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Page 1: June/July 2015 Trinity Vine

“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you

can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”—John Wesley

The Trinity VineJune/July 2015 Issue

A publication of Trinity United Methodist Church, Denver, Colorado

Trinity was one of the host venues for the 2015 Festival of Homiletics, which brought hundreds to our historic Sancutary in May.

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Contact Us

Church Office HoursMonday–Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Trinity United Methodist Church1820 Broadway, Denver, CO 80202

Phone: 303-839-1493 | Fax: [email protected]

www.Facebook.com/trinitydenverwww.Twitter.com/trinitydenver

www.YouTube.com/c/TrinityChurchDenverwww.Google.com/+TrinityChurchDenver

Our MissionTrinity United Methodist Church offers a welcoming and

transforming experience: the love of Jesus Christ.

This mission is further articulated through three goals:1. Inviting our congregation and others throughout the community

to Come Worship God2. Helping our congregation to Grow in Spirit

3. Preparing our congregation to Go Serve Christ

Come join us as we Grow Our Souls.

Trinity Staff

Dr. Michael D. DentSenior Pastor

Rev. Linda MarshallMinister of Nurture

Jasper PetersAssociate Pastor

Judith MitchellDirector of Music and Arts

Wayne BrownDirector of Adult and Family Formation

Lee AndersonCare Coordinator

Cami TwillingDirector of Youth Ministries and

Contemplative Spirituality

Kathy GibbInterim Director of Children’s Ministry

Dave SangerInterim Church Administrator

Erin AchesonDirector of Communications

Jill RampacekDiscipleship Assistant and Front Office Administrator

Juli Van HooserAdministrative Assistant to the Senior Pastor

Laura WinbergDirector of Finance

Sharon ScheminskeWedding Director

Dan KrauseJames E. Barnes Iliff Intern

In This Issue

Plaza Building Updates...................................5Jasper Peters Appointment............................7Barnes Scholarship Winner...........................7 Trinity Parsonages........................................10Graduating Seniors.......................................11Book Review..................................................13Contemplative Corner.................................16Music and Arts..............................................17Adult and Family Ministries........................18 Children’s Ministries....................................19Urban Ministries Tour..................................21Upcoming Events........................................6, 8

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WE’re Here for Life Campaign to Expand

Dear Trinity Friends and Family,

One year ago, on Sunday, June 1, we began receiving our three-year commitments to the We’re Here for Life Plaza Building Initiative and Mission Tithe Campaign. The campaign plan was to provide for a major remodel, upgrade, and replacement and addition of equipment and systems to the 30-year-old Plaza Building, as well as to provide a mission tithe of $100,000 each to Imagine No Malaria and the new Hunger Relief Center of Metro Caring, co-founded by Trinity Church 40 years ago. Construction is already underway. The goal of the campaign was to receive $2.5 million for these projects, missions, and all associated expenses. The great news to share is that by the end of April—just eleven months into the 36-month campaign—gifts and commitments of $2,447,323 have already been received! That is 97.89% of the goal. Over 59.29% of the pledges and gifts, $1,451,221, has already been received. Thanks be to God for this amazing generosity! We are less than $50,000 from reaching the campaign goal! The Board of Trustees has worked long and hard with our architects to sharpen, revise, and finalize plans for the approved constructions. They have worked with contractors and consultants to reduce costs when possible. As anyone who drives through downtown Denver or the Cherry Creek shopping area knows, construction cranes and projects are everywhere. Labor, steel, and drywall are in high demand. Prices have increased significantly since our renovation received initial estimates in December 2013. Though still not yet final at this time, it appears that the cost to complete the approved components of the project will be considerably more than the initial estimate obtained more than 18 months ago. The Trustees have encountered several surprises in the form of water damage, lead and asbestos in the building, additional requirements by the city, and cost overruns projected in several other areas. Because of the outstanding success of the campaign to date, church leaders from WHFL, Trustees, and Finance Committee are expanding the initial effort to receive the additional funds needed to complete the approved We’re Here for Life project. Additional gifts are expected to come in the form of challenge gifts, grants, and additional or new commitments from congregation members. We are in a strong position to reach a higher goal. Watch and pray, as Jesus said, as we sharpen the approved plans to bring our two-story underground mission and ministry center into the 21st century in quality, efficiency, and functionality. All Trinity members and friends will have an opportunity to make a new or revised commitment to complete the project. Thanks be to God for all who have committed and given, those who are yet to give, and those who will give a little more to provide for the Lord’s house! Here with you for life, Pastor Mike

The Trinity PulpitWorship in June and July

Sundays, 8:15 a.m. & 11 a.m.Dr. Michael Dent, Senior Pastor

Summer Sunday School is offered for children, youth and adults

at 9:30 a.m.

June 7 “We Do Not Lose Heart”2 Corinthians 4:13—5:1

June 14“Putting on the Mind of Christ”

Philippians 2:5–11Rev. Darrell Mount, preaching

June 21Pastor Jasper Peters, preaching

Father’s Day

June 28“G-Force: God’s Love in Action”Vacation Bible School Sunday

July 5“Remembering Those Who

Are Not Free”Hebrews 13:1–3

Independence Sunday

Please visit the website at www.TrinityUMC.org for the

remaining July schedule.

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News From the Rocky Mountain Conference

UMCOR Supports Conference Flood Relief in Texas, Oklahoma After torrential rain caused severe flooding in Texas and Oklahoma over the Memorial Day weekend, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has issued five emergency grants in support of relief activities undertaken by the affected United Methodist annual (regional) conferences. Greg Forrester, executive in charge of UMCOR’s U.S. Disaster Response work, said today that UMCOR has issued emergency grants at the request of the Texas, Rio Texas, Central Texas, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma Indian Missionary conferences, where flooding and tornadoes damaged hundreds of homes. At least 18 people are known to have died in the storms and flooding across the area. “UMCOR has been in contact with the conference disaster response coordinators in all of the affected conferences since the weekend,” Forrester said. “Early Response Teams (ERT) have been deployed as requested,” he added, “and the disaster response coordinators are in contact with each other. It’s great to know that the trained conference disaster response teams are equipped and ready to respond to survivors of such a severe event as this.” Your gift to UMCOR U.S. Disaster Response, Advance #901670, helps UMCOR respond to the most vulnerable people affected by this and other disasters in the United States.

PRAYER FOR THOSE AFFECTED BY U.S. STORMSGod, you hear our cries for help. This week has brought wind, rain, hail, snow, and destruction. Help those affected by recent storms, help those who are responding, and help those being called to serve later! Let everyone feel your presence and feel hope; renew their strength. Let their witness be one of praising your name, knowing that you are there for them during any storm. Their faith in you is strong. Be with them as they rebuild upon the rock of your voice and presence. In the name of your son, Jesus Christ, we submit this request to you. Amen.

The Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) leads us in paying tribute to these very special persons for their service, achievements, and future plans:

• Lee Anderson has completed all academic requirements at Iliff School of Theology for commissioning towards Deacons’ orders at Annual Conference in June. Lee will remain on our staff as Congregational Care Associate.

• Dan Krause completes his service this summer as our Barnes Scholar in Evangelism. Dan has accepted the position of General Secretary of United Methodist Communications. He, his wife Liz, and their three young children will be relocating to Nashville later this summer. Dan will complete his work at Iliff online in the next year.

• Jasper Peters will graduate from Iliff on June 3 with a Master of Divinity degree and begin service as Associate Pastor at Trinity on June 1. He will be commissioned towards Elders’ orders at Annual Conference June 14.

• David Wilcox will graduate from Iliff on June 3 with a Master of Divinity degree and begin service as Pastor of two United Methodist congregations in Albuquerque in June. He has served as our Urban Mission Intern the past year.

Dr. Dent joins SPRC Chair Susan Turman in saying, “We are so proud of and happy for all of these young staff members for their achievements, calls, and service to Christ at Trinity. We pray God’s richest blessings on them as they move forward in ministry here and in other settings.”

Honoring our Staff Interns and GraduatesContributed by Dr. Michael Dent, [email protected]

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Demolition of Level 1 in the Plaza Building is complete, including lead and asbestos abatement and removal of the old ductwork. As of May 28, the project is on schedule at 30% completion. Additional Level 1 milestones include:

• All salvaged woodwork (doors, casings, and base trim) has been taken offsite to be reconditioned.

• All wall framing is complete.• All underground plumbing is complete.• 90% of all new ductwork has been fabricated and installed.• 85% of all rough-in electrical and low-voltage data lines is

complete.• The alarm panel has been upgraded to provide increased security.• The mural from the Youth Room has been recreated in digital

form to be printed on canvas for the new Youth Room.

We are addressing some previously unknown conditions as well, including the addition of one drinking fountain on Level 1 and two drinking fountains on Level 2, identifying and rectifying multiple water leaks from rain and snow, and upgrading the plumbing and toilets in the Level 1 restrooms after finding water damage in the walls from leaking toilets. This work will extend the schedule for Level 1 work by two weeks, with a new target of an August 11 completion.

Visit the Plaza Building Renovation Project Update page on the website for additional progress reports. www.trinityumc.org/plaza-campaign

From the Board of Trustees

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Above: Trinity Youth checking out the new framing on Level 1. Upper right: Underground plumbing installation. Lower right: Old pipes

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Upcoming Events

For additional information on these and other upcoming events, visit www.trinityumc.org/experience-trinity/upcoming-events.

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The Staff-Parish Relations Committee is pleased to announce the assignment of Jasper Peters to serve as our new Associate Pastor effective June 1. Jasper was born and raised in the Denver area and studied Philosophy and Religious Studies at the University of Colorado at Boulder. He is the son of two Pastors and the youngest of eight siblings. He is married to Kim, and has a son Judah. Jasper is very passionate about bringing the real and relevant blessings of the church to young adults and marginalized communities. He will graduate with a Master of Divinity degree from the Iliff School of Theology on June 3. He has served as the Young Adult Coordinator at Trinity for two years, and will be commissioned as a Provisional Elder in the United Methodist Church on June 14 at the Rocky Mountain Annual Conference meeting in Estes Park. Upon confirmation of the appointment, Jasper shared: “In the last two years, Trinity has been a place of great encouragement for me. It is truly an honor to serve such a wonderful community. My passion is to share what I have come to learn about the grace of God: that it can shine light in the darkest corners, and it can bring new life to anyone and everyone. I pray that my time at Trinity will be one of growth and learning for all of us!” Please join me in welcoming Jasper as a full-time member of the Trinity staff!

Jasper Peters Appointed to TrinityContributed by Dr. Michael Dent, [email protected]

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Abbey Watkins Awarded Barnes ScholarshipContributed by Julia Williams Abbey Watkins was awarded the 2015 James E. and Mary H. Barnes Scholarship, given to a deserving Trinity high school student each year. Abbey is a 2015 graduate of Dakota Ridge High School in Littleton. Before she begins her academic studies at Colorado Mountain College in Steamboat Springs to pursue a degree in Outdoor Education, she has been selected to serve for one semester as an intern at the Windy Peak Outdoor Education Lab in Bailey, Colorado. Abbey has been very active in Trinity’s youth programs, participating in Sunday School, mission trips, church camps, Youth Choir, Youth Bells, and Vacation Bible School. She is also planning to share in the Youth Mission Trip to San Francisco later this month. During her high school years she participated in soccer, skiing, Women of Dakota, taekwondo (earning her black belt), the Mount Evans Outdoor Education Lab as a high school leader, and served as First Chair Bass in the high school orchestra. The Barnes Scholarship was created in 2009 by the Pioneer Fund, a private foundation funded by the late Helen McLoraine, a former member of Trinity and community philanthropist. Helen was a close friend of Rev. and Mrs. Barnes and the scholarship was established to honor their lives and ministries at Trinity. The application process considers grade point average, test scores, essay questions about the applicant’s chosen field of study, honors and awards in high school, church activities, and how the scholarship will help the recipient. Congratulations, Abbey, and best wishes from your Trinity family!

Above: Cami Twilling and Abbey; Below: Mary Barnes and Julia Williams presenting the award to Abbey.

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Upcoming Events

For additional information on these and other upcoming events, visit www.trinityumc.org/experience-trinity/upcoming-events.

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Our Church FamilyContributed by Lee Anderson, [email protected], 303-839-1493 x11

We remember Rose and Ron Hill and family in the death of Rose’s mother on March 15, Josh and Amber Kiesey in the death of Josh’s father on March 26, Cindi and Jim Orosz and family in the death of Cindi’s aunt on March 27, Geoff and Sharon Morneau in the death of Geoff ’s father on April 6, Juli and Steve Van Hooser and family in the death of Juli’s father on April 22, Nancy Wood in the death of her brother on April 26, Dennis and Jan Graham in the death of their son on May 1, and Craig and Lauretta Lundquist in the death of Craig’s father on May 9. We celebrate the birth of Molly Jean to Scott and Lindsay Orr on February 24.

Our Family Serving Overseas Please update your church family on your loved ones! Have any of those listed below returned home? How are you and your family faring? We keep in our prayers these brave men and women serving overseas in the armed forces, and their families: Andy Haber, USAF, deployed to Qatar, nephew of Julie Gladney Major Bradley Matthew May, US Navy, son of Tom and Carolyn May Petty Officer 2nd Class Wes Cody, US Navy, son-in-law of Clark and Ann Rheem Lt. Daniel Ford, US Navy, son of Michael and Joanne Ford Captain Tristan Felchlin, grandson of Joan and Jack Leimkuhler

If you have updates to loved ones serving overseas or would like to have a family member placed on our prayer chain and listed in The Vine, please contact Lee Anderson at the contact information above.

Our Congregation

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Kathy Whiteside Wins at Special Olympics MeetContributed by Jill Rampacek, [email protected]

Trinity’s own Kathy Whiteside, lifelong member of the church, competed in the Special Olympics Mile High Area Athletics Meet on May 3rd. Kathy laughingly told us that she “left them in the dust” to win first place in the four hundred meter race, 4th in the one hundred meter dash, and 2nd in the shot put event. Kathy will now advance to the State Championships in Grand Junction on June 6th. What an athlete! Congratulations, Kathy—we’ll be rooting for you! Special Olympics Colorado hosts more than 100 sports competitions, events, and trainings each year. There are 22 sports to choose from and generally 4–5 sports per each of the four seasons in a calendar year are offered to athletes and their peers. Special Olympics Colorado offers 6- to 8-week programs that culminate with a one-day area championship in each of the five designated geographic areas. The qualifiers from the area championships advance to the state championships. Special Olympics Colorado hosts six state championships each year. For more information on Special Olympics Colorado, please visit www.specialolympicsco.org or spend a few minutes visiting with Kathy.

Kathy Whiteside holds up her ribbons from the Mile High Area Athletics Meet hosted

by Special Olympics Colorado.

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Our Congregation

Commissioning and Elections Highlight RMACContributed by Dr. Michael Dent, [email protected]

The 2015 Rocky Mountain Annual Conference is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 11, and will end at noon Sunday, June 14, at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park. The theme this year continues the quadrennial emphasis, ‘Cultivating the Tree of Life,’ with a missional focus on ‘The Renewal of Creation.’ Delegates will explore how “the whole Earth and all of creation are participating in God’s loving redemption, liberation, and salvation.” Lay and clergy delegates to the 2016 General and Jurisdictional Conferences will be elected. For ongoing information about the Annual Conference, visit www.rmcumc.org/ac15. Trinity will celebrate in the commissioning of Lee Anderson and Jasper Peters on that Sunday morning. Our church is represented at the conference by its ordained clergy and lay delegates John Altland, Josh Davies, and Kevin Matter. Metro District Equalization delegates include Lee Anderson, Gary Curtis, Diana Huerta, Jasper Peters, Shaun Boyd, Pam Jones, Norene Keleshian, and Kristi Kinnison.

Eagle Scout Project for TrinityContributed by Tim Mueller On Saturday, April 11, Jed Aist, an active member of the Trinity Youth, completed his Eagle Scout project to clean up the rock area outside of the fence on the north side of the green in coordination with Trinity’s Trustees and administration. He and approximately 25 volunteers (adults and teens) completed the work in one day. Some of the volunteers were from Trinity. They removed all of the existing rock and the two layers of weed barrier along with dirt that had settled over the years. They filled in areas that had settled with filtered top soil. Two layers of weed barrier were replaced and pinned, the original rock was replaced, and additional matching rock was added to create an even layer. Jed is going through the final review board process and should receive his official rank later this summer. He will then join his father and three brothers as an official Eagle Scout. Great work, Jed, and thank you for helping to beautify the grounds at Trinity!

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Our CongregationTrinity’s 2015 Graduating SeniorsContributed by Cami Twilling, [email protected]

Congratulations to our Class of 2015 graduating high school seniors! Here’s an update on what they’ll be doing next:

Jed Aist…will attend Colorado State University in Fort Collins, where he will study Biomedical Science.

Zoe Freeman...will attend the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, where she will study English and Education. She plans to teach English as a Second Language in a Third World country and is aiming for the Peace Corps after college.

Jourdan Kidd…will attend Colgate University in Hamilton, New York, where she will study Molecular Biology on the pre-med track.

Jackson Mammel...will attend Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, where he will major in drum set performance and minor in music business.

Brian Petersen…will attend Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, where he will study Music Education.

Connor Toedtli…will attend Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she will study Theater.

Abbey Watkins...will be an intern for Outdoor Lab for Jefferson County Schools and attend Colorado Mountain College in Steamboat Springs in the fall of 2016, where she will study Outdoor Education.

Max Weiskopf…will attend Colorado State University in Fort Collins, where he will study Forestry and Business.

Duncan Williams…will attend Red Rocks Community College, where he will study welding.

Not pictured: Karl Peterson and John Shaball

Jed Aist Zoe Freeman

Jourdan Kidd Jackson Mammel

Brian Petersen Connor Toedtli

Abbey Watkins Max Weiskopf

Duncan Williams

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Our Congregation

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A Look Back: Trinity’s ParsonagesContributed by Dave Sanger, [email protected]

In 1858 Rev. Adriance rented a small cabin with his stipend from the Kansas Conference. It could probably be considered the first parsonage for the congregation that became Trinity.

The first parsonage built by the congregation was in 1870 on land donated by John Evans at 805 14th St., across from the Lawrence Street Methodist Episcopal Church. In his report to the conference, B.T. Vincent reported, “This parsonage is of brick, two stories high, with the luxuries of five bay windows; is handsomely constructed inside and out, its parlor I believe furnished by the ladies for permanence.” The parsonage on 14th served until the congregation moved into the current Trinity building. Originally, a brick residence behind the lots purchased for the church

was to be remodeled as the parsonage, but when the decision was made to build a larger church building, the house was demolished to make room for the expansion. At that point Henry Chamberlin, who had offered $6,000 for the remodel, donated a lot at 1830 Sherman where he later “gave the magnificent parsonage on Sherman Avenue to Trinity, after he had it built as a memorial to his mother.” (Beardsley: Echoes of Peaks and Plains)

By the 1920s the area around the parsonage was being developed as apartments and the decision was made to sell the 1830 Sherman property and purchase a new parsonage; a property was purchased at 1048 Lafayette where the parsonage remained for over 30 years. In 1957 the congregation purchased a newer three-bedroom, two-bath home at 6200 Montview Boulevard that served as Trinity’s last parsonage. With changing expectations ministers began to prefer a housing allowance

instead of access to a parsonage, and the Trustees sold the Montview Boulevard parsonage in 1976.

14th Street about 1870

Sherman Street about 1890

The Power of PrayerContributed by Rev. Linda Marshall, [email protected]

Four-year-old David finds comfort through the prayer square from Trinity as he anxiously awaits the first surgery of his life. A component of the Prayer Quilt ministry, prayer squares are created by Karen Whiteside. Though Karen’s fine motor skills were compromised by a brain injury in college, making it difficult to do the precision work of a prayer quilt, Karen believes that these prayer squares symbolize the ways God transforms our brokenness into something of beauty and comfort. Trinity staff have these squares readily available for persons who need something small to squeeze or carry in their pocket, backpack, or briefcase as a reminder that their Trinity family is praying for them and that God will help us experience beauty in the midst of difficulty.

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Military Ministry Contributed by Clark Rheem

Besides caring for our troops stationed overseas, Trinity’s Military Ministry also cares for military personnel and families right here in Denver. With love and service, our Military Ministry team provides dinner to the residents of the Fisher House the first Tuesday of each month. The Fisher House mission is simple: to be a “home away from home” for military families so they can be close to a loved one during hospitalization for an illness, disease, or injury. The Fisher House is located at 1954 Quentin Street, Aurora 80045. Generally, dinner is served from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. for approximately 16 adults. All are welcome to be a part of this vibrant ministry. To participate in providing a meal, call Clark Rheem at 720-837-7775.

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Staff Pick! Book RecommendationContributed by Lee Anderson, [email protected]

The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start LivingBy Russ HarrisOrder online: http://www.tatteredcover.com/book/9781611801576

“Just suppose for a moment that almost everything you believed about finding happiness turned out to be inaccurate, misleading, or false. And suppose that those very beliefs were making you miserable. What if your very efforts to find happiness were actually preventing you from achieving it?” While these lines from Russ Harris’s introduction to his book may be jarring, I found his book to be soothing and empowering. He discusses the thoughts, myths, and beliefs that lead to internal struggles in many people, and presents tools and techniques to help change the way we think and believe about ourselves, our emotions, and our experiences. He then teaches ways to help readers create a meaningful life. This book is well-written, and a good read. Furthermore, the hands-on tools are easy and practical to use. As a professional who has helped people heal, change, and find meaning, and as someone who has sought these same things for herself, I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to reduce negativity in his or her life and live life more fully. These concepts go hand in hand with the good news of Christ, who said “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10, NRSV)

Operation Homefront Update

Thanks to you and our amazing sponsors, Operation Homefront’s 2014 HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE program to distribute toys and gift cards to junior enlisted military families was an amazing success!

Last year, millions of toys were donated at Dollar Tree stores nationwide. Trinity members contributed 15,000 of the 30,000 toys distributed. These items and other holiday gifts were given to our most junior

service members to show our nation’s appreciation and supplement the family holiday.

Thank you to all who visited your local Dollar Tree and donated toys to help make the holidays brighter for our military families.

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Thank you for buying Stock in Youth! The Trinity Youth extend a heartfelt thanks to each of you who have given to Stock in Youth. These gifts truly make a difference in the lives of our youth. You can look for your official thank you postcard coming this fall with an update on our summer mission trips here in Denver and to San Francisco. Thank you for supporting youth ministries at Trinity!

Youth Summer Calendar Adventures for youths who have completed grades 6–12: The Youth Summer Calendar is coming soon to a mailbox near you, or you can get one from Cami or Emma. Check the summer flyer for all the details and to sign up for summer fun!

Summer Sunday School will also continue for Youth at 9:30 a.m. in the Southeast Balcony (Level 5).

Youth MinistriesContributed by Cami Twilling, [email protected]

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Health MinistryContributed by Peggy Steen, [email protected]

Independent Living Support through the VNA

According to a recent AARP report, most people prefer to remain in their own home as they age. The Colorado Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) is a non-profit home healthcare agency that provides services to support independent living at home. These services include Home Health Care, Hospice, and Foot Care Clinics. As part of the Home Health Care Program, VNA professionals make home visits to evaluate and recommend adaptations that make life easier and safer for those who choose to remain in their own home as they age. The VNA depends on volunteers to help with many of their programs. Cassie Sanchez-Kantor, Volunteer Coordinator, recently contacted Trinity to recruit skilled “handyman” volun-teers to help install safety equipment in homes throughout the metro area. Do you know how to use tools and a drill? Do you enjoy helping others? If so, contact Cassie at 303-698-6387. To learn more about VNA and the services they provide, call 303-698-2121 or visit their website at www.vnacolorado.org.

United Methodist Women Calendar:

June 6: TUMW Leadership Team planning meeting 9 a.m.–12 p.m. at Dodi Vaughn’s, 6029 E. Hinsdale Ct., Centennial, 80112 June 9: Book Circle will meet at 11:30 a.m. at the Imperial Chinese Restaurant, 431 S. Broadway, Denver.

Book discussion: Every Body’s Got Something by Robin Roberts.June 13: Miriam Circle hosts UMW brunch 10:30 a.m. at Lois Cochran’s, 680 S. Canosa Ct. Denver, 80219

All Trinity Women and guests are invited. Program will be “Aprons” by Micky Behlen, Jan Marie Locket’s mother. Please RSVP to Lois Cochran (303-934-8838, [email protected]) if you plan to come.

July 16-18: Rocky Mountain Conference Mission u, Colorado Springs. Reservation forms for this and one-day mission events (in August) are available in Fellowship Hall. This year’s theme is: “Learning Together for the Transformation of the World.” This year’s studies are: The Church and People with Disabilities: Awareness, Accessibility and Advocacy; Created for Happiness; and Latin America, People and Faith. Mission u is co-sponsored by the United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women. All are welcome, men as well as women.

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Trinity UMW hosted a potluck supper April 15 in honor of Carol Partridge. Carol retires this year after many years as a missionary to Macedonia. Trinity has had a covenant relationship with Carol to help support her mission. She shared with the group some of her work and experiences in Macedonia. The speaker for the April 21 UMW meeting was Sarah Jackson, director of Casa De Paz. Casa de Paz (House of Peace) offers free lodging and meals to guests visiting their loved ones held inside the immigrant detention center in Colorado. They also host guests who have recently been released from the detention center and need a place to stay for a couple of nights as they make plans to make their way back home. Everything is donated—meals, rent money and furnishings. Casa de Paz is a strong example of one community of people working together to welcome another community. UMW members brought fruit cups for Sarah to give to her guests. Trinity UMW thanks everyone who has been reloading their King Soopers gift cards. UMW receives 5% of the value of the reloads whenever the reloads total at least $5,000. Since starting sales of the gift cards June 2014, UMW has received a check every two months and has received nearly $2,000. This money provides more opportunities to contribute to various mission projects. The gift cards are still available in Fellowship Hall on Sundays. Trinity United Methodist women will again be sponsoring a school supply drive for UMCOR School Kits. During the summer Trinity members are asked to bring school supplies for the kits and/or sew bags to hold the supplies. Lists of needed items and instructions for sewing the bags will be in Fellowship Hall during June, July and August. Some pre-cut bags with sewing instructions will also be available.

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United Methodist WomenContributed by Lois cochran, 303-934-8838

Dinner and talk with missionary Carol Partridge

UMCOR School Kits being blessed in worship

UMCOR School Kit Materials Needed1 pair blunt scissors - rounded tip only, no plastic scissors, please. Remove from packaging.3 pads of paper - spiral- or top-bound pads, 150 sheets or less of loose leaf can be substituted for one pad, combination of spiral, top bound, side bound or loose leaf is acceptable. No composition books, please.1 hand-held pencil sharpener - must be at least one-inch long. Remove from packaging.1 30-centimeter ruler - hard or flexible, cartoon characters are acceptable. No advertisements, please. 6 unsharpened pencils - cartoon characters are acceptable. No advertisements, religious, patriotic, military, or camouflage symbols, please.1 2-inch or larger size eraser - cartoon characters are acceptable. No advertisements, religious, patriotic, military, or camouflage symbols, please1 24-count box of crayons - only 24-count boxes, please.1 14"x16" cloth bag - homemade or purchased bags are both acceptable, heavy-duty fabric only – denim, corduroy, drapery fabric, etc. No advertisements, religious, patriotic, military, or camouflage symbols, please. Closures are optional, but must be buttons, snaps, or Velcro sewn in middle of opening, if used.Donations accepted for processing and shipping costs.

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What the Mystics Know

In Richard Rohr’s latest book, What The Mystics Know – Seven Pathways to Your Deeper Self, he writes, “For many people, ‘myth’ means something that isn’t true. Please put aside that understanding. Myth is, in fact, something that is so true that it can be adequately expressed only in story, symbol, and ritual.” Trinity United Methodist Church’s Contemplative Spirituality group will be exploring the intriguing contents of this book throughout the next few months. Fr. Richard Rohr, O.F.M., is a Franciscan priest and founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He also is the author of several books and the academic Dean of the Living School for Action and Contemplation. As he outlines in the book’s introduction, “I hope this book can invite you into the seemingly simple yet profound realm of those who have found their way close to God and all of creation, and it can place the path of the mystic within your reach.” - A very promising invitation. In addition, we look forward to having Cami Twilling continue to share with us her experiences while on her Journey of Renewal which took her to many interesting and exciting places, including an ashram in India that was the spiritual center of Benedictine monk Bede Griffiths.

During the summer Contemplative Spirituality will meet on the following Wednesday evenings from 7–8:30 p.m. in Stiles Chapel (Level 2): June 3 and 10, July 22, and August 19 and 26.

Summer is a wonderful time to experience Contemplative Spirituality if you have been curious about it. You will find a quiet space where you can deepen your contemplative practice or learn for the first time what contemplative spirituality is and the impact it can have on your life. We will practice Centering Prayer, as well as other prayer practices such as Lectio Divina, exploring the labyrinth, reflecting on the teaching of the ancient and present-day mystics. Please come as you are. All are welcome.

Contemplative CornerContributed by Joy Harvey and Cami Twilling, [email protected]

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Would you like to receive a printed issue of The Vine?

Copies are available in the church office, at the Welcome Cart on Level 3, and often in the back of the Sanctuary. Those who are unable to pick a copy up at the church building may request that a copy be mailed

to their home by contacting the Communications Department at [email protected] or 303-839-1493 x25.

Large print copies can be provided upon request.

Trinity Young AdultsContributed by Jasper Peters, [email protected] As summer draws near, our Young Adult group will be transitioning to our summer schedule. Here are a couple dates to keep in mind:June 6, 1–4 p.m.: TYA Party in the Park! Join us at Runway 35 Park/pool in Stapleton for snacks, games, and (hopefully) lots of sunshine! This is a great and casual way to connect with other young adults, especially if you’re new to our community!June 7–September 6: Young Adults are encouraged to attend the Adult Summer Forum. See the schedule on page 18.

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Music & Arts MinistryContributed by Judith Mitchell, [email protected]

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A Celebration of Trinity’s Children and Youth Music May was full of recognition and celebration in honor of the talented children and youth involved in music ministry here at Trinity. Trinity Music and Arts Ministry Chair Kathy Dunnewald and Dr. Dent gave a special recognition for our children and youth singers and ringers, as well as their directors, as part of the 11 a.m. worship service on May 10. The service was filled with the sounds of music performed by the Children’s Chimes, Genesis Ringers, Youth Bells, Joyful Voices, and Youth Choir.

Trinity’s vibrant Early Childhood Music program held its annual year-end combined music celebration and piano recital on Monday, May 11. Our committed staff of six teachers, Valerie Hamlin, Kathy Ives, Carrie Nicholas, Shelley Roth, Sharon Scheminske and Justina Thurston, has led eight joy-filled classes for children from birth through age 8 and their families each Monday, September through early May. To celebrate their graduating seniors, Brian Petersen, Connor Toedtli, Abbey Watkins, and Max Weiskopf, the Youth Bells and Youth Choir shared a dinner and fellowship at the Old Spaghetti Factory on May

13. Trinity is truly blessed by the talents, musical leadership, and music education provided by these ministries and their people.

Sing with the Anniversary Choir All those with a voice to raise are invited to join the Anniversary Choir when it sings for the 11 a.m. worship service on Anniversary Sunday, August 2. There will be one rehearsal on Wednesday, July 27 from 7-8 p.m. Whether you would like to come “check out” the choir, would enjoy singing once without making a year-long commitment, or would like to see the Sanctuary from the view of the Choir Loft, you are most welcome! Please contact Judith Mitchell at [email protected] or 303-839-1493 ext. 16.

Common The practice of honoring a Sabbath has never been easy for me. It is much easier to keep myself busy and working than it is to stop and reflect. A friend once told me that taking a Sabbath is acting as though your work is done, even if it is not. It is a time to refresh, renew, and dig deeper into God’s call. In that spirit, Lee Anderson and I have decided that Common will be taking a break over the summer. This is a great opportunity to reassess our strengths and refocus our work. Over the summer, we’ll gather a few times to maintain fellowship, as well as our missional focus. We can’t wait for the blessings the fall will bring! Yours in Christ, Jasper D. Peters

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Adult and Family MinistriesContributed by Wayne Brown, [email protected]

Adults “Connecting” Throughout the Summer

Connection is the theme for the Sunday Summer Adult Class Series.* Connection to one another, to God, to the world at large, and even to our own bodies* Connection by conversation, technology, prayer, or exercise and nutrition

Connecting is not as simple as it might seem. Each of these endeavors comes preloaded with a variety of impediments—simple time constraints, psychological or emotional resistance, glitches in our technology, even confusion about how to pray or grow our spiritual lives all get in the way of authentic connection.

Join Trinity’s adult classes at 9:30 on Sunday mornings in Trinity Café (Level 3) as we mutually engage the subject of Connection.

June ScheduleJune 7: Using the image of a tree as the metaphor for three different aspects of connection—its roots, trunk or body, and its outreaching limbs—we will first explore connection as one of our most natural instincts. Both spiritual and psychological foundations of connection will be discussed. Facilitators: Jasper Peters and Wayne Brown

June 14: Although we all desire connection, there are many barriers to realizing this desire. This session will focus on some of the more specific impediments to connection. How do we think about connection in “real time” as we go about our daily routines? Facilitator: Wayne Brown

June 21: At the very core of Methodism is the idea of a “connectional” church. To pursue a spiritual life with no vision for how to reach out to the world at large, would be to miss a key part of what it means to love and serve God. Facilitators: Dave Sanger and Jasper Peters

June 28: Connection: Kindness, Oneness and the World. Connection with the world through the eyes of our own “ambassador” Cami Twilling sharing her recent travel abroad and how it transformed her life.

July ScheduleJuly 5: no class

July 12, 19, and 26, August 2 : Lee Anderson will dive even more deeply into the subject of crafting authentic relationships. Lee’s personal journeys and unique insight into this subject will tie the subject of connection together in a more comprehensive package.

Let’s stay “connected” through the summer months!

Additional Homebuilders/Family Ministries activities:Sunday, June 7: Potluck at Brad and Jennifer Winget’s house. Contact Wayne Brown for details.

Single Mom’s Connection: Watch the weekly email for upcoming activities.

Stained glass in Trinity Sanctuary representing the Vine

and Branches scripture.

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Children’s MinistriesContributed by Kathy Gibb, [email protected]

Children’s Summer Sunday School

Children age 4 through having completed the fifth grade will grow their faith by leaps and bounds in our One Room Summer Sunday School, held June 7 through August 30. What will your children be learning this summer?

Unit 1: CaretakersJune 7: Of God’s CreationJune 14: Of Our ResourcesJune 21: Of Others (packing beans and rice)June 28: VBS SundayMission emphasis for June is collecting shoes for Soles for Souls. Bring us your gently used shoes, which will be cleaned and packed during VBS.

Unit 2: Never Too YoungJuly 5: David the MusicianJuly 12: Naaman’s ServantJuly 19: JeremiahJuly 26: TimothyMission emphasis for July and August is collecting school supplies for the United Methodist Women kits that will be packed in August. Visit www.trinityumc.org/ministries/children for more information.

Our 2- and 3-year-olds will learn some of our favorite Old Testament Bible stories.

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Second Century FoundationContributed by Landon Julius

The Trinity Second Century Foundation serves people in need in the downtown and metro Denver area by providing financial resources to outreach programs. The foundation has been serving those in need since 1984. In mid-April the Second Century Board held their annual meeting to review grant requests and issue funds to the respective grantees. This year the Second Century Foundation issued $51,000 in grants to 13 grantees. For the second year in a row over $50,000 was distributed and for the fifth year in a row the amount of funds distributed increased over the prior year. In 2015 the Second Century Foundation issued grants to six new organizations. In 2015, the funds from the Second Century Foundation went to an assortment of causes. The causes range from providing food to the hungry, providing support and shelter to the homeless, assisting women who suffer from addiction and drug abuse, as well as providing advocacy work for minority day laborers in Denver.Throughout the rest of 2015 the Second Century Foundation Board members will be making visits to the respective grantees. During these visits the Board members learn more about the grantee’s operations as well as seeing how the funds are being utilized. To find out more or to support the Second Century Foundation, contact the church office.

Our Ministry and Mission

2015 Grant RecipientsThe Blue Bench, thebluebench.orgCapitol Hill Community Services, mealsforthepoor.orgDenUM, denum.orgDenver Inner City Parish, dicp.orgEl Centro Humanitario, centrohumanitario.orgGathering Place, tgpdenver.orgLord’s Daily Bread, Lordsdailybread.org

Metro Caring, MetroCaring.orgOpen Door Ministries, odmdenver.orgSenior Assistance Program, seniorassistancecenter.orgSt. Francis Center, sfcdenver.orgReading Partners, readingpartners.orgWarren Village, warrenvillage.org

Trinity QuiltersContributed by Judy Woodring

In addition to providing Prayer Quilts for those who are experiencing surgery or serious family issues, we are responsible for providing the teddy bears and Prayer Squares that are given to the parents and children that are baptized at Trinity. We receive many thank you notes about the Prayer Square being a won-derful remembrance for the parents and the bear being the favorite toy for the child. Along with each bear and Prayer Square is a label that has the date of the baptism, the child’s name, and the song the congregation sings to the child. In 2014 we provided these remembrances to 36 babies and so far in 2015, there have been 14. If any Trinity member or friend is in need of a Prayer Quilt, please contact Linda Marshall to request this. We have the quilts displayed in Fellowship Hall on Sunday mornings and ask people to stop by our table to tie a knot and say a prayer for the recipient. We meet again on June 13 at Highlands UMC, our temporary location dur-ing the Plaza Building renovation. We welcome new members for a morning filled with fun, sewing and fellowship! For further information, contact Sherry Valentic at [email protected].

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Our Ministry and Mission

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Trinity’s Urban Ministry Sites TourContributed by David Wilcox

The wind blew, the rain came down and moments of snow flurries were seen by 19 Trinity members and guests on a recent Friday in May. Our intrepid “Trinity Missionaries” weathered the weather and gave witness to the love of Christ at four downtown partners in ministry. We started at the St. Francis Center and were amazed at the breadth of the services offered to many of our urban neighbors who are not permanently housed. The urgent need of affordable housing was made clear to us.

The work that takes place at the Women’s Bean Project is life-altering. Women who find a place there in the nine-month training program leave with employable work skills, a work history and greatly enhanced self-worth. Three women from the most recent graduating class earned their forklift licenses during the year and started new jobs at over $17.00 an hour! The more support WBP has, the more women they can take into training. At Denver Urban Ministries, or DenUM, we witnessed the nearly empty shelves in the food pantry area. It was a Friday afternoon, so most folks had been there earlier in the day to shop for free groceries. This is the time of year that DenUm needs our food contributions the most. Please remember to pick up an extra box or can of food while you do your own shopping. And remember that like the rest of us, there are significant

numbers of folks who need low sodium, low sugar/fat, or gluten-free food. Metro Caring welcomed us into their new home and dazzled us with all they offer in nutritious hunger relief. The average participant takes home 133 pounds of food monthly from Metro Caring. In the new facilities they host healthy cooking classes and teach people how to raise some of their own food. The Rev. Lynne Butler led us in a prayer of dedication of the Trinity Community Room that was made possible through the support of our church. Each of us ended the day inspired, a bit dazed, and challenged to find new ways to serve others. Every place

we visited needs volunteers in a wide variety of roles and time requirements. A few hours on occasion, a regular weekly “gig,” or helping with special events make a truly valuable addition to the work of being the “hands and feet of Christ in the world.” Thanks be to God for the work of Trinity United Methodist Church in Denver!

“Thank you for organizing and leading the wonderful group from Trinity who visited Metro Caring last Friday. Metro Caring celebrates our 41 year ministry partnership and looks forward

to ways we can continue to build community momentum. We’ll work and pray for the day when no child goes to bed or school hungry.”

Appreciatively,Lynne Butler

Executive Director, Metro Caring

St. Francis Center

Women’s Bean Project

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Building with HabitatContributed by Jasper Peters, [email protected]

I don’t pay much attention to the drywall in my home. It is hidden by pictures and paint and curtains and crayon stains. Yet, if I were to think about it, I’d have to think about the hands that hung it, the folks who drove nails into studs, and those who poured the concrete. It is not often that I think about the people who helped to shape the place I call home, but I do now. Recently I joined a team of volunteers from Trinity to work a Habitat for Humanity build. This was my first time volunteering with Habitat, but any concerns I might have had were assuaged by Habitat experts like Laura Igo and Bart Glathar. Upon arriving, we learned about some of the families that will be living in these houses when they are completed. I was proud to be able to swing a hammer, dig a few holes, and watch cautiously as someone else used a chop saw (I once had a bad experience…). In the long run, my personal day of labor paled in comparison to Dick Johnson. At one point I had to ask him to slow down, as he was making me look bad. At any rate, I am thankful for the opportunity to give to those who are in need. Many habitat families might never be able to achieve home ownership if not for programs like these, and the legions of volunteers who give of their time and talent. This was not the first time Trinity volunteered to build at this site, and it won’t be the last. I ask that you consider joining us next time. I can promise that it will be an enjoyable time with lots of camaraderie, and even free lunch! More importantly, it will be a fulfilling experience in which you bless those in need. Trinity is a member of the Habitat Interfaith Alliance (HIA), a coalition of 13 congregations around the Denver metro area. Learn more about HIA at www.hiadenver.org. If you are interested in volunteering, you need not wait for the next official Trinity Build Day. Sign up for any public event—making sure you register as coming from Trinity— at www.hia.denver.volunteerhub.com/events.

Our Ministry and Mission

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Trinity build volunteers, from left to right: Bart Glathar, Jason Igo, Jasper Peters, Dick Johnson,

Jason Kennedy, Ken WhitneyKneeling are Nancy Green, Laura Igo and

BilleAnne Kennedy

The CHUM Coupon Program is RetiringContributed by Karen Hansen, Capitol hill united ministries

After over 25 years of operating at King Soopers, 9th Ave. and Corona in Capitol Hill, the coupon pro-gram has stopped placing coupons on products in the store. We have had a happy and productive relationship with King Soopers management and employees. However, the exigencies of time and electronic progress have indicated that now is the time to celebrate our success and retire. Overall the coupon program raised $683,000, which was distributed in $1,000 grants to the nonprofit agencies serving low-income, hungry and homeless people, people suffering long-term mental illness, and those suffering from AIDS/HIV on Capitol Hill. No operating expenses were ever deducted from the money donated. In addition, we estimate that coupons totaling at least twice the $683,000 amount were used by individual cus-tomers to reduce the cost of the groceries they were buying.

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A Look Back...Primetimers Tour of Fairmount CemeteryPhotos by Lois Cochran

Early Childhood Music Year-End Party & RecitalPhotos by Steve Hostetler, www.stevehostetler.com

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We’re Here for Good...We’re Here for Life!Trinity United Methodist Church1820 Broadway, Denver, CO 80202

303-839-1493 | 303-839-1901 fax | [email protected]

Periodicals postage paid at Denver, Colorado.POSTMASTER:

Send address changes to Trinity United Methodist Church Communications Department

Trinity United Methodist Church1820 BroadwayDenver, CO 80202