The blog @ theVine

Message from theGathering

2012-01-03T12:20:00.001-06:00

Waking Up

2011-12-16T11:29:00.002-06:00

Waking Up from Luke St. Hilaire on Vimeo.

How to Train Your Parents: Trust

2011-12-13T15:44:00.000-06:00

Current Series at theGathering

2011-12-13T15:04:00.001-06:00

Tis The Season...at theGathering

2011-12-01T15:02:00.000-06:00

Happy Turkey Day

2011-11-21T16:27:00.003-06:00

Don't forget there is no Gathering this week. Have a great thanksgiving and we will see you back next week to finish our series, "How To Train Your Parents."

New Series at theGathering

2011-09-29T15:07:00.002-05:00

HS Escape to Joplin

2011-09-22T14:05:00.005-05:00

Thats It.

2011-09-07T11:15:00.003-05:00

We are all looking for "IT"....the thing that will satisfy, something that will fulfill us or give us purpose. What is "IT" that we are really looking for. Join us at theGathering on wednesday nights to find out what really matters. JH Gathering 6:30-8 and the HS Gathering 7:30-9. Check us out on facebook to stay connected.

theGathering: Back to School Event

2011-08-25T13:16:00.001-05:00

A month of Abiding

2011-08-03T12:45:00.002-05:00

During the month of August, we will be abiding here at Trinity Church. We are trying to take Jesus at his word and we understand that we can do nothing without him. So in the month of August we will not have our Gathering on Wednesdays. We will take this time to spend with our families, rest, read, and listen to God. We have a great team of adults who work with your students on Wednesday nights and I want them to have a period of time off so we will all be ready to do what God has called us to in the fall. I would encourage you to take Wednesdays and spend them as a family: eat dinner together, go hiking, watch a movie, volunteer somewhere, etc.

Thanks for allowing us to invest in your student. I look forward to this next school year and what God has in store for all of us.

Questions? Please feel free to give me a call or email me: 314.838.8820 or kylerainbolt@stltrinitychurch.net

Embrace KC - JH Mission Trip

2011-07-20T15:00:00.000-05:00

theGathering Plunge Recap

2011-07-20T14:57:00.001-05:00

theGathering Plunge

2011-06-30T23:31:00.002-05:00

Next Friday we will meet from 6:30 - 8:30 on the field behind Trinity. We will have a large slip and slide, a shaving cream fight and other games. Please bring at least one can of shaving cream (not the gel kind) and wear old clothes. Girls please NO tank tops or white shirts. Watch the video from last year to get an idea of what we will be doing...you don't want to miss it!

theGathering Summer Schedule

2011-06-20T23:38:00.001-05:00

*float in movie has been moved to July 15th at the Qualls house (15613 91st street Florissant)

Communion and Osama Bin Laden...thoughts?

2011-05-05T11:41:00.001-05:00

People Of Possibility from The Work Of The People on Vimeo.

Don't Waste Your Life

2011-04-26T11:49:00.001-05:00

Summer Camp 2011

2011-04-20T15:57:00.000-05:00

Summer Camp will be here before you know it! The dates for camp this year are June 13th - 17th. This is for all students entering the 7th grade to those who are graduating from high school. The cost on the form says $150 by May 9th but we charge an additional $10 to help with gas. Cost goes up to $160 (+$10) until May 30th and then goes up to $175 (+$10) until camp. Make checks payable to trinity church. You can get the forms you need below. CAMP FORMS MUST BE NOTARIZED!

Camp Registration Form

It's Amazing What Brings People Together

2011-04-12T11:01:00.001-05:00

Join us at theGathering this wednesday. JH 6:30-8:00 and HS 7:30 - 9:00

TheGathering Flashback

2011-04-07T10:04:00.003-05:00

Teaching Series: 5 Ways to Be Awesome (week 2 of 6)

Sermon in a sentence: One way we follow Jesus is to not play favorites.

Understandable Message: Just like a flat basketball is unable to function like it is supposed to, when we have no action with what we believe we are not functioning like we are supposed to as followers of Jesus. James 2:1-13 makes it very clear that if we judge, make assumptions or show favoritism to someone based on appearance then we are sinning. It's not that you can't have a close group of friends, but how do you treat the outsiders? Why do we show favoritism? 1. We are selfish 2. We are uncomfortable 3. We are envious 4. We don't like to be stretched So what do we do? 1. Savor your salvation (remember what God has done for us) 2. Survey the situation (in what areas of your life do you show favoritism) 3. See your responsibility (you are an agent of grace) 4. Stretch and Serve

Music Playlist: JH - Our God is Love (Hillsong United) My Reward (Kristian Stanfill)

HS - The Earth is Yours (Gungor) Oh You Bring (Hillsong United)

Sometimes (David Crowder Band)

Ways to Connect: HS lifeGROUP on Monday Nights from 6:30 -8:00 pm , JH lifeGROUPS Wednesday nights from 8:00-8:30, Summer Camp June 13th-17th $160, www.facebook.com/stlgathering (make sure and like us on there)

Next Week: 5 ways to be awesome - Taming the tongue

3rd Annual Trivia Night

2011-03-15T14:31:00.006-05:00

Do you need a trivia night sheet to buy tickets or sell tickets? click here

Have questions? email Kyle at kylerainbolt@stltrinitychurch.net

Live Different

2011-02-10T13:53:00.003-06:00

On February 16th we will be starting a series called, "Live Different...The Bible's Plan for Sex." We will spend three weeks looking at the issue of sex, dating and relationships. Your child is talking about it, hearing about it and possibly experiencing some of it! We will be honest about the situation and look at the truth behind sex and what God's good and perfect plan is. Please feel free to email me or call me with any concerns or questions you may have. This is not a teaching about the birds and the bees. Hopefully you have already been able to discuss that with your student. My hope is to bring truth to the subject of sex. Thanks for allowing me to partner with you and help our young people deal with this serious subject.

2011-02-10T13:52:00.000-06:00

theGathering is canceled for tonight

2011-02-02T11:04:00.004-06:00

We are canceling theGathering tonight due to the conditions of the roads and the likelihood of everything refreezing tonight.

High School Embrace 2011

2011-01-24T13:48:00.006-06:00

JH Embrace 2011

2011-01-24T13:45:00.000-06:00

One Month To Live

2011-01-04T22:42:00.005-06:00

What would you do if you found out you only had one month to live? What choices would you make? Who would you spend your time with? What experiences would you want to have? Join us at theGathering as we spend 4 weeks looking at One Month To Live...living a life with no regrets.

BE DIFFERENT. SPREAD LOVE. T-shirt sale!

2011-01-04T12:15:00.003-06:00

For two weeks only, theGathering shirts will be on sale for only $9. If you haven't gotten yours yet do it before they are all gone! Pick them up in the cafe at theGathering.

Some of the best Christmas videos this season

2010-12-23T09:35:00.006-06:00

Advent Day 12 from 12Stone Church on Vimeo.

The Digital Story of the Nativity - by Excentric from JCA Tech on Vimeo.

Brand New Website

2010-12-17T15:57:00.003-06:00

I am super excited to announce the launch of our new website for Trinity Church. Go here to check it out and even send an evite to our Christmas eve service here.

Looking for a last minute gift....

2010-12-17T12:56:00.006-06:00

Every Christmas, billions of dollars are spent on gifts for the people we love and those we feel like we should buy a present for. Often these gifts are things that the people really don't even want or need. We even will include a gift receipt because we know so many people will return what we bought. So what if what we purchased for people something that would benefit someone else. Here are a few ideas for last minute gifts:

Bead for Life : BeadforLife eradicates extreme poverty by creating bridges of understanding between impoverished Africans and concerned world citizens. Ugandan women turn colorful recycled paper into beautiful beads. Women in Northern Uganda gather shea nuts and press them into shea butter for cosmetics and soaps.

Vive Clothing :With enough negative forces in the world, why compartmentalize the positives? VIVE began with the belief that business can be done in a fashion that promotes positive change in people, transforming our communities and altering our world. At a certain age sharing is pounded into a persons head, and at a certain age he or she is allowed to forget it . . . at VIVE we have grasped hold of this concept by letting go: percentages of all proceeds will be given to help sustain non-profit organizations. Whether its creating, playing, or merely expressing yourself, everything we do can have just cause.

Water.org : When you treat your family and friends to a Water.org, CamelBak bottle, you'll also be giving a life-changing gift to someone in need.

The bottles are a limited edition design, environmentally friendly and great holiday gifts.
And 100% of the profits go directly to support nearly a billion people in the world who lack clean water.

Give just one bottle and you help a child get clean, safe water. Give more and you change even more lives - forever. The need has never been greater and you can make a real difference simply by shopping now.

World Vision Gift : Brighten the future for a child in need by buying them a gift: a goat, 2 chickens, ducks, medicine or even a soccer ball. Let someone know that you purchased this gift in their name.

Freeset Bags : Freeset exists specifically to provide freedom for women from the sex trade, women who were forced into prostitution by trafficking or poverty.

No Gathering

2010-12-17T12:54:00.003-06:00

Reminder that there is no Gathering on December 22nd or the 29th. Have a great time celebrating Christmas.

Back To School Party

2010-09-09T15:59:00.004-05:00

(need an escape from school already?) Come get your sumo on, run in the bungee run, relax and enjoy being with your friends...all for FREE! Friday September 10th from 7-9 pm at Trinity Church (3515 Shackelford rd Florissant, Mo 63031). Invite friends and don't miss it. This is for all JH and HS students

The Gathering is Coming Back

2010-08-24T11:19:00.004-05:00

It's been an amazing summer: the JH students embraced St. Louis and the HS students embraced Port Arthur, Texas, a lot of students had a great time at summer camp, we enjoyed the 100 ft slip and slide and getting messy with shaving cream and obviously having our baby boy was the best part! This last month has been great as we have been abiding (John 15) in Jesus and taking a break from DOING things. However, I am super excited for theGathering to start back up next Wednesday, September 1st. Come be a part of theGathering as we LAUNCH into the new school year. JH Gathering from 6:30 to 8:00 and HS Gathering from 7:30 to 9:00.

LIFE.GROUPS for JH students start on September 1st also and will meet from 8:00-8:30 on Wednesday nights after theGathering and HS LG will be on Monday nights from 7:00-8:30 at my house.

Mid Night Madness

2010-08-02T11:14:00.003-05:00

This Friday, August 6th, we will be spending the evening with other JH and HS students from the St. Louis area. We will have a worship experience and then head over to the Rec. Plex for ice skating, broom hockey, basketball, dodgeball, pizza and more! COST IS $8 AND CAN BE PAID THAT NIGHT. You need to be dropped off at Trinity at 6:30 PM and picked up at Trinity at 1:00 AM. You must also have a medical release form on file. You can go here and print one off:

http://blogatthevine.blogspot.com/2008/09/escape-08.html

Shaving Cream Gathering Video

2010-07-15T12:51:00.000-05:00

Whip Cream/Shaving Cream Gathering

2010-06-27T22:15:00.003-05:00

July 7th - 6:30 - 8:30 pm

All JH and HS students

Cost : Free - Bring your own shaving cream and/or whip cream

The Gathering will meet on the field behind Trinity for a night of some fun with shaving cream and whip cream...there may even be a large slip and slide!

(girls....please no white shirts and be modest)

Embrace St. Louis JH Mission Trip

2010-05-26T14:43:00.003-05:00

Our JH mission trip is July 8th - 11th. We will be staying here and St. Louis and serving out own community (mainly because of baby rainbolt coming soon). The cost is $85 and you need to sign up and pay by June 9th. Here are the two forms you need.

*this is the registration form

Click here for the Trinity medical release form

City Museum

2010-05-13T14:18:00.002-05:00

Summer Camp 2010

2010-04-12T22:10:00.003-05:00

Summer Camp 2010 begins on June 14th and ends on June 18th. You need to be at Trinity @ 9:30 am on the 14th and we will return to Trinity on the 18th. Summer camp takes place at Pinecrest Campground in Fredricktown, Missouri. All students going into the 7th grade to those graduating HS are invited to summer camp.

Cost: $150 if paid by May 5th
$160 if paid by May 26th
$175 up until camp

$10 discount is given to siblings and for bringing a friend that is not a part of another church. Only one discount per person.

The camp registration form and the trinity medical release form are due at the same time your payment is made.

Safety Fair and Egg Hunt

2010-03-30T15:15:00.002-05:00

Please spread the word! Invite your neighbors, friends, cousins, nephews, neices, etc. This is a great opportunity for us to Serve our Community.

Trivia Night

2010-03-04T11:04:00.002-06:00

This is a great opportunity for students to raise money towards our Embrace St. Louis or Embrace Port Arthur trips. You will make $10 for every ticket you sell. See Kyle or call 314.838.8820 for more details and order forms.

It Begins Today

2010-02-17T15:07:00.003-06:00

Today begins an important time in the life of a follower of Jesus. It is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the season of lent. It is 40 days, not counting Sundays, to prepare oneself for Easter and the celebration of what Jesus' sacrifice means to you and me. There will be an Ash Wednesday service tonight at 7 pm at trinity church. Therefore there will be no normal JH Gathering, but you are invited to join the Ash Wednesday service. JH lifeGROUPS will still happen. The HS Gathering will still happen after the special service. I pray that you will not rush through the next 40 days, but allow Him to use this time to speak to you.

A couple of other options for the Lent season:

Stop Doing/Start Doing: Many people fast something during lent (I am giving up all food other than at meal times...no snacking for me!) What can you give up: caffeine, tv, facebook, junk food? Also...Start doing something for other people. We have dedicated fridays for that! Pay for the person's coffee behind you at Starbucks, give flowers to an elderly person, bake cookies for you neighbor.

Receive a daily Text: Follow stltrinity on twitter by sending 'follow stltrinity' to 40404

Read a blog post: Throughout the lent season our lead pastor Scott Marshall (www.twitter.com/scomarsh) and I (www.twitter.com/kbolt) will be blogging at http://scomarsh.blogspot.com I would encourage you to come join the conversation.

Even if it is a few days into the lent season, you can still be a part of what God is trying to do. Start today!

The Power of Sex-Helping Students Understand God's Plan for Sex

2010-01-28T13:28:00.005-06:00

There are not many things in our culture that are more powerful than sex. It sells, it corrupts, it causes people to lie, it binds, and it can even destroy. However, God created Sex to be powerful in another way. A way that connects and unites.

I believe as a parent it is your job to teach them on this subject, likewise, I believe it is my job to partner with you and teach them the truth as well.

Starting February 3rd we will begin our series called “The Power of SEX.” The series will end on March 3rd. We will be looking at God’s Plan for sex and how to follow it. (No JH Gathering on February 17th due to our Ash Wednesday Service. JH students are welcome to join us at 7 pm in the Sactuary and then attend lifeGROUPS at 8 pm)

All sessions will be recorded and I am available to talk with you if you have any questions or concerns.

Thanks ahead of time for the opportunity to partner with you on such an important subject.

Kyle Rainbolt

Super Bowl Party

2010-01-28T13:22:00.001-06:00

Ice Skating in Forest Park

2010-01-28T13:20:00.000-06:00

Go here for a medical release form. They do not have to be notarized.

Embrace 2010- JH Serving in STL and HS headed to Port Arthur

2010-01-28T13:15:00.000-06:00

God Of Second Chances

2009-12-18T22:02:00.002-06:00

One of my favorite blogs I read is ragamuffinsoul.com. Carlos is one of the most authentic and honest Christians I have read and follow. He is in the middle of putting out an album and was shooting some video for it and had an unbelievable moment with a man who joins him. What could happen in our lives if we really understood who the creator really is! Enjoy

A video from Christmas @ theGathering

2009-12-17T11:27:00.004-06:00

We had several videos at last nights Gathering. Here is one for your enjoyment!

Christmas @ theGathering

2009-12-16T10:06:00.002-06:00

This is for JH and HS students from 7 pm - 9 pm. Please bring a wrapped present that cost under $5 for white elephant exchange. This will hopefully be an opportunity for you to reconnect with some friends, laugh and be reminded of the reason for the season! Invite your friends. There will be some funny up front games and videos...don't miss it!

TOMS Shoes: Choose Shoes this Holiday

2009-12-10T13:24:00.001-06:00

Ky's Cookie Connection

2009-12-08T12:42:00.003-06:00

Almost 5 years ago the Bronder family began making plates of cookies to share with families that have lost a loved one. It is their goal this year to deliver around 10,000 cookies! Come be a part of blessing families and helping them know their loved one is not forgotten. Check below to see where you are supposed to go tomorrow night...hope you can make it. Also don't forget to bring some cookie dough to bake if you can or pre-made sugar cookies to decorate.

HS students - 561 Haventree Hazelwood 63042
JH Boys - 1485 Burnside Ct. Florissant 63031
8th grade Girls - 15613 91st Ave. Florissant 63031
6th-7th grade Girls - 910 Townhouse ln Hazelwood 63042

Conspiracy of Kindness Schedule

2009-12-01T12:25:00.002-06:00

Many times the month of December is a very busy and hectic time and we often miss the chance to experience what God has for us. Therefore, Trinity Student Ministry is going to slow down and give you an opportunity to rest and spend time with your family. Here is the schedule for the rest of the year.

December 2nd- NO Gathering
December 9th - KY’s Cookie Connection 7-9 pm
HS students - 561 Haventree Hazelwood 63042
JH Boys - 1485 Burnside Ct. Florissant 63031
8th grade Girls - 15613 91st Ave. Florissant 63031
6th-7th grade Girls - 910 Townhouse ln Hazelwood 63042
(We are asking that you bring cookie dough to bake or sugar cookies to decorate)
December 16th - Christmas @ theGathering
This is for JH and HS students from 7 pm - 9 pm. Please bring a wrapped present that cost
under $5 for white elephant exchange.
December 23rd - No Gathering
December 24th– Christmas Eve Service 7 pm (invite your family)
December 30th - No Gathering

Also during the month of December there will be no Sunday school or lifeGROUPS. We invite you to be a part of our worship experience on Sundays at 10:45. Email Kyle @ stlstudents@sbcglobal.net if you have any questions.

I love creative stuff...And this is crazy creative!

2009-10-13T11:45:00.001-05:00

I believe God is the creator of everything and I think he has done a pretty good job. I also believe that because you and I were made in his image, we are also creative! Where are you being creative in your life? With your family, on your dates, for your homework, at the place you worship.....? Experience all God has for you now and be creative!

Escape 09

2009-10-05T05:05:00.000-05:00

Don't miss this opportunity to get away for the weekend. We will be heading to the lake of the Ozarks from Nov. 6th - 8th and the cost is only $55 if you sign up by October 28th. This covers everything! We will be staying at Lake View Resort. Click on the picture below for the form to fill out and turn in. You must also have a medical release form on file.

I love creativity!

2009-09-14T22:49:00.003-05:00

Saw this on a blog I read everyday and realized that The Black Eyed Peas are super creative, but I think God is the ultimate creative one. And if we have been created in his image shouldn't we be creative also? Where in your life are you being creative?

Kanye, Taylor and Beyonce

2009-09-14T10:17:00.003-05:00

I am not sure if you watched the MTV VMA's last night, but if you missed it you missed a little bit of craziness. Go here to see the video's and then post your thoughts on here. My questions for you are:

1. Do you tear down or do you build up?
2. Do you rejoice when others rejoice?

I used to love Kanye, but he will no longer get air time in my ear buds!

Annoucements

2009-08-27T11:00:00.001-05:00

The high school students are currently looking at "Why are there so many Gods?" on Sunday mornings. Breakfast begins at 9 for only $1 and the discussion starts at 9:30. The Junior High students also have a discussion group during this time.

WARNING: TOUGH TO WATCH PSA Texting while Driving, U K

2009-08-27T10:58:00.001-05:00

I am the first to say I am guilty of this.

No more

Will you join me in no longer texting while driving.

Save your life and the lives of those around you

The message can wait.

Get Updates Sent To Your Phone

2009-08-20T12:42:00.002-05:00

Do you want to keep up to date on what is going on? Do you need to be reminded of things? Do you want to be randomly encouraged? You can get all of this on your phone! Just send follow trinitystudents to 40404 on your phone. (standard text messaging fees apply)

Back to School Party

2009-08-19T12:18:00.003-05:00

theGathering: Renovated!

2009-08-13T09:49:00.003-05:00

DON’T FORGET THE NEW SCHEDULE

Starting on August 19th we will begin having two services...a Jr. High
service and a Sr. High Service.
This will be the schedule:

6:30- Doors open for the Jr. High(6-8)
7:30- Doors open for the Sr. High (9-12)
8:00- Jr. High Gathering Ends and Life Groups begin (Life Groups are our small groups and you are welcome to stay if you want. You must either stay for life groups or leave at 8 pm)
8:30- Jr. High Life Groups End
9:15- Sr. High Gathering Ends

My amazing wife

2009-08-03T14:31:00.004-05:00

Every once in a while my great wife plans a themed family night...last friday we did a "Beach" night. We often miss living in Pismo Beach, CA and so we thought we would bring the beach to us! She is super creative and puts a lot of effort into these nights. Go to her blog and check out more pictures and some more details.

What do you do to develop and deepen your relationships? Is there a relationship that needs some work? Jesus gave us instruction on how to live and one of the most important things he said to do was to love one another. I believe part of loving people is to spend time with them. Who do you need to schedule some time with?

A Few Pictures....

2009-08-03T09:32:00.008-05:00

Here is the group that went to "Embrace" NYC...18 high school students, 5 college students and 6 adults! Unbelievable group that accomplished unbelievable things.

Another great picture from our free night in Time Square.

The adult Guys representing at Coney Island!

Go check out over 700 more pictures here.

Seven-Year-Old Utah Boy Makes His Getaway From Church

2009-07-31T09:18:00.001-05:00

PLAIN CITY, Utah Police in Utah say a 7-year-old boy led officers on a car chase in an effort to avoid going to church.

Dispatchers received reports of a child driving recklessly on Sunday morning. Weber County Sheriff’s Capt. Klint Anderson says one witness said the boy drove through a stop sign.

Anderson says two deputies caught up with the boy and tried unsuccessfully to stop the Dodge Intrepid in an area about 45 miles north of Salt Lake City. The car reached 40 mph before the boy stopped in a driveway and ran inside a home.

Anderson says when the boy’s father later confronted him, the boy said he didn’t want to go to church. The boy is too young to prosecute and no citations were issued, although police did urge the father to make his car keys more inaccessible to children.

Rock the River

2009-07-28T10:56:00.002-05:00

This Sunday we will be heading down to the arch grounds for Rock the River. We will be leaving Trinity at 12:30 pm and returning to Trinity around 10:30 pm. This is a free concert, but you will want to bring money for food or bring some food with you. Invite a friend and come enjoy a free concert featuring:

Flyleaf
Kirk Franklin
Red
Canton Jones
Hawk Nelson
Lecrae
Skillet

Embrace NYC: How Can I Help as a Parent?

2009-07-17T23:26:00.002-05:00

+ Thank you for allowing us to play a role in your child's life. We do not take that lightly. We will do all we can to make sure your child is safe...that includes how we drive! If you need to get in contact with me please don't hesitate to call.

+ I wanted to let you know how you can help your students "Embrace" NYC:

1. Pray for them: pray for their safe travel and good health, pray that God would use them and challenge them and that they would return home a little more like Jesus. (remember just because they served for a week won't make them Jesus! You will probably still have some issues with them when they get home)

2. Be prepared to not hear from them every day. We will be busy from 7 am to 10 pm almost everyday. Trust that they are ok unless you hear from us. They will have some opportunities to call you but it may only be a few times. However, you can stay updated by visiting this blog or following me on twitter at:www.twitter.com/kbolt

3. Be Patient with your student when they return. We will be coming home after a long week of little sleep and a lot of walking and working. We will have been driving for two days and they will be tired. Don't expect them to come home and want to talk all night...some of them might, but I would guess many of them will need a few days to recover. Allow them to! Don't get frustrated or feel like nothing happened. They will have experienced life changing sights, sounds, smells and stories. Let them process and then share when they are ready. When they are ready...be there to listen and help them talk about it.

+ I will be trying to post to the blog daily, as long as the housing site has wireless Internet. And I will try and twitter several times during the day. You can check the twitter Saturday evening and find out if we have made it to PA. and then on Sunday around 5:00 to find out we made it to NYC.

Thanks again and see you on the 26th!

Flashback to Embrace Nashville

2009-07-17T13:44:00.001-05:00

This is a video from our experience last year at "Embrace" Nashville (make sure and watch until 3:17). We leave tomorrow morning to head to New York City. We will be updated our blog daily! You can also follow Kyle on twitter at twitter.com/kbolt

The King of Pop....

2009-07-08T07:55:00.005-05:00

I sat in my office yesterday and watched the end of the Michael Jackson Memorial....along with over 1 BILLION others! On the right of the page was a spot for people to chat about what was taking place. As I read I got frustrated by those who were using Jesus' name and slamming MJ. Here is part of what Carlos Whittaker from Ragamuffinsoul.com wrote,

"I found it quite nauseating that I kept seeing “Christians” shouting that it was a shame that a child molester was getting such a grand exit, ect.
All I kept thinking was, “Dang. I sure hope these tweets don’t show up at my memorial service. Because if anyone does not deserve a good memorial service, it’s me.”
See here’s the deal.
Not one of us deserves any good and perfect thing we have been given.
Not one.
The second we as Christ followers begin to label “good” and “bad” then God help us all."

I am so thankful that in my messed-up-ness, that God still loves me and forgives me. I am in no place to judge Michael and his life. All I know is there are little kids with no dad now and that hurts me.

How do you feel about Michael?

Showing Love with a little FRUIT!

2009-07-02T13:59:00.005-05:00

Join us next Thursday as we head to Soulard's Farmers Market to load up on fruit and flowers to pass out to those we meet on the streets downtown. We will meet at 9:30 am at Trinity and return around 11:3o am. Bring around $5 to buy stuff! You will be amazed at how a piece of fruit and a smile can brighten someone's day.

Tonight Game

2009-06-29T09:34:00.003-05:00

Join us tonight as we head to the River City Rascals game. Cost is only $5 and hotdogs are on sale for $1. (You don't even have to like baseball to go!) Meet at Trinity at 6 pm and we will return to trinity around 10:30 pm.

"float in" Movie

2009-06-19T16:08:00.002-05:00

Summer Camp 09 Recap

2009-06-19T15:57:00.004-05:00

Summer Camp Equals:

great camp food (seriously)

whiffle ball in the amphitheater

7th graders being launched off the blog

Late Nights and Early Mornings

Trinity dominating in the tournaments! (volleyball, dodgeball and ping pong winners)

Slowing down enough to recognize God speaking to us

sitting in a circle and boosting one another

Students submitting their entire lives to Jesus

Worshipping with a great leader and experiencing God

Summer camp is an unbelievable opportunity to spend time together and to refocus on God. Already looking forward to camp next summer!

Congratulations Seniors

2009-06-07T15:02:00.004-05:00

We celebrated in our morning worship service those who were graduating this year. We have an unbelievable group of seniors this year. Many of them understand what it means to be a servant leader and I am looking forward to what God has in store for each of them. From left to right are: Michelle Hall, Stephanie Meinert, Sarah Billington, Aaron Wood, Leah Romine, Kelsey Wright, Justin Bronder, Justin Workman, Travis Mayes and Shea Powers. Not pictured: Jordan Mills, Shelby Moss, Morgan Mueller, Mike Bierce, Donald Gibson, Derrick Marrs and Kelsey Brocaille. Congrats to all of them!

Does your actions reflect your words

2009-06-07T14:43:00.004-05:00

This weekend I went to the Kimmswick Strawberry Festival with my family and some friends. We were anticipating everything strawberry: strawberry tea, strawberry shortcake, strawberry cheesecake, etc. We arrive at the festival and are greeted by 40 - 50 tents...with only one having anything strawberry related! A restaurant had a few strawberry desserts, but that is it. Kinda of disappointing.

In transforming churches, by Kevin Ford, he says this,

"Incongruence-the disconnection between what we say and what we do-is commonplace, almost expected, in our culture."

I wonder if we say we offer something as a church...but then don't come through on it.

I wonder if I say one thing about life...but then live my life another way.

Scott made the statement today in the morning service, that we are "Practical Atheist." We say we believe in God but then our lives do not reflect it.

I am evaluating my life and making sure that my actions match my words...I don't want there to ever be a disconnection between the two.

Do you?

If you want to be challenged, check out this message.

Trinity Medical Release Form...You must have one!

2009-05-29T11:01:00.002-05:00

I want to remind you all that you must have a Trinity medical release forms to attend any of our off campus trips. If you don't know if you need a new form please email me at: stlstudents@sbcglobal.net

Graduate Cookout

2009-05-21T14:22:00.002-05:00

Come and join us on June 20th at 5:30 pm on the field at Trinity Church. This is a free event for all seniors and their family. If you are not a senior but would like to attend there will be a small charge for food. We will have a BBQ and then the seniors will compete against the Adult Leadership Team in a game of Volleyball. Come and celebrate with us! Please RSVP to Kyle at
stlstudents@sbcglobal.net

We will also be recognizing all the seniors during the worship service on June 7th and taking a group picture immediately following the service. Please be there!

Summer 09 Schedule

2009-05-21T14:03:00.004-05:00

click on the picture for the calendar to become clearer.

Also...the float in movie is on July 11th, not the 10th

You Have to Be Rich to Be Poor

2009-05-21T13:56:00.003-05:00

Do you make judgements about people who are poor?

Do you make assumptions about those who use food stamps?

Do you think you understand what it's like to be poor?

I would encourage you to go and read this story that the Washington Post released on Monday. I think it may radically change your views...and may even cause you to make a difference!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/17/AR2009051702053.html

Phil Wickham Sing Along

2009-05-15T17:19:00.005-05:00

Phil Wickham is an unbelievable singer songwriter. We do several of his songs at theGathering on Wednesday nights. He just recorded a live album in Oregon and is giving it away free! Go here and get it.

Unbelievable

2009-05-14T22:14:00.001-05:00

Sorry that I am posting another Invisible Children video...but it is amazing what is happening! Young people....listen to the end of this video and understand that you are not to young to make a difference!

The Rescue: St. Louis

2009-04-30T23:13:00.003-05:00

It was great to be a part of this with a group of our students. This video was put together by one of our college students. If you went or if you didn't, don't stop being a voice for the voiceless. Check out "the invisible children."

trinity medical release forms

2009-04-23T11:41:00.000-05:00

Here is an important form for you to make sure you have on file with us. You need this for NYC and for Summer Camp. Click on the picture and then you can print it out.

GODISNOWHERE VIDEO

2009-04-13T22:13:00.001-05:00

This is the video we used to start the Easter service at Trinity. Hope you enjoy it.

Huh? Are you kidding me?

2009-04-07T00:52:00.001-05:00

The song is kinda catchy, admit it!

Help I'm A Parent of a Teenager

2009-04-03T21:02:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow, Saturday April 4th we will be having a seminar from 10-12 that will focus on teenage culture, what your student is saying about you as a parent and how you can best benefit them. I am no expert but together we can become better parents. I hope you will attend this time and you may even win $150 to be put towards summer camp or mission trip. We will be meeting in the worship center at trinity church.

theGathering Bottles

2009-03-31T17:17:00.006-05:00

They have arrived! Represent the gathering wherever you go with a new "Sigg" bottle. They are only $12 and can be purchased now.

Lets Go Bowling!

2009-03-30T16:13:00.004-05:00

On Saturday, April 4th, we will be meeting at Dick Weber Bowling Alley and dominating the bowling alley...ok maybe not dominating but we will be having a great time together. We will meet at the bowling alley at 6:45 and it will end at 9:15. The cost is only $10!

You can also dress in your best 80's gear, with the best dressed getting a great prize package! (you don't have to dress up to come) Bring a friend and come have a great night.

Family Picture at the 80's Night

lifeGroups

2009-03-25T16:21:00.004-05:00

Come join us for lifeGROUPS on Monday nights from 7 - 8:30. This is an opportunity to talk with your friends about real issues that teenagers go through: peer pressure, temptations, self image/self esteem, parents, friends, worry and more.

girls lifeGROUP meets here

guys lifeGROUP meets here

Embrace Chicago Recap

2009-03-23T21:48:00.004-05:00

Couple of thoughts about the jr. high "embrace" Chicago trip:

1. I love Jr. Highers!

2. Every young person should take a trip and serve other people (hopefully in returning home, they begin to serve where they live)

3. The man who led the Good News Soup Kitchen said, "There should be no soup kitchens! The issue of those who have and those who have nots should not exist. " Beautiful idea...could this really happen?

4. Your relationship and mine with Jesus is a process and a journey. You don't become just like Jesus over night...it takes days, weeks, months, years to become who he wants us to be. The important things is that we keep moving closer to Him and His ways.

5. I can't wait to "embrace" NYC with the High School and College Students.

Go here to see more of our experience.

Jr. High Embrace Chicago with Karen

2009-03-18T20:58:00.002-05:00

Today we pretended to be homeless and we only had 2 dollars to spend on dinner. We pooled our money and split subway. We had one forth left and gave it to an awesome guy named Eric. He had an eye bandage and said that some teens poked him in the eye and took his money. A witness took him to the hospital, paid for the visit and gave him some money that he would have had and more. It was cool to see how God protects his children. After dinner Jordan, Alissa and I went into a bakery and asked for the cookies that were broken and old. We got one, and after Jordan and I talked about how the lady behind the counter didn't really look at us. We think that she thought we were homeless. I think now I have at least a little more understanding and compassion for those in situations like homelessness or not being able to provide. God really showed me new ways to look at people.

Jr. High Embrace Chicago

2009-03-17T22:06:00.005-05:00

It has been a great trip so far with the Jr. High students. This is their first experience on a trip like this and they are all doing great. We are working at Carole Robertson each morning in their head start program. Yesterday, we worked at the Good News kitchen and served a hot meal to about 125 guests (picture above). Tonight we worked at the Greater Chicago Food Depository sorting and boxing over 4000 lbs of bread! It was a great experience for our students to work behind the scenes and to not necessarily see what was going to happen with all the food or get any credit.

I am excited for the small steps our students are taking:

Realizing that there are some in our world that really struggle just to make it every day.

That they can make a difference.

That the world is not all about them...at least we talked about it a little!

Please continue to pray for us...tomorrow we will be headed into the city with only $2 each to buy dinner. We will be put in the situation of feeling like we are homeless. I hope they experience something like never before.

I love being a part of what God is doing in the city of Chicago and watching Him do even the little things in the lives of jr. highers.

Anna's Going to Mexico

2009-03-12T15:14:00.003-05:00

Anna is headed to Ciudad Valles, Mexico for a week with her Spanish 3 class. She is departing tomorrow morning early and I am asking you to pray for her and those she will be working with. Here are a few things you can pray for:

*Protection and safe travel

*Peace for those that have never flown before. (Anna would be one)

*Health and rest

*Group bonding

*Open hearts and minds to experience a different culture

*God's annointing on their ministry to the children and people of the villages.

*That their relationship with the Lord will be strengthened and renewed.

*That God's love will be demonstrated through this team and strong relationships will be developed between the team and the Mexician people.

*That God will create in this trip, a life-changing experience both for the team and the villagers.

Don't forget Blast...

2009-03-07T16:36:00.004-06:00

Just a reminder that we are meeting at Trinity this Friday at 5 pm for Blast. Please remember to bring money for dinner Friday night and Lunch on Saturday. We will be staying at Trinity on Friday night so please bring sleeping bag, pillow and whatever else you will need. We will be done around 4 on Saturday afternoon. You can check www.monyi.org later this week to find brackets for the tournaments.

Bizkit the Sleep Walking Dog

2009-03-03T09:49:00.001-06:00

This is hilarious! Poor dog...but this is funny.

GO HERE

2009-02-26T13:55:00.001-06:00

Just posted to our blog for our current series: Losing My Religion...go check it out here.

Ash Wednesday Service 7 pm

2009-02-24T15:41:00.003-06:00

Join us this Wednesday night at 7 pm in the Worship Center for an Ash Wednesday Service. We will be doing this with the rest of the church and then around 7:45 move down to the Student Center to wrap up our "Goin All the Way" series. Ash Wednesday gets its name from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of believers as a sign of repentance. It marks the beginning of Lent which is 46 days, (40 days not counting sundays) and is a time for believers to prepare themselves for Easter. During that time many people will give up something they enjoy (fasting), soda, sweets, computer, texting, facebook, internet, etc. However, what many people don't understand is that you are also suppose to renew in your life several things: prayer and what some call almsgiving, or justice towards our neighbor. So as we begin the Lent season together I would encourage you to do several things:

1. Attend the Ash Wednesday Service at 7 pm
2. Begin the practice of Fasting...so give up something
3. Begin doing something...emphasis on prayer and blessing other people
4. Visit a blog we have set up for the lent season : www.imlosingmyreligion.blogspot.com
5. Sign up for updates and scriptures through text messages: Send - follow stltrinity to 40404
6. Prepare your heart and your mind for what God wants to do in your life through these 46 days.

Losing My Religion

2009-02-22T13:14:00.005-06:00

This is a video we created for our lent series starting this Wednesday with an Ash Wednesday Service and will continue on Sunday mornings at 10:45 am. Come join us as we "LOSE OUR RELIGION" together. Also visit the blog at www.imlosingmyreligion.blogspot.com

The Impact Of Love

2009-02-20T22:23:00.001-06:00

So glad to live in NOCO

2009-02-16T23:23:00.005-06:00

My daughter, KJ, has been attending Preschool now for about 5 weeks and I went to pick her up a few minutes early last week. They were in the gym playing and I noticed the diversity of her 'friends.' I have to say I am so thankful to live in an area that is so diverse. I want her to grow up with kids of all colors and for her to not even notice someone's skin color. My hope is that we all begin to see people as people and not by their class, their skin color, their gender, etc. But we don't! We make assumptions and judgements simply by the way one looks or what city they are from or what job they have. However, I believe God is going to do great things in the days to come in North County and I hope I am able to be a part of it.

Paul said in Galatians 3, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."