As one way of us getting to know each other, this summer in worship I’m focusing on “the basics.” Jesus said there are two really important things in life: to love God and love our neighbor. To show what this means in everyday life, I’m highlighting a different image of God each Sunday in July — God as friend (July 17), God as mother (July 24) and God as intimate partner (July 31). In August the sermons will be on loving our neighbor by being welcoming (August 7), doing what you can (August 14), forgiving debts (August 21) and speaking the truth (August 28th).

Teresa of Avila said “do whatever stirs up love.” As you do whatever it is that ‘stirs up more love’ for God and your neighbors, know that I am (by God’s grace) joining you in doing the same.

Love in Christ,

Pastor Marianne

(Photo: glaad.org)

Hello friends.  I’m making the call to CANCEL worship TOMORROW, SUNDAY 12, 2010; the word “blizzard” got my attention.

We’ll miss out on the labyrinth, but perhaps we can try it again for worship on Jan. 2.

Please come to worship next week on the 19th prepared for a great worship service with Trinity singers and ready to stuff goody bags (please bring treats, nuts, fruit, notes of love).  We’ll then head out to deliver the bags while singing a tune to our home-bound friends and members for our annual caroling.  Also, we’re encouraging donations for our Christmas giving– to St. Mark’s food pantry.  Pastor Mary is thrilled about the pantry as our designated mission this month.

Thank you dear friends. Stay home.  Stay safe.  And if you are sending out prayers for travelers, please include Chris Wagner.  She’s out in NY, NY to pick up a big award for her outstanding work as a librarian.

In Christian love,
Amanda Stein
Pastor

WHAT IS A LABYRINTH?
The labyrinth is a prayer tool as well as a walking meditation tool found in many religious traditions around the world. It is a spiritual pathway for people seeking the Divine. This appears to be true regardless of our faith tradition. This labyrinth is a circular two-dimensional pattern printed on a surface for walking. The labyrinth has only one continuous path which leads you to the center and the same path lead you back out. It is not a maze with tricks and dead ends. The winding path helps us to become quiet and reflective. Walking the labyrinth invites us to experience our gratitude for life. It can help us to be in-touch with our inner spirit during this season.

Here are some handy U2 EUCHARIST DO’S AND DON’TS:

• DO expect the music to be a bit louder than a typical Sunday service…

• If you usually wear a hearing-assist device, DON’T wear it. You probably won’t need it

• DO wear earplugs if you think you’ll be sensitive to the sound (earplugs are available free of charge in the Narthex prior to worship)…

• DO plan on donating to the Special Offering. We will be taking our main offering for Kailahun UM Church, pre-school & primary school in Sierra Leone (link). Please consider giving generously.

• DO loosen up and have a wonderful time–clap, sing, dance, and even make a joyful noise!

Plan to join us and invite a friend for Pastor Amanda’s upcoming sermon series:

• War and Peace (January 10, 17, & 24)
• Sex and Sexuality (January 31, Feb. 7 & 14)
• The Seven Deadly Sins (Lent: Feb. 21- March 28)

September 13: Who is the alien?
September 20: Who knows the heart of the alien?
September 27: From oppression to justice
October 4: U2Eucharist- What will you do in the name of love?

Trinity’s Guatemala Delegation Slideshow [link]

Ben and his brother Alex (WE International Philippines Director of Public Relations), grew up traveling across Asia and the United States. His parents, Carol and Lin Compton, were international educators and are now retired university professors (and TUMC members), who initially met in the Peace Corps, in Thailand and have worked extensively in the fields of international development, extension agriculture, adult education, and Southeast Asian Linguistics. Ben has lived in Thailand, Laos, Philippines, and China and has an M.A. in Counselor Education. After spending the initial part of his professional career working as a therapist, mentoring program coordinator, and foster parent with at-risk teenagers in the United States, Ben has spent the last 8 years working as a high school counselor, teacher, and basketball coach in international schools in Asia. Ben has a heart for youth, and a heart for the Philippines, and is also currently serving on the Board of Directors of the Palawan Project Foundation.

In lieu of an honorarium, they are asking that an offering be taken for WE’s mission. Please remember to bring a gift above your usual offering to support their work. Thank you.