From the pastor:

       Six years ago, we began the first cosmetic work on our old building at the corner of Rutherford Street and Stone Avenue. A group of professors and students from Furman University offered a weekend of service, and we asked for a paint job on our dreary dining hall.
        As they worked for two days, climbing ladders and bending to paint baseboards, we were mortified to see the people who actually used the dining hall standing idly on the sidewalk, smoking.
        In the intervening years, we have tried hard to create a community at Triune, to make it a place where homeless and housed, impoverished and privileged, minister alongside each other.

        And so it was especially gratifying to step outside October 22 and 23 to thank a group from Furman University's Diversity Leadership Class 13 for the landscaping they were doing around our new Stone Avenue entrance. Using detailed drawings from landscape architect Clint Rigsby, who donated his services, they were hard at work carrying stones, spreading mulch and planting Natchez crape myrtles, Knock-Out roses and all manner of plants. 

        It might have reminded me of the weekend six years ago -- except the volunteers kept pointing to five Triune men who were working alongside them. "They've been with us all day," the volunteers said proudly. "They're amazing."
       It's the same model we've created with our food pantry. Our homeless and impoverished parishioners are the volunteers who help give out food to struggling families -- who are often better off than they are. They do it because Triune is their church, and that's what their church does on Wednesday morning.
       The good Lord knows we have our problems and we still get things breathtakingly wrong. But when I see the "least of these" not only being served, but serving, I can't help but think, Indeed, they're amazing.

                                        * * * * * * * *

       Fundraising is a large part of our operation, because our congregation, as you might expect, contributes just one quarter of our annual budget. We talk from time time about whether we should elbow our way into a fundraising pool already crowded with golf tournaments, runs/walks, parties and banquets. So far we've held the line at small concerts and art shows.

      Frankly, I'd prefer that people donate to us because they believe in what we're doing rather than spend money on a ritzy affair.

      So with the holiday season looming, I'm asking you to support Triune's work among Greenville's homeless and impoverished ... just because they need our help. If you would like to honor family or friends with a gift to Triune, simply send your check ($20 minimum per card, please) along with the complete names and addresses of the honorees, to Triune Mercy Center, PO Box 3844, Greenville, SC 29608. We will send them a card acknowledging your gift.
       We also have memorial cards. Make sure to send us the name and address of the person you'd like to have notified of a memorial gift.

Blessings,

Some exciting worship opportunities at Triune Chapel: