Living simply so others may simply live. (Ghandi)

Sunday, July 26 - Wednesday, July 29
6:00 - 8:15 p.m.
A joint program with First Presbyterian Church
Meeting at First Presbyterian Church
7200 Delmar (at Midland)

Evening Schedule:

6:00 p.m.* - 6:40 p.m. Bring your own picnic dinner and blanket or chairs. Lemonade and cookies will be provided. (*Sunday will start at 5:45 p.m.)

6:40 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Programs for all ages

8:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. Closing worship

Program:

This is a wonderful opportunity to engage in joint ministry and fellowship with the wonderful congregation at First Presbyterian Church. Each evening we will explore a different aspect of Simplicity - living simply in environment, home, needs vs. desires, and faith & spirituality - through study, activities, and music. Plan to attend all four evenings! If you are not able to attend all four evenings, please note when registering which evenings you will attend.

Register Today:

Sign up on the registration sheet in the Narthex.

You may also register by emailing Dawn Fleishman at 24.dawn@gmail.com. Please sign up as soon as possible to help with the planning. Contact Dawn if you are interested in helping with this event.

Click here for a printable flyer.

- Dawn Fleishman, Director of Spiritual Growth

Youth Mission Trip - July 13-17

You don't need to fly across the country to serve an inner-city community when there are so many needs right here in our own city! Youth, entering 7th - 12th grades, are invited to participate in this week of service in our own community. We'll be serving in soup kitchens, kids and park outreach, community gardens, and more. The cost is only $50 for this four-night/five-day event. This mission trip is just a couple weeks away so contact Dawn right away to sign-up!

Email me at 24.dawn@gmail.com.

Confirmation

The new confirmation class of 2010 and 2011 will begin in August. If you are a 7th or 8th grader (or older) who is planning to be part of this class, or a parent of one of these students, please visit www.trinityyouthonline.com for detailed information for the school year. Also, please contact me at the church office or at 24.dawn@gmail.com to make sure we have you on the confirmation roster.

Fall Children and Youth Programs

We invite you to serve in the Children and Youth Spiritual Growth programs this fall! All curriculum and activities are provided. We have a range of low-commitment to high-commitment opportunities.

These opportunities include:

• Help Becca in the Nursery: one Sunday per month
• Teacher for Pre-School Class: choose a month to serve for three Sundays in a row
• Teacher for 2-4th Grade Class: 3 Sundays per month
• Teachers for 5th Grade through High School: 1 Sunday per month
• Breakfast Treats: Sign up to bring breakfast treats once or twice a semester
• Co-lead the Confirmation Class: Commitment of 9 Saturday evenings during the school year
• Be a Mentor! The commitment is one Sunday morning a month during the 2009-2010 school year. This is a wonderful opportunity to get to know one of our amazing junior high students on an individual basis.

To volunteer, please contact me at the church office or by email.

- Susan Rava

"Wild With Words," Trinity's own writing group, was an ideal place for me to test reactions to several sections of Swimming Solo, a book I have recently completed. The group's warmth and writing energy showed from the minute I began to trace how I had come to write a book about my parents' old age. I explained that the book began as a journal of my father-in-law's aging and Alzheimer's disease. When my husband and I were in the midst of caregiving for our parents who, one after another, succumbed to Alzheimer's disease, I decided to turn my story into a book. Like the "Wild With Words" women, I took a writers' workshop where we often wrote from prompts, then read aloud. Several passages of Swimming Solo, which will appear in the fall of 2009, evolved from those workshop exercises.

I chose to read aloud three pieces as writing prompts for the "Wild With Words" group. Group members usually write from Biblical passages, often the lectionary for the week. I picked brief sections about my father who died of complications of Alzheimer's at a very old age. My choices showed my father's poignant effort to remember my mother's name and his last family Christmas dinner. I didn't have time to read the third passage which depicts me and my mother at lunch making the decision to move my father to a nursing home.

After my two reads, the "wild" group wrote intently. Each woman read aloud her work stimulated by my story. And each vignette was a surprise - a delightful reminiscence of a grandparent, a meditation on caregiving, a thought about end-of-life or the last moment with a beloved person. Every one had a story - as if my story were a key unlocking a faded memory or a forgotten experience.

From the time I decided to transform my journal into a memoir, I have hoped that my story would encourage others on a caregiving journey. Swimming Solo is full of glad and mournful tales, tales that offer a possible life saver for caregivers who fear they are swimming all alone.

- Matt Schindler

As the church continues to address issues with finances and the budget, for a different perspective, here is our current 2009 budget of expenses shown by percentage of total expenses: 

Have services to advertise? A job opening to share? Job hunting? Let your Trinity family assist. Send your information to Liz (tpcucity@swbell.net) and it will be shared in the newsletter, website, and on the Liz's List board by the elevator. You can find phone numbers in the church directory or by calling the church office.

Evans Remodeling

Reed Evans provides interior remodeling, including bathrooms, kitchens, basements, closets; all kinds of alterations of walls,doors and trim; drywall repair and new installation; painting, light electric and plumbing, replacement windows and entry doors. (reedaevans@yahoo.com)

Piano Lessons

Roberta McBride has openings for students in her University City piano studio. (rm.music.works@yahoo.com)

Musician

Chris Taylor (of the Citywide University Gospel Ministries Gospel Choir) is looking for summer employment. Pianist, conductor, music teacher. (citywideuniversity@yahoo.com)

Lawn Care and Painting

Tom Sitzler (choir baritone) can provide services for lawn care such as mowing, weed wacking, and such. He can also paint rooms and houses. He doesn't have any of his own equipment, so that would have to be provided. (generalboy30@gmail.com)

Office Help, Filing, Organizing

Stephanie Ball (choir soprano) has a lot of administrative/secretarial experience, so if anyone needs a part time office helper she would love to do that. She's only available for a few hours in the afternoon, but every little bit helps. Also, she is good at filing and organizing, so would be able to help people get things together in either their office or their homes. (sabsoprano@gmail.com).

- Evan Reid

From time to time this year, members of Trinity's new Stewardship Team will be talking with the congregation about the idea of stewardship. Larry Pontious has previously shared his admirable commitment to tithing. I come at this question from a far less committed perspective: someone who is just trying to understand what stewardship means to someone who is struggling with the far more basic concept of faith.

I want to begin by giving you a glimpse of Pledge Sunday in the Reid household. It is much like any other Sunday, a mad scramble for shoes and extra diapers and the minutes tick by and the standard good intentions to arrive early at church inevitably are vanquished. What is different about Pledge Sunday is this: Who has the card? Where did you put the card? It's in that stack over there. No, it's in the office. And then, once the pledge card has finally been unearthed, the question comes: how much this year? Whatever this is, it has nothing to do with any lofty concept like stewardship.

Too often, what should be a careful process leading to a reaffirmation of our solemn commitment to the life and mission of this church becomes something like paying the gas bill. During the last Pledge Sunday fiasco, I came belatedly to the realization that I was continuing my pattern of casual Christianity, and was extending it to something that should not be treated like just another nagging obligation to be met. In my regret, I realized that stewardship, taking personal responsibility for even a tiny part of the mission of Christ's church, is faith.

At one time in my life, I was a deeply skeptical believer, an absolute rationalist. I believed in God, from time to time, but I didn't feel good about it when I did. Faith seemed like a rejection of something, rather than accepting something. Faith has been a constant struggle for me, as I think it is for many in the church today. Emerging from behind the wall of rationalism I had constructed, accepting that I believed in more than could be grasped with my five senses, was a momentous step, but it was just one step. And with every successive step, I have been astonished at how many more steps lie ahead.

I am at that stage where I accept unreservedly the Holy Trinity, the story of Jesus' life and ministry, his death and resurrection, the theological cornerstones of our faith. And yet, I steadfastly refuse to let Jesus into my life. I cannot do it because I know that the mustard seed of God's kingdom is a stubborn weed, that once it is let loose in the field of my life, it will overwhelm the crop of self-regard and conceit that I have carefully tended for so many years. It will transform everything.

The decision of whether and how much to pledge to Trinity in terms of time or money is emblematic of this struggle. It's my time. It's my money, isn't it? I earned it, and how to spend it should be an economic decision. But it isn't my money. If I truly believe what I profess to believe in, all the many blessings in my life may be traced to one source.

For years, I read a certain gospel verse one way. It appears in all four gospels, but I have always been partial to Luke, Chapter 20, verses 20-26. Jesus is asked whether it is lawful to pay taxes to the emperor. Jesus asks whose image appears on the denarius. Told that it is the emperor's, He says "Then give to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God the things that are God's."

I took that as affirmation that even Jesus wanted us to separate the Kingdom of God from the grubby realities of our lives. After all, did he not overturn the tables of the moneychangers in the temple? Only later did I realize how subversive Jesus really was. The key to the story of the denarius is that nothing belongs to Caesar, it all belongs to God. Every bit of it. The wealth of the world might belong to a Caesar, or to us, for a fleeting moment, but God's creation alone makes it possible.

In her sermon recently, Julie referred to the activities of the early Christian movement. I have always been interested in the early Church, as it existed before all the councils and emperors twisted it to fit their selfish needs. And when you read about the early Christians, what really marked them out in the eyes of their contemporaries was their joyful, unfettered acts of charity, which was shocking to the ancient Greek and Roman minds. I read these accounts and think, what a marvelous feeling it must have been for these pagans to discover Christ and embrace his teachings so fervently in the service of humanity. And then I catch myself, look at my life, and realize that simply because I say I am a Christian, just because I believe that I am justified by my faith alone, does not mean that I act like a Christian.

I joined the stewardship team because I don't see stewardship as merely a marketing campaign or a financial exercise. First, let me say that in joining a church committee I was trying to emulate the great corps of volunteers that I have seen here enjoying a fuller communion with Christ through their service. And nothing I say here diminishes the value of the selfless giving of your time and energy. These are precious gifts, and we all celebrate in your sharing of them.

But I also see financial stewardship as an act of faith that goes to the heart of what it means to be a Christian and a member of this Church. This year, I want to turn the chaos of my Pledge Sunday into a joyful thanksgiving. The blessings of my life: my children, my wife who is able to work half-time and spend more time with our boys, an old house; they all reduce our ability to contribute. But in making our pledge, we should take my time and count my blessings and remember that they are blessings, not entitlements. And it is in that spirit this year that my family will take our card and reaffirm our commitment to this life and mission of this Church. It won't be a last minute hassle, or a grudging obligation. It will be an act of faith, giving back in thanks and in celebration of what we have been given. It will, I hope and pray, be something finally akin to stewardship.

On June 14, the Session held a congregational meeting to report on the first six months we have spent discerning our future. This discernment process has involved after-worship lunches, dinners in members homes, prayer, new initiatives, conversation and study. The Session has not come up with a final plan, but our direction is becoming clearer and the Session is hopeful about the future that God is calling us to.

What we have learned

• Through our discerning process, we have learned some important things about our congregation:
• Mission is key. Members desire to be more involved in mission and we believe that this what makes God happy.
• Justice is key. Trinity for a long time has focused on justice ministries and peacemaking. This commitment to justice also comes to life as we live out our Statement of Welcome.
• Worship is central to our life together, but we realize that we have many preferences.
• Our location is key - Trinity is very much a church that belongs in University City.
• Health of the church is directly related to the spiritual growth of members.

How we are responding / How we can respond

• Leadership - Trinity needs strong leadership from its pastors, staff and elders in this time of transformation. Leadership is lived out in setting direction, giving guidance and encouraging involvement on the part of members. As we move into the future, more is going to be required of leaders. More will also be required of our members. One elder used the word "ownership." Every member of the congregation needs to view him or herself as an owner of the ministry that God calls us to and then act on that ownership with passion and faithfulness.
• Current Actions - This season of discerning has not only been an exercise of the mind and spirit, but has involved new initiatives. Some important initiatives that have been started in this season are: The Commons@The Loop (Trinity's new Saturday evening worship service), the creation of the Stewardship Team, the Spirituality Center in Lent, and the Bridging & Bonding small groups. Each of these efforts have come about from the passions of staff and members and each adds to the vitality of our congregation.
• Our Building - Our building is a blessing and a burden. Discerning has led us to re-affirm that our location is critical to our ministry. Trinity simply would not work further west or in most parts of the city. The building's structure offers flexibility (especially downstairs) as the space can be configured many ways as our ministry grows and changes. However, the building also has many immediate issues with safety (the tower), accessibility (elevator) and maintenance (sanctuary windows). In addition, our current building is not financially sustainable without membership/pledging growth as we currently spend close to $1000 per Sunday worshipper per year in building costs! As is, our building is also not environmentally sustainable. These facts led us to consider moving (see above) or tearing down and rebuilding (costly, not environmentally sound). For now, our recent energy audit is guiding us in areas of possible savings which also improve our environmental impact. With the information gathered at the audit and the building physical, we hope to transform the building into one that meets ministry needs, is environmentally conscious and provides a safe, welcoming and accessible space.
• Joint Ministry - Over the past six months, the Sessions of Trinity and First Presbyterian Church have been exploring together possibilities for joint ministry, conversations that at some point could lead to a merger. At this point, both congregations are in times of discernment and do not feel that direct merger conversations will help them with that process. But joint ministry entails far more than merger. While we are both exploring our futures, we will plan joint activities and worship so we can get to know each other better and build a foundation for future conversations about what joint ministry God is calling us to. Our first joint ministry will be Vacation Bible School this July.
• Financial Realism - In order to strengthen Trinity and its finances, both now and in the future, Session has committed to end the reliance on Endowment's annual $80,000 for the church's operating budget. This change will occur with the 2010 budget. With the current state of the economy and the markets, the Endowment funds may or may not be available in 2010. To fulfill this commitment, some deep cuts will be made. Even with the cuts, the budget will run a deficit for the next three years, but the goal is to have the operating expenses covered by the pledges and gifts of Trinity's members. The change will allow Trinity to emerge financially stronger and healthier. If Endowment funds do become available in the future, the funds could be used to strengthen the core values of Trinity. The Endowment funds could go toward new mission work, special projects, or new initiatives. Overall, this new commitment will involve cuts, but we will become better financial stewards. Church savings will be used wisely, and the Endowment will be preserved for the future. The core values of Trinity are preserved with greater flexibility going forward to build and grow these values.
• Growth - God calls the church to a great future - a future where the Gospel of Jesus Christ transforms the church and the world. Trinity called to participate in that future. And we will move into that future as we grow as a congregation. Right now, Trinity's ministry and finances are not sustainable. But our values and commitments are too important to let disappear. As we grow as a congregation, we will be able to expand our ministry of peacemaking, justice, and outreach. Growth does not simply happen; growth is a choice. Each of us has to choose growth for our church to grow. The first choice we must make is our own spiritual growth. All we have to do is look to the early church: numerical growth happened as the early believers grew in their own faith. In the coming months, the Session will be developing plans for the building, the budget, and growth. These plans will be challenging and far-reaching, but they will be help us to get to a healthier and more vital future.

A word from Dan: I appreciate the Session and the congregation's call to a higher level of leadership. I know we have the necessary building blocks in place for a new era of growth and vitality at Trinity. I also know that all of us will need to personally go through a period spiritual growth as we prepare for this time. I want to make a promise and issue an invitation as we enter into this new time. The promise: I will be more direct about where I think we need to go and how I think we need to get there. I am sometimes vague about expressing my thoughts, so I will be more precise and more direct. The invitation: I need for every member of the congregation to be direct with me with questions, hopes, and concerns. I know that sometimes members think that I am too busy or not interested in feedback. Let me say directly: I am deeply interested in what members think about our direction and the decisions we are making. It is never a burden to receive input or even to have debates about it. Please trust that the Holy Spirit will hold us together in our agreements as well as our disagreements.

- Pat Gibbons

Trinity will participate in sponsoring and building a Habitat for Humanity house in 2009. We will be part of a group of six Presbyterian Churches named WCC - Presybterian Churches. WCC stands for "We Construct Community." The churches are Bonhomme, Kirkwood, Ladue, St. Mark's, Trinity, and Webster Groves.

Dates for us to work are already set. They are: July 10,11,12; August 8, 21,29; September 26; October 17. Support this effort with your work, your financial contributions and your prayers. Contact me (pcg@wuphys. wustl.edu) for further information.

- Liz Nelson, Church Administrator

1. Thursday evening, July 2nd at 7:00 p.m.
2. Sunday morning, July 5th, following worship (11:45 a.m.)
3. Wednesday evening, July 8th at 7:00 p.m.

****Sing in worship at Trinity on July 26!!**** during our joint service with First Presbyterian Church to kick-off the joint VBS program on the theme of "Simplicity." We'll be singing 2 arrangements of simple Shaker tunes by Kevin Siegfried-- "Love is Little" and "Lay Me Low." Folks from First Presbyterian will join us in a "pick-up" choir that Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m., but we'll have two opportunities to rehearse before then:

1. 1) Sunday morning, July 19th, following worship (11:45 a.m.)
2. 2) Thursday evening, July 23rd at 7:00 p.m.

• (1) youth small
• (7) youth medium
• (2) youth large