Page 1
Dear Trinity Church family,
We are in the days called Lent when focus on the cross of
Jesus is again called to the center of our lives.
The Apostle Paul wrote (1 Corinthians 1: 18), “For the
word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but
to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” How
can submitting to an unfair, unjust death lead to anything
good? How can a sinless man’s death help anything?
Without it, we would not have the hope of eternal life,
which changes every day of living for us. May these
days of the cross be ones that call us back to Jesus—the
author and perfecter of our faith.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Jim
Dr. James E. Swecker
Senior Pastor
MARCH 2018 VOLUME 40, ISSUE 3
From the Pastor's Pen...
Highlights from Trinity United Methodist Church
THE HIGHLIGHTER
TUMC Mission Statement:
“To ignite such a passion,
for Jesus Christ
and His teachings, that it
sets our world on fire.”
Inside this issue:
Blessings, Thanks & Prayers 2-3
Worship Workshop Invitation 4
Trinity’s New Members 5
Women’s Retreat Registration 6
Youth Ministry and Fellowship 7
Heart of Gold Dinner 8
Easter Egg Hunt 9
Holy Week Schedule 10
Future of the United Methodist Church 11
Cemetery Corporation Request 11
Volunteer in Mission Trip Opportunity 12-13
Message from Evangelism 14
Upcoming Blood Drive 15
Listen to the Words... 16
March Events Calendar 17
Page 2
Blessings, Thanks & Prayers
THE HIGHLIGHTER
Trinity
United
Methodist
Church
90 Church Street
P.O. Box 2142
Prince Frederick,
Maryland 20678
410-535-1782
Office Hours
M-F 8am-4pm
email:
churchoffice
@trinityumchurch
.org
web:
www.trinityumchurch.org
Lead Pastor
Dr. James E. Swecker
pastorjim@
trinityumchurch.org
Washington-East
District Supt.
Dr. Rebecca Iannicelli
Bishop
LaTrelle Miller
Easterling
Page 2
Prayers for Those Who Have Been Hospitalized Recently…
Rebecca Adams, Mary Frances Catterton, Richard Scrivener, Alea Weaver and Wes White.
Celebration of New Life…
Trenton Carter Weaver was born to Alea Weaver on February 8. Rejoicing
grandparents are Annice and Harry Weaver.
Special Welcome To...
† Phil and Ann Brown, who became Full Professing Members, by letter of transfer,
on January 28.
† Arian Marshall Thomas, who joined us through the Sacrament of Baptism on
January 28. He is the son of Todd and Monica Thomas.
Our Sympathy To...
Bob and Sharon Finlayson and family, as they grieve the death of his father.
Carolyn Scrivener and family, as they grieve the death of her husband, Richard.
Visitation List..
Doris Benesh - 1140 Scenic Way, St. Leonard, MD 20685
Dorothy L. Bowen - 4915 Sandy Point Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Mildred Bowen - 990 Dan Bowen Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Barbara Brown - 3400 Charing Court, Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732
Glenn Conner - 165 Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Arlene Downs - 4540 Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Mabel Herring - 1055 German Chapel Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Carol Jean Hutchins - 1710 Old Adelina Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Donald & Madelyn Hutchins - 2220 Henry Hutchins Rd., Pr. Frederick, MD 20678
Don & Marilyn Russell - 3487 Cassell Blvd., Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Eddie & Charlotte Wood - 5050 Hallowing Point Rd., Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Asbury Solomons
Fred Davenport - 11450 Asbury Circle, #421, Solomons, MD 20688
Dottie DeHaven - 11100 Asbury Circle, Room #200A, Solomons, MD 20688
Charlotte Hall - 11740 Asbury Circle, Apt. #1404, Solomons, MD 20688
Bill and Mary Hawxhurst - 11450 Asbury Circle, #324, Solomons, MD 20688
Margaret Hayes - 11740 Asbury Circle, Apt. #1308, Solomons, MD 20688
Jane Schmidt - 11740 Asbury Circle, Apt. #1420, Solomons, MD 20688
George Wells - 11750 Asbury Circle, Room #225-HC, Solomons, MD 20688
Wanda Wells - 11750 Asbury Circle, Room #219-HC, Solomons, MD 20688
Calvert County Nursing Center
Annabelle Morrison - 85 Hospital Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Caribbean Breeze Assisted Living
Evelyn Gott - 255 Skinner’s Turn Road, Owings, MD 20736
The Hermitage at Solomons
Louise McCumber - 13325 Dowell Road, Solomons, MD 20688
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Calendar for Bible
Study Groups
Sunday:
Contemporary Issues
in the Christian Faith
Adult Sunday School Class
9:15 AM – Room 313
Jim Van Duzer (410-474-1160)
Faith Foundations
Adult Sunday School Class
9:15 AM – Room 102
Bob Finlayson (410-610-6437)
New Covenant
Adult Sunday School Class 9:15 AM – Parlor
Rick Cox (410-535-1385)
Monday:
Healthy Living Bible Study 11 AM – Room #311
Alice Thomas
Tuesday:
Ladies of Grace
Women’s Bible Study 10 -11:30 AM – Church Library
Mona Monsma (410-231-7977)
Sue Clark (410-474-3146)
Wednesday:
Open Bible Study 10 AM and 6:30 PM
Fellowship Hall
Pastor Jim
Youth Bible Study
6:30 – 8 PM
Youth Room
Thursday:
Men’s Bible Studies 5:30 AM
At the homes of:
John Godfrey (410-586-3282)
Fred Haller (410-586-9898)
Morris Hawkins (410-535-0681)
Page 3
VOLUME 40, ISSUE 3
Many thanks to Pastor Jim
and our Church Family for
all of the prayers, cards
and support during
Richard’s recent surgeries,
treatments and passing.
He and I both felt and
appreciated your love and
kindness. God bless you all.
We love you, Carolyn Scrivener and Family
Save the Date
Vacation Bible School
July 29 through August 2
5:30 – 8pm
Sign up to volunteer in the
Gathering Room
On behalf of the Finlayson
Family, I would like to sincerely
thank our Trinity Family for the
outpouring of love, sympathy, prayers,
hope, encouragement, and abundance of beautiful
cards at the passing of my father. You all continue to
be such a blessing...especially in times of need.
Grace and Peace,
Bob and Sharon
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THE HIGHLIGHTER
Saturday, March 10, 2018
10-11:30 am
Trinity’s staff and leaders will have open workshops for those who want to explore new
ways of serving or get better at serving in some of our favorite ways we’ve always
enjoyed. There are five choices available:
1) LITURGISTS: Help lead the congregation through worship and learn how to read
the scripture well during Sunday morning worship.
2) GREETERS/HOSTS: Welcoming people into the sanctuary and helping them find a
comfortable seat, as well as receiving the offering, are important keys to successful
worship.
3) TECH TEAM: Trinity has awesome sound and video equipment which add a lot to
every worship experience. Look into being one of the ‘behind-the-scenes” techies
who make Trinity’s Sunday mornings a great place to learn God’s Word and praise
Him.
4) ALTAR GUILD/HOLY COMMUNION: Preparing the altar and sanctuary for
worship every week is important and necessary. Learn how we form teams of
people to work on readying the altar and pews and providing the Sacraments of Holy
Communion and Baptism for all God’s people!
5) ACOLYTES: Our young
people (especially children)
love being involved by
lighting altar candles,
handling offering plates with
ushers and knowing they’re a
part of the worshiping
community. Both children
and parents are welcome to
attend this workshop led by
Acolyte Coordinator Stacy
Quesenberry.
For more information,
contact the Church Office
at 410-535-1782.
Trinity Worship Workshops
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VOLUME 40, ISSUE 3
‘WELCOME TO
TRINITY’S NEWEST
FAMILY MEMBERS’
Grace Steuart ~ New Member ~ January 21
with sponsor Karen Green and mom Cindy
Phil and Ann Brown ~ New Members ~ January 28
with family
Arian Marshall Thomas ~ Baptism ~ January 28
with parents, Todd and Monica, and family
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THE HIGHLIGHTER
YOU ARE INVITED!
WOMEN’S RETREAT AT WEST RIVER RETREAT CENTER
DATE: APRIL 27 – 29, 2018
OUR THEME THIS YEAR
CREATED, PROTECTED AND LOVED BY OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN
ALL WOMEN OF THE CHURCH ARE INVITED TO ENJOY A RELAXING, SPIRITUAL AND FUN WEEKEND BY THE RIVER.
THINK ABOUT INVITING A FRIEND TO JOIN YOU!
PRICE: $140 FOR THE WEEKEND $ 40 FOR SATURDAY ONLY
(FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE)
APPLICATIONS ARE LOCATED IN THE GATHERING ROOM
DEADLINE: SUNDAY, APRIL 8
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT SANDRA WOODFORD AT 410-535-5547
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VOLUME 40, ISSUE 3
Many thanks to everyone who came out to
support our Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Fundraiser this year. We really appreciate
your thoughtfulness and generosity.
In February, I had the pleasure of attending the
Calvert High School Induction Ceremony for
the National Honor Society and the World
Language Honorarium. I would like to
congratulate Andrew Mason for being inducted
into the National Honor Society and Jacob Bush,
Haden Brown and David Lozier for their
induction into the World Language Honorarium. These are not easy groups to get into. It has
taken hard work and dedication on the part of these students. They not only attain a high
grade point average, but they are also active in other school activities, sports and clubs after
school. Congratulations Andrew, Jacob, Haden and David!!
Congratulations to Kyle Wojciechowski for participating in the Tri County Math Counts
Competition. Kyle placed 5th out of the top 12 competing. The Top 12 competed in a speed
round where Kyle took 2nd Place! Congratulations Kyle!! We are so proud of you!!
In Christ, Janet Swecker [email protected]
Just some ‘food for thought’ that I thought I would share:
It’s Strange…
It’s strange how $20.00 seems like a large amount when you donate it to church, but such a
small amount when you go shopping.
It’s strange how 2 hours seem so long when you are at church, and how short they seem when
you are watching a good movie.
It’s strange that you can’t find words to say when you’re praying, but you have no trouble
thinking what to talk about with a friend.
It’s strange how difficult it is to read one chapter of the Bible, but how easy it is to read a
popular novel.
It’s strange how everyone wants front-row tickets to concerts, but they want to sit in the last
row at church.
It’s strange how we need to know about an event for church 2-3 weeks before the day so we
can include it in our agenda, but we can adjust it for other events at the last minute.
It’s strange how difficult it is to learn a fact about God and share it with others, but it’s easy to
repeat gossip.
It’s strange how we believe everything that magazines and newspapers say, but we question
the words in the Bible.
Author Unknown
Youth Ministry & Fellowship
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THE HIGHLIGHTER
Heart Healthy Menu:
Baked Chicken, Stuffed Shells, Potatoes,
Green Beans, Spring Salad, Rolls, Dessert
Please join us as we celebrate together. It’s not luck; it’s God’s blessing. This will be a
special evening of fun, fellowship and food. There will be heart awareness information
available, as well as the opportunity to make a donation to purchase an Automatic
Electronic Defibrillator for Trinity.
Please RSVP by March 12, 2018 by sending your check ($15.00 per person made out
to Trinity). Any questions, please contact Wes & Darlene White at 410-535-5758 or
[email protected] .
CORNER
SP
EC
IA
L E
VE
NT
S
Trinity’s
1st Annual
Heart of Gold
Dinner
with
Calvert Dance Band
featuring Trinity’s
own
John Whitten and
Leah Woods
and a
Not-So-Newlywed
Game
$15.00 per person
Heart of Gold
Dinner
March 17, 2018
5:00 p.m.
in the Fellowship Hall
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VOLUME 40, ISSUE 3
Annual Easter Egg HuntJoin us for an exciting time! This event is for ALL ages.
Saturday, March 31, 2018
1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Rain or Shine
The fun begins at Trinity United Methodist Church.
90 Church Street
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Candy donations would be appreciated and can be left in the Gathering Room by Palm Sunday.
If you have any questions, please email Wes or Darlene White at [email protected] or call our home at 410-535-5758.
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THE HIGHLIGHTER
Trinity United Methodist ChurchTrinity United Methodist Church 90 Church Street, Prince Frederick, MD90 Church Street, Prince Frederick, MD
PALM SUNDAY March 25 ~ 8 am & 10:30 am
Choir Cantata ~ “Canticle of the Cross”
MAUNDY THURSDAY with Sacrament of Holy Communion
March 29 ~ 7 pm
GOOD FRIDAY Outdoor Experience
March 30 ~ 12 pm to 3 pm, with Prayer Service at 3 pm
EASTER EGG HUNT Saturday, March 31 ~ 1 - 3 pm
EASTER SUNDAY April 1
6:30 am - Sunrise Service
Western Shores Beach, Port Republic
*From Prince Frederick, take Rt. 4 South, turn left on Western Shores Blvd.,
follow road to the park on the left
Easter Worship Services in the Sanctuary
8 am and 10:30 am
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VOLUME 40, ISSUE 3
Dear Church Family,
There will be a special session during the General Conference in 2019 regarding the future of the
United Methodist Church. The following link to a United Methodist News Service article details
the three options currently being considered. I ask you to pray and think about these proposals:
http://www.umc.org/news-and-media/church-leaders-hear-way-forward-update?
mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiWkRrNE1HTTBObVV4TlRreSIsInQiOiI4N0RMVzc1cXRMUUx2UXJmeTB
GMElMRXVDdjNQREpJeE93N2V0cVVCbFZwXC95MUx4RENMWkExUk41ZTR5VVhsQV
hLclNadWRLc1lHTXExVG5KbE9NRmQ1Vmx0SHJPUjhmSnk2SXdqdzQ2N3ZMNmlZbEJq
Z1VKNGxEK1wvcVR2aytMIn0%3D
Of course, I welcome any conversation, questions or counseling together we might do around
these important issues regarding the church.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Jim
Future of the United Methodist Church
The Prince Frederick Methodist
Cemetery Corporation hereby notifies
everyone that the annual Spring Clean-up at
our cemeteries will occur the week of March 11
thru March 17. Any decorations you wish to
save should be removed before this time.
Spring decorations may be placed at the
cemetery on or after March 18. Please remove
grave decorations when they become unsightly
and keep them to a minimum during the mowing
season. THANK YOU.
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THE HIGHLIGHTER
The 2018 VIM team is forming NOW for a Russia trip this summer. Departure
will be August 5. The trip will include time at Camp Kristall, in conjunction
with their Youth Mission Conference. In Russia, the term 'youth' usually
refers to those age 18-30, so we are especially interested in having young
adults join this team - but any team member is welcome. Please contact Lori
Willis at [email protected] asap if you have any questions about joining
this mission team. She can connect you with the organizers for more
information. International teams need to begin paperwork for Visa's etc,
months in advance, so the team is forming quickly.
2017 IN MISSION TOGETHER
‘EURASIA TRIP UPDATE’
Though our teams were small, we count 2017 as a successful year for our
connection with Central Black Soil, not least because after not having a work team
go in 2015 or 2016 (the latter of which had an information-gathering and connection
-making team go to the South District), we had two small teams go last summer.
Partnering with folks from the Virginia Conference for the 2017 trips, a team went
in July to Camp Kristall during the time that "Camp Trinity" (the special-needs
camp) was meeting (Note: Camp Kristall is the location; Camp Trinity is the name of
(Continued on page 13)
Volunteer in Mission (VIM) Trip Opportunity
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VOLUME 40, ISSUE 3
the program.) They did a combination of construction work and interacting
with the Camp Trinity group. They also spent some time in Moscow.
The August team was at Camp Kristall at the same time as the Youth Mission
Conference. The Eurasia Area has a relatively new program called the "Youth
Mission Conference", the idea behind which is to encourage missional outreach
from the Eurasian churches, so as not always to be in a receiving
mode. "Youth" (understand: young adults by our definition) were drawn from
all over European Russia and Ukraine, with some leader support also from
Central Asia. There were about 35 Eurasian participants, plus about 15
international students studying in Russia from several African countries
(including Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Congo - Brazzaville, and Angola), also including
two current and one soon-to-be District Superintendents from Russia. The
"youth" ranged in age from 17 (one young man from St. Petersburg) to early
30's, and represented a wide range of studies and work, including one medical
student from Moscow State University.
Four projects were worked on: replacing half of the roof on the turbaz (tourist
hotel or dormitory), refurbishing and tiling the moika (dish washing room) of the
dining hall, refurbishing and working on accessibility for one of the cottages so
as to be handicapped accessible, and the rebuilding of a gazebo which had
fallen into disrepair and had to be taken down. Significant progress was made
on all projects, with the half-roof and the moika tiling being completed by the
end of the week. (The other half-roof is scheduled for completion in August
2018.)
The team found the Youth Mission Conference experience to be extraordinarily
rich. We worked side by side with Russians and Ukrainians and international
students. They had the opportunity to lunch and have conversation with Rev.
Svetlana Tsoy, who was at that time the designated new DS for Central Black
Soil. (She began that role 1 September, and is also lead pastor of New
Commandment UMC in Voronezh.) They also had "small group" time with the
international students from African nations, most of whom were quite conversant
in English as well as Russian (and their native African languages, too).
Please prayerfully consider whether an experience of sharing God's love with
our Russian brothers and sisters in Christ is something that you are feeling a
calling in which to participate Share this information with anyone who you think
might be interested. Contact Lori Willis at [email protected] ,
if you have any questions.
(Continued from page 12)
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THE HIGHLIGHTER
Message from Evangelism
Calling all Creative Trinity Members.
Has God given you creative skills? You can use them at Trinity.
The Evangelism Team is looking for church family who are:
Carpenters - Yes, that’s right. You are in the right place and Easter is the right
time. Just think, if you and Jesus both have carpentry skills, then you are following in
his work. Do you want to demonstrate your woodworking and help Trinity build an
outside cross for Easter? We have just the job for you. We provide materials; you
provide your carpentry skills.
Writers - Can’t say more about where we would be if the disciples were not writers or
if the people who followed them did not write their story. We are looking for people
who have the gift of story telling and enjoy creating articles for the Highlighter. Don’t
worry, we have Dawn as a great editor. No experience necessary, but a computer
would help.
Photographers - Yes, we all love pictures of friends and friendly faces. We could use
your creative skills to help us post pictures on Facebook and the Highlighter. Provide
pictures of events, old ones and new
ones. Do you have some old
photographs of Trinity back in the
day? We can scan and share them on
Facebook and in the Highlighter.
We all have skills.
What can you share?
Please contact
[email protected] or call me at
(410) 586-8763 and help us make
Easter at Trinity special.
Cheri DeLaVergne
Evangelism Chair
Trinity United
Methodist Church
Sunday Schedule
8 - 9 a.m. ~ Worship Service
9:15 -10:15 a.m. ~ Sunday School
(for all ages)
10:30 - 11:30 a.m. ~ Worship Service
Open Bible Study
Wednesdays at 10 a.m. & 6:30 p.m.
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Trinity United Methodist Church
Staff
Rayelle Finlayson ....... Coordinator of Christian Ed
Sharon Godfrey ...................... Financial Secretary
William Jenifer ........................................ Sexton
Becki Nelson ................................... Bookkeeper
Kathy Pinkowski ............. Administrative Assistant
Rebecca Adams ....................... Nursery Attendant
Emelyn Riggleman .................. Nursery Attendant
Mary Stortzum................. Lead Nursery Attendant
Janet Swecker .......... Coordinator of Youth Ministry
Leah Woods .............. Director of Music Ministries
~ ~ ~ Jim Swecker ..................................... Lead Pastor
Blood Drive
Trinity United Methodist Church
Fellowship Hall
Sunday, March 18, 2018
7:00 am to 12:00 pm
Please contact 800-REDCROSS or log on to www.redcrossblood.org
(enter sponsor code “Trinity UMC Prince Frederick”) to schedule
your life-saving donation or be a walk-in on March 18.
Thank you!
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VOLUME 40, ISSUE 3
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THE HIGHLIGHTER
Listen to the Words...
CCLI Song #1558110
Stuart Townend © 1995 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com
CCLI License # 2418144
How Deep the Father’s Love
for Us
Verse 1
How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory
Verse 2
Behold the Man upon a cross
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
Verse 3
I will not boast in anything
No gifts no pow’r no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
We sing
beautiful
songs and
hymns
every Sunday.
Do you ever
really listen
to the
words…
click here
(to sing along)
Page 17
Trinity United Methodist Church
MARCH 2018
Weekly Ministries
Sunday
8:00 am Worship Service
9:15 am Sunday School (for all ages)
10:30 am Worship Service
5:30 pm Kid’s Choir Rehearsal
6:00 pm Youth Fellowship
6:30 pm Bell Choir Rehearsal
7:00 pm AA Meeting
Monday
11:00 am Healthy Living Bible Study
7:30 pm Calvert Dance Band Rehearsal
Tuesday
10:00 am Women’s Bible Study
Wednesday
10:00 am Open Bible Study
6:30 pm Open Bible Study
6:30 pm Middle/High School Bible Study
7:00 pm Unclouded Day Rehearsal
Thursday
5:30 am Men’s Bible Study
6:30 pm Praise Team Rehearsal
7:30 pm Choir Rehearsal
SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT
1 2 3
4 5
Trustees 7 pm
6
Missions 6 pm
7
Bible Study Covered Dish
Dinner at 6:30 pm
8 9 10
Worship Workshops
10 - 11:30 am
11
Daylight Saving Time
Begins
12 13 Evangelism
6 pm ~
Worship 7 pm
14 15 16 17
Heart of Gold Dinner
5 pm
18
Blood Drive 7 am—Noon
19 20
Church Council
7 pm
21 22 23 24
25
Palm Sunday
Choir Cantata
26 27 28 29 Maundy
Thursday Service with Communion
7 pm
30 Good Friday Experience
12 pm to 3 pm ~
Prayer Service 3 pm
31
Easter Egg Hunt
1 - 3 pm
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VOLUME 40, ISSUE 3