TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

December 18, 2012 • Vol. 46 No. 51

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Mission Opportunities 4

Christmas Gift of Joy 5

Prayer Garden 6

Calendar of Events 7

Trinity will publish a new church pictorial directory in 2013. Photography sessions with

Life Touch (formerly Olan Mills) will begin on January 15.

Appointments can be made now online at

www.trinitybirmingham.com.Appointments can also be made on Sunday mornings at Trinity.

Questions? Please email directory@trinitybirmingham.com.

New Pictorial DIRECTORY

Photo SessionsBegin January 15

•••

MONDAY, DECEMBER 24

CHILDREN’S SERVICES4:00 & 5:00 PM | Wesley Hall

These services are designed for families with young children. The children are encouraged to dress as Mary, Joseph,

shepherds, angels or manger animals, and become a part of the Nativity story.

Costumes available.

•

PERSONAL COMMUNION4:00 - 6:00 PM | Sanctuary

Come and go at any time during these two hours for an intimate time of

family or individual worship and communion.

•

CANDLELIGHT COMMUNION7:00 & 11:00 PM | Sanctuary

Trinity’s traditional services of Christmas with music, word, candlelight and communion.

With special music by the Sanctuary Choir, Cross & Flame Youth Choir,

Trinity String Quartet and Organ.

Nursery Not Available On Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve services

It is hard to know what to write this morning. This week should be filled with the joy of pre-paring for the great feast of the Incarnation, for Christmas. But our joy has been shattered by the events of last Friday. The words I would like to share are those from Sunday’s Sermon:

The Slaughter of the InnocentsAndrew Wolfe – December 16, 2012

Matthew 2:16-18 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they were no more.”

This is not the sermon I had planned to preach this morning. Today has been a day of joyful music, of hearing the story of Jesus’ birth through scripture and song. I had planned to preach on Luke’s report of the angels appearing to the shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus with word and song. But, after the events of this past Friday in Newtown, Connecticut, that sermon will have to wait. As the Prophet Amos wrote long ago, “Our feast has turned to mourning and our songs have turned lamentations.” Once again the unthinkable has happened. We have witnessed the senseless deaths of 20 innocent children and 6 of their teachers. What began as a normal day, turned sud-denly violent . . . and no day will ever be normal again for the families whose lives have been torn asunder. This is, not only a day for prayer, but also a day for reflection. We come today with heavy hearts – seeking solace and comfort – but also seeking some word from God. What has happened is unspeakable, but we must speak of it. There is another text from the Christmas story that calls to be preached today. It is a story we do not often read – because it is not a tranquil story of shepherds and sheep, wise men and stars, a manger and a baby. This story points to the dark side of Christmas. But this story, no less that of the manger, shepherds and wise men, needs to be told, especially today. Matthew records this story for us. It is the story of Herod’s reaction when he receives the news that Jesus, a new King of The Jews, has been born. Unfortunately, for the families of Bethlehem, Herod had no intention of allowing this potential usurper to grow to adulthood. Warned in a dream to flee, Joseph and Mary took Jesus and left in the middle of the night to find refuge in Egypt. Matthew says that Herod was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem who were two years old or younger. Church history refers to this as “the slaughter of the inno-cents.” Now, this story has once again repeated itself. To the slaughter of the innocents of Bethle-hem, we must now add the slaughter of the innocents of Newtown – and countless other places around the world – wherever human beings have seen violence as an acceptable way to solve their problems, be they personal or political. Of course, we would prefer to skip this story. We are tempted look away, to cover our eyes and pretend not to see – because what we see is so painful and horrible. Before Newtown, there was the high school at Columbine, a movie theater in Aurora, an Amish schoolhouse in Pennsylvania, a supermarket parking lot in Tucson. There have been so many incidents that we are numbed by them. We can only handle so much tragedy before we begin to shut down. Like the priest and the Levi in the parable of the Good Samaritan, we are tempted to pass by on the other side, pretending that we do not see the victim lying by the roadside as we go about our business. But, these victims are our business as God’s people because we

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2012FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT8:45 & 11:00 AM • Sanctuary

SERMONDr. Andrew Wolfe

“Christmas From the Back Side” Series•

MUSIC8:45 & 11:00 AM

Sanctuary Choir & Amy Johnson•

MINISTER ON CALL

DEC. 22-26 - Drew Holland, 617-9228

DEC. 29-30 - Bobby Scales, 746-4547•

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES

DECEMBER 24

(SEE FRONT PAGE FOR TIMES)

•CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

DECEMBER 25 & 26

WESLEY HALL • 11:15 AMRev. Nathan CardenAdvent: Theotokos

A LOOK AT DECEMBER 16

1,784 • Worship Attendance

840 • Sunday School Attendance

A PERSONAL WORD

The 8:45 AM worship service is broadcast via 15-minute delay from 9-10 AM Sundays

on WAPI-1070 AM.

DECEMBER 30, 2012SERMON

Rev. Nathan Carden•

MUSIC8:45 & 11:00 AM

Trinity Orchestra & Men’s Quartet

are people who know the full story of Christmas – both the glory and the horror. We must instead take our place beside the Samaritan in the par-able who saw the victim, had compassion and did something. To know the full meaning of Christmas, we must hear Rachel and the women of Bethlehem and the parents of Newtown weeping for her children. Only in that way will we find the compassion to take our place beside those victims and the courage to face all the demonic structures – the Herod instinct – that leads to violence. We look first of all to see that amidst the evil that has happened – there was good. To not name that good and claim it, is to allow evil to have the only say in our world, which we must never do. Already we have heard the stories of teachers who put themselves in harms’ way, using their bodies as shields, to protect and save the children. We have seen law enforcements officers respond without fear for their own lives. We have seen first responders, who have offered comfort and healing at great cost to their own peace of mind. That first Christmas was the worst of times and the best of times. If, on Friday, we saw the worst of what we humans are capable of, we also saw the best. We also saw undaunted courage, selfless devotion, and boundless compassion. We saw the Samaritan go to the aid of the victim. We saw Jesus taking his place beside us in the chaos and brokenness of this world. We thank God, for those who refused to turn their heads and look away – but who, instead became the way for good to answer evil. We must also look into the face of the one who committed these senseless acts. We cannot know the dark forces within this young man – the rage, the pain. Even if we knew the reasons for this act, it would never excuse his act. We are all accountable for our actions – we must all choose between the darkness and the light. There must be no notoriety in such senseless acts. We look into the face of Herod, only so we can name the evil that would undo us all. With our prayers for the victims, there must be prayers for all who are lost in darkness in our world. But, we must also recognize that these individual acts of violence do not happen in a vacuum, they take place against a backdrop; they have a context. We are the most religious nation in the western world, but we are also the most violent. What happened on Friday was not an isolated incident. The most recent statistics reveal 2,694 children and teens were killed by gunfire in 2010. If those children and teens were still alive they would fill 108 classrooms of 25 each. Since 1979 when gun death data were first collected by age, a shocking 119,079 children and teens have been killed by gun violence. That is more child and youth deaths in America than American battle deaths in World War I (53,402) or in Viet-nam (47,434) or in the Korean War (33,739) or in the Iraq War (3,517). We must look to ourselves as a people and ask what are the causes of this culture of violence; a culture that both sanitizes and sancti-fies violence and then wonders why it happens. What we must not do is pass by on the other side. What we must not do is to accept this horror in the name of some false freedom, nor accept it with a fatalism that says, it just happens – there is nothing to be done. What we must not do is to throw up our hands and acquiesce to the slaughter of innocents. Albert Camus, Nobel Laureate, speaking at a Dominican mon-astery in 1948 said, “Perhaps we cannot prevent this world from being a world in which children are tortured. But we can reduce the number of

tortured children.” He went on to describe our responsibility as human beings, “if not to reduce evil, at least not to add to it” and “to refuse to consent to conditions which torture innocents.” In the name of Jesus we must refuse to consent to a culture that promotes violence and acquiesce to the slaughter of innocents. We must join our voices in saying a loud “no” to the Herods of the world – “no” in the name of Jesus, the Price of Peace. We must cling to and claim the promise of scripture of the prophet Isaiah who dreamed of that day when they shall beat their swords and guns into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nations and people shall not lift up swords against nations and people. What we must do is to be a people of hope and not despair. Professor Tom Long tells about a photograph on the wall of the museum in the former concentration camp at Dachau. The photograph shows a mother and little girl being taken into a gas chamber at Auschwitz. The girl, who is walking in front of her mother does not know where she is going. The mother does know, but there is nothing the mother can do to stop this atrocity. In her helplessness, she performs the only act of love left to her. She places her hand over her little girls eyes, so, at least she will not have to see the horror that faces her. When people see the picture in the museum, they do not move easily to the next one. Long said that you can feel the emotion, almost hear their cries, “O God don’t let that be all there is. Somewhere, somehow set things right.” In Bethlehem, God hears those prayers and moves to begin to set things right. Herod did his worst. Yet, the slaughter of the innocents was not the end of the story. Herod’s plan failed. Jesus lived and grew into manhood. He brought good news to the poor, healed the sick, and comforted those who grieved. He was crucified, dead and buried and on the third day he rose again – forever conquering evil and death. In Jesus, God has met the love of power, with the power of love and won. I was watching a pastor from Newtown being interviewed the night of the tragedy. He said he has had parishioners come to ask him if they should turn off their Christmas lights in response to this tragedy. He told them, “By no means – leave them on.” Leave them on so that we can be reminded that: “The light shines in the darkness, and the dark-ness has not overcome it.” Darkness came to Newtown on Friday morning – we mourn with those who mourn. But, in the darkness there is a light that shall not be overcome. Emmanuel, God is with us – even in the chaos, the broken-ness, the pain, the sorrow.

That is the meaning of Christmas.

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mission & outreachCHRISTMAS GIFT OF JOY OFFERINGThis special offering goes to support the church’s mission and outreach efforts. This includes support for local and international mission projects such as: Firehouse Shelter, Birmingham Hospi-tality Network, Church of the Reconciler, Volunteers In Mission, and Urban Ministry. Offerings can be made during the Advent season using the special envelopes.

PANAMA MISSION - DENTISTS, YOUNG ADULTS NEEDED From June 8-16, 2013, Trinity will send a team of young adults (20’s and 30’s) to Panama for mission work. The work will include a dental ministry, construction, and Bible study for children. We are also in need of a dentist (any age) to join us on our trip. For questions and more information, please contact Martha Furio at jmrfurio@charter.net.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT COR to help make brown bag lunches (Church of the Reconciler). Contact Sherry Donahue at 603-2665 or flashraggs@yahoo.com for more information.

Have a question about Trinity’s Mission & Outreach? Please contact Rev. Nathan Carden at 879-1737 or email ncarden@trinitybirmingham.com.

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CONFIRMATION NOTES...Please take a moment and let our 68 Confirmands know their church loves them. Write a note and

drop it in the individual envelopes hanging on three bulletin boards on 2nd floor near both Wesley Hall entrances and the Conference room. Hurry! Deadline is January 2.

Mallie Claire Alfano Caroline Bearden Mary Eliza Beaumont Mary Walton Blomeley Abby BottlesonCampbell Brabston Tucker Brant Autumn Carpenter Molly Kathryn Cooper Hannah Crosswy Britton DamsgardLivi Dowda Crawford Doyle Grayson Emerson Lily Flippen Jack Ford Michael Ford

Polly Forrestall Jakob Fridy Mary Gardner John Hale Paul Michael Hargrove Alex Harris Zachary Haskins Maggie Heath Jan Harris Hindman Grayson Kelley Anna Kramer Josh Legg Ash Long Adam MartinGabe MartinSam MartinSophia Martin

Jackson McLain Allie Claire Meeks Elizabeth Oliver Garrett Owen Helen Parris Daniel Patton Justin Perreault Richard Potts Claire Robinson Meg RobinsonBrooks Roney Blake Roth Erik Schablow Kate Sims Burke Smith Natalie Smith Anna Stephens

Michael Sturm Carter Sullivan Draper Tapscott Grace Turner Kit Turner Lexi Turner Thomas vonEschenbach Will vonEschenbach Laura Waldsmith Connor Warren Emma Wildman Larkin Williams Wesley Williams Cole Williford Mac Wooley Benjamin Yarboro Ingram Zuber

Small Group Studies 2013

Mark your calendar... the small group course offerings for

Winter/Spring 2013 will be available after December 21.

Log on to www.trinitybirmingham after

December 21 to view the course offerings. You may register at that time

online or wait until the course description/registration form is mailed in

Tidings on January 8, 2013.

Registration tables will be available in the East and Main Narthexes on Sunday, January 13 and 20.

Questions? Contact Suzanne Pruitt at 879-1737 or email

spruitt@trinitybirmingham.com.

You Are Invited To Our Confirmation Service

Sunday, January 13, 5:00PMBishop Debra Wallace-Padgett will be with us, our Youth Choir will be singing and wewill have 68 youth who will be confirmed. What a special evening of worship. Join us!

gifts to glorify god & to remember those we loveHONORARIUMS November 30 - December 14, 2012

NORMA ALDRIDGE Friendship Class MARY BOYCE Suzanne Pruitt REV. NATHAN CARDEN Circle 8 ROBERT CHANDLER CARTER Becky & Bill Hutto ANN & BILL CATON Vivian & Cole Kramer ANN & KEN DAMSGARD Vivian & Cole Kramer GEORGE ELLIOTT Donette Lurie LISA ELLIOTT Suzanne Pruitt NORMA HARMON Suzanne Pruitt JODI HASKINS Miles Williams ELLA CLAIRE HILSMIER Becky & Bill Hutto SHARON HOLLOWAY Suzanne Pruitt CAROLYN JOHNSON Friendship Class DONNA JOHNSON Suzanne Pruitt DANA & MIKE LEVERING Miles Williams TIFFANI LITTLE Vivian & Cole Kramer Walker Williams AMY MEZZELL Suzanne Pruitt MRS. PERRY MORGAN, JR. Travis Morgan & Elizabeth Mullins LINDA NEIGHBORS Circle 6

DONNA NELSON Wednesday Night “Beth Moore” Class AMBER NIX Miles Williams MARGARET REED Friendship Class ANN ROGERS Donette Lurie DONNA ROOSE Suzanne Pruitt GINGER SIMS Suzanne Pruitt HALEY SMITH Suzanne Pruitt KAREN SMITH Suzanne Pruitt JACKEN STUBBLEFIELD Vivian & Cole Kramer JUDY TRUITT Vivian & Cole Kramer LESLEY VINZANT Walker Williams KIM WOOD Suzanne Pruitt

MEMORIALSNovember 30 - December 14, 2012 ELISE BAKER Bettie Jackson BILLIE BELMONT Donette Lurie ELEANOR BRYLA Trinity UMC Jean Mills Marion Murphy BEVERLY HAPGOOD Jane & Ted Hagler Judy & Gary Jackson DR. PERRY MORGAN Travis Morgan & Elizabeth Mullins

HOWELL PEEBLES Becky & Bill Hutto JOANN RAINEY Trinity UMW Virginia & David Downes Donette Lurie ANNIE ROUTON Lynell & Joe Bolen Donette Lurie BUTCH SMITH Trinity UMW Margaret & Karl Reed Martha & Jim Martin Sue & Floyd Hair Agape Sunday School Class Carole McIntyre Jo Ann Brazelton Susan & Philiip Norton Carole Cudd Judy & Gary Jackson Dot Aycock Jean & Tim Hayes John Wesley Bible Class Marsha Robins Carolyn & Les Stricklin Ann Morris Smith Edward E. Milam Dewayne Roberts Julie Roberts Margaret Dixon Karen Jackson Mimmi Stanton Lori Egea Oak Street Hair Group, Inc. Dale & David Miller Cassandra L. Malay Aline Werntz Daphne & Steve Legg Nancy & Max Hale Becky & Bill Hutto Betsy & Phil Henle Harriet J. Eller The Family of Margaret Sulzby Gwen & Jim Williams Ann & Ken Damsgard Donette Lurie Claire & Gene Donaldson Floyd Hendrix Margie Duncan Rhetta & Leo Wright Circle 7 Betsy & Chris McLean Donna, Dean, Drew & Mark Burgess Sybil & Noel Fendlason

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Trinity Prayer Garden

and Columbarium

There has been major progress on the construction of the Prayer Garden and Columbarium. It will soon be complete and ready for use before spring. Niches in the Columbarium are available for current and former members of Trinity and their families. If you are interested in purchasing a niche in the Columbarium, a panel in the Memorial Wall or naming a special garden feature in honor or in memory of a loved one, please contact Ann Neptune at 879-1737 or email her at aneptune@trinitybirmingham.com.

The Prayer Garden and Columbarium is a completely self-funding project through the sale of Columbarium niches, memorials and contributions by interested persons.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION & DEADLINES• NICHES: There are two weeks remaining to purchase a niche in the Columbarium at a discount rate of $2,880. As of January 1, 2013, the niches will be sold at the full price of $3,200 each.• MEMORIAL PANEL: Located inside the columbarium, the Memo-rial Panel will be limestone with names etched into the stone. The discount cost is $400 per name. As of January 1, 2013, the Memorial Panel etchings will be sold at full price of $500 each. • GIFT POSSIBILITIES: The two remaining special features in the garden which are gift possibilities to name as honorariums or memo-rials are one hand carved scripture tablets, and the ornamental iron entrance gate to the Columbarium.

Pictured Right: Prayer Garden construction on December 14, 2012.

Beautiful New Pew Markers Now In Use Thanks To Diligent StitchersWhen the Worship Committee asked the Trinity Stitchers if they would make new pew markers to replace the reserved signs that fall off with just a tap, wheels began turning. It has been a long process of researching designs and visiting other local churches, but the United Methodist Church’s symbol of the cross and flame became the design of choice. It could easily be worked to compliment the kneelers that are at the altar rail and was a simple design. Little did we know that each of the markers would entail over 300 hours of stitching which was done by: Gayle Arnold, Tempie Brunson, Jade Carter, Janet Cochran-Gottemoeller, Ann Damsgard, Jane Hagler, Lisa Hapgood, Dimerous Hatcher, Cindy Matthews, Kar-en Mobley, Betty Moon, Mayre Parr, Cammie Quinn, Betty Shamburger, Martha Thompson, Ginger Trawick, and Freda Welch.

Four of the markers have been completed and are available to be used to re-served pews for baptisms, weddings and other special events at the church. The others will be available soon.

Thanks to those who have prayed with us as well as made monetary contribu-tions to this project.

Nursery Volunteers December 23Martin & Shelby Smith, Alli Nations, Ashley Harmon, Jeff Rabren

•••Nursery volunteers are needed each Sunday.

To volunteer, please contact Barry Smith at 879-1737 or email nurseryvolunteers@trinitybirmingham.com.

NOTE: The nursery will NOT be openduring Christmas Eve services.

highlighted events this week

in memoriamWe extend our love and sympathy: • to Serene and Jim Johnson on the death of her sister and to Kelly Johnson on the death of her aunt, Paula Retzlaff, on December 10.• to Trey and Betsy Hill on the death of his grand-mother, Sarah Hill, on December 11.

congratulations• to Carrie and Dan Carter on the birth of their son, Robert Chandler Carter, on December 11. Big sis-ter is Annalise Carter. Proud grandparents are Jade and the late, Tom Carter, and Carol and Jack Reamey. Proud aunts and uncle are Claire Carter and Becky and Nathan Reamey. Proud great-grand-mother is Eulette Carter.

CFT Craft Room–143FSR Fireside Room–145CONF Conference Room–220SANC SanctuaryFHALL Fellowship Hall

LIB Library–218NAT Not at TrinityLP Large ParlorSP Small Parlor–105HAVEN Youth Auditorium

CHAPEL Mouat ChapelMS Music Suite–132WHALL Wesley HallSDR Small Dining RoomFLC Family Life Center

in the hospitalST. VINCENT’S: Fox Hardwick MillerUAB: Terry Ware

PLEASE NOTE: Tidings publishes each week on Tuesday (except for the week of Christmas). The deadline for submitting informa-tion to be included is on Thursday, the week prior to the publish date. Please submit info via email to Haley Smith at hsmith@trinitybirmingham.com. Tidings is delivered to the printing com-pany each Monday at Noon. It is printed and mailed on Tuesday afternoon. Should you not receive your copy in a timely manner, please contact your postal carrier. The online version of Tidings is available each week on Tuesday at: www.trinitybirmingham.com/news/tidings

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As of December 16, 2012GENERAL BUDGET: 2012Given Month to Date: $171,986 Avg. Needs to Date: $152,252 Balance/shortage: $19,734

SAY AMEN Gifts this Month: $33,076SAY AMEN Gifts to Date: $474,876

Note from Treasurer: Questions about church finances, income or expense? If you wonder how funds are received or expensed, the financial books of Trinity are open to any member, contact Ann Neptune at 879-1737 or aneptune@trinitybirmingham.com.

treasurer’s report

Fourth Sunday of Advent - December 238:45 AM Traditional Worship - SANC10:00 AM Sunday School11:00 AM Traditional Worship - SANC11:15 AM CONTACT Worship - WHALLMonday - December 24 Christmas Eve8:30 AM Mouat Chapel Open for Prayer4-6:00 PM Personal Communion - SANC4:00 PM Children’s Service - WHALL5:00 PM Children’s Service - WHALL7:00 PM Candlelight Communion - SANC11:00 PM Candlelight Communion - SANC

Tuesday - December 25Church Office ClosedWednesday - December 26Church Office ClosedThursday - December 278:30 AM Mouat Chapel Open for PrayerFriday - December 288:30 AM Mouat Chapel Open for Prayer

On Sunday, December 9 Trinity hosted “A Night in Bethlehem.” Over 200 volun-teers and over 800 participants strolled through the marketplace of Bethlehem. They made holiday decorations, played games, sampled bread in the Bakery, and enjoyed many more wonderful activities. Many visitied the live Nativity – with baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph and live animals. It was a memorable evening for all.

Over 1,000 participate in A Night in Bethlehem

Pictured: Children making metal design Christmas ornaments

at the Metal Works shop in Bethlehem.

Tidings Trinity United Methodist Church (USPS 0641-120) is pub-

lished weekly, except Christmas week,

by Trinity United Methodist Church,

1400 Oxmoor Road, Birmingham

(Homewood), AL 35209-3998. Period-

icals postage paid at Birmingham, AL.

POSTMASTER: Send address chang-

es to: Tidings, Trinity United Method-

ist Church, P.O. Box 19069, Birming-

ham, AL 35219-9069.

SUNDAYS at Trinity: Worship 8:45, 11:00 & 11:15 AM • Sunday School 10:00 AM • Youth Activities 6:00 PM

Serving Greater Birmingham from Homewood • Our Mission: To Gather…To Grow…To Go…To Glorify1400 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL 35209 • 205.879.1737 • Careline: 205.868.9709

www.trinitybirmingham.com

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Interested in Membership?Join us the first Sunday of every month in the large parlor for “Coffee with the Pastor.” This is a time to meet the pastoral staff, ask questions and learn more about the core values and mission of Trinity. We also encour-age you to attend “Membership 101,” a basic orientation prior to joining Trinity. It is offered on the second Sunday of each month. Contact Drew Holland at 879-1737 or email dholland@trinitybirmingham.com with any questions.

Walt and Elizabeth Doty4014 River Walk Lane, Birmingham, AL 35216The Dotys joined Trinity by vows from another Chris-tian denomination. Walt is a physician at UAB and Elizabeth is a teacher.

Registration for PDO & TCDC 2013-2014Note important dates:•12/12 Registration for currently enrolled students and siblings•1/9 Registration for Trinity members•1/23 Registration for the communityQuestions about PDO, contact Barry Smith at 879-1737.Questions about TCDC, contact Kim Wood at 879-1749.

PARKING NOTICE: Please do not block the dumpsters or areas that are marked as NO Parking zones. Also, note that the small parking lot is reserved for Handicapped, elderly and families with small children on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. Thank you.

NOTE:Tidings will not be published next week.Look for the next issue on January 2, 2013.

Phillip and Jamie Allen (not pictured)425 Woodland Drive, Homewood, AL 35209The Allens joined Trinity by vows from another Christian denomination. Phillip works in sales for Thompson Tractor and Jamie works in marketing. They have two children, Lilly (11) and Jackson (7).