th is our Community Ministries Sunday, and
as we refocus and rebuild our program, both Dustin and Brigit will share with us
the good news that has been taking place at the school with its literacy program.
As we hear the good news, we will thank God that we have played a small role in
it as a support to Congress over the years. We will also be asking ourselves as a
Church and as individuals how we can continue to support our vital Community
Ministries Program and be part of the Good News,
Thanks and Peace,
David
Within The Trinity Family...
Caring Coins
October Caring Coins
benefit Servants Center,
which provides direct
relationship based street
outreach and ongoing
support services to
severely mentally ill, poor
and homeless people in
Grand Rapids. Since 1993,
Servants Center has
forged effective
partnerships with local
police, social services,
churches, hospitals, and
other public and private
entities to help those who
are often misunderstood
and considered invisible by
others. Read more about
this ministry at
www.servantscenter.org.
Thank you for your
generous hearts!
~ Condolences to Corinne Townsend and Mary Koenen and family in the death of Jim
Townsend, Sept. 4.
Notes from Katie...
Are you like me and have not one, but
several “To do” lists to keep yourself
on track?
These lists not only free my brain
from remembering all the mundane
household chores and fix it jobs that
need doing, but they also remind me
of occasions and people who are
important in my life that need tending.
The list that looms before me daily and usually involves 2 men and a truck plus three trips to
the hardware store is the most challenging. Take Item # 6 on the list for example: Move Grandma Jennie’s glass fronted china cabinet from dining room to nephew’s apartment in downtown
Chicago. This makes my stomach churn and my head pound just thinking about it. I can imagine
how many doors will be removed, feet and fingers smashed, how much plaster damaged, glass
broken, screws lost (this is where the 3 trips to the hardware store comes in!). We haven’t
even gotten to the rental truck or downtown Chicago traffic! That’s #6; there’s 7 more on my
list just like it.
Thankfully, there is another, much simpler “To do” list taped to my bathroom mirror. It’s the
first thing I see every morning, and it gives my day a focus. It’s called Today’s To-Do List:
Spiritalk
Spiritalk Book Group
meets the 3rd Tuesday of
each month, 7pm, at
Trinity. Take a look at
what we’ll be diving into
for October and
November...
October 21– The Orphan
Train, Christina Baker
Kline
November 18– The Book
Thief, Markus Zusak
Join us! For more info,
contact Susan Dickinson at
245.3009.
Practice kindness
Let go of what I can’t control
Count my blessings
Listen to the Holy Spirit
Walk with God
Live like Jesus
Pass this on to encourage someone else.
(from iBelieve.com)
Some of the items I’m struggling with,
and you may find a difficult one or two.
But maybe if we all tape this list to the
bathroom mirror, we might approach our
other “To do” lists with a kinder frame of
mind, filled with gratitude for what we can
do.
Blessings on your journey,
Katie Orent,
Parish Nurse
Page 2 | October 2014
Events and Opportunities
To have an event listed in the November Trinity in Touch, submit your content to the church office at
[email protected] on or before Monday, October 27.
Youth Group
Beginning in October, Youth Group meets from 1:30-3:00pm
every Sunday. If you don't yet have a schedule, pick one up on
the youth bulletin board.
October Special Events
Babysitting Fundraiser- Saturday, Oct. 4, 6-9pm
Haunted House set-up with Pizza Party- Thursday, Oct. 23, 6pm
Halloween Fest- Friday, Oct. 24, 6pm
October Trinity Seniors
For more info, contact Chelsea Smith:
[email protected]
Saturday, Oct. 18
12:30pm, Parlor
Program: Laugh Jest for the Health of It
Presented by: Sister Sue Tracy
Chasing Ice
Tuesday, October 14
6:30pm
Discovery
You are invited to the
viewing and discussion of the
award winning documentary
by National Geographic…
Chasing Ice
Sponsored by Trinity United Methodist Women, this film
will rivet you as it has thousands of others to use your voice to
speak out on climate change. Join us, and take a step for the
environment. Beverages and dessert served.
Sister Sue has been a Dominican sister for 51 years,
is a Chaplin for Spectrum Health, and as a FOUR time
cancer survivor, knows the healing and health benefits
of mirthful laughter.
You will hear her share the great humor she has found
in life and how a happy heart is like good medicine
(Proverbs 17: 22) for body, mind and spirit. A unique
and amazing lady, her humor will nourish us all.
Come laugh with Sister Sue Tracy!
Get your reservations in soon...
Velma Fitzgerald: 363.2238
Donna Phillips:
534.4722
ALL
WELCOME!
Page 3 | October 2014
Halloween Fest
Friday, Oct. 24
6pm
Get ready to have an eery night at Trinity's Annual Halloween Fest!
Start your evening by bringing your great pumpkin creation for our
carved pumpkin contest. Then dig in to a delicious dinner of pizza,
veggie "knuckles and bones" and dip, apples and "I...Scream.”
Don’t forget about the Costume Parade (adults included), Haunted
Hall and the games. We are looking for volunteers willing to help with games so families with young children can enjoy the
evening together. Also, bakers for our Cupcake Walk. Let us know if you can help!
Contact Nichea Ver Veer Guy at [email protected]; 456.7168.
This fun evening is open to your friends and family. The more the merrier!
October Adult Faith Formation
The Theology of Everything returns in October!
Topics we’ll discuss include…
п‚— The Politics of Religion
п‚— Tiny House Theology
п‚— Spiritual Imagination
п‚— Sabbath as Moveable Feast
Everyone welcome! Join us every Sunday, 9:30am in Discovery.
Rick Spafford, facilitator
Trinity Church Night
Tuesday, October 28
5:30pm
To kick off our first Tuesday evening dinner preceding
our meetings and Church Council, we will have Dollar
Dog and (root) Beer night. Added to the menu will be
baked beans, chips, and brownies for dessert. Since
baseball playoffs will be in full swing, wear your
favorite team's hat or jersey, pay a buck for each hot
dog, and enjoy the fellowship before the meetings.
Anyone willing to donate brownies, please contact Katie
Orent at [email protected].
Tuesday Night Schedule:
5:30- 6:15pm
6:15- 7:30pm
7:30- 8:30pm
Shared Meal (affordable donation)
Committee Meetings
Church Council
Childcare available. Plan on joining us!
Membership Exploration
Sunday, Oct. 26
12:15pm
Discovery
Interested in finding out more about Trinity United Methodist
Church? Our United Methodist denomination and it’s rich
heritage? How you can become a formal member of the Trinity
faith community? Join Pastor David Sunday, Oct. 26, following
the 11am worship service in Discovery. Lunch provided!
RSVP to Betsy in the church office: [email protected]; 456.7168.
Page 4 | October 2014
“We Will Rock You” Fall Auction
Saturday, November 1
6pm
Come join us for delicious hor d’uerves, great music, and, of course, amazing
auction items!
In order for this to be a successful fundraiser for the Family Mission Work Camp fund &
Red Bird 2015, we need your HELP!
First, purchase a $5 ticket that includes a fun night with good music and tasty
food. Tickets will be available from the church office and "campers.”
Second, offer your donations, such as...
п‚— Labor or services you can provide or from Grand Rapids vendors
п‚— Meals, hosting a dinner
п‚— Simple wills or legal services
п‚— Vacation stays, cottages or overnights
п‚— Gift certificates from around the Grand Rapids area
п‚— Entertainment tickets, sporting events and memorabilia
п‚— Gift baskets put together by your family or local business'
п‚— Handcrafted items and local artisan wares
There is no end to the list of great ideas. If everyone at Trinity donated one item, we would really ROCK! Thank you for
what I know you will do to help. Contact Nichea Ver Ver Guy at [email protected]; 456.7168 for more info.
Will You Marry Me?
By Carol Janssen
“Will you marry me?” Simple words. Complex words. Meaningful words. Loaded
words. Easy to say. Sometimes hard to do.
On Christmas Day, 2012, I said these words to my beloved. That was the easy
part, because Jennifer and I live a lifestyle that some people don’t (or don’t want
to) understand. We’re lesbians in a largely heterosexual world.
Jennifer and I met in 1997 where we were both part of a loving, open and affirming
congregation in Minneapolis. We became fast friends but didn’t become a couple until 2005.Then we fell in love and entered
into domestic “bliss” (tee-hee!). We made it through thick and thin like most couples… straight or otherwise. Through lots
and lots of hard work, conflict and mutual respect, we grew together, primarily because we share the same values. We agree
to disagree on many things, but on the most important things, we tend to agree. We love God, good humor, great friends,
family, and striving for our dreams together.
After waiting…and waiting…AND waiting for Michigan’s laws to change, it finally happened… for about a nano-second, that
is. The state of Michigan ban on same-sex marriage was temporarily overturned on March 21, 2014. Three days later, the
ban was stayed. We shook our heads, admitting that we hadn’t acted fast enough.
In the meantime, our family had been planning a family reunion in Iowa, where we would be celebrating my mother’s 90th
birthday. About a month before the reunion, we decided to get married in Iowa, if we could pull it off. We thought we
would be able to “smash it out on the courthouse steps,” as my niece so delicately described it later. However, when we
started asking siblings to be our witnesses, we discovered very quickly that it would be impossible to keep it a secret, having
been told unequivocally that the rest of the family would be really upset if they weren’t invited… and found out later what
had happened.
We gave in and decided to make it an event, with the intention of making this our second priority at the reunion, after
Mom’s birthday celebration. And so, it happened on August 14 in a beautiful park next to Lake Red Rock, under the most
gorgeous oak tree we’d ever seen. Little did I realize how my life would change… how OUR life would change. (I know, I
know, I can see and hear nods and um-hms from those of you who have already tied the proverbial knot!)
The most important thing for Jennifer and me was that we declare publicly our covenant with each other. Just when I
thought I couldn’t love someone more, it happened. I never dreamed that I could love anyone so much. But then we all
know that there are no limits to God’s love, both for us and in us. What abundance!
Page 5 | October 2014
Building Use
The staff worked very hard this summer cleaning up and reorganizing
rooms in preparation for upcoming Meeting Nights. We removed clutter,
unused items and organized the resources available. The following are
suggestions to help us all be better stewards of our space and to encourage
collaboration in room use. With everyone’s help, this will run smoothly
and our facility will be well cared for.
Appropriate Room Use
п‚— Utilizing the appropriate space to fit your meeting needs
(gym, parlor, classrooms, etc.).
п‚— Requesting proper supplies, technology, and environment materials for
meeting needs.
п‚— Trinity has environmental policies concerning the use of bottled water and styrofoam. Please do not use them in the
building. We have made available Eco-Ware dishes, cutlery and cups that are biodegradable for you to use. We
encourage the use of washable dishes provided in the kitchens, when possible. Recycling containers are outside the
Parlor kitchen for all paper, plastics, metal and cardboard.
Responsible Stewardship
 Leave the room “better than you found it.”
п‚— Turn off lights, close windows and turn off fans before leaving.
п‚— Turn off coffee maker and burners in the kitchen.
п‚— If you find resources depleted, notify the staff/office so items can be re-supplied (coffee, cream, sugar, Eco-Ware, dry
erase supplies, notepads, etc.).
Room Resources
п‚— When borrowing office supplies, return them when you are through so they are ready for the next use (staplers,
notepads, scissors, etc.). If you use supplies that are in the rooms, return them to their original place.
п‚— When borrowing items such as tables and chairs, sign them out in the sign-out book by the office window. Downstairs
tables and chairs are the only tables and chairs that should leave the building. Always clear with the office what and
when you borrow as there may be a scheduled event that would conflict.
п‚— Always check with staff before leaving leftover foods and/or supplies in the rooms or refrigerator. Do not assume
someone may be able to use it.
п‚— Wash all used dishes in the kitchens. Do not leave them for someone else to take care of. Put clean dishes away in the
cupboards you got them from.
п‚— If you use a room and move any previously set up arrangement in the room, please return it to the set-up so it is ready
for the planned use. This happens a lot on weekends before Sunday use.
This will greatly assist Trinity in being able to serve the needs of those in our building. Sharing these responsibilities will
make us all accountable to good stewardship.
Care Packages
UMW will soon be sending care
packages to our college students and
military personnel. Please notify the
church office of your son/daughter’s
current address so we can honor and
connect with them! [email protected]
Page 6 | October 2014
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
2
3
4
Noon– Bible Study, Fireside
10:30am– Matin
Ringers, Sanctuary
Office Closed
3:30pm–
Wedding
October Calendar
Noon- NA, Library
7pm- Table Tennis, Gym
7pm– Symphonette,
F. Hall
11am- La Leche
League, Awakenings
11:45am– Family Sys.
6:30pm– Trinity
Ringers, Sanctuary
5pm– Wedding
Rehearsal,
Sanctuary
(Wroblewski/
Freeman)
(Wroblewski/
Freeman)
6pm– Leaf �em
Youth
Babysitting
Fundraiser
6:30pm- Men’s B-Ball,
Gym
6:45pm– Cub Scouts
5
6
7
8
9
10
8:30am– Worship
11am– Connection
Meeting, Discovery
10am- Cookie Baking,
Noon– Bible Study, Fireside
Office Closed
5pm– SM Leaders,
F. Hall Kitchen
Noon- NA, Library
10:30am– Matin
Ringers, Sanctuary
6:30pm- Men’s B-Ball,
7pm- Table Tennis, Gym
Gym
7pm– Symphonette,
9:30am– Sunday
School & Adult Ed
11am– Worship
Discovery
1:30pm– Youth Group 7pm– SM Peer
F. Hall
Supervision, Discovery
7pm– Boy Scouts, Gym
11
11am- La Leche
League, Awakenings
11:45am– Family Sys.
6:30pm– Trinity
Ringers, Sanctuary
6:30pm- Men’s B-Ball,
Gym
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
8:30am– Worship
11am– Connection
Meeting, Discovery
10am- Cookie Baking,
Noon– Bible Study, Fireside
10:30am– Matin Ring.
Office Closed
Scout Outing
F. Hall Kitchen
Noon- NA, Library
11am- La Leche League Scout Outing
7pm- Boy Scouts, Gym
6:30pm- Men’s B-Ball
7pm- Table Tennis, Gym
11:45am– Family
7pm– Symphonette,
Systems, Discovery
F. Hall
6:30pm- Men’s B-Ball
9:30am– Sunday
School & Adult Ed
9:30am– BP Clinic
11am– Worship
1:30pm– Youth Group
7pm– Alzheimer’s
6:30pm– “Chasing Ice”
Support Group, Library
Movie/Discussion
12:30pm–
Trinity Seniors,
Parlor
6:30pm– Trinity Ring.
6:45pm– Cub Scouts
19
20
21
22
23
24
Stewardship Sunday
11am– Connection
Meeting, Discovery
10am- Cookie Baking,
Noon– Bible Study, Fireside
Office Closed
7pm- Boy Scouts, Gym
F. Hall Kitchen
Noon- NA, Library
9:30am– AC Program
Committee, Discovery
6:30pm- Men’s B-Ball,
7pm- Table Tennis, Gym
Gym
7pm– Symphonette,
7pm– Spiritalk,
Discovery
F. Hall
8:30am– Worship
9:30am– Sunday
School & Adult Ed
11am– Worship
1:30pm– Youth Group
10:30am– Matin Ringers
6pm– Halloween
Fest
11am- La Leche League
11:45am– Family Sys.
6pm– Youth Group
6:30pm- Men’s B-Ball
7pm– Festival of Music
Concert
6:30pm– Trinity Ring.
26
27
28
29
30
31
8:30am– Worship
Newsletter Deadline
10am- Cookie Baking,
Newsletter Crew
Office Closed
9:30am– Sunday
School & Adult Ed
11am– Connection
Meeting, Discovery
F. Hall Kitchen
8:30am– Staff Retreat,
Meijer Gardens
7pm- Boy Scouts, Gym
5:30pm– Trinity
Church Night
Noon– Bible Study, Fireside
11am– Worship
Noon- NA, Library
11am- La Leche
League, Awakenings
6:30pm- Men’s B-Ball,
7pm- Table Tennis, Gym
11:45am– Family Sys.
Gym
7pm– Symphonette,
6:30pm- Men’s B-Ball
F. Hall
6:30pm– Trinity Ring.
12:15pm- Membership
Exploration Class
25
10:30am– Matin Ringers
Page 7 | October 2014
Non-Profit Org.
US POSTAGE
PAID
Permit No. 837
Grand Rapids MI
1100 Lake Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
www.grtumc.org
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Leaf �Em With Us
Trinity in Touch
WHEN: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 6:00- 9:00PM
October 2014
WHERE: TRINITY UMC, 1100 LAKE DRIVE SE, GRAND RAPIDS, 49506
In this Issue:
October Worship & Events……..1
WHY: THIS WILL BE A YOUTH GROUP BABYSITTING FUNDRAISER TO
RAISE FUNDS FOR OUR WINTER RETREAT
в—Џ WEAR SOMETHING ORANGE IF YOU HAVE IT
Pastor David Greetings………….1
в—Џ THERE WILL BE GAMES, CRAFTS, MUNCHIES AND A MOVIE
Within the Trinity Family………..2
в—Џ COSTS $10 PER CHILD OR $25 MAX PER FAMILY
Notes from Katie………………..2
Events & Opportunities……….3-5
Will You Marry Me?..........…….…5
в—Џ ALL KIDS MUST BE REGISTERED BY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
п‚— RSVP TO [email protected]
Building Use………….…………..6
Care Packages…………………...6
October Calendar….....…………7
DROP YOUR KIDS OFF AND LEAF ’EM WITH
US FOR A NIGHT FULL OF FUN!
Created by: Marnie Hill- Woodworth