The fall gets off to a swinging start on Rally Day, September 7. The St. Louis Stompers (one of St. Louis' hottest Dixieland Jazz bands) and Trinity's own Festival Choir under the rousing direction of Paul Vaslie will lead us in a spirited morning of worship and praise. Dan Anderson-Little promises to preach with pizzazz.

After worship, our dynamic education year kicks off. Childrenand youth will gather downstairs and meet their teachers; adults will remain in the Sanctuary for a time of weaving our stories of faith together.

Following the education hour, we will all gather in the Dining Room for a celebratory lunch. Please plan to attend and bring your friends!

- Dr. Daniel Anderson-Little, Pastor

Members of the early church were given two titles: disciples and apostles. Disciple means "a follower who learns from another." In the context of the early church, a disciple was someone sent by Jesus to share the Good News and invite those who did not have a relationship with Jesus to become his disciples.

This fall, I will teach a new course open to all members of the congregation: DNA: Disciples 'N' Apostles. It is designed to help Christians deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ so that they can more effectively be sent into the world to share the Good News. Being both a disciple and an apostle is like a double helix strand of DNA: they are separate strands, each having its own path, but they grow together, depend upon one another, and inform one another.

DNA: Disciples 'N' Apostles will include practical guidance for church leaders, but it is more than that. It is a faith journey intended to change lives - for anyone who profoundly encounters Jesus and responds to his invitation to serve in the world is never the same.

Therefore, while this course will explore knowledge about God and theology, it will place greater emphasis on one's relationship with Jesus Christ. It will present information about the church, but put greater emphasis on ministry. It examines skills, but will put greater emphasis on spiritual gifts.

The course's purpose is to build up Christians as disciples and apostles who will, in turn, make new disciples and apostles so that God's love and mercy might continue to grow in the world.

Course sessions will cover:

• Passion: What in your relationship with Jesus are you passionate about? We will explore our relationship with Jesus and discuss how our lives are different because of him.
• Faith-sharing: How do you share your passion for Jesus with others without being arrogant or rude? How can we be effective and caring evangelists in a multi-cultural, multi-religious, faith-hungry, religiously-weary world?
• Spiritual Growth: How do you grow in faith and move toward spiritual maturity? We will discuss lifelong faith learning and explore spiritual disciplines, both personal and corporate.
• Vision: What is God's deepest hope for the church? What vision is God calling you to? We will discus the power of a clear, Biblical vision - focusing on where vision comes from, how we articulate a vision, and how we implement a vision, both for our own ministry and for the church.
• Stewardship: How do you live out faith in your daily life? We will examine various parts of our lives - our relationships, care of the earth, money, work, citizenship - and explore the question from Micah, "What does the Lord require of us?
• Spiritual Gifts: What gifts for ministry has God given you? We will discern together the gifts God has given us and explore ways to implement those gifts for the Kingdom.
• Ministry: You've got the passion, you've got the vision, you've got the gifts - now, what are you going to do with them? We will explore what ministry God is calling you to.

The course will meet on the following Tuesdays at 7:45 p.m.: September 23 and 30; October 14 and 28; November 11 and 25 It will feature Bible study, discussion, and movie clips. If you are interested or want more information, please contact me at 725-3840 or dan_tpc@swbell.net.

- Hu Walsh

A stunning display of colorful stoles from the Shower of Stoles Project will travel to Trinity the weekend of September 27 and 28 as part of our 50th Anniversary Celebration. The exhibit and video presentation is free and open to the public on both days, from 1:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Shower of Stoles, a collection of liturgical stoles from gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons, representing 21 denominations in five countries, is displayed annually at well over 150 churches, conferences, and seminaries across the nation. The collection was created as a witness to GLBT persons whom have been forced to choose between serving in silence or sacrificing their livelihood. The documentary video, So Great a Cloud of Witnesses, brings to life the moving stories of men and women who have been barred from serving due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

On Sunday morning, Martha G. Juillerat, Project Founder, will be preaching at Trinity. It will also be shown during adult education on September 14 and 21. An educational option for parents regarding discussing the display and sexuality issues with children will also be provided on the 21st. The Trinity "support stole" will be available for signatures on Sundays as well.

To learn more about the Shower of Stoles, you can also go to www.showerofstoles.org, the project's web site.

- Do Kirk

I dreamed of the loom in the chancel, of everyone weaving and creating a glorious and crazy masterpiece - all of us holding one another tight in our remembering and our reaching for a future that will knock God's socks off!

There are only a few times in my life when I have felt the Holy Spirit, I mean, really felt God right with me. I hoped that weaving this "life cloth" would be a "God in our midst" experience for all of us.

I thought it would take most of the year to even begin to convey my vision. But, "Be still, oh faint of heart... those of little faith..." - there was "God with us" from the first moment. Dan's creative brain and heart went wild, Bob loved it, Paul found music immediately. From the first strands in the shuttle, woven by the Roman family, Bob and Sue Young, and then Lester Bruns, so many have contributed to our fabric, remembering the many pieces of their lives - John, Melissa and Maija Kreishman weaving in ribbon from Latvia; Ann and Keith Fischer giving beautiful Korean cloth medallions to sew on later; six-year-old Peter Schmidt at my side each week, with yarn in hand, not a word, just waiting his turn; Al Ng bringing his son Arthur to the chancel to weave -

These precious God moments go on and on. My prayer is this: O God, let this tenderness and life stay with us forever. Amen. P.S. I know you're looking for your socks already!

- Michele Devine

Let's turn back the clock...

Where good is always victorious - but not without surprising and amusing twists and turns along the way!

Join us on Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14 for a good, old-fashioned rollicking melodrama, suitable for the whole family, and complete with music from a by-gone era. Audience participation will be encouraged!

Come to either or both shows but reservations are absolutely a must. (WE REALLY MEAN IT THIS TIME!)

Call the church office NOW! (725-3840)

Luise Hoffman grew up in central New York state, studied Music Education but didn't want to teach, sang professionally in Italy for seven years after graduation (opera), came back to the States and lived and worked in New York City. She came to St. Louis following her mother, who had followed Luise's brother after he settled here after attending Washington University. For many years, she worked as a church soloist, singing at Trinity under Bill Aiken and Carl Smith, as well as at other churches in the area. She and her mother visited Trinity on and off over many years.

Luise's current passion is the fiber arts. She learned to spin wool, since her mother was a knitter and she thought she could provide the yarn. She recently returned from a fiber arts trip to New Zealand, where she took classes and toured. One of the "weaver helpers," Luise helped set up the sanctuary display and is currently working on a project for the Sunday School kids which involves wool, Kool-Aid and the microwave!

Lyn and Tom Serfass' first Sunday at Trinity five years ago was memorable, as Dan preached his "Candidate Sermon" and the congregation voted to call him as our new Pastor. While a student at Washington University in the 1980s, Tom was drawn to Trinity by its stance on social issues. Lyn's cousin, Jyll Swearingen, encouraged the couple to visit. The music, Dan's sermons and our community involvement drew them back.

Lyn works as a manager at Schnucks by night and is homemaker and "mom on duty" by day. Tom is the curator of the Money Museum, which is currently housed at UMSL. He also coaches the Speech and Debate team at Webster University. Daughter Becky is entering the eighth grade at Mary Institute, where she is active in volleyball, soccer, the school newspaper and Art Club. She will be in the Confirmation Class at Trinity.

Lyn, Tom and Becky all love to read in their free time. They also enjoy watching birds - including the baseball Cardinals! The family recently moved from Richmond Heights to Webster Groves, and as they settle into their new home, we welcome them to their new church home.

Christopher Lutz is originally from Falls Church, Virginia and grew up in the Presbyterian-USA church (Trinity Presbyterian in Arlington). Jasman Norman is originally from Kentucky and was not raised Presbyterian. Jasman and Christopher met at Centre College in Danville, KY. Christopher then attended the University of Virginia while Jasman attended Saint Louis University School of Law. She is now a criminal defense attorney, while Christopher is a software engineer in Boeing's flight simulator program. Jasman and Christopher are engaged and plan to be married at Trinity this December.

Both Chris and Jasman are huge pro football fans and you'll certainly be able to catch Jasman in her Tennessee Titans paraphernalia. Chris is also a Washington Capitals hockey fan. They both enjoy cooking and reading while Jasman also enjoys painting and drawing.

Chris and Jasman were looking for a church where both of them felt comfortable. They found their way to Trinity through visiting the church's web site, and searching for churches between their apartments. They've been attending Trinity since January. They say they especially appreciate Dan's sermons and Paul's music.

Mark and Traci O'Bryan and their two children Hayden and Tessa recently joined Trinity because of the "welcoming" family environment and the opportunity to worship with friends and neighbors. The O'Bryans live and work in Clayton where they have their own architectural design firm and where Hayden (age 6) is a first grader at Glenridge Elementary School. Mark grew up in Afton, is a graduate of Kansas University and has a Masters from Washington University. He likes to bike, garden and is an avid racer of H.O scale electric cars. Traci grew up in Springfield, Missouri, graduated from Kansas State University and has lived in St. Louis since 1987. Besides being a busy mom, she likes to write and belongs to a book club. Hayden likes to play soccer and really enjoys building and nature. Tessa (age 4) is very creative and plans to be a ballet dancer and someday "...be a mom to all the children who don't have homes."

Vickie Jareo grew up in Florissant, Missouri. She was baptized in the United Church of Christ, where she maintained membership. Singing with her family at a very early age developed into a lifetime love of singing and a career as soloist and voice teacher. Her introduction to Trinity Church came when she joined our choir as the soprano soloist. After moving away from St. Louis for a year-and-a-half, Vickie returned to her home base and resumed singing with Trinity's choir. This relationship rapidly fostered her desire to become a member, for which we are very pleased.

Vickie again is teaching voice and solo singing around the metropolitan area. Recently, she played a lead role with the Hamilton Avenue Theatre production of the opera Eugene Onegin. A sonorous, welcoming "hallelujah" to Vickie.

- Dr. Daniel Anderson-Little, Pastor

Rally Day begins a new adult education year. The first group of classes are one-time events.

On Rally Day, September 7 we will weave our faith stories together. In small groups we will share stories and weave our strands together on the loom.

On September 14:

• our guest preacher Dr. David Greenhaw, President of Eden Theological Seminary, will talk about the challenges facing the church and seminaries in the 21st century.
• So Great a Cloud of Witnesses, the Shower of Stoles video, will also be shown.

On September 21:

• I will present an interactive class: The Bible: Dust-collector or Spiritual Foundation? In this class, participants will gain some practical ideas for making the Bible part of their daily spiritual growth.
• Option for parents: A session regarding discussing the "Shower of Stoles" display and sexuality issues with children will be offered.
• So Great a Cloud of Witnesses, the Shower of Stoles video, will also be shown.

On September 28 we will have the opportunity to hear about the Shower of Stoles, and view the display.

On World Communion Sunday, October 5, we will hear from Fred Onovwerosuoke of the St. Louis African Chorus. Mr. Onovwerosuoke will be directing the Festival Choir during worship.

After October 5, we will offer two different classes. Plans for those classes are being finalized; we will announce them soon. We hope everyone takes advantage of these opportunities to grow in faith.

- Paul Vasile, Minister of Music

I'm hoping you remember last year's inspired World Communion Sunday, which featured the preaching and music of Dr. Thomas Thangaraj. This year, Trinity will host an African Music Workshop the week of September 29, culminating in a performance on World Communion Sunday, October 5. I invite members of the congregation to join us as we celebrate our unity with Christians around the globe through music!

The workshop will be led by Fred Onovwerosuoke, the artistic director of the St. Louis African Chorus and one of the leading figures in the international African music scene. A celebrated choral conductor from Kenya, Joseph Muyale, as well as the Chorus' master drummer and lead dancer will assist him.

There are a number of exciting events for you to participate in. For those who would like to sing African music (no prior experience required), a choral rehearsal will be held on Tuesday, September 30 at 7:30 p.m. We will have additional rehearsals with the drummer and dancer on Saturday, October 4 at 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 PM to incorporate gestures and a simple dance routine. Between Saturday sessions, we'll have lunch and enjoy some fun and fellowship together. Participants are then invited to sing in the 9:30 a.m. worship service on October 5.

If you would rather watch the action, rehearsals will be open to the public. Mr. Onovwerosuoke and Mr. Muyale will also speak during the Christian Education hour after worship on the 5th. This will be a great opportunity to hear two fine performers speak about the music that they know and love so well; there will also be an open forum for your questions. Mark your calendars now and plan to attend!

- Pat Gibbons

First of all, I would like to take the time to thank each and every one of you for your gifts to the Habitat for Humanity project this summer. Your commitment to this project is evident in the comfortable home Harriett Carter and her family moved into recently. Your dedication to this ministry is greatly appreciated by Harriett, Habitat for Humanity, and Trinity.

A dedication ceremony for the home was held on August 23rd at the Greater Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church. After the dedication ceremony, celebrants walked to Harriet's new home to take part in a home blessing and house warming party. The four churches that comprise Interfaith Builders also presented Harriett with a house warming gift.

Your enthusiasm, love and support of this ministry have been overwhelming and it has been a pleasure working with all of you. If you have enjoyed participating in this ministry, or if you have had a less than enjoyable experience, I would like to hear about it (pcg@wustl.edu, 314-727-1471 home, 314-935-6271 work).

- Janet Mote, Director of Christian Education

This fall, the children in church school will be:

• Preschool - Learning Old Testament stories like creation, Abraham and Sarah, Joseph, and Moses.
• God's Creation - Learning about the prophets Elijah and Elisha.
• 5th/6th grades - New Testament study comparing the gospels.
• 1st-5th grade fellowship - Wool, Kool-Aid, and microwave. You'll see the results displayed in October!
• Confirmation - Getting to know each other, their advocates, and discussing faith during a trip to the Fox to see The Lion King.
• Sr. High - Joining the confirmation class to see The Lion King. Also working on a banner for the Youth lounge, as well as plans for Youth Sunday in November.