Talking with Dolores Bean, the voice you hear does not sound like that of a woman incapacitated by a chronic and progressive neurological disease, a woman whose husband was taken by a brain tumor while yet young and active.
You hear the voice of a woman who raises it at sunrise every morning when she sings her favorite hymns. "God has been so good to me," Bean says. "I just have to sing it."
[more]Advent is a season of great expectation. Prior to the birth of Jesus, the people of God had much reason to keep their eyes fixed on the horizon. As John the Baptist, echoing the prophet Isaiah, proclaimed in advance of the Messiah's coming, "Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low" (Luke 3:5). So, too, do we in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) have much reason to keep our eyes fixed on the horizon these days. Things are happening that, I think, will help the PC(USA) be an even greater witness to the gospel of the coming Messiah. Six months ago, commissioners to the 217th General Assembly made decisions that were filled with hope for the future of the church. Those decisions are beginning to bear fruit. For example, the Form of Government Task Force has produced initial drafts of a much-needed revised Book of Order that will enhance our mission and ministry in this 21st century. In addition, just last week, leaders of American Jewish religious movements met with Presbyterian leaders to engage in a "new season of dialogue and understanding," as the assembly invited us to do in its resolution on Israeli-Palestinian peace.
[more]The observance will take place between Easter (April 8) and Pentecost (May 27) when every church and presbytery in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will be encouraged to plan events marking the occasion.
[more]This Advent we are invited to carve out a space in the depth of us - to open the doors of our heart to the God who is both monarch of the universe and a crying baby in a manger. Advent is a season of extremes, of paradoxes and unsettling tensions but it is also a time of renewed hope, peace, joy and love. This month, let us hear the story anew through scripture, preaching, music, Advent Candles, and community. Join us as we explore themes of the season:
December 3 - Advent I: HOPE- Advent historically concentrates not on the first coming but the Second Coming of Jesus; what does it mean for us to hope for, to long for, to expect the Second Coming of Jesus? Holy Communion will be served.
10:40 a.m. - Fellowship and Caroling by the Creche, Dining Room
December 10 - Advent II: PEACE- The Trinity Choir sings Bach's Advent cantata, Savior of the Nations Come, with instrumentalists.
10:40 a.m. - Hanging of the Greens, Caroling.
December 17 - Advent III: JOY- While Advent calls us to honestly look at the world and to recognize its brokenness and its deep need, we do not do so with dread and resignation, but with joy.
10:40 - Candlelight Christmas Coffee, Caroling.
December 24 - Advent IV: LOVE- God's love is known in choosing normal people like Mary (and us) and in God's justice and care for the poor and downtrodden.
5:00 and 11:00 p.m. - Christmas Eve Services.
See the Advent Flyer included with this edition.
Put it on your fridge! Share it with friends!
Yes indeed! It is upon us. It is time to decide how you will share not only with those you know and love but with the many needy people of the world who would benefit from your help and support. Alternative Giving is a splendid way to do both things at the same time. By making a donation in the name of a friend or family member toward the reconstruction of a hurricane damaged house or toward the start-up costs of a small business for a woman in the third world, you will be honoring all involved. Not only that, you will also be practicing thoughtful stewardship of all of our planet's limited resources.
Beginning the Sunday after Thanksgiving and continuing through Sunday, December 9, Trinity members will be hosting an Alternative Gift Fair in the Dining Room after worship services. Please consider making some of your holiday purchases at the Gift Fair.
Don't forget the special organ rededication concert on Saturday, December 9 at 7:30 p.m., the second in our Reverberations concert series. Paul Vasile will play an eclectic program to help us celebrate the return of our newly improved and refurbished instrument. The program is free and open to the public; a reception will follow. Invite your friends and colleagues. What a great way to introduce them to Trinity!
Survivors of Hurricane Katrina continue to rebuild their lives and redefine their understanding of home and community. Members and friends of Trinity are invited to partner with the survivors and others in a mission trip January 1- 6, 2007.
In the wake of Katrina, the historic St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church (SCAPC) created a program called RHINO (Rebuilding Hope In New Orleans). We'll travel to New Orleans on New Year's Day (Monday) to work with RHINO in New Orleans and return on the following Saturday, January 6.
Volunteers will share a house converted to a dormitory adjacent to SCAPC in the historic New Orleans Garden District and will drive to the worksite daily. We're not certain if we'll be doing demolition or construction. If we do construction, the intention is to work with Habitat for Humanity who will teach us the required skills and supply some of the tools. Your cost: approximately $125 per person for transportation, room and board.
Contact me at dobrien@eden.edu or 314-993-0396 if you would like to participate.
Many of us were involved through prayer, financial help and hands-on help with the Adult Mission trip to New Orleans last March. We gutted the house of the Armagnac family who fled to Houston two days before Hurricane Katrina struck. In the storm's wrath, they lost everything except what they carried on the plane. Their home with all its belongings and memories was destroyed. Life in Houston has been less than ideal. Their circle of New Orleans friends is gone, their doctors, their neighborhood - you name it - it is no more.
I have been corresponding with them (we share a wedding anniversary), and Cathy's letters to me have been touching, Her husband Johnny has been in and out of the hospital, suffering from complications of diabetes and breathing problems. Eighteen years ago he was given six months to live, having been diagnosed with lung cancer. She mentioned he's a walking miracle and continues to smile and have a good sense of humor throughout all these trials they're enduring.
I know we could bring them extra cheer this holiday season. While we threw away all of their Christmas decorations, wouldn't it be great if we showered them with Christmas cards? They feel grateful for what we at Trinity were able to do for them, and they most likely will never return to New Orleans. We can show that they remain in our thoughts and prayers by remembering them this Christmas.
Please address cards (and let them know you're from Trinity) to
John and Cathy Armagnac
2811 Teague, Apt. 1331
Houston, TX 77080
I know that they and their daughter Janeen, who worked with us in New Orleans, will continue to feel God's love and God's grace. Thank you in advance for your continuing kindness.
Mark has sung for many years with various church choirs in St. Louis as well as with the St. Louis Chamber Chorus, of which he is currently a member. He earned a master's degree in music composition from the University of Missouri - Kansas City Conservatory but, like many, if not most, people who have artistic callings, he found that he needed to earn a "real" living. To that end, he has earned bachelor's and master's degrees in both music and computer science (Washington University).
This past January, Mark retired from BJC Healthcare where he worked as a computer systems manager. He has no particular hobbies or interest he has a passion to pursue in his newfound free time - as if music and computers aren't enough. We have learned, however, that his idea of a perfect day is to sit and read while perhaps sipping scotch on a rainy day - sounds like a pretty good idea. His retirement gives him and his wife, Sharon, more time to enjoy traveling.
We're just getting to know Mark. Hopefully, someday we'll know him well enough to have answers to those burning questions...What kind of music do you truly enjoy? What are you best travel memories? Where do you want to visit next? Thank you to Emily Pearce for suggesting that Trinity and Mark might make a good match. Welcome to Trinity, Mark and thank you for sharing your easy humor and your many talents.
I've become aware again recently of the influences we have on others and they on us. I'd like to share some of these moments with you. I invite you to share your own observations and "God sightings"!
Dear Dan,
We've been using [a version of Trinity's] welcoming statement on our bulletin the past few Sunday, inviting comments from the congregation. Those comments have been favorable thus far.
A copy of your bulletin was presented to our Session by the Service/Outreach Committee, and the elders voted to use it, adapting it for our church.
We thank you and your Session for leading us in this direction.
Sincerely, Marty Hird
After the Trinity Senior Highs (right, with children of Clairvaux Farm) returned from their Mission Trip to Maryland last summer, they received the following letter from their friends there.
Dear Rhonda, Paul, Blair, Griffin, Ashley, Zach, Hanna, Magdalene, Brian and Jamie:
We miss you all very much! All we have to do to feel a touch of sadness is to see one of the bracelets on the kids. You left a wonderful, deep impression on the children especially. They are eagerly looking forward to other groups coming, because they had the expectation that they will be just like you folks. We all will be very fortunate indeed if our other groups this summer were like you. You set a very high standard, and we learned to love you all very much. I think you could tell that you were not just a "group" to us, but very special individuals and we think of you that way. You worked really hard last week and gave it your all, but your friendship and care was what made the week so special to us. I don't think we can ever do anything to say "thank you" which would be adequate for all you did for us - but we can say that we love you very much.
The real meaning of our week together was the living Spirit which moved among us while you were here. We may never know what great and amazing tings will grow from the seeds which were planted among us, but we can be sure that so much good will continue to come from our experience together. Only God can grant that increase, but it is satisfying to know that we shared together as partners in the amazing work of redemption.
May the road ahead be filled with opportunities for service for all of you beyond anything you can imagine. May God's loving-kindness, gentleness, and peace continue to be the source of your greatest strength.
Shalom, Peace - Carl (For all at Meeting Ground)
Thanks to all who purchased Thanksgiving turkeys and turkey breasts for the Winger Food Pantry. We had 47 turkeys/turkey breasts this year. Two freezers full! In spite of the terrible weather, by 1:30 all the turkeys/turkey breasts were given away. Sixty-six families/ 160 people had a very Happy Thanksgiving because of your donations. Thanks to Jane Gibbons, Harold Glad, Birty Hodgson, Julie Marsh and Nancy Wagoner who helped me with this fun afternoon.
Some people have inquired during the year about being a food pantry volunteer. We are in the process of recruiting people to bag and shop for food for the 2007 calendar year. We always need dedicated volunteers to help us. Please call (863-7699) or talk to me to find out about volunteer possibilities.
Here's a chance to help the food pantry and get some great Starbucks coffee for yourself! Bring two 13 oz. cans of ground coffee (any brand) to the food pantry and receive a two-pound vacuum-packed bag of Starbucks coffee beans (caffeinated). Great for gifts or for warming yourself during these cold winter months.
This is an abridgement of the charge that I gave to Linda at her installation as Pastor of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Clayton on October 29, 2006.
Linda, fourteen years ago, we found ourselves in a small pension in Brussels. You had just arrived in Belgium after a two-week church trip in Africa, while I had just finished the first week of my doctoral program in African American Church Leadership in Dayton, Ohio. You had had a faith-energizing experience in Africa and I had had one in Ohio. As we talked, we both marveled at the ways in which our lives were playing out, both separate and connected, separated by 9,000 miles, but moving in close parallel.
In sixteen years of marriage, sixteen years of fits and starts, of beginnings and ends, of victories and failures, this has been a consistent pattern of our life together - we have frequently found ourselves making a shift at the same time, of taking seemingly divergent paths and finding ourselves walking in partnership. And so we find ourselves at such a moment again.
As we begin this new adventure today, I want to lift up for all of us a word that, given our one-marriage, three-children, two-pastor, two-church family, may seem a bit out of place: freedom. In a busy life, freedom can feel remote, but I am coming to realize that the freedom that is ours in Jesus is not a freedom to do what we want, but a freedom to grow into the people that God has created us to be. That kind of freedom is not measured in the number of meetings we can attend, or the number of people we can visit in the hospital, or the number of soccer games we can attend, but in the ability to make healthy choices about our life.
Jesus said, "You shall know that truth and the truth will make you free." But what does truth look like? How will we know it when we find it? So many different people and forces seek to define truth for you. The church will certainly try to define who you are to be as a pastor. Our children have a truth - and it is a truth that not only needs us, but is concerned about its own interests. Our families have truths for us. Even I as your husband have a truth that I seek for you. All of these are important truths - they all have a piece of your truth - for you are a pastor, and a mother, and a daughter and sister, and a wife. But none of us is the whole truth - for we are each driven by our own needs and our own agendas. No, as you seek to fulfill your various callings, there is one truth that I charge you to know. And that is found in the one who said, "I am the way, and the truth and the life." For Jesus only has one agenda for you - that you be free - free from anxiety, free from fear, free from trying to have to prove yourself. For in his love and his grace you have been proven and you have been found worthy. That is true freedom!
One of my favorite writers, Peter Block, says, "when you're drowning, dive." This is completely counterintuitive to our species - for we are wired for survival and as a result we often take the path of least resistance or struggle to get ourselves out of predicaments. But what I think Block is getting at is that when we find ourselves in a hard place, when the waters of life seem to close in on us, we will do well to go deeper in the mystery, deeper into complexity, deeper into the arms of the one who sets you, and indeed all of us, free. For it is when we dive deep in our hard times, in our confusing times, that we will discover a more profound freedom.
Linda, as we move into God's future, we will do so, not defining truth for each other - you and me, you and St. Mark's, you and our children, you and your family - instead we will move into the future defined by the truth of Jesus who sets you free to be yourself and to joyfully share the abundance of gifts that God has given you. I can hardly wait!
On Sunday, October 29, the congregation sent long-time members Barb and Tim Rand - who have moved to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida - on their way with love. During the service Tim offered the following remarks.
As point of reference, I recently watched The Motorcycle Diaries. This movie is a wonderful tale of two guys in the prime of their youth heading off in search of adventure. Ernesto and Alberto leave from Buenos Aires with a plan to travel over 8,000 miles to the northern-most tip of South America, in Venezuela. They have a plan, but in the process, they are profoundly changed. Changed well beyond their expectations.
Twenty-five years ago, Barb and I set off on adventure. We each had visions of where life would take us, we were in the prime of our youth. Since then, our lives together have profoundly changed us. Changed us well beyond our expectations. Everyone of you in this church has been part of that adventure with us since we were married here that August day.
We now continue our adventure as we head to Florida. To us, it is truly crossing a frontier. We are no longer in the prime of our youth, but we are crossing to a foreign land. I'm reminded of the Psalm verse: "How shall we sing the Lord's song in a foreign land?" (Ps. 137:4) We honestly don't know the answer to that question. Over the past five months we have been seeking the answer and I expect it will be many months more before we have even a glimpse of that song. And yet, I know that the Lord's song is playing there just as surely.
As Ernesto and Alberto cross from Argentina to Chile, Ernesto writes: "What do we leave behind when we cross a frontier? Each moment seems split in two: Melancholy for what is left behind and the excitement of entering a new land."
I cannot deny that there is some excitement I feel about this adventure ahead. It's surely easier for me to feel it because I've been down there more than Barb. Yet for both of us the melancholy is substantial. We are leaving a group of deep friends, loved friends, cherished friends. This uprooting has taught me more than I expected about lonesomeness and separation. We all need people, friends, family and fellow voyagers around us. You make us whole. You complete us. I know I speak for Barb when I say that none of you will be replaced.
We've both said we don't plan to die in Florida. So it's clearly a move that's as temporary (or permanent) as anything else in life we all do. What will make it exciting and fulfilling will be the people we meet along the journey. Change happens every day of our lives. Just as we will be seeking new friends and acquaintances, others will take our place in that pew over there. Be open to them. Realize that they are on a journey like we are and invite them to fill the emptyness we leave behind. Similarly, we ask that you pray on our behalf that others invite us into their lives.
We extend an open and sincere invitation to each and everyone that you come visit us. Come escape the cold and snow this winter. Really, we ARE inviting you. Just call. As well, keep the connections alive and we will try to do the same. You can see the movie to understand how Enersto and Alberto are changed and who they become. To see the change in Barb and me, you will have to keep in touch. We hope you do. We are God's church and his love binds us together. Inextricably together.
Now back to the movie. At the end, Ernesto is again writing: "... It's about two lives running parallel for a while, with common aspirations and similar dreams. Was our view too narrow, too biased, too hasty? Were our conclusions too rigid?"
Maybe.
Wandering around our America has changed me more than I thought. I am not me any more, at least I'm not the same me I was.
I know we won't be the same we we were. This has already changed us. More than we thought. Better or worse, we can't judge yet. Our lives, yours and ours, Barb's and mine, have run in parallel for some time now. I know we have common aspirations and similar aspirations.
I pray that our view be wide and unbiased. I pray that our conclusions be open and flexible. I pray that we find a way to sing the Lord's song in that foreign land. Yes, the journey will change us. Change is good.
May the Lord bless each of you.
Tuesday evening, December 5
6:15 pm
Church Dining Room
Bring a salad to share
We'll have soup, bread and dessert!
For ourselves: bring your best (or worst!) white elephant gift.
For others: Bring donations for a children's shower of gifts to benefit Our Little Haven: *Toilet paper, *Paper towels, *Kleenex, Diapers, Diaper wipes, Toothpaste, Shampoo and conditioner, NEW toys-birth to age 9. (* items are especially needed).
If you would like to have a ride, call Sandy Norkaitis at 863-7699.
Anyone not attending the luncheon may also donate items. Drop donations off in a box in the dining room through Sunday, December 17.
For more information about Our Little Haven, see www.ourlittlehaven.org.
During the cold months of January and February, what better way to explore faith than through the reading and discussion of a stimulating book! For approximately four weeks this winter, we will offer the educational format of book groups during Sunday morning adult education.
If your faith has been stretched and strengthened through a particular book, please feel free to suggest that book as a possibility for a Sunday morning book group to read and discuss. Better yet, volunteer to be the facilitator of the group!
Dr. Dan will be facilitating the reading and discussion of the book, Confessions of a Christian Humanist. We could host an additional one or two other book groups as well. To suggest a book and/or volunteer to be a group facilitator, please contact any Adult Education Team member (George Phillips, Darrell and Karen Mayberry, Suzanne Trotter, Karen Coletti, or Tina Newberry) or the Church Office.
Q.: What is special about the 5:00 Christmas Eve service at Trinity?
A.: Some people say it's the candlelight. Some say it's the singing. Some say it's encircling the sanctuary at the end. But all agree that the "no-shushing" policy makes it very neat for families. Bring your little ones to enjoy the wonder of Christmas Eve on their own terms! Adults are more than welcome too.
Stewardship and Ice Crystals - the formal campaign is finished. Now, the creation of a Trinity Snow Storm - The Confirmands will present the pledging results, snowflake style, in the Dining Room!
As of November 20, we had 68 pledges totaling $245,660 toward our goal of $330,000. If you have made a pledge, thank you! If not, please make a prayerful decision to join in this snowstorm for Trinity's future. Pledges received by December 10 will help the Session consider its budget options for 2007.
"The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ." Ephesians 4:11-13
Our children's Sunday School teachers, in the true spirit of equipping, have developed their own unique Advent plans to equip the children in celebrating Christ's birth. During the Sundays of Advent, the girls and boys will prepare a crèche, learning the symbols of the Christmas season that portray the birth of the Messiah. As sheep and shepherds they will imagine Christ as the Good Shepherd of us all, and in the spirit of the gifts brought by the wise men will prepare gifts for members of the congregation. During our Advent preparations, the children will model for us the angels who joyously sang at Christ's birth, just as we sing this Advent in joy and celebration. What a precious gift, to be equipped by our children for the work of ministry!
Poinsettias will beautify the Chancel area again this Christmas. They will be in the Sanctuary for services on December 17 and 24, and may then be taken home by donors following the Candlelight Service on Christmas Eve.
Red and white poinsettias (5-6 blooms in 6" pots) are available to order this year. Orders must be received by Sunday, December 3. You may order your poinsettias by filling out the order form below and sending it along with your check to the church office. Order forms are also available in the Sanctuary Pew Books.
#_____Red Poinsettias (6" pots 5-6 blooms) at $6.50 each.
#_____White Poinsettias (6" pots 5-6 blooms) at $6.50 each.
Dedication:
_____________________________________________________
(Dedication will be printed in the bulletin insert on December 17 and 24)
Name: _______________________________________________
Amt. Enclosed: $ _________
Come one, Come all and check the Lost & Found basket under the mail boxes just inside the entrance to the Church office. Is your treasure inside?
I am looking for a few saints to equip for the ministry of office help! Do you feel called to:
Please contact me (725-3840) for more information and be a part of the team!
This is a list of Trinity Members who need our prayers. If you would like to be added to the prayer list or know of a member in need of prayer, please call the church office, 314-725-3840.
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Prayers for Homebound Members
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Prayers for
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Prayers for
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Sunday, December 3, 2006 - 2:00 p.m.
Kirkwood United Church of Christ, 1603 Dougherty Ferry Road
Join Trinity member Jennifer Clodi and the other Jeweltones for an afternoon of holiday harmony. The concert is free. For more information see www.jeweltones.4t.com.