TRINITY
PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH
Trinity Tidings  March 2018   Volume 32, No. 3
Welcome to our new online version of Trinity Tidings.

Upcoming Events at Trinity:

March 4
Communion Sunday
 
March 16-18
Montreat Mini Retreat
for Sr. High Students
 
March 24-25
Spiritual Retreat
with
Dr. James Singleto n
 
March 29
Maundy Thursday Service
at 7:00pm
 
April 1
Easter Sunday
Wednesday Night Live

Join us for our regularly scheduled Wednesday Night Live activities.

         5:30pm WNL Dinner
         6:00pm Children’s Choir
         6:30pm CWE, Adult Bible Study
         6:30pm Chancel Choir Practice

March 7th Menu:
baked chicken, green beans,
mashed potatoes and dessert.  
 

“Telling the Story”
Saturday, March 24th
8:30am – 2:30pm
Retreat Leader: Rev. Dr. James Singleton
 
Join us for a day of inspiring worship and meaningful spiritual exploration as we consider the challenges we face as disciples, and as the church, in a world that is increasingly ignorant of God’s transformative story!

Dr. Singleton is Director of Mentored Ministry and Associate Professor of Pastoral Leadership and Evangelism at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in North Hamilton, MA. He is nationally recognized as a visionary leader seeking the renewal of the local church by re-discovering God’s amazing story revealed in the Bible. He is a gifted teacher and speaker who brings laughter and joy as a retreat leader.

We will also offer a program for children 1 st Grade through 5 th Grade. Childcare for infants through K5 will be provided upon request.

Lunch will be provided at a cost of $10 for adults and $5 for children. Please use the inserts provided in the bulletins for the next few weeks to sign up for the luncheon and the children’s program and/or childcare, or call the church office at 864-834-9897 to sign up.

Spiritual Retreat Children’s Program

Children in 1 st through 5 th grade are invited to attend a special children’s program from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm on March 24 th , as part of Trinity’s Annual Spiritual Retreat Weekend. The lesson will focus on Christ’s entry into Jerusalem. There will also be music, crafts, and a service project. The children will join their families for lunch. Please pre-register your child on the sign-up form provided in the bulletin so that we can plan accordingly. Questions? Please contact Terri.

If you have extra flower vases lurking around in your storage areas, we would love to have them for our service project. We promise they will once again bring joy to someone!

Dear Friends,

I hope you will join us on Saturday, March 24th for our Annual Spiritual Retreat Day. The title for our event this year is “Telling the Story” featuring our guest leader the Rev. Dr. Jim Singleton, Director of Mentored Ministry and Associate Professor of Pastoral Leadership and Evangelism at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in North Hamilton, Massachusetts. He graduated from Union Theological Seminary with his Masters in Divinity, and received his Ph.D. in sociology from Boston University. You may remember when Dr. Singleton was with us in August of 2016. You will also have an opportunity to hear him preach as he will lead us in worship on Palm Sunday, March 25th, at both 9:00 First Worship and 11:00 Traditional Worship.

Prior to accepting his current faculty position, Dr. Singleton served pastorates in rural Virginia, San Antonio, Texas, Seattle Washington, and most recently First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs, Colorado (a congregation of over 5,000 members). 

In 2010 he co-authored, along with 6 other PCUSA pastors, a “white paper” addressed to the denomination in which they proclaimed that our PCUSA was “deathly ill” and in urgent need of reclaiming the singular authority of the Bible and the exclusive proclamation of Jesus Christ as Lord for our life together as the church, rather than succumbing to non-biblical cultural forces which seek to shape our discipleship.
 
In response to this “white paper” a movement emerged from like-minded evangelicals within the PCUSA and eventually a movement within the PCUSA now called “The Fellowship Community” was born. Our church, along with over 300 other congregations nationwide is a member of this growing movement. Fellowship churches do not seek dismissal from the PCUSA, but seek to remain as a prophetic voice anchored in the biblical witness of God’s transformative story revealed in the Bible.

During his time with us, Dr. Singleton’s focus will transcend denominational concerns. His focus will be on helping us identify how God’s unique biblical narrative for our lives has shaped us as disciples. Secondarily, he will focus on how important it is for us to be ready to hear other people’s stories as well. Indeed, we are not the first generation of God’s people to live in a cultural setting that is difficult and unsupportive for a life of faith. The Bible gives ample witness of God’s providence “in season and out of season!” Grounded in scripture– there is HOPE!

If you set aside the day to participate, I am confident you will not be disappointed!

God Bless,
Marc
From the Director of Christian Education & Youth
  So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do,
do all to the glory of God.
   1 Corinthians 10:31  
 
1 Corinthians 10:31 tells us that whatever we do should be done for the glory of God, and I do believe that applies to eating chili and buying desserts! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to all who contributed to the success of our Chili Cook-off and Dessert Auction! The chefs, bakers, grillers, cleaners, servers, decorators, trophy creator, auctioneer, eaters, and purchasers all brought glory to God as together we raised at least $2054.97, which will be used to send our youth on their mission trip to Orlando this summer. Some donations are still trickling in, so the final total may be even higher!

Our judges (Ryan Huminski, Frank Ogletree, and Henry Waldrep) bravely faced the challenge of selecting the best of the best chilies. Congratulations to the first recipients of the Trinity Traveling Trophies:
 
Best Over-all: Curtis Tharpe - Kiki Chili
Best Vegetarian: Leslie Weikle - Chicken Avocado Chili
Spiciest: Eric Smith - Fire in the Hole Chili
Most Unique: Bruce Thompson - Sweet Chili
 
While not all opportunities to bring glory to God are as fun or delicious as participating in the Chili Cook-off/Dessert Auction, we do all have the choice to bring glory to God in the way we live our lives. During CWE and WNL in February, our children were learning about how we need to be kind to others as a reflection of the incredible kindness that God showed to us by sending his Son to die on the cross to restore our relationship with God. Our youth were also learning about the need to show God’s love and kindness to everyone around us.  
As we move through the season of Lent, I encourage you to consider what you are doing to bring glory to God. I challenge you to pray that God will use you to His glory. God will certainly work through you if you are willing to be His servant.

In Christ’s service,
Terri
 
Vacation Bible School Planning Meeting
Whether the groundhog was correct or not, summer is coming and that means it is time to plan for  Trinity’s 2018 Vacation Bible School!  There will be a planning meeting immediately following the 11:00 Worship on March 11, 2018, in the Trinity Classroom (Room 105 in Thorpe). A curriculum will be selected and the week and times for VBS will be determined at this meeting. If you are willing to serve in this important community outreach opportunity, please plan to attend this meeting. If you cannot attend, but would like to be involved, please contact Terri at 864-834-9897or at terri@trinitytr.org.
Notes from Our Choir Director

Welcome Guest Musicians to Trinity! We’re very blessed to have talented singers and instrumentalists joining us all Spring.
 
Nathan Musick is a Pendleton, SC native who has played guitar and led worship actively in churches for years. A lover of theology, Nate studied at East Tennessee State University. He now owns his own woodworking business and volunteers his music talents here in the upstate.
 
Tentative March Music Ensemble Schedule
March 4           Chancel Choir                   “Communion Prayer"
March 11         Chancel Choir                   “Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley”
March 18         Chancel Choir & Soloist  “Agnus Dei” and “I Choose Love”
March 25 Chancel Choir & Bells “Blessed is He” 
March 28 (Maundy Thursday) Chancel Choir, Instrumentalists, Soloists

CHERUB/JUNIOR CHOIR PRACTICE SCHEDULE UPDATE:
NO Practice Wednesday, March 28

**************
 
February was a great month for the choir at Trinity. We chose repertoire that stretched us as an ensemble- singing liturgical texts in Latin and a cappella works. The music in March reflects our deepest hopes and prayers for our time.
 
Agnus Dei from Dan Forrest’s "Requiem for the Living,” is a meaningful plea for mercy. The translation: “Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.” This excerpt is from Forrest’s full requiem work which was performed in October at the Peace Center, featuring Lisa Barksdale as the soloist. We’re thrilled she will reprise the solo for our worship in this stirring piece.
 
Another highlight is “I Choose Love,” by Marc Miller. This piece was written in response to the tragic event in Charleston in June 2015, and dedicated to the members of Emmanuel AME. In the wake of more of these recent tragedies, the piece’s message felt more important than ever, repressing our solidarity to love in the midst of pain, of war, of brokenness … we choose love and community.
 
As we continue toward Easter, the choir will also perform many beloved lenten hymns, such as “Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley,” “What Wondrous Love is This,” and “Were You There When they Crucified My Lord.” Join us anytime! 6:30 PM in the choir room on Wednesday nights.
 
Music Ministry
Our season of Lent is fully underway since Ash Wednesday, and our music ministry and worship has reflected this through our songs and aesthetics. Our choral director, Leah Wyman, sang a lovely rendition of As the Deer with friend and classical guitar accompanist Nate Musick last week. Our handbells continue to contribute and will be participating March 25 and Maundy Thursday in worship. Our choir has been gaining steam in 2018, having great attendance and zest for performing the wonderful music that’s been selected. Our first worship service also continues to grow in energy and numbers.   

A few reminders: Daylight Savings begins Sunday, March 11; spring forward! Dr. James Singleton will be leading us in a spiritual retreat Saturday, March 24, beginning with music in worship led by a hybrid team from the 9am and 11am services. Palm Sunday is March 25; let Leah know if you have a child who would like to participate in a processional with palm fronds. Our Maundy Thursday Tenebrae service is March 29 at 7pm, and there will be a community Sonrise service again this Easter at the Travelers Rest Amphitheater. We look forward to celebrating Holy Week together; He is risen!

—Eric Barnhart
 Director of Music Ministry
 
Small Groups For Everyone!
Sunday Adults:
 
Fellowship Class: Focus - Rotates study of the books of the Bible with Christian books and studies that enrich our lives. Format- Combination of lecture with interactive discussion, all in a relaxed environment. Leadership changes annually with a rotation of teachers from our class.

Christianity and Contemporary Issues: Focus - Discussions relate the messages contained in Scripture passages to current headlines. Format - lecture and interactive. Facilitators – Mary Pace, Annette Taylor and class members.

Trinity Class: First Sunday School Class created at Trinity and has been active ever since. Focus- Study of the Bible with the help of the Standard Lesson Commentary. Format - lecture and interactive with class discussion strongly encouraged. Teachers - Beauford Williams, Fred Moehlenbrock and class members.
 
Sunday Youth:
6th-12th Grades—Terri Luzynski

Sunday Children:
CWE 4K-1st Grade—Robin Blakemore, Joanna Newcomer, Leslie Weikle
CWE 2nd-5th Grades—Allen Clark, Eric Smith
 
Tuesday Morning Women:
 
Rachel Bible Study meets weekly at 10:00 a.m. A lesson is presented by one of the participants taking turns each week. Facilitator - Nancy Simonton

Wednesday Night Live Small Groups :
 
CWE 1 st – 5 th Grades : Led by Terri Luzynski

Childcare is available through 5K.

Adult Bible Study : A seminar style format encouraging discussion. Meets in the Thorpe Building. A new Lenten study focusing on the passion narrative in John’s Gospel began on February 28th. Led by Rev. Mason.

Thursday Morning Men:
 
Men’s Fellowship meets Thursday mornings at 7:30 a.m. for a biscuit and coffee breakfast, a devotional, followed by a program. Programs include guest speakers from the community as well as members of the group. Facilitator - John Burns

Monthly Groups:
 
Miriam Ladies Group meets one Sunday afternoon per month at different members’ homes.

Naomi Ladies Group meets on the 4th Thursday of the month at 3:00 p.m. at members' homes. They also study a selected series which is moderated by one of the class members. Facilitator - Esther King
Youth News!
February was full of fun and service—thanks to all who participated in our events and service projects! 
 
To the Middle School Youth who delivered Souper Bowl flyers in the pouring rain—I hope you have dried out by now! Thanks to your efforts and the efforts of the Middle School Youth and the Senior High Youth who helped with the collection effort, we raised $331 and collected over 80 cans of soup for the North Greenville Food Crisis Ministry.
 
To those who stayed up All. Night. Long . at our February 18th Lock-in: I hope that you have finally caught up on your sleep. I also hope that you will continue to look for the unexpected ways that God uses people—and you—to further His plan. Many, many thanks to those who provided the delicious meals for our lock-in: Julie & Greg Rogers, Lynn Coleman, Meredith Loftis, Patsy Sharpe and Cindy Clark. Thanks also to Tom McCorkle for arranging our service project at the Greenville Humane Society and to Allen Clark and Julie McKay for spending the night with us. 
 
Youth and Parents/Guardians of Youth: You all did an amazing job helping with the Chili Cook-off and Dessert Auction! I was so pleased with how hard you worked and your willingness to help wherever you were needed. The event was very successful and will go a long way toward paying for the mission trip to Orlando. 
 
Now it is time to move into March! Here’s what’s on the calendar:
 
Mar. 4 Regular YWE Schedule with dinner provided by Elizabeth Wingard
 
Mar. 11 Service Sunday: Combined MSY/Sr High Meeting
                                         Serving North Greenville Crisis Ministry
 
3:30 pm Meet at Trinity
4:00-5:45 pm Serving at North Greenville Crisis Ministry
6:00-6:30 pm Dinner provided by Emily Huminski
 6:30-7:00 pm Praise Music, Devotions, & Announcements
 
Mar. 16-18 Montreat Sr. High Mini-Retreat Meet at Trinity at 4:30 pm
 
Mar. 18
5:00-6:00 MSY Meeting
6:00-6:30 Dinner provided by Julie Rogers
6:30-7:00 Praise Music, Devotions, & Announcements
No Sr. High Youth Meeting   (but Starbucks sounds good . . . )
March 25 Regular YWE Schedule or . . . WINTER JAM GREENVILLE. 
Deadline to sign up for Winter Jam:  Sunday, March 4th
 
If we are able to obtain tickets for Winter Jam, we will meet at the church at 4:30 pm and return to the church at approximately 10:30 pm.
If we cannot get tickets, we will follow the regular YWE schedule with Patsy Sharpe providing dinner. Watch your email for the final answer.
 
April 1 Easter Sunday NO YWE MEETING
 
Looking ahead:
 
YOUTH SUNDAY WILL BE APRIL 29TH
 
Planning for Youth Sunday will begin at YWE on March 4th. 
There are still just a few youth who have not turned in the Permission and Release Form for 2018. Please do so as soon as possible. You don’t want to miss out on any of the fun!
 
Peace & prayers,
        Terri
 
Financial Review
Below is a detailed view of the latest budget approved by the Session. In keeping with transparency of Trinity’s financial position, this view provides more information than the Sunday bulletin version. It will always be two months in arrears due to the fact that the newsletter is always published before the Session meets.
Trinity Softball
Spring is in the air and that means softball! Games are Friday nights and we always go to the closest Mexican restaurant after. Season runs mid-April through June. 

SO WE CAN DETERMINE IF WE WILL HAVE A TEAM THIS YEAR, PLEASE SIGN UP IN THE NARTHEX.

Contact Eric Smith with any questions at (716) 930-6137 or
eric.smith@saint-gobain.com
Flower Calendar Sign-Up
It’s not too late if you would like to sign up to provide flowers for the church sanctuary on a specific Sunday; flowers can be given in memory or in honor of a loved one, and it will be noted in that day’s bulletin announcements. The Sunday dates still available are:
 

March 18, March 25
April 8, April 22
May 6
June 17, June 24
July 22, July 29
August 5, August 12, August 26
September 2, September 16, September 23, September 30
October 7, October 14
November 4, November 1
 
Please call Myriam in the church office, 864-834-9897, for more information or to sign up.
Thank You!

 
Trinity Family,

    Thank you so much for all you have done for Wayne and me during his illness and passing. The food, cards, visits, prayers and flowers were so appreciated.

    “For everything there is a season … a time to break down, a time to build up, a time to weep, and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-4).

    Thank you again for being there for us.

                   Always,
                   Jean (Cannon), Parrish, and Shea
North Greenville Crisis Ministry

Thank you for your continued support for this ministry.
 
Their current needs include:

*Blankets
*Mac-n-cheese, soup
*Toilet paper, shampoo
*Soap and toothpaste
 
 
Please place donations in the shopping cart in McKinney Hall.
 
Sermon Audio Files Now Available
 
To access Sermon Audio on the website:
1) Go to  www.trinitytr.org
2) On the menu in the upper right hand corner between the options CALENDAR and CONTACT US you will see an option entitled MEDIA.
3) Roll your mouse over MEDIA and a menu should appear. 
4) Click SERMON AUDIO.
5) It will take you to the iTunes website where you are now on the preview page for the Trinity Podcast. 
6) Click the blue button that reads VIEW IN iTUNES under the green Trinity logo on the left side. 
7) You will receive a prompt to open iTunes. Or if you don’t have it, you will be prompted to download iTunes.
8) For Windows/PC Users: if you already have iTunes on your computer and receive a prompt to download it again, click the gray button to the left of the blue download button indicating that you already have iTunes on your computer and you wish to sign in.  
iTunes will then open to the Trinity Podcast Page.
To receive a copy of each new sermon to your iTunes every week:
When you reach the podcast page in iTunes, click SUBSCRIBE under the green Trinity logo on the left side.
To receive a copy of a particular sermon to your iTunes:
When you reach the podcast page in iTunes, scroll down the list of sermons and click “GET”
on the right hand side of the sermon you’d like to have a copy of.   
 
March

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
2   Gaberil Jones
3   Seth Howard
     Lynda Sayer
5   Kyle Rogers
     Trevor Ironside
6   Jennifer Gainey
     Terry Thrasher
9   Sara Burton Awtrey 
11  Jeanettie Shanks
     Mallory Mullis
12  Charlie Alford
     Jeff Bennett
     Margaret Wingard
     Paul Johnson
     Molly Smith
15  Todd Simonton
16  Jeannie Ingalls
17  Ethan Howard
     Robin Silvers
18  Candy Byrd
19  Julie Cole
20 Lauren Burton Winkler
     Chase Bowers
     Theresa Horton
21 Landon Kemper
23  Jeanne Christie
24  Kellianne Blakemore
       Bunny Batson
27  Jim Duncan
     Rebecca Hartley
      Barbara Hughes
28  Margaret Hudson
      Scott Weikle
29  Patrick Short
      Pat Tyson
If you don’t see your name or the name of someone you love on the birthday list,
please call the office so we can update our list!
Email trinity@trinitytr.org or call Myriam at 864-834-9897.
Newsletter Deadline: The deadline for newsletter information is the 25th of each month. Please send all information to the church office (834-9897). If you are able, please E-mail info to trinity@trinitytr.org  
Church Office Hours
9:00a.m. to 1:00p.m. Monday through Friday