I used to think in terms of success and failure. If a marriage ended, it failed. If you were fired from a job, you'd failed.

        Now I think in terms of seasons. Those years in a marriage weren't necessarily wasted. That job experience wasn't wasted. Both had their seasons. As do careers, friendships, church affiliations, vacation spots. 

         That's how I look at it when a church partner comes to us to say it is pulling out of Triune to pursue another ministry opportunity. Congregations grow or diminish, finances change, neighborhood needs change. 

      Several years ago the incredibly faithful folks from Washington Avenue Baptist Church -- who were serving two meals A WEEK out of our kitchen -- pulled back to focus on homeless ministries at their own West Greenville campus. 

        This month, Welcome Baptist Church -- whose members arose at 5 AM on Christmas Day 2011 to make potato salad for our Sunday lunch -- pulled out after 10 years. They were feeling the tug of children's needs in their own neighborhood.

       In both cases, we thanked them profusely for all they'd done, and told them they will always be welcome at Triune -- in another season, perhaps.

       As much as I miss working with those wonderful Christians, the openings allow others to enter their season among the homeless.  First Presbyterian Church of Greer has stepped into the 2013 meal rotation, and Earle Street Baptist has added Sunday meals to its Saturday rotation. Laurens Road UMC, Earle Street Baptist and Christ Church Episcopal filled in during emergency vacancies in December.

           Another season is beginning as well: The Triune Mercy Center congregation is stepping into the 2013 meal rotation. For the first time in years, the church that worships here -- including folks with and without homes -- will stand as an equal partner with all our friends who serve meals to the hurting members of Greenville's "homeless triangle." 

           Outside it may be winter, but in here, it feels like spring.

Worship and Bible Studies (Average Attendance):

Sun AM .....  228            Sun PM ....  53           Tues PM  .... 110            

Meals and Assistance Programs:

Hot meals ............  2,076                                Adult clothing recipients ... 317                       

Grocery boxes.........  172  households             Child  clothing recipients... 181               

Pop-top groceries.... 134  individuals              Coats .................................  80 

Laundry loads ..........  90                                  Blankets .............................. 95     

Bikes ..........................  4         

People admitted to drug rehabilitation....... 12              

January 6, 11 AM -- Soloist Denise Smith and the Voices of Mercy will sing for this communion service, and Deb will preach on "A world terribly like our own."    

6 PM --  Robbie Boman will lead a service on fasting and prayer. 

January 13, 11 AM -- A quartet of Mechelle Luster, Jerri Gray, Curtis Sims and Charles McGee will perform "The Potter's House" and "Can't Nobody Do Me Like Jesus." Deb will preach on "Not there."  

6 PM -- Act II, an acting troupe from North Greenville University, will present the life of King David.  

January 20, 11 AM --  The Voices of Mercy will lead us in worship.

6 PM --  Rev. Jerry Hill will speak. 

January 27, 11 AM --  The choir from First Presbyterian Church of Greer will lead our worship.

 6 PM -- Rev. Jerry Hill will speak.

 City Prayer - Each Wednesday at noon       

Serving in January:   

Buncombe Street UMC                                  John Knox Presbyterian

Earle Street Baptist                                         Pelham Road Baptist 

First Baptist Church of Mauldin                      Praise Cathedral     

Food for Life Ministries                                    Prince of Peace Catholic Church

Fourth Presbyterian                                        Triune Mercy Center

Grace Covenant Presbyterian                       Trinity Church

Holland Park Church of Christ                       Valley Brook Outreach Baptist Church               

Monetary Gifts:   

We want to say a HUGE "thank you" to all of our faithful donors in 2012. Without your ongoing gifts and support, Triune would not exist.

We are especially grateful to Hollingsworth Funds, whose board believed in us when no one else knew who we were. They have continued to bless us with funding.

Due to the significant volume of gifts received in the month of December, we are including these acknowledgements as an attachment rather than in the body of the newsletter. 

Click here to view December 2012 donations.