Trinity United Methodist Church - Austin, Texas

Don't Forget - First Sunday Food Drive This Sunday! 11/1

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:00:44 GMT

Hope Food Pantry Austin greatly appreciates your continued support!

Trinity's Celebration Choir - Nov/Dec

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:07:36 GMT

Join the choir for Christmas! We will be rehearsing Christmas music on Wednesdays (beginning 10/14) at 7:00pm in the sanctuary (click here for the rehearsal schedule.) We have sectional rehearsals as well on Sundays immediately after the first service 'til 10:45am (schedule TBA). We will also have three Saturday morning rehearsals on 10/24, 11/7, and 11/28. All, but especially tenors and basses, are always welcome!

Halloween & All Saints Day

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:50:48 GMT

All Saints Day is the celebration of those who have contributed successfully to the creation of the kingdom. The saints were not perfect, but they were whole, holy, and they were certainly human. They lived their unique fate with creativity and participated in the evolution of human consciousness. Such a great feast, as every great feast, is preceded by an “eve” or vigil. At sunset, we turn toward the coming celebration of the next day. We launch our celebration of all that is holy with a consideration of all that is “unholy.”

All Hallows Eve, or Halloween, carries these overtones. A Christian veil has been thrown over the ancient, pre-Christian festivals for the dead, which celebrated both good souls and evil. The feasts of All Saints and All Souls were placed on top of ancient feasts. So some of the old traditions entered and mixed with the new practices. The ancient British Celtic traditions of fire festivals on this last night of October, of fear of witches and invitations to ghosts, have prevailed to this day in parts of Great Britain . . . What is unseen and unknown is so often treated as evil or dangerous. But with a contrasting intuitive gesture, the ancients also felt that, on this night when autumn made its transition to winter, the dead departed, returned to their old homes to be invited to the fireside, to be warmed and fed, by the living . . . Invitation into the light of consciousness does make unknown dangers safe, indeed full of energy and blessing. These ancient practices still color the way people enter into Halloween festivities today.

Gertrud Mueller Nelson

Dia De los Muertos, All Saints, and Samhain Celebrations - Nov. 1

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:39:02 GMT

Don't forget to bring any pictures you would like to place on the alter for these celebrations.

Don't forget the time change - Nov. 1st!

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:37:19 GMT

Yeehaw, it is time to fall back! Don't forget to set back your clocks before you go to bed this Saturday, October 31st, then lay back and enjoy your extra hour of sleep. :-)

Children's Corner - Nov 2009

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:34:37 GMT

Upcoming Events

Christmas Play Rehearsal - This year we are doing a version of Dr. Seuss' "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." All children and youth are encouraged to participate. Rehearsals are Sunday mornings at 10:15 in the yellow classroom.

Parents' Night Out - Our next PNO will be on Friday, November 13th from 6:30 - 10 PM. PNO is a program for children ages 3-12. We have games and crafts, then watch a G-rated movie. Admission is $10 per child.

Christmas Play - The children will be performing at our annual potluck Christmas party, which will be Friday, December 11th from 6-8 PM at Tarrytown UMC. After the play, there will be a special appearance by everyone's favorite jolly old elf.

For more information on any of these events, please contact Jen at children@tumc.org.

Letter from the Trail - Kelli Hardin

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:18:06 GMT

Dear Trinity Family,

After a journey of almost six months, I reached the summit of Mt. Katahdin on October 11th - the weather was dangerously cold & windy, so we didn't spend much time at the summit. We had spectacular views on the approach and descent, so I was not disappointed. I summitted with about 10 other people, some of whom I had grown really close to - my trail family. Now that Gracie and I have begun our return trip to Austin (by car - not on foot!) I feel as if I'm between two worlds - no longer thru-hiking, but not yet integrated back into life off the trail. The blessing is that I know I am a valued and valuable member of both of those worlds and I have a treasure of friendships in both of them. Next up is a visit with family in Tennessee, then back to Austin by the end of October.

Until we meet again,
Peace & blessings,
Kel & Gracie (woof!)

P.S. Thanks for all the prayers, encouragement, & support - I couldn't have done it without you!

Hope Food Pantry Austin - November and December

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:04:40 GMT

Thank you all for sharing your Sunday service with me as the Hope Food Pantry Austin Director. It is such an honor to work among so many people who really care for their community. Hope Food Pantry Austin's Holiday Drive will continue through December. With donors generosity Hope will be able to purchase and distribute 150 turkeys as well as increase the number of clients served by 10 each week. The following are the many ways you can still contribute.

1. A special basket for the Holiday Drive will be provided during each Sunday service through November.

2. Check out our new website HopeFoodPantryAustin.org where you can donate on line.

3. DOUBLE YOUR DONATION! Starting Nov. 2 visit Natural Grocers at 3901 Guadalupe St 78751 and with the cashiers help, get your donation matched.

4. Bring in Thanksgiving food items so that Hope can provide a Thanksgiving Turkey and the trimmings to our clients during the month of November.

Thank you to those who have already provided their support. Happy Holidays to you all!!

An Uplifting Message

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:30:59 GMT

Equality Texas Austin Pride Build Needs Volunteers!

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:15:29 GMT

For the third year in a row, the Austin Pride Build is partnering with Austin Habitat for Humanity to embrace Austin’s diversity by bringing together the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community and our friends to build a healthy and affordable home for an Austin family in need.

And for the third year in a row, Austin Pride Build is honoring Bettie Naylor for her part in the LGBT rights movement in Texas. Bettie Naylor has been an activist for both women's and LGBT rights for the past 38 years. Bettie was the first lobbyist for the Texas Gay Task Force in 1978. The Texas Gay Task Force would later become Equality Texas.

Equality Texas is again participating in Austin Pride Build and we would like you to join us.

Equality Texas Volunteer Day
Austin Pride Build - Habitat for Humanity

Saturday, November 7th
8am - 4pm
204 Towbridge Circle
Austin, TX 78723

If you would like to volunteer to help build the house, please contact Lindsay or call 512-474-5475. Advanced registration is required, so contact us today.

Click here to download/print a flyer.

2009 AIDS Walk Picture

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:08:18 GMT

Thanks to everyone who came out and helped make a difference at the 2009 AIDS Walk.

Sunday Readings: Amos 5:18-24

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:29:59 GMT

The Day of the Lord a Dark Day

¹⁸Alas for you who desire the day of God!
   Why do you want the day of God?
It is darkness, not light;
¹⁹   as if someone fled from a lion,
   and was met by a bear;
or went into the house and rested a hand against the wall,
   and was bitten by a snake.
²⁰Is not the day of God darkness, not light,
   and gloom with no brightness in it?

I hate, I despise your festivals,
   and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies.
Even though you offer me your burnt-offerings and grain-offerings,
   I will not accept them;
and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals
   I will not look upon.
Take away from me the noise of your songs;
   I will not listen to the melody of your harps.
But let justice roll down like waters,
   and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

Notes from Juanita Series (From Oct. 11)

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:08:59 GMT

Speaker: Janice Huie, Bishop

6 practices faithful women want embodied in their religious community:

mission that offers hope and tools for survival for her and her children, good, clothes, housing, health care
challenges to be very best self – not to settle – invites spiritual depths and resolve, determination, fosters resisliency
inspires and embodies shalom, peace, health, wholeness of whole planet, not just ourselves, stretch out for whole earth, humans and beyond, interfaith
persons and programs that inspire and empower future generations, women investment much higher benefit for future, women use money earned to send children to school
remember the past, women honor best contributions, asking forgiveness for pettiness and violence, recover stories of women in the scriptures and in history
beliefs and practices both shape each other, emphasize practice that cuts across beliefs – affirms a God whose compassionate nature is love, mercy, justice and peace

Notes by Deana Henry

Don't Forget to Support North Central Caregivers Tonight (10/22)

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:54:06 GMT

Join North Central Caregivers tonight, Thursday, October 22^nd from 4-6 PM for tasty desserts, specialty coffees, and teas, a silent auction, and raffle prizes. Admission is a $10 donation, and 100% of the proceeds directly benefit Faith in Action Caregivers – North Central.

Genuine Joe - 2001 W. Anderson Lane (across from Lacks)

For more information: 512-380-9339 or http://www.austin-cma.org/events/gen_joe_102209.pdf

10th Annual March to Abolish the Death Penalty - 10/24

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:51:44 GMT

The 10th Annual March to Abolish the Death Penalty will be this Saturday, October 24th at 2PM at the Texas State Capital South Steps at 11th and Congress. Find out more info at www.marchforabolition.org.

Our Blog Just Got Easier to Access!

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:49:06 GMT

Now you can access all things Trinity without doing brain gymnastics each time to remember the URL. Just type in www.blog.tumc.org and you are there! You will find current announcements, interesting information, and news on the community. We encourage you to comment on postings when you have more to add as this will enhance the site and make it truly dynamic!

Women's Spirituality Group - Nov. 2nd at 7

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:30:27 GMT

Join us on Monday, November 2 at 7 PM to discuss “The Creatrix”. Please find a myth about creation by a divine feminine presence to bring and discuss.

Everyone is an Artist - Wednesday Night Alive

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:12:09 GMT

I wanted to pass along some additional information about one of the upcoming WNA classes (Nov. 4 - Nov. 18):

Live Creation Spirituality Principle 5 - Everyone is an artist. Art as meditation is a primary form of prayer for releasing our images and empowering the community and each of us. Join Kim Suvia as she helps us explore our own spirituality and beliefs through art.

In this three class series, we will explore ways to create art as a meditative practice. We are invited to risk and move beyond judgements to allow the process to become a contemplative focus, nonverbal expression, and celebration. We may find meaning through symbolism and metaphor. We may find calmness in shifting to more right brain activities, and we invite the opportunity to engage in the sacredness of an intimate relationship with ourselves, of new ways of seeing, and with the energy of creation.

We will discuss keeping an art journal, playing with exercises that encourage the creative flow, and using symbolic imagery. We will gather some of these images to include in collages or mandalas to create a piece of artwork that is personally meaningful.

Kim Suvia is an artist and practitioner of subtle energy therapies. She has been in the field of holistic practices for twenty five years and through her business, "Creative Balance", offers private and group sessions in Jin Shin Jyutsu, EFT, and art exploration.

Thank You from the Trinity United Methodist Women!

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:05:17 GMT

The Trinity UMW would like to thank everyone who made donations for the Mother’s Day and Father’s Day candle burnings. A total of $238 was given. The money was given to two mission programs: “Nothing but Nets” (a program that provides mosquito nets for help in malaria prevention in Africa), and the Mississippi Choctaw Mission (a mission program in Mississippi that works with the Choctaw Indian Tribe).

Social Justice Sunday Class Looking for a Few More People

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:42:29 GMT

Hello Trinity! We would like to invite others to participate in our Social Justice Sunday School Class. We meet between the first two services every Sunday (about 10:25-11:10) and in the summer we meet before the shared service (this summer from 9:20-10:25). We do not have homework and we work real hard not guilt trip you if you cannot attend every week! We enjoy each other. We are a sharing group. We share our lives and our struggles to be creators of justice. Please drop by the class at the end of the hall sometime and get to know us. We have read a book as a class but mostly we read a short article and talk about it. Some of the recent things we have discussed:

What Women Want Now, A Time Special Report, by Nancy Gibbs Time Magazine10/26/09
Health Insurance Reform in Three Stages, by Nicholas Beaud
Changing Obama's Mindset, by Howard Zinn The Progressive May 2009
The Rich and Powerful Can Avoid Risk, by Robert A. Johnson
Five Ways of Looking at Risk in The American Prospect: Liberal Intelligence May 2009
A Strong Safety Net Encourages Healthy Risk-Taking, by Jacob S. Hacker
New Zealand Health Care Systems, by Jim and Janice
Policy Framing CD by George Laycoff
A James K Galbraith DVD

Our members bring things to share and we invite each other to various events and projects being sponsored by the outside groups we feel are significant. Also we brainstorm things to put in a letter to President Obama every month. If you have any questions you can contact me at deakenhenry@gmail.com or 784-2951.

Deana Henry

Bonza Lounge

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 17:09:30 GMT

Trinity member, Lorrie Meyer, just launched a new site called Bonza Lounge that helps you meet new people and get together with friends.

Whether you're gay, straight, single, in a relationship, or married, Bonza Lounge is a fun way to meet new people one-on-one or in a small group.

Create your free account today!

www.BonzaLounge.com

Get Your Grinch On!

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 16:47:58 GMT

This year’s children’s Christmas play will be a version of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” by Dr. Seuss. Rehearsals are Sunday mornings at 10:15 in the yellow classrooms (across from the nursery.) All children and youth are invited to participate. Contact me at my spiffy new email address if you have any questions or for more information: jen@tumc.com.

Wednesday Night Alive, Session 2

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:28:52 GMT

I am so excited about the next session of Wednesday Night Alive! We don't have all the details just yet, but I can tell you a little about the 3 classes from which you will have to choose:

Session 2
November 4, 11, and 18 (3 classes)

Invite your inner child to come out and play! We'll be playing a variety of board games... just for fun!
Who are you?? Get a little insight through Myers-Briggs.
Live Creation Spirituality Principle 5 - Everyone is an artist. Art as meditation is a primary form of prayer for releasing our images and empowering the community and each of us. Art finds its fulfillment in ritual, the community’s art. Join Kim Suvia as she helps us explore our own spirituality and beliefs through art and symbols.

REGISTRATION FORM

Tenor/Bass Sectional Rehearsal - 10/18

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:48:42 GMT

This sectional rehearsal will take place Sunday, October 18^th, after the first service (around 10:15.) Click here for more details on the special schedule of rehearsals for Christmas (in addition to regular rehearsals on Wednesdays at 7.)

Sunday Readings: Matthew 5:38-42

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:13:36 GMT

You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.