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Cantata!

Sunday, December 15, 2019

11am

TUMC Denton Presents

“An Appalachian Winter”

 

Join us this Sunday for the premiere event of the Trinity Music year, the Christmas Cantata.

Tawny Rybowicz leads the Chancel Choir, Youth Bells, Children and a full orchestra in Joseph M Martin’s “Appalachian Winter

Come share this musical journey to the Manger with us, as we all prepare for the coming of the Christ Child.

“Father, Forgive”

As you prepare your hearts and minds for our Thanksgiving worship this coming Sunday, November 24th, please read and reflect upon Luke 23:33-43.

It may seem a bit odd to preach on the meaning and the power of Jesus’ crucifixion the Sunday before all of the Thanksgiving festivities. Upon further reflection, though, what could we be more thankful for than God’s gracious act of self-giving love in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ?

I’ve been hearing the term “crisis” with greater frequency these days.

–Our world is in crisis.

–Nations are in crisis.

–Churches and schools are in crisis,

–Individuals, marriages, and families are in crisis.

How is a crisis defined? What constitutes a crisis?

Consider this definition:

The noun crisis comes from the Latinized form of the Greek word krisis, meaning “turning point in a disease.” At such a moment, the person with the disease could get better or worse: it’s a critical moment. The etymology of the term “crisis” shares a relationship with the term “Christ.”

Life is about choices. If we find ourselves in a crisis, we can choose to embrace the power of the crisis or the power of Christ. I choose to embrace Christ and hold on to his everlasting promises.

The only crisis which has ever existed is the corruption of the human heart. On the cross, Jesus took our disease of sin upon himself, thus offering us the opportunity to be forgiven, loved, and free.

If you ever visit England, be sure to spend time in the city of Coventry, northwest of London.

During WWII, The Coventry Blitz (blitz: from the German word Blitzkrieg meaning “lightning war” struck the beautiful city with relentless force. The city was bombed many times by the German Air Force (Luftwaffe). The most devastating of these attacks occurred on the evening of 14 November 1940 and continued into the morning of 15 November.

Christians of Coventry took two  charred embers and made the form of a cross with the inscription “Father Forgive.”

While serving a previous church, I would join in a duet with one of our choristers who has a lovely soprano voice. We sang “Give Thanks” every Thanksgiving Sunday. The hymn, written by Henry Smith in 1978 is based on Luke 1:49–53.

Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son

And now let the weak say, “I am strong”
Let the poor say, “I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us”
Give thanks
We give thanks to You

This Thanksgiving as you feast with family and friends at your table, give thanks to the Holy One for giving us Jesus Christ.

Rev. Jim

Wellness Tips We Can Learn From a Dog

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

When it’s in your best interest, practice obedience.

Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory.

Take naps and stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you’re not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone you love is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you (advisedly/carefully).

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

No matter how often you’re scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout — run right back and make friends.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

One of my deepest beliefs is that God gives us dogs (and other domestic pets) to teach us things that God wants for us to know and practice.

The Holidays are quickly approaching. While they can be joyful occasions, they can also be stressful. Love one another as Christ (and your pet) loves you.

Daily prayer: “Dear God, please help me to be just half the person my dog thinks I am.”

In Christian Love,

Rev. Jim

Stewardship Devotional October 10

Presence

Being Present in God’s Presence

 

Vivaldi’s “Gloria” presented by the Chancel Choir

October 20 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Join us for a truly memorable evening as the Chancel Choir presents Vivaldi’s Gloria. This short summary perfectly outlines the uplifting nature of the music:

The wonderfully sunny nature of the Gloria, with its distinctive melodies and rhythms, is characteristic of all of Vivaldi’s music, giving it an immediate and universal appeal. The opening movement is a joyous chorus, with trumpet and oboe obligato. Today Vivaldi is one of the most popular of all composers, who during his lifetime enjoyed considerable success and fortune. For two centuries after his death, the Gloria lay undiscovered until the late 1920s, when it was found buried among a pile of forgotten Vivaldi manuscripts. This, his most famous choral piece, presents the traditional Gloria from the Latin Mass in twelve varied cantata-like sections.

Peter Carey
Royal Free Singers

Discover the Many Life-Calming Devices at Trinity!

I saw this sign while making a hospital visit and thought it was funny. I’ve always called these speed bumps!
Join us at Trinity UMC. We have many life-calming devices ahead!
— inspiring traditional and contemporary worship
— Sunday School for all ages
–musical opportunities for all ages
–ministry and mission opportunities for everyone
–THE WELL weekly on Wednesday nights at 5:30 p.m. (Community meal and classes)
–Fun annual events (Pumkin Patch, VBS, Breakfast with Santa/Easter Bunny, and more)!

Vivaldi’s Gloria-Coming Fall 2019

In 2019, the Music Ministry at Trinity will perform the entire masterwork of Gloria by Antonio Vivaldi.  The Chancel Choir has already started learning some of the music.  They sang one piece this past Sunday at the 11am service and I am so proud of them!  Take a listen!

Top Ten Reasons to Join Choir

TOP TEN REASONS TO JOIN CHOIR

  1. You can wear whatever you like to church because choir robes cover everything.

 

  1. You get to be first to communion.

 

  1. Choir is an instant family full of wonderful people.

 

  1. You may meet your new best friend(s).

 

  1. You have a reserved seat for the service every time.

 

  1. It’s a backstage pass to all music events.

 

  1. The view of the sanctuary and congregation from the choir loft is priceless.

 

  1. It’s an opportunity to serve the Lord while having fun.

 

  1. It’s a great way to make a joyful noise.

 

  1. The three F’s: Food, Fun, and Fellowship. Enough Said!