What is a U2 Eucharist?
The idea of the using U2’s music in the context of a traditional worship service was first used in 2005 by the Rev. Paige Blair, an Episcopal priest in York Harbor, Maine. It has since been used by churches around the globe, including several times here at Trinity. U2 allows their music to be used in this way, so long as an offering be taken to further the UN Millennium Development Goals, such as ending poverty and hunger, environmental sustainability, or combating HIV/AIDS. In keeping with this requirement, this Sunday’s special offering will benefit the Mujila Falls Agricultural Centre, Kanyama, Zambia.

Two of the strengths identified by the strengths finder for me are learner and discerner. These two strengths work hand-in-hand for me because I don’t just want to learn new things; I want to understand them.

Since becoming Lay Member to Annual Conference I have been exposed to a great deal of information about the UMC and its polity. At General Conference our church polity, as stated in the Book of Discipline, will be reviewed and amended. There are literally 100’s of amendments being brought forward by individuals, congregations, Annual Conferences and other organizational bodies that will be reviewed by General Conference delegate committees. Some of these amendments will come to the floor to be discussed by all the delegates and some will be adopted.

Some of the most complex and controversial legislation would restructure our denomination. This would involve consolidating 9 of the church’s 13 general agencies under one, 15 member board. Other questions will include whether ordained elders in good standing should have job guarantees and whether we should fully welcome LGBT people into our faith community.

It is my goal over the Lenten season to try to learn what I can about this legislation and this process and discern what it means to Trinity UMC. I also want to share this information with those of you who have interest through the use of the bulletin boards downstairs and the Trinity UMC website.

- Laura Graves

Download Lauren’s Message HERE.

Listen to Lauren’s Message HERE
Listen to Laura’s Message HERE

At Trinity Church, we are observing an outward focused Lent this year.  Rather than inward practices of discipline, we are invited to use our God-given strengths in a more outward, intentional way. (See how other United Methodists are observing an outward focused Lent by checking out the article on the bulletin board by the church office, or by going to umportal.org/article.asp?id=8569.)

What could you do this Lent, either daily or weekly to use your strengths to bless others? God has given all of us strengths.

What do you love to do? What do you do best?

Answering these questions points you towards your God-given strengths.  (Taking the Clifton Strength Finder inventory is another way to learn about your strengths.)
We are at your best when we do what we naturally do best.  That is true of individuals and churches.  God has given our congregations strengths and passions too.  At our planning retreat we named Trinity’s passions (or “core values”) as the following: equality, wisdom, freedom, a peaceful world and true friendship.  (Health and inner harmony were also rated pretty high.)  During Lent at Trinity we will focus on these core values and how they connect with the needs of the world around us.

In worship our lay leaders Laura Graves and Lauren Reynolds will each share how they plan to use their strengths more intentionally during Lent.  Their comments will also be posted online.  All are invited to join Laura and Lauren in observing an outward focused Lent this year, starting with Ash Wednesday (February 22nd) and continuing through Easter Sunday (April 8th).

Lenten Sermon Series: Seven Deadly Social Sins

Politics without Principle
Wealth without Work
Commerce without Morality
Pleasure without Conscience
Education without Character
Science without Humanity
Worship without Sacrifice

Easter: Filling the Void with Hope

Trinity and St. Mark’s Lutheran will have joint Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services. Maundy Thursday will be at St. Mark’s and Good Friday at Trinity. There will be a combined choir, led by Pam Bradford of St. Mark’s. If you are interested in singing, please contact Janet Huenink by April 10th: jkhkybd88@gmail.com.

Trinity is hosting a joint worship service that evening (3/9) with University & Bethany UM Churches at TRINITY at 7pm.

Trinity is wheelchair-accessible.

Directions to our church can be found here.

3/6 Jazz Sunday: Politics without Principle
Week 1: Wealth without Work
Week 2: Commerce without Morality
Week 3: Pleasure without Conscience
Week 4: Education without Character
Week 5: Science without Humanity
Good Friday: Worship without Sacrifice

Join us for this interesting series!