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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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From the Top 10 Popcorn Thoughts, part 900.
I'd rather be guilty being foolish in my giving than smart in my stinginess.
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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

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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.
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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
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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 _____________________________
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From the Top 10 Popcorn Thoughts, part 900.
Regret looks back and grieves. Reconciliation looks forward and forgives.
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Theology Reading Group

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