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TRINITY
PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH
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Trinity Tidings June
2017 Volume 31, No. 6
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Welcome to our new online version of Trinity Tidings.
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Upcoming Events at Trinity
June 4
Communion Sunday
Pentecost Sunday
June 26-29
Vacation Bible School
August 27
Rally Day
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Pentecost Sunday,
often called the
“Birthday of the Church”
will be observed on
Sunday, June 4th.
The color of the day is red—
you are invited to join in the celebration by wearing red that day.
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Vacation Bible School
June 26 - 29 (Mon. - Thurs.)
9:00am to 12:00pm
Children 4 through 11 years old
are welcome!
Registration forms are available in the Narthex
or
Registration deadline is June 11.
Volunteers are still needed! If you can help,
please contact Laurie Staples at (386)479-6721 or
Julie Rogers at (828)388-0096 or jhrogers@hcpsnc.org
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Dear Friends:
On Sunday, June 4th, we will celebrate Pentecost. Quite often we hear Pentecost referred to as the church’s “birthday”. Most of us intuitively understand what this reference means. A birthday marks the beginning of someone’s life. It is a day in time when new life enters the world. A birthday marks the life of something new.
In all three years of the common lectionary cycle of readings (Year A, Year B, Year C) for Pentecost Sunday, Acts 2 appears as the primary suggested reading for public worship on Pentecost Sunday. So, taking a one Sunday departure from our journey through Matthew’s Gospel, we will also use this reading for our worship on June 4th. Acts 2 describes an event that took place as the Apostles were gathered in Jerusalem. We are told in this chapter that as the Apostles spoke people of various nations, speaking various languages, were able to understand the Apostles' proclamation in their respective languages. Clearly, it was a powerful moment revealing the amazing ability of the Holy Spirit to reach every person – no matter their background, their culture, their particular language. Immediately after the Apostles had experienced the presence of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle Peter preached a sermon in Jerusalem proclaiming the Gospel of our resurrected Lord Jesus.
If we look closely at this Pentecost text, however, what do we really discover? What is truly revealed? What is revealed is something more than a “birthday”! Yes, in a way, it does mark the beginning of the life of the church – but only in a secondary sense. What this text first reveals is that the Holy Spirit speaks to us directly as individual children of God. It is only as we respond to that call of the Holy Spirit and join in fellowship with others that the church community is born and takes shape and form in the world.
So, then, the celebration of Pentecost is first and foremost our celebration that God’s will and ways come to us where we are in life. God’s will and claim on us comes to us whether we speak English, Spanish, Mandarin or Cantonese Chinese, French, German, or Arabic, etc. The will of God can be implanted in our hearts regardless of whether we are literate or not. The will of God comes to us no matter our particular cultural heritage. The point of Pentecost is that God speaks directly into our heart of hearts, and is not limited by any human circumstance. The Holy Spirit calls to each of us to give ourselves first and foremost to God’s will over against our own. It is a call to conform our hearts, our words, our actions, to God’s will. This happens first in our hearts, AND then it spills out into our lives.
When we respond to God, when we respond to the power of the Holy Spirit, by giving our lives to His will, and we then seek others who have also heard the call of the Holy Spirit, it is then that the church takes shape and form. In this sense, “church” is a verb – an action word, not a noun. Church is a way of living following the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Church is not a place. Church is not a set of theological doctrines. Church is not even a social agenda. Church is a way of being in the world; first as individuals and then in community. Only as church first happens within us, can we then join with others in holy community.
During this season of Pentecost, let us ask ourselves, “Is church happening in me?” There is no question that the tongues of fire of the Holy Spirit are bursting out from the heart of God (Acts 2). The question is, “are you willing to let them burn you?” Let the fire burn hot and bright in each of us!
Blessings,
Marc
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Trinity Softball Schedule
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Congratulations to our Graduating Class of 2017
These students were recognized in the 11am service on May 21st.
Pictured from left to right are: Isabella Childers, Meredith Turner, and Noah Marsh (front);
Justin Clark, Trevor Ironside, Mac Chapman, and Patrick Short (back row).
Also graduating are: Kendall Silvers and Daniel Poole
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We wish them all the very best,
and pray that God will guide and bless them in their pursuits
as they continue in their educational and career paths.
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Search Committee for
Interim Youth Director
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Interim Youth Director Search Committee
Thomas Barksdale
Jean Cannon
Katherine Christie
Allen Clark
Paula Marsh
Alan Waldrep
Elizabeth Wingard
Please remember to pray for each committee member by name
as they proceed with this important work!
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Summer is here! With it, we are winding things down a bit in the music ministry. Choir will be rehearsing only on Sunday mornings. If you have ever thought about trying out the choir, now is a great time! We will be doing much simpler material from now through August. Talk to our choir director, Leah Wyman, about what might be a good Sunday to drop in.
We are diligently working on a sound and video system upgrade made possible in large part through individual donations from several members of our congregation. This will allow more musicians to participate and for our choir to be heard more clearly. This will also assist us as we begin to use video projection for the hymn lyrics at the 11am service in conjunction with our continuation of singing out of the hymnals.
Have you been thinking about ways you might participate at church? We have a myriad of ways you could be involved in the music ministry, and I’d be glad to talk about those opportunities with you. Feel free to email me at info@ericbarnhart.com.
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Trinity's 2017 Confirmands
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On May 14th, during the 11:00am service, we were privileged to receive eight confirmands into membership.
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C
onfirmation is an exciting and rewarding time for youth as they examine their beliefs and learn more about the history and traditions of the church. These young people attended Confirmation Classes on Saturday mornings for 9 weeks, where Rev. Mason taught them about the Old Testament, New Testament, church history, spiritual gifts, worship and sacraments. The students memorized scripture, submitted a visual presentation, wrote their statements of faith, and participated in a Session Examination.
We are proud of these young people who desire to follow God and be a part of this church family.
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Habitat for Humanities Offering
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A special Father’s Day Offering to support
Habitat for Humanities
will be taken on
Sunday, June 18th.
Look for envelopes
in the bulletins.
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Men's Thursday Morning Fellowship
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The Men of the Church Thursday morning fellowship group met at Stax’s Original for their final meeting before their summer break.
They invite interested men to join them next September for their normal Thursday morning fellowship meetings at the church. The group meets at 7:30am at the church for a biscuit and fellowship. For more information, please contact John Burns (864) 908-7812. See YOU September 7th at 7:30!
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Self-sufficient. Really? (Part 2 of 2)
(Part 1 of 2 of “Self-sufficient. Really?” appeared in the April, 2017 issue of Trinity Tidings)
Greetings Trinity Members and Friends,
I shared with you in the April issue of Trinity Tidings an article written by Scott Dannemiller wherein he wrote a message to change our perspectives of what we believe to be blessings in our lives. He wrote of our cultural tendency to refer to our “material fortune” as a blessing. He challenged us to be grateful for our material fortunes but to also consider them as resources entrusted to us for the betterment of the Church. I would like to add to that perspective in this month’s article.
I believe it is safe to say that most of us share at least one common goal in regards to our finances and that is to be self-sufficient. But, what does that mean? Does it mean we pay our own bills? Yes. Does it mean we live within our means rather than above them? Yes. But, I wonder if there is a place for financial self-sufficiency in the biblical perspective? In chapter 9 verse 6 of 2 Corinthians, Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth starts, “Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” We are called to take action! We are called to give back. Okay. So, I’ll add a line to my budget and call it “Giving.” Can’t I take action and give back but still be self-sufficient? Maybe.
Let’s move on to verse 7: “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Attitude. Uh oh. I don’t know about you, but I need help with attitude. If I consider myself to be self-sufficient, my attitude takes on a different personality. Hey, I earned that money. I can pay my own bills. I can do what verse six tells me - I CAN take action. I CAN add a line item to my budget for giving, but I don’t know if I’ll be cheerful about it. Why should I be giving away what I worked hard for? But, can’t I change my attitude myself; after all, I am self-sufficient? Dubious.
Reading on, verse 8 states: “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.” And there it is friends – GOD IS ABLE. If we believe ourselves to be self-sufficient, we shut him out from the process right at the beginning. We cannot make this mistake - we cannot do this alone!
So if we consider our material fortunes to be resources entrusted to us for the betterment of the Church, and if we realize we cannot do it alone, then we are not self-sufficient; rather, we are dependent on God. We need Him to give us guidance on how He would have us use those resources. We must be willing to go to Him in prayerful petition and to listen to His answer. God is able friends! Let us not rely on ourselves. Let us be dependent on God.
In Christ,
Mary Pace
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I would like to thank my Trinity family for all the prayers, cards, phone calls, the much-enjoyed food, and visits during my recent bout with cancer. The prayers and chemo have worked. Currently, I have no signs of cancer remaining.
Yours in Christ,
Bruce Thompson
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Dear Trinity friends,
Thank you so much for everything you did to help me during recovery after surgery. I feel uplifted, encouraged and nourished with all the prayers, phone calls, cards and meals. You all are very special people. God bless you all.
Caroline Campbell
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Dear Friends in Christ,
Thank you! Because of you, children who were hurting are healing;
those scared are feeling safe; and families who were struggling are
finding hope as they learn skills to strengthen their bond.
Thank you for your recent gift, and your continued prayers.
Thank you for caring!
Chandra Coleman
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Girls Summer Basketball Camp
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Girls’ Summer Mini-Basketball Camp
- For girls, ages 5 thru 14
- On Tuesday evenings
June 6, 13, 20, 27; July 11, 25; Aug. 1
5:45 to 7:00pm: girls ages 5 - 8
7:00 to 8:15pm: girls ages 9 - 14
- Work to improve your basketball skills along with interactive games and some fun scrimmage games.
- No cost to participate, however a RSVP email to tbmcorkle@aol.com would be appreciated.
For more details or if you have questions, please email Tom McCorkle or call Tom’s cell 864-787-2707.
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Session Minutes from May Meeting
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Members Present:
Mary Pace, Jeff Burton, Olin Blanton, Thomas Barksdale, Justin Mullis, Sherry Ogletree, Stan Coleman, Dennis Tavernetti, and Lawrence Garabedian.
Excused:
Annette Taylor, Latain Bireley and Bob Lewis
Opening Prayer and Devotional
: Marc Mason opened the meeting with prayer and a devotional from 1 Corinthians 12, spiritual gifts.
Declaration of Quorum
: A quorum was present.
Pastor’s Report and Housekeeping Details
: Marc Mason gave an update on members who are sick, in the hospital, and recovering.
Betty Holland died on April 9, 2017 and her funeral service was held at Thomas McAfee Downtown Chapel with burial at Graceland Cemetery.
The search committee for the “Interim Youth Director” has posted a position description.
The eight members of the Confirmation Class will meet with the Session on Saturday, May 13, 2017 at 8:30am.
The elected Officer Nominating Committee consists of Latain Bireley, Stan Coleman, Jim Showalter, Liz Crossland, Lynn Coleman, Esther King and Joanna Newcomer.
Marc Mason will be away May 22-29, June 12-15 and June 19-22. Rev. Dr. Joseph Gaston will fill the pulpit on May 28.
The eight Confirmands will be received in worship on May 14 and Graduate Recognition Sunday will be May 21 for nine graduates.
Monthly Budget Report
: Mary Pace reported that for April the Operating Account had a deficit of $5,507 and the Building Fund had a deficit of $6,740. Stan Coleman made the motion to accept the report as submitted and Lawrence Garabedian gave the second. The motion passed.
Diaconate Report
: The Session received a written report from the Diaconate.
Membership Update:
As of May 11, 2017, the church has 473 members, of which 458 are resident and 15 are non-resident.
Clerk Report:
Approval was asked for the minutes of the Stated Session meeting on April 20, 2017 and the Congregational Meeting minutes from May 7, 2017. Lawrence Garabedian made the motion to approve the minutes and Olin Blanton gave the second. The motion passed.
Communications:
A letter of transfer request was received for Kyle McAda. Jeff Burton made the motion to approve and Thomas Barksdale gave the second. The motion passed.
Old Business:
Sherry Ogletree reported that Mothers’ Morning Out has cleared $5,542, which will be applied to the Building Fund.
New Business:
Justin Mullis reported on the Foothills Presbytery Meeting held at Nicholtown Presbyterian Church on April 30, 2017. He noted that Marc Mason was elected as a Commissioner to the 2018 General Assembly meeting as a Teaching Elder.
Committee Reports
Benevolence & Mission
: No Report
Discipleship
: No Report
Finance & Stewardship
: Mary Pace requested permission to add Hugh Cunningham to the list of those authorized to sign checks. Jeff Burton made the motion to approve and the motion passed.
Long-Range Planning
: No Report
Personnel & Administration: Sherry Ogletree stated that they were re-writing the job description of the Youth Director to be more in line with a DCE (Director of Christian Education).
Property & Grounds:
Stan Coleman said the hot water heater was fixed, the LED lighting was almost complete, and that Bob Lewis would do the monthly elevator inspection. The church will contract with a licensed company to check fire extinguishers.
Spiritual Development & Evangelism
: Justin Mullis said that over 1600 snacks were given out at the 5K race. The snacks have the church’s name on the package.
Worship:
No Report
Motion to Adjourn with prayer
: Stan Coleman made the motion to adjourn with prayer. Dennis Tavernetti gave the second and the motion passed. Marc Mason closed the meeting with prayer at 7:56 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Fred Moehlenbrock, Clerk Marc Mason, Moderator
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On May 11th, the Travelers Rest Fire Department paid us a visit, and the children learned fire safety tips.
Our program concluded for the year on Tuesday, May 30th. We had a special celebration, Water Day and other treats!
Mothers’ Morning Out will resume on Tuesday, September 5th. Mothers’ Morning Out is designed to give mothers and caregivers a break two mornings per week while knowing their children are being cared for in a safe, Christian environment. Children will learn that church is a special place for them to come and belong, and will learn Bible stories, sing, do crafts and play.
Registration is now open for September 2017—May 2018
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00AM-1:00PM
We have vacancies available. Registration fee is $160, and cost per month for the first child is $160 ($135 for each additional child). For information, please contact program director, Julie Ramsey, at julieramzMMO@gmail.com
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We wrapped up our first year of our program on May 30th. We had a huge success and we look forward to next fall. Special thanks to Julie Ramsey, our program director. Julie did not miss a day the whole year. She is a dynamic and creative teacher. Also, thanks to our wonderful staff: Whitney Reid and Heather Bensch. Thanks to our Board of Directors: Hugh Cunningham, Tammie Frierson, Audrey Smith, Kelly Stokes, Curtis Tharpe, and Lark Waldrep. Curtis Tharpe is our Mr. Fix-It and never fails to fix just about anything we need.
The final shout-out goes to our wonderful Trinity Volunteers, Lucy Hammack and Bob Lewis, who are our full-time volunteers. The amount of time they put into our program is just incredible. Also, we used our fill-in Trinity Volunteers: Gretchen Snow, Kristen Short, Esther King, Stephanie Tiwari, and Martha Bacon. Without these volunteers, we would not have been financially successful. Also, thanks to Marc Mason for his encouragement throughout the year.
Have a great summer!
Virginia McCorkle
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Sermon Audio Files Now Available
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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.
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1 Lawrence Garabedian
Mac Chapman
Jeanette Stribling
5 Trey Snow
6 John Robert Cole
7 Judy Williams
8 Sarah Plyler
9 Colby Kennett
11 Bill Campbell
12 Margaret Clark
Sandy Thrasher
13 Kim Campbell
Pat Thompson
Sandra Smith
Justin Clark
17 Ashley O’Cain
18 Sandra Trammell
Janice Tharpe
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19 Bill Horner
Lanier Browning
Luke Burnett
20 Jeff Wingard
21 Karen Speedling
22 John Short
Evan Pochard
23 Edith Fisher
24 Ann Keese
27 Kathy Still
Letitia Verdin
Edwin Furr
28 Candace Kennett
Ryan Thrasher
Liz Crosland
Patrick Waldrep
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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
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Church Office Hours
9:00a.m. to 1:00p.m. Monday through Friday
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