Contents JUNE 2021 TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
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TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
JUNE 2021
VOL. 55 NO.6
Contents
SPRC ANNOUNCEMENT
KIDS SUMMER ACTIVITIES
ELEMENT SUMMER CAMPS
NEXT STEPS
TRINITY’S SENIOR SUNDAY - MAY 9, 2021
My Trinity Family, I knew this day would come; I just never thought it would come so soon. As you have likely heard already, the Bishop has appointed me to another congregation in July—Pleasant Grove UMC. “But you just got here!” you might say. And you would be correct. In fact, less than two years ago, I remember sweating over how to make a good impression on you in my debut Tidings article. Still, here we are. Baby Boomer pastors are retiring, and thus, young associates like me have to step up to fill the gaps. As the famous Methodist, The Mandalorian once said about the itinerancy, “This is the way.” Don’t get me wrong, I am thrilled about serving the good people of Pleasant Grove. By all accounts, they sound like the kind of gracious, loving, faithful church any pastor would kill to have. Plus, I’ll be the senior pastor of my own church, which is beyond exciting at this stage in my vocation. No doubt, there is much to be grateful for with this move; nevertheless, it doesn’t mean I can’t be sad about leaving you. My recent tears shed only remind me of the great love we’ve shared over these past two years together. On behalf of every pastor at Trinity, thank you for always believing in us. When other churches would have promptly complained to the Bishop, you supported every crazy ministry idea I’ve had, including church for dogs. You have no idea how comforting it is to know your congregation has your back, especially through the murky waters of pandemic ministry. You’ve kept me going, and I thank you for that. At a time when many pastors are about ready to throw in the towel, your consistent support has only renewed my calling. I also want to specifically thank the people of Trinity West Homewood. You have shown me what the body of Christ can be. I have witnessed you overcome substantial obstacles these past two years, notwithstanding a 10-month hiatus from indoor worship. At times, I admit even wondering, “Will Trinity West survive this?” Yet, with every difficulty, you somehow found ways to come out stronger and more focused on the mission at hand. This perseverance doesn’t just come out of nowhere I’ve learned, but is a natural byproduct of the rich love you have for one another and for God. Your big heart is your greatest asset, it is what made the Andrews family fall in love with you so quickly, and it is what makes this departure now so painful. Still, in times of change, especially unexpected, I must cling to the notion that God is active and moving within the change. As the Apostle Paul affirms, “all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) While we don’t always understand or even agree with these disorienting moments of life, we can still trust God will ultimately provide. God will take care of me. God will take care of you. God will take care of Trinity West. God will take care of Trinity. This is what excites me most about Rev. David Thompson leading Trinity West into the future. I see God’s provision in his imminent leadership of Trinity West. Not only has David helped birth Trinity West into being, but David has the visionary, thoughtful presence necessary to carry Trinity West into its next chapter of ministry. I can’t think of a better person for this sacred responsibility, and I look forward to seeing how God will work through and in David in the days ahead. Church, it’s been short, but it’s been good. Thank you for all that you are and all that you’ve done for God’s kingdom. I love you and leave you now in God’s care and with this final benediction from Rev. John R. Claypool: Depart now in the fellowship of God the Father, and as you go remember: in the goodness of God, you were born into this world; by the grace of God, you have been kept all the day long, even unto this hour; and by the love of God, fully revealed in the face of Jesus, you are being redeemed. Go be the church, y’all!
worship online
Join us for ONLINE Sunday worship services.
• Traditional Worship at 8:30 AM
• Contact Worship at 10:45 AM
Services are live-streamed on the Trinity
Facebook page located at:
www.facebook.com/trinityumcbirmingham
Click on the Videos tab. (Facebook account not required)
Services may also be found on the Trinity
YouTube channel located at:
www.youtube.com/trinityumcbirmingham
Note: All services are archived on both
Facebook and YouTube – allowing you to
School Supply Drive watch at any time that is convenient.
Venture Camp Mission Project: June 7-9
Trinity’s Venture Kids is coming right up, and we need your help to make our Mission Project a
success! We are partnering with Jeff Co. Dept. of Human Resources – Child Welfare Division
RADIO BROADCAST
Another Sunday worship option is through our radio
to assemble school supply backpacks for 100 children who are in foster care.
broadcast. Our service airs weekly on Sunday morning
beginning at 9 AM on stations 1070AM and 99.5FM.
Over a 3-day period, June 7-9, groups of children will go on a neighborhood scavenger hunt, Also available on the iHeart Radio APP.
collecting donated items at the homes of church members who sign up to purchase supplies.
Let us know you are in attendance!
Sign up to provide supplies by visiting www.trinitybirmingham.com/kids Whether worshipping via radio or live stream, please
remember to use the online attendance & giving form
Please make sure you list your home address for porch pick-up. Children will be picking up found at: www.trinitybirmingham.com/attendance
from houses located within a 5-mile radius of the church. Leave supplies on your doorstep
starting at 10:00 am on Monday June 7. Groups of children will come by to pick up supplies on
the afternoons of June 7- 9.
Stories
If you have any remaining items left after 3:00 pm on Wednesday, June 9, please drop off the
items at the church Welcome Center and mark them “Trinity Kids Back 2 School.”
Thanks for serving your neighbors and Trinity Kids!
Join us on Facebook: Questions about TrinityKids? Contact Eleanor Christiansen
TrinityKids 205-879-1737 | echristiansen@trinitybirmingham.com
If you are new to Trinity,
we invite you to join us for
NEXT STEPS. It’s a friendly
membership track designed
specifically for our guests
and new members.
At NEXT STEPS, you will meet pastors and staff, and will learn
more about Trinity and our Methodist beliefs.
Sunday, JUNE 13 - 9:45 AM in the Large Parlor
Questions? Email Marie at mpasco@trinitybirmingham.com.
Missions& outreach A Note From The Finance Office
Thanks to your generosity, I am thrilled to report an incredible start to our
year at Trinity! Through May, giving continues to trend ahead of annual
DONATION OPPORTUNITIES NEW donation drop off location at Trinity West budget goals at 38%, we are adding to our reserves, and we are paying
Homewood! We are now accepting Food Share and Children’s Clothing Closet down our debt. We were able to lock in our full-term debt on May 1 at 3.8%
donations Monday- Friday on the shelving right outside the Trinity West Homewood on $4.7 million. We plan to launch a follow up campaign in January for
Fellowship Hall, located at the back of the church under the awning. This drop off our 2022 annual operating budget and for a two-year capital commitment.
location is in addition to the Trinity Oxmoor Welcome Center. A specific need right As more people move to variable income sources or reliance on year end
now is adult diapers for our Food Share guests. results, we want to align our “ask” with the time of year that works for the
most people. For those of you who traditionally pledge in October, we will
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES Looking for a local service opportunity for your teen, have our portal available for early pledging for you! Look forward for more
child, or yourself? Our weekly drive through Food Share is a perfect way for students information on our upcoming campaign in the fall.
to get service hours over the summer or for adults to help with food insecurity. We
meet each Tuesday morning at the Trinity West Homewood Campus to receive I am in a consistent state of awe over the generosity of your time, gifts, and
the food and create meal boxes and in the afternoon volunteers distribute boxes to talents. This has truly been a remarkable season in the life of our church!
guests by drive thru. Go to the Serve page on Trinity’s website to sign up or contact With the changes in in-person worship and availability to worship remotely,
Mary Liz Ingram. people are giving in new ways. We have more people enrolled in automated
giving through their banks and our giving portal than ever before. We have
many options for giving and we want to make sure that the process is as
COVID RELIEF We have spent over $52,000 from our COVID Response account in
simple and secure as possible for you. In the chart below, you will see
2021. This account is used to provide financial assistance and purchase food for our
those options. If you have any questions about the way you give or making
growing Outreach ministries. You can make a gift to this account online or by mailing
changes to your giving, please reach out to me!
a check to TUMC, memo COVID Relief.
OUTREACH INTERN Taylore Miller is a Master’s Level Social Work student at In Christ,
Samford who has been interning with Trinity Outreach since September 2020. She
has done incredible work with our Benevolence and Food Share ministries, so we are Laura Ellis, CPA, Executive Director
thankful for her to continue as our part-time Outreach Intern until the end of August. lellis@trinitybirmingham.com, 205-879-1737
Questions about Missions & Outreach
Contact Kristan Walker at 205-879-1737 | kwalker@trinitybirmingham.com
To volunteer with Missions & Outreach
Contact Mary Liz Ingram at 205-879-1737 | mlingram@trinitybirmingham.com WAYS TO GIVE
AUTOMATIC BANK DRAFT
Set up a monthly recurring ACH gift with the church
office or use services provided by your bank for
automated giving. No fee to user or the church.
ONLINE GIVING
Use our website or church app to set up a one-time or
recurring payment from your bank account, credit card
or debit card. Processing fees incurred by the church.
This interactive workshop provides an insightful look into the causes and
effects of racism. It provides practical ways to combat unconscious bias
CASH OR CHECK
and ways to work to see the face of God in each other. All who seek to build Place your cash or check in the offering box or mail to
bridges of racial reconciliation are welcome. This training is offered in the spirit the church office. For a record of your giving, fill out
of hope and offers a positive vision of unity that can be achieved through Christ. giving envelopes for cash gifts and checks may go
directly into the plate.
The workshop is taught by Dr. Tom Osborne, who has focused his diaconal
ministry on race relations and prison ministry, and Rev. Carolyn Foster, who
serves on staff at Greater Birmingham Ministries and as tri-chair of the Alabama ALTERNATIVE GIFTS
Poor People's Campaign. Make a gift of stock, real estate, life insurance or other
asset. Contact the church office for more information.
Saturday, June 19. 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM with a break for lunch. This workshop
will be hosted on Zoom. Register for this workshop by emailing Amy DeWitte
(adewitte@trinitybirmingham.com).+
50
MINISTRIES
UPCOMING EVENTS
WED., JUNE 2 • BINGO
Join us for a mask-wearing good time of bingo and fellowship. Don’t
forget the fabulous prizes! Lunch will be served ($6.00).
FRI., JUNE 11 • INTRODUCTION TO MAHJONG
Mahjong is a tile-based game that was developed in the 19th century in
China and has spread throughout the world since the early 20th century.
Similar to the card game rummy, Mahjong is a game of skill, strategy,
and luck. Come learn the basics from experienced players Chela Colvin
and Sylvia Ricker starting at 11:00 am.
TUES., JUNE 15 • PACESETTERS LUNCHEON - GENEOLOGY
Paul Boncella, PhD, Book and Map Conservator at the Birmingham
Public Library, will lead us in a discussion on genealogy. Where to start?
Questions to ask? Resources available? He can help! Our own Amy Lew-
is will also be on hand to share her personal journey into genealogy. Join
us at 11:30 am in the Oxmoor Fellowship Hall. $6.00 for lunch.
THUR., JUNE 17 • VULCAN PARK AND MUSEUM TOUR
Every wonder about the history of the 56-foot statue that we have all
Bike Donations for come to love called Vulcan? Come join the docent led tour of the muse-
Redemptive Cycles um at Vulcan Park at 9:30 am (tour begins at 10:00 am) and travel up the
big guy to experience incredible views of our city.The cost is $16, and
includes boxed lunch and the tour.
TUES., JUNE 22 • LUNCH BUNCH
Bike Drive Success Lunch Bunch is back! We will dine at Birmingham’s famous Niki’s West,
Thanks to your generosity, we collected dozens of bicycles for then visit the Farmers Market for summer goodies. Vans leave Trinity
Redemptive Cycles! They have been delivered and will go a long Oxmoor at 11:00 am, with lunch at 11:20 am.
way toward fighting homelessness and financial insecurity by
providing much-needed transportation. Thanks for serving your For questions or to RSVP for an event, contact
neighbors! Julie Wright at 205-768-6089 or jwright@trinitybirmingham.com
worship with us! (NEW TIMES)
11:00 AM Sundays IN-PERSON WORSHIP IN-HOME CARE VS. ASSISTED
11:00 AM Sundays ONLINE WORSHIP (Facebook & YouTube)
LIVING/ NURSING HOME
JUNE 16 at 12:00 PM
Come hear David Hayes cover many of the questions you might have when it
comes to the type of living arrangement, long-term care insurance, and
alternative ways to cover costs.
Register: jwright@trinitybirmingham.com
914 Oak Grove Road, Homewood
Rev. Matt Andrews | mandrews@trinitybirmingham.com ZOOM
www.trinitywesthomewood.com
Course
Sign up today!Tidings Trinity United Methodist
Church (USPS 0641-120) is pub-
lished monthly by Trinity United
Methodist Church, 1400 Oxmoor
Road, Birmingham (Homewood),
AL 35209-3998. Periodicals post-
age paid at Birmingham, AL.
POSTMASTER: Send address
changes to: Tidings, Trinity United
Methodist Church, 1400 Oxmoor
Rd., Homewood, AL 35209-3998
O p e n t h e l a te st
issue of
TIDINGS
Oxmoor Campus: 1400 Oxmoor Road, Homewood • 205.879.1737 | Trinity West Homewood: 914 Oak Grove Road, Homewood • 205.942.4622
CARE LINE: 205.868.9709 ON CALL #: 205.538.3682
www.trinitybirmingham.com
young adults SMALL GROUP STUDY, 6:30-8 PM
Are you in your 20’s or early 30’s? Not married? Out of college? If so, join us on Tuesday nights for food, fellowship, and study.
TUESDAY EVENINGS For more information, please contact Lisa Elliott at lelliott@trinitybirmingham.com.
Sunday school
is coming back
Sunday school is coming back to the Oxmoor campus for the first
Sunday SChool
Open House
time since renovations were completed! Need help finding your
classroom? Want to make sure you know where to park and enter
the building?
Come for an open house Wednesday, June 2 at 5:30 PM. Enter
through the Welcome Center and we’ll point you in the right direc- Wednesday, June 2 • 5:30 pm
tion!
Individual class plans vary over the summer. Contact your Sunday
school president or teacher to confirm when your class will begin
meeting on campus.You can also read
