A Word from our President

 

During the month of February, Pastor Julie’s sermons centered on the subject of love.  Her topics were romantic love, loving yourself, parent and child and loving your enemy.  The related topics of communication, forgiveness, kindness and generosity were covered.  Love is a very complex subject and can be defined in many ways.  It can be used as a noun or a verb.  While many examples of love can be cited, I would like to offer a couple of examples.

 

Last month, Valentine Bags for our Church shut-ins were available in the Gathering Room.  In a small way, we are remembering our church family members who can no longer worship with us on Sunday mornings.  As members, we can show our love to other church members.  These goody bags mean a lot to the shut-ins as shown in their responses to the church.  Thank you to Pam Schmolinsky who has prepared the bags numerous times during the years, not just for Valentine’s Day.  She demonstrates her love for the church and the church family members.

 

I recently read the book “Miamisburg in World War II”, The Soldiers and Sailors of an American Community by Dr. Carl M. Becker.  Dr. Becker is a native of Miamisburg and a veteran of WWII.  He is now Professor Emeritus at Wright State University where he has taught history for more than thirty years.  The introduction will provide you with the history of the book and how it came into being.  As stated in the book “when their nation entered the war, the people of Miamisburg responded in a patriotic fervor.  Young men enlisted in all branches of the armed forces or expectantly awaited a call from the local draft board.”  There were 810 servicemen and servicewomen from Miamisburg and 26 from the community died in combat.  From page 27 thru 183, these heroes from Miamisburg related some of their military experiences.  War is bad, but reading about the experiences of Miamisburg people is interesting.  When you read the book, you will read about the stalwart Miamisburg people and many family names from Trinity.  I was in my early teens during the war but I remember a lot of the people mentioned from my neighborhood, community and this church.  Some are still in church every Sunday.  This is a historical documentation of Miamisburg people and examples of love of people, community, country and freedom.  I invite you to read the book.

 

While in Florida, I read a newspaper article that was an outstanding example of romantic love, love that’s lasting.  Jason and Marjorie Baade from Minnesota (Lakeland, Florida in winter) just celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary.  They were married in Baudette, Minnesota on February 2, 1931.  The couple agreed that one key to success in marriage is for both partners to be able to say “I’m sorry” and mean it.  Aside from being considerate, never raising their voices at each other, eating healthy and never smoking, they couldn’t give a reason for the success of their lengthy marriage.  I can give them a reason, their love for each other.  The related topics of Pastor Julie’s sermons are evident.

 

There are many church activities coming up in March that you can read about in this Trumpeter.  You are encouraged to participate in as many as possible.  Come to the Annual Congregation Meeting on Sunday, March 19th.  Enjoy the food, fellowship and review last year’s stellar year at Trinity

 

 

See you in Church.

Don Bierley

 

Fellowship

Opportunities

 

Sunday School

Adult Sunday School:  9:30 a.m.

Grades 6-12:              9:30 a.m.

 

Preschool-fifth grade: classes are held following the Children’s Message during our worship hour

 

Bible Study: Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m.

 

Monday morning work crew:  Every Monday morning at 9:00 a.m. a group of men meet at the church to do odd jobs. (Dave Krichbaum, contact)

 

Men’s Luncheon:  2nd Tuesday, March 14th ~ 11:30 at Ron’s Pizza on Main Street.  All are invited.  We are certain you will enjoy the fellowship and good food. (Charlie Kuhn contact)

 

Men’s Breakfast:  4th Saturday, March 25th ~ 8:00 a.m. at the Happy Days Café  (Webb Boyer contact)

 

 

Youth Fellowship:

Saturday, March 4

Friday, March 17

 

 

Confirmation Classes:

Every other Sunday at 2:00 p.m. ~ March 12th & 26th  

 

 

Game Night

Game Night: 4th Friday of each month at 7:00 p.m. ~ March 24th.

 

Diana

A Celebration

 

The Fellowship Committee is planning a visit to the Dayton Art Institute to see “Diana a Celebration” on April 1st at 3:00 p.m.  The cost for a group tour (minimum of 15 people) is $15.50 for seniors and $16.50 for adults.  After the exhibit, we will meet for dinner at 5:30 p.m. at the Spaghetti Warehouse.  A sign up sheet will be available.

 

Bazaar Workshop Ladies

Are Returning!!

Tuesday, March 14 will start the new season for the Trinity Bazaar.  This will be our “Show and Tell” meeting,  so bring items you think we could make this year.  We will have a catered meal at lunchtime.

 

For this week only we would like you to come at 10:00 a.m.  After this, come at 9:30 a.m. each Tuesday.

 

If you would like to join the group this year, please come on the 14th and join the fun.  We are planning some new things and it looks like a good year!!!

 

The co-chairmen are JoAnn Quigley, Marsha Steffen and Marilyn Furneaux

 

 

One Great Hour of Sharing

 

From the “face of the deep” in Genesis to “rivers of the water of life” in Revelation, water images are prominent in our scriptural and liturgical traditions.  Scripture puts a face - Jesus’ face - on those who thirst (Matthew 25:37).  Because millions of our neighbors have been affected by flood waters and millions lack clean water, this year we are focusing on water in our invitation to contribute to the One Great Hour of Sharing offering.

 

Water.  Last fall, Gulf Coast communities were devastated during hurricane season and evacuees relocated to many states.  In 2004, Asian communities were washed away entirely by a tsunami so huge it even reached Africa.

 

Water.  Across the Earth today, one of every six human beings lacks access to safe drinking water.  Two million people, most of them children, die each year from waterborne diseases.

 

When the news is so dire, we may feel that our ability to respond is dwarfed by the enormity of the crises.  “Lord, we do indeed see you thirsty.  Your image is everywhere.  But our efforts seem like a literal drop in the bucket.”

 

Yet our faith is one of hope!  We do not face humanity’s need alone.  First, we know that God is leading us.  And as we respond through One Great Hour of Sharing, we multiply the impact of our gifts together with people from other UCC congregations, with partner churches of other traditions, and with experienced service agencies.  Through One Great Hour of Sharing, we take seriously the words of Jesus to care for our neighbors, and we do it in community with others.

 

Our gifts will increase the supply of potable water to many people this year.  Our gifts also will support education and medical services, income-generating projects, and agricultural training and supplies in dozens of countries.  Our gifts will help refugees to renew their lives.  Our gifts will ensure that some funds are available for immediate assistance when a natural or human caused disaster strikes in this country or elsewhere - as is certain to happen.

 

You will see more information about the life-giving impact of this offering as we prepare to dedicate our gifts on March 26.  Please give as generously and creatively as you can.  Our individual gifts may feel like a drop in the bucket, but each one flows into the “river of life.”  Let us give with the assurance that life is renewed as every drop is added!

 

It’s remarkable what

your gift will do

 

 

 

Youth Events

March 4 - Christian Rock Concert at Oak Creek Church.  Registration forms are available in the youth room.  (Contact Pastor Julie for details.)

 

March 17 - Game night @ 7:00

Join us for an evening of fun and games.  Bring a two-liter of pop and a snack to share.

 

April 8 - Multiple Sclerosis Walk @ 9:00 a.m.  (Centerville High School)

 

April 21 - Movie Night @ 5:30

Bedazzled - What really happens when your wishes come true?  Bring a two-liter of   pop and a snack to share.

 

Nursery News

Our nursery now has a new paging system.  When parents leave their children in the nursery, they will receive a pager to take with them.  If the baby needs special attention, the parent will be paged.  This will hopefully give the parents peace of mind, allow them to focus on the sermon and minimize the disruption in church.  Now bring those babies to church!

 

We would like to invite you to Tim Meadows’ Eagle Court of Honor to be held on Saturday, March 18 at 4:00 p.m. at Trinity Church. As the charter organization for Troop 26, your support has been very important to our scouting program.  We are thrilled that our church was able to be the benefactor of Tim’s service project. Your support and assistance throughout his Eagle project has been greatly appreciated.   Please join us as we celebrate this milestone in Tim’s life. 

Steve and Barb Meadows

 

Dear Friends,

 

          The Christian walk is one that has breathtaking views, peaceful paths, dark twists and turns, and abundant “blessin’s and lessons.” I love it. This past month a lot of people have been sick, but still, folks rally to help one another. The Evangelism Committee, the Communion Committee and many others stretch themselves to think of others and make visits, calls and written communications to show that we are a caring congregation. This past Sunday several of us journeyed to homes and nursing facilities to do some “Valentine’s Caroling” and pass out yummy chocolates. As always, when we bless others, we receive blessing. I feel that this was true for the youth and adults who came out on Sunday. Maybe you will join us next time, when we do the same thing for July 4th!

 

 

Sunday Night Live!

 

          We have a busy time approaching. I have asked our dear friend Ward Tilton  to conduct a Lenten Series with me for five Sundays, starting March 5. From 5:00-5:45, we will have a simple supper of soup and sandwiches. At 6:00 we will have our lesson, which will be dealing with the idea of the kingdom of heaven, or “God’s Realm.”   Topics such as sin, confession (truth-telling), forgiveness and fear will be addressed. I hope many of you come out and join us, as the days begin to lengthen. If you would like to provide the meal for one or more Sundays, please let me know. (It’s nice to share it with a partner, or as a group.)

 

Saturday Seminar Series

 

          Also coming up: a three part Saturday Seminar Series on the United Church of Christ. The second Saturday of the months of March, April, and May, from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, we will have special guest speakers, DVD presentations and lively discussions regarding the denomination to which we belong. The schedule is as follows:

 

March 11 – United Church of Christ history and polity (governance), Rev. Bob Sandman, speaker

April 8 – United Church of Christ Missions and Outreach, Rev. Bill Youngkin, speaker

May 13 – General Synod, including the Resolution “in Support of Equal Marriage Rights for All,” Nancy Topfer, speaker

 

          The issue of marriage equality is the source of great conflict in our society today, as well as in the churches. The United Church of Christ is no exception; there are clearly great differences among our own members over this issue. It is particularly hard to remain open and thoughtful when what we have been taught our entire lives becomes challenged. I understand and appreciate this a great deal. But we are a United Church of Christ, with a covenant to remain united, despite stylistic, theological or political differences. With the freedom to think, act and believe that we enjoy, we have a great responsibility to hold that covenant. We can, as a prayerful and thoughtful people, honor our covenant while still claiming our self-governing autonomy as a local congregation. I am praying and hoping for a large turnout of those of you who wish to learn more and to be heard as well. Please DO NOT stay away because of a refusal to deal with these (sometimes difficult) issues. Together we can be courageous and mature Christians!

 

          Copies of the General Synod’s resolution and other materials are available in my office for those who wish to read them prior to the seminars, which will be in Shoffner Hall. Coffee, tea and light fare will be provided. May the love of Christ be present, in all that we say and do.

 

Yours in Faith,

Pastor Julie