By James C. Sprouse, Senior Pastor

The Virginia Conference lists 1,060 clergy under appointment full and part time. Together we serve the 1,205 churches throughout the state. On Wednesday, July 1, 132 clergy and their families will load all their personal belongings into a moving van and travel to their next pastoral appointment. Some will travel to large multi-staff church communities, others to rural congregations; all go in hopes of joining Christ in faithful ministry. Across the Conference 27 of our clergy will try to adjust to being retired and will feel a bit strange when Sunday rolls around and they find out what

life is like in the pews… again.

This year nearly one out of every 10 churches of the Virginia Conference will receive a different pastor. On Sunday, July 5, fifteen new pastors to the Arlington District will arrive in their churches prepared to work at making disciples for Jesus Christ. Those churches will swell in attendance as active and inactive members turn

out to check out the new pastor or associate pastor.

The Arlington District will receive 12 new pastors, 5 senior pastors and 7 associ-ate pastors. Our District Superintendent is Cathy Abbott, who begins her third year of

leadership of the Arlington clergy and laity.

Ellen LaCroix and Nick McMichael will continue their seminary studies in the fall and spring – they will do their Practice of Mission and Ministry here at Trinity begin-

ning in the fall.

On another joyous note: We shall welcome the Reverend Keith Lee as our new associate pastor who will be the pastor assigned to our youth, the Education Com-mittee and Young Professionals. Keith is an Elder in the Virginia Conference and has been an associate pastor at Korean of Greater Washington UMC in McLean. Keith is married (Janey) and they have two children, Christine and Joyce. They join me, Cath-erine, Eileen, Ellen, Harriet, Jerry, Jose, our lay leaders: Jose and Leslie, and all the

Trinity family as together we make disciples for Jesus Christ.

Shalom, Jim

On the Road Again...

Special points of interest:

• Summer Choir Schedule inside

• Biscuit answers another great

question.

• Thank you teachers!

• There’s still time to register for VBS.

Pastor Gilmer’s Reflection on Vacations 2

Graduate Recognition 3

Trinity Round-Up 3

100% Chance of Rain Cast 4

Crafts for a Cause 5

Calendar 6

Church & Society 7

Inside this issue:

The Spire

TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Volume 16, issue 6

June 2015

SUMMER CHOIR ANTHEM SCHEDULE

June 21: Shine, Jesus, Shine (Kendrick)

June 28: Alleluia, Alleluia! (Fishel)

July 5: God Is So Good (arr. Horman)

July 12: Dwelling Place (Foley)

July 19: My Faith Looks Up to Thee (Mason)

July 26: Halle, Halle, Halle (Haugen)

Aug. 2: Make Me a Channel (Temple-Neary)

Aug. 9: Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling (Thompson)

Aug. 16: Lead Me, Lord (Wesley)

Aug. 23: Psalm 42: As the Deer (Hopson)

Aug. 30: Come, Let Us Eat (Kwillia)

Sept. 6: Jacob’s Ladder (Carter)

By Jerry Rich, Director of Music

Chinese philosopher Lao-tzu said that “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Do you like to sing but have not joined a choir? Would you try singing in a choir for one day to see if it’s right for you? Why not sing with Trinity’s Choir for one of its Summer Sundays! Summer Choir rehearsals are held Sunday mornings at 10 a.m., when we learn a simple anthem for that day’s 10:30 a.m. service. Our summer schedule begins June 21 and goes through Labor Day. You can take a “single step” and join us for one Sunday, or you can sing every Sunday this summer. Contact Jerry Rich at jrich@umtrinity.org for

more information. All are welcome!

By Eileen Gilmer, Associate Pastor

Have you started planning your summer vacation? I hope you're scheduling some time away from work, school or everyday responsibili-ties. Even if you don't leave town, everyone needs a break in routine. Maybe you like the long weekend route, or maybe you go for the multi-week time away. Whatever your pre-

ferred strategy, stepping back is vital.

Jesus knew the importance of getting away and re-centering. After he would teach, preach and heal, he would take some quiet time away from the crowds. Prayer and contem-plation are hard to accomplish when

the noise of life keeps escalating.

“And after he had dis-missed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.” Matthew

14:23 NRSV

It's often easy to leave our spiritual life at home during our vacations. Time away can easily become time away from God, as well. Not that God ever leaves us; we're the ones who can forget to include God in our getaways. Headed to the beach? It's a perfect opportunity to sit and listen to the sounds of the crash-ing waves. Maybe the mountains are more your style. What better place to take in the beauty of God's great

creation?

Wherever you go, I encourage you to seek out solitude, even if only for a few minutes each day. If you can't keep focused long enough to meditate,

try sitting and concentrating on a short scripture. My favorite is from Psalm 46:10. “Be still and know that I am God.” It's a great reminder that all I have to do in that moment is to em-brace the quiet and acknowledge that

God's got this.

When you're back in town, we hope you'll head home to Trinity United Methodist Church. Until then,

happy travels.

Page 2

A Journey of a Thousand Miles...

Making Your Time Away Count

THE SPIRE

You're off to Great Places!

Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting,

So... get on your way! ―Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You'll Go!

Sermon Series

EDUCATION UPDATEEDUCATION UPDATEEDUCATION UPDATEEDUCATION UPDATE: Church School Church School Church School Church School YearYearYearYear----End Review End Review End Review End Review on June 14 at 11:45 a.m.—Parents, teachers &staff are invited to review our church school offerings and times to help plan for 2015-16 education ministries. There will be a Children’s Social Children’s Social Children’s Social Children’s Social on the play-ground during this time with pop-sicles and fun. The next Education Education Education Education Team Team Team Team meeting will be July 19 at

11:45 a.m.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOLVACATION BIBLE SCHOOLVACATION BIBLE SCHOOLVACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: G-Force: God’s Love in Action will be held Aug. 10 –14 for ages 3 to rising 4th grade. Registration information is available

on our website and in classrooms.

BOOK CHATBOOK CHATBOOK CHATBOOK CHAT: The Trinity Book Chat had a great season, and we're now "on vacation" until September. In the meantime, we're planning the coming season and need your ideas. Please send your book suggestions to Kathy Maher (Kathyngs@gmail.com) by Sun-

day, June 7. Thanks!

CONNECTIONS SUNDAY SCHOOL CONNECTIONS SUNDAY SCHOOL CONNECTIONS SUNDAY SCHOOL CONNECTIONS SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS: CLASS: CLASS: CLASS: Join the Connections Class on Sunday mornings from 9:30 to 10:15 in Room 205 off of Langley Hall this month as we continue our series on marriage, being led by Karen and Andy Briscoe. Marriages are perpetu-ally in a state of transition, continually moving from one season to another – perhaps not annually, as in nature, but just as certainly and consistently. Each one holds the potential for emo-tional health and happiness, and each has its challenges. We will fol-low the guide by Gary Chapman: The

Four Seasons of Marriage.

Trinity Round-Up

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 6 Page 3

Congratulations Graduates!

On Sunday, June 7 we will recognize our members who have graduated from high school or college this year. We rejoice with them in their achievements and wish

them all the best in their next adventure.

Patrick Adams, Langley High School Ed Booth, The Potomac School Janelle Dougherty, McLean High School Allie Eames, Langley High School Greg Hardison, McLean High School Mariya Kretova, William & Mary Kristyn Long, Langley Hall High School Chloe Lorenze, Langley High School Luke Martin, Langley High School Orlando Rivera, Wakefield High School Christopher Salazar, McLean High School Sarah Steinke, Virginia Tech Sarah Whitlock, George Mason High School

Jake Wilbur, SUNY School of Environmental Science and Forestry Ranger School

On Sunday, June 7 we will recognize all those who have taught children, youth, or adults during the 2014-15 academic year. The study of God’s Word would not have happened with-out these people:

Thank You Teachers

Marta Acevedo Andy Briscoe Karen Briscoe Laura Brooks Carol Brunner Jen Calsyn Kimberly Coerr Lizzy Conroy Kim Detwiler Wayne Detwiler Jill Dunn John Dunn Mary Engola Christian Faust Jessica Faust Matt Fillette Eileen Gilmer Ashlye Goodner Melissa Harris Lynda Hensley Ann Hooton Karen Hunt Melissa Jarvis Sherry Krokowski Ellen LaCroix Ashley Lawson Catherine Lorenze Jamie Loving Nick McMichael Margie Meak Shannon Myers Mary Newcomb Chris Peterson Kristen Peterson Amy Prewett Jerry Rich Jose Rivera Caroline Schellhas Anne Schuyler Katie Selbe Jennifer Short Mike Sing Leslie Speidel Jim Sprouse Jeremy Stover Lindsey Stover Cindy Sullivan

Emily Summers Nancy Sumption Marci Thomas Frank Vorndran Leslie Vorndran

Catherine Wethington

Jennifer Yellen

Come Join us for a Bike Parade!

Saturday, June 13 June 13 June 13 June 13

3-5 p.m. TUMC playground/parking lot

Children’s Ministries would like to invite you to come and: Decorate your bike/scooter/skate board

(we will provide materials or bring some from home!) enjoy some ice cream play on the playground

ride bikes in our large parking lot chat with friends before summer begins celebrate a full year of Sunday School!

Please RSVP to Kim Detwiler at wkdetwiler@yahoo.com

By Ellen LaCroix

Thanks for a wonderful season! On Sunday, May 10, the Children’s Choir presented their spring program 100% Chance of Rain. Through the jazzy music of Walter Horsley, they retold the story of the great flood and God’s covenant with humanity. Acting roles: Ark Builders: William Decker, Mere-dith Faust, Margaret Decker, Dylan Thomas Speaking roles: Noah- Meredith Vorndran Noah’s Family- Elena Calsyn, Hanna Sing, Megan Faust Rhythmic speaking solo- Madeline Faust “100% Chance of Rain”- Charlotte Loving, Trent Hooton Solos: “Oh How it Rained”- Adelaide Loving and Chancel Choir “Admirable Admiral”- Caroline Spei-del, Lily Calsyn Quartet: “At the Sign”- Caroline Speidel, Hanna Sing, Madeline Faust, Ade-laide Loving, Megan Faust Rainbow- Charlotte Loving

Chorus Lily Calsyn Elena Calsyn Madeline Faust Megan Faust Meredith Faust Willa Haberl Trent Hooton Millie Jarvis Jane Jarvis Adelaide Loving Charlotte Loving Samantha Mantel William Decker Margaret Decker Charlotte Popelka Hanna Sing Caroline Speidel Dylan Thomas Lachlan Thomas Meredith Vorndran

It has been a fabulous year in Chil-dren’s Choir. All of the children have worked hard to learn the music for this program as well as other songs throughout the season. It has been a tremendous blessing learning more about God and worship alongside the wonderful families. I cannot wait to see where God will lead this group in the fall. We will see you in Septem-ber!

Page 4

100% Chance of Rain

THE SPIRE

Discovery ClassDiscovery ClassDiscovery ClassDiscovery Class

June 14, 9:30 a.m.June 14, 9:30 a.m.June 14, 9:30 a.m.June 14, 9:30 a.m.

Room 205Room 205Room 205Room 205

We're hosting a Discovery Class this month. It will give you a chance to ask questions about United Methodism, Trinity, joining the church, or ways you can get involved. (And yes, there will be

snacks.)

If you have questions, please contact Eileen Gilmer at 703-356-

3312 or egilmer@umtrinity.org.

There will be THREE opportunities to join the Crafts for a Cause group during June, as we continue to make pillows, blankets, bears and dolls to comfort patients at Fair Oaks Hospital. The work sessions will be: Mon., June 1; Mon., June 15; Mon., June 1; Mon., June 15; Mon., June 1; Mon., June 15; Mon., June 1; Mon., June 15; and Mon., June 29, Mon., June 29, Mon., June 29, Mon., June 29, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Room 124. Every-one's welcome to join us; instruction and materials provided. We'll be cutting fabric, sewing simple patterns and stuffing. Currently, we have two volunteers knitting and crocheting baby hats and blankets (thanks to Judy Osha and Nell Gilmore). If that's a skill you possess and you'd like to support our Crafts ministry with "homework," contact Molly Sprouse at 703-356-4896 or mollysprouse@gmail.com for more information.

Crafts for a Cause

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 6

requests for rides and three requests from those wishing to become clients. This huge increase in calls has made it challenging for the Center to re-

spond effectively.

Please prayerfully consider getting involved in this ministry. No long-term commitment is required and you ac-cept to take someone only when your schedule permits. Most of the clients are looking for a ride to a doctor’s

appointment or the drug store.

The greatest need right now is for

volunteer drivers. To find out more

about the Shepherd’s Center and

how you can volunteer to provide

transportation and other services,

please call the Shepherd’s Center at

703-506-2199 or e-mail

info@scmafc.org. The Center’s web-

site is www.scmafc.org.

The Shepherd’s Center of McLean-Arlington-Falls Church is a volunteer-based organization dedicated to as-sisting senior adults in maintaining an independent and safe lifestyle. This interfaith organization is one of the local ministries that Trinity sup-ports. One day last month, the Center received 32 requests for rides and four requests from individuals wish-ing to become clients. Less than a month later, one day’s totals were: 12

By Biscuit Gilmer, Trinity Mascot

Hi, kids of Trinity!

Summer is almost here and I love it. There's more daylight; we're spending more time outside; and on the week-ends, my family is busy grilling out on the deck. I keep hoping someone will accidentally drop a hamburger, but so far that hasn't happened. (Make mine

with no onions, please!)

I have another awesome question from some of my Trinity friends. This one comes from Mr. Faust's first and second grade Sunday School class. They ask: Who is God's mom? Super

question!

First, we have to remember that God never had a beginning and will never have an end. That's pretty amazing, and might be kind of hard to under-stand. But, it's true. Do you remem-ber a few months ago when I asked you to look up Genesis 1:1? That's the first verse of the first chapter of the first book of the whole Bible! It says, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” First there was nothing, and then God made the nothing into our world, the sky, the ocean, and all the animals

and people.

God created everything, but nobody needed to create God. That's because God has always been and always will be. Because God has always been

around, God didn't need a mom or dad the way people do. Because God loves us so much, he gave us our

families.

Thanks for the question, kids! Do you have a question you'd like me to an-swer? You can contact me at

http://bit.ly/askbiscuit.

Remember my motto: Paws for

Jesus!

Biscuit

Page 5

The Shepherd's Center Needs Volunteer Drivers

Who is God’s Mom?

Page 6 THE SPIRE

Schedule of Events

• June 1 Crafts for a Cause, 7 p.m.

• June 2 Church Council, 7 p.m.

• June 7 Graduate & Teacher Recognition, 10:30a .m.

• June 13 Bike Parade, 3—5 p.m.

• June 14 Martha’s Table Sandwich Making Sunday

• June 14 Discovery Class, 9:30 a.m.

• June 14 Church School Year-End Review, 11:45 a.m.

• June 14 Children’s Social, 11:45 a.m.

• June 15 Spire Deadline

• June 15 Crafts for a Cause, 7 p.m.

• June 26 Spire assembly, 9:30 a.m.

• June 29 Crafts for a Cause, 7 p.m.

• June 30 Church Council, 7 p.m.

1 Suzanne Watts 2 Andy Gilmer Kate Motley Peter Nance 3 Dan Aronowitz Davis Barney 4 Jean Gililland Kyra Macomber Colin Montgomery Josh Smith 5 Jim Wallace 6 Dara Laughlin Phuong Nguyen Andrew Wegrzyn 7 Allison Boyle Carol Bruce Katie Wise 8 Joel Lewton Zachary Yellen 9 Rahn Kim Katie Slade Sally Swanson 10 Caty Benson Krista Gehring

11 Bill Arthur Karen Hunt 12 Matthew Boyle Susie Coston Karen Taylor 14 Colton Horn Penni Smith Sedina Tsikata 15 John Eames John Kim 16 Isabel Barney Kathy Maher Kaitlin Manchester Natacha Moore Stacie Steinke 17 Colin Phillips Sage Schar

18 James Betts Roy Saunders Madison Turk

19 Kevin Boyle

20 Jack Deutsch Cash Dusina Abigail Mantel Aislin Mitchell Chris Todd

21 Gunner Dixon Norb Wegrzyn 22 Ashley Long 23 Catherine Dunn Allen Harris John Lea Cabell Sawyer 24 Alex Manoogian Johnnie Saunders Carol Wessel 26 Martha Bowden 27 Betsy Bluey Andy Briscoe Sarah Robinson Stephanie Sword Nancy Umstott 28 Gabriel Brooks Jackie Coston Emily Sprouse 29 Brayden Bagla Cassie Christy 30 Davis Bruning Laurie Skipper

Birthdays 1 Tom Horan & Peggy Fox Scott & Erika Keough 6 Andy & Karen Briscoe 7 John & Julie Smith 8 Reba Page & Behram Shroff Becky & Tom Sawyer 9 Robin & Harold McConnell 13 Suzanne & Jim Hamilton 14 Doug & Sally Swanson, Jr. 15 Mark & Janet Robinson 16 Jay & Anne Arnold 18 Earl & Mary Lou Griggs 20 Tyler & Linda Drumheller 21 Stan & Doris Harrison Dan & Chris Moore 24 Tom & Jewel Myers 26 Nancy & Richard Pierce 29 Robert & Krista Gautney 30 David & Ann Case Matt & Arista Maher

Anniversaries

BaptismsBaptismsBaptismsBaptisms Charlotte Wallis Popelka Dane Sword Popelka BirthsBirthsBirthsBirths Bridget Otylia Cieplinski Henryk Jakub Cieplinski New MembersNew MembersNew MembersNew Members John & Jill Dunn, Catherine & Evan Lisa & Bella Marku Randall Popelka, Stephanie Sword, Dane & Charlotte

Are you moving?Are you moving?Are you moving?Are you moving? Please send your new address to the church office (703-356-3312 or info@umtrinity.org). Thank you.

Membership Update

excited to be in church on Sunday morning? Am I showing them God is the number one priority in my life, or am I putting other things first? Be-

cause the truth is, whether or not we realize it, our attitudes and behaviors about church deeply affect our chil-

dren.

I am proud to have worked with seventh graders, Sarah Beth Burgess, Sarah Beth Burgess, Sarah Beth Burgess, Sarah Beth Burgess, Madeline Faust, Jack Mallek and Madeline Faust, Jack Mallek and Madeline Faust, Jack Mallek and Madeline Faust, Jack Mallek and

By Nick McMichael, Youth Director

In Matthew 19:14, Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven be-longs to such as these." It is so easy to forget how readily children pick up on the world around them. Their brains are like sponges that soak up everything they take in. When we grow up, that ability to learn so quickly begins to slip away from us, and it is easy to forget that every action we do is teaching our children something. As adults in the church we have a responsibil-ity to our children’s develop-ment through their life. Whether or not we are directly working with the children’s ministries, the children are always learning from our actions. It makes me stop and think about how I behave. What am I teaching our kids about church and God through my attitude and behavior? Do I seem

Hannah WhitlockHannah WhitlockHannah WhitlockHannah Whitlock, who reaffirmed their baptism and joined the church as professing members last month. They have shown me that they are

completely capable of wres-tling with difficult questions about life and God, and that they are able to come out on the other side of those ques-tions with new-found knowl-edge and a growing faith. It is up to all of the rest of us to welcome them into this body of Christ of which we claim to be a part. It is up to everyone to always work with one an-other to return to the good poeple God created us to be. Trinity UMC now has four new members of the body of Christ

to join in that work. They have it in them to push this community forward. We must ensure the drive within them is properly nurtured. It has been a blessing to serve them in this short

time that we have worked together.

Leading By Example

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 6 Page 7

Looking for Volunteers!Looking for Volunteers!Looking for Volunteers!Looking for Volunteers!

Church and Society is looking for some good volunteers to help us with the Christ House ministry. Christ House is a non-profit in DC providing medical care recovery services for homeless people after a hospital stay (post-surgery, cancer treatment, etc.). We need people to help us with lunch service one Saturday bimonthly. We prepare and serve the noon meal and have opportunities to talk with these interesting folks. Even if you can only help sometimes, please let Connie Jeremiah, 703-242-6539, know if you might be willing to participate in this

very worthwhile ministry.

By Chris Wilbur

June Collection DriveJune Collection DriveJune Collection DriveJune Collection Drive

During the month of June we will col-lect for a special MOVIE NIGHT party for Langley Residential Support Ser-vices! Langley Residential is a non-profit that serves adults with intellec-tual disabilities in Fairfax County. Let's put together a fun basket FILLED with new or gently used mov-ies, microwave popcorn, and anything else you think might make for an ex-citing evening for these special adults. Please place your donations in the bins in the Narthex or Fellowship

Building.

Church & Society

Sent in Prayer to:Sent in Prayer to:Sent in Prayer to:Sent in Prayer to:

Trinity United Methodist ChurchTrinity United Methodist ChurchTrinity United Methodist ChurchTrinity United Methodist Church Sunday Morning Worship Services at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Sunday School (all ages) — 9:30 a.m. (Sept—June) Children's Worship & Upper Elementary Children’s Program—10:30 a.m.

Wednesday Communion and Healing — 12 noon Celtic Evensong & Communion—6 p.m. (last Sun. of month)

Here to serve Christ and you:

James C. Sprouse — Senior Pastor Eileen Gilmer — Associate Pastor

Nick McMichael — Director of Youth Ministry Jose Rivera and Leslie Vorndran — Lay Leaders

Jerry Rich — Director of Music Ellen LaCroix — Children/Youth Choir Director

Harriet Latta — Office Manager Jose Luis Nuñez-Ruiz– Sexton

Janine Whitfield — Director of Parents Day Out

Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Phone: 703-356-3312 Fax: 703-356-9119

E-mail: info@umtrinity.org Web Site: umtrinity.org

Facebook: Trinity UMC, McLean

The Mission of Trinity United The Mission of Trinity United The Mission of Trinity United The Mission of Trinity United Methodist Church Methodist Church Methodist Church Methodist Church is to be a vibrant, growing church home for all who seek companionship, direction and inspiration in their lives as they de-velop a personal, relevant relation-ship with God through Jesus Christ

and the Holy Spirit.

We are anchored in Scripture and energized by congregational commit-ment. Trinity Church fosters the Chris-tian values of joy, faith, service, hope

and love.

Trinity extends the opportunity to experience the Grace of God through worship, discipleship, study and fel-lowship in the traditions of the United

Methodist Church.

Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID McLean, VA

PERMIT NO. 13

The SpireThe SpireThe SpireThe Spire A Monthly Publication of Trinity United Methodist Church 1205 Dolley Madison Boulevard McLean, VA 22101-3099 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

mailed May 28, 2015

The Spire deadline is the 15th of the month.

Spire Editor: Harriet Latta. Submit articles to info@umtrinity.org.