Mark your calendars to join Trinity folks of all ages for breakfast and a Stewardship presentation on Sunday, October 28^th at 9:30 am (no education classes).

Well, it's still Birty Hodgson, who has cared for our building for over 12 years now. We are changing his title from "Custodian" to more accurately reflect the breadth of duties he performs, which include not only cleaning, but multiple system maintenance, event set-up and tear-down and communication with our many contractors. Thank you, Birty!

- Keith Fischer

John 6:35: I am the bread of life. They who come to me will never go hungry, and they who believe in me will never be thirsty.

Luke 11:3: Give us each day our daily bread.

Together we will explore "what bread is" to each of us at Trinity during this year's stewardship season. At its most basic, bread is sustenance. It keeps us alive. The spiritual sustenance that Jesus offers is essential to us all, but during stewardship season Kim Merritt and Do Kirk will lead us to see many more metaphorical meanings of bread.

Trinity as a church is sustained as its members share their time and talents to help others teach, sing, and declare the word, and contribute part of their financial resources for its support. The congregation's generosity has allowed Trinity to develop a dynamic music program, initiate an equipping ministry, support mission with both funds and hands-on service, reach out into the community around us, and maintain a wonderful staff and facility.

We are reaching further this year. Although a budget has not been formally adopted by the Session, its outlines are clear. It will support an expansion of our equipping ministry, help to pay for new projects and programs, help to fund access of congregation members to the spiritual guidance of our new Parish Minister, Nancy Wagner, and fund expanded hours for our Church Administrator and Financial Administrator. A new church school curriculum will be purchased, and of course our building will be heated, insured, and serviced.

During October, members of the stewardship team will share reflections on bread and life. Details of the budget and the "bread" it will take to fund it will be given at an all-church breakfast on October 28. We will break bread together that day as we fellowship and hear about what is bread - sustenance - for our members.

On World Communion Sunday, October 7, our guest preacher will be Dr. Deb Krause, Professor of New Testament at Eden Theological Seminary. We will enjoy special music by Klezundheit, a high-energy Klezmer band that performs music from the Jewish folk tradition.

We will also collect the Peacemaking Offering, one of four special offerings designated by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Twenty-five percent of the Offering will stay at Trinity, 25 percent will be used by synods and presbyteries, and 50 percent will be used by the General Assembly ministries through the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program. Envelopes will be available at church. You can also send checks with "Peacemaking Offering" in the memo line to the church office.

In a powerful new book, evangelical theologian and former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Jack Rogers, makes a biblical case for equal rights in the church and in society for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. Jesus, the Bible, and Homosexuality: Explode the Myths, Heal the Church describes Dr. Rogers' own change of mind and heart on the issue; charts the church's well-documented history of using biblical passages to oppress marginalized groups; argues for a Christ-centered reading of Scripture; debunks often repeated stereotypes about gays and lesbians; and concludes with ideas for how the church can heal itself and move forward again.

Dr. Rogers will speak on Friday, October 12, at First Presbyterian Church in Kirkwood (100 E. Adams) at 7:00 p.m. He will preach during worship at Ladue Chapel (9450 Clayton Rd.) on Sunday, October 14, at both the 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services. For more information about Jack Rogers and his book visit www.drjackrogers.com.

- Rev. Dr. Daniel Anderson-Little, Pastor

Immediately following worship on October 14, Trinity Presbyterian Church will have its Annual Meeting for the purpose of electing officers. Every year, the congregation elects elders (who make up the church's governing body, the Session), deacons (who lead the church in its ministry of compassion), and at-large members of the Nominating Committee (who nominate persons to serve in each office). In a typical year, we elect five elders to three-year terms, four deacons to three-year terms, and three members of the Nominating Committee to one-year terms. This year we are electing extra elders and deacons to fill unexpired terms. Trinity's Endowment Fund will also hold its annual meeting at this time.

After being elected on October 14, the nominees will move into an equipping phase. They will take the DNA (Disciples 'N' Apostles) course which focuses on Christian discipleship and leadership. On November 11, nominees will be examined by the Session. On November 19 during worship, the nominees will be ordained and installed to their offices. Terms of service begin on January 1, 2008.

The Nominating Committee will place the following persons into nomination:

The Nominating Committee still has one more person to nominate for the elder position that was recently vacated (Lori Luchtman-Jones is getting married and starting a new job in Washington, DC, in December). As soon as they have identified that nominee, we will forward the name to the congregation.

All active members of Trinity are asked to attend the meeting on October 14 and vote. When these folks are ordained and installed on November 18, we will tell them that they have been "called by God through the voice of this congregation." In order to more fully hear God's will, we need all members to gather and speak.

On Sunday, October 14, at the first Ecumenical Metro St. Louis CROP Walk, hundreds of our friends and neighbors will be at Forest Park at 1 p.m. to raise funds to alleviate poverty and raise hunger awareness in our city and our world.

Did you know that in our own city more than 10% of the population is living in poverty? In our world 15,000 children die each day for want of food. Each and every one of us can make a difference in these statistics. By signing up to be a walker and to find those to sponsor your walk, you can help raise awareness and funds for local, national and international efforts to alleviate hunger. We will even have a "friendly competition" between our youth and adults to see which group can gather the most walkers! There will be a sign up table in the Narthex for you to become a part of the St. Louis CROP Walk.

Twenty-five percent of the funds raised will meet local hunger needs through the over 300 hunger relief organization supported by St. Louis based Operation Food Search, and five percent of the funds raised will go to Church World Service and 20 other international agencies for hunger, poverty and disaster relief and self-development throughout the world. Walk to show that you care!

Join the "Trinity Trotters" on October 14^th at 2pm for this walk! Visit our team's homepage: http://tinyurl.com/2p2v8t. We'll even have a friendly competition between the youth and adults! More information is available in the Narthex.

- Rev. Julie March, Minister of Equipping

After many years of faithful and energetic service, Sandy Norkaitis will step down in December as the Coordinator of the Winger Food Pantry. The Food Pantry is the largest mission project of Trinity Presbyterian Church, and provides a vital service to those brothers and sisters around us who do not have enough to eat.

The Food Pantry Coordinator oversees the weekly bagging and shopping volunteers who prepare for Food Pantry visitors each Wednesday afternoon, as well as coordinates the Boy Scout food drive donation, and the Girl Scout April Showers donation of personal care items. The coordinator plans the Matthew 25 fund-raising event for the Food Pantry, thanks those who donate food, prepares statistical reports, and submits an annual report for the Food Pantry.

Sandy will still be an active part of the Food Pantry by working two Wednesdays each month and substituting where needed, as well as being the contact person for the Boy Scout food drive. Sandy will serve as an invaluable instructor to the new Winger Food Pantry Coordinator.

Do you feel called to help feed the hungry? Will you consider becoming a part of this vital ministry, and prayerfully consider being the Winger Food Pantry Coordinator? Do you know others who would be challenged and fulfilled by this important mission outreach? Please call Julie March or Sandy Norkaitis to talk to us about this exciting opportunity to serve God by serving God's children.

- Rev. Nancy Wagner

In spiritual direction we focus our attention on the sacredness of everyday living. One joyful aspect of life that can become routine, second nature, and sub-conscious, is eating. Greater mindfulness about the habit of eating has many benefits physically, emotionally and spiritually. Consider the following:

• Pausing before the meal to relax may be useful in lowering blood sugar.
• Taking a few deep breaths to relax, and pausing to appreciate food help develop mindful eating habits.

There are occasions every day to practice mindful eating. The idea is to eat with awareness, focusing moment by moment on seeing the food, taking it in, chewing, tasting and swallowing. Who knew there so many aspects of eating? While it is easier to practice mindful eating while you're eating in silence, it is possible to do it in a group if you concentrate. Consider these steps while you eat:

• First, look at what you are about to eat. What is it? How does it look? Where does it come from? How do you feel about putting this in your body right now?
• Take a moment to appreciate the path this food has taken to nourish you. Where was it grown? How did the sun, rain, and other elements contribute to its production? How many times was it handled by people or machines? Before any meal, give God thanks for the food and the hands that provided it.
• Be aware of your breathing as you look at the food, knowing that you are about to take it into your body.
• Feel the food in your mouth. Notice the texture, temperature, and flavors. Chew slowly and focus your energy on its taste. Try chewing longer than usual to experience the process of chewing and tasting.
• Notice any impulse you have to rush through this mouthful to get to the next. Let such impulses remind you that you already have food in your mouth and you don't have to go on to the next bite to have a complete experience of eating. Stay in the present moment with this mouthful, rather than rush on to the next.
• Feel the actual process of swallowing so that you become aware of this process as well.
• Approach each mouthful in the same way. Bring awareness to how much you are eating, how fast, how your body feels during and after the meal. Give serious thought to whether you are eating in reaction to events in your life and to the feelings, especially anxiety or depression, that may result from them.

Tomorrow at breakfast, as you enjoy your morning cup of coffee or tea, take just a moment to reflect on your new appreciation for the gift of food.

- Bolivar Fraga, Community Organizer for Metropolitan Congregations United, Mid-County Cluster

As a metropolitan organization, bringing together all of its member congregations, MCU is working on the following:

­ Health Care: working on federal funding for SCHIP (State Children's Health Insurance Program) and passing ICHIA (Immigrant Children Health Improvement Act), which would lift the five-year ban on legal immigrant children having access to federal health care.

­ Education: working on state funding for proven dropout prevention programs, an issue brought forward by our Mid-County Cluster. Currently, the MCU Education Task Force is working with Sen. Joan Bray's office to draft legislation on this topic. Also, MCU is keeping in engaged with St. Louis Public Schools.

­ Immigration Reform: working on building support for the DREAM Act and building the base to support Comprehensive Immigration Reform.

­ Economic Development: working on passing a Work Force Development ordinance in St. Louis City and County to increase job opportunities in our area.

­ At the Mid-County Cluster level: Responsible Development and Affordable Housing were raised as the new issue areas for 2007.

Want to find out more or get involved? Talk to me (bfraga@mcustl.org) or Trinity members Jim Person, Diane O'Brien, or Larry Pontius.

- Lisa Bernhard

- Paul Vasile

In August, I had the pleasure of serving as worship leader for the Covenant Network's "A Church for Our Time" conference at Montreat. It was an inspiring week of learning, worship and conversation about how we can be a church that speaks with authenticity and imagination, with loving arms open to all of God's people. But the most powerful lessons did not come through the amazing preachers, the stunning mountain scenery, or even the open-hearted conference participants, as wonderful as they were. They came through my "Little Brother," Desmond.

I am a volunteer for Big Brothers/Big Sisters, an organization that helps at-risk children and youth by pairing them with an adult mentor - a "Big." For the past three years, I have been matched with Desmond and it has been a life-changing experience. He is eleven years old, in fourth grade, the oldest of four in his family. Raised by a single mother, he has known challenges and pains that few of us have ever experienced. His family was homeless and lived in shelters some of the time he was in Kindergarten. His father was incarcerated before we were paired but died in a prison fight over a year ago. Through it all, he has an irrepressible smile, a zest for life, and a heart that has not grown bitter or cynical.

When I was asked to participate in the conference in the early spring, I spoke to Desmond's mother about his joining me on the trip. The excitement was evident on her face as well as his. As the summer grew closer, the plans fell into place. The airline tickets were purchased and all the details were squared away. It even worked out that my family was going to vacation in Asheville the same week, which would give us all a chance to be together. August came and off we went.

I was certainly a bit anxious about the trip. How would he adjust? Would he get homesick? Would I be able to take care of an 11-year old for eight days? But, we took it in stride. He nervously but successfully flew on an airplane for the first time. (On the flight home he was cool as a cucumber.) He made friends at the day camp program and won the hearts of the adults that we met throughout the week. He became my niece Ella's favorite playmate and the two spent hours playing games, running in the park, and reading together. There was lots of swimming, gallons of ice cream were consumed, and we played endless games of Monopoly (which I now affectionately refer to as Monotony). But the moments that burn most in my heart are the times that Desmond and several other children at the conference served as leaders in our evening worship services. And it was through this time as a gathered community of God's people that I realized that this trip to Montreat was not just for him, or for me, but was to be a blessing to others.

On Tuesday evening, Desmond played water music - splashing and bubbling in the baptismal font with another young girl, inviting us into a new understanding of this precious sacrament. On Thursday, he played the djeme, keeping a steady beat as the conference attendees swayed and sang in Swahili. And on Friday, he read the Benediction over us. Desmond struggles with his reading and is working hard at it, but it doesn't come easy to him. To hear his honest voice praying over us, giving us a parting blessing, moved me and so many to tears. It was not hokey. Not a performance. His words rang with sincerity, spoken imperfectly but truthfully. An amazing gift!

We have lots of pictures from the trip and we've put them into an album to remember the amazing trip. But the lasting experiences - the memories that linger for me - are ones in which I see that our trip was about blessing others. I gave Desmond the gift of time away, new experiences that he might not have had otherwise. But, God used Desmond to bless me, my family, the conference attendees, and maybe even the world during our week away. The gifts that we give in love radiate far beyond us and touch others. And sometimes they even find their way back in our direction.

- Rhonda Dunbar, Senior High Youth Advisor

Once again, the Senior High Youth Group is going to hold a silent auction that will begin on February 3rd and end on the 10th. Last year we had many generous and creative donations. Please be thinking of items that you could donate towards this worthy cause. All proceeds from the auction go towards funding the Senior High mission trip and Montreat Youth Conference. If you need help coming up with ideas or are willing to donate, please contact me at 638-3397 or rhobear3@hotmail.com. Thank you for your continued support!!

- Carol Commerford, Director, Community Music School

Music floats through the halls of Trinity Presbyterian Church, due to the church's partnership with the Community Music School of Webster University (CMS). Young students from newborns through the age of five can be found in Room 206, enjoying their first taste of music in their Young Years classes. On any given Monday through Thursday, students of all ages arrive for piano, bassoon, trumpet, violin, or Suzuki cello or violin lessons. The Chapel and Choir Room serve as studios for some of the area's finest and best-loved instructors: Mary Lou Gotman, Art Bartzen, Donita Bauer, Bill Bauer, Robert Souza, and Rose Martin.

"The atmosphere and conditions are delightful," commented Rose Martin, who teaches violin. "The acoustics are good, the condition of pianos are good, and it is so very pleasant at the church."

With two semesters successfully undertaken at Trinity, CMS is encouraging those seeking to take lessons in any instrument or voice to consider that location, as several more of the CMS's teachers have expressed interest in offering lessons at the site. The Music School offers individual lessons in all orchestral instruments, guitar, and voice, as well as Young Years music classes and Suzuki strings. Organ lessons are taught at University Heights Methodist Church. The School's orchestras, ensembles, and Pre-College Music Preparatory Program are held in Webster Groves.

Local families with young children find it very convenient to have so many of the Young Years music classes offered at the Trinity Presbyterian Church location. Families with newborns in the "Village" class participate in a variety of multi-level music activities that stimulate babies' growth and development and engage the senses, while they connect with others through music and movement. The "Our Time" class includes 1 ½ - 3 ½ year olds singing, imitating sounds, and rhyming while interpreting the many "moods" of music through creative movement and activities. Older pre-school students can be found singing, using pretend play activities, and storytelling to develop beat, rhythm, and ensemble interaction in their "Imagine That!" class.

"Families have commented that Room 206 is bright and pleasant," commented Maureen Bolain, who can be found teaching one of the Community Music School's Young Years music classes. "They like being so close to the Loop for snacks or lunch after class. And because so many live within walking distance of class, they combine coming to class with their daily strolls."

The CMS is grateful for such a successful partnership with Trinity Presbyterian Church. Families in the area with long-term relationships with the School have found the arrangement very convenient, while new students take advantage of having such a highly acclaimed music school available "in their backyard."

We couldn't have wished for a more cooperative partnership. The entire Trinity Presbyterian Church community has been friendly, inviting, and sincere in welcoming the CMS into their home.

- Vicki Carmichael

There is a labyrinth at the church that my parents attend in Florissant, MO. Zion United Church of Christ (5710 N. Hwy 67) recently held an open house to welcome the public to walk their labyrinth anytime from sunrise to sunset. I have walked it several times since they first built it and find it to be both a nice quiet time of rest as well as a creative and interesting meditation tool.

In addition to opening the labyrinth for community use at any time, Zion has also trained several church members as docents for the labyrinth. Anyone can call the church to set an appointment if they'd like someone to meet them at the labyrinth to talk a bit about how to use it and also tell you some of the history of this particular labyrinth. (This service is free, although a free-will donation to the maintenance of the labyrinth is always welcome.) I am making arrangements for the Worship and Music commission to walk the labyrinth in community at one of its future commission meetings.

I love this peaceful spot in my neighborhood and wanted to share it with you. If there are several members who would like to visit it together, let me know and I would be happy to join you and/or set up a meeting with a docent. If you prefer to set your own appointment, contact Zion UCC at 314-741-1590. If you would like to walk it on your own, but want further directions on how to get there, call me or email me: 314-620-0111 or Vickimouse1@mindspring.com.

I also have some suggested reading if you want to learn more about labyrinths and how to use them as a tool for prayer and meditation.

Sunday, October 7, 2007 at 3 p.m.

$10 for adults, $7 for students and seniors

The Kingsbury Ensemble is one of the Midwest's premier professional Early Music groups. Their program celebrates the 300th birthday of German composer Dietrich Buxtehude with a lively and varied program of instrumental music and cantatas of Buxtehude, Heinrich Biber and Johann Sebastian Bach. Violinist Patricia Ahern of Toronto's Tafelmusik baroque orchestra will join sopranos Christine Johnson and Jessica Heuser, violinist Marc Thayer, cellist Ken Kulosa, bassoonist Henry Skolnick and the Ensemble's director, harpsichordist Maryse Carlin. Organist Paul Vasile will also make a guest appearance on the church's newly renovated Casavant pipe organ.

Reverberations Concert

Sunday, October 14, 2007 at 7 p.m.

Free and open to the public

Windfire performs a dazzling blend of virtuoso flute and percussion music from around the world, in styles ranging from classical to ethnic. The ensemble includes Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra percussionist, John Kasica, and his wife, Paula, a professional flautist and member of the Equinox Chamber Players.

Co-sponsored by the Saint Louis Flute Society

- Julie March

The Ministry Discovery Team is off and running as they begin interviews with the people of Trinity. Team members meet with individuals for a personal "friendly conversation" with church members in order to discover gifts, desires and goals for service to God through God's people in the church, the community and the world. This crucial concept of equipping ministry also enables us to find where our greatest joy meets the world's deepest needs.

Led by Norma Vavra, the Ministry Discovery Team includes Leo and Lois Eason, John Wagner, Kim Behrend, Connie Torretta, Betty Burnett, Sue Young, Sharon Christopher and Liz Nelson. Team members ask such questions as, "What do you love doing? What brings you the greatest joy? What feeds your soul?" and "Are there spiritual gifts or particular talents or abilities you have that you would like to share with the church or community?"

Over 25 interviews have already been completed, and many persons have found their place in ministry. Do you want to be a part of this exciting adventure? Do you want to be interviewed? Do want to become a member of the Ministry Discovery Team? Each and every member of Trinity will be interviewed over the next couple of years, as we "equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the Body of Christ" to serve the church, the community and the world.

- Tom Serfass

The budget we are working on represents a tremendous amount of thoughtful consideration on a wide variety of issues by many dedicated individuals. There is a substantial increase in the amount devoted to staff and salaries. This increase reflects two values we find meaningful. We affirmed our belief in living wages for the dedicated efforts of our paid staff and we are affirming the notion that the equipping ministry deserves every consideration toward becoming a permanent part of the operating budget.

While the equipping ministry is still fully in its "trial" period, we found value in recognizing a portion of the expenses involved in moving the equipping ministry from its special status to a regular operational status. The process of evaluating the equipping ministry is on-going and its future will be a serious and thoughtful issue for the congregation and Session to decide. However, by making provision for a part of the costs associated with making the equipping ministry permanent now, before the evaluation period ends, we are making it much more practical and less jarring on the budget to make a choice to go forward with equipping.

The other item with a large increase reflects our new education initiative with a whole new intergenerational curriculum. One of the adult education classes will cover the same scriptural material as the Sunday school classes, encouraging discussions between adults and children regarding what they learned and discussed at church in education.

- George Philips

Trinity members and friends are invited to participate in the annual Interfaith Partnership Dinner on October 25, 2007, (6:00 PM). Trinity will have a reserved table at the event. Please call the church office (725-3840) for more details.

- Liz Nelson

"Pardon?" I asked as Don, the director of Mound Ridge Camp, stood next to me in the kitchen at the end of the all-church retreat weekend in August. I was rinsing out kids' travel cups, preparing to head back to the real world (one without s'mores, campfire conversation and tubing down the river). He repeated himself. "You're a healthy congregation. I've told a couple of people from Trinity this weekend. I'm trying to get a message across to you." I was intrigued. "Really," I said. "We're working on it - we'd like to grow. Why do you think we're healthy?" As a staff member, Session participant and Commission member, I see places where we thrive, but I am also aware of our challenges. Someone from the outside thinks we're doing well. What does he see?!

"You ARE growing! You have all these kids and young families and I know these aren't all the families in your congregation. And what a nice mix of the generations. It means a lot that some of the older members make the effort to come out here and fully participate in the retreat. We don't always see that. And you have a hip pastor.... They say that the Presbyterian church is dying. Over 500 people left the Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery last year if the numbers are right. But I know it's not dying when I see congregations like yours."

Deciding not to debate the definition of a "hip pastor," I instead asked him how we were different from the other congregations he sees. "I can see it in how you interact with each other and by who's here." And then he said it again, with a knowing smile, "I see 50+ congregations a year here. YOU are a healthy congregation."

I think about all the people not present that weekend who make up the tapestry of our congregational family. What a wonderful spirit Don would have seen if every diverse one of us was gathered around the fire pit. But Don's right - we were a good representation and we are healthy, because we are not content to just maintain, but to grow in our love for each other and in our service to Jesus Christ. Let us remember Don's proclamation as we work and - yes, struggle - together to live into our new schedule, plan worship that honors the multitudes of styles and needs our participants have, and figure out what equipping means for each of us as we discover how God is calling us to use our lives to help each other, our communities, and the world. We will grow as people and as a church if we live out our faith conscientiously and actively. We are on the right track.

- Ann Fischer

The good news: there is LOTS to go in Trinity News.

The bad news: there isn't always space!

The staff and I recently discussed how best to use our church mailings. In the past, both the mid-month ("refrigerator") newsletter and first-of-the-month Trinity News had calendars in different formats. From now on, look for calendar information (times of meetings, worship events, etc.) in the mid-month newsletter. Look for news of events and reflections in Trinity News. We hope to make Trinity News even more welcoming to sharing the distinctive experiences and viewpoints in our congregation. Please send your comments about the newsletters - along with your submissions! -to Liz Nelson (725-3840; tpcuity@swbell.net.) or me (afischer5@sbcglobal.net.)

- Joanne Roman

Activate your own Schnucks eScrip card!

It's easy and convenient!

• Pick up a card from the Trinity office or at your neighborhood Schnucks.
• Activate your card by calling 1.800.931.6258 or visit http://www/escrip.com/schnucks.isp.
• Designate Trinity Presbyterian Church as your group of choice: #148865426
• Each time you shop, show your card and Trinity automatically receives a contribution from Schnucks. The contribution varies from 1% up to 3% depending on your monthly purchase amount.
• You can purchase your groceries with cash, check, charge, gift card and still get credit for your purchase for Trinity.
• There is no additional cost to you and helps support Trinity!

Encourage other family members and friends to support Trinity in the same way. Anyone can register a card.

THANK YOU!

In the last two sessions of this Adult Education series, local and regional government officials will share their experience in serving our communities faithfully. Starting October 14^th, our non-profit mission partners will share the faith issues involved in their work. Class will be held in Weems Chapel.

• Sept. 16: Tom Peters, Trinity member and member of the school board of University City
• Sept. 23: Brad Roy, Trinity member and a St. Louis Police Officer
• Sept. 30: Bob Wagner, Trinity member who has served as University City Councilman for several years
• Oct. 7: Blair Forlaw, an active member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) who has worked for over 25 years in regional policy development. Blair will discuss how metropolitan systems can support quality of life for individuals, families and communities.
• Oct. 14: Interfaith Partnership
• Oct. 21: Doorways
• Oct. 28: No Education-All-church Stewardship breakfast
• Nov. 4: Beyond Housing
• Nov. 11: Hi-Tech Charities
• Nov. 18: Habitat for Humanity