Welcome to the web edition of the Trinity Presbyterian Church annual report for the year 2005.

The web version of this report does not include financial information. Please contact the church office for the full print version of this report.

"I Am The Resurrection And the Life"

O Lord, support us all the day long,

until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes,

and the busy world is hushed, and

the fever of life is over...

and our work is done.

Then in your mercy...

Grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Helen Alvis

James Cockerham

Josephine Flory

Robert Kirkpatrick

Betty Wells

I am excited to share that Trinity's music ministry continues to grow and evolve in many exciting ways. This is due, in part, to the abiding support of Dr. Dan Anderson-Little, who is an amazing colleague and friend. His deep understanding of music's ability to share in the proclamation and interpretation of God's Word is a frequent source of inspiration and energy. Trinity is also blessed with talented, hard-working and dedicated musicians who bring diverse musical offerings each Sunday. They serve this congregation with graciousness and humility, and the spirit and quality of their music-making is a witness to their love for God and others.

Here are some highlights that stand out from the past year:

Organ Fundraising - In early 2005, the Organ Fundraising Team began a vigorous education and fundraising campaign in support of repairs and improvements to Trinity's Casavant pipe organ. They also hosted a Musical 'Fun'Raiser in September, which featured the musical gifts of the congregation. To date, we have raised over $190,000 towards our $200,000 goal. Gifts and pledges of all sizes are welcomed until the end of 2006.

Between April and October of this year, the organ will be removed and shipped to the builder's workshop in Quebec, Canada. During that time, the ceiling over the organ loft will be sealed to prevent soot from falling onto the pipes; the wind chest will be cleaned and the air handling system will be repaired; the console will be rewired, upgraded and given a microchip brain, significantly expanding the instrument's potential for service and recital playing. Finally, the buckling reeds will be reinforced and re-voiced.

Local Connections - Trinity continues to reach out to performing groups and musicians in our community. We hosted numerous chamber music concerts and vocal recitals, two Early Music Saint Louis concerts, and a recording project for a local guitar duo. Additionally, Trinity welcomed OASIS to our facilities. This organization, which is committed to enriching the lives of mature adults, has a number of musical ensembles which regularly rehearse during the week. The OASIS Brass Quintet performed before worship in November and other ensembles will share their musical gifts with us in the coming months.

Trinity will also host a short concert series in early 2006. The concerts represent a variety of musical styles, from early music to Jazz, and continue to build on the important musical connections that we have made in past years. The concerts and dates are as follows:

Special Worship Services - Two of the most memorable services of the last year were on Palm Sunday and Advent IV. In both of these services, all of our musical ensembles contributed, bringing the Word to life with great skill and passion. Other noteworthy services included a Lenten service in which the organ fasted, the Good Friday Tenebrae service with violist, Morris Jacob, Transfiguration Sunday with festive choral music by Pachelbel and Mozart, and two Purcell cantatas accompanied by early instruments in October.

Members Share Their Musical Gifts - Instrumentalists from the congregation have frequently accompanied choral pieces, hymns, psalm settings and played solos. Adults and children have played the clarinet, drums and other percussion, piano, flute and recorder. It is a blessing to see members sharing their musical gifts so freely!

Congregational Participation - While planning worship this fall, we focused on strengthening the congregation's role in worship. We introduced a gathering song at the beginning of worship and a sung or spoken Psalm. I believe that these changes have had a positive effect on the energy and focus of our services; additionally, this has helped the choirs to better understand their role as worship leaders who pray with and for the congregation through music.

Musical Small Group - Last year, a small group formed using sacred music as a starting point for conversation, reflection and faith sharing. Inspired by a book called Songs of Renewal we sang together, read scripture, and then prayed for each other and Trinity's music ministry. This year, a similar opportunity will be offered to the congregation at large.

As I reflect on my experiences at Trinity over the past five years, I am more and more convinced that God has blessed our congregation with distinctive resources and skills. And I often find myself dreaming about what Trinity might be like in five or ten years, if we continue to prayerfully discern and live into the unique calling that God has for us. I can see a congregation with a strong commitment to musical excellence and diversity, an inclusive spirit that welcomes individuals of all ages and ability levels, and a love for all of God's people that is expressed through creative musical outreach. I can see a church with the imagination and confidence to commission and perform new works of sacred music, art, theater and dance, giving witness to a faith that is active and engaged with the world in which we live. And a little further down the way, I can see a congregation that might even serve the global Church by training church musicians, clergy, and lay leaders to explore new approaches to music and liturgy that will help to foster spiritual growth and renewal within their congregations. I realize that these are ambitious dreams but I am convinced that God has wonderful things in store for our congregation as we move into the future. I look forward to serving Trinity in the coming year and deeply appreciate your continued prayers and support!

In Christ's service,
Paul M. Vasile

Janet Chester, Trinity's CE Director for seven years, accepted a position and moved to Austin Texas in August, and I began at Trinity as the interim with the goal of continuing a well-planned and executed education department, as well as deepening and expanding our Christian Education endeavors.

Our youth participated in Montreat: Zach Roman, Jamie Schoeberlein, Brian Min, Kirsten Campbell, Hanna Evans accompanied by Janet Chester and Megan Merritt. They also participated in the Mission Trip to Leadville Colorado: Zach Roman, Brian Min, James Kelton, Sarah Grant, Ashley Bender, Blair Klostermeier, Claire Santoro, Kate Shoemaker, Maggie Schoeberlein, Griffin Devine, Hanna Evans, with adults Janet Chester, Barb Rand and Paul Devine.

Rhonda Dunbar has stepped into the leadership for our high school youth group with her wonderful spirit and sense of mission and the group showered Christmas blessings upon young & old in many ways; they are planning this years Elegant Dinner and Mission Trip and Montreat week.

Building on the success of our Mound Ridge Retreat in August, we have incorporated all-church events into our schedule in an intentional way: we will come up out of our class time curriculums for special events where we can share across all the age groups. Our Christmas Decorate - the Church event included all ages working on decorations, shared supper, and an Advent scavenger hunt. For the January 8 education hour we plan an all-church "field trip" to the Art Museum to view ancient treasures from Ur - the land of Sarah & Abraham, we have plans for a Mardi Gras party with a cross-country connection to our sister church in New Orleans, and the all church picnic in May.

What a joy it is to work with so many generous friends-in-faith-we brainstorm, create, problem-solve, learn and teach in this very truly growing ministry of Christian Education at Trinity. Thank you to everyone.

Respectfully submitted,
Karen Coletti

I would like to thank John Roman, Chair of the Facilities Commission for all of his hard work and faithful service to Trinity Presbyterian Church in 2005. I would also like to thank the other members of the commission - Tom Wilhite, Ann Weible, & Birty Hodgson. Thanks to Linde Baechle, Birty Hodgson & Karen Hodgson for being loyal, dedicated, employees.

The major project completed in 2005 was the bathrooms under the north end of the Church. Tom Wilhite was the dedicated leader on the project.

We have also begun the renovation of the lower Kingsland entrance. The walls have been plastered in preparation for painting and a new ceramic tile floor has been installed. A tuck pointer has been hired to repair the brickwork at the upper & lower Kingsland entrance. That work will be done as soon as weather permits.

A contract has also been signed to repair the ceiling in the Sanctuary as a part of the organ restoration project.

I look forward to the coming year with all of its challenges and would encourage each of you to call the office if you have questions, concerns, ideas or suggestions as we strive to serve God together.

Respectfully submitted,
Karon Bilbrey

The greatest challenge for our Christian Education Commission in 2005 was the loss in August of Janet Chester as director of our Christian education programs, a position she had held for seven years. She accepted a call to Texas. But we were blessed in many respects at this time of transition. First, Janet is a very organized person and the routines and records were left in good order for the next step in our program year. Two, Karen Coletti, a long time member, teacher, musician and administrator was available and willing to serve as an interim director. Karen had just retired from her public school position, so the timing was just right. Three, there was an overlap of a few days between Janet and Karen that made possible a seamless transition. Fourth, and not least, the members of Trinity realized the necessity of picking up the slack during this time of change. Many went the extra mile to ensure a vibrant and well staffed CE program. Partly because of the devotion and willingness of these persons the decision was made to hold at half time the CE position.

Every year it is amazing to reflect on the numbers of persons that serve the nursery, classrooms, and youth groups as leaders. Volunteers also make possible other special events. Suzanne Trotter pulled together an all church picnic (often called the Church School picnic) in short order. It was held in Clayton's Shaw Park on June 12. Families brought their own food. A scavenger hunt engaged those who wanted to explore the park.

Similarly, an exciting and successful inter-generational retreat at Mound Ridge on the weekend of August 27-28 was planned and executed by Suzanne Trotter, Christine Thompson, and Katie Cahoon. Sixty-four persons from 2 to 82 had a ball floating, hiking, tie-dying, sunning, swimming, labyrinth walking, reading. There were games, singing, reflections, and s'mores around the campfire Saturday night. Sunday morning a service was held in the outdoor chapel. We wrote haiku which later found their way to the poet-tree back at Trinity. What a treat it was to walk into the dining hall for delicious meals three times a day. No dishes! The retreat was an alternate Vacation Bible School. In 2004 the VBS also was intergenerational held over a weekend at the Trinity site.

The nursery continues to be in good hands with Becca Courtney and faithful volunteers. For the second year the assistants in the pre-school class (2 1/2 year olds through 4 year olds) have been senior high students, helping with energy and enthusiasm. The leadership is provided on a monthly rotating basis by adults.

Another addition to the children's program has been the "Do Nothings". These are children of elementary age who meet once a month on Sunday afternoon for lunch, fun and fellowship under the inimitable leadership of Do Kirk.

I cannot say too often or too strongly how fortunate and blessed we are to have such a large and dedicated core of volunteers here at Trinity to work with the educational programs for children, youth, and adults. I will not attempt to name them all. It would be a very long list. Please know you are indispensable and deeply appreciated.

The Christian Education programs cover many age groups. Separate reports in this volume will detail those not mentioned here.

Respectfully submitted,

Norma Vavra,

Christian Education Commission

The offerings for Adult Education in 2005 were:

Winter Term - "Re-visioning Mission for the World Today"

"Parent Education Class"

Lenten Term - "Exploring the Passion through Music"

"Apprentices of the Master"

Spring Term - "Faith and Science"

Fall Term - 'Turning Points: Stories of Change in the Church"

"Friedman's Fables"

"Christian Mission Local and Global: An Asian Perspective"

Respectfully submitted,
Tina Newberry

Trinity's first adult mission trip departed for a week in Juarez, Mexico, on Saturday, April 16. Group members were Margy Brown, Ruth Cobb, Tom Cobb, Ann Fischer, Diane O'Brien, Jim Person, Art Platt, and Clarisa Valdivia. The team worked with the Presbyterian Church, Verdad y Fe, under the auspices of the Presbyterian Border Ministry (PBM) at Pasos de Fe, a joint ministry of the Iglesia Nacional Presbiteriana de Mexico (INPM) and the Presbyterian Church (USA). The team participated in traditional mission-trip-type activities light construction at the mission site, painting, etc. As important, however, was the opportunity we had to share hopes, and stories with our Mexican hosts as together we worked, worshiped and had fellowship.

Respectfully submitted,
Diane O'Brien

After a smooth transition of leadership following Janet Chesters departure, this school year has gotten off to a great start. We have continued this year meeting on a weekly basis. Our activities this year have ranged from exploring our beliefs about prayer to service projects. At the beginning of the school year, we decided as a group to continue the service hour requirement in order to go on the mission trip, but instead of fulfilling the service hours on their own time the youth decided to perform the service hours as a group. It has been successful so far this year. Our service projects have consisted of making cards of encouragement for volunteers for hurricane relief, sorting donated items for hurricane victims, making gooey butter cakes for hurricane victims, Christmas cards for a shut-in, college care packages, and Christmas cookie making/delivering. Upcoming activities and service include attending the Presbytery youth retreat at Mound Ridge, painting book shelves, mission trip, and attending the Montreat Youth Conference in July. Respectfully submitted, Rhonda Dunbar

Local and national outreach is a prominent part of the ministry of Trinity. In our outreach efforts we seek to allocate funds to agencies that can benefit from our financial support, as well as to partner with agencies that resonate with our mission and vision as Christians in our local and larger community. The financial contributions of Trinity are amplified many times by the hours of volunteer time contributed by Trinity members. In 2004, mission funds were allocated to seventeen local agencies, including two organizations new to Trinity, Missouri Association for Social Welfare and St. Vincent Home. This year in addition, Trinity members have been involved in new and ongoing outreach efforts in areas of interfaith alliances, refugee support and non-discrimination. We continued our membership in the Covenant network, and supported the Interfaith Partnership and the International Institute. Within the church, the Commission supported the Senior High Mission Trip, the Senior Minister's Discretionary Fund, and the Winger Food Pantry. The following account is an invitation to Trinity members who feel led to contribute to a particular mission with their time, talent, and funds.

Local Mission: The head of the Local Mission Funding Team is Melissa Kreishman, and members of the team are Lynne Beck, Pat Gibbons, Matt Schindler, and Kirk Swearingen. Agencies and organizations supported this year included Beyond Housing, Care and Counseling, CSC Charities for Children, Doorways, Genesis House, International Institute, Midland House, National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), Oasis "Person to Person," Prison Fellowship, RAVEN (Rape and Violence End Now), The St. Vincent Children's Home, University City Medical Transportation, University City Residential Services, the Janet Horner Fund of the First Presbyterian Church of University City (providing utility assistance to those in need),and the Women's Safe House. In addition, funding support was provided for Trinity's Adult Mission Trip to Mexico, the Senior High Mission Trip, and Trinity's Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. The team's recommendations for funding were approved by the Session. A full financial statement for 2004 is attached, with allocations made in 2001-2003 included for comparison. A brief description of all organizations supported is also included.

Winger Food Pantry: It has been a very successful year at the Winger Food Pantry. Our numbers continue to grow some each year and the clients we serve continue to value and appreciate Trinity for the gift of emergency food once a month. Many times during a Wednesday we hear "God Bless You for your help" and "I am so thankful for Trinity and their monthly food help." A couple of clients even bring back their bags so we can reuse them. The dedicated volunteers who believe in what we are doing and give so freely of their time and energies are truly a blessing. The Winger Food Pantry could not function without their efforts. The volunteer shoppers this year were: Jane Gibbons, Stacey Carman, Robyn Peglar and Sally Dunn. The monthly baggers who keep our food pantry shelves full were: Joanne, John and Zach Roman, Emily Kelton, Kitty Underwood, Polly Brown, Lynn Beck, Kirk and Jyll Swearingen, Tina, Larry, Joanna and Isaac Newberry, Norman Vavra and Wally Klein, Christy Thompson, Andrea and Charlie Royce, Michelle, Griffin, Dylan and Shane Devine, Linda, Brian and Brianna Min. Wednesday workers were Sally Dunn, Harold Glad, Roberta Middelkamp, Sandy Norkaitis, Jerry Royce and our full-time helper, Birty Hodgson. Roberta Middelkamp celebrated a very special birthday this year and the second Wednesday in December was her last Wednesday on the job. She will truly be missed by all of us, especially the clients who appreciated her kindness, respect and love towards them. We received 164 cases of Boy Scout food this past year. Stacey Carman, Jane Gibbons, Harold Glad, Steve and Shelly Norkaitis and Sandy Norkaitis all picked up the food and brought it to the food pantry from the Food Bank. In April we received 2815 personal care items from the Girl Scout April Showers collection. Special thanks to Eleanor, Maggie and Stacey Carman for assisting with the sorting of these items. Also this year, we are grateful to Meleia Carter, Alec and Lauren who bagged the personal care items to be put with the food orders. We are very thankful for the commitment of the Trinity congregation who helped us give food to 1818 people/670 families during the year. Our biggest Wednesday was November 16, when we gave away 51 turkeys and 40 bags of side dishes to 149 people and 62 families. It was truly a very Happy Thanksgiving for the clients.

The second Souper Bowl lunch took place on February 6, with a delicious lunch prepared by Sally Dunn. The financial donations given benefit the Matthew 25 Fund and also Winger Food Pantry. We had a competition between Zach Roman's youth and Stacey Carman's adults to see who could bring the most powdered milk for the pantry. The youth won for the second year. Each year we receive cash donations from the congregation during the year plus we benefit from school food drives organized by Spirit Sorensen and Charlotte Landrum. Thank you very much for your continued support. We could not do it without you.

Respectfully Submitted,
Sandy Norkaitis

Covenant Network: Bob Wagoner has served as our liaison with The Covenant Network since Trinity became a member of Covenant in 2003. Members of Trinity, in conjunction with members from First Presbyterian and Oak Hill Presbyterian, staffed a booth at the Giddings-Lovejoy Pres-B-Fest at John Calvin Presbyterian Church on Saturday, June 12, 1004. The booth presented materials from Covenant Network, More Light Presbyterians, Shower of Stoles, and That All May Freely Serve under the banner "Can We Talk About... " The goal was to make people aware that there are faithful Christians within Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery that are actively working to create a church that is welcoming and affirming and ordains all those called to serve regardless of sexual orientation.

Interfaith Partnership: Thanks to the efforts of George Philips, a group of ten Trinity members attended the 2004 meeting and award ceremony of the Interfaith Partnership of Metropolitan St. Louis in May. The Interfaith Partnership promotes peace, respect and understanding among people of all faiths. We hope to participate in this meeting on an annual basis. Those interested in more information about this organization can go to the website, www.interfaithpartnership.org.

Trinity, in its varied ministries, provides us all with many opportunities to be missionaries in Christ. May our congregation continue to grow in love and in service.

Respectfully submitted
Melissa Kreishman, Chair

Agencies Funded in 2005

(See our Links Page for links to the web sites of most of these organizations.)

Beyond Housing provides decent, secure housing, as well as a supportive environment, to low-income families in order to maximize their potential for improved family life, community living, and financial independence.

Care and Counseling is a pastoral care agency that partners with clergy, teachers, physicians and other professionals to make mental health services accessible to people of all walks of life. 40% of the agency's client base is at or below the poverty line. Care and Counseling maintains a satellite office at Trinity. The current counselor there is Dale Chavis.

CSC Charities for Children providespersonal care items and school supplies to disadvantaged children, such as those in shelters for homeless, or in shelters for abused and neglected children. This charity is managed by Charlotte Landrum and Spirit Sorenson of Trinity.

Doorways isan interfaith program that provides housing options in the St. Louis area for people living with HIV/AIDS related illness. The Residential Program and the Own Home program support those with financial hardship, and the Supportive Housing Facility provides for those unable to live independently.

Genesis House is a project of the Presbytery, a coffeehouse with an art gallery located across from the Delmar Metrolink station. This is a ministry for persons who may need to encounter God in a non-traditional setting.

Interfaith Partnership is made up of denominations, congregations, and individuals from thirty faith communities. The mission of Interfaith Partnership is to "promote peace, respect and understanding among people of all faiths" through dialogue, education, and social outreach programs.

The International Institute of Saint Louis, a member of United Way of Greater Saint Louis, has been providing a broad array of social services for new Americans since 1919. Its programs, including teaching English, finding jobs, and providing adjustment services to help newcomers overcome language and cultural barriers, are designed to move refugees and immigrants quickly from overwhelming dependence to productivity and self-sufficiency.

Midland House uses a non-traditional approach to help those recovering from severe psychiatric illness to become functioning participants within their own families, with friends, and in activities of daily life. Organized like a club, Midland House provides a place where members can go during the day to interact with others and to share in planning activities, providing meals, and publishing a newsletter.

TheMissouri Association for Social Welfare (MASW) is a citizen membership organization founded in 1901 that advocates for changes in public policy to improve social conditions. Their mission is "to provide the leadership, research, education and advocacy to improve public policies and programs impacting the health and welfare of all people in Missouri". The organization has led efforts to create the Missouri Commission on Human Rights, the Children's Hunger Relief Act, managed care consumer protection, the Missouri Foundation for Health, and many more.

The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) provides support, education and advocacy services for those with mental illness. NAMI serves as a resource for individuals, families, and professionals involved in living with and treating mental illness.

OASIS "Person to Person"

Prison Fellowship is dedicated to showing prisoners how Christian living and dedication can provide them with the values and skills they need to reenter society. The Missouri program is part of a larger Prison Fellowship program that is active nationally and internationally, and includes a prison bible study program, and marriage counseling and support groups for recently released prisoners and their families.

RAVEN (Rape And Violence End Now) provides counseling and education to men with the goal of ending male violence against women and children, and also provides education about enlightened masculinity at the institutional and social level.

Senior High Mission Work Project completed its 35^th summer mission trip in 2004, with six senior high youth and three adults participating in mission work at a church and a church school in Juarez, Mexico. The purpose of the mission trips is to reach out to others by providing physical labor and materials for construction projects, and to enrich the spiritual lives of our youth.

Senior Minister's Discretionary Fund allows our pastor to respond to individual requests for emergency financial assistance.

The Saint Vincent Home for Children is a residential treatment center that provides care (housing meals, clothing and therapy) for abused and neglected children, ages six through thirteen, with moderate to severe emotional problems, behavior disorders, and/or learning disabilities.

Trinity Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts

The Winger Food Pantry stocks non-perishable food for those in need, and provides four days worth of food each visit. The pantry is staffed by Trinity volunteers and funded by our local mission funds, donations from the congregation, food drives sponsored by the Boy Scouts or schools, and on occasion low-cost purchases made at the St. Louis Area Food Bank. In addition, Trinity members donate turkeys and chickens for the Food Pantry to distribute at Thanksgiving.

University City Medical Transportation through the University City Senior Service Board provides free transportation for all seniors living in University City to and from any medical appointment they may have.

University City Residential Service works to maintain and improve the quality of life in University City by promoting the city as a place to live and attracting residents who reflect diverse economic, cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. The service also assists persons who may find themselves unable to locate reasonable housing in the University City area.

The Women's Safe House shelters women and their children in the St. Louis City and County areas. The program is the only shelter in St. Louis that can house all minor children of the abused mother. The shelter also offers extensive follow-up to their clients, including therapy, financial aid, and independence skill development.

Trinity Presbyterian Church started the process of joining Metropolitan Congregations United (MCU) during 2005. The first step was the Listening Campaign, which ran from July through September. During this time 22 Trinity members were trained to interview other members of the congregation to create or renew relationships and to learn more about the member and their interests. The listeners interviewed 119 members during the Campaign. The listeners gathered for a debriefing on October 3 and a summary of the information gathered during the campaign was prepared for the congregation. We held a congregational meeting on November 16^th and presented the results from the campaign on strengths and needs of both the congregation and the community. MCU now moves ahead with the community needs. Trinity will take the two issues of greatest congregational interest and share them with the other members of the MCU MidCounty cluster. The cluster consists of Trinity and the other congregation in our area of the county who will work together on a particular issue chosen by the congregations. The issue will be determined during an Issues Assembly on January 8^th, 2006. We look forward to working with the other members of the cluster during 2006 to make progress on the chosen issue.

The Trinity MCU Core Team

Betty Burnett
Luise Hoffman
Melissa Kreishman
John Roman
Tom Serfass
Kitty Underwood

The Corporate Affairs Commission provides ongoing financial, budgetary, investment, and general corporate guidance to the Session. Members of the Commission this year were Joanne Roman, Church Treasurer; Mary Nielsen; Kathy Kramer; John Merker; Henry Biggs; and Keith Fischer, Chair.

In 2005, the budgeted deficit was $$$ but because of unexpected savings in building insurance and reduced salary for an interim Christian Education Director, the deficit now is projected at year's end to be approximately $$$. The Session is committed to continuing not to exceed this deficit in 2006 and to continue to reduce the deficit each year.

The 2006 budget passed by the Session calls for expenditures of $$$ vs. $$$ in the 2005 budget. A new expense of $$$ for Trinity's membership in Metropolitan Churches United is included as is a 2% raise for church personnel. To fund the budget we are counting upon the following sources of revenue:

Pledges	$$$
Loose Offering (non-pledge gifts)	$$$
Per Capita assessment paid by individuals	$$$
Endowment contribution	$$$
Building use fees	$$$
Church savings	$$$

The Stewardship campaign directed in 2005 by Kim Merritt and Do Kirk will exceed the budgeted pledge figure. As of December 15, 2005, $$$ has been raised through 99 pledges.

The One Great Hour of Sharing offering raised $$$ in 2005 for disaster relief and other mission work.

The Corporate Affairs Commission wants to extend special thanks to Linde Baechle, Trinity's Financial Secretary, for her faithful, accurate bookkeeping. We recognize Karon Bilbrey, Church Administrator, for her valuable leadership. We also thank Joanne Roman, Church Treasurer, for her faithful service.

Respectfully submitted,
Keith C. Fischer, Chairperson

The members of the Evangelism Commission during 2005 were Margy Brown, Sally Dunn, Do Kirk, Kim Martin, Jan Schulte-Glad, and Cathy Smith.

During 2005, the Evangelism Commission continued to focus on two primary tasks:

• Making Trinity known in the community so that others are aware of our faith community and may join us in worship and mission.
• Welcoming visitors and new members into our ministry and fellowship.

The commission coordinated media advertising, primarily via Yellow Pages ads and selected newspaper ads. We also produced seasonal flyers used to invite visitors to programs at Trinity. In addition, other informational brochures were available on the Narthex tables and in the waiting area outside the church office.

We delivered "visitors' bags" to first time visitors who signed the pew pads and provided their address. This package provided additional information about the church and a member of the commission extended an offer to answer any questions about Trinity that the visitor might have.

The commission also hosted the membership inquiry classes. When new members joined Trinity, the commission recruited sponsors for the new members and sponsored the new member receptions during Fellowship. Periodically, we also hosted a brunch for new members and their sponsors.

The Trinity website remained an ever-changing tool for communicating with our congregation and for outreach to the community at large. Special thanks to Brian Schroer, our Web Master, for his dedication to providing timely updates and for the continual addition of new information.

In closing, I'd like to thank the members of the commission for their dedication and many efforts during 2005 and the members of the congregation who join with us in welcoming visitors and new members.

Respectfully submitted,
Beth David, Chairperson

The Facilities Commission enjoyed a very productive year in 2005. We finished several projects to improve the appearance and usability of the church and to repair aging equipment. The main project completed was the renovation of the bathrooms under the north end of the church under the Washington Avenue steps. I particularly want to acknowledge the dedicated leadership of Tom Wilhite on this project. We have started to update the Kingsland Avenue entrance using the funds from the Fred Kirk memorial. A new tile floor has been installed and the walls have been plastered in preparation for painting. This project will be completed early in 2006. We have also signed a contract for the sanctuary ceiling work as a part of the organ renovation project. This work will be completed sometime after Easter, 2006. In addition, we completed the normal and regular maintenance activities to the various services and physical plant of the church.

My thanks to the members of the Facilities Commission for their faithful service: Karon Bilbrey, Birty Hodgson, Ann Weible, and Tom Wilhite.

Respectfully submitted,
John Roman
Facilities Commission Chair

The Personnel Commission was actively involved with the Corporate Affairs Commission and the Session in the budget process for 2006. We also completed the Pastor's evaluation and had input into the evaluations of other staff members. The Commission continued to work toward maintaining an active and ongoing dialogue with staff so that timely support and assistance could be provided. Many thanks to members Tom Cobb, Karen Coletti, Terry Crow, Sandy Norkaitis and Kitty Underwood for their thoughtful work throughout the year.

Respectfully submitted,
David Nelson, Chair

There was a joyful spirit and energy in worship throughout this past year, as we praised God with great diversity in our services and music. One of the roles of the Worship & Music Commission is to help the Pastor and Minister of Music plan and implement Sunday Worship and other services throughout the year. The Commission explored ways in which the congregations' multiple intelligences could be stimulated in worship and prayer. By recognizing that some worshippers have strong visual-spatial intelligence, while others have interpersonal, musical, bodily-kinesthetic or naturalist intelligence, we helped create a variety of worship experiences throughout the year. Some of these included:

An intergenerational worship service on Palm Sunday; a Taize-style Communion service of great intimacy on Ash Wednesday; Advent services that evoked our theme "Glimpses of God" with a slide show of projected images, prayer cards in the pews during our service focused on peace, and an intergenerational worship service of music, poetry and scripture; A Blessing of the Animals service in November; and a World Communion Sunday service with music from around the world during which worshippers were asked to hold their communion elements until all were served so we could commune together.

We are blessed with wonderful and varied music each Sunday and appreciate the work from our choirs who offer their gifts on a weekly basis. This year, Paul also created more opportunities for congregational participation through Psalm singing and hymn arrangements, as well as adding a gathering song at the beginning of the service. Worship was enhanced by special music for choir and instruments during the year, including Mozart and Pachelbel in February and Purcell cantatas in October. We also appreciated the gifts of special instrumentalists in worship - cello and piano, early music, OASIS, volunteer musicians from the congregation, brass on Easter, and bagpipes on Palm Sunday.

The Worship & Music Commission also assists with the Sacraments of Baptism and
Communion. We presented rainbow ornaments to our infants at Baptism and arranged for elders to serve Communion, bake the communion bread and prepare the elements for Sunday's Communion Services. We thank all those who have filled these roles throughout the year.

In its ongoing effort to meet the diverse worship needs of the congregation and greater community, the Commission also discussed the flow of activities on Sunday morning, the concept of a second service, and changes to the bulletin, and will work with the task force members who will be tackling these issues in greater detail this upcoming year.

Other opportunities for worship and fellowship this year included the Hanging of the Greens, which was spearheaded by Ruth Cobb and included intergenerational activities and a meal, and an alternative worship service geared to the youth of the church that is held monthly under the direction of Paul Devine.

Thank you to the staff, congregation members and Worship & Music Commission members who sanctify our worship experience with their time, energy and gifts!

Respectfully submitted,
Liz Nelson, Member
Worship & Music Commission

Trinity's Endowment Fund was created in the mid-1950s to provide fiscal support for Trinity Presbyterian Church, and to help the church meet its responsibilities and new challenges in an ever-changing world. The purpose has remained constant throughout the years.

During 2005, the Endowment Fund contributed $$$ towards Trinity's operating budget. The fund also made two additional contributions to the church during 2005 - $$$ to the organ renovation project and $$$ for the purchase of three computers in the church office. In 2005 Endowment Fund completed the promised total payment of $$$ towards the organ renovation project. The money for these contributions comes from income and capital appreciation of the Endowment Fund.

As of September 30, 2005, the most recent reporting period for which figures are available, the value of the Endowment Fund was $$$, a 5.76% increase compared with the value a year ago. Fund received $$$ in new contributions during 2005. In 2006, the Endowment Fund plans to contribute $$$ toward the Church budget.

During 2005 Trinity Endowment Board initiated a new grant program to support projects that would lead to growth, vitality and enthusiasm of the Trinity congregation. The Board has appointed a Liaison Committee to work with groups or individuals desiring to submit grant requests under this program.

A subcommittee of the Board consisting of George Sallwasser and Bob Klostermeier conducted a financial review of the fund during 2005. The Board has initiated some changes in procedures and quarterly/annual reporting based on the recommendations of the subcommittee.

The Endowment Board is overseen by a board of 13 directors, including four from each of three annual "classes" and the pastor, Dr. Dan Anderson-Little, who serves an ex-officio member of the Board. During 2005, the officers of the Fund were: George Philips, President; Terry Crow, Vice President; Keith Fischer, Treasurer and Susan Rava, Secretary. Other Board members are: Henry Edmonds, Andy Hoyne, Bob Klostermeier, George Sallwasser, Ray Scholin, Cathy Smith and Marge Versprille.

We are very grateful for the many years of service given to the Endowment Board by Cathy Smith and Marge Versprille, both of whom will be leaving the board in 2005. Our thanks also go to Doug Peden who resigned from the Board during 2005.

The assets of the Fund are professionally managed by Fox Asset Management, Inc. of Little Silver, N.J., which has been instructed to pursue a conservative balanced investment approach, investing in stocks, bonds and cash. The Board is assisted by a St. Louis company, Fiduciary Consultants, Inc. which provides regular evaluation and reporting on Fox Asset Management's performance. Fox Asset Management has successfully met its objectives, generating an above-average return on investments compared to other comparable funds with similar investment objectives.

The Board gratefully acknowledges the generosity of those who have given gifts and bequests to the Fund throughout its history.

Respectfully submitted,
George Philips, President

Serving on the Board of Deacons for three years has been a wonderful experience for me. It has been a remarkable journey with a special group of people who are dedicated to minister to those who are in need, both within and beyond our church community.

Over the past three years the Deacons have worked hard to improve their avenues of defining needs and then responding to these needs in a timely manner. We see ourselves as being catalysts within our own community of faith as we lead the congregation to nurture each other.

The work of the Deacons has been divided into several categories for organizational purposes. These include but are not limited to the following:

• Short-term needs which would include hospitalizations, deaths, new baby, marital changes, employment changes, etc. Information of need comes to the Deacon's attention in several ways, such as from the Pastor, Church Office, or from any parishioner.
  
  When a need is identified the next step is to quickly notify all the Deacons to determine who is able to respond. Most often this is done by e-mail, which has significantly improved the communication within our own group.
  
  Due to the fact that Trinity is blessed with many doctors and medical professionals who are parishioners, we have developed a network within several area hospitals whereby most of our medical professionals have agreed to make hospital room visits when we have a Trinity parishioner admitted to their hospital. What a great extension of the Deacon's ministry!
  
  We offer meals to individuals and families who are experiencing difficulties of any kind. We try to keep the fridge stocked with several meals, which can be used quickly as needed. In addition several Deacons can be called on to put a hot meal together with little notice.
• Long-term needs include visiting, sending notes & cards, brining Communion, and making phone contact with the homebound members of our congregation. During Christmas we help with the Advent Bags, and assist in compiling Trinity's Advent Readings Booklet.
• Other areas in which we endeavor to provide are: a ministry of prayer, help with transportation to Church, and an update on Deacon activities at the monthly Session meetings, and to raise the level of sensitivity for members of our congregation who are caregivers and who may need extra support from us and/or useful resource information to help make their difficult task easier.

Respectfully submitted,
Karen Mayberry, Moderator

The FEAST (Fellowship, Eating and Sharing Together) group had a year of discussion and exploration of the purpose of its gatherings. Typically, this monthly potluck dinner provides a time for socializing and fellowship for adults in their 20s and 30s. We are single and married, gay and straight, parents and non-parents who gather to get to know each other socially and support each other through joys and concerns. Attendance varied greatly, depending on the work and family commitments of participants, as well as the differing levels of interest in socializing, conversing about spiritual matters, and sharing life circumstances.

Different members of the group hosted the meal each month. A core group of
bout 6 people came every month and others joined us as their schedules
allowed. Partway through the year, organizing duties were passed on to Dan Haeusser and Carissa Gigliotti. The core group decided to maintain its monthly gatherings, but to periodically add purely social events (i.e., music at the zoo, etc.). By the end of 2005, the core group also decided to implement short course of bible study as we move into the next year.

We look forward to seeing where God leads us FEAST-ers in 2006.

Respectfully submitted,

Liz Nelson

The Presbyterian Women of Trinity brown bag it each Tuesday at 11 o'clock for prayer, sharing concerns of our church, family, friends and our community. We write notes and send cards to our homebound and sick people the second Tuesday of each month. We would like each of you to join us.

Respectfully submitted,
Genny Richmond

Our Retirees had another great year meeting together, eating together and chatting together. Some days our turnout was not large, but we surely do enjoy the get-togethers and would welcome more of you.

This year we enjoyed all our visits and great food at several yummy restaurants. We went to Jimmy's On The Park (one of our favorites) couple of times; a classy little restaurant - the Oakland Park in the Holiday Inn near the Airport; the popular Elephant Restaurant on Ballas and Manchester; the welcome atmosphere and delicious food at Amici's in Kirkwood; the Norman Probstein Golf Club Restaurant in Forest Park, which we always enjoy, besides which we had a delightful trip to Springfield, Illinois, to see the fantastic new Lincoln Museum. Dan drove a van and took a good-sized group and we were privileged to have his lovely Mother with us, too. We had lunch in Springfield at Robbie's Restaurant which was conveniently located next to the Capitol and the Museum. It was really a "fun" day!

Sooo, come on and join us whenever you can. We get together on the 3^rd Thursday of each month. Just call the Church Office (725-3840) by Tuesday so we will have the number of reservations to relay to each restaurant. I think you will enjoy our little jaunts and we are making interesting plans now for 2006.

Respectfully submitted,
Hazel Edick