Trinity Presbyterian Church
2200 N Bell Denton TX 76209
940-382-8815
Trinity Greetings
June 24 - July 2, 2008
Table of Contents
1. Words from the Pastor
2. Report from General Assembly
3. 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 29, 2008
4 . Remember in Prayer
5. Church-wide Picnic June 29 after worship
6. Church Information
7. Christian Education - Summer Sunday School
8. July Movie Nights
9. Committee and Session meetings
10. Coffee Fellowship Hosts for July and August
11. Theology Reading Group
12. Coming Events
13. In Our Mail Box
WORDS FROM THE PASTOR
While I am writing this, the General Assembly (GA) of our denomination is meeting in San Jose, California. I attended portions of the General Assembly a few years ago in Denver — it is truly an exciting experience. Once every two years (it used to be once a year), pastors and elders from all over the country are sent as commissioners to the Assembly as they vote on issues facing our church. Sometimes the issues relate to procedural matters, often they relate to some of the weightier issues of the day. I expect some of the more controversial issues the General Assembly will deal with this year concern ordination standards (whether presbyteries should be permitted to ordain gays and lesbians), Israel/Palestine issues (including possible divestment from companies profiting from the Israeli occupation of the West Bank), immigration, and the Iraq War. Through my connection with the Israel/Palestine Mission Network, I have received a glimpse into how much work goes on behind the scenes. Please keep them in your prayers this week. In particular, pray for Trinity’s own Ally Poole, who is at General Assembly as an alternate Youth Advisory Delegate (YAD). She writes of her experience in an email she sent, copied below – her enthusiasm is contagious. Our denomination is certainly blessed to receive and foster such enthusiasm!
Blessings,
Craig Hunter
Report from General Assembly
Hello Trinity Family!
This is Ally Poole and I am currently in San Jose, California enjoying the 218Th General Assembly. I landed in San Jose at about 10 PM last Thursday after a four hour layover in Austin and I made it to the Crowne Plaza Hotel where the other 174 Youth Advisory Delegates are staying. It has been a very intense four days here at the assembly.
I was hesitant at first because I wasn't exactly sure how the role of the YAD's would be received at the assembly but my fears were put down quickly after talking to several commissioners here. They understand that the youth are the future of this church and I was heartened to hear this because it is the truth! I was also extremely happy to hear from the other YAD's many of whom are very ambitious and want to make their voices heard, which is fantastic. To be honest, at first I was a little upset because as an alternate I don't have the same power as the other YAD's in assembly but after listening to these youth I was okay because the majority of them felt the same way that I did. They believed that just because we maybe young that doesn't mean that our opinions are unimportant and the YAD's have been saying that in assembly.
Because I am not bound to the schedule of the YAD's I have been able to go to several committee meetings and listen to several people speak about things that are happening in the Presbytery. For example today I attended a workshop talking about abortion. I was a bit hesitant to attend at first because I wasn't sure if my opinions were the same as the church to which I belong but instead of giving the "right" opinion the leader told the YAD's about each side and told us that we have the choice to decided how we feel about the issue and I thought that was amazing. I never really realized how cool it was to be a Presbyterian until I came to GA.
I have been to workshops talking about race, political issues, and several others and at first all the information I was receiving was overwhelming but then I realized that the information I was being given, I could choose how I perceived it. I wasn't being told what to think, or what to believe and that's what I really enjoy about being a Presbyterian. We accept people as they are and that is truly amazing because there are different people in the world and we aren't all a like and the fact that we take everyone as they are...is just incredible.
I am very happy that our Presbytery allowed me to attend this year so that I can be ready to be the YAD for the next GA. This opportunity has allowed me to learn more about the Presbytery that I belong to, and how this assembly really works because when I got all the information I was a little afraid because a lot is going on here!
So I am sending this email because I wanted you all to know what I am doing here because I am so honored to be representing our church and Presbytery. I hope to share with you all, all that I have learned once I come back and I can't wait to share my experience. I hope all is well and that you all aren't over heating!
God Bless,
Ally
13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 29, 2008
No Sunday School this Sunday --
10:30 a.m. Coffee Fellowship hosted by Cindy Harris and the Blinds
11:00 a.m. Worship
Liturgist: Eric Holt
Ushers: Michael Baggett & Don Smith
Greeters: Wayne & Melissa Grissom
REMEMBER IN PRAYER:
Hal Conway
Betty Appling in Denton Regional Hospital
Sue Shields
Gary Richey
Winn Skinner's friend Ruthanne
Marisa McNeil Rozdilsky mourning the death of her sister, Janet Newman on June 15
All military personnel serving all over the world
Prayer Requests - Cards are provided for your prayer requests in the attendance folder and by the box in the Narthex. You may leave your prayer requests in the box in the Narthex. Prayer requests will be removed from the list after they have appeared for three weeks. Prayer requests that have been on the list for three weeks must be resubmitted.
Note Change of Date to June 29.
Church-wide Picnic - June 29 after worship on the Church Lawn
Dinner plates, cups, napkins and ice will be provided. Bring a picnic lunch for your family. In the event of bad weather picnic will be in Fellowship Hall.
Church Information
The church office is open 1-5 p.m., Monday - Friday.
Deadline for the weekly Trinity Greetings is 1:00 p.m. Wednesday and for the Sunday bulletin 1:00 p.m. Thursday.
Submit all items in writing. E-mail is preferred.
NOTIFY the church office of changes of address, telephone number or e-mail address as soon as possible.
From the Top 10 Popcorn Thoughts, part 934
The day we stop giving is the day we stop living.
Christian Education --
No Sunday School this SundaySummer Sunday School for children, youth, and adults will return on August 10.
All ages will get to join together in the Fellowship Hall on August 10, 17, 24. We will all play and learn together!
Vacation Bible School at Trinity--Faith and Art!
5:30-7:30 p.m. July 14-17, Dinner Included
July Movie Nights
Movie nights are 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. each night including discussion after the movie.
July 13 - "Lars and the Real Girl
Lars, a sweet but quirky guy thinks he has found the girl of his dreams in a life-sized doll named Bianca. Watch to discover the real meaning of true love.
July 22 - "The Devil Came on Horseback"
In this documentary, Marine Capt. Brian Steidle attempts to bring the truth about the situation in Darfur to the public consciousness. Using his camera Steidle records the horrific atrocities first-hand.
July 27 - "Sicko"
An Oscar nominee for Best Documentary Feature, this film is the latest from controversial filmmaker Michael Moore. The film explores the US health care crisis and relays five people's struggles with their health insurance. Also explores how health care is in other countries and concludes that the United States is a complete failure and needs to be reformed.
COMMITTEE AND SESSION MEETINGS:
July 8 6:00 p.m. Administrative Committee
July 20 6:00 p.m. Worship Committee
TWO FAMILIES NEEDED EACH SUNDAY TO HOST COFFEE FELLOWSHIP!
Now is the time to volunteer for June, July, August. The calendars are in the Narthex.
June 29 Cindy Harris & Paula and Walt Blind
July 6 _____________________________
July 13 _____________________________
July 20 _____________________________
July 27 _____________________________
Aug 3 _____________________________
Aug 10 _____________________________
Aug 17 _____________________________
Aug 24 _____________________________
Aug 31 _____________________________
The Theology Reading Group
will be meeting on July 6th at 2 p.m. to discuss the book, "The Executed God", by Mark Lewis Taylor. This book, by one of my former professors, looks at the American prison system through a theological lens. Copies are still available. Please contact Craig Hunter if you need one.
From the Top 10 Popcorn Thought 934
Lies are hard to bury.
June 29 After Worship Church-wide picnic
July 6 2-4 p.m. Theology Reading Group
July 14-17 5:30-7:30 p.m. Vacation Bible School
July 20 2:00 p.m. Worship Committee
6:30 p.m. Game Night & Talent Show
In Our Mail Box
Dear folks,
Thanks so much for the hospitality extended today for my sister, Raylene. I had called Sandy Oaks and asked if there was any way that she could stay later for Haley's recital after church and then be on the pick up route. Johnothan Hill contacted someone at church (maybe Dorothy) to watch after Raylene between the service and the recital.
When I called Raylene this afternoon she was elated....remembered most of the sermon (was so glad to have HER preacher back from "tulip land" as she called it), told me the line up of people to pray for, and then recounted Haley's wonderful singing.
I can't thank you enough for both your watchful eye, as well as your inspiring and caring environment. It means so much to her, and obviously to me.
Pat Mattingly