Cheryl and Reed Evans are planning a church picnic for the fall. Stay tuned for details about a gathering in September or October, when the weather is fabulous. Interested in helping plan and execute? Cheryl: caezen45@yahoo.com

The Session has voted to be added to a list of supportive organizations for the University City Sweat-free Purchasing Campaign and the Missouri Anti-Bullying legislation:

• The University City Sweat-free Purchasing Campaign encourages the U City local government to require that uniforms be purchased from places that do not use sweatshop labor (brought to us by the Interfaith Committee on Latin America (IFCLA);
• Missouri Anti-Bullying legislation (Missouri Safe Schools Legislation 2010 HB 1751): Current policy simply states that schools need to have an anti-bullying policy, but cannot supersede state law, which currently DOES NOT list specifics groups or characteristics who/that are most often targeted. This bill would name protected groupsand provide training to educators to handle bullying (brought to us by PROMO, Missouri's statewide organization advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender equality through legislative action, electoral politics, grassroots organizing, and community education.)

For both issues, we are not being asked for funds, but to provide our public voice that we support these initiatives as a congregation. Individual members are encouraged to become as involved as they want to be. There may be opportunities for group involvement in the future, as well. Talk with Liz in the office for more details. The Sweatfree Inititative will hold a meeting here at Trinity on Wednesday, April 21^st at 7pm in the Dining Room.

17^th-Century Song by John Dowland, Claudio Monteverdi & their Contemporaries

St. Louis Baroque presents mezzo-soprano Lindsey Adams in a program of vocal music by two of the most famous composers of the early 17^th-century, the Englishman John Dowland and the Italian Claudio Monteverdi. The concert will take place on Friday, April 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church in the University City Loop. Tickets are available at the door and general admission to the concert is $15 with $10 tickets for students and seniors. Early music fans under 12 will be admitted free.

This program, presented recently by Ms. Adams in Chicago, features some of Dowland's most famous lute songs, including "I Saw My Lady Weepe" and "Flow My Tears." The Italian portion of the concert includes Monterverdi's ciaccona "Voglio di vita uscir" as well as Tarquinio Merula's lyrical "Folle e ben che si crede" and Benedetto Ferrari's exciting "Amanti io vi so dire." Ms. Adams will be accompanied by Philip Spray, playing violone and baroque guitar and Jeffrey Noonan on various lutes and theorbo.

Recent reviews of mezzo-soprano Lindsey Adams have praised her "bell-like purity" and "beautiful intonation". Following her college graduation, Ms. Adams worked in New York singing musical theater and orchestrating for Broadway composers. Her recent move to Chicago has coincided with her increased activity in early music performance and she has been a featured soloist with Bella Voce (formerly His Majestie's Clerkes) and The Oriana Singers. Other performances include appearances with the San Francisco Monteverdi Ensemble and International Chamber Artists. In addition to this season's solo recitals of 17^th-century English and Italian song, Ms. Adams just appeared as a soloist in the Monteverdi 1610 Vespers with The Callipygian Players and Bella Voce in several performances in the Chicago area. An enthusiastic review of that performance described her as a "prominent and expressive soloist throughout." A 2007 graduate of DePauw University, Ms. Adams studied voice with Gabriel Crouch and Pamela Coburn.

St. Louis Baroque is the performing branch of Early Music Missouri, a not-for-profit arts organization dedicated to bringing baroque orchestral and choral masterpieces to the St. Louis region. Committed to historically-informed performances and comprised of many of St. Louis's growing population of period instrument players, St. Louis Baroque was founded in 2007 by Charles Metz, Jeffrey Noonan, and Henry Skolnick.

For further information contact EARLY MUSIC MISSOURI at 314-598-7630 or jjnoonan@sbcglobal.net.

Soprano Stephanie Ball is holding her graduate voice recital Sunday April 11, 5pm at Graham Chapel on Washington University's campus. Free; reception following. A week later, her husband, bass Tom Sitzler, will hold his master's recital at the same location: 5pm Sunday, April 18th. Come out to support our amazing singers and hear them perform music they don't do at church!

- Rev. Dr. Daniel Anderson Little, Pastor

Good Friday Tenebrae Service April 2, 7:00 p.m.

The glory of Easter shines so much brighter when it seen in relief to the agony of Good Friday. And Trinity has a great tradition of profound and meaningful Good Friday services. This year's Good Friday service promises to be very moving. The service will intersperse movements of Karl Jenkin's The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace (a modern mass written to honor the victims of the Kosovo war) with parts of the Passion narrative. I was nearly in tears just putting the service together. If you have come to Good Friday services before, you know what you will experience; if you have never been before, this would be a great year to start.Easter Sunday April 4 -

Services at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Both services will celebrate

Christ's Resurrection with praise, singing, brass instruments, and joy.

Easter Breakfast will be served from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m.

If you want to help with Easter breakfast preparations, please talk to Jim Person. There are opportunities to set up, clean up, plan the menu and serve on shifts between 8:30a.m. and 11a.m. Easter morning.

More than four in 10 Americans admit to feeling at least "a little" prejudice towards Muslims, according to a new Gallup Center report "Religious Perceptions in America." Thirty-one percent of Americans say that their opinion of Islam is "not favorable at all."

As an important and growing religion on the world stage, Islam deserves our attention and openness to dialogue. We will have an opportunity to do this starting on Sunday, April 11. Dr. Khaled A. Hamid and Ms. Gulten Ilhan will lead us in a four- part adult education series on Islam.

• April 11 - How do Muslims practice their faith? What do they do in life to adhere to that practice?
• April 18 - Contributions of Muslims in science, math, medicine, art and architecture.
• April 25 - Women In Islam. Hijab, Niqab, social aspects, motherhood, family and work life.
• May 2 - Misinterpretations of Islam by radical Muslims. Where do they get their ideologies?

- Nancy Wagner - from Embers (2004)

This is the way we
teach each other to be
shalom,
where we learn to
walk as banners
raise alleluias
dance doxologies,
bend to benedictions.

Learn to put bandages
on common clay pots,
to have a picnic
with our God,
witness one another growing,
receive time,
mind our mannas,
to love:
to go therefore...

- Rev. Dr. Daniel Anderson Little, Pastor

Capital Campaign Update. As most of you are aware, our elevator has been on its last legs for the past three years. In mid-March, we think it has finally stopped working and is not able to be fixed. This January, the congregation approved moving forward with a capital campaign to raise the funds necessary to replace the elevator and to accomplish some other upgrades to the building (repair of the bell tower, new flooring throughout the building, and a handicapped accessible bathroom in the basement). Additionally, the capital campaign also includes a mission component: the Session has decided to dedicate mission funds in the capital campaign to SHED (Safe Homes for the Elderly and Disabled), an organization which performs maintenance and yard care for persons in University City. The co-chairs of the Capital Campaign are George Phillips and Brian Muegge. There will be lots of ways to get involved in the campaign, so please be watching for invitations to get involved. The Campaign will launch in early April.

New Mission Allocation. For 2010, the Session decided to dedicate half of the annual Endowment contribution of $80,000 to new mission initiatives (the other $40,000 will continue to support the annual budget). The Session has allocated the first $10,000 of this new mission money. The Session has decided to allocate $10,000 to God's Child, the organization in Guatemala that provides services for the poor, orphans and the homeless. For the past four years, members of Trinity have travelled to Guatemala to help build houses with God's Child. The Session hopes that this new allocation will underwrite the cost of going to Guatemala for members who might otherwise not be able to afford to go. We are currently looking at times both this coming fall and next winter for mission trips to Guatemala. If you are interested in participating in this life-changing ministry, watch for announcements of upcoming trips. It is the Session's hope that more and more members of Trinity will have the opportunity to build houses in Guatemala. The God's Child staff told us that they would be glad to have high school and even middle school kids on mission trips as long as they are physically able to do work and have a parent or guardian accompanying them. Families with middle school and high school aged children may want to consider going together-and these new mission funds can make it affordable.

A word of appreciation. As we approach Easter, I feel called to count my blessings. There are many wonderful blessings that God showers on me as pastor of Trinity Church. One of the most profound blessings that I experience week in and week out is the opportunity I have to work with such a talented and faithful staff. Liz Nelson is tireless in her commitment to make Trinity a place known for its hospitality and its commitment to care. Linde Baechle consistently brings clarity and understanding to a very complicated financial set-up. Julie March brings wisdom and deep spirituality as she guides our continuing efforts in being an equipping church. Vicki Carmichael matches outstanding musical ability with a deep spirituality. Bill Wade, in addition to being a fine musician, is creative and has never met a challenge that has deterred him. Birty Hodgson, our longest serving employee, exemplifies loyalty and dedication. Dawn Fleishman is not only committed to Trinity's ministry but brings fresh perspectives to our common ministry. Becca Courtney makes it possible for us to say that we have the BEST church nursery in the St. Louis area. Whenever I feel like my faith is lagging, I just have to spend a few minutes with our amazing staff and I am strengthened and encouraged. Thanks to all of you!

- Rev. Julie March, Minister of Equipping

There are many ways for members to connect at Trinity Presbyterian Church-greeting and fellowship at worship, Adult Spiritual Growth, special events, fellowship meals, and small group opportunities. Sometimes, however, it can be difficult to make a personal connection. In our busy lives we often feel rushed, too occupied with responsibilities to work and family to link ourselves into the life of the church, and into the lives of other members. Perhaps we feel that our personal needs and relationships get lost in the shuffle.

The Church staff, Dan, Liz and I, are just a few of the people who find joy in connecting members to one another and responding to special needs. Other members and commissions, such as the Deacons, the Evangelism Team, and the Sunday hospitality Team strive to create friendship and bonding opportunities for members and visitors, while the Equipping Ministry Team offers Bonding and Bridging small groups and prayer partner opportunities.

But sometimes, we miss the people who need the most care and connection. In an effort to bridge this gap, the Equipping Ministry Team has started the Circle of Connection. Inspired by the question, "How are we Christ to one another?" the staff, Equipping Team, Deacons and Session are all working together to build up our relationships, our care for one another and our connections as Trinity members through a weekly connection network. Through this communication network we seek to not only connect our members to one another, but enhance opportunities for us to be Christ to one another through spreading the word of problems, joys and concerns among our church family, and by responding to such needs as personal problems, illness and lack of connection to the church.

Are you interested in serving on this Circle of Connection? Do you have a concern that we need to know about? Do you need someone to be Christ to you? We are here for you, and you may contact me at juliammc@sbcglobal.net to become part of the Circle of Connection.

- Stacey Carman, Winger Food Pantry Co-Chair

On February 28, Girl Scout Troop 845, Leah Anderson-Little's troop, visited the Winger Food Pantry to earn volunteer hours for a badge they are working on. They spent their time sorting 50 boxes of Boy Scout food. They worked so quickly that they finished in an hour! The pantry is grateful for their time and hard work.

During the annual cookie sales, Girl Scout Troop 286, the troop Grace Crow belongs to, collected 40 boxes of Girl Scout cookies and donated them to the pantry. Our clients love receiving the extra treats. We appreciate their efforts to get people to donate a cookies to the pantry.

- Dawn Fleishman, Minister of Spiritual Growth

Trinity parents have spoken and we have listened!

Kid's Spiritual Formation moves from 9:30am to 10:30am.

After considering your feedback, and as we look forward to growing our congregation, we would like to offer children an alternative to our current Sunday morning structure. I am excited to announce a new opportunity for Trinity's children on Sunday mornings!

Beginning April 11^th, children (grades K-6) will have the special opportunity to worship together downstairs during 10:30 Worship. Children will begin each Worship hour with parents in the sanctuary. At the passing of the peace, children will be invited forward for prayer, after which they may move downstairs for a time of K-6 worship and fellowship.

Of course, if you prefer to have your child remain with you, we encourage you to do so. It is our sincere desire for Trinity's kids to connect with and experience God. We are committed to spur them toward growth using both traditional and innovative means. I would love to hear any suggestions you have as we move forward!

This 10:30 Kids' Spiritual Formation format will continue through the summer and into the fall. During the 9:30 a.m. Adult Spiritual Growth hour, we will provide childcare for birth through 6^th grade. (And, of course, the nursery and the preschool class will continue to be offered during 10:30 Worship.)

Volunteer Leaders Are Needed: Are you excited to help out with this new format? If you would be interested in co-leading once every five or six weeks, please contact me at the church office (Tuesdays or Wednesdays) or by email at 24.dawn@gmail.com.

<< Our 3rd-6th grade BnB small group will be on hiatus until after Easter. >>

- Nancy Wagner - From Embers (2004)

He came as a transient, almost as a thief
breaking into ancient certainties.

The Kingdom of God is here for the seeking,
You have only to ask it.

Among the curious, by the unquiet seas,
He strewed treasures in paradox boxes -
old words scattered abroad, made new and strange.
The Word's unloosed to live among you...
enter the puzzles and find amazing grace.

If I heal you, what have I revealed?
If I tell you, will you know?
...If I die and live again, so may you.

He Knew.
The world wants its words in proper order,
its laws in stone, its temples grand.
The one who enters the city of man
lives or hangs by its command.
And so, knowing,
He entered into Jerusalem.

Of those close to him,
He asked faithfulness, remembrance,
knowing denial would ensue: "I do not know him."
At worst, he'd likely leave behind
a memory which would channel meanings,
set life in systems, ranks and rules.

*
*
*

He left a work that was finished
work to be done,
left to other hands and spirits, in his risen name
What are we doing with the grace he lived for us?

For he's ever coming, and she's ever here,
and each sojourner pilgrims here,
embodied in a world that may look through him
and hear her not, sharing neither's joy or pain.

Live my peace, keep covenant with me;
Be my life for others,
...and you have done for me.

The best rememb'ring's
becoming a living Word of love.

Leave a bit early for church on April 11th, as the St. Louis Marathon will be winding its way through the church neighborhood all morning. If you live north of Delmar, consider parking at the lot behind Cicero's and walking. If you live south or west of Delmar, take the Forest Park Parkway over the course and head north on Big Bend. One or two of the Ames Place gates to the right will be open so you can reach the church.

If you purchased more Girl Scouts cookies than you can possibly consume, consider donating them to Trinity for after-worship treats. Please leave them in the office and we will put them in the freezer.