Sock Hop Success!

Sock Hop Success!

Trinity Hall was brimming with excitement on November 17 as people, dressed in their finest 50’s attire, came for the Sock Hop! The DJ music was rockin’ and on the dance floor there were dancers of all ages. Every so often, there were games and contests. Teams were challenged to pass the hula-hoop the fastest and individuals were faced with blowing the largest bubble gum bubble. Everyone was cheering as the hula-hoop spinners competed. (How do they keep that hoop spinning?!?) Prizes abounded for the contest winners as well as well-deserved prizes for the best costumes.

“Kisha’s Diner” was open for business and served up hamburgers and hot dogs with all the fixin’s, chips, and plentiful salad. Everyone attention was gotten when the ice cream and root beer/orange float bars were opened. Many kids had never had a “float” before, so it was exciting to see them experience that pleasure for the first time.

The photo booth was always occupied. There great props that everyone enjoyed. Families and individuals made multiple pictures to take home – what a great way to remember this extraordinary event.

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Sharing HOPE Night: an Advent Event

Sharing HOPE Night: an Advent Event

Advent is not about decorations, shopping, wrapping, pictures, parties, stressing, or the receiving of gifts. Advent is about waiting, expecting, observing, praying, hoping, and preparing for the arrival of Christ. In Advent, we remember that God gave himself in Christ to the world. In response, we are called to serve those who need to experience God’s love and grace. The projects we did at Sharing HOPE Night were ways for everyone who attended to serve.

One of the most exciting projects (and absolutely the loudest) was the building of a box as a reminder for families to bring food for Sherbourne UMC Food Pantry. Young and old were eager to grab the wood needed, a hammer and nails. The next most engaging project was the tying of nots to make pillows for UMFS residential students. Prior to the event, Trinity’s Stitchers prepared the pieces of fleece for tying.

Each pillow took a little time, but we completed all 40 pillows. In addition, we rolled socks for a foot-washing ministry, wrapped candy, made dog & cat toys, and made cards & ornaments for the elderly.

Some also were able to experience the Advent prayer walk.

The evening was topped off as we shared a wassail punch toast, warm winter soup & bread, and decorated sugar cookies.

D.C. Reflections

D.C. Reflections

From June 25th through July 1st, a group of high school students from Trinity immersed themselves in the culture of Washington D.C. During the day they went out to serve the poor and homeless of the city. For both groups, the majority of the week was spending time with underprivileged children at two different locations, Children of Mine in Anacostia and Little Lights in southeast D.C. The youth got to spread so much love to these children and everyone was sad to part by the end of the week. This week was an eye opener for all involved and has positively impacted the lives of all involved. Below are a couple of reflections from those on the trip.

During this past week I had the pleasure of going on a CSM mission trip with the Trinity youth group to Washington D.C. It was an amazing experience from getting to know friends, working hard on mission sights, playing with underprivileged children, and hanging out and talking with homeless people. This trip definitely changed my perspective and made me realize that people just want someone to talk to and most importantly, that everyone just needs love. I had a lot of fun on this mission trip and I highly recommend it to anyone who is thinking or wanting to go. -Matthew McCullough

I started this years mission trip with a heart full of apprehension.  Talking to new people, trying new foods, and waking up earlier than I ever did for school was far out of my comfort zone.  However, I soon found that the fears I held for the trip were actually my favorite aspects of the experience.  I saw Jesus in numerous people and things.  From finding a shared interest in roller coasters with a homeless man I never would have thought to relate to, to the bright smiles that the children of little lights would gift me every time I walked through the door, Jesus showed his brilliant and passionate kindness in unquestionable ways while I worked.  The people I helped actually provided me with more aid than I could ever provide to them, and I am grateful for every second I got to spend with those I met.  The D.C. Mission trip is one I will never forget, and I hope that it will inspire me to continue gods work in my local community. –Abby Taylor

Harvest Day

Harvest Day

Trinity’s 64th Harvest Day took place on Tuesday, November 15 with the theme “Celebrating the Stages of Faith”. Three women – Genevieve Embler, Catherine McSorley and Betsy Keen – shared beautifully about times in their lives when God was made real to them. Those receiving special mission recognition pins were Pat Satterfield, Beth Davis and Becky Roish. Dan Nichols was awarded a new award, “Man of the Year.”

 This year’s Harvest Day was dedicated in honor of Margie Browder and Ella Ruth Blanton, and members of their families were in attendance. Checks from the Harvest Day offering will presented on Service Day to The Hermitage and to Trinity’s property maintenance fund. This year’s celebration was under the wonderful leadership of Pat Rollison, Andi Morgan and Sandy McGinnis.

Learn more about the UMW.

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Our Gift of Hope

Our Gift of Hope

“Gift of Hope” Concert & Partnership with Santa Ana Ceguaca, Honduras: January 6, 2018

On one of the coldest nights of the year, Saturday January 6, church members of all ages and other guests from the community arrived at Trinity and entered a dimly lit sanctuary warmly adorned with the lighted Chrismon tree and Christmas wreaths to hear what has been described as “one of the best concerts ever held at Trinity.” The sanctuary was nearly filled to capacity as three renowned tenors – Tracey Welborn, James Taylor and Pablo Talamante — accompanied by our own Charles Staples on piano, performed a mix of music genres to the delight of all. To celebrate Epiphany and provide time for fellowship, Three Kings’ Cake and Honduran-style hot chocolate were served in the festively decorated Welcome Center after the concert.

The evening was planned to celebrate Trinity’s newest mission outreach: participation in Friends of  Barnabas’ Partnership Program with the impoverished community of Santa Ana Ceguaca located in the remote, mountains of central Honduras. In addition to Trinity’s Mountain Medical Team visiting this community on their annual mission trips, our congregation’s annual financial support of $3,250 will enable enhanced services for the community, such as quarterly nurse visits to provide education on environmental, reproductive, and women’s health issues; and training of community leaders who in turn will teach community members how be healthier and ultimately become more self-sufficient.

Updates of ongoing activities will be posted on the bulletin board dedicated to this exiting partnership with Santa Ana that will be located near the church offices. “Muchas gracias” to everyone who participated for your most generous support of the “Gift of Hope” Concert and the
Partnership Program! Together we will “make the world a little better “ by improving the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ who live in Santa Ana Ceguaca.

–Louise Girvin

 See Photos from the “Gift of Hope” Concert

MLK Day of Service

MLK Day of Service

On Monday, January 15, (MLK Jr. Day) twelve youth and two adults traveled down to the PACE Center at VCU. The PACE Center is the United Methodist campus ministry located in the middle of campus in downtown Richmond. While we were there we helped to paint the entrance hallway, replace ceiling tiles in the fellowship space, clean out numerous closets, clean and organize the kitchen, and share in service with the youth group from Shady Grove UMC in Mechanicsville. During lunch, we had a conversation with Rev. Katie Gooch, the director and campus minister, about the Kingdom of God and how our work was helping to make this space a scared place for those who enter it. The hope is for the PACE Center to be “a change of pace” for the campus if VCU. A place of rest and relaxation for the faculty and students during their busy days.