“Amazing Love”
1 John 4:19 We love because he first loved us.
Editor’s Note: Trinity on the Hill Outreach actively supports and sponsors outreach in Harrisburg which is housed at St. Luke UMC. That church is a struggling congregation, yet our mission funding and active laity make outreach possible in this challenging neighborhood. Further, a strong Methodist mission connection is established as the churches work together sharing the love of Christ in a neighborhood which needs all of us.
Working with boys and girls in Harrisburg at St. Luke UMC is a rewarding experience. Weekly I prepare a short Bible lesson relating to the monthly theme. Love and relationship with God as expressed 1 John 4:19 was our starting point.
Marsha Jones developed the relationship theme by teaching the children an uplifting praise song, Here I Am to Worship. Another volunteer choreographed liturgical movements to enhance the song. Each of these parts came together by the power of the Holy Spirit as we celebrated our first worship service. Parents and friends joined the children for dinner and worship filling the sanctuary. Various children took leading roles in the service as ushers, acolytes, responsive readers, and singers. You could feel the power of the Holy Spirit as the service built to a crescendo as the children lined each aisle singing and swaying to the praise music. I was overcome with tears of joy witnessing God’s amazing love at work in the hearts of these children.
Melanie
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
Recent Mission Devotions
“The Great Commission”
Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus proclaims to his disciples, “Go and make disciples of ALL nations…teach them to obey everything I have commanded YOU.”
I have learned that one of the most important parts of my growing faith is serving. I believe you cannot have an active faith without some aspect of serving or mission work in your life. Not serving for self, but serving for Jesus Christ and proclaiming his words and works to all we encounter, whether this is in your school, in your house, or on the barren streets of Africa.
I had a great opportunity to be involved with a ministry deep in the Bronx of New York City two summers ago. I was able to become close and share stories with several teenagers my age that grew up on the streets of New York. Each of them overcame odds by avoiding drugs, gangs, and violence. Seeing each of them actively seek the Lord amidst constant shootings, drugs and peer pressure gave me so much wisdom on living a faithful lifestyle.
These teenagers were vital for my faith because they taught me something that I NEEDED in my faith at a specific time in my life. That is how mission work goes; we preposterously go to bless someone, yet that person blesses us beyond imagination. This is why I believe that serving and missions is one of the core components to actively living a lifestyle like that of Jesus Christ.
Blake (a college student)
Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus proclaims to his disciples, “Go and make disciples of ALL nations…teach them to obey everything I have commanded YOU.”
I have learned that one of the most important parts of my growing faith is serving. I believe you cannot have an active faith without some aspect of serving or mission work in your life. Not serving for self, but serving for Jesus Christ and proclaiming his words and works to all we encounter, whether this is in your school, in your house, or on the barren streets of Africa.
I had a great opportunity to be involved with a ministry deep in the Bronx of New York City two summers ago. I was able to become close and share stories with several teenagers my age that grew up on the streets of New York. Each of them overcame odds by avoiding drugs, gangs, and violence. Seeing each of them actively seek the Lord amidst constant shootings, drugs and peer pressure gave me so much wisdom on living a faithful lifestyle.
These teenagers were vital for my faith because they taught me something that I NEEDED in my faith at a specific time in my life. That is how mission work goes; we preposterously go to bless someone, yet that person blesses us beyond imagination. This is why I believe that serving and missions is one of the core components to actively living a lifestyle like that of Jesus Christ.
Blake (a college student)
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Children's Consignment Sale Benefits Mission!
I'ts true-- I'm not a shopper! Never have been, and likely never will be one. But I'm thrilled to be a retailer twice a year as this sale is so beneficial to mission efforts here and around the world. Think of a church putting on a sale with 300 consignors, computerized check out with 60,000-70,000 items offered, and thousands of people from the community attending the two day event and you get the idea.
The Trinity on the Hill Children’s Consignment Sale (TOTH CCS) is held twice a year in the spring and fall on the church property located at 1330 Monte Sano Avenue in Augusta, Georgia. Proceeds from the sale are divided between the seller (60%) and the TOTH CCS (40%). The net proceeds retained by the church are used to support the local, national and international missions of Trinity Outreach Ministries. In addition, at the discretion of the consignor, any unsold items may be donated to TOTH CCS to be used in various missions projects.
We're gearing up again, and if you want to be part of it now's the time to sign on as we prepare for the March 12-13 event. Find below a few of the key dates or go to
Children's Consignment Sale for all the details and sign up.
Spring 2010 Sale
Sale Dates
Friday, March 12
9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 13
8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. (selected items 50% off)
Presale
Thursday, March 11
6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Consignor Registration
January 25 - February 28
Barcode Ordering
January 25-March 7
Scheduled Drop-Off
March 8-10
The Trinity on the Hill Children’s Consignment Sale (TOTH CCS) is held twice a year in the spring and fall on the church property located at 1330 Monte Sano Avenue in Augusta, Georgia. Proceeds from the sale are divided between the seller (60%) and the TOTH CCS (40%). The net proceeds retained by the church are used to support the local, national and international missions of Trinity Outreach Ministries. In addition, at the discretion of the consignor, any unsold items may be donated to TOTH CCS to be used in various missions projects.
We're gearing up again, and if you want to be part of it now's the time to sign on as we prepare for the March 12-13 event. Find below a few of the key dates or go to
Children's Consignment Sale for all the details and sign up.
Spring 2010 Sale
Sale Dates
Friday, March 12
9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 13
8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. (selected items 50% off)
Presale
Thursday, March 11
6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Consignor Registration
January 25 - February 28
Barcode Ordering
January 25-March 7
Scheduled Drop-Off
March 8-10
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Mission Conference-- Mission Challenge
Our missions conference at my church, an annual event we call Trinity Outreach Celebration, was PHENOMENAL this year! We had some great preachers with compelling stories, mission training, and a service day that worked our people all over the Augusta/CSRA.
What capped it all off was Sunday morning worship with some international music, an incredible band, and a huge youth choir singing Leeland's "Follow You." But it didn't end there as Rev. Nick Elliott, recently retired after 10 years leading the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission for the southeast, stepped up with a sermon that our church members are still talking about. One long time member and leader of the church, the type guy I appreciate because he isn't prone to empty flattery but tells the truth in love, said "I believe it was one of the most meaningful and effective services Trinity has had." That's astounding because Nick told the truth about hunger, disaster, and need in the world, and our response to this as followers of Christ. He didn't back off, as a matter of fact, it's the most uncomfortable many of us have been in worship in some time. But he didn't merely stop at guilt, and instead moved on to grace and to our responsibility. It truly was a powerful morning in worship which has energized our church in mission.
Check out "A Missionary, Me?" Mission Challenge Worship and click on the January 31, 2010 link. You can choose to listen to the audio of the sermon or watch the video of the entire service if you have time. I wonder if you will be as inspired as we are?!
What capped it all off was Sunday morning worship with some international music, an incredible band, and a huge youth choir singing Leeland's "Follow You." But it didn't end there as Rev. Nick Elliott, recently retired after 10 years leading the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission for the southeast, stepped up with a sermon that our church members are still talking about. One long time member and leader of the church, the type guy I appreciate because he isn't prone to empty flattery but tells the truth in love, said "I believe it was one of the most meaningful and effective services Trinity has had." That's astounding because Nick told the truth about hunger, disaster, and need in the world, and our response to this as followers of Christ. He didn't back off, as a matter of fact, it's the most uncomfortable many of us have been in worship in some time. But he didn't merely stop at guilt, and instead moved on to grace and to our responsibility. It truly was a powerful morning in worship which has energized our church in mission.
Check out "A Missionary, Me?" Mission Challenge Worship and click on the January 31, 2010 link. You can choose to listen to the audio of the sermon or watch the video of the entire service if you have time. I wonder if you will be as inspired as we are?!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Haiti Early Response Teams
This is a very important 1st hand account from a veteran of disaster response who has extensive training. Know that many volunteers will be needed long term, but take these words to heart:
"Hi everyone. Just back from Haiti and I wanted to put forth a few thoughts to those of you who would like to volunteer. I am still reeling a bit cognitively, so I might not be as smooth or mindful of feelings and such as some would like, so let me apologize if I seem a bit abrupt. My goal is to inform as much as I can so that people are not needlessly traumatized in ways that will either render them useless if they choose to go (and hence, a burden on the relief efforts since they will need assistance themselves) and/or psychologically scarred more than they imagine they could be.
1) It is absolutely key and essential that ONLY people who have had large-scale and severe disaster experience go over at this point, right now. Many of you know that I have been to Sichuan--have had many experiences with large hurricanes, Katrina, etc., but I cannot tell you how horrendous and very different this situation is right now. There is no infrastructure....if you run out of water, you face dehydration. If you run out of food you face hunger. If you get hurt, you risk high infection within a day or two, and no medical support. I was there with a team of doctors, in one of the few medical hospitals up and running, but there is essentially no ability for you to be care-flighted or returned to the US or Dominican Republic should an emergency arise. The airport is frequently shut down, and you will not be a priority for the military or anyone else to help you. "They" are busy doing the mission they have set out in front of them, and communication and the ability to get help is extremely limited.
2) Rehab needs. The docs I work with pretty much agree that head injuries are at a minimum, in that the people with them have essentially died, or will soon die, (if they are severe). Amputations: Yes...many, many, many. We were doing surgeries almost 24 hours a day....mostly amputations. Unfortunately many of the people who have had amputations have already become infected within a day or two of the surgery (remember essentially no aftercare...they are sleeping outside (which actually seems quite smart, given our earthquake the other day, which personally was terrifying being indoors for...)). Any how...many people who had amputations or wound care immediately after the earthquake are having to have higher amputations due to the infections. The docs I flew back with came to the consensus that if 30% of the people they operated on survive, they will be lucky. Spinal cord injury...no aftercare, no adaptive equipment, very limited family left to care for them (if any)...you can imagine the immediate outcome. EVERYONE I spoke to had family killed or missing.
As a rehab psychologist, I used all the skills I know. Suicide prevention, letting those with amputations know they will still be loved and beautiful or a "man".....holding the hand of someone yelling in pain and soothing them, etc., etc. However, these skills alone -- without disaster experience to help give you the emotional steel you need to cope with the situation you are in -- will not be sufficient. Not right now.
My recommendations are these: Those with SERIOUS disaster experience, consider deployment, but make it short. Know that it will be more severe than you can even imagine. Even the tsunami was in a country where you could find some infrastructure...somewhere. Here--there is nothing. For the first time in my life I truly had to consider survival situations. Yes, my organization had supplies and contacts, but water goes missing and the next shipment of water is on a plane not allowed to land in the airport...
If you do not have disaster experience, this is NOT the disaster to begin with. Volunteer stateside, providing support to people and organizations who are doing good work. OR -- think about deployment months and months from now, when (or if) an infrastructure is there, so you can have the support that is needed.
Bless you all with your desire to help. There will be a way to do so....be sure you plug yourself into something that will allow you to function during and afterwards, rather than becoming another victim of this situation."
Cheers -- Jeanne
"Hi everyone. Just back from Haiti and I wanted to put forth a few thoughts to those of you who would like to volunteer. I am still reeling a bit cognitively, so I might not be as smooth or mindful of feelings and such as some would like, so let me apologize if I seem a bit abrupt. My goal is to inform as much as I can so that people are not needlessly traumatized in ways that will either render them useless if they choose to go (and hence, a burden on the relief efforts since they will need assistance themselves) and/or psychologically scarred more than they imagine they could be.
1) It is absolutely key and essential that ONLY people who have had large-scale and severe disaster experience go over at this point, right now. Many of you know that I have been to Sichuan--have had many experiences with large hurricanes, Katrina, etc., but I cannot tell you how horrendous and very different this situation is right now. There is no infrastructure....if you run out of water, you face dehydration. If you run out of food you face hunger. If you get hurt, you risk high infection within a day or two, and no medical support. I was there with a team of doctors, in one of the few medical hospitals up and running, but there is essentially no ability for you to be care-flighted or returned to the US or Dominican Republic should an emergency arise. The airport is frequently shut down, and you will not be a priority for the military or anyone else to help you. "They" are busy doing the mission they have set out in front of them, and communication and the ability to get help is extremely limited.
2) Rehab needs. The docs I work with pretty much agree that head injuries are at a minimum, in that the people with them have essentially died, or will soon die, (if they are severe). Amputations: Yes...many, many, many. We were doing surgeries almost 24 hours a day....mostly amputations. Unfortunately many of the people who have had amputations have already become infected within a day or two of the surgery (remember essentially no aftercare...they are sleeping outside (which actually seems quite smart, given our earthquake the other day, which personally was terrifying being indoors for...)). Any how...many people who had amputations or wound care immediately after the earthquake are having to have higher amputations due to the infections. The docs I flew back with came to the consensus that if 30% of the people they operated on survive, they will be lucky. Spinal cord injury...no aftercare, no adaptive equipment, very limited family left to care for them (if any)...you can imagine the immediate outcome. EVERYONE I spoke to had family killed or missing.
As a rehab psychologist, I used all the skills I know. Suicide prevention, letting those with amputations know they will still be loved and beautiful or a "man".....holding the hand of someone yelling in pain and soothing them, etc., etc. However, these skills alone -- without disaster experience to help give you the emotional steel you need to cope with the situation you are in -- will not be sufficient. Not right now.
My recommendations are these: Those with SERIOUS disaster experience, consider deployment, but make it short. Know that it will be more severe than you can even imagine. Even the tsunami was in a country where you could find some infrastructure...somewhere. Here--there is nothing. For the first time in my life I truly had to consider survival situations. Yes, my organization had supplies and contacts, but water goes missing and the next shipment of water is on a plane not allowed to land in the airport...
If you do not have disaster experience, this is NOT the disaster to begin with. Volunteer stateside, providing support to people and organizations who are doing good work. OR -- think about deployment months and months from now, when (or if) an infrastructure is there, so you can have the support that is needed.
Bless you all with your desire to help. There will be a way to do so....be sure you plug yourself into something that will allow you to function during and afterwards, rather than becoming another victim of this situation."
Cheers -- Jeanne
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Mission Event Augusta GA
Trinity Outreach Celebration
About the Celebration
January 27-31, 2010
The Trinity Outreach Celebration is held each year to celebrate the giving and service of the church during the previous year in mission and to hear the challenges and opportunities of the coming year in outreach. During TOC 2010 you will hear inspiring messages, uplifting music, mission updates and reports and receive information on ways you may become more active in outreach in 2010.
This Year's Speakers
Rev. Nick Elliot, UM Volunteers in Mission, South Carolina - Featured Guest Preacher
Nate Ledbetter, FCS Urban Ministries, Atlanta
Doug Neel, AgriMissions, Crockett, Texas
Esaho Kipuke, Kipuke Ministries, Togo, Africa
Mike Cooper, preparing to enter a Muslim country in the 1040 window
Rcik Herring, Augusta Urban Ministry
Michael Schaefer, Harrisburg Family Medical Clinic, Augusta
Schedule of Events
Wednesday, January 27
Wednesday Night Supper - 5:00-6:00 p.m. Enjoy a delicious supper of fried chicken with all the fixins. Click here to make your reservations by noon on January 25.
Mission Celebration Worship - 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Dr. Esaho Kipuke will deliver a message and the children's choirs will perform.
Thursday, January 28
Supper - 5:00-6:00 p.m. in Wesley Hall Reservations must be made by Monday, January 25, 2010 at noon. Click here to make a dinner reservation.
Christian Community Development Training - 6:00-8:00 p.m. Nate Ledbetter, associate director of Family Consultation Service (FCS) Urban Ministries in South Atlanta, will lead this training which will target ways to increase the connection between church and the local community in Christian Community Development. Local partners are invited to attend.
Friday, January 29
Supper - 5:00-6:00 p.m. in Wesley Hall Reservation must be made by Monday, January 25, 2010 at noon. Click here to make a dinner reservation.
Agricultural Missions Training - 6:00-8:00 p.m. Doug Neel, associate director of AgriMissions, will lead "AgriMissions 101." Doug has extensive experience in agricultural missions, community development, evangelism and church planting. This session will involve laity and clergy and should be helpful to a church or individual considering agricultural missions.
Saturday, January 30 - Day of Service
Local mission projects for all ages and stages. View the list of available work sites here or look for the sign-up sheets in the Gathering Area.
Breakfast - 8:00-8:30 a.m. Pastries, coffee and drinks in Wesley Hall
Departure for work sites - 8:30-8:45 a.m. Break into groups and leave for various work sites
Serve - 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Serve Christ and the community - Be the HANDS of Christ!
Sunday, January 31
Sunday School - 9:45-10:45 a.m. Hear from these great speakers:
Mike Cooper - preparing to enter the 1040 window in a Muslim country - Open Door Class (A004)
Jim Dickens - Action Ministries - Adult Couples and Singles Class (A267)
Michael Schaefer - Harrisburg Family Medical Clinic - Robert Taylor Class Chapel (A151)
Nick Elliott - retired director of United Methodist Volunteers in Mission, Southeastern Jurisdiction - Choir Room (B242)
Mission Challenge Worship - 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Featuring New Creation and Love Unlimited Youth Choirs. Rev. Nick Elliott is preaching. Be prepared to hear God's call and become the HANDS of Christ!
Find Your Place in Trinity Outreach
As we consider the future, we are faced with the great need to fulfill the Great Commission. This is a tremendous opportunity for us to take yet another step in our financial giving and our service. Outreach is a vital part of the continuum of worship, prayer, discipleship, fellowship and evangelism. This primary call of Christ inspires us to consider "over and above " financial giving in support of Trinity Outreach.
At the conclusion of worship on January 31, you will be asked to turn in your financial pledge or "Faith Commitment" for February 2010-March 2011. Click here to fill out the card online. This is a covenant between you and God as you continue to follow Christ in mission service.
In a similar manner, the "Life and Service Commitment" affords the opportunity to commit to mission participation. Both your financial giving and your service are integral. Click here to fill out the card online.
For more information about Trinity Outreach and Missions contact Rev. Scott Parrish at Trinity on the Hill UMC.
About the Celebration
January 27-31, 2010
The Trinity Outreach Celebration is held each year to celebrate the giving and service of the church during the previous year in mission and to hear the challenges and opportunities of the coming year in outreach. During TOC 2010 you will hear inspiring messages, uplifting music, mission updates and reports and receive information on ways you may become more active in outreach in 2010.
This Year's Speakers
Rev. Nick Elliot, UM Volunteers in Mission, South Carolina - Featured Guest Preacher
Nate Ledbetter, FCS Urban Ministries, Atlanta
Doug Neel, AgriMissions, Crockett, Texas
Esaho Kipuke, Kipuke Ministries, Togo, Africa
Mike Cooper, preparing to enter a Muslim country in the 1040 window
Rcik Herring, Augusta Urban Ministry
Michael Schaefer, Harrisburg Family Medical Clinic, Augusta
Schedule of Events
Wednesday, January 27
Wednesday Night Supper - 5:00-6:00 p.m. Enjoy a delicious supper of fried chicken with all the fixins. Click here to make your reservations by noon on January 25.
Mission Celebration Worship - 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Dr. Esaho Kipuke will deliver a message and the children's choirs will perform.
Thursday, January 28
Supper - 5:00-6:00 p.m. in Wesley Hall Reservations must be made by Monday, January 25, 2010 at noon. Click here to make a dinner reservation.
Christian Community Development Training - 6:00-8:00 p.m. Nate Ledbetter, associate director of Family Consultation Service (FCS) Urban Ministries in South Atlanta, will lead this training which will target ways to increase the connection between church and the local community in Christian Community Development. Local partners are invited to attend.
Friday, January 29
Supper - 5:00-6:00 p.m. in Wesley Hall Reservation must be made by Monday, January 25, 2010 at noon. Click here to make a dinner reservation.
Agricultural Missions Training - 6:00-8:00 p.m. Doug Neel, associate director of AgriMissions, will lead "AgriMissions 101." Doug has extensive experience in agricultural missions, community development, evangelism and church planting. This session will involve laity and clergy and should be helpful to a church or individual considering agricultural missions.
Saturday, January 30 - Day of Service
Local mission projects for all ages and stages. View the list of available work sites here or look for the sign-up sheets in the Gathering Area.
Breakfast - 8:00-8:30 a.m. Pastries, coffee and drinks in Wesley Hall
Departure for work sites - 8:30-8:45 a.m. Break into groups and leave for various work sites
Serve - 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Serve Christ and the community - Be the HANDS of Christ!
Sunday, January 31
Sunday School - 9:45-10:45 a.m. Hear from these great speakers:
Mike Cooper - preparing to enter the 1040 window in a Muslim country - Open Door Class (A004)
Jim Dickens - Action Ministries - Adult Couples and Singles Class (A267)
Michael Schaefer - Harrisburg Family Medical Clinic - Robert Taylor Class Chapel (A151)
Nick Elliott - retired director of United Methodist Volunteers in Mission, Southeastern Jurisdiction - Choir Room (B242)
Mission Challenge Worship - 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Featuring New Creation and Love Unlimited Youth Choirs. Rev. Nick Elliott is preaching. Be prepared to hear God's call and become the HANDS of Christ!
Find Your Place in Trinity Outreach
As we consider the future, we are faced with the great need to fulfill the Great Commission. This is a tremendous opportunity for us to take yet another step in our financial giving and our service. Outreach is a vital part of the continuum of worship, prayer, discipleship, fellowship and evangelism. This primary call of Christ inspires us to consider "over and above " financial giving in support of Trinity Outreach.
At the conclusion of worship on January 31, you will be asked to turn in your financial pledge or "Faith Commitment" for February 2010-March 2011. Click here to fill out the card online. This is a covenant between you and God as you continue to follow Christ in mission service.
In a similar manner, the "Life and Service Commitment" affords the opportunity to commit to mission participation. Both your financial giving and your service are integral. Click here to fill out the card online.
For more information about Trinity Outreach and Missions contact Rev. Scott Parrish at Trinity on the Hill UMC.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Mission Training Event January 27-31
Hi friends. I've been gone some time now busy with other endeavors. Here's your official invitation for us to catch up, swap some mission stories, learn some new skills, and be about good work!
Outreach Celebration
Trinity on the Hill UMC, 1330 Monte Sano Ave., Augusta, Georgia, January 27-31, 2010
Wednesday, January 27
Mission Celebration Worship 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Sanctuary—with children’s choirs and Dr. Esaho Kipuke, missionary to Togo west Africa, preaching.
Thursday, January 28- reservations required by Monday, January 25
Supper– 5:00-6:00 p.m. – Wesley Hall
Christian Community Development Training—6:00-8:00 p.m. Nate Ledbetter, associate director of Family Consultation Service (FCS) Urban Ministries in South Atlanta, will lead training which shows how to increase the effectiveness of a church in the local community through Christian Community Development. See www.fcsministries.org to learn more of the transformational community ministry established in 1976 and focused in the urban Atlanta neighborhoods of Summerhill, Grant Park, East Lake and South Atlanta.
Friday, January 29- reservations required by Monday, January 25
Supper– 5:00-6:00 p.m.– Wesley Hall
Agricultural Missions Training- 6:00-8:00 p.m. Doug Neel, Associate Director of AgriMissions, will lead us in “AgriMissions 101.” Doug has extensive experience in agricultural missions, community development, evangelism and church planting. This session will involve laity and clergy and show how a church can be effective in agricultural missions.
Saturday, January 30- reservations required by Monday, January 25
Day of Service features 17 local mission projects for elementary children, youth, and adults. Projects include yard & neighborhood cleanup, painting, building wheelchair ramps, roofing a house, sewing pillowcases for children with cancer, a Hispanic medical clinic in Grovetown, working at Golden Harvest Food Bank, serving breakfast at BonAir, work teams in Harrisburg, at New Bethlehem, at Augusta Urban Ministries, and more!
Breakfast- 8:00-8:30 a.m.- pastries, coffee and drinks
Departure- 8:30-8:45a.m. – Break into groups for project sites
Serve- 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Servants work throughout the community!
Sunday, January 31
Sunday School- 9:45-10:45 a.m.- Mission Speakers include:
*Mike Cooper– Missionary preparing to serve in a 10/40 window Muslim country- Open Door Class/ A004
*Jim Dickens –President/CEO, Action Ministries- Adult Couples and Singles/ A267
*Michael Schaffer -Harrisburg Family Medical Clinic- Chapel/ A151
*Nick Elliott– Retired director of United Methodist Volunteers in Mission, Southeastern Jurisdiction- Choir Room/ B242
Mission Challenge Worship- 8:30 and 11:00 a.m.
Sanctuary- Featuring New Creation and Love Unlimited Youth Choirs and Rev. Nick Elliott preaching.
Reservations may be made by Monday January 25 online at www.trinityonthehill.net or by calling the church office at 706-738-8822.
Trinity on the Hill United Methodist Church is located next to Augusta State University and has served the Augusta/CSRA since 1926 in worship, education, and service. In the past year the church has supported 21 local, 9 state and national, and 6 international mission partners through prayer, funding, and participation. Twice a year the church offers a Children’s Consignment Sale with 40% of the proceeds supporting these mission partnerships. For more information contact Rev. Scott Parrish, Pastor of Outreach & Missions and Director of the Augusta State University Wesley Foundation.
For more information:
Rev. Scott Parrish
Trinity on the Hill United Methodist Church
1330 Monte Sano Avenue, Augusta, GA 30904
Phone Number: 706-738-8822, ext. 18
Email Address: sparrish@trinityonthehill.net
Website: www.trinityonthehill.net
Rev. Scott Parrish
Minister of Outreach and Missions
Trinity on the Hill UMC
Augusta, Georgia
Director, Wesley Foundation
Augusta State University
Outreach Celebration
Trinity on the Hill UMC, 1330 Monte Sano Ave., Augusta, Georgia, January 27-31, 2010
Wednesday, January 27
Mission Celebration Worship 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Sanctuary—with children’s choirs and Dr. Esaho Kipuke, missionary to Togo west Africa, preaching.
Thursday, January 28- reservations required by Monday, January 25
Supper– 5:00-6:00 p.m. – Wesley Hall
Christian Community Development Training—6:00-8:00 p.m. Nate Ledbetter, associate director of Family Consultation Service (FCS) Urban Ministries in South Atlanta, will lead training which shows how to increase the effectiveness of a church in the local community through Christian Community Development. See www.fcsministries.org to learn more of the transformational community ministry established in 1976 and focused in the urban Atlanta neighborhoods of Summerhill, Grant Park, East Lake and South Atlanta.
Friday, January 29- reservations required by Monday, January 25
Supper– 5:00-6:00 p.m.– Wesley Hall
Agricultural Missions Training- 6:00-8:00 p.m. Doug Neel, Associate Director of AgriMissions, will lead us in “AgriMissions 101.” Doug has extensive experience in agricultural missions, community development, evangelism and church planting. This session will involve laity and clergy and show how a church can be effective in agricultural missions.
Saturday, January 30- reservations required by Monday, January 25
Day of Service features 17 local mission projects for elementary children, youth, and adults. Projects include yard & neighborhood cleanup, painting, building wheelchair ramps, roofing a house, sewing pillowcases for children with cancer, a Hispanic medical clinic in Grovetown, working at Golden Harvest Food Bank, serving breakfast at BonAir, work teams in Harrisburg, at New Bethlehem, at Augusta Urban Ministries, and more!
Breakfast- 8:00-8:30 a.m.- pastries, coffee and drinks
Departure- 8:30-8:45a.m. – Break into groups for project sites
Serve- 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Servants work throughout the community!
Sunday, January 31
Sunday School- 9:45-10:45 a.m.- Mission Speakers include:
*Mike Cooper– Missionary preparing to serve in a 10/40 window Muslim country- Open Door Class/ A004
*Jim Dickens –President/CEO, Action Ministries- Adult Couples and Singles/ A267
*Michael Schaffer -Harrisburg Family Medical Clinic- Chapel/ A151
*Nick Elliott– Retired director of United Methodist Volunteers in Mission, Southeastern Jurisdiction- Choir Room/ B242
Mission Challenge Worship- 8:30 and 11:00 a.m.
Sanctuary- Featuring New Creation and Love Unlimited Youth Choirs and Rev. Nick Elliott preaching.
Reservations may be made by Monday January 25 online at www.trinityonthehill.net or by calling the church office at 706-738-8822.
Trinity on the Hill United Methodist Church is located next to Augusta State University and has served the Augusta/CSRA since 1926 in worship, education, and service. In the past year the church has supported 21 local, 9 state and national, and 6 international mission partners through prayer, funding, and participation. Twice a year the church offers a Children’s Consignment Sale with 40% of the proceeds supporting these mission partnerships. For more information contact Rev. Scott Parrish, Pastor of Outreach & Missions and Director of the Augusta State University Wesley Foundation.
For more information:
Rev. Scott Parrish
Trinity on the Hill United Methodist Church
1330 Monte Sano Avenue, Augusta, GA 30904
Phone Number: 706-738-8822, ext. 18
Email Address: sparrish@trinityonthehill.net
Website: www.trinityonthehill.net
Rev. Scott Parrish
Minister of Outreach and Missions
Trinity on the Hill UMC
Augusta, Georgia
Director, Wesley Foundation
Augusta State University
Friday, October 9, 2009
Of Busy Days & Inconsistency
Isn't it interesting how many bloggers start out consistently, but then over the course of time as life gets busier they...
Monday, September 14, 2009
Immediate Need for Water in a Kenyan Village
A friend of a friend shares a great story and an immediate need. Perhaps you or your church might be able to help some children in Kenya who are in desperate need of help. This is a long, but moving story.
Here's an e-mail I received late this afternoon from a professor at Asbury Theological Seminary in KY. For more information or to assist in this please contact Bill Goold @ bill.goold@asburyseminary.edu
Hello Scott Parrish,
This is Bill Goold at ATS in Wilmore. Moments ago I returned to my office and saw the red light blinking on the phone. I returned a call from my wife, Thelma, who had spoken with our dear friend, Kris Key. It certainly appears to me today is one of those days when God's voice is being heard by a number of His servants and we are all keyed in on the same need. Kris asked me to e-mail you with some information related to the on-going well project in Northern Kenya. I'm going to give you a pretty long story here, perhaps more than you asked for, but it may help you in your role in responding to the Spirit's leading as you sense it. Here goes!
As an ATS professor, I have many contacts with various international students. About three years ago I met and somehow truly bonded with a very mature, very Godly (not just superficially "spiritual", but truly Godly) man here who is a member of the Samburu (Sahm-boo-roo) tribe from Northern Kenya. His name is Michael Lolwerikoi (Loool wear ree koh eee).
Michael is about 43 years old, married to a wonderful wife named Christina. They are the parents of four children and have also adopted twins whose parents died. Christina and the children are in Kenya. Michael is currently in Kenya. I'm to pick him up at the Lexington airport on October 1. He has been home doing research on his Ph. D. (ATS) and will return to finish up his writing and expects to graduate in May.
Through Michael I became acquainted with his tribe, the Samburu people of Northern Kenya. Last fall I was given a sabbatical leave to go and live with these people and help produce the first Christian hymnal in their entire history. That hymnal is about to be published. But...what I did not know what that the hymnal project was God's way of opening the door to another great and critical need there, pure water!
Samburu people are pastoral people. Their entire lives depend upon cows and goats. They constantly move with where the grass currently is. There are about 250,000 Samburu. Theirs is one of 42 different tribes in Kenya. Each tribe has and speaks its own language. These folks are gentle, kind, hospitable folks who took me in, cared for me and captured my heart.
God just plopped me down right smack in the midst of the campus of a private school that is now in its sixth year. Because Samburu kids rarely have opportunity for formal, quality education, a very dedicated Christian couple, ANDREW AND PRISCILLA LANYASUNYA, felt a great burden from the Lord to begin a school for Samburu kids. That is where I stayed. They gave me a tiny room and I lived in the town of Maralal (Marr rah lal) for twelve weeks. Little did I know that God was beginning to do a miracle and I had no clue that it would begin through me.
While I was there, I found out that in five years, the school enrollment had grown to 850 kids, grades one through twelve. But I ALSO LEARNED THEY HAD NO WATER AT THE SCHOOL. ZIP! NONE! THERE WAS NO WELL. The local town "water works" was so feeble and broken down that AT BEST, WHEN IT EVEN WORKED, it could supple only 20% of the water needs of the entire town of 50,000.
I discovered that the kids at MARALAL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY did not have adequate water to drink (and when they did, it is not pure water), received one pail per week with which to do laundry, could not do a small sponge bath a couple of times a week and...80% OF THEM HAD NEVER, EVER ONCE, TAKEN A SHOWER. Many, many of the adults are able to bathe but once every two months or so. I would not believe this if I read it. The truth is, this is what I have seen.
Here is the real kicker for me. That was last fall! In the ten months since then, things have gone from bad to worse, to desperate. Northern Kenya has now missed the last four "rain periods," the windows of opportunity for rain. Their cattle are now dying, the kids are getting sick and very, very soon, death will come to many in this tribe.
Well, when I returned to the US and back my teaching at ATS, I had such a deep and heavy burden over their need for water at this school that I just could hardly bear it. I have never, ever found myself carrying such a burden and I have walked with the Lord for many years. Finally, I just prayed, "Lord...what should I do?" It was as though God said, "Bill, I want you ask Me and believe Me for the well that I want to drill at that school. If you will ask me, I will do it!"
Scott, I began to pray. To fast forward here, God miraculously...in ways I could not imagine, provided $24,000 for the well. In July (09), I returned to the school in Maralal. Through Living Water International (a truly great, Christian organization), we were able to drill a well on that campus and we now have water there. That is the good news. But the project is not completed. The well is drilled (280 feet deep). The water has been tested by the Kenyan government. The well will pump 4,000 liters per hour (about 1,000 gallons per hour). Unbelievably...the water is also 100% pure and can be drunk right out of the well...unheard of there. That is all good news.
Here is the problem. We need additional funds to now get a pump (submersible) down in the well, electricity to the pump, and storage tanks for the water after it is pumped up, out of the well.
Last Wednesday I spoke with Michael (the Samburu ATS student, still in Kenya). He has gotten three estimates for the amount it will take to complete the project and actually get the pure water out of the well and into the lives of the students at the school. Michael told me that as best as he can estimate it, the needed amount is around $12,000 US dollars. I said, "Michael, I don't have the money, but I'm praying daily that God will supply it. WHEN HE DOES, HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO INSTALL THE ELECTRICAL LINE, INSTALL THE PUMP AND GET THE WATER OUT OF THE WELL AND TO THE STUDENTS?" Michael said, "Bill, I believe we could do it within three days. All we need are the funds!"
Scott, here is the nitty gritty:
1) I have been working through a wonderful organization, based right here in Wilmore, called New Hope International Ministries "N-HIM." They are a not-for-profit organization, founded by a retired Asbury College professor.
2) Their address is: Box 49, Macklem Drive, Wilmore, KY 40390.
3) We have established a way in which NHIM can electronically transfer funds from their bank (here in Wilmore) to Kenya, then to a particular branch located in Maralal town, and then to a particular account in that bank which we have titled "Shalom Water Ministries of Kenya."
4) Michael Lolwerikoi can then access that account, write checks from it to any persons or companies doing work on the well. I have found Michael to be totally, completely trustworthy and fully accountable. He documents every transaction. Of all the Africans I have known and do know, He is the one most able to accomplish projects with total competency and integrity. I trust Michael fully.
If God does lead you folks to get involved, it will be for His glory. Water is life in Samburu land. It is not a luxury. It is life or death.
I give thanks to God for your interest and for anything you may be able to do for these good, needy, Samburu people, to His glory.
God bless you all and may He bless your work and ministry there at Trinity on the Hill.
In Him,
BG
Here's an e-mail I received late this afternoon from a professor at Asbury Theological Seminary in KY. For more information or to assist in this please contact Bill Goold @ bill.goold@asburyseminary.edu
Hello Scott Parrish,
This is Bill Goold at ATS in Wilmore. Moments ago I returned to my office and saw the red light blinking on the phone. I returned a call from my wife, Thelma, who had spoken with our dear friend, Kris Key. It certainly appears to me today is one of those days when God's voice is being heard by a number of His servants and we are all keyed in on the same need. Kris asked me to e-mail you with some information related to the on-going well project in Northern Kenya. I'm going to give you a pretty long story here, perhaps more than you asked for, but it may help you in your role in responding to the Spirit's leading as you sense it. Here goes!
As an ATS professor, I have many contacts with various international students. About three years ago I met and somehow truly bonded with a very mature, very Godly (not just superficially "spiritual", but truly Godly) man here who is a member of the Samburu (Sahm-boo-roo) tribe from Northern Kenya. His name is Michael Lolwerikoi (Loool wear ree koh eee).
Michael is about 43 years old, married to a wonderful wife named Christina. They are the parents of four children and have also adopted twins whose parents died. Christina and the children are in Kenya. Michael is currently in Kenya. I'm to pick him up at the Lexington airport on October 1. He has been home doing research on his Ph. D. (ATS) and will return to finish up his writing and expects to graduate in May.
Through Michael I became acquainted with his tribe, the Samburu people of Northern Kenya. Last fall I was given a sabbatical leave to go and live with these people and help produce the first Christian hymnal in their entire history. That hymnal is about to be published. But...what I did not know what that the hymnal project was God's way of opening the door to another great and critical need there, pure water!
Samburu people are pastoral people. Their entire lives depend upon cows and goats. They constantly move with where the grass currently is. There are about 250,000 Samburu. Theirs is one of 42 different tribes in Kenya. Each tribe has and speaks its own language. These folks are gentle, kind, hospitable folks who took me in, cared for me and captured my heart.
God just plopped me down right smack in the midst of the campus of a private school that is now in its sixth year. Because Samburu kids rarely have opportunity for formal, quality education, a very dedicated Christian couple, ANDREW AND PRISCILLA LANYASUNYA, felt a great burden from the Lord to begin a school for Samburu kids. That is where I stayed. They gave me a tiny room and I lived in the town of Maralal (Marr rah lal) for twelve weeks. Little did I know that God was beginning to do a miracle and I had no clue that it would begin through me.
While I was there, I found out that in five years, the school enrollment had grown to 850 kids, grades one through twelve. But I ALSO LEARNED THEY HAD NO WATER AT THE SCHOOL. ZIP! NONE! THERE WAS NO WELL. The local town "water works" was so feeble and broken down that AT BEST, WHEN IT EVEN WORKED, it could supple only 20% of the water needs of the entire town of 50,000.
I discovered that the kids at MARALAL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY did not have adequate water to drink (and when they did, it is not pure water), received one pail per week with which to do laundry, could not do a small sponge bath a couple of times a week and...80% OF THEM HAD NEVER, EVER ONCE, TAKEN A SHOWER. Many, many of the adults are able to bathe but once every two months or so. I would not believe this if I read it. The truth is, this is what I have seen.
Here is the real kicker for me. That was last fall! In the ten months since then, things have gone from bad to worse, to desperate. Northern Kenya has now missed the last four "rain periods," the windows of opportunity for rain. Their cattle are now dying, the kids are getting sick and very, very soon, death will come to many in this tribe.
Well, when I returned to the US and back my teaching at ATS, I had such a deep and heavy burden over their need for water at this school that I just could hardly bear it. I have never, ever found myself carrying such a burden and I have walked with the Lord for many years. Finally, I just prayed, "Lord...what should I do?" It was as though God said, "Bill, I want you ask Me and believe Me for the well that I want to drill at that school. If you will ask me, I will do it!"
Scott, I began to pray. To fast forward here, God miraculously...in ways I could not imagine, provided $24,000 for the well. In July (09), I returned to the school in Maralal. Through Living Water International (a truly great, Christian organization), we were able to drill a well on that campus and we now have water there. That is the good news. But the project is not completed. The well is drilled (280 feet deep). The water has been tested by the Kenyan government. The well will pump 4,000 liters per hour (about 1,000 gallons per hour). Unbelievably...the water is also 100% pure and can be drunk right out of the well...unheard of there. That is all good news.
Here is the problem. We need additional funds to now get a pump (submersible) down in the well, electricity to the pump, and storage tanks for the water after it is pumped up, out of the well.
Last Wednesday I spoke with Michael (the Samburu ATS student, still in Kenya). He has gotten three estimates for the amount it will take to complete the project and actually get the pure water out of the well and into the lives of the students at the school. Michael told me that as best as he can estimate it, the needed amount is around $12,000 US dollars. I said, "Michael, I don't have the money, but I'm praying daily that God will supply it. WHEN HE DOES, HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO INSTALL THE ELECTRICAL LINE, INSTALL THE PUMP AND GET THE WATER OUT OF THE WELL AND TO THE STUDENTS?" Michael said, "Bill, I believe we could do it within three days. All we need are the funds!"
Scott, here is the nitty gritty:
1) I have been working through a wonderful organization, based right here in Wilmore, called New Hope International Ministries "N-HIM." They are a not-for-profit organization, founded by a retired Asbury College professor.
2) Their address is: Box 49, Macklem Drive, Wilmore, KY 40390.
3) We have established a way in which NHIM can electronically transfer funds from their bank (here in Wilmore) to Kenya, then to a particular branch located in Maralal town, and then to a particular account in that bank which we have titled "Shalom Water Ministries of Kenya."
4) Michael Lolwerikoi can then access that account, write checks from it to any persons or companies doing work on the well. I have found Michael to be totally, completely trustworthy and fully accountable. He documents every transaction. Of all the Africans I have known and do know, He is the one most able to accomplish projects with total competency and integrity. I trust Michael fully.
If God does lead you folks to get involved, it will be for His glory. Water is life in Samburu land. It is not a luxury. It is life or death.
I give thanks to God for your interest and for anything you may be able to do for these good, needy, Samburu people, to His glory.
God bless you all and may He bless your work and ministry there at Trinity on the Hill.
In Him,
BG
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Lost Blogger
Where has the time gone?!
Sorry for my absence. Too much to do & too little time to reflect, much less write anything about those reflections.
School started in our area August 10, so my children have kept us busy as we now have a high school senior, an 8th grader in middle school, and a kindergartner at the elementary school. A month into the year & we are back into the routine.
Of course, this has also seen the beginning of another college semester, which keeps life moving as I work part time in campus ministry at Augusta State University.
The "regular" day job of ministry in the church offers plenty of opportunity with all the back to fall routines. In a large church ministry this means all sorts of opportunities to be busy. Add a little bit of a head cold (or is it allergies flaring up?) and the days move right on by. Thankfully there is a "little bit" of college football to offer a distraction for one who needs to play the couch potato and heal up!
Funny thing about getting sick-- I often seem to catch my breath and think about things other than my "to do" list. I know I ought to be aware and reflect on such things in prayer and devotion time, but I confess that often when I'm ill & at home a couple of days that I become I aware of things I've been missing. I'm curious if anyone else has that experience?
Sorry for my absence. Too much to do & too little time to reflect, much less write anything about those reflections.
School started in our area August 10, so my children have kept us busy as we now have a high school senior, an 8th grader in middle school, and a kindergartner at the elementary school. A month into the year & we are back into the routine.
Of course, this has also seen the beginning of another college semester, which keeps life moving as I work part time in campus ministry at Augusta State University.
The "regular" day job of ministry in the church offers plenty of opportunity with all the back to fall routines. In a large church ministry this means all sorts of opportunities to be busy. Add a little bit of a head cold (or is it allergies flaring up?) and the days move right on by. Thankfully there is a "little bit" of college football to offer a distraction for one who needs to play the couch potato and heal up!
Funny thing about getting sick-- I often seem to catch my breath and think about things other than my "to do" list. I know I ought to be aware and reflect on such things in prayer and devotion time, but I confess that often when I'm ill & at home a couple of days that I become I aware of things I've been missing. I'm curious if anyone else has that experience?
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