LOVE LEARN LIVE LEAD December 2017 Bringing hope to the hurting to Trinity UMC newsletter | tumchtown.org | 717-566-0252 rewrite stories one life at a time. Final 175th celebration to aid new small groups New ministries are like new babies. They're new life that brings joy and excitement and a reason to celebrate! As a final installment of our 175th Anniversary, the team is throwing a baby shower to launch our director of Ministry Advancement, Ashlee Benson well on her way. On Sunday, Dec. 17, A GRAND CELEBRATION! — We continued our 175th Anniversary Celebration with you’re invited to bring a special morning of music at all three services on Nov. 12. Disciples and the congrega- tion joined the Sanctuary and FIJET choirs, the Trinity ringers, organist Faith Matthews, gifts of supplies, materi- two violinists, a trumpeter, and a percussionist, for our specially commissioned arrange- als, books and DVDs to ment of “Lord of the Dance.” Special thanks to all of the wonderful musicians who made resource small group this possible! ministries into 2018 and beyond. Ashlee has set up a web-based gift registry Sermon Series: First Christmas It was a night that no God makes life out of Continued on page 2 one would forget. The barren places. As an old night the Christ Child woman, Elizabeth never Inside this issue: was born. But what was thought she would hear Pastor Update 2 it like for those who the laughter of her own Mission Focus 3 were there? What did child, but God makes a they think God was do- way. Live & Lead Opportunities 4 ing? This Christmas go My Story 5 back to the first Christ- Dec. 10—Just Joseph and walked by faith. Discipleship 6 mas and experience your Matthew 1:18-25, Ash- Christmas through lee Benson Dec. 17—Mild Mary Children & Youth 7-8 someone else’s eyes. Why me? It was going Luke 1:46-55 Christmas Information 9 through his head, but Always the picture of My Story 10 Dec. 3—Elated you wouldn’t know it by quiet reserve, who Elizabeth his actions. Joseph was a would guess God would Mission Memories 11 Luke 1:5-19, 24-25 man who trusted God Continued on page 4 Page 2 LOVE LEARN LIVE LEAD Pastor’s Update: Who has the greater influence? In the lounge of the this all-consuming void. room, but not me. monastery, there is a tall That is, until you turn off As I returned from wide window with a the lights. chapel, I noticed the beautiful view of the In front of the window striking clarity of the southern sky. During the sits a powder blue swiv- open skies above. The day, from this vantage el chair with just enough clouds had been swept point, you can see the rock that you can rest away and the air was apple orchard the monks your feet on the sill. Be- cool and crisp. Light pol- use to make cider and hind me to the right is a lution that mires the the grazing sheep whose small wooden statue suburbs isn’t a problem wool keeps the monks highlighted by a soft here in the country. I warm. In the distance, spotlight. It’s not over- could see hundreds of small homes dot the powering, but in the ab- stars scattered across ridgeline a few miles sence of other lights, it the heavens. As I pre- away. casts just enough illumi- pared my coffee, I Pastor Jason But at night and in the nation to make out the thought, “I’ll turn out the [email protected] early morning after Vig- silhouettes of the furni- light and sit in front of As light invaded the ils, the window is black. ture peppered through- the window. I wonder room it bounced off the Nothing but darkness out the room. Naturally, what I’ll see?” Sure window. No more was it seems to come from this a normal person would enough, the window de- a portal to the splendor opening and light seems want this light turned on livered on its usual of the universe, but now to be swallowed up by when you enter the glimpse into the excep- it was a dim reflection of tional beauty of God’s the room behind me. “Baby shower” to kick off creation. As I impatiently wait- As I sat and stared, ed for my visitor to small groups closes 175th mesmerized by the glis- leave, I wondered how anniversary celebration tening lights, more stars often the “greater” began to emerge. My drowns out the “lesser” Continued from page 1 eyes were adjusting to and maybe more im- for resourcing small the darkness and I was portantly how often is group development better able to appreciate the “greater” truly and growth at the show—that is until “greater”? Just because myregistry.com/ someone turned on the something is stronger or giftlist/tumchtown light. louder or larger or faster smallgroups. Immediately my pu- doesn’t make it God has poured pils tightened, assaulted “greater”. Whose influ- out His blessing on by the unwelcome in- ence is “greater” in our our community and doing “life together in Jesus” in truder. The stars that lives and is it the small groups is a traditional and a contemporary way of just a moment early had “greater” God would life at Trinity. We come together in small groups to pray, brilliantly decorated the have for us? to be present, to give, to serve, and to witness the night sky had now van- As I sat before the mighty work of God in our lives. The baby shower will ished into a sea of black. window I knew the be included at all three worship services on Dec 17. He didn’t mean to dis- “greater” light was Info for the gift registry and for monetary gifts will rupt my moment with drowning out the also be available at the info desk. Let us come with a God. He was just trying “greater” lights, so I sense of expectation and wonder in seeing how God will to make it to the kitchen, closed my eyes and develop and grow future disciples so that Trinity may but in that moment, I waited. grow and sustain vital ministries in bringing God’s grace, lost the stars. Pastor Jason hope, peace, and love to a hurting world. DECEMBER 2017 LOVE LEARN LIVE LEAD Page 3 December Mission Focus: Hummelstown Food Pantry A generous person will prosper; open hours on Wednesday and whoever refreshes others will be Thursdays, your help is always refreshed. Proverbs 11:25 (NIV) welcome. Stop in or call 717-566- Just a block down Main Street in 2589 and leave a message and the basement of Zion Lutheran someone will get back to you as Church, Trinity disciples can soon as they can. demonstrate love, live our faith, To help with food donations and lead in our community by year-round, Trinity disciples can supporting the Hummelstown place items in the large plastic Thank you for the support Pat Food Pantry. This long-standing tote located just inside the park- and I received from our Trinity fami- ministry serves the residents of ing lot entrance doors marked, ly with the unexpected death of our daughter-in-law, Amy Aungst. Willis & Pat Aungst

The Covenant Sunday School class would like to thank our Trinity church family for supporting our ham loaf sale. Our class supports Daystar drug rehab, the Shepherd's Closet, the Youth mission trip, and also scholarships for LENS. Covenant Class

Hummelstown who require assis- “Food Bank Donations.” Monetary Dear Trinity UMC, tance with their grocery needs. donations made to Trinity’s On behalf of Habitat for Humani- The pantry is sponsored and Monthly Mission Focus during the supported by the Hummelstown month of December will benefit ty of the Greater Harrisburg Area, Ministerium and is directed, the Hummelstown Food Pantry. we’d like to extend our thanks to supervised and managed solely by Monetary donations are used by your team for volunteering on volunteers from the Hummel- the ministry to purchase discount- Oct. 28, at our demo site in Steel- stown area. The Hummelstown ed food from the Pennsylvania ton. It was a pleasure having such a Food Pantry also is a partner Food Bank. Items that are pur- wonderful group of people working agency of the Central Pennsylva- chased include dairy products and alongside our Habitat crew. nia Food Bank. other perishables that help pro- Harrisburg Habitat has been able Recent renovations allow the 80 vide a well-balanced diet to those to accomplish a great deal in our -90 families that receive weekly in need. community thanks to the support of support to be served more effi- Your generosity helps change volunteers like you! Together we ciently. Volunteers are always lives and provide hope to many in can ensure that safe, decent hous- needed and can serve in a variety need. By doing this, we improve ing remains within reach of deserv- of capacities. From administrative our community and make our ing families. work to lifting, sorting, packing, town a better place for all to live. Again, thank you so much for and operating the pantry during Missions Team generously donating your time, and we hope to see you out volunteer- ing again in the future! Suzanne Hartman Volunteer coordinator

DECEMBER 2017 Page 4 LOVE LEARN LIVE LEAD Volunteers needed for crucial roles in media ministry Do you use a computer? four-week rotational schedule. Almost everybody does You do not need to be an ex- these days. If you’re com- pert! Training will be provided. fortable using basic tech- Responsible teens and adults nology, have we got an op- are welcome. portunity for you to assist Can you give 60 to 90 with a vital ministry area: minutes of your time once a worship media. month to help create a mean- Chris Cartwright, our ingful worship experience for media director, needs several vol- Presentation operators use a all? For more info or to sign up for unteers to help with audio presen- computer to run the worship training, contact Chris at ccart- tation duties during the Sunday slideshow which includes advanc- wright@tumc htown.org worship services so he can be free ing slides of song lyrics, teaching to direct and troubleshoot as nec- notes used during the sermon, Sermon Series: essary. and playing pre-recorded backing Audio operators are responsible tracks for musical performances. First Christmas for managing levels of the various Anyone with a basic familiarity Continued from page 1 audio channels on the sound- with computers could manage make her the mother of a revolu- board: muting, unmuting, and ad- this. tion. But then, that’s what a baby justing volume as needed. It’s an Ideally, we’d love to have does. It’s a sudden, complete, and ideal job for persons interested in enough volunteers that each work marked change of the establish- music or audio in general. only one service on a Sunday on a ment.

Dec. 24, morning—Innocent Innkeepers Isaiah 49:5-9a What does Jesus look like? Apparently he’s hard to recognize. For more than 2,000 years a first- century hotel chain has bemoaned, “If only I had known!”

Looking for ways to SERVE? Check here for opportunities, and connect Dec. 24, Christmas Eve— with the contact person for more info on the ministry. If your group or minis- Surprised Shepherds try area has a need, contact Kay Baxter, ministry placement coordinator, at Luke 2:1-14 [email protected] or 717-612-8346 to advertise. When is Christmas? It’s more •Join the Prayer Team in praying for the needs and concerns of our con- than a day or a service. It’s a mo- gregation. The team meets the first Wednesday of each month in office 103 ment. How we experience that at 6 PM. Prayer requests are sent weekly via email to the team. Contact moment and what it means to Sarah Ordille for more info at [email protected] or 717-433-2149. each of us is different. The point is •Volunteers are needed to help the media director during the Sunday to never let it pass you by. worship services with audio and video presentation. See the article above for more info. Contact Chris Cartwright at [email protected]. Dec. 31—Worshipful Wisemen •Plans are now being made for Trinity’s 2018 Relay for Life Team. If you Matthew 2:1-12 or someon you love has been touched by cancer, come join the fight. For We all know we can’t buy happi- info contact Jayme Roush at [email protected] or 717-389-5535. •Persons are needed to staff the info desk for the 11 AM worship service. ness, but that doesn’t stop us from Training is provided. Contact Becky Bittinger at 717-564-4357 or bitts3d@ looking for it at our favorite comcast.net stores. The wisdom of the magi is that they found it in Christ.

DECEMBER 2017 LOVE LEARN LIVE LEAD Page 5 Find your PLACE to serve in ministry at Trinity Disciples are LEARNing abilities, passions, and life and LEADing at Trinity by experiences equip them finding their PLACE in for ministry in the church ministry with our devel- and/or community. The in opment program and we -depth study enables par- can’t wait to see what ticipants to examine how God has in store for each person can use their them! unique combination of November saw six per- traits to help build the sons recognized for com- body of Christ. pleting the fall PLACE The PLACE program is workshop. Pat Aungst, beneficial for both long- Karen Beaver-Hitz, Kathy time disciples and per- Carter, and Ruthann sons new to faith. Disciple Fall PLACE grads (from left) Mary Verdelli-Wise, Tami Roth, Mengle attended the Ruthann Mengle said the Ruthann Mengle, and Kathy Carter. Monday group facilitated workshop “gave me time God made you? Plan to For more info, please by Donna Friedrich and for self-awareness and participate in one of the contact any of the facili- Kay Baxter while Tami thought of who I really Spring PLACE workshops. tators: Donna Friedrich Roth and Mary Verdelli- am,” while Mary Verdell- An evening session meets (dfriedrich17@gmail. Wise attended the Thurs- Wise felt she “gained new Mondays, 6:30-8 PM com), George DeJoseph day group led by George insight and awareness of beginning April 9, 2018, (gdejoe@ gmail.com), or DeJoseph and Kay Baxter. the differentiation be- and a morning workshop Kay Baxter (kbaxter570@ During five sessions, tween spiritual gifts and will run 10-11:30 AM on comcast.net). each person investigated natural abilities.” Thursdays beginning April how their particular per- Ready to better under- 5, 2018. Each session runs sonality, spiritual gifts, stand yourself and how five weeks.

Disciple I class completes studies

Twenty disciples recently prepared and gathered weekly to review 34 lessons emphasizing the wholeness of the Bible as a revelation of God using the Disciple I Bible Study materials. Per- sonal Bible reading, study, and dynamic group discussion fostered a greater un- derstanding of God’s love for His people through the scriptures of the old and new testaments. Studying the story of God’s people in scripture opened hearts and minds to share Nan and Tom Brazell, Pam Crist, Nancy personal stories of triumph and struggle Klinger, Elnoise Kremer, Bonnie giving one another strength to navigate the Loomis, Ruthann Mengle, Bill and Lois sorrow and the joy that we all encounter in Nordai, Barbara Roy, Bobby and Joyce daily living. Snyder, Sharon Sturgill, Brett Thackara, Facilitated by Joe Popp and Christy Steve and Sue Waller, and Jeremy and Mackey, those completing the course Mary Wise. include: Stephanie Banning, Kay Baxter, Congratulations to the class! DECEMBER 2017 Page 6 LOVE LEARN LIVE LEAD I’m fearfully & wonderfully made...now what? In 2011, even though I was a that felt mismatched. This time I had peace. Two college graduate and had two weeks of consideration turned into a few months, yet years of living in the real world I still had peace. under my belt, I still felt im- I discussed the idea with the woman whom had mensely confused and direction- mentored me for many years, and she agreed this was less. What was God’s purpose a call I should explore further. I got a call to serve for my life? How was I supposed God, and I had the support of those who knew me to use the gifts and personality best. I went into ministry shortly after the call, and God gave me to benefit the king- within a year I was in seminary. Being obedient to dom? God’s call has changed my life in every way. I have One Sunday, as I sat in church purpose now, and my life has direction and meaning. listening to a sermon, something Ashlee Benson Have you been called by God to serve in some way? happened. I don’t remember [email protected] Is there fear around stepping into and following God’s anything that was said, but I re- call in your life? Maybe you’re not entirely sure what member who was preaching. I perked up, because I God’s call in your life is, but you’d love to find out! felt like God wanted me to pay attention to who was Everyone has a call, and you were made to fulfill speaking. Was I being called into ministry? Was I sup- yours. Don’t let two weeks of consideration turn into posed to be a pastor? five years of denying God’s call. If you’ve been called I had spent the previous two years exploring one by God to lead a small group, serve at the info desk on potential career after the next. Inevitably, after a few Sunday mornings, or any of the other varied minis- days I would realize it was time to move on and con- tries we have at Trinity, please take time to write on sider something new. While some ideas felt off right the communication card your name and any info re- way, others felt somewhat right, but not completely. lating to the call God has placed in your life. This time was different though. Did God want me to I’d love to connect with you, hear the call God has be a pastor? given, affirm that call, and find a place for you to I’d been down this road before. I knew the journey serve! You are fearfully and wonderfully made, and and knew if it wasn’t right, I would quickly come to we want to find out what God made you to do! that conclusion. I decided to mull it over for two Ashlee Benson weeks. During that time, I considered this call from Director of Ministry Advancement every possible angle, but this time, there was nothing

GROWING DISCIPLES — Fall was a growing season for Trinity! On Nov. 12, we wel- comed Anna and Brian Maissen into discipleship at the Celebration service while the 11 AM Traditions service celebrated the baptism of Harper, daughter of Ashley and James Hale. Congratulations and welcome to the Trinity family!

DECEMBER 2017 LOVE LEARN LIVE LEAD Page 7 Why you should keep taking your kids to church even when it feels pointless The following is the second part of a member. It was this habit that whom, Lord willing, will be along- series begun in the November edition pulled me through as I doubted side them as they come into their of the newsletter. my faith in my adolescence. faith. Every Sunday families face the While on the subject of behavior They are also meeting adults monumental challenge of getting and habit-making: what a great who are praying for them, teach- out the door and to the service on way to teach, practice, and live ing them, guiding them, and set- time. It’s easy to find excuses to grace. Our salvation isn’t depend- ting an example of a godly life. As stay home, but even on the most ent on our behavior, so don’t an adult, I now see that some of stressful mornings it’s important make church attendance behavior my fiercest prayer warriors are that Christian parents haul their -dependent, either. Our children the adults who have prayed for me families to church, even if we just need grace, and so do we. Regard- since my baptism. They prayed for feel like we are going through the less of how the children are acting me when I left for college and kept motions. Children see what we do during worship, if worship in- me connected to the body of Christ and, as my pastor re- as I struggled to minds us regularly, find a church home they love what we in early adulthood. love. The struggle to These peers, attend regular wor- prayer warriors, ship reinforces to our teachers, and men- children that church tors are essential to is a priority. your child’s spiritu- You Are Creating al well-being. We Habits that Will live in a time when Smooth the Future fewer and fewer Train up a child in the other associations way he should go; will uphold the even when he is old he gospel. With the will not depart from it. secularization of Proverbs 22:6. the communities in If we wait until we which we live, our have perfectly well- children will lean behaved children to bring them to volves entering the presence of even more on their church com- church, it’s likely Jesus will have God, then what better time than munity to help bear the burdens already returned. Looking back, with screaming children to experi- that are inevitable to the human things only got more difficult for ence such a grace. experience. my parents as my sister and I got You Are Introducing Your Kids Emily Carrington is a housewife and older. I have distinct memories of to a Lifelong Community nonprofit consultant in Hillsdale, my dad sitting in the station wag- So you got to church and you Michigan. She is also a co-founder of on idling in the driveway while survived the service, but you can’t the start-up nonprofit organization my mom herded us out the door. repeat any points from the ser- the Early Pregnancy Loss Associa- Once I could drive we would of- mon and your child was throwing tion. ten take three cars to get four peo- a fit so epic no one could focus on ple to church because nobody the sacraments. Wasted time, could get out the door on time to right? No. Your time after the ser- suit my father. But we followed vice, while perhaps not as essen- his lead. Going to church wasn’t tial as participating in the word debatable, and nobody had to tell and sacrament, is an important us that. This was simply the estab- part of being part of the body. lished order as long as I can re- Your children are meeting peers DECEMBER 2017 Page 8 LOVE LEARN LIVE LEAD

Thanksgiving food drive feeds local families A huge thank you to everyone who contribut- ed to Children & Youth Ministries’ annual food drive! TUMY and the Promised Land kids hit the streets twice before the holiday to pass out fliers and then returned to collect food. The crew was blessed with an abun- dance of food to share with 13 families! Thank you for supporting this annual commu- nity outreach effort!

DECEMBER VOLUNTEER SCHEDULES

CONGREGATIONAL CARE DATE CONTACT NUMBER Dec. 3-9 Dottie Seibert 717-566-8951 Join TUMY at Dec. 10–16 Karen Schankweiler 717-566-8438 Hoss’s for mission Dec. 17–23 Claude Keefer 717-689-0619 Dec. 24–Dec. 30 Sue Noriega 717-329-1434 trip fundraiser Dec. 31–Jan. 6 Judy Thrasher 717-566-5737 Warm bread, fresh salad, hot CELEBRATION SERVICE GREETERS soup…and don’t forget dessert! You can get it all and more when you DATE MAIN ALTAR help send TUMY on the 2018 Mis- Dec. 3 Pat & Peg Allen Gail Blefko sion Trip by eating at Hoss’s Restau- Dec. 10 Kerrin Lutz Tana Andrione rant on Wednesday, Dec. 6. Dec. 17 John & Barb Bowser Karen Hoerner Come Dec. 24 Tana Andrione Heather Baxter out and Dec. 31 Derrick & Michele Grossman Linda Lebo enjoy lunch or COFFEE HOUR SCHEDULE dinner at YOU are invited to Hoss’s DATE GROUP serve! To learn where and you’ll Dec. 3 Children & Youth Ministries you can “plug in” and help send TUMY on their 2018 Mis- Dec. 10 Relay for Life Team sion Trip to Blue Knob. You must serve, contact Kay Dec. 17 Celebration Class present a fundraising flier to benefit Dec. 24 Congregational Share Baxter, ministry TUMY. Fliers are available at the Dec. 31 Early Risers Bible Study placement coordinator, back of the sanctuary, or at the infor- at 717-612-8346 or mation desk in the lobby. TV MONITOR by email kbaxter570 Trinity has 31 youth attending

@comcast.net. this year, with five adult leaders, so Karen Shutt your support is greatly appreciated! [email protected]

DECEMBER 2017 LOVE LEARN LIVE LEAD Page 9 Helping hands needed for Christmas Eve hospitality It’s such a joy to wel- and service time. Some- Greeters: Serve at the Ushers: Duties in- come guests to Trinity at one will contact you to parking lot or Main clude handing out bulle- the holidays! As we cele- answer any questions Street entrances and tins and candles, at the brate the birth of Jesus, front or doors of the your help is needed at sanctuary and collect Christmas Eve service to the offering. Ushers help everyone feel wel- report to their stations come. 30minutes before the Service times are 4, 6, start of the service. 8, and 11 PM. Please We hope you’ll join in consider how you can serving on Christmas serve in one of these po- Eve and let all who en- sitions. To volunteer, and confirm your time provide a WARM greet- ter know they’re please mark the back of and duties for the ser- ing to all who enter. welcome at Trinity. the communication card vice. You may also stop Greeters report to their Becky Bittinger in worship with your by the info desk any stations 30 minutes Hospitality Team name, phone number, Sunday to sign up. before the service. Schedule of Christmas Eve services What is a Jesse Tree? If you’re like Pastor Jason, Christmas can’t come soon enough! With Christmas Eve fall- For years, Trinity has observed the tradition of provid- ing on a Sunday this year, our staff ing Christmas gifts for those in need via our Jesse Tree have created the following service program. But, what exactly IS a Jesse Tree? schedule packed with special musical The Jesse Tree represents the family tree, or genealo- performances. Plan to bring your fam- gy, of Jesus Christ, and the name "Jesse Tree" comes ily and join in celebrating our Savior’s from Isaiah 11:1: "Then a shoot will spring from the birth at Trinity! stem of Jesse, and a branch from his roots will bear fruit." (NASB) The verse refers to King David's father, Saturday, Dec. 23, 6 PM Jesse, who is in the lineage of Jesus Christ. The "shoot" Our “Christmas Adam” program will feature the that grew from the "stem of Jesse," or the royal line of musical, “Star of Wonder,” by our FIJET Children’s David, is Jesus Christ. Choir with a special children’s message and refresh- At Trinity, the Covenant Sunday School class provides ments to follow. an opportunity for you to reach out to children in the Lower Dauphin School District. Families in need are Sunday, Dec. 24, Christmas Eve Worship identified by the school nurses at Nye, Conewago, Lon- 8 AM Traditions Worship – Our Sanctuary Choir donderry, and South Hanover elementary schools. Each presents a special cantata followed by the message. child in the family receives two gifts, one of clothing and 9:30 AM Celebration Worship – If you missed the a toy or game. Children are identified by number, Christmas Adam performance, catch the encore of names are known only to the school nurses. the FIJET musical followed by the message. Trees in the narthex are decorated with paper orna- ments containing child’s age, gender, clothing sizes, and Sunday, Dec. 24, Christmas Eve Services hobby interests. Wrapped gifts with the paper orna- 4 PM – Celebration worship with the Praise Band. ment attached must be returned before Sunday, Dec. 6 PM – Traditions worship with candle lighting. 17. Gifts will be delivered to school nurses on Monday, 8 PM – Bell Choir Recital followed by Traditions Dec. 18, for distribution. worship at 8:30 PM. Won’t you help make a local family’s holiday a little 11 PM – Candle-lit casual worship. brighter this year by shopping for a Jesse Tree family? Covenant Class DECEMBER 2017 Page 10 LOVE LEARN LIVE LEAD My Story: Ashlee Benson When I was a child, religion did- spiritual growth that was some- n’t play a role in my home, but I thing no class could prepare me always felt very spiritually con- for. After five and a half long years nected to something bigger than in seminary, with a master’s de- myself. Things changed when my gree fresh in hand, we set out to maternal grandmother came to see where God would send us. faith later in life. My mom and I The first day I sat down to start followed suit. It wasn’t long until I looking for jobs, I came upon the was involved in a local church in Director of Ministry Advancement Dallas, and began to understand position here at Trinity, and the God-ordained connection I quickly applied. Even though this had felt for so long. Sadly, I grew was the first job I applied for, it tired of the message of Jesus being just felt right. I began to realize overshadowed by hypocritical that the opportunity at Trinity messengers of Christ. I made the was another puzzle piece in God’s decision to stop going to church, plan for my life. even though I still considered my- Ashlee Benson and Tré Maslik God, as before, had been leading self a “Christian.” a puzzle in my spirit, and every- me through the confusing un- A few years later, my parents thing I had been through and felt known to a place I would eventu- divorced, and my mom decided made sense, instantly. I had been ally call home. Belongings packed, that she was going to move to Or- a “Christian,” and ironically, a and with two cats in tow, we egon. In the angst of my youth, I poor one at that, but in that mo- made the week-long journey decided that Texas was a place ment, I dropped everything, and across the country to discover the that simply had too many bad became a follower of Christ. family God had in store for us at memories, and I followed her. One A short time later, it became Trinity. I am so grateful that God day, I had used up all my excuses, clear that seminary was now the has blessed us with the Trinity and my mom was able to finally next step in my spiritual journey. family, and I cannot wait to see get me to attend a local church. During seminary, I met my part- the ways in which God continues As I sat listening to the preacher ner, Tre , and because of his love, I to grow our family! speak, it was like God put together experienced a whole new level of Ashlee Benson Behind the music: “Abide with Me” in all things In September, I began looking for one who needed them. I looked at I received the files the night before music for our choir and orchestra to the piece and knew it would not be the hurricane made landfall. do together. There are plenty of easy for some of our string players After we performed the piece in places to find music for strings, but since it was in the key of E flat (not worship, I sent Mark the YouTube most offer classical arrangements. very kind to young string musi- link in hopes that he might appreci- Though many classical pieces in- cians). I emailed the composer, ate hearing his work played. He was spire us and can certainly enhance Mark Newman, and asked if he very pleased to see it and asked to worship, they’re not often directly could transpose the piece into a include our link on his website. connected with God. Add in the different key. He was happy to do It was another reminder to me question of “performability,” the so and agreed to send me the files. how music, worship, and relation- need for vocal parts and cost con- I didn’t know where Mark lived, ships often come together to re- sideration, and I was flailing. and when he was delayed in send- mind us God is involved in all details I found an arrangement online of ing me the files I wondered if some- of His world and He cares for us in “Abide with Me” offered for free by thing had happened. It had. Mark times of need. May you experience a composer who was looking to lives in Tallahassee and Hurricane the touch of God this week! share his arrangements with any- Irma was bearing down on Florida. Matthew Dickinson DECEMBER 2017 Choir Director LOVE LEARN LIVE LEAD Page 11 Ukraine Memories: “Jingle Bells” in July Merry Christmas! Did you know one suggested “Jingle proceeded to fit their that in Ukraine they celebrate Bells” and his face lit entire family. They Christmas in January? It's true! up! He enthusiastically were so grateful and Since the main church in Ukraine shook his tambourine appreciative. The is the Orthodox church, they fol- and sang along, in Eng- mom and dad were low the old Julian calendar for lish! I will always re- able to find nearly church holidays. member his beaming new shoes and were While the mission team was in face when I hear that so pleased. They gave Ukraine this past summer, we had song. Bogdan enjoying music. us a bag of quail eggs a Christmas in July experience a Another Christmas as a gift. That is one few times! First, we visited a 13- type experience involved the joy of their cash crops, so it was a big year-old boy, Bogdan, Archie and of giving. The following is team deal.” Ruslan's neighbor. He has Cere- member Robin Isaacson's reflec- “Jingle Bells” in July, suitcases of bral Palsy and cannot get around tion on outfitting a family of 11 shoes and quail eggs...what better without his walker and mother. children with shoes! gifts could there be? This Christ- Since one mission team member “I had read on the Raising Hope mas, I pray you and yours may was a music therapist by profes- website that they were collecting experience the greatest gift of all, sion, we paid them a visit to sing shoes. My girlfriend and I went to the gift of salvation through Jesus while she played the guitar. Jubilee Shop and got 75 pairs of Christ. Please keep Raising Hope Bogdan was eager to strum the shoes from toddler to adult. I took and our brothers and sisters in guitar and shake the bells and oth- them on the trip and while the Ukraine in prayer. And think of er instruments our team member team was on our way to Kiev, we them in January, as they celebrate had brought. Due to the language stopped at the home of a pastor the birth of Christ. barrier, it was hard to find a song with 11 children. We had a suit- Judy Thrasher we all knew. Then suddenly some- case of shoes in assorted sizes and Sierra Leone: Be part of hope Malnutrition is the leading cause ble protein in the form of peanut That’s not a hopeful answer. We of death for a third of the world’s butter. In cooperation with Project need partnerships that will help children under 5. A recent study in Peanut Butter and the Hershey address the challenge. Food scien- Sierra Leone revealed that 22 per- Company, they’re feeding more tists and farmers can help bring cent were underweight, 44 percent than 50,000 children every week! new ideas and best practices. Doc- were stunted, or had a low height I dream of a similar partnership in tors and nurses can provide training for their age and 8 percent were Sierra Leone. I will never forget the in sanitation and education in basic wasted or had a low weight for village we visited and the 100 or so medical care. And entrepreneurs their height. With a child mortality people who gathered to celebrate and businesses can evaluate micro- rate of 267 deaths per 1,000 chil- God’s blessing. Following worship, loans and plant new business ideas dren, almost half of these are they brought out a large pot of to grow this fledgling economy. caused by malnutrition. stew. As honored guests, we were In Sierra Leone, the church is But, there is hope. On Nov. 9, Ju- served first and then the men. hope. The church is hope for educa- dy Cooley, Karen Ocamb, and Mark When we were finished, they took tion, hope for regular food and Kline, shared how they have been our bowls and spoons and fed the clean water, hope for continued reimagining food science for the women. And eventually, as still development of society, and hope developing world. Through long- more bowls became available, the that the Kingdom of God will have term missional efforts, their team children were served…whatever as much of an impact today as it has helped to educate and equip was left. We asked, “What happens promises for our eternal tomorrow! workers in Malawi and Zambia. if there’s not enough?” Sadly, there If you’re interested in being part of They’ve raised the standards of was no happy answer. “They just the 2018 team, talk to me today. sanitation and food safety and in- won’t eat. But they’re healthy— Pastor Jason troduced new sources of sustaina- look at them.” DECEMBER 2017

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Count Your Blessings For one small and holy stranger Who was laid in Bethlehem's manger, For the life of healing, teaching, Loving, caring, giving, preaching - For one Savior now we raise CHRISTMAS CAME EARLY! — Trinity’s Operation Christmas Child effort added a total of 374 shoeboxes to the local delivery heading to Our thanksgiving Samaritan Purse’s Baltimore hub. Before sending the boxes off on their and our praise! journey, we prayed in worship over their purpose and their recipients. Christmas Blessings! Thank you to all who donated items, monetary donations, and shoeboxes! Your Stewardship Team Your efforts will make Christmas brighter for children around the world!