Trinity Greetings - April 9 - April 15, 2008

Trinity Presbyterian Church
2200 N Bell Denton TX 76209
940-382-8815

Trinity Greetings - April 9 - April 15, 2008
Table of Contents
1. Weekend Conference
2. About the Anthem
3. Sunday, April 13, 2008
4. Youngish Adults
5. Remember in Prayer
6. Sermon Talk-Backs
7. Art work in the Sanctuary by June Impson
8. Future Dates for Your Calendar
9. Church Information
10. Christian Education
11. Dinner for Nine
12. Committee and Session meetings
13. Coffee Fellowship Hosts for April, May, June
14. HOPE, INC Fund Raiser
15. ODIS Fund Raiser
16. In Our Mail Box
17. Fundraiser for Interfaith Ministries
18. Alliance for Children & Families of Denton County

Weekend Conference
This last weekend, Kelly Seiler, Tad Hopp and I attended a presbytery conference known as the Acts 16:5 Initiative. Acts 16:5 states that "So the churches were strengthened in the faith and increased in numbers daily." This initiative was really emphasized by the presbytery and is being pursued in other presbyteries as well. I was curious to find out more about it, and to see if it could be useful to our church.
The conference spoke a lot about how the society has changed in the last few decades. They characterized people as "immigrants" or "natives" – according to them, if you are under the age of 40, you are a native in the sense that the mainstream culture is familiar to you, while if you are over the age of 40, you are an immigrant in the sense that much of mainstream culture is foreign to you.
They shared some interesting facts, some of which I had heard before, some of which I had not. For example, they said that only about 7 percent of Presbyterian pastors are under the age of 40. They also mentioned that only 5 percent of Presbyterian churches are growing, a number that is somewhat disturbing if it is correct. The average age of Presbyterians is 59.
The conference and program really seemed to be aimed at churches that have been declining and have been doing the same thing for the last 20 years. Fortunately, I don’t think that is the case at Trinity. While I was at the conference, I was thinking of some of the new programs we have done just in the last year or so. While my list is certainly not exhaustive, I thought of the Theology Reading Group, the Garden Project, the Bell Choir, the Young Adult Group, the Communications and Evangelism Committee, Taize services, the Chrismon team, Games Nights, Special Concert Series, Young(ish) Adults, etc. We don’t seem to have the problem of the same people doing the same thing year after year after year.
While certain aspects of the presentation were thus not as relevant to our experience, there were some ideas that were helpful, and in any case it answered my questions about what the entire Acts 16:5 initiative is. I think the program could be helpful to some churches – many churches could certainly use some revitalization and restructuring – but I came away feeling fairly pleased at where Trinity is, though still trying to concern the Spirit’s continuing activity in our midst.
In Christ,
Craig Hunter

About the Anthem -- My Shepherd Will Supply My Need arranged by Mack Wilberg
Using the very familiar Southern Harmony tune and Sir Isaac Watts adapted version of Psalm 23, Mack Wilberg sets this well known hymn for choir, harp, flute, and oboe.
Mack Wilberg is the associate conductor and arranger for the world famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir. He was previously the director of BYU Concert Choir and Men’s Choir at Brigham Young University.
The text:
The text and tune for this anthem may be found in the Presbyterian Hymnal number 172.

April 13, 2008 - 3rd Sunday of Easter
9:30 a.m. Sunday School for all ages

10:30 a.m. Coffee Fellowship hosted by John & Suzanne Pettit
11:00 a.m. Worship
Liturgist: Chuck Guarnaccia
Ushers: Lois & Walter Sorensen
Greeters: Melissa & Wayne Grissom
After Worship Sermon Talk-Backs with Pastor Hunter

Trinity Young(ish) adults (roughly late 20s through early 40s) are invited to join us this Friday night at church at 6:00. We will grab a bite to eat and then go bowling. Child care will be provided at the church. Please contact Pastor Craig at craig@trinitypresdenton.org to RSVP -- reservations are needed.

REMEMBER IN PRAYER:
Sue Shields
Rose Richey
Katy Portillo recovering from an car accident
Christina Uili recovering from an car accident
Bertha Moore
Fran Moore
David Tannery (John and Shannon Davis' brother-in-law) who undergoing daily radiation treatments along with bi-monthly chemotherapy treatments in preparation for surgery in early May
Rev. Kathleen Baskin Ball
Leroy Seiler, whose cancer is continuing to spread
Lauren Ashley Shirley (niece of Lancine Bentley) who has cancer
All military personnel serving all over the world

Prayer Requests - Cards are provided for your prayer requests in the attendance folder and by the box in the Narthex. You may leave your prayer requests in the box in the Narthex. Prayer requests will be removed from the list after they have appeared for three weeks. Prayer requests that have been on the list for three weeks must be resubmitted.
Sermon Talk-Backs with Pastor Hunter to continue through the series on "Intimacy,"each Sunday beginning approximately 10 minutes after the conclusion of worship. Discussions will last 20 to 25 minutes.

Art Work in the Sanctuary by June Impson

It is our pleasure to present the Art Work of June Impson as a witness of her life, creativity, sensitivity and sense of beauty. June Impson was a beloved member of this congregation. Before her death, she accepted our invitation to exhibit her art in honor of her memory and as a gift to God. So with color and imagination she shares yet with us in celebration of the resurrection. Alleluia! The exhibit is open 1-5 p.m., Monday-Friday.

FUTURE DATES--for your calendar

April 13 6:00 p.m. Dinner for nine at local restaurants

April 27 after worship Congregational meeting to elect one member to the 2008 nominating committee
noon-2 p.m. Italian Cuisine as a fund raiser for ODIS

Church Information
The church office is open 1-5 p.m., Monday - Friday.
The regular deadline for submitting items for the Trinity Greetings and the Sunday bulletin is
Trinity Greetings - 1 p.m., Tuesday
Sunday Bulletin - 1 p.m., Wednesday

Submit all items in writing. E-mail is preferred.
NOTIFY the church office of changes of address, telephone number or e-mail address as soon as possible.

From the Top 10 Popcorn Thoughts, part 902.
Love and forgiveness walk hand in hand.
For if you cannot freely forgive, you cannot fully love

Christian Education -- 9:30 a.m. each Sunday
Children’s & Youth Sunday School Classes

Infants through two-year-olds--nursery, Amanda Skinner & Jessica Ernest, caregivers

Three- and four- year olds--

Kindergarten and first grade--Paula Joslin Blind
Older elementary--Workshop Rotation--Jackie Bruce and Beth Peak Thompson

Youth Sunday School Class--Sixth-twelfth grade--Will Slade, Cindy & Holley Harris
Godly Play - Ally Poole
Two Excellent Classes for Adults on Sunday Mornings Through May 18, 9:30-10:30

Theology—The BasicsTheology--The study of religious faith, practice, and experience; especially the study of God and of God's relation to the world.
Marvin Williams, a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the PC(USA), Honorably Retired, leads participants through an overview of theology. Using some basic themes found in the Apostles’ Creed, the author of the book the class will study, Alister McGrath, pulls in discussion and references from biblical texts and images, major theologians from past and present, and general trends in history. The April 13 topic is from Chapter 3 - "Creation."
Contemplative Spirituality
Eric Holt, facilitatorThis class will begin with an overview of contemplation and spirituality. Three classes on contemplation will come next, followed by three classes on integrating the body into prayer, and ending with a class on writing a brief rule of life. Eric will incorporate teaching and learning with meaningful experiences. " . . . we are spiritual beings having a human experience."~ Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

Dine with Nine
The congregational life committee is organizing a dinner out night at 6:00 p.m., Sunday, April 13 at the following restaurants: El Guapo's, Thai Ocha, Three Fins and Tina's Italian Restaurant. Child care will be provided at the church. Sign-up sheets for the restaurant of your choice are available in the Narthex.

COMMITTEE AND SESSION MEETINGS:
April 15 5:00 p.m. Christian Education Committee
6:30 p.m. Congregational Life Committee
April 20 1-4 p.m. Worship Committee Retreat
April 22 6:00 p.m. Session Brown Bag Supper followed by April Stated Session meeting

TWO FAMILIES NEEDED EACH SUNDAY TO HOST COFFEE FELLOWSHIP!
Now is the time to volunteer for April, May and June. The calendars are in the Narthex.

April 13 John & Suzanne Pettit and_____________
April 20 _____________________________
April 27 Bob & Joann Hanson and______________
May 4 Debra Davis & Kay Branum
May 11 _____________________________
May 18 _____________________________
May 25 _____________________________
June 1 _____________________________
June 8 _____________________________
June 15 _____________________________
June 22 _____________________________
June 29 _____________________________

From the Top 10 Popcorn Thoughts, part 902.
People love to feel validated.
That they are on the right track, cared for, appreciated, understood.
These are the keys to the human heart.

HOPE, Inc. is holding an auction of any car on the Jim McNatt lot valued at $20,000. That amount can be applied to any car on the lot by the lucky ticket holder. Tickets are $1.00 each. Proceeds from the auction will be used to send children to summer camp from our community. Please see Lurline DuPree if you wish to purchase tickets.

Fundraiser for Opening Doors Immigration Services
Catered by Ed Portillo

Italian Lunch
Including
Chicken Fettuccine
Spaghetti with meat sauce
A whole wheat pasta
Salad
Seasoned green beans
Assorted desserts

April 27, 2008
12 noon
Fellowship Hall

suggested donations:
$10 – adult
$6 – children
$25 - family

IN OUR MAIL BOX:
Many thanks to all of you who have sent cards, messages and flowers to us over the past weeks. It has made us feel even more a part of the Trinity Family, and your encouragement and caring concern have been an important part of our support network.
Dave and Sue Shields

Fundraiser for Interfaith Ministries
Denton Breakfast Kiwanis Pancake Supper 4:30-7 p.m. on Friday, April 11 at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 300 W. Oak to benefit Interfaith Ministries' Apple Tree Back to School program. Adults - $8; Children 12 and under $3.50. Silent auction during the meal.

You are Cordially Invited
“Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day”
May 8, 2008
Sponsored by: the Alliance for Children and Families of Denton County
“Thriving in the Community”
Children’s Art Show and Program
Trinity Presbyterian Church
2200 Bell Avenue
Denton, Texas 76209
6:30-8:00pm

The Alliance for Children and Families of Denton County (ACFDC) is excited and proud to be a participant in the annual children’s mental health awareness campaign which is promoted and sponsored nationally by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA). The SAMSHA website provides further details and programming assistance for the national effort:
http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/highlights/may2006/ChildrenHealthMonth/pubs.asp
Locally, ACFDC is taking part in this campaign by holding art classes in the month of April at Trinity Presbyterian Church which will involve 8-10 youth from our community. On May 8, 2008 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. we will be displaying and celebrating the children’s art at the Church along with presenting other programming focusing on children’s mental health. If you are interested in supporting awareness about children’s mental health we encourage your participation.

Trinity Presbyterian Church
2200 N Bell Denton TX 76209
940-382-8815

Our Mission: Through partnership across families, agencies, community, and other stakeholders in Denton County, the Alliance for Children and Families of Denton County promotes the successful participation, healthy development, and wellbeing of children who have, or are at risk of having a serious mental, emotional, and or behavioral disorder.rticipation. Please join us on May 8, 2008 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church as we celebrate our special day!
**Agencies and providers that serve children and families are encouraged to bring resource information (brochures, business cards, etc.) for the resource table that will be at the show.
PLEASE RSVP no later than Monday, May 5th. Please call 940-565-5239 or 940-381-5000, ext. 5425.
Missy McCormick, Project Director
The Alliance for Children and Families of Denton County

Our Mission: Through partnership across families, agencies, community, and other stakeholders in Denton County, the Alliance for Children and Families of Denton County promotes the successful participation, healthy development, and wellbeing of children who have, or are at risk of having a serious mental, emotional, and or behavioral disorder.

Trinity Greetings - April 2 - April 8

Trinity Presbyterian Church
2200 N Bell Denton TX 76209
940-382-8815

Trinity Greetings - April 2 - April 8

Table of Contents
1. Movie Tomorrow Night
2. Intimacy and Sermon Talk Backs
3. Sunday, April 6, 2008
4. About the Anthem
5. Remember in Prayer
6. Mission and the Garden
7. Art work in the Sanctuary by June Impson
8. Gabe Mueller's Senior Trombone Recital
9. Future Dates for Your Calendar
10. Church Information
11. Christian Education
12. Dinner for Nine
13. Committee and Session meetings
14. Coffee Fellowship Hosts for April, May, June
15. Theology Reading Group
16. Magazine Distribution
17. Izzabella Marie Portillo
18. Homeless Coalition
19. Connecting Hearts Luncheon
________________________________________
MOVIE TOMORROW NIGHT!
We talked about the movie for weeks, prepared for it, waited for it – then the snowstorm came, and we started the process all over again. But finally, the date is here! Tomorrow night we will at last be screening the movie For the Bible Tells Me So, an award-winning documentary that deals with issues related to the Bible and homosexuality as experienced by parents of gays and lesbians. The movie starts at 7:00, there will be a panel-led discussion afterwards, and some refreshments will be provided. Please come and bring a friend. This is an important issue that is addressed well in this movie.

INTIMACY and Sermon Talk-Backs
When you take the cork out of a bottle of champagne, the built-up pressure causes the champagne to burst out and bubble forth. A similar situation seemed to occur this last Sunday with my sermon. In one of my more honest sermons, I preached about intimacy – intimacy with God, and intimacy with each other. I talked about a longing for intimacy and about the situation of alienation in which we often find ourselves. Judging by the response I received, my sermon seems to have touched a nerve – the champagne bubbled forth. Several people shared with me just how much they long for intimacy in their own lives, intimacy with others and with God.
As I mentioned in my sermon, I am beginning a sermon series about various aspects of intimacy. I don’t know how long the series will last, I am being led by my heart in that regard. As a part of that series, I am starting a series of "sermon talk-backs." For the duration of the series, I will invite those who so desire to hang around in the sanctuary after the service. Approximately 10 minutes after the conclusion of the service (during which time I will greet visitors and change out of my robe), we will begin a discussion that I hope will focus on the topic of intimacy in general, and in particular on intimacy as discussed in the sermon. What does intimacy mean to us? What does intimacy with God look like? What did the sermon remind you of, how did you agree or disagree? What do we need to do as a church to foster intimacy with each other and with God?
These are not questions to which I have definitive answers – these are questions for us to explore together, trusting that the Spirit will be with us through our exploration. I anticipate spending 20 to 25 minutes together in discussion. The discussion can of course continue the next week, or amongst yourselves individually and in groups. When you have some time Sunday after the service, please join us for the discussion. Who knows, maybe the Holy Spirit will do something new and surprising within our midst!
In Christ,
Craig
________________________________________
About the Anthem -- With A Voice of Singing by Kenneth Jennings
Kenneth Jennings was the third conductor of the world-renowned St. Olaf choir succeeding the choir’s founder, F. Melius Christiansen, and his successor-son, Olaf C. Christiansen. During his time at St. Olaf, Jennings broadened the repertoire of the group and expanded their hold as a prominent choral ensemble on the international stage.
Jennings is also known for his many well-crafted compositions for advanced choirs. With A Voice of Singing, published in 1964, uses the words of Psalm 23 in a chant-like setting.
________________________________________
April 6, 2008 - 3rd Sunday of Easter
9:30 a.m. Sunday School for all ages

10:30 a.m. Coffee Fellowship hosted by Tad Hopp and Beth Peak Thompson
11:00 a.m. Worship
Liturgist: Don Smith
Ushers: Alice Miller &
Greeters: David Appling & Merritt Winchester
Assisting Elders: Carl Seiler, Jill Slade, Suzanne Sweeney and Diane Winchester
________________________________________
REMEMBER IN PRAYER:
Sue Shields
Rose Richey
Katy Portillo recovering from an car accident
Christina Uili recovering from an car accident
Fran Moore
Bertha Moore
David Tannery (John and Shannon Davis' brother-in-law) who undergoing daily radiation treatments along with bi-monthly chemotherapy treatments in preparation for surgery in early May
Rev. Kathleen Baskin Ball
Leroy Seiler, whose cancer is continuing to spread
Don Cheek who is hospitalized with Graft versus Host Disease
Lauren Ashley Shirley (niece of Lancine Bentley) who has cancer
Mikhayla Evans
David & his family
Lee Ann & her family

All military personnel serving all over the world

Prayer Requests - Cards are provided for your prayer requests in the attendance folder and by the box in the Narthex. You may leave your prayer requests in the box in the Narthex. Prayer requests will be removed from the list after they have appeared for three weeks. Prayer requests that have been on the list for three weeks must be resubmitted.
________________________________________
Mission and the Garden
Last Saturday, Trinity hosted an awareness day for our organic community garden. Representatives from the TWU social work department, from the Salvation Army, from Heifer International, from the Denton Organic Society, and from Our Daily Bread welcomed the community to Trinity to celebrate our newest mission project. We had visitors from as close as the apartments across the street and from as far away as Zimbabwe stop by to talk, eat organic hot dogs, and learn about the possibilities of organic gardening. If they looked closely, our visitors might have seen an unnamed pastor walking on his hands near the path to Piggly Wiggly.
Several people have asked what makes the garden a mission project. The answer is complex and is evolving as we work on the garden. One response is that the garden is an example of stewardship of land. We have extra space that is being turned in to a source for healthy food. A second answer relates to the use of organic methods of gardening. We hope to show the community how organic methods that avoid pesticides and herbicides can grow nutritious food without degrading the environment. A third answer relates to our plan to tithe ten percent of our produce to either Our Daily Bread or to the Denton Food Center. A fourth response is that we hope to bring in our neighbors to the garden. Already, we have several non-Trinity members who are cultivating a portion of the garden.
The Mission Committee believes the garden has the potential to create fellowship among the gardeners as we work next to each. It also brings strangers into fellowship with the gardeners as we work. An older woman from the neighborhood has stopped several times to chat with us as we spread compost or dig trenches. As a way of connecting us to God’s earth as we get down and dirty and as a way of lifting our hearts and souls as we enjoy the warmth and the smells and the sounds of the spring weather, the garden makes us more aware of the gifts God has given us. In response to these gifts, Trinity’s community garden is a way of putting the word of God into action in our own back yard.
________________________________________
Art Work in the Sanctuary by June Impson

It is our pleasure to present the Art Work of June Impson as a witness of her life, creativity, sensitivity and sense of beauty. June Impson was a beloved member of this congregation. Before her death, she accepted our invitation to exhibit her art in honor of her memory and as a gift to God. So with color and imagination she shares yet with us in celebration of the resurrection. Alleluia! The exhibit is open 1-5 p.m., Monday-Friday.
________________________________________
You are invited to the
Senior Trombone recital
of
Gabe Mueller, Trinity member
Saturday, April 5
5:00 p.m.
in
Concert Hall of the UNT College of Music
________________________________________

FUTURE DATES--for your calendar

April 3 7:00 p.m. "For the Bible Tells Me So"

April 13 6:00 p.m. Dinner for nine at local restaurants

April 27 noon-2 p.m. Italian Cuisine as a fund raiser for ODIS
________________________________________
________________________________________
Church Information
The church office is open 1-5 p.m., Monday - Friday.
The regular deadline for submitting items for the Trinity Greetings and the Sunday bulletin is
Trinity Greetings - 1 p.m., Tuesday
Sunday Bulletin - 1 p.m., Wednesday

Submit all items in writing. E-mail is preferred.
NOTIFY the church office of changes of address, telephone number or e-mail address as soon as possible.
________________________________________
From the Top 10 Popcorn Thoughts, part 900.
I'd rather be guilty being foolish in my giving than smart in my stinginess.
________________________________________
Christian Education -- 9:30 a.m. each Sunday
Children’s & Youth Sunday School Classes
Infants through two-year-olds--nursery, Amanda Skinner & Jessica Ernest, caregivers
Three- and four- year olds--Suzanne Sweeney
Kindergarten and first grade--
Older elementary--Workshop Rotation--Jackie Bruce and Beth Peak Thompson
Youth Sunday School Class--Sixth-twelfth grade--Will Slade, Cindy & Holley Harris
Godly Play - Ally Poole
Two Excellent Classes for Adults on Sunday Mornings Through May 18, 9:30-10:30
Theology—The Basics
Theology--The study of religious faith, practice, and experience; especially the study of God and of God's relation to the world.
Marvin Williams, a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the PC(USA), Honorably Retired, will lead participants through an overview of theology. Using some basic themes found in the Apostles’ Creed, The author of the book the class will study, Alister McGrath, pulls in discussion and references from biblical texts and images, major theologians from past and present, and general trends in history. The April 6 topic is from Chapters 1 and 2 Faith, God.
Contemplative Spirituality
Eric Holt, facilitator

This class will begin with an overview of contemplation and spirituality. Three classes on contemplation will come next, followed by three classes on integrating the body into prayer, and ending with a class on writing a brief rule of life. Eric will incorporate teaching and learning with meaningful experiences.

" . . . we are spiritual beings having a human experience."~ Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

________________________________________
Dine with Nine
The congregational life committee is organizing a dinner out night at 6:00 p.m., Sunday, April 13 at the following restaurants: El Guapos, Thai Ocha, Giuseppe's Italian Restaurant and Three Fins. Child care will be provided at the church. Sign-up sheets for the restaurant of your choice will be available soon. Reserve the date.
________________________________________
COMMITTEE AND SESSION MEETINGS:
April 8 6:00 p.m. Administrative Committee
7:00 p.m. Mission Committee
April 15 5:00 p.m. Christian Education Committee
6:30 p.m. Congregational Life Committee
April 20 1-4 p.m. Worship Committee Retreat
April 22 6:00 p.m. Session Brown Bag Supper followed by April Stated Session meeting
________________________________________
________________________________________
TWO FAMILIES NEEDED EACH SUNDAY TO HOST COFFEE FELLOWSHIP!
Now is the time to volunteer for April, May and June. The calendars are in the Narthex.

April 6 Beth Peak Thompson & Tad Hopp
April 13 _____________________________
April 20 _____________________________
April 27 _____________________________
May 4 Debra Davis & Pat Cgheek
May 11 _____________________________
May 18 _____________________________
May 25 _____________________________
June 1 _____________________________
June 8 _____________________________
June 15 _____________________________
June 22 _____________________________
June 29 _____________________________
________________________________________
From the Top 10 Popcorn Thoughts, part 900.
Regret looks back and grieves. Reconciliation looks forward and forgives.
________________________________________
Theology Reading Group

The Theology Reading Group meets again on April 6th. We will be discussing Walter Wink's "The Powers That Be."
________________________________________

Magazine Distribution for waiting rooms are available in the Narthex. Labels are available with the magazines. Pick up several and take to the places you have to wait like hospitals, doctor's offices, etc.
________________________________________

Jessica and Ed Portillo are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter, Izzabelle Marie Portillo, born on March 20. She weighed 7 pounds, 2 oz. and was 19 inches long.
________________________________________
The Denton County Homeless Coalition has created a Ten Year Long Range Planning Committee in an effort to create a 10-year plan to end homelessness in Denton County. There will be an independent meeting for this committee and all attendees are encouraged to invite members of the community interested in a plan to end homelessness in Denton County. Below is the meeting information and tentative agenda.
Date: Tuesday, April 8th,2008

Time: 2:30-4:00 p.m.

Place: Solutions of North Texas, 1600 N. Ruddell Street, Denton,TX 76209

*please confirm via email your attendance to leslie@solutionsofnorthtexas.com*

Tentative meeting agenda will include:
HUD requirements for a strategic 10-year plan
Technical assistance and support from the Interagency Council on Homelessness
Review of 10-year plans created in other counties
Membership
Division of responsibilities within committee
overview of "The 10-year planning process"
________________________________________
"Connecting Hearts" Luncheon

Wednesday, May 7, at the Denton Coiuntry Club, there will be a luncheon raising awareness of and seeking people interested in the ministry to childrens homes and programs serving needs of children and youth in the Synod of the Sun. Trinity has been invited to bring a table of 10 people. If you are interested, please contact Jean Kooker(940)387-1059 as soon as possible.