Friday November 4, 2016

Dear Trinity Congregation,

You get an extra hour of sleep on Saturday night. Turn your clocks back an hour. And then you can get up on Sunday morning refreshed and have breakfast with the United Methodist Men at their warm morning breakfast. The time is 8 to 9:30 and admittance is by donation. This is a full breakfast and proceeds will go towards helping folks in need pay heating bills.
 
Also, please join us at Groce United Methodist Church on Sunday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. We will be joining with other Asheville area churches to hear from our new DS, Beth Crissman, on what she sees ahead for the Blue Ridge District of the United Methodist Church.
 
On Thursday the office sent out a first mailing to the congregation concerning our Fall Stewardship campaign. You will receive another mailing next week with more detailed information in it. Thank you for considering making a pledge to our congregation.
 
This Sunday is also all Saints Day. We will recognize our members who have died in the past year and also remember that across the world there are Christians who worship in fear of persecution, are harassed, whose property is seized and who are sometimes martyred. I have not forgotten the death of martyred French priest Father Jacque Hamel earlier this year. Sunday November 6th is an International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. The sermon will discuss our gratitude to those who have come before us for what they have given us, and what we can leave to those who will follow us.
 
I know a lot of you have been enjoying the Wednesday evening meals that the Anthony’s have been preparing. You may not have known this, the profits from those meals are being saved to buy an additional octave of bells for the handbell choir. There is not a lot of music written for the number of bells we have. The Anthony’s and the Bell choir thank you for your support.
 
To me, November means we have turned a corner and are headed down the road toward Christmas. Actually it’s not a road, it’s more like a lane. And it’s a beautiful lane. I’ll see you at breakfast and worship on Sunday.
 
Sincerely,
Rodney
 
PS: If it works, there may be a little funny in this eNote. A gift from Don Kostelec, whose father works at Wrigley Field.