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Adults - Classes and Groups
There’s no better way to get to know others at Trinity than by participating in an educational class, short-term small group experience or ongoing service group. Drop by and explore what’s going on. Newcomers are welcomed to every group!
(quick jump links below)
Sunday Morning Educational Classes
Small Groups
Community Events
Sunday Morning Educational Classes
ADULT DISCUSSION GROUP Led By Pastor Brett, 9:30 am, Room 107. We all get angry about things from time to time -- some of us more often than others. For some of us, it feels like we’re constantly on the brink of losing it, where it doesn’t take much to get angry about any- thing. And this kind of anger can be seen everywhere we go – at work, in traffic, at the store, at home. But what is really at its root? Anger is often looked at as a bad thing, but are there things actually worth getting angry about? Maybe if we had a better understanding of our anger and where it comes from, we could learn how to channel it toward something constructive – some- thing that’s bigger than ourselves.
THE TRINITY SEMINAR provides an opportunity for in-depth examination of the Bible. It gives us a chance to return to stories that we learned as children and to consider them from an adult perspective. (Most of them were written for adults anyway)! This year we are reading the Gospel according to Luke. We are discovering how powerfully Luke speaks to us, for Luke makes it clear that the message of Jesus is designed for men and women, rich and poor, Presiden- tial candidates and voters, alike. Everyone is welcome. No preparation is needed. Wherever we are on our faith journeys, participation in this group, keeps us moving forward. Come join us. Sun- day mornings at 9:30 in Room 102.
CHRISTIANITY 101
Leader: Pastor Brett Todd
Once a quarter at 9:30 in the Parlor
An introduction to an opportunity to discuss the major beliefs of Christianity.
Small Groups
"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Matthew 18:20
Community is such an important part of life at Trinity. We encourage you to get connected with a group or activity that inspires you. We strive to provide dynamic and meaningful opportunities for small group worship and fellowship. Please let us know if there are groups or activites that you would like to see formed at Trinity.
YOUNG FAMILIES
Leader: Heather Hester
Monthly events and get-togethers. This is a great way for younger adults, with or without young children (early grade school kids or younger), to be together in informal ways, building supportive relationships while strengthening their faith. Some examples in 2008: a cookout in July; an after-church outdoor lunch in August; and a “sleep-under” party in September. To learn more, please contact Heather Hester at heathermama4@gmail.com.
MEN’S BREAKFAST GROUP
Leader: Pastor Brett Todd
This is a strong group for men of all ages, meeting every six weeks on Saturday mornings, 8:30 to 9:45 am at the church. Group members take turns bringing a simple breakfast. Conversation follows, focused on a topic that relates to men’s lives every day.
UNDERSTANDING OUR COMPLEX WORLD
Leader: Larry Aggens
For more than 20 years this ecumenical group has read and discussed significant books related to science, public policy, economics, psychology, and much more. Meeting on Saturday mornings every six weeks (9:00 to 11:00 am), the conversations are lively, challenging, and fun.
SUNDAYS AT SEVEN
Leaders: Jim and Loretta Stein
Sunday evenings at 7:00 in various homes We have discovered that first-run movies and classic films can inspire stimulating discussion. This group is always fun! Movies discussed have included Hurt Locker, Up in the Air, and The Bucket List. Please contact Jim or Loretta Stein for details. They can be reached through the church office (847-251-7333).
LENTEN STUDY GROUPS
Leaders: Loretta Stein and Jim Stein
Each year, a number of small groups are offered during the six weeks before Easter. They include discussion groups and covenant groups. (The latter is a small group in which participants commit to helping each other grow spiritually through honest communication, support, and accountability.)
LENTEN PRAYER PARTNERS
Leaders: Jim Stein and Karen Reeves
Here is an opportunity to enrich our prayer life, strengthen our connection with others, and stretch our faith: joining with a prayer partner during the six weeks before Easter. Partners agree upon the frequency with which they will talk with one another during Lent and the aspects of their lives about which they would like to pray. They may pray together, individually, or both.
DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY
Leader: Tom Board
DISCIPLE Bible study is a small-group program that reads and discusses the Bible from Genesis to Revelation in 34 evening discussion meetings. If you’ve ever said, “I’d like to know the Bible in depth,” this is one of the very best ways to begin. The study group meets weekly for between 2 and 2 1/2 hours to view a video, discuss the weekly readings, and explore faith together. Each student receives a workbook with daily reading assignments, background information, and questions for reflection. Daily assignments take between 30 and 60 minutes. DISCIPLE Bible study is a discipline you will grow to love.
TRINITY BOOK GROUP
Leader: Mickey Methe
Looking for good books to read? Enjoy talking about books you’ve read? Then become a part of Trinity’s Book Group. We meet monthly in members’ homes. Group members agree on the books that will be read and discussed, one each month throughout the school year. Here is a great way to sample new works as well as classics, both fiction and non-fiction, as well as develop friendships with the church community.
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN'S CIRCLES
Leaders: various
There are a number of women’s groups meeting throughout the school year, often in members’ homes, committed to study, fellowship, and missions. Information about meeting times and places can be found on the web page calendar.
PRAYER CIRCLE
Leader: Michel Agriopoulos
The group prays in response to requests from members of the congregation. Everyone at Trinity is welcome to join. The circle leader notifies group members of specific requests; members pray as they are able.
YOUNG WOMEN'S GROUP
Leader: Heather Hester & Kate Hansen
This is a new group with great enthusiasm for building friendships, supporting one another in spiritual growth and serving women and children’s organizations both close to home and beyond our local community. Meetings are the first Monday of each month at 9:15 a.m., with child care always provided. We welcome all women of the church to join us.
RUTH CIRCLE
Leader: Pam James
Ruth Circle is an social group for women who enjoy Christian fellowship. We have a monthly dinner meeting on the third Monday of the month from September through May at 5:00 p.m. at area restaurants. New members are always welcome!
DEBORAH CIRCLE
Contact: Jane McGee
If you’d like to make new friends, come join us in the Deborah Circle. From September through May our meetings are the third Thursday of the month at 12:30 noon in member’s homes. We share dessert, conversation and support for one another.
SEWING CIRCLE
Leader: Pam James
We are a small group that meets to sew infant quilts and small stuffed animals for newborns and infants, and drawstring tote bags for mothers. We also knit hats and booties for the babies at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County. We meet the 2nd, 4th and 5th Tuesdays of the month from Labor Day until Memorial Day from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. in Room 107. Bring a lunch and join us for the entire time, or be part of the circle for just the morning or afternoon – whatever works for you! We appreciate all donations of cotton or cotton/poly fabric suitable for infant quilts or yarn for the hats and booties.
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
Leader: Amy Reimer
The Trinity Prayer Shawl group knits and crochets shawls to be given to those going through times of struggle or joy. It is a way to let them physically feel God's loving arms wrapped around them. In our first 6 months we made and distributed 15 shawls. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. Everyone who knits or crochets, or would like to learn is more than welcome.
GEORGIA HARKNESS CIRCLE
Leader: Karen Appleby
Georgia Harkness is a social group for women, primarily in mid-life. Our mission is to celebrate each other's blessings and to provide support and encouragement for our members as we experience life's challenges. We meet on the third Thursday of each month in member's homes. New members are most welcome. We especially encourage visitors for our cookie exchange in December and for our salad supper in June!
Community Events
'MEET THE AUTHOR / ARTIST / ATHLETE' EVENTS
Contact: Pastor Brett Todd
When a member or friend of Trinity writes a book, creates a work of art, or completes a significant athletic achievement the congregation wants to recognize that effort. Typically there will be an opportunity to recognize and discuss the accomplishment after a 10:30 service. Authors, artists and athletes should contact the senior pastor.
SECOND SUNDAY LUNCH
Contact: Jennifer Stricklin
From October through May, all are invited to enjoy a special feast served in the Social Hall. Reservations are not required! Meals always include an exceptional entrée, with all the trimmings. Child-friendly alternatives and high chairs are always available. Participants are asked for an $8 individual/$20 family donation to cover the cost of the food. Enjoy a meal you haven’t had to cook and get to know new and long-time friends at Trinity. If you're interesting in help to serve at one of these delicious events, please feel free to sign-up!
CLAMPITT LECTURES AND CONCERTS
Contact: Ann Weatherhead
The Clampitt Committee is named for its donor, Kendall Clampitt, who made a generous donation to Trinity in the 1980's. The funding allows Trinity to provide our community with the gift of concerts, lectures and performances that encourage the interrelationship of mind, spirit and the creative arts. Programs have included jazz concerts, Baroque violin, Rising Stars of the Lyric Opera, poets, authors, and internationally acclaimed artists. The Committee's responsibility is to plan, coordinate and promote the Clampitt events. If you are interested in the arts, this committee could use your talents. Specifically, we need individuals to provide creative ideas, coordinate publicity, and assist with post-concert receptions.
