TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

November 27, 2012 • Vol. 46 No. 48

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

2012 Advent Info 3-6

Poinsettia Orders 7

Calendar of Events 7

BHN Giftwrap Booth 8

FIRST SUNDAY in ADVENT • DECEMBER 2

ADVENT WREATH WORKSHOPDecember 2 | 4-5:30 PM | Fellowship HallAdvent is celebrated on the four Sundays prior to Christmas as the time of waiting and preparing for the birth of the Christ child. Along with greenery, Advent wreaths feature a candle for each week, a scripture reading and a special prayer. Families and individuals are invited to make a wreath on Sunday, Dec. 2 from 4-5:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Please bring fresh greenery from your yard. Other supplies will be furnished.

HANGING OF THE GREEN SERVICEDecember 2 | 6:00 PM | SanctuaryTrinity observes the first Sunday in Advent with a special service known as Hanging of the Green. This traditional evening worship service on Sunday, Dec. 2 at 6 PM will feature Trinity’s Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra along with featured artists Dr. Won Cho and Dr. Kathryn Fouse. There is no charge for the event and the public is invited to attend. Nursery provided.[ Complimentary valet parking service available. ]

Wednesday, December 5Children’s Choirs

and handbellsChristmas Program

• 6 PM, Sanctuary •All are invited.

NOTE: Wednesday Supper will be served on December 5 before the program beginning at 4:45 PM.

WednesdaySupper4:45-6:15 PMFellowship Hall

Leave the cooking to us! Come eat and fellowship with your church family. Great meals at incredible prices! • $6/person, $3 /child (9 and under)

• $5 Salad Bar option• $5 Senior Adults• $20 Family Max. (immediate family)

Let us know you are coming...make online reservations, and find weekly menus at:www.trinitybirmingham.com

12/5 Menu:ADULTS: Baked potato bar with

Barbecue or Chili, salad & cookie (Or) Regular salad bar & cookie

KIDS: Grilled cheese, tomato soup,fruit, cookie & milk

•••••Also! 24 item Salad Bar & 2 soups

PLEASE NOTE:The last Wednesday Supper of

the semester will be served on December 5.

PLEASE SEE INSIDE FOR THE 2012 advent brochure

A PERSONAL WORD

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2012FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

FULL COMMUNION

SERMONDr. Andy Wolfe

• MUSIC8:45 AM

Cross & Flame Youth Choir,Maggie Williams, Scott Brooks, Aaron Glenn

11:00 AMSanctuary Choir,

Maggie Williams, Scott Brooks, Aaron Glenn•

HANGING OF THE GREENSERVICE AT 6:00 PM

• MINISTER ON CALL

Nathan Carden, 863-0765

WESLEY HALL • 11:15 AMRev. Nathan Carden

Advent: Like a Thief in the Night

A LOOK AT NOVEMBER 25

891 • Worship Attendance

640 • Sunday School Attendance

The 8:30 AM worship service is broadcast via 15-minute delay from 9-10 AM Sundays

on WAPI-1070 AM.

information for guests & new membersWelcome to Trinity United Methodist Church!Our mission is to Gather people to Christ, Grow people in Christ, Go to serve Christ in the world and Glorify Christ.Sunday Worship Opportunities:• 8:45 & 11:00 AM – Traditional services in the sanctuary, offering same sermon and a variety of music.•11:15 AM – CONTACT – a relaxed, informal, service in Wesley Hall featuring praise music from the CONTACT Band, children are encouraged to attend. •10:00 AM – Sunday School – Ages 2 years and up.• Nursery is provided during all services.

Interested in Membership?Please join us the first Sunday of every month in the large parlor for “Coffee with the Pastor.” This is a time to meet the pastoral staff, ask questions and learn more about the core values and mission of Trinity. We also encourage you to attend “Membership 101,” a basic orientation prior to joining Trinity. It is offered on the second Sunday of each month. Contact Rev. Drew Holland at dholland@trinitybirmingham.com or call 879-1737 with any questions.

Andrew Wolfe – Senior MinisterSuzanne Pruitt – Minister of Christian FormationDrew Holland – Minister of Evangelism, Young AdultsNathan Carden – Minister of Outreach, ContactDavid Thompson – Minister of StudentsBobby Scales – Minister of Pastoral Care & Visitation

•Church Office: 205-879-1737•Fax: 868-9714•Care Line: 868-9709•Child Development Center: 879-1749

adventChristmas gift of joyADVENT 2012

Did you know that in the United States, the average local church spends only .03% of its annual budget in ministry beyond the walls of the local church? Did you know that last year, Trinity spent 17% of her total expenditures in ministry beyond the walls of our local church – and all of our Christmas Gift of Joy offerings! For the last several years, our average Advent offering has raised almost $40,000!

Your commitment to join in God’s work to bring the Kingdom of God to earth is made clear through your generosity – especially toward those ministries that seek to help the poor. As a church we can cel-ebrate and give thanks for the ways God is using us to help change the world with the Good News of Jesus Christ!

While these numbers and percentages are important, behind them are the faces of people who have stories to tell; stories of how they found food and water, education and training, housing, clothing, comfort in loss, and most of all hope. And while we are engaged in Outreach ministries in places like Zambia, Bolivia, Panama and Latvia, we share over 85% of our support here in Birmingham in ministry with the poor. Take a moment to read through some of the ministries listed here that your giving goes to support – they may just benefit someone you know.

The Christmas sales started months ago and many of us are already weary of the marketing and advertising at every turn. As Christians, we all know that this season is about celebrating the incomprehen-sible gift of God becoming a human being. If we follow the example of Jesus’ own gift giving, this season will be a time to give not only to our loved ones, but to the “least of these” (Matthew 25:45). To give so generously to strangers in need, in the name of Jesus, is a radical, powerful and joyful alternative.

This Advent season, I invite you to pray as individuals and families about how you might give to this special offering. Even amidst the ringing of cash registers and the explosion of commercials, in a pos-ture of prayer, I believe we could hear the voice of God centering our focus upon giving gifts that could change a life forever.

In Grace and Peace,Rev. Nathan Carden

CHRISTMAS GIFT OF JOY Supports these and other ministries:

• Church of the Reconciler• Babies First• Birmingham Hospitality Network• United Methodist Center for Seniors• Urban Ministry• United Methodist Children’s Home• Wesley Foundations• Community Furniture Bank• International Missionaries and Mission Work• Promise Homes• UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief)• SIFAT (Servants in Faith and Technology)• Greater Birmingham Ministries• Kairos Prison Ministry• United Counseling Center• Camp Sumatanga

“If you love only those who love you, what reward do you have?” Matthew 5:46

SUNDAY WORSHIP TIMES8:45 & 11:00 AM | Sanctuary | Dr. Andy Wolfe

11:15 AM | Wesley Hall | Rev. Nathan Carden

1400 Oxmoor Road • Homewood, AL 35209 • 205.879.1737For Advent schedules and information: www.trinitybirmingham.com Dr. Andrew Wolfe, Senior Pastor

ADVENT WREATH WORKSHOPDecember 2 | 4-5:30 PM | Fellowship HallAdvent is celebrated on the four Sundays prior to

Christmas as the time of waiting and preparing for the birth of the Christ child. Along with greenery, Advent wreaths feature a candle for each week, a scripture reading and a special prayer. Families and individuals are invited to make a wreath on Sunday, Dec. 2 from 4-5:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Please bring fresh greenery from your yard.

Other supplies will be furnished.

FIRST SUNDAYin adventDECEMBER 2

An example of the Advent Wreath that will be made at the workshop.

advent2012 | TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Back SideChristmasChristmas from the

The Christmas story has become all too familiar. We think we know it inside out. There is nothing there that surprises us, shocks us, challenges us – which is a far cry from the original implications of this story. The very idea that the “word would become flesh” was shocking to those who first heard it. To really hear this story, author Ellsworth Kallas has suggested that we enter Christmas from the ‘“back side.” Seen through the eyes of some minor, unsympathetic characters, or from a different overlooked detail – the Christmas Story reveals that there is more than we usually imagine. We may not know what we think we know when it comes to Christmas until we have seen it from the back side.

Join us for the Advent season, as we look at Christmas from the Back Side.

Advent Series • Dr. Andy Wolfe • Traditional Worship, Sunday 8:45 & 11 AM

HANGING OF THE GREEN SERVICEDecember 2 | 6:00 PM | Sanctuary

Trinity observes the first Sunday in Advent with a special service known as Hanging of the Green.

This traditional evening worship service on Sunday, Dec. 2 at 6 PM will feature Trinity’s

Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra along with featured artists Dr. Won Cho and Dr. Kathryn Fouse.

There is no charge for the event and the public is invited to attend. Nursery provided.

[ Complimentary valet parking service available.]

you are invited to join us.

Wednesday, December 5Children’s Choirs

and handbellsChristmas Program

• 6 PM, Sanctuary •All are invited.

Trinity offers two Christmas Eve services designed especially for children!

See times and details listed on next the page.

A Night in Bethlehem returns to Trinity on Sunday,December 95-7:30 PM

Plan to attend this special holiday event.

If you want to be a part of the NIB team, contact Karen Smith at 879-1737 or email ksmith@trinitybirmingham.com.

A Night in Bethlehem is a fun-filled Christmas event for all ages.

Journey back to the night that Jesus was born...

The Wind Symphony and the Symphony Band of UABwill present a free concert of Christmas music at Trinity on

Tuesday, December 4 at 2 PM in the Gym. The band will be directed by Dr. Sue Samuels, Director of

Bands at UAB, and Dr. James Zingara, Asst. Director.Everyone is cordially invited to attend.

UAB Christmas Concert

Tuesday, December 42 PM, Gym

special events...

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 168:45 & 11:00 AM | Sanctuary

A Service of Lessons and Carols is Trinity’s annual service of music and scripture

for the Christmas season. It is presented by the Trinity Orchestra,

Sanctuary Choir, Cross & Flame Youth Choir, William A. Gardner Handbell Choir and other Trinity vocal ensembles.

a service of lessons&carols

CHILDREN’S SERVICES4:00 & 5:00 PM | Wesley Hall

These services are designed for families with young children. The children are encouraged to dress as

Mary, Joseph, shepherds, angels or manger animals, and become a part of the Nativity story.

Costumes available.•

PERSONAL COMMUNION4:00 - 6:00 PM | Sanctuary

Come and go at any time during these two hours for an intimate time of family or individual

worship and communion.•

CANDLELIGHT COMMUNION7:00 & 11:00 PM | Sanctuary

Trinity’s traditional services of Christmas with music, word, candlelight and communion.

With special music by the Sanctuary Choir, Cross & Flame Youth Choir, Trinity String Quartet and Organ.

CHRISTMAS EVEservices

MONDAY, DECEMBER 24

Contact Contemporary Christmas Cantata | Sunday, December 9

WESLEY HALL • 11:15 AM • REV. NATHAN CARDEN

December 2 | Advent: Like a Thief in the Night Matthew 24:36-44

December 9 | Contemporary Christmas Cantata The story of the birth of the Son of God

December 16 | Advent: What Kind of Plant? Isaiah 11:1-10

December 23 | Advent: Theotokos Luke 1:26-38

Holy Communion will be served each Sunday in Advent

during Contact worship.

For details on Advent schedules and special eventsthroughout the season, log on to:www.trinitybirmingham.com

holy communion ADVENT HOLY COMMUNION is offered each sunday in Advent. Served in the Sanctuary at 9:45 AM and 12 Noon following the traditional worship services. All are invited to partake.

During this season, when we remember God’s gift to us in Christ, there are many oppor-tunities for us to give in ways that reach out to extend the love of Christ for all. At Trinity these opportunities include:

CHRISTMAS GIFT OF JOY OFFERINGThis special offering goes to support the church’s mission and outreach efforts. This includes support for local and international mission projects such as: Firehouse Shelter, Birmingham Hospitality Network, Church of the Reconciler, Volunteers In Mis-sion, and Urban Ministry. Offerings can be made during the Advent season using the special envelopes.

ANGEL TREESTrinity provides more than 250 Birmingham-area children with a joyous Christmas each year as part of the Festival of Three Kings. Individuals, families and groups have selected name(s) from our Angel Trees. Gifts wil be returned to Trinity in the bags provided by November 26.

FESTIVAL OF THREE KINGS, December 1Our Angel Tree gifts are distributed to children and their families at The Festival of Three Kings. It will be held on Saturday, December 1. If you would like to volunteer to help with the festival, please email Kristie McCullough at mccullough.kristie@gmail.com.

FOOD DRIVE FOR LOCAL MISSIONS, Begins December 2Trinity’s Outreach Team is conducting a food drive to stock pantrys at Restoration Mis-sion and Urban Ministry, both located in the West End area. The pantrys need canned meat, fruit and vegetables. Commercial size cans and family size cans are needed. Food Drive bags will be in the Narthexes at all services on Sunday, December 2. Filled bags are due back to the church on December 16. Contact Ken Stalnaker with any questions at 283-5682 or klstalnak@bellsouth.net.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY ADVENT BUILD, December 15 work dayHabitat for Humanity houses are started at the first of the Advent season and are completed and dedicated close to Christmas Day, which means the homeowners start 2013 in a new, affordable home! If you would like to be a part of this early Christmas gift-giving experience by serving, join us to work on a home on DECEMBER 15. Contact

Laura McCain for directions and information at 870-4550 or lamccain@bellsouth.net.

christmas giving

For details and updates on Advent schedules and special events,

please log on to:www.trinitybirmingham.com

1400 Oxmoor RoadBirmingham, AL 35209

205.879.1737Dr. Andrew Wolfe, Senior Pastor

Are you in your 20’s? Are you out of college? Are you not married? If so...please join Trinity’s Young Professionals for a new Advent study beginning TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25. (December 4, 11 & 18)

Dinner is served at 6:30 PM and the study follows. To register for the dinner and study please contact Lisa Elliott at 879-1737 orlelliott@trinitybirmingham.com.

YOUNG ADULTStudy

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4 • 2 PMUAB CHRISTMAS CONCERT EVENTThe UAB Symphonic Orchestra Christmas Concert will be held on December 4 in the Gym at 2 PM. This is always a wonderful performance by the UAB music students.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6 • 2-4 PMANNUAL CHRISTMAS TEADon’t miss the Senior Adult Annual Christ-mas Tea. The Fellowship Hall is decorated for Christmas, the table is set with sumptuous Christmas food. Come share warm memo-ries of another year together with friends.

Questions? Contact Amy Lewis at 879-1737.

SENIOR ADULTEvents

First Sunday in Advent - December 28:45 AM Traditional Worship - SANC10:00 AM Sunday School10:00 AM Coffee With the Pastors - LP11:00 AM Traditional Worship - SANC11:15 AM CONTACT Worship - WHALL3:30 PM Hanging of the Green Rehearsal4-5:30 PM Advent Wreath Workshop - FHALL4:15 PM Youth Handbell Choir - Rm. 2255:00 PM Cross & Flame Youth Choir - MS5:00 PM Confirmation - various6:00 PM Hanging of the Green - SANC6:00 PM Element (Mid & Sr. High) - HAVEN8:00 PM Men’s Pick-up Basketball - GYMMonday - December 36:30 AM Men’s Bible Study B’fast - SDR8:00 AM Senior Adult Activities - Various8:30 AM Mouat Chapel Open for Prayer6:00 PM TCDC Board Dinner - SDR6:30 PM SPRC Meeting - CONFTuesday - December 46:30 AM Youth Prayer B’fast - Haven8:00 AM Senior Adult Activities - Various8:00 AM Sr. Exercise Class - GYM8:30 AM Mouat Chapel Open for Prayer10:00 AM Trinity Singers - MS10:00 AM Mama & Me - Nursery11:00 AM Soup & Salad - FHALL2:00 PM UAB Christmas Concert - GYM3:30 PM Element Cafe - Haven

5:30 PM Trustees Meeting - CONF6:30 PM Young Adults 30’s - SDRWednesday - December 58:00 AM Senior Adult Activities - Various8:30 AM Mouat Chapel Open for Prayer9:00 AM Yoga - Rm. 3154:45 PM Wednesday Supper - FHALL6:00 PM Children’s Choirs Program - SANC6:00 PM Adult Studies - various7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir Practice - MSThursday - December 68:00 AM Senior Adult Activities - Various8:00 AM Sr. Exercise Class - GYM8:30 AM Mouat Chapel Open for Prayer9:00 AM Adult Studies - various 2:00 PM Sr. Adult Christmas Tea - FHALL3:30 PM Element Cafe - Haven6:00 Pm TCDC Christmas Program - SANCFriday - December 78:00 AM Sr. Exercise Class - GYM8:30 AM Mouat Chapel Open for Prayer

highlighted events this week

in memoriamWe extend our love and sympathy: • to Jim and Millie Gardner on the death of her father, Major David Walsh Thomas, on November 20. He was also the grandfather of Josh, Katie, Mary and Jared Gardner. • to Jeanne and Neal Flum on the death of her mother, Elise Baker, on November 21.

congratulations• to Will and Blaire Middleton on the birth of their son, William Louis Middleton V, on November 19. Big sister is Caroline Middleton.• to Drew and Vaughan Holland on the baptism of their son, Samuel Robert Holland, on November 25.• to Allen and Areta Moseley on the baptism of their daughter, Molly Catherine Moseley, on November 25.

CFT Craft Room–143FSR Fireside Room–145CONF Conference Room–220SANC SanctuaryFHALL Fellowship Hall

LIB Library–218NAT Not at TrinityLP Large ParlorSP Small Parlor–105HAVEN Youth Auditorium

CHAPEL Mouat ChapelMS Music Suite–132WHALL Wesley HallSDR Small Dining RoomFLC Family Life Center

in the hospitalBROOKWOOD: Dick Scholl

7Return your order to the church office (OR) mail to: Trinity UMC, P.O. Box 19069, Birmingham, AL 35219-9069

Order Your Poinsettias for Christmas!Poinsettias purchased in memory or in honor of loved ones are placed in the sanctuaries

on Sundays, December 16 and 23, 2012. DEADLINE: Orders must be received by Sunday December 9 (Deadline is strictly observed).

Please attach your check to this form, drop in the offering plate, or bring/mail to the church office before the deadline, December 9. Make checks payable to: Trinity United Methodist Church, marked “Poinsettia order.”

Please print carefully. The information from this form is used for the bulletin listings. Please list only one name or family name for each pur-chased poinsettia. (Example: Jane Smith, Mr. & Mrs. Jon Smith or the Jane Smith Family.) Poinsettias are ordered from United Community Centers, Inc. (formerly the Riley Center), with proceeds aiding services for children, youth, the elderly, emergency assistance, hunger, health and disease ministries, advocacy and community development.

In MEMORY of: (OR) In HONOR of:

Given By: Given By:

Your Name:

Daytime Phone Number: Email:

Enclosed is $15.00 for each poinsettia ordered. Number of poinsettias X $15.00 ea. = TOTAL

!

Are you in your 20’s? Are you out of college? Are you not married? If so...please join Trinity’s Young Professionals for a new Advent study beginning TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25. (December 4, 11 & 18)

Dinner is served at 6:30 PM and the study follows. To register for the dinner and study please contact Lisa Elliott at 879-1737 orlelliott@trinitybirmingham.com.

As of November 25, 2012GENERAL BUDGET: 2012Given Month to Date: $251,246 Avg. Needs to Date: $257,277 Balance/shortage: $(6,061)

SAY AMEN Gifts this Month: $30,005SAY AMEN Gifts to Date: $425,790

treasurer’s report

Tidings Trinity United Methodist Church (USPS 0641-120) is pub-

lished weekly, except Christmas week,

by Trinity United Methodist Church,

1400 Oxmoor Road, Birmingham

(Homewood), AL 35209-3998. Period-

icals postage paid at Birmingham, AL.

POSTMASTER: Send address chang-

es to: Tidings, Trinity United Method-

ist Church, P.O. Box 19069, Birming-

ham, AL 35219-9069.

SUNDAYS at Trinity: Worship 8:45, 11:00 & 11:15 AM • Sunday School 10:00 AM • Youth Activities 6:00 PM

Serving Greater Birmingham from Homewood • Our Mission: To Gather…To Grow…To Go…To Glorify1400 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL 35209 • 205.879.1737 • Careline: 205.868.9709

www.trinitybirmingham.com

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Interested in Membership?Join us the first Sunday of every month in the large parlor for “Coffee with the Pastor.” This is a time to meet the pastoral staff, ask questions and learn more about the core values and mission of Trinity. We also encour-age you to attend “Membership 101,” a basic orientation prior to joining Trinity. It is offered on the second Sunday of each month. Contact Drew Holland at 879-1737 or email dholland@trinitybirmingham.com with any questions.

Kendal Smith192 E Saulter Road, Homewood, AL 35209Kendal joined Trinity by Profession of Faith. She works as an architect for Davis Architects.

Registration for PDO & TCDC 2013-2014Note important dates:•12/3 Registration for Trinity Staff•12/5 (TCDC only) Registration for curent enrolled students returning to same program•12/12 Registration for currently enrolled students and siblings•1/9 Registration for Trinity members•1/23 Registration for the communityQuestions about PDO, contact Barry Smith at 879-1737.Questions about TCDC, contact Kim Wood at 879-1749.

GIFT WRAP VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED The Birmingham Hospitality Network (BHN) gift wrap booth will open the Friday after Thanksgiving in the Brookwood Mall food court. It will be open during regular mall hours. We need your help on:- Saturday, December 15 - Monday, December 17 (3 hour shifts) to wrap at the booth!A talent for wrapping is not required to volunteer

because we need folks to work the front desk and take money, too. This is a family-friendly opportunity and a great way to give back and experience the true meaning of Christmas during the season. Contact Greta Hogg at gjhogg@bellsouth.net or 936-2095 to volunteer.

Katie Fox1448 River Walk Circle, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216Katie joined Trinity by Profession of Faith. She works as a Nurse Practitioner.