Bill Wade is looking for someone to sew table covers for the bell tables. Please speak to Bill for the details.

Joanne Roman asks: Would you like to be a counter of the collection plate donations? We have one open spot, plus always need subs. The job is one Sunday a month and you count with a partner. It takes about 30 minutes right after church. Please let Joanne, Linde or Liz know if you are interested (725-3840).

...and we have our new timeline of demolition and construction. The Oversight Team will be sharing details throughout the process and will provide numerous visuals to help with updates. Key dates: Demolition begins: Sept. 27; Elevator delivered (and stored in back of the Dining Room): Nov. 1; All elevator and tower work finished: Dec. 2. The boiler will be replaced starting July 26^th. Flooring and other renovations will be contingent on final pledges made. Thank you for your pledges!

The BJC mammography van will be at Pete's Shursav (7434 Olive) on Thursday, July 22; 8:30am-3pm. Go to www.petesshursavmarkets.com for information. Registration required.

We are hosting an open house from 7-8:30pm on Tuesday, Aug. 10^th for representatives from U City faith congregations who are interested in providing mentors, tutors and hall monitors for University City High School starting this fall. Come find out how you can change lives here in U City. Coordinator: Bill Lorenz. Please RSVP to the church office.

The date has changed to Saturday, July 31st (rather than the 24th). Learn how to brew at home, and enjoy a time of fellowship and discussion about growing Trinity's future. Join Dave Nelson for a brew session starting at 10:00 a.m. at the Nelson house (910 Trinity Ave., 63130). All brewers will get a share of the finished beer. Please bring a few bucks to kick in for some pizza for lunch. We'll also have a homebrew and craft beer tasting as we brew. Brew sessions take about 5 hours - come for part or all. Please RSVP to Dave Nelson (camra.dave@gmail.com).

On Wednesday, July 28th from 7-9pm, come show off your fine bowling form as we bowl, have fun and talk about growth at Trinity. An event for all ages. Cost will depend on number of bowlers. Epiphany Lanes, 3164 Ivanhoe Avenue, St Louis, MO 63139. Can you spare some time for fellowship? Sign up in the narthex.

Want more opportunities to learn about and discuss growth at Trinity? Wednesday mornings, beginning on July 21 and ending on September 1, we will gather at church at 6 am for Bible study and prayer. We will end our time by 7:15 am. Bagels, coffee and juice will be provided. No need to sign up--just show up.

Member and contractor Reed Evans has been repairing the improperly done flooring job in the bathrooms and they are close to being finished. Due to his knee injury this week, repairs may be delayed by a few weeks. We appreciate your patience as we work to assure high-quality workmanship on the project. Please plan to use the bathrooms off of the Dining Room or up on the main level by the Chapel. Sorry for the inconvenience.

- Brian Muegge, Campaign Co-Chair

Thanks to the commitment of many campaign volunteers and the generosity of the members of the congregation, our campaign is proceeding very successfully. Ninety pledges have been received to date, totaling more than $410,000! With these pledges in hand, we can now begin fabricating the elevator and scheduling the contractor who will do the construction for our elevator and tower repair. As pledges continue to filter in and final costs are better understood for our major construction costs, the Elevator Oversight Team will work over the next few months to prioritize the other parts of the campaign.

If you have not yet made your pledge, it is not too late to join in. Every pledge we receive moves us closer to our campaign goal, and helps us to more fully "Restore and Renew" our building. To make a pledge, simply mail in your pledge card to the church office or drop it in the offering plate on Sunday morning. Alternatively, you can call or email your pledge to our Financial Administrator, Linde Baechle. Remember that while you are pledging today the total amount of your commitment, the payment schedule is spread over the next three years.

The success of this campaign is directly due to the faithful support of so many people in our congregation. Throughout the campaign, the members of Trinity have shown their support of this project in many ways:

• Almost two dozen members donated a Saturday morning to perform home maintenance projects in University City with our campaign mission partner SHED.
• Our fellowship dinner at Heman Park Community Center was a huge hit. More than 110 people attended and stayed for several hours socializing, eating, listening to great music, and supporting this project.
• Scores of Trinity members have directly helped with the campaign - serving on the campaign committee, designing the brochure and displays in church, helping with dinner plans and decorations, making home visits, and much more.
• 90 individuals or families have made a pledge of financial support to this important project, and the number is still growing.

All of the success that we have achieved so far is dues to your faithful support. We are counting on that continued support as we move forward into the implementation phase of this project, restoring our building and renewing our ministry.

- Rev. Dr. Daniel Anderson-Little, Pastor

As I sat at the Capital Campaign Celebration Dinner at the Heman Park Community Center on June 4 and watched the developmentally disabled girls sing and dance their hearts out, I had a epiphany: we are going to all this trouble to raise money and all the bother to install a new elevator and make other upgrades to the building, not so people with disabilities can join us for worship in our Sanctuary. No, we are expending this energy and extending ourselves so that every person, regardless of his or her disabilities can share their abilities with us as together we worship God. Indeed, the entire weekend of June 4-6 was a powerful reminder of what is so valuable at Trinity that we are called not only to preserve but to build on and expand.

I want to thank everyone who worked so hard to make the Capital Campaign so successful and especially the weekend of June 4 - 6. I won't try to mention everyone by name because so many people had a hand in helping us all have a joyful time. There is the Steering Committee for the Capital Campaign who worked hard for more than three months planning and implementing. There were musicians who performed at the dinner and sang in worship on Sunday. (I never thought you could top the Widor Toccata, but add a choir and brass quartet to the Widor and voila!) The folks who worked on setting up and cleaning up after the meal on Friday evening. The visiting stewards who fanned out on Sunday to visit members in their homes. And all of you who generously gave to the campaign so that our building and ministry can be accessible and welcoming for generations to come. Everyone did a splendid job. I am proud to be a part of this faithful and hard-working community!

As we move ahead with our campaign, as we install the new elevator, repair the bell tower and make other upgrades to our building, I encourage us all to allow the fellowship, warmth and love of Commitment Weekend to continue to carry us. As a congregation we do what we do because God has called us; we do what we do because we clearly see the need to expand and build on our ministry; we do what we do because we are not alone in this, but have one another. At the root of the word "ability" is the word "able." With God's love and grace, with one another's encouragement, we are able to do all things through Him who strengthens us! God bless you all!

- Dan Anderson-Little

This issue of Trinity News marks the final issue that Ann Fischer will edit. About nine years ago, Ann approached me and said she had some ideas about improving Trinity News. She had a vision that it would be more than just a glorified announcement sheet, but that it could serve to connect members to one another. Not only did Ann share her vision for the newsletter, but she offered to become its editor-in-chief. And for the past nine years, Trinity News has flourished under Ann's careful and faithful leadership. She has not only moved us to having a more comprehensive newsletter, but she has created a newsletter that is beautifully laid out and fun to read. The entire congregation has been blessed by her abundant gifts as an editor and her generosity of time. As one who not only writes frequently for these issues, but is often holding up the production by missing deadlines, I particularly appreciate Ann's patience and humor in dealing with me and others who have promised articles for the upcoming edition.

Ann's "retirement" from Trinity News has been in the works for a couple of months. She and Keith are traveling more and after nine years she is ready for something new. I invite you to join me in thanking Ann and in thanking God for Ann's great gifts and her willingness to share them. We are a stronger, more connected community because of her service. Well done, thou good and faithful servant!

As we have contemplated Ann's retirement as editor of Trinity News, we have thought hard about how to continue our ministry of communication. The most important aspect that we want to preserve and strengthen is the combination of announcements and personal reflections-that is, to continue the newsletter as a place where members

and friends can learn not only about what is going on, but also about who is part of the congregation; a place not only for information, but also for inspiration. As we talked about the future, we have also considered tools that have developed over the past decade-the most important of which is the Internet.

Starting in August, we are going to launch a new approach to the newsletter that we hope will continue the strong foundation that we currently have and at the same time take best advantage of tools that are now available. This new approach has two components that take into account both the power of digital transmission of written material and the realization that not everyone has access to the Internet. In August, we plan to move to a weekly e-newsletter. This version of the Trinity News will be delivered directly to your email inbox. It will include not only timely links to upcoming events, but also longer reflections contributed by staff and members of the congregation. (It will also replace emails that are sent out from the church with various announcements.) It is our plan that everyone who has Internet access will receive this version of the Trinity News. We will also continue to publish a print version of Trinity News. We have not yet worked out all of the details of when this will come out and what will be included in it, but it will be published at least monthly and members will have the option to have it mailed to their homes or they can pick it up at church.

We realize that this represents a significant change in our communication ministry and we as a staff commit ourselves to making sure that everyone receives timely updates on the life and people of this congregation. As we launch this new approach, we ask for your patience and your feedback-both are essential for us as we build on our rich past and build for an exciting future.

- Ann Fischer

I have loved being editor of Trinity News.

Yes, there were the naggings ("ummm-the deadline was last Wednesday...") and the computer woes ("How do I get the %*&#+ machine to copy and paste this line?) But mostly there have been the wonderful stories you have shared with me and with all of us.

It has been a privilege I treasure to be part of the events, stories, and reflections of your lives. I will always be eager to hear News from Trinity!

- Stacy Shupe, Elder

Many Trinity members and friends have asked for more opportunities for fellowship where we can enjoy getting to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere. Starting in September, we will be starting Bread Breakers, an opportunity to do just that! Everyone who signs up will be divided into smaller groups, and each group will meet in a home for a potluck dinner once a month for three months. Then, you can sign up again, and we'll start with new groups in January!

Everyone is welcome-families with children, couples, singles, members, visitors. It will be a great opportunity to invite friends who might be interested in learning more about Trinity. It will be a great way to put personalities to people you only know by sight, and it will help bring us closer as a community of faith. I hope you will join us! You may contact me or Elder Cheryl Evans if you have any questions, but we'll bring you more information in August.

Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m

- Mary McKown, Elder

At the most recent Session Meeting, we spent time and effort in a brainstorming session talking about growth at Trinity. Several ideas came forward for generating interest and excitement at Trinity. One idea that was advanced is attending Summer Concerts at Lafayette Park in Lafayette Square. I used to live in Lafayette Square and I treasure many warm memories of enjoying summer evening concerts. It is so much fun. It is free. You don't need a reservation. You just show up with a blanket or lawn chair and a picnic dinner. The music starts and there is all manner of dancing. It occurred to me, "wouldn't this fun be even more enhanced if we could enjoy it with some of our Trinity friends?" I imagined hearing my son Peter's excited voice as he sees his pew buddy Mia joining us at the concert. And how he could he not get excited at the sight of that gorgeous smile and sweet spirit of Mia Schindler?

The next day after the Session meeting, I was still thinking about growth. Frankly, when I was sitting in the meeting, I was narrow in my definition of growth. I was thinking about growth as adding members to the congregation. But in a palm-of-the-hand-slap-to-my-forehead revelation, it occurred to me that growth is not just about the numbers of members. Growth is about growth as an individual and growth as part of a community of faith. At Trinity, we all need to grow as individuals, we need to grow as a community, AND we need to grow in numbers. As Cheryl Evans pointed out at the session meeting, there are a lot of really interesting people who attend Trinity. Isn't it exciting to think about bringing others into our midst and sharing the wonderful spirit that is our congregation?

So here is my thought, let's try to gather at Lafayette Park and grow as individuals and as a congregation. And if you can invite a friend or a family to join in on the fun, all the better. It doesn't have to be anything formal. I will try to make it to as many concerts as possible and we will just look for each other when we arrive. We will plop down our stuff and settle in for great evening of fun, dancing, fellowship and growth. All concerts are on Saturday night and begin at 6:00 pm:

• July 3rd Band: Ralph Butler Band
• July 17th Band: BJ Allen and Blue Voodoo
• July 31st Band: Anita Rosamond
• August 14th Band: Big Bamou
• August 28th Band: The Wild, Cool & Swingin' Orchestra

Starting in August, you have a few choices in how you receive your Trinity News. Please see page two for more details about the reasoning behind these changes. First of all, a huge thank you to those of you who have opted to receive the Trinity News digitally. We are already saving on paper, toner, postage and time. And thank you to the handful of readers who have requested to keep the paper version-you will continue to do so. For the rest of our readers, Trinity News will change to a weekly digital format in August-good timing with the start of the construction process, as more frequent communication will be necessary. Trinity News will continue to carry both calendar updates, news tidbits and reflection pieces. It will come not as a .pdf file that you have to open and read, but as a nicely-formatted email with articles and links to information.

1. If we have not heard from you, but have an email address for you, we will plan to start sending the weekly e-newsletter;
2. If we have not heard from you and have NO email address for you and no phone number, we will stop sending you the paper newsletter. Please contact us if this is not your wish.
3. If you requested the paper version, you will receive a monthly paper collection of the "best of" the e-newsletter articles from the month.

This transition is a work in progress and I count on your feedback and communication to make adjustments as needed. I look forward to hearing from you and we always welcome articles and reflections from our members and friends.

An updated version of the Trinity Directory is done and is in the Narthex for pick up. If you live out of town and would like a copy sent via email, please let the office know (314-725-3840; tpcucity@swbell.net). If you see errors that need fixing, please also let us know!

- Pat Scannell

When I was a young mom with two little girls to support, I learned the blessings associated with tithing. My husband suffered a schizophrenic break and withdrew all of the money in our bank account, sold the newer of our two cars and when confronted said "God will take care of you." In the end, he was right. We moved back to St. Louis from the little town in which we had been living and became active members of a nearby church. I decided to trust in God, given that I was pretty desperate and we humans tend to often wait until we are in dire circumstances.

I got a job at Jewish Hospital making $14 - $15,000 a year. Tax time came and someone in the Hospital's accounting office did taxes so I brought them my information. A few days later an accountant called and asked if I'd come see him because he needed to talk with me. I went to his office and he said, "It says here that you gave Trinity Church $1,400." (Yes, the Church was named Trinity!) He said, "You, couldn't afford to give a church that much money." I said, "I couldn't afford not to." God took care of all of our needs during that very difficult time in life. I wish I could say I always remained faithful in tithing, but the more I made, the more difficult those checks became to write. I am glad to say that for years now I have tithed and I love knowing that my needs are in God's hands and I know He is faithful.

Have you ever considered donating a musical offering to our worship services? If so, we need you NOW! Do you have musical talent or ability that you are "hiding under a bushel"? Don't hide any longer, we need you NOW!

This summer we need to provide music in worship for 13 Sundays between 6/13 - 9/5 while the Trinity Choir is on their summer break. This is a perfect opportunity for you to dust off your flute (or trombone, or bongos, or viola . . . ), get out that old solo, and get your "chops" back. Or put together a new ensemble!

Ministers of Music (MoMs) Vicki Carmichael and Dr. Bill Wade, CAGO, are happy to provide any support or input you need to prepare and present your musical offering. Please contact them for further information or to commit to a Sunday this summer. Email vcarmichael44@gmail.com or drwewade@gmail.com or call the church office (314)725-3840. Don't delay! Ask God what you can do to help and contact your MoMs right away.

- Liz Nelson, Church Administrator

The capital campaign has ended (but pledges are still being accepted!) and you may be wondering, "When will I see a hole in the ground where the old elevator used to be?" Here is the plan for Trinity's next steps as we start the construction process: We are currently finalizing the elevator and tower work contract with McGrath, our chosen contractors. After it is reviewed by our Oversight Committee and signed, shop drawings will be made by Otis Elevator Co. and approved by project architect, Mark O'Bryan. The elevator will then be ordered and made to our specifications. Therefore, it will take between 6-8 weeks before we start seeing elevator parts stored in the Dining Room and demolition begins. We estimate this will be at the end of August. Tower work will occur as the elevator and new gathering area are being worked on.

Trinity has formed an Oversight Committee, and part of our goal will be to communicate frequently with all of you about construction updates. We will share the exact time line once the contract is signed. The Oversight Committee will meet regularly and has a few priorities along with communication:

1. to oversee the work of the contractor,
2. to coordinate the financial aspects of the project, and
3. to work with the Session to set project priorities if all the budgeted funds are not raised.

We will communicate in various ways through out the construction (Phase 1, the elevator, gathering area and tower, should be completed before Advent): there will be posters/displays, emails, letters, before & after pictures, web information, building tours, and other creative ways to keep members in the loop, as well as those from the community who use our space 65 hours per week.

Mound Ridge retreat: August 27-29

A weekend of fun for all ages at the Presbytery's retreat center:

Church Picnic: Sunday, September 12^th ,

after worship
Memorial Park by the YMCA off Brentwood Blvd.

People are invited to help coordinate both events - talk with Liz in the office for Mound Ridge (725-3840; tpcucity@swbell.net) and Cheryl Evans for the picnic.

- Anna Moffatt Gardner-Andrews, member

Does anyone have an old copier that they no longer need or are getting ready to replace? I could really use one in my classroom at Vashon High School (Saint Louis Public Schools). The district can no longer afford to make large quantities of copies for students. Since I have created all of my own curriculum and do not use a textbook except for reading purposes, I am forced to make all of my copies at my own expense. I can no longer afford to do this and would greatly appreciate a copier donation. It would set the 2010-2011 school year off to a great start! If you know of any possible copier donation opportunities, please contact me at agardnerandrews@yahoo.com. Thanks, in advance, for your support! I think you would agree that my underserved students deserve access to crucial educational resources!