A Light in the Window

A Light in the Window

Susan Hoyle, pastor Trinity UMC

It’s that time of year when the days are shorter and it gets dark about 5:00 p.m.  The wind has been cold these last few days and the sunshine has been a blessing.  All of a sudden we’re in the middle of fall with winter approaching much too soon.  Our thoughts turn towards keeping warm, getting the coats out and long winter nights.  When we go to bed those comforters quilts and blankets feel so good.  We can’t believe Thanksgiving is just over a week away.  We’re just not ready for all of this!

Yet, there is something that gives us comfort, even on those long, cold nights.  Something that holds meaning, even if we’ve never thought much about it.  And that something is lights.  Lights?  You know the lights we turn on in our homes or perhaps we leave them on when we’re gone somewhere.  Isn’t it comforting when we turn on the lights when we step into a dark house?  Isn’t it comforting when we drive up or walk up to our homes and we see a light all ready turned on?  When the world outside is full of darkness, the lights of our homes, our businesses, our churches, bring us a sense of peace and welcome.  And don’t we all want to feel welcome?

The lights in our homes give us that sense of comfort and there is another light that gives us more comfort than all the lights in the world.  And that light is the light of Christ. The light of Jesus shines for us to light our path, to provide us with His comfort and to illuminate the world in a way that shows us the journey He wants us to travel. 

The Christ light is revealed to us in so many ways.  It is revealed through Holy Scripture, worship, holy conversation and just in sitting with Him and sharing our day.  His light gives us strength, offers us hope and encouragement even on our darkest days.  His light welcomes us and holds us close.  His light is all we need.

The light of Christ is not only for us; it is to be shared with others.  Each time we reach out to serve, each time we share laughter, each time we offer a word of caring, His light shines through us.  We have received His light and now we are told to go into the world and let His light shine.  Without us, as Scripture tells us, how will others know about Him?  Without us, how will others know there is a light that is more comforting, welcoming and loving than any light they have ever known?  Yes, it is up to us to share His light.

How will you share the light of Christ this holiday season?  Will you invite someone to Thanksgiving dinner who has no family?  Will you share your abundance with others so they have a great Thanksgiving meal too?  Will you call someone and tell him or her how grateful you are for all they have done for you in your life?  Yes, how will the light of Christ shine through you this holiday season? 

Let your light shine…amen.

Trinity Talk...A Weekly Newsletter

Trinity Talk

October 2, 2011

Mission Spotlight SEMO Mobile Food Pantry

Trinity hosted the third mobile food pantry on Saturday, September 24.  Forty folks from Trinity served 220 guests which represented 588 people.  Since July, we have served 566 families representing 1596 people.  There’s a lot going on in our gym and dining room while we serve our guests with a light breakfast, conversation and helping carry groceries to their cars.  Those shopping carts are a great help, too.  Wonder what that means?  Well, join us at our next pantry on October 29 to see those carts in action!  There is something to do for everyone and we guarantee that you will be blessed by serving.

New Ministry at Trinity

Jill Gibbs had an idea to offer a new ministry at Trinity and the Sports Breakfast began on Sept. 24.  She contacted the high school volleyball coaches and suggested that the team could watch their games to improve their skills and enjoy a great breakfast at Trinity.  Jill has contacted people to serve in this ministry providing a delicious breakfast while the girls watch the videos. Thanks to Jill and everyone who serves in this new ministry.

From Royal Speidel, Healthy Church Initiative Coach

Dear good people in Trinity,
It was my privilege to be your Healthy Church Initiative Coach for these past eighteen months. Prior to HCI you worked very hard to create a fine church campus, which God will continue to use to help you grow.  You have fine, beautiful buildings.  As you increase your paid staff to help bring in more young families, youth and children, God will raise Trinity to new levels of excitement and growth.  Your gym holds great possibilities for reaching youth in the larger Bloomfield community as well as providing adults a place to enjoy recreational sports.

Small groups at Trinity will provide opportunity for members and friends of the church to both connect as well as to grow in faith in Christ. God has a large number of deeply committed disciples of Jesus Christ in Trinity, who are giving themselves in ministry.  Your worship services provide quality music that most churches cannot afford.  Coupled with Pastor Susan's preaching, God is using them to attract new people to Trinity.  Thank you for the gift of having had a coaching relationship with you, and may God continue to bless you as you make new disciples of Jesus Christ.  God is amazing!    Royal Speidel

Join Us This Wednesday for Supper and Small Groups

Trinity’s small group experiences begin with supper from 5:15-6:15 p.m., JOY worship service at 6:00 p.m. and then small groups at 6:30 p.m.  The groups include carpentry and woodworking with Jim Goforth, Landscaping, Gardening and Irrigation with Josh Monroe, Chrismons with Jan Aslin, WWII with Don Rhodes and Finances, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow with Bill Aslin.  We will also have small groups for our children and youth.  Childcare will be available for our babies and toddlers. You can join a group at any time so we hope you will join us!

It Won’t Be Long Until Trunk or Treat

Trunk or Treat will be October 31 and it will be here before we know it!  Please bring wrapped candy to share with the kids of Bloomfield.  There is a basket in the hallway.  Thanks for your generosity!

Trinity Events This Week

Tuesday        TUMC Girls meet at 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday   Supper and Small Groups begins with supper from 5:15-6:15, JOY @ 6:00 and small                   groups @ 6:30.

Thursday       TUMC Yard Sale begins on Thursday through Saturday morning.

October 22   Work day at Trinity.

                 

PRAYER CONCERNS AND PRAISE REPORTS

Family of Betty Evans-Betty died early Saturday morning.  The visitation is Tuesday from 9:30-11:30 a.m.  Funeral is at 11:30 a.m. at Rainey-Mathis in Dexter.

Family of Janet Knoderer-Cissy Williams’s mom died on Thursday.

Jackie Kalinowski--“Second mom” of Pastor Susan who has lung cancer.

Dan Duncan-Friend of Vicky Breece and cancer has spread to his bones, chest cavity and lungs.

Sue Welborn-Fell and broke her wrist, had surgery on Wednesday.

Kenny Orton-Friend of Charles Jackson who is critically ill.

Robert King, Janie and 11 year old daughter, Liza-Robert found out this week the cancer is terminal and the family has huge medical bills.  He is from Essex.

Karl Hanner-Serious medical problems, relative of Shirley Hanner.

Sherry Freeman-Serious medical condition, friend of Shirley Hanner.

John Gandt-He is serving in Egypt, son of Don and Ginny.

Linda Talley-Kristine Jackson’s mom who has cancer.

Craig Thorn-Injured at work, neck surgery soon.

Anson Knoderer-Father of Cissy Williams who have serious health concerns.

Kathy Jones-Received treatments and cancer counts are going down.  She had a back procedure that was not successful but the pain is being controlled by meds.

Sarah White             Charlie Glass             Greg Hall              Mucuacua UMC   Military

                       

Trinity Talk...A Weekly Newsletter

Trinity Talk

September 18, 2011

Mission Spotlight  Risk Taking Mission and Service Opportunity

Join us this Saturday, September 24 at 7:00 a.m. for our SEMO Mobile Food Pantry.  Since we began this new risk taking mission ministry in July we have served 1001 people!  Food will be distributed at 8:00 a.m. and we need your help in serving our guests.  See Pastor Susan for more details.

Thank You for Your Continued Generosity, George Ashley

Trinity has once again been the recipient of a generous gift for our building fund from former member, George Ashley.  Mr. Ashley was active in Trinity in the mid l940's - (yes, there are some of us still living!!)  He worked especially with the youth of the church as well as holding other responsible positions.  Although he later moved from Bloomfield, he has never forgotten Trinity.  His interest in our church has remained and he regularly sends a monetary gift for our projects.  Our thanks and appreciation goes out to him as well as our prayers for him.

Trinity’s Fall Yard Sale October 6-8

It’s that time of year for fall yard sales as folks clean out closets and garages or you just decide to give away excess “stuff.”  We will gladly take your “stuff” for our fall yard sale from October 6-8 and we need items from clothing to jewelry to furniture.  You can begin to bring your items the week of October 2.  Questions?  See Cathy Chasteen.

Gospel Concert

The 81^st Missouri Mid-South Gospel Singing convention is Friday and Saturday September 23 and 24 at 5:30 p.m. each evening in the Malden Community Center, Business Highway 25.  There are 26 gospel groups performing and you won’t want to miss it.  For more info call 573/276-5557.

Assembly of God Food Pantry Item for September

The September food item is cereal.  The Assembly of God food pantry is very grateful for our offerings because they are receiving less and less from their food sources.  Brenda McRoy wants you to know how appreciative they are…

Coming this Fall to Trinity…

Mark your calendars for September 28 for Trinity’s new line up of small group experiences.  We’ll have supper from 5:15-6:15 p.m., JOY worship service at 6:00 p.m. and then small groups at 6:30 p.m.  We will also have small groups for our children and youth.  Childcare will be available for our babies and toddlers.

Festival of Sharing October 1 at First UMC Dexter

It’s that time of year again when we have the opportunity to participate in the Festival of Sharing  where churches from many denominations become the hands and feet of Jesus in their towns and neighborhoods.  How?  Through the kits and other supplies that help folks in so many ways.  With all the flooding this year, the clean up buckets helped thousands of Missourians begin to “clean up the mess” in their homes and businesses.  One thousand “flood buckets” or emergency clean up buckets were sent to Poplar Bluff and 500 to Sikeston.  We really do make a difference to our brothers and sisters going through such difficult times.  We also have the opportunity to join several churches as we bag rice and beans for food pantries all across Southeast Missouri.  We have a great time getting to know folks while “we work for Jesus.”  Please let Pastor Susan know if you can help and the list is below for the most needed kits.

EMERGENCY CLEAN-UP BUCKET

1 five-gallon bucket with re-sealable lid
1 dry laundry detergent, 50-78 oz.
1 roll heavy-duty trash bags, 24 to 28 count (30-45 gallon) ( remove from box)
1 bottle liquid concentrated house-hold cleaner (like Lysol®), 12 oz.
1 bottle liquid antibacterial dish soap, (like Dawn®), 25 oz.
Clothesline, two 50 ft. or one 100 ft.
50 clothes pins
1 scrub brush (remove packaging)
1 pair work gloves
2 pairs latex gloves (like Playtex®)
7 sponges, assorted sizes
5 scouring pads
18 cleaning towels, (reusable, like Easy Wipes® NO Cotton towels)
5 dust masks
1 bottle insect repellant (drops or lotion, not aerosol) 6-14 oz.

Please purchase all liquids in plastic bottles. Send only new, unopened materials. Make sure lids on bottles are tightly closed. Put all items in the plastic bucket, making sure they are packed securely to avoid damage during shipment. Seal lid with packing tape.

Paper Products Pack - Place all items in a tall-sized kitchen trash bag.

2 pkgs toilet tissue (4- double rolls)
3 rolls paper towels (good quality)
2 facial tissue (large rectangular boxes )

Family Food Pack - Place items in a sturdy box or book carton, tape and label “Family Food Pack.

6 cans assorted vegetables
6 cans assorted fruits
6 cans tuna
2 cans pasta sauce
2 pounds pasta
2 jars peanut butter
2 cans Spam
2 pounds rice
2 pounds dried pinto beans
6 packages macaroni & cheese
 

Trinity Events This Week

Tuesday        Church Council meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday   JOY worship service at 6:00 p.m.

Saturday       SEMO Mobile Food Pantry

September 30 Backpacks of Love, mission opportunity at Osage Center, Cape Girardeau

PRAYER CONCERNS AND PRAISE REPORTS

Betty Evans-At home with hospice care.

James Hendley-He is hospitalized at Southeast Hospital.

Cindy O’Neal-She has kidney stones and is in a lot of pain.

John Gandt-He is serving in Egypt, son of Don and Ginny.

John Vine-Friend of Lynn Williamson who is hospitalized for tests.

Penny Parks and her son, Robert, Jr.-For a closer relationship.

Anson and Janet Knoderer-Parents of Cissy Williams who have serious health concerns.

Patrick Merick-He has 10 additional chemo treatments for a new cancerous mass.

Kathy Jones-She has cancer.

Sarah White             Charlie Glass             Greg Hall              Mucuacua UMC          Military

                       

Trinity Talk...A Weekly Newsletter

Trinity Talk

September 11, 2011

Mission Spotlight  Risk Taking Mission and Service Opportunity

We have the opportunity to serve over 350 children on Friday, Sept. 30 from 4:00-8:00 p.m.  How?  Southeast Missouri Food Bank in Cape Girardeau is asking for volunteers to pack Backpacks for Friday program with food.  This is an important program for hungry kids in our area.  Teachers identify kids who may not have enough to eat on weekends when there are not school breakfasts and lunches.  This identification comes in several ways including a lack of performance in school, more illnesses than most kids and other indicators and their parents are asked if they would like a backpack of food sent home each Friday.  There is enough food for a family of 4 for the weekend.   It will be a great time to serve kids in our area.  In the 16 county area around us, the child hunger rate is nearly 30%.  That means 30% of all children and youth go to bed hungry.  Please contact Pastor Susan for more information.  We hope you can join us for this important mission opportunity.

Trinity’s Fall Yard Sale October 6-8

It’s that time of year for fall yard sales as folks clean out closets and garages or you just decide to give away excess “stuff.”  We will gladly take your “stuff” for our fall yard sale from October 6-8 and we need items from clothing to jewelry to furniture.  You can begin to bring your items the week of October 2.  Questions?  See Cathy Chasteen.

Pastor Susan will be at a conference in Sedalia from today until

Wednesday.  If there is an emergency, please call her cell, 421-3706.

Betty Evans address if you would like to send her a card:

Barnes-Jewish Hospital South
One Barnes-Jewish Hospital Plaza

St. Louis, MO 63110

Assembly of God Food Pantry Item for September

The September food item is cereal.  The Assembly of God food pantry is very grateful for our offerings because they are receiving less and less from their food sources.  Brenda McRoy wants you to know how appreciative they are…

Coming this Fall to Trinity…

Mark your calendars for September 28 for Trinity’s new line up of small group experiences.  We’ll have supper from 5:15-6:15 p.m., JOY worship service at 6:00 p.m. and then small groups at 6:30 p.m.  We will also have small groups for our children and youth.  Childcare will be available for our babies and toddlers.

Festival of Sharing October 1 at First UMC Dexter

It’s that time of year again when we have the opportunity to participate in the Festival of Sharing  where churches from many denominations become the hands and feet of Jesus in their towns and neighborhoods.  How?  Through the kits and other supplies that help folks in so many ways.  With all the flooding this year, the clean up buckets helped thousands of Missourians begin to “clean up the mess” in their homes and businesses.  One thousand “flood buckets” or emergency clean up buckets were sent to Poplar Bluff and 500 to Sikeston.  We really do make a difference to our brothers and sisters going through such difficult times.  We also have the opportunity to join several churches as we bag rice and beans for food pantries all across Southeast Missouri.  We have a great time getting to know folks while “we work for Jesus.”  Please let Pastor Susan know if you can help and the list is below for the most needed kits.

EMERGENCY CLEAN-UP BUCKET

1 five-gallon bucket with re-sealable lid
1 dry laundry detergent, 50-78 oz.
1 roll heavy-duty trash bags, 24 to 28 count (30-45 gallon) ( remove from box)
1 bottle liquid concentrated house-hold cleaner (like Lysol®), 12 oz.
1 bottle liquid antibacterial dish soap, (like Dawn®), 25 oz.
Clothesline, two 50 ft. or one 100 ft.
50 clothes pins
1 scrub brush (remove packaging)
1 pair work gloves
2 pairs latex gloves (like Playtex®)
7 sponges, assorted sizes
5 scouring pads
18 cleaning towels, (reusable, like Easy Wipes® NO Cotton towels)
5 dust masks
1 bottle insect repellant (drops or lotion, not aerosol) 6-14 oz.

Please purchase all liquids in plastic bottles. Send only new, unopened materials. Make sure lids on bottles are tightly closed. Put all items in the plastic bucket, making sure they are packed securely to avoid damage during shipment. Seal lid with packing tape.

Paper Products Pack - Place all items in a tall-sized kitchen trash bag.

2 pkgs toilet tissue (4- double rolls)
3 rolls paper towels (good quality)
2 facial tissue (large rectangular boxes )

Family Food Pack - Place items in a sturdy box or book carton, tape and label “Family Food Pack.

6 cans assorted vegetables
6 cans assorted fruits
6 cans tuna
2 cans pasta sauce
2 pounds pasta
2 jars peanut butter
2 cans Spam
2 pounds rice
2 pounds dried pinto beans
6 packages macaroni & cheese
 

Blankets are also needed.

Trinity Events

Wednesday   JOY worship service cancelled this week.

Sept. 20        Church Council meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 24        SEMO Mobile Food Pantry

PRAYER CONCERNS AND PRAISE REPORTS

Family of Dale Hudgens-Father of Charlotte Phillips.

Penny Parks and her son, Robert, Jr.-For a closer relationship.

Barbara Keating-Pat Snider’s sister who is hospitalized for shortness of breath.

Betty Evans-Hospitalized at Barnes awaiting the next steps.

Anson and Janet Knoderer-Parents of Cissy Williams who have serious health concerns.

Patrick Merick-He has 10 additional chemo treatments for a new cancerous mass.

Kathy Jones-She has cancer.

Sarah White             Charlie Glass             Greg Hall              Mucuacua UMC          Military