Trinity recently worked with Energy Solutions, Inc., to conduct an energy audit of our building. One recommendation that was made is to replace our halogen and incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). Many CFLs will fit directly into the existing incandescent fixtures; you may have seen the lamps sold at home improvement and discount stores. We have close to 300 halogen and incandescent lamps to replace in the building. At Home Depot this week, a 14 watt CFL (which will replace a 60 watt incandescent) costs $4.00.
We are starting a FUNdraiser, asking Trinity members to donate the replacement CFL lamps for our building. These could make great "stocking stuffers" for folks on your Christmas list! We will be asking the children in the congregation to help track our progress!
Here is an example: A compact fluorescent lamp (CFL), which fits into a standard incandescent lamp housing, costs $4.00 at Home Depot. Let's compare it to a 60-watt incandescent lamp, which costs 36 cents. The cost of power in St. Louis in October was .0675 per kilowatt hour. If we operate the fixture for 10 hours per day x 5 days a week x 52 weeks per year, that is 2,600 hours per year. The CFL has a lamp life of 10,000 hours, which is 3.85 years. The incandescent has a lamp life of 1,500 hours, which is 0.6 years. Thus, the incandescent lamps will have to be replaced 8.7 times as often in five years. This incurs disruption and maintenance costs, which are not factored into the costs shown below. To own and operate a CFL for five years, we will save $38.30 per lamp x 300 lamps = $11,500, not including Birty's time to replace all those incandenscent lamps every six months!
Initial Lifetime Power Total Cost Bulb type Investment (Hours) (Watts) over 5 Years CFL $4.00 10,000 14 $17.50 Conventional .36 1,500 60 $55.80 (Incandescent)
"Fair Shares" works with local farmers and producers to form a Combined CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). Each week they collect, organize and distribute the freshest, seasonal, sustainably-produced foods available in St. Louis. We have helped them move their distribution site from the garage in an alley nearby to our basement on Wednesday late afternoons and they have already started to donate excess food to our food pantry. They have a waiting list, but welcome your interest. See Jim Person for more information.
In 2005, the Trinity Endowment Board initiated a grant program to support projects that would lead to growth, vitality and enthusiasm of the Trinity congregation...
Trinity Vitality and Capital Grant Program
Grant Criteria and Process
August 26, 2008
This memorandum details Trinity's Endowment Board's (the "Board") criteria for evaluating a grant and the process for requesting grants.
1,500
60
$55.80
Sunday, December 7 Second Sunday in Advent
9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Fair Trade Market in the Dining Room
10:30 a.m. Worship, Holy Communion, Trinity Choir Presents A Christmas Cantata, J.S. Bach
11:30 a.m. Hanging of the Greens in the Sanctuary, Fellowship in the Dining Room
Saturday, December 13
7:30 p.m. St. Louis Baroque concert, $10 adults/$5 students/free for 12 and under, in the Sanctuary
Sunday, December 14 Third Sunday in Advent
10:30 a.m. Worship, Trinity Handbell Choir rings
11:30 a.m. Caroling after worship in the sanctuary
Monday, December 15
6:00 p.m.OASIS Older Adult Holiday Band Concert, Dining Room, free
Sunday, December 21 Fourth Sunday in Advent
No education for children or adults
10:30 a.m. Worship
11:30 a.m. Candlelight Christmas Coffee in the Dining Room
Monday, December 22
No education for children or adults
6:30-8:00 p.m.Caroling in University City, followed by cocoa, hot cider and goodies back at Trinity
Wednesday, December 24 Christmas Eve
5:00 p.m. Lessons and Carols Service for Families; A "No-Shushing" Service
11:00 p.m. Lessons and Carols Candlelight Service
~Offerings from both services will support the Trinity Food Pantry~
Thursday, December 25 Have a blessed Christmas Day!
I want to express again my gratitude to the Trinity congregation for its approval of a temporary leave of absence for me. As most of you are aware, this year has been a time of great anguish and grief for my family. My mother died in September 2007, Linda's eight months of treatment for breast cancer began in November 2007, and my father was diagnosed and treated for an aggressive form of brain cancer in April 2008. Throughout the year, I have tried to keep myself going, and for the most part, think I did a pretty good job of it. But by this Fall, the pace and the demands of my pastoral responsibilities and my responsibilities at home started to overwhelm me. I have grown increasingly weary and am now having trouble concentrating and being effective. It has become clear to me that I am need of a Sabbath - a time to rest from work and rediscover my being in God.
Many of you have asked me what I plan to do during the seven weeks that I will be away from Trinity. I do not yet have a total picture of the time (part of Sabbath is figuring it out as you go), but I do have some plans. First, I plan to sleep more. A spiritual advisor once said to me, "Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is take a nap." Second, I plan to be more available for my family - in the past year I have coordinated a large portion of my family's life, but have frequently found myself not really engaging with them. Third, I plan to visit my father at least twice - we will be with him and most of my siblings at Thanksgiving and I will go up to Madison some time later in December. Fourth, I will spend some time reading for enjoyment - most of my reading these days is related to my work, so I look forward to reading some good novels. Fifth, I will unplug from the Internet - I get most of my news through my computer and it is the way I keep in touch with folks; on the downside, it creates a lot of noise in my head, so I will only be checking my computer once a day for a brief time. Sixth, and most importantly, I will schedule in time for my spiritual well-being - I will meet with my spiritual director, I will spend at least two days a week out of the house at a retreat center (there are many in the St. Louis area), and I will daily take time for prayer and meditation. I say that this last intention is the most important because I know how easy it can be to trade one kind of stress for another. Care of my soul during this time of leave will help me when I come back to my work on January 12 and will help me be a more present husband and father throughout the year (and years to come). I owe that to myself, my family, and this congregation. So again, I say thanks to all of you. God has called us as partners in ministry and I look forward to a joyful and productive 2009.
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While I am on leave, the Rev. Nancy Wagner will provide pastoral leadership for Trinity, beginning officially on December 1. Before that, Julie March will cover pastoral needs and will preach on November 30. If you have a pastoral need or need to speak with Nancy, you can reach her at church or you can call her on her cell phone. Nancy will be in the office on Tuesdays and other times as needed. She will moderate Session meetings and provide leadership for the staff in my absence.
- Dr. Daniel Anderson-Little, Pastor
The congregation has concurred with the Session's proposal to allow Dan to take a six week leave of absence along with one week of vacation time for a seven week hiatus beginning November 24, 2008, and returning January 12, 2009. This leave should allow Dan some much needed time to decompress from built up stress, spend some quality time with his dying father and to fully process the many events of the past year. The Rev. Nancy Wagner will assume Dan's duties while he is gone and the Rev. Julie March will continue in her role as associate pastor. The Presbytery office has also offered to help provide additional pastoral support, if needed.
When we approached the Presbytery about a leave of absence for Dan, Paul Reiter, our executive presbyter, suggested that the proposal might be strengthened by a theological understanding of Sabbath. The idea of a Sabbath or day of sacred rest is found in Exodus 16 when the people of Israel were told to rest every seven days. At this time, God was providing the people with daily manna for their bread but manna only lasted one day. It needed to be collected fresh every morning except for the Sabbath. On the day before the Sabbath they were able to collect a double portion which would last for two days. The foundation for a Sabbatical is found in both Exodus and Leviticus where after the people entered the Promised Land, they were commanded to allow their land to lie fallow for a year once every seven years. Leviticus 25:20 states: "If you ask what you are to eat during the seventh year, seeing that you will neither sow nor gather the harvest, I will ordain my blessing for you in the sixth year and the land shall produce a crop to carry over three years." As I read this passage, it occurred to me that God does provide for our needs, even before we are aware of them. Trinity is blessed to currently have both a Parish Associate and an Associate Pastor as well as a strong and capable support staff to see us through this unusual time.
I like to think of this leave of absence as sort of a Christmas gift to Dan and his family. But while it is primarily an act of care and compassion on the part of our congregation, I hope that it will also serve as a gift from God for our entire congregation. It not only gives us a chance to act out our faith, it also reminds us all of the need for sacred rest. It challenges our preconceptions and gives us the opportunity to experience something a little different in this year. I would challenge each of you to think about ways to build some sacred rest into your busy holiday season, in whatever form that may take. Even if it is just a moment or two to be still and know the presence of our God who truly does provide for our every need.
- Margy Brown, Chair, Personnel Commission
The color purple - royalty, imperial Rome, amethyst gemstones, violets and pansies, Lent, Advent, Mardi Gras, grapes and wine, the Purple Heart, Gryffindor House, magic and mystery, Harold and the Purple Crayon, Barney, the Purple People Eaters, Ferry Place, Trinity Presbyterian Church. These are just some of the things I associate with the color purple.
Purple is an interesting color, a blend of two primary colors, red and blue, sharing qualities of both of them, but being something new unto itself. Did you know that purple is the favorite color of about ¾ of pre-adolescent children? That it is the favorite of artists? That it is Thursday's color? That it traditionally represents power and wealth? That it is the color of the robe that was placed on Jesus as he carried the cross? That it represents penitence and mourning in the church? That it stands for justice and good judgment? Quite an interesting array of associations and meanings, no?
You might now be tempted to ask why I am going on and on about purple. As it turns out, one of the most vivid images I carry with me from my recent mission trip back down to New Orleans is the house I helped to paint a truly vivid and buoyant shade of purple. Once a few brush strokes had gone on the house, people stood up, took notice, and had immediate and definitive reactions to the hue. This was no earth-tone, pastel, muted, or "oh, isn't that pleasant," shade of paint. It said, "Notice me" in no uncertain terms. It said, "I have suffered and been down, but I am back, and I am jubilant. I am the spirit of New Orleans."
Or, at least, that is what I imagine it said. Others on the trip thought it was more suggestive of "purple haze" or "pink elephants" and worried about how the next door neighbors would feel as they glanced out of their window upon awakening in the morning. Some felt that a ready and constant supply of Pepto-Bismol might be advisable. I, on the other hand, hope it will inspire joy and confidence in the next-door neighbors, everyone on the block, and every person who drives by. For, you see, despite continuing difficulties, some of them monumental, the people of New Orleans are rebuilding, are hopeful, and will survive and thrive. They have been able to do this because they are resilient, determined, and fiercely loyal to their home. They have also been able to do this because people from all over this country and the world have given, and continue to give, of themselves to help New Orleans recover.
This was my third trip down to help in the rebuilding and recovery effort, and it was absolutely the best trip yet. Seven homes are up and near completion on Ferry Place, and the first home owners are due to move in just before Thanksgiving. It was wonderful and moving to see how much progress had been made on achieving the goal of building 14 new homes on this street and revitalizing this neighborhood. Our Trinity contingent was small, but mighty, and consisted of Vicki Carmichael, my husband Joe Thornhill, and me. Joining us from Webster Groves Presbyterian Church were Jan Paul and Joan and Hans Little. The others rounding out the St. Louis contingent were two dear friends from work, Cindi Ade and Jean Schoenborn, Jean's sister Lynn Margiotta, a Spinning buddy, Bill Madosky, and his wife Sharon McClinton. We were joined by a group from Harbor Springs, Michigan, who were hard workers and tremendously fun-spirited. As always, the crew from Habitat, Americorps, and RHINO were capable, fun, dedicated, and inspiring, and yes, Chef Jim's food, is still awesome.
Now to close the circle and come back to purple ---- Imagine my delight and "take a step back" moment when I approached Trinity the Sunday after my return from New Orleans and saw those beautiful purple doors. Some things are just meant to be. I really, really hope that we come to be known as the "church with the purple doors" and that those purple doors come to symbolize hope, joy, justice, and celebration of the many-hued people that we are. I hope those doors say to the world that we believe in the strength, compassion, understanding, and wisdom that come from the blending of seeming opposites. That those doors will say that we see the common tie that binds us all, no matter how often the rest of the world tries to put us into separate boxes. Perhaps this is too much to ask of doors. Maybe we should paint ourselves purple and call ourselves the "Purple Presbyterian Pound Puppies"
Not a Sunday goes by that someone at Trinity doesn't ask how my family is doing. (Over the last year or so, Do, Kim, Mark, Jan, Kitty, and Katie have moved to Whidbey Island, Washington.) Many of you ask about Kim (Merritt), knowing of her many health concerns. I wanted to tell you about her latest adventure.
Kimmie has always been a creative person. You may remember The Glee Club. She, Kit, and Jan made crafts and creations of all sorts, many involving little wooden eggs. Lately Kimmie has found a new outlet, one that has been cathartic to her in her illness. She has been moved to paint. It is amazing! I can hardly believe how talented she is! I am so thankful God has given her this way to express both her pain and her passion for life in such a concrete manner. She has started a website, www.outsidethelinesbykim.com. If you'd like, you can see what she is up to. When you have a moment, check it out!
Thank you for your heartfelt cards of condolence. It was thoughtful and kind of you to take the time to share your prayers and donations with us. Your words were not only a comfort, but a source of strength for my family and me for supporting us during this difficult time. Word can't express what we feel. It's so overwhelming to know there are people out here who still care. Thank you. You are greatly appreciated. - Birty and Digna Hodgson and the Holloway and Jonhson Familes
Dear Trinity friends - There are not adequate words to thank you all for the love and concern you have shown Jim and me during this time of my illness and recuperation. I appreciate the prayers, cards, meals and visits. I want to extend a special thanks to those who so generously took over the task of teaching the fifth and sixth grade Sunday school class in my absence. Jim and I are blessed to have such a wonderful and supportive community. - Diane O'Brien
Thank you to all who participated in the Advent Bag ministry. We gave away 20 bags with 25 wrapped gifts in each one. I know our dear friends who received them are remembering fond memories at Trinity and enjoying their small gifts, and visits from our members. - Sandy Norkaitis
Hanging of the Greens is Sunday, December 7, right after worship. Stick around for some treats and bring your strongest hands or best Martha Stewart decorating eye and help prepare the sanctuary and exterior of the church for Advent. All ages and abilities welcome!
Be sure to visit Trinity's first Holiday Fair Trade Market, too, on December 7, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the church dining room. At the market we can all reach out to others by purchasing that special gift made by skilled artisans in third world developing countries. You can purchase fairly traded food and handicrafts representing Asia, Africa, and Central and South America including clothing, crafts, coffee, chocolate, toys, jewelry and much more. Sales directly benefit Fair Trade organizations such as Plowsharing Crafts that work to ensure artisans receive a fair wage. Also available will be information and catalogs from alternate gift organizations, including Heifer Project International, Presbyterian World Mission and others. Interested in helping with this great project? Call Jan Schulte-Glad, Sharon Christopher or Julie March for more information.
A-caroling we go . . . or, a-caroling we stay . . .
Please join us, one and all, for some Christmas caroling. There are three opportunities:
Sunday, December 14th - We plan to start with a "Carol-Sing" in the Sanctuary after worship on Sunday, December 14th.
Sunday December 14th - After the "Carol-Sing" those who wish to continue will have some lunch together (we'll stop by the loop Bread Co. or you can just "brown-bag" it) and head out to some area nursing homes to carol for the residents there.
Monday, December 22nd - An opportunity for those of you who think caroling only counts if it's dark and cold: a group of us will be going out the evening of December 22nd (Monday night before Christmas) in the neighborhoods around Trinity. We'll meet at church at 6:30 p.m. and carol no later than 8:00. Afterwards, we'll warm up at church with cocoa, hot cider and a few goodies.
For more information, please speak with me or email me at vcarmichael144@gmail.com.
Trinity Women please join us for our evening Christmas salad dinner. The dinner will be December 2 at 6:00 p.m. in the dining room. All women are invited to come and celebrate the season and bring a salad to share. We will also have our White Elephant gift exchange. Bring a wrapped "white elephant" (useless or funny object). If you have any questions or need a ride please call Sandy Norkaitis. Come and join in the fun.
Both children and adults will be taking a three-week break from education classes on December 21 and 28 and January 4. Classes will resume on Sunday, January 11. Stay tuned for adult spring spiritual growth offerings on the death penalty, modern expressions of faith, the ten commandments, life transitions, and being Christian in a pluralistic world. The Adult Spiritual Growth Team is looking for new members for 2009, as well as class ideas. Please contact George Philips; gphilips@philipsgroup.com).
Wild With Words, Trinity's new small group ministry, is going strong and adding new members. Every other Sunday evening we meet to share in fellowship and writing, as we respond to cues from words, pictures, stories and Scripture in exploring our relationship to God and the world. Our writing is spontaneous and requires no special skills or preparation - it is fun and energizing! Our next meeting date is Sunday, November 30, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Following meetings are on December 14, December 28 and January 11. Please join us and remember, ALL ARE WELCOME!
It's true that the average age of worshipper at Trinity is decreasing and that is a positive trend for the future of the church. But don't for a minute think that that means we don't have a strong active older adult contingent here! Many members have been active in Trinity ministries for decades and continue to gather for fellowship and service. "Presbyterian Women used to be over 100 women strong," says Genny Richmond, 90. She says that Tuesdays at 11a.m. are reserved for getting together "because we are interested in talking about and praying for our families, church, state, nation and world. We're not just a bunch of pretty faces," she says with a sly smile. Joy Pipes adds that these gatherings, along with the monthly friendship salad lunches, are a great time for "talk and camaraderie." They both invite women OF ALL AGES to come pray, eat, talk together and write letters to Trinity shut-ins, which are greatly appreciated.
Tom Wilhite helps head up the Retired Men's "Lunch Bunch." He describes it as "casual. No set programs, no protocol, no officers, no fees, no nothin' except eating together." He and others felt they were missing opportunities for friendship and conversation. The group of retired men (currently 15 on the list) try to gather monthly for lunch out together, dutch treat. Contact Tom, Jerry Royce or Art Platt to increase the Bunch's numbers.
Finally, the Trinity Retirees gather at least quarterly to take trips together, dine out and try new adventures. Have Genny tell you about touring Lambert's air traffic control tower! Retired men and women (heck, even those of "mature" age who are not retired!) are welcome to join the group. Fresh ideas for outings and dining are welcomed as well. Contact Genny for more information.
Older members of Trinity are integrated into all aspects of our life together and have much to offer all of us, but they also share special bonds together in these programs and invite you to join them.
Want to do a simple thing for our church with huge reward? Why not think about taking a week now and then to provide the fellowship treats that we and our families all enjoy after worship? It's so simple. Something that kids enjoy helping with too as well as significant others. My son Quinn has a lot of fun helping me pick things out at the store then helping arrange them on trays in the church kitchen. Reimbursement is simple too. Just give Liz your receipts for items bought and you will be quickly reimbursed. December is wide open. Have a fun idea for the Christmas season? Let us know.
If you'd like to give this simple ministry a try please contact Liz Nelson, Dave Nelson or Jim Person Thanks!
Trinity is assembling a team to organize the capital campaign for our elevator renovation set for this late spring/early summer. Do you have a passion for the justice, safety and accessibility issues that this elevator symbolizes? Do you want to see Trinity live up to its welcoming statement? Are you gifted at fund raising or organizing campaigns or programs? Or do you simply have some thoughts or ideas about ways to raise funds for this project? Contact Liz Nelson about joining
Ushers are needed for the 11:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service. Please call Jane Gibbons to volunteer to help with this lovely service.
Ushers will be needed in 2009 as well. Jane suggests that a family - or two friends - adopt a Sunday and grab two other congregation members that morning to help with the collection plates. Sign up now!