Electronic Newsletter 11-11-09

Volume 17 Number 23

Issue Editors — Office Staff

Concord Trinity United Methodist Church 5275 South Lindbergh Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63126 (314) 842-2060 Website address: www.concordtrinity.org Pastors Greg Weeks Mark Sheets

Saturday, November 28th 5:30 – 7:30 pm CONTINUING THE TRADITION . . .

Christian Ed. Director Debra Irving Outreach & Nurture Director Ronda Fowler Music Coordinator Ryan Kirk

What’s Inside Pastor’s Corner Financial News New Members 55+ News UMW News Singles News Youth News Ghana Gabber Prayer List Education News

Hanging of the Greens 2009

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Next deadline Nov. 18th - 12:00 Noon Our Mission Statement: Concord Trinity United Methodist Church is a welcoming community of seekers, believers, and disciples.

Everyone is invited to the 2009 Hanging of the Greens on Saturday, November 28th We want to build on last year’s successful all-church event and make it even better this year! Together we’ll enjoy: Decorating the church Baking cookies and drinking hot cocoa Making advent crafts for all ages Making “Christmas Care Packages” for our shut-ins Dinner from P’sghetti’s Christmas Carols and Tree Lighting in the Sanctuary. This event is for EVERYONE in our church family (and friends too!)

Please register using the bulletin tear-off or by calling the church office at 314-842-2060

Good New Announcements Pastor’s Corner

FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP CORNER

Update and Info about Our Sign

Where We Are

When you get this newsletter, our new sign will have been in place for a couple of months. It’s already had quite an impact in our church and community! For the community, we’ve had folks stop by because they’ve seen something we’ve publicized. We’ve had new people at basketball on Thursday nights. We had more people at this year’s Trunk or Treating than last, and many new faces were there from the community. For the church, it’s encouraged us to think “outside the walls.” We display on the sign only those activities that are opened to the entire community. Now as we dream up ministries/programs, we especially do so with the needs of the immediate community in mind, because we do want to let those who drive by on Lindbergh know we are indeed a “welcoming” community! One thing we’ve discovered: if your ministry group has a program for the community, let us know at least two weeks prior to the event—that helps both in terms of preparation and display time. We’re truly blessed to take advantage of “a sign of the times”!

As of November 4th, we’d received 263 Commitment Cards totaling $475,621! THANK YOU for your faithfulness and generosity! Please continue in prayer as we look ahead to 2010. Why “Pledging” Is Important Financial pledges to the church give us an idea of projected income, so we can create a responsible financial plan to support our programs and ministries. Now is the time when we create 2010’s financial plan. If we receive sufficient pledges, then we’re able to grow in ministry and service. Conversely, if pledges are not received in a timely fashion, our outreach may be handicapped. To keep this from happening, if you’ve not returned your Commitment Card yet, please do so by Sunday, November 15th.

SPECIAL THANKSGIVING SERVICE Thanksgiving “Eve Eve” Tuesday, November 24th, 7 pm

This is a time devoted to giving you an opportunity to recognize and give thanks for the blessings you have, and that is a joy-filled expression of faith! There will be special music from the Chancel Choir, and Pastor Greg will preach on the theme, What Thanksgiving Really Means (Deuteronomy 26:111). Childcare is provided.

A Special 28 Days Update The 2010 Commitment Card was unique this year. Not only was there a place for your financial commitment, but places for commitments to Radical Hospitality, Risk Taking Mission, and Intentional Faith Development. Several filled out commitments for these stewardship areas. Others reflected on how much they appreciated the daily devotions for 28 days. Our prayer is that all benefited from this congregation-wide activity, and a special thanks to the staff and members who put in a lot of hard work to make it possible!

Operating Fund thru 11/11/09: Next Step Forward 1/1/09 - 11/09/09: Next Step Forward since 6/1/07: 2

$666,367 $188,213 $844,204

Good News Announcements Cont.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! During the month of October we received eight new members. Jim and Kristen Vizcarra, Joel and Mary Stassel, Gary Anderson, Brenda Minnick, and Randy and Debbie Frazier joined our church family. Jim Vizcarra joined by transferring and reaffirming his faith from St. Joan of Ark Catholic Church in South St. Louis City. Kristen joined by transferring her membership from Steeleville United Methodist in Steeleville, Illinois. Jim is an account manager for Adaptive Solutions Group, and Kristen is a nurse at Barnes Jewish Hospital. They have a five-month old daughter and spend most of their free time visiting family and friends. Jim and Kristen participated in Pastor Weeks’ Methodism class and look forward to participating in small groups at Concord Trinity. For starters, they will be door greeters on Sunday mornings! Joel transferred his membership Jim Kristen Vizcarra from Court Street United Methodist Church in Fulton, Missouri. Mary transferred her membership from Flat River Baptist Church in Park Hills, Missouri. Mary is a Customer Service Representative and Joel is a self-employed home improvements/ handyman. Joel and Mary have already been participating in functions here at Concord Trinity and Joel has joined the Wednesday Workers Group. Gary Anderson has joined by Profession of Faith. He is a Life Skills Instructor and is currently working two jobs. Next spring, he and Kelly Sendelbach will be married here at Concord Trinity. Kelly is already a member. Gary and Kelly make a great couple and work well together. Gary is a member of the Care Team and is looking for other ways to get more involved. Joel & Mary Stassel

Gary Anderson & Kelly Sendelbach

Brenda Minnick has joined by reaffirming her faith. She works for the Hereditary Angioedema Association. Brenda has four children, six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and one Yorkshire Terrier. Brenda enjoys spending time with her family, working with crafts, and even has a private pilot’s license. Brenda would like to learn more about Concord Trinity, the Singles Group, and our 55+ Group. Randy and Debbie Frazier have joined by Profession of Faith. They have been worshipping with us for several years. Debbie is Thelma Wanner’s daughter. Randy has participated in the choir. Randy and Debbie would like to know more about Concord Trinity’s small group offerings. Brenda Minnick

Randy & Debbie Frazier

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Good News Announcements Cont. 55+ News

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN Invites You to Our Annual Christmas Party, Thursday, December 3rd at 6:00 pm

Do you know 55+ has a bulletin board across from the church office that posts upcoming activities? Check it out! Our Christmas party will be FRIDAY, December 11 at 6:30 in Trinity Hall. Sign up to bring either an appetizer or a dessert to share. Others are bringing homemade soup and bread. We’ll have great fellowship, a white-elephant gift exchange via an activity, and just a lot of fun! Get to know new folks and connect with long time friends too. Everyone is invited.

You won’t want to miss this event! Not only is it a party, but you will have the opportunity to assist in making gift bags for the Peter and Paul Homeless Shelter. Then comes our always popular appetizer and cookie refreshments followed by our exciting AUCTION of white elephant gifts, or anything you choose to bring, such as bakery items, etc. Everyone attending the party will have the opportunity to place their favorite charity into a drawing. The winning charity will receive the proceeds from the auction. Last year the winner was Lydia’s House.

There will be no First Wednesday lunch out in December; but put January 6th on your calendar, and watch the bulletin board for where and when. In late January is the annual Ham and Bean Dinner plus entertainment. This is always a fun, fun time. If you have an idea for a skit or ‘performance,’ call Trevelyn and Dorothy Zander at (636) 296-4157 to get on board. Making people smile is very rewarding.

Singles News *Note Date Change for our Singles Potluck Tuesday, November 17th, at 6:30 pm Potluck Dinner followed by an auction of donated items to benefit a needy family of five (a mother and four children). Please feel free to invite family members, friends, and fellow church members to attend the auction. They may have dinner with us, providing that they bring a potluck

Mission Recognition Pins will be presented to two very worthy ladies at the party. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to congratulate these two dedicated women. What should you bring? Cookies, desserts, hors d’oeuvres, snacks, or anything good to eat. We’ll eat promptly at 6:30 pm right after fixing the bags for the shelter.

On Sale Now!

Gift Bags Items: We still need some brown work gloves for men. Please bring the gloves to church no later than November 30th and place by the UMW Mail Box or give them to Marcella Dill. Also, we will need candy that is wrapped individually for the gift bags. You may bring the candy that night. Each gift bag will have a bag of candy, a neck scarf knitted by our Prayer Shawl Circle, and a pair of gloves. What a wonderful way to show God’s love by giving and helping the homeless.

Epworth Christmas Cards are now available for your Christmas Card mailing. You may purchase religious or non religious cards. All of your purchases will benefit the Epworth Children & Family Services. The cost is $10 for 15 cards or $12 for your cards to be delivered to you by mail. You may purchase cards by calling Dorothy Thomure at (314) 894-3075 or Louise Blood at (314) 2708151.

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Good News Announcements Cont.

Cookie and Candy Walk Give yourself a gift this Christmas The gift of TIME Rather than spending hours shopping, baking, and preparing cookie trays; let the Youth and VIM teams do the work for you! Enjoy a lovely assortment of cookies and candy Specialty items available No baking…..No hassle

Save the date: Saturday December 12th 9 am - 3 pm Cookies/Candy - $6 per pound Good News Youth Announcements 11.15, 6:30-8 pm The newly formed youth praise band will lead us in music, your friends will be preaching, and we’ll see some cool promo videos about upcoming youth events. 11.20-11.22 - FALL RETREAT - UNLIKELY HEROES getaway retreat down to Blue Mountain. $75 per person gets you scrumptious food, a t-shirt, campfires, indoor swimming, and tons of memories! Sign up on the youth bulletin board!

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The Ghana Gabber (an informal exchange of news) Thanks for your support!

Meet the Team Kassandra Boeing and her mom, Debbie, are relatively new members to CTUMC. Kas, however, has eagerly jumped into Youth mission work.

The Ghana team truly appreciates your prayers, encouragement, and financial support.

Kassandra, better known as Kas, is a junior at Lindbergh High School. She also attends South Technical High School where she is training to become a nurse.

Travel dates: June 16-30, 2010 Next steps for the team: *Finish passport and Visa documents *Obtain vaccinations

When Kas has free time, she enjoys singing, listening to music, hanging out with friends, reading, swimming, and riding horses. She’s traveled some within the United States but has never ventured across the ocean, so Ghana will be a completely new travel experience. Kas wants to go to Ghana to help the people of Africa and show them that people care about what they are going through. She also wants them to know that they are not alone, and things always get better. Please keep Kas in your prayers!

Please continue to

Dining Out Join the Ghana Team for another dining out event: T.G.I. Friday’s (Across from CTUMC) December 13th 11:30am - 11:00pm Pick up a flyer outside Pastor Mark’s Office.

5262 S Lindbergh Blvd St Louis, MO 63126 (Must present coupon to server.) 6

Good News Announcements Cont. Special Events Team Needs You! Join this fun and exciting team as we look ahead and plan future events. We need your ideas, creative touch, or your willing hands. Our next meeting will be Thursday, November 19th at 6:30 pm in the Library. We’ll be exploring the idea of a brunch for next year’s Christmas dinner. At our December meeting, we’ll be discussing plans for a possible February Trivia Night. If you or anyone you know has other event ideas, we are always looking for more suggestions. Please let someone on the team know so we can discuss them. I hope this has sparked your interest. You are welcome at our meeting on November 19th, or call Mark Irving for more information at (636) 240-8708. See you there!

Dan & Laura Alfeldt Jean Moritz Walter & Ginger Bivins Gale Preston Heather Blue Paul & Lynn Purvis Nina Brady Lee & Ellie Robinson Tamarra Breiner Judy Seago Bob & Jeanette Jill Smith Briqueleur Ian & Sheri Brockie Wanda Sohn Rose Constantinou Irma Spindel Betty Czeschin Joel & Mary Stassel Phil Layton Tom & Cindy Stucky Jason & Stephanie Cindy Taylor Limpert Bob Lindecke John & Ruth Warhoover John & Debbie Lipina Judy Wilfong Bill & Pam Maikranz Joan Willhoitte George & Bobbi Winebright

Save the Date!!! Christmas Dinner December 13th

SHARE A CHRISTMAS OPPORTUNITY

This year’s Christmas Dinner will be following the 11:00 am service on Sunday, December 13th. We will have a catered meal again. We have not selected a caterer as of yet, so prices are to be determined. For next year, we are exploring the idea of a Christmas Brunch, which was suggested by Don Corbin.

Thinking about adopting a family For Christmas? The Share-AChristmas Program is a wonderful way to help a less fortunate St. Louis family. The families have been provided by the Chapel for the Exceptional and have been carefully screened. Adopting a family means providing the makings of a Christmas dinner, extra food, and gifts. For more information, call Diana Rudloff at (314) 842-1719.

Renew 2010 Plans are forming for an exciting spiritual/ discipleship renewal event for next year. The emphasis will be on church-wide small group Bible study, reflection, and prayer. If you'd like more info and/or would like to help in the planning, please call the church office (314) 842-2060.

Coats Are Needed! There is a need for gently used, clean coats of any size or for any gender. Please place in the Wishing Well located in the Parlor. These coats will be distributed to the Share-A-Christmas families. 7

Good News Prayer List Concord Trinity Members Richard Smith Mary Falk Miriam Kovac Tom Arms Parker Givens Dick Nixon Marlene Armstrong Gary Steffenauer Roger Kopetzky Bonnie Watkins Bill Fowler Debbie Suchanek Cathy & Nancy Westholt Maryjeanne Crowe-Crawford

David Lore Wanda Sohn Frieda Kelly Patti Werner Jeanne Beck Doris Heath Glenn & Betty Christopher

Homebound/Skilled Care Bob Hale Jo Thoele Ida Morris Harriette Eidson Georgia Sanders Virginia Fugger Ruth Cochran Eileen Adams John & Alice Fribis

Eva Meentemeyer Louise Fetzer Debbie Perrine Jean Pitts

Eloise McGrath Darline Henderson June Jackson Bud Held

Clarice Coats Lillian Heine Winnie Jarnagin Henry Webb

Concord Trinity’s Family & Friends

Concord Trinity’s Family & Friends Cont.

Peter Obermeyer

Ken Criss Henry Kuehner Terry Alsup Tony Thiemann Susie Kunst Tim Zwiefel

Richard Dickman Bob Stevens John Copley Norma Barge Fay Lee Townsend Betty Shannon Rod Hamilton Tom Lewis Family Pauline Miller Easton Quirk Pauline McGraw Kathy Fieser & fam. Teri Griege Kavano Family Tom Tedues Jason Akers Richard Goodwin Joe Bottner & fam. Denita Mark Taylor Maggie Jernas Anna Malek Tracie Fine Steven Hoppe

Tina & Bruce Mueller’s neighbor Mary Dickman’s husband Ronda Fowler’s father Bob Fowler’s brother-in-law Schwartz family friend Carol Cleve’s friend Carol Cleve’s friend Elizabeth Keeton’s friend Ben & LouLou Mason’s friends Rose Grossenheider’s co-worker Purvis family cousin Purvis family friend Melanie Lloyd’s friend Geri Baum’s friend Paul Purvis’ friend Clementine Hoeing’s brother-in-law Meghan Irving’s friend Trevelyn Zander’s friend Westholt’s friends Cathy Westholt’s friend Ray & Marea Hoppe’s cousin Sheri Brockie’s friend Kathy Bellavia’s sister Jean Newman’s daughter Ray & Marea Hoppe’s nephew 8

Sheri Brockie’s friend Jean Eldridge’s son Pat Bruder’s son Ann Thiemann’s husband Lynn Purvis’ friend Lynn Purvis’ friend

Pray for Our Military Stationed in Iraq: Trevor McGeehon Stationed in Afghanistan: Joel Petry Barrett Sohn Stationed in USA: Nick Genthon Megan Venable Shannan Harter Jake Henderson

Ryan Williams Sarah Williams Jason Huggins Brian Hamilton

Our sympathy and prayers are extended to Karen, Bob and Amy Hiatt, the family of Concord Trinity member Jerry Hiatt, who passed away on October 24th.

Good News Announcements Cont. Good News Education Announcements Pausing on the Road to Bethlehem: A Spiritual Journey through Advent Who:

All who long to slow down and sink into the Advent season What: A 4-week experiential Advent-ure using poetry, music, art, and prayer led by Debbie Irving When: Sunday evenings Nov 29 - Dec 20 from 5:00 - 6:00 pm Where: Room 218

Jonah Michael Bates, son of Marti and Dave Bates was baptized on November 8th.

A Note About Food Donations

There is no cost for this program; all materials are provided. Friends and family are always welcome! Childcare is available upon request. Registration is required. To register, please use the bulletin signup, or call Debbie Irving at (314) 842-2060 x15

Because of your generous donations, we have been able to give out many bags of food to those in need. Following are some suggestions that will help us continue to serve the community: complete meal kits, canned fruits; tuna and Tuna Helper; canned pasta sauce with meat and 1# package of pasta; plastic jars of peanut butter and jelly; cereal and/or breakfast bars. Please place your donations in the bin next to the office door. Those we are able to help are very thankful.

Dedication of “Operation Christmas Child” Shoeboxes November 22nd 9:30 am service.

• Our Children’s Sunday School classes will bring their filled boxes to the front of the sanctuary for this special dedication. (Children should meet in their classrooms as usual this morning.)

A Guest at Our Table

 Adults are also welcome to bring boxes forward during this special dedication.

For, after all, put it as we may to ourselves, we are all of us from birth to death guests at a table which we did not spread. The sun, the earth, love, friends, our very breath are parts of the banquet. Shall we think of the day as a chance to come nearer to our Host, and to find out something of him who has fed us so long?

 PLEASE NOTE: All boxes must be turned in by Sunday, November 22nd in order to meet Samaritan’s Purse’s national collection-week deadline.

For more information about this project, or to find out how you can be involved, please call Debbie Irving at (314) 842-2060 x15. “Operation Christmas Child” is a world-wide, Christ-centered ministry which is part of Samaritan’s Purse, a mission-oriented organization run by Franklin Graham.

—Rebecca Harding Davis 9

Concord Trinity United Methodist Church

Volume 17 Number 8

Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid St. Louis, MO Permit No. 464

Volume 17 Number 23

Concord Trinity United Methodist Church 5275 South Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63126

Return Service Requested Dated Material Mailed Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009

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UPCOMING SERMON TOPIC/TEXTS Sermon Series: “The Three ‘Be’s’ of Happiness” Nov. 8 - Be Free (Psalm 18:1-6,16-19,31-33) Nov. 15 - Be Flexible (Phil 3:7-9; 4:11b-13) Nov. 29 - Be Joyful (Luke 1:39-50, 54-56)