Electronic Newsletter 6-24-09

Volume 17 Number 13

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

Then get set for Vacation Bible School 2009! Sunday, July 12 thru Thursday, July 16 6:15 pm-8:30 p.m. For ages 4 (by July 31, 2009) through 5th grade FREE (registration is required) NEW easy, early check-in option for first night 

Christian Ed. Director Debra Irving Outreach & Nurture Director Ronda Fowler

What’s Inside Pastor’s Corner

2

Financial Update

2

55+ News

3

Prayer List, etc.

5

Education News

6

Ghana Gabber

7

Calendar

Are you ready for an action-packed, fun-filled week of adventure ?

insert

Next deadline July 1st, 12:00 PM

Our Mission Statement: Concord Trinity United Methodist Church is a welcoming community of seekers, believers, and disciples.

Each night, we’ll: Play action-packed games at the Rec Plex Put together awesome crafts at the Art Apex Visit the Snack Express for some refueling Experience Music Max Hear Bible stories at the Extreme Bible Trek Settle into Exploration Ridge for some “wow” science fun

Registration is taking place Sunday mornings in the parlor June 28 & July 5 (You can also register by phone by calling the church office at 314-842-2060.) NOTE: To take advantage of the “easy, early check-in option,” you must register by July 5.

New Members Cont. FINANCING OUR MINISTRY

Pastor’s Corner “Costly” Membership

You may be interested in what our 2009 Operating Budget looks like:

The martyred German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote a classic book called, The Cost of Discipleship. He describes the demands Christ makes upon his followers, contrasting “cheap” grace with “costly” grace. I thought of this after giving my June 14 stewardship sermon, “God vs. The Big Mac.” When we take the vows of membership, one of the vows is supporting God’s work financially. “Cheap membership” is giving God what’s leftover. “Costly membership” is giving to God first, in a sacrificial and thankful way.

Ministries Beyond Local Church: Program Expenses Pastoral Staff Program/Support Staff Building Expenses Administration Debt Retirement

$107,553 $ 88,100 $186,299 $281,396 $153,050 $ 16,313 $118,596

TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET:

$951,307

Within “Debt Retirement” includes $100,000 that will go towards the mortgage for our new building; that, along with $96,000 we allocate from Next Step, totals the annual $196,000 mortgage. We anticipate this helping pay down our principal more aggressively.

What about the other membership vows?

Hope you find this of interest. Look forward to seeing you in church on July 19th for our quarterly update. If you have any questions, of course just let me know. I can be reached at 314-842-2037.

Prayer. Cheap membership: pray when you need something. Costly membership: pray regularly, and begin thankfully. Presence. Cheap membership: attend when you have nothing else to do. Costly membership: attend because your week isn’t complete if you don’t.

Mike McBride Chairperson, Finance Committee

METHODISM AND MEMBERSHIP Sunday, July 12, 9-10:30 am - Room 117A

Service. Cheap membership: avoid answering the phone when church nominating committee is meeting. Costly membership: see something that needs to be done, and volunteer to do it.

This class, led by Pastor Weeks, will present an overview of United Methodist history and doctrine. He’ll also talk about what it means to be a member of a United Methodist congregation, and help you take that step if the time’s right for you. Come with questions and curiosity!

Witness. Cheap membership: don’t let anyone know you’re a Christian, for fear of what they would think. Costly membership: let people know of your love for Jesus, for fear of what he would think if you don’t. The “cost” of membership is a small amount to pay for the satisfaction it gives. You can always spot a “costly member” by the size of her/ his smile on a Sunday morning! Sharing the road of discipleship with you,

Operating Fund thru 6/14/09 Next Step Forward: 1/1/09-6/14/09 Next Step Forward since: 6/1/07 2

$348,381 $ 80,592 $748,751

Good News Announcements TIRED OF WRITING CHECKS?

VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHT

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) is an easy, costeffective option for you and the church. Many banks will allow you to schedule automatic payments, sending your offering straight to the church; you can designate how often to send it, and to which church fund [Operating, Next Step, etc.]. This helps you prioritize your giving to God, saves you postage and time, and helps the church from a cashflow standpoint. If your bank doesn't offer this, call our financial secretary, Melanie Lloyd at (314) 894-2254, and she'll gladly help you set up automatic payments through a service we use.

If you happen to be in the halls of Concord Trinity on a Thursday night, you may hear a cacophony of sound coming from Room 204. On Sunday, it’s a classroom buzzing with the voices of children as learn they about the Lord. However, on Thursday nights the soun ds of worship are what you will hear, as the members of the Worship Band (a.k.a the Apostles of Phunk) work to perfect their musical craft and bring glory and praise to God. This is a collection of very talented musicians from within our church who graciously volunteer their time to not only learn music, but arrange and write it as well. These people have been very devoted and continue to work hard as their talents will be used in our 11:00 Sunday morning services. A wealth of gratitude goes out to Bruce Mueller, Ben Mason, Jason Knobbe, Naomi Read, Sarah Berman, Loren Howard, Don Howell, and our newest member Dave Gajewski for the use of their musical gifts in the worship of our Savior. It should also be said that we are ALWAYS OPEN to new members who would like to join. If you would like to sing or play any instrument with the Apostles of Phunk, please join us on a Thursday evening at 7:00. We WILL find a place for you!

55+ Fellowship July 5 – Grandparent’s Day - Temporary grandparents needed to accompany children through activities on July 5th. This is a fun and memorable time. Call Debbie Irving at 842-2060 to volunteer. July 8 – Potluck & Party in High Ridge. Our meeting place will be a large vacation rental home near I-44 & 141. Quiet, scenic, and roomy. Sign up on the 55+ bulletin board and join the fun! July 8 – Book Club discussion on “Faith Club” by Ranga Idliby.

SAVE THE DATE All Church Bonfire! October 10, 5:00 p.m.

Update on the Race for the Cure

Plans are being made for a potluck, fellowship around the bonfire, games for all ages, singing, and (of course!) s’mores! Save the date. More info to follow. 3

Thanks to everyone who participated in the race, either by donating or walking. We had 45 people registered and we raised over $1,100. Only eight people met at church at 6:15 am for the team picture, but many others went downtown later in the morning, in time for the race.

Good News Announcements Cont.

“POCKETS” Magazine

Library News

for children ages 6 to 12 JULY Theme: Holy Ground

It’s summer time and school is out but children still need to enjoy reading. It’s a good time to visit the Children’s Library and select books and videos from our great collection. New additions to the library include two funny books about Noah – “Old MacNoah Had an Ark” and “Nighty Night, Noah”. Also your child might enjoy “The View from Under the Pew” which introduces children to the true story of Walter, a seeing eye dog who assists Pastor Diane in her daily ministries at the church. Walter loves his view from under the pew, where he can listen to the choir sing and see the faces of families who have come to church to worship together.

We receive 20 copies of “POCKETS” devotional each month. This is a FREE GIFT to your children from the church for you to take home on a “first come” basis. Each issue of this magazine contains a page with the “Advisory Board Spotlight” where we learn about the children who read this magazine. This month, 12-year-old Andrea says that she likes the stories in “POCKETS” because they help her to understand life better. One may wonder how a magazine could interest a 6year-old as well as a 12-yearold. The Editors of “POCKETS” include games and puzzles that younger children enjoy. Most of the stories, however, are about problems that older Elementary and Middle School age children face in their daily life. The stories in this issue are about how we find God in relationships. There are many examples of how we experience God’s love through the people around us, and how we can show God’s love to others. The author of “I Will Be Kind” on page two blends together the story with a paraphrased version of Psalm 23. Clever! Be sure to check out “Kids Cook” on page nine to find recipes for cool summer treats. If your child is 10, 11, or 12 years old, they are not too old for “POCKETS”.

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN READING PROGRAM For those interested in the UMW 2009 Reading Program, you will find ten books on a shelf in the library. These ten books were listed on the reading list for this year and UMW members are encouraged to read books from this list. Please report to your circle chairman the name of each book you read to satisfy a requirement from the national UMW. These books cover a wide variety of subjects and I’m sure you will find one just meant for you!

NEED A TIME FOR SPIRITUAL REFLECTION? The Sanctuary is available for spiritual reflection and quiet time Monday through Friday from 11:00 am till 1:00 pm. If you would like to develop your spiritual journey with God, sit quietly and talk with God, reflect on your life’s journey, pray for others, etc., this is one place you can come to for solitude. As always, if you would like someone from the staff to pray with you, please stop by the office.

MEAL A MONTH Chicken & Dumplings, Green Beans, Cranberry Sauce, Instant Pudding, Powdered Milk (optional). Please place in bin outside the church office door. 4

Good Announcements Cont. Good NNews ews Announcements Cont.

Concord Trinity Members Richard Smith Mary Falk Tom Arms Mike Murry Henry Webb Parker Givens Debbie Suchanek Glenn & Betty Christopher

Miriam Kovac David Lore Bob Savacool Sharon Hernandez Nikki Hickman Suzanne McKowen Cathy & Nancy Westholt

Homebound/Skilled Care Bob Hale Martha Tomlinson Darline Henderson Lola Mae Lehwald Ruth Cochran

Jo Thoele Clarice Coats Lillian Heine Debbie Perrine Eileen Adams

Jean Beck Ida Morris Georgia Sanders Kitty Turner Jean Pitts

Concord Trinity’s family & friends

Eva Meentemeyer Harriette Edson Virginia McFarland June Jackson Bud Held

Eloise McGrath Louise Fetzer Virginia Fugger Winnie Jarnagin John & Alice Fribis

Pray for Our Military Stationed in Iraq: Stationed in Korea: Stationed in USA:

Albert Evans .............. Louise Blood’s brother Jeri Muller ................. Gale Preston’s cousin Terry Smith ............... Gale Preston’s brother-in-law Pope Family............... Samantha Knobbe’s friend Terry Alsup ............... Pat Bruder’s son Stephanie, Chris, Madison, & Ellie ....... Carol Cleve’s family Ronda & Gary Griffin........................ Geri Baum’s friends Maggie Jernas............ Sheri Brockie’s friend Mike Lardie ............... Kathy Bellavia’s brother-in-law Richard Goodwin ...... Trevelyn Zander’s friend Donald Clark ............. Rose Grossenheider’s friend Barbara Nixon ........... Dick Nixon’s wife Charlie Walt .............. Kay Walt’s husband Glenda Gaugh............ Christie Lewis’ mother Robert Luecke ........... Louise Blood’s grandson Tony Thiemann ......... Ann Thiemann’s husband Joshua Kimbrough..... Ron Kimbrough’s cousin Betty Shannon ........... Carol Cleve’s friend Kevin Cernich ........... Lynn Purvis’ friend Chris Grills ................ Myron & Darlene Grill’s grandson Susie Kunst................ Lynn Purvis’ friend Tim Zweifel............... Lynn Purvis’ friend

Trevor McGeehon Jason Huggins Nick Genthon Ryan Williams Megan Venable Sarah Williams Shannan Harter

Grace Esther McCullough, daughter of Jarod and Karen McCullough was baptized on June 14th.

Evan Montgomery on the passing of his father, Arlin Montgomery, on May 28th; and Nikki Hickman on the passing of her father, Wayne Malon. 5

Good News Education Announcements

Grandfriends Celebration Day Sunday, July 5 at 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Are you ready for an action-packed & fun-filled week of adventure ?

Calling all Grandfriends & children . . .

Vacation Bible School 2009

During 9:30 Sunday School, all children’s classes are meeting in the gym for an hour of Grandfriend fun! With crafts, games, & snack, it’s fun for all ages.

Sunday, July 12 thru Thursday, July 16 6:15 pm - 8:30 p.m. For ages 4 (by July 31, 2009) through 5th grade FREE (registration is required) NEW easy early check-in option for 1st night

All children are invited to bring a grandfriend (a grandparent or other older adult) to share in the morning’s special activities.

Enjoy games, refreshments, stories, and crafts.

Five days of excitement, Bible stories, and friends that you won’t want to miss!

Be a “stand-in” grandfriend:

To Volunteer as a “Camp Counselor,” (aka “Crew Leader”) or to help with one of our Action Adventure Areas, please call Susan Moellering at 636-225-8215 or Alison Weatherby at 892-7730.

All adults are invited to sign up to be a “stand-in” grandfriend-for-a-day. As a stand-in grandfriend, you’ll participate in the activities with a child whose grandparent couldn’t be here. To sign up, please use the bulletin tear-off, or call Debbie Irving at 314-842-2060 x15.

NEW Short-term Parenting Series The Faith-filled Parenting class is beginning a series of 4-week studies on a variety of parenting topics. Each of these programs features wellknown parenting expert Jim Williams.

Children’s Summer Sunday School “Hands On Bible Fun”

Join us for a terrific summer of fun & learning! This summer, our children will take a break from our school-year curriculum and experience Bible stories “hands-on.”

Using short DVD clips, a thoughtprovoking workbook, and shared stories, these classes are a great way to strengthen your family, while meeting other families in our church.

We’ll explore the stories of Ruth, Elijah, & Jonah using active games, rockin’ object lessons, and interactive Bible storytelling.

All parents are invited to join in this on-going rotation of new studies. No registration is needed, you are welcome any Sunday.

Classroom Assignments: 2 & 3 year olds — room 204 Pre-K & Kindergarten — room 103 1st & 2nd grades — room 105 3rd, 4th & 5th grades — room 102

The Faith-filled Parenting class meets on Sunday mornings from 9:3010:30 in room 218. This group is led by Steve & Jill Shroff.

Please Note: Room assignments are

For more information, please call the church office at 314-842-2060 x15. Friends & family are always welcome!

based on the grade your child just completed. 6

The Ghana Gabber (an informal exchange of news) The Team - Courtney Roland will be a junior at Oakville High School this fall. She’s active in the band, participates in sports, and is a member of the National Honor Society. Courtney has played the flute in the band’s many competitions, and this year will take on the role of Drum Major! Her Medley Relay team participated in the State Competition, and her Water Polo team won Second Place at conference last year. At CTUMC, Courtney plays in the Bell Choir, is an active member of UMYF, and is going on the mission trip to Cortez, Colorado. Courtney is eager for the mission trip to Ghana. She’s anxious to try and help people there and is interested in seeing the world. Please keep Courtney in your prayers!

Walk for Ghana On Saturday, August 15, 2009, The Ghana Team is sponsoring a family-friendly 5K charity “Walk for Ghana” in Clydesdale Park beginning at 9:00 am. The walk is open to all ages and fitness levels. Plan to register early to secure your spot. Cost is $25 per adult, $10 for children ages 5-12 and free for children under age 5. All adult participants will receive a special “Ghana” t-shirt and children will receive special prizes at every stop. More details to follow along with registration information or visit youthcalendar.blogspot.com.

Ghana Team Friends, we ask for your prayers and support for our team, that they may be the hands and feet of Christ across the ocean in 2010. If you have ideas for fundraisers or for corporate sponsorship, please contact Pastor Mark or Cindy Taylor. Donations can be made at any time for the team as a whole, or for a specific member, written to CTUMC, with Ghana team (or member) in the memo. Team members include: Youth Adults

Car Wash

July 19 8:00 am until noon Bring your car to church dirty; Take it home clean! Free-will offering! All proceeds support the Ghana Team. 7

Andrew Bassett Sarah Berman Paige Brown Brad Farrington Laura Farrington Maureen McCarthy Courtney Roland Alex Snow Craig Stewart Emma Stewart Zane Tyler

Dave Farrington Sabine Robinson Holly Roland Mark Sheets Cindy Taylor Renee Taylor Linda West

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 13

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

Return Service Requested Dated Material Mailed Wednesday, June 24, 2009

CHURCH PICTORIAL DIRECTORY Planning is underway for a new church directory. We will be using a new photography company called “Lifetouch”. Each family that participates will receive a free 8 x 10 portrait as well as a copy of our directory. You are under no obligation to make any purchase. Families will be able to book their sitting times directly on-line by going to the church web site www.concordtrinity.org and you will find a link to the pictorial directory. If you prefer to make an appointment at church, sign up will be in Fellowship Hall between services on June 28, July 5 and 12. Dates for photography sessions will be: July 29th -August 1st August 4th - August 8th , and August 11th Also, we are also looking for pictures of church events from the past year to include in our candid photo section of the directory. There is a pictorial directory slot located in the mailboxes next to the office. Please copy photos to a disk or share your prints with us. All photos will be returned to you.